I wanted to share with you Karen’s post of items she donated to young men entering a group home.  This is such a wonderful way to share what we have been blessed with and show how our “crazy” coupon habits can not only benefit our family but those in need. Seeing the picture reminds me of one reason I enjoy couponing.  I hope you all find this post inspirational and let it serve as a reminder to us all that we have the power and means to help those in need!

Karen paid $35.90 for everything pictured!  Her estimate of the retail cost for the above items is $250.00!!! 
See a breakdown of her purchases HERE.

Karen would like to put together a women’s donation next and asks for recommendations of local organizations to make her donation to.  Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Karen blogs over at The Coupon Queens of Hampton Roads where she and 2 other frugal ladies post their purchases and tips for all to see

You should read THIS post by The Krazy Coupon Lady on What to do if a Catalina Doesn’t Print.  You’re even provided with a number to call if you have issues in the store.  I know some of you have had problems recently with this.

I just read a great guest post over at Money Saving Mom.  Head on over there to check it out!  Post written by Danelle Ice from Home Ever After.

Since it is a New Year, many people find it’s time to clean out the old and start fresh. MrsMoneysaver has been hosting “Junk It 2010” on her blog.  She’s going through the rooms and clearing out the unused. Here are some of my reasons for Losing The Clutter:

1. I just feel BETTER when I’m not staring at a bunch of stuff! When the kids toys are all over the house, papers are scattered about the kitchen counter, or there’s too many clothes to fit into the closet (yes, I now have that problem since moving and losing my Gigantic closet). I feel frazzled!

2. There’s less to clean! Do you really need All 10 years of the kids’ sports pictures framed on the table? Or a photo from every birthday? Do you need an entire collection of “Cherished Teddy’s” on the bookcase? No! Keep your favorites and stash the rest or switch them out. Just don’t throw them in a box in the closet creating a whole NEW problem.  I Hate to dust, so the less I have to clean or look at, The Better.

3. You can better appreciate what you do have. Once I realized I couldn’t see the kids’ pictures because there were so many frames; I knew it was time to reassess. I picked my favorites to leave out and switch periodically with new photos. I also made a collage frame to hang on the wall. This even works for the kids! I rotate toys so they don’t get old. After a couple months of not playing with Lego’s the kids are all over them again instead of just letting them collect dust in the corner. 

4.  You can make money at a yard sale or a site like Craigslist.  Once the kids outgrow an outfit it immediately goes in the yard sale/donate box.  Toys the kids are too old for or just aren’t interested in playing with go too.  I am constantly adding to the container with items I find around the house that we no longer use.

When there’s less to clean, pickup, and stress over you can spend more time relaxing with family.

Have a tip for Losing The Clutter? Leave a comment