So it’s official. Another year of going a little over budget and again, I’m not disappointed one bit. {$1907.34 / $158.95 a month to be exact} It was a crazy year with 2 remodeling projects, traveling, sending The Girl off to college, living without a kitchen for 6 weeks and surviving a huge move for our family. I think averaging $159 a month is pretty dang good. Because let’s face it, now that era of Extreme Couponing is over and food prices are on the rise, feeding my family for $100 a month is not realistic. But even if extreme couponing was possible at the level it was a few years ago, I wouldn’t be doing it like I was when the $100 a month idea was born.
I simply don’t want to feed my family that way anymore. Couponing restricted our diets, and I just wasn’t okay with those restrictions for our family. I know many people still coupon like crazy, and there is still so much good that can come from that. But extreme couponing just wasn’t working for our family anymore. Not only were we eating more processed food than ever before, but I was driving all over Timbukto to score a deal, spending hours clipping, planning and executing my shopping trips. I’m just ready to simplify {more on my BIG idea for next year that will allow me to do just that is coming soon.}.
Don’t get me wrong. There was some great satisfaction in knowing I was saving my family so much money. I mean for three years in a row I provided snacks for one of my kid’s sports teams every. single. week. And I did so happily, because in a weird sort of way, it gave my extreme couponing hobby a sort of purpose. But it’s not a hobby I find joy in anymore. I’d much prefer to throw my energy into canning or spend those hours in my garden.
People change. Situations change. Does that mean the name of my blog will be changing? No!
Most people could not feed their family like I do. I realize my situation is unique in that I occasionally get free meat from my Zaycon credit, or some free products from Amazon using Swagbucks. This site is a lot of work and more than a full-time job, so I do look at those things as job-related benefits. But I do see how, to my readers who do not have those things available to them and/or do not coupon to an extreme degree, feeding their family for $100/month is unrealistic.
I use my site, and have since its inception, as a personal online journal. In the beginning it was just family keeping tabs on me and then it grew and grew. I never anticipated that, but it has been so much fun to see it grow and virtually “meet” so many faithful readers {and some in real life as well}. But even as it grew, I stuck to the same format and I never switched up the journal mentality, meaning I still used it to record my life and purchases.
The only difference is that now thousands are watching me do it. I have tried to add some great features that I think help my readers in numerous ways, but the overall hope is that, while most can’t duplicate the way I feed my family and shop, they will be able to pick up tips that can be helpful to them; tips that would help the Average Joe family save a buck or two {or even hundreds}.
A lot of the ways I save that you can easily duplicate in your home are discussed in this post: How to Save BIG on Your Grocery Bill. They work and they will save you money. You, like me, might not be able to feed your family for $100 a month anymore, but you will be able to significantly lower or maintain a small grocery budget, and feed your family a pretty healthy diet!
So while I will still strive to implement those things, my focus next year is going to shift just a bit. I’m SUPER excited to announce my plans for next year. It’ll be an all new journey towards simplicity, unlike anything I think has been attempted before. Stay tuned because I’d love for you to be by my side every step of this new adventure.
andrea d says
have always enjoyed your blog for more than just the money saving aspect. it’s fun to get a peek into how others do life and when it comes with craft, gardening, canning, and other tips it’s a bonus. all your job-related benefits are well deserved. looking forward to seeing your blog in 2015!
Becky says
I have enjoyed your posts, and found them to be very inspiring. I never came close to $100/month at our house. But I did save where I could. Keep up the great work.
Amanda M. says
Hi Mavis!
Here is my honest option… I use to coupon right along with you. Sometimes frustrated because you were so organized and got GREAT deals. I could occasionally get the same deals but in way less quantity. Couponing got very overwhelming for me and I just quit. I went back to my budget amount and shopping smart. Now I read your blog for all the great tips and the gardening advice. I live in Olympia so it’s nice to have someone planting things the same time I am. Keep on keeping’ on. I will be reading!
Karen says
Love the blog, the great ideas and the down to earth outlook! Keep up the good work! I don’t extreme coupon but have been inspired to continue my gardening (always have way too many vegetables and I know exactly what chemical were or were not put on them!)
-Karen
Madam Chow says
I love that you adapt! I am planning a huge garden, thanks to you, and getting my first chickens in the spring!
Mavis Butterfield says
Do you know what kind you are ordering yet? Be sure and get a black australorp. They are the sweetest birds.
