Weekly Blessings

I am a little late about posting this, and I am also a little late about updating my blog.  The month of November has flown by for me, and I have little time to do anything besides support my boys in their basketball, and for that I am thankful.  I am thankful that I have healthy boys.  Regardless if they played basketball, or played the tuba, I would still support them in whatever they chose.

Recently, my oldest son had his first "high school" scrimmage in a town a couple hours away.  My youngest son was in a tournament at the same time, so, I had to make a choice on which game I would watch, and since my youngest had already had several games, I chose my oldest sons scrimmage.  I went by myself, and my sister and brother-in-law took care of my youngest (along with Brandy and Cody  :-) ), so, I had a two hour drive all by myself.  Its close to Christmas, and money is a little tight around here, and I was talking to God, and just told Him, You know my needs, and I'm giving it to You.  At the time, I didn't know how I was going to get all the things my boys wanted for Christmas, along with the things they needed. (I'm still not sure, but, it's worked itself out so far...)

As I'm sitting at the game, beside a friend of mine, and a lady whose son plays for the varsity team (I'd never really talked to her before), we began talking about clothes.  This lady asked me if I knew anyone who needed a size 29 x 30 pair of mens jeans, and I said, well, that's what size my oldest wears, and she told me she had a brand new pair of name brand jeans in her car with the tags still on them, and I could have them.  I offered to pay her for them, and she wouldn't hear it.  She told me she would be tickled to just get the bag out of her car, it had been in there for a year.  So, my friend was going to her car anyway, and brought in this bag with a pair of jeans in them.  She didn't know how desperately bad my oldest needed new jeans, however, my Lord did!!!  And He provided!!!

I know that God knows my needs, and I know that He always provides, but, I am still amazed at all He does for my family and I, especially when we don't deserve it.  Those jeans, as simple as it sounds, were a blessing.

Two days later, a friend of mine gave my boys a bag full of name brand polo shirts...God is so good!!!

I'm not sure where all this blogging is going to lead, but, if it helps someone, whether it be by finding a great deal, or finding a blessing in the small things in life, I'm sure that God is here, guiding me every step of the way.

Weekly Blessings

After my computer crashed a couple weeks ago, I have been struggling to get back to posting on my blog, I am just so busy with my boys, it's really hard for me, so for that, I apologize to you all.

When I post a blessing that I've experienced each week, it's hard for me to choose just one blessing, because God has blessed me with so much.  Great kids, an awesome family, a super church, a good job, and much much more. 

The past few weeks, my kids have been running me to death with basketball.  However; I am so blessed to have my boys, I just don't know what I would do without them, and, if you are a parent you know what I mean when I say that I want for my boys, what they want.  And they both want nothing more than to play basketball, and to be honest, God blessed them with an athletic ability that I sure never had!!!

So, today, I am thankful that both of my boys made their basketball teams, my youngest made the 8th grade team, and my oldest is now playing high school basketball.  This may seem a little silly to be thankful that I am blessed with this, however, this makes my boys happy, and I love to see my boys happy!!!

I am also thankful that my oldest son got a good report at the doctor today.  I took him to the doctor on Friday, afraid that he had a fracture in his hand.  We were told that if he did have a fracture, he would be out at least 6 weeks, and 6 weeks to a 14 year old is a lifetime.  And, God answered my prayer!!!  He does not have a fracture and is good to go!!!  Praise the Lord!!!

Tuesday Tips!!!

Last week, I asked my readers to submit something they would like me to post a tip about...and I received a great question.  How do I justify the cost of the coupons verses the savings....(thanks Alyson!!!)

When I first began using coupons, I actually created a spreadsheet, and I kept track of how much I spent on coupons, and how much I saved by using my coupons.  I can tell you, that first month alone, I saved $153.00 OVER what I had spent on coupons.  I wish I still had that spreadsheet, but...my computer has crashed twice since then, so....

However, this question has got my interest sparked, so, I am going to create a new spreadsheet, and track my coupon "costs" to see just how much I am saving or spending.  I know that this past Sunday, I spent $10.00 purchasing five (5) papers to get my inserts, and then found out that I did not get my P&G insert, so, I had to find some on ebay to purchase...so, actually this would be a great thing for everyone to do.

Keep track of the ways you purchase coupons, like in  your papers, or if you purchase a magazine for the coupons inside, or if you use a coupon clipping service, then, when you go shopping and you use your coupons, keep track of how much you saved on each shopping trip.  I think you will be pleasantly suprised.

At the end of this month, I will post a complete breakdown of my coupon spending and my coupon savings, just to see how much I am saving!!!

