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Save 20% off at Party City with the Chuze Coupon Bundle!

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If you recall, I shared a new time and money-saving app a few weeks ago called Chuze. Hopefully some of you have had a chance to give Chuze a try for yourself already, but if not, here’s a fantastic reason to check it out right now…

For a limited time, Chuze has a great Halloween coupon bundle available that will help you save big on any Halloween party and costume purchases you still need to make! When you download the FREE Chuze app for Android or iPhone and type Halloween Bundle into your grocery list, you’ll get the following four exclusive coupons:

  • 20% off your purchase of $70 or more at Party City
  • $0.75/1 Duncan Hines Decadent Cake Mix (any flavor)
  • $0.50/1 Duncan Hines Frosting (any flavor)
  • $0.50/1 Duncan Hines Signature Cake, Brownie or Cookie Mix*

But you’ll need to take advantage of these savings soon — the Party City coupon is only good through 10/31, and the Duncan Hines coupons expire not long after!

If you have a minute, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Chuze either in the comments or via email. I’m happy to pass any feedback you have along to the developers so that we can really maximize all of the potential this tool has for helping us save time and money at the grocery store!

*P.S. I use the Duncan Hines Signature Cake Mixes in my homemade Easy Bake Oven refill mixes. This should make for a great deal!

Master Your Grocery List | Save Time & Money at the Grocery Store With Chuze

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I’ve got a dirty little secret, and I think it’s about time I come clean… I hate grocery shopping.

There, I said it! There are at least a hundred things I’d rather do instead, including unclogging the kids’ toilet for the 8th time this week and scouring the lime buildup in our master bathroom shower.

I’ve tried sending my husband to the store for me (because he’d actually rather shop than clean), but then I end up getting at least 7 phone calls asking where this item is or what size/brand/color/flavor I want of that item. Can you relate?

If so, I’m sure you’ll be as excited as I was to learn about Chuze, a new smartphone app available for IOS and Android. It’s revolutionized the way I create a grocery list and streamlined how I shop from it.

“Chuze puts time back into your day, money back into your wallet, and a sense of discovery back into the grocery shopping experience.”

How Chuze Saves Time & Money At The Grocery Store

Though Chuze is still in beta and working out a few kinks, it’s fast becoming one of my favorite money-saving apps. Take a look at these features that are currently available, and I think you’ll agree:

  • Adding items to my shopping list is so easy my 7-year-old can do it! Simply scan the barcode on any item with your smartphone, and Chuze adds that exact brand, flavor, size, etc. to your shopping list.
  • Save money with coordinating coupons. While there are only a few coupons available currently, this has the potential to be HUGE for lazy couponers (including myself at this life stage). Chuze will automatically match your list with available coupons and/or suggest alternate brands that have a coupon instead.
  • Chuze lets you share your list with family members. See what I’m getting at here? Exactly what I want gets purchased — no matter who is doing the shopping. I added my husband and all 5 kids to my master list, and anyone can add items or shop from it.
  • AND when it’s time to shop, chuze organizes your list by aisle. I can’t even tell you how convenient this feature is. Even without the coupons, this app is totally worth it just to be able to find everything quickly and easily!

If you’re a visual sort of person, this video gives a great overview of the Chuze app:

Now if only they could make my grocery store that empty when I shop! Right?

Click here to get started with Chuze today, and I’ll be sharing new updates and tips as they’re available…

Disclosure: Sponsored by Chuze, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!

How To Shop at Warehouse Clubs Without Blowing Your Budget + $50 Huggies Giveaway!

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The ultra-low prices, the oversize carts, the free samples… Warehouse clubs are innately designed to get you to part with your hard-earned money. Can you really save money by buying in bulk at your local Sam’s Club, Costco or BJ’s???

The truth is, yes, shopping warehouse clubs can be a great way to save money, BUT you’re going to have to do some smart shopping and have some serious willpower. So before you ever step foot in your local Costco, et al, learn these rules for shopping and take them to heart.

7 Rules for Shopping at Warehouse Clubs

Start with a list.
Wandering aimlessly through a warehouse club is a surefire way to empty your wallet. Even if your list isn’t super specific (I know at first you may not be familiar with exactly what products they carry), at least having a general plan of attack will help you keep more cash in your wallet. At the very least, you should have a firm spending limit in mind before you walk through the door.

Know your limits.
Sure, those huge bulk packages can save you a lot of money, but if you can’t use the quantity before the items spoils, you’re probably wasting more money than you saved. If you’re doing a large freezer cooking session, sure, you can probably use up that massive bag of onions. If not, well, you should probably skip that purchase — or consider going in with a friend to split the bounty while still saving.

