/ Noted Joys

6.25.2018

Marcus :: Pregnancy + Labor Story

While Felix's pregnancy and labor story was in depth and full of details, I feel as this one was a blur and went by super fast now that baby has officially been out of the womb for a month. I don't have any bump pictures (or any pictures for that matter) this time around because I was chasing a toddler the entire time and selfies are a thing of the past -- only thing I take pictures now is the kids and the occasional cold coffee sitting in a mug, but that's life and I love it. Anyways, without further ado, here are all the details as I remember them.

How I Found Out + Reaction

This pregnancy took me by complete surprise. I thought I was pregnant about a month before, but all the tests I took came out negative. My husband told me to stop taking them because they cost a fortune and I probably wasn't pregnant if they've all been negative thus far -- I agreed. Late October I had planned to get my wisdom teeth pulled and the surgeon told me to make sure that I wasn't pregnant when coming in for the operation.

A week prior to the surgery, even though I felt fine and probably wasn't pregnant, I went ahead and took it upon myself to buy a pregnancy test just because you can never be to sure. And guess what, I was right -- the test came back positive!

I didn't believe it, so I took another test, and it too came back positive. I was pretty speechless to be honest. I stood in the bathroom looking at the tests for a bit before I went to break the news to my husband.

How I Told the Husband & Family

This time there was no surprise or creative way to tell my husband -- I literally walked out of the bathroom and stated "we're pregnant." He was pretty taken aback and didn't believe me until I showed him the positive tests. After the proof was brought to the table and he realized that this was not a drill, he was pretty happy.

I bought Felix a "This Is What An Awesome Brother Looks Like" t-shirt which he wore when he visited our parents and that's how we announced it to our families. Both our families were just as surprised as we were to find out that we were expecting.

The Pregnancy

Being pregnant with Marcus was a blur. It felt like forever, but the months really did fly by -- if that makes sense. This time around, I had an easier pregnancy which means there was no high blood pressure, no UTIs, no complications and no visiting the doctor's office a million times. I was busy chasing around Felix which made this time harder, but the pregnancy itself was a normal, easy pregnancy (as if an "easy pregnancy" even exists).

I did have a serious sinus infection accompanied by the flu when I was 5 months pregnant (read about my experience with that HERE) and that was pretty brutal since I didn't take any medication. I did get through it and I think that was the most eventful thing during my pregnancy up until 7 months when sleeping through the night became non existent.

Towards the end of the pregnancy, I was miserable. Everything hurt earlier than it did with Felix. I wasn't as tired as I was when I carried Felix, but I still felt pretty tired most of the time. I honestly don't remember much about the pregnancy besides feeling miserable towards the end because I felt so occupied with Felix -- having a toddler and not having the time to focus on the fact that you're going to give birth eventually really made this time around so different.

I didn't take very many bump photos this time around either because I felt so big, but here are some of the ones I did take -- mostly shared on my instastory.

Labor + Birth

At 35 weeks, on a Friday, I had a doctor appointment to check on baby's progress and to my surprise, baby was already head down, I was 3 centimeters and 80% effaced. She announced that baby could come any minute now even though I still had a month to go. My doctor did tell me that if I went into labor before 36 weeks, the hospital I was registered at would transfer me because they don't deliver late term premature babies unless the mom was 6 cm dilated when she comes in.

After I left the doctor's office, I quickly went to finish packing my hospital bag. Come Saturday, I had contractions off and on all day, but nothing close enough together to be able call in. I went to bed around 12:30 a.m. and right as I crawled in bed I heard a POP! and felt a pressure like I had to pee, so I rushed to the bathroom. Right as I stepped in the bathroom, a gush of fluid poured onto the floor -- you, guys... my water broke and it was exactly like it happens in the movies. I called the doctor's office and explained what had just happened and she told me to come it.

Because I was spending the night at my parent's house, Felix was already accounted for and my brother was able to drive me to the hospital since my husband was at work. I got to the hospital around one and by then my contractions were about 3 minutes apart and labor was in full throttle mode.

