You know your a cat person

When you cover up a cold, blanket loving calico with your goosedown blanket.

Okay so frugal isn't always fun.

Its far more frugal to paint your house yourself. Even then we needed so many supplies (ladder, pressure washer, brushes, rollers, extender poles) its still cost us $350. More if you add in meals out. However its just me and my husband painting our two story 1400 sq ft house. And its mostly him. We started 6 days ago and its not anywhere near being done. And i hate it. I truly hate painting the little bits the roller cant get. So last night we bought a $40 paint sprayer. I hope it makes this go much, much faster. Because this time, frugal is NOT fun!

Frugal movie watching

The drive in! If there is one in your area its a great option to check out. I've been to some that are nicer then others. Our local one had the female bathroom's septic system stop working, which they failed to inform movie goers. It was not pleasant. However we keep going because its so much fun. Two movies for the price of one, and you can bring your own snacks. Bought on sale of course. Far tastier then the over cooked stuff at concession and you don't have to wait in line. Its fun and it saves money.

More rebates

Yesterday dh and i did our monthly rebates from walgreens. Walgreens is a little different from Rite Aid's rebates. Some of Rite Aid's rebates have to be purchased during a particular week in order to qualify. Meaning i shop rite aid weekly, but generally monthly for walgreens. Currently Walgreens doesn't have online rebates so they take longer then Rite Aids, and require one to be diligent about sending them in. In order to send them in you need the receipt and rebate booklet. I try and add everything up just as soon as i get home and get the rebate in the envelope all ready to go. Last night we purchased $95 worth of stuff for $81 dollars using coupons and sales. BUT after the $57 rebate we will have spent $25! $25 dollars for what? 3 garnier conditioners, 1 pantene shampoo, 2 garnier hair colors (for the hubby!! :) 2 garnier facial cleansers, tooth brush, 2 glade refills, 1 rimmil foundation, Celadrin Dietary Supplement, and an eight pack of Zantac. Being frugal is so much fun!

From rite aid we picked up 24 top romans for .08 each(1.92 total), 3 single box puffs with lotion for .88 minus 2 .40 coupons ($1.84 total) 2 soup at hands for $1.25 each minus a $1 coupon ($1.50 total) 2 campbells soup bowls for $1.25 each minus $1 coupon ($1.5 total) ajak dish liquid for .88 minus a .20 coupon (.68 total) and viactive calcium pills for $5.99 minus a $3 coupon (2.99 total). Total before sales $31.21 Total before coupons $16.43 after coupons $10.43 after 2.99 viactive rebate $8.26

Between Walgreens and Rite Aid we bought $126.21 worth of stuff for $33.26!!! Fun!

Coupons the frugal debate

It seems there is a big debate in frugal circles about coupon use. Food coupons tend to be for convenience/ junk food that is low in nutrition. There is seldom coupons for staples. Personally I'm a big fan of coupons. I use coupons mainly for personal care items, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc. Using coupons these items can be found for free or very very cheap. Especially if combined with rebates from drug stores. Drug stores offer items for free without using coupons every month. My rebates have ranged from a total of $5 for a month to $45 for a month. My family is well stocked in deodorant, body wash, shave cream, razors, tooth brushes and tooth paste. Today we picked up imodium ad ex chews free after rebate normally $5.99, mylanta free after rebate normally $4.99, colgate free after rebate normally $2.49.

I use coupons frequently for animal food. Occasionally they have free coupons for food, today we got a free can of mighty dog. Last week we got a can of wet cat food. Today i also bought beggin strips for $2.69 and got a bag of carvers treats normally $2.79 for free.

I do use food coupons to stock my pantry for an emergency. Ready made meals might not be my idea of good home cooking but in a pinch, it would work. My husband could even feed himself something besides top ramen! We also use coupons for treats we wouldn't normally buy. We like fruit gushers, but we don't buy them on a regular basis. However when they are on sale for $1 a box, and i have a coupon for $1 off two we'll indulge. Today we picked up 2 mint musketers bars for .70 using a buy one get on free coupon. Ice breakers 2 for $1.19 with a buy one get one free coupon, and russel stover private reserve chocolate 2 for $2.50 with a buy one get one free coupon. The candy would make great stocking stuffers!

Coupon savings $7.77
Rebate savings $13.47

Being frugal is fun!