It's a Good Week for Coupons

I didn't make it to church this morning. I woke up not feeling normal, but I made it as far as the shower, where I got very sick. Sorry if that is way too much information. Scott and Ada, who were already dressed for church, were out picking up newspapers for me as I was sick in the shower. When they got back to pick me up, I sent them on without me, and I lay down on the couch. While there, I began to look through today's coupons.

Here's the deal. If you haven't started couponing yet, this week would be a great week to start. Kroger is having a mega sales event, where if you buy ten participating items, you automatically get 5.00 off with your Kroger plus card. This equals lots of cheap groceries after coupons.

What am I most excited about? Just using coupons from today's paper, so even if you have no coupons saved from past weeks, you can get Nabisco crackers (I will be buying wheat thins and whole wheat ritz) for .69 a box, French's mustard for .59 a bottle, and Kraft cheese for .49!!! I am stocking up on cheese. That's an amazing price!!

If you do have coupons from past weeks you can get Electrasol dishwashing tabs for .50 a box (find a 2.50 coupon in the 1/3 Smart Source) and Quaker granola bars for .99 (RP 1/3).

And with no coupons, you can still get great sales prices--goldfish for .88 a pack, Philadelphia cream cheese for .99, Mott's Apple Juice for 1.49 a bottle (I am happy when I can get it for less than 2.00 a bottle), and Tombstone Pizza for 2.50 a pizza (combine this with Fresh Express BOGO salad from Publix, and you have a complete meal).

And this is just a sampling of the deals to be found at Kroger this week. I am so excited.

I did a major grocery shop yesterday, where I spent about 140.00, but came home with 270.00 worth of groceries. I am focusing on stocking my fridge, freezer, and pantry before John is born, and I am definitely taking advantage of the Kroger sales this week to stock up even more.

Anyway, I don't blog about couponing as much as I used to because there are so many sites devoted just to couponing, and I would rather point readers to those sites, but I thought this week was worth mentioning. If you are still hesitating to start, and you have a Kroger near you, this is the week to buy the papers and cut the coupons.

And for more deals at both Kroger and Publix (and other stores too, including Wal-Mart) check out couponmom.com or southernsavers.com, my go-to sales and coupon sources each week.

Getting Back to the Routine

I am feeling more and more pregnant these days. For whatever reason, I have started getting very sick every single morning. I am so tired of this morning ritual, that today, I grabbed a bag, sat down in front of the computer to carry on with my morning, and I just paused every once in a while to get sick. I don't feel nauseous; I just all of sudden know that I am going to be sick. I will take this over that first trimester nausea for sure!! The only problem is, my back and ribs are so sore from going through the process every day. I think I am going to stop the prenatal for a while and return to folic acid and Flintstones to see if that will do the trick.

Yesterday in Auburn, I was also reminded of my pregnancy when I became so drowsy I could hardly stand it. I told mom and my sisters that I wasn't sure how I was going to drive back to Atlanta. I was a bit panicked to be honest with you. I felt like I had been drugged. Mom made the suggestion that I take a quick nap at Kate's house while they ran some errands with Ada in tow, and I was so relieved. The second my head hit Kate's pillow I fell fast asleep. I think I only slept for maybe 30 minutes, but I felt great afterwards. Thank you, mom, for knowing just what I needed.

I think I must have worn myself out this week. Mom and I worked so hard, but I feel so good about everything. The house is in really good shape, and I am now able to feel really excited about John's arrival rather than stressed. Plus, I am more able to enjoy this fall weather and the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas knowing that things are in order. Of course, there is still much to do--paint, furniture, etc. etc., but Ann sent two boxes full of little boy clothes, and I know that it will all get done. A few weeks ago, I wasn't so sure.

In the mean time, the normal routines of life are carrying on. You know, couponing and such. After our morning photo session (more on that later), I took a nap while Ada slept, and then the whole family headed out to Publix and Kroger. It was a successful day. My goal was to stay under 60.00, and I did it. Woo-hoo!!!

Here's my list.

And here are the numbers.

Spent: 57.09

Saved: 73.95

So...131.04 worth of groceries for 57.09. I'll take it!!

Now Ada is in bed, football is on tv, and I have a stack of coupons waiting to be organized. What a glamorous life I live;)

I'll leave you with this image--a little piece of fall from our house to yours.

coupons, coupons, coupons, and other Saturday news

Happy Saturday, everyone.

Oh how I love Saturday. Naps and Scott at home and all of that wonderful stuff.

We started the day with an early morning meeting at church, and then we all three headed to Publix.

Then I spent the afternoon reading Harry Potter and napping. Thank you, Scott.

