Back in the Saddle

The couponing saddle.  I took a couple of weeks off...and we paid for it.  So, I went back to Publix with my coupons and deal list in hand and got the following items for $9.43.

4 Ronzoni Pasta
1 Publix Greenwise Toilet Paper (4 pack)
1 half gallon Simply Smart milk
2 Sargento Shredded cheese
2 Knorr Rice Sides
1 loaf of Sara Lee Bread

The bill should have been $27.  So - I paid 1/3...not so bad.  The sale at Publix went "live" today, and there were so many things "sold out."  I guess that's par for the course when you are a full-time working mama.  What I should do is get my hubby to take "Lucky" to daycare while I shop first thing Wednesday mornings when the sale starts.  Not a bad idea if I do say so myself!

It's been a while!

Things have been very busy with the new job!  It's a welcome change from my days in the bathroom office. I have a very nice office with a window, a conference table and two chairs, a nice L-shaped desk and sufficient filing space.  I am thankful for my new job and everyone I work with!  I am surrounded by a slew of Type-A personalities, and I am in heaven!  On top of that - everyone is super-nice.  I get the opportunity to use my data management skills, writing skills, and teamwork.

The leader of this organization is truly a dynamic leader.  She has based her meetings and teamwork on the book, Death by Meeting, by Patrick Lencioni.  I finished this book last night and loved it.  The book is a fable that follows a start-up business as it flounders after being incorporated into a larger corporation.  The strategy the company eventually employs (at the encouragement of a recent film school graduate suggests) of meeting planning, preparation, and schema/schedule is fascinating.  I love being a part of this team!

The other day, I went shopping at Publix as Daniel was napping and Welles was working.  I had a few coupons, but didn't prepare as I should have.  I chose a short line to check out after filling my cart, and low and behold, there was an extreme couponer in front of me.  She was buying 12 or so Axe Deodorants, snacks, etc (I came in on the end of the purchase).  The check-out clerk joked that it was the most that he had ever seen her pay, $12 and change.  She giggled and walked out with her buggy FULL of items.  I asked the clerk if she was one of those crazy couponers (one that someday I aspire to be), and he remarked that she "runs one of those websites."  Which one?  www.iheartpublix.com.  He said that she contributes to that site along with a couple of ladies from Atlanta.  A celebrity here in the south was at MY PUBLIX!!!  I took a picture of another clerk helping to put things in her car...didn't want to be too obvious, you know.

Here's a closer look:

I am humbled and embarrassed that I only saved $2.50 on a $75 purchase that day.  I vow to be prepared for every future shopping trip!  You never know when you might run into coupon royalty and get some advice from the very best.

More soon on the new job and my latest escapades!