.19 Cents Organic Snack Bar

If you haven't done so yet, you totally need to scoop up the organic, gluten free snack bars at Kroger now through this Saturday. Here's how: Good 'N Natural snack bars are part of the 10 item mega event and are .39 each with this deal. Next, log into your account at Common Kindness to print coupons for $1.50 off every 6 bars you purchase (while the company is in return donating $$ to the organization of your choice) and get each bar for .19 each.  I have had the Cranberry Almond flavor and found them quite delicious-especially to be gluten free, organic and no fake ingredients! So, get your 2 prints from your personal computer which is 12 bars, and find 8 other items in the mega event you can get for free or cheap-such as 4 free toothbrushes & 4 free packs of dental floss. Here's the link page for your coupon: http://www.commonkindness.com/printable-coupons-4

DIY No Sew Draped Shade

Need something on your windows but don't have much money to spare? This may be the perfect project for you! I made this draped shade for under $10 and it involved no sewing at all. You could make yours for much less depending on the fabric you choose as that is where your expense is. So, all you need is a tension rod ($2), no sew tape ($3) fabric, ribbon and an iron. Follow the instructions on the no sew tape to make nice seams on all sides according to the length you need. After your seams are made, hang on tension rod and drape 2 pieces of ribbon over the rod so the ribbon is on both back and front sides of the fabric. Finally, tie your ribbon up as high as you would like your shade to drape from. Done! If you need privacy, simple untie the ribbon. 

I got the idea from a draped shade on Urban Outfitters but did not have $34 per window to spend. Quick saving tip- I got my supplies at Hobby Lobby and printed a 40% off coupon for 1 non sale item. Print your coupon before you head to the store in case the fabric you love is not on sale. 

Coupon Class Success

Yesterday, I was privileged to be accompanied by 6 sweet women to discuss 'Coupon 101'. It was sooo much fun and a great success. I walked away feeling so blessed that God would give me something as silly as coupon-ing to share with others, while making the most of the provision God continually provides. Whether you read my random string of thoughts from time to time or follow this blog all together, thank you for joining in on the fun of the journey. Hoping you find a joy filled blessing to hold on to!

'Catch All' Rice Casserole

Rice casserole is a GREAT 'catch all' recipe for dinner that is sure to be tasty, simple, inexpensive and healthy. This meal cost me about $2.50 to make and feeds 4 people. Of course the cost will vary depending on the vegetables and meat you choose. If you do not already, subscribe to emails from Earthbound Farms for a weekly produce coupon. I got 2 bags of organic carrots for .20  each after using my printable savings. The casserole pictured here is 2 cups brown rice (you can get white rice FREE at Publix right now-see iheartpublix.com) which I precooked. Then I added 2 cans cream of mushroom soup which I got for .30 each on the current sale at Kroger or Publix, 1 diced carrot, 1 C peas, 1/2 diced onion, handful of spinach that needed to be used up and 1 package of Seitan which is a wheat protein, meat substitute, I got on Manager Special at Kroger for $1.50. Simply mix it all together with salt and pepper, top with cheese and bread crumbs if you'd like and bake covered in foil until carrots are softened, about 50 minutes at 350. Do you have a different version of rice casserole I should try?

Versatile Loaded Potato

If you are in need of an inexpensive, versatile meal, loaded potatoes may be a nice meal for you to put on the week's menu. You can get a 5lb bag of organic russet potatoes for $2.99 at Publix through Tuesday and top it with any number of things. Your meat lovers may like chili, cheddar and sour cream or barbecued chicken with caramelized onions on top of their potato. I like a variety of sauteed vegetables with crumbed blue cheese and freshly chopped herbs. The possibilities are endless and work great with whatever may be on sale or leftover in your refrigerator. Regardless of what you choose, you can surely get a delicious dinner for $1 per person if you plan wisely. 

FREE Egg Beaters TODAY

If you shop at Kroger, there is a download today only for FREE egg white Egg Beaters. The download is today only onto your Kroger card through their website once you log in. You do not have to actually make the transaction today, but only the download. Personally, I have never used this product, but I'm sure I know someone who would, or can find a simple recipe online for it. 

