Couponing 01

So I called this one couponing 01 instead of 101 because I am always a day late and a dollar short.  Deals just don't work for me.  Some people have deals and luck just fall into their laps.

Not me.  I have tried different things in the past.  I have shopped sales, meal planned, and just shopped.  I had kept my eye on couponing for a while.  I use them occasionally, but it seemed like the sale price of off brand was still cheaper than the coupon for the on brand.

I took a class on couponing a different way about a year ago and was almost convinced.  I watched websites every once in a while, but I just couldn't see how coupons would help me.  But when the panic of "I have 9 kids to clothe and feed" kicked in I decided to just jump in with both feet.  Okay, not totally both feet since the coupon people tell you to get a newspaper subscription for each member of your family.  I was not willing to make that big of a financial jump so I just got 2 subscriptions.  It has been probably 4 months now, and I am still not totally convinced.  I have gotten free body wash and I just sent hubbie to Smiths for cereal at $.67 a box and 10 tubes of toothpaste for $6.  But over all I feel like I spend more just to save.  Sadly, in my area, we don't have double coupons so I can't be one of those crazy couponing hoarders like on the TLC show.

I thought I would pass along some of my favorite websites that I follow.

grocerysmarts.com  is great.  That is the class I went too.  They tell you what is on sale at what store.

fabulouslyfrugal..com is a fun one.  It is really for boise.  My sister follows and they do have some helpful things.

http://freebies2deals.com/ is also great.  I like it for the cheap online stuff.  Like the $5 slip and slide that sears was selling for $25.

The other thing I am trying but really liking is bountiful baskets.  It is nice to have fresh fruit and veggies always in the house.  I didn't know what to do with the chard and waited too long for some other strange fruit, but all in all, it has been great.

Do you do anything to save money?  How do you grocery shop?  I would love to get your input.

Koi Assisted Birth (wacky wednesday)

What the crap?  Please tell me this is a joke.  I sincerely hope I am watching Leno (which sadly, if I am watching night time T.V. it is something DVRed so I really never watch Leno) and hear that this was a joke or a prank.  There is a lady that is going to have her baby in her fish tank.  Yes, you read that right.  So the fish can help guide her though the birth.  I personally think she is crazy.  Her is her website.  http://koibirth.blogspot.com/ 




First of all, I am glad she is putting something in the water to kill germs, but why in the world would you want strange chemicals around your newborn?  Did I mention the treated water will be purple?


Second of all, childbirth is messy, do you really want that in your fish tank? 




Third, what in the world makes you even think about doing this?  When I was having my baby, "oh, here's an idea sweetie, lets have the baby in the aquarium."  was never near my brain.  Totally insane. 


What is your 2 cents on this?

Honest Monday

Alright, sorry for my lack of follow through.  But Europe and summer with 9 kids threw me off a bit.  I know you have been waiting with baited breath.  Here you go.  I will be honest. . .

I enjoy television.  I admit it.  I love T.V.  My favorite way to unwind is the t.v.  I would marry my dvr if I could.  I am not addicted.  My kids are more important.  (Well, now that I have a dvr.  ha ha.)  I don't watch much during the day.  But I do love a good tv show.  Our neighbors in college put their tv away in the closet.  I think it is sad, but I love mine too much.  When I went to Europe, I didn't wantch T.V. for almost 3 weeks.  I survived, I just like my T.V. . . a lot.  I have way to many favorites, but here is what is coming to my brain right now. 

(I do apologize for that lack of professionalism at the photos.  For some reason, it won't let me make them bigger.  Super sorry).

#1  Mad about you.

 

I love that show.  Have seen many episodes when they came out as well as stayed up in the 11pm-12am to watch reruns.  I still make one liners from this show.  I wish this was on-demand on netfix, boo.

When I was a kid I watched all nick at night shows.  Patty Duke, Mr. Ed, and the Monkees.  I still love old T.V.

I have seen every episode of :

 Wings. 

24

Monk

and Psych

There are also shows I dvr for chores around the house.  Such as:

American Pickers  . . .

when I mop my kitchen floor. 

The sad thing is, I could keep going on all night.  Unfortunately, I have to get to bed, I do have 12 kids (my 9 + 1 niece, 1 nephew and 1 nephews friend)  so I must end.  What is your number 1 T.V. show?