New blog...Living on Mayo

Hey all...

I'm creating a new blog in order to share my love of freebies, coupons and hunting out deals! It's called LivingOnMayo. Check it out here!

You might even find a small incentive to add it to your blog-role.

"working" from home

Awhile back I began really struggling with the whole idea of being a stay-at-home mom and yet being a Proverbs 31 woman.

For those of you not familiar with Proverbs 31 it talks about the "perfect" mother and wife. She takes care of her family clothing them in the best of the best, preparing their food before the crack of dawn, selling her wares in the market, etc. And in the end..."Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also and praises her..." (vs. 28).

So, I mulled that around in my head for awhile. All the while knowing that I am called to stay home with Ryan and I absolutely love it! However, I want to not just stay at home but be the best I can for my family.

One way that I realized I could "help" our family be good stewards of what God has given us is with our grocery budget and our budget in general. I started searching for other blogs on the topic of being frugal, getting things for free, coupons, etc. I ran across and added the following blogs to my bloglines: freebies4mom (she scouts out the very best and real freebies, coupons, etc.), becentsable (these women shop all our favorite stores and tell us the best bargains at each store in relation to the coupons around the Internet and newspapers), hoorayforfreebates (a running list of all the rebates that are worth filling out and taking part in - I haven't really done this yet but the comments let me know it works), and themotherload (not only are there great recipes, ideas and such, but my favorite is freebie Fridays!). These are my favorites but there are others out there too. And a lot of these ladies are God-seekers too which makes it all the more connecting.

So, I thought I'd share one of my recent outings. To preface...Paul and I have recently been trying to bulk shop once a month and then only go out for things like bread/milk/bananas as needed. This is helping me plan meals, eat less packaged food, and stockpile so that I'm buying less in future outings. I now scout the weekly CVS ads to see if there is anything worth my time. They have a great rewards program that, if used correctly, can really save some bucks. Check out becentsable to learn more. I started by buying 2 Listerine Smart Rinse that were on sale for $3.49 and CVS gave you $3.49 in rewards to use on future purchases. I bought two (=6.98) and I had 2 coupons each for $1.00 off. Total with tax =5.47 and the best part?! I had $6.98 in rewards to use towards my next purchase!

So, then I went for the cereal. Usually I don't buy cereal or cereal bars there because they're expensive but they the deal was by $20 of General Mills and/or Folgers and get $10 rewards/ExtraCare bucks back. And the cereal and bars were on sale 3 for $9. I had 8 coupons worth $5.95, a coupon for CVS for $5 off a $25 purchase and the $6.98 from before. So, I stocked up on 3 boxes of Sweet and Salty bars, 2 boxes of Fiber One bars, 1 box Lucky Charms, and 1 box Cinn Toast Crunch...I also got a gallon of milk and a pack of gum. My total was $25.91 but once all the coupons were added it came to $7.75!!! Total for all the stuff you see below...$13.22!!!! And for the kicker...I still have $10 in rewards for my next trip to CVS! I think thats being a pretty good steward, don't you?!

thoughts on being tagged

I've been tagged a few times lately and I really do what to participate and answer the questions but sometimes it seems like an insurmountable task and I chicken out. So, I decided to make up my own version and answer some random, silly and maybe even thought provoking questions.

Ready?

Where all have you lived?

Roeland Park and Olathe KS (both KC area), North Platte NE, Grand Island NE, St. Libory NE, and Lincoln NE.

Who was with you when you delivered Ryan?

My hubby and my mom.

What do you like to watch on TV?

Anything on TLC or HGTV, I also like the Food Network. But I'm addicted to LOST and really love CSI Las Vegas.

Who do you want to be like when you grow up?

My mom and my sister.

What are you self-conscious about?

My belly, blotching skin tones in my face.

What stresses you out?

Backseat drivers, or passenger seat drivers! :)

What do you love to drink?

Coffee, fountain soda (best is Dr. Pepper from McDonald's), margaritas.

What do you do in your spare time?

