#alittletoofluffy

hello.

i kind of duck and covered for awhile. this space is for transparency and i needed a bit to balance how to do that with authenticity and grace. life has been good, rich in mercy.  life has been hard, thick with change and trials.  but today, today is time to talk about thirty.

random picture {thanks hubby for entertaining my silly requests} to celebrate a huge feat for me.  

 thirty pounds lost!!!  last week i was at twenty-two pounds lost and couldn't imagine the victory that lay ahead.

i've committed to a six week weight loss challenge called a little too fluffy by my girls carina and danielle and this is the last week.  eek.

i'm a yo-yo. i get pumped to lose weight and it lasts a day, a week at best...with real intention.  but this time, something clicked. i've had a lot of people ask me about 'what i'm doing' and so i thought a blog post was the easiest way to do that.  i also, want to document my journey...because this is it, the long haul transition to health. and plus also, it was important to get it all out while i had the guts {i'm...gulp...going to talk numbers, as in weight later} before the contest ends because the reality is no matter what happens {cliche or not} i've already won.

the first step was to make a commitment with some short & long term goals. i know that sounds obvious, but i truly would have quit without a  commitment and set goals.  the accountability of a weekly weigh in has been great and the prize money was a good motivator...especially when a series of unfortunate events started to happen mid contest like our only vehicle dying.  those are still great, but once the pounds started to shed, my clothing started to fit loosely and i started to notice things the reward took on new meaning.  my goal for the first six weeks during this contest is 32 pounds...i'm TWO away. that feels amazing.  my long term goal is 100 pounds by the end of the year, broken down into a 2-3 pound weight loss per week after the contest.

before you mathematicians start calculating and get an idea of how much i do weigh, here are the details. i am 5'7" and i started this journey at 282 pounds.  when i first sent in my weight i was blown away.  i've tipped the scales at 290 and there was no way i was going to hit 300. so let me back up a little here and talk about how i got to 282 and shed some light on how it feels to be overweight and in my case...obese.

being overweight means you constantly yank at your clothing to make sure everything is covered.  being overweight means you make sure to snag a sturdy chair in a group setting so you don't embarrass yourself.  being overweight means every clothing you have has food stains because you drip stuff when you are that far from your plate.  being overweight means you don't ride the ride, participate in the activity or join in on the fun if there is a possibility your weight will make you look foolish...or worse prevent you from participating. being overweight means your feet and back ache everyday. being overweight means you feel guilty that you are contributing to your poor health that could ultimately rob your family of their mother and wife. i could go on.

282 was my starting weight because i let every lie and every hurt and every trial become calories i consumed. a hard day for me looked like soda after soda.  a hard night for me looked like me sitting in front of the tv for mind numbing hours until i was hungry for a fourth meal and decided, what the heck let's pick the worst possible thing and eat that.

i also want to be clear, i am an addict.  i used food to numb whatever emotion i wanted to forget. food addiction isn't like drugs and alcohol. i can't stop eating, but i can change the way in which i eat and the reasons i choose to eat.

in this journey i have become fascinated with a tv show called my 600 lb life. i get a glimpse into what could have so easily become my life and i sympathize with these people who also let life's pain become the calories that they eat.  the most recent show's patient made this statement, "food may hurt you physically, but doesn't hurt you emotionally." exactly.  there is some truth to the idea of comfort food. then she said, "life isn't a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice.  once you begin to understand that you will begin to live." profound.

i love jesus, but i made food my idol and source of comfort.  the weight didn't make me ashamed, how i got to it did. but his mercy is everlasting and he sustained me even when i turned away.

and so i decided if i believed that anything is possible with god, then let's do this.  let's do the hard things.

it started with changing what i ate.  if god grew it then i can eat it. it's taken discipline, but i'm undoing years and years of bad choices. {those pork rinds are the hubby's...he's on board, with extremely slooooow baby steps.}

it's learning that i can be satisfied with foods that taste good and are good for me...i know rocket science, huh?!

it's deciding that food isn't the celebration, life is.  food is to fuel and keep my temple healthy.  and it's been fun dabbling with new things and creating different meals. {that's baked acorn squash with a black bean burger & topped with an egg}

 

and again and again and again...do the hard things.  i shared this picture on instagram explaining that i had just finished playing baseball with my family.  i have six brothers, who in turn with my only sister and I, have six boys.  and they all love baseball. so much so, that we often gather on sunday afternoons to eat & play in my brother's backyard. we have dubbed it 'baseball sunday'.  i watch, i do not play...until this day.  i have zero skill, but i ran, i hit, i finished.  that was a defining moment for me.  i participated...and it was awesome.

so how does all that add up to losing thirty pounds?  well, i'll share what has worked for me, but i want to be very clear that none of this would have worked for me without choosing to change. very much like any addict it's a daily choice. sometimes it's a minute by minute choice.  but it is worth it, because i am worth it.

