Coco's 10 Fav Blog Posts

Photo Credit: Robert S. Donovan 

1. This Linen Heart Sachet is soooo Lovely @ Junie Moon

2. Easy and wonderful tips on living green (& save money) @ Personal Finance Playbook


3. Does spending money improve quality of life?@The Simple Dollar - I've been asking myself the same question lately.

4. This Jamaican Veggie Patties @ 101 Cook Books looks so yummy.

5. I knew that a blog can get you fired, but hired? @ Daily Blog Tips

6. How to find new friends in a new city @ Zen Habits - Many great advices from readers.

7. Such a beautiful and great list of the 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow at Home @ EcoSalon

8. A great idea & tutorial for embroidering covered buttons @ craftstylish.

9. I am definitely trying this "Green Lasagna" @ Feels Like Home

10. This handmade book cover rubber stamps @ Fine Craft Guild is so adorable.



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Iolani School Fair: April 17 & 18

The Ioalni Fair takes place on this coming Friday & Saturday (April 17 & 18) from Noon to 10:30 PM.

There will be
* A lot of food booths
- Malasadas!! (Pre-order Malasadas to be picked up on Friday (April 17) from 11:30 ~ 12:30PM)
- This year's special, a Cuban sandwich);


* Cooking Demos (by chefs from famous local restaurants, such as Alan Wong's & Tango)

* Games & Crafts;

* Movies (Iron Man (Friday) & Kung Hu Panda (Saturday);

* Live music entertainments; &

* Silent auction.

The admission to the event is FREE.

Parking @ the Iolani School is not available. Street parking or parking @ Kaimuki High School ($3.00) & Free Shuttle.

For more info, visit the event's official website.



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The Salvation Army - 50% Off Sale: April 17

Photo Credit: zieak

This coming Friday (April 17, 2009), Salvation Army is having everything 50% off sale (some restriction may apply).

Save big on Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, Furniture, Appliances, Household Goods, Books, Collectibles & more.


:Participating Stores:

Honolulu Store (322 Summer St.) - 522-8460

Kailua Store (638 Kailua Rd.) - 261-1756

Waipahu Store (94-925 Waipahu St.) - 671-0102

Wahiawa Store (435 Kilani Ave.) - 621-7083

You can also donate clothing, furniture and household items at the stores (normally a donation site is located at the back of a store).

Find out more about Salvation Army in Hawaii.

Find your neighborhood Salvation Army stores in the US.



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Converting to Roth IRA - WFMW

We are being hit by a hefty tax bill this year.

One of the biggest reasons is that we EARNED SO MUCH MONEY last year. Nah, just kidding, only in my dream...

The true reason is that we converted all of our traditional IRA accounts into Roth IRA.

We started contributing into traditional IRA accounts several years ago & were feeling pretty good about it. That is until... last year. As the recession's gone deeper & deeper, our account shrank & shrank.


After some denial, anger, bargaining, depression, & acceptance, we decided to take advantage of this disastrous situation. Thus, converting our traditional IRA accounts into Roth IRA accounts.

Why we decided to do this?

Unlike traditional IRA, our money in Roth IRA grows tax-free (we are not taxed on withdrawals (including earnings) from Roth IRA as long as you wait until 59.5 & have had the account for at least five years). Plus, there is no minimum distribution requirement @ the age of 70.5.

We are optimistic that the economy will recover by the time we turn 60. We also do not expect our income tax bracket to decline after we retire (we are pretty much at the bottom right now... & I do plan to get back into workforce in a near future.). So we thought, tax-free withdrawals sound pretty good!!

The downside is that we cannot deduct our Roth IRA contributions. Converting does not come cheap, either. When we convert Traditional IRA into Roth IRA, the conversion is considered as a (penalty-free) withdrawal from Traditional IRA, and would be taxed on the withdrawal.

The good thing (& the main reason why we decided to convert right now) is that taxes are based on the value of our IRA on the day we make the conversion. This means we would be taxed on our pathetically shrank IRA, instead of our initial contributions.

