Godly Organic Living

$1.50 Off Kashi

2012-09-05T09:34:00.001-07:00

Send me your email address and I will send you the $1.50 off Kashi :)
Don't forget to follow my blog for many many more coupons to come!

Vocalpoint

2012-09-05T06:52:00.002-07:00

Vocalpoint
I have been a member since they first started many many years ago. I have had the opportunity to sample things before I buy them, they also give out great coupons! So what do they ask for in return? Just your honest opinion!!! I admit, I am a very busy person and they thought of doing just one more thing is a little questionable. This is why I love Vocalpoint, I get to try what I want and then write a review in the time frame allowed, not due in two days! I hope you join it and if you are already a member I hope you like it :)
Right now they have a coupon $1.50 off for Kashi Granola Bars! They are new and I am very excited to try the Dark Chocolate Coconut!!! Many flavors to choose from!!!
Visit Vocalpoint, sign up or log in and get your coupon!!

Free Clothes!!!

2012-09-03T06:41:00.001-07:00

thredUP is a new online clothing store, that recycles clothes!!!
You can request a bag, fill it up and make money as well! Think of Ebay, without you doing all the work!!
They review all items sent to them to make sure they are in almost perfect condition. So you know that if you order clothes from them, they are going to be in excellent condition, not like ordering from other places where you get your item and there is a yellow stain in the front (my bad experience)!
Right now you can click here and you will get free $10.00 to your order!!! Yay!
But here is a great way to get more for you buck...order $30.00 worth of clothes, you will get free shipping (usually $6.95) and $10 off! You will get it all for $20.00!!
So the bad thing about thredUP is shipping. If you try to get a clothing item for free then you will have to find something that is $3.05 or less, because of the shipping cost.
I absolutely love this idea of recycling clothes. It helps create less trash, landfill waste, water waste and so much more.
Try it out and let me know what you all think!!
Remember to click on one of the blue links to get the free $10.00 added to your account!

Cheap Good Razors..Say What??!!!

2012-09-02T16:27:00.003-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. Things have been quite crazy for my family!

I wanted to tell everyone about The Dollar Shave Club. I am definitely impressed!!!
I have severely sensitive skin... the only razor that has worked for me, not breaking me out in a rash or slice and dice me was a very expensive razor at local stores. I was spending a little more that $5.00 on each razor refill. A friend told me about The Dollar Shave club. I looked into it, but was skeptical. I decided to order it and try it. There are three packages you can choose from.
$1.00 a month- Has two blades and 5 refills
$6.00 a month- Has four blades and 4 refills
$9.00 a month- Has six blades and 3 refills

I ordered the $9.00 a month razor...again for my very sensitive skin it works great! The ship every month and its real easy to sign up. It did not leave any rashes or burning sensation after shaving, I was able to save those very sensitive areas of the body with ease, I was able to save both legs top and bottom plus underarms, and the razor was still sharp!!! The only thing it may be missing for some people, is the slim residue, many razors have after shaving. I don't care either way, but just in case you do!!!

I know your next response is, wait this is for guys! I use "guys" razors. They are all the same!! Just because the handle smells good does not mean that it works better on shaving!!! I have used a "guys" razors now for so long. They actually work better for me!!!

If you are trying to cut an expense, try this razor out! You can save money for sure!!! I will be saving about $11 a month, that's just for me!! For both of us, we are looking at cutting our expense by $33.00 a month, that's almost $400.00 a year!!!!!!

Click on this link and check it out yourself! I think this is a great and easy cut that can be made easily!!
Good luck and please let me know how it worked for you.

Summer Activies....

2012-05-19T14:04:00.003-07:00

The summer is coming and school will be out soon for kids!! Need some stuff to do on a budget...here are ideas!

Books:
Go to your local Library, they usually have a summer reading program. The last four years, my son and daughter have participated and has been rewarded with books, gifts, foods, and much more. Plus the love of reading is the best gift of all.

Books A Million is having a great program. You go by your local store pick up a book mark, read Dr. Seuss books, fill out and then bring back for a free Dr. Seuss lunch bag. More information go to BAM.

Half Price Books read at least 15 minutes a day, turn your log in and get $5.00 coupon.

PBS you can read, log and win daily prizes! Plus they will send you emails with ideas. Get tricks and advice from coaches and book suggestions!

Scholastic has great challenges, timer and much more.

Chuck E Cheese will give your kids 10 free tokens after reading for 2 weeks. There are other calendars as well, such as chores and good behavior to earn free tokens.

Barnes and Noble will give your child a free book after reading 8 books of their choice.

Sylvan's Book Adventure will reward your child with points after reading a book and taking a quiz. Turn the points into rewards!

TD Bank if you have a TD bank around you they will give your child $10.00 with 10 books read in their account.

National Amusement Theaters will give your child a free movie ticket after your child read and completes a report.

Pottery Barn will give your child a special gift after going to 5 story times and after reading their recommended list they will give your child a free book.

HEB will give your child a t-shirt and other prizes for 10 books they read.

Check with your local colleges to see if they have a reading program as well.

Movies

Cinemaworld: Kids watch for free and adults pay $2.00 at the 10am showing everyday!

Clearview Cinemas Free Wen and Thurs at 1030am.

Great Escape Theatres free at 930am

Great Marquess Cinemas no current information available as of today but is free.

Murvico free movie at 10am plus kids popcorn tray for $3.50

Alamo free movies at 11am with a special kid film. We went all last year and had blast.

Regal Movie Express is $1.00 for the Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00am

Cinemark 10 shows at $5.00 if you buy in advance or $1.00, no times or day available as of today.

Classic Cinemas $1.00 on Wednesday morning at 9am

Harkins $1.00 summer fun movies, check online for your local cinema.

Georgia Theatre Company $1.00 Tues and Thur mornings at 915am

Habersham Hills Cinemas $1.00 Tues at 10am

Don't forget to check in your area for free movies in the park, under the stars and drive in theaters!!!

