Who Says A SAHM Can't Get Vacation Pay? UPDATED WITH PHOTOS

I have often said that couponing is my job. I give the same degree of attention and organization to couponing that I would give to a job out in the "real world". Earning approximately $600 a month for my family definitely makes it worth the effort!

I just returned from an extended absence that included a mission trip, family vacation, and staying in my parent's home while they were out of the country (to be near my grandparents in case they had a need.) I was gone for 4 weeks. The weeks of couponing and deal-seeking that I had done prior to leaving continued to pay off while I was gone! This is what came in the mail while I was away....


And here is the list of what is included: (All of this was totally free!)

~Rebate Checks:
Totalling $25 (and an email confirming another $25 is on the way.)

~Gift Cards:
$15 Coldwater Creek
$10 DSW

~Magazines:
Thriving Family
American Baby
Family Circle
Good Housekeeping
Vogue

~Full-Sized Products:
Davinci Tortellini
Scrubbing Bubble Toilet Cleaning Gel
Glad Scented Oil Candle
Pledge Furniture Wipes
Ziploc Smart Snap Bowls
Ziploc Big Bags (3 Gallon, 10 Gallon, 20 Gallon)
Ziploc Quart Storage Bags (25ct)
Ziploc Gallon Freezer Bags (15ct)
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Shaker

~Samples:
Ritz Crackerfuls
All Detergent
Parent's Choice Formula
Eucerin Lotion
2 Yogi Teas
Dove Daily Moisture
Stayfree Pad
2 Glidden Paint Testers
Caress Body Wash
Olay Body Wash
Propel Drink Mix
Zantac
2 Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo
2 Starbucks Via
Philosophy Perfume
3 Crystal Lite Drink Mix
3 Pampers Cruisers

~Free Product Coupons:
Beech-Nut Baby Cereal
2 Jars Beech-Nut Baby Food

~Coupons:
2 $30 Home Made Simple Coupon Books
28 Assorted High-Value Product Coupons (Will use @ 75% of these.)
3 High-Value Store Coupons
Coupons to 3 of our Favorite Resaurants

I won't take the time to calculate the value of all of this, but it is over $200, I am sure....while I was away from home!