Now, I am headed upstairs to give this little stinker a bath

And then I plan to tackle this coupon disaster. Wish me luck. Maybe before the night is over, my guest room (and ironing board) will be usable again.

by the way, Friday's doctor appointment did not happen. I dropped Ada off, drove the car onto I-75, headed north towards the city, and proceeded to move at maybe 10 mph, as the rain poured down outside, so hard I could barely see in front of me. Perhaps that is why traffic was practically at a stand still. By the time I reached the airport exit, I was already 30 minutes late to my appointment, and after several phone calls to my doctor's office, we decided that I should, in fact, reschedule, as traffic continued to inch along, showing no signs of speeding up. So...I will try again on Wednesday. We'll see what happens.

Provision and this week's menu (a rather random post, I suppose)

I often feel a bit crazy for making the decision to stay at home with Ada rather than work. Not because I don't see the importance of being at home with Ada, and not even because I think that working would be so fulfilling and fun (I am not that naive, I promise), but because it seems like such a simple way to add some money to the ever tightening budget.

Just yesterday on the way to church, as Scott and I discussed lunch options, money being the deciding factor, I looked at him and said, "Am I crazy for staying at home, am I?" and I really meant it. I needed some confirmation. He quickly confirmed that, no, I am right where I am supposed to be, and I trust his affirmation as the leader of our family.

Just when I begin to wonder if we are not making the wisest decision regarding our family and our finances, God reminds me that he will provide. And, he has. Over and over and over.

This month it seems that our income is needed everywhere but in our checking account. Do you know what I mean? There are, of course, bills to pay, and there is that little thing called a mortgage. But those are the constants. This month we also had a root canal and Ada's birthday and car tags and leftover car troubles and the list could go on and on and on. (By the way, I am very thankful that here in the south, Labor Day does not mean fall weather, simply because Ada's wardrobe isn't ready for that.)

But on top of all of the extras that are asking our money to stretch and stretch and stretch, there is a little thing that I am learning about called coupon overage, and it is really helping us out this month.

Let me tell you about my grocery trip on Saturday. I was quite excited.

Here is what I bought at Publix

1 deli sandwich (Scott was hungry for lunch) 2.50
Arnold Whole Grain Bread BOGO 1.85
1 carton of blueberries 2.00
1 pack of Hormel bacon 3.00
Cottonelle Aloe and E toilet paper, 6 pack 3.99
-.50 off Aloe and E mnfctr (equals 2.99 for 6 pack)
1 bag of baking potatoes 1.99
4 packs of Knorr sides .74 each
-2 .60 off two Knorr sides mnfctr coupons (equals .44 each pack)
4 bottles of Sundown Folic Acid 3.79 each
2 bottles of Sundown Vitamin D 2.99 each
-3 6.00 off two Sundown Vitamins Publix coupons
-3 5.00 off two Sundown Vitamins mnfctr coupons (equals Free +++++)
1 box of Splenda packets 2.59
1 box of Orville Redenbacher popcorn BOGO 2.45
-.60 off Orville popcorn mnfctr coupon (equals 1.85 for box of popcorn)
1 carton of eggs 1.29
1 pack of Italian Sausage 2.00
4 packs of Cover Girl powder puffs 2.49
-4 2.00 off Cover Girl store coupon
-2 2.50 off Cover Girl mnfctr coupon (equals free ++++)

total before coupons and sales=76.66
total after coupons and sale=11.85!!!

thank you, overage!!!

So, I went back today, and things didn't go quite as well

Here is what I bought

1/2 gallon of milk 1.79
1 big box of Huggies size 5 19.99
-3.00 Publix coupon
-1.50 man. coupon (= 15.49)
Kleenex Cottonelle Aloe & E 6 pack=2.99
-1.00 off Cottonelle man. coupon (=1.99)
2 Cover Girl eye shadows 2.99 each
-2 2.00 off Cover Girl Publix coupon
-1 2.50 off 2 Cover Girl items man. coupon (= free ++++)
Baked Cheetos 100 calorie packs 2.00
1 Sundown Vitamin D 2.99
1 Sundown Vitamin A 3.29
-6.00 off 2 Sundown Vitamin Publix coupon
-5.00 off 2 Sundown Vitamin man. coupon (= free ++++)

total before sales and coupons=43.67
total after sales and coupons=19.67

Really, I was hoping for a lower total today, and I should have bought more items to produce overage in order to lower the total, but you live and learn, right? Still, I am thankful for 31.52 as my grocery total when the budget is 100.00 a week. That is money saved, ya'll, and that is what we need this month, more than most months even.

So, what will we be eating this week based on the purchases above and my stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer?

Sunday night= homemade waffles and bacon
Monday night=sausage and potatoes italiano, broccoli, bread
Tuesday night=spaghetti, bread, green beans
Wednesday night=Chicken and rice in the crockpot, broccoli, bread
Thursday night=lasagna, veggie, bread
Friday=frozen pizza

Lunches=hummus and triscuits, ham sandwiches, PB & J, fruit, leftovers
Breakfast=yogurt and granola, eggs, peanut butter toast
snacks=yogurt, fruit

for more menu ideas, check out Organizing Junkie.

