The Time Has Come...

....for me to make some decisions about what's most important in my life. The last couple weeks I've been tossing around the idea of what to do with my blog. Keep blogging for a couple more months....or stop all together. I really feel for a couponing blog to be effective it should be updated a couple times a day. The last while I haven't had time to do that and I'm the type of person that if I can't do something 100% then I would rather not do it all.

Last evening my husband and I had the opportunity to attend New Horizons Ministries Banquet. I was expecting that we'd eat dinner, give them some money and be on our merry way. Instead I was really touched by the ministry they're doing. I sat there thinking "I wish I could be a nanny for a little baby and teach the little one about Jesus but I can't because I have my own two children." In that moment God spoke to me by reminding me that he blessed me with 2 children and it's my duty to teach them about him. Children are only little once and I don't want to miss the opportunity that God has given me.

So in conclusion, this will be my last blog post. I want to start focusing more of my time and energy on my children. With summer coming up things always tend to get a little busy. I'm also expecting our third child and am due late September. So I course want to spend time this summer canning and freezing as much as possible to make my load lighter for next summer. I also need to prepare myself to start homeschooling my oldest this fall. That alone will be a huge challenge to me and something I never expected I'd have to do.

I started this blog in the summer of 2009 because I wanted to let my friends and family know that it's possible to be able to get toothpaste, shampoo, razors and grocery items for pennies and sometimes free! I've accomplished what I wanted to so I feel good about quitting. I will, of course, still be couponing! I don't know that I'll ever be able to quit that! It makes me sad to think that when I find a good deal at Kroger or elsewhere that I won't be able to share it with you. Maybe I'll have to give a shout out on Facebook once in awhile. :) If you ever have any questions please feel free to e-mail me. I don't mind at all.

I will leave you with some links to my favorite blogs.

The 3 blogs I check daily are:
Hip 2 Save (she is all around the best blogger, if there's a deal she'll have it posted)
Money Saving Mom (I like her blog because she's a Christian, has 3 small children and is in the same stage of life as myself.)
For the Mommas (If you shop Rite Aid you will want to follow her blog. She'll post unadvertised deals she finds there. She also always lets you know what coupons to expect in Sunday's paper.)

If you're wanting Kroger deals I recommend checking Stockpiling Moms or Stretching A Buck. It's also a good idea to occasionally check the Kroger section on A Full Cup. There you can find out about the most recent catalinas and discover unadvertised deals.

Thanks for reading my blog! I will miss you guys very much!

Local Readers: What Newspapers Should I Buy & How Many?

Recently I was asked a question by several of my readers on what paper is good to buy for coupon inserts. Here's a little rundown on what I found for my area.

The Columbus Dispatch
This paper will have all the inserts; Smartsource, Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble and General Mills. It costs $2.00 at most stores/gas stations.

The Newark Advocate
This paper will also have all the inserts; Smartsource, Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble and General Mills. The Smartsource in this paper won't quite have all the same coupons as the Smartsource in the Dispatch. It costs $1.25 at most stores/gas stations.

Mt Vernon News
This paper doesn't have a Sunday edition so you can most often find coupons in their Saturday paper. They only have the Smartsource insert. Now since the new year they haven't had any coupons in their paper. I called them and the person I talked to said they weren't given any to put in. So.... I'm not sure what's going on. Is it the end of coupons for the Mt. Vernon News? If you do find a weekend that the Mt. Vernon News does have the Smartsource, it will cost you $.50.

I also advise if you pick up your papers at a store/gas station to look inside of it before you buy it! Sometimes they can get sloppy when stuffing them and you want to make sure you're getting your full moneys worth.

If you're from out of the area, I encourage you to check out several different stores/gas stations and see what papers they offer.

How Many Papers Should I Buy?
I once read on a couponing blog that you should buy the same amount of newspapers as the number of people in your household. I've found that to be a little extreme. I generally buy 2-3 papers per Sunday and there's 4 in  my household. Once my family does grow I don't foresee myself buying more papers than that. I've been able to establish a good stockpile with this amount of papers. If you're wondering, I will often buy 1 Columbus Dispatch and 2 Newark Advocates. If I don't see too many coupons that interest me then often I will only get one of each.