The nurse confirmed that my water broke and called my doctor as my husband arrived. They were rushing to get everything ready because I had walked in 6 cm dilated and they had no time to transfer me to another hospital -- ironically Marcus had listened to doctors orders on Friday and my doctor thought that was the funniest thing.

The preparations did not go smoothly this time around -- the nurses tending to me had some new equipment and ended up poking me a total of five times before actually finding a vein for the I.V. which made me furious because it looked like I wasn't going to get an epidural. Usually, I am a very pleasant person, but I felt like flipping the table over because it was taking so long and my contractions were getting stronger and stronger. My husband said I looked like I was going to hit one of them and that he's never seen me that angry. It was brutal.

The anesthesiologist stepped in, found a vein quickly, and then went to give me the epidural right before I completely lost my cool -- talk about life saver. I was 8 cm dilated and finally found some relief. It took a total of 10 minutes after the epidural kicked in that I felt a pressure and the doctor announced that baby was coming!

It took me a total of 10 minutes to push Marcus out and then, just like that, there he was -- my sweet little baby boy. Born at 3:29 a.m. 6 lb. 2 oz. on April 29th.

Because Marcus was considered a "late term" premature baby, we had to stay two days in the hospital. The nurses were testing his glucose levels every two to four hours and each time, it was low. He also wasn't very interested in nursing, so we started supplementing with formula. In addition to that, he also had jaundice, so they kept a close eye on that too.

He was pricked in the heel so many times that to this day, he has marks. Luckily for us, his glucose levels stabilized and I was discharged on time. His jaundice required us to visit the pediatrician a few times the first week, but everything turned out okay and baby was growing at a good rate and his jaundice levels were in the "safe zone" and declining with every visit.

Thinking Back

The pregnancy, labor and birthing process was a lot smoother than it was with Felix and this time around, it felt super rushed. I barely had time to breathe. I only gained 5 pounds this time around and since I'm 8 weeks and have gotten the a-okay from my doctor, I am on the road to getting my pre-babies body back!

All in all, life is definitely much sweeter with Marcus in it and we feel extremely blessed to be parents to such a precious baby -- all of us are so in love with him and are loving being a family of four!

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6.01.2018

Review :: Dock A Tot

Right after I had Felix, I noticed that the motherhood community on Instagram were all raving about one product time and time again -- the Dock A Tot. Of course, after seeing all those great reviews, I wanted one for myself because who doesn't want something amazing for their little one? I talked myself out of getting one though because I felt like I had too much stuff and didn't really need it, but deep down, I was always wishing I had gotten one.

Welllllll, when I got pregnant the second time around, there was no turning back -- I just needed to get my hand on one and I did. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did because having the Dock A Tot Deluxe in our home has been a game changer especially at bedtime. From the moment Marcus has been home, I've placed him in his Dock A Tot Deluxe and am happy with how well he sleeps in it. At the hospital, during our 48 hour stay, Marcus would wake up every hour during the night, but now, he's waking up only once, maybe twice a night -- letting my husband and I get the rest we need to tackle the next day.

I love that the Dock A Tot is a multifunctional product -- it promotes safe co-sleeping as well as a playtime lounger. It's such a great lounger that my 18 month toddler finds himself crawling in it when baby brother isn't using it even though he is a bit big for it.

The Dock A Tot, designed in Sweden and handmade in Europe, comes in two different sizes -- Deluxe (0-8 months) and Grand (9-36 months). It's so lightweight and has been tested for breathability which lets me use it with ease. I'm not worried about safety when using the Dock A Tot because in addition to it's breathability factor, it's also all natural and 100% cotton. It's non-heat harboring and free of harmful substances, so when you're using it, you'll have peace of mind that this product is one of the best on the market.

I really love that this product is portable / travel friendly -- it'll give the baby comfort of home when we're away from home. I've also used this product giving Marcus supervised tummy time and I love that the cushions on the side prevent him from rolling over.

