Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Frugal Fashionista Again

2012-02-15T09:48:00.004-05:00

Head on over to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for all your Frugal Fashionista tips and tricks.

Dads ROCK GIVEAWAY BASH

2010-05-31T20:34:00.003-04:00

Mark your calendar for June 10th and our Dads Rock Giveaway Bash.
Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, along with 13 other blogs, will be hosting thousands of dollars in amazing giveaways that you will NOT want to miss.

Creative Centerpieces using what you have

2010-01-21T12:52:00.003-05:00

Even though I moved my site two months ago, it's amazing that so many of you still subscribe through my old site. So, every few weeks, I remind you that I am over there and not here.

My web designer has told me that I must stop this and that we have to close this site down completely since it hurts my new blog, but I'm afraid I'll miss you. :)
So, I keep posting here, until I cut the strings...which will be soon.

Now that Christmas is over, you may be looking for some neat ideas for centerpieces using what you have...well, come on over and see what I've been doing...
Quick and easy Centerpieces

So, switch on over, and pick how you want to subscribe below.

$100/month on groceries Challenge

2010-01-04T11:42:00.002-05:00

So much is happening this week over at my new Balancing Beauty and Bedlam site.

Just a few of the posts that I have covered recently: Saving money on groceries by eating from your Pantry and some $25/week meal plan updates, Balancing Blogging Goals

Five Languages of an Apology

Rebelling again Resolutions, and more.

Come visit me and share your own beauty and bedlam. :)

Last minute DIY Gift Ideas

2009-12-19T21:26:00.002-05:00

In the amount of time it would take for you to drive to the mall, you can create these last minute DIY gift ideas. Personal, creative, and fabulously frugal - check them out here.

Two "Top Ten" Favorites on my Frugal Fashionista list

2009-12-05T13:15:00.003-05:00

I am "Lovin' Leather at Frugal Fashionista prices."
Come check out two of my latest finds and see why I finally took the leather jacket splurge.

To change your subscription to the new location, or subscribe for the first time please click here.

You can also receive updates via email. Click here to subscribe to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam by email.

Quick and Easy Table Decor

2009-11-20T10:28:00.002-05:00

As the thermostat switches from air to heat, I typically get out my fall decorations and enjoy them for months. This year, however, life got away from me with my trip to Ecuador, and now I am scrambling to highlight our Thanksgiving table with some quick, easy and frugal decor.

Our first step to easy Thanksgiving table decor is to “shop your house and yard.” As much as I desire a Better Homes and Garden look, a simple approach to decorating assures us that we don’t have to be designers to create a welcoming home. I love to add more glamor than what I am showing, but my desire is to encourage everyone that with just a few extra minutes, and no money spent, a beautiful table can be set.

Are you missing out on all the posts at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam?

We're here...almost every day.

Tasty Tuesday - I'm posting live from South America

2009-11-10T01:10:00.002-05:00

This is really happening. I'm here in Ecuador to bring my new nephew home. What a privilege and amazing experience to watch sheer grace unfold.
Just thought I would let those of you know how are still on my old feed.
Come on over and link up to Tasty Tuesday - South American style and see what this trip is all about.

Live right here: Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Coupon Preview - just for you

2009-10-30T17:16:00.002-04:00

It's the first Sunday of the month, which means there's an additional P&G coupon insert. YEA!

Are you wondering if you should buy additional papers? Check the Sunday coupon preview below to see what's included. A wonderful way that I am saving more time with my binder is by using this preview resource. I clip the coupons that I KNOW I will use, but leave the rest of the inserts in the accordion section of my binder. Then I check back here when I compare my weekly store fliers. It saves a LOT of time.

Click below to see what you may need to buy.

And then head on over to my new home for more details, since you may be missing out on a weeks worth of posts. :)

Thrifting, accessorizing, baking...come on over.

2009-10-15T09:52:00.002-04:00

hi friends -
There's lots going on over at the new location.
Navigating a thrift store, accessorizing a mirror, and tons of bulk baking.
Please come join us, and thank for taking the time to update your URL.

To change your subscription to the new location, or subscribe for the first time please click here.

You can also receive updates via email. Click here to subscribe to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam by email.

