Torn

I decided to start couponing again in October. I subscribed to The Grocery Game a couple of years ago, but decided it wasn't really worth the cost. Now there are so many couponing blogs where you can get the information for free, so I decided to give couponing another try. My initial purpose was to help grow our food storage without having to increase our grocery budget. I soon found coupons for all kinds of things I never knew coupons existed for. I was able to give Madeline a pretty sweet Christmas of $1 Disney movies, and extremely discounted toys. I was hooked.

Now I'm feeling torn and unsettled about the whole thing again. I would really love to simplify my life, slow down, and find more enjoyment during the day. I don't think stops at 5 grocery stores a week is in my definition of simplicity. I've also rededicated myself to cook more from scratch, in part thanks to the two lovely cookbooks I received for Christmas and have been reading at any spare moment. (A little bit nerdy, I know, but I really love cookbooks). So, I really shouldn't need to buy all of the prepackaged stuff most of the coupons are for.

Ah, but that wonderful feeling I get when I know I've gotten a REALLY good deal. I'm afraid I inherited it from my mom. And the sense of relief I get when I open the freezer to find an already prepared frozed meal or treat, when I don't have time to cook. And the joy of eating an ice cream bar that I wouldn't have otherwise bought, but I know I got for free.

Is it worth the time, effort, and cost of a weekly Sunday paper? The jury's still out...