• i love bob harper and have used a lot of these suggestions, but really try to apply the eat berries everyday and a protein at every meal.  i added eating an apple and banana everyday as well, since i heard those were good for weight loss too.
• i cut out all sodas and have very limited caffeine {i've only had coffee 3-4 times in the last 5 weeks, as opposed to a cup or two daily}, i also cut out all alcohol. basically, i am not going to drink my calories, it isn't worth it to me.
• because of that i drink lots of water.  i use a 20 oz insulated Starbucks tumbler to keep up with my intake.  sometimes it's low at around 40 oz and sometimes i drink 56 oz or more.
• to break old habits, i don't eat after 8pm.  i've broke this one once in the last 5 weeks.
• i eat as little sugar as possible.  i haven't let the amounts on my fitness pal throw me since most of my intake is natural, but i have indulged a few times but always in moderation and try to substitute agave and honey where I can.
• mid challenge i got...stay in bed for days...sick and it threw me off my work out schedule.  it's slowly picking up.  prior to that, i tried to exercise everyday. i switch it up a lot. i walk/jog/run on my treadmill, bike on my stationary bike, biked with my son at a nearby track, wii zumba, refit dvds, yoga & pilates dvds.
• i try to eat as whole/raw as possible. for example i will cut up 1 cup of berries, 1 apple, 1 bell pepper & a couple of baby carrots for lunch and pair that with either an egg and turkey breakfast sausage or nitrite free lunch meat that has a laughing cow cheese wedge half spread on it and raw spinach inside for a roll up. which means i am still eating processed foods, but i'm trying to be very selective based on nutrients and calories.
• raspberry ketone three times daily with meals. i take quite a bit of vitamins as a proactive holistic approach to my health in general so this wasn't hard to add to the mix. dr. oz has spoken highly of it and is part of it's recent popularity.
• i use my fitness pal religiously.  i haven't adjusted my dinner meal much, but i have worked on disciplining my portion control and added healthier versions of family favorites.  i typically start by entering dinner at the beginning of the day {meal planning is essential} to spread out my calories and make choices based on my calorie intake & nutrient goals.  it helps to not splurge at snack time, too.
• one trick for adding my dinner meals to my fitness pal is using calorie count to calculate the calories since a lot of times i am throwing things together or using a recipe.
• motivation and inspiration are big keys to my success.  my biggest inspiration has been my amazing sil, laryn.  amidst so many obstacles she has kicked weight in the teeth and has already lost SIXTY pounds...to say i am proud of her is an understatement! i also have a beautiful friend marta who along with her equally stunning sisters are passionately sharing the knowledge about health and weight loss on their joint blog, four fit sisters.  i highly recommend following them on instagram for daily inspiration and monthly workout goals.  diana smith, this girl has no idea how she has motivated me!  girlfriend has lost 100 stinking pounds and isn't stopping!  she recently shared her starting & current weight and was a big reason why i felt brave enough to do the same. she is a daily source of encouragement...love her & so happy for her success! {catch her sharing her story on the rachel ray show tomorrow!} and this book....made to crave.  i've picked it up and put it down several times and just like the time to lose weight was now, so is this book.  the perfect companion to shift my focus off food and on the father.
• support system.  my hubby and kids are my biggest cheerleaders.  but, i also have amazing friends and family who are my weekly check in text posse.  with this challenge requiring me to weigh weekly, i have made it a habit to send out texts to the posse and i am always encouraged by their excitement and cheers. i truly am so very well loved.
  
  
  

with all that said i'm human and there is some ebb and flow to those rules, i try not to get overwhelmed by them and give myself grace.  my main focus has been to get healthy.  i am not a doctor {obviously} and i am learning as i go, so if something else works for you then go for it!  i wanted an opportunity to share what has been successful for me with the hope that it can help someone else.  i will say that for me it was very important not to make this a diet.  i don't want to do this for quick results...although it is a perk, but for long term health.  my ultimate goal is to prolong my life as long as possible.  no one is guaranteed tomorrow, but it was important for me to try my best to ward off ms symptoms and give myself the best chance at a long healthy life.  for me and my family. 

i hope this helps someone looking for tips on their weight loss journey because we are all worth it.  go do the hard things friends!

