Everyday Fresh

....more coupon tips!

2011-02-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

Okay Canadian couponers...here's my secrets:

Source of coupons:The key to couponing is obviously having lots of coupons! This is a bit hard on PEI, because of the limited sources. In many larger cities, they have a greater number of flyers and weekend papers that include coupon inserts. I have found several online sources to stock my coupon supply:

www.websaver.ca
www.brandsaver.ca
www.save.ca
www.gocoupons.ca
www.thinkcoupons.ca

www.thinkcoupons.ca is actually more of a database, which links you to printable coupons, and new coupons on the other sites. These sites work by allowing you to select the coupons you would like, then sending them to you within 1-2 weeks.

Other valuable coupon sources are:

*In-store coupons
-keep your eyes open for manufacturers coupons in-store. They often have stacks of coupons next to the products you are buying. The best store that I've found to get these is Shoppers Drug Mart. When you see these coupons...take several!

*Product coupons
-check the products you are buying for coupons on the labeling and packaging...many times you grab a product without a coupon, when right next to it is the exact same product, with the coupon....this is great too, because it's obviously a product that you use already!

*Flyers
-Don't just throw out those flyers! They often have a coupon flyer insert inside!

Flexibility
Another key to couponing is being FLEXIBLE!!! I'm not too brand-loyal, I am okay with buying what is on sale. There are afew products that I prefer one specific brand, but most it doesn't matter too much!
If there is a product you do really like, check there website! Many times they offer coupons, you just have to look for them, or ask...send a quick email to ther customer service....never hurts to ask!
Also, don't wait until you need a product to go buy it. For example, the time to buy toilet paper is not when you put your last roll on the dispenser, it's when it's on sale.

Match the sales!!
-Watch for sales on the items you have coupons for, then purchase on sale, with coupons for awesome savings...sometimes even free!

Just call me the Crazy Coupon Lady!

2011-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Like everybody, I like to save money whenever possible. I have recently started couponing and have found it to be very beneficial! Let me walk you through some of my big savings today, so you get an idea of how much you can really save!

Here are some of today's purchases:

(sorry I took the picture with my phone)

Regular price of all of these items: $89.54 (before tax)

I paid: (are you ready for this?) $29.66

Which is a savings of 67%. Now I know this isn't as good as you see in the 'extreme couponing' show, but it's about as good as you can get in Canada!

Here's the breakdown item by item, of how I saved:

*Windex: Store offered BOGO + BOGO coupon = I paid for 1 got 2 free (11.97 for 3.99)
*Kandoo: Store offered BOGO (7.98 for 3.99)
*Covergirl Mascara: Store offered BOGO + $2 off when purchasing 2 coupon=(12.78 for 4.39)
* Toilet paper: Store sale price $5.99 + $1 off coupon= (9.99 reg price for 4.99)
*Laundry soap: Reg. 6.99 on sale for 2.97+ $1 off each= (13.98 for 3.94)
*Tylenol: Raincheck from last week sale of BOGO + $4 off when buying 2= (15.98 for 3.99)
*Colgate products: Store sale on Toothbrush for .99 and toothpaste for 2.39 + coupon for $3 off when you buy a colgate toothbrush and toothpaste= (5.38 for .38)
*Ocean Spray: store sale of $2.99 + $1 off each= (7.89 for 3.98)
*Crest Toothbrush: 3.50 value...this was the best deal. This was their 'product of the week' which they offer you when they check out at this 'great price' of 3.50, but if they FORGET to ask if you want it, you get it FREE!!! Many people probably don't really see the sign that says this, ir bother to ask for it if they aren't asked to purchase one, but NOT ME!! I got this one for Free!

So, as you see, I mix the in-store sales with coupons to maximize savings! I'll post a bit later with links to all my coupon sites, where I get most of these awesome coupons!

Thanks!
Heather

I will never buy Play-doh again!!

2011-01-13T08:30:00.001-08:00

So I was feeling like supermom this morning and decided to try a batch of play-doh for the following reasons:

*Willem LOVES playdoh and plays with it alot
*Adi is wanting to play with playdoh, and I catch her eating it from time to time (if she's gonna get some in her mouth, I'd rather it be chemical free)
*Playdoh isn't cheap....and who doesn't like to save money?
*Willem loves to help bake & cook, so I figured he would love to make something that he could actually play with.

