Where does your memory go?

It's just because you are busy.

It's just because you are a mom with young kids.

It's just because....

It's just because......

It's JUST BECAUSE....

SO!  Here I am reaching 20 30 and can not for the life of me remember half the stuff I SHOULD remember!  Like right at this second, I can't remember what my point of this was going to be.  I am certain there was a point and I am certain it was going to be a good one because well, I just don't blog about just anything!

I mean really, where does your memory go?  You are going through life all fine and hunky dory then all of the sudden WHAM!  You can't remember your own name half the time!

You want my phone number?  Yeah, well you can just expect to sit there and wait a few minutes for my brain to pull that one out of file.

Just the other day I was filling out paper work and was asked for my social security number.  I for the life of me could not remember what it was!  I have had that number memorized for the past 20 years, at least.  Really?  Really?  I can't even remember MY OWN social security number?  Are you kidding me? 

Well thank God for moms!  She came to my rescue and saved me on that one!

Trying to have a conversation with me is pretty comical, to say the least.  We will start talking and then all of the sudden I can't remember what in the world I was going to say or what we were talking about.  There are the awkward pauses and the awkward laughs because neither of us can read my mind!

*SIGH*

If someone finds my memory could you kindly ask it to return to me?  I would greatly appreciate it!  So would my husband.  And my mom.  And my children.

Thanks!

Daddy's Hands

I snapped this pic at a recent football game.  This is the hand of my Grandpa.  He has worked hard through out his life and you can see that in his hands.  But you can also see how much he cares for us, his family, in his hands.  The night this picture was taken was Breast Cancer Awareness Night.  In support of my aunt, his daughter, he is sporting this pink ring.  Such a small gesture that means so much.

I love you Grandpa!

God is working on me!

Isn't it amazing to just sit back and let God have control of your life?  Have you ever done that?  Have you ever just sat back and said "Ok God, I am tired.  I know there is more to my life than what I have now.  I know you have a plan for me and I am ready to see this plan come to light.  God, I am putting you in control of my life and I am taking a back seat."  If not, you really should. 

For the past year I have felt this tugging on my heart.  I am lucky to be surronded by some pretty amazing women of faith, I will call them out.  They are my MSQ sisters.  I have been watching what God is doing in their lives and I wanted to be like them.  Sometimes, you just know you are not complete.

In March (I think it was March) I was invited to speak at a local church about coupons.  My friend Susan goes to church there.  I was speaking at their monthly women's meeting.  I met some pretty amazing people that night and since that day have thought about them now and then.

A little over a month ago Susan invited me back to church.  She got me with dinner for just $3.  I won't lie.  lol  What is better to a mom than a cheap meal at someone elses place and not having to clean up?  HELLO!  But, I was also going because I knew I NEEDED to be there.

I have to admit it was kind of odd being in church again and not being there because it was a holiday or because Grandpa was singing a special that day.  I was going because I KNEW I NEEDED to be there.  I have always had a relationship with God but have not been in a church in a while.

I had gotten to the point of thinking "What is the big deal?  I worship God in my home and try to live my life the way he would want me to live it."  Well, now that I have been going a few weeks I am amazed at just how much actually GOING to church can do for you.  I have never cried so much in my life!  lol  It is a good cry, a pure, raw, emotional, Spirit filled cry.  I think the last time I have felt that was FCA camp my senior year.

Now, let me tell you, A few weeks ago I was questioning my decision on going to THIS church.  I just wasn't sure that THIS church was were I needed to be.  I am 100% sure tonight that THIS church is where I am supposed to be now.  There is no doubt in my mind anymore, THIS is where I belong.

The reason I was doubting my decision, or should I say God's decision, was because it was different than what I had known.  I grew up in the First Christian Church and this was NOT that church.  This church is Assembly of God and is WAY different.  But, sometimes different is good.

Yes, I have seen some things in this church that I have never in my life seen before.  I will admit, at first I thought it was kind of weird.  But, I continued to pray and listen to God.  I may not fully understand the why's or the how's but I know I will get there.

