Extreme Couponing

I have a friend who is into extreme couponing. She saved me a bunch of money on toys at Christmas time, but I have resisted learning how to do couponing for every day items for some time. One day, she posted on her Bargain Blog a list of what she pays for "stockpile" items. I wanted to focus on non-food items first and basically everything on her list was free to less than a dollar. And so, I succumbed and decided to try it out. My husband is in dental school and we could definitely use a few free things right now;). However, I have to admit that my first experience wasn't wonderful and I am not completely sold on keeping this up.

Here is what I got today:
196 diapers, 6 Dove men's body washes, 9 coloring/activity books & 4 tattoo books (to use for Taylor's birthday party on Monday), 2 toothpastes, and one package of M&Ms.

THE GOOD: I paid a total of $16.25 for everything (it would have been less, but I messed up a few times). The diapers were basically free and I was able to get some cute party favors to stick into Taylor's party bags. Jared won't need soap for a couple of years.

THE BAD: I spent about 3 1/2 hours today printing coupons and driving around to different Walgreens. I spent more time than I probably want to recognize trying to figure out how it all worked and planning my trip for today. I also spent money in gas driving all over town. I forgot to scan a couple of the coupons which was frustrating. Several of the stores were out of what I was planning on getting and so I spent a long time trying to figure out what to buy instead. At one store... I accidentally left my $3 register rewards in the car and the ladies behind me were offering to pay for the $3 for me as I was digging in my purse looking for it. That was pretty awesome.

WAS IT WORTH IT? I'm estimating that I saved about $45-$50 from what I would have spent on soap, diapers, & toothpaste for the same amount. (Not what I would have spent on the same items I purchased today. In other words, I did get fancier men's body wash but when I normally buy Irish Spring; I have to base my estimations on what I would normally have spent.)

When I look at the numbers, I guess I should think of it as a part time job, although I already have 2 part-time jobs and I'm not sure I need another one. I'm not giving up yet, Melissa:) I have to believe that it can be easier than what I did today and this is something I can get better at. It is just overwhelming and I'm not totally convinced that it is worth it yet.