Midwest Coupon Clippers

Cudding Coupons and Saving You Some Moolah


Giveaway CSS: Lemons to Lemonade

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: From Lemons to Lemonade

My latest book that I was given to review is “Chicken Soup for the Soul: From Lemons to Lemonade” So are you one of the type of people who sees the glass half full or half empty? No matter what your answer is this book is for you.

If you are a half full kind of person, then this book will help to inspire you further. Chapter 44 titled “Public Assistance” is one that I copied and shared with a friend who works in that type office. I loved how a person turned that situation from going into this office to later working there. It shows how situations present themselves even when you are not looking for it.

If you are a glass is half empty kind of person this may inspire you as well to find the good in difficult circumstances and situations. One story called “Love Lids” Chapter 73 really caught be off guard. How could two people who were separated for years make the decision to live in the same house due to financial and convenience issues and expect it to work? Well this story is what happened, and I love it. It shows how some things don’t happen overnight but that if you are looking for the positive rather than focusing on the negative it can improve the situation.

If you follow our Facebook Page (Wisconsin Coupon Clippers) you may have noticed a post “Daily Reason to be Thankful”. This is where in circumstances that I try to find the positive in the situation rather than the negative.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you want to purchase a copy of the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lemons to Lemonade” please follow this link to purchase it on Amazon.

Or THREE Lucky Fans will have the opportunity to win a copy of their own. Follow the directions below to enter!
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Disclaimer: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links and a copy of the book was provided free to reviewer. You can view Midwest Coupon Clippers Disclosure Policy Here: http://midwestcouponclippers.net/disclosure/

The Hidden Secrets of Coupon & Deal Bloggers

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Ever wonder how a Blog works? Why pages do what they do? How do they get reimbursed for their work? Here are some answers to some common questions.

How many hours does a Coupon/Deal Blogger work?
I can not speak for everyone, but I know I myself average 10 to 16 hours a day. Often seven days a week. This time is not all spent blogging, most of it is interacting and maintaining our Social Media Pages, finding coupons, and doing store/sales Match Ups.

How does the Owner of the sites make an income/monetize?
When our fans print coupons, grab freebies, shop, etc. through our links/blogs, we get reimbursed by SOME of the companies. Coupons.com, Redplum, etc. This in turn helps cover the cost of our domain, hosting, giveaways on our sites, etc.

Wouldn’t it just be easier to go right to the MAIN coupons sites? Like Coupons.com, Redplum, etc?
It would take a few seconds less, but, PLEASE support your Favorite Coupon Pages! It is what keeps us doing what we do and investing the time we do invest. When you go directly to a coupon page, you are eliminating the middle man (Coupon bloggers) who spend a lot of blood, sweat, and tears trying to make your shopping purchases the best they can be! Supporting through our links is saying a little ” THANK YOU I appreciate what you do and would like you to stick around” to the blogger who’s sites you most often frequent.

Are all FREEBIES, Programs, offers, legit?
I would LOVE to say yes, but lets face it, when it comes to some bloggers, if they will make money on it, they will post it and say WOW, AMAZING, I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS without even looking the offer over first. Just make sure your favorite pages have your best interests and not money in mind. Over time you will learn by what they all promote which are the good and which are the bad. SOME of the busiest pages I have seen posting some very questionable offers without giving all the details just to make a quick buck off their fans. Let me add, EVEN THE BEST pages out there can make a mistake. We try and check things out the best we can, but some do slip through.

Are all Coupons, Freebies, Online Deals, etc. able to be monetized?
No, on average about 50% of them usually are. You will find some sites that will ONLY BLOG deals, coupons, etc. that they can profit from, but if you have found an honest blogger who puts your interests first, IT WILL NOT MATTER, they will share it with you if it is a hot deal! A PERFECT example is a month or so back a HOT COUPON for Folgers Coffee came out…Through OUR links we could NOT monetize it, but it did take you to one of the most popular coupon pages. Yes, sending my fans directly do the page in my blog post meant I would lose some profit, but the benefits of my fans getting this RARE coupon far out weighed the couple of dollars I was going to make. I kept a watchful eye to see what pages posted this and which ones did not, and I would say it went 50/50.

