Coupon Lady....Anything to Save some Money!!

Since I am now on a very limited budget, I have been thinking of ways that I can cuts costs.  After watching a show about "couponing" and seeing people actually making money shopping-I decided to give it a shot.

Last night I had my coupons in hand, the grocery/drugstore ads, a few very useful web sites, and a book about "couponing" that my sister loaned me.  I started out making my lists, dividing my coupons to reflect each store, and mapping the routes to each store (the route had to be the most direct so that I wasn't spending too much money driving around town).  I was ready to go!!

Today I made my rounds.  I started at CVS. I purchased (4) Colgate Toothpastes, Pretzel M and Ms, and a chocolate egg. Total price $6.02.  Less coupons and rewards....they paid me  72 cents to shop!

Next was Walgreen's.  I purchased (2) boxes of Quakers granola bars, (2) packs of Dentyne gun, (2) packs of M &M candies, (1) carton of marshmallow eggs, and (1) pack of lady products. Total price $13.47.  Less coupons and rewards $4.51.

Next was Rite Aid.  I purchased (2) Gillette Body Washes.  Total price was $5.98.  Less coupons and rewards the total price was $.99 for both.....just under $.50 a bottle!

Finally of to Tops.  I purchased (1) Jenny O 3 lb. turkey, (2) packs of  Purdue Chicken patties, (4) packs of rolls, (1) pack of Country Crock potatoes, (1) pack of Birds Eye frozen veggies, (1) box of stuffing, a 2 liter of 7-up, and (2) Tyson pot roasts.....total price $48.77.  Less coupons and rewards $23.75 plus 10 cents off my gas.

I have dinners for 5 days (plus a few days of leftovers), snacks for about 2 weeks, and toiletries for a few months.

Total money spent today...$28.53!

My New Wardrobe....Sweat Pants and Slippers

Well it's been several weeks since I lost my job.  I started off so motivated.  I landed a part-time job 4 days after I was "let go" from my job.  I started exercising.  I actually cooked dinner a few times a week.  I cleaned the house from top to bottom.  And I scoured the help wanted ads faithfully.  I was sure that my situation would be very temporary.

Now six weeks later I have gotten rather complacent.  I do get up early to feed and let the dog out.  I still go to the mall and walk a few times a week.  And I continue to vacuum daily so that Honey's fur doesn't take over the house.  But I have also made a few new best friends that have unleashed my laziness.

These new friends are Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, and Judge Alex.  They convince me to sit on the couch for hours and hours watching how they perform their justice to middle America.  As not to miss one second of their shows, I have given up cooking and cleaning.  Instead I grab a box of cereal and just eat straight from the box.  If I drop any of the floor I then call the dog in to "clean up".

I still do manage to shower daily, but my new wardrobe is sweats.  I don't even don the jeans anymore.....sweats are fitting my ever expanding belly much better.  And my sweats don't even match.  Grey bottoms and a hot pink top.  Hot pink bottoms and a red top.  Leopard print bottoms and a yellow top.  Whatever is clean works for me, who do I have to impress anyway?  Certainly not a boss:(

So starting Monday I need to get back on the wagon and get back on the job search. I need to clean and I need to start eating healthy again.  It's bad enough that the casino made me feel insignificant but they are not going to get the pleasure of seeing me let myself go!  Here's to a productive Monday morning!!