Fun Friday

Okay.... so I am very blessed to have Fridays off!!

Blessed...spoiled....whatever you wanna call it! I don't care!

But I am very thankful! And I think it makes me love my job even more (if that's possible!)

I LOVE having an extra day to spend with my family and do whatever we (or I) want.

So CL has been begging to have a Lemonade Stand, and this was the first chance we got! Mainly because I actually wrote it on the calender and set a date, which seemed to help. (Good Advice from my Lil Sis)

So we made Lemonade, made a sign, took a pic to advertise on FB, and started serving about 12:45 yesterday afternoon. He made enough money to purchase a Wii game that he's been wanting, and learned a little bit about hard work in the process...That's success, if you ask me!

I love that precious boy! He's the best!

After the Lemonade stand, I was itching to go somewhere (even with all I needed to do to clean my house!)

So, I decided to drive over and check out my new favorite store, "The Raspberry Beret" and see if she had anything new... And Guess what? ...

She did! I love that store!

For those of you who may not know, we have a new consignment shop in town, and it is so much fun! I like to go about once a week, or so. I took a few of CL's Polo shirts, and it's really paid off!

I get free stuff all the time! Like this cute little planter that I bought got for free, with the intent of finding some Aloe Vera to plant in it! And I found some within minutes of posting on Winston's "Buy, Sell, or Trade" page on FB. (Thanks so much, Karen S.) I love that page! It's like Craigslist, but much more trustworthy!

So, I got  my shopping fix, and went home to straighten up the house, make potato salad and Symphony brownies, and get ready for company! (My parents) 

THE MENU:

Cliff's Smoked Ribs

 (They are to die for!! Anyone who knows me, knows how picky I am, so if I say they're awesome, They really, really are!)

Baked Beans

Potato Salad

French Bread

Symphony Brownies

Why did I not take a pic?? It was delish!

So, anyway...

As soon as we finished eating, Momma and I decided to make a quick trip to Dirt Cheap!

It was almost 7:30, (they close @ 8) so it had to be quick!

Yes, I know...Gross, right? 

I used to hate it (and sometimes I still do!)

But, my need (and want) to save money on cool stuff can sometimes overtake my anxiety & "fear of germs."

I can take another shower, and I can scrub and sterilize whatever I may buy. 

However, I will NEVER be one to dig through that stuff. Something is just too gross about shampoo that has spilled over books, alarm clocks, and bedsheets. I just can't handle it. More power to you, if you can!

So now, I have to brag about the deals I found that "jumped out" at me!

This Green Brita smart pitcher

(I almost purchased one of these about a month ago! I am so glad I waited!)

This cost me a whopping $3.15!!

(and not a scratch on it!)

I also got this wall quote for $1.75!

As you can see, it is not completely on the wall, yet.

It's harder than I thought! Maybe that is why I found it @ Dirt Cheap! Ha Ha..

Any tips, would be appreciated! Thanks!

Hope I didn't bore you too bad with all the details of my Friday...

Just wanted to share all of my awesome finds with you. 

Hey, I should be paid for all of the FREE advertisement! Haha

Just Kidding!

 

 

By the way... There will be 4 inserts in the paper tomorrow.  Be sure to get yours on your way to church in the morning, not on your way home, or you may miss out!  I suggest 1 paper, per member of your household!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Lindsey

Determined to Shop!

Have you missed me?

Sorry it's been so long!

  We've been sooo busy lately that I have just been physically and mentally exhausted when I get home at night. So, I apologize, but blogging hasn't crossed my mind much!

Have you ever been determined to shop?

I have.

And yesterday is proof... I worked in Starkville yesterday, and planned on making a quick trip to Kroger after work. (Just to pick up a few freebies, & almost freebies.)

Well, Guess what???......

I left my money at home!! No cash, no debit card... NOTHING!

(I guess another sign of exhaustion!)

I found $3 in my purse! That's it!

Would that have stopped you from going to Kroger?

Not me!!

It just made it more fun! 