Seeing that I'd never done this before, I picked a recipe online, suprisingly that I could make with things I had in my pantry!

The recipe was pretty simple, easy to follow, and quick! And the result was impressive! It's not perfect...the only thing I would like to change is the grainy texture, and the fact that they reccommend storing in the fridge. The site I found this recipe on had several recipes, so I may try another next time!

This guy sure loves it! Especially since it makes so much...not just a little can full!

Here's the recipe, in case you're interested!

Cooked Playdough Recipe
2 cups flour
1 TBSP cooking oil
1 tsp. cream of tarter
2 cups of colored water
1 cup of salt

Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in a medium size pan. Stir well, then cook over medium heat until the dough thickens. Keps best in the fridge in a plastic container!

I'd love to hear your favorite dough recipe...I think I'll try a non-cooked one next time to compare!

New year.....new way

2011-01-09T17:03:00.001-08:00

So I've had to face afew bigger decisions lately that will probably affect the future of 'Fresh Mom'. Which has brought me back to why I started Fresh Mom in the first place.

*I love to create things....with character, interest, and things that make people smile
*I wanted to set my own schedule, and spend more time with my kids, instead of being harnessed in by someone elses demands (should have thought about that one before having kids...LOL)
*I want to feel good about doing something for myself, and allow myself to live, create, and inspire through my designs.
*Of course, I want to make an income too....

But when I think about what I have been through in the first year of business, it has not all been as hearts, flowers, and sunshine as the romantic notion of a crafting business sounds. I feel burdened by deadlines and demands....the creative process has been smothered by mass production.

Along the way, I have learned SOOOO much, and do not regret nor would wish to change any part of it, but now that I have nearly a year under my belt, I can start to mold the business into the vision that I always had.

I LOVE all the support, feedback, encouragment, and appreciation I get for every order I am able to supply my wonderful customers with. It has kept me going!

I feel the need to put my very new business through some very big changes. Please stay tuned, and hang on for the ride!

Creativity in every form...

2011-01-08T16:08:00.000-08:00

Being a crafter, I try to appreciate creativity in every form. My CD collection (yes, I still use CD's, even though I have an ipod) ranges from Selah, to Tim McGraw, to Black Eyed Peas, to Metalica. I can appreciate every one of them!
I am also trying to appreciate Willem's creativity....even though sometimes it's hard to let him make a mess...it's all in the name of creativity.

Here's afew things he's come up with lately that I just have to smile at.

This is the set-up that occurs almost every day. This day, it was a truck...the chair is the cab, the table the flat bed, and the boxes his 'load'. The set-up also doubles as a pirate ship!

He's also into Lego. He is always making interesting creations...such as this.

After I put him in bed the other night, I walked into the kitchen to find this little group of Playmobil people...he had arranged them nicely as they were having a conversion...about what, who knows?

He's a creativ little guy....I love every bit of it...don't even mind the clean-up(most days)

Handmade Christmas

2010-12-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

So....I am almost done making everyone else's Christmas presents (custom orders & craft fairs) and am finally getting ready to focus on making some presents for my own family.
So, I'm making my list...checking it twice, and since my kids are both naughty and nice in the run of a day, I think they'll be getting whatever goodies Mommy sees fit. I really want to take advantage of making their gifts while I can, and they want the 'cool' toy!

Here's what I want to make:
For Willem
*Crayon roll (done)
*Monogramed Travel pouch for goodies (done)
*Special blankie (since mommy never made one for him as a baby, and he always steels Adi's)**NOT DONE!!
*We did buy Willem one gift (Lego, there's no making that!)

For Adlih:
*Dollhouse purse (almost done)
*Felt playfood **Not done**
*Zipper pouch for her 'jewelry' (not done)

And for Both:
Wooden Play kitchen **NOT EVEN STARTED**

Sounds like we have alot to do!!

I really enjoy making gifts for the kids, and find so much pleasure out of them excited over a gift that Mommy made for them!

