Milk Donor Mama

Super Savings Saturday: Best Deals February 12 - 18

2012-02-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

While I stopped into both CVS and Walgreens this week, both of the stores I visited were out of the items I wanted to get. This included the free after Register Reward item at Walgreens and the things I wanted at CVS. Oh well. I got a raincheck at CVS and was offered one at Walgreens, but the Walgreens Register Rewards do not print when you have a raincheck so rainchecks on RR items are worthless.

Anyway, the few deals I did get:

Meijer:

Strawberries just $1.50 per pound
Vlassic pickles for $.61 per jar after coupon. The kids and I love dill pickles!
Bread for .79 after coupon
Bratwurst for $2 per package after coupon

At the end of the week, I stopped into Walgreens and got sugar for $2.49 and paid with a $2 RR so I spent $.49 out of pocket.

I also stopped into Goodwill and got a new fall jacket for Natalya for 3.49, a wooden weaving loom (a little one) for $1.49, two shirts for me for $3.99 (buy one get one free) and a Vera Bradley wallet for Natalya for $.99.

Book Review: The Jesus We Missed

2012-02-18T05:09:00.000-08:00

The Jesus We Missed: The Surprising Truth About the Humanity of Christ by Patrick Henry Reardon is a book on spiritual growth to help us understand about the real Jesus through the eyes of the apostles and his community.

This book was written on the premise of there being some big surprises about our understanding of Christ. I didn't really feel that was the case though. The information here is simply a retelling of the Gospels according to Paul.

What I liked about the book was the focus on the ministries of Jesus. This is a good reminder that everyone should find a cause of importance and volunteer time to it.

The Jesus We Missed is well written and an enjoyable read, but I just did not find any surprising or new information about Jesus.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Review of Fierce Beauty

2012-02-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Fierce Beauty: Choosing to Stand for What Matters Most by Kim Meeder is a book for women looking to enhance their relationship with God in the face of difficult situations.

Ms. Meeder begins this book with the difficult story of her own past and the murder-suicide of her own parents. She continues to share personal stories and how she struggled with self acceptance and knowing God.

The premise of this book is making the choice between serving yourself or serving God. Instead of serving your own ambitions and desires, Meeder encourages the reader to encourage others and live a life of service. In this way, Meeder argues that the reader will live a life of joy, value and fulfillment.

What I enjoyed about the book was the incredible imagery of Ms. Meeder's words. What I did not like, however, is that Meeder makes it out like every non-positive emotion is the direct result of sin. Really? Sadness is because of sin? Anger is sin? Sin plays a role in many negative feelings, such as guilt and remorse, but not everything we feel is because we have sinned. By promoting the idea that negative feeling = sin, this can turn people away from the idea of a loving God.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

My favorite deals February 5 - 12

2012-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here are my favorite deals that I got this week at Columbus stores:

Meijer- I spent about an hour on the phone with Meijer and Sprint trying to get signed up for mPerks. Sprint finally got my account fixed so I could activate my mPerks.
I got Birdseye frozen veggies for .34 per bag after coupon, Kleenex for $.60 per 184 count box after sale, coupons and oyno, free after coupon Heluva dip, $.88 4-packs of Activia yogurt after coupon.

CVS
Zarabees cough syrup free after Extracare bucks, CVS diapers $4.24 per pack after sale and coupon from the coupon machine, cheap Suave products after coupons and sale and Extracare Bucks

Walgreens
I used another daily feats coupon and did this transaction:
Vitamins $15 (mail in rebate item)
Vitamins $14 (mail in rebate item)
Reach toothbrush 2.99 - get $2 RR back
2 rice krispies @$2 each
2 bags m'n'ms @3.00 -2 x free m'n'ms peelies on the rice krispies
3 Valentines bags @.13 after in-ad coupon
2 valentine's pencils @.34 after in-ad coupon
After the $5/35 coupon my total was $32, which I paid for with a gift card and debit card. I will get back 31.90 from the vitamins rebates (15+10%+14+10%) and I got back a $2 RR from Reach, meaning that all this was free plus overage after coupon, rewards and rebates.

Super Savings Saturday: Best Deals I found January 29 - February 4

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here are my favorite deals that I found this week at Columbus stores:

Kroger: (1/29): bread and buns marked down to .49 per package, Up2U gum free after coupon, milk 2.59 per gallon

CVS: Free after Extracare bucks Cadbury candy and free after Extracare bucks American Greetings cards, free after Extracare Bucks Skintimate shaving cream

Walgreens: I did this transaction:
2 Thermacare wraps 6.99 and 3.49 each (buy one get one 50% off), -2 x 1.00 coupons
2 Children's Advil 6.49 and 3.24 each (buy one get one 50% off), -2.00 and -1.10 coupon
2 cans mushrooms .67 each
2 Snickers Valentine's candies $.50 each
Cortaid 2.99 -3.00 coupon
Sundown vitamin D 4.00
Used $5 off $25 purchase coupon
Used $10 in Register Rewards
Paid $4.74 and submitted for a $10 rebate on the Thermacare / Advil and a $4.40 rebate for the Sundown vitamin D. Net cost will be $.74 plus the cost of one stamp.

Meijer: super cheap Ortega products when combining manufacturers, Meijer Mealbox coupons and the 25% off sale; I also found snowpants 90% off ($2 per pair) and a longsleeved tee for me for $2.25

Target: I got in on the Huggies diaper deal. Using Target and manufacturers coupons, I got 2 huge boxes of Huggies, a big giant box of Goldfish crackers, 9 boxes of Market Pantry mac & cheese, 2 mega packs of play doh for $47.82 out of pocket and got back a $15 giftcard. We use a combination of cloth and disposable diapers.

Michaels Craft store: I took advantage of the $5 off a pre-tax purchase of $5 or more to get some very inexpensive yarn. Even the thrift stores near me are charging $2.92 per skein of yarn- MORE THAN THE PRICE OF THAT SAME YARN BOUGHT NEW AT A CRAFT STORE! Crazy!

So I bought two skeins of Loops & Threads yarn, on sale 2/$6. After the coupon, I paid just $1 for two skeins of nice, soft yarn. Michaels sells holiday decor, ribbon, glue, baking supplies, gift bags and wrap, frames, note cards and more, so even if you do not craft, it may be worthwhile to stop in if it's on your route.

Here is a link to the coupon. It expires 2/4/12.
http://www.michaels.com/c/020312-EMAIL-US-3,default,pg.html#

Book Review: From Blah to Awe

2012-02-03T05:11:00.000-08:00

From Blah to Awe: Shaking Up a Boring Faith by Jenna Lucado Bishop is written for teenage girls who want to make faith and worship more exciting.

There are some adult topics in the book, including prostitution and drugs, which may merit discussion with parents as well. The book does not seem to flow all that well, and the paragraphs and chapters get long and tedious at times. By the end of the book, the author has become redundant, which does not make this an easy read.

I'm not sure that I get the premise of this book. Why does faith in God need to be exciting? I did not find this book to be that exciting.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Best deals I found January 22-28

2012-01-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Here are the best deals I found around Columbus in the past week:

Target:
I printed lots of coupons from the Target website and went out shopping with a giftcard I got from MyPoints. Here's what I got:

Merona women's t-shirts clearance price $3.60, used $3.00 Target coupon to get these for just $.60 each!

Play-doh: 24 pack on sale for 12.99. Used $5 printable coupon from Mypoints.com and $5 Target coupon to get these for just $2.99. These will go into my gift stash.
Dannon free plus overage: 4 pack on sale $1.79, used 2 x $1.00 mfc and a $2 /2 Target coupon.
Market Pantry frozen veggies $.99 each, used $1/4 Target coupon to get them for $.74 each.
Market Pantry tomato soup on price markdown to $.62, used $1/3 Target coupon to get them for $.29 each
Heinz Ketchup, 40oz bottle on markdown to $1.99, used $5/6 Target coupon to get them for $1.19 each. Yes that's a lot of ketchup. It will last us about 9 months to 1 year. It expires in 2 years.
Market pantry ice cream $3.29, used $1 Target coupon to get them for $2.29.

Walmart:
I love Nutella but not the Nutella price. I found a similar product at Walmart called Dubrova, in the international foods aisle, and it is about 40% less than the cost of Nutella. I also got Planters natural peanut butter for $1.23 per jar (small size jar), using coupons printed on coupons.com via Mypoints. This was $2.98 at Meijer.

Meijer: This is the week of the buy 10 items at $1 each, get the 11th item free sale. I like this sale! The best deals I found at Meijer were:

Hormel pepperoni for $.45 per pack- great for making homemade pizzas!
Suave 32 oz shampoo / conditioner, on sale for $1.50 per bottle. I bought 4 and used the $2 off 3 bottles in-ad coupon and 2 x 1.00/2 manufacturer's coupons to get the price down to only $.50 per bottle. This is the large size of bottle and lasts for a long time. They also have "regular" men's shampoo that my husband likes (no "plus conditioner", etc, although they have that option as well)
Kraft chunk cheese on sale for $1.67, used $1.25/2 manufacturer's coupon to get them for $1.05 each. The guys in the house like to snack on cheese.
Bob Evans sausage on sale $2.79, used $.75/2 mfc to get them for $2.04 each. We like to have breakfast for dinner once a week or so.
Country crock pumpkin spice spread $1.29, used $.60 coupon from coupons.com via Mypoints to get these for $.09 each.
Lipton tea bags $2.23 per box, used $3 off 2 boxes coupon in the Meijer ad to get these for $.73 per box. That's a nice price for green and herbal teas.
Organic fresh produce, including mushrooms for $1.

Kroger: Pineapple for $1 apiece. Yum!

Joann's:
I had a 30% off coupon and got some felt for crafting with and some yarn for under $2 per skein, which is good for craft supplies these days. Even the thrift stores around here charge more than that per skein, on the rare occasions I can actually find yarn in a thrift store.

Book Review: When Work & Family Collide

2012-01-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

When Work & Family Collide: Keeping Your Job from Cheating Your Family by Andy Stanley is a book for helping you prioritize your commitments based on God's teachings.

We all need to make a living somehow, some way. But many of us allow work activities to get in the way of caring for our families. It is so easy to get wrapped up in finishing one last thing before leaving the office, or bringing work home, or answering emails or calls during what would otherwise be family time on the weekends and in the evenings.

Whether you are a family with one or more young kids, a family with busy teenagers, or your nest is empty, or maybe you are a single parent or even a single person with no kids but with a close family, this book is for you. This book even applies to stay at home spouses, who may get so caught up in chores and whatnot, that family relationships suffer.

Stanley gives so many examples that are biblically based on how God wants us to prioritize our time. He provides ways that we can be effective at work while keeping our families highest (behind God) on that priority "list".

This book is brief and an easy read. What I think could use more development is using this strategy if you are self-employed, as well as the negotiation with your boss on taming the work after work hours problem. In this day and age of high unemployment and poor economic times, I wonder whether employees would be willing to broach the subject with their supervisors.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

An assortment of updates

2012-01-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

Although the calendar says January, it sure has not seemed like winter in Ohio. Here's what we've been up to lately:

I'm 1/3 done with Aleksandr's afghan that I will give him for Christmas. It's now too large to cart around with me (it is a 1 piece afghan)
After searching high and low for a pattern I really liked, I found one for Natalya. It will be squares of varying sizes pieced together. I have pinks and purples with lemon yellow as an accent color.
I made a hat, scarf and afghan square for charity
I continue to find at least 10 items of clutter to give away, donate or trash (dried up Sharpies anyone) each day
Natalya and I continue to do kindergarten work to keep her in practice
We're researching elementary schools for the upcoming school lottery
The kids are taking swimming, gymnastics, sports and art, and I'm taking ceramics
Mike nearly got stranded in Chicago during a nasty storm, on his way home from Los Angeles
A tooth of mine that had a root canal 10 years ago apparently has decay under the crown, so I'm debating what to do. I have issues with my bite and that tooth gets a lot of wear. I don't really want to be going through this every 10 years.
I've had to make a lot of calls to try to find new doctors, since our medical insurance is changing effective next week. Not fun. I like my current doctors and trust them with my care. Getting into an endocrinologist and ob/gyn practice is not easy, let alone finding a physician that you like.

My favorite deals January 15 - 21

2012-01-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the best deals I found when doing my grocery shopping this week:
Meijer

Starkist tuna pouches regularly $1.24, on sale 20% off, used $.50 manufacturer's coupon to get these free!
Apple juice $.69 per 64 oz container after instant discount when you buy 5 included items
Apple sauce for $.67 per six pack of bowls after discount when you buy 5 included items
Smart Balance milk $.59 after sale, manufacturers coupons and Meijer Mealbox coupon
Pictionary card game $4.99, free after $5.00 coupon from coupons.com

Kroger

Barilla whole wheat pasta for $.50 after using $1 off 2 boxes manufacturer's coupon
Suave deodorant for $.06 after manufacturer's coupon (giving this to my mom, as I do not use deodorant due to sensitive skin)
Johnson's Buddies soap free after coupon
Strawberries $1.25 per pound

CVS

American Greetings cards get $3 Extracare Bucks when you buy 3. I got 3 of the $.99 cards, making them free.
Werther's candies Buy One Get One (BOGO) Free. These are my favorite indulgence to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Walgreens

Thermacare $2.49, get back $2.49 Register Rewards. I use these when my shoulders or back aches.
South Beach Diet Bars $5.99, get back $5.99 Register Rewards. I don't mind trying free healthier snacks.
Children's Advil $5, get $5 Register Reward when you spend $10. I used two $2 off coupons, making them $.50 per bottle after coupons and Register Rewards.

Book Review: Switched! TJ and the Time Travelers

2012-01-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

Switched! TJ and the Time Travelers by Bill Myers is part of a series of books for kids that have a religious / Christian basis interwoven into the adventure story.

The story is about a girl and two boys who are out to save the world but manage to get themselves involved in a series of troublesome situations. During their adventures, they learn character building traits such as love, honesty, patience and kindness along with a can-do attitude.

This book and the series are geared to the 7 to 10 year old age group. The story includes funny words for sound effects, which make it a little more fun. Because the lead female character ends up bald, I'm not sure that a lot of little girls would like that. I also noticed there were a lot of blank pages at the end of the book, which seemed slightly strange to me.

This would be a fun book for kids to read in the car on a road trip, or a good read aloud for parents and kids together.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: The Coming Revolution

2012-01-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Coming Revolution: Signs from America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future by Dr. Richard G. Lee is a political and religious book supposedly for general audiences.

Dr. Lee argues that various signs indicate that ordinary, everyday Americans are fixin' to put on a Revolution. Lee looks at both the history of our nation and the Christian principles that guided much of its development. It amuses me that Lee thinks the current administration is "socialist" and therefore disavows religion (what, because the executive branch is held by a Democrat?). Funny, because the leadership of the legislative branch is Republican and the approval rating of Congress is much lower than that of the President. But I digress.

After reading through this book, I felt like it was a huge waste of my time. You do NOT have to be Republican to believe in God. Shocker? Apparently these days it is. Look back to Jesus and you'll see a man who turned away from personal wealth. Who advocated for the poor and disabled and otherwise ignored members of the community. Who encouraged the average Joe and the wealthy Joe to give unto the poor. Sound like a Republican?

You do not have to be a Republican to love your country. Or to believe in God. And I feel disgusted by those who feel like the two are a given and that someone who is anything other than a die-hard conservative must be un-American (or even anti-American) and atheist. I'm not saying I'm a Democrat. I'm not saying I'm a member of any political party. I'm saying simply that I believe in both God and country, without identifying myself as a member of a political party.

Disclaimer: Thankfully, I received a copy of this book for free and did not spend any money on it to increase the wealth of the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion is obviously my own!

