I have a full roster of classes at Waubonsee Community College this summer...some are old favorites, but we've added two new classes to the mix. Here's what I have in store for you this summer at WCC:
Coupon Mastery
Master couponers are able to cut their grocery and drug store bills in half and obtain products for free! You can too! Become a master shopper with knowledge of the how, where, and when of serious couponing. Learn the rules for spotting the best deals in stores; pairing coupons with sales, rebates, and customer loyalty programs; and using the best coupon web sites. Join shopper Amanda Grant (that's me!) in pursuit of the perfect balance of efficient and ethical couponing techniques.
Section One: at the Sugar Grove campus, June 21-July 5, 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Section Two: at the downtown Aurora campus, July 9-23, 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Live Well, Spend Less!
Join instructor Amanda Grant (yours truly!) to collaborate and share great ways to experience ''the good life" on a tight budget. Amanda believes you can spend less and still live well. Find out how! Get ready to give and receive leads, tips and sources for exciting free or low cost entertainment sources, tips and recipes for succulent meals on just pennies, hip fashion-forward clothing at a fraction of retail cost, and even bartering/trading for goods and services. The group's best ideas will appear on Amanda's blog, "The Martha Initiative." (which is what you are reading right now...mind = blown!)
at the Plano campus, July 19-August 2, 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Blogging Boot Camp (NEW!)
Blogging does not come naturally to everyone - don't be intimidated - be outstanding! Discover best practices and tools and techniques for creating an effective online presence. Find out how to use blogging techniques, learn the critical elements of every blog, and how to make a good blog entry even better. Note: Novice and experienced bloggers welcome.
at the Sugar Grove campus, July 14 (Saturday), 9am-12pm. Cost: $39.00
Facebook 101 (NEW!)
Facebook is everywhere, but do you ever feel like maybe it?s not all that clear to you? Discover the simple tools you need to reconnect, keep in touch, and have a presence on the web without the necessity of building a website. You?ll learn the tools necessary to help you become a networking socialite. Note: Beginner and experienced Facebook users welcome.
at the Sugar Grove campus, June 18-21, 2:30-4pm. Cost: $39.00
Online Social Networking for Beginners
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, and more - these forms of online social networking can be both exciting and intimidating for beginners. Learn the basics of each program and application and how to apply them to your life for job searches, reunions with old friends, communication with loved ones, and creative self-expression. Online social networking has its own etiquette, language, and pitfalls - we'll explore how to use the various forms safely and effectively.
at the Sugar Grove campus, July 19-July 10, 7:30-9pm. Cost: $39.00
Online Social Networking Continued
Gain confidence and skill with social online networking! Continue to develop the skills you learned in the beginner class. Further instruction and practice will increase your ability to apply and adapt online networking into your life for communication with loved ones, creative self-expression, and job searches.
at the Sugar Grove campus, July 17-31, 7:30-9pm. Cost: $39.00
Interested in any or all of these classes? Begin the enrollment process here. I hope to see you in class soon!
Showing posts with label Waubonsee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Waubonsee. Show all posts
Monday, April 9, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
You can do this, too!
As you know, I teach a Coupon Mastery course at Waubonsee Community College. It's a fun class and not just because I sometimes bring in shopping trips for show-and-tell that may or may not have the shampoo lid securely fastened, thereby covering all my purchases in Pantene. Ahem.
In my class, I teach the basics of frugal shopping: finding coupons, which blogs and websites are worth your time, organizing coupons, efficient and ethical coupon use, and how to get the best deals at area stores. By using coupons and shopping smart, I regularly save 50-60% off my grocery bills, and I get many items for free at area drug stores.
For example, here's my CVS Thanksgiving Day shopping trip:
Here are some close-up pictures of what I got:
There's brand name cereal, dishwasher detergent, medicine, candy, nail polish, toothbrushes, Kleenex, a universal remote control and more.
This merchandise is worth $136.17, and I only paid $13.75 out of pocket for it. And the truth is, I even made a mistake during this shopping trip. Had I gotten my coffee before I shopped instead of after, I would have been more alert and saved myself about $4.50 out of pocket.
Here's what I got from Walgreen's on Thanksgiving:
And here are some close-up photos of the merchandise:
At Walgreen's I got toothpaste, laundry detergent, deodorant, razors, hair ties, toothbrushes, medicine, probiotics, vitamins and more.
This merchandise is worth over $242.14, and yet I paid only $17.68 out of pocket. Keep in mind that the majority of the out-of-pocket expense is tax.
