International Day of Play

If you need a suggestion for celebrating International Day of Play (September 27 or October 1 – I’m not quite sure), look at the following websites for inspiration:
Stepping Stones Museum has a schedule of activities (and it’s FREE tomorrow).
KaBoom! is a listing of local playgrounds and play spaces. Be sure to log in and add any that aren’t listed yet.
Nick Let’s Just Play World Wide Day of Play
Suzy Said Blog has listings and information in and around the Fairfield area, but does cover all of Fairfield county.
Suzy Said Blog has other listings and information for in and around the Wilton/Weston/Westport area, but, again, covers Fairfield county as well.

YouTube – for little ones

If you’re familiar with YouTube, you know that there are videos on there that aren’t appropriate for children. The answer to that is TotLOL.com. It is a filter for YouTube videos. The videos are all moderated and rated by registered users (parents).

Coupons & Free Samples

Well, I think we’re all interested in saving money (if you’re not – uh, WHY NOT!?!).
A friend of mine sent me a link to a coupon site & I felt the need to pass it on to you:
MommySavers.com
Valpak

This got me thinking about other coupon sites & free sample sites.
Coupons.com
eCoupons.com
CouponCabin.com

Shop4Freebies.com
CouponMom.com

Please read the fine print before signing up for anything. I do not endorse these sites and have not used all of them. Feel free to search for coupons or free samples – you’ll probably find what you’re looking for faster than using these sites.
My favorite site for good deals is:
CleverMoms.com

A few really great tips for saving money:
-Google the product you plan on purchasing & the word coupon
-search for free samples of items you are interested in before purchasing
-there are coupons for just about anything you want to buy – just ASK!
-most manufacturers will provide you with coupons by mail or email if you simply call or email their customer service & satisfaction department to ask them (the even occasionally will send free samples)
-many stores have free samples of select products (usually cosmetics, hair care, & hygiene) – just ask a sales associate
-even local companies offer coupons or discounts on their websites
-price shop/comparison shop – most stores will match or beat a competitor’s price if you provide a printout
-it’s ok to haggle these days
-check the penny saver & all those flyers you get in the mail & ONLY clip the coupons for the items you plan on buying (buying something you wouldn’t have bought otherwise, simply because you have a coupon, does NOT save money in the long run)
-ask around about where the best place to buy your favorite products are
-ask friends what their favorite products are & try them out
-check the “cheap gas prices” websites to find the best prices in your area

*Thanks to Samm for the MommySavers.com and Valpak websites.*

If any of you have any suggestions for other websites that help you save money, please send them on to me!