Tackling Kroger

Yesterday instead of our usual library trip, Ada and I decided to head to Kroger to stock up on meat for the next few weeks. I was feeling good, was showered, had eaten breakfast, had my list and coupons, and we were ready. So we pull into the parking lot, find our spot, and all of a sudden I am violently ill. Luckily I have a very messy car, so there was a leftover Sonic bag to quickly grab. So there we sat, me sick and Ada crying in her car seat, saying, "all done, Mommy, all done." I think it scares her when I get sick. The worst part was that there was a poor older women loading her car with groceries right next to me. At one point we made eye contact as I got sick. I felt so bad that she was having to witness that.

I was not to be deterred however. Once I knew my body was through getting sick, I gathered my strength, my list, and Ada, and into Kroger we went. I laughed at myself because just when I am feeling energized and not so pregnant, my body reminds me that I am not even through with first trimester yet.

But, we made it through the rest of the grocery shop uneventfully, and Ada even cooperated once she got her free balloon. Here are the numbers.

2 4 packs of Dannon Activia
1/2 lb Boars Head honey maple chicken
4 packs of Tyson split chicken breast
2 packs of Kroger bacon (BOGO + coupon)
4 cases of Diet Coke
1 carton of eggs (on sale for .59!!!)
and I forgot to buy strawberries and the ground turkey (thanks for the tip, Bethany!!!), so we will probably have to go back today.

I spent 30.15
I saved 32.18

But my fridge is good and stocked with meat for the next few weeks. It will make for some low numbers during the next few grocery shops.

And by the way, last night's "chicken pot pie" meal was a huge hit with everyone, and it was super easy.

Here is the recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients:

About a cup of pre-cooked diced chicken breast (I used cooked chicken from my freezer, leftover from the rotisserie chickens I bought last week)
1 tsp butter, margarine or olive oil
1 medium onion-chopped
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
Bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc…)
1 boiled egg -chopped (optional--I did not use)
1 -2 tsp. Tarragon (I did not add this)
salt and pepper to taste
1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts are in each box)
Saute the onion in the butter until translucent

Directions:

Add all other ingredients (except crusts) and cook until the veggies are heated and no longer frozen (approx. 5 minutes)
Place one pie crust in your pie plate (press to the sides of the pie plate leaving the top hanging over the edge of the pie plate)
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Top with the second crust and press the two pie crust edges together
Use a fork to make a few air holes in the top crust.
Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes (or until top crust is nice and golden)

We all had seconds, and there are leftovers for lunch today. This will be something I make again and again. So easy, so good.

Here is where I got the recipe.

Still Couponing, Still feeling like a newbie

I really feel like I am starting the whole couponing thing over. I am clipping and sorting and matching, but I am missing out on lots of deals because of the weeks that I just couldn't find the strength to care.

But...a miracle has happened over the past week, and I feel like a new person. I am re energized, and nausea, what's that? Thank you, Lord. I have never appreciated feeling normal so much in my life. And I am still two weeks away from second trimester. It truly is a gift from the Lord.

However, with the nausea gone, my appetite has arrived full force, and I have gained my first pound of the pregnancy. If nothing else, I am thankful that the sickness stopped the scale from rising before now. With Ada, I gained ten pounds!!!! first trimester, so things are looking much better this time around. I am channeling all of this new found energy by walking and jogging on a nearby, very shaded, walking trail. I will exercise and not feel so yuck with this second pregnancy. I am determined. (and by jogging, I mean so slowly that a normal person could walk beside me, but jogging I am)

Anyway...I really logged on to tell you about how I am doing with the coupons and the meal planning. Just to keep myself accountable and excited about the deal finding.

Dinner this week looks like this

Monday--"cheater" chicken pie, broccoli
Tuesday--Cheeseburger Pie, a veggie from the local farmer's market (I will buy on Tuesday)
Wednesday--chicken salad sandwiches, fruit, chips
Thursday--jambalaya, black beans
Friday--frozen pizza, salad

And of course the usuals for breakfast, snacks, lunches--eggs, blueberries, strawberries, peanut butter toast, turkey sandwiches, etc. etc. etc. and the always Ada favorite, Activia yogurt

So here is the how the grocery trips went

I started at Kroger where they are having the buy 10, save 5.00 sale. I can't remember all of the price/coupon details, but here is what I bought