Best deals of the week January 8 - 14

2012-01-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the best deals I found while out shopping this week:

Joann's- I bought crafting supplies on sale. One of Natalya's 2012 Christmas gifts will be an afghan made by me, so I got the yarn on sale and I also got some fabric on sale for the 12 months of bookmarks project I'm working on.

Target- I found a few remaining 90% off Christmas items including a .35 table cover in blue for Aleksandr's birthday, curling ribbon for .10 (white), a DIY foam tree decoration for .50.

Walmart- got some free hygiene products that yielded overage after coupons, and applied that overage to some clearanced 3-packs of bubbles that were .50 each and a tub of Christmas stickers that was 1.24.

Meijer- got flannel sheet sets half off, some Christmas craft items 90% off, cloth napkins to match the table cloth I bought a few days ago 90% off, .25 a box Kleenex, free spongebob squarepants kids toothpaste, 1.00 per pack Kraft big slice cheese

CVS- I got free vitamin D and free mini M'n'Ms. The M'n'Ms will go into Easter baskets and the vitamin D I will use this summer once I am done with my megadoses to get me up to normal vitamin D levels. I currently have to take 100,000 IUs per week!

Walgreens- I got free toothpaste, free floss, .50 per bottle dish soap, .50 per bag cough drops.

Kroger- $.08 softsoap, .29 toothpaste

Book Review: Every Woman's Battle

2012-01-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment by Shannon Ethridge is for women who plan to marry, are engaged or married... heterosexually, of course (this is a Christian book after all).

This book assumes that all women are at risk of having an extramarital affair and that, basically, it is only a matter of time before... oops, those panties just took themselves off and, well, you know the rest. I've never before heard of a concept of "sexual integrity" but apparently this is a big issue. Now why women who are not even married need to be thinking about how to prevent having an affair, I don't know. Because isn't the Christian teaching to not even have a sexual thought until the wedding night? So I'm confused about why there would even be any talk about extramarital affairs to women who are not even engaged.

I do agree with having a relationship with Jesus before being able to have a strong relationship with any person. That I wholly understand.

As far as the rest of the book? As a woman who has been married almost 10 years, dated that same man for 4 years before marriage, I did not find anything in the book that represented anything that I've ever gone through. I'm human, I've procreated and have two beautiful children to show for it... and I just have not gone through all these sexuality struggles that apparently all Christian women do.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Inexpensive craft supplies

2012-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

I was able to snag some inexpensive craft supplies by hitting the 90% off Christmas sales this week. I got:

Foam craft kits, including a sleigh and house for $.50 each, foam sticker sets for $.20 each
Felt ornaments for $.10 for a pack of 3 ornaments. I chose heart shapes and tree shapes. We'll do the hearts for Valentine's day! They are white but they had other colors also.
"Snow cover" blanket which is essentially felt, for $.39 each
Felt lace up stocking for .20, felt stockings for .10, sequins and glue for $.20.
Baking kits for $.13 to $.54
Silicone ice cube tray (snowflake shapes) for $.59
Fabric napkins for $.39 per two pack
Curling ribbon for $.10 per barrel- got pink, green and purple
Figurine "blanks" in the shape of snowmen and reindeer to paint, color or glue things onto
Red sugar for baking for $.25

Natalya already did the Christmas house. The stores are pretty well cleaned out of Christmas items, but if you think outside the box on ways to keep kids busy, you can find some inexpensive supplies.

Super Savings Saturday: New Year's Deals

2012-01-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here are the best deals that I found at Columbus stores this week:

Meijer:

8 pound bags of Michigan Red Delicious apples for $3.99 per bag
3# carrots for $1
Christmas clearance items that match up with coupons, including Glade Winter Collection items ($.24 after coupons), Ziploc storage bags with holiday designs ($.06 to $.50 after coupons), holiday cookie and cake mixes for free to $.50 each after coupons

Walgreens:

Triaminic fever reducer for children free plus overage after coupons. Buy 2 for $10 and use 2 $3/1 manufacturer's coupons. Pay $4 plus tax and get a $5 Register Reward. My kids seem to go through this stuff like I go through coffee!

Book Review: I Am Second

2012-01-05T17:05:00.000-08:00

I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives. By Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett is a Christian living book based on the premise of putting God first in your life, and yourself second.

This book offers easy to read examples of real, life people from all walks of life who have hit their own personal version of rock bottom. Some of the people featured are celebrities of sorts, while others are simply "ordinary" people who found Jesus and the grace of God.

I could see this book being used as a discussion or ministry book, and it works fine to read it as an individual as well. It serves its purpose to explain that God's love is abundant and that what you are, you are because of him. My one issue is the lack of mention of personal responsibility, which I find is a recurring theme in Christian books. We are all responsible for the choices that we make and I do not feel that finding God absolves a person of his responsibility in making bad choices or provides a free pass for making more bad ones.

Still, this book is inspiring in that there is salvation, you just have to accept it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

2012 Goals

2011-12-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

Here are my goals for 2012... they are not resolutions, per se, but more things I want to accomplish, try, maintain or in some cases, reduce or give up!

Make a yo-yo quilt.
Learn to knit (I've been saying this for years, but now that I supposedly have more time on my hands, I mean it this time!).
Be more intentional about what I buy. In the past I've bought supplies for projects- too many supplies- then tried it once and didn't like it, or, didn't even try it. Or in the case of food, buying too much. I've gotten better about that though!
Read 1 book a week beyond the books that I review.
Reduce my complaining. My parents have a very negative attitude and overcoming that has taken me years. It's an ongoing process but I want to reflect a more positive attitude in my living, for my children and my husband, not just myself.
Continue to exercise 45 minutes daily.
Grow a better garden. Obviously this is also weather permitting, but I'd like to increase the output of my garden. I might also grow some (potted) herbs and dry them for use in cooking. I'll start with one or two and see how it goes. I'm thinking mint (for tea), chamomile (for tea) and basil (for cooking).
Earn $125 a week with my writing.
Once Natalya begins kindergarten, be involved with the school community.
Increase charitable and community giving.
Budget for groceries / pet items / cleaning / toiletries / bulk purchases to be $75 per week. Groceries have increased on the order of 5% in the past 6 months, and we really enjoy the (extremely inexpensive, given what it is) organic beef from my uncle. Aleksandr continues to eat more as well!
Remember to take my medication correctly every day. In 2011 I forgot to take my prenatal vitamin about once a week. Because I'm still nursing, this vitamin is integral for my health. My body will make the best milk but ravage my own vitamins and minerals to do so. With my severe vitamin D deficiency, I need to be careful! Vitamin D deficiency is linked to heart disease, earlier death and depression.

Year in Review

2011-12-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well, 2011 is coming to a close. It was not nearly as chaotic as last year, thank goodness. The highlights:

Family:

Aleksandr began walking, saying words and all sorts of other things right on schedule for his age.
Natalya is learning addition, subtraction and lots of other things, and is developing the skills needed to learn how to swim.
Unfortunately, my dad continued to have health issues and resumed smoking.
We found out that one of my aunts has stage 4 pancreatic cancer which has metastasized to her spine and lungs.

Personal:

Quitting my job was huge in my life. I'd worked since the age of 16- half my life.
Changes in companies I freelance for lead me to seek other clients.
The diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease and finding the correct medication level, which took 9 months, has given me back energy.
The diagnosis of a severe vitamin D deficiency has reduced some of the pain I had in my leg muscles.

Financial:

We spent $3,200.86 on food this year, including $450 for 200 pounds of organic beef from my uncle. This includes pet food and supplies, diapers and wipes, laundry, cleaning and paper goods, medications, hygiene and toiletry items and food. That averaged to $60 per week.
I spent more on postage, books/educational items, and gifts than I had planned. Total over budget in these 3 categories combined was about $80.
We were under budget on eating out, clothing and veterinary expenses.
We were right on target for photography, yard sale / thrift store, household and miscellaneous expenses.
We continue to save to pay cash for a "new" car, probably next year.
We fully funded our Roth IRAs this year.

Not your average family

2011-12-25T07:56:00.001-08:00

We are not your average family.

It's 11am on Christmas day and my children have not opened their gifts yet. In fact, my 5 year old has only asked about gifts once today, to ask if the cats needed help wrapping their present to her (she has strange ideas).

Growing up, I received an overabundance at Christmas to the detriment of the rest of the year. There were times when I did not have what I needed, like a winter coat that fit (and I grew up in Michigan). But come Christmas day, there was a mountain of wrapped packages underneath the tree. I don't even remember what most of the gifts were. I do remember complaining about receiving bath towels when I was 17 (they were "boy" colors and too small to wrap around your body). My husband is not so into the Christmas machine. He dislikes the consumerism, the music, the hoopla, the drama and all that. I do not disagree with him*.

We do not do "Santa", and we decided that before children were even a glimmer in our eyes.

This year, my kids will get about 4 gifts each. One is something they need (towels for swimming class). One is something Natalya has wanted- a sleeping bag (got sleeping bags for both of them). A couple are something to play with (cars / trucks / wood blocks for Aleksandr, wooden toy cutting food for Natalya). They each get a couple of books (one is about poop!!!). The books were all purchased secondhand and cost under $1 each. And one is more of a family gift- a giant Rubbermaid container of Legos. Some were mine as a child. Some were Mike's. Some I bought this summer at a garage sale. Our kids love blocks and we both loved Legos as children too.

I have a stocking for each child, with a few candies and a few little things like socks and chapstick and fancy bubble bath.

I'm baking homemade bread and making a birthday cake for Jesus. I'm cooking the $5 turkey I purchased around Thanksgiving.

Yesterday we visited family and exchanged gifts (ones I purchased frugally, of course, and were very well received) and had a meal together. Today we are home relaxing.

We are not your average family. I donated as many gifts to Toys for Tots as I purchased for my own kids. I donated as much food to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank as I purchased for our holiday meal and my holiday baking.

It's okay to not be average. To not get caught up in the consumerism, drama, hoopla, overspending, overeating, overindulgence of the season. There is more to Christmas. To me, Christmas is about spending time with my children and husband and our families and remembering the greatest gift that has ever been given to anyone.

*I do love National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas (the cartoon version and the book). My husband could mostly do without watching those every year!

Book Review: The Big Book of American Trivia

2011-12-25T03:09:00.000-08:00

The Big Book of American Trivia by J. Stephen Lang offers bits of knowledge from all sorts of aspects of the USA.

This book covers all geographic areas of the United States and it includes topics from the arts to state history to interesting sights to see.

This book would be a fine... bathroom read, as it were, for those who enjoy to do that sort of thing, or a good book for family entertainment on road trips if you do not care to entertain yourselves with electronic devices. Read this alone or to your older school aged kids to learn some random tidbits of American lore.

This is not so much for younger kids, but that is okay. It would be a nice gift for older folks, or something for older school kids to do with their grandparents.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: How We Love Our Kids

2011-12-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

How We Love Our Kids: The 5 Love Styles of Parenting by Milan and Kay Yerkovich is a parenting book with a Christian perspective.

The main idea of the book is that parents can transform their kids by transforming their own behavior first. This interactive book offers parents the opportunity to discover their "love style", learn the dynamics that shape parenting, get rid of "buttons" so kids cannot push them, create a better connection with kids that will be lifelong and learn the seven gifts that each child needs.

The types of parents highlighted in the book include the avoider parent, pleaser parent, vacillator parent, controller parent and victim parent. The authors also highlight some specific child personalities, such as the pleaser child, avoider child, free spirited child and determined child. At the end of the book is a parent toolbox and information for further study.

This book does not use all that much scripture and I like that it offers advice for parents of infants through parents of teens. It helps you understand your own heart and how to give that to your child in the way that you can both make sense of the love between you. This book helps you become more self aware and see your behavior through your child's eyes.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: I Am a Follower

2011-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

I Am a Follower: The Way, Truth and Life of Following Jesus by Leonard Sweet is a Christian living book that explains how Christians in today's world use ideology from corporate culture to define their religious practices.

In business, we are used to striving to be leaders. In the worship of God, however, we are commanded in the Bible to be followers. Sweet uses metaphors and prose to expose gospel and identify practical applications on following Jesus. Instead of trying to lead others, a life of dedication in following Jesus is the way to the truth. After all, Jesus said to follow him. Not to lead.

This book is an easy, if not amusing read at times. I particularly liked the quote about experimentation on rats (see if you can find it!). Having been there, done that in my own past, this was a very good example for me!

Breaking away from the cultural norms of today to do what was commanded thousands of years ago is not an easy idea to process. However, it relieves the Christian from the pressure and burden of trying to be something he is not.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: No, We Can't

2011-12-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

No, We Can't: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence by Robert Stearns is a thought provoking book about religious tolerance. Stearns argues that coexistence is a myth, and that a war is raging for wold domination between radical Islam, militant secularism and Judeo- Christianity. Stearns predicts an ongoing, deadly clash of cultures and suggests activities for what believers in Christ can and must do.

Depending on your own particular beliefs, this book does a lot of preaching to the choir. I highly doubt this book will make a believer of a non-believer or neutralize a militant. What I was more interested in was the cultural descriptions of current events, as worldly influences shape the development of morals.

The thoughts and descriptions are not what you will read about in your Sunday paper or hear about from the pulpit. Here in Columbus, Ohio, in the past ten years there has been significant activity of Islamic terrorists, many of whom were born and raised right here in Ohio. So the further expansion of terrorist recruitment and activity is of concern, as it has taken place just blocks from the home where I am raising my children.

This book was not very easy to read, and I'm not a huge fan of the first person in non-fiction writing. The book did not flow particularly well and the author's thoughts were scattered with a lot of opinion and not always a lot of facts thrown in. Still, an interesting read especially if you live where I do.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Book Review: Miracles Are For Real

2011-12-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Miracles Are For Real: What Happens When Heaven Touches Earth by James L. Garlow and Keith Wall is a beautifully written book with real life stories of miracles, what a miracle is and what makes miracles happen.

This inspirational Christian book also includes commentary that is biblical in nature but not at all preachy. The authors use biblical examples of miracles yet the book is not heavy in scripture or teaching. What it is heavy in is inspiration for the down-trodden, suffering and hopeless among us who have all but given up hope for a miracle for themselves or someone they love.

The authors also do a good job of explaining that there is no guarantee of a miracle, and that God hears you even if a miracle does not come to pass in your situation. Many people need to hear these reassuring words of wisdom.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House publishing group in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Our frugal holidays

2011-12-19T17:11:00.001-08:00

We've been up to lots of creative ways to have a frugal Christmas this year. One of these days I will do some kind of tutorial here or on my frugal living website and link over to it.

I've been making homemade gifts including:

Coloring /rubbing plates. I used heavy weight cardboard and cut it into squares with my husband's utility knife and a cutting board underneath. Then I used cookie cutters and a pencil to trace the shape. Then I traced the shape with glue from my hot glue gun. I made several sets of these, one for us to keep and the rest for gifts. I used up about 25 glue sticks, and the other materials were basically free. We have crayons and paper out the wazzoo. Natalya already tested them and they work great!
Squishy bags. Put about 1 cup worth of clear hair gel into a zip top bag and shake in some glitter. Zip the bag shut. Tape it shut with packaging tape. Put it into another zip top bag and zip that shut. Squish that bag until your heart's content. We used random glitter that we had on hand in various colors. You could also put sequins or confetti in there. I got the hair gel free at CVS on Black Friday after Extracare Bucks.
Jingle bell necklaces. I got a 9-pack of big jingle bells with snowflake cutouts on them at the dollar store. I used ribbon I got at the craft store on Black Friday to turn them into necklaces.
Christmas bulb necklaces. I bought a 9 pack of Christmas bulbs at Menards for 89 cents. I strung these onto ribbon to make necklaces.
I've been making fabric yo-yo barrettes and necklaces using fabric scraps and buttons from my button jar.
For family and friends, I took advantage of a Vistaprint deal and got photo calendars made for $4 each, shipped. In that same order I got a bunch of personalized stationery, a mug, tote bag and magnets free.
I took advantage of a Walgreens photo deal and got 3 of their ultimate family photo packs for just $15 and picked them up two hours after I ordered them.
My holiday cards were free this year thanks to a blog review I did for TinyPrints.com. Score!
Friends and family also got homemade peanut butter fudge (cost about $10 to make 4 - 5 pounds' worth of fudge), English toffee (cost about $5 to make about 3 pounds' worth), buckeye bars (cost about $8 to make 5 dozen bars) and truffles (cost about $7 to make about 100 truffles). I used treat bags that I got after Christmas in years past.
Natalya and I have been doing some Christmas crafts with kits I picked up at summer rummage sales or at craft stores using coupons. These have included ornament, magnet and photo crafts as well as beading and painting. Many of these turn into gifts after she's done with them.
I've been lucky to receive lots of books to review and also several games to review, which have been like gifts for Natalya. She especially loves the Doggie Doo game!

