I started couponing about 17 years ago.  Yes, I’m old.  I’m also one to delight in “buying” stuff for free or pennies, and it thrilled me to no end to brag up my haul to my college roommates.  That, of course, was in the days when we all lived off of boxed cereal, boxed macaroni, and boxed Hamburger Helper.

Gag.

Once newly married and living in a smaller town, my husband got an earful at our little grocery store about how “your wife came in earlier and paid like $5 for $50 worth of stuff!”  That may embarrass some.  He just puffed up and strutted his peacock feathers.

Point being?  I know couponing.  I know it works.  It doesn’t intimidate or embarrass me, and I can’t debate the effectiveness of chapter 5 of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget.

That said, I haven’t updated my coupon file since last fall.  My quandry now is that I don’t believe I’m saving enough for my time and effort to keep it up, but I’m still super ticked when I walk in the store, see something on sale, and know there must be a coupon for it… somewhere.  I can’t stomach paying full price, so more than likely, I’m not paying for that item at all.  My children miss fun food.

Also, Crystal mentions that if you know what you’re doing, you should be saving $25-$50 per hour couponing.  Even in my glory days I don’t know that I ever had that kind of success.  Perhaps I’m a slow coupon clipper?  Lest I get ahead of myself here, I see that all of my excuses are a chapter 6 discussion, so mum’s the word.  For now, here’s my challenge:  Get back into couponing for a few months.  Keep track of my savings.  Record what I’m purchasing.  Find out a few things.

What am I really buying with coupons?

Yes.  Yes, I am one who now believes that most coupons are for junk food.  (Funny how our philosophies evolve.)  However, I am also one who believes that flavored, colored, low/no fat yogurt is junk food.  So, there’s that.  But there’s also this:  we’re coming into our summer ball season.  I have 3 children playing some form of baseball or softball at least once per week each, and we have four weekend basketball tournaments lined up.  And a road trip.  Plus, I have a toddler to entertain.  He’s easily entertained with food.

If it means mama can watch the game, Mama doesn’t mind a little convenience junk food.

How much am I really saving with coupons?

Since I’ve committed to cash already for the next 3 months, may as well go whole hog, right?  Just how much can I save with coupons, without completely wrecking our diet?  Truly, I’d like to jump ahead to chapter 7 here, because those are the strategies I’m currently using to keep our food money in check.  I wouldn’t be a very effective book club leader then, though, so forget I said that.

This chapter?  This month?  Coupons.

Does it make enough of a difference?

Back in my heyday it sure did.  But back then I had access to more stores, more time, more coupons, and fewer children.    I can still do some damage at Dillons, WalMart, and Dollar General if I put my mind to it, though.  And I’ll try, for a time.

Lucky for me, I have a 9 year old who is very interested in earning some money this summer.  She may have earned herself coupon clipping duty, because mama has a baby to prepare for, and mama can’t do it all!

Bottom line:  I’m not turning my nose up at the almighty coupon.  I’ve been there, done that, and I know there are savings to be had.  Are the savings right for me?  Are they worth it?  That remains to be seen.

What’s holding you back?

Let’s chat.  Is it the time involved?  The lack of coupons?  (Our newspaper deliverer used to give me coupons… but he doesn’t deliver the paper any more.  No one does here.  Sad.) Printing and clipping time?  Fewer stores in your area?  A whole foods diet?  A house full of children and other responsibilities?  Other (completely justifiable and rightly so) priorities?  Tell us your story!

If you’re a current Coupon Queen, motivate us!  I love a success story, too.  How have you overcome the couponing odds?

Do You Coupon? {Chapter 5, Money Saving Mom’s Budget} is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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Whether this is your first or, um, fifth, those two little lines can come as quite a shock.  A happy surprise, a much-prayed for addition, or an Are Your Kidding Me?! aside, it’s time to grow a baby.  So now what?

One of the amazing, miracle aspects of pregnancy is that there’s a lot we can do to keep mama and baby healthy, and yet there is so much way beyond our control.  No amount of eating the right diet or doing the right exercises is going to keep baby in there.  The unexpected and devastating does sometimes happen.  That doesn’t mean we don’t do our best, though!

In those first early weeks and throughout pregnancy, I do feel better if I control what I can control, pray fervently for that new life, and do my very best to let go of the rest.

Pregnancy Diet

As early as possible, (because let’s face it, sometimes morning sickness will dictate your diet, and if you have to get 90% of your calories from cheese for a time, then do it!) I try to start planning my meals and snacks based on the principles of The Brewer Diet, which I first learned about in my Bradley Method Natural Birthing classes with our first pregnancy.

