{feels good to be a...}

Well I am happy to report that the last couple of weeks I've been very good at sticking to my budget, cooking meals at home, couponing, spending more time with my kids, spending time with my hubby, and reading for pleasure. Last weekend I stocked up on diapers, spices, and fresh veggies and bread, and this week I made some delicious mostly homemade meals.

I've been simplifying my life with a few helpful tools that I found online last week.

This Free Printable from Artsy Fartsy Mama has been such a lifesaver for me. I can now easily plan my weekly menu and still see what is going on each night of the week. 

Source: artsyfartsymama.com via Gabrielle on Pinterest

And I used a few new recipes and began using my Crockpot for the first time in SEVERAL years because of the Crockpot 365 Blog.

Source: crockpot365.blogspot.com via Gabrielle on Pinterest

Just today (during my lunch) I went a-couponing/shopping where I spent $11.25, and I SAVED $16.59 on some items:

(3) Trident Gum - $1 on sale
Used $1/3 coupon
$.66 each

(2) Coffee Mate - 2/$3 on sale
Used (2) $1 off coupon
$.50 each

(1) Aquafresh toothpaste - $1.99 on sale
Used $1 off coupon
$.99

(2) Mitchum Deoderant - $1.99 on sale
Used (2) $1 off coupon
$.99 each

(2) Butterball Turkey Bacon - 2/$3 on sale
Use (2) $.55 off coupon
$.95 each

(1) Nice Combo Plastic Cutlery - $1.99 regular price
Use (1) $2 Register Rewards
Free with $.01 overage

(2) Orange Tic Tac big packs - $1.49 each regular price

Total with tax: $11.25
Balance Rewards Savings: $7.49
MFG Coupon Savings: $9.10
Total Savings: $16.59

It is funny to think, I spent the most money on the Tic Tacs by paying full retail, but I wanted to ensure that I had more items than coupons to comply with their coupon store policy, if you know what I mean.  I am still VERY happy with my deals. Even the clerk who checked me out said, "Wow, you did some good couponing today."

Yes, it feels good to be a (coupon) gangster.

Our weekend plans involve:
Gavin going out with his friends tonight, while I stay home with the kiddos.  Car shopping online since we need to replace Gavin's car. It's been very good to us over the years, but it's time to move on and find the Bu a new home. Price match-ups for my Walmart excursion tonight or tomorrow, and reading some more. I just finished the The Hunger Games last night, and I began Catching Fire today. I would like to have them all read by the time the next movie comes out. Also I will be stopping by the library to return some books and pick up a coupl parenting books. I need some serious advice on how to better discipline Harper, and I know that I need a lesson in communication with my child. That's life.

Well that's all from me today; peace, love, and happiness to everyone. Have a simply wonderful weekend!!

With Love,
Gabrielle Watson