couponing

I have this fabulous friend named Amy. She has been an amazing influence on my life. She is a strong Christian, has a solid marriage, is an amazing mom. She is involved in her MOPS group, works hard as a physical therapist, and loves her friends and family. We have lots in common and despite many miles, we have remained close over the past 9 years. We have even taken a cruise together, visited the Grand Canyon in a snow storm, and hiked in Phoenix together. So during our last weekend adventure she explained that she "coupons". Then she blogged about "couponing". From this friend that I understood so well, I had no idea what she was talking about.
Fast forward 4 months. Another close friend of mine, Valerie, was staying with us over the weekend. She made a run to Target, returned with about $35 worth of groceries for 13 cents (or something close to what I would find in my couch cushions)!! She said she "coupons". Now I have two very wise, very intelligent friends who have mentioned the art of couponing. I'm intrigued. After hours of explanation, visiting websites, and questions, I tell Valerie I am ready to tackle this new adventure. Bill is skeptical. However, this month I have saved almost $300 in grocery and toiletry money!! I have stopped buying generic and only buy name brand. Each trip to the grocery story is now Christmas for me as opposed to the equivalent of getting a root canal. And I have never been so excited to walk into Walmart, buy 3 bottles of BBQ sauce, 6 boxes of jello, and and have them credit me 6 cents. I had to also buy a pack of gum because Walmart won't actually PAY you to shop there! And, the couponing is contagious. Bill called me today while I was working to tell me I got a coupon in the mail for a FREE bottle of ketchup! Who knew the mailman carried such treasures! God bless you Amy and Valerie!!