scores!

M and i sat down and rediscussed our budget (the first of many monthly check-ins?) after i had played around with it a bit. as an economist at heart (anyone know that M majored in economy and politics in college?), M is really worried about what is to come in the next year. prices are on the rise. so we have re-jiggered our budget and in doing so, gave ourselves a reality check on our spending plans. so...with that lead in, i am excited to share my tightwad thrills.

• i scored morningstar farms veggie corn dogs (M has been begging me to buy him corn dogs at costco. ummm...no) for 55 cents after combining store and manufacturer's coupons. i admit, they were delicious.
• i scored the following items (full size products) free-after-rebate (FAR). i also used some manufacturers coupons, so actually made money, even after tax: hair mousse, body cream, mouthwash, toothpaste, facial cream
• i hit the white elephant sale and scored the following items: 4 pairs of kids pants (3 for a friend), a baby monitor for family's house, 4 pairs of kids shoes (one brand new good brand, with tags), 3 brand new commuter mugs. i spent $18 at the sale. the monitor was the most expensive thing i bought. the prices and selection were fabulous. am planning to return next year.
• i pulled down my gift box (box of items i have collected at good prices to give as gifts later) and found several perfect gifts. now wrapped in recycled gift bags and ready to go.
• i used gift cards to stock up on whole wheat flour.
• a cookbook arrived in the mail. free from our health insurance company.
  

yay!