Make Extra Money Shopping with Ebates

I already posted this once, however, the closer it gets to Christmas, the more I seem to be trying to find extra ways to make a little extra money here and there.  This is easy and FREE!!!  All you have to do, is do the shopping you were already going to do....

With Christmas fast approaching, you are probably already looking for great buys online.  Last year, I purchased 90% of my Christmas gifts online, not just for convenience, but, also because some of the deals I found were better priced online than in the stores.

With Ebates, you get actual cash back for the items you purchase online.  Simply, go through their website, and purchase the items you were already going to purchase, and you get cash back!!!  What could be better than making money while shopping?

If you sign up today,  you get a $5.00 sign up bonus.  Check it out!!!

Its Mega Swag Bucks Friday!!!!!

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!  That means its Mega Swag Bucks Friday!!!  Every Friday, with Swag Bucks, you have the chance to earn BIGGER Swag Bucks Dollars, just by using their search tool!!!

If you are not signed up with Swag Bucks, you should check them out!!!  You get 30 FREE Swagbucks just for signing up - it's FREE to you, plus you can earn Swag Bucks to buy other cool rewards from their site!!!  Go check it out!!!

Weekly Blessings

I am posting my Sunday Praises a day late...I have been running so fast and hard these past few weeks, when I got home from church last night, I just fell asleep on the couch....

As I often think about my praises, and "Thank You God"s, I often think...hmmmm, how was I blessed this past week?  I've recently realized, that sometimes we don't realize when we've received a blessing.  Blessings don't have to be huge, like, winning the lottery...blessings come in every way, shape, form and fashion.  I've taken so many blessings for granted, and now, I just want to thank God for EVERYTHING!!!!

Some people are blessed with wealth, some people are blessed with fame, but me, I am blessed with a GREAT family!!!  Without my parents, my children and I would be in a bad place.  I don't know, honestly, where we'd be, probably on the street.  God blessed me and my boys with a Godly family, who, no matter what, never stopped praying for me.

Thank you Lord for my family!!!

To Do Friday

This is going to be another busy weekend for the boys and I.  My youngest son's Middle School Football Team is being honored at the High School Football Game tonight during halftime, so, of course we have to go to that.  There is also a Tailgate Party in their honor before the game, so...and that is AFTER both of their basketball practices!!!  Whew - I know..but, I'm not done yet!  Tomorrow is a High School Basketball Parent Meeting/Cook -Out/Baby Shower (oh golly I forgot to make the scrapbook!!!  HOLY COW!!!), then right after that is a cook-out for the older youth group at church!!!  But...I'm giving it ALL to God, and whatever happens will be HIS will.

So, if I do get to make it to Kroger and Wal-Mart this weekend, this is my plan:

Kroger

 

(5) Bumblee Bee Tuna Pouches - $1.00 (I have 0.55/1 coupon, after doubling, that makes them a $0.10 money maker each) 

(10) Cans of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup - $1.00 (I have $0.40/2 coupons, after doubling that makes each can $0.60, Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming, so, that would be a great way to get your casserole supplies cheap!)

(8) Crest Toothpaste, 4 oz - $1.00 (I have $1.00 off coupons, along with $0.50 off coupons, after doubling, this toothpaste will be free, and NO, I don't NEED 8 tubes of toothpaste, but, I will donate some to my sons Middle School Resource Center for children in need)

(7) Dawn Dish Detergent (only if Dawn Hand Renewal with Aloe is Included) - $1.00 (I have $1.00 off coupons along with $0.50 off coupons, making this free)

(14) Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls - $1.00 (I have $0.40/2 coupons, after doubling this make them $0.60 per can, and since both my boys can eat a can each at a time, these don't last long at my house!!!)

(4) Knorr Pasta or Rice Sides - $1.00 (no coupons for these, my boys just love them!)

(4) Little Debbie Snack Cakes - $1.00 (no coupons for these, they will be devoured by the end of the day with two teenage boys)

(14) Totino's Pizza Rolls, 15 ct - $1.00 (I have $0.40/2 coupons for these, after doubling, makes these $0.60 a box, that is a great price to me)

(13) Healthy Choice Cafe' Steamers - $1.78 (I have B5G1 FREE coupons, along with $1/2 coupons, so, after all coupons, it should make these $0.70 each, AWESOME!!!)

(5) Healthy Choice Steam Fresh Entree - $1.39 (I have $1.00 off coupons, making these $0.39 each, CHEAP LUNCH!!!)