FREE at Kroger

There are A LOT of freebies at Kroger right now, not even mentioning all the super cheap items with the Mega Price Event they have going one. If you want a nice shortcut, iheartkroger.com lists the sale items plus the link you can print the coupon from. Or, you can hunt them out yourself using Kroger's website and print from swagbucks.com for added benefits. These are the following items which are FREE right now (and I believe another week as well) after you print the coupon and combine with the sale: Chex Mix, Heluva Good Dip, Little Debbie Danish, Martha White Muffin Mix, Wolfgang Puck Iced Coffee, Reach Floss & Reach Toothbrushes. If you happen to have a few quarters in your pocket, you can also stock up on boxes of Mom's Best Cereal and individual Balance Bars at .25 each! 

Morningstar Farms CHEAP

If you have not already, tomorrow is the last day to get a few boxes of Morningstar Farms products for only .50 each at Publix. Their in store yellow 'Healthy New Food Year' is valid through the end of tomorrow which has a coupon for $2 off 1 Morningstar Farms purchase. I am combining this with a printable $1.50 off coupon from Kellogg's Family Rewards (1,000 points) to get mytotal down to .50 each. The meatless crumbles are great for taco nights or meat-ish loaf, while the black bean and veggie burgers are great for an inexpensive gourmet burger night. 

FREE Kellogg's at Publix

You will want to make a quick stop in Publix this Saturday or Sunday to take advantage of their 50% off Kellogg's sale on cereal and Pop-Tarts. I hope you have been saving your Kellogg's Family Rewards Points found on the inside of marked boxes because now is the time to redeem them! If not, you can start now and enter any codes that may be in your pantry. For 1,000 points you can redeem a coupon for $1.50 off 1 box of Pop-tarts or a box of Kellogg's cereal. Make sure you get your double prints with the refresh or back browser button. Pop-Tarts at my Publix location are $1.95 per box, which means this weekend they will be .97 each. So, when I use my $1.50 off coupon, not only will I get FREE Pop-Tarts, I will also get .53 in overage applied to the rest of my grocery bill for each box I purchase! Whether it be my pantry or someone else's, this is a deal to stock up on!

New Publix Freebies & Cheapies

I am one of those fortunate shoopers whose Publix allows competitor's coupons such as Target. I noticed that Target has some new coupons to print, as well as in store that make for some great deals at Publix right now. Here's they are:

Quaker Perfect Portions Oatmeal- Get 2 bags FREE & 2 bags for .25 each. Currently they are 2/$3 at Publix with a peelie coupon on the package for $1/2. Print 2 copies of each Target coupon: .75/1 Quaker product & $1/2 Quaker products, combine & voila!

Lean Cuisine Salad Additions: Currently $2 each at Publix with lots of coupons available to print online. Combine that with this coupon from Target: Free Fresh Express Salad wyb 2 Lean Cuisine Salad Additions. You should get a dinner for 4 out of this scenario for under $2!

Campbell's: Tons of Campbell's deals swirling around with tons of coupons to find and print online. Combine these with the coupon Target has available: Buy 2 Campbells Soups & get a FREE Swanson broth. *Note, the coupon does not say it excludes organic so I'm going to try for that!

I Wants

The other day I found myself getting so tired of hearing the words, 'I want' clammering off my daughter's mouth. 'I want a snack. I want ice cream. I want to go down the slide.' And so it goes all the day long, I want, I want, I want. Thankfully,God's sweet Spirit stopped and gave me a double check once over of myself. He said, ' You know I hear the same words coming from your mouth all day too.' GASP???! Why was I so shocked? It is totally true and I had a splinter the size of a redwood tree in my eye. God hears my whiny inner voice saying, 'I want a break. I want a new couch. I want the sun to come out. I want new red designer flats in a size 6 pleeeeease.' I may even have a case of the I wants worse than my precious daughter. Thank you Jesus for gently putting me in my place. I need to turn my wants into gratitude for what I already have, and one day hopefully the same trend will be seen by my children. Thank you Lord for a new day with new mercies, and a little less I wants. 