 

{WFMW: Operation Christmas Child}

 

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

We try our best to cultivate a servant's heart for our kids.  Lots a days the example we provide isn't anything we want mirrored back.  But some times, we are in awe of the work that God is doing and instead of being the teachers, we become the students.

In the last couple of years we have really weighed what we want our kids to place value on.  Do we want it to be things or do we want it to be people.  So we started with gifts.  We have never placed gifts as a high priority for our family and most birthdays, Christmas', Valentine's Day, and anniversaries for my husband and I have been celebrated without a gift. It's not necessarily something we elected to do, most years the funds left us with little choice.  But after being married for several years we didn't miss it either.  As we realized it wasn't this gaping hole, but rather an area God was refining in us, we applied it to our kiddos.

Last Christmas we started a tradition to only give our children three gifts representing the three gifts Jesus received at his birth.  We explained the significance to our children and they were excited, eager even.  It is such a joy to watch them get excited about the things that God has placed in our hearts as parents!

The last two years we have also given them the option on their birthdays to replace their gifts for donations to a ministry we decide upon as a family.  The first year we collected toiletries for a local Women's Shelter/Transitional Home.  This year the kids collected items and donations for Operation Christmas Child. I was so humbled at the generosity.  My kids begged for weeks after their birthdays to get started on the boxes.  They helped wrap, pack, and pray for these boxes that will find their way into the hands of sweet babies that might be receiving their first gift ever.  The excitement in my children's eyes during the process warmed my Momma heart.  We wrapped, packed, and prayed over 16 boxes. Sixteen lives that will be blessed.  Sixteen lives that will hear the gospel.  Sixteen lives that will be impacted for eternity and possibly for generations.  I'm believing, because I know God can do it.  The impact, while humbling, for these sweet children that we will never know are impacting the two sweet babies I have been given charge to.  That is a precious, precious gift.

We have some areas we can grow in and can't wait for areas to be stretched in.  I would love to hear ideas your family uses to help your littles cultivate a servant's heart.  This post unraveled me. It gave me a new way to celebrate Thanksgiving and I hope to use it next year.  We can make a difference in little ways that impact others in a big way!

In love,   Jenni

Works For Me Wednesday: Prayer

 

My name is Jenni and I'm a pray-a-holic.  

Remember, Darryl Hannah's character, Annelle in Steel Magnolia's...bad girl gone good?  Mercy, that girl would drop to her knees at the drop of a hat swear word.  Okay, bad comparison, I'm not that kooky or that disciplined.  

I am, however, a rather long winded pray-er (yes, I coined the term). Every night we pray as a family.  Typically it's devotions and then each person takes a turn sharing their favorite part of the day and then prays.  Carlisle order is Bella, Caleb, Mommy, and then Daddy...not birth order (YES I'm older than the hubs, hold the snickers), hierarchy rules our roost.  By the time we get to Daddy, he gives a LOUD AMEN for Mommy cuz I've covered the nation and then some in prayer.  I come by it honestly...I'm a lover!  

I am also a copycat...not to be confused with a thief, cuz I'm gonna share links for you to be a copy cat too!  If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you know my Hubby and I come from BIG families.  Hence, me praying for years at a time each night.  So, to help with that and cover all who we love I borrowed a couple of ideas.

Hubby Prayer Calendar

Kiddos Prayer Calendar

These two calendars are on my fridge...you know a place you frequent throughout the day. *SIGH*  I found these beauties at Inspired To Action.  Kat is my IRL (in real life) friend and not only is she amazing, so is her blog and her wisdom!  I actually spotted them on our mutual IRL friend Kim's fridge and borrowed the background idea from her.  She was able to take the Hubby and Kiddo Prayer Calendars and personalize them with her hubby and kiddos names on each day.  I am not that computer savvy and as many can attest, if I don't run with an idea it more than likely doesn't happen!  So if you are interested in this idea, print each one on (I suggest) card stock. You can either trim as I did and center on a piece of standard scrapbook  paper or you can leave as is and center on a large piece of scrapbook paper (hold in place with tape).  Then laminate and affix a couple of magnets on the back. Viola, pretty and functional!

Small Plug...If you haven't linked from the icon on my page to get Kat's ebook, Maximize Your Mornings, you are seriously missing out.  Go get it!

