You Know You're Not Overprotective If...

... this is your 8-year-old ...

Extreme? No. Couponing? Yes!

For about a month I've been working on returning to my former way of grocery shopping. Since about the time my oldest was born, I started clipping coupons as a rule for shopping. It pained me to ever pay full price for anything I purchased, especially at the grocery store.

Bargain shopping became a way of life. For example, my hubby would ask me what we were having for dinner to which I would respond "whatever was on sale this week!" This rule was particularly important with meats. Once I saw what was on sale in the meats department, I would try to plan the rest of my meal around it. Sure, pork loin might sound good, but if it was full price we'd be eating something else.

Over the last year or so our schedule had changed considerably and forced me into making smaller and less frugal shopping trips. I slipped into the routine of buying whatever sounded good and picking up items on a whim because I wasn't sure when I'd have time to get to the store again (or want to go to the store again!). I could tell that not only was my grocery bill getting larger, but my pantry was looking leaner.

Time was beginning to show that I wasn't being a very good homemaker and so I became determined to return to my former - and better - shopping ways.

No doubt, coupon and bargain shopping takes time. You have to be willing to carve out some time specifically for seeking out sales, clipping coupons, and searching online databases. I'm not about being extreme, but few things are as accessible and simple as couponing when it comes to saving money. Things have changed since I started couponing and I'm sure that things will continue to evolve. Here are some tips, new and old, that have worked for me! If you're in the market for stocking your pantry and saving some money then I think you'll love these tips:

1. Make a plan. For me, I like to set aside one block of time for clipping coupons and making my shopping list and another block of time for my actual shopping. I've found that Sunday nights work well for sorting ads,clipping coupons, and creating my shopping list. It usually takes me about 90 minutes.  My preference is to shop on Wednesday mornings, but you do have to look closely at Sunday's ads to make sure they are good all week. 
2. Know where to get your coupons. The Sunday paper has always been my go-to resource. But many online databases now have e-coupons or additional printable coupons. My local grocery store will load the coupons directly to my customer loyalty card. And don't throw away those coupons that print off at the register! Click here to check out Coupon Mom's online coupon section.
3. Track the best sales with either a free or paid deal-tracking membership. I have used The Grocery Game and The Coupon Mom both with a good degree of success. My biggest complaint with these systems is that they often miss items that I would normally purchase. These deal-trackers match store sales with printed coupons to get you the best price, but keep in mind that these lists do not see your e-coupons or store coupons and they don't know your buying practices. Click here for a free 4-week trial of The Grocery Game!
4. Make a list of your family's staples. What are the things that your family uses so often that you buy them nearly every week? Clif Kids Z Bars is one for my family. So for example, last week Z Bars were on sale for 50% off at my local store but they weren't on the above-mentioned list. I also happened to have a coupon - this was a great deal that I would have missed if I didn't have a list (and coupon stash) specifically for my family's favorites.
5. Stay organized. If you're committed to saving money using coupons, the best way to guarantee you'll keep at it is to have a system and stay organized! I've always used a small accordion-style coupon file folder, but binders with clear-plastic pocketed inserts would work great too! Here's a whole list of ideas from Stretching A Buck. You'll be more likely to use your coupons and stick to your plan when you can quickly and easily find what you need and have a rhythm to your routine.
6. Track your savings! This is the fun part. Many grocery stores will show you right on your receipt the percentage you've saved on your bill. It's pretty easy to save 30-40% on a normal grocery trip if you're shopping sales, but add in coupons and you'll quickly see an increase in your savings! This month, I've averaged 50% off each grocery shopping trip I've made! Not only that, I can see the long-term savings growing as I'm stashing away soaps and lotions that I know I won't have to pay full price for later!
7. Every bit counts. If you haven't started using re-usable shopping bags now is the time! Many stores still give you $.05 or $.10 per bag and that adds up fast! Just think about it. If you bring your own shopping bags and use 10 of them at just $.05 per bag, that's $.50 - do that every week and you just bought yourself a cup of coffee this month.

 What are your favorite coupon and grocery tips? Do you do anything "extreme?"

Merle's and Juice in the City

It's time to start thinking of some great places to hang out this summer. If you can combine good food and good friends with a great atmosphere, you can be sure you've got a fun memory in the making!

Merle's of Littleton has been one of our favorite spots in Old Littleton since it opened just a few years ago. This fun corner restaurant on Main Street has some of the best food in town. Live music can be heard during the summer months and you can find that listing HERE when they post it. The menu is full of fantastic flavors that will keep you coming back. You simply have to try the fried pickle chips - yum!!

And thanks to Juice in the City, you can get your Merle's for 52% off!! The offer is good for $25 worth of food and drinks for just $12 - and you can purchase more than one. Don't miss this great deal and the chance to sit on the rooftop with amazing views of the Rockies. Or sit down stairs on a warm night while the garage door walls are open - true story! (Fun fact: Merle's was originally a body shop that has been converted to the present-day restaurant. The owner has kept much of the "auto" feel in the decor AND by making many walls garage doors that open.)

A Golden Opportunity

The little town with a big heart: Golden, Colorado!

There is something for everyone in this treasure of a town that's closer than you think. Or, closer than I thought. For years I thought of Golden as this far off town with a big brewery. But from south metro Denver you're just a quick spin on C470 away from downtown Golden. In less than 40 minutes you can be a world away from the every day.

Kids will love exploring and you'll love a chance to relax and soak in the beauty and history. Start with a stroll along Clear Creek and enjoy the sculptures that tell a story of the land. You might even get to watch the kayaking crowd practicing on the creek.

 Part of the History Park on Clear Creek

Then head into Golden Sweets for a scoop or two of delicious ice cream (local, I believe) or try their delectable selection of candy! Yum!

If a cup of coffee and a cozy place to sit is more your style, then try the Windy Saddle where you can let the kids hang-out in the small kids room while you enjoy a warm drink and a homemade treat.

If you're not sure where to start, check out 2HourVacation.com where you can do some exploring and plan a great trip! As the name implies, even a short trip can fee like a vacation so be sure to take advantage!

Think:

Colorado Railroad Museum
Foothills Art Center
Miner's Maze
Farmers Market
Wild West Auto Roundup

So much to enjoy... so enjoy!

A Sigh, But No Tears

Today as I was picking up my son from preschool, I noticed a mother calling to her child. The little girl was no more than 2 years old and the mother was firmly calling to her from about 10 yard away, "You need to come here right now. It's time to pick up your brother!"

As luck would have it, I was passing the little girl at the exact moment that she responded to her exasperated mother. Her response? "No." She said it very plainly and matter-of-factly. She had no intention of moving from where she was unless properly prodded by her mother. And the wise mother that she surely was chose not to let the situation escalate, and instead promptly closed the distance between herself and her child and swooped her up into her arms and proceeded into the preschool.

I sighed and smiled as I watched this brief interaction.

I see these vignettes of motherhood every day as I walk the halls of both my son's preschool and my daughter's elementary school. The scenes change as children get older, but they always have a mind of their own. Thank goodness for that.

My "baby" is just days away from the end of that preschool experience, but when I watch a little girl obstinate over a short walk into a building that she has surely made many times without a fuss, I'm reminded that there should be no tears . Children are supposed to grow up. They will come up with new ways to make me sigh and smile every day no matter their age.

Tears are likely coming in the weeks ahead, but for now it's easy to see that I am right where I'm supposed to be.