During this winter, I plan to get a head start on similar types of gifts for next year! I have lots of ideas brewing already, including scarves, finger puppets and doll quilts. My cousin who has young children and is a stay at home mom is a source of frugal and crafty inspiration to me, and she sends my kids the cutest handmade gifts.

Book Review: Praying for Your Future Husband

2011-12-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

Praying for Your Future Husband: Preparing Your Heart for His by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer is a book for young women who believe God answers prayers for husbands, even if that husband is someone they might not meet for a very long time.

The authors share their own experiences in meeting and marrying their husbands. Each chapter of the book includes scripture, prayers and ways to do this in your life. Also included are examples from real women and how God answered their prayers.

I enjoyed the chapter about contentment the most. As a married woman, it's easy to think of all the things you would change about your partner. Make him a less picky eater, for example. But there are some things that we should just be content with and accept that we cannot change.

I think this is a well written book for the conservative Christian woman who believes in a very traditional path to marriage. However, I think some important considerations were left out. Namely, safety and health. Domestic violence is such a huge issue in women's lives and I feel that the authors are doing the reader a disservice by not including some sort of prayer on recognizing the signs of these in a relationship and when to get out. Because you cannot pray away violence.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Review of The Encounter

2011-12-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Encounter: Sometimes God Has To Intervene by Stephen Arterburn is a fictional Christian short story about a man on a mission who is trying to unlock the secrets of his past.

The man needs acceptance and healing after a lifetime of disappointment and bitterness due to being abandoned as a child by his mother. Arterburn writes this as a parable to teach the reader about the joys of forgiveness to others and the blessings of forgiveness and healing offered by Jesus. Arterburn encourages the reader to leave behind the pain from the past and accept a brighter future with the Lord.

Arterburn is the founder of Women of Faith, a well attended Christian conference for women, which bespeaks his ability to communicate. The message in the book is crystal clear and gentle in its approach, as it needs to be when discussing what can be an emotionally and spiritually painful past.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Review of Doggie Doo game

2011-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

I've occasionally been writing product reviews for a variety of things over on my Columbus Frugal Living Examiner and Columbus Family Health Examiner sites.

Some of the things I review are awesome, like the Omaha Steaks review I did a while back. Oh boy, if I could do more of those!

Then some are just... odd, like this one exercise device I was sent and some... different Christmas gifts.

But the one that tops them all, is the Doggie Doo game. Natalya **loves** it. Read my review here (Disclaimer: I might get a penny or so for you going to my webpage and reading my review).

Leaving excess and doing good

2011-12-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the holiday season, we made some more donations yesterday.

We dropped off 6 games to the Firefighters for Kids / NBC4 toy drive. Then, we dropped off a bag of food for the Mid-Ohio Food bank and in return, the place holding the drive was giving away a bunch of promotional items they had received. That was super (though it didn't help with the clutter busting!). I found a Dora beanie for Natalya, some cute hardcover books, 2 kids DVDs and a t-shirt. Plus they had the tastiest snacks ever. If I had not gorged myself on my homemade chili I would have gorged on their chocolate fountain. Better my vegetarian chili! I did pick up sugar cookies for the kids and hubby, who raved about them and sent me on a mission to duplicate the icing.

I dropped off 2 bags of donations at Goodwill a few weeks ago and have 2 more ready to go. I have also been recycling a bunch.

Next week I'll be dropping off another bag of items for a local food pantry.

I'm trying to lighten up the load of stuff before Christmas comes and the kids get more toys!

Deal shopping

2011-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've been deal shopping, I just haven't posted my trips in a **long** time. I went out grocery shopping this morning to pick up some deals I knew would be out of stock because they're all over the couponing forums on the internet.

I'm pretty happy with the deals I got, as I spent about $70 out of pocket to get about $300 worth of items.

CVS: (2 stores, 1 transaction each, once card at each store)
I ended up with:
7 American Greetings cards @.99
2 bags combos @2.00
I paid using a giftcard and Extracare Bucks. These were all free after Extracare Bucks and I even came out a bit ahead thanks to two coupons from the coupon center. Love free birthday cards and snacks!

Walgreens:
Transaction 1:
Goody hair clips 2.00
Salonpas pain patch 1.00
Paid 3.20, got 3.00 in Register Rewards

Transaction 2:
2 chocolate peeps @2/$1
3 Children's Advil @6.99 -2 x 2.00 in-ad coupon -2 x 2.00 mfc
Used the $3 in RRs from above
Paid 4.65.

Meijer: Now this was a big shopping trip for me. I filled up that cart!
2 Blistex @.99 -2 x .25 mfc
Advil 2.00 -2.00 mfc
Aveeno 1.00 -1.00 mfc
2 Meijer vitamins 3.99 ,buy 1 get 1 free
bananas 2.24
bread .78
2 cat treats 1.12 -.75/2 mfc
lipton soup 1.43
2 corn starch @1.44 -2 x .30 mfc
ramen 1.49
popcorn 1.79
2 oven bags @1.99 -2 x 1.25 mfc
10 cat food @2.79 -10 x 1.00 mfc
2 Heluva dip @1.50 -2 x .75 mfc
4 freshlike frozen veg @.99 -2 x .50 /2 mfc
2 cat food @11.49 -2 x 1.00 mfc
flour 1.59
4 confectioners sugar @1.69 -2 x .75/2 mfc
2 dannon yogurt @1.99 -.50 Meijer Mealbox coupon
tea 2.19 -1.00 mfc
molasses 2.49
6 smart balance milk @2.59 -2 x .75 mfc -4 x 1.50 mfc -3 x 1.00/2 meijer mealbox coupons
sugar 2.69
2 velveeta dinner @1.67 -2 x .50 mfc -2 x .50 meijer mealbox coupon
4 juicy juice @2.50 -3.00 instant savings -2.00 meijer mealbox coupon
chinet plates 2.50 -.55 mfc
2 gallons milk @2.50
oranges 2.50
2 Maxwell house coffee @7.49 -5.00 instant savings
4 bags m'n'ms @2.50 -1.00/2 printable mfc
-20.00 off your next order catalina coupon for filling a prescription at the pharmacy
-20% off Meijer credit card bonus rewards

Paid $62.03.
I got back $1.00 oyno from Velveeta, $3 oyno for Maxwell House coffee, $10 oyno for buying 4 m'n'ms plus Meijer flour plus Meijer sugar and a $12 oyno for buying $50 of Purina products (the $50 was before coupons and the 20% off).

My total was around $167 before I presented my coupons. After my coupons it was $90-something and then I gave the 20% off bonus reward coupon and swiped my card.

I am hoping to do that M'n'Ms deal again!

I also stopped at a thrift store and spent $3.09 and I returned library books and DVDs on this outing.

During that shopping excursion, I shopped at 5 stores in 2 hours by myself. It took me about 30 minutes to pull coupons for the trip and make my shopping list. I did that during the time when I drink my coffee and have morning food.

Apples and oranges

2011-12-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

The other day, I was in a Kroger Marketplace with the kids. We were buying four items. The store was a madhouse, with people in very long lines, pushing carts filled to the brim with toys.

I could not figure out what was going on. There was no sale on toys that I was aware of. So I asked the people ahead of me.

Apparently, during November, for every $100 you spent on groceries you would get $10 in credit to spend on general merchandise between December 1 and December 4 at Kroger Marketplace locations.

The people ahead of me had spent nearly $2,000 on groceries in November.

WHAT?! TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ON GROCERIES IN A MONTH??? How is that even possible?

It must have been obvious that I was shocked, because the woman (my age or younger, with two kids and her boyfriend / husband) said "we have a lot of people in our house".

I said "I feed my family of four for $200 to $250 per month."

And she looked shocked when I said that.

I wonder what her "a lot of people" is? Eight? Ten? Twenty? Because I could feed 35 to 40 people for $2,000 per month. I wonder if she uses coupons? Shops sales? Eats organic? Buys premium brands? Eats a lot of meat? Buys convenience foods?

It was an interesting example to me of the stark differences in people's most routine of activities.

Book Review: Going Deep

2011-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

Going Deep by Gordon Macdonald spins a somewhat fictional tale in this book for spiritual growth, making believe of a church which encourages people to grow deeper into their spiritual faith.

These newly deep people would be the ones to lead the church into the future. The 'big idea' here is a one year mentoring group to cultivate spiritual growth. This book and the idea tie in with one of Macdonald's previous books, Who Stole My Church?.

My concern with this spiritual deepening is that the big idea... the process of it... is too perfect. Where are these perfect people who will become the perfect leaders come from? Where are they now? And why aren't they leading already? In other books that I have read, authors encourage individual meditation and reflection to deepen faith.

I'm not quite sure what Macdonald's point is here. If you want to develop leadership, a group setting is great. But to deepen your spiritual experience with your religious beliefs? I would think that would be done on your own... well, along with God.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to provide a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: The 60 Minute Money Workout

2011-12-01T05:10:00.000-08:00

The 60 Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay is marketed as a step by step guide to shaping up your finances.

This book is written so as to get you to spend one hour every week on various areas of your finances. A good chunk of the book is written to those who are would be entrepreneurs. This is a very, very basic book on managing family finances.

In my own life, I'm beyond what was written in the book that applies to me. But I guess not everybody pays off their mortgage in 6.5 years and saves to pay cash for their car instead of financing it. In many places throughout the book, the reader is referred to the author's website. This rubs me the wrong way. Why not just put it in the book?

The book is written in an easy to read and mildly humorous way. However, if you're not married with kids and taking big annual vacations while trying to start your own business, this book is probably not what you are looking for in terms of getting your finances in order.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: A Year With Jesus

2011-11-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

A Year With Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections on Jesus' Own Words by R. P. Nettelhorst is a devotional that spans 365 days and centers around the teachings and words of Jesus.

The book is broken down into thematic units that include Love and Hate, Truths and Lies, Arrogance and Humility, Friends and Enemies, Belief and Disbelief, Patience and Impatience, Deserved and Undeserved, Good and Evil, Fidelity and Treachery, and Life and Death.

I'm not generally a reader of devotionals but what I liked was that this book was undated. So if you, say, forget to bring the book along with you or you get off routine, you are not stuck with messed up dates. You can just pick up right where you left off. There are also different Biblical translations included in the passages, which can influence the meaning of the passage.

What I liked most about the book was that it was encouraging without being preachy and inspiring without being over the top.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Things to be thankful for

2011-11-23T04:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy year since last Thanksgiving. We've all had big changes and many things to be thankful for.

Sometimes it helps me to actually write out what I am thankful and grateful for in my life, because otherwise it is easy to just complain about the little things and forget what is going right.

I'm thankful for my two healthy children and my husband.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my kids.
I'm thankful for the legitimate opportunities I have found to earn some money from home, to pay for extras like craft supplies, books and recreation classes.
I'm thankful to have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, medical care and all those other basic things I need to keep my body working.
I'm thankful for some fun opportunities I have had to review books and other products.
I'm thankful for the opportunities where we live, for recreation. It is so fun seeing my little man splashing in the pool or seeing my big girl test her strength in sports class. And I like getting my hands dirty in ceramics.
I'm thankful for good friends who have helped us out when the going was tough (barf fest '11 stands out as one of those times!)

Homeschooling, holiday prep, germs and decluttering...

2011-11-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

A cold is making its way through our house, and so far has gotten 3/4 of us. Currently, my little guy and I are sick with it and it already made its way through my husband. Ick.

Homeschooling: Our homeschooling has been going okay, although one day this week, she took for.EVER on her math and didn't get it finished. She also moved too slowly eating lunch, causing us to miss all but 5 minutes of her sports class. She needs to learn the consequences of not listening! She was disappointed she didn't get to play soccer with the other preschoolers, but she knew it was her own fault. She has had trouble with listening to directions, and another day this week she was shoving her brother and caused him to fall face first onto the carpeted floor, resulting in him getting a bloody lip and nose, and with the cold, his crying caused him to lose his breath and then vomit all over him and me. Yuck.
Holiday prep: We dropped off our Operation Christmas Child boxes, I sorted through the gift stash to see what, if anything, I still want or need to purchase and we did some Thanksgiving crafts. I also started wrapping Christmas gifts.
I dropped off a garbage bag full of donations to the thrift store and freecycled two bags of fabric scraps and attempted to freecycle two additional bags but the person was a no show. I also dropped off a bag of outgrown baby items. I have another bag half filled with items to drop off at the thrift store. Need to declutter before more stuff comes in at Christmas!

Book Review: His Little Princess

2011-11-17T17:38:00.001-08:00

His Little Princess: Treasured Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd is a book for young girls seeking companionship with God.

On one side of the page is a girl's written prayer, and on the opposite side is the letter back from God, addressing her concerns and listing a piece of scripture for reference. The topics of prayer include all the sorts of things that might go through a young girl's heart or that she might have concerns about, like what to wear, apologizing, disappointment, anger and temptation.

This is a touching book, although I think the illustrations speak to a younger girl than some of the passages do. When my 5 year old saw the front cover, she thought it was a story book for her, and given the illustration, that was what I expected too. What you find inside, though, is for an older girl of about 8 to 10 years old, although certainly these lessons should be taught before those ages.

This also is not a princess-y book like my daughter was hoping. Instead, the young girl is referred to as princess like God is referred to as the Father. Like a father would refer to his little girl. Not a fairy tale princess.

So while the cover of this book is a bit misleading about what is inside, as a mother and as someone who went through many of these childhood issues herself, I appreciate the wisdom in this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Book Review: The Grace Effect

2011-11-17T16:56:00.001-08:00

The Grace Effect: How the Power of One Life Can Reverse the Corruption of Unbelief, by Larry Alex Taunton is a Christian self-help book about how incorprorating grace into your life can reshape your entire outlook and relationship with God.

Taunton writes with an impeccable sense of humor and dry wit given the circumstances of which he is writing. Only by the grace of God could a family get through all the obstacles that these folds did when going through the bang - your - head - into - a- brick - wall process of adopting a child overseas, from the Ukraine.

Taunton also writes at length about what a Christian nation is versus a nation full of Christians, and what a Christian versus a person who actually walks in the path of Jesus Christ is.

My only concern with this book is that Taunton makes it out like all of Ukraine is like this, and for all I know, ignorant as I am about Ukraine, it very well could be. I wonder whether it was that orphanage, knowing that Americans must have some money in order to be adopting a child, is the greedy party or if it really is a nation full of graceless people?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Book Review: Healing Is a Choice

2011-11-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Healing is a Choice: Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your LIfe & Ten Lies That Can Prevent You From Making Them by Stephen Arterburn is a revised and updated Christian help book that contains a full workbook in addition to the text.

This book discusses how the choices that we make in life either interfere or propel forward the power of God to heal our broken bodies and spirits. The ten choices that we make include the choice to heal your future, to help your life, to connect your life, feel your live, investigate your life in search of the truth, enhance your life, forgive, risk your life, serve and persevere. The lies include a variety of thoughts that go through all of our heads at some time or another.