**I have had emails from numerous readers that they’re having trouble adding this new URL to their Google Readers. Apparently, the Reader is finding this old site and redirecting back to here. Make sure you delete the old site first. Sign out and sign back in before adding my new site.

If you did that, then the work-around solution for updating google reader; try adding this address http://www.beautyandbedlam.com/feed/

into the “subscribe to this blog” spot in the Google Reader, it picks up the latest post at the new site. You have to add the feed/ at the end of my basic URL.

Thanks so much for taking the little bit of extra time through my bedlam.

I've been missing you all. :)

Please Update Your Subscription to Beauty and Bedlam

2009-10-07T14:01:00.012-04:00

Have you found me at my new home on the web? If not please stop by my new (yet same as the old) blog now hosted on WordPress.

If you currently subscribe to this blog, pretty please click here to re-subscribe to my site. I sure don't want to miss you. :)This will be the last update you receive if you are a current subscriber.

You can also receive updates via email. Click here to subscribe to Balancing Beauty and Bedlam by email.

See you at my new home!

Baking Day/Hour - my plan

2009-10-07T09:24:00.003-04:00

With fall scheduling in full force, pondering why I am barely keeping my head above water in certain “family manager” roles has been a topic.

My conclusion? I don’t have a plan.

Now, mind you, I am not a “write everything I do down” kind of a gal, I love the carefree aspects of life. Yet I am letting the weeks get the best of me without being intentional in some of the little things. Typically it’s the little things that I LOVE, but these days, it’s the little things not done that are getting me.

***********************************************

We're working on getting all of the subscriber's feeds moved over to my new home, so if you want to see my plan for the day come on over here.

Remember...I've MOVED to http://www.beautyandbedlam.com.

Come on over to my new home!

2009-10-05T17:51:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to link up for Tasty Tuesday at my new home -
http://www.beautyandbedlam.com
I'll have the post up by 11:00pm EST.

If you have my button on your sidebar, you don't need to do a thing.
I've been tricky like that and have been forwarding you all to www.inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com, but that is just too difficult to remember.

Many of you have been so kind to enter Balancing Beauty and Bedlam onto your blogroll.
I would love it if you could take one minute and correct the new blog address. :)

We are not quite done, but it just wouldn't be "me" if I led you over to a brand new perfectly finished site, would it? Continue to watch for the changes over the next few weeks.
The powers that be are just waiting...for me.

Fall Tradition - Magic Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-04T23:36:00.002-04:00

The Magic Pumpkin Patch is another tradition that is sure to spark the magic of Fall/Halloween for your kids!
Tell your children that this year you have found some magic seeds to grow pumpkins.
Gather your kids together and give each child 1 magic pumpkin seed. Have them bury each magic seed in the yard and place a toothpick marker for where they buried their seeds. While they are sleeping, place a small pumpkin, which you purchased from the grocery store, on each place they planted a seed. Watch as in the morning they are amazed by the beautiful pumpkins their magic seeds have grown into.
Take a picture of each child with their pumpkin in the patch and put it into your Fall/Halloween tradition book.

For many more fall/Halloween tradition ideas, browse here.

Frugal Fashionista - one stop shopping

2009-10-02T00:00:00.004-04:00

Frugal Fashionista is back, and ready to roll.

(If you're new to this series, begin at the beginning by unpacking your reservations on a Frugal Fashionista wardrobe. )
I heard your cries, I received your emails, and trust me, it's not for lack of clothes to show you.

I just thought you might have wanted a break from my frugal fashion trips, but obviously not.
Always forgetting to take pictures when I was wearing the outfits was the problem that I encountered in doing these posts.

Oh yes, and then there were the dogs...

And the kids...

Enough excuses...on to what you've been waiting for.

I am doing a two part post for this one.
I have decided to take you through a typical thrift store outing and show you what I look for.
Everything I am wearing in these pictures was from one shopping trip last week.
My goal of this post is different. It's not to put together my cutest ever outfits, but to show you how you can mix and match while spending pennies on the dollar.

