TOO extreme couponing?

OK, I will admit I have bought coupons from eBay. Excuse me, I mean I have paid someone for their services in finding and clipping the free coupons they sent me. I get out my calculator and tap in the total cost, including shipping, factor in the cost of the items after coupons and figure exactly how much said items are going to cost me. Sometimes, it just isn't worth it. On the other hand, when I can get 20 bottles of body wash for a grand total of $5.65 (28¼¢ each!)... OR when I buy 20 items I don't even use and end up with a $25.57 profit... oh, yeah!!! (Not to worry, I donate those).

I don't know if TLC's new UN-reality show, Extreme Couponing, has anything to do with it, but there seems to be a real boom going on in coupon auctions. I can't help but wonder what some of those bidders are thinking. Do they get caught up in the excitement? Are they so competitive that they just have to WIN (the auction) and hang the cost? Here's the most recent example I found... Publix has, in their BOGO deals next week, an item that normally costs 89¢. There are some 50¢ coupons out there. I just watched an auction for these coupons tick down to the last second. OK, check it out. The winning bidder is paying 90¢ per coupon!

Ok, my Flardafied brain just figured it out. In SOME states, there are stores that double coupons, up to a certain amount - usually 50¢ - so maybe each coupon, to her, is worth $1.00. Much as I love FL, things like this are very frustrating. Not only do we NOT get doubles, but prices are generally a bit higher to start with. AND, when the other bidders have twice the incentive, it makes it that much harder to win that auction! >:\

So, are YOU an extreme couponer? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone to save more? Just how far will you go to save a buck $5.00? 8-}

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Coming out of the dark

Well, I just about got myownself pulled back together, after 3 deaths (one family, one closer than family and one just TOO YOUNG!), dog bite, spider bites that take forever to heal, etc, etc, etc...

I didn't think a whole lot, personally, about a double homicide that took place on Wednesday up in the north end of the county, until... Something made me take a closer look at the story today. In a nutshell, a young lady's ex-boyfriend stabbed and killed her father and her current BF and put her in intensive care. Then left their 1yo baby, bruised and covered in blood (but not stabbed, PTL!) there with the bodies! Anyhow, turns out the girl's father was the sweet man that collected entrance fees at the wildlife refuge. The gate wasn't always manned, but when it was, we always exchanged smiles and a few friendly words. I didn't recognize the name, but when I saw his picture, a little shock went through my entire body. It was ALWAYS such a pleasure to see him there. Everybody loved him. What IS this world coming to?!

In times like this, we can ONLY lean on God and hold on till He pulls - or pushes - us through.

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Stumbling around in the dark...

I just want to say THANK YOU!!! to my dear friends who haven't given up on me! I've been going through a boatload of 'stuff' - just one thing after another, with no apparent end in sight - the past few months and have not been handling everything as well as I'd like. Oh, I'd love to say I've just been wrapping myownself in God's loving arms and letting Him take care of it all. I wish I could say I've been resting in His peace, knowing that all things work together for good... But at some point, I just reached my feeble human limits and all but gave up. On everything and everybody. About the same time, my computer started giving me trouble, further limiting what little contact I was still maintaining with the outside world. Reckon I just let it be an excuse to hermitize a while. Anyhow, I know I need to crawl out of my coccoon and rejoin the living. Just need a little time to exercise my wings and let them dry before I lift off. So, once again, THANKS!!! You are the wind beneath my wings!

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Or***. org*** (just can't bring myself to say it)

I was leaving a comment for The Not So Perfect Housewife - re her how do you o........ or..... keep your coupons handy? query - and realized it was getting pretty windy, so figgered I'd just make it a post. 8-]


Well, I'd like to say that I faithfully keep up my binder and have all my coupons sorted and filed away in it, ready to whip out at a moment's notice. But I can't. 'Org*n*iz*tion' is a near-dirty word in this house. I just know - mostly - which pile to dig through to find the coupons I need for the current list. I stick the list and coupons in a recycled envelope and write out detailed instructions for Duller or DS, who usually do the actual shopping, coz they're already in the big city, which saves us an extra 2-3 gallons of gas.

I also have a plastic check file thingy that I sometimes remember to take along when I have several stores to hit. It's pretty handy for keeping each store's coupons separated and there are extra slots to stick in any coupons I find in the aisles.

I reckon I've progressed to a higher level. My last few shops have included two $0 OOP (out of pocket) and one 95% savings. I just love hyper-couponing! And I've started accumulating a tiny stockpile. It's so nice, when we need more ketchup or juice, to just open up the 'pantry' and grab a new bottle. We probably have enough cereal to last 4-5 months... maybe longer. Our cereal consumption tends to ebb and flow. We're working on the last pack of paper towels now. Last time I bought those was probably 5-6 months ago. Time to start looking for another sale.