This is an important book no matter what has broken your spirit. Arterburn includes passages of Scripture and self-reflection questions to get you to think about what you want to get out of your life. I can think of many times in my past that this book could have been a blessing to me. This book is easy to read and not easy to put down.

My only criticism is that this book advocates a lot of rumination and thinking and may not be for "doers". There is not as much advice for those who need to 'do' something to work through their issues. But otherwise, this book is a valuable tool in getting your life back on track after heartbreaking pain.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Staying busy and getting ready for the holidays

2011-11-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

The kids and I have been quite busy with all sorts of things the past few weeks. And now, I'm beginning to work on various holiday projects. Here's what we've been up to lately:

Operation Christmas Child: this will be the first time we've done this. I read about it on one of my favorite mommy blogs and Natalya thought it would be fun to do. We packed up six shoe boxes filled with little gifts, school supplies and durable candies and will drop them off at the collection site next week.
Lessons: art, sports, ballet and swim, oh my! And I started a ceramics class too!
Pulling together holiday gifts for the kids and my nieces. For my nieces, I have made a bunch of things and will put them inside of OSU backpacks. I won't even have to wrap the gifts. Yay!
Book reviews... lots of them. Love it. When I finish the books I list them on paperbackswap.com and send them off to some lucky person. I've been ordering homeschooling books with my credits.
Leaving excess: getting rid of things via freecycle, donation to the food pantry (did that for Natalya's birthday, will do it again for Thanksgiving and for Christmas) and filled up a box of toiletries and food for my parents.
Homeschooling: continuing on this adventure with Natalya!
Bargain hunting: trying to stay on top of finding the best deals on things that we need.
Freelancing: one client of mine basically shut down, but I was able to pick up another client. It's not exactly the writing I prefer but it is better than nothing. I use that $$ for extras, like postage for sending out paperbackswap books, crafts, books, trips to Target...
Enjoying the weather. We have had some mild weather and we've been trying to get outside to soak it up.

Book Review: For Women Only: in the workplace

2011-11-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

For Women Only: in the workplace by Shaunti Feldhahn is a Christian living book for professional businesswomen.

Feldhahn engages women in a conversational tone about the hidden and unspoken expectations in the professional workplace, expectations created for and by men. To get ahead, women have to follow this set of expectations (or so it seems), but doing so usually goes against Christian principles to which women have been advised to adhere.

Feldhahn covers just about every workplace situation in this book, from the little things that drive men crazy, to what is going on inside men's heads, to what men describe as the most important thing women can do to further their careers. She also touches upon, well, touchier subjects such as appropriate workplace attire, expression of strong emotions ('she's crying!').

This book would work well for the woman in a professional office setting, but outside of that, I do not see that all of these concepts would apply. Women who work in other fields besides finance, marketing and the like (policewomen? waitresses? store clerks? teachers? nurses? ) may find some good advice here but not everything will apply to their work situations.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: The 21 Day Dad's Challenge

2011-11-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

The 21-Day Dad's Challenge: Three Weeks to a Better Relationship with Your Kids Edited by Carey Casey is a dad's guide for improving the father-child relationship.

This is an important book for all dads, and each essay is written by a more or less famous, Christian dad who has his own unique perspective on certain parenting topics. Each essay is short and easy to read. At the end of each chapter, resources are listed for further information, including online and video resources. The advice and suggestions in the book are for real life fathers, not those made for tv dads that don't exist in the real world.

I enjoyed the personal touches and scriptural references in the essays, and my favorite essay was the one written by Chip Ingram, as he shares in it the numerous challenges he had in establishing his role as a positive role model and father. I am not exactly sure though why this book is a 21 day challenge? Because the goal of improving relationships probably will take more than 21 days.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church

2011-10-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow is a revised and updated edition of a previously published book by the same name.

Murrow explores why men make up less than 40% of those who attend church and what it is that drives men away from attending. He brings up many issues that face churches of all denominations, including failed leadership, churches that place themselves up on pillars and become ignorant of today's culture and lack of opportunities for male fellowship within the church community.

The book is filled with discussion of masculinity and femininity on all sorts of bases: anthroplogical, psychological, biological, sociological, and how the church mostly welcomes "soft men" along with women. Murrow offers advice to churches on how to change this around.

What I do not like about the book is that Murrow puts all the blame for this on the church itself. I truly wonder, has the church changed or have men changed? Or has the church failed to change? Still, this is a topic that could spur some lively discussion especially among church leadership or academics. It is not so much for the random wife or mother or friend trying to figure out why her guy refuses to get up on Sunday morning and put on a suit or some khakis and rejoice in all the glory and wonder.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Candyland Birthday Cake

2011-10-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

So, it took me 1.5 hours to decorate, but it was a lot of fun to do. The squares are Starburst, gumdrop mountain, forest of marshmallow trees, puffy mints instead of candycanes, fruit slices for bridges, chocolate covered oreo for Gloppy, hot fudge sauce for chocolate swamp, chewy sweet tarts for rainbow, cupcakes in ice cream cones with frosting as ice cream as the candy castle and lollipop forest, and also the licorice. I didn't have enough room to do the nut lady.

After the fish tank cake for Aleksandr's birthday and now this, I'm going to have to keep up my streak of awesome cakes!

Good Deeds for Birthdays

2011-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

In just a few days, my baby girl turns 5 years old! Do not ask me where time has gone.

I enjoy throwing her a birthday party, but last year just about did me in. I made enough food for the 30 people who said they would come. 17 actually did. I had a ridiculous amount of leftover food and I had spent hours making food that went uneaten.

So this year I am changing things up and only serving cake and ice cream. The party is at 3pm so no one should be expecting a meal anyway.

With the $50 or so I would have otherwise spent on party food (cheese, crackers, veggies, dip, buns and meat plus a side or two), we took 50 boxes of food to the food pantry run by the church where the kids used to go to daycare.

I called ahead and made arrangements to do so. When we got there, the teachers were happy to see the kids, Natalya's former classmates had hugs for her, and the church secretary was thrilled because this is a busy time of the year for their pantry. We gave cereal, pasta, taco shells, oatmeal, cake and brownie mixes.

From our friends and family I have mostly received positive reactions although one family seemed annoyed as they were seemingly expecting dinner. Even though I explicitly stated on the invites "join us for cake and ice cream". Natalya knows and played a part in the decision to only serve cake and ice cream and to instead use the food $$ to give food to the pantry. It is her birthday, after all. And she knows and enjoys helping others, and I am happy because I do not have to spend hours making a ton of food and then wrapping up or disposing of all the leftovers.

Now that said, I plan to go all out on decorating that birthday cake!

Book Review: Decision Points

2011-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Decision Points by George W. Bush is a presidential autobiography.

To be honest, I was not expecting a lot from the book. In fact, when I mentioned that I would be reviewing it, someone close to me made a joke that it would have very big print and lots of pictures (this was not the case, although there were some pictures in the book).

George W. Bush's presidency was during my early adult years, finishing college, through my masters degree and becoming a parent. Just as my own life took a lot of twists and turns through those 8 years, so did the United States and the world.

It is no small thing to have led the country through the worst terrorist attacks in history and to deal with all the criticism related to that. President Bush also talks about his own personal challenges including drinking and family relationships.

I feel somewhat enlightened by reading the book although I do wonder how much of it was his words and how much were the words of the ghost writer that was rather obviously used. The book is easy to read and written in a first person, conversational tone but I really think much of it had to have been done by the ghost writer. The book also confirmed for me that I was correct in my decision to not vote for him in either election. In fact the 2000 presidential election was the first election I was eligible to vote for president, and the whole experience left me with a sour attitude about politics.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Book Review: A Good and Perfect Gift

2011-10-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations and a Little Girl Named Penny by Amy Julia Becker is a mother's story of her own challenge in finding out that her daughter would be born with Down Syndrome.

As the older sister of a severely handicapped young woman, and as a mother who had some concerns as a result of the anatomical ultrasound during my pregnancy with my own daughter, I could relate to many parts of this book.

The fact that Becker writes this from a Christian perspective is very telling. We all have expectations of what our children will be like, hoping that they will do great and honorable things in their lives and follow Jesus Christ. When our preconceived expectations are obviously not going to be met, through no fault of our own, it is easy to blame God and lose faith in Jesus. Becker, in her telling of her struggle, shows that this is a very human and honest way to feel.

What I did not like about this book was that, honestly, Penny is a fairly typical child in her abilities and development. In my own opinion, it is easier to keep the faith when your challenges are... less. Had Penny been born like my own sister- deaf, blind and profoundly mentally retarded, along with chronic conditions such as asthma and possibly other health complications, especially as she ages- I can't help but wonder if Becker would tell things the same way. I got the feeling that Becker either exaggerated or told the story through rose colored glasses in the last part of the book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Groceries, freebies and more

2011-10-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

I had a bigger shopping trip this week and spent just under $60. That included 5 gallons of milk, a whole chicken plus 5# chicken breast, baking supplies and lots of other stuff.

In the mail, I received some freebies including three magazines, three books to review, a t-shirt that came with two of the books for review, and a pack of beauty samples from Target.

This was the last week of preschool sports, art and ballet for this session. I signed up Natalya for the next session of ballet. I did this in person and saved the "convenience" fee. I was able to sign up after her class, so it was not a special trip. I will sign up for the sports and art for her again next week, and I'm going to take a ceramics class just because I want to! My grandma operated a ceramics studio and I did ceramics, oh, about 30 or so years ago!

Book Review: Heaven is for Real

2011-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent is the true story of a little boy's near death experience as the result of a severe illness.

While on a family / work related trip, little Colton had off and on tummy complaints. As the parent of young children, I completely understood the Burpos' plight- whether to stay home and miss a huge opportunity or whether to go and risk exacerbating a child's illness. Having just recovered from his own medical concerns, Mr. Burpo was weary of missing more professional opportunities and taking a break with his family.

Little did the Burpos know, that their son would nearly lose his life and require multiple hospitalizations. On a subsequent family trip, their little guy started talking about what his experience was while anesthetized for surgery.

He explained his experience of Heaven and described what was going on in the hospital with the doctors and his family at the same time.

This is a beautiful story of strength, faith and encouragement for those going through grief or their own extraordinary life experience.

My only complaint was that the book is billed as being from Colton's point of view, but it really was not. It was from his parents' point of view. They told his story to you, it is not like the child is telling the story. That said, I still enjoyed the story and lessons the Burpos share of their trust in God.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Product reviews, freebies, shopping and Spyware

2011-10-15T04:09:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I mentioned signing up on Postloop. Don't!!! I think that one of the forums there infected my computer with a bunch of nasties including malware and spyware and trojans (oh my!).

Now, on to better things.

I'm doing a product review on Columbus Frugal Living Examiner for IKEA toys. So fun to open the door to a giant box of toys! The kids were as excited as I was.
I got 4 free magazines, 2 free cat food samples, a pack of chai tea samples, a coffee sample and I found a set of coupon inserts when I recycled this week.
I asked my endocrinologist's office for some medication samples, which saved me about $12 on medication refills
I went to my doctor for a wellness visit and flu shot, covered by our health insurance.
I spent just over $21 this week on groceries.
I spent $7 at a rummage sale on some crafting goodies, new in package shoelaces (lots of pairs) and a pair of rubber sandals for me.

A Variety of Updates

2011-10-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Life sure has been busy in the past month since I left my profession to stay home with the kids. A few updates:

Writing:

Demand Studios Media, where I write on eHow.com and Livestrong.com, has nearly eliminated all the writing assignments. While there used to be nearly 100,000 assignments in the pool, yesterday there were ZERO. Terrible.
Examiner.com is going well on Columbus Frugal Living Examiner and Columbus Family Health Examiner. I contacted them to see if I can add some topics since these two have been doing well for me the past year and a half.
All of us DMS writers have been hanging out in the forums trying to help each other find other writing venues. I set myself up on ODesk and PostLoop to try to find some new assignments.

Homeschooling:

We continue to do phonics, sight words, counting, adding, learning about animals, our bodies, reading books.
We continue to go to sports, art, ballet and swim classes.

Leaving Excess:

Spending more time at home makes me realize... what a mess our house is! We have a fairly big house at just over 2000 sq ft and an average size city lot, yet it seems like our home overflows in places. So even though I have shopped at some rummage sales recently, I was more mindful during my shopping and did not go crazy snatching up bargains (also my garage sale budget did not allow me to do so).
I freecycled the exercise ball and some other things I was not using.
I have a bag of books to sell.
I have a bag of baby stuff to donate.
I took a huge trash bag of stuff to the thrift store.

Book Review: The God Pocket

2011-10-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

The God Pocket by Bruce Wilkinson is a short book about Christian Living and the principles of managing the blessings God has given.

Wilkinson just dives right in without background or scripture and uses personal stories to explain what God Pockets are.

Basically, a God Pocket is a little stash of money in your wallet or purse or another item which you have set aside to give to someone else. You do not think of it as yours but rather as God's, and you are simply entrusted with it until God shows you the right person at the right time to pass it along to.

I like Wilkinson's idea, and I abide by something similar but use different means. Wilkinson fails to cover the receiving end of God's Pocket and how the idea can be misused by unscrupulous individuals. Also not covered is what to do if you would like to have a God's Pocket but you really do not have extra cash to do so, as it is pretty much implied in the book that God's Pocket is for cash or something big ticket like a car, not small potatoes.

Disclaimer: I received a free edition of this advanced reader copy book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Book Review: Where Has Oprah Taken Us?

2011-10-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

Where Has Oprah Taken us? The Religious Influence of the World's Most Famous Woman by Stephen Mansfield is a historiography - biography focusing on how faith affected the personal and professional development of Oprah Winfrey.

Mansfield starts from the very beginning of Oprah's life, from how she got her name (a clerical error) to the personal lives of her closest family members. Mansfield continues on with how faith and loose morals of Oprah's mother affected her own morals and lead to some unbecoming behaviors. Included are very important aspects of Oprah's background, including a heartbreaking loss and two of the worst things that can happen to a woman: rape and loss of a child.

I found the story of Oprah's faith and the development of her changing relationship with Jesus to be inspiring, much in the way that she inspires others to better their lives. It is clear in how she lives her life in service to others that she is a believer in Christ, and I do not see the conflict that the author sees in that Oprah's spiritual beliefs conflict with one another, although that perspective is not one I would really think about. I think it is possible to celebrate the spirituality of nature and the spirit of Christ, for example.

I'm not exactly sure why this book even needed to be written though, as who really cares what the woman's beliefs are? That is between her, and her god. Regardless of whether her god is my God.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Fall Rummage Sale Goodies and Groceries

2011-10-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

So fall rummage sale season has started up and I'm enjoying finding some treasures that fit into my budget. The fall season usually only lasts two to three weeks and I don't get to all the sales, so over the years I've figured out which ones have the best prices and selection and I stick with those.

Here are some of the treasures I've found over the past two weeks:

Bargain Box- Junior League of Columbus annual sale. I was able to fill a bag with kids' clothes for $5 and found several pairs of pjs for both kids for this fall, a couple of dress up things, swim trunks for my big boy, a sweater for Natalya and a winter coat for her. I also filled a bag with books for $1 and got a belt for Mike for $1 and a pair of boots for Natalya for $1. I spent $8.54 (they charge tax at that sale).
Small church rummage sale- I spent $3.10 on a few kitchen things, some Lego base boards, and some craft/party supplies.
I stopped by a garage sale and got 4 brooches for myself for $.50 each.
My favorite church rummage sale had lots of good stuff for us. Bags of clothes for $.25 (I got two bags- Natalya filled one and I filled one), some toys, six pairs of boots/shoes/sandals, a food carrier / covered food dish and a bunch of craft supplies. I spent $18 there.

I budget for yard sales ($150 for the year). I have $21 left in my yard sale budget which should get me through the remaining week or so of the season!