(2) Hungry Man Entree' - $1.78 (I have $2.00 off coupons, makes these a $0.22 money maker each)

(5) Idahoan Mashed Potato Pouches - $1.00 (I'm not sure if these are on sale at my local Kroger, if they are, I have (2) $1.00 off coupons, and a $1/3 coupon, making them $0.40 each)

IF all prices are correct, and they have all the items in stock that I want, and all coupons work correctly, this should only cost $42.95 plus tax...however, I'm sure I will find some other great items on sale that I will just have to have....

Wal-Mart

(5) Trial Sized Pert Plus 3 in 1 or 2 in 1 - $0.97 (I have (3) $1.00 off coupons, giving me $0.03 in overage for each coupon, for a total of $.09 in overage)

(5) Trial Sized Febreeze to Go with Gain - $0.97 (I have (3) $1.00 off coupons, giving me $0.03 in overage for each coupon, for a total of $.09 in overage)

(5) Small Sized Gain Dish Detergent - $0.97 (I have (3) $1.00 off coupons, giving me $0.03 in overage for each coupon, for a total of $.09 in overage)

That makes a total of $.27 in overage for this trip, I know this does not sound like much, however, that's $.27 you can use on something you need.  

My overages used to be much greater for Wal-Mart, and what I normally did was purchase my All  You Magazines with my overage, but, recently on the Proctor and Gamble coupons, they added a disclaimer that you could only use 4 Like Coupons, of their coupons.  I have read where others have used more than four at one time, however; I want to be completely legit when I use my coupons, so, I am limiting my Proctor and Gamble coupons to four at a time.

I actually have (6) of the Febreeze and Gain coupons, so, I will use (3) at a time, and check out twice, or go to two different stores, in order to make my coupon usage legit, according to the wording on the coupons.

If I happen to find any other neat deals at Wal-Mart or Kroger (if I get to go), I will share them with you!!!

Happy Shopping!!!

Make Extra Money Shopping with Ebates

With Christmas fast approaching, you are probably already looking for great buys online.  Last year, I purchased 90% of my Christmas gifts online, not just for convenience, but, also because some of the deals I found were better priced online than in the stores.

With Ebates, you get actual cash back for the items you purchase online.  Simply, go through their website, and purchase the items you were already going to purchase, and you get cash back!!!  What could be better than making money while shopping?

If you sign up today,  you get a $5.00 sign up bonus.  Check it out!!!

It's Mega Swag Bucks Friday!!!

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!  That means its Mega Swag Bucks Friday!!!  Every Friday, with Swag Bucks, you have the chance to earn BIGGER Swag Bucks Dollars, just by using their search tool!!!

If you are not signed up with Swag Bucks, you should check them out!!!  You get 30 FREE Swagbucks just for signing up - it's FREE to you, plus you can earn Swag Bucks to buy other cool rewards from their site!!!  Go check it out!!!

Tuesday Tips - Taking Your Coupon Policies with you When You Shop

Yes...I know it's Monday, however; my  youngest son's football team is playing in the state championship, and he has a game tomorrow night, so, I'm posting my Tuesday Tips tonight, because I will be cheering his team on tomorrow night!!!

When I go shopping, I have learned to be prepared.  I make a specific list of the items I'm going to purchase, complete with sale prices, and I keep that list, along with the coupons I want to use in my store envelopes.  Until recently, I did not take my coupon policies with me. BIG mistake!!!  Now, I have the coupon policy for each store that I shop out printed and in my store envelopes. I have found, that some cashiers, are not trying to be ugly, they just don't know how coupons are to be used correctly.  

As a matter of fact, at my Walgreens trip on Friday night, I had to whip out my coupon policy to show the cashier, that I could indeed use a store coupon stacked with a manufacturer coupon.  She still didn't believe me, so, when the manager was called up there, she told the cashier - "Oh, she's in here all the time, she knows what she's doing!!!"

I suggest you read these coupon policies, and make sure YOU understand them.  Print these off, and have them with you when you shop.  Remember, if a cashier tries to hassle you about your coupons, maybe they are just having a bad day, or maybe they just don't understand how coupons work.  Be nice, and simply offer to let them read the coupon policy!!!  You kill more flies with sugar than vinegar!!!

Go here to request a written coupon policy from Kroger - each region varies, so, it's best if you request your regions coupon policy.  

Go here to request a written coupon policy from CVS

Walgreens Coupon Policy

Wal-Mart Coupon Policy

Weekly Blessings

This week has been such a whirlwind for me, especially this weekend.

