Samples samples everywhere

Hi guys! How is everyone out there in cyber land? The weather is great here, at almost 8 am it is 63. Awesome day to just sit back and enjoy God's handiwork.

I wanted to let you know that I find LOTS of samples at www.walmart.com ... I sign up for everything~! I know that may be wrong but I also put every single sample to good use either by passing it on or making my homeless bags. Like I know my budget conscious neighbor has a daughter that still wets the bed.. so I signed up for the overnite underwear sample for me to give to her. My motherinlaw swears by goldbond so I will pass on the sample to her. See where I am going with this.. it may not be 'one' you use, but I am guessing someone you know will use it~

Let me tell you there has been many many MANY times that a sample or trial size has gotten us 'through' until payday. Now, I would highly suggest signing up for what I call a 'junk' email account. Free ones at yahoo, hotmail, msn, gmail, whereever you like and use that one for freebies and samples. That way your inbox to your often used account is not flooded with spam or 'how did you like it' questionaires. BUT very importantly, check that email account often and make sure you follow up with any 'how do you like it' emails as most of the time they will send you additional coupons and samples if you ask.

Thats all for right now, I am thinking about going to HT for triples again, we will see though, as the sales were quite what I thought that they would be and not all my coupons matched up.

Good luck, have a wonderful and blessed weekend!~

Remember God loves you~
Blessings,
Mari

Triples at Harris Teeter

I did ok, but with nothing really being 'free' after coupons I was not able to do a 'great' job and get tons of stockpile items. But that is ok... I did fine, not complaining at all.. I love the thrill of triples~

Here is what I purchased:
wax paper, frosting (for a german chocolate cake for manbear), bisquick mix, lyson sanitizer (for washing my hands inbetween stores while working), frebreze air freshener (for gurl), 4 boxes of lipton tea, 2 boxes of lipton soup mix, chkn and dumplings, pnut butter, tuna, crest, 2 salad finishers (first time buying these, will let you know how they work), 2 loaves of Arnold bread, 3pk of bread dough, 3 hungry jacks, stick butter, a large bag of vegall.

Btw I was asked this and yes, I am saving my register receipts to figure out my totals and keep myself more accountable.

Total savings $46.12
spent $19.17

total left to spend $1476.59

total savings so far $149.30

What a way to start the new year~

As you know my reason for doing this challenge is from an online gal I have been following... here is her blog...http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/

Well she is giving away an AWESOME smart shopper to people (be sure to listen/watch the you tube posting she has there MIGHT be something in there you need). I don't know about you but I sure would like to start the new year with an awesome freebie giveaway~.

And even though I haven't met her I want to thank her for all that she has done. Chances are in her big world she doesn't even know me but I have followed her progress since around May and have been amazed at how she does it, with 3 kids and a ft job. She has been a huge inspiration to me.

So go to her site, and register to win an awesome freebie~
Blessings,
Mari

Questions I have been asked

How many Sunday papers do you get? usually only 2-3 each week.

How do you store and sort your coupons? I clip each week and file them in my coupon box. I used to have a binder but after having to go to a second binder I decided a box would work better for me. Plus the binder won't really stay put in the baby seat in a buggie at the store. I also clip for my mother in law, who is a young 74 yrs old.

How many cvs cards do you have? I have one, my mil has one and if there is a GOOD deal I will go by her house and get her card so she can be hooked up on the deals.

Do you buy coupons anywhere? Yes, at times, not on a regular basis. I LOVE the gals at http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ they always seem to have the coupons that I need and their customer service is excellent. I don't know about anyone else as this is pretty much the only place I buy from consistently. I have tried ebay but haven't found someone that I am 'sold' on, if you know what I mean. BTW http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ has in no way asked for or compensated me to endorse their website, I do this on my own. When I believe in something I promote it to my best ability.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask, and I will be as honest as I can.

The challenge has begun!~

Ok, I was going through my coupons (end of the month) and I realized that there were some that I simply could not pass up~ so I decided to start my challenge today...well since it was almost 9pm when I got home it was 'technically' at night. Beloved gurl and mother in law came with me so it was a little time to show them what I 'do'. Actually gurl and I go most Saturday evenings for the cvs deals (it is some bonding time and she has racked up the 'filler' eyeliner quite nicely)... so off to CVS we went, and a quick trip to the local harvey's to get some lunch food for work on Friday..

Here is what we bought..
1 4pack of energizer AAA batteries
8 bottles of similac formula (NO I am not expecting, this is for a coworkers new baby)
4 Heath bars (fillers)
2 bottles pantene pro v
6 packages of lorna doone cookies (manbears fav snack)
2 colgate
2 Natures bounty vitamin d (for mil)
saved $99.97
spent $1.03 cash

At grocery store (for lunch on friday)
Wonder bread (free coupon)
2 Sunkist tuna used 2 $1 coupon
saved $4.49
spent $3.21

So total to start this year with with is
savings of $103.18
spent cash/check $4.24
$1495.76 left to spend for year

I'm starting to get excited

very excited!~ I can't wait to begin this challenge!

I have told only a handful of 'inskin' friends and while I have been met with some doubting tesses (TSK) most of them have been encouraging. One even said "if anyone can do it you can". Which made me smile and stand a bit taller. (thanks TF:)

As I sat back today and reflected on what this year, 2008, has brought to us, our family and our loved ones, I am amazed. We started the year a happy family of four, and even though this has been the roughest year within our family (not hubby but with one of the kids) I feel that we are tons closer than we were on January 1st. I love my kids and my husband more than ever, and I think we ALL have a better understanding of what to expect with life in general and in our family dynamics. This year brought a year of growth both physically and emotionally for the kids as well as us as parents. And although it was the roughest first few months we have ever had to endure I am glad that we are through it and emerging better people on the other side. This year also brought a reconnection with my long lost sister. I love her more than she can imagine and am glad she is back~ Also as a christian I feel I am in a much better place with my walk with God and where HE is as a priority in my life.

All in all 2008 was one of the roughest, toughest yet more rewarding years of my life.

I ask that God blesses you all this new year and may you find peace and love within yourselves and pass a bit of it on each day.

As we begin 2009 I wish for you all a year out of debt, full of love and may it be the most life affirming year you have ever had.

God bless you all~
Mari

Just a few more days until the challenge begins

And to assure you all of this, I have not been 'running out and stocking my freezer' as one friend suggested. I have done nothing that I wouldn't already do. I am simply keeping track of it in a better light this year. I am extremely excited and can't wait for this adventure to begin.

I got blessed with some gift cards to the local Micheal's craft store so I am thinking today I am going to go and see what they have for left over Christmas sells. I might add to my collection of scrapbooking pages and get some pictures actually printed today.

Blessings to you all~
Mari