Frugal Creativity

"Heart Your Cart" with Welch's

2012-02-13T06:14:00.003-05:00

As you probably know, February is American Heart Month. Can we talk for a minute about heart-healthy food choices?

A recent study* revealed that two-thirds of Americans recognize salmon, olive oil, red wine, or oatmeal as heart-healthy foods--yet only a fraction of us purchase these items monthly.

I'm not surprised to read that knowing which foods are healthy doesn't necessarily equate to consuming those foods! Like many others, I tend to think that heart-healthy foods are too costly or too time-consuming to prepare.

The good news is that Welch's grape juice can help "heart your cart." Made with Concord grapes and no added sugar, each 4-ounce serving of Welch's 100% Grape Juice counts as one serving of fruit. I think it's a great go-to treat: keeping Welch's grape juice on hand would definitely help me bypass the junk food when I'm craving something sweet.

Links for more information:

Grape Science (chemistry, nutrition, and health benefits of grapes)
Reward Your Heart (coupons, heart health, and sweepstakes)
Welch's on Twitter
Welch's on Facebook

*Porter Novelli Styles survey of more than 4,000 Americans, conducted on behalf of Welch’s

Click to enlarge

Disclosure: Welch's provided me with product for review purposes and product information for this post. All opinions in this post are my own.

Grapes/heart image credit: Image: Sailom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cottonelle Clean Care: Grocery Gift Card #Giveaway

2012-02-09T06:03:00.004-05:00

Cottonelle has been around for a long time, and you might think that nothing new could be said about it. However, you might change your mind after you hear about the new spin that Kleenex has put on it.

Cottonelle Clean Care is the same product you might know, except that it's been improved with the addition of extra-absorbent ripples and 30 percent more strength when wet.

For even more fun, Cottonelle has introduced these fun roll covers, designed by Jonathan Adler. One of these would certainly add a splash of color to our pastel powder room! To get your own, while supplies last, purchase an 18-pack of Cottonelle at a participating SuperValu store and pick up a free roll cover in-store. If you have no local SuperValu store, don't despair: you don't have to miss out. You can get a roll cover free (pay just $1.99 shipping) with the purchase of a specially marked package of Cottonelle, or purchase one online at Cottonelle.com ($3.99 including shipping).

L-R: Chevron Pink, Barjello Blue, Clover Green

To help spread the word about these new developments, Cottonelle is going to give one lucky reader a prize pack that's both fun and useful:

A $25 gift card valid at SuperValu supermarkets (ACME^®, ALBERTSONS^®, CUB^®, FARM FRESH^®, HORNBACHER'S^®, JEWEL-OSCO^®, SHAW'S/STAR MARKET^®, SHOP ‘N SAVE^® and SHOPPERS^®)
A Cottonelle roll cover
A 4-pack of Cottonelle toilet tissue

Would you like to win?

Here's how to enter: Leave a comment with your answer to this question: If you were one of the Cottonelle roll covers, which would you be ... and why? Your answer can be short or long, silly or serious (but must be family-friendly). Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry by this method. This must be done in order to qualify for extra entries.

Here's how you can earn additional entries (please leave one comment per entry):

'Like' Cottonelle on Facebook. Leave a comment here with your Facebook name. (1 entry)
Share the link to this giveaway post on Facebook. Leave a comment here with a link to your post. (1 entry)
Comment on a non-giveaway post on my blog, and mention the post in a comment on this post. (1 entry per comment; limit 3 total)

More details: Open to residents of USA, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 2/29/12 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be fulfilled by Cottonelle. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I received product and a gift card, at no cost to me, for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions in this post are my own.

Valentine Hug Bug Cookie Greeting (Giveaway Closed)

2012-02-01T06:02:00.006-05:00

Are these not some of the cutest cookies you've seen? These are Buttercream Frosted Hug Bug cookies from Cheryl's, shown here in the Hug Bug Cookie Greeting.

The gift includes a cookie and a $5 reward card, all in a Valentine's Day gift box. The price? Just $5.00, delivered. No kidding. Last time I picked up a greeting card in the store, it was about the same price!

For more information, visit Cheryl's website or see Cheryl's on Facebook.

Thanks to Cheryl's, three lucky readers will each win their very own Hug Bug Cookie Greeting. Would you like to win?
This giveaway is closed.

Here's how to enter: Visit Cheryl's online store, then leave me a comment with another product that you like. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry per person.

