Kindness

Kindness is the next piece in the "Putting the Pieces Together" series at our church.
Proverbs 11:17: Your kindness will reward you,but your cruelty will destroy you.

It is amazing what a kind word or a kind smile can do for someone who is hurting. We sometimes underestimate the power of those things and forget how significant they can be.

Ephesians 4:31
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Galations 5 :19-23
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Proverbs 12:25:
25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

The pastor reminds us that we are to let God take care of it when someone wrongs us. We must not fall victim to retaliation and unkindness.

Starbucks Coffee Deal

Target is having a great Starbucks coffee deal! They are on sale for $7 a bag. Buy 2 bags of the Starbucks Coffee and get a $5 gift card! That makes them 4.50 a bag! You will never find them for that cheap...heck, you might not find any coffee that cheap!

Also, at Starbucks (the coffee shop) if you buy your coffee there, you receive a free cup of coffee! So, that would be a nice little indulgence there! (It won't be as cheap as at Target though!)

Kroger!

Kroger is running a deal right now....$10 gift card when you purchase $50 or more in gift cards for Best Buy, from Kroger, in one transaction. I am sure we all have that "Best Buy" person on our list we are buying for! Use the gift card to purchase their gift and get $10 in groceries too!
Thanks Marcy at Stretching a Buck!
Click here for the other deals at Kroger this week! Thanks Marcy!

Christmas!

So, I know it is a little early, but my husband is Christmas happy and we already have our home decorated for Christmas, so, while I am in the spirit, I thought I would "Christmas" things up around here too!

Meijer Deals

There are a lot of "secret" good deals going on at Meijer right now:

• Endust is on sale for 1.89. I had 4 2.00 off coupons, all for free! They also have a "free" one..free of dyes, perfumes, etc. so I am excited to try that one!
  
• There is a great Kraft deal going on. Read about it here. Buy 3 Kraft products, get a $4 catalina off the next order! There are tons of coupons that she matched up too! Also, did you see the Goody "ouchless" deal? I loved this one! Thanks Mama of Boys!
• Chex mix bars are on sale for 2/10. There is a .60 off coupon on the sidebar, in the coupon bar. Print it out and get Chex mix bars for $1!
• Also, Chex mix...I think there were some coupons on the sidebar. They are on sale 5/5! These were free also!
• Arm and Hammer detergent is 2.49. There is a $1 off coupon here (click on get coupon). $1.49 for detergent! Thanks Tips From a Mom of 3!

My Meijer doubles all coupons up to $1!

Great Gift Idea!

Snapfish is running a promotion along with Oprah...get a free 20 page 8x10 photo book! This is really a great holiday gift and a 29.99 value! I believe the book is hard bound also! There are some restrictions. You need to get your coupon here by Fri. Nov.14 at 11:59 pm (PT) and have your book ordered by Sun. Nov. 16 at 11:59 pm (PT).
Check out more by Coupon Cravings here! Thanks for the great tip!
This really is a great deal and a great gift! Shipping charges do aplly, but hey....7.00 for a great sentimental gift? It's worth it!

Chicken Pot Pie

So, I was thinking about what I wanted to make for dinner and I wanted soup..well, if I have soup one more night, I think my husband will freak out, so I had to try something new.
Chicken Pot Pie....I remember when I was young and my mo would make the frozen ones for us and I loved them! Well, I knew I could do this homemade, so I thought and came up with this:

• 2 Bone in chicken breasts cooked in crock pot on low for 6 hours
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 potato peeled and diced
• 1 celery rib diced
  
• 2 tbsp. butter, splash of olive oil
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cans chicken broth
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tube of crescent rolls

1. Cook carrot, celery and potato in butter and oil until tender.
2. Add flour, cook for a minute or two.
3. Add chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Cook until thickens.
4. Add pulled chicken, shred as big or small as you like.
5. Add crescent rolls on top. Bake on 350 until rolls brown. (remember, everything in the pot pie is already cooked, so this shouldn't take long!

That is it! How easy is that. This really is a versatile recipe. I know this can be done even easier with creamed soups from Campbell's. I have lots of carrots and such from soups, so I wanted to be sure to use them! You can add canned veggies, frozen veggies (if I had corn, it would've hit the pot for sure!)
I put it together during the kids quiet time and now I will throw it in about 30 min. before dinner time! I will post pic when it is done!