Crafts, Workshops and Camps

Home Depot First Saturday kids can make craft

Lowes check here to find out times and dates available in your area

Micheals check for times and dates, you may have to buy a certain item...others are free.

Apple at local Apple Retail stores kids 8-12 can learn to make a movie in 3 days at the camp and its free

Pottery Barn has free craft and education days.

Bass Pro Shops free activities including shooting range.

Lego at your local store, learn how to build something new each month

Target free or discounted tickets to events.

Bank of America show your credit card and you may be able to get in a variety of places for free

Vocational Bible Study's can be very cheap and free. Check with local churches.

Also, be on the lookout for local museums for their free days.
Check with local restaurants and factory's to see if they have a free educational event.

Activities

Bowling check here for a list of free place that kids bowl for free

AMF Bowling simply put sign up and they will send you vouchers.

Trails look up a list of trails that you can go on for free.

National Parks that offer free entrance days.

Volunteer show Gods love by volunteering and teach your kids a valuable life learning lessons.

Local Parks are free and fun, also look for splash pads and other free fun activities your city promotes.

Food

Try these sites Kids for free, Kids Meals, Kids eat for free and All kids eat for free.

Teach your kids how to cook!! Try Family Fun to get idea.

I would love to hear any ideas. Remember to have fun, praise God and love every minute with your children!

Honey and Tumeric Root....

2012-05-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Wondering why honey and turmeric root??
I cut my finger with a knife a few weeks ago, took off my nail and the laceration was quite deep. I rinsed it with water, wrapped it up, help pressure and put above my heart. I waited for about 15 minutes, then I cleaned it with some water, put some honey on it, used some sterile gauze and tape (you can get them at drug stores) and wrapped it up tightly. It continued to bleed and I had to change my wrapping every day. After the third day, I started to notice my finger getting a little red and warm. It may have started to get an infection. I made a mix of honey and turmeric root, put on it, then wrapped with a band aid. The next morning, the redness was gone and my finger felt great!! It was sore because I had no finger nail and I still had the laceration. I didn't email or get on the computer much, because if I put pressure on it, it would feel a bit sore.
I still have only about half of my nail, the laceration has healed tremendously and I am able to put pressure on it.
Try this then next time you need an antibiotic cream.

So why honey???
Clinical observations recorded are that infection is rapidly cleared, inflammation, swelling and pain are quickly reduced, odor is reduced, sloughing of necrotic tissue is induced, granulation and epithelialisation are hastened, and healing occurs rapidly with minimal scarring.
The antimicrobial properties of honey prevent microbial growth in the moist healing environment created. Unlike other topical antiseptics, honey causes no tissue damage: in animal studies it has been demonstrated histologically that it actually promotes the healing process. It has a direct nutrient effect as well as drawing lymph out to the cells by osmosis.
The stimulation of healing may also be due to the acidity of honey. The osmosis creates a solution of honey in contact with the wound surface which prevents the dressing sticking, so there is no pain or tissue damage when dressings are changed. There is much anecdotal evidence to support its use, and randomized controlled clinical trials that have shown that honey is more effective than silver sulfadiazine and polyurethane film dressings for the treatment of burns. Read more at Dr. Grotte's website.

Why turmeric??
It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent!

How God is great to give us everything we need! Praise Him!!

Also a good tip: I have a small batch mixed up in a small container, always ready for when I need it. I use local organic Honey from my local farmers market!

Painful Back....Meds, home remedies, what???

2012-04-25T20:38:00.002-07:00

   The other day I pinched a nerve in my back and man did it hurt. To be quite honest I am not sure what I did. I noticed my lower back hurting, then after awhile my legs went numb!!! Not good for a busy mom with a husband that is gone frequently.
   What should I do? Currently, we do not have health insurance. I don't usually go to the doctor but once a year anyways. I almost always try to heal/help myself my educating myself on what the problem is. I decided that if after Friday, one week from the pain, it was still extremely painful I would pay to see a doctor. Tue I used a heating pad all day. Wen (today), I iced for 15 minutes, then heat pad for 15 minutes. I did this for several hours. Then I read online to use honey and cinnamon as a rub. Well with the combination, I am now doing so much better. I also stretched and relaxed for the day.
   My point is, don't jump to see a doctor if it is something you can do! If you know you can fix it, then do it. By the time you drive to the doctors, get seen, get x-rayed, get a prescription if you get one, drive to the pharmacy then drive home, you could have already been feeling better.
I believe 100% in our doctor's and nurse's, that is why I think we, as people, need to open our eyes to what we can do! We need to educate ourselves, when to fix it ourselves, when to see a doctor, when to go an Emergency Room.
   I worked in the ER for some time and it drove most of us nuts when someone come in with a cough. I mean a basic cough, which it just started. I am not talking about asthmatics, elderly or other people with serious problems. Most of the time the doctor seen them, did a xray (to ease the patient) and sent them on their way. That is a big bill for not much of anything. When the person could have taken about 2 teaspoons of honey to help with the cough.
Also, we as nation are becoming way to dependent on medication! We are destroying our livers and body's. There is so much information on the web to help you understand what is going on with your body. Then you can cross reference it to home remedies, and if it doesn't get better after a couple of days, or it becomes worse, then you see a doctor. But we need to let the doctors see the people who really need them. The seriously ill people, the dying, the elderly, not healthy person who has a simple cold. Know your body, know your symptoms and know home remedies.
For Symptoms here are a few sites:
Mayo Clinic
Web MD
Everyday Health
Healthy Children
Health Line
i Triage
AARP
Better Medicine
There are so many more, but these are a few of my favorite ones.
For Remedies
Granny Med
Natural Home Remedies
Discovery
Home Remedy Haven
Ayurvedic Cure
Peoples Pharmacy
Home Treatment
Speedy Remedies
And of course there are so many more.
I want to really stress the importance of knowing your body. Do things for yourself.
Try Acupuncturist, Chinese Doctors, and Church leaders.
On the other hand, if you really feel there is something wrong with you and your doctor does not do anything about it, search additional opinions.
Hope I have opened your eyes up. Know your body!!!!