Compare prices.
Price out your grocery bulk buys per item and compare the unit price to your local grocery store to ensure that you’re really saving. The larger packaging can make the unit price very deceiving, so keeping a calculator handy is a must. If you keep a price book, you already have a head start on this, but if not, grab a small memo pad and just jot down the items you buy most frequently along with the prices every so often to verify that you’re really getting the most for your money. The same goes for big ticket items — always do a price check for the exact make and model to ensure that you’re really getting a stellar price.

Avoid the middle of the store.
While I usually avoid the middle of the store at grocery stores because I’m trying to steer clear of processed foods, I also avoid them at warehouse stores — but for a different reason. Warehouse clubs typically stock the middle of the store with their biggest impulse buys, so if you’re lacking in willpower, just avoid that section all together.

Don’t forget your coupons.
While only BJ’s accepts manufacturer’s coupons, both Sam’s Club and Costco offer store coupons. If you’re not using them, you’re missing out on additional savings that could turn a so-so price into a stellar deal!

Understand the pricing.
Merchandise moves fast at warehouse clubs, and it’s a roll of the dice as to whether a particular item will be available on your next visit. Luckily, these insider tips can help you make an educated guess. At Costco, prices that end in a 7 indicate a clearance item. Also, an asterisk on a sign means that the item is limited to the stock in the store and won’t be reordered (a good indicator whether or not that tempting buy will be available on your next trip). Sam’s Club’s clearance prices end in a penny (ex. $7.91) and/or the signs are marked with a “C”. Sales prices at BJ’s are clearly marked.

Gift cards are the hidden gems. Though the brands turn over frequently, you can frequent purchase top-tier gift cards for less than face value at warehouse clubs. The catch is you often have to spend upwards of $50 to get the savings, but with the savings often being close to 20%, you can save a bundle if they’re establishments visit often.

I realize that many of these strategies are comparable to those that we use in our everyday grocery shopping, but they can also help you shop wisely at warehouse clubs!

Do you have a warehouse club membership, and if so, what are favorite items to purchase there? Share in the comments and you could win a Huggies prize package valued at $50!

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Today, one lucky Deal Seeking Mom reader will win his or her choice of $50 in Huggies products!!! Follow the instructions in the widget below to be entered to win…

Be sure to check out the Pick Up The Values website for more valuable printable coupons, including savings on Huggies products!

This post is brought to you by Kimberly-Clark. All opinions are 100% mine.

How To Start A Gift Closet + $50 GoodNites Giveaway!

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Gifts on short notice can be a total budget buster, and it’s something that happens frequently around here. Last minute birthday party invites, dinner invitations and baby showers seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times, but with a little planning, unexpected gifting no longer needs to be a source of anxiety.

Okay, so you might be wondering how exactly you can plan for the unexpected… Well, my friends, that’s the beauty of a gift closet!

How To Start A Gift Closet

By creating a stockpile of gifts, you can simply “shop at home” when you need a gift at a moment’s notice — or even when you have adequate notice. A well-stocked gift closet will save you both time and money.

Do I really need a whole closet?
First things first, a gift closet doesn’t necessarily have to be a closet dedicated only to gifts. It’s anywhere in your home where you can store pre-purchased gifts while still being easily accessible. Get creative — you can store them under a bed, in the front of the basement crawl space, or a high shelf in a bedroom closet. We’ve even been known to tuck gifts away in our suitcases when we know we won’t be traveling anytime soon to keep them away from little eyes and hands.

How do I remember what I have on hand?
You’ll definite want to keep a running list of gift items you’ve purchased. For those of you that are digitally-minded (like myself), keeping a list on your smartphone is ideal. You can add and delete items as necessary. However, a spreadsheet on your computer, or even a simple pencil and paper work just as well, so go with whatever you’re most comfortable with.

What kind of items should I keep in my gift closet?
The items you stockpile in your gift closet will look a bit different for each of us. It greatly depends on the stage of life we’re in. If you have little ones that are constantly getting birthday party invites, then you’ll want to keep an eye out for age appropriate toys, games, puzzles and/or art supplies. If you get invited to a lot of dinner parties, you may want to keep a few bottles of red and white wine, pretty towels, and/or scented candles on hand. If you know a lot of expectant moms, you might keep your eyes peeled for baby toys and layettes in gender neutral colors.

