Hasbro Coupons Reset!

If you missed the Monopoly printables, they have been reset.  You can get the Monopoly Deal card game for free or nearly free at Walmart with coupons found here.

There's also a BOGO coupon for My Little Pony toys, which are BOGO at Toys R Us tomorrow, making them free as well...  See Jane4Girls blog for more info.

These make great stocking stuffers!

Studio Wall Easel

Pottery Barn Wall Easel: $235 (Pottery Barn frames = $275) TOTAL: $510

Jenna's Rustic Version: $17 (Ikea frames = $85) TOTAL: $102

My spectator as I took photos :) 

Total Savings: $408

How to make your own Studio Wall Easel:

Supplies: Piece of Wood, Wood Stain, Black Ribbon, Nails, Plumbing Pipe Brackets, and Picture Frames

1. I took a hammer to the piece of wood (mine is about 6 feet long). I distressed it by hitting it with both sides of the hammer multiple times.

2. I then took the plumbing brackets and bent them around the wood and into the shape I wanted.

3. I stained the wood until I had the color I wanted.

4. While the stain was drying, I took the plumbing brackets and sprayed them black (I also took a few screws and sprayed them black).

5. Once the stain was dry, I took 4 pieces of black satin ribbon (about 4 feet each) and nailed them into the board (leaving space for the brackets to be attached on the ends).

6. Then I hung the board on the wall with the plumbing brackets.

7. Here is the secret... I didn't really hang the frames from the ribbon. I used nails to nail through the ribbon and hold the frames in place on the wall. I couldn't figure out a way for the ribbon to hold the frames but after thinking about it for way too long... I realized I didn't need the ribbon to hold up the frames... it just needed to look like it was ;)

All Fenced In

This was actually our first project (besides installing the missing bathroom door right away... that was a necessity!). We speculate that the previous owners didn't finish paying for the fence because our neighbor told us that after the house was vacant, the fence company came out, sawed off the poles, and took the entire fence in less than 10 minutes. We were left with partial poles sticking out of the ground.

TGFG (Thank God for Glenn)!! Our neighbors from our first house ROCK! We will continue to try and move them to our new neighborhood. Glenn is probably the MOST handy person we know. Glenn so kindly helped (or did 99%) of the fence for us (I know... nice, huh!?!). He did such an amazing job. Nate and I (with the help of some family) stained and finished nailing. The best part is, he is great at finding deals and we were able to do the entire fence for a fraction of the cost of having it done by a company in town. We love that guy (and his family is amazing too)!

Old view from our backdoor:

New view from our backdoor (and our new gate):

Next BIG project this summer... redo the backyard (oh the joys of buying a foreclosure)!

We don't think this grass is going to pull through for us....

Kellogg's Catalina Deal ~ Free Milk!

I stumbled upon a fabulous deal at Reasor's today!  Many of their Kellogg's cereals are marked down, including the Blueberry Shredded Wheat, (one of our fav's) to $2.50 per box.

They also have many boxes marked with $1/1 peelies, which brings the cereal to $1.50 per box.  If you have the Calendar rebate forms like I do, purchase 10 boxes for $15.00 plus tax, and send your receipt for a $10 rebate!

But wait, it gets better...

With every 3-4 boxes you buy, you get a Catalina for a free gallon of milk, any brand, any flavor, up to $4.19!!!!!

So I purchased:
10 boxes of cereal  for $25.00
Used 10 $1/1 peelies      -10.00
OOP                                 $15.00
Sent off rebate              -10.00
Total cost of cereal        $ 5.00 for 10 boxes!!!
Plus got Catalinas for 3 gallons of milk free!!!!!

Catalina offer ends 4/10/10 and would probably work at CountryMart also, since they usually run the same Cat deals.  Have fun shopping!

Hot! Free Blue Bunny Ice Cream Novelty

Look for this Spring Essentials flyer at your local grocers to find a $1/1 coupon on any one Blue Bunny Novelty. These are available at Wal-mart for $1/1 and the coupon did not beep when I tested it yesterday! 

Yippe!  Free ice cream just in time for summer!

Book Review: Going Gray, Looking Great!

Over spring break, we were blessed to be able to take an spontaneous trip to Florida.  We made the decision, packed and arrived at our destination within 48 hours! 

During the picture taking process, I realized just how much gray I can't see in my own hair! At first, I was distressed at my realization, but I'm so opposed to damaging my hair and my health with the coloring process that I needed to find a way to bolster my resolve not to color.  This book did the trick.

With information ranging from the best types of hair care products for grays, to the best hairstyles, colors for clothing and cosmetics, it didn't take long for me to realize that this transition to gray is just another season in life to be embraced and enjoyed!  Even rooms are going gray this season, per Martha Stewart!

I was please to find a corresponding website by the same name,  Going Gray, Looking Great!  With so many beautiful friends like Sister.Faith and the Penless Writer who have made the switch, I'm encouraged to continue in my natural state, and move into the phase of "unfading glory..."

