Shopping Awesomeness and a Goodbye!

Has everyone been enjoying the incredible week at Albertsons as much as I have?  I've spent $19.63 out of pocket and still have $10 in catalinas.  My savings so far is $217.94!  The trick is to roll those catalinas!

I've made a few trips for all this and have been careful not to wipe the store out of anything.  I have honestly spent about two hours organizing and printing coupons, planning my shopping trip transactions, and reading other blogs to do this.  That's like making a $100 an hour!  The shopping trips themselves have been quick because I have been organized and I've had my 16 year old doing transactions too.  I feel like I am really preparing her for when she is on her own in a few years!

I'm not going to break everything down because there are two amazing blogs that have all promotions listed.   Fabulessly Frugal and The Krazy Coupon Lady have worked very hard to compile the deals and you must check them out!

I've made the decision this week to stop posting deals.  There are so many wonderful blogs out there that do such a good job already.  I don't really feel that I have the time to spend working on my blog anymore.  My one year old is so active now and I'm unable to devote as much time as I have been over the past few months to my blog.  A blog takes a lot of time and energy, as do one year olds!

Initially I thought I could make a little money on the side, but the realization quickly came that there is a lot more to it than writing posts.  There is the technological component, the affiliate component, emails and social networking, hours compiling deals, planning and writing posts, taking pictures, networking with other bloggers and so, so much more!  Don't get me wrong, it has been a lot of fun and I've learned so much.  I may come back to it in the future when the time is right.

I'm considering going back to work part time.  I love being a nurse and it is where my real passion lies.  It is a wonderful feeling to help others.  I particularly enjoy the human component that I don't get from being on the computer several hours a day. I feel like I can be more present for my family as well by spending one or two days at work, versus being off and on the computer all day!  I will also actually make some money:)

There are several other reasons that I'm calling it quits.  My friend Jane has stopped writing her blog this week, but for very different reasons.  We were posting each others Fred Meyer and Albertsons deals, so I feel like it gave me permission to do something I've been thinking about for several weeks now. (Not that she would have minded I'm sure!)    I'm also excited about starting my first garden this spring, and have been doing a lot of research and preparation.

Everyone reading post already knows this information, but I'm going to post links to some of my favorite blogs for deals and great couponing tips, just in case.  Please check out all of the other blogs on my sidebar too!

The Coupon Project:  Fred Meyers, Albertsons and all the drug stores.  Angela also has excellent posts on coupon ethics (I didn't realize how much coupon abuse there was until I started blogging), a savings tracker that is a must, and many other helpful resources.

Fabulessly Frugal:  Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and much more.

The Krazy Coupon Lady:  Albertsons, Fred Meyer, drug stores, catalinas, and a wonderful printable coupon data base.

Maybe Frugal:  Great local blog.  I get a lot of information from her personal shopping trips.

Coupon Connections Northwest:  This is a new blog, but they are going at it full force.  They are also, like me, located in Snohomish County.  They post most grocery store and drug store deals, as well as few others specific to our area.  You must take advantage of The Everett Herald delivery deal if you live in Sno Co.  I ordered it the other day and can't believe I waited so long!

Thrify Northwest Mom and Centsible in Seattle:  These are two of the first blogs I found and started following.  Both post a lot of great money saving deals, many of which are specific to our area!

Thanks to everyone who has been following my blog.  I am grateful for every comment and email that I received.  I hope I've helped a few of you along the way!

God Bless! 

Thank you image courtesy of Flickr.com (Vernhart) and stethascope courtesy of Photobucket.