contest

MckMama is having an amazing contest- giving away a computer! go to her site and check it out (you can use my link here on my page or go to www.mycharmingkids.net !!!

So...sew!

Sewing that is...
I have been thinking about this for some time now...in fact when we moved into our house (almost 4 years ago) I set up a sewing table...since then it has been repalaced by various other needed things in the essence of space needed. But here I am again, wanting to sew. This time with a much greater vision of what I want to do- and make.
I have been looking around at so many great web pages and blogs that have so many great ideas, and want to emulate and use their creativity to spur my own :)
Here is a blog that has put together a list of free tutorials and patterns...

http://everydaybeautiful.typepad.com/everyday_beautiful/free-patterns.html

yay! I can use all the help I can get, beause you see, I can't yet sew- I only dream that I can :) I will learn though...and one day, my plans will come to fruition - muahahaha!
In the mean time, you can take advantage!

Slings!

As my little one has grown, I have found that different types of slings do the job ... well, differently. Now, I must note that all of the slings I own are hand-me-downs, and I think a few of them are the wrong size- which makes them impossible to use comfortably, but none-the-less, I love a sling. I really can see a use for just about every kind out there... and wouldn't I drool to try them all out!
I did find a site that has a lot of different kinds- and tells you how to choose the best type for your needs! So I thought I would pass it along!
http://www.kangarookorner.com

Giving Thanks where it is due

Thanks God, for my family. Thanks God, for my friends. Thanks God, for my health. Thanks God, for my ability to do many things so easily- like walk to my mail box, call my mom on the phone, drive to the grocery store, go for a jog with my child in the stroller, and dog by my side...although that isn't "easy", it is possible, and my body is able, though not always willing...
Thank You God that you provide not only for my needs, but for the small stuff that just makes me smile. I am abundantly cared for, overwhelmingly loved, and amazingly blessed. Though I sometimes have moments where I feel stuck in feelings of inadequacy, left-out of the "cool kids" circle, alone in my feelings of being torn by motherhood and 21st centry womanhood, alone in having no family support nearby... God brings me back, lest I forget to praise Him for all the abundance I have been given.
Thanks God.

I'm doing what?!

Yes, my friends, My sweetheart and I are going out of country. No, not just out of country for a jaunt- no, more like life altering, time sacrificing, leaving our baby behind- out of country. But, in good faith; we know- without a shadow of a doubt that this is God's plan for us. It is scary, overwhelming, and hard. Where we are going there is likely be no air-conditioning, and the temperatures will be in the 90s(F) much of the time. We must take malaria medication (most have awful side-effects), and risk contracting all sorts of unspeakable things just by being there, living and working with the people.

But, It will be well beyond worth that we can see in this lifetime. We are anticipating joy beyond measure at being a part of God's bigger plan.

I look forward to stepping back from my every-day, limited view of the world- so I can get a glimpse of what God's bigger plan for my life, our family's life, and the world is- His great plan for man-kind. I know it is much bigger than I see everyday- because I read of it daily in my devotional time. I see a God who loves all peoples of all nations- I am thrilled and awed that He is allowing me to GO on mission overseas with Him.

So, We are going, my sweetheart and I (and 3 others from our church). 30 hours of plane rides and layovers. Leaving my 20 month old in the care of my (capable) family...
I am trying to live in "be anxious about nothing..." and I am struggling. But I am excited too. God is good. He has an ultimate plan for our lives. I know that we are walking in His truth, and there in I have no fear. Let me live there Lord!

Not Me Monday

I am sharing, with the prodding of mothers around the globe, spurred on by "My Charming Kids" MckMama. ...my imperfect Monday happenings.
You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not allow my 19 month old to stay in his PJs while we ran around town doing early morning errands, while I, nare an ounce of makup on my "perfect" (read PMS ridden) face ran around trying to get groceries, hoping no-one would notice my dirty hair or reworn clothes.
I did not open up the box of granola bars whilst in the shopping cart and let him eat two, just to quiet him, and keep him from throwing things overboard. No, not me. I did not let him eat several grapes from the bag for the same purpose. No, not me.
Later, I did not put him in his crib for a second nap early, just so I could finish starting dinner, with remnants of applesauce on his shirt...no, not me.'
No, I would never do these things, for I am a perfect, selfless mother, who is clean and efficient...

Organic Coupons!

Check out this page that has several sites to find Organic Coupons!
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/foodsavings/tp/Organic_Coupons.htm

P&G coupons and samples

Register with P&G Everyday Solutions and get a P&G Brand Sampler pack with your choice of samples and coupons!
http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pg-brandsaver-samples-coupons.jsp

Thanks, $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge!

