* Coupon Class * The Fundamentals of Couponing 4/15

Are you wondering how to get started with couponing? Or maybe you want to know how to organize your coupons or coupon more efficiently?

Join Maria for her "The Fundamentals of Couponing" class where you will learn:
- Where to find coupons
- How to organize your coupons
- When to use your coupons
- How to use your coupons to get the most bang out of your buck!

The next "The Fundamentals of Couponing" class will be held at Panera Bread, 2775 Showplace Drive, Naperville, IL on Friday, April 15th from 7 PM to 9 PM. You can register here. The class fee is $11.50 per person (which you will easily get back in savings after your first 1-2 shopping trips after taking this class).

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

To Do or Not To Do - Extreme Couponing in Chicago

As some of you may have heard already, TLC's new episodes of Extreme Couponing start airing tonight at 8:30 PM CT.  Tonight's episode features two extreme couponers and one of them, Tiffany, is a fellow Savings.com DealPro.

We've heard both sides of the argument from people that love the show to people that think it's insane.

With the tips and deals we share with you on My Chicago Mommy, we hope to help you save money for your family and enjoy your life without breaking the bank.  You can be a couponer without being "extreme," but if being "extreme" is what makes you happy, then go for it!  Each person will know what is right for them.

We invite you to join us on our Facebook page to chat about your thoughts as the show is on and even afterwards to see what you took away from it.

If you'd like to learn the foundation on getting started with using coupons to save money, we suggest attending Maria's upcoming class, the "Fundamentals of Couponing" on Friday, April 15th at Panera Bread. You can register for it here.

Don't forget to check back often for more deals and savings tips!

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

Money Smart Week - FREE Events Starting 4/2

It's Money Smart Week in Chicago and there are many FREE events throughout the Chicagoland area to help you manage your money better. Check out the schedule here.

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

* TONIGHT * FREE "Smart Holiday Shopping" Program Tonight at 6:30 PM 11/9

We hope you can join us for the FREE "Smart Holiday Shopping" program at Romeoville Library tonight from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The program is free.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Want to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank? Maria Tiongco Ramos, owner of My Chicago Mommy, will show you money saving tips on everything from decorations, to groceries, to holiday gifts. More effective and efficient "Black Friday" shopping will also be covered! We will meet in the Romeoville downstairs Community Room.

To register, call Brenda Hristov at 815-886-2030, email her at bhristov@dpvlib.org, or stop by their Adult Services Desk to register.

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

* REMINDER * "Smart Shopping For the Holidays" Workshop - FREE 10/23

We hope you can join us for the FREE "Smart Shopping for the Holidays" program at the Aurora Public Library on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 AM to Noon. The program is free. You will learn how to save money on your holiday shopping for everything from your holiday meals to your decorations, gifts, and more!  Maria will be teaching the program.  To register, click here or call the Aurora Public Library at (630) 264-4116.

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

* REGISTER* FREE "Smart Shopping For the Holidays" Workshop 10/23

We hope you can join us for the FREE "Smart Shopping for the Holidays" program at the Aurora Public Library on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 AM to Noon. The program is free. You will learn how to save money on your holiday shopping for everything from your holiday meals to your decorations, gifts, and more!  Maria will be teaching the program.  To register, click here or call the Aurora Public Library at (630) 264-4116.

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

* CLASS * "Save Money Using Coupons" 10/21

Join me for the "Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop at the St. Charles Park District in St. Charles, IL on Thursday, October 21st from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.

You will learn how to cut your household and grocery budget by at least 50% within 6 months! Develop a game plan to help you save money each day. Using a variety of money-saving strategies, learn how to get free products every week, efficiently and effectively using online coupons and create a method that eliminates hours and hours of clipping paper coupons. Discover how to find the best deals for the week without having to look through all the sales ads, too. Registration fee includes $30 worth of coupons and access to a members-only website. The class is for ages 18+ and will be held at the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue. The fee is $25 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents.

You can register here!

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

Archiver's - FREE Tim Holtz-Inspired Bag & FREE Techniques This Weekend

Visit Archiver's this weekend and get a FREE Tim Holtz-inspired bag with your purchase of $30 or more (while supplies last)!