As you are reading, try and guess how much I paid for it all.
You are going to drop to the floor!
I approach my wardrobe much like I do my couponing and stockpiling.
Many local thrift stores offer discounts on certain days.
On Sunday at my local store, one colored ticket is always 75% off.
Keep that in mind as you guess. I only looked at that color.

With winter right around the corner, I love to look for new sweaters, turtlenecks and comfy clothes that I can wear to football practices. I need to be warm, but I don't have to look frumpy.
This Banana Republic sweater is perfect, and can easily be dressed up with a scarf or jacket. These Limited jeans are a bit too short for me, but you'd never know it once I rolled them up and made them capris. Now they fit perfectly and they look like they were made to be capris.
If you have great ankles - show them off. :)

A classic green Gap turtleneck will give me so many options.
Here I paired it with the comfiest, down vest by Lands End.
Yes, it looks brand new. Another sign that Lands End is total quality.

The Anne Taylor brown pants were a steal, and hopefully after I wear them they'll stretch out a bit. ( I didn't try them on, and typically I do.)
The only other option is to lose the eight pounds I've gained in the last few months - ugh.

Here is the same turtleneck and pants paired with two jackets that were UNDER one dollar.
Do you see how different all three outfits look just by switching them up a bit?
Our NC fall days don't always necessitate a heavy coat, so these are perfect.
Jackets like this are a typical find at most thrift stores.

One of my favorite finds of the day was this great black dress. If you've followed this series at all, you know I have a thing for the perfect, little black dress. I have about ten of them.
Please.no.lectures. Just being honest. But, I wear them - a lot.
When something like this is so comfortable that you can sleep in it, I buy it...regardless.
And this is one of those finds. I wish you could see my drop down pink necklace more closely.
It's perfect with the V-neck, but if someone gave me a big chunky pink necklace, I think I'd prefer that instead.
It would make more of a statement and bring out the pink accents.
This style looks great on almost any body shape.

I love, love, love this classic Eddie Bauer turtleneck. I'm so disappointed that we didn't get a better picture of it.
Like Lands End, Eddie Bauer quality is so fabulous that it always appears new, while the look never goes out of style.
Now, I admit, this orange vest was an impulse buy...
I am a "summer," and "summer" skin tones don't wear orange. (Regardless if you buy thrift or new, you must find out your skin tone.)
But it's fall harvest time, and I want to be festive.
Yet more importantly, this was a BRAND NEW suede vest with the $69.00 price tag still on it and I got it for $1.50. I'm just saying.
As long as that orange isn't against my face, I'm fine with it.
I'll wear it to the pumpkin patch and take my pictures with fall orange pride, and them probably pass it on to someone else. It's cuter in real life. :)

Yes, this was taken moments ago as I just got back from football practice and was sporting my cute Hanes hoodie and Liz Claiborne tank.
If I dress to exercise, it sometimes gives me the false sense that I might actually walk during my boys' practice. :) Exercise clothing is expensive, but I find fabulous items for pennies. Probably because people like me fizzle out on their New Year's Resolution quicker than they'd care to admit.

Now imagine that I didn't just get back from football practice, and that my hair was done in a sleek updo.
Oh, how I love this white dress from The Limited.
Simple, elegant and classic.
Again, comfort is key and this one passes the "nightgown" test as well. Can you see why I have started wearing dresses more? Seriously, this dress is more comfortable than any pair of pants I own. Don't be surprised if it doesn't end up as a night gown after I get tired of it.
When you spend $1 on something, who says it has to be an elegant dress? Why can't it be a nightgown...hee hee.

Ok, so that was all purchased in one shopping trip.
Remember, it doesn't always happen like that, but I am fairly consistent in popping into my favorite stores and I have it down to such a science that I could dress almost any of you in a complete wardrobe for under $100.

Come with me next time as I show you how I look through the trash and come out with the treasures.

Did you take a guess at how much all of this cost? Remember that I ONLY looked at the colored tags that were marked 75% off, and the majority of the other items in the store were full price.
I am going to duck now because I know you are going to throw tomatoes at me.

All of it...under $12.
I know...it's not fair, but just love me anyhow. :)

New Coupons have loaded

2009-10-01T13:02:00.001-04:00

It's October 1st (WOW), and that means that new coupons have loaded on my sidebar. Please click on over if you're in a reader and see what's being offered.
I always think ahead about my stores' sales cycles and what I need replenished in my stockpile of food.