Catherine says
Simplicity is a goal and focus of my own, so I am SUPER excited to see the shift. I’ve never been big on couponing. To me, it was so much time in order to save money on products we didn’t really want or need. I think for us, it would be wasteful.
So yeah, bring on simple! 🙂
Sue says
Same here, my goal is simplicity — the couponing was interesting to me but nothing I ever did or even could do — I live very remotely and we don’t have any of the chain groceries nearby. And to be honest, someone feeding a family on $200 a month is no less inspiring to me than $100/month! I really enjoy the gardening inspiration and some of the recipes Mavis posts (I say “some” because I’m not much of a meat-eater so I pretty much focus on the vegetarian recipes). Looking forward to the “simplicity” projects of the new year…
RaeAnn says
I have enjoyed your blog for several years now! I do have a question. When/why did you stop getting grocery store excess produce? Also, do you still have chickens after your move? You have a great blog and I hope you have a wonderful New Year! 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
Hi RaeAnn, the chickens are gone for now {while we live in this house} and here is the link to the breakup with Mr. Produce Guy story.
Carol says
Count me in, Mavis! You have totally taught me some wonderful ways to save. I’ve written before on how much more use my freezer gets now that it isn’t just for ice cream and ice cubes!
Let the simplicity role!!
Amber says
I find you so inspiring. I originally followed you because I saw you were gardening in my area and I really appreciated the heads up on what to plant when. We don’t eat much processed food so most coupons didn’t interest me. Gardening is where it’s at!
Donna Jantzer says
Simplicity sounds wonderful!
PattyB says
Hi Mavis! I started reading your blog a couple of years ago. I was drawn to your posts about gardening and chickens. I’ve gardened most of my life but not to actually produce food for the entire year! I also was gearing up for chickens. (A couple of auto-immune diseases but the breaks on and 15 months later I’m still recovering! Doc says no birds of any kind. Boo.) As for the extreme couponing, I have learned many years ago how to get more value at the grocery store without them. Mainly… I don’t use most of the products that have coupons! And I use almost no prepackaged or processed foods. I can a lot. And you are the one who inspired me to make freezer foods. Not a new concept for me. When I was single, I’d make my own “frozen dinners” which was a great money/time saver before I retired. Now that I’m married to a man with a big appetite, those freezer meals are GREAT! You’ve also turned me on to Zaycon. Thank you for that. And last, but not least, you have inspired me to begin my own blog. I’m working on it…. it’s not ready yet. I still have a ton to learn. Now I am waiting for your new plans for 2015 and can’t wait to hear what you are up to. Have a great 2015!
Beth says
Can’t wait to see what is up your sleeve!
Lisa says
I started following your blog because of the chickens. And learned lots about gardening on the way. Even tho you gifted away your chickens, I hope you always leave that little chicken icon on the blog, the one that shows up in the address bar and the tab (at least on my Mac).
wendy says
Hi Mavis…I enjoy reading your posts when I can…I too am a busy woman. You will enjoy simplicity. When you realize just how much stuff we try to cram in our life that we don’t need you will become do happy with more energy, feel kess weighed down by life! Enjoy your journey. ..that’s wgat it’s all about.and the hokey pokey too!
jennifer says
I’m there-;looking forward to hearing your new ideas 😉
Delores says
I just like the overall tone of your blog — and will always read it! I look forward to your thoughts on simplifying, because I plan on doing some of that myself this coming year. And you always have great ideas!
What I would really like to see, if you have time, is sort of a photo timeline of your blog. How has it changed? in layout, in focus, in whatever ways. I think that would be really interesting.
As for feeding your family for whatever amount, I think we all just do the best we can. I have 6 kids (3 of whom are boys) and I am thrilled if I can feed us all for $800 a month. I suppose I could really try to lower that, but like you, I just look at my life and what I can do right now with our schedule and in our location, and do the best I can!
Keep up your great work, Mavis!
Sakura says
Your blog has inspired me in many aspects of my life. I first jumped on to see what the whole one hundred dollars a month thing was all about, but I stayed because it’s so much more than that. I feel this blog is more about quality of life than anything. Thanks for all your fun articles, recipes, photos and personal moments. I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings.