Just a few samples and coupons

2012-04-20T11:52:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

I have more coupons and samples just click on the highlighted word!! Thanks and enjoy.

90 for Life Chocolate Sample.

Pier 1 Coupon...Expires 4/22/12

Free Hardcover Photobook

Free Pair of Glasses just pay shipping enter code FIRSTPAIRFREE ends 4/27/12
* I just ordered a pair of glasses that was $99.00 and paid only $7.90*
20% off and Free shipping at Ice.com (Cheap Jewelry store..one of my fave's) use code spg12

Free lifetime subscription to Food on the Table. Enter code SPRINGFREE

Free Card shipped. Use code Freetreat

I hope to have more soon!! Enjoy

Save money on Food

2012-04-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Yes there are so many way to save on food, the list can go on and on. Coupons are a big one! One thing I don't like about coupons is that, most of them are for unnecessary, sugary, salty, unhealthy food items. Not all of them but most!! So what about people, like me that want to stay in a budget but cook, healthy food?! Well I have several way I save money.

1. Plan. Yes, more time you don't have. I have found a great site that gives you recipes to the foods that are on sale at your grocery store. Its quite nice! In about 10 minutes or less you can have dinner plans for the week, have the grocery list and recipes printed out or sent to you. Nice!

2. Recycle Food. Not just eating or creating options with leftovers but actually growing your own! At this site I learned you can regrow your variety of onions and to make bean sprouts.

3. Grow your own food! Its cheap to get herbs and grow them, instead of spending $2.00 every time you need a sprig of Rosemary. Decide what level of commitment you have as well as the area you are going to plant, then make a list. Don't forget to find out what grows best in your area by going here! Try finding already grown plants on free-cycle, craigslist or family. See if your area has a community garden. If you start with seeds, be sure they are good ones!

4. Go early early!! Most grocery stores mark down things such as meat first thing in the morning. Last week I was able to get Organic Beef (variety of packages, I got about 8) from stew meat to steaks, all under $5.00 for a package! At the commissary I use to go to, they would mark down produce that was getting ready to go bad. I would get a bunch, prepare and freeze it!

5. Get your bread items from a bakery outlet. In the area I live now, I don't have one, so I try to make my own as much as possible or go early for the fresh baked bread from Kroger that will be marked down.

6. Buy in bulk! Only get the stuff you use frequently and that can stay fresh. I get dry beans and rice in bulk.

7. Go to the Farmers Market. Not only are you helping local farmers, cutting down on greenhouse affects, but you can get great deals! Plus you can talk to the people who picked your food! You can ask all the important questions, such as pesticides, when was it picked and when is it at its best. Also try, pick your own! I love to pick my own berries. In SC, the place we would go to, had a lot of pick your own with great prices. Plus it's fun!

8. When its on sale, stock up. For Ty's lunch, I always pack him Horizon Organic individual Milk boxes in his lunch. At Kroger they go for about $1.50 each, last week they were on sale for $1.00. I got about 4 weeks worth (20). Which cost me $20.00 instead of $30.00.

9. Get frozen vegetable and fruits. They last have the same health benefits and cost efficient. We get several bags of frozen fruit and vegetables a month to make smoothies. They taste great! I always get the Organic, no sugar added for optimal quality.

10. Don't buy everything Organic. As much as I love buying Organic foods, sometimes its hard when its twice the price. So know the dirty dozen and clean 15!! This will cut down cost!

11. Stay away for the stuff you don't need!! You don't need soda, cookies, cakes, basically unhealthy bad for you foods! Very rarely do you need junk food! Cut it down to, 1 dessert a week. This will trim your waistline as well as your grocery bill.

12. Shop for one week at at time. This helps prevent spoilage and helps you stay focused.

13. Go through your list at home, make sure you are not buying more than you need. If you only need one box of flour and have one at home, then don't buy it.

14. Go buy yourself! More people usually means more food! Before you know it, everyone has thrown in a one or two items that is not on your list.

15. Don't go hungry!! This seems pretty basic, but it will really affect your grocery bill. I know from experience!!

16. Get ONLY what is on your list....nothing more!!

17. Pay with cash. If you have cash you are more likely to pay attention to what is going in your basket. If you pay with card, you spend more.

18. Get a rewards card, if your store has one. Most places you can even scan your coupons on it!!!

19. Don't get something you don't need, just because you have a coupon! I get my list, get my coupons out, then I go shopping. If not, I start to look at all the "savings" I could be saving with my coupons...not really thinking I am spending more money, because I don't need it.

20. Buy Name brand foods. I usually buy many items with Kroger's name on it.

21. Buy from the ethnic aisle. I always check the difference. Many times I find the sauces, spices and rice cheaper.

22. Don't be fooled in the sales!!! If something is $5 for 5, look at other brands!! I was getting avacadoes last week, which was on sale for 10 for $10, but I started to look around and found avacadoes for 79cents each!

23. Hunt for your own food! Yes it can be expensive to get started, but once you have all the weapons, deer hunting can provide a great source of meat all year long if you freeze it. Fishing is real cheap and if you leave near the oceans you can get a lot of seafood! Ian use to catch crab all the time in SC.

24. Find a few friends to buy a cow or pig with you. You can get great prices for great pieces of meat by doing this. Find a local farmer and find out what he charges for the cow then find a meat processing company and see what they charge. The farmer may do it or be able to recommend someone.

25. Use Unit Prices instead of the whole price. You will be amazed at what is cheaper! Make sure you always have a calculator on you at the grocery store.

26. Make sure your dinners have a variety, so you don't get bored of the same ol' foods.

27. Once a week have breakfast for dinner!! Breakfast is usually cheaper than dinner.

28. Once a week go vegetarian! Helps cut down on meat cost.

29. Make your own snacks! Its real easy and about half the price! Trail mix..variety of nuts and dried fruit, make homemade jerky, homemade fruit leather, energy bars, muffins, and much much more.

