I haven’t had a whole lot of in-depth, heartfelt moments here on my blog for a while. Tay and I have been busy busy busy, so I haven’t had time to brain dump in far too long! I have been getting more and more work projects, and I am having a BLAST with them. I never thought I’d love work. But, I do! I have also been working with the church on a really cool project, as well. Then, we cram in small groups, play dates, exercise, errands, and chores on top of all that. It’s been busy, but SUCH a blessing to be involved in all that we are.
It’s not healthy for me to go long periods of time letting thoughts and emotions accumulate in my mind without spilling them onto paper (well, web-paper). So, I’ll be regurgitating some brainwaves soon. If I know what’s good for me.
Until then…
I just got this picture from Tay’s school. They had a photographer come in to take twenties-themed photos of the kids. I told the photographer to not even bother taking Tay’s picture because that themed/dress-up stuff is just SO not me. But, when the pictures came back, I had to eat my words. My little twenties toddler is adorable! Slightly horrified and/or confused, but adorable nonetheless.
And here is the other thing that is EATING my time. It’s triple coupon week at Harris Teeter! I will not share how awesome it has been going just yet. I still have three good shopping days left and I want to save the total tallying until the end. Taylor has been a trooper though. She has become great friends with Harry the dinosaur (or is he a dragon?). We see him quite frequently these days. And he’s the only one that doesn’t run when we approach the store.
Filed under: Coupon Crazy
After getting the most coupon-stuffed newspaper I have ever received, then reading about all of the drugstore freebies for the week, I nearly fainted. I am not exaggerating when I say that my heart was racing. My feet were doing a strange gotta-pee-type-dance as I stood at my computer (too excited to sit) and typed all of the deal scenarios into my weekly spreadsheet. I could barely contain my excitement… so my car drove me straight to Rite Aid. I just couldn’t wait. My heart couldn’t have handled it.
Let me break this down for you.
I got:
13 popcorn balls (for the trick-or-treaters!)
6 king size candy bars (for the really good costumes…or me)
3 AirWick motion sensor air fresheners (valued at $10 a piece)
10 large bottles of Johnson & Johnson baby soap products (valued at $5.50 a piece)
My total? An $8 profit!
And that’s not the only exciting news.
Since I have become so involved with — and excited about — couponing, a few friends have asked how they, too, can achieve such savings bliss. So, I have decided to offer a couponing workshop. Yep, I’m going on tour.
Date TBD — likely a Saturday coming soon. 9:30-11:30 am. Location TBA.
I love love love teaching this stuff — it has changed my financial life forever, and I love watching it change the lives of others. I feel strongly that this coupon craziness is God’s way of providing for my family. Now, it’s my turn to spread the savings love! So, let me know if you’re interested in changing your life signing up! 😉
After consulting with my calculator and handy-dandy accordion file of receipts, I have some figures that will likely knock your socks off. I have saved a total of $1,247.08 since I started couponing on June 24th, 2009. I have spent a total of $203.71 in groceries over those TEN weeks. That’s an average expense of $20.37 per week in groceries, as opposed to our average weekly expense of $150.00 in the past. That’s a savings of $130.00 per week! It’s an understatement to say that couponing has paid off significantly for our family.
Now consider a slightly larger family; a family of nine. A family that has endured tremendous tragedy, including a horrible car accident that nearly took the life of the family’s father last year. A family that has survived physical, emotional, and financial turmoil on faith, and faith alone.
He was in a car accident that left him paralyzed. “I could only maybe wiggle my toe very slightly,” said David. He suffered injuries to his neck and spine, and had to have a rod put in his hip. “So many things went through my head. I’m not going to walk again, my kids, my family,” added David. His doctor’s were also doubtful he would walk again. But through hours of intense occupational and physical therapy four days a week for months, he has improved. David said, “Faith. Faith kicks in. My faith in God that kicked in. I’m a true believer and that kicked in. Today I can hold my son that I couldn’t hold when the accident happened.” Now David is walking on a treadmill, lifting weights and eyeing a normal life.” — Star News
Not only has David made miraculous progress in his recovery, but a sweet love story has come of the accident as well.
