OK, I think I finally have a routine down for the couponing thing. Confession: I usually cut them out, they sit in a pile, I *think* things might match up, some go in my purse, or the car - they get crushed, lost, etc.

I spent the past 25 minutes going through my stash, weeding out the expired one and things I know I will never use. I diviied them up in small like pile: dairy, bakery, condiments, prepared foods, shampoo, etc. No more broad categories like all snack or all personal care - now crackers and granola bars and chips are all separated out, as are shampoo and deodorant and feminie products, etc. I see exactly what I have, and I sat down with the flyers for the two stores that I usually frequent. Because I've just sorted out the coupons and I know what I have on hand, I'm able to quickly identify things on sale that I have coupons for.

I'm having my sons' combined birthday party on Sept 24 and am expecting the usual crowd of 25 people. I plan on doing a deli spread in additioned to barcecue/pulled pork sandwiches.

Today along I found Baked Chip on sale for $2.50, and I have a $1.00 off of one. Three bags of chips for the party will cost me $4.50. Sargentos Natural Sliced Cheese is on sale for $2.50 and I have a $.50 off - so on five items I will save $4.00 and spend $8.50 (versus $12.50).

Thinking I'm getting the hang of this!

Just wanted to share my (perceived) success!!