As I clicked the “Add New Post” button tonight, a tear rolled silently down my cheek. Not to be dramatic, but this is honestly one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life.

I am saying goodbye to all of you. I will no longer be blogging here at Joyful Simplicity.

(In keeping with tradition, this post will be written in my usual style of writing – i.e. WAY TOO WORDY. Forgive me ahead of time for this.)

I’m not really sure where to begin, how to write this, or what depth of detail I should go into. Part of me says, “Be raw. Be honest. Be yourself.” Another part of me, however, wants to keep things positive. I want this to be a cheerful post – one of joy rather than sadness. I don’t want to dwell on the negative. I want my very last post on Joyful Simplicity (aka Frugal Fun and Fortune) to be full of life and hope.

I guess I should start by saying that this is not a sudden decision. I have been contemplating leaving the professional blogging world for over a year now. I have had moments where I came so very close to pulling the plug on this blog, and then a friend would encourage me to keep going, my husband would talk me out of it, or I would realize that I just wasn’t ready to let it go. So I kept pushing through.

Deal blogging is really, really TOUGH. Many bloggers get burnt out quickly. And that’s exactly what happened to me. I got tired of looking at stats, comparing myself to the mega-bloggers who were succeeding, trying to keep up with posting 10+ times a day, and never having a day off.

I’m burnt out. I’m tired. My blog has been slowly dying over the past year. Reader interaction has disappeared. My income has decreased. I hit my peak a long time ago, and this blog has been declining ever since. I’m weary of trying so hard with very little results. I’ve been trying to make it work for quite some time. I even got the grand idea to re-brand my website a couple months ago. I thought switching things up would make it easier on me. All it did was provide even more pressure and stress to do even MORE than I was already doing. I finally realized it’s time to move on. It’s time to say goodbye.

This is a very well thought out decision, and one that I know I will not regret. I have enjoyed my time here immensely and I will always look fondly upon it, but I know that it’s time for a new season.

(It’s also my birthday this weekend, which I feel is very appropriate. We celebrate life on our birthdays, and I am doing just that by choosing to move on.)

I walked away from my blog 3 nights ago, and I can honestly say I haven’t been this happy in a very long time. Even though I cry about it daily, I know I’ve made the right decision. I have so much peace about it.

I now have my evenings back. Even better, I now have a weekend!  I feel like I can truly LIVE again. I am SO excited about what this next part of my life will bring.

I am going to miss each and every one of you. Dearly. I can’t begin to tell you how much all of you mean to me. You may not know this, but bloggers LIVE for their readers. We hope for comments every day. We love getting e-mails from all of you.

(And now is when you should go visit all your favorite blogs and leave a comment telling each of them just how much you appreciate them. It will probably prevent one of them from giving up on blogging today. No lie.)

I have grown to know some of you individually. I have gotten to where I recognize specific names and smile each time I see your name in my inbox. My heart leaps for joy when I receive a story about couponing changing a reader’s life. I anxiously re-load my Facebook page multiple times in one hour, hoping for a response to one of my questions that I’ve posted.

I love all of you. And you made this blog successful for a very long time. Thank you for that. Thank you for caring what I had to say, for reading my writing, for leaving encouraging comments, and for sticking with me this entire journey. (For those of you who have been here from the very beginning, you know what I’m talking about!)

So what’s next? A couple of things:

1. I have started a very small personal blog on blogger called Just Me. Meg. Feel free to follow along if you’d like. It’s very casual, spontaneous, and way more private. It will be my ramblings, thoughts, feelings, views, and writing. Vastly different from this blog, but I’d love to keep in touch with some of you!

2. A few of my blogging friends have been tossing around an idea with me the past couple of days. We are considering keeping Joyful Simplicity, but making it something completely different. Four different bloggers, all from different parts of the country, writing about life a couple times a week. It would be less pressure, more delightful, and fun. Feel free to check back over the next month or two to see if that comes to fruition!

3. For the past 6 months, I have been a Virtual Assistant for 5 other bloggers (i.e. I help them run their blogs). I will continue this as my full-time job from home. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll try my hand at teaching in the school system again. For now, I’m still discouraged by how lousy the educational job market is, though.

