Sunday, July 18, 2010

My love affair with couponing

I learned to create and follow a budget years ago. Since then, I have discovered couponing. Yes it takes a little time, but when it helps the budget stretch further and debts get paid faster, it is time I am willing to take. Once you get your system started and running, it really isn't that time consuming. I probably spend two hours at the most doing the coupon thing per week. That doesn't include the shopping part. The shopping doesn't count in my book because it takes less time now because I have a very organized list. If it isn't on sale and I don't have a coupon, I don't buy it.

Today's score?

1 package of Huggies diapers (normally $11.99-he goes through one package per week)
1 package of Energy Drinks (normally $7.99 for a package of 4)
2 pks New Pretzel M&M (normally $.89 each)

Total (before tax): $21.76
Tax: $1.52
Total (with tax): $23.28

I'd never spend that much on those items. What did I actually spend????



$1.18!!! Less than the tax on the original total!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Ten Day Challenge-Day 10! And DONE

Journal Entry 10~26 April 2010

This post took a little longer to think through and finish than I thought it would.

I have been through hell and back in my life. Some of it was self inflicted, other just happened. But through it all I learned many valuable lessons:

1. What a marriage takes.
2. What I want in my partner.
3. How to be a mom and that I am a darn good one.
4. How to be present in all aspects of life.
5. Just because you really love someone, doesn't mean they will love you back.
6. And that is okay.
7. Teamwork and conversation are key to any lasting marriage/romantic relationship.
8. Ladies need standards. (Most men don't get benefits from a job right away, why should he get intimate benefits from you without a commitment??)
9. I am worth it.
10. God doesn't just like me, He pursues me with endless passion.
11. I can sing.
12. I am beautiful.
13. Love knows no distance, because it could always be worse.
14. My body is killer; how many women with two kids are their pre-children size?
15. My faith in God is solid.
16. My love language(s) are physical touch and words of affirmation.
17. My trials have not destroyed my faith in lasting love.
18. I believe someone will have lasting love for me.
19. I am a great financial manager.
20. My funny bone isn't gone. Only the people that know me well see it.
21. I can manage a household.
22. I know more about football and baseball than I let on.
23. My life doesn't stop just because I am a single parent.
24. I am smarter than I let on.
25. My intuition is right more often than not.

The list goes on and on. Basically what it comes down to is that my tough lessons haven't been easy. I don't know why I had to go through them, but what I do know is that those lessons have refined me into the godly woman I am today. I love people where they are and for who they are.

To quote my friend, "Your past and your present situation are what make you able to accept/overlook other peoples' pasts and situations and love them for who they are."

Compassion is born out of personal pain.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Ten Day Challenge-Day 9

Journal Entry 9~25 April 2010
My eyes are beautiful. They are an awesome light greenish/blue color, like when you are on the beach in the islands where the water is clear, when I am happy. When I am sad, or feeling a little lost they turn a blue-grey color. And when I am content, they are as blue as the noon day sky. I am not afraid to look people in the eye when talking to them. You can tell a lot about a person by looking in their eyes. I love the little insights I gain.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Ten Day Challenge-Day 8!

Journal Entry 8~24 April 2010

I have a strong faith. Sometimes it wavers a little, but I never lose it. Sometimes it is difficult keeping it with all that has happened in my life, but it is through my Lord and Saviour I wake up every morning praising Him. I have seen some ugly storms in my life, but I know that God saw me through them and will use them for His glory and they will continue to refine me into the woman He wants me to become. The present storms and those to come will be weathered in His hands and He will see me through. My faith is something I have to offer. Some examples: I have faith that things will get better, faith that people are better, faith that relationships won't always fail, faith that my sons will grow up and be honest Godly men, and faith that God will have mercy on me for my shortcomings.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Ten Day Challene-Day 7! Woot Woot!

Journal Entry 7~23 April 2010

My feet, they look so sweet. You know I got to tweet, to all peeps 'bout my cute feet. Nails be painted, no I ain't playin. Bright pink t'night, is what I be rock'n. Crusty heels, they be found ev'ry where, but they ain't found here. Smooth baby, like baby's bottom. C'mon on and feel 'em, you just might like it, like you like my hair. But before you touch my hair, before you touch my feet, heed this warn'n~it might get chronic. Uhh, My feet, mmm, they are so sweet. You know I got to tweet, to all peeps 'bout my cute feet....

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Ten Day Challenge-Day 6

Journal Entry 6~22 April 2010
I am a financial wizard. While married (two years), living on only one income, 40k+ in debt was paid off. Since splitting/divorcing(two years), I have paid off over 18k+ in debt by myself. Did I mention I was off for 12 weeks after Benjamin was born WITHOUT pay? Hmmmm, I think mommy knows her way around the finance world. Some luck man will have money coming out his ears with me as a partner.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ten Day Challenge-Day 5

Journal Entry 5~21 April 2010

Have my act together. My education is complete, I have a good job, I am flexible and adjust to situations well, my bills are paid on time, my children are freaking awesome and I am a devout Christian. I may be a single mom, but my life is not a mess. I have it together and know how to keep it together. I am a team player.