Tina B says
I’ve been following your blog since you split off from the group. I’ve enjoyed reading about your views on life, the world around you, and on family. I may not agree 100% of the time, but I am old enough now to know that it isn’t so important to agree, but to treat others with consideration and respect. I’ve enjoyed reading of your resolutions for this year and look forward to seeing what you come up with for 2015. I plan on sticking around, Mavis. You often bring a smile to my face, and that is worth my time, in my book. Heck, you’ve even taught me a few things about being frugal that I didn’t know already.
Happy new year!
Tina
Elisha says
Love your blog! I won’t miss the extreme Couponing part. I think a lot if people are moving to a more whole foods diet. As long as those great gardening tips keep on coming lol! Can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂
Maryse says
I have not commented on your blog before but have been following you for almost a year now. You have been a huge inspiration to me over the last year. I have used many of your gardening tips, canning recipes, and have have enjoyed many crockpot recipes as well. I even gifted myself a Brother 1034D serger for Christmas because you recommended/loved yours. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your life with us. Keep up the good work. You make a difference. I love simplicity and look forward to 2015. Happy New Year!
Susan says
Just one more reader commenting on how much I enjoy your positive attitude and sense of humor, adventure and purpose. I’ve made lots of recipes and used several great ideas from you, but mostly I appreciate your approach to living a full life! It’s inspiring!! I can’t wait to see what you have in store …
Ellen in Clackamas says
Dear Mavis,
sign me up for the new year! I first started following you when a friend from Shelton sent me the King-5 link when you started the Gnome project (I have a “Gnome Home” in the shaded part of my yard) . I am single and wasn’t into couponing so much because it really made no sense to save 10 cents for 2 boxes of cereal it would take me a year to eat!! Plus so many coupons were for processed food that I am trying to get away from. I do so enjoy the garden tips and seeing Lucy photos and getting to know some of your readers from around the country…and traveling to other places vicariously through your travels. You have inspired me to get chickens next spring..and yes the austrolorp is on my list! Keep up the great blog. It often starts my day of right!
IT says
Mavis, I can’t wait to see how you will change things up in the 2015. Your site is the one I visit most of all usually through something I see you post on facebook. Keep it coming. I’ve never been in to couponing anyways, but everything else I can totally relate to. I’ve been keeping it simple too with my family of soon to be 7, and I found that it saved me the most money. Cooking from scratch, baking my own bread, gardening, even homeschooling. A simple life is naturally frugal.
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
I found and read your blog mostly for the gardening posts. I’ve come to love reading about your family, etc but I’m loyal because of the gardening. So I mean this with love when I say I could care less how much you spend monthly. Do what feels best for your family. That’s all any of us can do.
I used to extreme coupon too (mostly before I ever found your blog though). And while I still coupon, I haven’t done much in a drug store in years. I found myself coming home with bags of free junk I didn’t need or want. I did donate it but I still had to store it until that could happen. I spent hours upon hours clipping and printing and clipping and organizing and driving around the globe to score yet another free monitor or air freshener I would never use. I evolved beyond that hobby. Seems like you have too. Life is funny and fluid like that!
I’m glad your not changing your name though. I see bloggers do that often (I think about it too- so I totally get it) and it rarely goes over well.
Heidi P says
All of these wonderful comments are a testament to you and the usefulness of your blog. I could echo most of the sentiments above. You’re awesome! I now have a HUGE garden full of all things organically wonderful…. including raspberries, strawberries, marionberries and blueberries. YUM. I do still coupon every week at the drug stores. I find if I keep the rewards rolling I get most everything for free. As far as groceries are concerned I stopped seriously couponing about a year ago. I love your blog $100, $200 or more. Keep up the great work!
Sandy says
I kinda feel that you take what works and leave the rest…what worked for you when your children were younger isn’t going to work the exact same way now. People say change is good but change is also a challenge for many people. Their day in, day out sameness brings them comfort and maybe that is alright for them…it’s their life. But I often feel that not recognizing the need for a change will cause even greater discomfort in the long run (even if they don’t make a change, saying “hello” to it is okay) and that is what the new year brings…people examaning change in their lives so Rock On! It’s your blog anyway!
BTW, I re-gifted a gift card — never would have done that before I read some of your ideas and tips! So Thanks!