DRAMA FREE ZONE! How come some pages are more Drama then anything?
Unfortunately, It is a Dog Eat Dog World out there when it comes to deal bloggers, and sometimes it gets brought to the Social Media Pages. (Fans only see about 10% of behind the scenes) It can get VERY UGLY. It is a disappointment, but so many bloggers are turning it into “Whats in it for me?” Instead of focusing on making their blogs and their interactions with their fans the main priority. There are A LOT of “Secret Blogger” Groups out there, which instead of helping each other, they try and bring each other down. MIND YOU, NOT ALL!! I keep to myself, and I have still made some AMAZING friendships out there, and we help each other, not try and destroy the others page. I have even had some people going after my page because of my success. I have tried using the “Ignore it and it will go away” method, which sometimes works and sometimes does not.

(Facebook) Why if it is a Facebook Coupon, do we go from your Facebook page, then to your blog, then back to the Facebook companie’s page? Wouldn’t it just be easier to go right to the companies page and eliminate the blog?
We blog our Facebook coupons (which by the way we can not monetize) through our blog for our fans that only visit our blog, that do not get our Facebook feeds. This way they know about them also.

(Facebook) How come SO MANY pages are doing giveaways where you have to like twenty plus other pages in order to enter?
The concept to this, though to me it does not make a lot of sense, is that the more fans, the more money they will make. The majority of the people that enter the giveaways, unlike or hide a page right after entering. I PERSONALLY do not get involved in these giveaways very often. Reason being, I do not want my fans to deal with the hassle, and I would take 1 loyal fan over  100 fans who liked my Facebook page just to enter a contest which chances are they will not win. (That being said though, I have been involved in a few of them) If a page does these a lot, chances are blogging is all about “What’s in it for me?” to them. They want more fans, which means they want more exposure and to reach more people and are looking at $$ DOLLAR SIGNS $$ not your best interest.

140 customized labels from Vistaprint are only $5 shipped—only $0.04 per label!

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140 customized labels from Vistaprint are only $5 shipped—only $0.04 per label!

❅❅ Holiday Labels – SO MANY USES ❅❅

With the holiday season getting closer, now is the perfect time to stock up on holiday labels! Choose from thousands of designs, or create your own! Showcase your own, or even your children’s, creativity and upload your own designs of the prize-winning drawing hanging on your refrigerator, so everyone can admire your little artist’s creation. Personalize your own mailing labels for all the holiday cards you send out to family and friends. Label the care packages of your famous homemade chocolate chip cookies and brownies you send to your children in college to get them excited to come home for the holidays. You can even add a special photo of the newest members of your family when you mail your New Year’s letter detailing all of the wonderful changes to you family in 2013. And for all those gifts, you can add “to” and “from” fields to create your own special gift tags for your equally special presents. Design yours NOW HERE!

 Personalized Present Labels:

 

SO MANY OPTIONS! Get yours NOW, Just pay $5.00

Walmart, Glitch? Or GENIUS Marketing?

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Walmart, Glitch? Or GENIUS Marketing?

Let me start off by saying, this is MY PERSONAL opinion. Just a thought, something that made me go……… Hmmmmmmmm last night!

As I was laying in bed, the entire day and commotion with the “Walmart Glitch” replaying in my head, It started to make me wonder.

Last year, about this same time (the holidays) you all  may remember the Vacuum “Glitch” that occurred.  Many rushed to their website, ordered it, and some even got both vacuums for right around $20 (If you went and picked them up right away with in store option) but the majority of us got reimbursed and a $10 Wal Mart Gift Card.

Now this year, right around the same time, their website has a “Glitch” Thousands and THOUSANDS of fans get amazing prices on products, It even made NATIONAL News (Some GREAT advertisement for their store and website if you ask me) I can only imagine what their views on their website were like yesterday! IN the end, a select few who were fast enough to get there and do the in store pick up option, do get the items they purchased at a STEAL…. BUT the Majority again get a “We goofed, SORRY, here is a $10 Gift Card Email!”

Coincidence both of these happened at the same time of year? THE HOTTEST time of year for Holiday Shopping? Possibly?!? What I do know, is all those Gift Cards they are giving out is going to mean more Holiday Shoppers shopping in their store and on their website!