I can teach you how to do this! My class is aimed at folks who are new to couponing, and those who coupon a bit but are looking to take their skills to the next level. Of course, everyone is welcome, no matter if you are a coupon newbie or a coupon master. If you have doubts about taking a couponing class, read this testimonial from a student who took my class in Spring 2011. Then, sign up for Coupon Mastery. There are two sections this semester, and the first one begins in two weeks at the downtown Aurora campus from February 9-23. The second session will be at the Plano campus March 15-29. I hope to see you there!
Happy couponing!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Upcoming Waubonsee Classes (Spring 2012)
The spring semester is just getting started at Waubonsee Community College, and I got quite a shock when I opened the non-credit course catalog. I'm on page 5!
And on page 12 is a lovely testimonial from Theresa La Rocco who took my Coupon Mastery class last spring:
Isn't that awesome?! Today, I'm in the Waubonsee Community College course catalog. I fully expect to have my own television show by the end of the week.
In the meantime, you might want to sign up for these classes now before I turn into a full-blown diva:
Live Well, Spend Less!
at the Plano campus January 24-February 7, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Join me to collaborate and share great ways to experience ''the good life" on a tight budget. It is possible to spend less and still live well. Find out how! Get ready to give and receive leads, tips and sources for exciting free or low cost entertainment sources, hip fashion-forward clothing at a fraction of retail cost, and even bartering/trading for goods and services. The group's best ideas will appear on The Martha Initiative.
Coupon Mastery --Now with two available sections!
1. at the downtown Aurora campus February 9-23, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
2. at the Plano campus March 15-29, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Master couponers are able to cut their grocery and drug store bills in half and obtain products for free! You can too! Become a master shopper with knowledge of the how, where, and when of serious couponing. Learn the rules for spotting the best deals in stores; pairing coupons with sales, rebates, and customer loyalty programs; and using the best coupon web sites. Join me in pursuit of the perfect balance of efficient and ethical couponing techniques.
Online Social Networking for Beginners
at the Sugar Grove campus February 13-March 5, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $39.00
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, and more - these forms of online social networking can be both exciting and intimidating for beginners. Learn the basics of each program and application and how to apply them to your life for job searches, reunions with old friends, communication with loved ones, and creative self-expression. Online social networking has its own etiquette, language, and pitfalls - we'll explore how to use the various forms safely and effectively.
Online Social Networking Continued
at the Sugar Grove campus March 12-26, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $39.00
Gain confidence and skill with social online networking! Continue to develop the skills you learned in the beginner class. Further instruction and practice will increase your ability to apply and adapt online networking into your life for communication with loved ones, creative self-expression, and job searches.
As I've mentioned here before, I really enjoy teaching at Waubonsee. I've met a lot of terrific people through these classes, and we all have a lot of fun. I hope to see you in a class soon!
And if there's a class or topic you'd like me to teach at Waubonsee, or anywhere else in the Western Suburbs, please let me know in the comments. Thank you!
And on page 12 is a lovely testimonial from Theresa La Rocco who took my Coupon Mastery class last spring:
Isn't that awesome?! Today, I'm in the Waubonsee Community College course catalog. I fully expect to have my own television show by the end of the week.
In the meantime, you might want to sign up for these classes now before I turn into a full-blown diva:
Live Well, Spend Less!
at the Plano campus January 24-February 7, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Join me to collaborate and share great ways to experience ''the good life" on a tight budget. It is possible to spend less and still live well. Find out how! Get ready to give and receive leads, tips and sources for exciting free or low cost entertainment sources, hip fashion-forward clothing at a fraction of retail cost, and even bartering/trading for goods and services. The group's best ideas will appear on The Martha Initiative.
Coupon Mastery --Now with two available sections!
1. at the downtown Aurora campus February 9-23, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
2. at the Plano campus March 15-29, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $29.00
Master couponers are able to cut their grocery and drug store bills in half and obtain products for free! You can too! Become a master shopper with knowledge of the how, where, and when of serious couponing. Learn the rules for spotting the best deals in stores; pairing coupons with sales, rebates, and customer loyalty programs; and using the best coupon web sites. Join me in pursuit of the perfect balance of efficient and ethical couponing techniques.
Online Social Networking for Beginners
at the Sugar Grove campus February 13-March 5, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $39.00
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, and more - these forms of online social networking can be both exciting and intimidating for beginners. Learn the basics of each program and application and how to apply them to your life for job searches, reunions with old friends, communication with loved ones, and creative self-expression. Online social networking has its own etiquette, language, and pitfalls - we'll explore how to use the various forms safely and effectively.
