The Year in Review

I thought it only fitting to do kind of a year in review... actually I knid of feel obligated as there are recaps of the year for everything from the economy to celebrity breakups-- I'm pretty sure mine isn't as exciting but here goes:

What I have learned--
--That you can believe about 50% of the stuff you read in the media ( sorry Stace!)-- the rest is much hype.
--That even after school is done, you continue to learn.
--That a job can pay the bills but a career is more rewarding.
--That the stock market is an unpredicable beast however I kind of have a sixth sense when it comes to investing in stocks and have made great decisions when it comes to buying or getting out. I wish I could bottle it and sell it.
--That kids grow not only in height but also in your heart.
--That a conversation with your child is memorable -- and a mother never forgets.
--That friends with new beginnings are way to exciting for words.
--That growing older makes you realize that skin does not stay the same and your body wants do it's own thing.
--That having a year without giving birth to a child gives you the ability to step back and assess in order to get ready for the next one in a couple more years.
--That a new house is exciting but also exhausting.
--That entertaining has become a way fo life in our house-- not a month went by without at least 2-3 get togethers with friends and family-- and we loved every minute of it.
--That watching your husband work more hours in 2 weeks than most of us work in a month makes you realize how hard of a worker he really is and how laziness is an opposite trait of his.
--That Facebook is an addiction but also a way to keep in touch with those far away.

Finally, that next year will bring many new experiences, new growth, new ideals but what has already occurred is what created who I am today.

Cheap Chick!!

Well I never thought I would do it but I have secumbed to using coupons. Honestly maybe it is out of boredom or it's just a challenge ( I needed something to do! ) but I have become the ultimate saver! Seriously on average I save $20-$50 a WEEK just by using coupons, watching sales, and buying at the right time. I picked up a lot of ideas from "The Grocery Game" and of course the girl who started it all about 20 years ago my friend Sarah. I now am at a point where grocery shopping is a game and I stock up on items that I know now to be at the lowest price they will be. Take for instance a recent deal I got. Toothpaste-- seems easy enough right? Well most people get it when the tube is almost out. I planned ahead! Colgate was on sale at Target for $3.20 ( down from $3.49). then I had a $1 off coupon for Target and a $1 off manufactuer's coupon so... do the math and voila toothpaste for $1.20! That's $2.29 in savings! It adds up quickly believe me. Every single week I scan the sales and the coupons for items. Then I make my lists for various places and off we go to save money! It's not that we are desparate to save money it is more like I know better. Having worked for retailers for over 10 years and knowing what "markups" and "discounts" really do to a business-- I feel that we are doing them a favor by taking advantage of the sale prices. Stores put items on sale to drive people into the store. If those items don't sell then there is no concrete proof that promotions even work-- thus it is back to the drwaing board for the Marketing team. I'm trying to help the economy is all.... oh and challenge myself to save money... now where did that 30 cents off of 10 cans of Green Giant vegtables go?