Follow up

My definition of "Made up talent": Talent for the girls that aren't great singers, never took dance growing up or have to rely upon their last piano lesson, which was in the third grade. Their pageant committee sends them to a coach that creates a song, routine, etc. that lets their mediocre talent come across with flourish on the big stage. If I were ever in a pageant (ugh, yeah) then I would have "made-up talent".

As for the coupons, I love the "buy two" coupons combined with single coupons for the same item. For example, in our grocery story whole grain poptarts are currently being sold with $1 off coupons on the box. (I think the coupon world calls these something like peelies.) I had a coupon printed from the grocery store register for "buy 2 get $1 off". I was able to buy two boxes, each with $1 off, and combine that with the printer coupon for a total of $3.00 off 2 boxes.

Another thing I look for is meat with coupons on them because they are getting close to their sell-by date. I was able to get 2 packs of chicken breast for $4.00 total because each pack had a $3.00 off sticker the cashier peels off. We had chicken at the house but I just put these in the freezer and will definitely use them later.

Also, the more you become familiar with the weekly sale ad at your local grocery store you will realize how often they put certain products on sale and learn that waiting one more week for a certain item will often make it worth it, especially because you can find coupons for them in the meantime. Because we are buying lots of food that toddlers like, I have found that signing up for coupons at Betty Crockers website and the BoxTops website has been worth it. They are often duplicates but every now and then something will show up differently. I also like afullcup.com for Target coupons (and CVS coupons) because you can combine store coupons with manufacturer coupons. I have to becareful about this for two reasons: 1)Target doesn't double coupons like the grocery stores and depending on the price at each store, it might be more beneficial to take the doubled coupon at the grocery and 2) I earn money for gas when I purchase from the grocery and that adds up, despite the small percentage.