I do want to share what happened tonight.  I was sitting in church, listening to the preacher do his thang.  But this time I was REALLY listening.  He then opened up the Alter and I watched as the people of the church were being prayed for and some pretty amazing things were going on.  While I don't fully understand everything, I was sitting in my seat praying that someone would come talk to me about it.  I was praying that Phyllis, one of the ladies there, would have the time at some point to talk to me about everything.  I knew it may not happen tonight but I prayed that at just some point in my journey she would.  Then, what do I see?  Phyllis is walking back to her seat.  She stops, then comes over and sits beside me and starts talking to me about everything!  I am not kidding!  It was AMAZING!  Thank God for her!  She was telling me about a man in the church and his journey and trying to explain some things.  Guess who I randomly ran into at Braum's later that night?  Yep, that guy.  I have NO DOUBT that THIS is where I am supposed to be!  THIS is MY Church!  Praise God!

Small town girl, big city dreamer

Growing up in a small town you just never know where life will take you.  You hope one day you will get out of that town and then one day you hope to return and raise your family there.

When I was 18 we moved to the North Dallas suburbs and oh my oh my how I miss it!  After living in a big city and returning to a small town you are never the same.  I long for those spur of the moment trips to that cute little cafe on the corner for lunch.  I miss having everything I could EVER imagine at my finger tips.  I miss Ikea, I miss the mall, I miss La Madaleine.

The shopping in the Dallas area is like no other.  Seriously.  It is just different there.  With just a word or two everyone knows exactly what you are talking about.  Sam Moon anyone?  My fav is Nordstrom Rack.  Hello!  If you think you can bargain shop around here (Tulsa, Oklahoma area) then you have never been bargain shopping in the Dallas area.  Heart be still!  Gasp!  WHAT?!  NEVER been shopping in the Dallas area, did I seriously just say that?  Please tell me that just isn't true!  Well, we will just have to change that now won't we! 

Anyway!

Yeah, we have Ross.  We even have TJ Maxx and Marshall's.  And well, Dallas has that as well.  But they also have SOOO much more!

Can you tell I am missing that area HARD right now?  If hubby would let me I would just up and move!  But, he does have a great job and our family is here, for the most part, so I guess we really can't just do that.  Unless, no I shouldn't.  Ok, I will.  Unless anyone knows of a great job in the Dallas area that we don't have to worry about layoffs and also has great benefits?  Yeah, didn't think so.

So for now, I will just window shop from my computer I guess.  *sigh*

Confessions of a Couponaholic

COUPON SWAP!!!!

Oh my!  When I see those two little words my heart nearly skips a beat!  My first coupon swap I ever went to was over a year ago.  It was a rather small swap, only 15-20 people there.  I was totally there for the coupons and only the coupons, ok and maybe some of the food because it was at Cossi (YUM) and catered by Cossi (double YUM).  I gained so many new friends that night and learned so much. 

The next swap was a bit larger, maybe 30-40 people.  It was held at a local scrap book store and was a pot luck.  It was fun and I was again there for the coupons and a bit of the food (which was GREAT).  I gained even more friends from that swap. 

The next two swaps were held at a local church and were even bigger than the first two, combined.  Again, great friends awesome food! 

The last coupon swap I attended was this past weekend.  It was the biggest swap EVER!  There were over 100 ladies swapping coupons, sharing stories, eating food and just enjoying the night out of the house.  Going to the swaps has evolved for me, I now go for the food and fellowship and yeah I may walk away with a few coupons but if I don't that is fine also.

If you have never been to a coupon swap before you really should go sometime!  They are a great place to get TONS of coupons, ask questions about coupons and just get to meet new people and get out of the house!  If you can't find a swap in your area start one!  It doesn't take much, coupons, scissors and a few friends.

I hope to see YOU at the next MSQ Coupon Swap!  It will be in August!!

My Favorite Holiday

The Fourth of July is one of my very favorite holiday's.  Ever.  It all started when I was younger.  My hometown of Kiefer, Oklahoma would put on a fireworks show.  I remember helping with things when I was younger like filling drinks at the concession and such.  If you have never been to the Kiefer 3rd of July celebration you really should plan to go one year.

The show really is one of the best shows I have EVER seen.  No, I am not just saying that because I am from there.  It really IS one of the best.  There is just this awesome small town atmosphere.  The entire evening you just sit there, enjoy the food, friends, and music.  They have flyovers of old war planes, the Tulsa Starlight Band performs and then, it gets dark.  The lights go out and it gets as still and quite as nothing you have ever seen.  Then....it starts.  You are SO close that your heart beats with every BOOM.  You will be in amazement that such a small quaint little town can put on such an awesome show.  The population of Kiefer hovers around 1100, every July 3rd we open our arms graciously and welcome nearly 20,000 people!

