Couponing?

Today as I was flipping through the tv channels I came across the Extreme Couponing show on TLC. I must say I was hooked on it. It totally amazes me how a person can go into the store and buy $1200 worth of groceries for only $.56.  Sadly in Alaska they don't do double Couponing, at least not that I can find. So the odds of me ever being able to get that good of a deal is not going to happen so long as I live in Alaska. However while watching the show my husband was not as impressed with the show.  While I do agree with him for the most part I can see the "want" or the feeling of a "need" to stockpile groceries.  I think many people who extreme coupon are completely addicted to the amount of items that they can get for a minimal cost or for free.  I like to think if I were getting those kinds of deals I would be donating large amounts to a church or shelter.  (Please keep in mind that I do not know or pretend to know if any of the extreme couponers on the tv show donate or not.) I have done a small amount of research for couponing in Alaska and as I accumulate more info I will be sharing for the rest of you.  I have much to learn but I am like a sponge. :) I have decided that another goal for 2013 will be to learn to coupon and to save as much money as I can to hopefully prove a point to my husband that couponing is a good thing. Perhaps I will save enough money to pay for a vacation. We shall see what 2013 bring.

Let the Couponing begin!

~Kari

To be a kid...

My 6 year old got ice skates, hockey stick and hockey puck from his Granny and Grandad for Christmas. I can't begin to explain how much he loves these! He has been wearing them around the house non stop for the past 3 days.  So far we've only had one slight casualty, when he stepped on Daddy's little toe.  Lets just say it's a good thing we didn't get them sharpened.....lol.  He spent several hours with Daddy out on the rink today learning how to skate, I think he's a natural skater.  If it were up to him he would be out there all day long.  I have a feeling 2013 is going to start off with some serious weight loss and lots of playing outside.  I hope to be able to catch up to his never ending amount of energy.

Happy sledding!

~Kari

Gifts ~ homemade or store bought

As the holiday season comes to an end it is the perfect time to take advantage of the sales on everything from the gifts to the materials to make the gifts. I did a little bit of shopping yesterday and I was able to stock up on a few small gifts to keep on hand for those last minute needs.  Not to mention a few good picks for teacher gifts for next year.

It is my plan this year to start early and hand make many gifts for next year. I have found so many wonderful ideas for hand crafted gifts (thank you Pinterest).  I thought I would get them done this year, but let's face it, I am not super woman even though sometimes I think I am.  It just seems that the time slips away so quickly.  Of course we have been on the go literally since at least August. This is my year to slow down.... Lol! We shall see how that turns out.

For those of you who enjoy crafting be sure to take advantage of those online coupons.  You can find apps for your smartphone as well.  Many places will take competitors coupons.  In fact JoAnns will let you use more than one coupon at a time.  So if you have a JoAnns coupon and a Michaels coupon you can use them both, just not on the same item.  Here in Alaska there is o Hobby Lobby (complete sin if you ask me) but JoAnns will honor a Hobby Lobby coupon! I never would have guessed had I not been talking to one of the employees there.  So you combine that little tid bit with the after Christmas sales and you can make some serious scores!

Happy crafting!

~Kari

2012 Coming to an end

2012 has been a busy year for my family.  We have moved twice, one of which was a relocation to Alaska from Washington.  There have been many ups and downs this year, but we are thankful for every one of them.  We have decided to try to slow down a bit for 2013, I hope that I can do it.  Slowing down isn't really something I am good at.

2013 will bring new recipes, crafts, ideas, family time, weight loss and fun (not in that particular order).  It will also bring the beginning of Sweet Addictions, location: Alaska.  I am excited for the new adventure in our lives.

This blog won't be about one particular topic, it is about my life and the things going on.  Sit back and enjoy the ride and see that your life isn't the only crazy event out there!