So what do you think? Do you have anything to add?

I'm Back!!

I'm finally back! I had a great Christmas and really enjoyed the blogging break. With that in mind, you will probably notice that I will not be posting as much. My first and foremost goal each week will be to post the latest Kroger deals available. I hope to have those deals up by Monday or Tuesday. Just so you know what to expect. But I want to make sure you don't miss out on any deals so please don't rely only on my blog for the best deals and freebies. I recommend following Hip 2 Save, For the Mommas or Money Saving Mom. Those 3 blogs do very well with posting the latest freebies.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year!

 I will be taking a short blogging break until January 3. I plan to use this break to get some scrapbooking done and to just enjoy the season we're in!

Worth Watching...

• If you have a little extra time you may want to watch this episode of The View. Their focus yesterday was on how to get stuff for free. Coupon Mom made a guest appearance and talked on how to use coupons with a sale to score stuff for free. I was a little disappointed that they didn't touch on the drugstore game.( I also don't quite agree with "complaining" only to be able to get free stuff. Now if you have a legitimate complaint it's one thing but being nit picky just to try to get free stuff is wrong in my opinion.)
• If you need a good laugh you should go here and watch a cute little skit done on Saturday Night Live. Trust me you'll get a good laugh...at least I did. In reality, the message is so true! Don't buy stuff you can't afford!

Enjoy!

Mailbox Finds..

My son was absolutely delighted to find this little car in our mailbox yesterday. He has played and played with it. I was honestly not expecting to get it at all because I was never able to get through all the steps when requesting it. Have you found one in your mailbox?

What I Found Today...

Here's what I found today by stopping at the recycling bin in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Mt. Vernon. I was probably only there a total of 5 minutes and was able to find 13 complete inserts by just shuffling through the top layer of papers. Maybe you should give it a try...you'll never know what you'll find. :)

If you do decide to give it a try you should know that the weekends or Mondays are the best day to look for inserts because that's when it's the fullest. I think they empty the bins on Tues. mornings.

Just a Reminder...

Just a note to remind you that tomorrow evening is the coupon class. Go here to read more details.

Your Invited...

...to a couponing class. Have you been wanting to save big with coupons but weren't quite sure how to get started? Are you interested in knowing how to shop CVS strategically so that you can walk away with a bagful of items paying only pennies? Do you wonder where everybody gets coupons? Are you looking for ways to organize your coupons? If you answered yes to any of these questions then come join Rachal and I as we answer your questions. Even if you're already a couponer you're still welcome to come and join the party!

Who: You
What: A Couponing Class
When: Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 pm
Where: Mohican Valley Door of Hope
RSVP: Please let a comment letting me know whether you're planing to attend.

You may want to bring along paper and pencil so you can jot down notes.

What's in Your Mailbox?

So, what's been in your mailbox the last several days? Today I got the free sample of Cheetos Mighty Zingers along with a $1 coupon, Emergen-C and an auto magazine for my honey. Earlier this week I got my free sample of Gain Dish Soap. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I get my mail. You'll never know what you'll  find and if you're like me you forget what you requested so it's always a surprise.

So what have you been finding in your mailbox?

JCPenney: $10 off $10 Home Mailer Coupons

From time to time JCPenney sends me coupons in the mail for $10 off any purchase $10 or more! I love getting these coupons because you can usually score something for almost free or cheap. Wanna request these coupons for yourself? Here's what you need to do. Head on over here and sign up for the JcPenney list. This offer is through Eversave, so after you complete the JCPenney offer there will be more offers that will pop up. I recommend closing the window once you've completed your personal information for JCPenney.

Thanks, Thrifty, Frugal Mom!

Mills Advisory Panel

Are you a member of the Mills Advisory Panel? If you are a member you'll be able to share your opinion and possibly try out new products. It sounds like people you have been signed up are receiving gift cards for their participation in surveys. I think it sounds like a great way to earn a little extra spending money! If you're interested signing up, go here to join. I just signed up today!

Thanks, Hip 2 Save!

