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February Reviews & Giveaways!
 With Valentine's Day approaching, we know how many people love, love, love coupons but struggle to manage them effectively. So, we posted our "For the Love of Shopping and Savings" promotion on Tomoson.com, a website where bloggers apply to review and/or offer product giveaways.
Well...we had a massive response to our invitation to review our product! Way more than we could fulfill so we selected from the list based on criteria and a few sincere and creative pleas! No fees are exchanged, just a free sample sent and honest evaluation is the goal. Some bloggers who are participating have a huge following, some are just getting started. I hope you enjoy visiting a sampling of reviews on The Couponizer, see The Great Giveaway to the right.
For anyone new to The Dotted Line, every month I share a money saving tip, tool and testimony as well a favorite recipe that uses ingredients that can be bought using coupons. I try to photograph the actual dish I am featuring if I remember to take a picture! This month's recipe is an appetizer that you will have everyone asking for the recipe!
I hope you enjoy each issue, as always I welcome your feedback.
Happy Valentine's Day to all,  Amy Bergin Wife, Mother and President, The Couponizer Company |
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 TIP - Valentine's Day Gift Savings Strategies
Minimize costs while maximizing the cupid in you!
Most holiday expenses have hit by now and for some it's just not a great time to turn around and spend more money on Valentine's Day gifts. So, below are 3 strategies to consider before you buy.
Target your budget, not the item.
Know how much money you have to spend before you decide what you are going to buy since this will determine your options. So, if you have $50 to spend and you want to buy earrings, then look at the choices in this price range. Look for local jewelry store coupons or online coupon codes to help give you some wiggle room. The last thing you want to do is decide on earrings, then go shopping without firming up your budget. You will be more easily influenced to overspend by allowing yourself to look at everything.
Decide where quality does NOT matter.
My kids exchange valentine cards every year with their classmates until middle school where things change and any hint of "Be Mine" takes on a whole new meaning. However while they are still young and this time honored tradition continues, I spend as little money as possible on them. Making them is the least expensive, but it takes time so go to the Dollar Store and get 24 valentine cards for a buck. If you are inclined to spend money on fancy valentine's day greeting cards, then join the mailing list of your favorite manufacturer since they are likely to e-mail you online and store offers and shop the day after Valentine's Day to grab deep discounts on cards you can use next year. This does not work with chocolates!
Decide where quality DOES matter.
The worst thing that can happen when giving a gift and trying to save money on this occasion (or any occasion for that matter) is for the gift to be cheap in quality. Since quality and price seem to go hand in hand, then this is where you want stick with trusted brands and businesses. Take roses for example. Do your research with florists, especially online delivery services. When sending flowers, I stick with the larger companies that partner with local florists to create and deliver the flower arrangement. If this florist is not delivering on what is promised then they probably would not be in the network. Also, look for online coupon codes for extra savings and order with enough time for delivery.
Valentine's day is coming and will go by fast, so I hope the memories of this occasion will last and are the most treasured gift of all.
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TOOL - FREE Trials
I love free trials of anything for 3 reasons...
One, I like to evaluate whether or not I will use something enough to make it worth the purchase price, especially if it is a subscription based product. Two, this allows me to try new things that I might not even consider if it wasn't for a free try. Three, if a company feels that strongly about it's product or service, then it has to have some value or they would not be in a position to give away anything.
So, for this Valentine's Day, I have found a free trial to offer you! American Greetings Electronic Greetings! Give it a try, what do you have to lose?
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Danielle Starcher - Crawfordsville, IN
I was reading a blog and they said they used the Couponizer. So I checked it out and wanted it. I have trouble getting things for my self, I always put my family first. I am so glad I put my self first. I saved $34 yesterday during my weekly shopping trip. Normally its only $5-$10. I was so excited I called my husband.
Thank you so much for your product I love it. Oh even my 7 yr old thinks its cool.
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RECIPE from Amy
 This recipe has been handed down to me from my Mom. This was my first introduction to 5 spice powder...yum! This along with the peanut butter is what gives this eggroll lots of flavor. Also, chopping the carrots, celery and green onion in the food processor is best. Feel free to add more or less of anything on the list, it is really a matter of taste. I hope you enjoy these, my friends and family love them!
The Best Egg Rolls Ever!
Ingredients:
· 1/2 lb fresh shrimp
· 1 cup ground pork, cooked and pulsed in food processor
· 1 cup finely chopped celery
· 1/2 chestnuts. water chestnuts, fine chop
· 1/2 c. green onion
· 2 cups fresh bean sprouts or angel hair cabbage
· 1 tsp. salt
· 1 tsp. sugar
· 1/8 tsp. pepper
· 1/8 t. five spice powder (find in Asian section of grocery store)
· 2-3 Tbsps melted butter
· 1-2 Tbsps peanut butter
· 1 package eggroll wrappers
· 1 egg beaten
· 48 oz. vegetable or peanut oil
Directions:
Combine salt, sugar, pepper, 5 spice powder, melted butter and peanut butter to form a sauce. Combine dry ingredients and coat with sauce to form the filling for the egg roll.
Take one eggroll wrapper and line the edges with a light coating of beaten egg, then add approximately 1/4 c. of filling to the middle of the square. Take one point of the square and roll over filling, tuck the corners in, then roll the filling forward to create an eggroll. Fry in vegetable or peanut oil until light brown and crispy. Drain off excess fry oil on a wire rack or paper towel. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.
Coupon Alert! Use coupons for oil, butter, peanut butter, and spices. Watch for store sales on pork and shrimp. |
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The Great Giveaway!
This month we have teamed up with power bloggers to review and giveaway Couponizers! So far, the following bloggers have posted their reviews.
Take a look! Enter to win!
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