snapshots

Three things I really like. (Ok, love.)

1. Being a stay home mom.

2. Brain & Logic puzzles (like sudoku).

3. Visiting my auntie & cousins in Tahoe.

And it seems there is a common thread, which has turned me into a crazy lady. Seriously.

It all started with my great idea to search online for an Old Navy coupon last week before getting my kids a few fall clothes. So I searched. And I found a blog, which lead to this online "hunt" for a discount. Then I looked further into the blog and it was all coupon type stuff and free deals. Once I figured it all out, like a brain puzzle, I was hooked. And as a stay home mom, intent on staying debt free, saving money is part of my job description! And this week I have gotten more free food and awesome deals than I would have ever imagined existed. Like, it's nutty how much you can save. I have some serious stockpiling going on over here. The only difference is that it is all name brand stuff instead of the store brand things I usually buy. So I guess we'll just suffer through that, ha ha. And I wound up with a 25% off Old Navy coupon, combined with their sale right now, I got my two younger kids everything they need for fall, for a little over $100.

And with all this savings, I think a trip to Tahoe is in my future!

If you have any inclination to try it, a good place to start is here. You'll soon understand all the abbreviations and concepts. And please if you see me, coupons in hand somewhere, try to not laugh.

Secrets Revealed.

Or not... either way, it seems some of you want to know what we're eating, how much dinero, if we are starving, etc., I'd be happy to share with anyone else who is interested also. Leave a comment with your email or email me, and I'll send it by email. I am pretty sure the entire inter-web is not interested in my tacos and falafel.

Pumpernickel Contentment

Jen and I were so productive during Organization Month, that we agreed to have another themed month to keep the momentum going.  Welcome to March: Spring Cleaning and Contentment Month.

I finished a lot of the organizing projects on my list last month, but not everything. Those things get re-titled 'spring-cleaning',  and everyone is happy. The 'Contentment' part is actually about saving money, but doesn't Contentment sound so much happier? As in, being content with what is already available, not needing more.

I have taken it up a notch, and decided to not spend any money in March, other than a very modest food budget and regular bills. Nothing extra. This time by choice, even better. When we did this out of necessity a while back, it was gratifying, but a little more stressful. Amazingly, God provided for every need. This time, I am focusing more on being content in what we already have. Because we do have so much!

Jen and I are both making lists of all the activities we can think of that are at no expense. My list is already long. We're making lists for date nights, and lists of things to do as a family. Not spending money will definitely not be boring! 

We're both also focusing on cutting our food budgets. We are utilizing things we already have, baking more, and being creative. My goal is to not go over $200 on groceries and household items for the month.

The girls and I have a habit of eating lunch at the co-op every Friday, and I think we can fit that into the budget, too. (Photo above.) Have you tried lunches there? Super fun. We usually settle on yogurt with granola, fresh bagels, soups, or salad bar. Since they have the microwave and condiments available in the cafe, free tea, and the bulk foods, we all eat for $5 total. And we get out of the house and sit in the sunlit cafe. The joy of homeschool. :)

Just to reiterate - this time by choice! To regain that contentment, and to challenge ourselves. It'll be fun. Who's in? Spring cleaning optional. :)

Well I got her number. How you like them apples?

 

   

Know the movie? Of course you do.

Last week after picking up Mady from her part-time school in Laurel, we kept on going, to the little Sm'Apple Farm in Lynden.  A bag full of the freshest-ever apples for $4.50? Yes, please!

Next, a little stop for caramels. With a coupon. If you live frugally-to-the-bone for three weeks, a bag of caramels feels like luxury!  I'm quite certain I am going to enjoy this phase of frugality in our lives. It makes for so much more gratitude, simplicity, and awareness of God's provisions. It's actually kind of nice. No, it's actually really nice. I don't remember feeling this blessed in a long time.

True story.