While Marcus is a small newborn and currently using the Deluxe right now, I already foresee us upgrading to the Grand because he loves it so much. It's a product I regret not getting sooner. Its that good.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DOCK A TOT :: CLICK HERE

* product received compliments of brand, but review is my honest and personal opinion.

3 comments

5.23.2018

Big Blessing, Small Package :: Wee Blessing Subscription Box

Hello Friends!

Today I'm excited to get to share a game changer when it comes to shopping-- the Wee Blessing Subscription Box. It's a subscription box that sends you professionally styled clothes for your little one.

This subscription box is perfect for the moms who don't have time to go shopping, but still want their kiddo to look super adorable. Personally, I love this box because it gives a mom options and we aren't obligated to pay from things that we don't want to keep -- an extra bonus because the clothes that they send you are great quality and from popular brands / stores.

How It Works

When you sign up, you take a style quiz for your little and they literally ask you about everything. The types of brands you want, the kind of patterns and colors, sizes and what items of clothing you want from head to toe!

Once the quiz is complete, all you have to do is wait for your four outfits to come in the mail! Once your box has finally arrived, you'll find the outfits and a prepaid envelope for the items you don't want to keep in your box. A check out form that has the items and prices listed is also included.

Every item in the box is already 40% to 60% off the retail price, but if you decide to keep all the items you've received, you get an additional 10% the entire order! It's such a bargain.

You have 10 full days to decide what you'd like to keep from the box and once you decide, all you have to do is circle "yes" on the checkout form for the items that you're keeping -- how simple and quick is that?!

As soon as you've filled the checkout form, it needs to be scanned and emailed to Wee Blessing and then the items you've opted to return need to be placed in the prepaid envelope and dropped off at your local post office. You aren't charged until Wee Blessing receives your checkout form and the outfits you're returning.

It's really that simple.

It's also worth mentioning that Wee Blessing can also cater to everyone in the family -- head to toe. They have subscription boxes for mom, dad, and teens as well as maternity and plus size boxes.

If you'd like to try the Wee Blessing subscription box :: CLICK HERE

USE CODE :: "MARTALARISSABLOG" TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX

In short, I really think this box is worth it and love everything it stands for -- it's meant to make mom's life easier and still let you have options. I was a bit skeptical at first when signing up, but when I got the box, I instantly loved it. The brands offered, the quality of the clothes, and the simplicity of the whole process makes me want to tell every busy momma about it!

Still not convinced? I've taken some pictures of Felix wearing / modeling some of the items he received in his Wee Blessing box and posted them down below. Go take a look!

Some Items From Felix's Wee Blessing Box

OshKOsh Shirt

Under Armor Tank

Disney Mickey Pajama Set

OshKosh Shorts

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5.16.2018

Review :: Mumbelli Infant Bed

Hello friends,

I'm super excited to share with you all a product that I am using 24/7 now that baby is finally here! It's the Mumbelli Infant Bed and it's probably the one product that I am constantly choosing over all others during the day.

For starters, I really love the portability of it. It's so lightweight and I can move it from room to room with ease and I can do it without disturbing the baby -- talk about a mom win! As a stay at home mom, with a toddler in tow everywhere I go, the Mumbelli gives me the security of placing baby in a safe spot while I go manage my firstborn or tend to other chores.

The bed itself is super soft, so I love knowing that when I place Marcus in the Mumbelli, he is comfortable. The entire bed is foam and the bed has a cover which can be unzipped and thrown in the wash for easy clean up. The bed also comes with a foam insert that you can place under the mat -- if your baby has reflux, this insert is a lifesaver!

*image taken from the Mumbelli website

The bed also has another removable insert to place by baby's feet, giving the bed a womb like feel. I love looking over and seeing the baby all snuggly and secure. I've noticed that Marcus loves to kick against the foot insert when he's awake and have noticed him curl up against the sides of the bed on multiple occasions. Looking back at my pregnancy, I remember him snuggling up against the side of my belly and being quite the kicker.

