WORKSHOP OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SAVE 50-99% ON GROCERIES

Stretch your dollars during these tough economic times!

~savings of 85% pictured below~

LEARN EFFICIENT COUPONING &

REDUCE YOUR GROCERY/HOUSEHOLD-ITEM BUDGET

Saturday, July 14, 2012, 4-6 p.m. @ Pulaski Country Store, 69 Commerce St, (Maple Shade Inn) Pulaski, VA (540.994.1117)

                

2-hour structured workshop *includes* a copy of my book The Art of Frugality: Spending Strategies in a Tight Economy      

---DOOR PRIZES---

(store gift card, case baby food & more!) 

COST: $25 per guest

paid $14 for items regularly priced at $90

                                                                                                                                               

JULY COUPON SCHEDULE

July 01: No coupons

July 08: 3 inserts [Redplum, Smart Source, P&G]
July 15: 1 insert [Smart Source]
July 22: 2 inserts [Redplum & Smart Source]
July 29: 2 inserts [Redplum & Smart Source]

CHANCE TO WIN FREE GIFT!!!

Go to the Facebook link at right or: www.facebook.com/authorwendimeredith 

for a chance to win DQ coupon booklet worth over $25!

FACEBOOK PAGE

Check the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/authorwendimeredith for frequent updates on deals and unadvertised specials. 'Like' it for immediate notification.

QUICK TRIP for 80% SAVINGS

A rushed Food Lion stop was well worth the effort. The groceries that would have cost $50 were purchased for $10.

JUNE COUPON SCHEDULE

June coupon savings will get off to a great start with $235.00 worth in the first Sunday paper:

Jun  3: 3 inserts [Redplum/Smart Source/P&G]
Jun 10: 2 inserts [Redplum & Smart Source]
Jun 17: 2 inserts [Redplum & Smart Source]
Jun 24: 2 inserts [Redplum & Smart Source]

BOOK SIGNING

I will be at Mountain Lake Hotel on Sunday, May 13, during their fantastic brunch. 

CORPORATE WORKSHOP

I am teaching another corporate workshop this morning at Volvo's Dublin location. 'Efficient Time Management To Reduce Stress is today's class. (The coordinator feels that time management skills should be part of high school and college requirements. I agree, as well as money management!)

MAY COUPON SCHEDULE

May 5: 3 Inserts (Redplum, Smart Source & P&G)
May 13 ~and~ May 20: 2 Inserts (Redplum & Smart Source):
May 27: No Inserts Scheduled

EASY & FRUGAL MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

Are you panicking yet? There is no need! Find meaningful ideas in my article on New Bern Now.

FRUGAL DAY TRIP

I would highly recommend visiting the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, NC either for a 'stay-cation' idea or if passing through that area. The best part was meeting actress Betty Lynn (aka Thelma Lou) from the show.

Click here to view additional pictures and more info.

86% SAVINGS

I paid $5.19 for regularly-priced items of $37.

62% SAVINGS

 

Purchases pictured cost less than half of their original $50 price tag! I paid only $19 for everything.

APRIL SUNDAY COUPONS

Today's paper has over $200 worth of coupon savings!

The remainder of this month's schedule:
April 8: No Inserts
April 15: Redplum & Smart Source
April 22: Smart Source
April 29: Redplum & Smart Source

MARCH COUPON SCHEDULE

 Tomorrow's paper is scheduled to have two Smart Source inserts totaling $120. in savings!

 March looks promising as well:

March 04: Redplum, Smart Source & P&G

March 11: Redplum & Smart Source

March 18: Redplum & Smart Source

March 25: Redplum & Smart Source

AUTHOR JASON F. WRIGHT

 

I enjoyed meeting Mr. Wright at the home of a mutual friend. He is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today best-selling author. His many books include Christmas Jars and Wednesday Letters.

TWO NORTH CAROLINA WORKSHOPS!

Start 2012 off right by stretching your dollars during these tough economic times!

~~~~~~~

LEARN EFFICIENT COUPONING &

REDUCE YOUR GROCERY BUDGET BY 50-90%

Saturday, January 7, 2012, 10 am-12 noon @ The Webb Library, 812 Evans Street, Morehead City

2-hour workshop *includes* a copy of my book! ---DOOR PRIZES---

COST: $30. (portion of proceeds donated to Friends of the Webb)

~~~~~~~

COMPLETE BALANCED MEALS UNDER $5 &

HEALTHY MEAL-STRETCHING IDEAS

Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm @ Carteret Community College 3505 Arendell Street, Wayne West Bldg., Room 221, Morehead City

2-hour workshop *includes* a copy of my book! ---DOOR PRIZES---

COST: $30.