Plus, learn Tim Holtz techniques for FREE this weekend! Learn a cool inking technique using Distress Ink, wood handles, and foam pads!

Find a participating Archiver's location near you and join in on the fun!

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education's MAT

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you thinking of going back to school to school to become a teacher or are you a teacher already and want to expand your knowledge? The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC offers current educators and aspiring teachers the prestige of earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an elite research university with the convenience and flexibility of studying online.

You’ll have the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an internationally renowned research institution with a 100-year history of educating teachers to be agents of change. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from distinguished USC faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education. You’ll receive full USC student status and benefits, participation in commencement ceremonies and free lifetime Alumni Association memberships.

Some other highlights of the program include:

• Highly interactive online learning combined with field-based experiences
• Groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program
• Accelerated program you can complete in as little as 12 months
• Opportunity to become a part of the elite USC Trojan Family
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarships
• MAT@USC Student Blog, hear insights about the program from actual students
• Rossier and the MAT@USC were awarded by AACTE for innovative use of technology in education
• Technology video that introduces the interactivity of the program
• First cohort of the MAT@USC graduate in May

If you have a lifestyle that makes it difficult to attend classes in a traditional classroom setting, this is a wonderful alternative for you! There will always be a need for teachers, so completing a degree in this field could lead to a long career in the educational field. To find out more information about this opportunity, check out the program information.

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

* CLASS * "Save Money Using Coupons" at St. Charles Park District 9/23

Join me for the "Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop at the St. Charles Park District in St. Charles, IL on Thursday, September 23rd from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.

You will learn how to cut your household and grocery budget by at least 50% within 6 months! Develop a game plan to help you save money each day. Using a variety of money-saving strategies, learn how to get free products every week, efficiently and effectively using online coupons and create a method that eliminates hours and hours of clipping paper coupons. Discover how to find the best deals for the week without having to look through all the sales ads, too. Registration fee includes $30 worth of coupons and access to a members-only website. The class is for ages 18+ and will be held at the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue. The fee is $25 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents.

You can register here!

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

Home Depot - Free Martha Stewart Living Do-It-Herself Workshop 9/30

 

Attend Home Depot's FREE Martha Stewart Living Do-It Herself Workshop on September 30th from 7 to 8:30 PM. In this workshop, you'll learn how their exclusive Martha Stewart Living products make it easier to coordinate your kitchen, paint, carpet and other decor choices with style and within budget.

They'll cover the following topics and more:
* Matching your decorating project with your budget and lifestyle
* Finding the best decorating solutions that meet your budget and lifestyle
* Adding finishing touches with paint, lighting, drapery and drapery hardware
* Increase function with style, with Martha Stewart Living cabinets, cubbies and storage solutions
* FREE Decor Project organizer to the first 30 attendees

BONUS: You'll get a card worth 20 My Coke Rewards Bonus Points when you attend the workshop.

Grab some friends and make it a girls' night out when you all register for this workshop!

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

* WORKSHOP * "Fundamentals of Couponing" 9/9

Would you like to learn more about the "Fundamentals of Couponing?" Then join me at the next workshop. You'll learn how to use coupons more effectively and efficiently. Plus, you'll have access to members-only resources on Becentsable.

Date: Thursday, September 9th
Time: 7 to 8:30 PM
Place: Panera Bread, 2775 Showplace Drive, #123, Naperville, Illinois
Cost: $10 per person

BONUS: Pre-register and be entered to win a Coupon Insert Organizer (winner drawn at the end of the workshop).

To register, simply fill out the form below. Payment can be made via PayPal to mychicagomommy@gmail.com (select "Personal-Other") to avoid being charged a service fee. You can also pay cash at the door, but your space is not reserved until payment is received.

Don't forget to Subscribe to the free newsletter, follow us on Twitter, "like" My Chicago Mommy's page on Facebook, and get the free phone widget here for all the latest updates!

*Check out My Chicago Mommy's Coupon Database to search for coupons!

Jo-Ann - Free Demos 6/5

Visit your local participating Jo-Ann store on Saturday, June 5th for some free demos.  Learn a new craft and expand your creativity!