Play with Ryan, decorate/rearrange/organize, read, watch TV, go for walks, antique hunt, garage sales.

What do you think Paul would say about you right now?

You're beautiful, silly, amazing, great mom, and crazy for bidding on two pairs of shoes and winning them on Ebay!

Where would you rather be right now?

Heaven! But maybe San Diego, Tucson to meet my newest niece!, a nice beach.

How many kids do you want?

3 maybe?

What's your favorite accessory?

I love shoes, bags, jewelry.

Annoying habit(s)?

Biting/picking my hangnails. I also am one of those people who chews two m&ms on the right side of my mouth and then two on the other and things like that.

Where were you ten years ago?

In college with no clue that I'd end up married to the man of my dreams! I was beginning to get a clue that he might be in to me but still made stupid choices for the next year.

Where were you five years ago?

We were just beginning to think about Paul going back to school to get his masters, we moved to this awful little farm house outside of town and that winter sticky trapped 50+ mice! We could hear them in the walls and ceilings, they'd eat dog food out of Adah's dish right in front of her, we found dog food stashed in the pockets of our coats that they'd carried in there, day after day there'd be droppings all over my counters and kitchen drawers/cupboards. But enough about that.

Well, how's that for a few things you may not have known about me? :)

New suds

So, not really something you want to just go out and spend your hard-earned money on but when the need arises what's a girl to do?


I guess it's been a few weeks now since our washer finally bit the bullet. Poor thing, or should I say poor hubby who's had to fix it and the washer a time or two. It was time so we loaded up and headed to pick out our new set. Of course I couldn't pass up the cherry red color! And, yes, I did watch the first time we put a load in...we all did! It is pretty snazzy and a huge blessing.

Carrot Cookies

I love the idea of eating veggies and fruit but don't always make wise choices. I'm all about sneaky them into anything I'm already eating, especially if it goes undetected by those consuming. So, when I saw this recipe in the JournalStar I thought I'd try it out.

Beta Carotene Cookies

½ cup currants

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

2 cups grated carrot

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover currants with boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl, sift together flours, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and orange zest; fold in carrot and drained currants. Add flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then scoop teaspoonfuls of dough onto nonstick baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

They're not bad as long as you aren't thinking you're biting into the worlds best chocolate chip cookie. I sub'd raisins for the currants and would probably experiment with the recipe a bit next time...like scaling down the butter! Also, I thought it might make a good muffin or loaf. And what other veggies could you hide in there?!

Love

Freebies

Most of you don't know that I'm a freebie and coupon enthusiast. I've fallen way behind on my daily freebie and coupon blogs but have spent the last 1.75 hours reading them all and then some additional reading.

Lately I've been more and more aware of what I'm eating and wanting to feed my family more healthy and organic if possible. I think it would be fabulous to eat organic 50-75% of the time. But I am just so cheap! And I really do like the thrill of getting a great deal on something. So, fortunately for me, there are lots of coupons out there for organic items and lots of stores have their own line of organic items which makes it even easier on my budget.

One fun freebie I just found is at AnniesHomegrown Natural and Organic Foods. I'm in love with Shells and White Cheddar a more healthy and real version of mac and cheese. And look what they're offering for FREE!!! Woot! Okay, I'm going to bed.

survey says...

My friend Becca did this on her blog and I thought it was so fun so I decided to copy her.

1. Go to www.photobucket.com (don't sign in)
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

1. What's your first name?


2.What is your relationship status?


3.What is your favorite color?


4. Who is your celebrity crush?


5. What band are you listening to right now?


6. What is your favorite movie?


7. What is your favorite Disney Princess?


8. Name your favorite alcoholic beverage?


9. Where is your dream vacation?


10. What is your favorite dessert?


11. What do you want to do when you grow up?


12. What do you love most in life?

Going green in the blender!

So, my friend Sara is always up to something and her food passion compels me to try new recipe now and then. Her newest bloggings have been about green smoothies. Check her out here...HappyFoody!