I'm excited about some frozen vegetables, cereal, and many more.
And yes, even the $1.00 of two Pillsbury biscuits helps me with my "one hour experiment" meals. Biscuits are often on sale for "Buy One Get One Free," which makes these free or nearly free for ALL of you - even if you don't have double coupon stores.

A Choice of Hope

2009-09-30T00:38:00.001-04:00

Terrified and torn, a young woman girl, seventeen, sacrificed so that her firstborn
could have life.

For nine months, perfect innocence was knit together in her womb.

Yet on a blistery Milwaukee March day, she made a choice.

A choice of sacrifice. A choice of redemption. A choice of hope.

Decades later, a mom of five sits at her computer pondering just what that decision means.

I am the result of her choice, her sacrifice, her hope of a better life for a daughter.

Her decision that day has already impacted generations.

Please continue reading a small excerpt of my adoption story over at (in)courage.

Fall Flavors and Tasty Tuesday announcement!

2009-09-28T23:26:00.000-04:00

There's something about dropping temperatures that draws me to get that kettle on the stove with savory soups a simmering.
I love the way they make my house smell cozy all day long.
When the weather turns brisk, soups are definitely one of my comfort foods.

Trying to decide on some of my favorite soups is an arduous task.
Chicken noodle/dumpling, taco, chili, baked potato, cream of broccoli and cheese and so many others top the list.
My mouth is watering just thinking about taking that hot french bread straight from the oven and dipping it into any of those favorites.

Another of our frugal favorites is Bean Soup and for the last few days, beans have been a staple.
Officially, five pounds of dried beans have been soaked, cooked, eaten and/or bagged and frozen for future use. Having them cooked and bagged allows me the ease of throwing them in whatever - whether it's a casserole, soup or side.
I have my seven bean soup recipe down to a science...dolloped with sour cream and sprinkled with cheese, this is a recipe that all my children devour.
But don't ask me for measurements.
I don't ever measure with soups. The fun is in the experimental process. :)

So what fall foods are you looking forward to? I can't wait to see them over the next few months here at Tasty Tuesday.
As always, please link to your direct URL recipe post and link back here so others can join in the fun.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
I am in the process of moving my blog to Word Press. It will have the same great feel, just more versatility with an easier search option for these wonderful recipes. :)
This is the last Tuesday where you can find me at inpassionatepursuit.blogspot.com.
For next week, please make sure your URL link back to Tasty Tuesday reflects http://www.beautyandbedlam.com

So what are you sharing for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods?

Party Cupcake Ideas

2009-09-28T09:22:00.002-04:00

Some of you may have missed my brother's amazing wedding cupcake stand.
Well, it was a wonder that did his baby sister proud, yes it did.

They focused on the architecture of the stand, but left the cupcakes very simple.

But look at these beauties!
Just the small added embellishment really stands out.

Can you believe how this strawberry makes such a simple, yet elegant statement?

photo credit: hlkljgk

How about these adorable birthday hat cupcakes.
I just LOVE these - what child (or adult) wouldn't?

Party Hat Cupcakes

This is just a sampling of the amazing ideas that you can find at this fabulous new site - Party Cupcake Ideas - sharing cupcake ideas for Parties, Weddings, Baby Showers and Parties.

There is a wealth of creativity over there. Go and spend a few minutes browsing. You will not be disappointed.

I am thrilled to introduce them as a sponsor.

Easy Home Decorating Idea

2009-09-25T19:47:00.002-04:00

Slowly, very slowly, I'm frugally decorating my girls' room.
Picking up a dresser here, an end table there, along with lamps, pictures etc. has been a patient pursuit of hidden treasures.
Ironically, the girls' room will eventually be the school room. The boys' room will be the girls' new room, and the boys will move to the hidden alcoves of "the attic."
Did you follow all that? You may need to read it again. :)
I've been slow to finish their room since I was anticipating a move, but how sad that I kept waiting for "the next day."
That "next day" may be awhile, so I'm sprucing things up for the time being.