Please note that the prizes are not guaranteed to arrive before Valentine's Day.

More details: Open to residents of USA, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 2/6/12 at noon (Eastern time). Winners will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Each winner must claim prize within 24 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Prizes will be fulfilled by Cheryl's. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I will receive a Hug Bug Cookie Greeting, at no cost to me. All opinions in this post are my own.

Baking Basics and Beyond (Book Review and #Giveaway)

2012-01-23T06:28:00.030-05:00

I learned the basics of baking from my mom, then continued learning through lots of trial and error. Baking Basics and Beyond by Pat Sinclair is the next best thing to learning from an experienced baker in your own kitchen. And compared to my trial-and-error approach, it will probably save you from a lot of crumbled cakes, charred cookies, and tough biscuits!

Baking Basics and Beyond is divided into 12 chapters. Each begins with a few pages on key points, ingredients, equipment, and techniques. That's followed by about ten recipes--some traditional (blueberry muffins, peanut butter cookies, old-fashioned baking powder biscuits) and some creative (wild mushroom tarts, honey orange scones, gingerbread nectarine cobbler, savory blue cheese cheesecake).

I like this book not only for the recipes (over 100 in all), but for the background information and tips. I appreciate that the author includes notes about substituting ingredients and baking pans, as well as tips on what to look for and what to avoid. She also explains why certain steps are done the way they are. Novice bakers will learn the fundamentals, and experienced bakers are likely to pick up some hints, too.

The recipes themselves are very appealing. The author advocates the use of real ingredients--real butter, for instance--and I fully agree. I found many recipes that I am eager to try. I'm especially looking forward to spring, when I can bake the blueberry tart with vanilla whipped cream!

The first recipe I tried, though, was Grandma's Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake. I found the instructions well-written, easy to follow, and practical. (All of the ingredients were staples that I always have on hand, and the author doesn't assume that I want to use every mixing bowl in my kitchen!) The cake was a hit with my family! The cake is tender, the crumb topping is delicious, and both are flavored with the warmth of cinnamon.

For more information, visit the publisher's page for Baking Basics and Beyond.

Thanks to the publisher, Surrey Books / Agate Publishing, one lucky reader will win a copy of Baking Basics and Beyond. Would you like to win?

Here's how to enter: Just leave a comment. (Tell me whether you're a novice or experienced baker, what you would like to learn about baking, which of the recipes appeals to you, or just that you want to win.) Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry per person.

More details: Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 2/8/12 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be fulfilled by Surrey Books / Agate Publishing. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book, at no cost to me, for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions in this post are my own. I have received no compensation in any form for hosting this giveaway.

Wayward Son (Book Review)

2012-01-19T06:55:00.001-05:00

Buried near Italy's Mount Vesuvius is a remarkable observatory containing artifacts dating to the earliest record of human events. Only one person--the Getty Museum's Amanda James--can unlock the mysterious doors that guard the chamber.

But once inside, Amanda is shocked to discover evidence left behind by a notorious biblical killer--who long ago wandered off the pages of history.

The first novel of a series, Wayward Son takes the reader on an amazing voyage, where epic adventures in Egypt, Greece, China, and Rome collide with modern-day intrigue and suspense.

Last month I told you about this book, but I hadn't finished reading it. Now that I have, I can tell you more.

Wayward Son is a story within a story. In the modern-day opening, we meet Amanda--an independent young woman who has had her share of heartache. When she agrees to take part in an archeological project in Italy, the door to the second story is opened. This story centers on Cain (yes, the son of Adam and Eve) and begins just after he has killed Abel.

Through Cain's eyes we live through various historical events. We see how he learns and changes over time. Finally, the authors skillfully bring together Cain's and Amanda's storylines. All the loose ends are tied up, and a tantalizing opening for a sequel is introduced.

At first I was more confused than captivated. The frequent jumps in time and location were hard for me to follow, and I wasn't entirely comfortable with the fictionalized extension of Cain's story. As I kept reading, I was increasingly drawn into the story.

I liked the writing style of Wayward Son. The language was rich and enjoyable to read, and the story was compelling and well-crafted. I look forward to the next book in the series!

For more information or to read a preview, visit the Wayward Son website.

Title: Wayward Son
Author: Tom Pollack with Jim Alves and John Loftus
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Cascada (November 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450755631
ISBN-13: 978-1450755634

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own. Thanks for Glass Road Public Relations for the opportunity!

