Last Snowman Standing!

Photo by Fungalhorde

Always on the look out for new and interesting things to do with my homeschooler, I found a cute little game over on Math Wire called Last Snowman Standing. We did not have the cute little snowman beads that they used, so I pulled out a bag of jingle bells. Had I thought of it before, we could have made marshmallow snowmen to play with and then eaten them at the end. We also changed the rules and played it so the person with the most bells at the end won. I enlisted the help of my husband to play with us and for 30 blissful minutes, my little girl who has developed a distaste for addition added numbers on the dice. I won the game against my daughter, but lost to my husband. Oh well... We also learned to make tally marks! Tomorrow, we are going to play the same game only subtracting the smaller number from the larger. She had a great time! I love teaching when they don't even know that they are learning!

My new Kindle Fire

My husband told me to get myself a Kindle Fire for Christmas, because he knows that I have been eyeing them since Amazon sent my an email announcing them several months ago. I have long said that eBooks were the way to go, but something inside of me loves the feel of a new book or finding hidden treasures in an old book. I love picking up a used book to find something highlighted or a note written in the margin, something that says someone else was here and was touched by this. Bibles are the best. I love looking in people's Bibles. They are filled with wisdom of the ages and when God speaks to the reader they highlight, underline and notate! My other issue with eBooks is the inability to share them with friends and family. I personally love using Paperback Swap, but eBooks don't offer. My other issue is that many eBooks cost as much as print books which doesn't make sense to me. Granted eBooks require computers and software and hard drives to store them on, they don't have to be printed and shipped. They can't be shared like a print books either, so it seems to me that they should cost a little less. But all too often, they don't. In fact, some cost more than the paperback version. It doesn't make sense to me. So, maybe, I have been on the fence about eBooks. When I was in college, I would have loved to have eBooks instead of regular print books. Lugging all those textbooks back and forth to class was a pain. Even for kids, I think a durable eReader issued at the start of school with all their textbooks on it would be great! Sure, some kids are going to lose them, break them or damage them, but they will do the same thing to a textbook. That is where personal responsibility comes in. You break it, you buy a new one. You lose it, you buy a new one. If your parents can't afford to buy a new one, we will find you a job around the school that you will do until the debt is repaid.

Anyway, off my soap box! I love my new Kindle even though every time I try to play with it I have a 5 year old in my lap taking it over. We downloaded a new game called Where's My Water? by Disney. I must say it is really cool! As my little princess put it, "It is a game that makes you use your brain." It requires you to figure out how to to get water to Swampy the alligator's bathtub by digging and passing up various barriers. 

I love the battery life on the Kindle Fire. My child, husband and I have been playing it for hours without plugging it in. Since I have never had a Kindle, I don't know how long the battery normally, but compared to my cell phone the Kindle Fire has excellent battery life.

So, what do you think about eReaders? 

The Lucado Inspirational Reader

I have been a Max Lucado fan for years from his adult writings to his children's books, so it is no surprise that The Lucado Inspirational Reader did not disappoint! 

I was expecting a devotional style book, but this is more short little snippets from his various writings. The book is broken up into chapters that focus on specific topics, so it is easy to find something that will speaks to your situation at the time. 

Lucado is the kind of author who makes you feel like you are sitting in his living room sipping tea while he tells you of his love for Christ. It is a comfortable and charming book that would make a great gift for someone or yourself. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Keepers of the Faith - The Proverbs 31 Lie - Category Details

Keepers of the Faith - The Proverbs 31 Lie

I came upon this article today about the Proverbs 31 woman and just had to share! It is well written and really blessed me! Check it out!

Gabby God's Little Angel

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers—God loves you very much and is always watching over you!
What little girl wouldn’t love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God’s little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: “He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11 ICB).

