WOW! You guys are inspirational! I've read a ton on simple living and how to simplify your life. It looks like you hit on almost everything! I agree about the not shopping thing. You go in for one thing and come out with a cart full. How does that happen? I go through the Sun. ads and mark good deals. I then compare them with the coupons I have and make a list of who has what at what cost. Then, I make a trip every day or so to one of the places and pick up the good deals. One time, General Mills cereal was 3/$6. Then I had coupons for more off and got them for a steal. My husband finally put up a rack in the basement so I can stockpile and save money when it's possible. He thought I was crazy until I saved 35% last week on groceries. I'm much more aware of this stuff than I was a year ago.

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In our house...family of nine:

No long distance on lanlines b/c we have cell phones
No eating out b/c too expensive for a big family....eating at home is better.
No sodas or coffee 4 me....just plain water,kool aid
No use of oven/stove during the summer...we grill all the time or microwave foods and left overs, use of crock pot.
No use of washing machine/dryer after 9 pm...so that why I am up still..washing clothes.
No abuse on the a/c thermostats...meaning we can not touch it. We have ceiling fans running in the house
No excessive/impluse shopping...meaning buy what we use/need in the house. Buy what is on sale, use coupons when possible.
No candy, gum in the house...bad for kids teeth. Man...dental bills...are crazy in this house.

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My JSEVENS: JJ, Jaren, Jocelyn, Jamie, Jasmine, Jordan
"Mom of Seven...Darn Proud"