Just something to think about 🙂




Chicken Soup for the Soul Comfort Food Giveaway

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Chicken Soup for the Soul SOUP Pack Giveaway

Guess what is new for the Chicken Soup for the Soul Brand?
Chicken Soup for the Soul COMFORT FOOD!

We all know how much Chicken Soup for the Soul books can change someones mood
or even outlook on life just by reading one chapter! Chicken Soup for the Soul now has a
whole new comfort food line. I received the one in the photo above,
and it tastes as awesome as it looks!

There is no need to refrigerate it you can store it in your cabinet.

That also means…these are perfect for care packages for maybe a student who is away at college,
a friend who is not feeling well or someone who is serving in the military away from home.

The box even has a short Chicken Soup for the Soul Story on the side!

You can check out the current line of Chicken Soup for the Soul Comfort Food here!
They are constantly adding new items so check back often!

So are you ready to try one of the new soups?
How about not just one but an assorted FOUR pack of the soups?
Here is your chance! Follow the directions below to enter to win!
Good Luck!

Also be watching for our next book giveaway:
“Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lemons to Lemonade”

Enter our Giveaway in the Rafflecopter Form Loading Below:

Disclaimer: Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing information to Midwest Coupon Clippers, Sponsor of this Promotion and Owner of this Facebook page and not Facebook. Please direct any questions or comments regarding this promotion to the Sponsor.

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Important Warning (Debit & Credit Card Users)

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Important Warning (Debit & Credit Card Users)

This Scam can be done ANYWHERE at any Retail Store! SO BEWARE AND WATCH THOSE RECEIPTS!

Look at the receipt below, where it says “Debit Cash Back” Your cashier can do this, without you even noticing, and pocket the $40 or whatever amount they decide. Always check your receipts before walking away from the register!

Unfortunately this is becoming more and more common, and so many people do not check their receipt or bank statements regularly, so millions of dollars are being stolen from customers without us even realizing.

From a PA resident, and the situation that occured with her:

It happened at a Wal-Mart Supercenter a month ago. I bought a bunch of stuff, over $150, & I glanced at my receipt as the cashier was handing me the bags. I saw a cash-back of $40. I told her I didn't request a cash back & to delete it. She said I'd have to take the $40 because she couldn't delete it. I told her to call a supervisor. Supervisor came & said I'd have to take it! I said NO! Taking the $40 would be a cash advance against my Discover & I wasn't paying interest on the cash advance!!!!! If they couldn't delete it then they would have to delete the whole order. So the supervisor had the cashier delete the whole order & rescan everything! The second time I looked at the electronic tab before I signed & a cash-back of $20 popped up. At that point I told the cashier & she deleted it. The total came out right. the cashier agreed that the electronic pad must be defective. (yeah, right!) Obviously the cashier knew the electronic pad wasn't defective because she NEVER offered me the $40 at the beginning. Can you imagine how many people went through before me & at the end of her shift how much money she pocketed? Just to alert everyone. My coworker went to Milford , DE Wal-Mart last week. She had her items rung up by the cashier. The cashier hurried her along and didn't give her a receipt. She asked the cashier for a receipt and the cashier was annoyed and gave it to her. My coworker didn't look at her receipt until later that night. The receipt showed that she asked for $20 cash back. SHE DID NOT ASK FOR CASH BACK! My coworker called Wal-Mart who investigated but could not see the cashier pocket the money. She then called her niece who works for the bank and her niece told her This is a new scam. The cashier will key in that you asked for cash back and then hand it to her friend who is the next person in line. Please, please, please check your receipts right away when using credit or debit cards! This is NOT limited to Wal-Mart, although they are the largest retailer so they have the most incidents. I am adding to this…. My husband and I were in Wal-Mart North Salisbury and paying with a credit card. When my husband went to sign the credit card signer, he just happened to notice there was a $20 cash back added. He told the cashier that he did not ask nor want cash back and she said this machine has been messing up and she canceled it. We didn't think anything of it until we read this email. I wonder how many “seniors” have been, or will be, “stung” by this one????