This bad boy, is all me!  Very sad, but it does the trick.  You know when you tell some one about your life and they tell you they are going to be praying for you.  Well, I mean it.  I have a terrible memory...the kind that if it's not written down you might as well forget it!  To beat the lack of memory I started using the dry erase board I kept on my fridge. I have wrote, erased and rewrote SO MANY desires of friends and families hearts on that board.  Whole generations have been poured over in prayer because of that board.  I in no way want to imply that has anything to do with me.  There is a connection that happens when you pray for one another.  Relationships have been made through seasons of prayer.  

One such prayer request is for a friend from high school, Julia, that just so happens to be my husband's ex girlfriend.  I know to others that seems unusual, but I cannot explain the deep love I share for these two people who earnestly desire to be parents.  Please pray for the miracle of a baby for this sweet couple!

This is another borrowed idea from Julie at Joy's Hope, only it was a guest post from Kristin.  I LOVED this idea the moment I laid eyes on it....isn't it pretty!  I encourage you go take a look at the link as I did a watered down option using mostly what I had on hand.  The only thing I purchased was the tin in the dollar bins at Target.  Then the kids and I just cut and tied the ribbon to the pail handle.  When we finished the pail part we wrote down all our families names (one depressor per family, no matter the # of family members), close friends, and organizations/ministries close to our heart. I then split the list and had the kids use markers to write each name on tongue depressors.  The running joke is that God apparently wants to move in our hearts (or theirs...both maybe) for my sister-in-law's family, as they get 'picked' ALL the time!  The idea for us is to cover everyone in our family throughout the course of the week without having a prayer vigil everyday (not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that).

We also used this idea for chores...same idea just comply a list of chores that are age appropriate for your children.  Since ours are close in age, they are equally responsible and capable.  When we use this method (sometimes Mommy just doles chores out) I have them pick three each for the day.  This eliminates complaining or the inevitable 'picking' of the more desirable chores and everyone gets their fair share of scrubbing toilets.  Yes, you read that right...my 8 & 10 year old's scrub toilets!

Another shameless plug...if you like to SAVE MONEY, check out my sister-in-law, Missy's blog!

This last one I borrowed from one of Kristen's post @ We Are That Family.  This is actually part of the curriculum we chose this year, but not for the 4th grade curriculum.  I have a slight book addiction, so this was a perfect excuse reason to purchase it!  I haven't quite put this one into motion, but I think I'll copycat that part too and start by using it at the dinner table, as well.

I hope you are able to find some prayer ideas to borrow for your family too.  There is nothing like praying with your kiddos and then experiencing the fruition of those prayers coming to pass!

I'm linking up to We Are That Family for Works For Me Wednesday!

fr..fr...frugal Part Numero Dos: Gardening & Such

Let me set the stage for this post by saying, my husband would NEVER guest post on my blog, but he deserves most of the credit for this post.  Our garden is the fruits of his labor, with a side of adorable pint size helpers.  I have 'helped' on the occasion, but have made the inside of our home my domain.  I'm working on being more of a helpmate in this area, but wanted to be honest and give credit were credit is DUE!

As I mentioned in the last frugal post, this is a journey. One that we learn more as we press on.  We are not experts, but rather are learning to perfect our skills.  We started our garden last year.  We saw some success and we saw some fails.  Randy started by plotting out what part of the yard we wanted to use.  He used close to a 1/4 of our yard which was pretty substantial.  We rented a tiller for the day and I somewhat helped dig up our yard.  He built a fence out of a FREE old fence my parents replaced and offered us.  Randy used research from blogs and sites along with a few books to guide his planting process.  This year he changed it up some.  This year we borrowed a tiller and eliminated the rental cost.  He also implemented several methods.  Take a look:

This is a full shot of our garden.

This is a close up to show you the Square Foot Gardening Method. Just behind that is our compost pile.  We also have several trash cans we use for a homemade compost bins.  Randy simply drilled periodic holes for irrigation and turns them frequently.  You can also put casters on the bottom for more mobility.

These are 5 Gallon buckets with tomato cages.  Some are tomatoes, bell peppers, peppers, pole beans and squash.  You can't see it, but hanging from the awning on the far corner is a homemade Topsy Turvy made out of a 5 gallon bucket as well.

This is a potato plant using a Tire Method.  (I would need to locate the source if you are interested in specifics.) You basically start with the first tire and cut out a flap.  Plant your potato, water, and wait for the plant to sprout.  Then repeat.  The idea is to force the plant upwards and begin harvesting at the bottom from the flap you created...all the way up.  This method would allow for harvesting in intervals.  This one wasn't fruitful, but we plan to use it next year.

