Monthly Menu

Recently, one of my household goals has been to create a Menu for an entire MONTH! This is a tough task to accomplish for many reasons (like pleasing everyone!). However, after actually looking at the dates and who has what when, I think I have finally got it. Now....this may change and may be totally chaos, but we ARE going to try it out! Here is what we are having this week, and this is only suppers as the boy is in school so me and the girl just eat lite breakfast and lunches!

• Monday~Pigs in a Blanket
• Tuesday~Buffalo chicken sandwiches, fries (trying a Zaxby's recipe)
• Wednesday~Chilibeans, Cornbread
• Thursday~Breakfast (Omelettes or Wraps)
• Friday~Pizza Penne Bake
• Saturday~Hamburgers, Ranch Potatoes

May I also mention that for the entire month, there are NO repeats and I hope to make enough each night to fill up the freezer for future "crazy nights" with the holiday seasons coming. I will also be trying a new way of doing ground beef....will let you know if it works! Have a blessed day everyone!

Back in action!

Hello friends! I am back in action! Looking forward to what is to come!

Finally! A new post

Good morning friends, just an update on life in general. We are all doing well and still as busy as bees! I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still here....

This is my next couple of weeks in review:

Home inspection, wedding, vacation, working two festivals, oh and mom, wife, caretaker, etc...

Can you say CRAZY!

I did want to let you know that we are still saving with coupons as well! My last best was the following for $22, I do not have a picture, but will just give you a list:

• 1 80 count box of huggies
• 1 large bag refill wipes
• 2 degree deo

Total was over $37, got all for $22 thats a pretty good deal to me!

Have a blessed day everyone!

Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review

As a Purex insider, we get the opportunity to try some of the products and write reviews. I was excited to receive my bottle, because I love the idea of an oil free softener. I was anxious to see how they worked on all kinds of clothes, and how my clothes would turn out because I mostly line dry. I LOVE the fact that you do not have to wait till the spin cycle to put the softener in. However, I did figure out that the things you have a lot of....the large loads like jeans and towels, not all crystals dissolve. I had to run an extra rinse cycle on the jeans. I do love the scent, I sampled the blue. Sometimes with line drying, you don't always get a pleasant smell after washing and fabric agents. With the crystals, you have a pleasant smell from start to finish. They did appear to be softer than normal fabric agents after line drying. Overall all, I would give this product 4 stars.

Do you want to try the product? I have 2 coupons that the company is allowing me to share for free products. Leave a comment on your favorite fabric agent or what you like about Purex Crystals if you have tried them. Winners will be picked at random on Monday, March 7th at noon.

***I only received a sample size product to try and write review. I have not been paid, reimbursed, or received any funds in trade for this review.***

Five Minute Friday

I have joined a group of other blog ladies and I am trying to participate weekly in this. You just write for 5 minutes flat, just about the topic she gives. No crazy editing....just writing. It is sure to be fun, and I can't wait to read some of the other post.
Today's Topic: When I look in the mirror I see....


I see a multitasker. A multitasker with many titles that just can't seem to just sit down and chillax. I see a mommy with 2 great kids that just can't get their sleep patterns down pat, a wife that desires to please her husband and make him happy, a daughter that can't stands the thoughts and gets crazy scared at the thoughts that her mom will not be here one day because without her I have no clue what I will do. Then I see a friend that loves and prays daily for friends in need, or just someone that can lend an ear to the next caller. I see a girl with a desire to help others no matter what they need. I also see a lady that should own a laundry mat because laundry is a viscious cycle that seems to show up everyday, what happened to the leaves in the garden!

Most of all, I see the physical stresses that life bestows upon us, but what you can't see in the mirror is how I have handled life and all of it opstacles. You can't see my heart for God and others....just the wrinkles and the brown circles on the face of one tired aspiring P31~

That's it....5 minutes!

Wonderful Wednesday

Hello everyone! Just wanted to say that I am still around....I have just had a busy few days and not at the computer much. I hope to get back on track today and tomorrow. Its not just blogging that got behind, I have about 5 loads of laundry and sweeping to do! Fun days...I have agreed to lock myself in the house till Saturday! With the exception of church tonight!

Wonderful Wednesday

Today I just want to say that we have the opportunity to become an ambassador family for our local March of Dimes. I am so thankful for this and think it is WONDERFUL that we get to share the story of baby Medlin with many. We are asking God to use this trial in great ways!

Have a blessed day!

Wal-Mart Shoppers

For all my Wal-Mart friends, make sure you check out THIS LIST from http://www.iheartthemart.com/. This is a list of items that are FREE or Under $1 at Wal-Mart. Remember that each WM is responsible for its own pricing and prices may vary! As you can see from my post HERE, the cheapest WM in our area seems to be Central, SC.

Let me know if you have any questions! Many Blessings and Happy Shopping!

Free Subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine

Click HERE for a free 1-year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine. Even if you are already married, you can get these magazines for great crafting, decorating, and other ideas.  I get this to help my brides in planning and getting ideas. Enjoy!