Wondering where to find deals? Let me introduce you to some of my best friends in the blogging world. These girls have been there with me through thick and thin, ups and downs, tears and smiles. They are wonderful people and incredible bloggers. I can promise you that you will absolutely love their blogs and discover some of the best deals around.

Jen at Saving and Giving
Shelly at Coupon Teacher
Kelly at Kansas City Mamas
Kaley at Cha Ching On A Shoestring
Sarah at Give Me Neither
Karen at Saving The Family Money
Lynn at Maven of Savin’
Mara at Kosher On A Budget

I wish all of you the best in life! Thank you for reading Frugal Fun and Fortune / Joyful Simplicity these past couple of years. It’s been a blast!

Today and Tomorrow only (3/10 – 3/11), get a one-year subscription to Bridal Guide magazine for $3.76!  Just use the coupon code JOYFUL at checkout.

This can be used on new subscriptions, or to renew an existing subscription.  You can buy multiple years at this discounted price.

Today only (3/9/12), Get a two-year subscription to Ladies Home Journal Magazine for only $6.99 when you use the coupon code JOURNAL at checkout. That equates to just $3.50 per year!

The weekly special at Discount Mags is a one year Parents Magazine subscription. Pay only $3.76 with the coupon code JOYFUL. This deal is valid through Sunday, 3/11.

Rita’s will be giving out FREE Italian ice on Tuesday, March 20th! Be  sure to mark your calendar so you won’t forget. See you there!

Thanks, Cha-Ching On A Shoestring!

This high value $1/1 Bob’s red mill rolled oats coupon just showed up! Be sure to grab it before it’s gone!

Walmart is offering Footloose DVD for $14.96 this week. Use this $5/1 Footloose DVD or Blu-ray coupon to get it for $9.96!

Footloose DVD – $14.96
$5/1 printable coupon
*Pay only $9.96 after coupon!

Thanks, Couponing for 4!

Don’t forget, you can get a FREE DVD or Blu-ray rental today at Redbox when you enter coupon code THANKS2U!

Today only (3/8/12), get a one-year subscription to Budget Travel for $2.99!  Just use the coupon code JOYFUL at checkout.

This can be used on new subscriptions, or to renew an existing subscription.  You can buy multiple years at this discounted price.

Right now you can get a FREE sample of Purina Beneful baked delights! The samples are available while supplies last, so hurry on over and get one for yourself!

If you are new to couponing at Publix, start here. Be sure you know the new Corporate Coupon Policy. Check your store for a list of which competitor coupons they accept (every store differs). Florida stores do not double coupons. Prices vary slightly from store to store, depending on your area. Deals that meet my rock-bottom price are marked *hot deal*

Use the printable list feature: click the box next to each item you want to add to your list. Then print your list when you’re ready! If you are reading this in an e-mail or RSS reader, you will have to go to the actual blog website to see the correct formatting. (Please note: In order to see the full list of deals, you must click on the “Display All Matchups” button at the end of the post. It is just a “teaser” with a few deals otherwise. Thanks!)

Here are the hottest deals this week at Publix:

Buy One Get One Free Deals With Coupons
• Campbell's Select Harvest Soup (assorted varieties, 18.6 to 18.8 oz can) - BOGO $2.55

  $1.50/3 printable coupon
  $.50/4 from 2-5-12 SS
  *Buy 6, use (2) $1.50/3 coupons, and pay only $.78 each! 

• Oscar Mayer Regular, Bun Length or Selects Premium No Nitrates Meat Wieners (16 oz package (excluding Beef and Angus)) - BOGO $3.59

  $2/2 from Publix Yellow Adv. Buy flyer
  *Buy 2, use coupon, and pay only $.80 each! 

• Post Selects or Great Grains Cereal (assorted varieties, 13 to 16 oz box) - BOGO $4.63

  Save $2 when you buy Post Cereal and Silk Beverage Target printable coupon
  *If you are planning on buying Silk and Cereal, use coupon to save $2!

• Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, or Froot Loops Cereal (assorted varieties, 16.3 to 17.2 oz box) - BOGO $4.71

  $.50/1 printable coupon (for Apple Jacks)
  $.50/1 printable coupon (for Froot Loops Sooper Looper, if included)
  $1/2 printable coupon (for Frosted Flakes)
  *Buy 2, use (2) $.50/1 coupons, and pay only $1.86 each! If your store doubles, pay only $1.36 each! 

