Saturday, March 24, 2007

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part V

Today's Topic: Coupons.

I use coupons, but not as much as some people might think. :-) I use coupons only when I am truly get a deal. Does that sound strange? Well, I found out that a coupon, in and of itself, does not guarantee a "good deal". I now only use them when the item is on sale, especially as a "loss leader". Okay...correction, I have been known to use a coupon on a product that I would like to try, but do not want to pay full price for; again, hoping to find it on sale at the same time.

I know there are some ladies (and gentlemen) out there that live in areas where the grocery chains have awesome coupon policies. I wish I had the same options. I am starting to utilize CVS' Extra Care Bucks, there seems to be promise to those if you can combine them with coupons. (I will post more on this, once I get a better understanding of it.)

So, if you want to coupon great, find a system that works for you and use it. But please remember that not all coupons equal a good deal.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part IV

Today's Topic: Shopping at Multiple Stores.

I find this one of the best ways to get the ultimate in grocery savings. This ties into the loss-leaders strategy from the previous topic. Check each ad to see if there are items worth purchasing. (This is where the price book comes in also.)

Included in this is for me to drive to Aldi's every 3-4 months (Aldi's is now an hour from where I live) for a larger "stock up". I have found that if I go every 3-4 months, I optimize my savings in balance with the cost of gas to drive there and back. I am also blessed to have a Hubby that works near Aldi's, so if I forget something or need something restocked before my next scheduled trip, he can do that for me on the way home.

**If you live somewhere where driving to several stores is NOT cost effective, you need to concentrate on the one store that gives you the best deals. This can mean different stores each week, but it takes knowing your prices.

Friday, March 16, 2007

For Rocket

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October 2000 -- March 2007

You were a good dog, Rocket. You will be missed. Thank you for being our friend and member of the family for the time that you had.

Love you......

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

It is now official...I am a Substitute Teacher.

Well, I had my first assignment today. Special Needs Preschool. It was really fun, hard, tiring, but fun non-the-less fun.

Actually it is a combination preschool, with the majority with special needs (5 special needs, 3 non). After the other substitute and I found our rythem the day went by nice and truthfully, kind of fast.

We even survived a tornado drill.

I have my next assignment scheduled for the 26th of this month....unless I get called before then. That assignment will be with a second grade class....the room next to my son's.

Well, I am off to surf some more and relax before I start dinner. The kiddos are outside enjoying the 75 degree weather.

Talk to you all later.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Daylight Savings Time Reminder

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Turning our clocks forward is coming early this year. Don't ask me why... I read an article about it, but am still not sure WHY they wanted the change.

Anyways, please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight before going to bed. Oh...since we are losing an hour...you might want to try and go to bed earlier than usual.

What fun for us with kiddos in public school on Monday.

Have a great day everyone.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part III

Today's topic: Loss-Leaders!

Loss-leaders are the "get you in the store" sale items that Grocery store chains put on the front page of their ads. They do this in the hopes that you will buy all your other groceries there, at THEIR high prices!

The way to take advantage of these are to buy ONLY the loss-leaders and then leave! LOL There is nothing wrong with doing this. You are not being dis-honest or unethical. I write this because I have heard people say these type of things in the past. Now, if you were not adhering to any limits or conditions to these prices, then I could see the point. BUT if this if the price the store is offering, then there is no reason that you HAVE to buy anything else.

This leads into the next topic on shopping multiple stores, which I will post about next time. :-)

Saturday, March 03, 2007

It's a good thing you can "opt out" of this......

Below is an article about Virginia passing legislation that will require all girls to receive the NEW vaccine for certain virus' that cause cervical cancer.

Now, I have no problem with vaccinations, I really don't. MY problem with this one is that it is SO NEW and the government is trying to FORCE us to put it in out daughters!

I want more research to see what kind of long-term reactions might show up. I am always suspicious when some new drug or vaccine comes out and the government wants to push it on us "for the greater good"!

I am relieved that WE, as parents can "opt out" of this, but how long will that be an option? KWIM!

All I know, is that I agree with my dear, dear sweet husband...."there is always the homeschool option." I have a feeling that will come about sooner, rather than later!

Updated:2007-03-02 08:21:59
Virginia to Require Vaccine for Girls
AP
RICHMOND, Va. (March 2) - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Thursday he would sign legislation requiring all sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Virginia would become the second state to mandate the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and the first to do it through legislative action. Texas Gov. Rick Perry sidestepped the Legislature and ordered the shots for girls there, but lawmakers are considering overriding that order.

"I think it strikes the right balance," said Kaine, who wanted to make sure parents would have enough time to review the vaccine and allow them to opt out "without having to jump through hoops."

The requirement would go into effect for the 2009 school year. If parents want to opt out, they must review literature provided by their child's school, then sign a form.

The federal government approved Gardasil, the only vaccine on the market, in June and suggested it be given to females before they become sexually active.


03/01/07 23:24 EST