I may have clearly tuned-in that quirky French station (from our farm days) this morning on my kitchen radio(!), but won't know for certain until the current French talk show ends. Stay tuned.
So anyway, still having coupons on my brain, look what--because of sales + coupons-- I bought for just .30 cents each:
And ok, it's not health food... but Tom daily carries a bar inside his pocket to hold him over until lunch time at work. While he sat in a dentist chair yesterday, I did this deal again at the store in our former suburb town, though the next four cost .60 cents each, but that's still cheaper than the Dollar Tree ones which I once believed were a bargain at only $1. Silly me.
But now I'm spoiled. On my way to truly becoming--not Your Mother's Type of Couponer--but rather, a Krazy Couponer. (Did anyone else order that coupon ebook I recommended? If so, what are your thoughts?)
Tom's plant keeps breaking apart and rumors are a flyin' that the owners are sick of the whole mess and about ready to shut it all down. Of course, I could worry, but am I? Nope. Rather than waste my energy (and life) that way, I'm choosing to amass one super grocery stockpile so we can use hundreds--no, thousands-- of dollars in other places besides the supermarket should Tom be laid off again. This time I've sworn to be ready. To be like the Proverbs 31 woman who had no fear of winter for her family because she'd prepared ahead of time.
By definition it is impossible to prepare for an emergency in the middle of one... and trying to is, well, unwise. So thinking ahead is key.
My aim is to become so coupon savvy that, having only had a pocketful of change, I'll be able to drive away from the supermarket with a trunk filled with cheap, cheap groceries.
Be ready for anything--that's what I'm hearing for 2013. And so far, Grace has been all over the preparation, adding great fun, even. She's terrific that way.
The photos? Part of my basement stockpile, though not counting two bins of breakfast cereal under $1.50 each-- healthier, non-chemical-laced types. Oh, and enough laundry detergent for a village. And of course, my kitchen cupboards are full as well with cheap groceries thanks to sales + coupon deals... and thanks to all the coupon ladies and men out there online using their gifts/talents/ministry to daily help me discover amazing deals.
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"When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet." ... Proverbs 31:21
for all of them are clothed in scarlet." ... Proverbs 31:21
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." ... Proverbs 3:6
Choices! We all have choices in how we view anything. In how we behave.
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Aww... such a sentimental story about old WWII love letters here.
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After dropping off my Goodwill donations Sunday I headed over to TJ Maxx. Put stuff in my cart - and then put it all back except for this natural dish washing soap I like - it was .40 a bottle less than the grocery store so I got two bottles - there will always be dishes to do, right? :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, long story long, I was thinking of you when I "stocked up".
Kim--Yay! I am haunting people at the store. I love that. heh..... :) Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteWhy do I so love to look at pictures of other peoples' pantrys? Not fancy smancy ones, but, old fashioned simple ones like yours Debra. Makes me feel all cozy. (my favorite word by the way) Cozy,cozy,cozy.
ReplyDeleteDolores--oh, me to! I love to look at others' pantries. Maybe it's part of our nesting instinct? You know, seeing all those groceries tucked safely away, providing for a family's needs. Or maybe it's because of the thing of moving toward independence or ? But whatever, like you, I enjoy peeking into others pantries and it's a big reason I enjoy the Extreme Couponing show. :) Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteGood to do what we can however we can!! That was a sweet link to the story of that couple!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth now in VA
Elizabeth--so glad you enjoyed the story of the returned love letters! I thought it was wonderful they'd celebrated so many anniversaries together and now had amazingly gotten the letters back when they must have given up on them decades ago. Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteMy daughter bought a group of WW2 love letters and tried many times and ways to return them to a family member. She is still hoping. I have bought books that had letters in them and thankfully they were at garage sales and I could give them back to the owner.
ReplyDeleteI love to see the pantries too but seems the ones I see often on the coupon shows show fluff stuff and not basics. And no way could the people use those 300 packs before they went bad. {I know things keep for a longgg time but still. :) } I know 800 tooth brushes will last forever but 800?? I hear many donate things to food pantries and such that would feel great to have extra to give away. I too have a pantry and do keep it stocked for the same reason you are. You and Tom were so wise to get those big projects done in your home so it too will keep you cozy for a long long time.
Maybe God is leading you to an even better listening experience or keeping your ears open to hear something else? Only time will tell. You still have the music at your grocery store. Also cds and such right? Well better go work on supper! Bye! Sarah
Sarah--oh yes... on Extreme Couponing some of the people do tend to go overboard on their stockpiles! But many of them share with their neighbors when they're in trouble (which is so biblical) or with women's shelters, etc. and that is so wonderful. I still just allow those pantries which look like store shelves to inspire me, even though, like you, I don't buy many of the same items. But the wonderful thing today is that there are now coupons for everything out there, even fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy as well as all basics for running a home and that is terrific. Being a wise coupon-user in today's world requires wisdom and common sense, but then, doesn't everything? In every area of life we can go overboard--or--not do enough. It's up to us as individuals to use balance, ourselves, and treat everyone with love, even those who live wildly differently than we do. :) Even they, I've found, can inspire us to reach higher than just our normal getting-by. Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteDebra, great post! In preparation for my (hopeful) retirement later this year, I've decided it's time to begin to coupon too! I signed up for Krazy Coupon Lady at your suggestion - and have also begun to stock our pantry with things on sale, items I know we'll use. There is definitely something to be said for being prepared.
ReplyDeleteSusan--oh! Thanks so much for letting me know about the changes you're making. I wish you all the best in gathering your own provisions and in your retirement! Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteDebra, I ordered the ebook and stayed up most of the night reading it on my I Pad. When I finally went to bed, I actually dreamed I was grocery shopping, with my binder of coupons! This is going to be exciting!
ReplyDeleteOh Sandra!--You totally, totally made my day! Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed the book and are excited about getting started! (Really.... I'll be smiling the whole rest of the day, I'm certain!) Blessings Debra
ReplyDeleteHi Debra! I remember you from the Friends of Gladys Taber group. I really miss it. I so enjoy your posts and you them faithfully, every day. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteSandra--yes! I remember you from those early days of the Gladys Group. They were special! We had some fun, fun times, didn't we? Thanks again... Debra
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