• Emerald Breakfast on the Go! Trail Mix (5 count, 7.5 oz box) - BOGO (price not listed, around $3.29)

  $1/1 printable coupon
  $1/1 from 3-4-12 RP
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay around $.65 each!
  
  

• Barilla Pasta (selected varieties (excluding Barilla Plus and Lasagna), 13.25 to 16 oz box) - BOGO $1.53

  Save $1 when you buy Barilla Pasta and Sauce printable coupon
  *Buy 2 each of the Pasta and Sauce, use (2) coupons, and pay only $2.52 for all four items!

• Barilla Pasta Sauce (assorted varieties, 24 oz jar) - BOGO $2.99

  Save $1 when you buy Barilla Pasta and Sauce printable coupon
  *Buy 2 each of the Pasta and Sauce, use (2) coupons, and pay only $2.52 for all four items! 

• Welch's Essentials Juice Cocktail Blend, Light Concord Grape Juice or Welch's Light (selected varieties (excluding Welch's 100%), 64 oz bottle) - BOGO $3.45

  $.75/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $.98 each! 

• Welch's Fruit Snacks or Fruit 'n Yogurt (assorted varieties, 6.4 or 9 oz box) - BOGO $2.75

  $.50/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $.88 each! If your store doubles, pay only $.38 each! 

• Crystal Light Fruit, Tea or Mocktails Drink Mix (assorted varieties (excluding On The Go Sticks), 5 or 6 pack, 10 or 12 quart canister) - BOGO $3.49

  $1/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use coupon, and pay only $1.25 each! 

• Uncle Ben's Country Inn Rice (assorted varieties, 6 oz box) - BOGO $1.49

  $1/4 from 1-22-12 RP (expires 3/11)
  Buy 4, use coupon, and pay only $.50 each! 

• Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (32 oz bottle) - BOGO $11.75

  $1/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $4.88 each! 

• Vlasic Stackers Dills, Pickles, or Spears (selected varieties, 16 to 46 oz jar) - BOGO $3.09

  $.55/1 from 1-29-12 SS
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $1 each! 

• Emerald Mixed Nuts or Cashews (assorted varieties, 10 or 11.5 oz canister) - BOGO $6.85

  $1/1 from 1-29-12 RP (expires 3/11)
  $1.50/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) $1/1 coupons, and pay only $2.43 each! 

• Ken's Steak House Dressing (assorted varieties, 16 oz bottle) - BOGO $3.59

  $1/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use coupon, and pay only $1.30 each! 

• Ruffles Potato Chips (assorted varieties (excluding Baked, Light, and Natural), 8.5 to 10 oz bag) - BOGO $4.29

  $.55/1 from 2-26-12 Pepsi Insert (regional)
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $1.60 each! 

• Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, or Twix Cookie Bars, or Big Bag Fun Size Snacks (assorted varieties, 21.5 to 22.55 oz bag) - BOGO $6.59

  $1/2 from 3-4-12 RP
  *Buy 2, use coupon, and pay only $2.80 each! 

• Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers or Snack Mix (assorted varieties, 9.75 to 14 oz box) - BOGO $4.29

  $1/2 from 1-29-12 RP or printable coupon
  Free Keebler Fudge Shoppe Jumbo Stick when you buy (3) Cheez-It Crackers Target printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (1) $1/2 coupon, and pay only $1.65 each! If you're planning on buying 4 or more boxes of Cheez-its use Target coupon to get free Cookies! 

• International Delight Coffee Creamer (assorted varieties, 16 oz bottle) - BOGO $2.15

  $.55/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $.53 each! 

• Aunt Jemima Waffles (assorted varieties, 10 count, 12.3 oz box) - BOGO $2.25

  $1/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use coupon, and pay only $.63 each! 

• Smart Balance Spread or Spray (assorted varieties, 13 or 15 oz tub, 2 pac of 7.5 oz tubs, or 8 oz spray bottle) - BOGO $3.59

  $1/2 from 3-4-12 SS
  $.75/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (1) $1/2 coupon, and pay only $1.30 each! 

• Milk-Bone Dog Biscuits or Snacks (assorted varieties, 18 to 26 oz package) - BOGO $4.11

  $1.50/2 from 2-29-12 RP
  $1/1 printable coupon
  Buy (2) Milk Bone Snacks, and get (1) Soft & Chewy or Healthy Favorites Snack FREE!
  *Buy 2, use (2) $1/1 coupons, and pay only $1.06 each! Pluse, use B2G1 coupon to score some extra snacks for FREE!
   