My Take:
Gabby, God's Little Angel is a sweet little book introducing Gabby a little guardian angel. It is a charming story with beautiful illustrations! It reminds me of a Christian version of Fancy Nancy. My only complaint (and this may totally be because I have the ebook version) is the variations in the size of the font are confusing for young readers. I would love to see the book to see if it makes more sense than it does on my cell phone's eReader. I can't wait to read more tales of Gabby!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just in Case You Ever Wondered

A timeless children's classic by best-selling author, Max Lucado, that reinforces the love of a parent.
There are certain words that every child longs to hear . . . affirmation of unconditional love, promises of support, and words of encouragement. Just in Case You Ever Wonder wraps your children in its tender message of love, comfort, and protection, showing them that as they grow and change, you'll always be there for them—whether it's "monsters in the closet" or hard times when other kids are mean. Beloved author, Max Lucado, helps express unconditional love for a child—simply, powerfully, and forever.

My Take:
I bought this book for my daughter several years ago from Goodwill, because I love Max Lucado books. It was the best $1 book I have ever bought! So, when it was available in ebook form, I jumped for joy! This book expresses love from God and parents in such a way that it has become one of my daughter's favorite bedtime stories. The reassurance that even when she has a bad day, that she is loved and valued is one of those things that every child needs. You and your child will grow closer by reading this one together! It is a great bedtime story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thank You God for Blessing Me!

Meet Little Hermie—the cutest baby caterpillar in the garden! Little Hermie’s thankful heart shows toddlers how to be thankful for God’s blessings.
Little Hermie is thankful for everything God has given him. He goes through his day thanking God for his many blessings in this adorable board book with flocking on the cover!
With over 5.5 million brands units sold, the new Little Hermie books open the wonderful world of the Hermie & Friends garden to an entirely new audience.

My take:
Thank You, God, for Blessing Me by Max Lucado is an adorable little board book for toddlers! It teaches kids to be thankful for everyday blessings and God's presence in their lives. My daugher, who loved the Hermie book, God's not Finished with me Yet, liked this book although it was a little on the young side for her sophisticated five year old self. It would make a great gift for the toddler in your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do you Zentangle?

Need a break from the world? Try zentangle.com. These patterns are called Jonqal and Opus. It is fun!

Turning Your Day Toward God: Right from the Heart

Book Description:
For people on-the-go who want a daily dose of God’s truth for their life.
You want to spend meaningful time each day with the Lord, but about 10 minutes into your day the demands of life distract and pull at you, and threaten to overshadow your plans for quiet time. Pastor Bryant Wright lends helpful guidance for staying focused on God’s Word and applying it to your daily living. His to-the-point messages set the tone for living as Jesus lived, no matter your circumstances.
Setting aside just a few minutes each day with the Lord can change your heart. The condition of your heart can change your day. And the outcome of your day can change the course of your life for His eternal glory.

My Take:

Right from the Heart is a beautiful gift devotion book! The pages are beautifully printed through out! It is a great little devotion for starting your day. The single page devotions are a quick read. The focus is God in our every day lives. It is everyday application for life! If you are looking for an easy read, Right from the Heart is for you!
Disclosure:  I was provided with a copy of this book through my membership with Booksneeze to help abide in a complete and honest review of this book.  All opinions expressed above are complete, honest, accurate and 100% mine.

Stumbling into Grace

What They Say:
Humorous yet poignant stories from Lisa's life help readers relate to spiritual truths found in the life and ministry of Christ.


Stumbling Into Grace is the diary-devotional of one woman's honest, ongoing, bumbling journey of faith and how she finds encouragement through a deeper understanding of Christ's time on earth. Within each chapter she alternates her often humorous memoir with stirring portraits of Jesus and his own encounters as recorded in the New Testament.

Both intimately relevant and refreshingly inspirational, this book will help readers to jettison the theological misconceptions, guilt, shame, and hypocrisy they struggle with, exchanging them for a vibrant, passionate relationship with Christ that results in a more abundant, joyful life.

My Take:
I laughed and cried! Lisa is funny and easy to relate to her life. I found as I was reading this book, I was posting quotes from the book on my FaceBook feed. For example:

"....since the beginning of biblical history, people of faith have attached rules and conditions—far beyond the directives God gives us in Scripture—to our belief systems. The heavenly Father’s precious children—filthy scoundrels all of us, apart from His mercy—seem intent on making each other miserable......more from the book I am reading!"

It seemed like the God was using the book to speak directly to me where I was that day. The daily journal entries really helped me to learn about myself too! If you are looking for a devotion, check out Stumbling into Grace!

