Adjustments keep us on our toes

I know I have been out of touch for a while, but I am back. With the school starting back and regular routines rolling around, things are calming down around my house. Where have I been? I started back to work after months of recovering from a shoulder injury. I don't remember having this much trouble juggling things before I went out. I am having more trouble adjusting than my kiddos, to say the least. This evening I wanted to make sure that everyone picked up a paper today. Proctor and Gamble had over $100 worth of coupons with a good smart source. The September All You Magazine is out at Walmart and stores are putting out their monthly coupon books.

Just remember to stay organized. I let things pile up recently and it took me all day to get it back in order. Lots of cleaning out, clipping and organizing. Adjusting to the everyday changing of lifestyles, keep us on our toes and makes us appreciate what we have. Don't take things for granted because you just might not have it tomorrow.

Recycle and Helping Out

Yeah, I know its been awhile.  Has everyone adjusted to the school schedule yet?  I haven't.  And as soon as I do, my youngest will start as her first day is not until after Labor Day.  I am looking forward to the three hours I will have to myself though.

I am not a pack rat and I do not like having clutter in my house.  Much to my husband's dismay, I throw things away almost prematurely.  But I do have an issue with trashing things that could be reused by someone else.  Especially, clothes and shoes my kids barely wear.  Thankfully, I have friends that I can pass these on to.  The other thing I have an issue with are expired coupons.  But after some research, I found that we can pass these on to a military base because they are allowed to use them.  I went to southernsavers.com and found a ton of information on how to do this.  I adopted a military base in Okinawa, Japan and simply mailed them today for just $4.95.  The website listed step by step instructions and the clerk at the post office was very helpful.

Here are the basics:

Adopt a Base.  Go to the link on the website and it will lead you to a list of bases available for adoption.  Or you can just use the following base that I have already adopted under the organization of Coupon Connectionz.
Okinawa, Japan (USAF)
Family Services Program
18 MSS/DPF
Unit 5134, Box 80
APO AP 96368-5134
*There was not a particular reason I chose this one, except that I had a cousin who was born in Okinawa.

Two months max on expired coupons on the date of shipment.  They can use them for 6 months after but since volunteers at the base must process the coupons once they arrive and get them out to be used we have to leave enough time for the families to sort through them as well.

Use Priority Mail Supplies.  I used a Flat Rate Envelope.  You will also need an address label and USPS Customs Declaration Form 2976-A (This you will have to get from the mail clerk).  On the address label, I addressed it from Coupon Connectionz with my home address.  On the Form 2976-A fill it out as follows:  1=Manufacturers Coupons 2=Pkg 4=$0.00 5=Gift

Then take to the post office and mail it out.  As I said, it only cost me $4.95.  I also got supplies for the next round of expired coupons while I was there.

Let me know how it goes.  It actually felt good to send these off in the hope that maybe someone else could use them.

Where Have I Been?

Oh my, it has been a while since I posted.  And I am so sorry about that.  This has been a crazy summer for us.  Between ballparks and fun, then we have all been sick.  But I'm back and I have so much to tell you here. So, hang in there.
 
The first thing is some exciting news.  As I have mentioned before, I tried to shop my major groceries bi-monthly when my husband gets paid.  This past pay day, instead of the old days of paying over $300, I only spent $48 and I got $1.05 off of my fuel.  So cool.  It was a very successful month of June for the Wales family. And it can and will be for you as well.  I have only been couponing for a month now as we started in May.  I mentioned before that my husband said that we are not "Extreme Couponers, we are Smart Shoppers."  That is so true.  We shop according to what is on sale and use our coupons.  We do not buy something just because it is on sale if we do not use it.  That is wasting money to me.  But if it is a product that we use often, I try to stock up on it.  The second cool thing that happened is that CVS sent me via email $2.00 in ECBs for my spring savings and $2.00 for purchasing OFF products.  I already had $2.00 in ECBs from an earlier purchase.  So off to CVS I went to get some Huggies wipes, (yes I still use wipes even though I do not have babies, because of those little emergencies in the car to clean faces and hands before public appearances).  The wipes were on sale for $5.99, the ECBs totaled $6.00 and so you guessed it, I only paid taxes on the wipes. I just love it when I get free stuff.

So here is what I really want to get in to.  You may have already done this or are planning this as we speak.  But I will mention it anyway.  If you are planning a vacation, stock up now for your trip or shop from your stock pile and you will save some big time money.  Make a list of things you will need for your trip and start putting those things together.  Of course, it is more to pack, but think of the money and time you will save once you get to your destination.  Sunscreen, snacks, laundry detergent, plastic cups, paper towels, paper plates, etc.  There are so many other things to mention.  Of course, save the food and cold stuff to purchase there.  Bring your coupons with you on your trip as well, you may run in to a place that actually doubles coupons as well.  One thing I did not mention on the list, this just may be my OCD kicking in, I always bring bathroom cleaning products, just cannot stand the thought of my kids getting into a bath tub that I have not cleaned.  I know you all get me on that!

When you get back, guess what?  It will be time to get ready for school.  I know, I'm not ready to deal with that either.  I know that Academy has uniforms out now and have seen emails from Old Navy and The Children's Place.  Let's help each other out with the sales on uniforms and schools supplies to try and make this as painless as possible.