ShopRite Cans for Fans

2012-01-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

If you live in the mid-Atlantic area (between Maryland and Connecticut), you almost certainly know about the annual Can Can Sale at ShopRite. It'll be March before I stop humming the jingle. :)

This year, ShopRite is again combining the Can Can Sale with feeding the hungry, which happens to be a passion of mine. In 2011, ShopRite donated 40,000 cans of food to local food banks in commemoration of 40 years of Can Can savings. This year they've added a new element with the "Cans for Fans" Facebook program. It's simple:

During the 2012 Can Can Sale (1/5 - 1/21), ShopRite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks in the communities it serves, on behalf of every new ShopRite Facebook fan.

Easy, right?

Just go to the ShopRite page on Facebook and click 'Like.'

For fun, you can go to the ShopRite "Get Can Canned" website to upload your photo and become a virtual ShopRite Can Can dancer. Or, if you'd rather get right to the savings, view the circular at the ShopRite website.

See you at the Can Can Sale! I'll be the one humming. :)

Disclosure: I received the campaign information from ShopRite through MyBlogSpark.

Wayward Son (Book Review - Preview)

2011-12-22T06:52:00.002-05:00

But once inside, Amanda is shocked to discover evidence left behind by a notorious biblical killer--who long ago wandered off the pages of history.

The first novel of a series, Wayward Son takes the reader on an amazing voyage, where epic adventures in Egypt, Greece, China, and Rome collide with modern-day intrigue and suspense.

Although I have been reading and enjoying Wayward Son, I have not been able to finish the book before the tour date. This is what I can tell you so far:

Wayward Son is a story within a story. In the modern-day opening, we meet Amanda--an independent young woman who has had her share of heartache. When she agrees to take part in an archeological project in Italy, the door to the second story is opened. This story centers on Cain (yes, the son of Adam and Eve) and begins just after he has killed Abel.

The Cain storyline is very much fleshed out from what is recorded in the Bible. Consequently, it has to be viewed as highly speculative. While the story is interesting to read, a few parts of the plot are quite far-fetched.

I'll tell you more after I finish reading the book.

Title: Wayward Son
Author: Tom Pollack with Jim Alves and John Loftus
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Cascada (November 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450755631
ISBN-13: 978-1450755634

Disclosure: I received an e-reader copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own. Thanks for Glass Road Public Relations for the opportunity!

Win a Dress from Shabby Apple (Giveaway Closed)

2011-12-21T08:26:00.002-05:00

I know it's December and everyone is thinking about Christmas, Hanukkah, the New Year, and--for many of us--cold weather. Maybe that's why, when I had the opportunity to choose one of the Shabby Apple women's dresses to give away, I was thinking about summer. With that in mind, I chose Kanani, which is described as "[an] easygoing summer slip on."

Would you like to win this dress?
This giveaway is closed.

Here's how to enter: 'Like' Shabby Apple on Facebook. Come back here and leave a comment with your Facebook name. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry by this method. This must be done in order to qualify for extra entries.

Here's how you can earn additional entries (please leave one comment per entry):

Tweet this giveaway, including a link to this post. Comment here with a link to your tweet. (1 entry per tweet, 1 tweet per calendar day)
Share this giveaway post on Facebook. Comment here with a link to your post. (1 entry)
Enter my other current giveaway (see the top right corner of my blog, above Noah's smiling face). (1 entry)
Comment on a non-giveaway post on my blog, and mention the post in a comment on this post. (1 entry per comment; limit 3 total)

More details: Open to residents of USA, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 1/3/12 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be allowed to choose any available dress size, and will be required to provide shipping address and phone number. Prize will be fulfilled by Shabby Apple. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I have received no compensation in any form for hosting this giveaway.

Out with the Old ...

2011-12-20T11:14:00.000-05:00

While we were waiting for my new stove to be delivered, we started talking about the old one. It's just a stove, but it's the first stove we owned. It's the one that baked cupcakes for my son's first birthday ... the one that cooked countless pots of pasta ... the one that set off the smoke alarms.

I tried to convince my husband that we should take out the burners and move the stove to the yard, where we could use it as a planter. He was having no part of that-- even after I described how flowers would pour out of the open oven door. ;)

So the installers took away the old stove and installed a shiny new one. It's not exactly like the one pictured, but it's close. We have the heavy-duty continuous grates, but no center burner. We have a high-power burner and a convection oven! I know the "experts" say that appliances are not good Christmas presents, but my husband knew that this would make me smile. And this is possibly the best part: we got this stove for a fabulous price because it's a clearance model.