So, here is my first transaction:

6- tubes of Crest toothpaste @ $1 (had (4) .75/1 Q's)

3- bottles of Ivory body wash @ $1 (used (3) .50/1 Q's, they doubled)

1- bottle of Softsoap @ $1 (used $1/1 Q)

1- Nivea lip treatment @ $1.49 (used $1/! Q)

Makes my total: $3.49 (+ tax)

I also had a $3 Catalina from a previous trip.

So my final total was: $0.49 + (.70 sales tax)= $1.19= Success!!

Also... Crest has a Catalina right now. If you spend $6, you receive a $2 Catalina. So that's right! I got one of those too!! Leaving me extra money! =) Wow! Look how God can stretch a few dollars!!

Did I stop there? 

Of course not!!

Here is my next transaction:

1- bag fun size Snickers peanut butter @ $1.87

2- Hershey's Symphony bars (baking size) @ $1.34

Total: $4.87 (includes tax) 

I used (2) $2 Catalinas. 

Making this total: $0.87

Total spent at Kroger: $2.06

Leaving me with almost another dollar!

Without Kroger card and Q's, I would have spent almost $30. So I saved over 95%!!

I would not want to do this on a regular basis! I do not normally try to cut it this close, But it was super fun!

I was determined to get my shopping fix! No better stress reliever than a little "retail therapy!"

I'll leave you with one last very important shopping tip:

Always, Pray before you shop!

Ask God to help you to use the money that he has blessed you with wisely, and to help you find what you need, at the prices you can afford! It's amazing what he can do with just a few dollars! Or $3!

How NOT to go CrAzY at Checkout

     Your first shopping trips as a "CrAzY CoUpOn GiRl" (CCG) may be a little.... Should I say?... STRESSFUL! However, The more prepared you are beforehand, the easier it will be! And as soon as you push the cart out of the store after your first successful trip, and you experience that "high", you'll be hooked for good! 

     I have a few tips that will ensure that you are totally prepared:

1. Get Organized.

Make a list of what you want to buy. 

(Include the item, price, and quantity). 

Make sure that coupons are clipped, organized, & easy to get to.

2. Choose wisely the time of day that you shop.

Don't shop during the daily rush hour, if possible. 

You (and your checker) will be less stressed if there is not a line behind you.

I've found the best times to shop are early morning, early afternoon, or late night.

3. Just for moms:

Of course, It is much easier without the kiddos in tow.

However, that is not always the case.

So make sure they  have something to keep themselves occupied, so that you can stay focused.

4. Be friendly to your cashier.

Let them know that you will be using coupons. 

If you planning on doing multiple transactions, let your cashier know. And ask if that's okay?

More than likely, they will be fine with it. I also tell them that I will get back in line, if I need to.

5. Cashier Profiling: Yes I do!

When I get ready to check out, I scan all of the available checkers to decide who will be a good one.

Judge me if you want, but if there are young, male checkers available... I go to them every time! They are generally easy-going and low maintenance. And I don't have to worry about explaining every word of fine print. They are usually impressed with our coupon savings, and want to know how to do it. While others, might be skeptical, thinking that the savings are too good to be true, so we must be trying to scam. I also don't want to go to anyone who looks miserable, or who is not smiling. (I don't want anyone to take their bad day out on my coupons!) So, YES I PROFILE! Once you become a regular, you will know whom to go to, and the good checkers will know you by name.

6. Store policy

Know your store's coupon policy, and keep a copy with you. Don't be afraid to show it off. Many times checkers are unaware of their store's policy. So keep this with you, and if any issues arise, you won't be too nervous to stand up for yourself. The best way to get what you want, is to bulk up on knowledge, and leave your ego at the door.

..............................................................................................................................................................

Start out small. 

Be Patient and friendly. 

Expect the best, but plan for the worst.

"Kroger" Mega Event

     Since I have started couponing... I get really, really, super-excited about "Kroger" Mega Events!! And Guess What?!!! A new one starts tomorrow!! And it is a BIG ONE!! I can't wait to go shopping! Along with a few other things, I plan to stock up on Bagel Bites, Popcorn, and FREE Smartwater!!

