the FREEdom

Total without coupons: $82.42 Total with coupons: $38.65

I think there comes a time in every woman's life when she realizes six dollars for a block of cheese is unacceptable. Even the cows know it's ridiculous. For me, that time is now.

It all began with faith. I knew there had to be some way to feed my family without emptying the "keep Veronica air conditioned" fund. I felt like a woman living in 1830, searching for the truth. (Almost.)

Jamie enters at this point in the journey. We were good friends in high school, and made up two of the "Three Sopranos," until one blessed day, we learned we were actually cousins! It was almost the best day of my life. Jamie is one of my friends (cousins) on facebook, and she started posting all about her life as a couponer. She was saving several small towers of money on each shopping trip. I was inspired. I had found my answer, and it was coupons.

My favorites from this grocery trip are the free dozen eggs, free cake mix, free skittles Easter eggs, free computer paper, free Frosted Miniwheats, two boxes of Captain Crunch for a dollar, and the six free deodorants. The latter coupled with air conditioning should keep me smelling like a budding rose all summer long.

Thank you Jamie, Krazy Coupon Lady, and patient cashiers.

Oh, and these were free too.