Extreme Couponing

I've used coupons for grocery shopping most of my adult life.  There are many coupons I don't use because the brand is more expensive (even with a coupon) than my normal product.  I don't spend much on cosmetics, but I use those coupons when I want to buy the good stuff.  Cosmetic coupons are often more than $1 off. I view 'couponing' as a way to save a little money, and recognize it as a company's way to get me to try their product and possibly build some customer loyalty. I take advantage of  BOGO if it's a product I use, but rarely pick up more than the 2 items (one I pay for and the free one).  True, I have little storage space to take advantage of BOGO, but to me buying 10 and getting 10 for free is a misuse of the system.  With the advent of the reality show "Extreme Couponing" grocery stores are having to alter their policies because people are expecting (yes expecting) to go into a store and come out with paying under $5 for $300 or so of groceries.  I guess I understand the challenge is figuring out HOW to do it...like a logic problem.  But seriously, someone IS paying for those groceries.  Didn't they learn the maxim "There's no such as a free lunch"? I've only seen snippets of the show, but it often shows these women (and I've only seen women, although I'm sure there are some men) storing rooms full of stuff.  One women said if her storage shelves (her entire basement had utility storage shelves that were full of products, carefully organized) got more then 1 item deep used, she'd start to panic about running out.  This sounds like an OCD thing or a hoarder mindset more than good use of finances.  20 jars of peanut butter for a family of 4. Even peanut butter expires.  No way they'll use those.  The best story was a woman who routinely uses the BOGO so she can contribute to a local food bank.  To me, that's an awesome way to utilize capitalism.  I guess I view the extreme couponers as people trying to 'get away' with something...looking for loopholes.  And historically, once loopholes are exploited on a large scale, inane rules follow to try to block the loopholes and we end up with our current tax laws.  I just keep thinking "Balance.  Balance.  Balance."  Extreme anything is dangerous.

The Singer and the Imp went to a wedding this past weekend.  The Singer was asked to sing 'Ave Maria'.  Oh, I enjoyed listening to her practice. The bride and groom are super wonderful people (I wanted to say kids, but I guess 25 year old people don't like being called kids).  They had a Toms reception.  Toms is a shoe company that donates a pair of shoes to people who need them (usually a third world country) for every pair you buy.  The shoes are not cheap $50-$100, but are super comfortable and getting a pair for $50 translates into $25 per pair...just one is going to someone else. Everyone was to wear Toms to the reception.  What a great idea.  The opposite of the "me, me, me" attitude shown on many of the bridal shows.  To me, companies like Toms, are examples of capitalism at its best.  Yes, the company makes money, but it also is providing serious help to those in need, and the consumer can decide whether to participate or not.  The girls both have Toms.  I've help buy them those shoes as they've argued the charitable aspect of the purchase.  Seeing how well the shoes last makes us all feel good about the shoes going to those in need.  Coincidentally, there was a newspaper article about these BOGO for charity companies on the day of the couple's wedding.

I finally finished the girls' sewing projects.  The Imp's dress and the Singer's top came out looking good. Now if I can only get my top finished.  I also had a few repair jobs for the girls, like replacing a bad zipper.  I hate zippers.

The Imp had her senior pictures taken.  They all turned out great.  How on earth am I to decide which prints to get?  What a problem, I know.  After sitting for her senior pictures, she promptly went and cut off 12 inches of her hair to give to Locks of Love. But she's beautiful with short or long hair and more importantly, she's beautiful within.