We thought it would work for us, but what works for us may not work for you. We researched and planned hard before taking this action - thankfully, I am a bit of tax code freak (how nerdy is that?).

Some things to consider before converting to a Roth IRA include;

• Your tax bracket after retirement - if your tax bracket would considerably decline, losing an opportunity now to defer tax would not make sense at all.

           Here is a great calculation site to figure out how much you would save by converting.

• Can you afford to pay extra taxes on the IRA withdrawal now?

• Would the IRA withdrawals (which would be included into Gross Income) hoist you into a higher tax bracket or disqualify you for some important tax credits?
  

* Be sure to pay estimated tax on the withdrawals at the time you convert in order to avoid penalty for underpayment of estimated tax.

A recommended reference article (includes case studies) - "To Convert or Not to Convert, That is the Question" by Robert S. Keebler & Stephen J. Bigge.

I am no financial expert & it is always a good idea to consult your financial advisor before making any big financial decisions.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please visit We are THAT Family for more Works For Me Wednesday Tips!



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Coco's 10 Fav Freebies

Photo Credit: AGoK

1. Gillette Body Wash & Shampoo Sample

2. Achieving your Highest Priorities by Stephen Covey - Audio Book Download


3. Diabetes-Friendly Recipe Booklet

4. Keep Walking DVD & Pedometer 

5. CFL Light Bulb @ Home Depot on 4/19

6. One year subscription to Latina

7. One year subscription to Metropolitan Home

8. NatureMade Triple Flex Sample

9. A Shower Caddy (from Scrubbing Bubbles)

10. A Free Gift from Disney Store, when Bring in 3 Plastic Bottles on 4/22/09



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Deals @ Safeway - Oahu, Hawaii: April 15-21

Photo Credit: gochie*

Here are several items on sale @ Safeway that caught my attention. Please refer to an ad for a complete list of sale items.

GROCERY

Aloha Shoyu, 64-oz.
$3.99

Rice or Pasta Roni
$.99
- $1.00/3 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $.66 each wyb 3


Safeway/Manor House Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs, 4-lb.
$7.96

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LIVING WELL. FEELING GREAT. PROMOTION, Through 5/5/09

* * * Get a $10 off Coupon (for next purchase @ Safeway) for every $30 you spend on participating products in a single shopping trip * * *

- Over 3000 participating items -
Look for "Living Well. Feeling Great" Tags & Pick Up an in-store ad for more info)

Eating Right Lunchmeat
$2.49

Skippy Peanut Butter or Mott's Apple Suace Cups
$3.00
- $.40 Coupon (3/31 & 4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 6/28)
- $.40 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $2.60

Jell-O Gelatin or Pudding Snacks
$3.50
- $.60 Printable Coupon
$2.90

Eating Right Baby Peeled Carrots, 1-lb.
$1.25

Mission Tortilla Soft Taco or Herdez Salsa
$3.00
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Mission Products)
Frugal Price: $2.00

Healthy Choice Meals
$12.45/5 (Must Buy 5)
- $1.00/2 Printable Coupon - use two if possible.
Frugal Price: $2.09 each if you can use two coupons (likely to be rejected, though)

Newman's Own Thin and Crispy Pizza
$5.49
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $4.49

All Detergent
$5.49
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Free Clear)
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $4.49

Greenworks Natural Cleaners
$3.50
- $.50 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $3.00

Softsoap Bodywash
$3.99
- $.75 Coupon (3/29 Newspaper Insert, exp. 4/18)
Frugal Price: $3.24

Viva Paper Towels, 6-roll
$7.49
- $.40 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $7.09

Cottonelle Bath Tissue, 12-roll
$7.49
- $.50 Coupon (3/15 Newspaper Insert, exp. 4/26)
Frugal Price: $6.99

