Learning The Smart Way Of Grocery Shopping

I spent my whole Sunday afternoon clipping and printing coupons online. I realized the there is so much savings in using them for our regular trip to the grocery. I am not really a neophyte in this grocery game. I used three or four coupons in my whole stay here in the US. Now that I am working and earning my share of the household financial responsibilities, I have to find ways to save. It is true --the more you feel the responsibility, the more you think of saving. Using coupons and discount cards is the best.

What I did, I made a grocery list. Yes, no more impulsive buying for us. I surfed online and looked for coupons for particular brand of products based on that list. If the preferred brand is not available, any brand will do. I know, no more brand loyalty for now. You can sort your clipped coupons anyway you want it. I hope to use it by end of this week. Wish me luck. Here is a list of some sites I visited.

Free Coupon Sites
Couponbar Web Edition
Coupons.Com
FreeCoupons.Com
CouponSurfer.Com
CoolSavings.Com
OnlyFree.Net
CouponCabin.Com
KillerFreeboes.Com
EverSave.Com
IloveFreebies.Com
Thokalath.Com
CouponWeb.Com
MommySavesBig.Com

Free Samples
CouponMom.Com
FreeFlys.Com

Online Coupon Codes
CouponMountain.Com

By Brand
ChuckE.Cheese's
Seventh Generation

I love to share the good things that I discover as I live and learn the American lifestyle. In the Philippines, we have no coupons. To my fellow immigrants, let us enjoy and avail of what Uncle Sam has to offer. Free coupons and discount cards--that is!


Update: 08/27/2008
I went to Publix this afternoon to buy paper towels. I had a coupon in my bag, but sad to say, I was embarrassed to use it. I know, it's pathetic. Anyway, I went home a failure.

Auto Air Conditioning, A Must!

Even if it's in the middle of the hurricane season here in Florida, I still find it very hot and humid. An eighty-degree surrounding is already uncomfortable to me. At home, we usually set our A/C at around 74-76 degrees. Even whenever we are in our car, we always see to it that we maintain the same temperature. Just recently, KISA noticed that our auto air conditioner seems to be not fully functioning. He wonders if it is the A/C compressor that has a problem with. It is not yet diagnosed though. Anyway, he looked for some online stores that specializes in auto air conditioning. He found this website called 1AirCondition.Com. According to him, the deals in there look promising and interesting. At least, in case, we will have a problem with our auto A/C, we know on where to look first.

I can be happy, I can be sad!

WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY?

• my much-needed long hours of sleep;
  
• my favorite chinese foods;
• my interesting job;
• my dearest good friends; and
  
• of course, my family in the US and in Pinas.
  

WHAT MAKES ME SAD?

• no school or day care;
  
• no work;
• no friends around;
  
• no internet connection; and
  
• no family member in sight.

Free That Inner Sexiness, Get A Freya Lingerie

A, B, C - where is D+? When we shop for a D-cup brassiere and plus size lingerie, it is hard to find cute designs. More than likely, the sexy ones are design for the slimmer and model-like figures. Sometimes, we settle for the conservative and so-so kind. Do not feel bad now. Lingerie is not design solely for the thinner gals. Everybody has the right to wear the skimpiest and cutest Designer Lingerie there is. Always remember, sexiness radiates from within. Feeling sexy starts from your inner garments. For the well-endowed ones, here is the brand of undergarments that will suit you.

Freya Lingerie comes in modern colors, new designs and perfect fit for every plus size twenty-something to forty-something ladies all over the world. it is designed to perfectly hug that voluptuous physique, giving it a new view and perspective. It is not just plain and simple, but it is made with utmost creativity in mind, from its colors, prints, embroidery and materials. It is a Designer Lingerie that you will be proud of owning one. Aside from that, the company is proud to present its wide array of swim wear collection. No time to go in-store shopping, make that keyboard work for you. Buy the lingerie of your desire within the comfort of your home. Take your time, sip a coffee, hum your favorite song, and click.

Why settle for less, when you can have the best? Want to be sexy, be!

In The Midst Of The Storm

As you know, Florida is stricken by a tropical storm this week. From Wednesday to Friday, schools (and day care facilities) were closed, but not business offices. I have never anticipated this situation to happen. I was not prepared.