Online Social Networking Continued
at the Sugar Grove campus March 12-26, 2012 from 7:30-9pm. Cost: $39.00
Gain confidence and skill with social online networking! Continue to develop the skills you learned in the beginner class. Further instruction and practice will increase your ability to apply and adapt online networking into your life for communication with loved ones, creative self-expression, and job searches.
As I've mentioned here before, I really enjoy teaching at Waubonsee. I've met a lot of terrific people through these classes, and we all have a lot of fun. I hope to see you in a class soon!
And if there's a class or topic you'd like me to teach at Waubonsee, or anywhere else in the Western Suburbs, please let me know in the comments. Thank you!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sign up now for 'Happy Holidays!'
For the fall semester, my Live Well, Spend Less! course has been divided into three one-night seminars for a fun "Happy Holidays" series:
Creative Gift Solutions at the downtown Aurora campus
Monday, October 24, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00 (The cost of $59.00 as listed in the WCC course catalog is incorrect.)
We'll focus on fabulous and frugal gifts for everyone on your list, as well as great gifts for families, online deals and homemade goodies that friends and family will be delighted to receive. I'll have great ideas to help you shop for even the hardest-to-please person on your list. I understand that resources are limited, and my suggestions for holiday gift-giving will leave you with time and money to spare!
Perfect Party Solutions at the Sugar Grove campus
Monday, November 7, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00
Does the thought of hosting a holiday gathering have you stressed? I'll have tips and tricks for organizing and hosting everything from office cocktail parties to family feasts that will make you the host with the most! Whether it's a simple gathering for friends or a 7-course meal for fussy in-laws, I'll help you create a memorable event. Be careful, following my suggestions could have your family begging you to host the holidays every year!
Holiday Activities for the Whole Family at the Plano campus
Monday, November 21, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00
I firmly believe that the holidays should be a time for fun, family and friends...if your holiday preparations have you threatening to cancel the whole season, then something must change! Let me help you find ways to reconnect with your family during this busy season, whether it be by creating new traditions, improving upon old ones, or finding ways to tackle holiday chores in ways that will leave the entire family feeling merry.
Registration information is at the links. As always, you can find all of my Waubonsee Community College courses listed to the right. I hope to see you in one soon!
Creative Gift Solutions at the downtown Aurora campus
Monday, October 24, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00 (The cost of $59.00 as listed in the WCC course catalog is incorrect.)
We'll focus on fabulous and frugal gifts for everyone on your list, as well as great gifts for families, online deals and homemade goodies that friends and family will be delighted to receive. I'll have great ideas to help you shop for even the hardest-to-please person on your list. I understand that resources are limited, and my suggestions for holiday gift-giving will leave you with time and money to spare!
Perfect Party Solutions at the Sugar Grove campus
Monday, November 7, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00
Does the thought of hosting a holiday gathering have you stressed? I'll have tips and tricks for organizing and hosting everything from office cocktail parties to family feasts that will make you the host with the most! Whether it's a simple gathering for friends or a 7-course meal for fussy in-laws, I'll help you create a memorable event. Be careful, following my suggestions could have your family begging you to host the holidays every year!
Holiday Activities for the Whole Family at the Plano campus
Monday, November 21, 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $19.00
I firmly believe that the holidays should be a time for fun, family and friends...if your holiday preparations have you threatening to cancel the whole season, then something must change! Let me help you find ways to reconnect with your family during this busy season, whether it be by creating new traditions, improving upon old ones, or finding ways to tackle holiday chores in ways that will leave the entire family feeling merry.
Registration information is at the links. As always, you can find all of my Waubonsee Community College courses listed to the right. I hope to see you in one soon!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Register now to live well and spend less!
Quick reminder: my next Live Well, Spend Less! course at Waubonsee Community College starts next week on Monday, July 18 at the Sugar Grove campus. To get a small taste of this class, check out my blog post on living well and spending less in the summer. Also, take a peek at what we accomplished in this class during the spring semester. The best ideas featured in the class (as determined by the participants) will make it onto The Martha Initiative.
Sign up for the class here. You can find it by typing in the class title: Live Well, Spend Less; or by typing in my last name: Grant. As always, you can see a list of all of my upcoming courses on the right sidebar. I hope you can join me at Waubonsee!
Sign up for the class here. You can find it by typing in the class title: Live Well, Spend Less; or by typing in my last name: Grant. As always, you can see a list of all of my upcoming courses on the right sidebar. I hope you can join me at Waubonsee!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Living well and spending less in the summer
We're one day into summer, and already I feel it slipping through my fingers. Like any season, it comes and goes too quickly for me. This year, I am determined to have a full and fun summer...and, because I am frugal and already spent all of my money on my garden, the activities to fill my summer need to be free.