WORKSHOP OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Couponing & Gift Planning Workshop

Open to the Public

Learn how to slash your budget for groceries & household items. Develop a strategy for Christmas shopping plus gather numerous ideas for frugal and welcome gifts.

Structured 2-hour workshop *includes*
a copy of my book.

*$25. fee per guest*

November 17 ~ 6:30pm-8:30pm
Fuller-Peery Hall
515 Fairground Road
Tazewell, Virginia

BOOK SIGNING

Book signing October 15 at Highland Ridge (5872 Hanks Avenue) in Dublin, Virginia. Hours are 10 am-4pm. The annual Fall Festival is open to the public with free admission.

PHOTOS FROM NC EVENTS

New Bern Now interview.
New Bern's waterfront & Crystal Coast sunset.

One of my frugal travel tips was discovered at Floyd's 1921 Restaurant, which I shared in my book. Executive Chef/Owner Floyd Olmstead.

Fellow author Helen Aitken.



The Talk Station's Coastal Daybreak host Ben Ball.

NORTH CAROLINA BOOK SIGNINGS

I will be at the North Carolina coast for two book signings!

The Craven Arts Festival is September 24 & 25 at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern.

The 25th annual NC Seafood Festival in Morehead City takes place September 30 through October 2.


Other authors will be at both events.

COUPON WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 14

Learn how to rarely pay full price by attending this workshop, which is open to the public!

'Develop An Easy-To-Use System For The Novice or Accomplished Couponer' will be offered in the New River Valley next week.

*The two-hour workshop includes a copy of my book.

September 14, 6-8 p.m.
Angels Rest Baptist Church
1601 Wenonah Avenue @ Pearisburg,Va

*Cost: $25.oo per guest

HOMEMADE GRAPE JUICE

I prepared this wonderful treat for only 8 cents per quart! I utilized coupons for both the sweetener and canning lids. I had access to free (pick-your-own) grapes.

KITCHEN TIP

Balance fresh corn on a bundt (or tube) cake pan, cutting in a downward motion. This works great whether using a knife or a device designed especially for this.

$1.05 'SPLURGE'

I spent a grand total of one dollar and a nickel for:

• cereal


• water


• drinks


• salad


• vegetables


• notebooks

PRIVATE WORKSHOP

I am teaching a private workshop 8/25 in Galax, Va.
In addition to the classes I have taught for conferences, clubs, organizations, churches, & corporations...I also offer personalized meetings for smaller settings.
**All workshops now include a copy of my book, which shows how to save money in all (not limited to couponing/groceries for free!!) areas of one's life***
Message me here or email (artoffrugality@hotmail.com) for more information.

FACEBOOK CONTEST

I am giving away a $10.oo discount toward either a copy of my book ~or~ a coupon binder. Enter for a chance to win simply by clicking 'like' on my Facebook ... link at the right of this page. The random drawing will take place when the number of 'likes' reaches 750. Encourage your friends to do the same!

TODAY's TV APPEARANCE

'Saving money going back to school' was the theme for today's frugal segment on Channel 10 in Roanoke. Items for lunches/snacks, school supplies and college dorm/care packages were discussed. I paid $2.oo for each group. I saved 67% on the $50.oo book bag. Its final cost was $16.25 after combining the sale price with a coupon and reward card rebate. Pictured with me are hosts Natalie Faunce and Jay Prater. Jay wanted me to feel tall for once!
View the segment here.

TV SEGMENT TOMORROW

I will be on Roanoke's Channel 10 tomorrow at noon. The segment will discuss back to school bargains for school supplies, packing lunches/snacks and items for
college dorms or care packages.

SPECIAL SALE ONE WEEK ONLY!

My book, 'The Art of Frugality ~ Spending Strategies In A Tight Economy', is on sale for the next week! Regular price is $20.oo shipped yet this special offer is only $15.oo. I offer PayPal for your convenience. I also accept checks, cash and money orders.