Here's a shot of our Junior Gardeners , giving you an idea of the height of our corn.  In case you are wondering we do not live in the country.  In fact you would never assume we have the size garden we did based on our neighborhood or it's location.  This goes to prove anyone can do this!  Start small, the 5 gallon buckets are a good one to start with.

So I'm sure ya'll are wondering...I would be...how do you water that and stay in your budget.  Enter ghetto, but genius water system.

Randy made these with barrels and pallets he got from work, for wait for it...FREE!  We have two eave's in our back yard and no gutters.  He took the pallets to make a platform for each set of barrels to utilize both eaves.  Each barrel set has metal screening affixed to the top to keep out debris.  The water barrels, then have a PVC pipe attaching them to make water from both barrels accessible from one.   The barrel closest to the outside has a PVC faucet. We in turn use the rain water supply to water the garden.  We are able to fill a watering can or attach a hose.  We have been blessed with quite a bit of rain, but still supplemented with good ole city water.  

In either case the bounty of the garden and the minimal cost of water has greatly benefited our family and our budget.  Here are some reasons we feel our garden is of benefit to our family.

* cost effective on budget to eat from our garden instead of store bought produce

* pesticide free, we garden organically 100%

* Family time, my hubby LOVES to be in the garden and the kids love to be his helpers

* As homeschoolers, my kiddos are getting hands on teaching on so many subjects

* teaches our kiddos to be good stewards to the Earth

* Our family, friends, and neighbors can attest: we SHARE!

I will say we want to be the best example of stewardship to our kids while protecting them.  We try our best to be Eco conscious with in our budget.  Here are some other ways we help the Earth while helping  S-T-R-E-T-C-H our budget!

This is our adorable in door Compost Bucket that saves me from tossing scraps in the garbage disposal or trash can.  So when I bypass the disposal I save on electricity and water.  When I bypass the trash can I save on space so it creates less waste and I use less trash bags.  And lastly our compost makes FREE soil for our garden.

These were freshly laundered in this picture.  That is a regular occurrence each week.  We do our best to use cloth napkins at every meal and clean and dry with rags and dish towels.  The exception would be in the event I receive any free items that would eliminate the use of these items and if we have a function that would require more than we have.  Keep in mind if the items are free then that cuts down on the water, electricity, and detergent used to launder them.

Speaking of laundry detergent...here is ours.  Randy (yep that guy again) makes ours.  He adapted a recipe he found online with a couple of You Tube videos and we were all set.  And I assure we smell just like store bought! I would have to figure the math again, but it's something crazy like $.08 a load and we use 5 gallon buckets that do over 80 loads.  That would be a 1 to 4 ratio of the cheaper version of detergent that most stores offer.  (If you are interested in the recipe/videos let me know and I will get back to you.)

These three shots are our edible goodies.  The first is canned peaches, the second peach jam, and the third okra, squash and onions from the garden.  We all got a chance earlier in the summer to go pick FREE peaches from Randy's Uncle's property.  Again, Randy is the gifted hands behind the peach creations (I swear he's related to Julia Childs!)  We helped in the picking, boiling, peeling process, but he cranked out the yummy goodness in each jar.  I think he's a keeper?! Then the veggies are of course from the garden.  We have also enjoyed pole (green) beans, strawberries, mint, oregano, rosemary, basil, chives, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, cantaloupe, potatoes, red potatoes, corn, peppers, bell peppers and tomatoes.

The heart of this post is that being frugal is SOOOO attainable.  Most of the suggestions I have posted can be implemented  simply by taking a look at what you ALREADY have at home and DOING IT!  I promise you can!  The other thing I want to highlight is FREE!  Be creative.  If you don't have someone who has items to give freely ask around.  One of the things I'll be talking more about are resources to get the things you need for a more frugal lifestyle for free or very little out of pocket and/or time.  If I could give you one tip to get started, it would be be humble.  Don't be afraid to ask, the worse someone could say is no.  Become the person (not tacky, overtly expectant) who people think of when they get rid of useful items they no longer need.  As far as gardening and canning goes, acquaint yourself with someone who has the knowledge, skill set, and garden and/or supplies.  I'm sure if you can find a friend who has an abundance of something like the peaches they would be happy to exchange it for manual labor, a few canned jars, etc.   Or maybe a farmer who needs free labor in exchange for experience and free produce.  I hope this is a blessing and welcome questions or tips you may have on these suggestions.