Recipes

So, I got a question from a reader and it asked if I would post my favorite recipe. Thanks so much for inquiring about this, food is my favorite thing in the world! My life revolves around it and I love to cook! This is so hard to answer, I do not have 1 favorite recipe. I have many! So, I decided I would start cooking some of my favorites and post them!
I am sooo in winter, soup and pasta and roasted things right now, so they will be those types of recipes! I have some great ones though!

What I do want to post right now, though, is the simplest recipe you'll ever make for company, a party, etc. It is a crowd pleaser and I owe it to my s-i-l!

Dill dip:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
Dill
Seasoned salt

Mix well. I add dill and seasoned salt and taste, add and taste. I would say start with a small palmful of both!
That's it! I always have those things on hand...chop up some veggies and you are set! This is so much beter than the store bought dill dip too!

30% of At Gap!

I received an e-mail from Gap and I think it is a great deal! Nov. 13- Nov. 16, I can go into the Gap, Gap Outlet, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Banana Republic Factory Stores and save 30%! This also works online.
Here's the best part. They will put 5% of the amount you spend to your favorite non-profit!
Click here to get the online order code or print the coupon!
It says once you pick your favorite non-profit, it will give you another offer to share with friends and family!

Be sure to get out though, oh and they told me to share this, so feel free to forward it on!!!

Old Navy Does it Again!

Old Navy is at it again! They are really pushing for people to come shop on the weekends!
I saw this ad on television (during Grey's Anatomy, love it!), so I do not know all of the details exactly. Here is what I do know....

• Half price on all outer wear. It is for one week, but I do not know the exact days. This should be a great deal though. Click here for the link! Everyone could use an exra puffy coat!
  
• $1 hats and scarves! Yes, that is $1!!!! (These are in store on Sat. only) I will buy one for everyone I know...think about it, wrap a scarf around a gift, wrap something in a hat...I mean, this is a great little extra for gifts for Christmas! Be creative...=)

I love Old Navy! Oh and Kroger too!

More Mega Sale

I know, I know, quit with the Mega sale...right?
Hopefully, I will...at least my husband thinks I should!
I just wanted to point out one more thing. Hefty one zip lock bags are on the deal (not pictured in the circular) for 1.50.
That would be -.50 for the 10 item mega sale. We also have .55 off coupons from the paper (gosh, I don't know which one, I just know they are from the Sunday paper). So, that makes them FREE!
These are great freezer bags! So, while you are cooking those Christmas cookies with all of the sugar, evaporated and condensed milk and chocolate chips (to name few!) throw them in these great freezer bags!

Walgreens Ink!

If you are like me, you are quickly burning through your printer ink printing all of these online coupons! These replacements are so expensive too....I always wondered why printer ink was so expensive? Anyways, I went to Walgreens (by the photo shop) and they refill them there for 10.65! That includes tax.
I know they sell kits that you can refill them yourself....I asked the woman working and she said it was a messy process. I am guessing doing this with kids hanging on your legs might make it even messier! =)
So, I opted for them to do it! It was easy, fast (15 minutes) and very convenient! I am happy!
If you have refilled them yourself or have any other options, I would love to hear about it!

Giant Eagle 11/6-11/12

Here are the Giant Eagle deals for the week. Again, courtesy of Stretching a Buck. Have you printed the coupons off of coupons.com yet? They reset on the first, so you should be able to print tons of great new coupons! These are really worth it and you can click on what you want to print! Please check it out on the right side of the blog!!!
Thanks again Marcy for the great deal posts!!!

10 Item Mega Sale

So, I have been to Kroger about 4 times in 2 days! I can not get enough. When you are walking out with 10 things for $5, how can you help yourself?
So, I have been noticing there are some things on the mega item event that are not listed in the paper! Two things I have noticed are dish washing soap (not sure which brand exactly) and some sugar free candies (there were coupons in the paper last weekend for them! I did not cut them, I just did not think I would use them!) Oh well, my point is, if you have some time to kill (because we all do...right?) you might want to walk through and look and see what is on sale. Take notes, go back home, check coupons and come up with a game plan! Please let me know if you find some extra good deals! I think I may go in the morning, so I will post if I find some new deals!