*image taken from Mumbelli's website.

Another feature that I really love is the pocket on the side of the Mumbelli. I use this as a place to store my phone or the baby's bottle when I'm moving the infant bed from room to room. It's so convenient and saves me from making several trips. I can focus on what I need to do, get everyone where they need to be, and I can do it all in one go. I know it may sound simple, but if it can save me a trip, I'm forever grateful -- my toddler only needs me to turn my back for a second to get the room looking like a tornado just hit.

The bed comes in four different colors: Peach, Nautical, Taupe, and Light Blue. I chose the taupe color because I'm all about neutral tones, but also because I plan on having more babies and I plan on using this item again if I'm blessed with more children. Taupe is the perfect unisex color and I just love how cute it looks in my home, on the kitchen table or on our bed.

All in all, I feel like this product is a game changer for anyone who is looking for an easy portable bed for their little one. It can go everywhere and anywhere with you. I use it every single day and if I were to take a vacation this summer, this would be on my packing list. Once you and your little one experience the Mumbelli -- you'll be reaching for it time and time again.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MUMBELLI :: CLICK HERE

1 comment

4.18.2018

What's In My Hospital Bag + Supplies I'm Stocking Up On

My due date is quickly approaching (May 28 y'all!) and since part of me is hoping I give birth earlier like I did with Felix, I've decided that it's time I start packing my hospital bag. With Felix, I wasn't that prepared when I went into labor, so this time around -- I'm determined to have all the essentials with me, so I can focus on that sweet little newborn.

Hospital Bag :: For Mama

No. 1 :: Lip Balm. Last time I gave birth, I didn't bring lip balm with me and I regretted it. I was in labor for 8 hours and I wasn't allowed to drink water, so my lips got super chapped. I stayed in the hospital two days and I didn't bother to tell anyone to pick me up some lip balm which left me going home with chapped lips to the point that they were starting to bleed and so this time around, I'm bring some with me! I know it's kind of silly, but with all the postpartum stuff you have to deal with why not prevent what you can?

No. 2 :: Fancy Shampoo / Body Wash. That first shower after baby is born is heavenly. I remember that I turned on the hottest water the hospital had and sat under the jet stream for about 20 minutes before I even started to wash. Why not splurge a little and pamper yourself after you've just birthed a child. Bust out that fancy stuff, inhale the pretty smells and pamper away.

No. 3 :: Nightgown. Because after that amazing shower, you don't want to go back into a hospital gown. Make sure it's a gown that will allow you to have easy access when it's time to breastfeed if that's how you plan on feeding that sweet little baby.

No. 4 :: Phone and Electronic Chargers. A must if you plan on taking phone calls or face-timing friends while laying in bed as baby sleeps.

No. 5 :: Ipad / Laptop. I spent a majority of time in room Skyping my mother when baby was asleep last time and there were no visitors. It's a great way to find something to do when you're waiting on that next feeding and you can't sleep.

No. 6 :: Comfy Slippers and No Slip Socks. After birth, your hormones are all over the place, so the hospital room can seem like an icebox. Last time I was in the hospital, my legs swelled up like logs, so those slippers were a lifesaver when the no stick socks felt super uncomfortable to wear on my feet.

No. 7 :: Comfy Robe. Another great thing to have because the room can get cold or maybe you just want to cover up a little as you're greeting your visitors. I wore my robe almost constantly last time because it was much more convenient than the itchy sweater I opted to wear when arriving at the hospital.

No. 8 :: Nursing Bra / Nursing Pads & Comfy Cotton Underwear. Because comfort and ease matter after you've birthed an entire human. The pads are to prevent leaking because nothing is more embarrassing than talking to a visitor and realizing that your shirt is wet in the middle of a conversation.

No. 9 :: Comfy Loose Going Home Outfit. Comfort. Comfort. Comfort -- it's important people! I really can't emphasis how important it actually is. Make sure you dress appropriately for the season / weather too because there is nothing worse than being too hot or too cold cramped in the back seat while in traffic and picking up pain medication on the way home from the hospital.