Here is the schedule of demos:
- 11 AM to 1 PM- Kids' Creativity for Kids' Make It-Take It
- 1 PM to 3 PM - Jewelry-Making with Darice
- 3 PM to 5 PM - Jewelry-Making with Cousin

For more free events and classes, click here.

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Asha SalonSpa - Complimentary "Go Green" Bridal Show 6/9 & Other Events

Asha SalonSpa is having a free "GoGreen Bridal Show" on Wednesday, June 9th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, at their Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg, IL.  You'll preview Adele Wechsler Eco-Couture wedding gowns, enter to win an Adele Wechsler Headpiece, Veil or Eco-Couture Gown, a Honeymoon at Hamanasi Resort in Belize, and Aveda Gifts. Learn Trends & Techniques with Aveda Professionals, and inspire your Green Wedding with Eco-friendly wedding vendors.  RSVP by calling 847-592-5000 by June 7th.

Other events and workshops at Asha SalonSpa in June include:


Belly Dancing with Susan Warner
Asha Shops on Butterfield
Friday, June 4th, at 7:00pm - level 1-2
Friday, June 18th, at 7:00pm- level 1-2
Friday, June 25th, at 7:00pm- level 3
per class: $10
two classes: $18
three classes: $24

Learn how to move like a Diva in this introduction to American Tribal Style Belly Dancing Workshop! A beautiful and eclectic blend of classic Egyptian, folkloric and other ancient dance styles come together to create art through dancing. Belly dancing serves as a source of joy and fun for people of all shapes, sizes and ages. They review basic moves and variations, and cover a few conditioning moves while having a really good time!
Please Note: A level 1-2 class must be taken prior to participating in a level 3 class
How do you dress for class? Full skirt or loose fitting pants, hip scarf, short top or leotard (just wear something comfortable to you). Bare feet in the studio. No other equipment required.

Partner Yoga with Neelam Akhand & Vimi Shukla
Asha Shops on Butterfield
Saturday, June 5th, at 11:00am
$10 per person

Yoga is primarily a solitary and self-reflective pursuit, but it can be very rewarding to participate with someone else. Partner yoga is for everyone. They define "partner" as someone you are close to: friend, roommate, spouse, life partner, sibling or parent; just to name a few. Partner Yoga uses various movement and poses(asans) to focus the mind and increase strength, stamina and flexibility. The physical poses are combined with potent breathing techniques (prananyams) which help release tension and promote the free flow of subtle energies(prana). All Partner Yoga exercises use the buddy system to dissolve tension and establish a natural state of harmony in body, mind, emotion, and spirit and fully integrates both partners into every pose, sometimes doing the same pose together, and sometimes practicing complimentary poses that intertwine. In poses, partners rely on each other's support to keep correct body alignment, balance, and concentration. Partner Yoga offers something unique to couples, parents and friends and it can be practiced by anyone. So grab a partner and explore a whole new world of yoga.

Summer How To: Blow-Drying & Styling with Moe Durcan-Bilotta
Asha Shops on Butterfield
Tuesday, June 15th, at 7:00pm
Complimentary

Stand apart from the sleek strands of seasons past by adding some curls! Go for the gusto and treat yourself to hair extensions! Glam up your ponytail or add a fabulous fashionable headband! Are you ready to celebrate with an unforgettable Summer hairstyle? This Summer, remember that many styles and looks can be easily accomplished and are sure to add a little bit of pizzazz. Learn everything you need to know from their professional trained AVEDA stylists! Gain some confidence in the Summer heat and humidity with a perfect hairstyle and trip and tricks on how to maintain it!


To find out more information and to register for these events, click here.

For more freebies, click here.

For more classes, click here.

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KIWI Magazine - Free "Answering Your Child's Tough Questions" Webinar 6/8 & 6/9

Click here to register for KIWI Magazine's kiwi college, which puts puts green-minded moms and dads in touch with experts who’ll share the advice and tools you need (and answer your burning questions!) to raise healthy, happy kids. Best of all, each hour-long, online discussion is free!

