STARS: Couponing Chronicles; Missing Something

I have began a silent hashtag #NoStonesUnTurned. I think this applies to many areas of life, including couponing. 

I'm gearing up for my next two couponing hauls as we speak.  First, I'm using Sunday nights to do the bulk of this. This is my planning night and when I map out strategy better, stores, and even watch couponing videos. 

I make a list of stuff I need and then look through the sales papers and PGs I have to see what the best deals for that week are. 

I also know which stores to shop at. DG will always be a staple for me but I am liking Walgreens more and more. They are overall very coupon friendly and do not change up a lot of the rules to punish those trying to save a few bucks.  

I then have everything ready for game day (shopping): paper coupons in labeled envelopes: itemized lists on both paper and ListEase, pairing them with Fetch, Ibotta and other rewards and then I am ready for action. 

I will post updates on how I perform! 

STARS: Couponing Chronicles: Planning

I had a less than favorable experience this weekend. I will not name the store but I will say that the customer service, as well as the rule modification threw me.

I have been able to stack manufacturer and paper coupons ever since I started. I did it last month in Rock Hill. However in the Upstate, this franchise has cracked down. 

I was upset and frustrated at first. However I confided in my couponing mentors, as well as YouTube , and formed an action plan in two weeks when I return. 

I plan to create my second account, which will help my couponing cause. I already have plenty of PG inserts and will get RMN also if necessary.  

The way "Couponing With Toni" broke it down is what I'm going with.  She maps her transactions not only by store but by digitals and paper coupons and her OOPs are still low. 

She simply goes for the powerful coupons and pairs them with store specials.  For example, Febreze and other items are BOGO currently.  She works with that to maximize her savings and build points.  

I realize I have a long ways to go still but a shorter way to arrive. I will use every resource I can to take advantage of the digitals I didn't use this weekend and the paper ones that await.

STARS: Reacting to a tragic situation

It is true that everyone grieves differently and handles tragedies in various ways. This is all well and good but you don't want it to resort to bad habits such as drinking or gluttony.  Here's how I handle these types of times, such as Challenger, 9/11 or a tragic loss, like that of my brother or a worldly loss such as losing Kobe Bryant earlier. 

I mediate and pray for a moment, and then I spend a short time talking with people that are experiencing and processing this loss.  This can be just a few hours. 

I then proceed to remove myself from the situation and occupy my mind. This can be from going to an outlet such as the coffee shop, the gym or the lab to write. I also use this time to clean and purge cluttered areas of my house and car. I also engage in weather appropriate activities such as swimming and yard care. I have found through at least 10 such events that my mind is clearer and ready to go. 

I have also tried burying myself in my work and achieving a goal.  This has had adverse effects on me so I have concluded that simple planning and goal setting is best for about a week or two. Many remember how during 9/11, everything seemed to pause for about a week or two. The timetable is not reverent but there must be adequate healing and recovery time. 

I have been able to come out of these situations stronger and more competent to handle life and its challenges. I have even been able to counsel and help others in this regard.  Often all people need is a listening ear. I have been this listening ear for all of last decade and I plan to be each decade that I live. 

STARS: Couponing Haul Update

I couponed for the first time in two months and for the first time this year. 

I went to Dollar General only just because I was limited in paper coupons. I plan on adding another account, watching more videos, using Walgreens more, and having no less than 3 PGs.  I hope that should cover it. 

I did fare better on my combo of paper and digital coupons than I had. OOP was only high because I needed stuff and didn't have coupons for everything. I am planning for February now. 

I have already targeted my items: Angel Soft toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, Dawn dish detergent, Gain laundry detergent, body wash (Dove or Irish Spring). I am really trying to take full advantage of the $5 off of $25 at DG and then utilize Walgreens to build points. I need vitamins and dental floss so items like this are easier to buy when my coupons aren't as plentiful and I can build points for the future. 

My OOP for February will be to save 70% off of my total purchase. I nearly saved 50% this weekend with barely any organization. Having a new DG near my home and several Walgreens will help me reach this goal. 

I am back to saving where I can so look out in 2020 and beyond for me!

STARS: Surviving the Graveyard Shift

I am writing my first blog post of 2020 as I celebrate 10 years of blogging. I will continue with the STAR method in regards to surviving working nights.  

Many people important to us work 3rd shift: law enforcement, medical professionals, security, hotel management, and retail. It's much quieter and laid back but please don't make the assumption that every job is a day job (although based on traffic, it feels like it.)

I wanted to make sure my sleep schedule was steady first, especially on my days off. I have a set time for going to bed and waking up. I do my best not to deviate from that.  

I also keep my caffeine supply steady and plentiful.  Quality coffee, organic energy and vitamins. I also have moved my exercise activities to the middle of the night. Less people in the gym but I am active and more productive.  

I also have minimal noise and interruptions before and when I am awake. I try to notify as many as possible that I work 3rd. This isn't to brag or show off as I did get a promotion at work.  I need my rest and I want to ensure I get it. 

Lastly, it's ok to nap but please don't make the mistake of sleeping all day or at crazy times. Get your consistent rest during the day and you can be fine.  I have found that falling asleep within 2-3 hours of me getting off from work is preferable for me. 

Ok that's the rundown and it has helped me survived the past 4 months. It will take a month or two for your carcadian rhythm to kick in but you can be fine also. Just make sure you stay encouraged and rest when you get off from work. 

My Ways Of Getting Self Care

Yes this is sort of a retread of a previous blog. I have added some things since, did further research and this is in alignment with the STAR method. 

I block off hours or a certain day or days for this to occur. I plan fun, relaxing outings where I don't think about work, my mother's health, or the other things that can be stressful. 

I also meditate and exercise during any free moment I can. Research indicates one must get a certain amount of intense exercise per week and I do my best to meet this expectation.  

I also spend one entire day making plans for the week: meals, clothes, and outings. This way, my hectic days can flow easier. 

I also take naps and spend my days off getting my sleep and rest. Trust me, it's not easy when you work nights but perhaps I will cover that later on in the future. 

Doing this has helped me to be more happy, productive, and positive.  I cannot forget refreshed. We all need breaks before we break. I hope this helps many of you do so. 

STARS: How To Combat the Flu Without The Shot

Many of you don't want or like taking the flu shot and that's okay.  There are plenty of other ways to prevent the flu from coming your way or fighting it once you already have it. 

I wash my hands thoroughly and I don't shake with just anyone. I am alone aware of who I breathe around, as I am of who I touch. Lysol and Clorox have also been good to me. 

I keep certain medicinal concoctions on me, even fresh fruits and vegetables. I have grown especially fond of white lightning (moonshine) and it is sold commercially in any liquor store around. It is better than any cold medicine out, although I keep Nyquil and others around. I also have local honey, lemons and orange juice.  

Best thing also I have found are rest and fluids like I mentioned above. 

Doing this has only had me congested a handful of times in 7 years and really sick maybe 4 times. I will gladly take those percentages.