What is your first name? Ellen
Tell us a little about your family~ I have married to my dh, Wes for about 4 1/2 years we have 3 girls and a boy and 3 grandkids between us. We have our 24 year old, Brittany, she has our 3 grandkids, Anthony,5, Ashlyn, 4, and Avery almost 2. Then we have my son, Kevin he is 22, my dd, Elizabeth she is 19 and my other bonus dd, Trish she is 16. We have 8 dogs ranging between 120 lb, bull dog to a 5 lb Long Haired Dauchsen. They are We have 6 cats, a bird, Ziggy and a rabbit, Fluffly. Many of these animals have been rescue animals and we love them just like they are our children also.
How did you find Mommysavers? I was cruising through the internet way back when looking for money saving tips and ideas and found mommysavers. Little did I know how much one website would change our lifestyle and way of thinking.
Have you ever met another Mommysaver? No I have never met any mommysavers, but would love to, I am hoping now that I have moved to a more civilized area that I may get a chance to meet in person some of these great women that I get the privilege to be internet friends with.
How many coupons do you use on a regular basis? I don't use a whole lot of coupons on a regular basis, cause I don't buy much of what is offered in coupons. I buy mostly basic staples for the kitchen and cook from scratch. I do use alot of TP coupons when items are on sale. Plus I shop at Aldi's mostly now so I can't use coupons.
What’s the most you have ever saved using coupons? My biggest saving was at Winn Dixie before I had an Aldi's within reach of me. I shop monthly instead of weekly so my bill is rather high, this time between coupons and BOGO FREE I had a $600 grocery bill and only paid around $400. It was well over $200 in savings. It was very exciting.
How do you keep your coupons organized? I DON"T. Shame on me. I have been having a hard time figuring this one out. I have tried several different methods and haven't come up with a good one yet.
What was your most recent "bargain"? We traded my brother in law a broken riding lawn mower that we couldn't use any more for a Chevy Blazer for my ds to drive. He Drove it for almost 3 years and then when he got a new truck we sold it for $1500. I would say so far that has been our biggest deal.
What have you done to save money this week? I take my lunch to work with me, including a bottle of water, so that I won't buy ANYTHING.
What do you consider a way of life that others think is a crazy way to save? I make my own Laundry Soap, have been doing this for a little over 2 years now. I have figured I have saved about $1600 since I started doing this. Alot people say it isn't worth the time, but it takes me 10 minutes or so every couple of weeks to make a batch, so I don't see that it isn't worth it. It would take me longer to go to the store to buy a jug of soap. My clothes come out just as clean and smell even better than store bought laundry soap.
What is your favorite store in which to find bargains? I love to shop at Thrift Stores.
What is your favorite online site to find bargains? I like to get books off of Amazon. I know I can rent books from the library, and I do, but if I find a book that I really want to own then I have found I can get it cheaper through Amazon. I love books and like to have them around me.
What is the best deal you ever found (even if it wasn’t at your favorite store)? I joined a gym this week for $20 a month. I have a personal trainer, unlimited gym use, unlimited tanning and massages also. I really need to lose about 40 lbs, the weight is starting to effect my health and ability to function like I use to, so I thought it was worth it. I have been trying to do it on my own at home, but wasn't having much motivation. So far I have dropped about 8 lbs in the last couple of weeks and have more energy this week than I have had in a very long time.
What is your best money saving tip? MAKE YOUR OWN LAUNDRY SOAP. http://mommysavers.com/boards/money-...soap-huge.html
What is your favorite frugal meal? A box of 50 cent Mac & Cheese with a pound of Fried Hamburger mixed in. Homemade Hamburger Helper. My family loves it.
If you had $10 to spend on yourself (you and you alone) what would you buy? If I wasn't trying to lose weight I would buy me a mountain of Reeses Cups.
, but since I am on a diet I can not be doing that so I would either buy some fabric or candles.Do you have a hobby? I love to craft, Sewing is my biggest, but I love to do crocheting, crossstitch, and many other types of crafts. I even dabble in the scrapbooking thing and would like to find the time to do a little more. I also love to read and ride motorcycle with my dh.
This is my newest finished project. Recycled old livingroom pillows with new, bright covers. I love them, they brighten up the whole room.
What is your favorite frugal tip? No Window Shopping then you won't be tempted and you won't know what you are missing out on. Don't be like the Jones's, be yourself. Money doesn't buy happiness.
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Mommysaver of the Week is a fun way for us to get to know the Mommysavers members. You can volunteer to be featured, or you can even nominate someone! Please PM 2bearsmom for more information!
