Almost free deodorant. And the K Cup.

I went to Walgreens to pick up Mom's prescription, and the men's Dove deodorant caught my eye: still a $2 reward. So, I got one. I realized I had a $2 reward that expired yesterday, but I asked the cashier, "think it'll work?" His reply, "let's see." It did. I got that, plus a Reese's for $3.19, plus my $2 reward. Oh and I got to see Neil Cannon, who sleeps on a cot in the back. Just kidding! We made another big purchase today, a bit more than my Walgreen's run: a Keurig. After using one at Cindy's house and the Joy Sunday School class, I've become obessed. I bought the Elite today at Belk and used my birthday 15% off coupon. It's set and ready for the morning. After Kate's auction, the next morning my first thought was, "my feet hurt. I wish I had a Keurig." And so now I do.

Free Ruffles and $10. Yes please.

One thing I love about couponing, saving money and generally conquering the world is that each day, there can be a surprise. Like today, for instance. I received in the mail a coupon for a free .99 bag of Ruffles. This will be a terrible snack for Kate one day, but rest assured I'll use it in that fashion. I also received a Rite Aid rebate check for $10, which made me feel awfully rich. It's like someone walking up to you and handing you a ten dollar bill. Hello! I also scored a coupon for a free bagel thin and cream cheese at Brueggers. On a lighter note, Scott came to yoga tonight (and of course, Kate too), so we'll be adding another weeknight to our Family Night Regime: Mondays and Fridays. Kate is doing an excellent job at sitting through Monday yoga classes, being patient, and staying occupied. Not only do I think this will develop some good skills for her, but just being in the room and being exposed to this practice will give her something additionally to draw on later if she wishes. Note to KC, I said, "if she wishes." And thanks to my dear friend KC, I was able to be at my desk this morning working hard, instead of trying to argue a ticket in federal court. Now that's a whole 'nother story.

From beginning to end: just one week

This week started out in an unusual fashion: I was off work for the MLK, Jr. holiday, and attended the funeral of a high school friend. My week started off very sad. It was so hard to see the faces of our high school group, tear stained, sad, and confused. The service was lovely, and included communion. As I walked down the aisle and looked at those in the pew, I kept expecting to see John sitting in the pew, as I was seeing all of his friends and family. It was very confusing. I taught yoga later that same day, and felt held and reassured by watching the efforts of the students. The days pressed on, and work always feels normalizing. Seeing the faces of my college students brings hope, smiles, hugs. Also this week I took Mom to the eye doctor, and felt able to check another appointment off the list for her. I've reveled in the mundaneness of watching Kate and Scott play angry birds on our iTouches. Doing nothing can often feel like doing something really great. I went to yoga, expecting to see my teacher but seeing a friend teach instead and seeing her belly grow with a beautiful steadiness that brings a sweet smile to my face. Soon, a new baby. This morning I found out a car insurance violation ticket was dismissed. No federal court for me Monday morning and later today I took Kate to gymnastics and love being new to the gym and for now, anonymous... affording me a chance to play my own games on my iTouch :) and tonight I visited with one of my BFFs for over 3 hours with only an occasional interruption by my child. Over five days, a depth and breadth of emotion and activity that is called life. This week, fairly well lived.

New Year's Intention

So here I am, on my second posting of the new year, 2011. It's an intention for me to post weekly, so fingers crossed I can! This is the second snow day for us....and tomorrow Kate has a third. I thought our routine would easily resume tomorrow, but alas, additional flexibility needed as I return to work (USC open or not) and Scott with his one class.... I guess we'll split the day. So, as for the Smoak Year of Free, two days off work certainly counts! However, Scott scored the megadeal of the year with his Walgreens run last week: two peppermint mocha creamers for .26! Here's the breakdown: Coffeemate creamers, buy one get one free, $2.49 each. He presents one $1.50 Walgreens reward and one .75 coffeemate coupon = .24...plus tax equals .26. Walgreens' policy is that your number of coupons (Qs for short) or RR must be less than or equal to the number of items (cannot use two Qs and a Walgreens Register Reward (RR) for two items....) so the one Q and one RR for the two creamers was excellent! As for 2011, Scott is certainly pulling his weight for the year.

Baby, I'm back!

Embarrassing to see my blog absence of a year and half. Ridiculous! So I'm making it a New Year's intention to blog weekly..... fingers crossed. Last year Scott and I deemed it the Year of Free, so 2011 is the Smoak Family Year of Free II. As I have embraced couponing, I guess it has become a downright hobby (I would say religion, but three spiritual paths in our family is enough for now....). To start off 2011, I went to a free class at City Yoga on Sunday at 5:30 pm. Today, I received my free drink postcard for my birthday (tomorrow) from Starbucks. I have also had some great couponing successes this week, including two boxes of Emergen-C, a box of Electrosol tablets, one container of Wet Ones and one box of Kleenex for $10.90, a savings of $25.99! Also in the works is a free mini chicken sandwich from Zaxby's, and at least three free hamburgers for my birthday.....those may not get used, but hey, they're there :) And to finish the week, our free spicy chicken biscuits from Chickfila. What a cool way to end the week.