Linking up to Works For Me Wednesday

Disclosure: I have no affliation, nor am I receiving any compensation to any companies mentioned in the above blog post.  Opionions expressed are based soley on my personal experienes.

fr..fr...frugal Part Numero Uno: Coupons

So I'm gonna try my best to complete a series on how my family makes our income stretch by being frugal. (I like to call it 'Frugality'!) I pray that this is a blessing to all who join in on this Frugal Living Journey!

First up: COUPONING! Let me start by saying I am NOT an expert.  I was taught by my sister-in-law Melissa and have picked up new techniques along the way that work for my budget, location, and time investment. I wrote a blog post in 2009 just after I started on the adventure of couponing and much is the same, but this will be an updated version.  (For locals who may be interested in getting together for a possible in depth class, leave me a comment or email me indicating interest and maybe we can set it up if there is enough interest.)

Let me give you some background on why I coupon and how it benefits my family.  I began couponing while working full time, but currently care for my children at home while home schooling them.  We have benefited from couponing in both seasons of life, but it became crucial that we save money when we dropped to one income.  I see the time I invest in couponing as a job, a means to aid my husband in the financial responsibility of providing for our family.  I truly believe we are to be stewards with the finances of our home. 

I also see couponing and being frugal as a tool to save money.  The first step to making coupons work for you is to start with a budget. I am surely not an expert in this department either, but we are learning and growing everyday. When we are successful in budgeting it is because we are applying  the tools we learned from Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover System.  Having a budget, wether using Dave's methods or your own gives you something to compare your savings.  If you don't have a budget you may end up with 150 tubes of toothpaste and no food to feed your family.

So, what about you?  I know some people have strict diets, are vegans, vegetarians. lactose intolerant, etc.  Trust me couponing will STILL work for you!  If for no other reason, I would coupon for the toiletries and cleaning products. I promise as cheesy as it sounds couponing has something for everyone.

One thing I didn't mention in my original post is to start by getting a new email address.  I prefer HOTMAIL, so that I can access all my accounts from one spot.  The need of an additional email account is to keep your couponing separate.  As you get more and more acclimated to couponing you may want to follow blog posts, subscribe to company product updates, enter giveaways, etc.  Trust me this will save you lots of headache to have one spot to organize it all.

Next start by buying papers every Sunday.  My rule of thumb is typically one paper per person in the household.  Depending on the age of the child you may buy one paper per two school age, toddler, and/or baby.  If that is overwhelming start with one.  Now, CUT EVERY SINGLE COUPON.  The only exception I use is if it is something I will not use even if it's free and cannot donate. Also, go though the ENTIRE paper.  In the last several weeks I have found coupons for FREE Bush's tea (locals know that is liquid gold!) and FREE rentals at Blockbuster. These were sandwiched in ads and columns, so scan each section carefully. Also, make sure you look through the Parade, it is known to have coupons, as well. The paper can carry anywhere from 1-3 inserts.  These are Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble, and Smartsource.  They are referred to as RP, PG, and SS in most blogs. 

Now you need a filing system for storing your coupons.  Everyone is different and there is no one way to do it.  You can get a small accordion file that fits into your purse/backpack.  You can keep them in an envelope.  You can put them in a file box with tabs.  I personally prefer the Binder Method.  You can see in the image below it is a fabric zippered binder (cousin to the Trapper Keeper).  I have organized my coupons by categories using dividers and each divider has several plastic baseball card sleeves with coupons in them.  (This is were you shuck your pride and get ready for the stares.  I'm typically complimented once each shopping trip).  I keep my scissors, pens, paper for shopping trip lists, circulars, rebates and any additional coupons (store, restaurant, etc.) in this binder too.

Now that you are ready to shop, were to?  Locally I shop at Target, CVS, Walmart, HEB and the occasional Walgreens.  Each store has their own Coupon Policy, which I have linked to if you click on the store name.  You will see that CVS and Walgreens do not provide their policy online and the sites I selected have inquired to receive the information for their post.  The information for CVS is accurate to my knowledge, although I will share some additional tips.  I have to be honest, I am not a fan of Walgreens.  Typically they are pretty unreliable to work with your coupons and can 'make up' the rules as they (employees/managers) go. However, I keep trying and hoping they will make a liar out of me...please don't make my experience keep you from shopping there.