Here's what I got for the week's groceries:
Meijer (two transactions due to coupon limitation)
Transaction 1:
3 jars Meijer Naturals salsa @$1 -3.00 oyno of Meijer Naturals
8 bags frozen veggies @$1
-1.00 buy 10 get 11th free
Used 5.00 oyno from last week
Paid 2.00.

Transaction 2:
2 bags pretzels @$1
3 jars Meijer Naturals salsa @$1 -3.00 oyno of Meijer Naturals
2 loaves wheat bread @$1
buns $1
3 bags frozen veggies @$1
-1.00 buy 10 get 11th free
Paid 7.00.

Walgreens:
coldcalm 6.99
cepacol drops 2.99
Used 1.60 and 2.00 Register Rewards from last week. Paid $7.05 and got back $7 and $3 in Register Rewards.

Super Savings Saturday: Cheap juice, free Chex Mix and more!

2011-10-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

I did a lot of transactions at Meijer this week to maximize coupons and store promotions. I had a problem with the Hanes deal $10 discount not coming off the two packs of socks I bought my husband and had to return for a refund, which is when I finished the week's shopping. In the end, I got:

Meijer Trip 1: (5 transactions)
15 tomato paste @.48 (part of catalina deal buy 5 Meijer organic/naturals and get back $3 off your next Meijer organic / naturals purchase)
10 tomato sauce @.50 (also part of the above catalina deal)
20 juicy juice @2.50 -20 x 1.00 mfc -5 x 2.00/4 Mealbox coupon
5 juicy juice sparkling juice @2.99 -FREE wyb 4 juicy juice packs (limit 1 per transaction)
10 Chex mix @.99 -10 x .50 mfc = FREE (snack for Natalya's birthday party)
6 Betty Crocker cookie mix @1.67 -6 x .40 mfc
3 Bisquick @1.67 -3 x .50 mfc
bananas 1.10
bread .78
8 crystal light @2.69 -b2g2f (part of Kraft catalina promotion)
2 Kraft singles @2.50 -.50 mfc (part of Kraft promotion)
eggs .99
Barilla sauce 2.00 -.55 mfc
2 yoplait @2.00 -2 x .75 mfc
4 yoplait kids @3/$5 -2 x .75/2 mfc
20 yoplait @.60 -2 x .40/6 -.50/8 mfc
2 packs mens Hanes socks @7.49 -10.00 instantly wyb 2 mens Hanes classics
I got 2.00 oyno from Yoplait, 5.00 oyno from Kraft (I rolled these into the above transactions) and 5 x 3.00 oyno Meijer Naturals items, which I used in trip 2 and got the following:

Trip 2 (five transactions):
11 Meijer oats @.99
2 kidney beans @.99
4 tomato paste @.48
4 diced tomatoes @.65
yogurt 2.00 -.75 mfc -1.00 Meijer store coupon = FREE
Meijer corn chips 2.00

My grand total spent at Meijer, CVS and Walgreens was $67.80. That was a lot of food and other stuff for that amount of money, but it was over my budget. I'm still averaging out okay for the year at $49.92 per week.

We've been going through about one pack of juice boxes a week what with all the running around we've been doing and the fact that I am providing the two snacks a day at home, as opposed to daycare providing to snacks a day. One snack they have juice and the other, milk, so we're using more of both at home. I estimate the juice will last about 5 months and the expiration date is April so we should be covered for a while.

CVS
Thermacare 3.79
2 Excedrin @.99
Used $5 ECB and paid 1.16. Got back 3.79 and 1.98 ECBs.

Walgreens
W Maxipads $2 -.50 peelie
Balance bar 1.59
Paid 3.14 and got back $2 RR and $1.60 RR.

Book Review: Living Close to God

2011-09-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Living Close to God: When You're Not Good At It by Gene Edwards is a Christian living book that gets beyond prayer at the surface level of simply saying or repeating devotions and delvesinto how to have fellowship with God even when you do not think you have the time.

Edwards directs the reader on how to have a two way conversation with God and allow him to reveal the motives in your heart.

This book has a conversational tone and includes prayers, songs and a small group discussion guide along with a personal guide for developing your relationship with God. It is more of a story of personal experience though and less of a teaching guide.

I have never had an advance reader copy of a book before, and the last pages were stuck together at the top with some sort of notches and were shorter than the previous pages. I do not know if that is typical but it seemed a little strange to me.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy / uncorrected proof of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: (W)hole

2011-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

(W)hole by Lisa Whittle invites the reader to look within herself and find those holes that interfere with a whole relationship with God.

These holes are the things that we do not like about ourselves, that keep us feeling self-conscious, ashamed, frustrated and worried over. These are some of the things we allow to label us, even though we do not like them. "Fat" could be a hole. "Uneducated" could be a hole. "Short tempered" could be a hole.

Whittle shares a personal story involving her own childhood and adult experiences that left a deep hole within her and how she allowed God to fill that hole so that her spirit could return to the vibrance it once had.

At the end of the book, Whittle includes questions to ponder and reflect upon. This book is not preachy and there is not actually a lot of quoted scripture here. Rather it is a more personal telling of how God fills the voids in our lives.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Homeschooling pre-K week 2

2011-09-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

So far, we do some worksheets in the early morning hours which frees up the rest of the day for whatever else comes along, including our scheduled classes but also impromptu trips, helping out a friend who needed someone to pick up and watch her child for a little while one afternoon and so forth.

Art: art class (clay this week), free drawing with crayons and markers, made Daddy a birthday card, painted rocks

Science: learned about trees (evergreen and deciduous, parts--roots, trunk, branches, leaves/needles), flowers, yeast (bread making), mixtures (cake making)

Reading/phonics/writing: name practice, missing letter worksheets, writing birthday card

Math: greater than / less than, counting, matching, missing number, sequencing, largest to smallest series

Physical: we had some yucky weather so didn't get to the park daily like last week- we only got out twice due to rain. We did get out a bit and we also had ballet and sports classes.

Super Savings Saturday: First time shopping at GFS

2011-09-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

This past week I stopped into GFS and did some price comparisons and then I went back and did some shopping there. I got:

5# meatballs 8.99
5# boneless skinless chicken breast 9.99
5# shredded mozzarella 10.49
5# shredded cheddar 13.49
5# American slices 13.99
Used $5 off $50 coupon
Paid 51.95.

At Meijer, I got:
4 gallons milk @2.50 -1.00 milk coupon I got in the mail
bread .78
buns 1.11
2 dozen eggs 3.43
bananas 1.24
2 franks @.99 -2 x .55 mfc = FREE
ricotta 1.89
nutella 2.50 -1.00 mfc
2 welch's @1.67 -2 x .35 mfc
8 green giant @1.00 -2 x .80/4 mfc
Paid 24.89.

CVS
Revlon 6.49 -1.00 mfc
candy corn .99
gum .50
gummy worms 1.50 -2.00 CVS facebook candy coupon
cvs bubble gum .99 -2.00 CVS facebook candy coupon
Used 6.79 Extrabucks and .63. Got back 5.99 Extrabucks.

Kroger
milk 2.50
2 shaving cream @2.00 -2 x .75 mfc
2 sundown supplements @3.29 -2 x 2.00 mfc -3.29 bogo discount
fuze 1.19 -1.19 free coupon on my card for playing game
Paid 3.21.

Is it just the stores in my area, or are grocery prices going up everywhere? Meijer didn't even have hot dog buns for less than $2.79!

Book sales: I stopped at two library book sales and spent $2.25. Natalya chose a few items and so did I.

Mothers of Twins Club Sale: It's in a new venue this time and it worked out SO much better. It was at Vets Memorial, across the street from COSI. So mommies can shop while daddies and kids go and play. Perfect. I got there late and was looking for a few specific things. I purchased one game, three books and two pairs of shoes and spent $8.50. Our stroller is falling apart and I was hoping to find a lightweight one big enough but the only two lightweight ones left were too small for my big boy.

Book Review: The Love & Respect Experience

2011-09-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

The Love & Respect Experience: A Husband-Friendly Devotional that Wives Truly Love by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is a weekly devotional book for spouses to use together to strengthen their marriage.

Dr. Eggerichs suggests several different ways that couples can use this devotional, depending on their comfort level and communication preferences. At the lowest level, he suggests couples at least read each devotional (separately) each week.

Each devotional (there are 52) is just a few pages long and begins with Scripture and includes a personal example followed by suggestions for prayer and action.

I liked how this book was laid out and not so preachy. If your preference and comfort level are to pray and wait, you can do that. If you are an action oriented person, there are wise suggestions for you.

There are 52 devotionals, so clearly not every possible source of problem in a marriage is covered, but I thought there were some obvious missing areas such as work, politics and some child rearing concerns. And that pink vs blue thing got old for me. Yes, I get that girls are different from boys. I did not need it hammered in and I think other books (psychology ones, namely, along with neuroscience) cover that much better.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Homeschooling pre-K week 1

2011-09-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

What we did this week:

Math: We used coins to count to 50 and 100, did some counting and writing worksheets, what's different picture worksheet, and matching worksheets

Phonics: Missing letter worksheets, name practice daily, address practice

Money: we compared and contrasted American coins. Front and back of penny, nickel, dime and quarter. Whose picture on the front and what on the back. We talked about the properties of coins- hard or soft? Warm or cold? Squishy? Stretchy? Does it roll? Spin? Which one is heavier? Which one is bigger? What color?

Reading: Read 11 books over the course of the week, went to library story time

Physical activities: Nature walk, picking up pompoms with tweezers (fine motor skills), scissors practice, following different types of lines then drawing them, maze game on paper, played at the park 5 times, went to sports class, went to ballet class

Community: went through dresser, she sorted what she likes/does not like / does not want and we donated and freecycled those items. Bonus is that now all her dresser drawers shut! :)

Art: made a "zoo", went to art class

Science: made a wave bottle

Super Savings Saturday: Free stuff, yard sales and groceries

2011-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Free Stuff: Last month, I entered some back to school giveaways on various blogs. I won a Snapware set of plastic storage items, and received it this past week. I got a cupcake/cookie carrier (which will be awesome, I could have used it two or three times this month already!), two stackable sandwich carriers, one large and one small stackable plastic organizers and an 18 piece set of food containers. I also picked up some drink mix for craft/science projects, dress shoes and ballet leotards and tights for Natalya via Freecycle. I got some magazines and 2 books for review for free as well. I enrolled Natalya in the homeschool Book-It program and her pizza certificates arrived.

Yard Sales: Last weekend, my neighborhood had yard sale day and we stopped at a few while out running errands. I found a pair of shoes for Natalya and a set of Melissa & Doug Farm Magnets. I spent $3. This week we stopped at a large rummage sale and spent $3.50 on 5 books, popsicle molds, doll accessories, stickers and a Hello Kitty gift set.

Groceries:
(Meijer last Saturday)
2 gallons milk @2.50
2 boxes cat food @2.79 -2 x 2.00 mfc
Planters peanut butter 2.19 -.75 mfc -.50 store coupon
Paid 7.15.

Meijer week of 9/11:
Transaction 1:
32 Friskies Crispies cat treats @1.25 -30 x 1.00 -10.00 instant discount
Paid 2.03 in tax.

Transaction 2:
15 Purina One Beyond @2.79 -15 x 2.00 mfc -10.00 instant discount
Paid 4.00 (2.15 was tax)

Transaction 3:
Johnson swabs 1.49 -.50 mfc
bananas 1.11
bread .78
2 danimals @1.89 -2 x .50 mfc
2 bags apples @2.00
nutella 2.50 -1.00 mfc
planters 1.67 -1.00 mfc
Paid 10.40.

Transaction 4:
15 Purina @2.79 -15 x 2.00 mfc
Purina cat treats 1.25 -1.00 mfc
Italian bread 1.99
Paid 5.06.

CVS:
Transaction 1:
newtons thins 2.50 -2.50 coupon from red machine
allergy medicine 3.69
-2.00 birthday coupon -3.00 Extracare Bucks
Paid .82. Got back 3.69 Extracare Bucks

Transaction 2:
RePhresh Tampons 6.79
Used 3.69, .99, 1.00 Extracare bucks. Paid 1.57.

Penzey's:
Cream of tartar 4 oz bag 2.75
Teacher box with spices and recipe book free
bottle of 'forward' spice free

In all, spent $49.88 this week on groceries. Stayed in budget!

Also a quick Target run. This came out of my gifts budget:
Sorry! Revenge game 5.24 -4.00 mfc
Monopoly Deal game 5.24 -4.00 mfc
cascade .97 -1.00 mfc
Kashi crackers 2.79 -2.00 mfc
Kashi crackers 2.99 -1.50 mfc -1.00/2 target coupon
3 Mead notebooks @.25
Mead 5 star 1.25 -2 x 1.00 mead products mfc
9 dollar spot items on clearance for .30 (jumbo crayons, etc)
2 buckets & shovel sets on clearance for .50 each (a few of ours broke over the summer)
2 boxes up & up facial tissue @.99 -2 x .75 facial product Target coupon
Paid 7.70.

Book Review: More Lost Than Found

2011-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

More Lost Than Found: Finding a Way Back to Faith by Jared Herd is a Christian inspirational and faith themed book for younger adults.

Herd writes in the first person, inviting the reader who lost faith and left the church only to find his way back again but feels lost in the process to join him in a journey back to a satisfying life in following Jesus.

Simply going through the motions of practicing Christianity is not enough for many. Many Christians want to feel the love of Jesus with their entire spirit, and going to church alone is not enough to regain this type of full on faith in God.

This book is not for individuals who are looking to convert others or spread the word. It's for people who already know the word but are looking for meaningful experience in a Christian way of life.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Freebies and Good Deals I Got This Week

2011-09-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for a plain knee length black skirt and pair of black pants for a while and had not found any at an acceptable price until this week at Target, thanks to some new printable coupons on their website.

Here are the best deals I got this week:

Target:
2 Mossimo tops #4.48 -2 x 5.00 Target coupon = FREE plus overage
2 Mossimo tanks @3.24 -2 x 3.00 Target coupons
Merona pants 6.24 -5.00 Merona bottoms coupon
Merona skirt 8.48 -5.00 Merona bottoms coupon
3 simply lemonade @.91 -3 x 1.00 mfc adjusted down = FREE
3 simply orange @.91 -3 x 1.00 mfc adjusted down= FREE
2 Target facial tissue @.99 -2 x .75 Target coupon
Paid 5.14! That is about the price of one skirt at the thrift store these days.

Later in the week, I went into another location hoping to find a few other things for my coupons. I got:
4 market pantry pasta @.98
4 market pantry sauce @1.00 -4 x 1.00 off wyb market pantry sauce and pasta
2 sorry games @5.24 -2 x 4.00 mfc
pectin .54 on clearance
Paid 7.68.

CVS trip 1:
hershey's milk chocolate 1.19 -1.19 b1g1 mfc
hershey's air delight .99
carefree 1.00 -.50 mfc
orbit gum .74 clearance -.74 coupon machine adjusted down
dove candy bar .79 -.79 coupon machine coupon
Paid 1.56 got back 1.99 ECBs. Love me some free chocolate.

Trip 2:
2 bags starburst @3.00 each wyb 2 -bogo up to 4.29 from coupon machine
hershey's milk chocolate 1.19 -1.19 b1g1 mfc
hershey's air delight .99
carefree 1.00 -.50 mfc
dove candy bar .79 -.79 coupon machine coupon
Paid .78. Got back 1.00 carefree, .99 hersheys, 1.00 green bag tag and 2.00 for birthday.

OfficeMax:
I got six colored sharpies for .25 each, a bunch of boxes of crayons for .05 each, boxes of 24 colored pencils for .10 each, and binder zipper bags for .25 each. I spent $5.