The girls eyed these Dollar Store decals and were so ecstatic when I mentioned they could put them where ever they wanted. (Don't you just love being the hero for $1?)
I decided to work off that theme with some of my beautiful papers.
Seriously, am I the only one who has an entire used scrapbook store in their closet?
And I am not exaggerating. If only I had put that time into my blog..sigh, but I digress.

With one free wall left, I decided to use some of the papers and my circle punch for a little experiment.
Digging around in "the attic" I found an ugly yard sale painting.
Honestly, ugly paintings with a quality canvas is a great find. It's a bonus if there's a solid wood frame with it. Frames are very inexpensive at yard sales, where as they are costly when purchased brand new.
Remember to think outside the box, and "shop your home".
Frames can be painted any color to create a cohesive look.
Collecting ten various wooden frames is one of my "treasure hunts" these days.
I plan on redoing my family photo area that is showcased up our staircase.

I painted over the ugly painting (sorry, Barbara ? from 1998) with a light green paint that was in "the attic." (Are you seeing a theme...there's a treasure cove up there).

I cut out a variety of circles and played around with the positioning.
This is a wonderful DIY for the kids as well.
I simply glued the circles on with rubber cement, and voila...finished masterpiece.

Previously, I had painted this wood frame and knew it would be a "perfect fit" for my creation.
Doesn't it accent the girls' green walls wonderfully?
Well, it wasn't...a perfect fit, that is, but that's why this blog is Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
So, I am off to "the attic" to find a 12x16 size.
I know I have one up there somewhere.
The beauty of this project is not just the ease, speed and versatility, but the cost...for me...nothing.

My attempt was just an experiment.
I wanted to see how much I liked the finished project, so I did a smaller version of what I originally saw (which was around 2'x3').

Last year, this idea was stirred by Heidi from Mt. Hope Chronicles, it just took me awhile to implement. Now, I'm looking around my walls for a spot that is calling for the larger version to come out and play.

Posted at: We are that family
Rhoda's

Fall Tradition ideas

2009-09-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's nearly impossible for me to believe that fall is officially here. With it hitting 80 in NC this week, the weather keeps me from switching into fall decorating mode, but I know I must....that post will come shortly.
It's not to early to get those creative juices turning for those of you contemplating some fun, fall tradition ideas that are a bit out of the ordinary.
Our family enjoys so many of the fall/harvest type of traditions (apple picking, hay rides etc.) and on Halloween we participate in our church's Fall Festival which is always a highlight.

Here are just a few tradition ideas to get your October fall festivities off to head start.
I'll be doing one more post with fall tradition ideas, so if you have any unusual ones that you'd like to share, leave them in the comments and I'll incorporate it into my post. :)

Host a Pumpkin-Carving Contest – With neighbors, friends or family, host an annual pumpkin-carving contest. Invite judges to select the winners and prepare some fun fall ribbons to hand out. Try black construction paper ribbons with an orange pumpkin on top where you can write the category. The scariest, the silliest, the most original or just the best all around, are all examples of great awards. Everyone in the family will want to help choose and carve the “family pumpkin.” After the awards ceremony, bring out your refreshments and enjoy! Don’t forget to take photos to add to your Fall/Halloween Album.!

Musical Costumes – This tradition puts a new spin on a favorite childhood game—musical chairs. It’s perfect for an adult Fall/Halloween party. Invite each person to bring a costume in a brown bag. Everyone takes a seat and places their own bag under a chair. Turn on some music and play a game of musical chairs (with a chair for each person). When the music stops, each guest must take the brown bag from underneath their chair and wear the costume that’s inside for the rest of the evening. Your guests will bring outrageous costumes because they know they won’t have to wear them. Be prepared for an evening full of laughter. Year after year, this tradition becomes more hilarious as your guests bring wilder costumes.!
Costume Memory Game – Go through your old Fall Festival/Halloween photos and set aside any that show family members or friends dressed up in sweet, hilarious or spooky costumes. Make copies of every photo you want to use, cut them into identical rectangles (maybe 2” x 2”) and create a memory game your children will never get tired of.
Older children can make this game for the smaller ones, or Mom can make it for all to enjoy. Roast some pumpkin seeds and work on the game together.
You can add new photos each year. If you don’t remember how to play the game, it’s pretty simple. Place all cards on the table, face down in even rows, and take turns turning two over at a time as you try to find pairs. Whoever has the most pairs when the cards have all been picked up is the winner. This will soon become a family favorite and your children will ask to play it over and over again.