Coffee & Coupon 101

After many requests of how to get the grocery bill down while bringing savings up, I have marked a date and time for us to coupon over coffee. Sunday, January 27th at 4pm I'll be at Panera off Hwy 31 in Franklin to explain the spinning details of the coupon web. Several people have told me they get overwhelmed just thinking about couponing, which is understandable because it is A LOT of information. But like most great things, it takes time and practice to build on what you know and along the way. Plus, you simply cannot lose since you are always saving something. It's a win-win game! So, you have to start somewhere right? Let's start together! Let me know if you want to join us for the fun. 

A Challenge Worth Taking

I have challenged myself to something I want you invite you into as well. I've been thinking a lot lately about relationships in general and the people that God places in my life. When I looked in detail at my week's activities, I realized that some weeks I see the employees at the grocery store more than anyone else outside of my household. Wow, right?!  So, why the heck do I not know these people by name and have relationships with them that are real and meaningful?? So, when I go shopping this week, I am going to ask people's names, remember them, and call them by name in the future. I know that is what I would want if I were them. They are not shadows of my shopping experience, but special people with incredible stories waiting to be told and loved on. Who would ever say no to that? I know it may not be convenient or comfortable at first, but what really is that is worth the dive? Will you join me?

FREE at Publix NOW

This week at Publix you can score FREE baby food, black olives and gluten free bread among other super cheap deals. I like to use iheartpublix.com for easy to find deals and she as the coupon links attached to the sale items for you (as early as Mon for the Wed ad) So, if you use the links she provides and can get double prints on them all, you should be able to get 12 free Beechnut Stage 4 Foods as well as 2 Rudi's Gluten free breads when combined with the Buy One Get One Free sale. Stock up and save with a merry step along the way.  

Gourmet Burger Goodness

Can you believe this meal was made for 4 people for a total of $2.00?! My full belly can testify to it's goodness-both nutritionally and tastefully. Here's the breakdown: 1 package of frozen black bean burgers ($1.50 sale + coupons), free burger buns, 1/2 an onion caramelized in 1 TBS butter, 8 strips of turkey bacon (.50 for the package sale + coupons), free fresh spinach & mayonnaise on the bun. Coleslaw was free too with a recent sale + coupons, pickles were in the fridge to be used. If you want to try something similar, there is a great $2 off Morningstar Farms coupon in the Publix Yellow Advantage Buy flyer now that you can combine with a $1.50 off printable coupon from Kellogg's rewards for a really great deal. I also come across fresh veggie burgers on Manager Special at Kroger often in the section you would find tofu. This is a versatile meal that will satisfy your budget and your dinner guests simultaneously! 

Matching Socks?

Between my curious kids and the monster feasting on socks in my dryer, I do not ever seem to have a clean, matching pair of socks. Most days, a matching pair of socks is the least of my concern while my children are teaching each other how to twist off the milk cap and watch the epic splash on the floor. I suppose I could look at this as an opportunity to live more freely, not caring what people may think of me or my children and our wacky mis-matched socks. I realize that the very thought of this may be horrifying while imagining the warped stares of strangers  directed at your feet. So this got me thinking, am I the only one who does not always wear matching socks? Come on, be honest now. I mean where did the idea of matching socks come from in the first place? I suppose it's a social standard we all walked into without ever thinking twice. So, if you come across someone without matching socks, think twice before giving judgement. Perhaps the act of wearing socks alone is an achievement, or maybe they walk in a freedom that is waiting for you to explore. 

Saving Star?