30. Pack your lunch! I make Ty's lunch every night. When Ian goes to the fire house, I pack him a lunch and dinner. This may consist of leftovers or making a 2nd dinner. Which is nice, because the next night I don't have to cook. Then, I don't have to waste the gas to bring him food.

31. Have food stashed at work. When we go grocery shopping I ways make sure to buy an extra box of cereal, milk, peanut butter, popcorn and other items to keep at the fire house for Ian. This makes sure I don't have to drop something off and he doesn't order out.

32. Make your own coffee and bring with you in a reusable cup. Every morning I get up and make Ian a coffee, even when he has to go to work. When he does, I pour it in this coffee mug. Get flavors, use milk, creamers and cocoa to make your favorite drink. It cost so much less then going to get a cup.

33. Have snacks and food prepared and available at all times. That way when you get the munchies, you have food. This helps cut down in fast food.

34. Don't eat out!!! This is a hard one!!! But make a deal! If you don't eat out for a month, then on day 31 you can go to any restaurant you want, like the expensive seafood restaurant. Right now, Ian and I have decided to only go once a payday! So twice a month! Think of how fattening, high cholesterol, high sodium and high sugar filled most foods are from restaurants. They make them taste good, but not in a way I would in my house. You just never know what you are eating at a restaurant.

35. Carry snacks with your where ever you go. Dried fruit, muffin or jerky should stay in your purse or vehicle.

36. If you want an adult drink, make them yourself and buy at grocery/beverage stores. Gas stations hike up the prices! A 6 pack of beer or bottle of wine will cost you way less if you buy it at the grocery store then a restaurant!

37. Pick fruit from wild bushes and trees. Down the street there is a bush full of blackberries that I have picked and next door to me (abandon house) there is a cumquat tree. Of course you want to make sure its not someone's property and be sure to properly clean the fruit before eating. Many people don't mind at all.

38. Try places such Share or other community based discounted food programs.

39. Get a few friends together to swap meals once a week. This helps cut down on cost and cooking.

40. Stock up on Ketchup and other condiments from fast food restaurant. When Ian and I first got together we could not afford sour cream for my baked potato, so I went to Wendy's and asked for some. They gave it to me. Now a days most places charge, but ketchup is always free. Don't throw it away, just place in your fridge for the next time you need it.

I hope this list helps everyone. Some may be new and others just a reminder. Food cost goes up every week, while most of us are still making the same money as we did last year. Live BELOW your means, so you have money for your savings account! I would love to hear all of your ideas and thoughts! Maybe you have a tip for me!

Here are a few websites with 1 bag for a weeks full of grocery's.

Martha Stewart, Shine from yahoo

Coupon

2012-04-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a 0.75 cent coupon for Organic Vegetable from Earthbound. As well as a new site to get samples and free stuff!! Enjoy!

Time for God?

2012-04-17T15:30:00.001-07:00

When was the last time you did something for God? Really? Sure we pray, go to church, do something good, but why? Is it because you are trying to be good, show off, get salvation, and the list can go on. Its hard in the world with our busy schedules, fast paced life and expected outcomes to sit down and do if for GOD! I know its hard. We are human. Thankfully we have a faithful, loving, caring, understanding Lord. Its not easy to take time for something else in our life. At the end of the day, I really just want to watch TV, let my mind go blank and relax.

I challenge you do start to do something for God. Get to know HIM. I am starting tonight! I know its not easy, I am not saying it will be. Giving up your time, but it is worth it. Once you start you will be thankful. But do it for HIM, not you, your kids, spouse, parents, friends or anyone else. Don't do it in front of people, but in your own time, just God and you. Regardless where its at, bathroom, while your doing laundry, dishes, feeding your baby, anytime and anywhere! Don't make excuses, just do it!

Need help or a starting point? Start inside your heart, ask the Lord of guidance. Then try the Bible! Need a little more help? Get a study guide or try an online website like YouVersion, they will send you a study that you pick out to your email or your phone. I look forward to seeing you all grow with God, regardless if you are finding God, know Him or close to Him, we need growth in the Lord.
Think of Luke 10:37-42. Martha wants everything to be perfect, she cleans and cooks, while Mary is at the feet of Jesus. She is thinking, how can she be sitting there, while I do all the house work and prepare dinner. How many of you are like Martha? I know I tend to be, I want my house clean, food to be at the right time, and everything to be, well perfect. I need to be like Mary, at the feet of Jesus. Praying, talking, listening, preaching and doing what my Lord wants me to do. It's hard isn't it! Let us all try to be more like Mary.

Blessing to you all, in God's name!

The best face scrub..and it's basically FREE!

2012-04-14T07:35:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I have to tell you all about my new face scrub that I have been using!!! I LOVE it. I have been using it for 10 days and I see a difference! You can use it all over your body!! Rough hands, rough feet? I have horrible inherited rough feet, I used my scrub and they are becoming softer everyday. So what is my secret?? COFFEE!!! Yes, I said coffee. Weird, I know! Before I started it, I was unsure. After I brew my coffee in the morning, I just dump the grounds in a tupperware bowl. I put on the lid and place in my shower for easy access. Warning...it is kind of messy. I have read other's put the coffee grounds in their face soap, but I only use soap every couple of days on my face. I have extremely sensitive skin. Here are a few more benefits
1. The smell can help you relax, works as an anti-depressant, and helps with nausea
2. The skin will absorb the antioxidant and help reduce the free radicals, which will help with premature aging such as wrinkles and age spots. (I noticed a few age spots on my forehead, and have seriously noticed them vanishing..not overnight!!)
3. It removes residual dirt and dead skin to give you younger looking, fresh skin. Your skin will be able to absorb moisture more effectively as well!
4. Helps reduce the appearance of cellulite when massaged in the body it helps to release toxins and fats held in the skin.
5. It is a vasodilator which makes your blood vessel's tighten and firm, giving you tighter and firmer skin!! This will also help relieve irritation and redness to sensitive skin.