On top of making their gifts, I want to start an Advent tradition, the 12 days before Christmas, which will involve me making 12 little bags, each with a character from the nativity story and a verse about that character.

I'll try and post some pictures when I get some of their presents done!

A Business blunder

2010-11-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

So...today I was selling at a craft fair, and some girls I know came to my table. I was saying hi to them when I heard an older lady, also standing at my table, say to her friend, 'She just keeps on yapping and yapping' Obviously loud enough for me to hear, so I turned to her and said, "I'm sorry, can I help you with something?"
She looked at me, slammed down the product she was looking at, and loudly said, "NOT ANYMORE" and she and her friend stompted off.

Well, I'm hardly one to be rude to anyone, especially to a customer....but I don't really know how I could have done the right thing here. I didn't know she needed help, or had a question. I find shoppers prefer to browse without me trying to shove products in their face. I guess my fault was being friendly to the girls I knew at the expense of someone else.

Now, I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but I really take things like that personally, because I'm really not a rude person, and feel really bad that I didn't see her there. It kind of put a damper on what was otherwise an Awesome market day!

What will this become?

2010-11-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

I recieved a package of Beautiful fabrics I had ordered last week, and this apple print was one of the fabrics....can't wait to make something for my little girl!

Here's a sneak peek at what I've matched it with so far...

I'm hoping to make a little something for an upcoming trade show in a size that will fit Ad.

I'll share when it's finished

In the Swing of things....

2010-10-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

So the busy season is upon me...and for some reason I have decided to try and start blogging again in the middle of it. Maybe because I feel like there aren't alot of people in my area that understand what I'm doing. I have found alot of 'friends' in the blog world. I don't know if I can call them friends as I haven't spoken to them, but I do feel that they are 'kindred spirits' as Anne would say. Women who do what I do, because they love to create, love their families, and enjoy making things that people appreciate....so anyways, I can't make any promises as to how often I will be posting, but I will give it a try.

This weekend I did my first 'Christmas' Craft fair. It was in a small commumity, but had a very successful turnout. The crowd was a bit older, so they don't always appreciate my 'creations.' I still did well, and enjoyed the feedback that I got from the crowd. Here are a couple pics of my set-up from this weekends craft fair.

Good Bye for now!

2010-05-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

Even though my blog posts have already been sporatic at best, I wanted to let you know that I will not be blogging until further notice. I'm trying to focus on my business for now, and hope to blog again in a few months time!

Until then, watch Facebook for new products! Thanks!

'Pounce'

2010-05-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Etsy rocks! Seriously...have you seen some of the awesome stuff on there? My favorite feature is the 'pounce' button. It is a great way to discover items that you might not otherwise stumble upon. I thought I'd share afew of today's finds with you.

Check it out!

Have your Hamburger and eat it too!

2010-05-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

I don't think that I'm the only Mom that has trouble getting their kids to eat their veggies! After some medical issues that have came up with my son about 8 months ago, I've tried very hard to make some healthier changes in our diet....more veggies!
My son LOVES his hamburgers & french fries...I don't know why...I mean, we only eat at a fast food restaurant once a year [insert sarcasm here]. So my latest attempt was to make one of his favorites in a healthier way.

Here is the result:

Now, you might say....I don't see alot of veggies! Well, if I put veggies on his burger, he will not eat it...I know that is probably my fault :P So my latest experiement involved lean ground beef, an onion, a carrot, and several handfuls of greens (mixed spinach, cabbage, spring mix salad). First I ground the veggies in a food processor, mixed in with lean ground beef, seasoned (Mrs. Dash, pepper, and worschester), and cooked like a normal hamburger!

The result was....yum!!! So tasty!

I also have been making alot of homemade fries. Now the fries in the photo are all potatoe fries, as I was running short on time at noon. But a great way to add some variety with nutrients and veggies is to chop up potatoes, sweet potatoes, and turnip into french fries, season with a dash of salt, mrs. Dash, and a Tbs or 2 of olive oil and bake at 400 until done! Yum!! Your kids will never know the difference, and I love the variety of tastes that you get!

Now I'm no Julia Childs, but I hope that this gives you a little idea of how you can add those things to your diet that your kids need, but don't necessarity love!