2 juicy juice
4 carolina pride smoked sausage
1 box of rice krispies (for rice krispy treats!! my favorite!!)
1 box of fruit loops
4 Tombstone frozen pizzas (for 2.50 each. you can't beat a meal that feeds the whole family for 2.50!!!)
1 bag of marshmallows
1 pack of blueberries
1 loaf of Sara Lee honey wheat bread
5 bottles of Loreal Pro-vive shampoo (1.00 each after coupon)
4 bottles of Loreal kids shampoo (.75 each after coupon)
4 bottles of Garnier Fructis shampoo (1.00 each after coupon--my stockpile of shampoo was non-existent, and now it is re-stocked!!)

total spent=41.97
total saved=52.74

And today I went to Publix

2 New York brand frozen breadsticks
2 Quaker chewy granola bars
4 packs of Women's quattro disposable razors (16 razors total!! It was a great deal)
4 cans of Bush's black beans
Publix frozen pie shells
New York brand croutons
2 bags of goldfish (free b/c they were on sale BOGO, and I had a BOGO coupon)
3 boxes of crayola crayons (.33 each!!)
2 bags of Cape Cod potato chips
1 bottle of flintstone gummies
Publix frozen peas and carrots
1 gallon of Publix milk (on sale for 2.00, and I had a coupon for 1.00 off, so I paid 1.00 for a gallon of milk!!!!)
1 lb of ground beef

total=38.04
total saved=42.10

so far this week I bought 174.85 worth of groceries for 80.00

my friend Bethany blows my numbers out of the water, but I am happy with these numbers while I am getting back on track. What I have learned from Bethany (and Tutti for that matter) is to concentrate on overage and that really gets your numbers low, but I will talk more about that as I figure it out myself.

I still plan to go back to Kroger for a few more items, mainly Tyson split chicken breasts. They are on sale for .99/lb, and I have 4 1.00 off fresh Tyson chicken coupons. I am hoping that combined with a store coupon will equal free chicken. I'll let you know.

Headed to CVS

Well, I am going to CVS today, still trying to get back into the swing of things. I do feel remnants of normalcy returning to my life, and I am thankful. I think that I will look back on this summer, and it will be a fog in my mind because I have spent most of it just "getting by."

But with phenigran in my system and many first trimester weeks behind me, I am attempting to get our budget back on track.

Last week I spent 30.00 out of pocket at CVS to give myself a jump start, and as a result I have 12.00 in ECBs to spend.

Here is my plan

Lots of school supplies because our church collects school supplies in the fall for local children

2 notebooks @ .99 each
3 packs of pens @ .99 each
2 pairs of scissors @ 2.99 each
2 things of glue @ .99 each

12.91 total
-12.00 ECBs
=.91 oop (plus tax)

I will get back 12.00 in ECBs

then I am going to buy

1 Gillette Fusion Razor @ 7.99-3.00 coupon=4.99
1 bottle of Gain detergent @ 6.00
4 boxes of Electrasol Power dishwashing tabs @ 3.99 -4 2.50 coupons=1.49 each

total=16.95
-12.00 ECBs
=4.95 OOP

and I should walk away with 6.00 in ECBs from the Gain and the razor.

Attempting to coupon again

It has been weeks since I've looked at a coupon. Since I've even attempted to plan a meal. Since I have saved any money at all. Instead, our budget has suffered through first trimester with me, and we are starting to feel the effects. It's bad, ya'll.

Scott has been gracious to me as I have been oh so sick (for good reason, since it equals a healthy baby growing away), and luckily some tutoring money is still coming in to compensate. We would prefer, however, for that extra money to be going towards the debt snowball, so I am trying to plan some meals this week based on sales and coupons. I feel like a newbie.

Here is my plan

spaghetti, pork chops and rice in the crockpot, Stouffer's lasagna, frozen pizza, and another stouffer's frozen meal, and I am going to buy some baked potatoes to fall back on.

I am also planning on buying two rotisserie chickens from Publix because they are on sale and I have a coupon. I think I will take that chicken off the bone and freeze it to use later in casseroles. That way I don't have to deal with the raw meat. Too much for me to stomach right now, you know?

Okay, lunches will be roast beef sandwiches (it's what I have craved lately), peanut butter and banana sandwiches (another craving), and good old pb & J. I am also purchasing blueberries and watermelon for a "side dish" at lunch. Ada will most likely eat leftovers from dinner because I am always trying to get a significant meal in her. She's not a big eater, hence her tiny size.

I am going to buy a few snack items to use as fillers throughout the day when the nausea hits--packaged peanut butter and crackers and cereal bars of some sort.

On Ada's menu are eggs for breakfast and Activia yogurt. The blueberries are also for her, and we will have whole grain bread with lunch. We have to keep things moving;)

I am sure that ya'll are not interested in my grocery list, but it helps me to plan the grocery trip, so thanks for letting me share it with the world. Now I am off to match coupons. Happy saving, everyone!

Coupons and other ramblings

hey ya'll.