There are hundreds of ways to make it your own! I personally love using only the grounds. Its easy, hassell free and cheap. To think I have been throwing away coffee grounds all these years. If you don't drink coffee, ask your local coffee shop, friends, family and church. I use Organic coffee! You can pay top dollar or nothing at all.

Let me know what you think.

A few Health Related Coupons....

2012-04-12T19:43:00.001-07:00

One thing I really want to focus on is keeping our bodies, minds and spirit healthy! I have a few free coupon's and tons of samples. I tried to focus these on healthy, family oriented, natural samples and coupons. Let me know what other things you would like to see on here!
Iherb: $5.00 off of your first purchase plus free shipping.
   step 1: Click Here
   step 2: place your order
   step 3: put in your discount code ISI261
I love this site, I get a lot of products to make homemade soaps, cleaners, and organic foods for a great low price! Cheaper than the grocery store, plus they ship so fast. I usually get my products within 3 days.

Vistacost: $10.00 off your first order
              step 1: Click Here
              step 2: place your order
              No need for a discount code, link should take your discount off!
This is another site I love, very good prices as well. Free shipping with $49. or more, but it is slower shipping, usually about 5-7 days. The prices are comparable to iherb.

This is for family fun!! Free Redbox Rental!!!!!
step 1: Click Here
              step 2: Rent your movie online and pick up at a Kiosk!

Free Samples:

Its been a long time......

2012-04-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Wow it has been a long time since I have been able to sit down to blog. A lot has changed since the last time I was on here. We now live in Louisiana and Ian is finally a firefighter!

I am going to continue with Godly Living. I will be giving fun free stuff, coupons, recipes and healthy living in God's way and how to save money doing it!!!

There are several websites and blogs I follow on how to save money but one thing I feel that is missing is HEALTHY foods, organic products and health products! Sure I can get Oreo's for free, but my butt does not need Oreo's! I need healthy things!!

I will be helping everyone know more how to get your wallet and bottom smaller, hopefully!! As well as not filling our house with cancer products. Most products on the shelf these days is nothing but cancer in a bottle. Let us look at what God has given us...Natural products!

I hope you all will continue to follow and put in your input. I look forward to the following weeks!!

BPA, info on plastics and canned food

2011-07-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked if canned tomatoes are ok to eat.

If you are not aware, there has been data that states BPA can be found in canned foods.

First here is a little info about BPA (Bisphenol A). It is used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin. It has been around since the 1800’s. It affects the endocrine system. It is linked to breast cancer, decreases testosterone, imbalanced hormone levels, and maladies for the body. It’s mostly effects fetuses, babies and children. It has also been connected to with cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurological issues, thyroid hormone receptor, heart problems, fertility/sexuality difficulties and DNA alteration.

Plastics: #1, #2, #4, #5, and #6 are unlikely to contain BPA, though #1 and #6 are not suggested for repeated human consumption. #7 is a catch-all category that often contains BPA.

BPA-containing epoxy resins are found in the inside coating of most food and beverage cans. All canned foods should be avoided.

High acidity foods increase the rate at which BPA enters food. This is why people are being told not to consume canned tomatoes, soda and beans.

A good alternative to canned tomatoes and beans are glass. This would be a great product to can yourself in glass jars.

Not to be mean, but if you drink a lot of soda, chances are that you don’t really care about your body. Just alone soda has horrible affects on your body. I enjoy a good soda about once a year…this is usually at our favorite root beer brewery, so I am not worried about this.

Do your research; there are some cans that state “BPA free”. Keep your eyes out and if you only consume canned tomatoes and don’t buy anything else with BPA then you will probably be ok.

I hope this helps you all learn a little about BPA, I know I am not more educated in this area!

Just remember #2, 4 and 5 are the best plastic numbers and high acidic canned foods should be avoid if possible!

Simple black Bean Salsa

2011-07-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Simple Black Bean Salsa

1 Can black beans

1 can of crushed tomatoes (or any other type of can tomatoes)

2tbsp of crushed garlic (we really like garlic, vary to your taste)

½ cup of salsa (add more if needed)

½ onion, chopped thinly

1 tablespoon of ground flax seed

Mix all ingredients and enjoy!

For spice add finely chopped jalapenos!!

This is great on burritos, tacos and much more! Make quesadillas, by adding this and some cheese! Enjoy!!!

Healthy Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

2011-07-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Mini Stuffed Bell Peppers

**12 small bell peppers

1-2 lbs. of choice meat

Red onion, chopped

2 tablespoon crushed garlic

*Taco seasoning

1/2 cup Salsa (add more or less for your taste)

2 tablespoons Ground flax seed

2 finely grated carrots

*Whole grain rice, cooked

Shredded Cheddar cheese

Plain Greek yogurt (be sure to use plain and not vanilla, this is to replace sour cream)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F

2. Cut the tops off the peppers, and remove the seeds. Set aside

3. Cook meat, onion and garlic until meat is done. Drain, put back into pan.

4. Add taco seasoning, salsa, flax seed, carrots and rice. Mix together.

5. Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, and place peppers open side up in a baking dish Cover the dish with foil, and bake until the filling is hot and the peppers are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Remove foil, and sprinkle the cheese over the top of the peppers. Return to oven; bake, uncovered, until cheese has melted, about 7 to 10 minutes.

7. Top the peppers with a heaping tablespoon of the yogurt.

*see recipe below

**if you use bigger bell pepper, precook peppers for about 10-15 mins in oven until soften

Taco seasoning

3 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1teaspoon paprika

Mix seasoning together.

Whole grain rice

2 cups of water

1 cup of whole grain rice

Bring water to a boil, add rice, cover and simmer until done.

ReUse

2011-06-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have covered reducing and recycling, now it’s time to cover reusing. As you can tell the three ideas all tie in together!

Here is the big #1 thing about reusing!!! Ready for it….buy reusable items and reuse them!!!