Miss you guys and I know we need to get together soon.  I have been asked to have another meeting soon and would love to do that.  What I need is for you guys to get with your friends and ask them if they would like to come.  I need a headcount and a date.  We will find a location and let you know as soon as we can.

Now for a personal favor.  My family puts on a memorial softball tournament in honor of my father-in-law. His name is Johnny Wales.  The tournament will be held on July 16th at the Zachary Youth Park.  We will need volunteers to work in the concession stand.  It is air conditioned and we will only work you in 2 hour shifts or whatever you can do.  If you are interested, please let me know.  You can go to "The Johnny Wales Scholarship" page on facebook and like it, and let us know.  Thank you so much.  We truly appreciate it.

Look at your sale ads...

Look at your sale ads this week:

Winn-Dixie has several products with bonus fuelperks and lots of b1g1 offers. On the back of the ad is buy 1 Gain 2x liquid laundry detergent and get 4 items free. They include Clorox Oxi Magic spray, Winn-Dixie ultra bleach, 64 oz Gain liquid fabric softener, and 40 ct Gain fabric softener sheets.

If you shop at LeBlanc's Food Stores...They are having a mix or match 8 for $8. Tons of products available. Use your coupons with the great sale and you could get some very inexpensive items.

CVS has 4 12 pack Cokes for $13. You receive $3 extra care bucks to use at a later purchase. All laundry detergent $3.99 with card and with a manufacture coupon of $1, you pay $2.99. Feminine products are on sale and there are always lots of coupons available. Ban deodorant is $2.99. There was a coupon in the Sunday paper for $.75 off and they have $2.00 in extra care bucks to use at a later purchase. It is great to go to a store and have them pay you money to shop.

And last but not least, Walgreens. B1G1 on several personal care products. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor System $9.89, $4 coupon that was in the Sunday paper, and $5 register rewards to use at a later purchase.

Get yourself organized and try. You never know how you will do if you don't just step out there and try.

Have you started saving?

I'm back after a much needed "mini" vacation with my husband.  I promised him that I would not use the phone, internet or anything while we were away.  Wow, I have had so much to do since we got home and have been on the computer all afternoon.

I'm interested to know how many have started saving and what did you score while I was gone.  A very good friend of mine actually started using some of the coupon techniques we discussed on Monday night and saved $41 at the drugstores and $68 at the grocery store.  She also saved $21 at the gas station.  Good job, Mrs. Patti.  I knew you could do it.

So, it is easy to undertake this task.  Just do your research and plan, plan, plan.  Then get started.  If any of you feel like you want to get together again or know of others who would be interested in a coupon workshop, please let me know.  We had such a great turn out on Monday, I look forward to meeting new faces.

I have to thank some special people for their help.  Jennifer - you did an awesome job and thank you for my special treat.  Wendy - Thank you for setting up the location and then setting up the room.  Your input was and is greatly appreciated.  Tina - Thanks for being there to support me and for keeping the humor going.  Monique - Loved the bread, thanks so much.  You guys are the best.

Will update again soon.  I have some great information on a playgroup that a good friend of mine set up.  Do not forget to check your coupon websites for printables.

Thank you!!

I just wanted to put a quick thank you to all who came to the couponing class/swap. We both appreciate your support and we love helping others. Especially helping others save money. I am very busy this week with vacation bible school, but I promise I will make a point to post a few good deals this week.

Why the title?

It has been such a crazy weekend already.  Ball parks all day yesterday, practice today and laundry always.

I actually have been wanting to let you all in on why this blog is titled the way it is.  Really, is it that hard, is a question that I ask myself on a daily basis.  I worked for one company for 15+ years as a Benefits Administrator and I can promise that this career as a mom is far more challenging.  I have self declared myself as the Chief Family Officer of the Wales Family and it is a title I wear proudly.  Everything is handled by me and I run this family's life as a business.  There are schedules, routines, rules and procedures.  And the best part about it, is that my family is not affected by it adversely.  They do not know what goes on behind the organization that it takes to "get things done."  But what they do know is that Momma's got it.  Just ask Momma.  And you know what, that is the best feeling ever.  So when a challenge arises, I ask, Really, Is it that hard?  And the answer is no, I will figure it out.  I accepted the challenge to save money, therefore I started couponing and watching sales.  Anything our kids want or that will benefit them in some way, we always find a way to make it happen.  So we push up are sleeves and we get busy.  I do second guess myself and wonder if it can be done, thats human nature.  But I accepted this job and I give it my all at all times.  This is the best job ever!  There is no vacation, no sick days, no days off with pay, and well, no pay.  But it is my job and I love it.  I get paid with hugs and kisses, I love you and thanks.  I know it is all worth it.

I challenge you to face your challenges head on.  Ask yourself the question and then accomplish the task.  You will do it.  You have to, your family is depending on you.  I heard this on the radio and thought it was so good that I have to share it.  Ask yourself, what is bigger:  my storm or My God.  I thank God everyday because I prayed for this family life and I got it by His grace.

That is what the blog is for.  We are currently on the task of coupons.  But feel free to comment on anything regarding the joys and difficulties of being a mom.  We all need each other and any tips that would help.

Enjoy your Sunday and I hope to see you at the Coupon meeting tomorrow night.