One quick recipe: I haven't been baking cookies at all, but this is what I baked to try the new oven: almond macaroons (without the cherries). So, so good. The only problem is that the recipe only makes 18 cookies!

image: property of GE / The Home Depot

Holiday Eyewear from Zenni Optical

2011-12-16T01:45:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical. All opinions are 100% mine.

You know I've got a thing for Zenni Optical. More specifically, I've got a thing for not overpaying for eyeglasses. My family has been ordering from Zenni for a while, and we have been nothing but happy with them. We like our local optometrist, but I just can't bring myself to pay $350+ for a pair of glasses from him. Now that all three of us are wearing glasses, those costs add up fast.

Before I knew about Zenni, I never would have thought of eyeglasses as fashion accessories. Now that we can order glasses at a much more affordable price, it's fun to think about getting glasses for different occasions or outfits. With Christmas coming up, I would think about these:

I like the subtle burgundy design on the temples, but maybe you would prefer something bolder, like this:

Which of the holiday frames at Zenni do you like?

Just yesterday we received an order from Zenni Optical. I usually wear progressive lenses, but this time I ordered a pair of glasses with single vision lenses, which I'll use primarily for watching TV. (Ever try to look through reading lenses at a television across the room?) This would be a luxury we couldn't afford if we were paying full retail prices.

Just a few quick notes:

I don't like to think of Zenni Optical products as cheap eyeglasses. To me that suggests lower quality, and I haven't found that to be the case at all. These are every bit as good as the more economical glasses in my doctor's office.
Sign up for the Zenni Optical email list (at the bottom of their homepage) to receive special offers.
Right now, spend $50 or more at Zenni Optical to receive free shipping within the US.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

2011-12-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

Colder temperatures draw NFPA warning on fire hazards

NFPA's simple tips to stay safe and warm this winter

'Tis the season for rosy cheeks, button-down coats, and cranking up the heat. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it's also the time of year when home fires peak, many of which are caused by heating equipment.

"Half of all home heating fires occur during December, January, and February, when we are fully utilizing our heating systems," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. "The public can reduce their risk of getting left out in the cold by following NFPA's safe heating behaviors."

In NFPA's report "Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment," in 2009, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 58,900 reported home structure fires, 480 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. Stationary and portable space heaters accounted for one-third (32 percent) of reported home heating fires--but nearly 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths, two-thirds (66 percent) of associated civilian injuries, and half (52 percent) of associated direct property damage.

Overall, fires, injuries, and damages from fires involving heating equipment were all lower than in 2008 and fit into a largely level trend over the past few years. The number of deaths from heating equipment was virtually unchanged.

As temperatures begin to drop, here are some safe heating behaviors to follow:

All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
Test smoke alarms monthly.

In an effort to reduce winter fires, NFPA is partnering with the U.S. Fire Administration on a special campaign – Put a Freeze on Winter Fires. For more information, visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org/winter.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org for more information.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for sharing this ... just helping to spread the word.

Christmas Shopping at Wayfair (Giveaway Closed)

2011-12-13T05:55:00.002-05:00

If you've been around the blogging world for any time at all, you've certainly heard of CSN Stores. Well, the exciting news is that CSN Stores is now Wayfair, "a zillion things home." And they really do have "a zillion things home," from kids duvets to closet organizers, bird feeders to hampers. Then, of course, there's my favorite section: everything for the kitchen from cookware and bakeware to gadgets and small appliances.

To celebrate the new name, Wayfair is offering one lucky reader a product worth $45.00. This giveaway is closed.

Here's how to enter: Browse the Wayfair store, then comment here with your favorite item. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry by this method. This must be done in order to qualify for extra entries.

Here's how you can earn additional entries (please leave one comment per entry):

Follow Wayfair on Twitter. Leave me a comment with your Twitter username. (1 entry)
'Like' Wayfair on Facebook. Leave me a comment with your Facebook name. (1 entry)
Tweet this giveaway, including a link to this post. Comment here with a link to your tweet. (1 entry per tweet, 1 tweet per calendar day)
Comment on a non-giveaway post on my blog, and mention the post in a comment on this post. (1 entry per comment; limit 3 total)

More details: Open to residents of USA, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 1/3/12 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be allowed to choose any Wayfair product priced at $45 or less. Prize will be fulfilled by Wayfair. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I have received no compensation in any form for hosting this giveaway.