As I talked about in reducing, get items such as glass containers instead of ziplock bags, so you can reuse it over and over and over from many years. This will save you so much money in the long run. Let look at it in a mathematical way.

Ziplock bags- cost 2.50 (estimated) a box- buy 1 box once a month (I use to use this much) total year cost $30. And if you are the way I once was I had about 3 sizes that I liked to use. So let say we buy three varietys at 2.50 a box and let say we bought two boxes a month instead of all three varietys. You are looking at around $60 a year! Multiply that by five years. You have a total of $300! Plus you have to think of all the waste!

Now I went to pyrex.com. I decided to go with a brand that is familiar and inexpensive. Pyrex is made in the USA! I choose the 17 piece bake to storage set and it cost only 39.99! View it at http://www.pyrexware.com/index.asp?pageId=14&CatID=380&SubCatID=1169&upc=71160058880

Let’s add the 18 piece storage set, just to be sure we have our bases covered to our kitchen. For the set is cost $35.99

http://www.pyrexware.com/index.asp?pageId=14&CatID=380&SubCatID=1169&upc=71160036093

I know for sure that these items can last for 5 years easy! I have had some of my pieces since I got married 2005. Add 35.99 and 39.99 for a total of 75.98! Which is $15.20 a year and $1.26 a month! What savings! And this is for five years. These pieces can easily last for much longer than that! My mamaw still has pieces around the family since I was a kid. Now you are talking pennies a month!

If you don’t like to buy glass products then buy cast iron or stainless steal products! You can find all types of durable and reusable products made in America just by looking online or at your local favorite store! Here is a site to help you find what you are looking for

http://americanmadeyes.com/household.html

http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/kitchen.html

Don’t forget to look at yardsales, goodwill, ebay and other places for even cheaper prices on used items! They can be washed and disinfected easily!

This of creative ways to reuse items!

Did you know that…

Lint is a great fire starter or helps birds make nests?

Toilet paper rolls are great craft must haves?

Turn cans into flowerpots!

Egg shells make great fertilizer!

Old coffee can keep your dark's even darker!

Yogurt and egg cartons are great seed starters!

Shredded paper for packing!

I would love to hear your thoughts and fun ideas of how to reuse anything!!!

Reduce

2011-06-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

I would like to talk to everyone about reducing! As Americans it seems to be “successful” to have to have a lot. I am one that falls in this category. I don’t think I do it so much to be successful but because I think maybe one day I will need it. I have worked hard to reduce the things I no longer need.

But how does all this play in the environment…easy…if you buy less you throw away less.

Before I buy anything anymore I ask myself four things.

Do I really need this now?

How many times can I use it?

When I am done with it, what will happen to it?

Where was it made?

The first things I am sure you can figure out why I am asking myself this, but the fourth is because I try to buy all products made in America, I will get to that another day.

The best part about helping yourself reduce the products you buy is that your home won’t be filled to the rim with junk, you save money and you teach yourself about control.

I currently have a garage full of items that I have used once or maybe more but I no longer need them. I am going to be having a garage sale, and then I will donate what doesn’t sell. But they things that cannot go to either, that is trash, I will recycle.

If I would have practiced my new control questions, then I would not be losing money. If I am lucky I will get back 1/4th of which I paid for the items. I have two exercise equipments that I have never used! I work out but I don't use the items that I once thought were necessary to lose weight! I bought them new combined cost is over $400..I hope to get $100, but in reality I will most likely end up with $50 for both.

Help your kids with this as well. Every now and again I will go to a fast food restaurant, and I most likely will not buy the kids menu, because it comes with junk. However I love to buy off the kids menu because it helps with portion control for me. What to do about the toy that comes with it? If you anyone who is going to adopt or go to missions in other countries the kids there love the toys. It’s a great way to help without breaking your budget!

I always try to buy items such as oatmeal, nuts, and other stuff in bulk. It’s usually cheaper but the best part is you are cutting down on packaging.

I try to buy all my cereals in the bags because it again has less packaging. Remember the less packaging the less waste!!

A great place to go is the farmers market, they usually don’t have packaging, and you can always bring your own packing if you like. I have a tea guy I go to. He has great homemade teas in bins, I bring my own tea can with me for storage!

One way you can reduce your food waste is buy weekly what you need. If something is getting ready to go bad and you have no use of it, freeze it! I just recently froze celery. This will be great for soups and stews in the following fall months. Or you can also make your own compost!!

One place that I love for personal body care is Lush. They have very little packaging and if you live in the area where there is a store you can go there! If not they will ship. Just visit www.lush.com It is a worldwide store so be sure to choose the area you are in.

Reduce your mail!! Go here it cost $1.00 but it’s a great way to fight back! https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/home.action

Try not to buy Ziplocs bags, foil, and things like that. Buy reusable containers. If you buy plastic ones then be sure you can recycle them after they are worn out. I prefer to buy glass ones, they have a long shelf life, most of them can be put in the oven and microwave and I know if it breaks I can recycle it.

Use recyclable cotton rounds instead of buying cotton balls! You save a lot of money over time, plus you can find them for about .50 to 1.00 per round! You can even make them yourself.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76076888/make-up-remover-pads-washable-reusable

Instead of having your bills mailed to you, get them emailed! Don’t buy newspapers, magazines and such, go online, they are usually free, plus you can also print off coupons online!

Don’t buy books, remember your local library and borrow them for free or borrow a friend’s book.

Reduce your electricity by know how it works. To keep your house cool in the summer then do laundry, dishes and other heavy electricity users at night when your house is cool. This helps everyone save money and help with shortages.

Try to hang up your clothes instead of using the dryer. Turn off all lights and appliances when you are not using them. USE GODS LIGHT!!! Unplug things that you can if they are not in use like coffee makers, toasters, computers, printers, etc.

Use the outside light, in the morning and late afternoon, but close all blinds when sun is at its hottest.

Time your showers and your family showers. Don’t take extremely hot showers, not only will it raise your bills but it’s bad for your skin and hair.

