Couponing seems to be getting more and more popular lately, even popping up as the premise for reality TV shows (though the word still gets a red underline on here, so apparently it's not part of the dictionary). I've been trying to figure out how the whole thing works, but only recently have I started putting some real effort into it. I haven't had a really great trip yet, where I saved way more than I spent or even got money back for an item, but I'll get there.
Anyway, I was pointed to a site that explains things pretty well, and I wanted to share it with you:
In particular, this woman, Charlene, has a page called
Where to Begin that gives a quick run-down of how couponing works, with additional resources to learn more from. It has already answered a lot of my questions!
Another site that a friend recommended to me:
This one isn't quite as user-friendly, but I'm getting the hang of it. You pick the store you want to shop at, they tell you what's on sale that week, they rate each item by how good of a sale it is, and if there's a coupon for it, they'll either give you a link (if it's printable online) or tell you which newspaper circular you can get it from (which you're supposed to have saved and filed beforehand--Charlene talks about that on My Frugal Adventures).
I finally ordered a subscription to the Sunday paper, and not only did I get excited when I saw the coupons, I felt like a grown-up. The only time I usually see newspapers is when I visit my parents. Now if I could just get myself to
read them...
While I'm reviewing things I like that have to do with food, I may as well mention this little book that my mom gave me for Christmas:
This is, of course, a book based on the belief that we Mormons hold that it's very wise to have at least three months of food and other essentials stored in your home in case of emergency--not only the possibility of natural disaster, but also job loss or other unexpected changes in income. There are many testimonials from LDS members that following the counsel of our prophets in this matter has proven to be a great blessing in their lives.
Anyway, the prospect of purchasing, organizing, and storing all that food can be really daunting, and I found this book to be very helpful in breaking it down and making it doable. Ever since I finished it (yeah, I actually finished it!) I've been quoting it to other women in my ward--since the how-to's of food storage seems to be another hot topic among us.
Lol. I know, we Mormons are a peculiar bunch. But in a good way, right? :)
One thing I don't get though, and that I haven't had anyone sufficiently answer, is how to incorporate fresh foods that aren't storable. At least, there's no immediate solution for us poor suckers who have no ground to put a garden in. Someday... But this book is definitely a great place to start, and I highly recommend it!
The authors also have a
website with lots of recipes and the worksheets for making your lists and planning your grocery shopping, as well as tips and advice. I also recommend
ProvidentLiving.org, a website my church constructed for learning to be more self-reliant, not just in food storage but in finances, education, health, etc.
Well, I'm not living very providently at the moment since it's now after midnight, but it feels nice to post something positive, useful, and about topics I've been very much occupied with lately. Buenas noches!