Wonderful Wednesday

Instead of "wishful" Wednesday, I decided to go more toward a being thankful theme. After the recent snow storm and all the complaining I heard, and even did some myself, I have a new appreciation for being thankful. This was greatly impacted by the birth and trials of baby girl Medlin. I hope you enjoy, and maybe even make your list!

Wonderful Wednesday-what I am thankful for today!

• Breath-I am thankful that God allowed me another day to live and breathe
• Salvation
• Grace
• Mercy
• My loving husband
• Two great kids that are at this point totally healthy
• A great family
• A blessed Mother
• A warm home
• Food to eat
• My sense's (Sight, Speech, Hearing, Touching)
• My Talents & Abilities
• My Church, Bible, Youth group
• Another day to serve HIM

Stay tuned as each week we will have a Wonderful Wednesday! God Bless!

Thirty Minute Tuesdays

I am hoping to try another weekly post! This is sure to be the first of many to come!

Thirty Minute Tuesdays

Today, I chose a craft for the topic. I have recently gotten into wreaths, and I seem to want one on every door. The budget does not allow me shopping and creating extravagant wreaths, so I find the thrifty way to do things. However, I did luck up and find this great wreath at a thrift store for a big ol' buck! Yep $1!

Here is the next wreath, even though it entirely works for EASTER, I have it on my front door now. My excuse to display already was the fact that it had pink and would last for Valentines day as well!

This project could actually fall into my "Trash to Treasure Thursday", but I have been chomping at the bit to share it. It is simply old T-shirts wrapped around the foam pipe covering that you buy at home improvement stores! Very easy....instead of tossing out those old shirts, find some that coordinate, cut the strips with pinking shears (if you have them, not required), and tie around your wreath form! Try one and post comments or pictures for me! Have a great day!

Avon Specials

Great for teachers gifts, moms, sunday school teachers, grandma's etc! Order today!

I've been sewing...

Just a few pictures from some of my latest projects!  Let me know if you are interested in anything! Thanks!

Custom Curtains

Custom Crib Bedding

Custom Dresses....and shoes or bows to match

Burp cloths

Friday Fun.....$10 Wal-Mart Challenge

Good Morning everyone...

Yesterday I mentioned that I was going to do a $10 Wal-Mart Challenge! I was able to get to the stores yesterday and although I did not get everything for the perfect scenario, I still saved a great amount. I have learned that Central, SC wal-mart is cheaper than most, and they didn't have a couple of things that I was looking for so I will save those coupons and maybe do a target challenge!

Here are the pictures with details below:

 

Original Retail: $42.47 without taxes

I paid: $9.98 without taxes

Average of 37¢ per item!

Scenario:

• 2 Maalox items, $4.38 ea, use 2-$5 MQ's from 1/9/11SS
• 2 Shout Wipes travel size, 97¢ ea, use 2-55¢ MQ's from 1/9/11SS
• 1 Playtex PCC travel size, $1.97, use 1-$1 MQ from Jan All You
• 1 Johnson's Swabs, $1.64, use 1-$1 MQ from 1/9/11SS
• 1 Tide, travel size, 97¢ ea, use 1-$1 MQ from 12/26/10 PG
• 1 Oil of Olay 2bar, $2.48 ea, use 1-$2 MQ from 12/26/10 PG
• 2 Hartz Cat Treats, $1.98 ea, use 2-$1.50 MQ's from 1/9/11SS
• 2 Quaker Oats, $1.98 ea, use 2-$1 MQ's from 1/2/11RP
• 2 McCormick black peppers, $1.46 ea, use 2-75¢ MQ's from 1/2/11RP
• 1 Hormel Kids Meal, $1.68 ea, use 1-$1 MQ from Jan All You
• 3 French's Mustard's, $1.32 ea, use 3-$1 MQ's from 11/7/10SS
• 1 Reese's and Kit Kat, 74¢ ea, use 1-B1G1 MQ from 12/12/10SS
• I purchased Christmas clearance as a filler, 6-3pk containers at 25¢ ea
• 1pk Christmas tumblers at 10¢

See, you can save money at wal-mart. Also, this was all coupons from the Greenville News inserts, I hardly ever print coupons from the Internet because I just can't see paying for all that ink. I had the best experience with my cashier. She was great and deserves some "atta girls"! If you ever need help or want to challenge yourself, let me know! Many Blessings!

See a small list of coupon abbreviations HERE!

Trash to Treasure Thursday....another for the kids

Did you see last weeks T to T HERE?

This week, we have another fun one for the kids. Do you know what these are?

 

They are the scoops out of baby Medlin's formula cans! I was sure I could find a use for them! They have a great hole in the handle, so I added these...

 

Yarn and Beads that I had just laying in the craft corner and came up with this...

 

Remember the game when you were younger...trying to get the bead in the cup! Yep, that's what I made! Boy Medlin loved it! He said "Mom, you are the best creator ever!" Gotta love kids!