From the first time they met, David knew he didn’t want to lose sight of Aimee. A total stranger, she helped rescue him from the wreckage of his taxi cab last summer and then talked to him, keeping him awake until an ambulance arrived. The nearly head-on collision on Wrightsville Avenue broke David’s neck and leg, leaving him unable to move, even as his car filled with smoke. Aimee and another woman stopped their car and ordered bystanders to carry David from his cab, across two lanes of traffic to safety. Soon after, David called Aimee an angel who gave him a chance to raise his children. They became friends, and months after the wreck Aimee was there when David’s wife gave birth to the couple’s seventh child. Less than six months after their unlikely meeting, David’s good Samaritan will become family when Aimee marries his younger brother Chris. — Star News
So cool and so beautiful! There is only One that could create such an amazing story of triumph, faith and love.
I was blessed with the opportunity to meet the mother of this family, a connection made by a women from my church that saw a need and a possible way to satisfy that need. I was asked to meet with her in order to share my couponing strategies, something that might make providing for a family of nine just a little bit easier.
Ya’ll, this lady is amazing. I sat there… and interrogated the poor woman! I mean, really. She’s raised SEVEN children. Survived tremendous tragedy only to come out the other side with rock solid faith. I knew that I had a lot I could learn from her. So, I asked her questions about keeping her faith strong during struggle, about parenting, about making time for herself in what has to be a hectic home, even asked advice on how to teach children how to learn particular lessons. She gave me so many ideas. So much inspiration. She just radiated love, strength, and intelligence.
And I shared what I felt like was nothing in comparison to what she had taught me. She already knew a good bit about couponing, but was intrigued by new ideas for organization and additional money-saving tips. Honestly, I don’t feel that I offered her much. Instead, it was me that gained a lifetime of lessons. I look forward to our new friendship, and for what I will learn from this amazing woman of faith.
In the words of my new friend, “Just because your world falls apart doesn’t mean your faith has to. Be encouraged!”
Filed under: Coupon Crazy
My passion for couponing has escalated. My heart starts racing and my legs start twitching when I hear the words “sale” or “buy 2, get 3 free” or “freebate”. It’s bad.
Last week, we had just come off of a Super Doubles week when they announced that they were doing Triple Coupons. Oh goodness gracious. I broke out the spreadsheet and my accordion coupon organizer and started strategizing. You see, you can only use 20 coupons per visit, and there are lots of special rebate deals when you buy certain products together. So, you really have to map out your trips. I ended up going every single day of triples (that’s one trip a day for SEVEN days). Can you say, annoying customer? But, you know what? I don’t mind the hateful looks from shelf stocking staff and the produce catapulted at my head, if it makes cents. And it does.
I added up all of my trips from last week and my grand total was:
$46.04 out of pocket, for a total of
$344.75 worth of groceries.
That’s a savings of $298.71! We got everything from free school supplies and healthy snacks, to band-aids and baby wipes. It was awesome. For me anyway. The cashiers? Not so much.
This week, it’s just a normal week. And I STILL found a way to walk away with 6 free yogurts, 2 packs of free bacon, super cheap tortillas, and super cheap good-brand coffee (that’s a real special treat for the husband). And I still have more coupons for all of the above. I predict a repeat trip over the weekend.
And, guess what has been announced for next week? SUPER DOUBLES. Oh my. I still haven’t quite caught my breath from last week. And, I’m pretty certain my pantry and freezer are going to need reinforcements. I’m considering turning my coat closet into a stockpile pantry, and my bathtub into a deep freezer. Does that make me certifiably crazy?
Nah. According to the cashier that loves me the most (that’s being said in the most sarcastic tone possible), I am the town’s coupon queen. Someone find me a coupon for a crown.