Good news is that I am feeling much better today. The past two days were the worst days of the pregnancy yet, and I prayed for relief. Relief is here. It is an absolute God thing that Ada was with my mom yesterday. Otherwise, we both would have been up a creek. And the report from home is that she hasn't even mentioned me. Who needs mom and dad when you have cousins and aunts and a huge fenced in backyard to play with?

Anyway...as I am feeling more normal today, I am straightening the house a bit, and I ran across some formula coupons that I received in the mail last week. One is for eleven dollars off of Nestle Good Start. Ann would you want this? I probably should have called you first before typing this;) Anyway, if anyone wants this, please e-mail me, laura_rhodes@hotmail.com, and I will send it your way. I would buy it for myself and the munchkin on the way, but I am fully trusting the Lord that this baby is going to be a champion nurser and we won't even need formula. I'm not kidding. I have a peace about it. I may be wrong, and we will cross that bridge when we get there, but for now, I am assuming that we will spend most of that first year nursing away. No five months of struggling for us--I am praying that this baby latches on like a champ right from the start, that my body produces milk like it's my job (because it is!!!), and that there is minimal pain. Sorry if that is too much nursing info. for anyone, but I am praying my little heart out about this on a daily basis. Again, the Lord may say no, and that's okay, but I am moving forward with confidence!!

In the mean time, an 11.00 coupon is too good to go to waste, so please, e-mail me, and I will send it to you. For now, I am getting off the couch, getting in the shower, and I am getting out of the house. I joked with Scott that I was going to have bed sores after staying all. day. long on the couch yesterday, so I am out of here. And tomorrow is the big ultrasound day, followed by a dinner date with Scott. That is, if I am not too sick to eat;)

I need a diaper deal

Do any of you know of a good diaper deal going on right now? Preferably on Huggies?

I normally have quite the stockpile of diapers, built up when prices were low and coupons were high, but in the midst of my first trimester stupor, our grocery budget is suffering quite the blow. And lo and behold, I find myself nearly out of diapers. It is painful to think of paying full price. Can you help me? I have searched the blogs, but I am seeing nothing. Am I missing something?

Ada needs the diapers because she has yet to actually use the toilet, though she loves to sit on it, and I am not in the mood to dig in my heels with the potty training. We will save that for the energy that comes with second trimester.

Quick Reminder

There will be no coupon inserts this weekend because of Memorial Day, so don't be shocked if you purchase the paper and find no coupons. They aren't supposed to be there.

I will be traveling to Alabama today for the dreaded Root Canal. I'm a bit scared to death, ya'll. I don't like having my teeth cleaned at the dentist, so a root canal is a bit out of my comfort zone;)

How This Whole Couponing Thing Started

I often get questions about my couponing, and I realize that I have never done a step-by-step explanation on my blog. Couponing has changed our budget so much, that I am rather passionate about sharing "the skill" with other people. Especially those families who are struggling to make ends meet each month. I truly believe that the Lord showed me how to coupon, and it has enabled us to save so much money each month all while having more food in our house than we have ever had.

So anyway, here we go.

Probably a year ago, maybe even less time than that because last summer I wasn't couponing yet, I was reading a blog (I can't remember which one, maybe this one?) I noticed that this mom was spending 40 dollars week on groceries to feed her family of six (I think I have that number right. I know that her family was much larger than my little family of three), and I thought to myself, "this is crazy. I am spending over 100.00 each week, and I still feel like we have nothing to eat." I was determined to learn how this mom was doing it!! I kept telling Scott about it because I was so amazed by it. 40.00 a week seemed impossible. I knew that she was couponing, but I didn't really understand the process of couponing. I was all about clipping coupons, but I didn't understand how a .50 coupon here and 1.00 coupon there was really going to transform our budget.

The more involved in the blog world I became, the more I realized that many families had cut their budgets in half using coupons, and I was intrigued. I began to research and read and look into every resource I could find, so that I could understand how to make couponing work for our family.

This same blog provided a CVS primer, so that seemed an easy place to start. So before I even began to think about conquering the grocery store world, I began by making one measly little purchase at CVS. I signed up for a CVS card, I looked through a CVS weekly circular, and I picked one item that was free after ECBs, and I walked into the store and bought it. It was a fairly cool feeling to get back the same amount of money (in CVS extra bucks, which can only be used at CVS) that I spent. And I was hooked. So, if you have never couponed at all, I highly suggest starting at CVS. This will build up your toiletries stockpile, and that alone will save money at the grocery store.