Beer Cheese Soup from Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

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write my paper

Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup

Ingredients:
Serves 15

5 onions, minced

3 carrots, minced

3 stalks celery, minced

1¼ lbs. butter

3 cups all-purpose flour

5 bottles dark beer

1 gallon chicken stock

2 qts. heavy cream

2 tbsp. dry mustard

⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, grated

2 cups aged white cheddar cheese, grated

Garlic sourdough croutons or popcorn for garnish, if desired

Directions:

1. In a large pot over low heat, cook the onions, carrots and celery in the butter until the veggies are translucent, stirring frequently so that little to no browning takes place.

2. Add the flour. Stir until combined, then cook for 2 minutes over low heat.

3. Add the beer, chicken stock and heavy cream. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

4. Stir in the dry mustard and Worcestershire. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Slowly whisk in the grated cheeses until thick and creamy.

6. Immediately before serving, garnish with garlic sourdough croutons or fresh popcorn.

Thanks People Magazine for this Recipe.

How to Maximize Your Savings at Target!

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How to Maximize Your Savings at Target!

Whether you're new to couponing or an old pro, sometimes shopping at Target can be a little, well let's just say intimidating! Between Target Web coupons, Target mobile coupons, Cartwheel by Target and manufacture coupons (think newspaper, coupons.com ect), you can get stressed out pretty easily.  But, no fear! I'm here to help break it all down for you so you can maximize your savings at Target without breaking the bank!

Let's start out with Target coupons.  You can find these coupons on Target's website.  MOST of these are all coupons that have Target's logo on them that say “Target Web Coupon” on the top.  That means this is a coupon that can ONLY be used at Target.  You cannot use this at Walmart, Hy-Vee or any other store.  Now please keep in mind that sometimes Target does slip in a regular manufacture coupon on their website, but when it prints, you will know the difference by the wording on the top! Sometimes Target will also have coupons located in your weekly Sunday papers, those will also state “TARGET” on the top. You can stack a Target Web coupon with a manufacturer coupon and a Target Cartwheel discount.

Next up, Target Mobile coupons. Target Mobile coupons are Target store coupons that can be sent right to your phone to be used at check outs in store only.  These cannot be used for online purchases.  When you are ready to check out, you simply pull up the coupons from your phone (will be located in your text messages!) and the cashier will simply scan the bar code!  These coupons can be used once only and can be stacked with a manufacturer coupon AND a Target Cartwheel discount.  You will need a phone that is able to access the internet to take advantage of these offers.  Standard text messaging rates will apply.  You can sign up for Target Mobile coupons right online.  And watch our page, we will always let you know when new offers are available as well!

Now let's talk about Cartwheel by Target.  Target recently released a new program called Cartwheel by Target.  It gives you even more ways to save!  You can save as much as an additional 30% off items at Target that includes every department in the store!  You simply log into your Target Cartwheel App (can be accessed on your mobile device OR your computer!) and pick out which savings you would like to redeem before you go shopping.  Just like the Target Mobile coupons, you simply show the cashier your phone at check out and they will scan the bar code.  No mobile device? No problem! Pick and choose which offers you want to redeem on your computer, print out when finished, and show the cashier the print out and they can scan it that way!  You will need a Facebook account to get an account.  You are allowed to redeem one Cartwheel offer with one Target Coupon and one manufacturer coupon per item.

How about an example. Let's say you're at Target and you pick up a bag of dog food, you can use the following:

  • 1 Manufacturer coupon (coupons.com, newspaper, ect)
  • 1 Target Web coupon
  • 1 Target Cartwheel Offer

OR

  • 1 Target Mobile Coupon
  • 1 Manufacturer coupon (coupons.com, newspaper, ect)
  • 1 Target Cartwheel Offer

Triple the savings!  You can use these offers all sorts of ways, but remember you cannot use a Target Mobile coupon AND a Target Web Coupon (or one you find in the paper that says TARGET on the top) for the same product together as they are both considered Target Store Coupons.

Always remember to take a peek at Target's Coupon Policy if you ever need to know what you can and cannot do!  I have found that Target is one of the easiest places to coupon because their customer service is great and their cashiers are very helpful!

▼▼ Click  the banner BELOW to sign up to get Target's e-mails and updates for their hottest and best deals! ▼▼

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