I am wondering if any of you use or have heard reports of using Saving Star? I have heard of it, but never branched into this digital means of savings. I signed up because I got 50 Swagbucks points to do so (getting me closer to more Amazon money, hence free diapers) So, from what I understand, after signing up, I choose the participating stores in my area, enter the store's card number (like my Kroger Card) and then load coupons onto the store card. The site also said after I save $5 in coupons through Saving Star, I get a $5 Amazon card as well-BONUS! So, I am wondering if anyone has experience with Saving Star? Are coupons ever doubled? Can store coupons be paired with Saving Star coupons? If you have some helpful insight I sure would appreciate it! I am bummed that Publix does not participate, but maybe this is an opportunity to tap into more savings elsewhere. 

Opinions = Gift Cards

If you like to write and like to give opinions, you may enjoy getting paid to do just that. I have been a member of an online product review site for a few years now called Viewpoints that pays out in Amazon Gift Cards for written, qualifying product reviews. At the moment, you can write 5 reviews for a $5 Amazon gift card. If you already use Swagbucks.com for printing your coupons to then redeem Amazon gift cards like I do, you know your Amazon bank grows quickly. If you are curious, head to this link for more information:

http://www.viewpoints.com/thegoods/Viewpoints-5-for-5?utm_source=reviews_surveys&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5_for_5_01112013

FREE eBook & The Winner Is...

Congratulations and many thanks to The Cochran Family for entering the Shutterfly Photo Prints Package! Stay tuned for another giveaway to come in the near future. In the mean time, I found a fun, FREE Kindle book for all of you to scroll through this weekend, Tongue Twisters for Kids on Amazon. If you are not a kid person, this could potentially be fun for a long rod trip, or maybe even a night in with cocktails. I mean seriously, how many times can you say 'hiccup teacup'?! Try it, you may end up with a smile on your face.

How Does Your Garden Grow

You know the best way to cut down your grocery bill & ensure chemical free, nutritious food in your home is to grow it yourself?! I know, sounds crazy right? Not really. Gardening can be as simple as you would like it to be. If you have never tried gardening, or think your thumb is black, I challenge you to give gardening another go.  You do not need a a plot of land to grow herbs or vegetables, and container gardens are not confined only to pots. Gutters, rain boots and even cinder blocks have proven to yield beautiful results with a little soil, a lot of love and sunshine, and a tiny seed. If you have children, gardening is especially fun for tiny hands and big imaginations. So, how does your garden grow? I mentioned a while back about my gutter garden, which I have now purchased supplies for (about $10 total and is ready for me to secure on my fence. When it is up and going and will give you more details. Hopefully my gutter gardening photos will have lettuce, greens and strawberries flowing from it's plastic sides rather than the usual boring rain water. What are your gardening goals for this Spring? 

Organic Cranberries Deal

I was excited to find organic cranberries on sale for $1 per bag at Kroger today- and then even MORE excited to get them FREE after they were rang up incorrectly. I am so glad a took a second to read my receipt before leaving the store. Do you?? Cranberries freeze really well and are quite scrumptious in a muffin with some orange zest. If you are not much for the kitchen, incorporate them into your decor with a beautiful glass vase and candles. Hopefully you can find the same deal!

Juice & Bacon Coupons

There are 2 coupons I just stumbled upon that you can match up for a great deal at Publix right now on bacon & on juice. Get a 32 ounce bottle of blood orange juice for .60 by printing this coupon http://noblecitrus.com/coupon/images/coupon-high-res.pdf which matched the BOGO sale. Did you know this amazing flavorful juice is the BEST margarita mixer ever?! Also, get turkey bacon for .50 a pack by going to Jennie-O Facebook page, liking them and printing $1 off bacon coupon to match the BOGO sale right now, good through Tuesday. 