Meijer
2 Monopoly deal games @5.00 -2 x 4.00 mfc -15% for paying with my Meijer card =.25 each
Connect 4 spongebob game 4.50 -4.00 mfc -15% for paying with my Meijer card = FREE
Connect 4 u build it 7.49 -4.00 -15% for paying with my Meijer card = 2.37
4 gerber baby food lil meals .99 -4 x .55 mfc = FREE
wet ones wipes .99 -.75 mfc = FREE
2 cat food @2.79 -2 x 2.00 mfc
2 4-packs Kleenex @5.29 -2 x .50 mfc
12 yoplait @.60 -2 x .40/6 mfc
2 carefree @.94 -2 x .50 mfc=FREE
2 gallons milk @2.50
oscar meyer hot dogs 3.68 -3.68 free item coupon I got in the snail mail
twix 1.18 -1.18 free item coupon I got in the snail mail

Paid 25.86. About $5 was the games.

Kroger:
bread .75
3 land o lakes @1.79 -3 x .75 mfc
-.50 cellfire coupon
Paid 1.12.

Walgreens:
3 tomato sauce @.25
Candy corn .99
Used 1.50 RR. Paid $.24.

Daily Feats:
I got my $10 amazon gift card in the mail.

Goodwill: I bought two books, on sale buy one get one free and spent $1.06.

Peace.Love.Swap Swap Meet:
I volunteered as an organizer to help with setup. Mike and the kids came, as it was held at a kids indoor play facility so the kids could go nuts for two hours while the moms did their thing. As a volunteer I didn't have to pay the small admission fee. By volunteering for setup, this way I knew where things were and what all there was. It was a small swap, and I think it would have been better if 30-40 moms had participated, but there were only 13 and then a few volunteers too. I brought a large bag of stuff to swap and came out with a smaller bag of items, including a pair of Halloween pjs for Natalya and a winter dress in her size, and a pair of snow pants, some sandals and boots for Aleksandr. There is another meet in a month but I'm not sure if I will go because it is on a weekday morning so I would have to watch the kiddos while trying to also shop. Volunteering would probably not be as do-able for that swap, since I had to be there an hour and a half beforehand.

Last Day

2011-09-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my last day at my job at the Department of Health. It seemed surreal yet it felt right.

My supervisor threw a small office party and many of my past and present coworkers gathered to wish me well, and many had stopped by my cubicle over the past two weeks or sent me emails to wish me well.

I think people were both surprised and not surprised by my decision to leave my job to stay home with my kids and continue with freelance writing and give homeschooling a go. Surprised because I have been in my agency a long time (over 8 years), have a graduate degree and generally get along with most people and assist and contribute. I also played a big role in workplace events such as establishment of an agency lactation policy for breastfeeding mothers, collection and fundraising for domestic violence and operation feed.

And not surprised because I have two young kids, and my heart was no longer in my work.

So my last day was a good closure for me. I cleaned my workspace. I ran into people I had not seen in a while and told them of my new adventure. We enjoyed each other's company over cake and punch. And I think my story of financial planning, priorities and simplicity inspired a few people too.

Leaving Excess: Big Update!

2011-09-07T11:41:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was our local hazardous household waste collection event, which apparently inspired my husband to go through and get rid of a bunch of stuff that had been hanging around the house. Gone are:

old treadmill motor (recycled)
old elliptical machine parts (recycled)
old tv (taken to resale shop for store credit)
old cd player (taken to resale shop for store credit)
old CFL bulbs and thermostat (contain mercury; hazardous waste collection)

In addition to all that:

I'm freecycling a bag of books
I gave some produce we can't finish up to one of the teachers at daycare
I gave the Simply Juice I got for free last week to one of the teachers at daycare, because Natalya tried them and claimed not to like them, the rest of us don't care for orange juice and I don't drink sugar-sweetened beverages like lemonade.

Book Review: Our Last Great Hope

2011-09-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our Last Great Hope: Awakening the Great Commission by Pastor Floyd calls for Christians to... evangelize. Proselytize. One of my least favorite activities that some denominations of Christianity profess as a requirement in their churches.

Floyd proclaims that instead of doing most of what Christians do in the name of Christ and instead go around and tell people about Jesus. While I'm comfortable with Floyd's ideas that we should live more austerely, I simply do not like proselytizing. Floyd seems to be all about talk and little about the actions of a life in following Christ.

There is nothing much new or insightful in this book compared to books already in existence about the very same subject. The book does not flow well and is not easy to read. There are sections that do not even stay on topic with the scope of the book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: My Bargain Hunting

2011-09-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here are the bargains I've picked up over the past week. A stomach flu hit 3 of us and took us down for a few days. It's not so fun when you cannot even keep water down. It started with Aleksandr and then made its way through Mike and me. Not sure if it was something we ate or a contagious illness he picked up at daycare and then shared to us.

Cat Welfare Garage Sale Saturday: I filled a bag with books for $2.50 (a bag of softcovers is $2, hardcover $3, mix is $2.50). Natalya picked out many and I found her the complete set of Anne of Green Gables books. I loved them as a kid! I also got a few other things and spent $3.72. I donated two huge bags full of stuff for their weekly garage sale as well.

Rummage sale Saturday: Natalya chose 10 books, some craft things and I found a few storage items. Spent 4.25.

Garage sale Saturday: I bought a globe pillow for $.50.

Staples:
Bic Markit pens 3.00 (get back 2.75 rebate)
Pentel Sparkle Pens 2.99 (get back 2.74 rebate)
2 packs pencils .09
Paid 6.51 and will get back the rebates.

OfficeMax:
6 packs markers @.15
6 rulers @.01
6 protractors @.01
10 folders @.01
6 compasses @.01
Paid 1.26.

CVS: multiple visits to maximize coupons. In the first, I got:
4 Dawn @.99 -4 x .50 mfc
St Joseph's aspirin 2.00
Oral B floss 1.99 -1.00 mfc
orbit gum .74 clearance -1.00 coupon machine
dove candies (filler) .38
Used 5.00 Extracare buck. Paid .61. Got back 1.00 from floss, 2.00 from aspirin.

Next:
Orbit gum .74 -1.00 coupon machine
4 dawn dish soap @.99 -4 x .50 mfc
-1.00 ECB. Paid .23. It seemed like my total was low but I cannot figure out why.

Next:
Orbit gum 1.11 -1.00 coupon machine
4 dawn dish soap @.99 -4 x .50 mfc
-1.00 ECB, paid 1.29.

Next:
always liners 1.57 -1.57 coupon machine
4 dawn dish soap @.99 -4 x .50 mfc
-1.00 ECB, paid 1.07.

And finally:
4 dawn @.99 -4 x .50 mfc
gum 1.25 -1.00 coupon machine
ladies sandals .75
mens sandals .75
Used 2.00 ECB, paid 2.08. I had a boatload of Dawn coupons expiring 8/31 and so now we are very well stocked on dish soap.

Meijer: multiple transactions to maximize my coupons. In total, I got:
12 carefree @.94 -12 x .50 mfc
2 neosporin @3.69 -2 x 2.00 mfc
bread .99
4 tuna @.75 -2 x 1.00/2 mfc
2 Ekrich franks @.99 -1.00/2 mfc
22 KC masterpiece @1.50 -22 x .50 mfc -10 x 1.00/2 mealbox
8 johnsonville sausage @2.50 -8 x .55 mfc
ice cream cones .72 (clearance)
watermelon 2.99
2 wheat thins stix @1.99 -2 x 1.00 mfc
Popsicles multipack 3.48 -3.00 catalina
Nivea lip gloss .99 -1.00 catalina
4 Meijer ice cream @2.50
3 sugar free Kool-aid @1.67
3 vlassic @2.00 -3 x .55 mfc -1.00/3 mealbox
starkist 1.12 -.50 mfc
2 goldfish crackers @2.39 -2 x .55 mfc -bogo sale
planters peanut butter 2.19 -1.00 meijer coupon -.75 mfc
-2.00 oyno
Paid 33.50. Got back 2.00 oyno from Kraft and 2 3.00 oyno from KC Masterpiece and 3.00 oyno meijer ice cream. I'll be making several ice cream cakes for upcoming special events with most of that ice cream!

Kroger
Turkey hill ice cream 2.79 -1.00 mfc
3 land o lakes @1.79 -3 x .75 mfc
2 gillette body wash @3.39 -2 x 2.00 mfc
2 secret deodorant @2.19 -2 x 1.00 mfc
3 floss @.95 -2 x .50 mfc
-4.00 P&G event discount
Paid 4.76.

Leaving Excess Update

2011-09-02T07:47:00.001-07:00

A few things for the past week:

Filled up a 4th box for the domestic violence shelter collection, and those were sent along to the organizers of the collection.

Gave some produce and coupons that I wouldn't be using to a teacher at daycare

Freecycled a box of pre-K educational materials that I would not be using

I have a bag filled up with stuff to take to the swap meet this weekend

Started on filling a new box with stuff to Freecycle

Have some books ready to take to Half Price Books for the pittance they will pay!

Book Review: Your 100 Day Prayer

2011-08-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

Your 100 Day Prayer by John I. Snyder is an instructional book for those who need to speak directly to the will of God in asking for a specific need.

Pastor Snyder explains how to express your need before God and focus your prayer. He provides examples and there is space in the book for the reader to transcribe their prayers and conversation with God and then go back through those conversations after the end of the 100 days.

The book is organized like a Bible study or devotional and requires the reader to put in a good amount of effort to get the most out of the process. So long as the reader has at least 10 minutes each day to do this, this is a tangible, meaningful way to develop your faith.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Free detergent, carrots and more!

2011-08-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

These are the deals I picked up this week:

Target:
4 trial packs of Cascade @.97 -4 x 1.00 mfc =FREE
4 travel Tide @.97 -4 x 1.00 mfc = FREE
Papermate pens 1.00 -1.00 target coupon = FREE
shoelaces for Mike 2.09
Paid 2.51.

OfficeMax:
10 notebooks @.01
4 crayons @.15
6 glue @.15
4 boxes pencils @.05
Paid 1.83. I anticipate using a lot of this stuff with the kids in my new adventure as a SAHM in a few weeks!

Meijer: I saved over half off my bill with coupons, not including the savings from store sales.
2 pantyliners @.94 -2 x .50 mfc = FREE
2 protein bar @1.00 -2 x 1.00 mfc = FREE
vitamin d 2.94 -2.00 mfc
2 acidophilus @3.49 -2 x 1.00 mfc
2 vitamin D @4.29 -2 x 2.00 mfc
bananas .68
2 Ziplock bags @2.00 -1.00/2 mfc -.75/2 Mealbox coupon
2 bags apples @2.50
6 yoplait @1.67 -2 x .50 mfc -2 x .75/2 mfc -2 x 1.00/3 Mealbox coupon
4 brownie mix @1.00 -2 x .75/2 mfc
14 Betty Crocker helpers @1.00 -2 x .80/4 mfc -2 x .75/3 mfc
11 bags frozen veggies @1.00
lettuce 1.00
6 bags carrots @1.00 -2 x 2.00/2 mfc -2 x 1.00 mfc
2 Krusteaz mix @1.00 -1.00/2 mfc
pasta 1.00 -1.00 mfc
2 bags white potatoes @1.00
bag sweet potatoes 1.00
buns 1.00
-3.00 buy 10 get 11th free sale-- thought I had the right number to get 4 free??? Paid 43.94.

I Finally Did It

2011-08-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today, I turned in my resignation papers. My last day at my job will be in mid-September.

This was not, by any means, an easy decision. I have prayed about it for years, sought counsel and had numerous discussions about it. Walking into my supervisor's office, I felt nervous and choked up, dizzy and a bit flustered.

Without going into boring detail, my reasons for leaving are many. First and foremost, my family. My heart is calling me home. My own mental health is another reason, as I had a breakdown recently that took me to the very edge of coping abilities. I was underutilized and unchallenged in my work. Many times, I had little or even nothing to do, or the activities were useless, such as changing colors on a MS Publisher document to make it more aesthetically appealing. My attitude was spilling over at home, and I also felt like it was affecting my coworkers, although I know many of them feel equally frustrated.

Someday, I will go back, and hopefully, into a position that is a better fit for me. My years of experience and graduate degree should serve me well in that regard.

In the mean time, I plan to continue with the freelance writing to keep a current resume. I'll be joining some parenting groups and hope to get to some fun things with the kids, like preschool story time at the libraries and programming at our park system. And of course bargain hunting and advocating for breastfeeding support.

And I continue to pray that this is God's will and not my own desires, because after all, Thy Will Be Done, not *my* will.

Book Review: Horse Dreams: Backyard Horses

2011-08-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Horse Dreams: Backyard Horses by Dandi Daley Mackall is a juvenile fiction book geared toward late elementary school age girls.

This is the story of Ellie, a girl who loves horses and dreams of owning her own. One day while at school, Ellie sees a small horse running loose and she and her mom rescue and care for him until he can move on to greener pastures. While her exact prayer was not answered, her own dreams begin to change and her maturity shines through.

This is a nice story that mentions prayer without being preachy and shows to girls that God answers prayers but not always in the way we think they should be answered. I also thought it was interesting that there is some sign language in the book under each chapter heading.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Sunday Shopping: School Supplies deals

2011-08-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

And here I thought the school supplies deals would be done as of last week, but they're going strong still. Here's what I got at the stores:

Staples:
2 boxes of Crayola 24-count crayons @.15 (price Matched OfficeMax ad)
2 Bic Click pens @.50 -1.00/2 mfc
Scotch tape 2.00 -.50 mfc
2 Memo books @.50
Twiste eraser .50
5 packs filler paper @.01
Paid 3.63.

OfficeMax:
4 boxes Crayola crayons @.15
6 bottles glue @.15
10 notebooks @.01
4 boxes colored pencils @1.00
4 boxes markers @1.00
8 packs Scotch moving tape @2.00 -8 x .50 mfc *price matched Staples ad
Sharpies essentials kit .01 w/$5 purchase
4 packs pencils @.05
-$10/30 purchase coupon daycare teacher gave me (I gave her the $5 off Payless I got from OfficeMax last time)
Paid $15.00 and will get 25% back in bonus MaxPerks (of my pre-coupon total)

Target
4 travel tide detergent @.97 -4 x 1.00 mfc adjusted down
Paid .26 in tax

Walgreens
9 reach floss @.99 -3 x 3.00/3 mfc
dawn dish soap .99 -.50 mfc
Paid 1.07, will donate the floss.

Super Savings Saturday: CVS, Meijer, OfficeMax and Staples

2011-08-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, the school supply deals continue this week in abundance. Here's what I got during my shopping:

OfficeMax (online order -some of these deals were online only for MaxPerks members):
Everything is 100% MaxPerks:
3 binders @8.49 plus buy 2 get 1 free discount
6 packs mechanical pencils @3.10 plus buy 2 get 1 free discount
3 packs pens @7.99 plus buy 2 get 1 free discount
3 packs Expo markers @5.79 -buy 2 get 1 free discount
wet erase markers 5.99
My purchase qualified for free shipping. I plan to use all my rewards to get amazon giftcards. However, if that plan fails, I do need to replace my netbook and printer this year or next.

Staples
25 notebooks @.01
pack mechanical pencils 3.99 (free after rebate)
2 pack mini notebook .25
stretch pencil box 1.00
Paid 5.87 and will get back 3.99.

CVS- finally, some good deals at CVS! The coupon machine was very good to me:
caramello 1.19 -free item coupon from machine
cvs supreme diapers 6.49 -3.00 coupon from machine
5 gatorade @1.00 (free after extrabucks)
2 gold emblem onion powder @.99 -buy one get one free sale
carefree liners 1.67 -1.67 free item coupon from machine
cvs fabric bandages 4.19 -4.19 free item coupon from machine
gold emblem hard candies .99
gold emblem raisins 2.37 -1.00 coupon from machine
I used 4.20 in giftcard balance and paid 5.31. I got back 5.00 Extrabucks from the gatorade and 1.00 for green bag tag.