The next webinar is "Answering Your Child’s Tough Questions with Dr. Susan Bartell." Not sure what to say when your child asks, “How come my friends get to do that but I can’t?” or “Do you have to go to work?” or “Why is that lady so big?” KIWI advisory board member Dr. Susan Bartell, author of The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask, is here to help. She’ll tell you what’s really behind these kinds of questions (and many more), and give you great ways to respond. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask her questions, too!

Sign up here and stay for the whole webinar, and you could win a copy of Dr. Bartell’s book! Ten participants in each session will be randomly selected to receive the book of their choice: The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask: Pre-K through 2nd Grade or The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask: 3rd through 5th Grade.

For more classes, click here.


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* TOMORROW * "Save Money Using Coupons" BeCentsAble Class at St. Charles Park District TOMORROW!

Join me for the "Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop at the St. Charles Park District in St. Charles, IL on Saturday, May 15th from 11 AM to 1 PM.

You will Learn how to cut your household and grocery budget by at least 50% within 6 months! Develop a game plan to help you save money each day. Using a variety of money-saving strategies, learn how to get free products every week, efficiently and effectively using online coupons and create a method that eliminates hours and hours of clipping paper coupons. Discover how to find the best deals for the week without having to look through all the sales ads, too. Registration fee includes $30 worth of coupons and access to a members-only website. The class is for ages 18+ and will be held at the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue. The fee is $25 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents.

You can either register here or pay at the door tomorrow!



For more information about BeCentsAble, check out the co-founders appearance on Good Morning America this morning above!

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* TOMORROW * "Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop at St. Charles Park District

Join me for the "Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop at the St. Charles Park District in St. Charles, IL on Thursday, April 29th from 7 PM to 9 PM.

You will Learn how to cut your household and grocery budget by at least 50% within 6 months! Develop a game plan to help you save money each day. Using a variety of money-saving strategies, learn how to get free products every week, efficiently and effectively using online coupons and create a method that eliminates hours and hours of clipping paper coupons. Discover how to find the best deals for the week without having to look through all the sales ads, too. Registration fee includes $30 worth of coupons and access to a members-only website. The class is for ages 18+ and will be held at the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue. The fee is $25 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents.

You can either register here or pay at the door on Thursday!

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* CANCELED * Smart Shopping Workshop 4/28

Would you like tips on how to save hundreds of dollars for your household on everything from groceries to entertainment?

Then I would like to invite you to join me for this class on Wednesday, April 28th.

Here are the details:
When: Wednesday, April 28th from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Panera Bread, 154 West Wilson Street, Batavia, IL 60510
Cost: $5 per person

Bring a friend and share the knowledge...

You will learn how to save money and shop smarter with the tips I will share with you. I'll cover everything from tips on cutting your grocery bill to getting entertainment for your family for free!

Be sure to RSVP here to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to attend one of my Grocery Savings Workshops or CentsAbly Green Workshops! You must be present to win.

Hope to see you there!

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"Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop - St. Charles Park District 4/29

Join me for the "Save Money Using Coupons" Workshop at the St. Charles Park District in St. Charles, IL on Thursday, April 29th from 7 PM to 9 PM.

You will Learn how to cut your household and grocery budget by at least 50% within 6 months! Develop a game plan to help you save money each day. Using a variety of money-saving strategies, learn how to get free products every week, efficiently and effectively using online coupons and create a method that eliminates hours and hours of clipping paper coupons. Discover how to find the best deals for the week without having to look through all the sales ads, too. Registration fee includes $30 worth of coupons and access to a members-only website. The class is for ages 18+ and will be held at the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Avenue. The fee is $25 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents.

You can either register here or pay at the door on Thursday!

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* REMINDER * Home Depot - Free Do-It Herself Martha Stewart Living Paint Workshop 4/15

Would you like to save some money by learning how to freshen up your home by doing it yourself? Then don't forget to sign up for the free Home Depot Martha Stewart Living Paint Do-It-Herself Workshop on April 15th from 7-8:30 PM here. Aside from learning some great painting tips and techniques, you will also have access to some special savings just for attending! Make it a girls' night out with your friends by sharing this invitation with them - make sure to register for each person attending as space is limited.

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