The Look of Thrift

Chace came to the door as I returned from my couponing adventure the other day and was greeted by a very giddy wife. "Look at me!" I exclaimed triumphantly, juggling 60 rolls of toilet paper. "Do you know what this is? This is the look of thrift."

I used to be skeptical about couponing and those who engaged in it, promptly disposing of all those annoying ads from the mail pile and believing that the only things one could get a really killer deal on were things like twinkies and kool aid. However, I've since seen the light and taken up the hobby, thanks to the examples of some couponers of my acquaintance who I know wouldn't touch Twinkies or kool aid with a ten-foot pole. And now, having felt for myself the exhilaration of walking out of a store knowing that I have not only saved, but MADE money on my bags and bags of lute, I'm hooked!

So, in case you, Gentle Reader, share my old skepticism, I have a challenge for you: a check, generously donated by Schick, for the value of $7.99 to the reader who can guess how much money I spent on all of this:

Now, mind you, I'm just a novice, and I haven't yet mastered the art of paying nothing out of pocket. So for the sake of this little game, please guess the net amount of money that I spent (after rebates, catalinas, register rewards, etc.) Please round to the nearest dollar--no haggling over pennies! Also, no duplicates. If someone else already guessed "your" guess, add/subtract a dollar. And if, perchance, you're questioning whether or not it's worth your time and energy to play this little game for a prize of a mere $7.99, I beg you to do so anyway. After I tell you how much I spent, you'll realize just how far $7.99 can get you!

The winner will be announced Monday. Take luck!

* As I spell-check this post, I'm told that "couponing", "couponer" and "catalina" are not words. Yes, I know dear Spell-check. It's all new to me too.