No. 10 :: Essential Toiletries / Quick and Easy Make Up. I feel like this is something that I opted out of last time -- the quick and easy make up that is (don't worry, I had a toothbrush and toothpaste). After I gave birth I felt so tired and so swollen that I never looked in the mirror. I feel like maybe slapping on some BB Cream and a bit of mascara may have helped with my self image a tiny bit.

That's right, I'm only packing about "ten" things for myself and the most important thing to remember when packing is to make sure you're comfortable after birth -- in your clothes and in your own skin. Hospital rooms aren't very big, so I feel like the more you bring, the more cluttered you'll feel as you're packing up.

When you're packing, make sure you have your ID card, any paperwork, your birth plan (if you have one) and your health insurance information on you. I didn't list this because I keep those in my purse at all times, but these are all things you want to have with you as well.

Hospital Bag :: For Baby

No. 1 :: Going Home Outfit. Last time, I waited to see what my baby weighs and then I sent my husband out to by an outfit. This time I am buying two outfits -- one for up to 7 pounds and one for 0 - 3 months. Onesies or full body suits that zip up / button up in the front are the best because they're so convenient if the baby needs a quick change. I also love that some of these body suits come with mittens that are attached to the sleeve making it so much convenient than actual mittens.

No. 2 :: Swaddle. These are great for background pictures, to wrap baby in, or place over the carseat as you're leaving the maternity center.

No. 3 :: Pacifier & Pacifier Clip. I didn't have one last time and I really wish that I did. My milk was taking forever to come in and it was painful. I wish I would have something to soothe him, especially on the car ride home when you can't pick up the baby for feeding. The pacifier clip is great to clip on the swaddle or bib, so you're not dropping the paci on the floor or misplacing it.

No 4 :: Bibs. Babies spit up and these are great for keeping the baby's outfit clean and dry. I really love clipping the paci clip to the bib because it's so convenient.

No. 5 :: Burp Cloths. Perfect for a wiping and protecting your shoulder from baby's drool and possible spit up.

No. 6 :: Warm Blanket. This is nice to have if it's cold out, windy or if you're blasting AC in the car. I always keep a blanket in the car for my toddler because you never know when you're gonna hear "momma, I'm cold!" coming from the backseat.

Don't feel the need to provide baby wipes or diapers in your bag because the hospital will supply that for you during your stay. If you're having a boy and are getting them circumcised, I'd add one more thing to your baby's bag: A + D ointment -- it'll help with the healing process!

Supplies At Home :: For Mama

No 1 :: Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads. These are a life saver. I was given a small pack by the hospital and used them after I gave birth to Felix. I ended up ordering more when I got home because they were an essential in my self care routine -- especially if you have a vaginal birth and required stitches.

No. 2 :: Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray. The hospital gives you a bottle of this usually, so I wouldn't worrying about ordering it, but if they don't, do yourself a favor and buy yourself this spray. It helps with pain and Lord knows, the pain you experience after birth isn't a walk in the park. A bottle of this lasted me until my 6 week check up with the doctor and I used ever last drop in that bottle last time.

No. 3 :: Motherlove Nipple Cream. If you plan on breastfeeding, this is going to help you deal with the feeling of wanting to rip your breasts out because they ache so bad. It's organic and safe for baby, so that's a plus.

No. 4 :: Perineal Cleansing Bottle. TMI, but this is something that you'll use after birth and you'll be so glad you're using it. If you have several bathrooms in your home that you'll be using, make sure you have all your self cleaning / pain relieving items stocked up in each one, so you don't have to get the supplies each time you need to use the bathroom.

No. 5 :: Lip Balm. I have some everywhere, in my bag, in my car, by my bed, in the living room, etc. I get dehydrated quickly and the first thing my body does is suck out the moisture out of my lips, so this is a must for me.