If you are free THIS Saturday, July 3rd, come on down!  You can find me near the gazebo with all of my family.  Bring the kids, chairs and bug spray.  Please do leave your cooler at home though.  Let me know if you would like me to save you a spot.  See you on the 3rd!

If you will be joining us from the Tulsa area just hop on Hwy 75 South, go through Glenpool.  You will see a sing for Bixby/Kiefer.  Exit there and turn right.  If you get there early you can park in town, otherwise save yourself some trouble and park at the new High School.  They will then come pick you up and shuttle you to the park.

What's for dinner?

I just got some hamburger meat out of the freezer to make meatloaf tonight.  Every time I make meatloaf my husband reminds me of the very first time I made meatloaf for him.

Growing up we had meatloaf I think about once a month week so I knew how to make it.  So I get everything down from the cabinets and get started.  I saute some onions in a pan then I added the meat.  Yes, I BROWNED the meat!  HAHA!  I will never forget the look on Mr. Morgan's face when I told him we were having meatloaf.  HAHA!!

He lovingly asked if I had ever made meatloaf before.  Well, no actually I had not.  But I watched my Granny make it a lot!  Or I thought I did!  I guess I actually was not paying attention to the entire process.

We ended up having spaghetti that night.

Have you ever had any Ooopses like this before?

Confessions of a Couponaholic

Do you feel overwhelmed with the amount of time it takes you to cut, sort and file all of your coupons?  I can not tell you how many times I hear "well, I would coupon if it didn't take so long to do the prep work" or "is there a way to cut down on the time it takes"  Well, there actually is.  One of my favorite things about couponing, other than saving gobs of money, is buying coupons!  Yes, that is right!  I said BUYING coupons!  When I first started couponing I would buy at least 2 papers every week, cut out about 10 of the 100 coupons from each paper, sort then file.  It was just a waste of time to me.  Then, I found Dede.  Coupon Dede that is!

Now instead of wasting half of my Sunday hunting down 2-4 papers, not reading them, picking out what coupons I want, etc.  I just sit down with the laptop and search her site for the newest coupons.  Here is how her site works:

You do have to purchase at least $4 worth of coupons, each coupon costs anywhere from $0.05-$0.20. 

Some coupons you do have to purchase at least 5 of the coupons.

Pick out what you want and add it to your cart

Check out

Wait for the mail to come in about 2-3 days and place the CLIPPED coupons in your binder!

Super duper easy peasy!  Did you catch the part that the coupons come to you CLIPPED?!  That right there cuts down on SO much time!!  She ships SUPER fast so by the time the new grocery sale starts on Wednesday, I have my coupons!  Sweet!

The next question I get when people see you have to purchase 5 of the same coupons is "What in the world am I going to do with 5 of the same coupon?"  Well, maybe you can team up with another couponer and split the cost!  Or, you can use every single one of them to build your stock! 

You can follow Dede on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

You can find other clipping sites here, Dede just happens to be my fav.

Happy Couponing!

Confessions of a Couponaholic

I love getting the mail!  I always have.  I remember as a child waiting and watching to see the mail person drive into our driveway to turn around.  I lived on an old country road and all the mailboxes were grouped together just down the street.  I would put my shoes on, sometimes, and make a mad dash to get the mail.  Granted it was rare at that time I would actually get anything but I loved it none the less.

Now that I am grown I still love it and actually have to stop myself from meeting the mailman at the door!  I actually plan my day around my mail delivery time.  I do.  I know!  I am just weird like that.  But when you get such awesome stuff in he mail, you would as well.

Today for example, I received some coupons that I ordered from CouponDede.com, a free lipstick from Walgreens and some coupons from a request I put out on moneysavingqueen.com.  So, it was a good mail day for sure!  I am always getting coupons and free samples in the mail and I LOVE that!

Do you want to become Coupon Crazy and learn how to save up to 80% on your groceries and other household items? Just visit moneysavingqueen.com and click on store to purchase a Coupon Coach Session. Don't forget to request Princess Brandi.

Happy Couponing!

4th of July will be here soon!