Meatish-Loaf

Dinner at the Bennett's is Meat-ish Loaf tonight. This meal is an inexpensive, nutritious & delicious option that feeds four for under $5. Wondering what the 'ish' part is? I'll tell you...I mixed 1 pound organic ground beef ($2.99  at Kroger on sale) with 1 package  of non-gmo soy crumbles also found at Kroger, on sale for $1.49. Instead of using an egg, I substituted 1 TBS ground flax seed mixed with 3 TBS water. Then I mixed in 1/2 C oats and 1/3 C water along with salt and pepper to taste. Finally I added 1 shredded carrot & 1/4 chopped onion to the mixture, put in a loaf pan and topped it with a sauce made of ketchup, dijon mustard and brown sugar. Barbecue sauce is also a great option.  Then bake at 350 for about an hour, or until firm and the loaf pulls away from the sides of the pan. I'm serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, corn and rolls, but this dinner will go with almost anything you have on hand. If you try it, let me know how it goes. I'd also love some new meatloaf recipes if you've got one!

New Publix Ad, More Freebies

The new Publix ad starts today through next Tuesday with lots of deals to be had. I am still stocking up on FREE vitamins by Sundown and Nature's Made by combining printed coupons by manufactures and Target to combine with Advantage Buy Flyer coupons found in store. Today Centrum vitamins go on sale for 25% off which I have lots of coupons to match with. I have no need personally for all these vitamins (8 bottles so far), so my husband is going to find out if the missions team at church may be able to use them. There is always someone in need somewhere right? I love that clipping coupons is not only a way to save money, but fulfill needs of nourishment in the process!

Who's Hat is That?

I've been thinking a lot about friends lately and this got me digging around in the Bible to see what God has to say about a friend. I was a little surprised that when searching back to the original Hebrew and Greek meanings of the word 'friend', the definition kept bringing me to the word 'husband.' Hmmm. This makes me stop and really think...and then just be in awe of God's plans for all of us. It is in His design for our spouse to be our friend, I would even suggest our BEST friend. I am often guilty at looking so hard for something right under my nose...friendship. I have lots of friends which I am so blessed by and I am totally not discrediting that, or any one of them. You know how you just sometimes have those emotional days or frustrating days or moments when you just want to call your friend and vent, cry, or scream (maybe all at once?) But if you are like me, sometimes a text doesn't get very far and a voice mail will not do and an email may get spammed. Let's face it, we all live busy lives and no one is at fault for doing so. All the while, I have my husband, my friend, who I could call on and in a moment's time would listen to, hold tight and love on me. I think I sometimes get wrapped in the lie of society and media that a spouse is somehow less than when the truth is that our spouse is capable of more than we realize. Yes, being married comes with a lot of hats to wear the longer the knot is tied, but we are equipped  by God's sweet Spirit for any type of hat from the sombrero to the fedora. My sweet son loves to wears hats. He struts proudly around our home exclaiming, 'Hat! Hat!' with anything on his head from a colander to a brassiere. Maybe as spouses, we should be a little more childlike and dare to wear (or give) the 'Best Friend Hat'- whatever that looks like, to our spouse. I bet it fits better than we realize... probably looks pretty good too! 

FREE Vitamins at Publix

There are 2 awesome deals for you to swoop up at Publix right now that involve FREE  vitamins for adults and vitamins for kids at 90% off. The deal that ends tomorrow night is on Flintstones Vitamins. They are advertised at 25% off, regular price $6.19. There are a few ways to get these for free, or worst case scenario .64 each which is 90% off. You can print coupons from target.com if your store accepts this competitor's coupon as well as print from swagbucks.com, and clipping from this Sunday's paper if you got one. (My sweet neighbor was kind enough to bring over the coupon inserts she wasn't using from her paper!) Also, at my Publix there was a $3 off 2 blinkie coupon in the vitamin section. So, you have lots of options on where to get your coupons from for this deal, but keep in mind you only have through the end of January 8th to get it. The other deal is on Sundown vitamins. You can print coupons from swagbucks.com or use some from this Sunday's paper. Combine 2 coupons totalling $3 off or more with the $5 off 2 items coupon in Publix's Green Advantage Buyer flyer in store to get you $8 off 2 bottles of Sundown vitamins. I chose 2 bottles which were $3.99 each (folic acid & B-Complex) making them FREE!

