I’ve long had the goal of fixing an actual breakfast for my family before they leave the house.  Some weeks I do really well, some..well, I’m an epic fail.

My friend Kate from Stolen Moments Cooking has just released her e-book of 110 Breakfast Recipes!  We’ve loved every one Kate’s recipes, so I’m sure this e-book will also become a quick favorite.

Kate is currently offering her Better Breakfast-110 Breakfast Recipes E-Book for $3.97 until Thursday!

I don’t know about you, but my family would love to eat Cinnamon Apple Stuffed French Toast, Country Breakfast Casserole, and Banana Breakfast Bread Pudding to start their morning out right before work and school.  Kate even includes a whole section for Under 10 To the Table recipes for those busy mornings.

Be sure to get your copy!

This post is linking up to Things I Love Thursday.

Better Breakfast-110 Breakfast Recipes E-Book Sale is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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My house is absolute chaos.  Project Major Home Addition is still in full swing, which makes it quite hard to have any form of normalcy.  Windows and doors are being changed out–some are being done away with so there is plywood in their place (for now).  Walls are coming down, and my decor consists of insulation walls.

My floors–well we won’t go there.

The one thing that remains the same:  A Sparkling Sink.

Without it, my house would feel even more chaotic than what it really is.  I must have a sparkling sink every night before I go to bed.  It just starts my morning out right.

What makes your morning/day go smoothly?

This post is linking to Works For Me Wednesday.

A Sparkling Sink is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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On a recent trip to my favorite grocery store, Aldi, I found cherries for .98/lb!  My daughter absolutely loves cherries, but we rarely buy them because of their price.  This was my opportunity to stock up, so I bought 4 pounds worth.  Apparently it was a week for good fruit sales, because I ended up with more fruit than normal–so the cherries ended up being neglected.  Not wanting them to go to waste, I began brainstorming on a way to use them up.

I’ve always loved the combination of Chocolate and Cherries, so I decided to make a Chocolate Cherry Pound Cake, using my grandmother’s chocolate pound cake recipe.  To make this dessert even more decadent, I added a chocolate cherry glaze.  I was thrilled with the results!

Chocolate Cherry Pound Cake

2 sticks butter; softened

½ cup oil

5 eggs

½ tsp salt

½ tsp baking powder

3 cups sugar

3 cups flour

½ cup cocoa

1½ tsp vanilla extract

1¼  cups milk

½-3/4 cup pitted cherries; halved

Cream butter, oil, and sugar with a high speed mixer, until light and fluffy.  Add in eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.  Sift dry ingredients (confession:  I usually skip the whole sifting part. ) and add to egg mixture at low speed. (Trust me on the low speed!) Gradually add milk, then vanilla.  Fold in cherries.

Pour into a lightly greased bundt pan (or use silicone).  Bake at 350° for 90 minutes.  Remove from pan once cooled and glaze, if desired.

Chocolate Glaze

½ cup chocolate chips

½ cup pitted cherries

2 tablespoons milk

In a saucepan melt the chocolate chips and milk.  Using an immersion blender*, chop up the cherries.  You want them to liquify just a bit, but you also want to leave some cherry chunks.  Add the cherries into the melted chocolate and warm for about 5 minutes.  Drizzle on top of your Chocolate Cherry Cake–and serve.

This post is linking up to:

• Mouthwatering Monday
• Made By You Monday
• Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
• Tasty Tuesday
• Tuesdays At the Table

*Disclosure–I linked to these products to show you what I was referring to and may not be exactly what I own. These links are affiliate links, and I will receive a small amount of compensation if you decide to make a purchase.

Chocolate Cherry Pound Cake is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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MommySnacks wrote a fantastic rebuttal (8 Reasons YOU Should Use Coupons) to the recent Yahoo Personal Finance article, 8 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Coupons”.  I would have to agree with her entire post!

I’ve always wanted to try Shrimp and Fish Tacos.  Jacqueline makes me want to even more with her recipe.

Brilliant way to organize your computer cords.

Nothing beats ice cold Watermelon in the summer months.  Here are some different ways to serve it up.

Can’t wait to try this Quinoa Granola from Fake Ginger.  I’ve had Quinoa in my pantry for some time, I’ve just been afraid to to try it!

What a simple, and frugal way to decorate a bathroom.  Or any room for that matter!

Linking up to Saturday Stumbles.

Extra!Extra! Read All About It! is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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Generally speaking I am a paper and pen type of gal.  I like to physically write down my thoughts, my goals, my lists, my finances.  Especially my finances and financial goals.

But, I’ve heard so much about Mint.com, and I caved into peer pressure.  I finally joined the FREE online money manager, and I’m impressed!  Not only can you add in your bank accounts and see them all at a glance–but you can see how you’ve been spending your money, and even add your in your goals.