Along with shopping at these stores and knowing their policies you need to know what sets them apart.  Here's some general tips each:

TARGET

* They have mobile coupons that you can have sent to your phone here.

* They have online coupons you can print from their home page here. 

* They reward shoppers $.05 off per reusable bag you use for each purchase. Example: 5 bags = $.25 off your total.

* ALWAYS shop the end cap for clearance deals, you never know what coupon will make an item FREE!

* If you miss a coupon, bring it to the Customer Service desk with your receipt and they will adjust your total and refund the amount of the coupon. The policy states same day only, but I have been able to do it within a week of purchase.

* Target has updated their system to insure the value of an item that is free is adjusted down to prevent overage.  With any new update be careful that this is correct and takes off the full value.  Example: $5 off purchase of two items may only take off one item's value instead of both or the $5.  Be the expert and watch the screen every time you shop.

* If an item goes on sale after you purchased it, they typically will refund the difference if you follow the guidelines in this policy, which also covers their Price Matching policy.


CVS
 
* They have a rewards card, called the Extra Care Card that allows you to earn 'Extra Care Bucks' for weekly and monthly ECB deals. An Extra Care Buck/ECB is treated like a gift certificate towards a future purchase.  For example if a deal lists that you 'buy a candy bar at $.99, get $.99 back in ECBs',  you will receive a $.99 ECB that prints at the bottom of your receipt after payment. This is eligible to be used on your next purchase. Their online Extra Care Card does not indicate how many cards you can have per household.  I personally have four cards, one per member of my household.  I would suggest starting out with one.  (If you would like more information on how I manage all four, shoot me an email.)

* Their price scanner also dispenses coupons daily per card.  KEEP all the coupons that print from their coupon machine.  Because these don't expire you want to hold on to them until just the right deal comes along.  Remember per CVS policy, they accept one CVS coupon and one MFG coupon per item.  I saved several coupons from 2008 that got me 58 rolls of FREE paper towels a few weeks ago!

* This is not mentioned in their policy, but their ECB's or CVS coupons DO NOT expire.  Some couponers have reported that their store managers wont push them through, but locally all three of our stores do. (I've also shopped in Dallas/Ft. Worth and they do, as well.) The cashier will have to manually override their system, so just make sure you ask if they don't do it automatically.  The worse they can say is no.

* You can purchase what they call a Green Tag for $1, to use when you use reusable bags each time you shop. It tracks your number of uses and on the fourth use you will receive a $1.00 ECB. So it will pay for itself after that fourth visit.  You will need to remember to hand it to the cashier with your Extra Care card in order to receive credit and you are only able to use it once per day.  You can find these near the registers or ask a cashier for help.

* ALWAYS scan your card at the Coupon Printer/Price Checker before you shop for coupons and ALWAYS check your store for clearance items.  Our local stores either have a rolling cart at the back of the store near the restrooms or at the front of the store near the cashiers. Again, you never know what coupon could make an item FREE!

* CVS does accept competitor coupons for Pharmacy prescription purchases.  I use this option for my CVS spending money.  Typically a CVS Pharmacy coupon is valued at $25, this can go a long way with coupons.


WALMART

* No special card or tricks, I typically shop the list of items some of the blogs I follow provide.


HEB

*  If you haven't already signed up for a HEB Points Card, do it before the next time you shop.  This card tracks your spending in the store and gas purchases.  In turn you receive a quarterly bonus with HEB bucks that are treated like cash.  Typically this will also include coupons.

* I have to say writing this post I actually learned the correct coupon policy.  They will not combine HEB Manufacturer coupons with a company (HEB) sponsored manufactured (mfg) coupon, BUT they will accept a manufacturer coupon with their 'yellow' store coupons.  I have several family members that work there and have been told they will not combine any MFG coupons with store coupons, so get ready to educate your cashiers and bring the company policy with you.  (I plan to look into this with local management and at the corporate level and will add what I find out at a later date.)

* Typically I have found that if I purchase something and it's out of date, doesn't taste 'right', etc. they will accept a returned item for full refund, with no questions asked.  You will need your receipt if you expect a cash refund.

WALGREENS

* Register Rewards (RR)-  These are similar to CVS' ECB's, however they DO expire and you can only use it on a different 'deal'.  Example if they offer a $5 RR for purchasing two packages of toilet paper and the 'deal' has a two per person limit, you can't turn around and use those RR to purchase two more packages.  In this case I would suggest using it to either do a different deal or something of that value you already intend to buy.

