Coupon Sunday: Don't Judge Me

There are not many people that know I am a couponer outside of my family, a few close friends, and well anyone that reads this blog. I'm definitely not ashamed to say I kick ass and take names when it comes to saving money, it just gets old defending yourself against the assumptions people make based on shows like "Extreme Couponing".

Even though I don't feel like I need to defend myself to any of you (because you are all so supportive) I just feel like I need to put to rest those assumptions once and for all.

Assumption #1- All coupons are for junk food therefore, you eat poorly

Yes there are a lot of coupons out there for cookies, chips, candy, sports drinks etc. I get it. But there are also coupons out there for things like pasta, rice, granola, yogurt, and even fruit. Sometimes you just have to sort though the trash to get to the treasure. The truth is a bulk of our spending each week goes to things like fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, and meat. I wouldn't claim to be the healthiest people, since we both enjoy a treat for dessert, but we certainly aren't eating microwave noodles, sports drinks, and candy bars for every meal.

Assumption #2- You have to buy 50 of something to save any money

There is no way on earth SSF and I would buy 50 of anything. Maybe 4 or 5, but never 50. In fact that is my number one pet peeve about couponers of the extreme variety--clearing the shelf. SSF and I had our first run in with a an extreme shopper in our area. We had gone to buy 1 bottle of seasoning with our coupon (it would have been free) only to find the shelf had been cleared. I JUST WANTED ONE BOTTLE! Annoying. So no, I will not be clearing any shelves in the near future.


Assumption #3- You are greedy and/or a hoarder

Of course this was the perfect segue from the previous assumption,. If you've ever watched Extreme Couponing you've probably felt this way about the people featured. They stockpile mass amounts of food that makes you wonder how even a family of 4 could use it all before it goes to waste. Just because you can buy 35 mustards, should you? Thanks to the limited storage space in out home SSF and I will never pride ourselves on a large stockpile nor do we want to. We want to buy the things we need and can use within a reasonable time frame and pay (much) less for them. That's all.

Now to be fair, I had these assumptions about the people on "Extreme Couponing" when I first started watching it. I thought they were insane, but actually, most of them just know how to play the game (while others may just be crazy). As I've started becoming a more active couponer and getting into coupon blogs I've realized there are lot of people out there just trying to save money.

Thoughts?

Coupon Sunday: Organics

Source: couponing101.com via Ashlee on Pinterest

After my inaugural coupon post last week I got a lot of comments from readers that want to coupon but prefer to shop organic. I totally hear you. I personally would love to eat more organic foods, but since I share a household with SSF, who sees food as food, I often must compromise. Which means the only time I can buy organic is if I can get it at a lower price than it's non-organic counterpart. However, buying organic and couponing do not have to be mutually exclusive thanks to some great websites I've hunted down (accidentally found) just for you guys.

So without further adieu:

Mambo Sprouts: by far the best resource I've found. This site offers a variety of coupons, both printable and in a newsletter while also providing product reviews and recipes. (See also: HeathESavers)

Money Saving Mom: a coupon website I frequent, that has a great round-up of organic deals that is easy to find, and updated often. In addition, make sure you check out her coupon database.  With the coupon database you can search for any product you want and it will give you a list of current print and printable coupons.

Whole Foods: if you don't do your shopping there already, I would definitely start (if you have one locally). Whole Foods has their own dedicated coupons that you can pick-up in their monthly newsletter or print from their website.

Seventh Generation: the big player in organic cleaning has coupons available on their site if you join.
In addition, check the website or the facebook page of your favorite organic brands, most offer coupons when you sign-up for their newsletter. You can see a pretty comprehensive list of brands that do here.

And of course don't forget to check the good ol' Sunday paper for coupons, or online for their electronic counterparts. Sometimes they can be few and far between, but coupons for organic foods do exist! yay!

Coupon Sunday: Mtv Cribs Style

As you all know, I've recently become a couponer. Not an extreme couponer by any means, just you know an average couponer. With this recent development I thought it would be fun to start doing a Sunday blog post dedicated to the sport ( I think if I call it a sport it sounds less nutty.) for anyone who is interested. I figure it will be like the part in Mtv cribs were the celebrities show off the contents of their refrigerator, expect subtract the celebrity and their Cristal and add me and my Perdue chicken nuggets (dinosaur shaped, of course).

The above is our "haul"/ groceries from this past week. (Please note the absence of 80 containers of microwaveable noodles and 100 bottles of vitamin water. ) As you can see there is nothing crazy about what we bought, just mostly about what we saved. Our order retailed for about $152.16 while we paid only $75.38, or just under 50% of the retail total. Not bad right?