Fortunately, there's lots of free (or low-cost) and fun activities in the Fox Valley. Already, my summer calender includes dates of free concerts, festivals, farm days, kids activities and more. For example, this weekend we'll attend River Night (including an outdoor concert) in nearby Yorkville, and then head to Blackberry Farm for a kid-friendly Tractor Show. But how do you find out about such things?
I always start my search with the internet at city websites. Take a look at the "Events" (sometimes listed as "Calender") page of your city/town/village, and see what they have listed. Then look at the websites of cities/towns/villages within driving distance to see what activities they offer. The fun stuff I found by looking at the city websites of Aurora, Yorkville, Montgomery and Oswego were enough to fill our calender for the next two months. And I haven't even gotten to North Aurora's website yet!
If you aren't finding much on your city's website, or you want even more options, try looking for fun free activities here:
Fortunately, there's lots of free (or low-cost) and fun activities in the Fox Valley. Already, my summer calender includes dates of free concerts, festivals, farm days, kids activities and more. For example, this weekend we'll attend River Night (including an outdoor concert) in nearby Yorkville, and then head to Blackberry Farm for a kid-friendly Tractor Show. But how do you find out about such things?
I always start my search with the internet at city websites. Take a look at the "Events" (sometimes listed as "Calender") page of your city/town/village, and see what they have listed. Then look at the websites of cities/towns/villages within driving distance to see what activities they offer. The fun stuff I found by looking at the city websites of Aurora, Yorkville, Montgomery and Oswego were enough to fill our calender for the next two months. And I haven't even gotten to North Aurora's website yet!
If you aren't finding much on your city's website, or you want even more options, try looking for fun free activities here:
- Local park district--Ours offers a number of free programs throughout the summer, and they also sponsor several outdoor concerts at park locations.
- Local library--I've stated before how much I adore our library for its free programs and seminars. Occasionally, they also have visiting musicians/musical groups for free. Many libraries have summer reading programs (including prizes!) for kids.
- Local forest preserve--This is an often-overlooked resource. Many forest preserves offer free or low-cost educational/fun programs and activities. Check not only your local forest preserve, but also the forest preserves of your neighboring counties.
- County fairs--Nearly every populated county in America has a fair in the summer. These cost money to attend, but it's worth it. If the fair is too costly for you, keep in mind that the fairgrounds are in use throughout the summer for other activities. Our county fairgrounds hosts shows, concerts and monthly flea markets. Check out the schedule for fairgrounds of neighboring counties--you might be surprised at all they have to offer.
- Local businesses--many home improvement stores, such as Lowe's and Home Depot, offer fun and free activities on the weekends for kids, as do craft stores, such as Michael's and JoAnn's. Take advantage of these crafty clinics! Your kids will love them.
- Do a google search of your city + free and see what comes up! That's how I found the blog "Free Things to do in Aurora, IL." How handy is that? Perhaps you have something similar for your town.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cookies and classes!
I'm approaching 100 "likes" on The Martha Initiative facebook page, and I'm thrilled! Thanks to everyone for all of the facebook love. And in anticipation of reaching that magical number, I've decided to celebrate.
Here's the deal: when I reach 100 "likes" I'm going to draw a name at random and one lucky facebook fan is going to get two dozen custom decorated sugar cookies.
I'll draw a name next week at this time (Friday, June 3 at 12:00pm) provided I have at least 100 fans. Are you not a fan? Don't worry, you can be! Just head on over to The Martha Initiative on facebook and click "Like."
*****************************************************************
As we move into the summer months, I'd like to remind everyone in the Fox Valley area about my upcoming community education classes at Waubonsee Community College:
Online Social Networking for Beginners at the downtown Aurora campus
Tuesdays, June 7-28 from 7:30-9:00pm
XTreme Couponing at the Plano campus
Tuesdays, July 5-12 from 7:30-9:00pm
Live Well. Spend Less! at the Sugar Grove campus
Mondays, July 18-August 1 from 7:30-9:00pm
Thanks a bunch, and have a safe and fun holiday weekend!
Here's the deal: when I reach 100 "likes" I'm going to draw a name at random and one lucky facebook fan is going to get two dozen custom decorated sugar cookies.
I'll draw a name next week at this time (Friday, June 3 at 12:00pm) provided I have at least 100 fans. Are you not a fan? Don't worry, you can be! Just head on over to The Martha Initiative on facebook and click "Like."
