Motivation Monday - Saving Money

I have a great giveaway to kick off our week...

This book was one of many donated to our school. I just finished reading it and highly recommend it. It has a ton of great ideas and tips and they aren't all about cutting coupons. All you have to do is leave me a comment saying you would love to have a copy of this book and be a follower on GFC (Google Friend Connect) to be eligible to win. You will have until Saturday, April 16th at midnight eastern time to enter. I will select a winner using Random.org and announce the winner next Monday here at TMS.

I admit it, I'm horrible about using coupons to save on groceries. I've tried and tried and tried again, but I just don't have time for searching and clipping and printing - or I guess I should say I just don't like to deal with it all, because we can all find the time to do what we really want to do.

It can be very difficult while working full time to fit in everything I should be doing, but if I'm not at work or working on our home renovations I'd rather spend that little teeny bit of extra time I have on things I enjoy doing...

Is this worth missing out on to save a few extra dollars? No, not to me. I get a triple benefit  - exercise while walking the beach, experiencing the beauty of nature, and enjoying two of my favorite hobbies photography and then blogging about it - all stress relieving and healing for the mind, body and spirit.

I guess it comes down to balance and personal preference. I find other ways to save - I shop and stock up at the buy one free sale each week at my local grocery store, I buy most meats in bulk and then cut them myself, which saves a huge amount, and I menu plan using what I have on hand and what's on sale for the week...

Visit me at Seaside Simplicity to see how to make this simple 30 minute meal.

This was under $20 for 8 servings by shopping the sales.

In other areas I save by not shopping. I could care less about designer brands, and I'm somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to clothing.  I am our built in hair salon, I cut the guys hair, and color and cut my own. I do my own manicures, pedicures, eyebrows and facials. I drive an economy car, do errands on my way home from work instead of making another trip, and I stay away from stores, catalogs and online browsing unless there is something I really need.

Do you have some money saving tips to share this week?

 Wishing you a Motivated Monday!