Bodycology: Become a Tester

Sign up here to become part of the Bodycology Testing Team. If you get chosen to be part of the testing team you'll receive free products to try.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

I'm Back!!

I've been in Indiana this last weekend for a wedding. We came back home last evening but I was unable to post today because blogger was out of commission for awhile. It seems to be working now so you can expect a few posts this evening.

Look What I Got!

Woo-hoo!!! Look what finally came in the mail today! I kept reading about other people that were getting their socks but I had yet to receive mine. Well, today was my lucky day! :) Did you find any "treasures" in your mailbox today?

What's in Your Mailbox?

Wow! The last 2 days my mailbox has been filled with goodies! I was very surprised today to find my Kraft Sample Pack. I wasn't expecting it to come this soon! I thought they were generous with the amount of free samples they had included in my pack! I also received my coupon for a free box of Mac N Cheese. Yesterday I got U by Kotex sample along w/a coupon, Pantene Shampoo and Condtioner (I was happy that it came in nice little bottles which is perfect to take along camping or on vacation. I HATE shampoo samples that come in little plastic sleeves.), a coupon for a FREE pouch of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice and a $.75 coupon for a Pouch of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice.

So what have you been finding in your mailbox?

Ways to Snag Coupons

Are you looking for a way to build up your coupon stash? One rainy Friday afternoon about a month ago I decided to take an hour to sit down and contact companies about their products. I basically complimented them on their products. Occasionally if I really wanted to get some coupons, I would request them. Here's a list of the companies I contacted and that sent me coupons. I'm giving you a link to each company website. Usually along the bottom of each website there's a link that says "Contact Us". You then fill out the form and provide any additional comments you might have for them. ;)

Huggies Diapers and Wipes 
Received (1) $3/1 Huggies Product and (3) $1/1 any Huggies Product

Cottonelle
Received (2) $.50/1 Cottenelle Product and (2) $1/1 any Kimberly Clark Product

Sparkle Paper Towels
Received (4) $.55/1 any Sparkle product

Quilted Northern
Received (4) $.55/1 Quilted Northen product

Hefty - Complimented Styrofoam Divided Trays
*Requested Coupon*
Received (1) coupon for any FREE Hefty product up to $3.99

Orajel - Complimented Training Toothpaste
*Requested Coupons*
Received (2) coupons for any FREE Product up to $8.99

Nesquik Powder -
Received (1) coupon for any FREE Nesquick Powder and (1) $.50/1 Nesquik Powder or Syrup

Campbells - Complimented Prego and Cream Soups
*requested coupons*
Received (1) $1/1 any Campbells product and (1) $1/2 V8 Juice

Ragu -
Received a coupon booklet filled with various Unilever products but it didn't include a coupon for Ragu which I thought was kinda funny considering the fact that I complimented this product specifically :)

Playtex Tampons -
Received (1) coupon for any FREE product up to $5.99

Domino Sugar
*Requested Coupons*
Received (1) coupon for any FREE product up to $1.00

Land O Lakes Butter
*Requested Coupons*
Received (4) different coupons for various LOL products

Ore Ida - Complimented Shredded Hash Browns and French Fries
Received (2) $.75/1 any Ore Ida product, (1) $.75/1 TGI Friday product, (1) $.50/1 Bagel Bites and (1) $.75/1 Delimex product

College Inn Broth 
Received (1) coupon for a FREE 14.5 oz broth and (1) $1/2 College Inn Broth Cartons

Bush's Beans - Complimented Baked Beans and Black Beans
Received (2) $.55/1 any Bush's Product

SoBe
*Requested Coupons*
Received (3) coupons for any FREE Sobe Beverage!!!!

Heinz Ketchup
*Requested Coupons*
Received (4) $.50/1 any Heinz Ketchup

Hunts Ketchup
*Requested Coupons*
Received (1) $.50/1 any Hunts Ketchup

JIF Peanut Butter
Received (2) $.35/1 Jif Product

Have you had any success in complimenting companies on their products? If so which companies did you contact and what coupons did you receive?

FREE Shoe Advice!

Not much is happening today in the freebie department so I thought I 'd share this with you instead.

