Dumpster Diving for the first time

Yep, you read correctly.  And want to know what?  It was fun, fun, FUN! 

Got lots of what I was looking for and got it for FREE! 

This may just become my latest obsession - easily.

But before you get too grossed out, let me report that I was not diving for food.  Also, while I use the term "dumpster diving" I did not actually enter any dumpsters.  In fact, I didn't even have to touch any part of the dumpster receptacle because the stuff inside was piled to the rim and I could just skim whatever my heart desired from off the top.  Easy peasy.

So what was I scavenging for?  Why, coupons, of course! 

See, in this rural community in which I now live, there is no free community paper filled with coupons (as was the case in my old Tucson neighborhood); nor is there even a Sunday paper with coupons.  I do have a subscription to the twice weekly local paper (Tues/Fri).  HA! Yeah, I laughed (okay, cried) when I discovered this.  Also disappointing is that this paper only includes the P&G (Procter and Gamble) and Red Plum inserts.  And as any active Couponer knows, the Smart Source insert is where it's at.  Plus, it is vital to have multiples of each insert, especially when trying to take advantage of Catalina coupons which give a bigger payback for multiple purchases of each item.  Yeah, yeah, I'm getting too technical here. 

BOTTOM LINE: I need more coupon inserts and I'm not willing/able to pay for them.  It feels counterproductive to pay for them. 

True, I could ask friends/neighbors for their inserts (which I may do later), but why inconvenience others when I now know how to get 'em myself?  So, yes, DUMPSTER DIVING it is!  Woo hoo! 

Didn't have a camera during the actual escapade, but here's the stash collected in 20 minutes or less

And just so you aren't still too grossed out, I'll have to take a picture of the "dumpster" and show you that it's actually more of a wooden recycling shed (sounds nice, right?) that only takes newspapers and aluminum cans, most of which are bagged by the good citizens who recycle.  It doesn't smell and isn't sticky or dirty (well, maybe I just didn't notice because of the adrenaline rush that resulted from the sight of all those lonely coupons looking for a good home). 

Either way, today's first will certainly not be the last. 

Certainly an activity not for the faint of heart.  But if you're ever feeling adventurous (or too cheap to buy coupons, like me) give it a try!  You won't be disappointed!

ps. If you're interested in seeing my inspiration for this post visit the Krazy Coupon Lady here.

"FIRSTS"

Some Recent Firsts for me:

1. First time BLOGGING 

 Yes, I am kind of a dinosaur when it comes to social networking, technological prowess, etc. Oh well, texting and Facebook have only recently crept into my life and I'm fine with being a "late bloomer" when it comes to blogging too.  No love lost.  Never felt a reason to blog before now. 

Q: So why now? And what type of blog will this be? 

THE SHORT A:  

The blogging world has given me SO MUCH valuable and applicable information.  In appreciation, I too would like to share what I've learned and used to make my family life more wonderful.  

THE LONGER, CONDENSED A:

Things have been "tight" around our household lately and I've learned to be even more "chang" (a slang word used in Hawai'i to mean frugal - or okay, yes, a tightwad) and resourceful in recent months.  And by more chang, I mean not being able to do any thrift store shopping (a favorite past time), cutting back on couponing so that even a few quarters aren't wasted on non-essentials (essentials being food), washing out those gallon size plastic zip lock bags for reuse the way my momma does, etc.  Needless to say, we do not eat out at all anymore, travel plans are nil, and sometimes I do feel a tinge of jealously when I see others freely doing things that I know I can't afford to do anymore.  But the good that I've gained?  For starters: Resourcefulness and GRATITUDE for such.  I can now bake delicious bread entirely by hand, throw a kid's party complete with themed games, decor and pinata on a minimal budget, cook delicious meals completely from scratch (no more canned refried beans being used in dishes, I make it myself, baby!), sustain a vermicomposting system (a useful way to use earthworms to provide my garden with healthy organic compost), and so on.  And how have I gained all of this knowledge and skill?  From talented blog writers, of course.  In this blog, I will document my successes (and failures) of future "FIRSTS" - things that I learn and do based on "another man's genius" (recognize where this line comes from? hint: it's a book turned chick flick).  

Homemade monster pinata after taking a few beatings (forgot to take a before photo)

White monster cake, using a coloring page by One Charming Party found here.

CONTINUATION OF THE LONG A:

I have been blessed.  I am blessed.  Earlier today (and often throughout the past several months) I was feeling sorry for myself.  Even though only yesterday I was elated when I accomplished a goal and recognized that my Heavenly Father was blessing me so much.  So what did I do?  I stayed home from church and didn't exactly sulk, but it was selfish, nonetheless.  Well, after church, my friends (parents of 8, the eldest only 16) came over with a more than generous load of vegetables, fruits, homemade relish, apple juice, tortillas, etc.  Their thoughtful and exceedingly generous gift reminded me touched me to the core.  And more than the tangible gift, it was their words of support and understanding for which I am grateful.  So this blog will also serve as a venue for me to share my appreciation for all of my many blessings.  Thank you, Heather (and Joe), for your charity and "lesson of the onion" (a story of appreciation and blessings that I may share at a later time). 

2. First POST

Hooray!  Not sure how I was supposed to begin, but I have to start somewhere so this is it!

3. First HOMEMADE BABY SHOWER GIFT

With limited finances, I had to dig deep and get to work. Alas, procrastination got the best of me and this is how my weekend was spent: Friday night - searching the Internet for projects that were 1) for a baby boy 2) cute 3) functional and useful for the Mom-to-be 4) possible to complete in 1 day, and 5) I had to have all of the supplies already on hand.  Saturday - cut, iron, sew, repeat (several times).  Phew!  (Okay, so yes, I did have perhaps one minor panic attack.  And I may have been somewhat less than pleasant to be around - so sorry family!  Thanks for your patience)

What I made: Small plush fabric beach ball, courtesy of The Purl Bee, Fabric basket (for stashing little baby things like binkies or socks) inspired by these "fabruckets", embellished burp/diaper cloth, and a very functional stay-put bib made out of a "bapron" pattern by Craftiness is Not Optional, found here on UCreate.





Took about 4 hours to cut and sew.  Totally enjoyable sewing these items for the first time and very rewarding seeing the end result.

A great weekend of FIRSTS for me.

What is to come? More firsts including yogurt making, cheese making, and later down the line, raising chickens and other farm animals!  Woo hoo! 

Soon I'll post my newly revised "bucket list" which I am actually more excited about than any old one (which was filled primarily with exotic vacation destinations - very shallow, yes).   I can't wait to try new things inspired by others tips and tutorials!

Thank you for stopping by!