Joyfully Thriving

Grace-Filled Frugal Living

Coupons, Part 2

Organizing Coupons Now, it’s time to organize your coupons. There are many ways to organize coupons. As with all things, you need to develop a system that works for you. I use a small Tupperware box that I bought. I’ve expanded past the point of an expandable coupon file, but that is a great way for beginners to start! Shoeboxes also work well. In my coupon box, I have mini folders / envelopes that sort and divide my coupons. Here’s a picture of my coupon box. What do you want your coupon box to be? Sorting Your Coupons The next question you must decide is how you want to sort … Read More...

Kitchen Shortcuts

I love to bake! I always have. I love to bake so much that for our first anniversary, my husband bought me a new set of pots and pans...and I was thrilled!  My love of baking is probably due to the fact that many of my memories of my Mother are in the kitchen. She is a wonderful cook and taught me so much. I am blessed with grandmothers who cook just as wonderfully, and now a mother-in-law, who is also an excellent cook. To me, cooking is a way to show how much I care, as the women in my family continue to show daily. It’s a labor of love. The dishes aren’t always necessarily as much fun, but … Read More...

One Year

A lot can happen in one year - especially in one year of marriage. Today is my first wedding anniversary. Yes, already, I know! A year ago, I joyfully married my husband, Andy. We both waited awhile to find one another, but it was worth every moment of waiting. You see, Andy and I are both blessed with wonderful marriage examples in our parents, grandparents as well as many of our aunts and uncles. We knew marriage was worth waiting for, so wait we did. One year ago, we were gathered with many dear family and friends, who came from many states to celebrate with us. One year ago, we sang … Read More...

Coupons, Part 1

Introduction to Coupons Coupons – the tool of all good bargain hunters. I learned this skill from my Mom. When we were little, my sister and I used to help Mom clip coupons. Later, she allowed us to help sort out the coupons that were expired. Every time we went to the store, Mom always had her coupon box with her. It is no wonder that as soon as I was out on my own, I created my own coupon box. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it takes a bit of organization. To me, the rewards of saving money are well worth the time spent preparing and organizing my coupons. Couponing has certainly changed – … Read More...

You Might Be a Lutheran if…

I am a Lutheran. I was born to a Lutheran pastor and his Lutheran school teacher wife. I was baptized, confirmed and married in a Lutheran church. I attended Lutheran grade school, high school and college. I teach in a Lutheran school. I am blessed with a Lutheran heritage - simply put, a love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the knowledge that He is the only way to heaven. I am daily thankful that we are saved by grace, not by works. I know the beliefs of Lutherans and I also know the quirks of Lutherans. We are a lovable bunch, even if we are hesitant to embrace change! For this … Read More...

Welcome!

Welcome to my new website! If you are here, at this point, it is most likely that you know me. You may be one of my siblings, my parents, my in-laws, my cousins, my aunts or uncles, a college friend or former parent of my students. Whatever the reason, I'm glad you are here! Thank you for taking the time to explore my website. This website began as a thought over three years ago, sitting at the kitchen table with my cousins Mike and Bethany Hanel. We were having one of our monthly get-togethers in Milford, Ohio, when the talk turned to frugal finds and bargain shopping. We shared and talked … Read More...

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