The Gospel ~ dunamis

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, New King James Version)

Landfall in Pensacola!

One of the things we've done on this trip is scout out local beach style architecture.  My friend, Cindy, loved this subdivision, and we stopped in for a few pics.  Enjoy!

Johnson's Beach

My daughter and I were blessed to be able to hitch a ride to Pensacola with friends, so we have spent a week visiting the beach and the Naval Air Station. 

Johnson's Beach in the Pensacola/Perdido Key area is absolutely beautiful and we have thoroughly enjoyed it.  I'm currently reading The Contemplative Mom by Ann Kroeker, so this is the perfect spot to savor every page.

We've done alot of walking on the beach, collecting treasures and getting exercise in the beautiful sunshine. 

There are lots of picturesque spots on the beach...

Apparently we have an earlier spring break than most of the East Coast, so the beaches are not crowded at all!  Hope if you're on break this week, you're having as much fun as we are!

My Household Control Journal

In my last post, I covered the goal setting and planning tools I use around my home, with a promise to reveal my Household Control Journal.

Accused of being a control freak from time to time, for alot of people I'm also the go-to person in a pinch, so I guess there are trade-offs to being organized and keeping up with one's own life! 

It's imporant to be prepared, especially in case of an emergency, and it is convenient to be organized in your everyday life. That being said, a Household Control Journal can become a behemouth in about 2 seconds, so think about it's purpose before springing into action to make your own!  FishMama and FlyLady have their own, each with a specific purpose in mind. 

Here's mine...

Decorated with calendar artwork, my three ring binder has been the perfect set-up for my Household Control Journal.  I also have a Daily Control Journal, Medical Control Journal, a Financial Control Journal, and a History-of-this-House Control Journal, but I'll have to cover those one at a time!

~ K.I.S.S. it!

The purpose of a control journal is to tame the documents of life, so Keep It Simple, Sister! Mine includes the following categories in this order:

Emergency Contacts ~ one page for basic names, phone numbers, addresses

Emergency Plan ~ a "read this first" plan that says what to grab and what to leave in case of a major emergency (fire, disaster, evacuation, etc.)

Perscription Information ~ I hole-punch the papers from the pharmacy with our scrip info and put them right into the binder.  Easy to replace a perscription this way, since it contains all the dosage and technical information.

Personal Phone Book ~ form pages to fill in, rather than writing on the backs of envelopes and little scraps of paper here and there!

Business Phone Book ~ also filled in form pages.

Online Account Information ~ lists of who I do business with online, usernames and passwords can be included for non-critical accounts.  This can be a great timesaver!

Rewards Program Statements ~ hotels, grocers, airline miles, etc.

Rewards Program Cards ~ in baseball card holders, especially helpful to keep the wallet from getting overloaded!

Bulk Food Ordering Information ~ I keep the most current list of what I ordered, so I'll remember what I purchased, and what the prices were compared today's costs.

Pantry/Freezer Inventory ~ usually taken every six months, spring and fall.

Current Calendar ~ again print free from internet or software

Chore Charts ~ my scheduled household chores, and kids chores if applicable

Vehicle Records ~ maintenance records, description information, etc.

Maps ~ local, state, and emergency maps in sheet protector pockets

Disaster Information ~ evacuation plans, triage information, etc.

Catalogs ~ bulk food catalogs, and mail-order only company catalogs, in the back pocket.

That's it in a nutshell.  Remember to keep your journal simple, tailor it to your needs, and use it!  The best made organizers do nothing if left on the shelf.  I position mine close to my desk/computer space, so I can access it easily, I make a conscious choice to use it. 

I does not contain my weekly shopping lists, daily goals, lists of errands, etc.  because that's not the purpose. 

Plan to update the journal regularly, and write a reminder on your Family Calendar to check for needed updates every so often.  Purpose to establish the habit of using your journal on a weekly basis or daily basis at first, and eventually it will be a lifelong habit with a very positive effect on your life!

Free Internet Business Organization Tools

I've spent days, weeks and months browsing internet sites searching for the perfect business organization spreadsheets, tax prep-work etc. and have finally found a system that I'm completely happy about.




Shoeboxed.com categorizes, dates, and organizes your receipts and other expenses for free

Outright.com is possibly the most genius site ever. It will link your paypal, shoeboxed, and business bank accounts and organize, chart, evaluate everything from profit and loss statements, tax paperwork, and evaluations



Google Analytics tracks your traffic to all your sites from bogs, personal web-pages, and online venues



Picnik.com is a free website to brighten and edit your photography



I’m working on a few spreadsheets and will be posting them shortly.