Personalized upon request.


Offer ends July 26, 2011.

COUPONING WORKSHOP JULY 9

_Learn to consistently reduce your grocery budget by at least 50%_
_My workshop will teach the advantages of effective couponing from A-Z_

_Saturday, July 9_
_4:oo-6:oo pm_
_New River Valley ~ Pearisburg, VA_
_$10.oo per guest_
_Seating is limited_
_Contact me to reserve your spot_

BABY GIFT SAVINGS of 85%

I keep my 'gift stash' stocked at all times for special events and celebrations. This is an easy task using the system that I teach at my workshops. A grand total of only $23.2o was spent for everything in both pictures.

'ARE COUPONS WORTH THE EFFORT' WORKSHOP 6/18 & 7/2

I will teach workshops on June 18 and July 2, showing how to consistently save money with my easy-to-use coupon system. Both Saturday sessions will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. at the Paint Bank, Virginia complex. Cost is $15.oo per attendee ~OR~ free for guests staying at the Depot Lodge! Meals at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant are also included for overnight guests.

I will be at the Tinglers Mill premises both Saturday and Sunday. My book will be available for purchase as well as my homemade jellies (blackberry, pear, grape & mint/green pepper), cream cheese mints and pure vanilla extract.

The scenic drive to the Paint Bank properties is just the beginning of discovering this treasure. Click here to find out more.

TV APPEARANCE on JUNE 10

The segment's theme was summer side dishes that were adaptable for parties, receptions, picnics, etc. The frugal foods shown were Million Dollar Pickles, Ranch Crackers, Colorful Relish, Fruit Dip, and Mints. Click here to see the show with Channel 10's Jay Prater and guest host Pearl Fu, plus my recipes.

JUNE 3, 2011 GROCERY SAVINGS WORKSHOP

WITH GROCERIES PREDICTED TO INCREASE ANOTHER 30%, A PERFECT TIME TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP:

• learn how to consistently save 50-90% on groceries & household items
• frugal and healthy meal ideas
  
• Friday, June 3
• 6:30 pm
• Ramada Inn
• 35 Brandy Court
• Strasburg, Va (just off I-81 @ exit 298)

• COST: $20.oo per guest
  

NO DOUBLE OR TRIPLE COUPONS HERE

I am often asked how I consistently save 75-100% on purchases. My easy-to-use coupon method was developed via trial and error with three decades of success. I adapted with available stores, no matter where I lived.
I detail this system in my book and cover in depth at workshops. Guests report saving 50% and more on their first shopping trip.
I paid $14. for these items, saving 78% from the original $64. prices. None of my coupons were tripled ... or even doubled.

PRIVATE CORPORATE WORKSHOP MAY 18 DUBLIN, Va

83% SAVINGS

Pay $198. for these purchases? I have not nor do I plan to! Paying only $31. is much better.
The majority of my meals are homemade yet convenience foods are great for quick cooking. Availability is priceless, especially when that 'price' was pennies or free.

COUPONS 101 WORKSHOP

Workshop generously sponsored by
Grants Supermarket

• Learn how to cut your grocery bill 50-90%
• Save on your everyday household items
• Make complete meals for $10 and less

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

• Saturday, May 14, 2011
  
• Bluefield Recreation Dept.
• 1780 Stadium Drive, Bluefield WV
  
• 10am - 11:30am
• Admission: one canned or non-perishable food item to stock Union Mission Pantry

BOOK SIGNING AT MOUNTAIN LAKE HOTEL

I enjoyed my book signing on Mother's Day Sunday at beautiful Mountain Lake Hotel. One of the most gorgeous places on earth is located at the top of the world, 115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, Virginia. My book is now available at the hotel's gift shop.

Posting about their awesome Sunday brunch at last summer's visit.

MEANINGFUL MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

MEANINGFUL MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

Panic has started for those in search of the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Recognizing that gift perfection does not exist should be the beginning of stress relief. I devoted an entire chapter of my book to ‘the art of frugal gifting’. Gift ideas for every occasion and situation are covered. I shared numerous ways to practice this technique, particularly how to do year round so that panic does not translate into overspending your budget. A holiday as special as Mother’s Day should not be overshadowed by stress.

