coupons!!!

So, I've now ventured into the wonderful world of coupons. I think I'm hooked. I have finally figured out the system and coupled with Publix's buy-one-get-one deals, I'm saving alot. I'm working on building up my coupon stash as well as my stockpile. We've cleared out some shelves in the closet in our living room for this...
Pretty, isn't it!?! :) And, this is just my stockpile closet. I have another pantry in the kitchen that's full and an overflowing fridge and freezer. Wow, I am blessed! That just dawned on me. I've always known that but I just thought about all the people that go without food and here my house is stocked full. The Lord is truly taking such good care of us!

That picture was taken after my first trip to Publix with the new shopping method. I got $275 worth of groceries for $175! Savings of $100...I'll take that! And, that was with only about $12 in coupons.

Here's after week two...This week the sales weren't as good but I got $213 worth of groceries for about $140. Doing the math...that's about $73 in savings. I had about $22 in coupons. I had to spend a little extra on more produce than I normally buy but Philip's stash of food in the freezer is about gone so I had to restock.

And, you'll notice that the items are all brand names. No store name stuff. So, if any of these companies want to send me coupons in exchange for free advertising...just leave me a comment. :)

Yes, it is taking some time to accomplish. I'd say about 3 hours in prep each week. Last week's trip was a 2 hour adventure and I was having a panic attack by the time I got to the register because my buggy has NEVER been that full! It was strange to put ten boxes of PopTarts in the buggy but I got them at about $1/box. Imagine if I could have stacked some coupons on top of that! This week's trip was about an hour which is what I'm used to.

The best part is...no more Walmart! I loathe that place! It's one-stop shopping for me once again! I have always loved to shop at Publix but it was always too expensive the make-a-list-for-the-week type of shopping. I do plan on taking advantage of CVS in the near future but I've got to learn the system beforehand. That's my next goal.

All of my couponing knowledge comes from Southern Savers. A friend of mine introduced me to this website. I watched a few of the videos and went from there. They have workshops and a bunch of the girls from my church are going to one next month! I can't wait! Who knew saving money could be so easy and so much fun? It can get a little overwhelming but to see that receipt at checkout makes it all worth it! I also love handing over that big stack of coupons!

(If you'd like to join me for the workshop, let me know and I'll send you the info.)