Why I Like CVS

So lately, I have joined the CVSing, WAGing, and Riteaiding worlds of frugal spending.

Of those three, I enjoy CVS the most.  That is mostly because I can usually get the most freebies and save the most there.  I've tried to put a $5 limit each time I go.  I'll go about once a week to snag the weekly deals.  I usually do pretty good.

I was really excited that the Always freebie that I found is free at CVS.  There was actually a sign up for a limit of 1 rebate per household, but when I rung it up (I already had coupon for $4.98, so I figure I'd get another free box even if I don't get the coupon), it popped out another coupon!  So I've gotten 2 free boxes of Always so far.

For my trip this morning, I also got a thing of Lady Speedstick, 2 bottles of propel gatorade, and 2 bottles of ice tea.  Got ECB (Extra Care Bucks) back, and spent $4.  I actually got almost $9 back in ECB's, so I actually made $5!  Woo Hoo!

People ask me if it's confusing keeping track of all the deals.  Not really.  Usually I will browse through all the Sunday ad's at my inlaws and make my shopping list for CVS, Walgreens, and Riteaid.  I'll take out the coupons I need for each store, and put everything together.  That way when I go, everything is set.  I don't "shop around."  I got in with my list, and I come out with just what I needed.

I guess so might say it's a hassel.  With the way the economy is though, I take it as being more responsible with my family's finances.

My New Shopping Companion

Those of you who know me well, know I'm always out for a good deal. Now, in attempts at finding the best deals, I've done everything from clipping coupons, scour Sunday ads, begged other people's coupons (no I'm not ashamed - desperate to stretch pennies perhaps), etc. I've tried many different ways of organizing my coupons - because I end up with tons each week, and yes, I do use tons. When I get groceries, I will save AT LEAST 65% of my grocery bill. I DO NOT pay for shampoo, toothpaste, shower gel, or toothbrushes anymore - this is simply because I can almost always get them for free, and when I can I stock up.

Well, with that background, I've gone from envelop sorting, to a little pocket file, to a little recipe box...it was just too difficult to weed through my coupons though. So in an attempt to save more time (and essentially money), I created my own version of a basic coupon organizing album. It's really simple. You take take a plain photo album. Figure out what categories you shop for. Label each tab with its corresponding category. I'd leave quite a few spaces if it's a category that usually purchase often, or have a lot of coupons for. For me, it's air freshner, cleaning products, lunch meat, paper products, and beauty products.

Below are some pictures of my "coupon" album. I acutally find this less awkward than my original blackbox. Surprisingly, I've received less stares.

Job Security and Bible Study

Well, I've still been really struggling with the whole stay home vs. work drama. I am really thankful though. As of yesterday, I received a notice that I am officially tenured. Yes! I cannot get fired! I'll just have to quit myself! Just kidding! With the way our economy is and the way it seems to be headed, it is nice and reassuring to know that I have some sort of job security. It's comforting to know that God continues to provide for us, desprite my complaints. It is also humbling, once I start thinking about it more because I always come to the realization that I am serving my family.

I didn't understand this at first. I had served as a discussion leader for our Women's Bible Study Fellowship at Harvest for 2 years. Part way though the 2nd year was when I found out we were expecting Natty. Needless to say, it wasn't even an option to not stay home with her. I stepped down and left the spot for the Lord to call someone else. While I kinda-sorta miss it, I don't regret my decision. All the other leaders keep encouraging me too, saying, "Your family is your #1 ministry now." I really didn't understand things because I never really viewed family as a 'ministry.' It is so incredibly true though.

In my opinion, it is the MOST important ministry. We are human and we make mistakes, but my family is an area I have tried my hardest to not mess up. I don't want to mess up being a wife to Tim or mother to Natty. If I mess up with my family, I feel like I really don't have anything to show for.

Women's Bible Study started this past Thursday. In a way, I felt a little twinge, missing being up with all the other leaders. I chose to participate in a group and not lead this year. I missed being on the leader's end, being all excited about women in the group I'd meet. BUT, I discovered once I was there that I WAS excited. I was in a new group, and I AM excited about what the Lord is going to show me this year. I know it's going to be lots.

If any of you have the time, I HIGHLY recommend going to Harvest, and following the study. All lessons are archived. You will be truly blessed!