Friday's Fave Five: Some of Everything

2011-12-09T07:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks for stopping by! Even though recent weeks have been challenging, this week has brought a few bright moments. I'm choosing to focus on those instead of all the negatives. :) To help me do that, I put together a Friday's Fave Five list.

Good friends should always be on my list, but this week I've had more reason to think about and appreciate those friendships. While I was thinking about it, I came across this article on Keeping Your Friendships Christ-Centered. I liked it!
Last month my family saw Brandon Heath on his "Leaving Eden" tour. Since then I have been listening to the "Leaving Eden" CD almost every day.
I like that a common thread is woven through the tracks, and that every song has a different sound. I especially like the two songs "Stolen" and "Might Just Save Your Life," which feel to me like companion songs. "Stolen" describes the Lord's passionate pursuit of us, even when we try to run from Him. "Might Just Save Your Life" (the song sounds better than the lyrics read :) ) has a similar message, but is told from a different perspective.
One really good day: My son and I spent most of the day at church. I went to Bible study, talked with a friend, and straightened up the food pantry. It was productive but without pressure, which makes a perfect day for me. It even ended well: as I pulled up the blankets, I could listen to the rain tapping on the window as I fell asleep.
A friend sent me this video. In case you are one of the few others who hasn't seen it, I'm sharing it here:
The food pantry ministry at our church has really blossomed since its beginning last year. We have enjoyed consistent support from our Deacons and our congregation. I have been tremendously blessed by being involved with it.

What were the highlights of your week? Leave an answer in the comments or visit Susanne for more Friday's Fave Five. Have a happy weekend!

Disclosure: The album cover image contains an affiliate link. If you click on it and complete a purchase, I will receive a small commission. Thanks for supporting my blogging habit. :)

What's Old is New: Pine Bros. Throat Drops (Review)

2011-12-07T05:59:00.003-05:00

When I was growing up, I had a lot of colds, coughs, and ear infections. A lot. I think my parents put our doctor's kids and our pharmacist's kids through college. But it wasn't all bad. Even though Mom made me take icky pink antibiotics and eat applesauce with milk, she also gave me these:

Have you had them? Pine Bros. throat drops are different from other lozenges. They're "softish" ... not as soft as jelly beans but definitely not hard. The softness just feels more soothing, and the honey flavor is simply delicious. So why I have I waited all this time to tell you about these?

Sadly, after I outgrew the phase of having so many colds, Pine Brothers drops started to disappear from store shelves. Until now, that is: after 15 years, they're back! I was lucky enough to have a chance to try both Natural Honey and Wild Cherry flavors recently.

I like the Wild Cherry drops, but for me, Natural Honey throat drops are extra-yummy and special. I like to let them dissolve slowly, so the flavor lasts as long as possible. Because they're softish, they don't clang against my teeth like hard candies can. The puck container is convenient, too, because it's easy to carry and refillable.

If you'd like to try Pine Bros. throat drops, here are a few links for more information:

Pine Brothers website (including Where to Buy)
Pine Brothers on Facebook
Pine Brothers on Twitter

Disclosure: I received samples of Pine Brothers throat drops for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions in this post are my own.

Still Breathing

2011-12-05T05:59:00.001-05:00

It's been forever since I posted anything, and significantly longer since I brought you up to date on what's happening here. I'm sorry. My offline life is just as far behind!

Flickr user megyarsh

I have been struggling--still--with depression. The meds are still not right, although a second opinion confirmed what my doctor has been doing. Next week I'll meet with my family doctor to talk over a few ideas that the second-opinion doctor suggested.

I've had follow-up visits with the medical oncologist and a surgeon. By all indications, everything is fine. Thank God!

I hope to write at least a couple of blog posts this week. My list includes a review and two giveaway posts. And I always think about writing for Faith Barista Jam on Thursdays, but I never have the topic, the time, and the creativity all at once.

We'll get there. Just not today.

Gifts from God

2011-11-03T06:13:00.000-04:00

What do you think of when someone mentions gifts from God?

I would guess that the question has a different answer for everyone. This week, the Faith Jam prompt is a gift you've recently received from God, which is a bit of a twist on the usual question. As I was thinking through my answer, another one literally showed up on my doorstep. I'll tell you both, but I promise they'll be quick.