Counting my riches on Mother's Day

2010-05-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am rich.

I bet you didn't know that about me. I had you all fooled, didn't I?

Why would someone who is rich do what I'm doing? Starting a business is obviously not just for the 'fun & excitement' factor. I haven't been on a real 'vacation' since my honeymoon. My husband works insane hours, and our bank account hoovers between 'just enough' & 'wait til next payday'....but still, I am rich.

I look around me...I hear my children giggling from their beds as my son excitedly tells his 'baby sister' a story about our daily adventure. She jabbers a response. They are my currency, and I am SOOOO rich. They are so beautiful. They are full of love, and they love to give it.

My husband's annoying snore coming from the couch reminds me of how hard he works for our family. He would do anything for our family, as he has proven working 2 difficult winters away from us. As I reach for a pillow to throw at him to stop the snoring, I realize again...I am so rich.

I have every comfort. I have never wondered about my next meal, my biggest concern for clothing is if I can wear black shoes with a brown belt. My home is safe and warm and secure, even if the bank does own much more of it than I do.

So, do you believe me now? If not, let me tell you what else I have.

I have Jesus.

I am so, so rich...

Cute!

2010-05-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Just a little bit of cuteness I saw on Etsy today...

my little chick will be wearing these things all summer...so cute!

The pursuit of happiness...

2010-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're trying so hard to be happy, that you aren't happy. I love the new business that I've started, but I'm SOOO busy, it makes it hard to enjoy just creating things.

Same with my kids. I love them so much, but being a mom is SO busy...diapers, laundry, meals, naptime, bedtime...I find myself having to stop and just appreciate the chaos that is happening around me.

So what is the balance?

Is happiness from family more important than happiness from success? What is more important, or am I totally overthinking all of this?

Sorry to ramble, but this has really been weighing heavily on me lately.

Life happens, weather you are on board or not, so it's about time to tune in and enjoy the show!

This is how I work...

2010-05-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

This......

...is how I work most days.

I have so many people see me with 2 kids at the fabric store, or buying supplies...and they say "Wow, you must be busy!"

Yes, I am busy. I daily trip over dump trucks that somehow found tidy parking spots along my work table. I step on mega blocks...and MAN those things have hard corners. My son seems to have decided that the road-map rug that he got for Christmas doesn't have enough parking lots, and the grid on my cutting mat is much better suited for parking cars.

My little Chickie is just starting to move, finding strings and bits of fabric to hold up, examine, and taste. I can see this developing into a major issue as she learns to move more and more.

Yes, I am busy. But...I am happy. I have bad days, but the good ones are so good, that I don't remember the bad.

I can't imagine working without dinkie cars everywhere, and stepping in little puddles of drool that Chickie has left on the floor....life is good

The BIG day!!

2010-04-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Things are getting exciting around the Fresh Mom house! My husband's dad is getting married on Saturday and we are so excited to be welcoming a new member to our extended family!

My next sewing project will be my little chic's dress for the wedding (yes, I realize that is cutting it close!) Since I tend to gravitate toward very graphic prints, I found a beautiful black & white polka-dot fabric, to pair with a summer-sunshine bright, yellow shrug, and big, bright, daisy headband made by my super-talented friend Krista!

As soon as it's done, I'll definatly be posting pics as soon as it's done!

Where, Oh, where has the sunshine gone?

2010-04-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

After a tease of beautiful sunshine & summer-like temps for a week, it has turned cold again. As I was shopping with a friend last night, I even saw snowflakes :O Yikes! I know that everyone says it's bound to happen on PEI...a late April snowfall.

Anyways, to keep my mind in a warm, happy place I've been making beach bags. I made one of these for myself last year, as an overnight bag when I went in to have baby #2. I ended up using it so many times, for so many different uses, I have taken this bag with me so many places, from the beach, to family picnics, hospital stays, to weekend getaways. I even pack it with a change of clothes and snacks for the kiddos if we're going on a day-long outing. I am so excited to have afew made and ready to offer them for sale!