Some of the notable savings were:

Tortilla Chips: reg price: $3.49, on sale BOGO free + 2 $1 off 1 coupons
= price paid $1.49 for 2 bags.
Smart Balance Milk: reg price: $4.49, on sale 2/$5 +$1.50 off 1 coupon
= price paid $1.00 for half gallon.
Brownie Mix: reg price: $2.39, on sale 4 /$5 + $ .50 off 1 coupon (doubled)
 = price paid $.25 each box.
Toothpaste: reg price: $.99, $1 off one coupon
= price paid $0.00 Free!
Chicken Nuggets: reg price: $3.99, on sale 2/$5 + (2) $.50 off 1 coupons (doubled)
 = price paid: $1.50 each
Smoothie Mix: reg price: $3.99, on sale 2/$6 + $.75 off coupon (doubled)
= price paid: $1.50
Tide Stain Release Packs: reg price $7.49, on sale $5.99 +$3.00 off coupon
= price paid: $2.99

I like to think SSF and I have found a good balance between buying what we need for the week and great deals to stockpile.

Even with 55 items our total bill came in $17 under our average grocery bill for the month of April (the current baseline).

Thoughts?

In Case Your Weekend Wasn't Awesome Enough

Introducing... J.Crew Weekend.

Source: jcrew.com via Grace on Pinterest

I'm pretty sure if J.Crew can make wearing sweatpants and a blazer a thing, they can make anything possible. Maybe Jenna Lyons should run for president.

I'm sorry this is a short post today, it's been one of those weeks. Just exhausted basically. I loved all the feedback from my Monday post though. Sometimes you know what you should do, but you just need to hear it from others before you do it. You know?

I've basically decided to add an extra 50/month to the wedding savings and the rest will go into a savings account that I can use to either make extra payments on my car or on my student loans. I feel better already knowing my money is spent for the month. No more impulse purchases. For now. Ever. For awhile.

I hope you are all having a good week!

And remember...

Source: google.com via Keisha on Pinterest

"stuff we haven't done in forever"

It has been hot as hell around here lately. Seriously. I'm hardly surprised, its pretty typical for us Mid-Atlantic states to get hit with a brutally hot summer after a ridiculously snowy winter. I've been mentally preparing myself for this since our second major snowstorm.

I think if I had to give Saturday a theme it would be " stuff we haven't done in forever." As of that morning SSBF and I had nothing really planned for the day but it all just kind of figured itself out. First SSBF wanted to go play putt putt which we haven't done in a lifetime so I was easily swayed. We found this golf park down by the airport that had a nice little course plus a driving range and batting cages. It was literally across from the runways so as we were playing planes were zooming over our heads. I've never been that close to a landing plane before, it was awesome. Then on the way home we stopped and got Slurpees from 7-11 (something we haven't done in forever). I think I actually forgot how delicious Slurpee's were. Is that possible? I'm not even much of a soda drinker but I think I could have a cherry & coke Slurpee everyday of my life. Later we went out for dinner to Champs and rented the movie (something we haven't done in forever)  "Remember Me". Have you seen it? I was a little skeptical of it because it starred Robert Pattinson and I've never seen him outside of his Twilight role but its reeeally good. You must see it.

What do you guys think of the romper and button up combo? I have been using my button down shirts as pseudo-cardigans lately. It's much lighter than a sweater which is great in sweltering heat. I like how the combination felt really beach-y. It was like being there, without actually being there.

One other quick thing I would like your opinion on, I want to know what you guys thought of my "Spending Diary" feature. I know I haven't done one in awhile but I was thinking about bringing it back, and was hoping to get some more reader submissions and participation. What do you guys think? Yay or Nay?

ready for fall

Yes summer has just begun, but when you work on a retail calendar it means it's almost time for "back to school" which makes the transition to fall closer than you think. J.Crew (are you really surprised?) put into pictures just how I imagine myself looking come late summer and early fall. Plus its been so hot around here I've been trying to imagine cooler weather!

all photos courtesy of J.Crew July 10 Catalogue

Monday, Monday.

Ahhh.. another weekend. I swear these things go by far too fast. I can't really complain though when my biggest problem is feeling a little lost in my own sense of style. I seriously have not been this happy in a long time. SSBF and I had a relaxing weekend. We worked in our garden, went to see Jonah Hex (his choice) and then went to the bookstore.It's been a loooong while since I actually read a book. The decision came down to a classic; "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand or an all too common for me economics book called "Naked Economics" by Charles Wheelan. I went with the classic.