This high-protein, nutrient-loaded diet supports what mom and baby need most.  I remember specifically my Bradley Method instructor encouraging a quality diet to develop a “juicy, curly cord.”  Again, there is so very much out of our control, but if what I eat can help my baby’s umbilical cord become stronger and my pregnancy go smoother, I’m sure gonna try!

Supplements

I must be the world’s worst about taking nutritional supplements.  I just never can get a good habit going with that!  During pregnancy I do try harder, though, and this time around I’m taking Garden of Life Vitamin Raw Prenatalwith fair regularity!  I like the small, easy to swallow capsules.  Choking down horse pills, especially in the first trimester, is near impossible for me!  I also appreciate the addition of ginger to the ingredients, which is supposed to suppress morning sickness and aid in digestion.  (My doctor never recommended or encouraged a certain brand, so I’m simply taking what works for me.)

At one of my first appointments, I asked my doctor if there is anything I can do to prevent the premature rupture of my bag of waters.  I’m way over average with that miserable condition (trust me, you do not want to go through a long labor with no water cushion!) since mine has broken 3 out of 4 times.  He said there isn’t, but several friends have suggested an Herbal Pregnancy Tea and Red Raspberry Leaf  Tea.  (Mamas know!)  I’ve also been told that extra vitamin C is shown to keep that bag of water intact, so I’ll be adding that to my “daily takes” as well.  Maybe it won’t work for me, but I can’t not try!

Exercise

Babies like blood.  I’m trying desperately to remember that, especially as our days get busier and it starts to heat up out there.  Yes, there are times when life takes hold and I don’t move as much as I should, but exercising throughout pregnancy is truly one of the best things I can do for myself and my baby.

Growing a baby and giving birth is a marathon, so incredibly taxing to the body.  Regardless of how you plan your delivery (and how it actually happens — because it’s not always how you plan it!) your body will be better prepared for labor, delivery, and recovery if you’re moving now.

I don’t have access to a gym or special classes, but I can move!  A few weeks ago I took to wearing a Pedometerto track my steps, aiming for 10,000 each day.  My little dude loves to ride in the stroller, so I can knock out a few thousand steps simply by wheeling him around for a while.

Because I have a history of back labor (2 out of my 4 pregnancies, yuck!) I’m also trying some of the Spinning Babies stretches and techniques this go around.  I’m willing to try anything to encourage this little one into the right position and keep him/her there!

The miracle of a baby forming in my body is definitely God’s design, and so much of it is completely out of my control.  That’s a good thing!  It’s also a good thing, though, to care for my body and my baby’s home as best as I know how.  I never perfectly follow any diet, supplement, or exercise routine.  (Is there a perfect one?!  Doubtful.)  However, doing the best we can with the information we have… that’s a good start.

What works for you to get your pregnancy going in the right direction? 

I’m Pregnant! Now What? is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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On Forcing Children to Share {and Socialism} ~ BINGO!  (But I still forget sometimes, namely when the whining reaches new heights.)

Well I Didn’t Expect to Meet Her in Tanzania ~ Ouch.  This one pokes at me.

How to Miss a Childhood ~ Most important read of the week!  I don’t have a smart phone… but I do have a computer. 

Where is the Mommy War for the Motherless Child? ~ “Let’s stop quibbling about what competent mothers are choosing for their kids, and step it up for the kids that don’t have one.”

Weekend Wanderings is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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You know how I love our loaded tostadas, right?  This is the same love, only different.  Load them up however you choose!

*** Sticky chicken has lots of flavor if made as directed.  If you’re starting with plain chicken, you may need to add more spices.

*** This goes together super fast as is, but the chicken mixture also freezes beautifully.  Simply warm while you’re chopping veggies for a 10 minute dinner.

*** Perfect for a fun DIY dinner night.  Kids love putting together their own nacho plates.

*** Don’t have chips?  Do the same thing with hard or soft tacos, burritos, or tostadas!

Chicken Salsa Nachos is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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When I called my daughter over to investigate, we laughed together.  “So that’s where it went!”  The child has a tendency to fling off her socks immediately upon walking in the house.  Apparently one disappeared in the flinging.

Found it!

So THAT’S where it went! is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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We’re doing this cash thing!  As the debate rages on between the benefits of paying with cash, debit, or credit (responsibly!), we’ve decided to (mostly) go where we’ve never gone before… green. 

Having no debt to begin with, I’m rather certain we don’t have a spending or self-control problem that using cash is going to fix, but with one week of a three-month experiment under our belts, I’ve already learned a thing or two!