How do I save money with a gift closet?
As I’ve already mentioned, a gift closet will save you both time and money. By picking up a few items each month, you can stockpile gifts without crimping your budget, especially when you shop the clearance aisles. After holiday and end of season events are also ideal times to find gifts. When you find a really great item, don’t be afraid to buy multiples! And while you’re at it, be sure to stock up on wrapping paper, gift bags, and blank cards so you have everything you need for the perfect last-minute gift on hand.

What are your thoughts on regifting?
My oldest daughter is the queen of regifting. Shortly before Christmas a few years back, I thought I was losing my mind, as I kept losing small items around the house. So imagine my surprise on Christmas Eve when my daughter presented me with an array of carefully wrapped gifts. As I opened each box, I “found” all of those missing items. It’s one of my favorite memories, but while I adore her giving spirit and ingenuity, I don’t typically recommend regifting used items. But unused or unopened items? I say they’re totally fair game as long as you don’t accidentally gift them back to the original giver — and that’s where a little note on your tracking list comes in really handy.

Using a gift closet strategy has saved me SO many headaches over the years. While I won’t say that I always have the perfect occasion-appropriate gift on hand, most of the time I do, and that makes it more than worth the minimal time I’ve invested.

Do you have a gift closet, and if so, what are some of the items in it right now? Share in the comments and you could win a GoodNites prize package valued at $50!

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Today, one lucky Deal Seeking Mom reader will win his or her choice of $50 in GoodNites products!!! Follow the instructions in the widget below to be entered to win…

Be sure to check out the Pick Up The Values website for more valuable printable coupons, including savings on GoodNites products!

This post is brought to you by Kimberly-Clark. All opinions are 100% mine.

3 Ways Freezer Cooking Can Save You Money + $50 Scott Towels Giveaway!

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I’ve touted the time-saving benefits of freezer cooking many times. It’s a great way to simplify the age-old “What’s for dinner???” question on busy weeknights. Sometimes referred to as “once a month cooking,” freezer cooking will also help you save money, as well.

Saving Money with Freezer Cooking

Save by buying in bulk.
While shopping at warehouse clubs isn’t an issue for my larger-than-average family, those of you with fewer or younger children might find that the huge packages you take home from a Sam’s Club or Costco are simply too much to use up before the item spoils. Planning a large freezer cooking session will allow you to use up these large packages in one fell swoop, allowing you to enjoy that savings that buying in bulk provides.

Save by grocery shopping less.
I don’t know about you, but even when I go to the grocery store with a list, I often end up coming home with items that weren’t on the list — especially when shopping at superstores like Walmart or Target. When you have a month’s worth of ready-made meals waiting in your freezer, you may only need to pick up milk and some fresh produce each week. Shopping less frequently helps you to avoid the temptation to grab unnecessary items altogether.

Save by limiting eating out.
It’s just a no brainer that cooking at home is going to save money over ordering takeout or eating out on any given night. My family enjoys eating out together, and sometimes it’s a necessity when we’re traveling for sports, but balancing those splurges with eating at home as often as possible the rest of the time helps us stay within our budget.

How To Freeze Cookie Dough

I know freezer cooking might seem a little overwhelming to some of you, and that’s okay. You know how they say there’s more than one way to skin a cat? Well, there’s more than one way to do freezer cooking. Maybe you’re ambitious and want to do a weekend spree to cook for an entire month — good for you! If you have less time, try a smaller 4-5 hour session.

Or if you’re really pinched for time (and this is my favorite method), simply double whatever you’re preparing for dinner on a given night. Finish one batch for dinner, and pop the other into the freezer for later.

And who says freezer cooking has to be limited to dinners? I love to make a double batch of cookie dough and freeze half to bake a few here and there. You can find instructions on how to freezer cookie dough on Unsophisticook.

Some other recipes that I often prepare for my freezer are:

:: Recommended Resources

If you’re thinking about trying freezer cooking yourself, I wholeheartedly endorse the following resources. They’ll guide you through the process step by step, from creating a meal plan, shopping and prepping, to tips for keeping your meals as fresh as possible!

What is your favorite meal or recipe to keep in the freezer? Share in the comments and you could win a Scott Towels prize package valued at $50!

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Today, one lucky Deal Seeking Mom reader will win his or her choice of $50 in Scott Towels products!!! Follow the instructions in the widget below to be entered to win…

Be sure to check out the Pick Up The Values website for more valuable printable coupons, including savings on Scott Towels products!

This post is brought to you by Kimberly-Clark. All opinions are 100% mine.