I would recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I was provided with a copy of this book through my membership with Booksneeze to help abide in a complete and honest review of this book.  All opinions expressed above are complete, honest, accurate and 100% mine.

A Couple of Chunkies!

I've been creating again! This Mona Lisa is a special request, so she will be off to Oklahoma! The butterfly....she may have to live with me for a while! I really like her!

A Sunday School Challenge turns into....

These are going to Aunt T.

Butterflies are made with copper.

The paper was hand marbled.

My daughter was given a dollar in children's church and asked to invest it and bring back the return on the investment like the parable of the talents. Well, we had invested in some garage sale art supplies the day before, so we decided that her investment would be what was spent at the garage sale. I contacted her aunt and uncle and asked if they would be willing to buy some art from their favorite (only) niece. They both agreed. :-) So, my little princess and I set about working on creating some original art to sell. Since my sister loves to write and send cards, we decided to make her a set of blank cards that she could buy.  We made 2 sets, because we didn't know exactly what she would want. She decided to buy the set with the flowers, so the other set is going to be put up on eBay! Here's what we came up with!

I was going for a more abstract look, but the little princess made butterflies out of the copper mesh and wires. I think they are very cute, but may not be very good for mailing! She had a great time!

Funky Fridge Magnets

I'm doing a swap on ATC's for All of hand-made fridge magnets! Here are three that I created.

Life Is a Verb.

Dog: It's what's for dinner

Copper

Artist Trading Cards!

I have been playing around with artist trading cards. They are small and fun....and people trade them like baseball cards, so even if no one will buy my art....I can say that my art has been distributed all around the world! LOL

Well, today I went "garage sailing" and scored some great copper mesh, wire and sheeting! The box also contained shrink film....I love the way these turned out. I can't wait to play some more!

Strike It Rich With Pocket Change by Ken Potter and Brian Allens

Have you ever picked up a book thinking it was one thing, only to find out it was something totally different? Yeah, reading subtitles is important! Maybe I have been too focused on saving money lately that I ordered this book without reading the subtitle, but I was pleasantly surprised.

They say:
In late 2007 a collector found a double die cast 1969 Lincoln cent piece in a plain brown roll of coins. That penny was auctioned in early January 2008 for $126,500.00. To the untrained eye, that penny might look no different than any other. But in their concise and informative book, Ken Potter and Dr. Brian Allen give you all the tools you need to spot mint errors and turn small coins - ones you may have in your pocket right now, or that big glass jug at home - into big cash. They distill their years of collecting experience into simple chapters like 'Age Does Not Equal Value', 'Tools of the Trade', and 'Where to Sell Your Coins' that show you step-by-step how to spot and sell these treasures.

My take:
While not all error coins will bring big money, it might be worth a second look at the coins in that coin jar. Potter and Allen have filled this book with lots of photos and examples of what to look for in error coins. They give you specific directions on how to store and care for your coins. What amazed me was that the coins that are in this current book aren't ancient coins that my mom has tucked away in her safe deposit box, but coins that were struck in my lifetime. They also deal with the myths of coin collecting like all those wheat-backs that Mom hoards! Sorry, Mom!  While I don't expect to be buying a magnifying glass and scanning my coins before using them, I might take a second look now and then.

Check out this book! You might be surprised by what you learn about that jingle in your pocket!

I received this book FREE via Booksneeze for the purpose of this review, and no other monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Art happens when you....

Stop worrying about what others think!

This is my next installment into my art journal. I totally wish I had stopped worrying about what other people thought of my art before, but now I am at a place in my life where I can relax and create totally for my enjoyment. I have also discovered the joys of mixed media. If I don't like some thing, I now know that I can just cover it up or cut it out or re-gesso it!

Freedom!

Art Journaling!

I love contests! And I absolutely adore looking at mixed media and people's art journals. So, as I was looking at Journal Artista's blog the other day. I stumbled across an art journal stencil contest. I decided to give it a go, but sadly, I had gotten rid of all of my stencils a few years back when stenciling went out of style.

So what do you do when you don't have a something and you "need" it? Go shopping? Not on Dave Ramsey! I found a card stock cut out in my scrapping supply that had the shape I wanted and used it! This is the page that my 5 year old and I worked on together. I had this little drawing that she had done when she was 4 that I loved and wanted to do something with....honestly, I have lots of little drawings that she did laying around that I want to do something with!

