old picture but it was the only one of me in front of the camera


It kinda tickles me at the numberย  of emails I get each week asking questions about me and how I shop.ย  I love running into readers at the store –it is so much fun.ย  I met a reader named Sara the other day andย she had me rolling!! She was just so excited to see me actually shopping.ย  She said it reminded her of how she felt when she wasย little and saw a teacher at the store–you know kinda amazed to see themย outside of the classroom.ย  I thought about it and I guess I have never really sat down and introduced myself to all of you. So I thought I would take a few minutes to tell you about me…
Most of you know that my name is Michelle.ย  I am a 30 something stay at homeย mom to two very busyย boys-Jake (4 years old) and Jeb (2 years old).ย  I have a wonderful husband who works hard to provide a comfortable living for us.ย  Right after Jake was born we decided to move to a less populated area ofย metro Atlantaย so that we could build the home we wanted but not break the bank!!ย  Before we moved I was less than a mile from my closest Publix–now I drive almost 20 minutes to get to the closest store!ย  I am just now beginning to get used to the fact that to get anywhere requires some majorย drive time!ย  I doย think we have the best of both worlds…out here things are not as hectic and rushed–but if we miss the hustle and bustle we can be in downtown Atlanta in 45 minutes.
I have several advanced degrees in Education and Psychology and before having children I was a Behavior Specialist.ย I loved working with kids and still do consults a couple of times per month.ย ย When Iย decided to stop working outside the home, I became much more conscious of the money that I was spending.ย  I remember coming home from the grocery store where I had spent well over $200ย for a week’s worth ofย groceries and essentials.ย  As I unloaded the groceries I watched a gal on TV explain how she got hundreds of dollars worth of groceries for almost nothing!ย ย My jaw hit the floor!!ย  That same day I got online and started researching and learning about the world of extremeย “crazy couponers”.ย That was the last time I paid full price for groceries and the day that my way of thinking completely changed!ย  Since then I have been on TV a few times, in a few magazines and started my websites where I share deals with all of you!ย 
I consider myself a smart person–you can ask me anything about the science of behavior or child development and I will have an answer for you. But…computers and websites…NO CLUE!!ย  The start of my freshman year of college– I showed up with a typewriter!!ย  I am not exactly sure why one day I just up and decided to start a blog??ย  Hello–I had no clue about HTML, CSS, widgets, buttons and permalinks!!ย ย  I am the farthest thing possible from a computer pro!!ย  Somehow, I managed to set my sites up but honestly everything you see is a work in progress!!ย Gradually I have taught myself a few things here and there and I learn something new every week!!ย  ย Some things I have learned via trial and error and others I have learned thanks to some fellow bloggers who were kind enough toย show a complete novice!!ย 
On average I spend a couple of hours each day here at the computer.ย  While I love to bring you guys all the best deals…my kids and family come first.ย  I keep my boys very busy!! I want to make sure they are active and get lots of social exposure.ย  I have learned to become a master multi-tasker ๐Ÿ™‚ย  One of the best things about being a blogger is that I can do it from almostย anywhere.ย  Often I am hittingย spell checkย as I give myย boys a push on the swing or publishing a great deal on my way out the door to soccer practice!ย 
I had to giggle today as a reporter who is featuring I Heart Publix in her article called today wanting a professional head shot for the article!!ย ย Professional headshot…I stuggled to find a picture where my hair was not in a pony tail ๐Ÿ˜€ย tee hee!!ย  I consider myself a typical mom.ย  I am busy from the moment I wake up until my head hits the pillow every night!ย There is rarely a moment that I am not doing something–but you know I think that is also my personality.ย  I have never been the type to sit and veg in front of the TV.ย  I think I would be bored if I were not in constant motion!!
Many of you email asking why you don’t see meat on my list each week or why you have never seen a toothbrush on my weekly totals list.ย  Well, I have been couponing for a while so I have a great stockpile that I add to each week.ย  I do buy meat– but usually not every week.ย  When it is on sale I buy large amounts so that I have time to wait for the next sale.ย  Not long ago I stocked my freezer with over 40 pounds of meat so unless there is a great deal, you will not see meat on my list for a while!!ย ย  As for health, beauty and cleaning items–I have plenty to last for quite a while so unless it is free or I will make me money…I don’t buy it!!ย 
Lets see…I love flowers, I hate doing laundry, my favorite color is red, I need to lose weight, I am finding more and more grey hair every day, I talk a lot, I love to shop, most days my hair is pulled up and the days where I would not go out of the house without makeup has come and gone.ย  I love using emoticons in my post ๐Ÿ˜€ Just like anyone I have feelings and I don’t like it when people say mean things to me or jump on me when I make a mistake.ย  I love the fact that so many of you send me emails about your great savings and let me know when you find a great deal.ย  I also love the fact that when I do make a mistake so many of you will stand up for me and remindย the meaniesย that I am only human!ย  I am thankful for all the wonderful friendships I have developed thanks to my jump into the world of blogging and I appreciate all of you who take the time to come visit my site everyday–it is what makes it all worth it!!