GIVEAWAY: Shutterfly Photo Package

Today is a great day for a GIVEAWAY don't you think? With all the fun photos taken over the last few weeks of Christmas Cheer, I thought a photo package giveaway would be nice to have. So, here it is: Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Shutterfly Prints Package which will include 25 4x6 prints, 2 5x7 prints & 1 8x10 print. If you are the winner, you will receive a code to enter in your Shutterfly account for you to redeem your photos. How to enter? You must be a follower of Merry Mary Marry! Reply to this post  stating you are a follower, how you follow, and mention your favorite post. Facebook is new to Merry Mary Marry! So, the more ways you follow, the more times you can enter, a separate entry for each way you follow, by replying to this post. You have through Friday, January 11th the enter, with the winner being announced on Saturday January 12th. Once the winner is announced, he or she must reply with the preferred method of sending the code for the photos. Let the entries roll!

Pizza Party on the Cheap at Publix

There is a new Yellow Advantage Buyer flyer that Publix has in stores starting today with some great savings to be had. A few of the few of these deals could get you a pizza party for super cheap. Digiornio pizzas are 3/$9 which you can then combine with your Buy 2 Get 1 Free printable coupon from Swagbucks.com (I printed 2) So essentially, that is 6 pizzas for $2 each. Next, print the .50 off Chex Mix coupon which will double at Publix, and match that with the coupon in the mentioned Publix flyer to get a FREE 2 liter Publix soda with the purchase of 2 bags of Chex Mix. Lastly, print the .50 off Quaker Popped Rice Snack coupon (doubles at Publix) from redplum.com to get a few FREE bags of these as they are on sale for $1 each. So the break down of your pizza party...6 Digiornio pizzas at $2 each, place some bowls of Chex Mix ($2 off) & Quaker Popped Snacks (FREE) around along with your free soda. I will also be combining some Sierra Mist & Bottled Water beverages as I swooped them up for free on recent sales and stored them for a moment as perfect as this. Remember, the day itself is enough reason for a celebration! 

FREE Journal Prompts

I have always really loved to write, and loved the idea of journaling. I say idea because I have the best intentions to do so-but my intentions more often than not never turn into realized thoughts on paper. I love to purchase beautiful, discounted journals and imagine myself writing inspiring lessons of love and wisdom for my children. I mean who knows if real tangible books will be around in 30 years or if my children will even know what cursive writing is? All this to say, I found a FREE download of 52 journal prompts. So, once a week I intend to cut one of these prompts from the page, tape to my journal and start writing something insightful. I'm thinking it may prove to be fun and thought you may find so too. The link is through Paper Coterie which often has free cutsie downloads to keep an eye out for. Find the journal prompts here: http://www.mediafire.com/view/?fmgnbxf61v7a922

FREE Case of Water

This deal ends today, but you may want to run into Publix to scoop it up anyway. So, Special K Protien Snack Bars are on sale at 2/$5. Go to swagbucks to print $1.50 off 2 Special K Protein products. Next, when you enter Publix, grab the yellow Advantage Buyer flyer that ends today and tear out the coupon that is $3.00 off Publix Spring water when you buy 2 Special K products. The water is on sale, $3 for a case of 24 bottles. Sooo, you will spend $3.50 and go home with 2 boxes of snack bars and a FREE  case of water  Or, you can print two of the coupons and double the deal like I did. You can never have enough bottled water around whether it be to have on the go, stocked for an emergencies or a backyard barbecue. As for the snack bars, I've always got a few in my bag for an on the go hunger fix. 

Triple Rewards for Kellogs

If you have any Kellog's products in your pantry, now is the time to enter the codes on the inside of the box as they are tripled through January 4th. Why take the trouble in dong so? You can redeem your points for high value coupons, gift cards and other cool stuff. I always redeem my points for coupons which tend to be $1.50 off one item, then wait for a super sale to combine my coupons with for FREE groceries. Also, if search the internet for 'Kellog's Family Rewards Codes' lots of people have posted a list special codes that you can enter in your account which are found in magazines and such. 