I just LOVE the 4th of July.  It is one of my most favorite holidays, for many reasons. 

Growing up living in a small middle American town we had the most AMAZING celebrations.  The town of about 1000 would swell for one night to close to 10-20,000!!  Yes, the show is THAT good!  If you are ever in the area, you should stop by!  They still put the firework show on and it is truly magical, very Mayberry-ish.

If you are looking for some ways to check out today's post from Tip Junkie (love her!).  Such CUTE ideas, all the time not just today.  Be sure to sign up to receive her email updates, you will not be disappointed!

One of her featured bloggers today comes from The McIllece Spot.  I just found this blog because of TJ and oh my goodness!  I am in love!  SUCH cute things!  Amber was featured on TJ for her CUTE flip flops she made.  She was kind enough to do a tutorial for these.  I made some of these last year but used strips of fabric rather than ribbon.  You can use this idea for ALL kinds of things.  If you have older girls this would be fun to do for a sleepover craft.  Enjoy!

Confessions of a Couponaholic

I thought it would be fun to start a new feature.  I know there are some of you just starting this coupon journey and questions come up and then you think you are crazy for even thinking that!  I promise, we have all thought that.  You aren't crazy......well that might be a matter of opinion but, for now you aren't.  K?

Living in Oklahoma and it being June we are in storm season.  It can just about be expected that we have one storm a week at some place in this fabulous state.  Last night was no exception.  It was lighting and hailing like CrAzY!  Our power went out a few times but luckily never lasting longer than about 30 seconds.  Thank goodness!  I know, you are starting to ask why I would be talking about a storm if I am supposed to be talking about coupons.....I am getting to the coupons!

So in the middle of the storm when I thought the lightening was going to come through my roof and the hail was going to break my car windows I REALLY wanted to make a mad dash to my car, get my binder (where I keep my coupons for you crazy non coupon people) and hide it away in a safe place in my home.  Just in case the hail DID break my car windows I did NOT want them to get wet, that wouldn't be good.  But, I didn't run out there and get them.  This time.

A few weeks ago there were tornadoes all over the place.  I grabbed my emergency bag, and my binder and placed them both in our safe place just in case we had to make a mad dash!  lol  If there ever was a bad storm that hit our house I would like to think I would be able to use my coupons to help get us back on our feet since I am sure my stockpile would be stretched all over this county.

So, if you have ever though "Oh NO!  I better save my coupons!"  You aren't alone, welcome to the club.

Do you want to become Coupon Crazy and learn how to save up to 80% on your groceries and other household items?  Just visit moneysavingqueen.com and click on store to purchase a Coupon Coach Session.  Don't forget to request Princess Brandi.

Happy Couponing!

My Harps DCE trip

So on Wednesday, May 19th I departed my house and made my way to Tulsa in the middle of a rather large, rather scary thunderstorm.  So did my friends Brandi and Charla. 

Harp's Double Event

Harp's, a local employee owned grocery store, is having their double coupon event this week! It starts on Wednesday, which just so happens to be my birthday!! I am SO excited about this event! Yes, I know I shop at a store that doubles up to and including $1 every day but there is just something about Harp's that makes my heart skip a beat.

Let me just start with the bathroom. Oh my! As a mom, I am a frequent bathroom visitor (fbv). Being a FBV I have seen as many bathrooms as coupons I have in my binder! Trust me, that is a lot! The bathroom was sparkling! No seriously, it was! I mean it was like someone gets on their hands and knees to scrub that floor 50 times a day sparkling. It was seriously amazing!

The cleanliness did not stop at the bathroom. Oh no, it did not! The floors of the actual store were spotless! The produce area was so clean, stacked nicely and well lit. This store is seriously amazing!

Let's move on to the employees. The first employee I came in contact with was in the bakery. I was just walking by admiring the awesome cakes they have on display when I was greeted. "Good morning! Welcome to Harp's!" Well thank ya! Good morning to you as well. This set my mood for the rest of the trip. I actually caught myself humming a little tune. HA! When was the last time you enjoyed grocery shopping so much you were humming as you were shopping?

The cashier at check out was so friendly, she looked at me, and we talked about just random stuff. It is so nice to have a warm body checking you out rather than someone that will not even acknowledge your presence. What topped it off for me? The store manager bagged my groceries! For real! He was friendly and made you feel welcome and you could tell the checker was used to him doing this because she did not seem a bit nervous to have him hanging around.