• Schick Disposable Razors (assorted varieties, 3 to 12 count package) - BOGO $6.99

  $1/1 from 2-5-12 SS
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $2.50 each! 

• Lysol All Purpose Disinfectant Cleaner (assorted varieties, 40 oz bottle) - BOGO $3.19

  $.25/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) coupons, and pay only $1.35 each! If your store doubles, pay only $1.10 each! 

Other Buy One Get One Free Deals
• Publix Deli Oven Roasted Turkey Breast (12 oz package) - BOGO $6.19

• Chef Boyardee Pasta (assorted varieties, 14.5 to 15 oz can) - BOGO $1.53

• Publix Deli Macaroni Salad (16 oz package) - BOGO $2.29

• Bull's-Eye Barbecue Sauce (assorted varieties, 17.5 or 18 oz bottle) - BOGO $2.19

• Assorted Canada Dry, 7-Up, A&W, or Diet Rite (2 liter bottle) - BOGO $1.95

• Entenmann's Little Bites Muffins or Brownies (assorted varieties, 8.25 to 8.75 oz box) - BOGO $4.49

• WeightWatchers Ice Cream Bar, Sandwich, Sundae Cone, or Frozen Yogurt Bar (assorted varieties, 12 to 24 oz box) - BOGO $5.89

• Nabisco Honey Maid or Original Grahams (assorted varieties, 12.2 to 14.4 oz box) - BOGO $4.35

• Nabisco Baked Triscuit, Wheat Thins, or Chicken in a Biskit Crackers (assorted varieties, 12 to 16 oz box) - BOGO $4.49

• Arnold Bread (assorted varieties (excluding Dutch Country Breads), 24 oz loaf) - BOGO $4.29

• Tombstone Pizza (assorted varieties (excluding Stuffed Crust and Brick Oven varieties) 18.1 to 29.5 oz package) - BOGO $6.29

• Morey's Fish Creations Marinated Salmon, Tilapia, Cod, Mahi Mahi or Wood Roasted Salmon (assorted varieties, 2 count, 10 oz box) - BOGO $7.99

• Knorr Sides (assorted varieties, 3.8 to 6.4 oz pouch) - BOGO $1.49

• Sure Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant (assorted varieties, 2.6 or 2.7 oz package) - BOGO $2.69

• Publix Omeprazole Delayed Release Acid Reducer Tablets (20 mg, 14 count package) - BOGO $9.99

Happy Savings!!!

Go here to see the Publix weekly ad on their website.

Thanks goes to I Heart Publix for the sneak peek access, and to my sister-in-law Nicole for her help in putting these coupon match-ups together!

If you have any questions or want to share about your deals, feel free to comment below or e-mail me! Happy Publix shopping!

What About You: What are your favorite deals this week that you plan to snag!?

March 8-14th, Starbucks will be offering their buy one get one 50% deal! Simply buy your morning espresso beverage before 11:00 am, and return after 2:00 pm with your receipt to get 50% off any espresso beverage! This isn’t a GREAT deal, but Starbucks deals don’t come around very often.  If you love Starbucks, then this is a fun offer!

Here is a new opportunity to earn some easy and free Recycle Bank points.  Log-in to your Recycle Bank account, click on the “earn points” tab, and look for the “Suave Kids Purely Awesome” game.  You’ll earn 25 points when you’re finished playing the game!

Recycle Bank is a program that rewards you with points for being greener.  You can trade in your points for rewards, such as high-value coupons (my favorite).  It’s super easy to earn free points by taking quizzes, watching simple videos, and making pledges.  Head over here to see some other easy ways to earn free points.

Starbucks Refreshers are brand new. Try them out with this $1/1 Starbucks Refreshers printable coupon. Some Target stores carry this product for around $1.50. Use the coupon and get it for $.50!

A new coupon has become available for $1.50/2 Archer Farms organic coffee. Archer Farms coffee is on sale at Target this week, and some organic varieties may be included!

Archer Farms Organic Coffee – $6.49
$1.50/2 printable coupon
*Pay only $5.74 per bag when you buy two at the sale price and use the printable coupon.