Since Ryan is eating just about anything these days and mommy and daddy's food is always way better I've been more concerned with making sure what I feed him is pronounceable and good for him. Mind you I am the mom that will feed him excellent and healthy food all day and then let him have some ice cream...again, I love to celebrate!

Today we tried a green smoothie for breakfast. I was a little hesitant that I'd have to choke it down but was pleasantly surprised to taste it, with only a banana, 1/4 cup cherries and a bunch of Romain, that it was really sweet. It tasted a little grassy and was really green so I added about a 1/2 cup more mixed berries. We shared it and I think you can tell by the picture that he enjoyed it as much as I did.

So, it was a good start to our day...Proverbs and a green smoothie!

Scone Love

I have a little obsession with scones. Oh, the sometimes bland taste with the little sugar crystals on top and a bite here and there of cranberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips! I know I am a little strange but they're just such a fun little indulgence.

I often feel that life is too short to not eat the things I like so I try to find ways to eat them anyway. Plus, I think everyday is a day to celebrate and I can't celebrate eating foods that don't do it for me. So, I found this recipe for Pear-Ginger Scones using Fiber One cereal. Only I didn't have pears and I don't really like ginger so I improvised! Basically I just omitted the pear and ginger and added a wee bit more cereal and milk. Usually when I improvise I end up wishing I hadn't but this time it was completely the opposite. These turned out to be one of my favorite scones of all time. However, there is a catch, they are the most amazing hot out of the oven!

What do you see by?

This morning I was flipping through the outer pages of my Bible looking at notes I'd written throughout the years. I came upon this quote by C.S. Lewis.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it. - C.S. Lewis

What do you see by?

the arts

Lately God has been teaching me about being content in exactly who He created me to be. The more I let myself be creative and free in that area the more fearful and scared I can sometimes get. I often find myself comparing my talents and abilities to those around me. The trouble with comparison is that God did not create me like this person and that person, He created me in His image and did not make any mistakes when doing so. That means that the gifts, talents and abilities I have are exactly what God wanted me to have...no more, no less. Therefore, I want to rejoice and be free in the fact that I can't fail if I do it all for God's glory. So, I've been letting myself be vulnerable and free in my creative side. Here are a few projects I've been working on.

We went on a double date with some friends of ours, Eric and Nikki, to Paint Yourself Silly. I had never been before but had a great time. And I really do like how my platter turned outI've been working on the patchwork for quite some time. I thought I would make it into a throw but realized the way I'm going I might be 93 before that happens. So, I took some of it and covered a pillow instead. I really like how it turned out. Also, I had this idea of making a snake for Ryan. Mighty Mac-dog is trying to save us from this venemous little reptile!

Lily

On days that are rainy or snowy I seem to get into the moods of reading, journal and just contemplating in general. I was reading my friend Eva's blog and was encouraged by her thoughts. Her blog is called "The lily awakens" and it's named after the story below. Take a minute to read and ponder. Enjoy this season and remember who you were made to worship.

The Lily

A story is told of a little girl many years ago in the slums who saw an object lesson using a beautiful white lily.The children gazed upon and touched the lovely lily.One little girl then looked upon herself and immediately fled to her garret home. She used soap she could find, and did her best to make herself more presentable. The lily had awakened her desire for cleanliness. So to look upon our great and holy God awakens within the child of God the desire to be more like Him.

thoughts on a wednesday...

I'm making a second attempt at reading through the entire Bible. Sad that this is only my second time going through it begining to end in my 24 years of knowing our Savior personally, but happy that He has brought me to this point of knowing him more than I did at age 5, 10 or even 28!

So, today I was reading in Deuteronomy, chapter 4, and came across this verse (v.20)..."But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today."

I couldn't help but stop and think for a minute about my life, my family's lives, my friend's lives, and so many more. He has taken us from whatever circumstances we've faced in the past and helped us to recover, grow, mature, gain understanding...all because we are His possession and it brings Him glory to do so. What a great God we know and serve! How fabulous that He cares so deeply for us not to leave us there in our "iron pit" but will take and bring us out!