The Tulsa Harp's store is SO very customer friendly and coupon friendly. They actually want the couponers to save money and get excited for you when you do! A lot of other stores in this area could sure take notes from the folks over at Harp's.

To sum it up. Yes, I live an hour away from this store. Yes, I will make the drive to shop at Harp's for their double event. Yes, if I lived closer I would give them more of my business just because of their customer service. Here is something a lot of stores do not seem to realize these days, I will gladly spend a few dollars more to get amazing customer service.

If you have never been to Harp's, this event is the time to go, you will NOT be let down. Make sure to keep an eye on the forums over at MoneySavingQueen.com so you are the first to be informed of items that are on sale and if/when they run out of stock and get new trucks in. This is also a great event to start using coupons if you currently are not. Make sure to book a Coupon Coach session so we can help you get the best deals! As always, you can request a coach and as much as I would like you to request me you will honestly be happy with any of the coaches.

See you at Harp's!

Princess Brandi

How do you forgive?

It was a brisk October night. There I was with my best friend at my very first college party! I was so excited to be there. 

That night I met someone that would change my life forever in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I was talking to some friends, I looked across the bonfire to see someone I just HAD to meet. He was standing by one of my other friends so I made my way over to them and introduced myself. He was really nice, really cute and made my stomach do flips! "This is so awesome!" I thought. 

We started seeing each other shortly after that brisk October night, very shortly after. He did not go to the same college, in fact he wasn't in college. He was living with, well I actually do not remember who he was living with but it was a few towns over. We dated for a while. The first few months were great! By December we had given each other promise rings. Then it started. 

Things started going down hill FAST! He started telling me that my mom was crazy and was trying to make me just like her. He would tell me over and over again I do not want to be just another cookie cutter copy. I started missing dance practice to spend time with him. That then led to missing class to spend time with him. By March, I was going to just enough classes to get me by. I was totally wrapped up in this world that he had created for me. I had abandoned my friends, talked to my family just enough so they would not get all weird and start asking questions. 

One cool April night, shortly after Easter he won over. We had a plan and we would put it in place while I was home one weekend. I packed some clothes, not much, just enough to fit in my backpack. I went into my little brothers room and told him to tell mom this was not her fault, and it was not his fault, I just had to do this. I opened my window as quietly as possible, took off the screen (I had practiced this a few times) and off I ran hoping that my mom did not hear me. I waited in the ditch by the mailbox for Sam* and a friend to pick me up. 

That night, I ran away from home and broke my moms heart. 

By this time Sam* had gotten an apartment in Tulsa with one of his cousins and a friend of theirs. We stayed there for a few weeks. I would cook their food and the rest of the time was spent in our room. I would have to stay in the room anytime Jack*, the friend, was home because Sam* was so jealous. Even if everyone was home at the same time, unless I was cooking or cleaning, I had to stay in our room. I was like a slave but yet, I didn't see it then. We did not stay there long, we eventually moved to Sam's* moms house. It was there that things started to get worse. 

Not only was Sam* emotionally abusive he had now become physically abusive. I do not know how long we were at his moms house, but I do remember the night I stood up and made another decision that would change my life again, forever. 

I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night one night, I tried to be as quiet as I could so I would not wake Sam* up but, I failed. He pulled me to the ground and started kicking me. It was at that point I made the decision to leave. I was so scared that if I didn't get out of there soon I would not make it very long in this life. I called my mom and asked her to come get me, my aunts came to get me a few days later (it may have been the next day). 

To this day I have not told anyone the entire story, not even my mom. I have been so afraid of the emotions, the anger, everything that may come with opening up. To this day I google Sam's* name to make sure he is nowhere near me.

I am really not sure what made me snap out of it that night but I am SO glad I did! Please, if you are in a relationship like this, please know that there ARE people out there that have gone through what you are going through and there ARE people out there that can and will help you get out of the relationship and situation. I know from experience that it does not matter what I say and it does not matter what your friends and family may say, you feel like you can not get out. I promise you can. I know this is a decision you are going to have to make yourself, I know that it is hard, and I know that your friends and family mean well but you may let their words go in one ear and right out the other. I know, I have been there! I survived and I have thrived! You do not have to live like this!