One afternoon this week I was making eggplant parm for dinner, and I planned to make breadsticks. Even though this recipe for breadsticks is quick and easy, I just ran out of time to make them. I considered calling my husband to ask him to stop for bread on his way home, but decided not to bother him. When I heard him arrive home, I met him at the door--and he was holding a bag of rolls. Not exactly a miracle, but a really neat provision.

Flickr user dmachiavello

My first answer for the question, though, was one of those Bible verses that just jumped off the page at me. I love when that happens, even though the verses tend to be convicting more than reassuring. I have spent the last year--or two or three--holding on to the Lord's promises, so this verse is special to me:

The Lord’s promises are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace,
purified seven times over. (Psalm 12:6, NLT)

I'm linking up to Bonnie Gray, Faith Barista:

Learning About Stone, Sand, and Gravel

2011-10-31T07:34:00.000-04:00

I'd guess that most of us don't think about sand, stone, and gravel on a daily basis. (If you're the parent of a young boy, you might be an exception.) Whichever side of that line you fall on, you might be interested to know that the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association has put together an educational microsite with features like these:

image: Flickr user bredgur

Because the age and origin of the earth can be controversial subjects, I suggest that parents preview the materials before sharing with children. Even if you choose to skip over some parts, Foundation 4 The Future contains plenty of useful information.

If you look into it, let me know what you think!

Disclosure: I have received no compensation in any form for sharing this information with you. I just think it's a useful resource.

Savings on 2012 BusyBodyBook Organizers

2011-10-26T04:56:00.001-04:00

Passing along this information from the BusyBodyBook team:

Enter Discount Code "BBB2012" to save 10% on

2012 BusyBodyBook Organizers

including our

BBB Wall Calendar and UNdated GRID Pad

2012 Red Licorice or Blueberry

The 2012 BBB Wall Calendar

PSST! The '11/'12 BusyBodyBook Organizers are on sale now also -
25% OFF with Code "BBBACA".

Disclosure: I have not received any compensation for sharing this information. I'm a huge fan of BusyBodyBook organizers and wanted to pass along the chance to save.

Redeemed? Redeemed!

2011-10-20T08:17:00.001-04:00

Finish the sentence: In God's Heart, I am ....

When I read Bonnie's prompt for Faith Barista Jam this week, I first thought of the DaySpring necklace that I was wearing at the time. The four sides of the pendant read created, chosen, celebrated, and cherished. From the first time I saw a photo of the necklace, I knew that it would be a lovely reminder ... and it is.

But then, like a blinking neon sign, the word redeemed came to mind. The very idea that God loves me enough to redeem me by the blood of Christ just blows me away.

imagechef.com

When I searched Bible Gateway for verses containing the word redeemed, what first caught my attention was Lamentations 3:58 (NKJV):

O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;
You have redeemed my life.

I just can't wrap my brain around it. Why? But--in what seems to have become a central principle of my life--I don't have to know Why; I only have to know Who.

I encourage you to read Bonnie's post today. It's a double shot: her own thoughts as well as a guest post by writer Holley Gerth.

Disclosure: Although I am a DaySpring affiliate, the link to the necklace is not an affiliate link. However, if you click through one of the DaySpring ads elsewhere on my blog and complete a purchase, I will receive a commission. Thank you!

Protect Your Identity Week

2011-10-20T06:03:00.002-04:00

image credit: Vera Kratochvil

This week, October 16-22, is the 4th Annual Protect Your Identity Week.

Although it's important for everyone to protect themselves from identity theft, a special emphasis is being placed on child identity theft protection this October. It's scary that studies have shown children are 51 times more likely than adults to have their Social Security numbers stolen, with the theft often going unnoticed for years. As parents, we must arm ourselves with the resources and information needed to keep our family members' identities safe.

Here are a few of the many ways to get involved with PYIW this year:

NFCC Member Agencies and supporting Coalition Members will offer free identity theft education and protection events in communities across the country this month. Events include workshops, cell phone recycling, and paper shredding powered by Cintas, a leader in document destruction. AllClear ID, a recognized expert in identity theft protection, will provide materials on ID theft education in general as well as tips specific to child identity theft. To find an event near you, check out this event map!
Easy to follow tips, resources and a self-assessment ID Quiz to determine your own personal risk of identity theft are all available for your reference on the Protect Your ID Now website.
Be sure to also read and share the First Steps For Victims section so that you will be prepared in case you're the next victim.
Finally, get involved with PYIW on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the blog at www.ProtectYourIDNow.org where tips and PYIW articles will be provided all throughout October.