Work, for me, is very important. I feel different if something that I need to finish is left unfinished. It bothers me to death. Maybe, I am just a born career-oriented and goal-driven individual. It is one reason on why - I am glad that, I had Amber in my earlier years. I can not imagine having an infant in the house right now.

This week is a challenge. A challenge for me to ask an American friend, Sushana, for a favor. It was yesterday, when I compelled myself to go to work. KISA was working, and Amber had no school. What am I to do? At 7.00am, I called a friend to ask if she could watch Amber in her house for a day. Man, I was so happy when she said, Sure! I literally jumped for joy. Also, another dear friend, Denise, left me a voicemail, telling me that I could leave Amber at her house. She knew my situation, and was kind enough to offer me help. She also has a kid, who is also Amber's friend. .

In the midst of the storm, I can say that I have friends. Friends that are not necessarily of my own race, but so kind enough to accept me as their friend. Also, I would like to thank my Pinay pals here in Florida. You know who you are. Man, they are also the best.

Are You Normal Or Nuts?

Let's face it - everyone of us has different perspective on life. We may think that we are normal, but others may think differently. Every folks has different strokes, so to speak.

I want to share about Reader's Digest online article. It is entitled, Normal Or Nuts?. It features quirky questions from people whom we may think either odd or just ordinary and acceptable. When I read it, it gave me a good laugh. I have two favorite quirks.

This one---

Nothing fazes me emotionally for a long span of time. I can hear or see the most horrible thing and it doesn't bother me. But later it hits me like a ton of bricks and I can't stop crying. Is this just a defense mechanism, or what?

And this one ----

I have to use things until they wear out before getting new ones. It took me seven years to use up 14 bottles of nail polish. I should get a new pair of sandals, but my old ones aren't completely worn-out yet, so I'll wait. My friends tell me this is not normal.

The first one is something that I can relate too, although not of its entirety. Perhaps the idea that, I can be very indifferent and carefree that sometimes even major problems do not bother me at all. Over the time, I have learned to smile even if deep inside I am about to explode.

The second one is just plain unusual, and needs psychiatric support. It is called impulsive hoarding, keeping everything that you think is still useful even if it is unsafe. I want to personally ask the contributor himself--Are You Normal or Nuts?

What about you? Do you have quirks? Care to share?

First Week As A 1st Grader

It's only been three days since school started here in Florida. But due to the storm and strong winds, schools are suspended for two days now. Two days ago, Amber started her classes as a first grader. She likes it, and excited about it. Since I am already working now, we need the day care before and after her classes. I know, it is expensive, but it's okay. She likes being in a day care too.

Are You Healthy And Fit?

Before you answer my question, let me tell you ----

It's Not Your Weight That Matters--It's How Much of Your Weight is Fat

People tend to equate being healthy and fit with weight alone. The higher the number, the more worry we get. For ladies, a size 5 onward is considerably huge and unsightly. We prefer "fat-free" labeled foods without really even thinking of hitting the gym or taking our regular morning walk. Sad to say, it is easy to gain weight, but hard to lose it.

With unhealthy foods just within reach, obesity has become an epidemic. I am not wondering on why the reality TV show, The Biggest Loser, is such a big hit. A lot of people are dreaming and planning of shedding those extra pounds, but are too lazy to do it.

If you are a weight-conscious person, you must have heard of BMI or Body Mass Index. Do you know that BMI alone is not enough to measure one's health standing? You read it right. According to the International Sports Sciences Association, there is an easy and reliable way in measuring various body circumferences to evaluate total body fat. This is a better mean to assess one's body composition than BMI alone.With this method, it only means that ---being lean and small is not a sure guarantee than you are healthy. A proper measurement must be done first.Usually, this services is offered for free in some gym. Inquire now at your local gym, it may be your time to change for the better.

Congrats, Mr. & Mrs. Skinner!!!

Audio and Video Files Conversion Software

I am currently transferring my old video files from my old CD, which I brought all the way from the Philippines. My old media player only plays MOV files. I know, it is very frustrating. I searched the Internet and found a mov converter, which was just I needed. It is called Blaze Media Pro. To my amazement, it is an all-in-one audio and video file converter. It is a great find. It supports almost all file formats in conversion, ripping, recording, and many more. Not only that, it is a comprehensive video editing tool for media-creation fanatics.

Below is a sample screen shot of the software.

Dancing

Singing "Kids In America"