Monthly Archives: July 2008

Jul 8

Saving a Little on Laundry

About six months ago I switched fabric softener brands to save on my laundry costs. I used to buy Downy Free and Sensitive , but when it hit  $7.00, I knew I had to find another brand. I still needed a “Free and Clear” formula, and luckily I came across Purex Soft Sensitive for $2.98!

The price was right, but the scent was a little strong for me. I made it work, by saving a used bottle and splitting the fabric softener evenly between the two bottles. I then fill them up with water, and I have enough fabric softener to last me a few months.

When it was time to restock the Fabric Softener, I had a coupon for $1.00 off. After the coupon savings and stretching the fabric softener, it only cost $1.00 a bottle to cover all of my laundry needs. That is much better than spending $7.00 a bottle for Fabric Softener.

Do you have any tips or suggestions to help stretch your laundry supplies?

Jul 7

Alright Grocery Store… You Win

I heard the alarm sound at 6:45 a.m., and already I had a feeling of dread, and a major headache to boot. I had plenty of rest, so there was no real reason that I should have an evil headache, and then I remembered that I had made my shopping list yesterday… That means another trip to the “grocery store” (insert scary voice) was on the agenda for today.

A year ago a trip to the store was no big deal, I saved locally, and I was a happy shopper. I could even drive out of town and shop a few other places to find even better deals. Now that gas is sitting steady at $4.00, a trip out of town to go and shop is no longer a good deal, and saving locally is a thing of the past .

My last 3-4 trips to our local Supercenter haven’t been very pleasant. Customer Service is a distant memory, and waiting in line for 10-15 minutes has become a mainstay. I even dread the drive across town, every stop light means more gas wasted, and pulling into the parking lot gives me a panic attack. I’m already grumpy, and I haven’t even seen a price yet.

Lately I’ve noticed price increases from $.50 on up to $2.00 an item! It is ridiculous, and frustrating. I spend an extra 15-30 minutes a trip comparing item to item, ounce to ounce, just trying to save a little. Occasionally I give up on picking up an item, because it has gone up so much, and it just isn’t worth it.

Last week I was out stocking up for the Fourth of July BBQ, and I had finally made it to check out with one overflowing cart, and two grumpy kids. I was fifth in line behind 4 other people with overflowing carts, and grumpy kids too, and there were only 3 lanes open, 2 of them were 20 items or less lines. A few people in line were getting mad, and asking why there were so few lines open, and then the overly chatty (and mean lady) greeter came over and said, “there wouldn’t be a problem with the lines if everyone didn’t come in on the same day”. Suddenly spending as much as we were on groceries made me even more mad, even though we were there shopping and over paying, our business wasn’t appreciated.

So here I am today dreading another trip to the store, and dreading another round of price increases, already grumpy and I haven’t even left the house. I’m hopeful that today will be a better trip, but realistically thinking that it is going to be a big bummer like the last one.

So share a story with me either good or bad about your recent trip to the grocery store. Feel free to vent too…

Jul 6

June Coupon Savings

With our grocery dollars working harder than ever, I’m still trying to shop and save with my coupons. My June savings were pretty small, but every little bit helps. I saved $5.60 during the month of June, and that brings my year to date total up to $137.02. I hope to save a little more in July, but with the prices on the rise, we’ll see how it goes.

Jul 5

Party Recap

Yesterday was by far one of the best Fourth of July parties that we have ever had! It was filled with big hugs, fireworks, family, and new friends too. It was also filled with tasty food, sunburns, and too many bug bites from playing outdoors all day.

The weather cooperated and James put on a fantastic Fireworks display at nighttime. Thade and Dylan loved watching the fireworks, and Thade even held a sparkler or two. I think his favorites were the Snakes and Snap ‘n’ Pops… The classics are always the best.

I had a fun time cooking in the kitchen, and getting a little break to pitch some Horseshoes in the back yard. After dinner and before the fireworks we all gathered around the table to play Apples to Apples. It has become a favorite family game, and we play it at just about every get together. My face still hurts today from giggling at everybody’s answers!

We all had a fun day, and I can’t wait for the next holiday! A big thanks to everyone for driving to us yesterday, and thanks again for making the Fourth of July so much fun!