I had planned a scrapbook crop for my church to be held this past Saturday, the 16th, after planning this crop and announcing it at church, I found out that my youngest son's middle school football team was playing in our state championship!  I was excited for him, yet, conflicted on what to do about the crop - so, I took it the Lord, and He worked it all out!!!  We had a great turn out, and I still got to watch all my son's football game!!! 

I had some personal struggles, and called upon my Bunco gals - and I know they prayed for me, I could feel my stress lighten, and my burden get lighter - the power of prayer is simply amazing!!!  Thank you Lord for my Bunco gals!!!

As I think about this past week, and look forward to this next busy week, I get so overwhelmed sometimes, but, I thank the Lord for giving me my boys to keep me busy, and for sending me to Sharon Baptist Church to serve Him!

All You Magazine

There are SO many great coupons in this magazine each and every month....I personally buy five (5) every month.  You can get them at your local Wal-Mart, or you can subscribe to it here.

If you have a couponer in your family, this would make an AWESOME Christmas gift!!!

Tuesday Tips - Making Menus

One thing I've learned, from trial and error, is that I need to make a menu for supper for my boys and I.  Yes, I know this sounds time consuming, and boring, but it helps!!!

At first, I would make my menus on Thursday nights for the upcoming week, since I would do my grocery shopping on Fridays.  Not only would this help me stay on track with my grocery budget, but, it has helped me become a little more organized in the kitchen, and who couldn't stand to become more organized????

Your menus don't have to be fancy, or detailed, just a little idea of what you are going to cook for the week.  You can take a look at my menus to get an idea of how you can plan yours.

Earn Extra Money at Home

There are so many schemes out there that say "Make Money from Home" - then ask you to pay them $19.95 for a kit they will ship to you.  Truthfully, I have looked into ways to make extra money from home...I can always use extra money, can't you????

Recently, I have found several different sites, that I have registered for, that are legitimate ways to make a little extra money.  I'm sure, if you found enough of these sites, you could eventually make enough money that you could work from home, however; I am only registered for a few sites.  I am not going to get rich at this, however; getting an extra $10.00 or $20.00 check in the mail, just for completing some simple surveys every now and then isn't too bad.

I have only been doing these survey sites for about a month now, and where at first, I thought I would request my check as soon as a payout was available, however; I've decided that I am going to do this for a whole year, and next year, hopefully, when Christmas rolls around again, I will have some extra spending money.  Why don't you try it???

Helpful Hints

First off, let me begin by saying, I am no expert.  I am just a single mother of two teenage boys, who had to make a change with my finances.  After alot of research and prayer, I found coupons.  So, the information I am going to share, is things that I have found, and figured out through my own trial and error.  There may be better ways to do things, and if you ever have a suggestion, or find a great deal, please let me know!

In the beginning, you won't have many coupons, it took me about a month of getting papers every week, and printing coupons, to get a good variety.  Don't be discouraged!!!  If you see a deal that I have posted, and you don't have that particular coupon, chances are you will be able to find that coupon on ebay or at a clipping service!!!  What you will need to decide, is how will you store your coupons?  There are two main ways that you can store your coupons.  You can use a box, or you can use a binder.  I have done both.  I started with a box, I used a box I found at Wal-Mart that had a lid with a handle, so it was easy for me to carry around with me.  I used index cards as dividers, and had each category of coupons separated.  This worked well for me, it was easy for me to store my coupons, and I could carry it easily because of the handle.  However; while at the grocery or whatever shopping I was doing, it was hard for me to quickly look to see if I had a coupon for an item that might be on sale.  Just recently, I transferred all my coupons into a zipper binder, with baseball card  holders as my pockets to keep my coupons in.  I have to say, this is my storage of choice.  Not only is it easy to carry with me, but, I can see what coupons I have quickly.  I still have my coupons divided by categories, but, I have actually used more coupons since I have transferred them to my binder.

I know your thinking, what will people think when they see me carrying my box/binder into the store with me?  At first, I was hesitant, I felt like people were looking at me funny - well - guess what?  They were!  But not because of my box/binder - but because they wanted to know what I had in that box/binder that made my grocery bill $60.00 and they got the same things and paid $400.00!!!  I can't tell you how many times I've been stopped by people asking me questions.  I even had one lady give me a hug and tell me way to go when she saw my total go from over $500.00 to just a little above $100.00.  So...if you are a little embarrassed about packing a box/binder with you, don't be!!!  You just smile at when the cashier says...um, that's gonna be $5.00!!!

