When I returned from vacation in late July last year, I started following blogs and clipping coupons for added savings throughout the year as a stay at home mom. My sample pile and freebie piles began to grow as time passed. Some I used on a daily basis and others I gave away but I stashed my pile in a burlap basket in my closet for this summer’s vacation.
The pile was overflowing with shampoo, band-aids, wipes, panty lines, conditioner, toothpaste and more. Thus, I pulled out our summer suitcases to empty the basket’s contents into it. Even I was amazed at what I had collected in nine months! There was no way that I was packing for vacation with that unorganized stash in the bottom of our suitcases so I grabbed some Ziploc bags and a sharpie to organize my freebies!
Again, I was surprised to find 20+ days worth of shampoo and conditioner, 20+ days of toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, Wisps (traveling dates on planes, trains, buses), & mouthwash, sunscreen for a month (purchased with coupons and rebate offers), 20+ days of moisturizer and face wash——-I may not use a different type of moisturizer on my face each day but having extra moisturizer in the summer for dry spots on my legs and hands will be perfect!
The pay off of coupons, samples, rebate offers, and sales are perfect as I prepare to wind down for summer vacation away from our home for four to six weeks! The best part is getting to enjoy the rest of spring without having to go shopping for anything——except fruits, veggies, & milk. For almost two months now, I have used stockpiles in our pantry, refrigerator, cabinets, laundry supply closet, and more. The pay off again was more time for reading magazines, writing on my personal blog, visiting with friends, enjoying family time, exercise and more. I should be able to continue to use stockpiles for the months of May & part of June. And again, when we return in late July but August will bring about new goal settings for using my time wisely to acquire items for daily living with savings so that I can maximize our family time making memories that last a lifetime.
Stay focused on using How to Have It All‘s daily tips because you too will see your own personal pay off over time.
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I had no idea you are in Tennessee. I’ll be paying your post special attention from now on. I coupon but don’t really sign up for freebies anymore. But your post has re-inspired to to start it up again!
Hi Tish,
Thanks so much for leaving a comment- I just love them! Litsa is my blog assistant and she lives in Western Tennessee. And so does Ashley who helps me with recipe posts! I live in Central Virginia. Let us know if you have any questions!
Renae