I have officially started my Christmas shopping. I bought something used (but new) off of craigslist. I can't say what it is, because what if that person were to mysteriously find this? But, the point is, money is going to be tighter than ever this year and I want to still be able to give thoughtful presents. But, thoughtful doesn't have to mean expensive. So I'm starting early and I'm going to buy a little at a time. Really, the holiday season is pretty much here. Halloween is right around the corner, Thanksgiving will quickly follow, then Christmas and New Years. Not to mention all the birthdays we have sandwiched in there (I can think of 5 right off the top of my head).

My plan? I am going to start collecting coupons like nobodies business. In fact, I just spent some time on at couponchief.com and got some really great ideas. For example, I clicked on their link for restaurant.com deals and found some incredible deals. You could buy $25 gift certificates to all sorts of restaurants (chain and individual) for $10. There was even a discount code to get 50% off of your order.

I also found deals at The Loft - a coupon for 20% off of my full order AND free shipping.

Do I sound excited? Well, I am because I did a search for One Step Ahead coupons and found a coupon for 15% off. I have been sickly coveting their incredibly expensive Red Retro Kitchen, but I could maybe settle for one of their cheaper kitchens AND 15% off.