Kotex Tampons, Pads or Lightdays, 28 ~ 135-ct.
$5.99
- $2.00/2 Printable Coupon (Pads)
- $1.50/2 Printable Coupon (Lightdays)
- $1.50/2 Printable Coupon (Tampons)
- $1.00 Coupon (4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 5/30) (Pads)
- $.75 Coupon (4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 5/30) (Any)
Frugal Price: $4.99 ~ $5.24

Tylenol, 25 ~ 100-ct.
$9.99
- $2.00 Printable Coupon (Cold)
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Any)
Frugal Price: $7.99 ~ $8.99

Dry Idea or Right Guard Deodorant
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
- $2.00 Printable Coupon (Dry Idea) - Use two, if possible.
- $1.00/2 Coupon (3/8 Newspaper Insert, exp. 5/31)
Frugal Price: various

Crest Toothpaste, 4.2 ~ 8.0-oz.
$3.49
- $1.50 e-coupon (upload it on your safeway club card)
Frugal Price: $1.99

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You can also upload P&G eSAVER Coupons on your Safeway Card.
This month's P&G eSAVER Coupons;

$2.00 Off Any Always Infinity Pads
$0.25 Off Any Charmin Products
$1.50 Off Crest Premium Toothpaste (4.2 oz. or larger)
$1.00 Off Any Febreze Noticeables Starter Kit
$1.00 Off Any Febreze Fabric Refresher
$1.00 Off Any Febreze Air Effects
$1.00 Off Any Natural Instincts
$0.25 Off Any Puff
$0.50 Off Any Swiffer Refill
$2.00 Off Any Venus Razor
$1.50 Off Any DayQuil or NyQuil

Found any other good deals? Please leave comments. I would so love to hear from you.

Oh, & don't forget your reusable grocery bags. Safeway gives you $.03 bag credit for your effort to save the planet :)



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Deals @ Times Supermarket - Oahu, Hawaii: April 15-21

Kona's Coffee Beans 

Photo Credit: mikefats

Here are several items on sale that caught my attention this week @ Times Supermarket. For a complete list of sales & specials, please refer to an ad.

GROCERY

Royal Kona 10% Coffee Blends, 8-oz.
$3.49

Royal Kona 100% Coffee, 7-oz.
$7.99

50th State Frying Chicken
$1.59/lb.


Large Navel Oranges
$.49/lb.

Pictsweet Frozen Vegetables, 14 ~ 16-oz.
$5.00/5

Coffeemate Non Dairy Creamer, 10.2 ~ 15-oz.
$3.99
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Any)
- $1.50 Printable Coupon (15-oz. or larger)
Frugal Price: $2.49 ~ 2.99

McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce, 2-oz.
$3.00/2
- $.50 Printable Coupon

Yoplait Yogurt, 6-oz.
$7.00/10
- $1.00/8 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $.60 each wyb 10

Family Coconut Milk
$5.00/5

Hunt's Tomato Sauce, 8-oz.
$3.00/4

Head Cabbage, Island Fresh
$.69/lb.

Romaine Lettuce
$.99/lb.

HOUSEHOLD

Shout Stain Remover, 30-oz.
$2.99
- $1.50 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $1.45

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Found any other good deals? Please leave comments. I would so love to hear from you.

Oh, & don't forget your reusable grocery bags. Times Supermarket gives you $.05 bag credit for your effort to save the planet :)



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Night Market @ Aloha Tower: April 15

Tomorrow night (April 15) from 5:00 to 10:00PM is the Night Market @ Aloha Tower Marketplace.

The Night Market is the monthly event (the 3rd Wednesday) that features Hawaii's sustainable lifestyle.


Tomorrow's event focuses on the Earth and features a local non-profit organization, Kanu Hawaii. Enjoy local foods, a fashion show, art exhibitions, & swap shop (bring your old cloths to swap (or donate). There also will be special performance by “Kings of Spade” & DJ Monkey.

The admission to the event is FREE. A validated parking is also available.