Filed under: Coupon Crazy
So, we had a very low-key weekend where the camera actually stayed put in my purse the entire time. I believe that is a first in my life. I promise to have lots of pictures to share shortly though because my Mom is flying into town tomorrow to stay and play for a week. So prepare yourselves for a picture overload soon.
In the meantime, I wanted to give you a short update on my extreme couponing craze. I am now well-known at the local Harris Teeter, Rite Aid and Walgreens. Not sure if that is a good thing. In fact, judging by the sighs I hear from management when I enter the store, I’m pretty sure it’s not a good thing. Except in the case of my wallet. I have been loving stocking my pantry for pennies.
I won’t bore all of you non-couponing folk with an elaborate explanation, but let me just tell you that I have saved over $300 in groceries in just the past two weeks. Yeah. I do want to recap my morning for you though, and then I’ll stop talking. Today, Taylor and I headed out to Rite Aid and Walgreens, prepped with a detailed shopping list and corresponding coupons. Here’s what I got:
Rite Aid Transaction 1
Bought:
(1) Renu Multipurpose twin pack $9.99
(1) Goldfish Snackpack $0.99
(1) Natrol Probiotic $8.99
(1) Zantac 150 $4.99
Used:
-$5 off $25
-$2 off Renu
-$3 off Natrol
-$3 off Zantac
Total Due: $11.96
Got Back: $23.97 in rebates, made $12.01 profit!
Rite Aid Transaction 2
Bought:
(1) Crest Pro Health Toothpaste $2.79
(1) Garnier Fructis Shampoo $2.99
(1) Skin Clinic Wart Remover $14.99
(1) GE Light Bulbs $2
(1) Oragel training toothpaste $2.99
Used:
-$5 off $25
-$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste
-$1 off Garnier Fructis
Total Due: $19.01
Got Back: $21.78 in rebates, made $2.77 profit!
Walgreens Transaction 1
Bought:
(1) Colgate Toothbrush 360 Sonic $5
(1) Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant $5.99
Used:
-$1 off Colgate Sonic power toothbrush
-$2 off Clinical Deodorant
-$5RR
Total Due: $2.99
Walgreens Transaction 2
Bought:
(2) Kellogs Special K Cereal
(2) Boxes Poptarts
(2) Boxes Rice Crispy Treats
(2) Boxes Nutrigrain Bars
(2) Boxes Keebler Cookies
Used:
-$1 off 2 for every item purchased
Total Due: $17
Got Back: $17 in rebates, makes it all free!
So, between Rite Aid and Walgreens in just this morning, I got $83.71 worth of products for a $11.79 profit!!! Now you can see why couponing is so much fun. (Or maybe you can’t and I really am crazy). Oh, and no, we don’t have warts or heartburn. The products were money-makers, so I figured, why not? Anyway, the above savings obviously doesn’t even include the $230 I saved at Harris Teeter over the past two weeks. I love it.
OK, the Tater Tot is awake. Must go feed her some of the new FREE yummy snacks we now have in our kitchen!!!
Filed under: Coupon Crazy
OK, I have received two messages an overwhelming response to my recent Coupon Crazy post. You want to know just how it is that I accomplish this fun feat. First of all, I want to thank the Academy. My family. My local gas station. And, most importantly, the girls from my Mommy’s small group. Honestly, it’s these fellow crazy clipping Mommies that are the experts.
Before I start, for most of you that read this blog just to see Taylor and hear about her sassy antics, I promise that this won’t become a bargain blog. However, I will most definitely be sharing, from time to time, my saving victories and new resources that are sent my way.
Now, back to business. Keep in mind that I am still a novice at this. But, here are the steps to saving as I have taken them. Shop on, friends!