Walk Away Your Worries – The fall is a wonderful time to take a walk amongst the brilliant colors of the fallen leaves and breathe in the crisp air which has settled in behind the hot summer months. Plan an annual family walk where you leave your worries behind by picking up a pile of leaves, sharing what your worry is about, praying about it, giving that worry over to the Lord and then throwing the leaves in the air as you walk away.
As you continue forward, talk about all the things that you are so grateful for in your life and only stop when you need to pick up a new pile of leaves, describe a worry, throw them in the air and walk away.

Posted at: Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free

Free Copycat recipe e-book

2009-09-22T22:16:00.002-04:00

I am really impressed with this free ebook that I just downloaded. Pictures, great easy "how to" instructions make this a fabulous freebies to recommend.
It includes some of my favorite recipes, including everything from a Wendy's Frosty, Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls to many of Applebee's best.

Click below to sign up, and enjoy.

Delicious Dirt Cake - Tasty Tuesday

2009-09-21T22:39:00.003-04:00

I continue to marvel at how God reveals himself through the minuscule, seemingly "meaningless" things.
My daughter happened to mention that she wanted a dirt cake for her birthday months ago. Agreeing wholeheartedly with her, that thought went in one ear and out the other. (Am I the only one that happens too?)
Well, her first ever "friend" party had to be postponed, and dirt cake was the last thing on my mind, (I have enough dirt on my floor lest I create some unnecessarily), that was, until I arrived at a fabulous yard sale.

I glanced at this adorable pot, and the woman volunteered, "Oh, we never planted flowers in there, I just used it for dirt cake. Have you heard of that recipe?"

Had I ever? Well, I about hugged and squeezed off her little neck in excitement, graciously stole it from her for a mere $0.50, and skipped on home.
Entering the door, my daughter was beside herself because this meant that a real life friend party was actually coming to fruition.

I marvel at how the Lord ministered to me through a little old flower pot.
Isn't that so cool? I mean He knew for sure I would never pay retail for one this nice, so He let someone else do it for me. :)

How hard can a dirt cake be to make?
Not hard at all. It's so simple and has such great visual impact that I recommend it for every birthday party, except for the fact that my daughter requested a dirt cake made out of ice cream.
And every single recipe that I googled featured only pudding and cream cheese, so I improvised...which is what I am known for.

Now its official title is Dirt Soup, but I'll know for next time that the freezer is a good thing.
And yes, we still had candles.

And I don't think she minded the Dirt Soup one little bit, do you? :)
Posted at: Chatting at the Sky
Kimba's DIY
Dirt Cake

(this is the most common recipe that is posted...I will highlight how I changed it to suit my daughter's request).

Crush:

1 large package Oreo cookies in blender.

Cream together: (I completely skipped this step)

1/2 stick butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar

Mix: (along with this mixture I added a half gallon of vanilla ice cream)

3 1/2 c. milk
2 pkg. French vanilla instant pudding
12 oz. Cool Whip

Add to cream mixture and mix well.

Place Cool Whip lid in bottom of clean 8-inch flour pot. (Umm, I missed this line...huge mistake. I tried sticking some gummies into close the hole after the fact...don't laugh. You are at Balancing Beauty AND Bedlam). Layer cookie mixture and creamed mixture alternately, ending with cookie mixture on top. Chill overnight. (I put it in the freezer only about an hour before serving it. With ice cream replacing the cream cheese, I needed to put it in for most of the day. It was absolutely delicious anyhow.)

Garnish with artificial flowers and serve with a garden trowel or, layer in a sand bucket. Place shovel in the middle or towards the side. Have gummy worms "crawling" out of the dirt. Make sure you end with cookie mixture.

I just found flowers that I had in my home instead of purchasing special ones. Yes, a wire cutter would have been nice for those long stems. I'll be on the look out though for some cute ones for next time. And yes, now my other daughter wants this next year.