Freebies at Publix

The new Publix ad starts today lasting through Tuesday January 8th. I scooped up some really great deals, spending only $27.44 while saving $79.67! While not everything I purchased will be used my me personally, deals like the ones offered here this week are worth the coupon work to donate the items or perhaps make a meal for a family in need. Some highlights of things you can save on too include FREE light bulbs, FREE vitamins, FREE  pasta sauce, FREE salt, FREE Emergen C Powder and several other really cheap deals. Head on over to Publix.com to check out the ad for yourself. Most of the coupons to match the deals are still available to print if you have not already. Also, make sure you sign up for the 'Best Meals At Home' emails which Publix will then send you additional exclusive coupons. Let me know if you come across more deals worth sharing, or need some help scoring some savings. 

El Cheapo Chicken Nachos

I just made a simple, delicious dinner for four at $1 per person, without breaking a sweat, so thought this would be worth sharing. Here's the break down of my El Cheapo Chicken Nachos:







1 Lb Bag Tortilla Chips at Publix $2.50, recent sale 
1Lb Organic Chicken $1 at Target, recent sale + coupons
1 Jar Salsa .90 at Publix, recent sale + coupons
8 Oz Cheese $1 at Publix, recent sale + coupons
1 Can Black Olives FREE at Publix, recent sale + coupons
Sour cream as desired FREE at Publix, recent sale + coupons

I cooked my chicken legs in the crockpot yesterday then picked the meat from the chicken which I threw in a pot on the stove with a of jar salsa and olives. I simply warmed the pot on the stove thoroughly, scooped the chicken mixture on top of the chips, topped with shredded cheese & sour cream. Cheap, easy & mmmmm tasty!

New to Coupons?

If you have heard of this crazy world of coupons, but have yet to dive in, I suggest making your grand 'cannon ball' splash of an entrance now! Bottom line: using coupons saves money. Maybe your grocery budget is fine and you don't need any tweaking  But, perhaps there is a vacation you want to save up for. Coupons may be your ticket to the beach! Hypothetically, if you saved $20 a week in coupons every week for 6 months starting today, you would have $480 sitting in a jar ready for summer play time. Sounds like a good pay off to me! Where to start? Contact your local grocer or go on their website to find out the store's coupon policy. For example: do they accept competitor coupons and do they double coupons? Next find a binder you can use to organize your coupons in and set up a coupon printing station at home where you can print, clip and organize. As for where to get coupons, there are endless sites online to research, but the ones I use and recommend are: swagbucks.com, redplum.com, target.com, commonkindness.com and mambosprouts.com. You can always visit individual company's websites and Facebook pages for additional coupons as well. You can make the experience as detailed and fun as you like. Personally, our family depends on the savings these paper clippings provide, and I happen to enjoy it which is an added bonus. What are you waiting for? Ready, set....COUPON!

Smile, Jesus Loves New!

Today is the start of a new year, 2013. Typically, New Year's Day comes with a pause for celebration, resolutions and intention of change, all fading fast a few days later. I started thinking about today from a spiritual perspective and stopped to ponder on the fact that God is all about the 'New'. A quick word search in the Bible brings close to 200 appearances of the word 'new' depending on the translation you are searching. Some of these truths tell us things like how God's mercies for us are new every morning, a new commandment of love, a new covenant in the blood of Jesus, the new creation you and I are if we choose to be in Jesus, and lastly in Revelation 21:5 'Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful.' That is all pretty exciting, radical stuff if you take a chance to take it to heart! I guess what I'm getting at, is that you don't have to wait for a holiday on the calendar to celebrate the new when it can be celebrated EVERYDAY! Think about it, He gives us a new day every morning. He could give us the same day every day of our lives if He chose and we would live in insanity like Ferris Bueller. Can you imagine it? I mean seriously, we have new mercies every day, each day being new itself?! What an awesome and loving God He is to delight in making all things new in Him-even you and I! So yes, Happy New Year- but maybe lets think about celebrating the New Day we wake up to on January 2nd and so on as well. Who couldn't use a little more confetti in their life?!