No. 6 :: Thick Pads. The worst part of the after birthing process is how much you bleed afterwards. I mean your body has had a break from that nasty menstrual cycle for nine months, but boy, does it make up for it. These were a lifesaver because they absorb a ton and it's nice to not get the bed all dirty because your body has decided to drain you of what seems like all the blood you've got.

No. 7 :: Big Water Bottle or Large Tumbler. Breastfeeding tends to make you thirsty, so having one of these near by at all times is crucial. Staying hydrated while you're taking of your baby is a good habit to implement because it'll help you feel better overall.

No. 8 :: Kefir + Probiotics. Going to the bathroom and passing that first stool after birth is what I like to call a real life horror story. I took stool softener that the Dr. prescribed and it wasn't helping me at all. So, I opted for natural probiotics in Kefir paired with a probiotic supplement and that was the only thing that helped me last time, so this time around, I'm starting to take these as soon as I get home to get it over with as fast as possible -- TMI, but hey, this literally felt like it saved my life at the time and sharing is caring.

No. 9 :: Nursing Bras / Comfy Nursing Shirts. Just have these stocked up because babies barf, boobs leak and people judge. That's all I'm gonna say about it.

No. 10 :: Hot Cold Gel Packs. I loved these last time. They were great to stick in my bra after pumping or breastfeeding for some relief because doing that constantly every few hours is pretty darn painful.

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3.06.2018

Couponing 101 :: A Crash Course

Over the past few months, I've noticed a few moms and ladies on social media asking about couponing and how it all works, so even though I'm not a couponing "expert" and I don't have all the answers, I have found a few ways to make what seems like an overwhelming task a bit simpler.

I started couponing right before my husband started nursing school because with school tuition and student loans, having to stay home with our toddler, and another baby on the way -- any penny saved makes all the difference.

The key to successful couponing is organization and researching before you go shopping. I cannot stress "before" enough. I don't know if it's just me, but the moment I'm pushing a cart in the store, it's like a wave of forgetfulness slams against my brain and thrusts every penny saving bone out of my body. The best way to combat this is being prepared, having a plan before you step inside of the store and staying focused.

Preparing At Home :: Tips & Tricks

Clipping Coupons -- the ones you get in the mail, find in magazines and see in the newspaper. Personally, I find this task rather tedious because it requires me to sit down with some scissors and really hunt for the things I need instead of being able to just write stuff down, but it's something that can be really helpful because a lot of times, there are some great deals hidden in what seems like a mumbo jumbo of items.

I find that clipping coupons with a cup of coffee or tea close by is helpful, turning on a podcast or some music you enjoy makes this process so much smoother! It's important to have time laid aside for this task because a screaming toddler or whiny baby can add unnecessary stress and give you the urge to finish faster. Making clipping coupons an enjoying "me time" type of task makes all the difference.

Keep A Coupon Pouch In Your Bag. I have an oversized pouch in my bag where I keep all my coupons, gift certificates and store member cards. It really helps to have everything that "saves me money" in one place.

Organize + Clean The Pouch Regularly -- get rid of expired coupons, paperclip coupons by store & department, etc. This is probably one of the most important things to do because it'll make the process of shopping so much easier if you already have everything grouped together. One of the things you don't want to do is be in the aisle of the supermarket and shuffling through 50 coupons.

Typically, I paperclip coupons by store, placing the coupons that will expire first towards the front. This way, I can make sure that I don't forget about them. I use sticky notes to label them and place it in the front of each stack.

At the beginning of each month or when adding new coupons to the stack, I quickly browse the coupons I already have and toss the ones that have expired.

Lists -- make them, love them, utilize them. I keep lists everywhere; seriously guys, I have lists E V E R Y W H E R E in the house (on my fridge, on my phone, by my desk, in my notes, attached to my planner, etc). I have lists for specific stores, for the types groceries I need to get and for things I want to buy in the future whether it be books, office supplies or home decor items, it's on a list.