Meredith says
I began following you when I lived in Arizona. How lucky I was to get transferred to the same area! It has been so helpful to a newbie gardener like me. I can’t tell you how many times I would have a questiin about when ti harvest this or grow that, and your post would show up in my email! Love your writing style and well rounded feel ti the blog. The only thing I have longed for is to know what you actually serve for dinner. I look at your shopping trip posts and can’t seem to make a meal out of it. As someone trying to get out of processed foods, something I was raised on, I would love to know what you eat. Thank you Mavis, for all your hard work!
Mere
Kari says
Count me in! I’ve dabbled in exteme couponing, but have also moved on. Simplicity, gardening, and feeding my family healthy foods is my focus now. I am excited to follow along on your new adventures!
Jeanie says
You totally influenced my decision to buy a small greenhouse and get started with a backyard garden. I love it! Plus I am able to see my yard as more of a year round thing and not just a summer thing. I can’t wait to watch your blog evolve.
Heidi says
Hi Mavis,
to be honest, I thought that we would soon part ways because I can’t extreme coupon here in Canada, and I don’t want to eat all that processed foods. Personally, I am trying to cut back on the rest of our household budget so that I can afford to purchase (and grow) quality organic food. I was following your blog mostly for the gardening and chickens. Super excited to hear about your shift and looking forward to following along. Interesting how so many people in the comments section seem to be on the same journey.
Leslie says
Hi Mavis! Been reading the blog for maybe 2 years now. Two years ago it seemed more garden oriented, and it seemed to me that in2014 you have incorporated more conversation starters (links to articles you found interesting, etc). I still keep coming back for the gardening, recipes, and more recently, the home improvement. Like the folks commenting before me, I’m looking forward to seeing how you change gears. Your writing style is ultimately what keeps me coming back (so genuine, honest, and realistic!) so I have no doubt I’ll continue enjoying your blog on the regular. Happy 2015!
coleen says
Can’t wait to see what your going to do next!
Kerry says
I’ll be following your evolution in 2015, Mavis. 🙂
How are your chickens doing?
Jules says
Looking forward to seeing what you bring in 2015! You have a great style of writing and engaging the reader – and some pretty interesting ideas too 🙂
Miralynn says
I’ve actually just found your blog via a Facebook follow suggestion. I have a small family of 3, and we live in a condo in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida area. I can’t grow much but do try to grow some of my herbs on my small patio. We don’t coupon much as we try to eat as natural as possible, and with a fairly high cost of living here, I can manage to feed the three of us on about $125 a week. I love your ideas and recipes and your blog is beautifully put together. Thank you for sharing with us!
Gwenn says
Thanks Mavis for your blog, I’m so glad I discovered it. We moved to metro Detroit in March and bought a house with a 80×125 EMPTY space next to it. We started some plantings (trying to make a living fence across the front) and plan on adding a few fruit trees every year and a raised bed garden (or 5) this coming year. I can’t wait to get started. Thanks for all of your ideas and encouragement, you’re this cool friend I’ve never met. Having said that you should make a trip to Detroit and see what is being done to green up the city including large urban gardens for neighborhoods and the planting of a forest in the city!
WendyinCA says
Hi Mavis! A BIG thanks for writing your blog! Though my kids are almost grown I still have learned SO MUCH from reading your blog. You have inspired me to start batch cooking, invigorated my garden growing, and lots more. I appreciate what you do and look forward to what you’ll be blogging about in 2015.
A devoted fan,
Wendy 😀
RebekahU says
Mavis – I cannot thank you enough for all of your blogging! Your site has given me so much encouragement, and so many ideas. When I am overwhelmed, I think about some of the things you are doing and have done, and then I just take baby steps towards the end goal. Like last year, looking back over the year, I can think of many, many projects that would not have been started (and completed!!), many, many meals that would have not been cooked at home had it not been for you. My current food budget/spending is sky high. I have been feeling really bad about that for a while now. I think that this year I’ll focus on trying to get it under $700 a month. I even feel bad about typing that number. And with food prices doubling (in many cases) since 2009, I am amazed that your average monthly food spending is less than $160 a month! Again – thank you for every minute you put into this! I think you are awesome!
Rebekah
ChrisM says
I’ll keep coming to the blog! I love your recipes and funny stories too. Just tell me you still have Lucy the Puggle Dog!!!
chrisk says
I enjoy your blog and look forward to a great 2015!!! Keep up the great work!!
Michelle says
As much as I appreciate coupons, they are not the reason I started reading your blog or continued reading it. I have a black thumb so I thoroughly enjoy reading about your garden. I also enjoy knowing that every ones life has a little craziness and I am not the only one!