To learn more and get involved, visit www.ProtectYourIDNow.org.

Disclosure: I received this information from the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling, one of the sponsors of Protect Your Identity Week. I have received no compensation in any form for sharing this with you.

Cats and Dogs

2011-10-19T06:13:00.001-04:00

Not much change in the past couple of weeks, but I wanted to keep this light by sharing something cute that my husband did. He'd heard about a woman who was depressed and who improved after getting a cat. We're not cat people, so my husband asked if I'd like to get a dog.

It's been about twelve years since our dog died, and we have never talked seriously about getting another. But sometimes I miss having a dog, so we started thinking about it.

I've always wanted to have a big dog--maybe a yellow Lab or a golden retriever--but I am not confident that we could provide enough exercise for a dog like that. And after the challenges posed by our last dog--a beagle/springer spaniel mix who was sweet but also stubborn, hard to train, and prone to barking and chewing--I wanted to do the research rather than just choosing a cute puppy.

At least a few websites have free quizzes to help identify a dog breed that's a good fit for your family. I consistently indicated that we wanted an easy-care dog. When I got the results and eliminated the breeds that are pricey or ugly, I was surprised to find the Bichon Frise remaining. Not a breed that I'd ever considered owning!

flickr user madaise

I forwarded the results to my husband, who offered another suggestion:

flickr user n2linux

Our stove works, but it's getting older and somewhat quirky. We're just starting to compare models. I don't need a lot of features, but it helps to have a dependable thermostat in the oven! And, um, I don't think we're getting a dog. :)

Warm Berries in Custard (Recipe - Book Excerpt)

2011-10-13T06:40:00.000-04:00

Warm Berries in Custard

By Linda Evans,
Author of Recipes For Life: My Memories

This dessert is easy to make yet classic. Typically you make this with just strawberries or raspberries but I've added blueberries or peaches. Just be sure that the berries or fruit are cut or sliced small enough that you get a good combination of berry and custard flavor with every spoonful. You can assemble the fruit in the dishes several hours in advance and then add the custard just before serving.

MAKES 6-8 SERVINGS

4 cups berries or fruit, room temperature, cut or sliced
1 cup heavy cream
2 egg yolks
½ cup powdered sugar, plus a few tablespoons extra for dusting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ tablespoons Chambord (or raspberry-flavored) liqueur

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Divide the berries among 8 (4-ounce) oven-proof ramekins (or 6 (6-ounce) ramekins).

Whip cream until soft peaks form. Add the egg yolks, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla and continue whipping for another minute.

Sprinkle a little liqueur over each ramekin. Pour the custard mixture over the fruit in each dish and place the dishes on a baking sheet in the oven. Bake 3 minutes.

Remove the ramekins from the oven and preheat the broiler.

Transfer the ramekins to the broiler and broil until light golden brown, watching carefully.

Put a few tablespoons of powdered sugar in a sieve and lightly dust each ramekin. Serve immediately.

The above is an excerpt from the book Recipes For Life: My Memories by Linda Evans. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.

Author Bio
Linda Evans, author of Recipes for Life: My Memories, is an award-winning actress who has personified beauty and grace to American television viewers for over five decades, from her role as Audra Barkley on The Big Valley, to the glamorous Krystle Carrington on Dynasty, to Hell's Kitchen, which she won in 2009 in London, England. She has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama series and has won five People's Choice Awards for Best Female Performer. Linda was also nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. For her contribution to the television industry, Linda has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

After Dynasty, Linda moved from Hollywood to the Pacific Northwest, where she began an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. She has returned to performing frequently, starring in the stage play, Legends, and winning the Hell's Kitchen competition while working under Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White.

Linda's often lavish and luxurious life has rivaled Krystle Carrington's. She has dined with queens and presidents, been romanced by the rich and famous, and today, what Linda treasures most is the wisdom she has gained along the way.Linda lives in Rainier, Washington.

For more information please visit http://lindaevansofficial.com, and follow the author on Facebook

Meet Kerri

2011-10-11T17:58:00.000-04:00

Flickr user natashalcd

If you live in the United States, chances are good that you've heard that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I was honored when Kerri asked if she could mention a few of my posts on her blog. She wrote a sweet post around it, too. It's awkward to recommend a post in which she says enough to make me blush ... but if you'd like to read it, the post is on Kerri's blog.