My husband is a rockstar.

Why yes, I did already know this, and while the reminder has little to do with spending, it’s been great to know he’s on board with whatever crazy challenge I come up with for us to try.  In fact, as I was headed to the bank on May 1 to grab some cash, little did I know that he was already using it!  He came home that night from a far away track meet.  “Be proud. I used cash for my dinner tonight!”  And oh, I was, because I’d completely forgotten he’d even have the opportunity.

Cash is not convenient.

We did have a good laugh on Saturday at Sonic Happy Hour.  While he was buying drinks for the ride home from our daughter’s birthday party, she and I ran into the store for birthday doughnuts for the next morning… and made it back across the parking lot to Sonic before he was ready to pull out.  “I have to wait for my change.”

We’d already been laughing about extra bills in the wallet, loose change all around, and the extra seconds it takes to spend the cash.  I even had to switch wallets to make this work!  Cash is definitely not more convenient in many respects, however… maybe that’s the point!

I don’t have a spending problem, I have an organizational problem.

Well how about that.  A little something I already know comes to slap me in the face on week one!  Over and over I hear about the emotional attachment we have to our cash and how spending it will be harder than swiping the card.  I want so badly to deny it, but so far… I can’t.  At least a little bit.  Here’s what the emotional attachment looks like for me.

On my first grocery/household shopping trip with cash, I put lots in my wallet.  You just never know what you might need, and my focus this month is not on bringing the budget down and spending less, it’s on practicing handing over green.  Even so, I left the store without a few things on my list.  Intentionally!

While those things were all needs (kind of), they weren’t items I needed right then and there, and as I’m going through my list walking the aisles, I found myself mentally strategizing ways to make do or do without. 

I’d normally have grabbed the triple pack of tissues because we need them, but… I didn’t have a coupon and didn’t want to pay full price.  So I bought one (less expensive with a coupon in the box for next time) package and figured we’d make do.  We needed bathroom cleaner, but I didn’t have a coupon and all those voices in my head who have preached about the benefits and ease of baking soda and vinegar on my bathtub were making me giggle.  I did already have those things at home; perhaps there’s no time like the present to try some natural cleaners!

If I was swiping plastic, would I have grabbed what’s on my list and moved on with life?  Maybe!  Did using cash save me money?  Well, on that particular trip it very well could have.  I’m not going to commit to that long term, though, because I’ll still be back to the store for tissues and bathroom cleaner, but perhaps I’ll be more organized and have my coupons with me next time!

Using cash is spurring me to revisit some of the time and money saving strategies I’ve set aside in recent months.  To everything there is a season, and early pregnancy mixed with a busy family schedule trumped couponing and making do for a while.  Hey, if I’m paying with the paper stuff, surely I’m ready to bring back some discipline in other areas of life, right?

Are you trying the The Money Saving Mom’s Budget cash challenge with me?  I’d love to hear how it’s going!

Cash in My Wallet is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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I’m not sad about her growing up.  Yes, she was a gorgeous baby, early talker and do-er, and charmed everyone around her.  That was fun.  But this is fun, too!

My problem… my biggest concern… is that I see a little more of myself in her every day.  And I only have another 9 years to fix it!  My problem is me.  Can I parent this?   

Nine is halfway to eighteen! 

Even when we’re arguing at 10:00 on a school night about reading just one more page, nine isn’t long enough.  It’s not long enough when I see myself in her eye roll and hear myself in her foot stomp.

It’s not long enough when she counts down 5-4-3-2—- nastiness, intending to punish a younger sibling.  It’s not long enough when the big sister bossy-ness shines brightest.  She’s my Mini Me.   

Nine years.  I’m no dummy.  Time can’t be slowed with anything but gratitude and living in the moment.  Living.  Right here, right now.  Being fully present. 

Soaking in her black Nikes as they confidently balance her aqua metal smile down the playground bars.  Feeling her strong, spindly legs rest on mine as we tangle up on the couch “Mom, there’s not much room left by you” to watch The Amazing Race finale.  Gazing at her crooked perfect pigtails.  Will she wear them in nine years?

Nine is halfway to eighteen.

When I hear my voice echo in hers, I want it to be the good.  The ambitious.  The caring.  The productive.  The hopeful.  The determined.

She’s got it.  And I have nine years.

Nine is Halfway to Eighteen is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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When his elbow’s not in my face and I’m not hindering his diagonal stretch (what’s a 6’1″ guy to do?), it’s big enough.