     For those of you who may not quite understand what a Mega Event is, I will attempt to explain:

     A mega event is a special sale that usually runs for about 2 weeks. It is a group of items that, when grouped together, offer great savings (even better when you add your Q's). It may be advertised like this, Buy 10, get $5 off instantly (like this one), Buy 5, get $5 off, instantly, Buy 4, get $4 off instantly, etc. This Mega Event is a "Buy 10, get $5 off instantly" one, which means that you must purchase the items in multiples of 10, in order to get the savings. Not 9, or 11. It must be multiples of 10! If you have only 8 items, find the cheapest item on the event, and buy 2. (There are usually several items under $1, to chose from.) Just make sure it is multiples of 10! I can't stress this enough. (You will be sweating at check-out time if you mess up!) This can get a little confusing, if you are purchasing Non-Mega Event items, as well!

How do I keep this straight, ,without spending hours and hours in Kroger? I'm glad you asked! 

Here's how:

My Reusable Shopping Bags!!

I put my reusable bags in my shopping cart. Non-Mega Event items go in the cart like normal, but I place Mega Event items in my bags. Once I have 10 items in a bag, I zip it or tie it, and push it aside. I'm done with that one and don't have to count or recount anymore. If I forget my bags, I waste lots of time trying to count. I may look like a Crazy Coupon Girl (CCG), but I don't care!! I am saving tons of money!

Happy Savings!

Lindsey

You can find the listings of all items that are included in the event on Kroger's website, and of course on my favorite site, www.southernsavers.com 

Want to learn more? Contact my sister, Laney or me by email: sistersandsavings@gmail.com. And host your own "Learn to Coupon" Home party.

Rumors

I have a very sick little boy tonight, so it is going to be short, but very sweet tonight!! Little man got over-heated at my great-uncle's funeral today, and has been sick on and off all night. We're just trying to keep him hydrated... This heat is nothing to play with!!

Not sure if it is true, or not.... But if it is, it is really AWESOME!!! There is a rumor that Walmart is going to be changing their coupon policy again on July 30!  With this new policy, it has been said that they will double coupons up to.... .99 cents!! Can you believe it? Really Awesome! Don't you think?!? They will also accept other store coupons and honor other store's B1G1 ads! But you must have your coupons with each item, because they won't be able to take it off at the end anymore. So what do you think? Could this be too good to be true!! I really hope not!! .....I will keep you updated!!

You decide what you pay!

     We cannot control the economy, or the weather, but what we can control is what we pay for groceries!  Forget the negativity, and focus on what we CAN control! Make a decision-- Get your coupons, Learn the ropes, and get organized! Once you're in the driver's seat, then you are in control!
      Don't buy an item just because you have a coupon... Watch your store's sale cycles and stock up when the items are at their lowest sale price. By stock up, I do not mean to take over your children's bedrooms in order to store boxes of cereal or jars of pickles that you will never eat! Stock up only means to buy enough to last your family for about 6 weeks! That's all! Remember to keep it in perspective. For example.... no one needs 30 taco kits (unless of course, you have a really HUGE family, or that's all you eat!) Most families only eat tacos about once a week, or less... Therefore, you will only need to purchase 4-6 taco kits. Why should you stock up? It makes much more sense to buy  taco kits when they are on sale for $1, than it does to go back when you need another and then end up paying $4 for one kit! Don't you agree? Another example is laundry detergent... I would rather buy 2 or 3 bottles when it is on sale for $2.99, than go to the store when I need it, and end up paying $9.99! But that's just me... You decide what you are willing to pay!

The Wrong Impression

Okay... many people who do not use coupons get the wrong impression about us "Crazy Couponers!" They tend to think that we buy cat food or other things we don't need or use just because we have a coupon... Not true-- Not true at All! The only time I buy something I don't need or use is if I can get it for free or if  I am going to be paid to take it out of the store! Then I donate it!! I am not a hoarder! Nor will I ever become one!

     "What do you do with all that free toothpaste?"-- A question that we are frequently asked-- The answer: Donate it! Operation Christmas Child!! Boys (ages 11-14) tend to get less boxes, since most people like to buy for the little girls and younger age boys. My goal this year is to fill at least 5, possibly 10 boxes for that age category! I say that, not to brag, but for accountability. Bar soap, deodorant,  and toothbrushes are other FREE items that would be great to fill these boxes with. It's not too early to start stocking up... It will be here before you know it!