When I was going through the process of diagnosing and treating breast cancer, I set out only to keep it real. I wasn't "supposed to" get breast cancer: I'm too young and I have no family history of it. But there I was, facing a biopsy, surgery, and radiation therapy. I wanted to share all I could, both the challenges and the blessings. If you're new here and interested in reading the story, feel free to go back to my first post on the subject, Spilling the Beans, and read forward as much as you like. For now, I will repeat my request from that post:

Would you do me a favor? If you are a woman, age 40 or over, and you haven't had a mammogram in the past year, please call your doctor and ask if you should. Yes, it's a little uncomfortable. Yes, it's one more appointment to keep. But for that small sacrifice, you might be preventing something much worse.

For more information, visit National Breast Cancer Awareness Month or the Breast Cancer page of the National Cancer Institute.

When I Fall Apart

2011-09-30T12:22:00.001-04:00

When sorrows come, they come not single spies

But in battalions. ...

(William Shakespeare, in Hamlet)

I think Shakespeare got that right!

It's been nearly two months since I finished my radiation therapy, and nearly all of the side effects have subsided. As they've decreased, though, we have had to deal with several other challenges. Some have been just bumps in the road. The one that has tripped me up and thrown me to the ground is the return of my depression.

For several months my doctor hadn't adjusted my meds. With the cancer treatments going on, it didn't make sense to try to make those changes. Now the addition of tamoxifen has added a new factor to the mix: because it acts on hormones, it affects everything. So we're back to trying to find the right combination of meds, and every change takes at least a month to evaluate.

On one bad day, I heard a new song on the radio (watch the video):

I don't know how long this will last

I'm praying for the pain to pass

But maybe this is the best thing that has ever happened to me

...

Maybe this is how it starts

I find you when--

You will find me when--

I fall apart

- Josh Wilson, "Fall Apart"

This has not brought a revelation, but a reminder: I have to rely on what I know--such as the promises that God gives us in His Word--and not on what I feel. I know that He has a purpose for this, even though I don't understand it. I may wish that life wasn't so hard, but I trust the Father who holds me in His hands.

My life may be a mess, but God is still God.

Back to School Survival Tips from Eight O’Clock Coffee ( #Giveaway )

2011-09-16T10:32:00.000-04:00

Here in the mid-Atlantic, the new school year is just getting started. I know that, for my family, re-establishing routines is essential but can be a challenge. I was interested to see a list of Back to School Survival Tips, but especially so when I saw that it came from Eight O'Clock Coffee. These hectic mornings require plenty of coffee!

I hope you'll find something helpful in these tips:

TIP 1: Become Your Own Brewista – Save time, money and gas this back-to-school season by brewing your morning coffee at home. You can even set your coffee maker’s timer the night before to wake up to great-smelling Eight O’Clock Coffee.

TIP 2: Preplan Lunch – A few days before school starts, sit down with your kids and create a grocery list of healthy snacks and lunches they would like for school. Rotate each of their selections throughout the week. Make Tuesday “Turkey Tuesday” or Wednesday “Wrap Wednesday” – adding variety to keep lunch exciting. When possible, pack their lunch the night before to reduce stress in the morning.

TIP 3: Assemble Weekly Wardrobes – Every Sunday check the upcoming weekly weather forecast with your kids. Then, have them pick out five outfits for the upcoming school week. Hang them in daily order in their closet to avoid the inevitable, “Mom, I can’t find my favorite blue shirt!”

TIP 4: Be Prepared for School Projects – Avoid late night rushing around to complete school projects by having art supplies on hand. Create an arts and craft bin that includes more than just crayons and colored paper. Collect items like pipe cleaners, stickers, figurines, beads – even coffee beans – and other creative finds, and put the fun back in school projects.

To celebrate the Back to School Season, Eight O'Clock Coffee would like to give one lucky reader a Back-to-School Parent Survival Pack, which includes a drawstring bag, a travel mug, and 2 bags of Eight O’Clock Coffee to help start your mornings off right!

Here's how to enter: Let's keep it simple, because everyone is busy at this time of year! Visit the Eight O'Clock Coffee website and Find Your Grind. Come back here and post the result you got. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you. Limit 1 entry per person/email address.

More details: Open to residents of USA, age 18 or older. Giveaway ends 9/30/11 at noon (Eastern time). Winner will be chosen by the random number generator at Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours, or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be fulfilled by Eight O'Clock Coffee. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: I received the pictured prize pack, at no cost to me, for review purposes. I have received no compensation in any form for hosting this giveaway.