So what have you been cooking up this week for Tasty Tuesday. Link up to your exact URL and please link back here so everyone can join in the fun.

Are coupons worth it?

2009-09-20T23:03:00.015-04:00

A common question I receive from readers and friends is, "Are coupons really worth the hassle?"

Guess what, 92% of the time...they are not!
Yes, you heard it from the grocery guru's mouth.
92% of the time, the store is going to make money on you whether you cut a coupon or not.
Your miscellaneous coupons will not skyrocket you to grocery guru status.
But understanding that 92% of all items are priced to make money, while the other 8% of the store items are yours for the picking, will make a phenomenal difference in the way you view shopping.

You see, on any given week, 8% of the store has certain items that are "loss leader" products.
In layman's terms, these are the rock bottom prices.
The store needs to move those products out of the store because the manufacturers have new shipments that are coming to town.
I've talked about how sales are cyclical, typically every 10-12 weeks, and at the end of the cycle, stores have a choice -recoup a fraction of their money or lose out completely.
Obviously, they won't to recoup any amount they can, so they slash those items big time.
It's that 8% of the store that I focus on.
If you understand how to stock up on that 1/12 of the store where the prices are slashed, the grocery guru title will be yours for the taking.
I'm at the point now where I shop my own "store", excluding produce, and only replenish at the rock bottom prices. If you are just beginning a stockpile, you can be there as well in just three short months.
Continually I share that just because you might have a coupon, doesn't necessarily make it a good deal. In fact, there were plenty of coupons that I didn't use this week even though they would have been tripled.
I typically let about 50% of my coupons expire. I wait until the product hits their "loss leader" rock bottom price and then I stack on the double (or triple) coupons.

I know many of you have shared that you don't have double coupons in your area. Understanding the "loss leader" cycle at your grocery store, mixed with your single coupons, will still net you an incredible savings.
For those of you with triples this week, take advantage of them, there's no reason you can't become a grocery guru.

(I'm cracking myself up as I reread this. I sound all mathematically minded and I SO am not. :) But, it is interesting...More details on how this works in my "Grocery Guru" workshop.)

**********************************************
I just got home from my Sunday grocery trip.
Take a guess at what I paid for all of this (and you can't even see it all because it's stacked with a bunch hiding behind the yogurts).
One of the many common misconceptions include that couponing is only for processed foods.
Yes, I did get five Grands biscuits, two large boxes of General Mills cereal, three boxes of Chex mix bars, fruit gushers, Chex snack mix, Snyder yummy seasoned nibbles, Welch's jelly, Fiber One bars, and I admittedly splurged on Toaster Strudles.

But within your guestimate, include in your total - 18 Dannon yogurts, two pounds of grapes, two large bags of marked down fresh stir fry veggies, three bags of flour tortilla and ten boxes of Green Giant frozen veggies....

Any guesses?

ELEVEN DOLLARS!!

Yippee, yes, I do get excited at the check out and often do a happy shopping dance (in my head, of course).
Trips like that occur more often than not. I just stopped posting about them all the time because I thought you might get tired of my grocery pictures...hee hee :)

Coming home to this easy family dinner was the best part of my trip.
I pulled out the bagged chicken from this post, tossed it with some soy sauce and steamed the veggies. Serving it over the free rice that I purchased and stocked piled from a previous grocery run, our family of seven feasted on an incredibly healthy, quick dinner that even the skeptics would approve of...for under $3 (with left overs...)
Yes, this definitely Works for Me!

I've even gotten my oldest brother excited about this. I left a voice mail tempting him with a cart full of groceries for under $10.

Guess what? I am taking him on a brother/sister date tomorrow to show him how it's done.
He loves a deal, and I'm even sharing my coupons.
As any true couponer knows...that's the ultimate sacrifice.

"God Watch" Financial Update

2009-09-18T18:30:00.003-04:00

*Many of you have asked how my husband's job search is going and how we are making it financially since it's been so long. Here are just a few thoughts for those faithful followers. Regular programming continues next week. :)

Embracing this season during our "God Watch" continues to teach me many things.
Another month has come and gone during this time of unemployment, and more than ever I am passionate in our desire for debt free living, and its importance in today's financial world.

