An exciting season

Besides Christmas, Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I know it's not technically fall yet but I still think by college semesters and fall semester just started. It is so exciting. This summer was very quiet in this college town and it is nice to have school back in session. I was on campus for Freshman move in day and I was actually sad that I wasn't a Resident Assistant. It's a crazy time but really fun to be apart of the atmosphere! Since most of my friends in the area are students they all left for the summer and it's wonderful to have them back!

Although I didn't get to be part of the school excitement this year, I made another big change this week and started a new job. Working retail is one of the hardest things that I have ever done and I have come home exhausted every single night. I've still managed to function a little in the evenings, but my wonderful husband has been kind enough to take charge of things this past week during my transition time. I have never been so excited for it to be the weekend! I could sure use a break to let my body recuperate. We have a count down going at work until the first football game and I have heard mixed stories about how fun it can be but also what a horrible day it is. I'm trying to absorb as much information as possible before this big day comes.

I did muster up enough energy to go shopping today before AND after church. I was at Rite Aid when they opened their doors this morning, and then went to Publix later. I combined the two transactions for the following picture and totals. The couple behind me at Publix was amazed at my savings and we had a nice conversation about it. It was a relief because I have had some people make rude comments when they get "stuck" behind a couponer. I think they are just jealous that they are paying full price for their groceries :-) I had a comment that we must eat Ramen on our tiny grocery budget, but in actuality, we eat pretty good!!

Total before coupons and sales: $109.28
Total after coupons and sales: $24.56
That's a savings of 78%!!

More Savings and New Additions

I hope you all aren't tired of me sharing my great finds with you! I just never get tired of saving money! I am thankful to have the time and resources to find these great deals. I am also thankful for a patient husband who lets me take the time to put my list together and shop (and sometimes happily tags along). But when he see's the figures he is thankful for what I do. Since the beginning of July I have begun to track my savings. The savings are a combination of shopping store sales, using coupons, and applying for rebates. Just since the beginning of July, I have saved just short of $500 (62%) on our grocery and toiletry items!

I went to Bi-lo last week and actually made money when I get my rebates back! I had to purchase 10 items to qualify for the rebate and then managed to buy 3 additional items that we needed. I spent just over $15 and will get $20 back in rebates! Since we were in the negative, I went across the street to another grocery store to get some meat and poultry that was on sale. I've combined these purchases for the picture.

Total from both stores: $71.93
Total paid after rebates:$10.55
Savings: 85%!

If you'll notice that this picture was taken in a different location. On our new freezer. We were able to get this with the help of my Mom and Grammy (Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!). It is already filling up and has allowed me to increase my stockpile when things are on sale. I also want to begin freezing dinners ahead of time so that we can eat better during the week when I get home from my new job. So if you have any awesome recipes that freeze well I would love to give them a try.

The other new thing at our home is that I have begun growing herbs. We currently have basil, lemon thyme, and rosemary. I have already enjoyed cooking with these and hope to get a lot of use out of them while the weather is still warm.

Family Weekend

Last weekend my Mom and Grammy came for a visit. We had a wonderful time and it was hard to see them go. Hopefully it won't be too long again until their next visit.

Friday we went on a picnic in the botanical gardens and on a brief tour around Clemson. We tried to beat the rain on our picnic but as soon as we got all set up it started to rain! We were under a pretty nice canopy of trees so we just pulled out our umbrellas and kept on eating.


One big piece of news is that while we were walking around downtown Clemson, I found that Mr. Knickerbockers (one of the most popular Clemson Sportswear and Gift stores) was hiring. After some prayerful consideration, I have decided to accept a job there. So I will be starting my new job there a week from Monday! Mom tried to get a picture of me coming out of the store, but she missed.

Saturday we took them to our new favorite Mexican restaurant. It was a big hit! It was nice to have someone to take a picture of us but trying to get Carson to be serious is another issue :-)


On Monday, I wanted my Mom and Grammy to meet some of my friends so Emily brought her daughter, Lydda Grace, and Amber brought Jackson to the pool. We had lots of fun swimming and visiting. This was Jackson's first time swimming and he had a great time!