*  Walgreens also has a clearance section, typically located at the rear of their store and I have been somewhat successful scouting those out.


Now let's talk rebates.  Rebates may be offered on an item, a in store rebate promotion, online, etc.  I find most of mine listed on line with blogs/sites I subscribe to.  My only suggestion with rebates is to NEVER buy something specifically for the rebate.  I only purchase something if I need it, can afford it, and it's a good deal.  Most of my rebates are on items I get free if not well under the rebate value.  For example, last month I sent off more than $50 in rebate offers that I paid less than half for.  One tip is to keep rebate offer paperwork with your coupons.  That way if you happen upon the product unexpectedly, then you will know whether to purchase it or not for a rebate offer.

So what about all these blogs and sites, I'm talking about?  Let me first say like anything too much of something is not a good thing.  Couponing IS time consuming.  You have to have a balance with your time and you have to weigh the value of what you save against the time that it takes away from the other things in your life.  You CAN be successful taking my tips and applying it to the ads and call it a day.  The blogs/sites I use are a tool, but I DON"T read every post or do every deal.  I take what works for me and leave the rest.  If you don't have a balance you will get SWALLOWED in this aspect of couponing.  That being said I will give you a list of blogs/sites I subscribe to and you can see which ones are of value to you and which are not.  Most have been suggestions from other blogs, but there are many, many, many more.  You can always search for ones in your area as each blogger blogs deals that match the stores in his/her area (yes there are men out there couponing!).  This is where your separate email account comes in handy.  A lot of these blogs are supported by sites such as blogger and you may not want to set up an account to follow or remember everyday to go check on them. Most have an option to follow by becoming an email subscriber.  I personally do not like the readers out there that support those blogs and if I cannot subscribe to their blog by email I will save it as a favorite under my internet bookmarks.  As you get rolling following these sites you will find deals online as well, I will talk more on this in a follow up post that I hope you will check out.

Blogs:

www.melissastuff.blogspot.com 
www.couponingtodisney.com
www.moneysavingmom.com
www.frugalandfocused.blogspot.com
www.centsible-sawyer.com
www.couponing101.com
www.5dollardinners.com
www.consumerqueen.com
www.thethriftymomma.com
www.hip2save.com
www.lifeasmom.com
www.stretchingabuckblog.com
www.krazycouponlady.com
www.dealseekingmom.com
www.moneysavingmom.com
www.mylitterofsix.blogspot.com
www.mydallasmommy.com

Along with these sites there are couponing sites that you can print coupons directly from. Each site typically has a coupon printer you will be required to download to print from their site.  Most of the printers will allow you to print a coupon twice.  However, I recommend never using the refresh button as you may cancel the print job and/or jeopardize your second print.  Copying or adjusting coupons is ILLEGAL. (Incase you are tempted, each internet coupon has a unique bar code for each coupon and can be tracked if duplicated.) If a store policy allows internet coupons these are LEGAL and acceptable to use. I also will warn that using these printers can possibly slow down your computer and I caution against dowloading them to any computer you do not personally own.  We are fortunate to have more than one home computer and use both to print coupons.  This allows us to print double the coupons and in turn do double the deals.

Along with the paper and these blogs I also get coupons from a magazine called Allyou.  This magazine is chalk full of coupons and also has helpful money saving articles.  I happen to get my copy from a monthly subscription (this was of course due to a really good online deal).  You can also purchase Allyou Magazine at any Walmart. I also get coupons from anyone who will give them to me, mailers, fliers, some I see on the ground, and in store promotions (peelies) as long as the coupon does not say use on this item. Lastly, check out sites for items that are must have or preferences for you or your family.  You can typically follow a newsletter that will promote new products and coupon offers.

Coupon Sites:

www.coupons.com
www.allyou.coupons.com (this includes coupons.com coupons and Allyou exclusive coupons)
www.smartsource.com
www.redplum.com
www.coolsavings.com

I hope the vast amount of information hasn't overwhelmed you too much and that you truly seek the Lord to see if this is for you and your family. I find great joy in being able to stretch our dollar and in turn share the fruits of my labor with family, friends, and charities, as well as the little bit of knowledge I have learned along the way! 

As always, please feel free to email me, my email address for this blog is carlisleclanconversation@hotmail.com.  I'm always eager to help someone with coupon shopping!

Linking up to Works For Me Wednesday

Disclosure: I have no affliation, nor am I receiving any compensation to any company or blogs mentioned in the above blog post.  Opionions expressed are based soley on my personal experienes.