This month at CVS there are no free items, but you can get ECBs for toothpaste or soap. Who doesn't need toothpaste or soap? Remember, you are building a stockpile, so don't ask yourself if you need these things right now, ask yourself if you will need these things ever. And to really take advantage of the ECB deals, you want to use a coupon to lower your out of pocket expense. Let me explain. Right now at CVS, Colgate is on sale for 3.99, and you will receive 2.00 in ECBs when you purchase the toothpaste. Let's say that you had a 1.00 coupon. You would then pay 2.99 up front, and you would receive 2.00 in ECBs, which works like a coupon for your next purchase. It's like you are paying .99 for a tube of toothpaste. You see? Don't be discouraged if you don't have a coupon (you can print one above), though. I had no coupons when I started at CVS, and it still was a great way for me to get started. If you are completely new to couponing, and you are interested in getting started, I suggest looking through the CVS circular and picking a few ECB items to purchase this week. In the mean time, go ahead and start buying the Sunday paper. Many places sell them in a bundle, so that you get two newspapers for the price of one paper plus .50.

p.s. If you are ready to jump in and are wanting more details, Tutti has done a couponing series over at her blog that I think is super helpful. Check it out. (I will talk later about how it helps to have couponing friends. Comparing notes with someone really helps me to get the best deal.)

Drowning in Coupons

I had one goal for this Sunday afternoon--start some sort of organization plan for the millions of coupons that are taking over my house.

You see, when I started tutoring non stop every afternoon and evening, everything else in my life started to go a bit haywire, couponing included.

I have continued to buy the Sunday papers each weekend, and I have continued to track the best grocery deals each week, but in the mean time, the piles of coupons were getting higher and higher. I just kept putting them in our empty bedroom upstairs, shutting the door, and living in denial. But, our grocery bill is beginning to suffer from this lack of organization, so I just spent all afternoon coming up with a game plan. An organizing the coupons game plan, that is.

I can't find my camera, or I would show you a picture so that you could see just how crazy my life has gotten. But at this point, I have come up with something that resembles order, and I even have all the coupons needed for today's grocery shop. So, I would count this as a mission accomplished. I plan to chip away at the rest of the organizing over the next week or two, but I can go to bed tonight knowing that things are much less chaotic in the coupon department.

By the way, I feel like I need to post on how I even got started couponing in the first place since several of you have asked me about the details of couponing. I plan to do a little "getting started" series soon, but first I have to take the time to reflect on how I got here because I have a hard time remembering. If you asked me, my answer might go something like this, "one day, I was spending 150.00 a week at the grocery store, and now I only spend about 40.00, but I can't remember how I got from there to here."

In the mean time, I wanted to mention that in the midst of all of this organizing, I came across a 5.00 off Nestle Good start formula. Do any of you want it? Just send me an e-mail, and I would be happy to send it to you (laura_rhodes@hotmail.com.) Also, I have a whole stack of 3.00 off Children's Claritin that I will never use, so please, if you can use them, let me know. I really hate to see a good coupon go to waste!!!

Now, I must go get Ada ready for a trip into the city because we are going to pick up a little 25.00 Craigslist table that will fit quite nicely behind our sofa. Next on the decorating agenda? Save every penny I can to purchase two lamps to go behind the sofa on top of the table. It's coming together, ya'll, slowly but surely.

Back to the Basics

CVS is where my couponing addiction began. I used to know the workers by name, and then, before I knew it was happening, Kroger and Publix and even Walgreens began to steal my attention. In fact, it's been several weeks since I have even done any CVS deals. I mostly shop at Publix these days. Well, I started thumbing through the CVS flier today after I got my Sunday paper, and I decided that it was time for CVS and me to reunite, so I am headed that way in just a few minutes.

Here is my plan

1 Fructis Shampoo @ 2.99

-2.00 cpn (Kroger mailer)

=.99 OOP, and I will receive 2.00 in ECBs

15.00 worth of Eucerin lotion (I plan to purchase the lotion containing SPF 15 for the upcoming beach trip and for the summer)=not sure of prices, but I have 4 1.00 off coupons, and I will receive 5.00 in ECBs

1 Schick Intuition Razor @ 8.99

-4.00 CPN (from today's paper)

=4.99 OOP, and I will receive 4.00 back in ECBs

I am then going to combine all of my ECBs and splurge on a 16 pack of Charmin toilet paper (I love Charmin toilet paper, but I rarely buy it b/c of the cost), and I will receive 2.00 in ECBs from that purchase. The toilet paper is on sale for 9.99, so I should walk out of CVS with 4.00 in ECBs. We'll see how it goes.

I am also headed to Publix for the penny item, which is bottled water, something I can definitely use more of!! And Kroger has a deal that if you buy 3 cases of diet coke, you receive 2 free bags of Kroger brand potato chips, so I am also stopping by there. Unfortunately we love both diet coke and potato chips around our house. What can I say, we are quite the health nuts;).

Okay, time to do some couponing. I will chat with ya'll later.

And to keep the fam interested, here's a picture (or three) of little missy playing at the park. She is all confidence and spunk these days, and she is keeping my hands full.