Evaporated Milk

So, Kroger is letting you "steal" the deals this week! So much fun shopping there. Getting stuff for free without stealing it....great times! Thanks Kroger!
So, one of the things on sale is the evaporated milk. Well, I love to cook, but I am not so much of a baker. I would pick a hearty dinner over pies and cookies any day! I, however, am stocking up on this evaporated milk. It is not just for baking. I have used it in mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, to name a few. So, even if you do not bake, buy these evaporated milk cans and use them in casseroles and things like that! Save the milk in the carton for drinking! (I stole that from their new ad campaign!)
On another side note, from experience, the 10 item mega event usually lasts 2 weeks in a row. (Gosh I hope I am not jinxing myself here!). So, while I cannot guarantee it, I believe it may go for another week...hopefully!

Election

So today was a very important day in history! We (saving sisters) actually got to vote together! How exciting! We did not, however, get to go get all the freebies after....would've been nice though! Anyways, how exciting for us to be a part of history! My daughter went with us, I am so excited to tell her, when she studies this in her high school history book.."You were there with me, on that history making day!" It is very strange, but very satisfying at the same time! I am so glad I got out there and did vote....I hope everyone got a chance to!
No matter what happens, who wins or how the future goes, this day was history in the making!!

Great Clothing Deals

I hit up a few outlet stores today and I found some great deals! If you are lucky enough to have an "outlet mall" by your house, be sure to try and make it there! Children's Place had awesome deals.

• 1.99 long sleeve thermals
• 3.99 coat vests
• 1.99 accessories (hats, belts, etc.)
• 4.99 for shoes

Gosh, the list goes on and on! Old Navy, Carter's and Gap also had some great deals on kids coats!

So, I was feeling a little bored with my daughters wardrobe and was trying to think of a way to "cuten" it up! Well, while at the outlet stores, I found a lot of tank top dresses and things like that. They were anywhere from 1.99-3.99! Not bad. Well, I loved them and realized I could put turlenecks or long sleeve t-shirts under them to "winterize"! Throw them with some jeans, leggings, or sweater tights and I have one stylin little girl on the cheap!!! Try it....it is very cute!!

Peace in the Midst of Challenges, Changes, and Chaos

Hello All-
Yesterday's sermon was so incredibly inspiring!! We are currently doing a 9 part study which is entitled "Putting the Pieces Together". Yesterday was about PEACE!

The pastor began his sermon reminding us that worry and anxiety lead to fear, and don't allow peace to encompass our hearts. He then continued with, "frustration robs us, and blocks the holy spirit from bringing us peace". Wow, these statements are such good reminders to us as Christians....that God wants us to unload these frustrations, worries, and anxieties unto Him. I believe that it is an ongoing process, it takes time, faith, trust, prayer, etc. It's not just saying the words, it's reaching deep down into your heart... honestly, and whole-heartedly surrendering all of it to God. I am reminded of a hymn entitled, "I Surrender All". The pastor reminded us that He truly wants us to surrender EVERYTHING to Him. We have to rely on our Faith and trust in God to do so.

Romans 5
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Galatians 5:22-23:
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We are to be peach-makers, aim for peace, strive for peace, and encourage peace, in our own lives and other lives that we touch.

Isaiah 48:22:
22There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

There is no doubt that each and everyone one of us experiences some type of hurt at some point. Sometimes it becomes too much to handle and we can't see past the hurt. I think that there is so much wisdom in knowing that we can give it to God.

Ephesians 5:18:
18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

As a final thought, if we don't have peace with God then how are we to have peace in our lives?

Philippians 4:6-7:
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Our hope is that everyone who reads this will seek peace through God, and unload all of your troubles and worries to Him! =)
Have a great week.

10 Item Mega Event

Here it is ladies and gentlemen! The Kroger 10 Item Mega Event! This is where you will save and save! I have been waiting for this sale...I knew something good had to be coming, as there have not been too great of sales lately! Well, if you combine coupons and buy items on sale this week, you are going to save BIG!!!
The sale goes like this:

• Buy any combination of 10 participating items and receive $5 off your bill instantly at checkout!

There are item priced at $1, $1.50, $2, $2.50, and $3. Check the insert here, (go to page 6-7 and 8-9) (click on the 11/03 ad if there are two) to match up your items. If you are new to couponing, this is a great sale to get started and really see your savings!
If you want to see how to use your coupons, click on my blog roll on the side of this page. Many of the ladies on there will post this in detail. I will link to it when they do!

Thanks Kroger!!!!!

New Giant Eagle Deals 10/30-11/05

Seems like there are so many "buy this get $_ off your next order!" Check out this ad and you'll see what I mean! Click here to see.
Thanks again to Marcy at Stretching a Buck for compiling such an awesome list!