Well, that's my story - and 'm sticking to it. Oh, and if any of y'all happened to see the Extreme Couponing show on TLC, we're not all crazy, honest. 8-]

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Compensation

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Christmas commercialism

Seriously, IS it just me?! This afternoon, I got an email from a well-known tv ministry. The topic line read: Nativity Stones Collection - Special Christmas Gift Offer! I thought, 'oh no they didn't!' Well, they did. *sigh* Am I the only one who finds it incredibly sad that a Christian organisation - OK, anyone - is selling cross pendants with a mounted stone from the Manger Room in the Cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem? 'Each holy heirloom comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a booklet telling the story of the Nativity Stones.' *sigh*

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Is it just me?

Am I missing something? I've been doing a little shopping online. Mostly ebay. There are tons of listings for gift cards. One would think one might get a little discount there, right? NOT! Nearly all the cards I've seen have sold for MORE than the card's value! What's up with that?! Why on earth would someone pay $11 for a $10 Target gift card?! Call me crazy, but I'd just stop at the store and pay the $10. No shipping, no waiting, no hoping I didn't pick the seller who lies about the value and disappears tomorrow... Idano, I just don't get it somehow.

Then there are the ones who outbid me, even though the same seller has more of the same item listed with no bids. What's up with that? Has the world gone COMPLETELY wacky or what?

OK, now I'm gonna go have one more turkey sandwich and spread out on the bed with my sudoku book. Turkey and rice tomorrow will probably finish off the leftovers. I'll miss that good ol' bird. 8-]

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Still alive... still pinchin'

Thanks ever so, y'all, for asking after me. I've been dealing with one 'problem' after another, mostly niggly little health-related things, which have seriously curtailed my computer usage. Just about the time I get past one thing, something else hits me. Please pray for me when you think about me. Gettin' old is the pits! >:\

Anyhow, I'm still keeping up with y'all as best I can and, hopefully, will soonly be back to normal. Meanwhile, I want to share a great deal with all my cheapskate chums. Really, this was just too good for even this tightwad to pass up. First, sign up with Eversave - don't worry if your city isn't listed; this seems to be good everywhere (and you don't have to live in the cities listed) - and get $5 credit toward your first deal. Then check out their current deal, which is $12 for $26 in magazine subscriptions. Click the deal and they'll automatically deduct your $5. I'll be getting ALL YOU and have $6.05 left toward a second mag. Maybe Florida Table @ $9.95, or Plane & Pilot for DS. This deal is good for 2 more days, but don't wait too long. It's going like those proverbial hotcakes!

Now I'm off to do a little job-hunting legwork for Duller. We're way overdue for some changes! Love y'all loads!

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Can you be trusted?

When you meet and like someone, do you ever think about her past? Do you ever wonder if she thinks about yours? I've met some wonderful, outgoing, loving ladies and was shocked to learn that some had a heart-breakingly horrible childhood, or an abusive adult relationship, or a battle with drugs, or any number of surprising experiences.

For several reasons, I share my past with very few. (No, I never did drugs; never even touched marijuana, though I grew up in the 60's and had many friends who laughed at me for being so 'uncool'.) So, why the big 'secret'? Of the VERY few people I have trusted enough to talk with about my childhood, some have been warmly sympathetic. A couple others have stopped having anything to do with me, overtly avoiding me after I offered the smallest of details.. As if I had any control over the events.

If someone trusts you enough to open up her heart to you, do you deserve that trust? Will she regret it? The strongest heart is damaged when trust is abused. An already fragile soul is deeply wounded. Many people don't realize what an honour it is to be offered the trust of a guarded heart.

If you found out a friend had 'a past', how would you react? Would you look at her differently? Would it diminish your affection for her? Would you still be her friend?

Are you trustworthy?

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Glue gun-shy!

Some of y'all might remember my misadventures with the beaded gecko. Face it, I am NOT a crafty kinda gal! But I've found one that even I can do... I think. This is probably old news for some of y'all, but I've discovered the possibilities of placemats. Just a fold or two and two straight seams and... VIOLA!.. a purse!

The 2 basic styles are tote and clutch. For the tote, just fold the placemat in half, sew up the two sides and attach the handle of your choice. You can do a couple more little cross-seams inside if you want to 'square' the bottom.



For the clutch, fold it up about a third, or a bit more if you prefer, sew up the two sides, then fold down the top. You can embellish it with whatever trims suit your fancy and add a velcro or magnetic closure if you like.

Sorry the pics are a little dark.
My camera battery was low and I couldn't use the flash.

