When I moved to Maryland with Jon, it was the first time I had ever lived on my own. (College dorms don't count...) I had lots of IDEAS on how a house should be run, however actually putting them to use was harder than it looked. Holy heck groceries are expensive. And oh my gosh - do I really have to pay THAT much for laundry soap? Yes. I had a huge learning curve ahead of me. Since my parents have always paid for everything, I didn't really know the value of a dollar. I admit that. I wasn't an irresponsible spender, but I certainly never thought that my favorite shirts from Hollister could cost the same as some Tide and Charmin.
Enter in late nights with a baby, needing some quiet time and just wanting to save on some necessities. I found that after I laid Jackson down, I too needed down time. I found myself looking over deals and coupons and shopping scenarios. Jon used to make fun of me, but I needed the pure quiet to unwind and this was a good way to find it. I have always been brand picky. I don't buy generic (unless it's Target's brand, because I don't find it to be a generic. I am NOT a fan of Wal Mart, or anything made by them, but will go for certain items) and I like what I like. I didn't want the whole saving money concept to come between me and the brands I liked.
Jackson used Enfamil as a baby - and I was buying him the ready-to-feed liquid for $1 a can because of the deals I'd get. I NEVER want to pay for cat food or litter - and I don't. My cat strictly eats Iams or Purina One Beyond, and I will never pay more than $.50 a box/bag of food. Sometimes this means having a TON of one product, but as long as I had the space - I was saving money. I was able to fly home to Colorado every few months. Jon and I ate out a lot. 90% of J's closet is Gymboree. I can't give up my department store skin care or make up (thanks, sensitive skin). That was what I wanted my money to go to, not napkins and other boring items.
I've been asked before what I get when I go shopping. To give you an idea of what a shopping trip for me is like (and yes, I'm weird and get very excited about my loot) here's a picture and a break down. I made a trip to Target with my beautiful boy.
I purchased (6) Febreze Sport fabric refreshers ($4.99 each, one not pictured), (2) Vicks ($3.89 each), (1) Vicks inhaler ($3.89), (3) Advil PM ($4.74 each), (3) Centrum Pro Nutrients ($9.99 each), (5) Vicks Nature Fusion ($6.99 each, on sale), (1) Vicks vapo-pads ($5.24), (1) Rice Krispie treat ($.69) and a Mavis die cast train from Thomas the Train set for Jackson ($6.19, also not pictured) for a total of - $157.15.After rebates, gift cards back and stackable coupons - out of pocket, I paid $30.18 (including the $6 train and $6.74 in tax!!) That's a savings of 80%. If I don't include the train, since I paid full price for that - and tax - then I saved 89% . This is how I shop. It may be a little crazy, or weird...but we never go without and it's a little hobby now.