Freebies!

National Park Weekend
All 147 National Park Service sites that charge entry fees will waive them on August 15 and 16. The fees at these parks normally cost from $3 to $25.

Free Chocolate
Every Friday from now through September, Mars is giving the first 250,000 people a coupon for free chocolate. You can choose from M&Ms, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix, Dove, and Milky Way. To get your coupon, visit Mars’ Real Chocolate Relief Act site at 9 a.m.-- be on time or you’ll be out of luck!

Free itunes
NYLON magazine and iTUNES are offering 22 MP3 songs by groups featured in their magazine for download in honor of NYLON magazine’s annual June/July music issue. Check it out: Just click to download -- and listen!

Free business cards
www.freeprintablebusinesscards.net has all types of business card designs, from corporate business to animal business to nature business to kids’ business card designs. All free.

Computer camp
Starting July 13, Apple stores around America are offering a series of FOUR different three-hour workshops during which kids will be introduced to MACS and Apple software and learn how to make a movie, create a slide show, write and record a sing or craft a presentation. It’s free, but space is limited and each child is limited to two workshops this summer. For more information and an Apple workshop location near you, go to www.apple.com/retail/camp.

Birthday Freebies
Cold Stone Creamery - free ice cream by signing up for their free My Coldstone Account · California Pizza Kitchen - free kids meal during the month of their birthday if you sign up in advance of the big day · Applebee's - free dessert on your birthday · Denny's - free meal and sundae for kids under 10, if you sign up in advance · TGI Friday's - free birthday dessert with purchase of an entrée · Quizno's - free cookie on your birthday · Wendy's - free kids meal on their birthday (plus, $1 off coupon for signing up on their Web site) · Burger King - join the BK Birthday Club to get a free BK Kids Hamburger Meal coupon All of these offers are subject to change without notice, so check with your local franchise.

Thanks to Walletpop.com and Dolans.com for posting- to find more deals check them out!

Free pastry at Starbucks!

To promote their new "all natural" pastries, Starbucks is giving them out- for free! Just print this coupon to get a free pastry from Starbucks, with the purchase of any beverage until 10:30 am tomorrow!!

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/free_pastry.html

Enjoy!

Grocery Goodies

Yay for Harris Teeter! Once again, I saved over 50% on my bill... and really thought I was going to have to get some full price items- 'cause we needed them-now! But, luckly they had their "clearance" buggies out, and I was able to score some Claritin, Tylenol, vitamins, and a few odds and ends and save over 75%! I had a few nice coupons, so even some of the needed full priced items were ok, and then a few double dipping; sales plus coupons, and I was able to get all household and grocery items needed for a while. Praise God- especially in a 5 week month!

I was able to score on some 7th generation products- they are on sale, plus HT prints coupons when you buy any 7th gen. product (I have some left over from many weeks ago) So, I ended up paying less for 7th generation then for regular on sale!
It makes me feel good knowing I am able to partake in whatever small amount to the greening of my house...and my planet. Not to mention the love of not having toxic chemicals for baby to get little hands on...!

Remember to go get your free Mocha tomorrow at McDs- they are teeny- but wonderful- and free!

Latest deal

Whew! Got to run into Target after meeting a friend- got there in the knick of time before closing! Took advantage of the Kashi sales right now! We LOVE Kashi at our house, so this find is awesome!!

Taget is having a great sale on Kashi items to begin with, then, add a few coupons, and you get all this for $3.18 after tax.

Usually the TLC bars retail at target for $3.40-$3.99 per box, and the cereal for $4.49. Right now many Kashi items are on sale for 2/$5, then add some coupons- I snagged from the suggestions on "Dealseeking mom" (see click tabs to right to find site) under "target deals" and viola! So, I saved over $18 retail!!

some great deals and new pages

I have been looking on "deal seeking mom" more often and getting great ideas, plus finding a few of my own. Last week during the double coupons up to $1.98 at Harris Teeter I scored with paying $57 for $150 woth of groceries. Lots of cereal (which is great 'cause it goes fast, and can be stored), snacks for Kent, dinner for guests, and 4th of July fare...and various sundry. I wanted to go more than once (they only take the first 20 coupons), but didn't get a chance, so I spent wisely and only used my highest coupons the first go round...sigh. I still spent more than I wanted, but much of it means savings for the weeks ahead.

I have found a few new really inspiring deal pages/blogs that I have added to my sidebar...any ideas to help make life fun, affordable and more organized is great by me!!

What it's for

I am creating this site to supplement my personal site- it is for healthy living; tips, ideas, things I have found that have been helpful, and any new ideas I come up with! If you have any ideas you want to share- please feel free to comment!