Living life trumps free face wash anyday

I admit, I love the sport of bargain shopping.  I say it's a sport because of the following three key facts: (1) there is strategy involved [shopping lists based on weekly circulars], (2) I consider it to be a team sport [thanks to all the great blogs and boards out there], and (3) that there is "gear" that can be really helpful [coupons, coupon organizer, computer for online printables].

So, it's normal for me to cringe a little when there are items that I could get for free (or really cheap) that we would certainly use, but I don't purchase because I just can't get to the store with the needed coupons.  I've written about this before and tweeted my second thoughts tonight already.  But the truth of the matter is, when it comes down to spending a fun day with my family or sorting through coupons and matching up the deals...the family time will always come first.  

Yesterday we hosted the family Memorial Day BBQ and it was a lot of fun for us all.  We had 10 people at the house, 4 dogs, and even a wedding video from India to watch.  Today was the town's Memorial Day parade that my Brownie troop marched in and then a quiet day at home with basketball, baseball and bike-riding.  And now I am trying to make some progress with this laundry...which seems to be never-ending!

But I still cringe a little thinking about the free toothpaste, band-aids, tampons, face wash, and more at CVS that I am missing out on.  My husband  was telling me just to go into town and get it over with, he's so funny. He enjoys bargain shopping only as a spectator sport.

But for me, it was way more important...
...to watch the 3 year old bat left and throw right;
...to snuggle with the 6 year old watching a MonsterQuest about big spiders;
...to brush out and braid the hair of the 9 year old after her bath;
...to enjoy a cold beverage and watch the DVR'd Red Sox game with my best friend.

Frugal can never trump family.