This is the little artist with what I thought was her finished project.....Again, I was wrong! The little artist got my embellishments and decorated a little more!

 Well, since this is easy enough for a 5 year old...I decided to try it! We are leaving later today for a our anniversary weekend get-away, so I wanted to do something about travel and relaxing! I found this super cute word art from Digital Scrapbooking Place.

We are going to the bayou's of Louisiana, Avery Island where Tabasco is made and maybe a little fishing for my husband. I wanted this page to remind me of the bayou, so I picked greens, blues and browns. I used the same chipboard cut-out that we used for my daughter's, but I used a bracket.
I used a vellum butterfly, but had a little trouble with it. For some reason, vellum doesn't seem to like acrylic medium. The butterfly kept trying to fly off the page! Maybe I'll look for something different to glue down vellum. Any suggestions? Thanks for looking!

My new menu planning board

Ugly picture in a perfect frame from a garage sale.....$1
Scrapbook paper, ribbon and decorations.....free....given to me by a friend
Letters....$3.49 from Michael's
EXPO marker....on hand
This idea was borrowed from Recycled Interiors. She used fabric which would have prevented the seam that I have on mine, but  it isn't too noticeable.

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Daddy Dates

I think Greg Wright may have stolen this idea from my dad! Not really, I think that God speaks to godly men when they truly seek Him. I wanted to read this book specifically because my father "dated" my sister and me. It is a concept that my parents came up with when we were kids and honestly, it works! My sister and I both have high expectations of what a future spouse should be. Hers are so high, she never plans on marrying, but don't blame that on the dates.

I remember people looking at me strangely when I would tell them about "dating" my dad, because our world doesn't understand the concept of dating to connect with a person on a deeper level, but rather our world sees dating as a means to an end. (While I'm talking about this, if you aren't "dating" your spouse, you need to commit to doing that too!) This book is filled with ways to understand and communicate with your daughter. Wright is humorous and heartfelt in his accounts of his experiences. It is an easy read that will help not only fathers better communicate, but is a great read for moms too.

Oh, and if you are a single guy looking for dating tips....pick up this book too! Follow his 2 rules of dating, no dinner and no movie...come up with something original that she would like to do that doesn't involve staring at something other than her and you will do well with women!

I received this book FREE via Booksneeze for the purpose of this review, and no other monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% mine. 

Money Secrets of the Amish

When I asked for this book, I was thinking it might tell me to go off the power grid and start canning my own food that I grow. Well, since I'm a blogger and manage a web-based business, going off the grid was out and my small garden doesn't provide enough to survive on all year.

But that wasn't what this book was about at all! Money Secrets of the Amish is practical advice for the everyday "Englisher" (anyone not Amish). Use it up! Wear it out! Make do! Or Do without! De-spoil the kids! Don't Eat the Marshmallow! Shopping second-hand! Things we all know, but need to relearn and put into practice more often.

My favorite idea is in the chapter on Rethinking Gifts. The author, while not willing to go completely Amish in gift-giving, implements the principal of the three wise men: "We each get something we want, something we need and a surprise!" What a great way to curb the gimme's during the holiday!

Some books, I read once and then pass along, but Money Secrets of the Amish is one book that will be used as a reference in the future!

I received this book FREE via Booksneeze for the purpose of this review, and no other monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% mine. 

God's Promises for the American Patriot

For months now, I have been listening to the news talking about all of the conflict in America. We have political conflict, racial conflict and class warfare. We have arguments about the direction of our country. We have large group of people who fear the financial future of our government. On the other side stands a group of people who seek to have the government level the playing field for all people, sometimes at the expense of those who have worked hard to get ahead. 

Then I heard a commentator say that the conflicts we now face are not the worst conflicts of our American history. The Civil War was. Then God led me to this quote from Abraham Lincoln in God's Promises for the American Patriot:

 "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!
It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."

It is so true! If you have someone who loves America and is looking for quick daily devotional, this is a great gift! When I am done with it, I plan on sending it to a soldier with a thank you note for their service. What have you done for your country lately? 

