Living On One Income, Homemaking, Recipes, Menu Plans...

Mom's Dining Out Deals eBook

2012-02-13T09:15:00.000-06:00

Everyone enjoys going out to eat, but with a family it's expensive. Check out the Mom's Dining Out Deals eBook. Today you can get a copy FREE by blogging or posting to Facebook/Twitter. Check out the details here

I'm looking forward to checking out all the info at Mom's Plans.

Saving Money

2012-01-06T11:21:00.000-06:00

Here is an article and FREE ebook

One of my favorite money saving websites is moneysavingmom.com and she also has a book releasing soon.

My goal this year is to make clear financial goals and work hard to meet them. We would like to save enough money for a Disney trip in 2013.

Menu Plan 1/2-1/8

2012-01-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

Monday: Tempting Tuna Melt, Salad

Tuesday: Shepherd's Pie

Wednesday: Buffalo Wings, Mac & Cheese

Thursday: Gyros with homemade pittas, potato wedges

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Chicken Tortilla Soup, bread

Sunday: Bombay chicken, rice, egg rolls

For more menu plan ideas, check out orgjunkie.com

Beth Moore ~ Living Proof Live coming to Colorado Springs in June

2011-12-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to me! I just bought my admission and I'm excited to go. Hopefully, some friends will be going too.

Faith-full Friday

2011-12-23T12:44:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been over a month since I have posted. Things have been very busy, mostly good-busy, but busy. Much of the added business has come from bibs selling like crazy in my etsy shop, but also orthodontist appointments, which we already have 5 scheduled for January.

"For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me." Philippians 1: 29-30

"And He was saying to them all, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Luke 9:23

It seems we like to kind of forget about verses that involve our suffering and dying to self, Yet, the Bible shows us that following Jesus most definitely costs us something. The cost is different for all of us, some may not get that job promotion, others may lose their life, our relationships may suffer, we may have to give up material things to invest in His kingdom, but we cannot follow without it affecting our life in some way.

This is a much needed reminder for me, since I prefer to give up or quit when things get too difficult. Being a military family if the problem is relationships with people or our church home, I just wish to move. That's the easy solution. When the difficulty lies with homeschooling my four children, I long to just send them to school. However, when I stop and pray on the issues I would rather run away from, God lovingly conveys to me, "I didn't promise you life would be easy. I didn't put you in this place to quit. What is more important? Eternity or your temporal life being smooth sailing?"

Unfortunately, I don't always run to the Lord with my problems, I often give up first. I'm sure I also miss out on blessings when this happens. Other times God just waits for me to realize that sooner or later, I have to deal with the issue at hand and His way always works better than mine.

"while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Focus on what is eternal, trusting God for the right direction and while there will still be suffering, there will still be joy in it.

Homeschool Holiday FREEBIE

2011-11-18T08:19:00.000-06:00

2011 Homeschooler's Gift & Educational Resource Guide

Great articles, tips, and fun, for FREE.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of November 14th

2011-11-14T11:27:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy the past two weeks that my menu planning and grocery savings have suffered. So I must get back on track! Many meals I planned didn't happen.

Monday ~ Crockpot Chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, zucchini

Tuesday ~ Chicken Pierogies Alfredo and several for the freezer

Wednesday ~ Tacos

Thursday ~ Red Beans and Rice

Friday ~ Pizza

Saturday ~ Brisket, Freezer Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, rolls

Sunday ~ Lasagna Toss, Salad, Garlic Toast

For more Menu ideas, check out orgjunkie.com

Stationery card

2011-11-13T20:26:00.001-06:00

Our Top Ten Holiday Card

holiday party invitations and thank you cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Cards by Tiny Prints

2011-11-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

I really like the circle cards! We don't send cards out every year, I know terrible right? Well, I decided several years ago that since sending cards was often more stressful than enjoyable that I wasn't going to do it anymore. I always felt a little guilty as Christmas cards rolled in, knowing we didn't send any, but I let it go.

I do like that all 4 of my children could have their own picture.

Every couple of years thou.gh, I do send cards because I want to. Since we moved this year, I would like to send cards this year. However, I haven't decided which cards to send. While I love the idea of the circle card that can be hung on a tree, etc. I guess the square envelopes cost more to mail. Tiny Prints does have hundreds of cards to choose from though.

Motivated Moms Chore Planner

2011-11-12T18:34:00.000-06:00

This was my first year using the Motivated Moms Planner and I LOVE it. I was able to pick up a Day Runner planner (half page size) on clearance at the end of 2010, but it was undated. I purchased the Half Size Chore Planner with Bible Reading Schedule, printed it, and used an insert from my Day Planner to hole punch. Mine is a zipper planner so I can keep other things in it and it's portable.