Mint.com is perfect for starting a new budget (or trying to stick to an old one), and staying on top of your financial goals.

This post is linking up to Lovin’ It Friday.

Free Online Money Manager is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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During the summer months, nothing beats a cold sandwich, loaded with veggies alongside some delicious fruit.  To change things up a bit, I like to make sandwiches on a tortilla instead of bread.  Not only does it lighten the sandwich up a bit–but it changes the whole flavor.  Or atleast I think so.

To make these Snail Tortilla Sandwiches all you need is:

Whole Wheat Tortillas

Cream Cheese

Lunch Meat (We used Turkey)

Sliced Cheese (Our favorite is either Colby Jack, or Muenster)

Whole Gherkins

Spinach (We were fresh out. )

Lay out your tortillas and spread with cream cheese (you can use mayonnaise or miracle whip if you prefer).  Add your spinach leaves, a layer of lunch meat and a layer of cheese.  Roll up, jelly roll style.  Slice into 1 to 1½ inch pieces.

To serve, slice gherkins like so:

Unroll a small part of your tortilla sandwich and place on the angle of the gherkin, making a complete snail style tortilla sandwich.  Serve alongside some fresh fruit, and you’ve got yourself a delicious summertime lunch!

This post is linking up to:

• The Ultimate Recipe Swap.
• Hoookin’ up with HoH
• Recipe Swap
• Kitchen Recipe Swap

Tortilla Sandwiches; Snail Style is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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I’ve found that many things baby have changed over the last 5 years (since I’ve had our third child).  When we were sorta preparing for Blake’s arrival, I was absolutely overwhelmed with all the baby gadgets, toys and the latest trends.

Since Blake was our 4th child, we were taking our sweet time actually purchasing things for him.  You can imagine our utter surprise when Blake arrived 7 weeks early, and we didn’t own so much as a car seat.  Let alone a sleeper.  No joke.  So in the 18 days Blake was in the hospital, we were scurrying to find and purchase baby must-haves.

Here is what we found, in no particular order.

• Car Seat. We went pretty basic on the actual car seat, but we did make sure to get one that had a pull down shade to block out the sun, and one that was Side-Impact Tested.

• Diapers/Wipes. Personally, I think cloth is a pretty good option.  While they may seem pricey they end up being cheaper in the end.  If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Diapers.com.  Not only do they have diapers and wipes but other baby must-haves with super fast shipping!  Enter in the code GETFREEDOM and get 15% off of your order.
• Receiving Blankets. They are just light enough to keep baby warm without burning them up.  Perfect for swaddling.
• Clothes. While clothes are obviously a necessity, keep in mind that baby will grow rather fast.  A couple sleepers, outfits and onesies in each size (Newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9months, etc) are plenty.
• Bassinet/Crib.
• Burp Cloths. While breastfed babies spit up less, they still do.  Spit up on your clothes, or theirs isn’t the latest fashion–that I know of.

• Moby Wrap. I LOVE.LOVE. LOVE my Moby!  Makes it very easy to do housework, and go grocery shopping with 3 children and a baby.  While I’ve gotten many looks and even a lecture (check out my Twitter stream for details), I’m not giving up my new love of babywearing!
• Bouncy Seat. Not necessarily a need, but a simple seat with a toy bar is handy to sit baby in and give him something to look at and encourage play.  In our quest to find a used one for Blake we found that anymore they’ve become quite complex and over the top.
• Tummy Time PlayMat. Again, the same is true here as with the Bouncy Seat.  Tummy time is important to help the baby learn to pick up their head and use their neck muscles–amongst many others.  Having something for them to look at and play with helps encourage this.  We are still trying to find one that is simple, but fun.  Have any recommendations for us?
• Love/Attention. The most important thing on the list! Every babe needs love, affection and attention to thrive and develop.  What’s not to love anyway?

What doYOU think is a Baby Must-Have?

This post is linking up to :

• Frugal Friday
• Top Ten Tuesday.

Must-Haves For Baby is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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It’s been awhile since I’ve shared some of my favorite posts.  Be sure to check these out:

Oh how I love these numbered jars.  I’m trying to figure out where I would put my own set.

I stumbled upon a fellow Missouri blogger while doing a blog search.  IT doesn’t happen very often that I find another Missourian in this big, internet world.

I’m all for eating Real Food, but I’m with JessieLeigh on the whole HFCS debate.

Are you in the market for a riser for your washer and dryer, but don’t want to pay the hefty price?  Check this out!

I scored a big bushel of peaches from our discount grocer, you can bet I’ll be making these muffins!

Have a great weekend!  Try and stay cool!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

Please take a moment and visit our Sponsors:

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It’s hard to believe that as I cuddle with my 6 week old baby, tomorrow (Friday, July 16th) would have been the day he was set to be born.