Thank you, God, for taking and bringing me out of the "iron pit", the person that I once was, the place where I felt most alone, the circumstance where I turned my back. Thank you for loving me so much that you sent your One and Only Son to pay the price of my sin. Thank you that no matter how dark it may seem to get that you are always God at the end of the day.

Catching up with a very dear friend...

So, I'm not only catching up on time with a dear friend but also catching up on my blogging. It's been quite awhile now, a month, since our time with Kris and Natalie and their beautiful kids Taylor and Joselyn. They came and stayed with us a weekend while they were in Lincoln visiting supporters. We had a great time hanging out with their kiddos while Kris and Natalie enjoyed a Husker game in real life. We watched in on t.v. and I tried explaining to Taylor that that's where his mom and dad were. He looked and me and asked if Taylor was there too? :) It's a little difficult explaining live t.v. to a 3 year old I guess...or maybe it was the teacher.

Anyway, Natalie and I stayed up way too late both nights talking about anything and everything. I haven't been that encouraged spiritually by a friend in so long. It was, and always has been, amazing to hear her wisdom, insight, and passionate love for her Lord and family pour out in our talks. We have so much in common and were able to pick up right where we left off 3 years ago when our ways parted. I'm very excited to see them again when we spend the night with them on our way home from vacation in Denver/Vail.

What an amazing gift the Cheeks are to Boulder and to us!

You can check out what they're doing in Boulder here.

coffee love

My love of coffee is more than just the taste. It's the whole experience, the memories, the time spent drinking. My sister and I were talking the other day that even if we could only drink decaf for the rest of our lives we'd still do it because there is a sense of comfort in the cup. The routine of waking up, making coffee, sitting down with a hot cup topped with silk creamer and your Bible is an experience that can't be duplicated. And how many great conversations and memories made have you had over a simple cup of coffee?

So in honor of the dark brew...here's a sample from Folgers.

Now, go call a friend and sip on some coffee!

(Picture compliments of my bestest friend Sara. Miss you darling!)

thrifty

So, lately I've really gotten into being thrifty and looking for the bargains. Some of you could spend hours reading blogs about the environment and political views...me, I could spend hours looking for coupons and reading others ideas on being thrifty! LOL

Anyway, leading up to and having our first child has caused me to try and be even more economical and thrifty; especially since I'm staying home now with Ryan. Even though I'll be working PRN at the hospital and doing resumes from home we're still loosing my income which is never easy but it CAN be done! I've really enjoyed reading BabyCheapskate since I first became pregnant. They provide specific sales in their area but also list online sales and coupons specifically related to babies and children. Oh, and they have great ideas for entertaining your children; both places to go and ideas to get off the internet.

So, in honor of their site and my own desire to share the wealth...here's a coupon to use at Target for Luvs diapers...$2OFFLuvs!

Starbucks Java Chip Ice Cream

My friend Natalie posted THIS to her blog awhile ago with some adorable pics of her daughter and Java Chip Ice Cream. I decided to dedicate this post in honor of her! For those of you that don't know her she is one of the kindest, most unique and beautiful people you will ever meet. She has a heart of gold and a love for the Lord that is contagious. One of the things I LOVE about her is her desire to celebrate the everyday and to make big the things that most of us would pass over. She savors everything and is teaching her children to do the same thing (hence the blog).

So, here's to you Natalie...I couldn't let it go to waste! LOL Love ya!

Succulents!

This is my new succulent garden thanks to my mom for such a great birthday present!I love them all but think that the string of pearls may be my favorite. They're all so unique and not poisonous so that's a plus since Ryan will be crawling before we know it. Plus, they're all soft and touchable so no worries with that part of Ryan crawling too.

- String of Pearls -

- Baby's Toes -
-Don't remember all their names but love the baby's butt looking one! -

little masterpiece!

God really does know what He's doing when he creates these beautiful masterpieces inside of us! I cannot get over how perfect Ryan is and how perfect he is for us!

My sister took this photo...you can see more of her work here!

P.S. Click here for Ryan's new blog.