SSBF laughed at me when I threw this blazer on to go to the movie, mainly because it was 90 degrees outside. Jokes on him though because this blazer is gauzy and lightweight. I didn't feel any hotter outside and in the movie theater I actually remained a comfortable temperature. Why I really wore it though is because I loved how the striped patterns complemented one another. (Pardon the blurriness, my camera unlike me, hates stripes). I was also feeling slighty under dressed in my tank and shorts. I think that means I'm getting old.

I'm sure you noticed a slight change to the upper righthand corner of the blog. It's in anticipation of a post I have coming for you guys later this week. And let me tell you it is exciting! I really can't wait to share it with you all. But, you have to wait until then:)

Blazer, Banana Republic Outlet $20
Tank, Target $15
Shorts, Gap $19

I'm from Philly, I'll cut you.

You thought there was going to be a cat post today didn't you?

 Sorry to disappoint, it's just me! Maybe next Friday...

I've been thinking a lot about my own style lately and I think this outfit pretty much sums it up. I realize to some this would be totally drab, but for me its feels right. Just some simple pieces and a pop of color, or in some cases a texture, or an interesting print. That's all I need to feel confident.

I say this only because it is so easy to get wrapped up in other people's definitions of style. In this blogging world it so easy lose yourself trying to emulate someone else's interpretation of style. Sometimes I feel like I try to portray what I think others want to see instead of what's in my heart. It's only natural. You've all been there right? You don't realize you are doing it until you have like this a ha! moment.
Anyway, I don't want to get all psychological on you, so I thought I would share some of the pictures I normally wouldn't for the sake of my own image.



This is gang member Grace, notice the gang sign. Don't mess with her, she'll cut you.

This would be the softer side of Grace. The ballerina. Such good form...

Have a good weekend!

Top, New York & Company, $15!
Jeans, Martin & Osa, $40
Shoes, Keds, $35?

 

I'm so glad it's the weekend. I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to take an accounting class two nights a week and play softball in between. Starting on Tuesday I am going to be adding a personal training class on Tuesdays and Thursdays during my lunch courtesy of UA (Under Armour). I'm tired just thinking about all that!

I braved my office AC on Friday so I could finally wear this dress that I spent most of May ogling at Martin & Osa. Have I mentioned I like them? It's bittersweet that they will be closing their doors (hence the perpetual sale, they are liquidating). However, if they weren't closing up shop I would have never snagged this dress 50% off. 

Whether this comes as a suprise or not, I'm not a big dress person. I feel most comfortable in shorts or pants and tee, something casual. What drew me to this dress was the details. The slouchy pockets and the drawstring scream casual to me. The ruffles (not pictured) and the watercolor print sealed the deal. It was the perfect marriage of girly and casual. Do you have an ideal dress?

Dress, Martin & Osa

Sweater, Gap Outlet

Shoes, Steve Madden

Spring Plaid

I can't believe it's Wednesday already. This week has been flying by.

SSBF and I hit the outlets again on Saturday. That's twice in a 5 week period and this time it was SSBF's idea! Needless to say I was stunned when he mentioned it but happy to take him up on his offer.

I snagged this shirt at J.Crew and am completely in love with it. I am a big fan of plaid and usually resort to stealing SSBF's shirts but now I finally have one to call my own. It's so light its almost sheer and will be perfect for wearing around the Outer Banks in August. I saw it the last time we went in early May, but passed because  it wasn't on sale. I'm glad I waited because between the sale they were having and my student discount I saved 40% on it.

The real story though is how much SSBF cleaned up at the Banana Republic outlet. I swear this kid can sniff out a deal. Somehow he managed to score a lightweight Merino sweater, a button-down, and a polo for under $30.

Well, that's all I've got. Unless of course you would like to hear about my cost accounting class. I'll assume not though. Even SSBF doesn't want to hear about that.

Hope you are having a good week!

P.S. Lucky Magazine was kind enough to make me an Alpha Shopper!
Come check out Style Spotter and look for future blog posts!


Shirt, J.Crew
Jeans, Martin & Osa,
Shoes, DSW

Army Green and Flowers

Today was one of those days where I thought these pictures were never going to happen even though I really wanted them too. For the first time ever I actually planned this outfit ahead of time. It's been stewing in my head since Wednesday and somehow I waited two whole days to wear it. Then of course the weather decides not to cooperate. It was hot and the air was thick (with humidity). For the sake of this blog though I wore the jacket anyway. Which to think of it worked out because my office is an icebox.

Then just as SSBF and I were getting ready to take some photos it started to rain and my batteries died! With no replacements in the house SSBF was nice enough to drive me over to the grocery store (aww). I must say SSBF was a stand-up guy tonight and of course I was over critical of his picture taking. Sorry baby!