I used the tabbed calendar pages and put the planner pages in according to the month. This year I will need to purchase new calendar pages and a new planner but my address section, birthday/anniversary list, favorite meals, etc is all intact.

I did not "complete" the planner to perfection, but it was a huge help in staying on track, so I highly suggest you look at the sample pages. The link is my affiliate link.

Opportunity to win $25 Gift Card

2011-11-08T15:53:00.000-06:00

Show local pride and help fuel the economy when they support the businesses that mean the most to them this holiday season. When they pledge to Shop Small on Small

Business Saturday, Nov. 26 they'll have the chance to win one of 100 $25 American Express® Shop Small Gift Cards.

About Small Business Saturday:

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now there is Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26th, a day dedicated to supporting the small businesses that fuel local economies and invigorate our communities.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-11-07T15:43:00.000-06:00

Kind of crazy, but we were given several cases of hamburger patties, and some were already thawed so I have to cook them now.

Monday ~ Burgers and Fries with homemade hamburger buns, and a good excuse to eat more homemade pickles! Caramel Apple Bars for dessert.

Tuesday ~ Baked Potato Soup, bread, salad

Wednesday ~ Salisbury Steak (hamburger patties), Mashed Potatoes, and green beans

Thursday ~ Chicken Pierogies Alfredo, Garlic toast, salad

Friday ~ Pizza

Saturday ~ TBD

Sunday~ TBD

ClearPlay DVD filtering

2011-11-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our family LOVES to watch movies, but as a family, there aren't many movies that are "safe" to watch. For years now, we have enjoyed using our ClearPlay DVD player that filters out inappropriate content to your settings. You can set it as you want it for your family, like with the older boys, we don't mind some violence, but we filter extreme violence, we don't want any sex scenes, or foul language. Your settings are up to you.

Your purchase comes with a 3 month membership. You can download all filters to a USB flash drive. To continue to be able to download filters for new releases you need a membership. If you aren't concerned about that, you can hold off on renewing membership.

Right now you can get a DVD player (with HD) and 3 months for $99, this is a great family Christmas present. Tell them you were referred by Sheri Devan and I get 3 months of membership FREE.

You can call directly to Dorothy at 888-303-0771 ext. 804

Menu Plan ~ Week of October 31

2011-10-31T09:55:00.000-05:00

Monday ~ Tater Tot Casserole, green beans, dessert

Tuesday ~ Chicken Stir Fry with rice, using up the leftover Asian chicken from the freezer

Wednesday ~ Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, squash, rolls (I didn't make meatloaf last week)

Thursday ~ White Cheese Chicken Lasagna, garlic toast, salad

Friday ~ Homemade Pizza

Saturday ~ Air Force vs. Army Football! 7 layer Greek Dip, Chicken BLTs, cheese sticks, punch

Sunday ~ Red Beans and Rice, corn muffins

For more ideas check orgjunkie.com

Great deal on photo prints

2011-10-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

300 4" x 6" prints for only $3! Order enough prints to capture every cute costume and sweet smile. Just use coupon SPOOKY300 through November 6.

If you don't have 300 photos to print, just use code SPOOKY100 to get 100 4" x 6" prints for only $1!*

Freezer Cooking

2011-10-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Freezer Cooking doesn't have to be "Once a Month Cooking" where you cook ALL day to fill the freezer. It can be, but it can also be as simple as preparing two entrees at dinner and putting one in the freezer and one in the oven. Or it can be somewhere in between, with batch cooking.

Chicken is on sale? Buy enough to make several meals. One of my favorite freezer meal ideas takes hardly any time, marinades. Trim and rinse your chicken, place a "meal" amount (for your family) in freezer bags. Mix your marinade, or a few marinades, pour over chicken, seal the bags, pressing out extra air, and freeze on a cookie sheet or board. this way it will freeze flat and then fit nicely in your freezer.

When you take it out of the freezer, as it thaws it marinates. The Marinade also protects against freezer burn. Your meat is ready to go on the grill, in the oven, or the slow cooker.

I am a consultant with 30 Day Gourmet, but I use several sources for my freezer cooking and have listed several cookbooks on a right side widget.

Faithful Friday ~ Thanksgiving and Hospitality

2011-10-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

It's 27 days until Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, I love cooking, serving, enjoying family and friends, just not the cleaning!

I do not have a fabulous house, nor a big one, but over the years, we have always opened our home (wherever that may be) to those who can't be with their family, single moms, young couples, etc. I love to hear the stories that come back to me later about Thanksgiving. Some just love having good food, but most loved the fact that they were part of a family, having fun and enjoying one another.

So I encourage you to begin thinking about who you should invite into your home. It doesn't have to be fancy, and keep it far from perfect! That is way too much stress and let's face it, it just won't be 100% perfect. It's not about us or our home, it is about taking care of and showing love to another.

