Sunday, February 17, 2013

My desire to simplify: I'd give it all away

 

"I'd love to get rid of half the stuff that we have." 


Many of my friends and family have heard me say that numerous times over the last couple years.  It is so very true.  Firstly, we have too much stuff.  We have too many clothes, too many movies, too much paperwork, too many toys, etc.  Secondly, our children love to make messes much more than they like to help clean them up.  These messes turn into tripping hazards and obstacles that are simply sometimes unsafe to brave when John has a bad day, can't see very well, is dizzy and off balanced, and especially when he needs to use a walker or wheelchair.  Lastly, I'm simply tired of cleaning up.  My theory is that if we have less stuff to make messes with there will be less mess to clean up.  


Before Christmas 2012, we gave a lot away. We gave away bags and bags of toys and clothes.  I felt great about getting rid of so much and also seeing it go to others that could use it.  Yet, it just didn't even seem to put a dent in our stuff.  Then, we had a yard sale in January.  I will likely never have a yard sale in January again.  You can not even give things away because most everyone that usually would be buying up your cheap bargains (I'm talking about .50 GAP toddler jeans and .25 pajamas) just had a successful Christmas and didn't yet need anything else.  So, we heard of a family that adopted two or three boys just younger than ours and we packed up some more stuff and sent their way.  

We still have so far to go.  Why is it that we even accumulate so much stuff in the first place? We want? We need? We get sucked into the latest marketing ploy? We want our kids to have more and better than we had? We get trapped into collecting things we don't need? We hang onto things that are unnecessary?  Now, don't get me wrong because we are certainly not hoarders or pack rats by any means.  We just have so much stuff that we simply don't need.  We've had things left over from business and personal projects and it resides in the garage and the shed.  We still have a few clothes we've hung onto that we will likely never wear again.  We have to get rid of it.  Less seems like more these days, yet ten years ago I wouldn't have been in that mindset.  

We're stepping out.  We don't know where we are going or what all it will involve but we're finally at peace.  We're letting go.  Breathe.  Simplify. 


I guess we have got to the point in life where we have had some measure of success and we've had some failures.  I'm certain that there will be more of each of those to come.  However, money in the bank, a successful or unsuccessful business, and worldly belongings will never be able to take the place of cherished quality of life with those you love and happiness.  Sure, money can buy entertainment and adventure.  Even for us, in order to keep our sanity we have to get out frequently.  Yes, that costs money too.  However, if I have the ones that I love around me and minimal amount of comforts I seem to feel more carefree.  

We have a house that is beautiful, yet it is not ideal for us because of John's disabilities.  Almost 100% of the time he can't cut the grass or keep up the yards barbecue of his severe headaches, seizures, etc.  I can't help maneuver him to via the wheelchair through the house because his wheelchair won't fit through the halls, closets, or doorways.  I'm tired of struggling with this.  

Just very recently did we become accepting of the idea that we need to get out of our house.  We need to find a more suitable home.  We need to simplify because I don't want to move all the things we have.  We just don't need them.  We need each other.  We need love.  We need forgiveness.  We need grace.  We're stepping out.  We don't know where we are going or what all it will involve but we're finally at peace.  We're letting go.  Breathe.  Simplify.
 
Toby Mac's "I was made to love you"




Thursday, February 7, 2013

My Couponing Plan for the Week

Some of you know that at times I can be a crazy couponing nut.  I don't always have the time, but really enjoy it when I do find a few extra minutes to clip or print coupons. Publix has had some great sales lately and in the last two weeks, I believe we've saved almost $300 on groceries and supplies like toilet paper and not spending quite that much.  Here are a few of the things on my lists for the next week and I thought I'd share them with you.  I find most of my matchups at www.southernsavers.com. My favorite buys of the week will be FREE dish detergent (not usually what I buy but I'll try it for FREE) Free Chinet napkins, .49 Organic granola bars, .62 Juicy Juice boxes, Cheap rice, waffles, and more.

 Coupons for Publix Ad2/6-2/12

Printed at SouthernSavers.com(plus I added a few extras)