Reduce your water bill by washing dishes and clothes when you have a full load to go in.

Buy used items, this is a great way to save money, reduce packaging, and be able to recycle something instead of it going to the landfill.

There are a lot of ways to reduce waste and spending! I would love to hear your ideas!!

Thanks!!

Recyle

2011-06-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Bible Verse for today: Leviticus 25:23

“The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers for me”.

First I want to apologize for not having any blogs up for the last several days; it has been a bit crazy with summer activities in my house.

I want to talk about recycling…this come to mind to me yesterday when we were at our lake and there was tons of trash and most of it could be recycled.

I have really got my kids trained for recycling. We always recycle. But like many of people they have questions on what can be recycled.

Acid Batteries
Aluminum Cans
Building Materials
Cardboard
Chemicals
Electronic equipment
Glass (particularly bottles and jars)
Lead
Magazines
Metal
Newspaper
Oil

Paint
Paper
Plastic Bags
Plastic Bottles
Steel Cans
Tires
Appliances
Wood
Writing/Copy Paper
Yard Waste

Depending on your where you live will greatly depend on what your recycling company will pick up. You can check on what online or call your waste company. Or visit

http://www.recyclingcenters.org/

My son is in charge of taking out our recycling and he loves it. You can buy a recycle bin for inside of your house so it makes it convenient to use! We have a small wastebasket, nothing special, but we all know it’s the place where all recyclable’s go! I have mind right next to the trashcan. This helps my family remember to recycle! When it is full my son will take it out.

Did you know you can get paid to recycle too? Aluminum cans are a big one and you can most likely find a place in your area that will gladly take them and pay!!

What about cell phones and other electronics that are collecting dust? I used http://www.yourenew.com It was easy! I just typed in my device, printed off the prepaid label for shipping, shipped it out and waited for my money. There are several companies out there like this one. I looked around to be sure I got the best price, so I would suggest you do the same.

Ink Cartridges can be recycled at cash4cartriges, toner buyer, advantage cartridges, ecycle group. If you have used any of these website please let me know, I have yet to try any of them out!

Cardboard boxes can be recycled at used cardboard boxes or boxcycle. Again I have not used these sites but would love to know how they turn out.

Of course don’t forget to recycle your old glasses! There are a lot of places in your local area that will accept them for great causes.

Here is a link to learn a lot about recycling, plus they will pay you to recycle if it’s in your area. But the best part of this website is that you can get a lot of coupons and earn points as you learn about recycling. Cash your points in for coupons, deal, gift cards and more!!

http://www.recyclebank.com

Here are a few things that you probably did not know you can recycle

· Hair

· Jeans even torn one

· Corks for wine bottles

· Cotton products such as q-tips, cotton balls, lint, etc

· Crayons

· Surf boards

· Keys

· Rechargeable batteries

· Golf balls (go to knetgolf)

· Trophy’s

To read more about the items above visit www.eath911.com They have much more information as well.

Stop all of your junk mail..its a lot of waste! Here are a few sites that can help with it

https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t

https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/home.action;jsessionid=A8613514728CF1326DA55F3D4AC1C23E.tomcat2

https://www.catalogchoice.org/

http://www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm

http://www.valassis.com/1024/Contact/contact_home.aspx

You can also call 800-NO-Thanks

I know this is a lot of info, but I really just want to let you know there are a lot of things and places that can be recycled. There are thousands of sites online with a lot of info. I would love to know your favorite online places to visit and what you do to recycle!

Fast ways to start recycling:

Get your family involved

Get a recycle can to put your recycles in

Find out what your recycle center takes

Place other recycles in a box until you can drop them off at a special recycle center or mail them in

Remember you don’t have to be 100% perfect to make a difference! It starts with today and with you!

How Tea Tree Oil changed my life!!!

2011-06-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today I want to talk about Tea Tree Oil and how it has changed my life.

This oil is so versatile from cleaning products to a face cleanser.

I first learned of tea tree oil when I was trying to find a cheap product to make my own cleaners. I did a lot of research and found that it is an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. It is native to the Australian and New Zealand regions. It is also called melaleuca oil.

To let you know tea tree oil has the ability to fight bacterium such as Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA when it is used at a 10% concentration! That’s amazing!!

First when I found tea tree oil I first made a multi-purpose cleaner. I use a 16oz spray bottle with 2tsp of tea tree oil. I first started to use this on sinks and counter tops. Then I wondered how it would do on mirrors and windows….it works great! Streakless in fact. I use it for everything now! It is my only cleaner that I have for everything. I said good bye to my other 15 bottles of chemicals and have only 1 bottle! It’s great! The best part of all of this is I am saving so much money! Plus I am not filling landfills with 5 bottles a month and running out to get new bottles that will end up in landfills.

I wanted to see what other things I could do with it! I found a lot! I have suffered from very sensitive skin for many years. All the doctors have gave me medications or told me what to use, then it became it’s your hormones. I am getting so sick of have ugly skin. I found that if I mix an 8oz plastic bottle (I got mine for 0.85 at Wal-mart in the traveling section) and ½ to 1 tsp of tea tree oil to have a great facial cleaner. I was so amazed at what a difference it has had on me. I have used it for three weeks now and I no longer am breaking out, redness of the face or irritation. I was able to stop buying expensive promising products that did nothing for me. I now use an organic face scrub and my tea tree oil to have beautiful, flawless skin! In fact I was able to give up facial makeup!! I use my eye liner and mascara and I am done for the day! So I have saved who knows how much money just on face products alone. And I want to point out that I tried everything. From pills, Proactive, Cetaphil, Burts bee’s, Mary Kay, Avon, Arbonne, prescription typical, to everything in between! It is so relieving to be able to have skin like I use to have before kids came along! I feel beautiful every morning I wake up!!