I wanted to make sure all my readers are up to date on the latest shoe styles. I sure wouldn't want you to get behind the times. So next time you're shopping for shoes be sure to snag one of these beauties.  :)

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any accidents these shoes may cause. :)

What's in your Mailbox?

Here's some of the stuff I've gotten in the mail the last several days! It's always so much fun to get the mail to see what's waiting for me! My little son was quite tickled to find gum in the mail! That's not an everyday occurrence! What have you found in your mailbox the last several days?

How to Make a Gingerbread House

I debated whether I should post this on my blog or not because I really can't find anything frugal and thrifty about it. It actually is rather costly if you consider the fact you're not even eating it! The last 2 years my SIL Renee, made a gingerbread house for each family. We would then all buy a couple bags of candy and get together for an evening to decorate them. It was a lot of fun but we decided to skip out this year on doing it together. J remembers making them from last year and has been begging to do it again. I think want he really wants is to eat candy. :) I decided I'd give it a try and it actually turned out half decent. Here's the recipe I followed for the dough. I didn't get any pictures of mixing up the dough. I imagine we all know how to do that.

Just a note: I am by no means a gingerbread house expert. This was my first time making one and I wanted to show you how easy it is to make one.

Gingerbread Dough
1/2 C. shortening
1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. dark molasses
1/4 C. water
2 1/2 C. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. ginger
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice
Cream shortening and sugar. Blend in molasses and water, flour, salt, soda and spices. Chill for 2-3 hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll dough out 1/4" think directly on a greased and floured cookie sheet. It works best to roll out the dough if your cookie sheet doesn't have sides. If all you have is cookie sheets with sides you could flip it upside down and use the bottom.

Place patterns on the dough and cut out with a knife.

Remove excess dough. Bake for 12 minutes. Repeat the step above until you have all the parts you need for your gingerbread house.

Allow gingerbread to cool and dry for at least 2 hours before constructing your house.

Icing

3 egg whites

1/4 tsp. creme of tarter

1 lb powdered sugar

Beat egg whites and creme of tarter until stiff peaks appear. Add powdered sugar and whip well.

*I made 3 batches of icing for 1 gingerbread house.

Find a piece of cardboard to construct your gingerbread house on. These get very heavy by the end so you want to make sure you have a sturdy piece. Start by joining 2 walls together. I put a strip of icing on the cardboard and on the corner of the house where the 2 walls met. You may have to hold it in place for a little bit until it sets up.

Just continue adding a wall at a time. Be liberal on the icing. You want it to stick together well!

Here's a picture of the inside of the house. Once I had all 4 walls together I added extra icing to the 4 corners.

Half of the roof on.

The edges are iced ready for the other half of the roof.

Once your entire house is together you NEED TO LET IT DRY!!!! I would recommend letting it dry for 18-24 hours. I didn't let mine dry longer than 1/2 hour because J kept begging to decorate it. I finally thought what can it matter? It can just dry once all the candy's on. Well that was a big mistake! My roof started getting soft with all the icing on it and it wanted to slide off. I finally took half of the roof off and let it lay until the next day. By the next day it was good and dry so I glued it back on with icing.

You can really use any kind of candy you want. I didn't have a big selection of candy because I wasn't in the mood to spend lots of money on candy. I would probably recommend getting together with several other families to decorate your house so you have a bigger variety of candy. I put the candy into containers so it be easier to grab.

J hard at work.

Licking his lips and wondering when he can stuff another piece of candy in his mouth without his mom noticing.

The finished product. It actually turned out halfway decent considering the fact that the roof wanted to slide down when we were halfway through decorating it. If your wondering, J didn't last longer than 10 minutes decorating it. Then all he wanted to do was eat candy. :)

This was actually very simple to make. It appears like it would be hard to do but it's easier than what it appears. This was my first time making one and if I can do it you can do it. Your children will love it! It makes great memories for them!

Here's the dimensions of the pattern I used:

Roof: 9" W x 6" H

Side Walls: 6"W x 5"H

End Walls: 6"W x 5" H - 9" H (it starts to taper to a V at 5" H and then the peak meets at 9" H)

Credit goes to Renee for the recipe and the pattern!