Alright, I’ve prepared the envelopes and they’ll be brought to the post office tomorrow morning…now what should I do for a follow-up contest?  So far what I’m coming up with is my husband, my kids and possibly my dogs (but those I’m rather fond of).  And again, this has to be something that you’d actually want to win (and would be useful – but I digress…).  Seriously, how would you all feel about a big basket of cold and flu remedies in time for the nasty weather to come?  Theraflu, Kleenix, Nyquil, Dayquil, the usual suspects…  Let me have your thoughts, please.  And don’t be afraid to contact me with suggestions or comments out of fear of being published; let me know and it remains private.

I have to state here that this site is not going to get into a discussion of what constitutes “proper” coupon usage:  My site and I can do what I want nah nah nah.  Seriously though, there are some blogs where anything goes, it’s us against them, so go for it.  I do have some standards, few though they may be, which I’ll be happy to share with you.  I have problems knowingly using a coupon on one item which is meant for another size or flavor or even a different item entirely.  Some manufacturers code a coupon to work on all items in that “family” or brand.  So you could use a diaper coupon on a wipes (just as an example) and a large discount would come off a lesser-priced item.  Have I ever used a coupon on the wrong size or type:  Hell,  yes, but only by mistake.  Another is people who use the self-scan at some stores where they can sneak in expired coupons without being caught.  The most important thing an extreme couponer can do is set up and maintain his or her relationships with the various stores’ personnel – these are the people who will make or break your deals.  Don’t believe me?  I’ve read first hand reports of people getting banned from stores.  Try running a Walgreens deal with no Walgreens.  Shelf clearing.  Boy is this a hot button.  Common sense and courtesy should lead the way here, but it seems to be lacking so often.  If there is a fantastic deal requiring multiple item purchases and you know about it in advance, have the store put in a special order for you.  If you can’t do that, try to take enough for one run a day or hit a few stores in the chain.  If the last few hours of the deal are looming ahead – clear ’em out!  Some stores have coupon generators on their site which allow unlimited prints and yes, I print out these suckers and redeem them as often as I can.  I am not going to argue with readers over what the store’s “intent” was in making them available.  I would guess that their marketing people are degreed and well-paid and know what they’re doing.  Don’t pretend that you had no way of knowing that people would be making large scale purchases using “free” or almost free coupons.  If you, dear readers, can read minds, email me privately with tomorrow’s lottery picks, please.  Having said that, I’m going to release some store coupons later today which will help with produce, bread and canned goods, so keep checking back.  Not trying to be a tease here, but I must get going on errands.  Posting is fun, but laundry is reality.