Save money with a couponing toolbox

Bargain Boot Camp

In the early days of my marriage, I started what I affectionately refer to as "The man box." It was a place where I could put all the cords, fishing tackle, tools and other various man things that I found while tidying up. Thirteen years later, there is a whole lot more tools laying around the house but the "man box" remains as a savior to both my sanity and my husbands treasures.
One of the most important things every good bargain hunter needs is a place to collect all your stuff. Each of us operates on a different level of keep-it-togetherness and so, we will each have our own method of organization. One of my favorite bargaining babes is Coupon Mom. On her site, she teaches an organizing method that eliminates unnecessary coupon clipping and grocery circular saving. That lady is truly amazing and I often visit her site to check out where to find the best deals.
I myself, am not nearly as together, so I use a kitchen drawer to keep all my bargain getting stuff in. So, whether you use a complex filing system, an online helper or a big 'ol box to store your stuff in, here is a list of the top tools you should have inside.

1. Store loyalty cards- These are an excellent resource for getting the best deals. Not only do you need them to get the sale prices at some stores, but they often offer rewards programs.

2. Coupon file folder or envelope for your purse or car- I keep coupons here that are for products that aren't normally on my shopping list. That way, if I catch them on sale or clearance, I have my coupons handy. I once got Panteen shampoo for free and men's Old Spice body wash for -$4. That's right... they paid me $4 to take two bottles of it!

3. Separate junk email account- This is a life saver. A lot of my best freebies come from sites that require me to sign up with my email address. Now, my in-box overfloweth. To avoid having this happen to you, sign up for a free email account like yahoo mail or gmail that you use JUST to sign up for offers.

4. Notebook- I like to keep a notebook to write down all the websites I find, as well as usernames and passwords for my online coupon sources and sweepstakes programs. I can't tell you how frustrating it is when something happens to your favorite's list on your browser and you have lost all your treasured links.

5. A printer and ink- This is vital to all bargain hunters. A lot of the most valuable coupons are printable ones. When you stumble across a high value coupon (often coupons for free stuff), you want to be sure that you can print them out.

I hope this helps everyone get started and get in the mood for the upcoming posts. I will be sharing some of my favorite places to find cheap/free goodies and more tips on finding and using coupons. Stay tuned...

Bargain Boot Camp

For the next few weeks, Hectic Domestic is hosting Bargain Boot Camp. I will be posting tips and tricks on how to find and get the best bargains on the stuff you buy every month. We've all heard stories about the lady who gets $300 worth of groceries for $10, but that gal seems to have way more time on her hands than I do. But there are some things we can do that take very little time and can save us a lot of money. A friend of mine recently used just a few of the tips I had given her, added a little of her own sweat to the project and got $300 worth of groceries for $100. That's $200 for about an hours worth of work. Pretty good payday, don't you think? Boot Camp will begin this afternoon. Be sure to like us on Facebook for instant notification of new posts, and don't forget to tell your friends :)

Yummy French Fry Soup

One of my husband's favorite meals is potato soup. After sampling O'Charley's version, he tasked me with re-creating it so we could enjoy it at home. After many attempts, I finally struck on the perfect blend of ingredients. We love to make this quick and easy soup and it is a big hit with guests.

French Fry Soup

Two cans of Campbel's Cheddar Soup

Three soup cans of milk

One bag shoestring french fries (generic brand works better)

Garlic powder and black pepper

2/3 bag/jar of real bacon bits (not the crunchy kind)

Heat on medium until french fries are warmed through

Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese of your choice and remaining bacon bits

Best Handmade Laundry Soap

Laundry soap seems to take up a big portion of my grocery budget. Since my budget is getting smaller and prices are getting higher, the women in my family have started making our own laundry soap. After trying out several different recipes, we all agree that the one used by the Duggar family is the best.

Laundry Soap

Grate 1 bar Fels Naptha Soap into 4 cups hot water

Boil in old pan, stirring until melted

Add mixture to a 5 gallon bucketAdd 1 cup washing soda

and 1/2 cup borax                                                     

Stir until dissolved and fill 1/2 full of water, stir                                                    

Fill the rest of the way, put on lid and let sit overnight.                                                    

Welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to the first post of Hectic Domestic! If you wish for domestic bliss, a clean house, a balanced budget, happy family and smooth schedule but often find yourself with a life that's more realistic than idealistic... This is the place for you. Domestic doesn't have to mean perfect. You can find balance and enjoy yourself, especially with the help of your friend, the Hectic Domestic. So, worry about those dirty dishes later. Set some hamburger out to thaw and spend some time browsing here. I hope to be posting some wonderful things soon like tips on couponing, crafty tidbits, new product reviews and fun things I find around the net. Hope to see you around.

Jessica