I found these at the thrift shop the other day. Now I just need to decide where to set up my machine and see if I can actually craft something without losing my mind, lol! Oh, and how cool is this? The flowery ones were at one thrift shop and I found the matching belt, which (hopefully) will become a handle, at another one several days later. If I get really brave, I might try using the cute little print squares for lining or some sort of pocket protuberance or...???

The picture doesn't do these faux leather and suede ones justice. I think they'll make beautiful clutches. IF I can muster the courage to sew them! 8-}

Now, if you just can't wait to try this yourownself, here's a little youtube veejo that 'splains the simplest process:

Enjoy!

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B-B-B-B-Blessed to the Bone

Thanks ever so for all the lovely birthday wishes! I am getting so spoilt by all this eating out in semi-fine restaurants. And today, I got a card good for $10 off a Carrabas signature pasta meal. I've never been there, coz I'm just too downright parsimonious. 8-]

The weekend, for the most part, turned out prettty dismal, but things started picking up late Sunday afternoon and God's been blessing my socks off since then. My rebates are starting to roll in, so the 'BO' part of the BOGO deals are now paid for, as well.

For the first time ever, Duller almost surprised me. We had a deal he wouldn't spend any 'real' money till after payday. When I caught him measuring his car's hatch, I knew the booger was about to break the rules.


I did NOT say anything about wanting to choose my own machine. This will definitely do. I gather the table was an impulse buy. It was there in the aisle, the only one in stock, so he got it assembled and at a discount. He's learning, lol! The left side lifts and there's a large stick-stuff-in-here space. The right is divided into 4 sections, perfect for keeping track of my store-specific coupons.

I am now officially ready to begin the rest of my life.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, y'all! And may God bless! 8-]

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Good eats for my birthday!

Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating another biggie birthday. My email is full of freebie goodies, mostly BOGO, at restaurants I rarely visit. So far, I've done IHOP and Cracker Barrel. OK, CB wasn't a b'day offer, just a $10 credit coz they're ending their Front Porch Friends program. 8-[

Anyhow, I'll probably have my free Ruby Tuesday burger today and maybe trek over a couple counties for a free Grand Slam tomorrow. Denny's is the only one that limits the offer to the one day. I also have a free dessert w/purchase of an entree at Boston Market, TGI Friday's and Chili's. I'm so glad I'm not on a diet, lol!

Unfortunately, most of my favourite places packed up and followed Denny's out of this area. No more Fazoli's, Piccadilly's, Miami Subs, Long John Silvers... *snfffff*

OO! OO! I almost missed one! Cleaning out my inbox, I just found a $10 credit at World Market! I love that store, but hardly ever get to shop there. What a treat!

So, what exciting plans for the weekend do y'all have?
Wanna come help me let out my clothes? 8-}

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S.O.S. (sick of shysters!)

Ever feel like you want somebody to stop the world and let you get off? I've been feeling it a lot the past few weeks. It's just one thing after another out there.

The latest... Duller had a little accidental meeting with a truck early last month. The truck was in front of him in the left turn lane at a red light. Light changed, truck started moving, Duller glanced rightwardly to make sure no eejit was running the red... next thing he knew, their bumpers kissed. At first, he wondered how on earth... Finally, it became apparent that the guy in the truck must have rolled back a bit. The other driver insisted on a report, so the police officer came and determined no one was at fault and there were no injuries. The truck had NO damage, as he had a trailer hitch for which Duller's tiny little car was no match. Duller's bumper had a little wrinkle, but no biggie.

OK, so here we are nearly 6 weeks later and our insurance company informs us he is filing a claim for $1600 in damages!!! Say what?!

Backing up just a bit, he owns, or works, for a body shop. His wife, who was a passenger, after saying no one was hurt made a feeble attempt at the old, 'well, my neck kinda hurts...' She said no more about that and they told the officer no one was injured. Oh, and get this, she works for an insurance agency.

Now here is what we think must have happened. This guy has somehow damaged his truck in the past few weeks and doesn't want to pay for the repairs. Hey, I know, we can file an insurance claim and get some other sucker to foot the bill. The really sad part is how eager OUR insurance company seems to be to hand over the money.

NEXT... I was right happy to get an emaill from Amazon today telling me they were giving me $5 credit because I bought a magazine from them in the past. Then I remembered... Once before, I had a GC and as soon as I logged in, the price on the item I wanted got higher. I signed out and, VIOLA!, the price went back down. Sure enough, I looked at my history and the items I've been viewing lately are all $5 more than yesterday. >:\

One last thing... Has anyone else been noticing a lot of little niggling things going wrong lately? Nothing earth-shattering, but one right after another. We keep thinking there's a tea kettle and we're the frogs. Nobody really notices, coz it's all trivialities. I'm just sayin...

Hey, just coz I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.

