Hello.... It's been a while! ... Why Coupon?

              So my last post was in September, but I am constantly getting views from Pinterest. (Who doesn't love Pinterest?!) I frequently plan to update my blog but somehow always without fail run out of time. Every week I try something new, and optimistically think to myself "I'll get to it." Pretty soon it is the following Monday and I am on to next. *Sigh* This all falls in line with one (of many) resolutions... stick to things! I feel like so often I start a project, and somehow never finish it. Think to yourself... what have you started with great enthusiasm but failed to finish? Is it too late to complete?
             Back to the topic of my blog, I had named it Will Teach for Coupons never planning to write about coupons but due to the fact that I love to coupon! Friends and coworkers always ask me, "How do you find the time to coupon?!" I spend about two hours a weekend planning... I have a few TV shows that I watch and it is during this time, I sprawl out on the floor, go to my favorite coupon websites and get to work clipping and sliding the coupons in my coupon binder.

My coupon binder side view... filled with SAVINGS!

My favorite coupon websites:
* Hip2Save - here I find a little bit of everything from grocery store list to even online sales! If you have never couponed, Colin, the blog owner, has videos that explains everything!
* TotallyTarget- a blog devoted completely to Target!
* Southern Savers- a blog that has coupon matchups for Harris Teeter!

It was due to these three websites, that I have grown into a expert growing expert  in the coupon field! :)

Other websites that help me save money:
* Ebates (this is a referral link, help a girl out ;)  )  - a "cash back website" no strings attached! I just loaded this into my browser. Anytime I purchase anything online- Amazon, Sephora, etc... Ebates offers a certain percentage cash back sometimes up to 40%. Even better just for using it ONCE, you are able to get a free $10 Target (or other store) giftcard. With my Christmas shopping done online I saved....

I will get a check on Feb for over 34 dollars! Woohoo- this does not include the Target gift card I received just for signing up. 

* Slickdeals- awesome website updated by the minute with great deals found online from makeup, clothes, to even electronics!

Today I used coupons at Harris Teeter and Target! My Target "haul" below was $12 after a combination of Target store coupons and manufacturer coupons. Seeing as the shampoo retails for $3.99 each, tooth supplies $2.99 each, deodorant $7.99, pencils $1.50, and the vitamins $9 EACH.... this was a great savings! :) I do not have a picture of my HT "haul" but my total was originally $70 and went down to $25... another great haul.

Lastly... why do I coupon? I coupon to continue buying the things I like. I coupon to be able to go out to eat once a week and enjoy myself. I also like clothes from Target, Ann Taylor Loft, and even Modcloth... this all helps to have enough money to be stylish attempt to be stylist. Lastly, I coupon because I love it. I am not one of those "extreme couponers" seen on TV that save 100% each time and spend hours shopping at the store. I don't think all of those people are realistic seeing as most stores have limits of 4 per like item with coupon.... So even though I don't save 100% of my money, I'd say even a 50% savings, an extra $100  a week equals almost an extra $5k a year in savings.

 I look forward to updating this blog with not only teacher related fun and free lessons but updates on my adventure to be frugal while still living in style! ;)

I'd love if you'd comment below... do you coupon? How often? Where do you get your coupons? If not, have you ever wanted to? What is the one thing that has held you back?