Also, Zoë started to have a rash on her back about 4 months ago, I was told it was heat rash, then eczema, then infection of the hair follicles….it was aggravating! They put her on a steroid cream that did not help. I was not going to go back to the Doctor or dermatologist to get another diagnosis. (please note that I am not hating on healthcare professions, but I am sure you have been given multiple diagnosis and its aggravating and cost a lot of money to buy the products and go to the Doctors all the time. I know that Doctors cannot always make the best guess on some rashes there are a lot out there and people react different to different things) So I started to clean her rashes with the tea tree oil and it has worked! I am very glad because I do not want my kids on steroids of any kind unless they really need it. I think we as a nation are putting our kids and ourselves on way too many medications for things that can be fixed in a natural way!!

Just today I used the multi-purpose cleaner to spray where my daughter had an accident last night. Less than an hour the smell was completely gone and I am very comfortable knowing that has killed any type of nastiness left over!! Also, it kills mold, mildew, musty mold etc. just spray and don’t rinse and it will be killed. Please note that it will not turn the black discoloration of mildew/mold it will just kill it.

I also want to let you know Tea Tree Oil is expensive, about $10-15 an ounce! Remember to always get 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil. You will save money in the long route so keep that in mind when you buy it, I had to when I bought it. I bought mine over three weeks ago and I still have enough for quite a while. I bought in at my local HEB (grocery store) for $40.00 for 4 ounces. I actually have more than 3/4^th left in the bottle. It goes a long way.

Heads up... it has a medicinal smell to it. When I was at my local herb store I let the kids choose an oil to put in the multi-purpose cleaner. They choose 100% Orange and Lavender Oils. We added 1tsp of each! It smells great. These oils are very cheap. For 1 ounce I spent 3.00 on each one. Again, they will last a long time. It’s a great way to teach kids about Gods Earth and letting them help. They love being involved!!

Here are a few things it can treat…

Acne, warts, lice, nail fungus, scabies, herpes, ringworm, fleas, mosquito's, pesticides, after shave, deodorant, cold sores, chiggers, keep it in your first aid kit…and the list goes on and on. Please let me know if there is a recipe you want. There are too many for me to list here.

I hope you all learned something new. Please feel free to add comments. I would love to hear your thoughts!

After doing some research this is the best price on tea tree oil I can find. I have used this site before and love it. Plus if you click on the below link you will also get $5 off of your order!! Enjoy

http://www.iherb.com/21st-Century-Health-Care-Australian-Tea-Tree-Oil-2-fl-oz-60-ml/9058?rcode=ISI261

Are we hurting God?

2011-06-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Have you ever given someone something that you wanted them to care for and they abused or broke it due to carelessness or they didn’t care about it? Think about a former boy/girlfriend, you gave them your heart but perhaps they didn’t love you back. It hurt!

Recently I had given my daughter a beautiful dress, it was very expensive, she looked wonderful in it, I loved it and hoped to pass it down to my granddaughter, and it was a special dress. I later noticed it had tears all in it. When I asked her what happen she said she cut it with scissors and she didn’t like it. I felt my heart break. This is how I think God feels about us when we mistreat the Earth and all that is in it. He gave us this wonderful thing and we misuse it. It must hurt Him.

Please think about this next time you want to destroy something without good intentions.

Organic Living is not just for Hippies!!!

2011-06-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

My kids are in VBS this summer and the first day they learned Genesis 1:1, which states "In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth" With that being said, God made everything that we need.

He did not make cows that were injected with hormones, or corn that grew out of the earth with preservatives. Yes the preservatives help make the food last longer, but it takes so much away from the nutrients of the food.

Buying Organic can be very expensive, if you can afford to buy everything that’s great, for the rest of us on a budget, learning what is a must and what is not can be confusing and irritating.

I have a few tips...

1. Do most of your shopping at your local farmers market, this helps support local farmers and gives back to the community. Plus you are able to meet the people who grow your food, you can ask questions and they are the best people to be asking!

2. Eat what is in season, the best you can. Of course depending on our area and the season this may be hard, so do the best you can. If you live in Mass, most likely there will not be a year round farmers market, so use it when it is open!!

3.The best way to cut your grocery bill down is grow your own garden!! If you are like me and are renting and tend to move around a lot, then grow it in small and moveable pots. I currently grow several herbs that we use the most, basil, rosemary and mint. We are getting ready to plant several peppers, tomatoes, and other veggies that we use a lot.

4. Buy your meat from farmers markets and local farmers that feed there animals what God created them to eat. Don't forget about hunting and fishing. Hunting wild animals is a great way to balance the world out, if you have too many deer in an area they will become deformed and they will not be healthy. God made us hunters to help balance out the earth. Remember humans are built to eat meat and produce.

5. Buy things in season is going to save you money, buy a bulk and freeze or can what you are able to for when they are out of season, this is a great way to save money all year round.

6. Educate yourself on what you are putting in your body. God gave us our body as our temple, try to remember that when you are about to put a gallon of cheap ice cream in it.

Here is a site that offers some more info,

www.eatlocalchallenge.com

http://eatwild.com/

http://www.localharvest.org/

http://www.foodroutes.org/

http://www.greenoptions.com/wiki/seasonal-produce

And remember you don't have to be a 100% perfect to make a difference! Start off easy and you will be glad that you did, you will start to feel good about yourself for loving and respecting Gods earth as well as feel the difference in your body!!

What this is all about....

2011-06-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to start a blog to tie God and healthy living in together to be a complete circle. This is for all levels of people. If you are wanting to start living healthy but not sure where to start to people who have degrees in nutrition. I am in the middle..I have started and continuously educating myself on healthy, organic and natural living.

Maybe you want to lose weight, or you are already healthy but want to make a difference. I feel God has given us everything we need, man then tried to make it better, but in my opinion has failed in many ways. I hope this can help you and your family become healthier and closer to God. I encourage everyone to jump in the conversation, I don't know everything, and like I said, I am still learning. I look forward to all of your ideas and learning to become healthy in a Godly way with all of you!

Also, I want to point out I am all about saving money, so there will also be info on how you can save too!!

Ashley