If I was in control.

If I was in control, Blake would have been born at 39 weeks gestation, not 33 weeks.

If I was in control, we never would have spent 18 days in the NICU away from our other 3 kids.

If I was in control, I would have been able to come home a few short days after delivery and slept in my own bed in my own {finished} house.

But, I’m not in control.  And frankly, I like it that way.

The night before Blake’s emergency arrival, my husband and I sat in the living room of some friends of ours and had a Bible Study.  Of all things the topic was: God Is In Control.  While as a Christian, I’ve always known this, I’ve also always had a really hard time turning it all over to Him and letting Him be in control.

Four hours after arriving home from our Bible Study I found myself waiting  for the ambulance to arrive at my home and take me to the hospital in the Big Town.  I prayed continuously for God to allow me to deliver a healthy baby, and for me to also remain healthy through it all.  I had no idea what the outcome would be, but I did know that there was a reason behind it all.

We’ve learned so many things through this little journey.  I couldn’t possibly write them all here but in short we found out first hand that through everything God really is in Control.  There is a reason behind everything, you just have to find it.

Not only that, but we also realized that we have the best family, church family and friends a person could ever ask for!  We’ve been blessed abundantly, and Blake’s birth really brought that to light.  We’ve lived in our small town for almost 7 years, and have always felt a little on the outside of things here.  I can now say that we no longer feel this way.  We have many great friends here that would do anything and everything they can for someone.  We are blessed far beyond what any words could ever express.

He is in control and although Blake was born 7 weeks early, he was a pretty healthy little guy.

He is in control, and while we were away from our other 3 kids they had an awesome time with their Granny, Pa-Pa, Aunt and Cousins.

He is in control, and introduced us to an awesome charity that will forever hold a place in our hearts.

He is in control, and I will forever serve Him and call Him Lord and the King of Kings.

A little sidenote: In our Bible Study we also discussed how God referred to himself as “I Am” when speaking to Moses in the desert.   Although we’ve studied this as a group before, we found ourselves discussing it again, at length.  One night, after Blake had a roller coaster day, and our emotions were all over the place, my husband went to the NICU for one of our “touch times”.  As he stood over Blake’s bed, he looked up, just as he had many times before and something caught his eye:  Blake WillIAM.

God Is In Control.  And that is a Finer Thing.

Oh, and for our house, yeah–it’s still not done.

This post is linked to:

• I’m Lovin’ It Friday
• Finer Things Friday

He Is In Control is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

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As a family we would really like to recycle, but living in the country in a rural area makes it rather difficult.  When we had Blake, we stumbled upon a new opportunity for us to recycle (in a small way) and actually make a difference (well, in addition to keeping the additional trash out of the landfills).

Saving our Pop Tabs, and getting our friends and family to do the same.

How does this help??

Every pop tab makes a difference to the Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald House is near and dear to my heart, after having lived there for 2 weeks last month while Blake was in the NICU in the City.  I’ve always heard of them, and I’ve even seen the donation boxes at various McDonald’s restaurants–but I had no clue what all they did until I needed them.  They truly are the House that Love Built, and they are a home away from home for dozens of families with hospitalized children.  When you enter their doors, all your cares, stresses and fears disappear for a bit while you are able to relate to other families going through similar situations.  Families have their own private bedroom, children have a big playroom, and volunteers come in nightly to prepare dinner.  All of this, and more, for a small nightly donation (in our case $7/night)–however no family is turned away for not being able to pay.

The RMH operates primarily on donations and volunteers, so every little thing is a big deal. Nothing is too small, even a pop tab.

The Ronald McDonald House freely gives this cute little boxes out to whoever wants one so they can fill it up with pop-tabs and bring it in.  (You don’t have to use their box, you can use any container you want).  From there, the RMH takes the pop tabs to a local recycling center and the money goes directly back to the house.  We do not drink very much soda/pop, so it may take 10 years to fill our little house

If you aren’t big soda drinkers, but know someone who is–pick up a box, or two and get to collecting those pop tabs! Why not put one in your break room at work?  Or the teacher work room at school?

Don’t want to mess with pop-tabs? There are other ways you can help out the Ronald McDonald House in your area.  Go here to find out how!

Supporting the Ronald McDonald House Works For Me! (and my family!)

This post is also linked to Things I Love Thursday.

Save Your Pop Tabs! is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

Please take a moment and visit our Sponsors:

Fashion Cents For Mom Deals and Bargains for the Fashionable Mom Pennies and Blessings Spend Wisely. Live Well. Groupon Local Deals. 50-90% Off! Mint.com Your FREE Online Money Manager Weekly Cinema FREE Movie Tickets FiveJ's Design