Catch of the Day: 2 POUNDS OF FREE SHRIMP!

Today was just another typical day in the life of me, Jen, a 37-year-old mom of 4...here in Northern Virginia...trying to stretch every last dollar we have in order to feed our family of six. I decided to start this blog, because, as an out-of-work technical writer and former journalist, I realized that my job as of late, has been full-time cost-cutter and creative saver. I am learning the fine-art of finding the best deals in town: finding out how to get free gift cards or food for transferring prescriptions; where to sell your clothes and items to make an extra buck at consignment stores; where the best detergent for your dishwasher in town is (that plumbers recommend) - that only costs - a buck! And, when times are really tough, where you can find food banks to access. I will take you on my daily adventures. I can maybe help you find deals; and you will help me by sharing in my journey...

Let us begin...

Today, my 12-year-old son got off the bus. I told him to jump in the car as I was headed to the consignment store in Gainesville. I had 37 items to consign. He grabbed a snack and we headed over to the store. There, I gave the nice manager at Stuff Consignment the spoils of my latest "spring cleaning": a slew of Ann Klein skirts and other clothes from two seasons ago that are two sizes too small for me; some spring dresses that may never fit again, a half-dozen name-brand pairs of shoes that I never wear, a bunch of DVDs I don't watch, books I never read but drag around every time we move, and some kids clothing. Whatever I sell there, I will make 60%. I pick up my check each month on the 10th. I didn't drop off much last month, so alas, my check tomorrow will only be for 20 bucks. But hey, that's grocery money, right?

Speaking of which, after leaving the consignment store, Colin and I stopped by Giant. Did you know that this week in the Haymarket/Gainesville area that there is a major special going on? If you transfer any of your prescriptions (ANY) to them for a refill, you get either 2 pounds of shrimp, free Salmon, or free Talapia? So, I headed in with my husband's empty prescription bottle in hand. I spent ten dollars on his co-pay, and the free shrimp was on sale this week for 15 bucks. Do you see the beauty in this? Also, be sure to stop by the seafood section because they are giving away samples of Old Bay seasoning in packets too; yummy.

While we waited for the perscription to be finished, my oldest son and I had a chat. He wanted to know how I spent my day. I told him how I fed the "babies" (my 2-year-old and my 13-month-old) and put them for nap, that his step-day (my husband) watched them while he was working from home. This allowed me to go to "The Very Thing." This is the other consignment store in the area. I dropped off a bunch of jewelry there, some candlestick holders, etc. and other items.

Then, I stopped at Bloom grocery store in Haymarket, VA, to get a few things to have for lunch. I was so excited to tell oldest son about my great buy there, and I am excited to tell you too readers. He loves food; but his food is sometimes soooo expensive because he can't eat wheat or gluten. He has Celiac disease. So, I was in Bloom today, and I had to go to the bathroom. On the way there, I notice they have this "discount" bin. Well, you know all grocery stores have these bins? They are usually hidden away on the way to the bathroom or off to the side. They have products for like 50% off sometimes. Well they had this Koala Chocolate Gluten Free Krispie cereal he likes that is normally like over 5 dollars and I never buy it. But it was 50% off! So I did! 2.50! My weak bladder was his good fortune!

Then, I went down the wrong aisle at one point. I was in a hurry looking for minute rice; I wanted to make minute rice to go with the free shrimp (that I got from yesterday's prescription at Giant) for my husband's lunch. I wanted to get home before the "babies" woke up. So, I went down the wrong aisle and guess what? Keurig coffee is on sale at Bloom this week! I got so excited, because I love coffee and I love a good deal. It is like 2 dollars off. I think it was down to $5.99. I have 2 coupons in my organizer that came out in the local papers last week for $1.50 off two package. If you have that coupon too, get yourself to Bloom. I know I am going to go back tomorrow. That will make the K-cup coffee like $4.50 per box! Pretty amazing and almost the price of one Grande Latte at Starbucks. Think about it.

Well, when my oldest son and I came home with our spoils from Giant, my daughter, age 10, was excited to see me and excited to see more groceries. Tonight will be pizza night; in the old days that meant calling an actual restaurant and waiting for it to arrive. Now that we live on one salary, it meant I popped the frozen pizza in the oven and made a gluten free one for my oldest son and stuck some waffles in the toaster for the "babies." But, fun was had by all and no one went to bed hungry, so I can rest easy - at least for tonight.

Until we meet again. My recessionary tale will continue tomorrow.

Jen