I received this book FREE via Booksneeze for the purpose of this review, and no other monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% mine. 

May Budget Challenge!

Do you ever feel that your budget is out of control? I know I do. Even though we are saving money and not using the credit card. I still feel like we could be doing more. So, this month I am challenging myself to write it down! I want to know where the money is going this month.

So, is any one willing to do it with me? Anyone up for a budget challenge? What if there were a prize at the end of the month? I'm not going to say what the prize is yet, but I will come up with one if someone join me!

Secret Words

Want to get your little one excited about reading? Try secret words. Create a note, flashcards or sentence with white crayons on white paper. Then have your child revel the message with ink made of food coloring or water color paint. With Easter right around the corner, why not write words on your eggs before dying them?

How to be a perfectly polite princess!

What They Say: 

A fun guide book for God’s little princesses.
What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book—how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

My Take:  This is such a sweet book for little girls! It is cute and funny. Some of the advice is silly and made me think...really? Does my child need to know which type of tiara best fits her face? But honestly, it is well worth it.

I have a 5 year old, so I'll be reading this to her or will put it away for a few years. I think this would be a great addition to my home school curriculum in a few years!

I love that the book isn't just manners and etiquette rules. There are crafts, quizzes (little girls love quizzes) and other activities. It has recipes and party tips. There is even a chapter on using the phone and internet safely and politely!

This isn't your grandma's etiquette book! Check it out!

I received this book FREE via Booksneeze for the purpose of this review, and no other monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Seriously God, You want me to "rest?"

What They Say: 
To rest does not mean to cease all activity.
Bestselling author Dan Allender presents an insightful and fascinating look at the origins and purpose of Sabbath. Serving as volume three in The Ancient Practices series, Sabbath examines the key issues of this oft-misunderstood day of the week.
This "day of delight" as instituted by God has become a dirge for millions of believers. For many, it is simply a break from the busyness of the work week. So, what keeps us from properly understanding, sanctifying, and celebrating this important day? Allender looks at not only the history of this discipline, going all the way back to ancient Israel, but also at the modern manifestations and misunderstandings of its practice.
Allender bases his premise on the Hebrew word for rest, Menuha, which is best translated as "joyous repose, tranquility, or delight." It is through this lens that he resurrects this lost definition of what it really means to rest.
A volume in the eight book classic series, The Ancient Practices, with a foreword by Phyllis Tickle, General Editor.

My Take:  In our lives, we often take for granted our days off. We rush, rush, rush all week long and then when we don't have to "work", we fill our weekends with birthday parties, kid's little league, shopping and housework. But one of the Ten Commandments tells us to, "Stop! Take a day off! Spend time with God and enjoy His presence and the presence of your family."

Seriously God, You want me to "rest?"

Yes, God wants us to spend a day doing nothing, but enjoying Him and our family. "Well, I go to church on Sundays....doesn't that count?" Reading this book I started to think about my church experience and ask myself am I really taking a sabbath on Sunday. The answer was no! As church secretary and nursery director, my Sundays are anything but relaxing. My husband and I have commented on the fact that so often going to church feels like another day at the office for me. People don't always realize that I'm there to worship too. I'm sure our pastors feel the same way.

So, what to do? My husband and I have set aside Saturdays as our Sabbath. It is a time to play. Enjoy one another, our child and God. We spend quality time together and have become so much closer. Honestly, this book was life changing for us. Read it!


I received this book FREE via Booksneeze for the purpose of this review, and no other monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% mine.

And the winner is......

Ok, so I'm terrible at this contest thing, but I do have a winner! The first number picked was #4, but since she is outside of the USA, I picked again and the winner is

melicity said...

Hmmmm...my favorite money saving tip is pretty old-school. I just clip coupons from the Sunday paper and try to match them with sales from the grocery ads. :) Congrats on the freebies! It's always nice to get something other than bills in the mail! :)

March 7, 2011 3:07 PM  

 

Thanks for playing along! I will be posting a Purex Crystals free coupon and Johnsonville sausage giveaways soon! Thanks!!!

I love freebies!