CVS-trip 2
body wash 2.27 -3.00 free body wash coupon
trail mix 1.67 -1.00 dried fruit coupon
caramello 1.19 -1.19 free caramello coupon
2 gallons milk @3.09
bandages 3.49 -3.49 free item coupon
-3/$15 purchase
Paid 3.34. Less than what 2 gallons of milk would have been at the grocery store.

Meijer: Multiple transactions to use up lots of pasta coupons. I played coupon fairy and left a stack of coupons by the pasta and I left other coupons around too. In the end, I got:
8 boxes barilla @.99 -4 x .55 mfc = FREE
6 better oats @1.79 - 4 x .55 mfc
2 packs boys underwear @4.99 -3.33 on each (Hanes/Nabisco deal)
boys t-shirts 5.99 -3.34 (Hanes/Nabisco deal)
2 packs carefree liners @.94 -2 x .50 mfc =FREE
2 lotion @.99 -2 x .50 mfc =FREE
band aid 1.00 -.50 mfc = FREE
2 pantene @4.99 -2 x free item coupons I got in the mail
3 suave body wash @1.67 -2 x .50 mfc -buy 2 get 1 free mfc
2 suave deodorant @1.67 -2 x .75 mfc
bananas 1.26
2 starkist tuna @1.12 -2 x .50 mfc
8 nabisco go packs @1.29 -4 x .75 mfc
grape jelly 1.87 -.35 mfc
enfamil 18.99 -5.00 mfc -20.00 in formula 'checks'
nesquick 1.25 -.50 mfc
cookies 1.67 -.70 mfc
2 sargento slices @2.50 -2 x .55 mfc
disinfectant wipes (requested by daycare) 1.67
-20% Meijer discount coupon /credit card reward
Paid 8.75. I will donate the formula, body wash, lotion, carefree and deodorant. I was quite happy with this trip and I got my favorite cashier and Aleksandr had fun eating a cookie and singing through the store.

Meijer Super Saturday Sale (2 transactions)- total of what I got:
3 carefree @.94 -3 x .50 mfc =FREE
4 better oats @1.79 -4 x .55 mfc
4 cottonelle tissue @2.44 - 4 x .75 mfc
2 packs boys socks @3.99
boys underwear 4.99 (stocking up for potty training! these are size 2-4 and he's already a size 2)
2 nexcare bandages @1.65 -2 x .55 mfc
4 nabisco go packs @1.29 -2 x .75/2 mfc
onions 2.29
cookies 2.39
cookies 2.79 -10.00 off 3 packs of Hanes for spending >10.00 on Nabisco
milk 2.50
-5% off grocery and -15% off general merchandise by paying with my Meijer Mastercard
Paid 19.88 in total. The regular price of the toilet paper would have been more than that! It really does pay off to shop sales and coupons. And for all the people who say coupons are just for junk food, I used coupons on organic oatmeal, bandages, toilet paper, cheese, tuna, deodorant, body wash, feminine hygiene, lotion and pasta (okay, and some teddy bear crackers and cookies too!).

The cookies will be used for making "crusts" for ice cream cakes... we have an anniversary and birthday coming in the next month!

Super Savings Saturday: Garage Sales

2011-08-20T10:40:00.001-07:00

I went out by myself for a few hours this morning to treat myself to some freebies and do some garage sale shopping:

Staples- I got a free goodie bag, chair massage and dunkin donuts coffee. I could've had a donut but I passed since I ate some peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread this morning (I made it last night)
Target- I picked up a huge box of cotton swabs for 3.84, used $1 off up & up purchase of $3 or more coupon, anti-itch lotion for 3.14, used $1 off up & up purchase of $3 or more coupon, 3 packs of papermate pens @1.00, used 3 $1 off papermate writing utensil coupon, chlorox wipes 2.49, used .50 mfc and .75 Target coupon, 4 travel Tide detergent for $.97 each, used 4 x $1 mfc (this is allowed per the Target corporate coupon policy; they adjust the coupon down). Paid just over $7.
Boy Scouts Garage Sale- annual sale of Columbus scouts, and a colleague whose sons were in the troupe works it every year. There are all sorts of interesting things for sale, and always lots of furniture and big items. I found polymer clay to do with Natalya, tongs, a shaker and a squirt bottle for a fine motor activity for her, a plastic dishtub for pouring/scooping for Aleksandr, lots of books, some shirts for me, felt and two tools that I thought Mike could use but I was wrong so we put them in our donation pile. I spent $5 there.
I stopped by the thrift store run by Birthright and they were having a bag sale for $2 per bag for all their summer clothing. I filled one paper bag and spent 2.14 (they charge tax). I found some tees and shorts for me, a few tees and a pair of pjs for Aleksandr and some shirts and skirts for Natalya.

Book Review: Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love

2011-08-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love by Brennan Manning and John Blase is a children's book with an ethnic perspective.

The story explains how God has an overflowing love for all. No matter what naughty thing a child might be up to or conceiving of, God still loves each person, and there is nothing a child can do to lose the love of God.

This book would be best for younger children, ages 3 to 5. The story is quite simple and the pictures are captivating for children of this age group.

My only criticism is that since we do not speak Spanish in our home, that we did not know some of the words in the book. It's not really easy to stop in the middle of a story to go and use the internet to translate the words.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tommy Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: Dinner with a Perfect Stranger

2011-08-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Invitation Worth Considering by David Gregory is a personal growth book on developing a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

This book is a short, simple and easy read that you could finish in an hour or two over a cup of coffee or tea.

This book is written from the perspective of a man who is invited to a dinner with an unknown guest who turns out to be Jesus. The man is not a very good dinner guest, but Jesus takes the time and patience with him to share His blessings.

I like that this book is low on the guilt, prosletyzing, fear mongering, hellfire and brimstone and all that nastiness that often comes with "hey why aren't you a Christian yet" books. Instead, Gregory presents the basic tenents of Christianity, such as love thy neighbor, which are also what draw me as a Believer.

And from what I know about Jesus, I can totally picture him sitting back with some jerk of a dude who is all sarcastic and then having the man walk away humbled and alivened (if that is a word).

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Press in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Adsense

2011-08-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to create a few extra side streams of income, for a reason I'll post about in a few weeks.

So, you will see some ads here. I know they are annoying, but if you could pretty please click on some, that would be super!

My other side incomes are my freelance writing:

I get paid for traffic visits to my articles on Columbus Frugal Living Examiner and Columbus Family Health Examiner.

On my Frugal Living Examiner website, I write about everything related to living frugally that applies to Columbus Ohio specifically. For example, today, a local thrift store is offering a half off sale on all clothes, shoes and books. I've been writing topically on back to school the past week or two.

On my Family Health Examiner website, I write about all kinds of stuff that is health related. School bus and pedestrian safety, healthy lunches, exercise, food recalls and everything in between.

I have been writing for Examiner.com since February 2010.

I also write for Demand Studios Media and most of my articles appear on ehow or Livestrong.com. I get paid a flat fee for my writing there, and their guidelines are stricter. I had to submit writing samples and my resume to write for them.

Garage sales and free fun

2011-08-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

We had a nice weekend of bargain hunting and taking advantage of freebies from doing our library's summer reading program:

Friday, we went to a daycare center's closing sale and picked up some bottles of tempera paint and some activities for Aleksandr, one was a sorting/puzzle solid wood activity and he loved it. Spent $5.

Then we played a free round of mini golf. Fun! Then we went to the mall, at a packed lunch and used a $10/10 JC Penny coupon to get flip flops for Natalya for next year and a new polo shirt for Mike, spent $2.67. Our thrift store had similar flip flops priced at $3.99 per pair!! For used flip flops!

After that, we went to a retiring teacher's sale and Mike found two things he was looking for and I found several books and manipulatives to round out the educational items I was looking for. The educational items were $33 and Mike's items were $19.

Saturday, we went to a nearby village's garage sale day, and walked through about a dozen sales but found nothing, so we moved on. We are still hoping to replace several of Mike's tools that were stolen in our burglary from a few weeks ago. So then we moved on to another daycare center closing but it was more for young baby stuff and things we already had. So we moved on to a church rummage sale, where I found a sweater and a few books and craft items and spent $3.50. I get most of my clothes from rummage and garage sales and fill in from thrift stores. Rarely will I pick up something from a clearance rack at a store. Only socks and underwear are new. And even then, in the past two years I've only purchased 4 bras, and those were maternity/nursing bras and I got them on sale.

After that, we used our free Donato's pizza coupons for lunch and spent a few more dollars there. It had been years since we ate pizza out! Then, we stopped at a farmer's market and I got some corn to grill for our dinner (it was so tasty!).

Finally, we stopped by a garage sale held by a lady in my homeschooling group. Score! There were tons of great resources and educational books, and she had marked everything down from $1 per book (already very reasonable) to just TEN CENTS per book! She had K-5 materials. I got 54 books! That included reading, math, spelling, science, health, music, art, social studies, an atlas, a dictionary and some workbooks. She had also advertised craft items but all those were gone save for sewing patterns. I was so pleased to find such a great deal on the books. I had been using paperback swap to get materials, but even shipping out a paperback to get credit so I could then order a textbook is getting expensive, at $2.50-3 per book.

And at $.10 per book, I will just pass them on to someone else when we are done. The books are in great condition.

Super Savings Saturday: Shopping Aggravation

2011-08-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

I did the week's shopping on Sunday and ran into every possible aggravation. Coupons that didn't work, difficult cashiers, out of stock, couldn't find stuff, long lines, you name it.

Here are the good deals I found:
Walgreens (Keri was out of stock at 8am Sunday. UGH!) 2 transactions
2 Crayola crayons @1.00
4 pencil pouches @.59
Nestle Drumstick cone 2.69 (for one!!! holy cow!!) -1.99 free item coupon
3 glue @.29
pencil sharpener @.39
4 packs Expo markers @.99 -2 x 2.00/2 mfc
Paid 1.93 and used $4 in RRs. Got back $2 in RRs.

Office Max:
3 packs assorted erasers @.20
3 packs filler paper @.01
2 packs highlighters @1.00
Paid 2.80.

Staples:
3 composition notebooks @.10
mechanical pencils 5.00 (free after rebate)
3 plastic containers @.25 (will be an activity for Aleksandr)
Paid 6.46 and will get back 5.00 rebate.

Target:
ribbon .50 clearance dollar spot
2 pairs xhiliration socks @2.50
2 pairs xhiliration socks @.62
Used 2 x 3.00 Target coupons from apparel section, but lead cashier told my cashier to adjust down to 2.50 even though my product total was greater than the total of the coupons. Annoying!
Paid 1.86. These will go into my own Christmas stocking, as I love crazy socks.

Kroger:
6 packs yoplait kids yogurt @1.88 -.75/2 on each group of 2
Yoplait delights 1.88 -.50 mfc
3 barilla pasta @1.24 -3 x .55 mfc
3 carefree @1.00 -3 x .50 mfc = FREE
2 dozen eggs @1.00
-2.00 oyno
Paid 8.73. I know this yogurt has plenty of sugar per serving, but I let it slide as the kids do not otherwise eat much for sugary treats. I like that it has probiotics and for my picky eater, she loves the stuff so since it's been on sale, I've been buying it. She will eat two a day if allowed! So I prefer to spend$.22 per serving rather than $.50 at regular price.

Meijer:
I did the Hanes deal to pick up underclothes for Mike. I also got:
contact paper 5.84 for crafts/ making some educational aids
tums 3.68 -3.00 catalina
5 bags pretzels @.99
8 crystal light @1.00
14 duncan hines cake mixes @1.25 (I had been out of cake mix since I used the last ones for Aleksandr's birthday.)
7 duncan hines premium brownie @1.50 -7 x free premium duncan hines item wyb any 2 duncan hines items
2 boxes wheat thins @2.50
2 boxes snackewells @2.50 -2 x .75 mfc
watermelon 3.99
peaches 1.18
bananas 1.21
bread .78
I paid 76.60, about half of which was the underclothes for Mike. This is the best time of year to buy underclothes due to the back to school sales.

Messages

2011-08-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

I've been praying for direction and guidance about something that has been on my mind for a long time. What with my impatience, waiting for an answer on my questions and concerns has not been easy for me.

This week I am off work, caring for a sick little boy (2nd ear infection in 3 weeks)- a planned "vacation". We were out picking up some probiotics so he doesn't get explosive diarrhea from the strong sulpha-based antibiotic he is on. We also stopped into a community center's resource room an I met another mom there. I didn't realize they had a weekly parent support group meeting, the kind of thing I'm looking for as I transition out of the PPD group. We had a nice long conversation while our boys played together. What she said to me was like a direct response to what I had been praying about.

Then, as we left, I saw a sign that said 'Life is not a burden.' I actually started to tear up as I was driving, as I realize I have been acting like it is. Sick boy (again)? Burden. Sassy daughter? Gets on my nerves. Cat that pees all over the house and another one that coughs up hairballs every other day despite feeding her anti-hairball food? Completely annoying. Dealing with my health conditions (still trying to get my thyroid medication right)? Burden. That sign really spoke to me.

Then, I came home to nurse my sick little guy and visited my favorite money saving blog and there was a post that was like the final piece of the message. Amazing.

Book Review: Fresh Brewed Life

2011-08-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Fresh Brewed Life, revised and updated by Nicole Johnson is an inspirational book for those looking to reinvigorate their lives and relationships with others and with God.

This book is meant for women and uses the analogy of sitting over a cup of coffee either by yourself, or with a friend, and the way that feels to start your day.

Many women, myself included, just go through each day completing the same stuff that needs to be done, like laundry, getting the kids up, personal hygiene, shopping, cooking, answering messages, going to work, commuting... drudgery. Johnson aims to wake you up (and smell the coffee!) to what life is all about.

Women, myself included, tend to take the challenges of life personally. Child misbehaving, health issues, arguing- must be all my fault. Johnson addresses these issues and more with candidness and a sense of humor. She shows a new way of living life in Christ that many other Christian authors haven't seemed to be able to do, especially for women.

This would be a great book for a younger woman so she can get her life in Christ and marriage and as a mother off on the right foot, but Johnson also shows it is not too late for the experienced mother, wife and Christian to live a fuller life.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Groceries

2011-08-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

Kroger:
3 gallons milk @2.09 (manager special)
6 yoplait kids @1.88 -3 x .75/2 mfc
3 yoplait delights @1.88 -3 x .50 mfc
bread .75
grapes 1.90
bananas 1.09
softsoap 1.00 -.35 mfc
oral b toothbrush 1.00 -.50 mfc = FREE
2 crest toothpaste @1.00 -2 x .50 mfc = FREE
carefree liners 1.00 -.50 mfc = FREE
Paid 19.93.

Meijer:
2 pack strawberries @2.50 / buy one get one free
Nestle quik syrup 1.64 -.50 mfc
bananas .90
2 ragu @1.50 -.60/2 mfc
3 Splenda @3.54 -3 x 3.00 mfc
sink strainer 1.69 -15% off general merchandise when you pay with meijer card
-2.00 oyno
Paid 5.00.

Book Review: Mercy Come Morning

2011-08-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Mercy Come Morning is a contemporary work of Christian fiction by Lisa Tawn Bergren.

I rarely read fiction, fewer than five books of fiction in a year compared to over 300 non-fiction books in a year.

This book was a little better than I expected, although to be honest it had a predictable story line and ending, without the twists you expect in other genres of fiction work.

Bergren's development of Krista, the lead character in the novel, makes you feel close to her as if you know her personally, and you hurt for her for what she has gone through.

This would be a nice read for a car trip or a few hours on a porch or at the beach. It goes by quickly and is an easy read.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: Free and cheap school supplies

2011-08-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

I joined a homeschooling co-op in my city and was able to then sign up for the teacher rewards programs at a few of the office supply stores. This then allows for increased limits on the specials and in some cases gives store credit based on the amount you spend at the store.