Buy One Get Ones

  • Sargento Shredded Cheese, 5-8 oz, at $4.19 ($2.09)
    Manufacturer Coupon -.55/2 Sargento shredded cheese, 5 oz + printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.55/1 Sargento reduced fat shredded, sliced or snack cheese, 3 oz + printable
    (use $1/2, makes it $1.59 ea.)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Kellogg’s Eggo Pancakes, French Toaster Sticks or Mini Muffin Tops, 12.7-16.4 oz, at $2.99 ($1.49)
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1.50 off Kellogg’s Eggo item, 5.3 oz +, 1,000 points printable
    -.50/1 Kellogg’s Eggo cinnamon toast waffles, Ibotta App mobile coupon
    (makes it FREE)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Simply Potatoes, 24 oz, at $2.59 ($1.29)
    Traditional, Country Style, Garlic, Sweet Potato or Sour Cream & Chive
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1/2 Simply Potatoes products printable
    (makes it 79¢)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Juicy Juice 100% Juice or Fruitfuls, 8 pk. 6.75 oz, at $3.25 ($1.62)
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Nestle Juicy Juice Fruitifuls juice, 6.75 oz printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Nestle Juicy Juice Fruitfuls, 8 pk. printable
    (makes it 62¢)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Duncan Hines Classic Cake Mix, 16.5-18.25 oz, at $1.79 (89¢)
    Manufacturer Coupon -.50/1 Duncan Hines red velvet cake printable
    (makes it 39¢ (if included)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Uncle Ben’s Country Inn Rice, 6 oz, at $1.49 (74¢)
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1/3 Uncle Ben’s products (register) printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1/3 Uncle Ben’s products (Facebook) printable
    (use $1/3, makes it 41¢ ea.)

    Grocery

  • Starbucks Coffee or K-Cups, 11-12 oz or 10 ct., $7.49
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Starbucks coffee 11 oz + or k-cups printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Starbucks packaged coffee 11 oz + or K-cups printable
    (makes it $5.99)
  • Cascadian Farm Organic Granola Bars, $1.99
    Store Coupon -$1/2 Cascadian Farm Organic cereal, bars or granola, 7.4-17 oz (Publix coupon), Get a Jump on Good Health booklet
    Store Coupon -$1/2 Cascadian Farm Organic cereal, bars or granola, 7.4-17 oz (Publix coupon), Get a Jump on Good Health booklet printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Cascadian Farm product printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.75/1 Cascadian Farm product printable
    (Buy 2, use store and (2) $1 off, makes it 49¢)
  • Mott’s Applesauce, 6 pk., $2 (I have a $1.10 coupon but www.coupons.com has a .55 at present) -Makes it .90

    Household

  • Glad Bags, 25-80 ct., $5.99
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Glad trash bags, 34ct.+ or food storage item printable
    Store Coupon -$1 off Glad Trash Bags, 65 ct. + (Publix Coupon), Green Advantage Flyer (EXP 02/08)
    Manufacturer Coupon -$2 off Glad trash bags, 25 ct.+ printable
    (use $1 off store and $2 off mfr, makes it $2.99)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Chinet Beverage Napkins, 40 ct., 99¢
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Chinet product, (sign up) printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Chinet product (Facebook) printable
    (makes it FREE)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Sunlight Liquid Dish Detergent 10 oz, 10/$10
    -$1/1 Sunlight Dish item (zip 12345) FREE

    Fridge or Frozen

  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls or Biscuits, 4-12 oz, $1
    Manufacturer Coupon -.40/2 Pillsbury sweet rolls or Grands sweet rolls printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.50/2 Pillsbury Grands sweet rolls printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.40/2 Pillsbury sweet rolls printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.50/2 Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.50/2 Pillsbury sweet rolls or Grands! sweet rolls printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.50/3 Pillsbury Grands! or Grands! Jr. biscuits printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -.40/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls printable
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1/2 Pillsbury sweet rolls printable
    (use .50/1, makes it 50¢)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Stouffer’s Family Entrees, 25-40 oz, $3.99
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Stouffer’s entree, sign up printable  
  • Sargento Cheese Slices, 6.67-8 oz, $2.79
    Store Coupon -$1/2 Sargento sliced cheese, 5-8 oz (Publix coupon) printable
    Store Coupon -$1/2 Sargento sliced cheese, 5-8 oz (Publix coupon), Game Day booklet
    Manufacturer Coupon -.55/1 Sargento reduced fat shredded, sliced or snack cheese, 3 oz + printable
    ( use $1/2 store and mfr, makes it $1.79 ea.)

    Green Advantage Buy Flyer -found at front of store

  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Glad Cling Wrap, 100 sq. dt., $1.69
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Glad trash bags, 34ct.+ or food storage item printable
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Gladware Containers, $2.50
    Manufacturer Coupon -$1 off Glad trash bags, 34ct.+ or food storage item printable
    -$1 off Glad food storage container, Ibotta App mobile coupon
    (makes it 50¢ after Ibotta rebate)
  • This is a great deal. Stock up! Kleenex Hand Towels , $2.50
    Manufacturer Coupon -.50/1 Kleenex hand towels printable
    Store Coupon -.75/1 Kleenex hand towels (Publix coupon), Start Your Year out with Big Savings booklet
    ( Buy 2, use (2) store and $1.50/2, makes it $1 ea.)