Doesn't everyone? My mailbox was full of freebies today and I want to share. Look at the loot! I got a box of Quaker Oat Squares, Lanican Chafing Lotion, a coupon for a free Lean Cuisine and.....If you are a Blogger and haven't signed up with shespeaks.com, you should. I just got 3 coupons for free Johnsonville sausage to try, recipes, a coupon for a free jar of Rinaldi tomato sauce an 5 $1.50 off coupons to share. Sadly, the closest place to buy the pasta sauce is four hours away! So, I'll send the pasta sauce coupon and a $1.50 off sausage coupon to one lucky blog reader who leaves me a comment about their favorite money savings tip. The contest ends Friday! And will be selected by a random number generator. Good luck!

Some of my New Favorite Blogs!

I'm on a savings kick! Aren't we all with this economy, trouble in the Middle East and the general uncertainty of life lately? Besides that, TLC did that Extreme Couponing show last month and got me thinking....Why do I pay for toothpaste? I mean really, $5/tube for the sensitive stuff that just gets spit out?

I used every excuse in the book before...I don't have time! We don't have any stores that double coupons. We don't use the stuff that they have coupons in the paper! Well! I'm here to tell you that I was wrong! We do have one store that doubles on Saturdays, up to 70 cents and Kmart has double coupons from time to time. I have also decided that it is worth it to try new brands to save money. I also learned to work the sales like a pro!

Yesterday, I went to CVS to get the Colgate Sensitive toothpaste that is on sale this week. I broke up my order into 3 transactions, so I didn't spend as much out of pocket. Here's how it all went down:

Transaction #1

Colgate Sensitive $3.79 -$1 coupon (Q) ...Received a $3.79 Extra Care Buck (ECB) to use on my next order
Ladies Speed Stick $2.99 - .50 Q ...Received a $2 ECB

Paid $5.91 OOP (out of pocket)

Trans #2
Colgate Sensitive - $3.79 - $1 Q ....received $3.79 ECB
2 pack of Reach toothbrushes $3.99 - $2 Q ...received $2 ECB

Used my $ 2 and  $3.79 ECBs from the first transaction

Paid $0.03 OOP!

Trans #3
2 Emerald Pecans which are on a buy one get one free (BOGO!) $3.89 minus a $1.50/2 Q

Used my $2 ECB

Paid $0.59 OOP!!!

My total out of pocket was $6.53!!!

So where do you go to learn how to do it?

The Krazy Coupon Lady
Hip2Save
We Use Coupons

Start there and be prepared to be amazed!

Start! The Bible for New Believers, NKJV, a review

Book Description (What they say)

Start! The Bible for New Believers, NKJV was developed to help those beginning a brand new life of faith to place their trust in Jesus Christ while refreshing the foundations of the faith for longtime believers. START! is designed to take the hand of a new believer, or perhaps a believer who does not know their way around the Bible as they ought to, and lead them through. All of the notes are written to be understandable, conversational, and friendly while never assume that the reader knows what all the words mean. Start! The Bible for New Believers focuses on basic discipleship with articles and devotions on subjects including prayer, Bible study, church involvement, sharing your faith, and discovering God's will. Core biblical themes are introduced at basic levels of theological sophistication and presented in very simple language. Features include: · Grow entries, revealing key disciplines of the Christian life. · Know articles, exposing the core beliefs of Christians. · Live messages, focusing on various aspects of salvation. · Learn notes, providing mini-commentaries on key passages for spiritual growth. · Topical Index to articles and Scriptures · Secrets to Spiritual Success from the General Editor Greg Laurie – a crusading pastor and author who has impacted over four million people with the Gospel message, and seen well over 340,000 people come forward to make professions of faith in Christ.

 My Take

The Start! Bible is a great resource for new Christians. The NKJV is a great bridge between the traditional King James Version and our modern language. The Start! Bible starts with the plan of salvation and Secrets to Spiritual Success. It ends with What Every Christian Needs to Know about God and Jesus. It also has a topical index. Each chapter contains an introduction which sets the stage for readers to better understand where the writer is coming from. I love that chapters are broken up with subtitles that help new Christians find their way in the Bible. Key scriptures are printed in bold, large fonts. Know, Learn, Grow and Live sections provide application.

The Start! Bible would be a great Bible to provide new Christians or for ministers who work with new Christians.


I was provided this book for free in exchange for my review through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.