Flea Market Finds

Last weekend, my mom and I went to Picc-A-Dilly Flea Market in Eugene and found some really cool things! I found an old kneading bread bowl (from the "frontier days" the man claimed) ($25), a very heavy rod-iron candle holder ($5), a barn wood frame ($7), and nails used on railroad ties ($1). The nails have the numbers 23, 26, 32, and 33 on them which I was told stood for the years they were used to nail in railroad ties (...nail #23 was used in 1923...so cool!). Not quite sure what I am going to do with them, but I thought they were too neat to pass up! I have been looking for a kneading bowl like that to use as a fruit bowl. Pottery Barn has them but I really wanted an authentic one. Who knew I would find it at a flea market for 1/3 the price as ebay! I am now a Flea Market Fan! Thanks Ma!

Loving our new fruit bowl:

Wednesday Walking: Making Plans and Setting Goals

Several days ago I had a dream, and I heard these words, "The purposes of God always outlast the plans of men." Today I found that in Scripture!

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

If you have plans that have gone by the wayside, it might be the greatest thing that ever happened to you! Now God's plans can prevail!

Does that mean we don't plan or set goals?  Absolutely not!  We just plan with flexibility and a realization that life requires adaptation! 

Here are some tools I've used over the years to help with my planning and goal setting:

The Family Calendar: 
I purchase the large desk variety every December, and every activity that affects the family is written on this calendar.  It hangs on the wall in the kitchen and when making plans it is the first place I go!  (Hint: Make sure you can access yours while on the telephone.)

They aren't expensive; in fact, this year I found mine at the Dollar Spot at Target!

The Household Control Journal: 
I had never even heard of a control journal until a few years ago, and never knew anyone who used them until I became a homeschooling mom.  These homemade or premade binders can contain all the basic information needed to run your home.  They can be as simple or complex as you need.  I've found over the years that the more simple I keep my journal, the more I will use it. 

FishMama told about hers here.

FlyLady explains her system here.

And, in my next post, I'll give you a close encounter with my own!

My Personal Journal:
I've always been a fan of journaling, because I've always had something to say.  (Just bein' real here!) 

I prefer to use spiral bound journals because they can be folded back on themselves, and my pen can be tucked in the binding. My journals are filled with precious thoughts, hopes and dreams written over the last 20 years, and they are the place where my life has been planned and revised again and again.

If you are not in the habit of keeping a journal, here are a few tips to get you started... 

In the morning, spend a few quiet moments organizing your thoughts on paper.  Include the date, how you are feeling physically or emotionally, and what your goals are for the day.

Write down any Scriptures or inspirational quotes that are on your heart, and explain why these things inspire you.

Capture those cute expressions, first words, or humorous little events your children are experiencing throughout the day.  These are great to go back to when they're grown and about to leave the house, and they can be used in scrapbooks, and notes you write to your children as well.

Keep a list of answered prayers and prayer requests.

Journal your household spending, personal expenses, and other costs to track where your money is going.

These are just a few of the things I do to stay organized and keep focused on my goals.  What tricks or tips do you use to stay on track?

The Gospel ~ dunamis

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16, New King James Version)

Blog Tour: One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda

About the book: 

Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a mark for eternity.

My review:
OMA is truly an inspiring book that challenges readers to change their way of thinking, to embrace a God-centered, goal-oriented approach to parenting, and to living everyday life. Through countless examples of arrows working throughout the world, Julie inspires her readers to believe that triumphing over the sway of culture is not only possible, but is happening every day across the globe.

For 16 school terms, I have taught my children at home with what Julie calls the "holy ambition" of raising arrow children for God.  As a veteran home-educating mom, I understand the joys and pitfalls of this type of parenting.  It's not for the weak, or those who shrink back from a difficult task.  Raising arrows requires hard work, and the inspiration from reading OMA left me challenged to finish this leg of the race with focused intensity of purpose, to launch my last arrow into her God-given future.

One idea in the writing that touched me deeply was the concept of broken branches, those people who, because of circimstances, have become disconnected from their own family trees.  Through the difficult seasons of my own life, I have held on to the belief that I am part of the family of God, no matter who accepts or rejects me in this life.

Sharing that truth with others suddenly became more important through the reading of One Million Arrows, because, beginning with Chapter One which you can read here, Julie reminds her readers of those who are lost, wandering, and alone, especially the orphans throughout the world who know neither the love of God or the true love of family. One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda inspired me to action.  If you are willing to catch the vision, and accept the mission, it could change your life.

Visit the One Million Arrows How to Order page for full details as well as information about church, ministry, and bulk orders. OMA provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

HOT! David Dollars Unlimited $20 Sports Vouchers for Walmart!

DAVID® Seeds is making it easy to support your home team this season. Simply collect any combination of 14.5 oz. DAVID Original Sunflower Seeds or 16 oz. DAVID JUMBO Sunflower Seeds totaling 20 bags. Then mail in the completed DAVID Dollars Offer Form along with your 20 empty bags, and we’ll send you $20 DAVID Dollars to spend on anything from the sporting goods department at Walmart.

Whether it’s with your home team, or your team at home – collect and save!

For more details and official terms and conditions of the offer, see the printable DAVID Dollars Offer Form.
Offer valid through August 31, 2010. 

And you can go here to print a coupon for $1 off two packages!