I am now happily married to, what I feel, is the most amazing man in the world! We have two beautiful girls. I love my mom to death and it breaks my heart to think of how much I hurt her. I am so SO sorry, I can not tell you enough how sorry I am. Thank you to all of my friends and family for understanding and forgiving me. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life.

So, there it is and here we are ten years later. I still have not forgiven Sam*, I am really not sure how to let go of all the anger I still have. I do not sit and dwell on this, but of course I think about it from time to time. I know one of these days I will be able to let go of all of it and I hope I will be able to forgive him but right now, I am still very hurt. Almost like it happened yesterday. I hope me getting all of this out will help me let go.

*names have been changed because it is too easy to find out info about people in this day and age and who knows what some of you crazy people would do! ;)

I can't coupon if I am single!

I hear this ALL the time! I also hear, "I can't coupon because there are just two of us and it would really be pointless". Actually, you CAN still coupon if you are a singleton and also if you are part of a duo.


Everyone likes to save money, right? So why should it even matter if there is just one or two in your house? Honestly, it shouldn't and it doesn't! The concept is the exact same! Why spend full price on something if you can get the EXACT same thing for a $1 or so, or better yet, FREE?


Did you know most coupons can be used for the smaller sized product? It is true! Unless the coupon has a specific size on it, you can use it for ANY size! Most of the time this will also get you the best deal. Let's take canned cinnamon rolls for instance. My daughter and I are the only ones in my house that like to eat these so I just buy the small can of them. Because I shop at a store that doubles my coupons I can often times get these REALLY cheap! Even if your store does not double coupons you will get your best deals, most of the time, by purchasing a smaller size.


Let's now move on to full, regular sized products. Take shampoo for example. We ALL use shampoo! Ok, ok, I know some people out there in this world do not use shampoo (you know who you are), but for the most part everyone uses shampoo. Did you know you can often times score FREE shampoo?! You can! Walgreens ALWAYS has great deals on shampoo and other personal items such as razors and deodorant. Don't like driving all over town trying to get the best deals? Price match at Walmart or Target!


Now that I have planted the coupon bug in your little single ear, head on over to 918couponqueen.com and get more info! While you are there sign up for a Coupon Coach! Don't forget to request Princess Brandi for your session!

Great sale coming up at Babies R Us!!

WOWZA! Love it when I get the new coupon flier for BRU!!! Starting Friday they are having a stuff a bag event!! This is how it will work, you will get a FREE reusable bag to stuff any and all clothing into, up to size 4T, PLUS you get 25% off ALL clothing!!

I am trying to find all the coupons online but I guess they have not posted them yet or I don't know exactly where to look. lol Here is a run down on some of the coupons, don't forget you CAN stack at MOST BRU's!

On front cover is a coupon for 20% off ANY baby item

BOGO 50% off on ALL 2pk cups

-$5 on ALL Dreft, Tide & Earth's Best detergent 40 load or higher

-$2 on ALL 7th Gen, Huggies Pure & Natural, gDiapers & Earth's Best diapers

-$2 on ALL training pants

BOGO 50% off ALL 7th Gen cleaning & laundry items

BOGO FREE ALL BabyGanics items!! (LOVE this line)

Save $2 on ANY Plum Organics purchase of $10 or more (another fav line)

BOGO 50% off ALL suncare (sunscreen)

FREE $5 GC with ANY formula purchase of $50 or more

-$5 on ALL Huggies and BRU value boxes of diapers

-$2 on ALL Huggies and BRU value boxes of wipes

Save $5 on ANY 4 Earth's Best organic baby food variety packs

Again, these are just a few of the coupons/deals offered. Stack those coupons and get that price down even lower! Don't forget to use (or sign up for) your R Us Rewards card!!

*You do NOT need the Rewards card to get these deals, but if you do get one you will start to earn points to free products and gift cards.

You can find all kinds of other great deals at 918couponqueen.com

Be sure to check out the forums! You will find LOTS of information there!