See other weekly Target deals here.

Thanks, Organic Deals!

Use the printable list feature: click the box next to each item you want to add to your list. Then print your list when you’re ready! If you are reading this in an e-mail or RSS reader, you will have to go to the actual blog website to see the correct formatting. (Please note: In order to see the full list of deals, you must click on the “Display All Matchups” button at the end of the post. It is just a “teaser” with a few deals otherwise. Thanks!)

Here are the hottest deals I see at Winn Dixie this week:

What A Deal
• Buy 1 Purina Dog Chow or Little Bites at $13.49

  Get the following items for FREE:
  Alpo Variety Snaps, 16 oz
  Busy Bone or Busy Rolls Dog Treats, 10 oz
  T-Bonz treats, 10 oz
  Alpo Wet Dog Food, 13.2 oz
  
  Matching Coupons:
  $2/1 Purina Puppy Chow printable coupon
  $1/1 Busy Treats from 2-26-12 SS
  $1/1 T-Bonz Treats from 1-29-12 RP
  
  *Pay as low as $9.49 for everything about coupons!

Buy One Get One Free Deals
• Welch's Essentials Juice Cocktails - BOGO $3.79

  $.75/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use 2 coupons, and pay only $1.15 each!

• Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (6 count) - BOGO $3.69

  $1/2 from 2-5-12 RP
  *Pay only $1.35 each after coupon!

• Classico Pasta Sauce - BOGO $4.19

  $.50/2 from 3-11-12 SS
  *Pay only $1.85 each after coupon!

• Tetley Tea (24 count) - BOGO $4.99

  $.50/1 printable coupon
  $.75/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) $.50/1 coupons, and pay only $2.00 each! 

• Land O Frost Wrap or Sub Sandwich Kits - BOGO $6.99

  $1/1 printable coupon HERE or HERE
  $1/1 from 1-22-12 RP
  *Buy 2, use 2 coupons, and pay only $2.50 each! 

• Farm Rich Appetizers - BOGO $7.99

  $.75/1 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use 2 coupons, and pay only $3.25 each!

• Gorton's Shrimp, Fish Fillets, or Fish Sticks - BOGO $8.29

  $.50/1 from 1-1-12 SS
  $1/2 printable coupon
  *Buy 2, use (2) $.50/1 coupons or (1) $1/2 coupon, and pay only $3.65 each!

• Purina Friskies Dry Cat Food - BOGO $4.79

  $.50/1 from 1-15-12 SS
  *Buy 2, use 2 coupons, and pay only $1.90 each!

Other Great Deals
• Oikos Greek Yogurt - $1.00

  $.50/2 printable coupon
  $1/2 RecycleBank printable coupon
  *Pay as low as $.50 each after coupon! 

• Kraft Philadelphia Indulgence Spreads - $1.50

  $.75/1 from 2-26-12 SS
  *Pay $.75 after coupon! 

• Hot Pockets - $2.00

  $1.40/8 printable coupon
  *Pay only $1.83 each after coupon!

• Broccoli or Cauliflower Bunches - $2.00 each

• Russet Potatoes (8 lb bag) - $3.99

• Strawberries (2 lb) - $3.49

Happy Winn Dixie Savings!

What About You: See any other sweet deals at Winn Dixie this week?

There are two great deals on Kiss products at Walgreens this week. New Kiss printable coupons are available – $1/1 Kiss nail decals, and $1/1 Kiss artificial lashes!

Kiss artificial nail decals – Buy One Get 50% Off ($3.49)
Use two $1/1 Kiss nail decals printable coupons
Pay $1.62 each after coupons!

Kiss artificial lashes – Buy One Get One 50% Off ($3.99)
Use two $1/1 Kiss premium lash printable coupons
Pay only $1.99 each after coupons!

Thanks, Wild for Wags and Common sense with money!

Today only (3/7), you can get a one-year subscription to Natural Health Magazine for only $4.29!  Just use the coupon code JOYFUL at checkout to get this great price!  You can buy up to 3 years subscription at this price.

Check out this printable Bath & Body Works coupon for a FREE signature collection product with any $10 purchase! This coupon is worth up to $12, and it expires 4/1/12.

Einstein Bros is offering weekly coupons all month, and this week you can print this 50% off one caffe mocha coupon. Expires 3/18/12.