Here are the super deals I picked up this week:

Staples:
Zebra z grip 7 pack pens 4.00 (free after Easy Rebate)
2 packs Sharpie fine point pens @.25
2 packs pink pencil top eraser caps @.10
25 2 pocket prong folders @.01 w/ $5 purchase (this is the only item you could get extra of with the teacher thing)
hand sanitizer .50 on clearance
Paid 5.82 and will get back 4.00 rebate.

Office Max: Teachers can get double the advertised limit of sale items. Also there are printable coupons they will email you once you join the rewards program. And on Sunday and Monday there was a deal that the first 150 educators got a free reusable shopping bag along with some samples and a planner, and then 20% off any item that fits into the bag (does not all have to fit- so long as the individual item would fit).
So, I got:
clipboard 1.99
6 Kleenex 2-packs @2.00
10 schoolio index cards @.10
12 packs Expo dry erase markers @5.99 -buy 2 get 2 free sale
10 packs filler paper @.20
12 packs of 4 glue sticks @.50
8 packs schoolio crayons @.01
4 wood rulers @.01
8 packs of 10 pencils @.10
6 packs of 10 pens @.20
4 composition books @.50
dry erase writing mat .99
dry erase learning center 5.00 (clearance)
Used $5 off $25 purchase, $10/30 purchase, $5 off 3 or more Expo or Sharpie products coupon from tearpad in store, and got 20% discount. Paid $15.94. Considering just the Kleenex would have cost that much on sale at the grocery store, I am thrilled with my purchase. And my expenditure will count toward my MaxPerks reward!

Target:
pack of plastic insects 1.18 (75% off)
2 packs Ziplock containers @2.39 -1.50 mfc -1.00 Target q
2 Reach floss @.89 -2 x 1.00 mfc
Paid 3.82.

Walgreens:
Crayola washable markers 8 pack $2, get $2 RR
barrettes $2, get $2 RR
Used $3 RR, paid 1.27, got back 2 x $2 RRs.

Goodwill:
I purchased 6 books for $.59 each. One was a busy book for Aleksandr and the other 5 were educational for Natalya.

Payless:
At Office Max, I got a $5 off any purchase at Payless Shoes coupon. I stopped in and got a pair of loafers for Aleksandr that were priced at $5, and paid 0.00!

Yard Sale:
Mike stopped by a retiring teacher's yard sale and found some great teaching aids for me to use with the kids. Three dry erase writing boards (two with penmanship lines), two pocket charts with numbers, words, letters, a Froggy math game, Connect 4 game, 10 resource books, two giant dice, and some other stuff. He spent $9.

Book Review: As Silver Refined

2011-07-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur is an inspirational Christian self help book for those dealing with one of life's serious disappointments.

This book also includes a bible study.

Arthur presents how past regrets, present disappointments and fear of the future interfere with our ability to construct a strong relationship with God, and therefore, any other truly strong relationship.

God should suffice us, but we are all convinced that He alone is not enough for satisfaction in life. Arthur reminds the reader that God alone is sufficient for our needs during times of profound disappointment. Rather than pinning our happiness on the performance or actions of others or even ourselves, we just need to get to know God. As the enemy attacks our joy, we can return to God for completeness and happiness.

Rather than telling the reader what to believe, Arthur leads you through appropriate passages of Scripture and lets you see for yourself.

This book was a little more dry than what I was expecting. It seemed short on personal experiences of people following through with Arthur's lessons to relieve the dissatisfaction and disappointment in their lives.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Super Savings Saturday: What a Week

2011-07-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

What a horrible, terrible, not very much fun week. One of my uncles died, my dad had major surgery, we were robbed... completely awful!

Still, life must go on. Groceries must be purchased.

Meijer
bananas 2.18
gerber lil meals .99 -.55 mfc = FREE
2 dozen eggs @.99
cherries 3.18
6 dannon @1.89 -6 x 1.00 mfc
2 bread @1.00
2 buns @1.50 -2 x .55 mfc
6 tuna helper @1.00 -2 x .75/3 mfc
4 brownie mix @1.00 -2 x .75 mfc
6 green giant veg @1.00
2 bags pretzels @1.00
mushrooms 1.00
carrots 1.00
chicken thighs 5.70 (1.11/# manager special)
Used 2.00 OYNO and 10.00 pharmacy coupon. Spent 22.10.

School supplies deals I got:

OfficeMax (online, qualified for free shipping)

2 OSU backslings @17.99
2 packs of 100 file folders @12.99
2 reams paper @6.49
3 packs index cards @3.69
Had to pay out of pocket but will get it all back except tax on my MaxPerks rewards. The OSU backslings are going to be Christmas gifts, the rest of the items we will use.

Staples:

2 index cards @.01
2 Sharpie highlighters @.01
2 packs pencils @.01
2 reams paper @5.99 (will get 2 x 5.49 back in rebate)
RSVP pens 4.00
dry erase calendar w/ marker 3.00
Crayola dry erase crayons 3.00
giant paper clips (for sorting activity; Natalya chose these)
goofy erasers 1.00 (Natalya chose these)
2 notebooks @.50
Used $5 off $25 purchase from Staples.com (click on that image when viewing the weekly ad and you can print the coupon)
Paid 21.39 and will get back 14.98 fro Easy Rebate.

Walgreens: I noticed they have an entire aisle of school supplies including some workbooks for $1. The toothpaste I was going to get did not ring up correctly despite it fitting the requirements and there being a sign posted. So I did not buy it. We just picked up 2 packs of the Scunci hair ties, paid 2.21 after using a bit left on a giftcard, and got back a $3 Register Reward.

CVS: I failed to properly read the ad, and I thought the pens and Ben-gay promotions were limit 2 but they were actually just limit 1. So I had to do a return of the second items, which ended up making my total weird. In the end, I ended up with a foam puzzle for $1, BenGay 6.29 -5.00 mfc, papermate pens 1.99. I paid $.84 cash and used a 3.00 extrabuck, and got back 7.92 store credit for the goof.

Book Review: Thunder Dog

2011-07-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory is a memoir about the author's experiences in life and in the evacuation of the World Trade Center after the attack on 9/11.

Hingson artfully weaves his memories of growing up as a child with blindness and how those experiences gave him the mentality of not only a survivor but a "thriver" (if that is not a word, oh well). He explains more about guide dog training than I have ever learned before- and I have a sister who is blind.

The depth of the relationship between the guide dog and her handler is aptly described by Hingson as like the man and the shepherd in the 23rd Psalm. I never thought of it that way, but now I understand.

I could hardly put this book down, as it held my interest at so many levels. The disaster (I love disaster stories), the relationship between man and best friend, and a man's experience having what most of us perceive as a significant disability, but it is only a disability because the world is mostly run by sighted people.

My only criticism is that I wanted to know what happened to David, Michael's friend who left WTC North Tower with him. The reader knows that the friend made it out, but I wondered what the friend's life direction was after.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

We were burglarized!

2011-07-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

(Edit: I edited the title to reflect that it was a burglary and not a robbery- I researched the definitions. Some unknown person entered my (unsecured) garage with the intent to commit a theft and stole items.)

Yesterday, Mike grilled steak from my uncle for our dinner. I had joked with him about the garage door still being open... I am one of those slightly paranoid people about doors being locked and such. He gave me a 'look'. It's one of my soapboxes. That sort of thing.

So this morning when he went to load the car, BOOM! It hit. The lawnmower he just bought last month, was gone. Stolen. They moved the kids' tricycles to the driveway to get at it.

Toolbox GONE! The whole box of his handtools.

Both car interiors riffled through. They stole his two older model ipods that he has mp3s on. I don't have anything valuable in the car I drive. I keep it that way on purpose because I'm often at shopping centers or thrift stores and such, so I keep it slightly messy/junky on purpose. So as to not attract attention from would be thieves.

I am just thankful that they stuck to the garage and did not try to enter the house (as far as we know anyway).

I called the police and they came a lot faster than I expected. We filed a report with the officer. Then we spoke with two trusted neighbors. One has had items stolen from his cars while the cars were parked in his driveway.

It just unnerves me that sometime between midnight and the early hours of morning when I got up, some thief or thieves were helping themselves to what we have worked hard for. It disgusts me that people think they can steal personal possessions from hardworking families. We live in a quiet neighborhood. We don't have fancy stuff but apparently it was good enough for somebody to rip off.

I try to believe the best in people, but to sneak onto my property all the way into my garage and steal my husband's handtools and such? Disgusting. I can only say, they will get what is coming to them from the Lord when He is good and ready. Nothing I could do or say would be as good as He can do justice.

Super Savings Saturday: Office supply store deals, thrift store and garage sales

2011-07-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

I picked up a few goodies at the thrift store and garage sales this week:

5 x $.90: bags of plastic toy animals and wooden block letter magnets, for Aleksandr (animals will be for Christmas)-- I had been looking for these on amazon and a tube of plastic animals is over $9. I also picked up a set of Brain Quest cards and a bag of crafty stuff for $1.75.

I got a ton of buttons and a pack of red, white and blue ribbon at a yard sale. Paid 2.05. Many of the buttons are vintage. They're fun for doing crafty things with Natalya.

For my freelance writing, I picked up some of the office supply deals at Staples this week. Packs of printer paper, post-it flags, mechanical pencils, stick pens, glue, erasers and folders. I took Natalya so we could double up on the glue and erasers. I stock up on those things at this time of the year, enough to last until the next year's school supply sales!

For groceries, I picked up:
Kroger- I stopped by a store on its last day of business- store closing. Not everything was being marked down, unfortunately. I was hoping to get some deals on frozen foods. There was not much left in the store. I did get:
6 packs English muffins @.25
loaf bread .25
mushrooms .25
6 ears corn @.10
2 green peppers 1.00
bananas 1.17
2 pudding @.25
3 bags carrots @.25
dozen eggs 1.25
Paid 6.48.

Meijer:
bananas 1.40
pecan chips 1.99 -1.99 meijer baking nuts catalina
plums 1.29
2 gerber graduates lil meals @.99 -2 x .55 mfc = FREE
3 shredded cheese @1.88
milk 2.50
2 strawberries @1.25
9 bags steamer veggies @1.00
2 ice cream cones @1.00 -1.00 buy 10 get 11th free sale
cream pops 2.50
Paid 25.77.

Book Review: In Between

2011-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

In Between by Jenny B. Jones is a fiction book for teenagers and is one of three books in the series.

Fiction is not really my thing, as I find more than enough to keep me entertained in the world of non-fiction. However, this book has many appealing points in that it is realistic and relevant for today's culture. There are a lot of, um, interesting characters in the book, and each character is fleshed out well. Katie, the main character, goes through a series of trials and tribulations (for a teenager, anyway), as God works through others to help her find Him.

The author uses Christian principles along with a strong amount of humor and does not seem preachy in using the lead character's experiences to educate the teen audience. I think it would be good also for the parents to read this book along with the teen (or beforehand).

That said, I felt there were a few cliches in the book such as the whole dressing as a Goth to tick off the parents thing. But anyhow...

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Frugal Friday: Educational Stuff

2011-07-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

I keep coming across people who have kids or grandkids with late birthdays like Natalya, or who are very bright like Natalya is, and did some homeschooling with them. Even without me asking about it- random people, like in checkout lanes at Target and whatnot.

I've continued to pick up inexpensive educational items to start using with her this fall, items that I think will also be good to save for Aleksandr when he's preschool aged too.

Here are some things I've picked up, what I paid for it and what I plan to do with it:

Workbooks- I picked these up from Target's dollar section and ordered some from Paperback Swap.
Educational books- We already had some, and I have filled in with a few from local thrift stores, at a cost of $.25 to $.50 each.
Maps- After shopping around for two months, I finally purchased a US and World map from Target for 4.99.
Worksheets- printed free from education.com, though there was the cost of ink / paper.
Reusable / wipe-off items: I got one mini reusable penmanship pad from Staples back when that $3 off any purchase coupon was out there, then today I found a placemat with uppercase letters on one side and lower case on the other, and I got a few reusable workbooks from Paperback swap.
Magnetic/dry erase board for about $9 at Target

Then, to keep Aleksandr busy when I work with Natalya, I'm starting to put together "busy bags". These will include:

Mini felt board with shapes
sorting foam blocks
foam letters
linking monkeys
busy book
nuts & bolts (plastic ones!!)
I spy bottle
Finger puppets
texture cards
button snake
... I hope to have about a dozen different bags. Each activity fits into a zipper pencil pouch.

Book Review: Prayer Begins with Relationship

2011-07-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

Prayer Begins with Relationship by Cynthia Hyle Bezek is a small group study of the purpose of prayer.

Many people pray because it is what they were taught to do. Most of those same people were taught to pray in a very specific way, often in the form of prescribed prayers written by someone else seemingly eons ago.

Bezek encourages emotional openness with God and offers ways to practice a more personalized relationship with God. In this way, the reader can develop a more intimate, purposeful and delightful relationship that satisfies the soul.

My only criticisms are that this book has a lot of blank space in it and I think the reader could use a little more in the way of personal anecdotes from others who have followed Bezek's suggestions and had it work well for them.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: More Than Ordinary

2011-07-08T05:11:00.001-07:00

More Than Ordinary: Enjoying Life With God by Doug Sherman with Terra McDaniel is a book about personal and spiritual growth.

Sherman uses the creation, fall and resurrection of Christ, scripture and stories of personal lives to detail how the reader can build a relationship with God. Rather than a boring, ritualistic, pray-once-a-day, go to church once a week approach to connecting with God, Sherman advocates enjoying Gods presence, delighting in His love, experiencing the joy and abundance that God promises and trusting in God in everything that comes in life.

My one criticism with this book is that it focuses on God the Father, and pretty much leaves out God the Son and the Holy Spirit. I found this book easy to read and it flows well and is easy to follow along with.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Book Review: Plugged-In Parenting

2011-07-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Plugged-In Parenting by Bob Waliszewski is a family relationships and parenting book by Focus on the Family and Tyndale House Publishers.

Much of America's culture revolves around media consumption. TV, movies, social networking, music, gaming, it all affects how children perceive the world around them. These outlets often provide our kids with more of an education than the schools or even we ourselves can manage to do in the short amount of time we interact with our kids.

Waliszewski offers parents ways to help kids make choices regarding media consumption that instead of driving them away from parents, will bring them closer together and keep the peace in the family home. He also tells parents who are less than savvy what they should know about their kids' media activities. In addition, he provides examples from the Scripture and relevant social research about teen behavior and risk-taking.

My criticisms of this book would be that it is likely going to be dated very quickly as social media and other forms of entertainment change so rapidly as does the technology with which we consume media. In addition, I think more focus should be on the earlier part of childhood, because if you can nip the consumption of negative media in the bud before it begins (and as your child gets older, explain why), I think that can help. My 4 year old already knows that commercials (the only tv I watch is the news, which is bad enough) want you to buy things.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and Focus on the Family in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion stated is entirely my own.

Book Review: A Place Called Blessing

2011-07-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

A Place Called Blessing by John Trent is a Christian and family life story based on The Blessing.

The main character, a little boy called Josh, feels that he is unredeemable due to being taken from his (delinquent, good for nothing) parents and separated from his two brothers in the foster care system. When given the chance at a loving family situation, he rebels from it because he knows no different.

At times, it is difficult to remember this is a fictional story, although Trent admits to having experienced pieces of the story in his own childhood.

Trent offers suggestions on encouraging others, especially children, who are not used to kindness and loving from adults. He also offers questions and suggestions for parents raising their own children, so as to prevent another "Josh" from happening.

This book was very well written, although I can't help but feel it would have been more "real" had he simply written about a real, live child and truly made the book nonfiction.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion here is entirely my own.

Fish Tank Cake

2011-07-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

I made two cakes like fish tanks for the birthday party. Totally cute and easy.

Happy Birthday Aleksandr!

2011-07-02T15:30:00.000-07:00