What a dollar can get you...

A dollar can buy so many things. Most are only worth just that, a buck. However, every once in a while, a dollar can go pretty far.

Last week, we stopped at the BYU Creamery for ice cream as a send off to Spring Break. While we were enjoying our heavenly treats (waffle cones:mmmmm-mmmm) a group of BYU co-eds sat down at the table behind us. Tommy, ever the ladies man, made a wager with his mom. A dollar for a pick up line. And it had to be good. Not the rushed and run away type. It had to sound real. Why am I encouraging this type of thing? Because it was hilarious.

Tommy got up as we were leaving and went over to their table. He said, " Hey, ladies....come here often?"

They all giggled and Tommy about fainted. His face was so red and he was so nervous. As we were driving away, I asked him if he was OK and he said, "Yeah, but my legs are still shaking."

I have to admit, it was well worth the dollar. I think he thinks it was worth it as well because he now has bragging rights that not many other 10 year olds have. He has a way with women.

Cha-ching, baby!!

I have really developed a love for couponing. It is challenging and yet, extremely rewarding. This week, my newest discovery is that all of the Utah Valley Wal-Marts double their coupons (up to a dollar) every Tuesday. When you couple that with their best deals and sales, you can have a very fun time.

I bought all of this for only $21.35. That is an average of 66.7 ¢ per item!!!




We're talking brownies, donuts, pickles, potatoes, chocolate chips, and so much more!

In recent months, I have been spending like mad trying to get my family's year supply. I used to spend around $1,000 to $1,200 every month on groceries. ACK! It was weird, but I never could seem to get past the 6 month mark either.

Since I have started couponing, I am down to less than $400 per month (total) and I also have finally reached my goal. We have our year's supply. Please don't think it's the cannery stuff either. I have plenty of that, but that's not what I am including as my year supply. It's all the GOOD & YUMMY stuff - most of it name brand, too! (not that I really care). I never thought it could be done for 7 people and I especially never knew I could do it so quickly and so inexpensively. I have only been couponing for about 4 months, too.

I know that it's because of two things: couponing and making it a priority with the Lord. I was once told that once you make your food storage a priority, the Lord would help you. He would put sales and opportunities in your way to take advantage of. Boy, has He ever come through for us. I am so grateful for my new found hobby.

Now, please don't thing that I am bragging (even though I am just a little bit - I am so excited!). I just want people to know that it can be easy, quick, and anyone can do it.