{Not Quite} Extreme Couponing

I was up late one night and I stumbled upon a blog that was dedicated to saving $$$$. I spent hours browsing the site and planning ways I can save money.  I am far from an extreme couponer, but I have saved quite a bit of money on groceries. Here is how I do it...

Step 1: Plan a dinner menu for the week. Write down all the ingredients you will need at the store to make dinner for the week. Also write down any other things you need at the store for the coming week.

Step 2: Browse weekly ads and coupon clip. When I see that a store has an item THAT I NEED on sale, I write down the price, brand, and size next to item on my grocery list. Example: Sour Cream- 8 oz, Daisy Brand, $1. After I check the ads, I browse my coupon stash to see if I have any coupons for the items I need.

 Step 3: Price Match. I do most of my shopping at wal-mart, because they price match. Before I go into the store I take sticky-notes and write down the item I am going to price match and the sale price. When I put the item into my cart I simply take the sticky note from my notebook and place it on the item. When I get to the checkout line, I put my regular priced items on first and my price match items on second. I always make sure to tell the checker my plan (they are usually so grateful that you put sticky notes on your price matches and you organized your items on the belt). Also, if people get in line behind you, make sure to tell them your purchase might take a little longer since you have price matches. Nothing is worse than being behind a slow person at the grocery store when you are in a hurry, so a heads up is a very courteous thing to do.

Step 4: Go home and put it all away. Like I said earlier, I am not an extreme couponer, but on this shopping trip managed to get about 50 items for around $80.

If you want to check out the blog that got me started on this money saving adventure, click here.

I have also been keeping busy with crafts and decorating projects. Let's be honest, my family room was looking a bit drab and boring....

Not anymore! For about $60 I created a new TV area!

And I thought I would leave you all with a sweet picture of my beautiful baby. She is growing up too fast!