These are great bags. They are approximately 18" tall, 8" wide, and 22" long. Lining the bottom is a heavy duty vinyl, perfect to withstand the wear and tear that this bag is sure to endure. The bottom is also waterproof, so no leaking through as it sits on the beach or at the pool!

Inside is a generous 8" pocket, with fold over flap top, to keep your keys and goodies from getting shuffled to the bottom.

I will be posting these for sale on my website within the next week, but if you see one you like let me know, and I will reserve it for you!

If you like the bags, but are looking for a different pattern, let me know, and I would be happy to make one especially for you!

Something for me...finally

2010-04-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

My business cards have arrived! I love how they turned out...

Here's alittle something that I've been wanting to make for a long time..and finally took the time to make it.

The lining...lots of little pockets for all my debit/credit/membership cards, pockets for money and a snap pocket for change.

Here is the finished product. I'm not totally satisfied with how it turned out...need to adjust it a little bit to make it lay flat, but it will do for now!

I love the fabrics & that I was able to incorporate so much color, while keeping it fairly subtle.

Sarah Richardson Rocks!!

2010-04-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Portfolio | Sarah's Cottage | Sarah Richardson Design Inc.

I just wanted to share one of my favorite designers with you...Sarah Richardson. I am obcessed with her show. She is currently redesigning an old farm house in her country style...it is beautiful.

Check out her website for a little inspration!

Big things are coming....

2010-04-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know if they're big to you, but I've been working away in my little studio to create some new beautiful things. I hope to share them with you as soon as I set up my little 'white box' so I can actually take some decent pics of my stuff...until then, please feel free to email me if you have custom orders and I can quote you a price!

The other 'new' thing that i'm hoping will come in the next few days is a revamped web-site....as much as I love the site that I'm currently using, i'm just not totally feeling the love for it.

I'm planning on adding a facebook group too....i'll keep you posted!

The little things....

2010-04-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday is a day to make a fresh start, wipe the slate clean. Because of what Christ did for us, we have a clean start.

Today, I spent 3 hours strolling down the Cavendish beach with my family, picking up rocks, and throwing them in the water, exploring the seaside, and just enjoying each other's company.

In this Easter season, I hope that I too can wipe the slate clean of the mistakes that I have made in the past years, and focus on my priorities in life...

What a beautiful day to celebrate the true meaning of Easter.

Cute, Easy, and Cheap decor idea...

2010-04-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know I'm cheap. That's just how it is...I'll never get over it. I love to find cute ideas for decorating that don't cost alot, and stumble across a very simple, but very cute idea that doesn't have to cost much and I thought I'd share with all of you...

"I Love" Amy Butler

2010-04-01T13:43:00.001-07:00

So I'm thinking that Thursday is the perfect day to share a little bit of a designer that I "stalk"....someone who's designs and ideas I like to look at when I need to get my mind going. Thurdsday is the perfect day for this, a little something to get you through Friday, and still enough time to prepare for a project this weekend!

Anyone that knows me, knows that I talk about Amy Butler like we're pals. I really enjoy her fresh style, beautiful & rich printed fabrics, and designs infused with an eclectic & country flair.

Who would love afew of these cozy pillow cluttering up their living room?

Sometimes, a print makes all the difference!

I'll admit that I've never even purchased any of her fabrics...but that's the beauty of it. You don't have to have all the right things to be inspired. This isn't a person to copy, instead, go look at her web-site and you can't help but want to make beautiful things too!

Inspiration does funny things....

2010-03-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

So I cleaned my studio. I don`t know that it is really clean, but it is tidy enough that I can work again...

Here it is before:

I am hoping that over the next few weeks I can get some things on the walls, more storage for fabrics, etc. but for now a clean room can be just as inspiring as a room filled with inspiration...clean allows your mind to think and create....

and after:

So...after all that cleaning I got to work. First I made a bag that has been on order for a while...then I had to create something that has been in my mind for a while. My natural tendancy is to now put in a disclaimer about how it`s a little crazy and you may find it odd...but I like it, and I`m trying not to apologize for my art. So for a bit of fun, I made this pillow.

I don`t really know where these things come from, but the idea has been rolling around in my head, and had to be created!

