It's official:  I'm addicted to 1) couponie sng and 2) garage sales.  I'd like to thank a shit economy, Cook Medical for not fiscally appreciating my husband, my resourceful mother-in-law, and Mrs. Goble for showing me the light.  While this journey has taken me a meager 32 years, I'm now on board and ready to take prisoners.  I headed to Ft. Wayne on Wednesday evening, Greta in tow, hoping to cash in on some addition garage sales on Thursday and Friday.  Grammy Jan was going to venture out with us, meeting the three of us (Grammy Joan, Greta and myself) on Thursday afternoon.  Well, before JGM was able to pull into Jim and Joan's driveway, Joan and I had already spent over $100 bucks, purchasing a pop up kids tent, 2 garbage bags full of like-new baby clothes for my sister and girlfriends, and 10 1990's hit CD's (Mariah Carey, Matchbox 20, Pearl Jam, Phil Collins, Sade.  Yep, the good ones.).  By 4 o'clock, we had spent the cash in our pockets and were ready to see Grammy Jan.  (Oh, there was also a visit to the Becker household, ala' Jack and Josie.  Jack and Josie were sleeping, so we had to settle for a fabulous visit with Ms. Shirlee Clevenger and Kady Becker, crafter to the stars.  Oh, Tucker Becker was showcasing his nice "resting the SUV" skills.  Sidenote:  Ms. Shirlee looks FANTASTIC after a bought of breast cancer last year.  She is tanned and ready to hit the streets of Warsaw after a much needed winter in Florida.  I hope that she remembers me when she feels lonely in Florida----I'm a great Scrabble player, gardener, and casserole maker.)

We headed out for round #2 on Friday, only to find MORE baby clothes, a brand new Boppy pillow, a $12 brand new Cosco umbrella stroller, some shoes for Greta, and some more treasures.  All in all, it was a great trip and I CANNOT WAIT for more this summer.  My next geographical target will be the northside of Indy, focusing on Zionsville and Carmel.  The golden ghetto should treat me right.  Whoop whoop.

I have decided that I will no longer buy Greta NEW clothes.  Well, underpants and shoes will always be new----these things should never be used......I don't need to elaborate on the underpants front.  ALSO, I hit up Wally World for some couponing therapy last night---I met a fellow couponer in the cleaning aisle, and I could not have been happier.  She gave me some tricks and tools to take with me.  One of which was shopping at CVS.  While it is intimidating at first, CVS has great deals.  I walked out of Walmart with $143 worth of merchandise that I payed $83 for.  I bought two things of formula for $13 (the big containers), as well as a bunch of cleaning supplies for about $1 a piece.  I will continue to focus on household items---these are purchases that I can gather for my friends, as we are all trying to save a few bucks.  I will also try to cash in on diapers, wipes, baby food, and some food items.  Because of my food allergies (a whole 'nother blog), I basically eat meat, yogurt, eggs, fruits, and veggies.  It is hard to coupon for these items (except for the yogurt). 

So far, in one week, I have purchased $300 worth of items and spent $140.  I have been able to give my friend bleach, laundry detergent, baby wipes, and formula.  WHOO HOO.  Let me know if you are interested in cashing in on my frugalness.

Happy Sunday.

Oh, I will NOT be discussing the current status of the Detroit Tigers.  It is too fresh.

AND, we have purchased a new/used Subaru Forester.  She is a 2006 with 63K miles.  I plan on driving her until the wheels fall off.  She has all the bells and whistles, including seat heaters and a huge sunroof.  The Acadia had to go because she was a gas whore.  My new Forester's name is.............................

#19

When referring to my car as she drives past you, it is fair to say, "Hey! 19!"  This is acceptable because Steely Dan is also one of my favorite bands.  There you go.

 

She is named for the great Steve Yzerman, current GM of some crap Florida hockey team not worthy of mentioning. I understand my car is a female, but then again, I have two girl dogs named Beans and Biscuit.

And I'm back.  I've devoted this week to my newest obsession:  COUPONING.  While I will often watch those Extreme Couponing shows on TLC, I'm usually baffled how these folks stretch their dollar so far.  After doing some reading, consulting friends (thanks Kady!), I am beginning to get the hang of it.  I will say it is very time consuming.  BUT, it is really fun saving so much money (with a ton of loot to look at).

I'm working some my next score this weekend---My goal in all of this is to spend as little as possible on household things:  detergent, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.  I know our grocery bill won't be nothing because of the meat, fruits, and veggies we eat.  But I know saving in the household department will free up some money at the end of the month.

Speaking of freeing up money, Dave and I traded in our Acadia for a more affordable, and gas saving Subaru Outback.  It is smaller, but still roomy.  Greta and I would drive around town in the big Acadia, and I would find myself spending $80 bucks at the pump for no reason.  On trips, it was nice.  But we are better at packing now, so I know we really don't the space anymore.  I look forward to finding her a name....she is Red Wing red and has tan leather interior.  I think I might just call her #19 for now.....thoughts?  Suggestions?

Oh, back to the couponing.....my first coupon trip concluded with $220 worth of goods for $150.  Not bad.  My goal next time is to save 75%.  I'll keep everyone posted.  Whoo hoo!

And to conclude, I'm back to my pre-pre prego weight.  God, I love ADD medication.  Happy Wednesday!

I'm sorry for the delayed blog.  I've been too busy trying to be an Extreme Couponer---I saved $70 yesterday.  (From the original $220 bill.)  I'm not there just yet, but I'm a bit closer.

Happy Friday!

This week has turned out to be pretty good.......

Dave and I have decided to try and trade in our Acadia for a smaller, gas friendly family car.  Wish us luck as we venture to Indy to find another whip.  We had to get the lights fixed because of a recall notice, and before the mechanics returned the car, they decided to give Meteora (my name for the Acadia) a bath.  She is very sparkly now!

And, my friend Elisabeth and her four legged son, Henry, decided to come over and go for a walkies with my gang.....a very nice Friday afternoon indeed!

Greta is finally napping (after several hours of bouncing, walking, talking, and screaming).

Dave is away on business all day and the last thing I really want to do is clean up.....I am sure there is some trash television marathon on right now......

OH, and I have now have 2 new housecleaning clients!  Whoo hoo! 

I am having a hard time being a Red Wings fan today. While I'm not ready to abandon them completely, they are hurting my feelings. They are 1-3, going into game 5 in Nashville. One more loss, and they are out of the playoffs. Not so nice. It is time to bring back a few oldies.....Steve Yzerman, Bob Probert (RIP), Joe Kocur....