The scoops also do great for dry ingredients and are approx. 1 tablespoon. Try leaving them in your sugar, flour, etc...containers for when you need just a "pinch". Have a great night!

$10 Wal-Mart Challenge

Today I am going to attempt a $10 Wal-Mart Challenge! Will update blog later with the information. I want to show everyone that you can save....even at wal-mart! Stay tuned!

Free Handwashing Timers

Do you have children.....ones that totally think hand washing is a thing of the past. Teach them the proper way to hand wash with the aid of these free timers! You are allowed up to 3 per person. Sign up today!

We're snowed in!

Good afternoon everyone! We're snowed in!

Yes, we live in the south, so 3 inches of snow and we are snowed in! hahaha Today, however, we received over 7 inches of snow! My husband tried to get his truck out of our complex parking lot and about took out the neighbors vehicle and our mini van! Needless to say....he stopped!

Our kids went to the grandparents last night just in case we lost power, they have the big fireplace! Now mom and dad can't enjoy them! :(  So what do we do with this day....

Daddy Medlin is catching up on old episodes of the "A Team" through netflix and eating all the food in the house! What makes a man want to eat when you are snowed in....goodness!

Mommy Medlin is blogging, and coming up with all kinds of stuff to do over the next two days. Here is my list, feel free to comment and add your ideas as well! Have fun in the snow!

1. List items on ebay....clean out the closets, craft corners, etc and get rid of what you don't want. Even if it is left over fabric scraps, etc. People buy this stuff! I have been shocked over the last couple of weeks of what people are buying on ebay!
2. Clean out your coupon book and get ready for the new sales at your local grocery store. 
3. Catch up on sewing....here is my list of projects:
1.  Baby leg warmers
2. Matching dresses for baby medlin and her friend
3. Rice therapy bags
4. Boo Boo bags
5. Pillowcase dresses
6. Shoes for baby medlin
7. T-Shirt wreath
8. Whatever else I can come up with
4. Cook dinner and clean up kitchen
5. Snuggle up with Daddy Medlin for a good movie
6. Do my devotions and Thank God for his bountiful blessings on me and my family!

Hope everyone enjoys their snow day! Having a hubby that lived in Ohio for many years, this is just another day for him.....he just can't understand why the world stops for snow in the south! Me....I love it! Have a blessed day!

Trash to Treasure Thursday....for the kids!

So today, I made a little something for the kids. My son is always wanting something to occupy him in the vehicle, but somehow it ends up all over the place and never makes it back inside. Today...I have a solution that may help. It will also give you several ideas and get your brain moving!

How many of these do you go through in a month? I also hope that you are choosing to recycle! Here is a great way to "reuse"!
 

Several years ago, I remember seeing a sandwich box made with a milk jug. That is a great idea, but how about a kid survival kit for the vehicle! Click on the picture below for step by step instructions on how to make the box.

 

I didn't stop there! You know the Mentos gum that you can get free or for pennies with coupons! It makes a great crayon holder to add to the kit. It will hold used crayons, not new...they are a little too long. Just simply remove the stickers and wrap some cute scrapbook paper around it! 

 

What can you think of to do with these two little goodies? Please leave a comment and lets see what we come up with! Happy Thursday!

See other T to T HERE

Join Mission 52

Are you looking for a devotional as a wife, I stumbled upon this devotional that starts today and runs every Thursday. Aimee has a very sweet spirit and loves the Lord. This devotional has already hit home for me, as I know that life is short and we always need to look for the good! Get ready for an awesome journey over the next 51 weeks!

AHA Free Red Dress Pin

Click HERE to "Like" American Heart Association. Fill in your information for a free Red Dress Pin! Enjoy

Headed to Wal-Mart?

If you are headed to wal-mart for your weekly shopping, make sure you click over to Passion for Savings and grab the coupons you need for some great deals. Prices WILL VARY since she is not in our local area, but you should be able to find some great deals!

Here is a small list of the best deals that I see, but make sure you click on the link above for the full list:

Pantene Bonus Sized Shampoo or Conditioner, $3.47
-use $3/2 Pantene Product, exp. 1-31-11 (P&G 12/26/10), $1.97 ea

Wisk Laundry Detergent, $4.97
-use $2/1 Wisk Laundry Detergent, exp. 2-13-11 (RP 01/02/11), $2.97 ea

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, $4.97
-use $1/1 L’Oreal Paris Eye Cosmetic Item, exp. 1-16-11 (RP 10/24/10), $3.97 ea

Recently, I was able to give 2 college students a college "survival kit" that was loaded with trial sizes and other items that I was able to grab at wal-mart for free or pennies! It was great! If you know of someone that is in college or will be headed there soon, why not grab these items that are free or pennies and save up for them!

Thanks Heather at Passion for Savings for such great list each week!

Free Audio book download

Check out this link HERE

Free audio book from Christianaudio.com. "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges is completely free. You must create an account and go through the check out process, then you will receive an email with the download information.

I just "cleaned" out my iPod in an effort to listen to better stuff! This is the perfect download! Have a blessed day!