Couponing

As you know, I have taken great interest in couponing. It started as a coupon swap I created on Facebook. Check us out here:www.Facebook.com/groups/thriftymomscouponswap. I was looking for more than the cast-offs found at the library to save a few dollars on things we frequently use. My couponing has quickly turned into an addiction. My therory is there are worse things I could be addicted to. Now I am saving on every one my shopping trips at times amounts in the hundreds. I only buy things we will use. If it's a great deal... I stock up. Not on perishables or non-perishables but on household/personal care items that don't expire. I get laughed at for my stockpile of toilet paper and dish soap. Again, my therory, if they laugh they must not use neither... Gross!!! My current stock up items shampoo and conditioner. I have a house full of girls all will get used whether I have a year supply or not. Not only am I saving on my trip I'm also saving year round because it's stocked for under $1. I won't have to run out and pay full price.

If you are new to couponing search Facebook, Google, and YouTube for tips and blogs on how to start out.

Working out...

The details that is.

So we will start with my family "resolutions".

Our overall goal is for a happier healthier year. 2013 is going to involve great change with great rewards.

First, we have "Healthy Mind"...
1.Read for 20 minutes everyday (for me that's coupon blogs and the bible to my four year old)
2.Plan in advance (clothes, meals, and shopping)
3. Pray/mediate/stretch to clear your mind... Whatever floats your boat

Second, "Healthy Body"....
1.Walk to nearest health club daily. Ours happens to be the YMCA where we won a free year membership :-)
2.Eat all daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
3. Drink WATER!!!
Easy enough right?

Third, "Healthy Spirit"...
1. Church every Sunday.
2. Volunteer to help others.
3. Fill out slip for the happiness jar.

Finally, "Healthy Budget"...
1.Use store rewards to purchase needs.
2.Pay bills on time.
3. Shop and live frugally. My motto is "Coupons, coupons, coupons." My family is getting a little tired of this last one but the end result is worth it.

And mixed in all our categories we are working on being green.

What are your resolutions? Any helpful hints for ours?

What its all about

I've decided to start a blog about things I am passionate about. Also, I would like to discuss things I would like to change in my life and the lives of others. This should be an interesting experiment of faith and commitment.
I will get started with a little about myself. I am a twenty-five year old divorcee and mother of two. I am a newfound coupon lover. Sounds crazy I know but me and my girls plan on letting to Disney with our coupon savings... It has been done :-)
I have decided that I want to live a cleaner/ greener lifestyle. To do this I have sworn off medications that offer more side affects than solutions, quit smoking, and joined a "gym". My thinking on doing these things... proper diet and exercise are going to be the keys to my success and hopefully unlock the answers to subjects that create constant turmoil. I would like to get back into personal training and bi-weekly visits to a dietitian. In a daily journal i.e. my blog I will keep track of my goals...fitness, financial, and whatever else pops in my head....and hopefully start many interesting topics of discussion.
So the journey begins in Today it will be...
Anyone else excited?

2013 A newfound hope...

I wish to you all a happy and healthy new year. Have you decided on your new years resolutions yet?

Keep in mind that the start of a new year is always a good time to reflect on where you are in life and what you would like to accomplish. Are your actions bringing you closer to where you want to be? Having long term goals in mind, but focusing on small steps which you can accomplish now will keep you successful. Most of all have fun in the process and enjoy life.
Every year millions of people set there resolutions and only a small percentage actually carry them out. Keep your attainable but don't beat yourself up if they happen to take longer to reach. I'm not very familiar with religion but I'm pretty sure it is not a sin if you don't stick to your new years resolution. I have about 18 that I'm am going to try to break down and reach or just to switch it up a little. What ever best suits your wants and needs is the way to go. What fun is it to lose interest and not have a back-up plan right?

My girls and I have decided that we are going to be more crafty together. They wants to start raising money for local charities. In order to do so, she wants to make things out of garbage to show that most things can be reused and recycled. With a little imagination time and effort this kid plans on changing the world. Working on supplies for this little endeavor. Recycling is not as cheap as you would think. She has also just informed me that we are going to begin reading the Harry Potter series together. Its the little things that make the most of life.