Molly R. Moody says
I love what I read but as a single, fixed income, renter, there isn’t a whole lot I can do with your advice. I seldom pay over $2 a pound for meat unless it’s boneless and I can divide it up into single serving portions that at least double the amount in the package. I can’t afford most produce even when it’s in season but I am trying to eat more fresh foods for my health. I love the freezer meal ideas but since I only have an over the fridge freezer it’s difficult to put a lot in it though I’ve learned to bag things, lay them flat in a single layer until they’re frozen, then stack the bags atop one another. I can usually get 3 different recipes in the freezer this way, not a lot of variety but at least it’s better than nothing. I hope to try some container gardening next year so I’ve been saving empty cat litter buckets to use for it and I’ve got a plastic kiddie pool under the edge of my trailer to mix up my planting/growing mix in. If you’ve got any suggestions as to what I should use please let me know though my choices of where I can buy things are limited to Walmart and Home Depot because I have to pay someone to take me and bring me home with whatever I buy.
Tracy L. says
I also started following you when you split from the group. I now have a puppy, container garden (can’t wait to follow you this year as you do more containers!), use my crockpot(s) WAYYYYY more than I thought possible, shop Zaycon, etc., etc., etc. My family often will say, “did you get this (idea, recipe, etc.) from Mavis???” I also did couponing, and also decided it wasn’t a healthy alternative. I am always trying to simplify our lives, so I’m TOTALLY with you on that journey. I usually end my day with you, LOVE your sense of humor, honesty, energy, and willingness to leap into things! It is also a plus that you are from my area, so gardening is made so much easier! THANK YOU for sharing your life with us, inspiring us, and teaching us all kinds of ways to enrich our lives.
Christine says
Another reader here who has followed you since you split from the group. For about a year I enjoyed the rush I got from the couponing deals, but gave it up when I began cutting out processed foods. Your blog with its gardening advice, movie recommendations (Food Inc., etc), chicken raising, and DIY tips have all played a role in my making healthier choices and saving a few bucks along the way. Keep up the good work!
Tracy Sch says
I still coupon, but it was never extreme. We also try to eat healthy without processed foods…that’s my goal. I will always check sales and match coupons with those sales. I get things like peanut butter, and canned beans and veggies on the cheap this way. I will continue to get my toiletries for a fraction of the cost using this method. Am I extreme? Nope, but it helps a single income tremendously. I love your blog for the personal aspect and your thoughts and although your focus may have changed, the overall concept has not. Thank you for continuing your blog!
Regina says
I’m glad you mentioned the issue of processed foods. I have mostly found that it is best for me to AVOID COUPONING. When I do so I find myself with tons of things I wouldn’t otherwise buy simply because it’s so cheap. And more times than not it is way less healthy than what I would be eating otherwise. I just can’t turn down an awesome deal so I make a point not to look!
Cheryl says
For me, reading your blog was never about the couponing. I came upon your site when I was looking for canning recipes and then stayed to garden vicariously through you. Then when Lucy scampered on to the scene, I put you into my favorites. I am single and cannot feed myself for $100 a month, I eat as much organic as possible and no processed anything, so that tends to add up. I stayed for the gardening, the recipes and to see what magazine I could get at a lower price.
Norma says
Love your blog. I guess that I have a somewhat different take on couponing though. I run a 232 person coupon swap club through an online site. The coupons I keep usually have to do with frozen veggies, and personal care items. If I happen to end up with 27 coupons for mustard in the summer, which makes them free (or very close), they go the food pantry at my church. I make my own laundry detergent, make most of my own cleaning supplies, and follow your blog because of your personality, enthusiasm for life and your general passion. I struggle as a single person on a close to minimum wage salary in a very heavily taxed state, to keep up with insurance costs, state taxes, so your advice is translated as to how to plug this into keep my head above water.
I didn’t even try to garden last year, because of changes to my backyard. I had a groundhog who dug a hole under my house. My work supervisor’s husband tried to trap it, and we ended up catching 17 animals (only 1 groundhog). The two houses on one side of me became abandoned and the enticed rats (big ones) to my yard and home. I didn’t want to feed them and welcome them to my home. We will see how this spring/summer pans out.
Your journey is exciting, Please keep on writing. You have a great style.