I cannot speak for all mothers yet feel confident in my next statement. They do not long for a gift that requires shuffling or dusting. I have heard the same lament for decades, albeit in hushed tones. I have known people who stressed over de-cluttering, worrying about the giver’s discovery. Baskets, robes, lotions, shirts, umbrellas and perfumes will only demand space unless you are positive the recipient has a need for them.

How many unopened packages of slippers have you noticed? I have lost count of the estate sales where I witnessed the disposal of unused items from years of holiday and birthday gift giving. Homemade freezer meals and an assortment of favorite juices would be a nice change in dinner routine. Your famous Chicken Cacciatore or melt-in-your-mouth mints would be a special treat.

A gift certificate to a mom’s favorite restaurant will earn favor even for the one who loves to cook. Like me, she may prefer the meal prior to or after the Sunday Mother’s Day crowd. We began celebrating in this manner years ago when our children were small. In fact, I will be on top of the world (literally) this year. I will be at Mountain Lake Hotel, doing a signing for my book ‘The Art of Frugality’.

A favorite classic movie or TV show on DVD will provide enjoyment more than once, as will a CD of the music she loves. Forgotten photographs in the appropriate frames may become her conversation grouping for years to come. A handwritten recipe from a loved one becomes family history when displayed with beautiful matting. You can add notations with beautiful handwriting, calligraphy, an engraved plaque, bronzed plating, or from your computer.

Many have limited economic resources and basic necessities seem luxurious. These mothers would welcome gift cards to a pharmacy, grocery or department store to help stretch her income. Additional budget boosters are laundry detergent, over the counter medications, paper products and postage stamps. Toiletries besides deodorant and shampoo continually need replenishing. Cough drops, mints, gum, sports cream, hand cream and lip balm are just a few. Subscriptions to a favorite magazine or newspaper would be a nice surprise. Fresh flowers, favorite snacks and drinks could be something she would never splurge on herself.

Many of these can be free or purchased for pennies by combining sale promotions with coupons. Today’s economic times require careful spending habits. I routinely save 75-90% on grocery and household items. I will be teaching another seminar on how to permanently reduce your cost on these products. The workshop will be at the Bluefield Recreation Department (1780 Stadium Drive) on Saturday, May 14, from 10am-11:30. Grant’s Supermarket is graciously sponsoring this event. Admission for each guest is a canned or non-perishable food item to stock the Union Mission Pantry.

Other mothers have very little space, especially if in an assisted living or nursing care facility. Something as simple as a sun catcher and prism can bring the sunshine inside. A free standing or suction-type bird feeder with birdseed refills would be an added bonus. A bright calendar marked with important family dates will be used all year. Besides the usual birthdays and anniversaries, remembrances of deceased loves ones is special.

The gift of time is priceless. Finding useful gifts for the matriarch of a large family is often overwhelming. Okay, challenging if not impossible! One year my siblings and I gave our grandmother a spring-cleaning certificate. We asked for a list of any projects or chores. Each year afterward, she looked forward to this gift. We washed windows and curtains, scrubbed the porch, painted deck furniture, and brought dirt from the woods for her flowers. One year we painted the outside of her house. Everyone would bring a covered dish and make the workday a party. Nothing seemed like a chore. My only regret is that we did not think of this idea earlier. Those memories with her are a precious treasure, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything in this world.

Remember that the thought is truly what counts. The most treasured gifts are often the least expensive or free ones. I cherish the flower pots with painted hand prints and construction paper cards from long ago. A gift from the heart will rival any mass-produced trinket. I recommend functional, sentimental, practical and/or consumable when thinking of a gift. Happy Mother’s Day!

......by Wendi Meredith

published article for

Front Porch Monthly

May 2011 edition

ROANOKE's CHANNEL 10 'FRUGAL FRIDAY'

I was invited by the wonderful people at WSLS-10 for another frugal segment. The show aired live at noon on Friday, April 8, 2011. The theme was wedding and baby shower gift ideas. Natalie is expecting her second daughter soon!
See the segment here.

COUPONS & MORE WORKSHOP

I was one of the featured speakers at the 11th annual Four Seasons Women's Conference in Bluefield on March 22. This is a great day conference (9am-4pm) and was attended by over 200 women. I taught 'Juggling your Grocery Budget & Family Meals'.
More details here.