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Ramblin' in the cracker crumbs

Hey, today is our anniversary, so I'm being lazy and not double-posting. Huh? What does that mean? Well, I was gonna post over here same as over there, but I didn't so... click the link and read my Flarda blog post. 8-] Love y'all loads!

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Ever have one of those days?

I'm hoping August will follow March's 'in like a lion' example. Sunday afternoon, I had all my lists, coupons, shopping bags, etc, in order. I took my to-dos and handed Duller his. When we both got home, we compared notes. We had had eerily similar experiences... everywhere! Really, literally every store we visited... if it could go wrong, it did. Cashiers all over the area seemed to be completely baffled as to how to enter coupons or handle rain checks. Also, our area is, apparently, unworthy of the lower end of the price range advertised in the flyers. The comedy of errors we each experienced seemed to be never-ending. So we spent quite some time today commenting on web sites and returning to some stores to set things right. For the most part, it went well.



Meanwhile, I've gotten hooked on GoRemy. Ever really start liking a new 'character', then, as you seek out more of his work, it starts going downhill? OK, I really like the guy... he's silly and makes me laugh. But I have to forego some of his clips due to language/subject matter. The real problem is... he's contagious. I've been going around for 2 days putting about 75% of my data intake in hip-hop/rap form. It just kinda flows sometimes. I prob'ly oughta dust off my camcorder and just get it out of my system. OTOH, that might just create a bigger monster, lol!

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Soap dish - tossing it

Has anybody else out there stopped using soap? I've long since given up antiperspirant, coz those chemicals soak right into your bloodstream through your pores, donchaknow?! Oh, don't worry, I still use Tom's deodorant. I've also been using Tom's non-fluoride toothpaste, but am switching to just baking soda.

Next out the door was/is shampoo. I just did my first shampooless hair wash a few days ago and... I have to confess... I didn't think I was doing a good job and added just a tiny bit of shampoo. I figured it'd be easier if I started out with clean hair. 8-} Since then, I've been checking out borax. There are so many opinions out there, both pro and con. What to believe? Personally, I think most people are kinda scared to change the status quo. And we've all grown up with the FDA-approval mentality. I reckon a lot of the 'it's dangerous' notions come from lack of knowledge. Many of the comments I've read mention not getting it in your eyes. Well, branded shampoos burn, right? Didn't they used to issue similar warnings? Anyhow, I'm still hovering over the fence on this one.

My next steps are throwing out the laundry detergent and body wash. A nice baking soda shower, follwed by an apple cider vinegar rinse should do quite nicely. I've read some encouraging reports from others who have already espoused this method. Any other rebels reading this? I'd love to know how it's working out for y'all.

I've been wondering how it would work to hit the beach for a nice soak, then just rinse out the salt and sand. Hey, it could work! 8-]

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Must see blog!

I just discovered this very creative dad's AbFab blog! Made by Joel is chock full of fun projects for kids of all ages! Be sure to check out his paper city. He graciously shared the template to print out for your own young'uns.

And while you're there, dig the light drawing! I'm the antithesis of artistic, but I can't wait to try this!

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Could I possibly be more politically incorrect?

I have a new favourite song. 8-]


Smoke on the Water by Red Foley, 1944

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Franklin's Great Seal proposal

A later rendition of Franklin's and Jefferson's suggestion for the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States.

'Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.' - Benjamin Franklin

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Habits, good and bad

It's incredible how quickly I got OUT of the puter habit... which I thought would be more painful than cutting caffeine cold turkey. I re-discovered the real world out there and just can't seem to sit still at this desk as long as I used to.

Anyhow... not that I'm obsessed with coupons or anything... check out this done deal! I used to think that kinda thing would never work for me, but I'm getting deals just like that every week now! It's downright inspiring! I have a short end-of-sale list tomorrow that should be, if there are any tearpad coupons left, 75-100% off the already rock bottom sale price!

Right now, I'm all about the savings. Debt-free in three (except the mortgage, which will take a while longer) is my goal. After years of coasting and squeaking by and always struggling to get that belt just one notch tighter, I'm becoming ruthless. Some people, whose names I'll not mention, have a habit of turning on lights all over the house and forgetting the switch goes down, as well. No more of that! You're not reading or cooking, so the one lamp is sufficient. Sleeping in front of the tv? Turn that watt wolfer OFF! I'm even trying to get in the habit of unplugging things that aren't in use. And handing over the Publix list to someone who's going to be in that area, anyway. Much as I enjoy doing it, it's silly to drive 40-50 miles when Duller drives right past the store every day. Once in a while, I just have to do it, coz gas is - so far - still cheaper than a rubber room. KnowwhutImeanVern?

So, what are your best money-saving tips? What little things do you do that add up to big benefits?

Have a JESUS-filled day!

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