Meet Denise M. Ruggieri of Couponing 4 a Difference.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in South Jersey and aside from blogging I work at Rowan University part-time in the technology training department. It’s a great gig! I get to help others when they have problems working with software (and some hardware) while using marketing skills to promote many of our classes and events. It’s a relaxed atmosphere with a lot of great people.
When not at work I immensely love being with my two-year old, Dante. He’s so much fun to be with. We’ve explored many corners of South Jersey and beyond with our Mom’s Club and all the friends we’ve made. So far he is my only child.
One of my biggest hobbies is learning. I could probably take a class on anything. Some things I’ve explored include blogging, cooking, jewelry making, iPad tips and tricks, and scrapbooking. Advancing my cooking skills is up next.
Other thing of note, I love to travel. If I were monetarily rich, I’d be home for a few months and away for a few months. I’ve been to 12 countries, 6 islands, and twenty-some states. Love exploring new areas.
What is your blog about?
Couponing, frugal finds, and freebies. Oh, and you’ll get to know a little about me, my precious son, Dante, my hubby, Nick, and our fun travels through this journey of life.
Is there a story behind your blog name?
Yes, I’ve always had a love for couponing – particularly finding out what others like and finding a coupon for them to use. I get a real rush out of saving others money! One day as I was listening to K-Love, a Christian radio station, I heard a story about a little girl who was sitting on the bathroom floor at school eating balloons. When approached by a teacher as to why she was doing that she said that she was starving because her parents had no money for food. That hit me right in my heart and I knew I had to do something no matter how big or small. That is how Couponing 4 a Difference was born. I try to use coupons (as many coupon bloggers do) to find inexpensive things to donate.
Additionally, I am trying to raise revenue through a couponing service that generates money when you print coupons (please go print, print print!), and other money making tactics. Ten percent of whatever I earn goes to the Food Bank of South Jersey. I’ll be making my first donation in the coming weeks!
Who or what inspires you?
Those who have a willingness to learn new things and not judge others when they don’t know something. I am also inspired by the thousands of successful bloggers out there that do creative things to get their blog noticed.
What is your favorite social network and why?
Pinterest because I am very visual. I just have to figure out how to make it work for my blog more.
What is your biggest claim to fame?
I wrote on an ongoing basis for Down Jersey Magazine on topics such as cake decorating, a program where children read to dogs to improve their reading skills, restaurant reviews, Millville Raceway…well you get the point. The only reason I stopped was that they were taken over and no longer exist. I also achieved my graduate degree in writing from Rowan University, an accomplishment I never thought I’d achieve.
When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I never really knew what I specifically wanted to do and now I know why! Blogging wasn’t around thirty-some years ago! The indecisiveness is also a reflection on my personality. I like to keep an open mind and see what new opportunities present themselves with all things.
What subject would you like to blog about but won’t?
Travel but only because I work a part-time job and often feel like I can’t keep up with my current blog, Couponing 4 a Difference. If I had all the time in the world I’d do it!
What would be your dream brand to work with?
Corvette and Disney. Love ‘em both.
What is your favorite blog or blogger that is not your own?
What is your favorite indulgence?
Chocolate, Riesling, and frequent travel. My family and I have been blessed with many trips.
Be sure to follow Denise on Facebook and Twitter, and visit her at Couponing 4 a Difference.
Jo-Lynne Shane
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I love that you are giving part of your earnings to charity! That is beautiful. So sad that any child was ever eating a balloon. That breaks my heart. I am impressed with your extensive travels. I hope you can go on many more trips since it is something you love so much!
Loved hearing about you! Am a ‘learning addict’ as well so I know exactly where you are coming from. Congrats on your blog (I sooo love couponing)I’ve been doing it for… well…too many years to count, but it’s been a real learning curve from being an occasional couponer to a dedicated one. Look forward to following you.