I also duplicate my lists; I do this for two reasons -- seeing a list multiple times and on different devices / mediums helps me remember what I need and it ensures that if I forget one list, I have a back up. It's honestly super helpful if these lists can cross over from your computer and phone because that way if you leave the house, you still have the list with you and it prevents you from having to turn back when you're already half way to the store.

Something that reaaaaaally helps me is when I'm making my lists, I have my coupons nearby and then I add a symbol or a "C" to remind myself that I have a coupon for that item. This helps remind me to actually take my coupons out of my bag when I'm at the store because if I'm going to be honest, I tend to forget more often than not, especially when I have the little one with me.

Research -- research online before you go out to shop. Before going out to the store, make sure you sit down and do some research on the items you need to buy. I know that going to just one store and getting everything you need is so much easier than going to multiple stores, but if you do your research, you'll find that sometimes the savings are worth the extra drive.

Google the products you want and need and see where you can get it for the cheapest price, but make sure you take into account the weight / size of the product when doing so. I find that a lot of times, ordering my things online from specific sites that offer rewards or free products are worth more than making a trip to the store. I've listed some of my favorite apps and websites further down below to help you get started.

Make An Email Account Specifically for Coupons and Sign up for Brand / Store Newsletters. I did this on a whim one day because I was so tired of getting 100+ emails daily from stores and brands that mixed up with my more important emails. Let me just tell you, this has been a L I F E C H A N G E R for me. I now sign up for every brand email -- no shame! Brands and stores send special promotions and discount codes via email, so signing up in store or online when they ask is a must.

Before I go buy clothes or shoes, I just search for the stores I want to go to that day and see if they've sent out any coupons or additional discounts to what they already have in the store -- these are usually at the bottom of the email, so scroll all the way down! If I find something, I screenshot the barcode or coupon and head on out to the store! I screenshot because my phone signal tends to act up when I'm in the store, so I want to have it at my finger tips especially since my phone signal always tends to act up when there are what seems like a million people waiting in line behind me.

Online Shopping :: Helpful Apps & Websites

Here are some of the websites I utilize daily when I'm shopping online and searching for the best deals -- below each explanation, I've linked their sign up pages. I highly recommend using all these apps and websites because they really work and the savings start to add up if utilized correctly. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the cash back apps and sites do not double over, so make sure you look into what site has the best deal because sometimes one site will offer more cash back than the other.

No. 1 - Ebates :: I love Ebates because you're literally getting cash back when you shop. I find that the best time to use this app is around the holidays and the week of black Friday because that's when they have the highest cash back rates plus the store's usual sales. What I really love about using Ebates is that they have an awesome feature / plugin that you install in your browser and each time you visit a store online, it'll remind you to enable cash back as well as see how much you'll be getting back percentage wise. If you're like me and suffer from mom brain, that reminder is really helpful. Ebates also allows you to link your card for in store cash back deals, but I've found that the best deals are when you shop online.

[ TO GET STARTED WITH EBATES :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 2 - Ibotta :: Ibotta is a grocery cash back app. You get on the app, find offers and then go shopping. When you're done with your shopping then redeem your cash back by scanning your receipts and then get your cash back! It's that simple. You can also link your loyalty cards from stores and then Ibotta won't need a receipt if you've scanned the card at checkout. They give you a 10$ welcome bonus when you sign up, so that's a plus!

[ TO GET STARTED WITH IBOTTA :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 3 - RetailMeNot :: is an app where you can get coupons, promo codes, see sales in your area and get gift cards. You can see deals by brand, stores, free shipping promotions, and online + in store codes. If you shop online, they also have a cash back section which is nice. I use this site to start my online search usually -- to get a feel of what's the closest deal or if there are any great deals online that I haven't stumbled across yet.

[ TO GET STARTED WITH RETAILMENOT :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 4 - Groupon :: I use Groupon when I'm planning a vacation or when I am looking to do something local because they often have awesome discounts to your favorite places to eat. I've found a few amazing places to grab a bite by just looking to see what promotions local restaurants are offering. They have deals on local spas, family fun centers, getaways, and car services. I also really love their deal of the day section because they have deals on literally everything! It's a great tool to utilize when you're in the mood to do something or go somewhere but don't want to spend a fortune!