While we're on the subject of hip

Have you heard? These days, couponing is the hippest of hip among the stay-at-home mom set;) So, I am here to share my couponing plan for this week.

Remember, I have spent time stockpiling, so that my list consists of 90% sale items and 10% need items. Also here you will find my go to source for all things couponing. That is where all of the information below came from. Check it out. I highly recommend it.

So here is this week's plan minus the few necessities I will add after figuring out the menu plan. I will be back with the details of that later.

Publix

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts, 8 ct, at $2.39
-$1/2 Pop Tarts RP 4/05 (makes it .69¢ ea)

Skippy Peanut Butter or Natural Peanut Butter at $2.49
-.40/1 Skippy Peanut Butter RP 4/05 or printable (makes it .44¢ ea)
-$1/2 Skippy Peanut Butter RP 4/05

Nabisco Teddy Grahams, Ritz Bits or Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Crackers, at $2.99
-$1/2 Teddy Grahams, Ritz Bits, or Mac & Cheese Crackers SS 3/01 (makes it .99¢ ea)
-$1 off any Nabisco snack printable (Target) (use both together makes it FREE)

Stouffer’s Family Size Entrees, 27 to 40 oz, $3.99 ea
-$1 off any Stouffer’s Family Size April All You or printable (must register)

Alavert Allergy & Sinus 12ct $6.99 ea
-$4 off any Alavert Green Advantage Buy Flyer (exp 4/24)
-$2 off any Alavert RP 4/19 (use both together makes it .99¢ ea)

Pine Sol Cleaner $2.49 ea
-.50/1 off any Pine Sol RP 4/05

Kroger

Lawry’s 12oz Marinades $1 ea
-.50/1 Lawry’s Marinades RP 4/05 (makes it FREE)
-$1/2 Lawry’s Marinades RP 4/05

Huggies Baby Wipes 40ct $1 ea
-$1 off Huggies Bath and Body product printable or SS 4/19 (works! & makes it FREE)

McCormick Grill Mates $1 ea
-.50/1 off any McCormick Grill Mates or Rub
RP 4/19-$1 off any McCormick Spice RP 3/15 (either coupon makes it FREE)

Pillsbury Brownies $1 ea
-.35/1 Pillsbury Brownies RP 3/29

Barilla Pasta .75 cents ea
-.50/1 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta SS 3/29 (makes it FREE)
-.50/2 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta SS 3/29 (makes it .25 cents ea)

Carolina Pride Entire Line B1G1 Free
-$1.50/2 Carolina Pride Sausage or Smokies SS 4/19, 2/22

Trying to get back to the routine

Finally, I am home.

After staying an extra night in Auburn, I planned to leave at the crack of dawn yesterday morning. Well, my younger sister Kate woke up very sick, and my other younger sister, Sarah, had class all day long, so I helped Kate get to the University Medical Clinic and pharmacy and back to her house. Finally, around noon on Monday, I pulled on to the interstate headed for Atlanta.

I couldn't get here fast enough, and the whole drive all I could picture was little Ada running to me.

When I finally did get home, she acted embarrassed to see me, so I finally had to pick her up, and then she wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her head in my shoulder. It was Heaven.

It is so hard for me to quickly get back into the swing of things after being away. Do you agree?

I knew that there were no groceries for the week (other than stockpiled items) and no menu plan, and I even realized that I forgot to remind Scott to get papers on Sunday. So, for the first time in months, I did not get coupons on Sunday. I am feeling a little lost without them. To add to all of that, I still have several stacks of coupons that need to be organized.

Feeling a little frazzled last night and needing to quickly come up with a game plan for the week, I quickly scanned the fridge and pantry and then headed to Publix with no coupons!!!! Not a single one. I confess, it was painful for me to shop that way. I got there, with no list, grabbed a sales paper, and did the best that I could under the circumstances. I ended up spending 45.00 for not that many groceries. I tell you, couponing is worth it. I have learned to scan the items in my cart and estimate what I will pay, and with coupons, my grocery bill would have been half what it was. Don't get me wrong, I only shopped sale items, and I did save lots of money doing it that way, but still...I don't think I will try shopping without coupons again. However, we do have meals to eat now, and that will save us from overspending on eating out.

Life truly has been a bit crazy lately, and the budget is suffering as a result. I think the beach weekend (coming up very, very soon) is going to be the perfect get away where I can rest and regroup and come back ready to go.

Best Couponing Sources

I feel like I haven't talked couponing in a while, but I am still trucking along, clipping, sorting, filing, saving money.

I collect the majority of my coupons from the Sunday paper, even buying multiple copies every weekend. In fact, the cashier at the gas station beside my house refers to me as the "coupon lady." So very cool, I know. Though the Sunday paper is my main source, I do look elsewhere for coupons--online, the Thursday edition of the paper, and tear pads in the grocery store.