Coupon Sources

I live in FAR Western Kentucky, and so our newspapers are limited.  I found that the Louisville Courier Journal has all the coupon inserts on Sundays that are put out for this area.  There are three (3) different types of coupon "inserts" - SmartSource, RedPlum, and Proctor and Gamble.  Normally, in a month, you will only get one (1) Proctor and Gamble insert, and that is usually the first Sunday of each month.  Every week, normally, you will get a RedPlum insert, and a SmartSource insert.  I get five(5) papers each week - I used to get up early every Sunday to make sure I could get all the papers I wanted, and the man who owned the gas station I go to, asked me one Sunday if I would like him to put my name on his "list" - so now, he saves me five (5) papers every Sunday!!!

There is also a magazine that is carried at Wal-Mart called "All You" - this magazine is FANTASTIC!!!  They always have great coupons in them, sometimes that you can't get anywhere else.  I make sure I also get at least five (5) of these magazines a month.  

I also find that sometimes, when there are great sales going on, I want more coupons than what I have, and also, some regions get different coupons than we do, so, you can find coupons to purchase, for small clipping fees, on ebay and clipping services. 

I know your probably thinking, okay, I thought using coupons was supposed to save me money, but, how can I be saving money if I have to buy newspapers and magazines?  At first, I asked myself this question, alot, especially when I was using my last $10.00 for the week to buy my newspapers, but when I went to the grocery, and saved over $300.00, my investment was well worth it.

You can also print coupons online, and when your first starting out, this is a great way to go.  Plus, sometimes you can get exclusive coupons that are high dollar value coupons.  The thing about printing coupons, is you need to be aware of how much ink you are using to print these coupons.  Personally, I only print the coupons that I KNOW I will use.  Also - remember, that when printing coupons of the internet, it is illegal for you to make photo copies of these coupons.  They have specific bar codes and numbers on them to help the cashiers know they aren't fraudulent coupons.

Before, when I just shopped at my local "Wal-Mart", I had no idea what a "blinkie" or "peelie" was, I'd never seen coupons in Wal-Mart, but...now that my grocery shopping is done at Kroger, I find coupons beside certain items all the time.  These are so exciting to find too, when your just minding your own business, grocery shopping, and you see this little machine attached to the shelf, and when you walk by - out pops a coupon!!!  What fun!!!  Those little coupons are called "blinkies" - because sometimes the little machine that gives those fun little coupons have a blinking light on them!!!  When you find a product that has a coupon on it that you can peel off and use right then - those are called "peelies".  

You can also get coupons when you request free samples.  I love to come to my mailbox and find it full of samples instead of bills!!!!  Not only are you getting a free sample, but nine times out of ten,  you are getting an awesome coupon as well.

As I find great coupons, I will post them, so you can get in on the deals too!!!

Menu for the week of 10/10/2010

Monday - Turkey Meatloaf (put together during my freezer cooking day)
                Roasted Potatoes
                Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday - BUNCO!!!!!
Wednesday - Canned Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Thursday - Marinated Crock Pot Chicken (marinated during freezer cooking day)
                  Veggie Stir Fry (veggies cut up and frozen during freezer cooking day)
Friday- Tuna Noodle Casserole (another dish from my freezer cooking day)
Saturday - Scrapbook Crop Day at Church and Middle School Football State Tourney

Proctor and Gamble Mail in Rebate

Proctor and Gamble has another Mail in Rebate going...spend $50.00 in products - before coupons, and send in this form, along with your original receipts, and you will receive a coupon booklet in the mail worth over $100.00!!!

I did their rebate the last time, and received my booklet of coupons within 6 weeks - and it had some great coupons in it!!!

While your browsing the Proctor and Gamble website, sign up for their newsletter, and  you will receive access to special samples and coupons!  Its FREE - and its another way to get FREE great coupons!!!

Today's Blessings

Today marked my first year as pianist at my church.  I can't begin to express the joy I feel each and every time I sit at that piano.  I prayed for many years for God to use me, for God to send me where I could use my talent, and He did!

As I sat at the piano this morning, I knew that it was about a year ago that I played my first Sunday at Sharon Baptist Church, but, I didn't really think it was a big deal, but my wonderful song leader, gave Praises to My Lord for sending me to them....I had tears in my eyes!!!  I've given Praises over and over to My Lord for sending Sharon Baptist Church to me...just when my boys and I needed a church home the most...

Thank You Lord for sending Sharon Baptist Church to Me and My Boys!!!

After Church Praises

Wal-Mart

Printable Coupons

CVS

Photos of Shopping Trips

Walgreens

Kroger

Courier Journal Coupons