STEP 1: Choose a Sales Database
In my opinion, Southern Savers is the way to go. I tried the Grocery Game and just didn’t love it. GG charges a subscription; SS does not. They both provide the same info, as far as I could tell. GG may have more pretty colors and spreadsheets but I really didn’t want to pay for a service when I was trying to learn to save. So, SouthernSavers.com. Visit the site, familiarize yourself with the data and lingo, check out the Getting Started Guides at the top of the toolbar, and make sure you subscribe to their emails.
STEP 2: Start Buying Sunday Papers
In our area, The Raleigh News & Observer is the best paper for Sunday coupons. Note that you must physically find a store/gas station that carries this paper, go out, and buy it every Sunday. I tried subscribing and having it sent to my home, but they do not include coupons in mailed subscriptions. Do they think I wanted the papers for the news? Uh, no. So, start buying Sunday’s papers. Also note that you have to go early. Like before the early service at church. There are more than a few crazy coupon clippers out there camping out and waiting for the papers to arrive. Also, before you let the paper box’s door close, make sure your paper has the coupons included — some people just grab the coupons and leave the paper, I guess for those that actually buy the paper for the paper. Whoever you are.
STEP 3: Collect and Prepare
I have been collecting coupons for 3 weeks so far and am just now starting to see big returns. Simply put, the more coupons you have, the more you will save. Read SS’s article on coupon organization and choose a plan that works for you. For me, it’s plan #1. Organize yourself and then start looking for your store of choice’s weekly specials to be unveiled on SS. They usually post the week’s specials a few days before they are announced/take effect. SS will list the specials, the coupons that pair with the specials (and the circular name/date that has the coupon), and (usually) the resulting cost (pennies, free, etc). Make sure you read all of the comments on the week’s posts before you go — members often have found other deals and coupons that are not included in the article that you’ll want to take advantage of.
STEP 4: Shop till You Drop
Once you have all of your coupons and your grocery list compiled, head to the store. Scour the aisles (I keep my coupons in order of how the store is laid out) and find your deals. Then, head to check out. From what I understand, most stores only allow 20 coupons per transaction, so you may have to ring up in multiple orders. (I have not yet been asked to do so, but most of my friends have). Finally, watch the total add up as the items are purchased, then watch as the total drops dramatically as the coupons are calculated! Savings success! Skip out of the store with free groceries, a balloon and a cookie.
Again, I have only been doing this for 3 weeks and have learned a TON of information. Some people, like Southern Savers, dedicate their lives to this game, so there is no way I can include all of the tricks of the trade in one post. But I hope that this gives you two all hundreds of you a good start. It’s an awesome awesome game. Give yourself at least 3 weeks and you, too, will be coupon crazy!
Filed under: Coupon Crazy
I am officially a Coupon Mom. Several of my friends have recently become champions at this very complicated, yet rewarding, game. And they are training me to become a Money Saving Maven as well. I have only been collecting coupons for three weeks so far, so my results are not optimal just yet. However, I have already gotten a taste of sweet saving victory. Clipping coupons and matching them with sale items at Harris Teeter has come to be one of my favorite pastimes.
Last week, I MADE money by going shopping. I bought 5 bags of Kraft Shredded Cheese, 4 Dannon All Natural Yogurts, and a bag of Wacky Mac. My total? A $2 profit! I literally vibrated out of the store on my phone, not wasting a moment to call my coupon companions with the news.
Today is the first day of Super Doubles at the Teeter. They are doubling all coupons $1.98 or less (it’s usually $0.99 or less). This morning, I spent $14 and saved $60! I walked out with a boatload of groceries, from Starbucks Ice Cream and Deli Breads to Turkey Dogs and Crackers. Most of the groceries, after coupons and sales, ended up costing just pennies, if not free. Free toothpaste, free shave gel, free worcestershire sauce, free mac n’ cheese, and so on. And these are name brand items! Colgate, Kraft, French’s, Ritz, etc. Something this former Wal-Mart shopper isn’t used to!
I am still gathering more coupons to use during this week’s Super Doubles. Look out Teeter, Super Coupon Mom will be BACK!
Peanut and Poppy 