Hope this bit of craziness inspires you to think outside the box, and make something `just for fun` too!!

The "Studio"...uninspired to inspired

2010-03-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

Today is the day...I'm going to bite the bullet and clean my studio. I'm off to town to quickly drop of the last of my business plan paperwork, then hoping to make a fresh start in my business by doing a major cleaning in my studio!

I have made alot of fabric purchases lately which have resulted in piles of fabrics on the floor. Also, when Randall decided to install a new shower in our washroom, he decided that the best place to open the massive styrofoam-infused-box that held it would be my studio=styrofoam pieces everywhere!!!

Anyways...I promise to post pictures tonight to let you all see my "space" before and after...

Now for a 'quick' run into town...oh, wait, does that exsist?

Meet Johnny...

2010-03-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

First of all, I have to apologize for being MIA for 2 days...internet was down...how frustrating!

Anyways, I returned today from a relaxing family Sunday celebrating 5 birthdays and an engagement, and found that the internet fairies had magically repaired my internet and it was working again.

On Friday we had afew stops to make in town. Next to one of these stops was the pet shop. Willem has been in once before, and wanted to go in again. We wondered around looking at the birds, rabbits, puppies, and skinny pigs (if you've never seen these ugly creatures, you really should...proof that God has a sense of humor) We eventually looked at the fish. We were going to get a fish earlier this winter and it never happened...so this time Randall convinced me it would be good for Willem to "take care of something". I just didn't want the fish's death on my head when the inevitable happened.

We picked out a beta, as they have the longest life span with the least amount of care (low maintnance fish...just my style) We brought him home and started the deliberation on what we should name our new blue beta. Deliberation went from "Fish" to "Grandma" to "Corney"...we finally settled on "Johnny" named after one of Willem's favorited characters from the Johnny Tractor books.

So far, Johnny seems content with his new home, swimming around his bowl...not like the sedated looking beta's at the store, who seem to float aimlessly all day. We got an active beta...great for a 3-year-old to watch.

Going Green....and loving every bite!

2010-03-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Now that I got that "all about me" stuff out of the way, let me get to what I want this blog to be...tidbits of everyday life.

A friend of my recently joined the "Go Green Smoothie Challenge." This is a Challenge posted by Think, Feel, Be. You can find her at http://www.thinkfeelbe.ca

Now, I try to eat healthy, but I will be the first to admit that I'd rather grab a brownie than an apple. My son recently has had some health issues that have caused me to adjust our diet. I'm finding that instead of this being a struggle to find things that I actually enjoy eating, it's been a challenge that has made me start to make better choices for myself and my family.

When I saw this challenge, I decided to give it a try...I'm 3 days in to the green smoothies, and have adjusted the recipe slightly to add afew flavors that I really like.

The great part about this challenge is how it inspires you to do better in other areas. I got up and took a walk the other morning, and today I chased my 3 year old around the house 3 times. Also, it just doesn't seem right to sit down to a green smoothie, and eat it with a cheeseburger and fries...instead, last night I made chicken quesadillas, full of fresh veggies and wrapped in a spinach pita...I felt particularly healthy.

I hope that I can continue this challenge, as I have felt energized and motivated.

Green

2010-03-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Since this is my first post, I guess I should share a bit about myself and how this blog came about.

I am 26, married nearly 7 years, mother of 2 georgeous babies...life is busy! A series of circumstances, both good and bad, led me to start my own business "Fresh Mom". I love to make things. My mom taught me to sew at a very early age, I remeber having books propped under the sewing machine pedal so that I could reach it.

I consider myself to have 'Artistic ADD'. I LOVE to sew, but I also love painting, scrapbooking, decorating, designing, antiquing, or any combination of these hobbies! I can get bored easily if I'm forced to do any of these things too long, so when I need a break from my sewing machine, I pick up some brushes and a hot glue gun, and go to work!

This is the beauty of 'art'...it is what you make it.

Anyways, back to life. I'm starting a new business Fresh Mom, selling handmade Bags and accessories...and am discovering alot about myself along the way.

I hope you will follow my journey, ask questions, give me feedback ...I would love to hear from you and hope that my little blog can somehow benefit those who drop in!