I love how I look like a deer caught in the headlights in these pictures. As if I didn't know I was going to have my picture taken. Anyway, I've never been a dress kind of girl but lately I have been enjoying the ease of throwing one on in the morning and feeling both less stressed and perfectly appropriate for work. My favorite part is this is the other side of the reversible dress I bought from Target. See how else I styled it here and here.

What do you guys have in store for the weekend? I will be doing some homework, some cleaning, and maybe some tennis? Exciting right?

I hope you don't mind I refer to you all as "guys". I just realized I do it often. I think it's my Philadelphia roots. Everyone up there is a "guy" or "guys".

Have a good weekend!


Jacket, J.Crew
Dress, Target
Sandals, Steve Madden via Piperlime
Jewelry, Various

Fashion & Fitness

Under Armour meet fashion. Fashion; Under Armour.

Now I realize this may be a little out of the scope of my normal ramblings but has become relevant recently since I signed up for a free group personal training class at my work. I think there is a notion that Under Armour is a male dominated sports apparel line. Which for the most part is true, but they are doing wonderful things with their women's line that has me excited to hit the outlet store this weekend in search of some great workout gear for my class. I can't go in there wearing Nike, it's against company policy!

Victory Burnout T $27.99

Tech T $19.99

Webb Tank $49.99

Escape Shorts $29.99

Proto Interval II $74.99

These are just a few of my favorites. They also have a good line of graphic tee's and some yoga style items (if you are into that kind of thing) all made out of their revolutionary moisture wicking fabric.

If you are in the market for new gym gear I definitely strongly urge you to look towards Under Armour. You can find a brand store in several of the Prime Outlets across the country or most major sporting goods stores. What's even better is their price in competitive with other major brands (Nike) if not cheaper!

Happy Shopping!

Photo Credit: All Pictures from underarmour.com

Feels Like Summer

How was you holiday weekend?

I enjoyed my weekend. We didn't have much planned for the holiday, just a BBQ at my sister's house in Pennsylvania. The rest of the time was just spent bumming around the house. I love those kind of weekends even though I eventually get restless with too much downtime. It was one of those weekends where I couldn't imagine being with anyone else besides SSBF.

Not because I'm super sentimental or anything, but because SSBF actually posed the question "Could you imagine dating anyone else?" and then continued on by saying "Cause I've tried, and I just can't".

The question itself is a little odd, but in truth who doesn't imagine their life in different scenarios? After thinking about it awhile and all the little things that we do for one another and the understanding we have of each others emotions, and thoughts, it's really hard to try and imagine the relationship we've built with anyone but one another.

And to think before I met SSBF my life plan did not involve a house or a significant other until well closer to thirty. Life is funny sometimes.

Anyway, I had a feeling despite the long weekend I wasn't going to get an outfit shot in. Partly because I'm lazy and partly because my camera batteries died midway through a shot of one of my nephews biting it on the way down a hill in a wagon. I was really bummed that I didn't get it on film. Luckily, I had these shots ready to go from an outfit I wore to work last week.

This skirt can be tricky to shoot with my camera because of the pattern. It creates a pretty funky optical illusion with the LCD. I give SSBF props for getting as many clear photos as he did. I wore this outfit last Wednesday when we had our first 90 degree day of the week. I love this shirt, not because it was only $6, but because I love how the big floral pattern meshes with the smaller pattern of the skirt. I was happy to break my blazer streak too. Don't get me wrong, I love my blazers but I felt like I was relying on them far too much.

If I get a little flaky over the next couple weeks I apologize in advance. Thursday marks the beginning of my summer semester which means class two nights a week until the second week of July! Plus a social softball league on Wednesdays!

Feels like summer!

Trend for Less: Oversize Tee

I'm as big a fan of the "boyfriend fit" trend as anyone. What I'm not a fan of is spending $20 on a single cotton t-shirt.

After seeing a picture of Rachel Blison over at Frugal Fashionista though I knew I had to have an oversize tee of my own. Old Grace would have run out and bought an oversize tee regardless of the price tag. Instead I raided SSBF's closet and snagged one of his white Hanes undershirt's, size medium. Annnd...

Look at that kitty! How cute is she!

Ahem.. I mean, SSBF's tee is a dead ringer for the ones in stores. Throw a blazer on top and it's perfection!

If you don't have the luxury of 24 hour access to a man's closest you needn't worry. Head on over to your closest Target or Walmart and pick up a 3-pack for less then $10!

Best of all this entire outfit cost me $31 total for the blazer and sandals.

Blazer, J.Crew Outlet
T-Shirt, SSBF via Hanes
Shorts, DIYed from an old Gap pair of jeans
Sandals, Old Navy