[ TO GET STARTED WITH GROUPON :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 5 - Shopular :: This app is powered by Ebates and it's one of my all time favorites. Download it on your phone, make an account and then you pick your favorite stores, so when you go to the home screen, you get to see the best deals your favorite stores are offering! If you already have Ebates, all you have to do is login!

[ SIGN UP WITH EBATES + DOWNLOAD SHOPULAR TO YOUR PHONE ]

No. 6 - Checkout 51 :: this app works exactly like Ibotta and is specifically for groceries. All you do is create an account, browse deals, shop, and then redeem your deals by uploading a receipt. Super easy and simple way to earn cash back.

[ TO GET STARTED WITH CHECKOUT 51 :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 7 - Coupon.com :: This site has coupons that you can print out -- mostly grocery store coupons, but you can also find for clothing and home brands. I love that you can "clip" them by adding them to your list and you have the option to print them out when you're done. It's a good place to look when you're compiling a shopping list because you can find some great coupons and they really do amount to saving more than just a few bucks if you utilize it.

[ TO GET STARTED WITH COUPON.COM :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 8 - SlickDeals :: like it's title, this site is a contemplation of "slick" deals found on the internet. My husband always checks this site before we go and make a big purchase on electronics or home items because they also have deal ratings / reviews from people that have used that deal. It's a great place to browse deals and get second opinions!

[ TO GET STARTED WITH SLICK DEALS :: CLICK HERE ]

No. 9 - Grove Collaborative :: One of my favorite places to utilize on the internet because it promotes healthy living as well as saving money. The Grove Collaborative sells all natural, chemical free cleaning, self care and home products. It's a subscription type of service but it's super flexible -- by that I mean that you get to opt out of a month if you haven't run out of your products yet. It's a great place to start if you want to try to use healthier products, but don't know where to start. When you first sign up, they give you 10$ credit to spend which is another bonus.

[ TO GET STARTED WITH GROVE COLLABORATIVE :: CLICK HERE ]

These are some of the most effective websites I've found on the internet when it comes to couponing and saving money. I know signing up for sites like this can sound overwhelming and can seem like busy work, but it's really worth it in the end. You end up saving hundreds of dollars if you consistently use them.

Things to Remember + More Tips & Tricks

Organize -- the moment after you clip. I feel like this is super important because it helps you stay on top of it and doesn't give you a chance to lose or misplace coupons. It saves you from having to shuffle through piles of papers and the hassle of realizing you may have thrown away a coupon you really wanted to use when you were tidying up.

Double / Stack Coupons. This is like couponing expert level. If you find a store coupon for a certain item and then combine it with a manufacture's coupon, it's double the savings! Not all stores allow doubling up on coupons, but when you find those that do, shop there more often!

Don't Be Afraid To Price Match -- especially on the items that you already have a coupon for. If you're going to a store that has a "price match" policy, then go ahead and utilize that and research before shopping.

Store Coupon Policies -- know them, print them out, be aware of what they accept before going shopping. This is tedious, I know. But it'll save you money and time if you know where you can get more for your buck.

Buy Only What You Need. This is a tricky one because sometimes you find coupons that are super great, but you may have not had that certain item on your list. I struggle with this one and sometimes, I do buy things that are not on my list -- but I am getting better at walking past the deals that I wasn't initially looking for.

& that's a wrap!

I really hope you've found this quick "crash course" on couponing helpful. I know that a lot of you have vocalized wanting to learn to coupon, so I hope that this novel of a post gave you something you can walk away with and implement.

Just remember -- the most important thing is to stay consistent once you start and you'll be saving money in no time! Set time aside for couponing and incorporate it into a me time activity and I promise, it'll become like second nature.

If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you, so leave me a message down below!

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