Not long ago I shared one of Steve's comments about me....he said "your hobby is finding new hobbies". And that latest hobby is coupons. In fact, I will blame my lack of journaling on that newest hobby. I've been using what little bit of computer time I have to learn all I can about using coupons effectively. I got really good at it a couple of years ago. Actually, it was soon after Ryan was born. I remember it so well because it happened around the same time that I had to switch from breastfeeding to formula feeding. The cost of formula completely shocked me and since I had never formula-fed a baby before I certainly wasn't expecting that expense. Of course, he also had to have the hypo-allergenic formula that was crazy expensive. When AJ came along 19 mos later, I was so busy trying to keep up with a young toddler and newborn that coupons became a distant memory.
Recently, I found myself becoming completely disgusted over the amount of money we spent on groceries every month! When I looked back over grocery expenditures for the past year I realized we were spending close to $1000.00 a month JUST on groceries--that's not including eating out. I know we are a big family, but 1000/mo is just absurd! When I was using coupons faithfully I was only spending about $400-500/mo. It just so happens that as this grocery dilemma entered my mind I came across a coupon link on another blog. It was the perfect motivation I needed to get myself back in the game. Using coupons effectively is HARD work, but definitely worth it!
The added "fringe benefit" of using coupons is the overall frugality that often comes along with it. I find myself weighing in on wants vs. needs much more frequently. A perfect example was today when I realized Disney Store is having a really great sale. They have beach towels for 4.99!! I will admit that I added a few towels to my online shopping cart. Then I went and read a few frugal living/couponing websites before purchasing. The bottom line is that we do not NEED more beach towels. No matter how inexpensive they seem right now it doesn't make sense to buy them. So, I consider this a small victory!
Interruption!! Wow! I just heard little footsteps upstairs so I went up to investigate. I was amazed to find that Ryan had gotten up to use the bathroom! He went potty and then ran right back to his room. He's extremely reliable with potty-training during the day(hasn't had a single accident since the 2nd day of training). But, he wasn't as reliable at night. Tonight seems to be a pretty big step for him. He is a truly amazing kid!
Tomorrow I will post some coupon links and I'll also include a picture of my newly made coupon organizer. I know there are probably some others out there that might be interested in using coupons more effectively as well.
I will also attempt to do some catching up over the next few days. I actually have quite a bit on my mind and I really should get back into the habit of writing out those thoughts. Just typing brings so much more clarity to my thoughts and feelings. Of course, it's a little strange when you know people are reading those thoughts. But, that's also why I named my blog "Bridget's Ramblings" because sometimes that's all it really is!
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