Another great source for coupons that you may not know about it is the magazine All You. All the serious couponers swear by this magazine as a great source for money saved. Right now, my friend Jessica, is teaming up with Carrie at Money Saving Methods, to give everyone a great deal on an All You subscription. To take advantage, go here. I highly recommend subscribing. It will save you tons of money couponing.

Menu Plan Monday--eating from the pantry and freezer edition

Monday—tutor at 5:00—dried pintos in crock pot, corn bread (take out chicken to defrost)
Tuesday—tutor from 4-5, cook meat during the day, make tacos (boneless chicken breasts)
Wednesday—tutor all night—corn chowder in crock pot, bread
Thursday—dinner on our own (AKA cereal night), tutoring and bible study (take out stew meat to defrost for fajitas)
Friday—tutor 3:30-4:30, cook meat during the day, fajitas (I think we are actually doing dinner with friends, so this meal may be moved to next week's menu)
Saturday—frozen pizza (take out chicken to defrost for lunch tomorrow)
Sunday Lunch—chicken, rice, veggies in the crock pot

Okay, we have fallen off the budget wagon this month due to trips home, Easter shoes for Ada, car trouble, eating out one too many times, and the list could go on and on and on. So...I am going to be spending a bare minimum at the grocery store over the next month. I am getting back on track with coupons, and I plan to really work the sales as much as possible. So...I planned this week's menu purely on what we already had on hand. I will be buying a few things from the Publix BOGO sales, but I haven't even been to the store for the week. I am seeing how long we can survive without my going. There are only two diet cokes left in the fridge, so we most likely won't survive for long. My tutoring has messed up my dinner plans one too many times, so I have tried to plan crock pot meals for the nights when I will be away from home during the dinner hour, hence the tutoring reminders beside each menu item. That is to help my crazy absent minded self remember what I need to do each day.

Here is what else is on the menu, and Here is where you will find hundreds more menu ideas.

Lunch--pb & j, leftovers, and whatever else I find after I scrounge around in the pantry and freezer

Breakfast--eggs (need to buy these), peanut butter toast, muffins

p.s. we are only 5 weeks away from the beach, and I am down three pounds. Woo-hoo. I am still dieting and tae-boing in full force, and the scale and I are battling it out. Most mornings the scale wins, but this morning I gained the upper hand. The scale has been hovering around one pound lost no matter how much I stuck to calories or tae-boed, but this morning it finally dropped. I was dancing around the house I was so excited!!

We also put Ada on the scale, and she weighed 21.5 pounds!! She has recently hit a growth spurt, and she finally surpassed the 20 pound mark, granted that is with a diaper and clothes on, but still. Usually full clothed, she barely reaches 20.

Stock Up Time at Old Navy

If you have children that can wear a size up to 24 months, hurry, hurry, hurry to Old Navy. All baby clothes up to 24 months are on sale for 5.00 this week. It's a fairly amazing deal. I have had my eye on this precious bubble suit for Ada, which was originally 20.00, but I got it for 5 yesterday. Combine this with the Tanger Outlet 20% off a single item coupons that were in this past Sunday's paper, and you have got yourself a deal. I plan to go back and buy a few more dresses and bubble suits using my coupons.

Tip--you can get the solid color pants and shirts at Target for the same price, not on sale. I suggest stocking up on items you can't get elsewhere.

Also, I know a few other moms have been looking for white sandals for the Spring/Summer season, and I spotted a pair at the Gap Outlet yesterday for less than 20. Which is a great deal compared to everywhere else. Again, you can use a 20% off coupon to get them for even less. That is definitely on my to-do list today.

Botched Grocery Trip

That grocery trip did not go as planned. I made some serious rookie mistakes, and I am no rookie when it comes to couponing.

Here are my totals

Publix=32.13 oop
35.17 saved

Kroger=49.98 oop
53.91 saved

and at the Farmer's Market, I spent 7.82

So grand total=89.93
But I bought 179.00 worth of groceries.

Still, I wanted to stay below 40. Oops. It's okay. I have had tutoring hours in abundance, so we will work out the money spent over budget, but we hoped that we might reach the end of this month and actually have extra money. I have to really buckle down with the couponing, get organized, and stick to budget.

Here is where I messed up. I bought lipton organic green tea, thinking it was B1G1. It was not. So, I spent about 6.00 on that, when I planned to spend around 2.00 after sale and coupons. I forgot to take my sargento cheese coupons, and I forgot to use a 2.00 snuggle fabric softener coupon. What was I thinking, really?

I did get 2 packs of Huggies for less than 4.00 each after sales, paper coupons, and e-coupons, so that was the highlight of the trip. Anyway, I do plan to get it together and get the grocery budget back on track.