For more information, refer to Aloha Tower Marketplace's event calender



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Menu Plan Monday

Sun: Dinner @ a friend's house

Mon: Beef & Burdock Stir-fry & Mizuna Salad


Tue: Pork Piccata - thank you, Janelle & Lettuce Salad

Wed: German Potatoes & Lettuce Salad

Thu: Choy Sum & Beef Stir-fry & Salad

Fri: Japanese Pancake (Okonomiyaki)

Sat: Udon

Visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for great menu ideas!



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Deals @ Target - Oahu, Hawaii: April 12-18

Photo Credit: I Shutter

GROCERY

Easter Candy
50% Off
- $1.00 Target Printable Coupon (Hershey's Bliss)
- $1.00 Printable Coupon (Hershey's Bliss)
* Use both the target coupon & manufacture's coupon


HOUSEHOLD

Windex Spray
$2.89
- $2.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $.89

Pledge Fabric Sweeper
$5.99
- $2.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $3.99

Scrubbing Bubble Automatic Shower Cleaner
$14.99
- $10.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $4.99

Clorox Wipes, 3-pk.
$10.39
- $1.00 Target Printable Coupon
- Buy two Clorox® products and get FREE Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes
Frugal Price: $3.13 each

Downy Liquid Softener
$5.14
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $4.14

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you find any good deals you would like to share, please leave comments. I always value your comments.

Check out Target's weekly printable coupons before heading out to a store.

Are you new to using coupons at Target? Read a coupon policy (Click Coupon Policy Info at the top of her blog) & find other great deals information @ Attention Target Shoppers.



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Deals @ Walgreens - Oahu, Hawaii: April 12-18

Photo Credit: Hamed Saber

GROCERY

Blue Diamond Almonds
Buy 1 Get 1 Free @ $3.79
- $1.00/2 Coupon (3/22 Newspaper Insert, exp. 6/30)
- $.50 Printable Coupon - use two
Frugal Price: $1.40 each wyb 2


Flogers Instant Coffee, 8-oz.
$5.99 w/ in-ad coupon
- $.50 Coupon (4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 4/30)
Frugal Price: $5.49

Skippy Peanut Butter
$4.00/2
- $.40 Coupon (3/31 & 4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 6/28)
- $.40 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: $1.60 each wyb 2

Dove Chocolate, 8.5 or 9.5 oz
$7.00/2
- $2.00 Register Reward (to be used on next purchase @ Walgreens)
Frugal Price: $5.00/2 (after RR)

HOUSEHOLD

Kleenex Facial Tissue
$.99 w/ in-ad coupon
- $.50/3 Coupon (4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 5/31)
Frugal Price: $.82 each wyb 3

Duracell Batteries, AA or AAA (16 pk), C or D (8 pk), 9 Volt (4 pk)
$9.99
- $.75 Coupon (4/5 Newspaper Insert, exp. 4/30)
Frugal Price: $9.24

Lysol Products
$5.00/2
- $.50 Printable Coupon (All Purpose Cleaner)
- $.55 Printable Coupon (Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner)
- $.55 Printable Coupon (Bathroom Cleaner)
- $1.00/2 Printable Coupon (Disinfecting Wipes)
- $3.00 Rebate when you buy 3 different Lysol products
Frugal Price: various

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

Colgate Max White or Fresh Toothbrush
$3.29
- $3.29 Register Rewards (to be used on next purchase @ Walgreens)
- $1.00 Printable Coupon

Roc Skin Care
- $4.00 Off
- $3.00 Printable Coupon
- $3.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: various

HEALTH

Advil
$4.00 Off w/ in-ad coupon
- $1.00 Printable Coupon
Frugal Price: various

Excedrin Pain Relief 24-ct. or 20-ct.
Buy 1 Get 1 Free @ $5.29
- $2.00 Printable Coupon (Migraine)
- $2.00 Printable Coupon (Express Gel)
Frugal Price: various

If you find any good deals you would like to share, please leave comments. I always value your comments.

Could not find products you were looking for at a store? Ask for rain checks. Also note that Walgreens stores in Honolulu seem to restock their products on Thursdays.



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