Attention Vocalpoint Members ~ Vick's Nature Fusion Coupon

2011-10-25T11:42:00.005-05:00

You must be a VocalPoint member to be elegible, click HERE to request your coupon.

Menu Plan Monday ~ 10/24

2011-10-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

Monday ~ Leftovers or something quick

Tuesday ~ Beef Stew, Bread, Caramel Apple Bars

Wednesday ~ Roast Chicken, Potatoes, acorn squash

Thursday ~ Schezuan Chicken and Green Beans, rice

Friday ~ Pizza

Saturday ~ (Company take 2) Baked Brie, Chicken Tetrazzini, Salad, Apple Crisp

Sunday ~ Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggies

For more menu ideas check out orgjunkie

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-10-22T08:57:00.000-05:00

Michaels has a great coupon this weekend, 25% off your entire order including sale prices, you have to be signed up for their emails.

Over at TheHappyHousewife there are a lot of fabulous ideas for homemade Christmas gifts. She is doing 100 Days of Handmade Christmas Gifts, so keep checking back.

We are planning an Elf party and viewing. Elf is one of our favorite family Christmas movies and this year we are planning a party around it.

Some ideas so far:
Elf Soundtrack
Paper garland and snowflakes
4 Main Food Groups: Candy, Candy Cane, Candy Corn, and Syrup
Tollhouse Cookie Dough Easting Contest
"World's Best Coffee" and Hot Chocolate

I'm still thinking on some savory snacks.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast for $1.49/lb

2011-10-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

Zaycon Foods is having a huge chicken breast savings event. In Colorado Springs, you must order by Oct. 22 and pick up is Nov. 8th. The catch is that you have to order in 40 pound units.

I have heard about Zaycon Foods from several other blogs and all had positive comments, but this is my first opportunity to order from them.

They are going to have this sale in all 48 continental states, but some only 1-2 cities, so you have to see if your city is one of them.

Christmas Purses

2011-10-18T16:38:00.001-05:00

I just completed 2 Christmas purses and was wondering what you think?

Also, use code OCTOBER15 for 15% off.

Menu Plan Monday ~ 10/17-10/23

2011-10-17T09:39:00.001-05:00

Monday ~ Chili, salad

Tuesday ~ Asian BBQ Chicken, Fried Rice, Schezuan green beans

Wednesday ~ Baked Potato Soup, Salad, Bread, Apple Crisp

Thursday ~ Pork Chops, (trying this recipe) baked potatoes, acorn squash

Friday ~ Company! Baked Brie, Salad, Garlic Toast, Chicken Tetrazinni, Apple Cake

Saturday ~ Impossibly-easy-cheeseburger-pie, green beans

Sunday ~ Chips and Salsa, Enchilladas, rice and beans, Cake

For more menu ideas visit Orgjunkie

Faith-full Friday

2011-10-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Last week, I attended the Hearts at Home Western Conference after being blessed with a ticket! In September when I registered for the conference and chose my workshops, I was excited about the event, but God already knew that the weeks leading to the conference would be taxing. So when Friday came I needed that encouragement and refreshment more than I could have imagined 3 weeks before.

Friday night was Mom's Night Out and was a time for worship and fun and was more light in nature. Saturday was an all day event with lots of learning, but still fun.

We learned about love and looked at motherhood as a profession, you are never "just a mom." One of the quotes that stuck out to me was "immature love is a noun, mature love is a verb."

First workshop was with Bob Waliszewski of PluggedIn on Practical Principles to Help Our Children Learn to Discern.

Next was "Keeping Your Ducks in a Relative Row" with Karen Ehman. While I didn't hear anything brand new, it was still very motivating and I think I will implement a few ideas that I knew of but haven't done. The most important part was bringing back the focus that we are making the "have to's" more efficient so we have time for the "want to's." We don't organize to impress, we want more quality time with our families.

Third was "Lifegiving Hospitality" with Tammy Maltby, she was so high energy and fun, it made the class very enjoyable, of course, free Maltby cake didn't hurt. We got some great tips to help us to be truly hospitable. It's not about me, my home, etc, it's the message I give others about THEIR value. They need not remember the menu, but how I made them feel.

My last workshop was "One Size Does Not Fit All" with Connie Johnson, and it dealt with who we are in Christ and dealing with insecurity. One of the points she made was that insecurity keeps people away from us, which is true, and the irony is (my own thought) our insecurity keeps people away, which triggers us to be more insecure, because we have few people close to us.

Our final main session wrapped it all up with questions to think on and pushing us to be intentional wives and mothers. So while things can't all change overnight, I really hope to get my focus back on Him and serving my family and others. We are His hands and feet!

For those with daughters

2011-10-13T13:22:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this; 50 Rules For Dads of Daughters