*****************************************************************
As we move into the summer months, I'd like to remind everyone in the Fox Valley area about my upcoming community education classes at Waubonsee Community College:
Online Social Networking for Beginners at the downtown Aurora campus
Tuesdays, June 7-28 from 7:30-9:00pm
XTreme Couponing at the Plano campus
Tuesdays, July 5-12 from 7:30-9:00pm
Live Well. Spend Less! at the Sugar Grove campus
Mondays, July 18-August 1 from 7:30-9:00pm
Thanks a bunch, and have a safe and fun holiday weekend!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Live Well, Spend Less
I just finished "Live Well, Spend Less!" through Waubonsee Community College with a great bunch of gals.
The course description was as follows: Join instructor Amanda Grant to collaborate and share great ways to experience ''the good life" on a tight budget. Amanda believes you can spend less and still live well. Find out how! Get ready to give and receive leads, tips and sources for exciting free or low cost entertainment sources, tips and recipes for succulent meals on just pennies, hip fashion-forward clothing at a fraction of retail cost, and even bartering/trading for goods and services. The group's best ideas will appear on Amanda's blog, "The Martha Initiative."
We spent three weeks sharing tips on where to get bargains on clothes, how to repurpose and refinish furniture, and all the free/cheap activities for kids and families in the Fox Valley area, and much more! Of all the ideas presented in class, from saving money on groceries, clothing, entertainment, furniture, travel, kids' parties and more, a few stood out as class favorites.
Cheryl and Mary Beth are in love with Groupon. Seriously in love. With great deals on restaurants, entertainment and services delivered daily to your inbox, who can blame them? Jennifer was a fan of all the online resources introduced in class, especially EstateSales.net (great resource for finding estate sales in your area) and Restaurant.com.
Mary was excited to learn about the Museum Adventure Pass. Offered by many local libraries, this pass is checked out like a book and can get you free or cheap admission to area museums and cultural institutions. Last year, the TMI Household used the Museum Adventure Pass to take our little family to the Brookfield Zoo...for free! It was a fun day. Now Mary is planning all kinds of free/cheap adventures to take her grandkids on this summer.
Part of the class was sharing tips, and my class had some great ones for me. I've learned about a few awesome resale shops in my area that I'll be checking out soon. I also learned that county forest preserves in the area offer free/cheap educational and fun programs for kids, adults and families. I hope to sign us up, or at least myself, for something soon.
What tips do you have for Living Well and Spending Less? I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks again to Waubonsee Community College for asking me to teach this class, and thanks to all the wonderful women who participated! I had a ton of fun, and I hope you did, too.
The course description was as follows: Join instructor Amanda Grant to collaborate and share great ways to experience ''the good life" on a tight budget. Amanda believes you can spend less and still live well. Find out how! Get ready to give and receive leads, tips and sources for exciting free or low cost entertainment sources, tips and recipes for succulent meals on just pennies, hip fashion-forward clothing at a fraction of retail cost, and even bartering/trading for goods and services. The group's best ideas will appear on Amanda's blog, "The Martha Initiative."
We spent three weeks sharing tips on where to get bargains on clothes, how to repurpose and refinish furniture, and all the free/cheap activities for kids and families in the Fox Valley area, and much more! Of all the ideas presented in class, from saving money on groceries, clothing, entertainment, furniture, travel, kids' parties and more, a few stood out as class favorites.
Cheryl and Mary Beth are in love with Groupon. Seriously in love. With great deals on restaurants, entertainment and services delivered daily to your inbox, who can blame them? Jennifer was a fan of all the online resources introduced in class, especially EstateSales.net (great resource for finding estate sales in your area) and Restaurant.com.
Mary was excited to learn about the Museum Adventure Pass. Offered by many local libraries, this pass is checked out like a book and can get you free or cheap admission to area museums and cultural institutions. Last year, the TMI Household used the Museum Adventure Pass to take our little family to the Brookfield Zoo...for free! It was a fun day. Now Mary is planning all kinds of free/cheap adventures to take her grandkids on this summer.
Part of the class was sharing tips, and my class had some great ones for me. I've learned about a few awesome resale shops in my area that I'll be checking out soon. I also learned that county forest preserves in the area offer free/cheap educational and fun programs for kids, adults and families. I hope to sign us up, or at least myself, for something soon.
What tips do you have for Living Well and Spending Less? I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks again to Waubonsee Community College for asking me to teach this class, and thanks to all the wonderful women who participated! I had a ton of fun, and I hope you did, too.
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