When there’s not a nursing infant snuggled between the two of us precariously perched on the edges, unable to fall into a deep sleep for fear of falling or squishing the baby, it’s big enough.

Sometime in the wee hours of last night, they came.  One by one, awakened by the flashes of light and thunder claps louder than I can remember in recent memory.  First it was the four year old.  She stood by the bed, her head on my pillow, my tired arm draped across her back.  Soon, I invited her in.  It’s not like any of us were sleeping, anyway.

Her older sister followed, and claimed her place at the foot of the bed.  How on earth were the boys sleeping through this?!

Here comes the 6yo.  Join us!  Wee hour giggles are better than scared sobbing.  Just as the storm starts to move away, and we count seconds between lightning and thunder, the little dude wakes.  Go figure.

A party in mom and dad’s bed?  He’s confused, but deliriously happy.  He worms his way in between myself and his 4yo sister, who then assures us all:

“Good thing we have such a big bed!”

Yep.  Good thing.

What Finer Things are you celebrating this week?  Link up and let us know!

Good Thing We Have a Big Bed {Finer Things Friday} is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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Recently, Retail Me Not, the largest online coupon site in the United States, polled moms about what they really want for Mother’s Day, and yes, 73% of moms responded that they do want a gift for Mother’s Day.  Are you in the majority?

34% of mom respondents indicated that they prefer gift cards (19%) or flowers (15%) as the two top gifts for Mother’s Day.   A massage – the most popular spa treatment for women (41%). Only 2% of moms want candy!  (Oh, I will get my massage ~ head to toe~ by my own husband.  He’s the best!)

***  I have to share a funny story.  A gift card may seem “cold” to some, but just the other day my sweet husband reminded me why he is not allowed to buy me clothing or jewelry.  (Other than my engagement ring.  He rocked that!)  We were cleaning up around the house, and he found a string of pearls.  Literally, a string of whitish painted plastic beads.  “Are these yours or the girls’?”  Oy!  I love that man more than any other, but golly, don’t be buying mama jewelry!***

A phone call is the most common mode of communication used to wish moms a Happy Mother’s Day (43%), followed by an in-person conversation or a greeting card (38%). 19% plan to greet mom via social media, email, or text message.

*** 19%?!  Really?!  Social media, email, and text messages are great for some things, but for Mother’s Day?!  That one surprises me.***

A fancy dinner (38%) or brunch (32%) beats out brunch and breakfast in bed (7%) as the way most women want to celebrate Mother’s Day!  (I’ll take my breakfast in bed, please.  No makeup.  No getting dressed.  No going out!)

What about you?  Do you see yourself in those percentages?  If you do want a special gift, keep reading!

Don’t miss out on the 7 Days of Giveaways from Retail Me Not starting today!  (They also have special one-day offers to help with anyone’s Mother’s Day shopping.)

• May 3rd:  7 personalized stepping stones (est. retail $12.99/pc. Up to $55)
• May 4th:  7 Hen and chick planters (est. retail $59.95)
• May 5th:  7 $100 Gift cards ($100) from Nordstrom
• May 6th:  7 4-Carat Created Blue and White Sapphire & Diamond Sterling Silver Pendant w/Chain (est. retail $65.00)
• May 7th:  7 Cheesecake Trio & Full Half Dozen Mother’s Day Berries (est. retail$49.98) from Shari’s Berries
• May 8th:  7 Food Network Magazine Great Easy Meals Cookbooks ($18.74) 7 $25 Magazine’s gift cards ($25.00)
• May 9th:  7 Arrangements of 24 Long-Stemmed Assorted Roses with FREE PurpleVa se & Mom Pick (est. retail $49.99)

I see a few things up there I wouldn’t mind having for Mother’s Day, especially if I won them!   Enter the sweepstakes here (it’s easy, I just did) and please do let me know if you win!

Retail Me Not and the One 2 One Network compensated me for sharing this sweepstakes with my readers.  All opinions about Mother’s Day, and keeping my husband away from jewelry stores, are mine!

Mother’s Day Sweepstakes from Retail Me Not {And why Amy’s husband is not allowed to buy her jewelry.} is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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Seven Layer Tex-Mex Dip

Smothered Beans and Rice Burritos

Taco Grande

Skillet Enchiladas

Loaded Tostadas

Pan Burritos

Do you fix a Mexican feast for Cinco de Mayo?  I admit to usually forgetting about it… but we enjoy the Tex-Mex flare about once a week, anyway!

Cinco de Mayo Recipes is a post from: The Finer Things in Life

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