Coupon tip for the day

Are you trying to buy more organic products? A lot of people are these days. Companies are aware of this. If you are like me you get a knot in your stomach thinking about the cost of some of the organic products compared to their 'regular' sister products. Did you know there ARE coupons out there for a LOT of organic products? If you don't see a coupon for your products just visit the company website or call the customer service number found on the back of the package and ask if they have coupons available. Did you also know that more often than not you can use your 'regular' product coupons on their organic sisters? A lot of coupons say on Any Variety. So let's take Ragu Pasta Sauce (RPS) for example. Did you know they have both an organic line and a 'regular' line? Yeah, I didn't either at first. However, they do and you can use your regular RPS coupon on the organic line! WooHoo!! Just make sure to read your coupons, as long as they do not specify the coupon can ONLY be used on a certain size, variety, etc you are free to use it on different sizes and varieties. Don't go by the picture on the coupon either. Companies will more often than not put the mos expensive product variety on the coupon to try to "trick" you into thinking you HAVE to buy that one. Not true, unless it does actually state that on the coupon.

Don't forget, I AM available to be YOUR Coupon Coach! Just visit 918couponqueen.com and click on the STORE tab. If you sign up for the Mother's Day Special between now and May 9th, you will also receive a FREE Coupon Addict t-shirt!! These are VERY cute!!! Don't forget to request Princess Brandi.

Let me count the ways....

Growing up I was always told to count my blessings. Recently I have been blessed in so many amazing ways that I can not even begin to count them. Just tonight on my way home from speaking at a local church I thanked God for blessing me in the way he has and for using me in a way I never thought I could use to bless others. I am so thankful I can use my gift to help those around me. I hope I can continue to bless others and offer hope to some.

Tonight watching the women's faces light up when some of them got 'it' and knew that it is possible to turn their situation around with something as silly and simple as coupons! I thank God for leading me to Sarah and for blessing her with the knowledge of coupons and being able to help those around her, the Tulsa area and the nation be able to do so many amazing things with nothing more than a coupon! I am always amazed to hear others share their stories of how they were able to take a really bad financial situation and be able to turn it around because they are now saving so much money. It is funny sometimes how God decides to use you, but if you just go with it and do not fight it, it is even more amazing just how far it will take you and just how much you will be blessed.

Saving Big!!!

I have gotten to the point now that I shop only what is on sale that I also have a coupon for (unless my husband comes shopping with me). The picture above is from our latest shopping trip together. I did not have a coupon for the straws, butter, sponge thing, strawberries or potatoes. This week I got the following for FREE: napkins, shampoo, 4 tubs of frosting. The picture shows $108 worth of groceries I paid only $35!!!! This was by far my best trip yet!

A dash, a couple, a few, beau coup!

We all have our own theory on what a dash, a couple, a few or beau coup is. To me a dash is something you do at a track and field meet, a couple is about 2, a few is 2-4 and beau coup, well that is the whole kitten caboodle! When it comes to couponers (come on now you knew it would end up being about coupons!) it seems the sky is the limit to how many variations there are to each of these. It also seems that if your amount is over someone elses amount the battle begins.

I for one believe that if you are to go out and buy say 50 bottles of shampoo, at one store, during one trip, in one day, that is going a bit overboard. Even if it is free, even if you are stocking up for a year and even if you are going to give some of it away.

Why do I think this? Well because 50 bottles of shampoo is a stinking lot of shampoo! But, there is more to it.

Stores track sales, stores also track coupons, and stores such as the one I am talking about (even though I am not mentioning the name) keep a very close eye on multiple transactions. If the store thinks things are getting out of hand things will begin to change. Limits will be placed on the amount of items you can purchase in a transaction, day, etc.

This may surprise some of you but I for one am all for limits on purchases! Why? Because if I happen to be running low on shampoo I want to be able to go to the store and get in on the deal that everyone else is getting and not having to get all huffed up because the person before me just bought the last 20 bottles of shampoo. I just needed a 'few' to carry me through to the next great deal.

Now, since we are on the subject of shampoo, I have not HAD to buy shampoo in over a year now! Amazing, I know. Why? Am I the one that went out and bought the beau coup of shampoo? No, I am not. But, I did get in on some great deals through out the past year that has me fully stocked and has kept me fully stocked for a while. I for one shop like that, buy one or two here and there.

Am I saying this is the right way and all others are wrong in the way they shop? Of course not! All I ask is that you not buy out the entire store in one trip, don't even come close, leave a 'few' for others. I am just simply trying to say, what is a dash, a couple, a few, beau coup to me, is totally different for you!