During this economy, life happens, unemployment rises, and houses are being foreclosed.
My heart breaks for the families that struggle through these situations with no support or financial advise. In the midst of the storm, it's sometimes incredibly difficult to see the sunshine breaking through. I've been there years ago and know that pain.
Not only that, but financial tension is the leading cause of divorce.
Stress abounds around money decisions which multiplies the situation.

Yet even being part of that rising unemployment statistic, our family is thoroughly surviving.
Not because of a large salary, but due to the fact that we have had years of living below our means, being committed to Dave Ramsey's financial baby steps (even before he had outlined them. :)

I would be fooling you if I shared that I didn't have nerve racking days.
Yes, moments when I assure the Lord I'm done being refined and wonder when this character building opportunity will end. (ha :) But dedicated to a commitment years ago to stack our emergency fund and save it for a season like this, we're holding on financially.

We are also living off of our "attic fund" (the money that we saved to finally finish our third story). And yes, I know that we are beyond blessed that we even have more space to complete some day.

Admittedly, we were fortunate because my husband knew that his company was being bought out months before it happened. We began living like we were unemployed at the first moment of whispers, and then they offered to keep him on through the transition with a retention bonus. Yes, I had grandiose ideas that we would double dip my husband's income since I was sure he'd be employed within months.
Many are not so fortunate to receive anything once they are let go...reality has hit.

Our bonus money is now past, we are in month eight of our God Watch, and if there are any bits of wisdom I can impart, it's "stop spending money on any more "wants (consumer debt)," until you have paid off those credit cards and are beginning an emergency fund."
For those that haven't been able to hold on or are currently unemployed, of course this doesn't begin to apply to you at all. Ten years ago, we were in a position where I literally had to charge my groceries for a small season...I couldn't even begin to think of putting away for an emergency fund. Total grace here...

Sharing my heart on this issue is only for those of you who have a secure salary, yet wonder how long you could hold on if one or both of you lose your jobs tomorrow.

As my friend shared with me last week, even though her husband makes well into the six figures, if he lost his job, they would not be able to make it for more than one month.
The burden of debt she feels weighs on her, and she understands that's no way to live.
There's no time like the present than to assess that situation.

Debt is the leading cause of this country's financial failures.
I can't express to you the freedom that occurs and the burdens that will be lifted once you begin to walk down this road.
Stewarding your money more wisely, blessing others, modeling financial patience to your children, are all benefits that result through this chiseling process.

Begin living now by reducing your debt and taking those steps to financial security.
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, Crown Ministries and financial books by the late Larry Burkett top my recommended reading lists on personal finance issues.

Yikes, I need to take a breath. I rarely get on my high horse and that certainly was not my intent.
Personally living in the midst of financial UNcertainty brings out every frugal bone in my body.
People scoff at frugal living, but it is fabulous. Speaking from a lifetime of experience, I'm more convinced of that than ever. Frugality allows creative inspiration to thrive, and I think if you browse my archives, you will see that it permeates every thread of our family tapestry. :)

So what is our plan?
Prayer, prayer, prayer... as we wait and watch to see what the Lord will do.
Then...my husband, who in the midst of this unemployment, is doing everything he can to bring in extra income through assisting people with taxes, finances etc.
We live in an amazing country where we can use our creative gifts and entrepreneurial spirit to think outside the box. Being a financial guy, there's not much available for higher management in our area, so he's slowly attempting to build his own company - Uncommon CFO.
Attempting to help five companies, who will hire him just one day a week, is his goal.
(Any guesses on how he came up with the name or why?)

For me, as my blog grows, advertising space helps offset some couponed groceries. :)
After turning down speaking opportunities in the past due to home schooling, the Lord is opening that door for me - especially since my husband is working from home.
Sharing with women what I am passionate about brings such joy.
That opportunity never ceases to amaze me. Maybe I'll meet you at your ladies' group some day.

Thanks for joining us on this God Watch. I'll start updating you once a month with some of the hands on practical life lessons that we're learning through this process.
And no, I will not be one bit disappointed if I don't have to give you any more updates...ever. :)