Projects!!!

I am super excited to show you the project I am working on! My parents had this Winnie the Pooh table for when my niece and nephew were small. They no longer need such a small table to they passed it on to me. This table was already second hand, and I believe my parents had it for at least 4 or 5 years.

It's a perfect kid's table, being that you can wipe it off-but sadly, I am not a fan of having Pooh in my kitchen. Sorry. So what do we do? We adapt. We change. We conquer!

BEFORE:

AFTER!!!!!

Sorry for the bad pictures folks, we are in the middle of a hurricane! 

This transformation was pretty simple. Spray paint, and a vinyl table cloth from Target! I wanted to use the vinyl so I could still wipe it off. I love it! These are the exact colors in my kitchen, so it's going to blend perfectly! I ran out of spray paint, and since we are in a hurricane-the rest will wait. Once I finish it, I will post the project in full! 

Tell me what you think guys!

XOXO,

D. Lynn 

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MyGofer

I totally forgot to post about this. I learned some gnarly info at the pediatrician's office a few days ago. We took Little Man in because he was being overly irritable at night. He had an ear infection a few weeks ago, and we went to get him checked out again. No ear infection, BUT our pediatrician stated that it could be from the Tylenol or Motrin we had been giving him. She said that we needed to start purchasing dye-free because the others are filled with upteen x's more sugar than the dye-free formula. She knows that we don't allow our kids much sugar, and believed he was waking at night from being wired from the medicine. (He has a tooth that has been trying to break though for about 3 weeks, we can see it-but can't feel it poor guy.) We tried it-and WOW! Totally different. He sleeps a heck of a lot better. He went from waking about 4-6 times a night and staying up, to one time a night and falling right back to sleep. Even his naps have been better.

In other words, try this out if you have been giving you little one medicine to cope with teething pain. I find this was awesome advice!

Can't believe I am doing this...

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Here is a post about my weight. I am horrible about keep journals, so this will have to do. I wanted to keep a record of my progress-I also would like to help anyone that is dealing with the same mess I am.

As you have read in previous posts, I am seriously working on becoming healthy and getting down to a healthy weight. Unfortunately, I was overweight when I got pregnant with our first child and gained quite a bit of weight with her. Less than a year later, I found myself pregnant again. I only gained 10lbs, but that was on top of the weight gained with the first. I gained a total of 55 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!! UGGH! So that's what I have been dealing with. Here are my stats so far on this journey. (Please no harsh comments, this is already hard enough for me to do)


Highest weight: 235
BMI- 37.9

Current Weight: 211
BMI 34

Goal Weight: 150
BMI- 24.2

Pounds Lost- 24
Pounds to Go- 61


*Sigh* I am mortified at the numbers. It makes my stomach cringe. It was not supposed to get this bad. But in all honesty-I did it to myself. I was one that went to food for comfort, it's been hard breaking that trend.

I desire to be healthy-not skinny. I know if I strive for health, the weight will take care of itself. I will do a weigh-in every Thursday. If anyone wants to jump on board let me know! I will link your blog within mine!

Thanks again for listening. I know you guys will keep me accountable.

GOD IS AH-MAZING!!!!!

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Okay, I have the most awesome story to tell you.

The past two days have been rough. I have been running numbers in my head, asking myself how in the world are we going to make it to next friday. We have notta in the bank. Instead of trusting the Lord, I have been putting my trust in my husband's paychecks.

Also, I got super angry with God last night. I was upset because I didn't think He was listening. My son had been screaming all night long. I begged God to make him stop. Nothing I was doing was working. So I got mad. Very mad.

This morning, my mom offered to pay to take Little Man in to get his ears checked again. I thought it was bogus, but did it anyways. I didn't feel that he had another ear infection, but took him in just to be certain.

We get up to the desk to sign in and pay our whopping $40 co-pay. The nurse asked for my insurance card. I look in my wallet-it's not there. Super weird. Not sure why it would be in there. So I fumble around in my wallet and lift up a flap in there that I didn't even know the darn thing had. What was in there? A CRISP, BRAND NEW, 100 DOLLAR BILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is INSANE I tell ya! There is NO WAY that money could have got there. We don't take out big bills. No one touches my wallet. This is totally a God thing!!!!! It covered everything I needed to get to next pay check. I almost cried in that doctor's office. I felt like He was saying, "So, you don't think I listen? What about YOU? You don't listen very well." And He's right. I don't. I know what His Word says about how He will take care of us-but very seldom do I walk in that. So here I am, very humbled. I had to share this. If anyone is hurting and thinks no one is listen-trust me. He is.

New food

Haven't shared too much about this, but I have been embarking on a new lifestyle. I am trying super hard to get healthy. I have been overweight for way too long.  I have been getting up most mornings to run/walk for about 30 mins. I have cut sodas ALMOST completely out of my diet. I as having up to 2 a day, now it's more like 3 a week. I want to have the completely out very soon. Fast food is something else I haven't had much of. Even as big of a couponer as I am, my past two shopping trips have been almost coupon free. I really wanted to stock my fridge and pantry with things I could cook healthy meals with. Some things are super new for me. Coconut oil, agave nectar, etc. I've incorporated green smoothies into my diet. Cut WAY back on white bread. Drinking lots of water with lemon. When we get paid again I will also get back to drinking kombucha. I love reading and learning about healthy eating. I sure do feel a lot better. Here are some new recipes I worked on this week.


First is homemade baked onion rings. Wow. I can't believe how yummy these were. I will never buy onion rings again!

I got this recipe from Pinterest, but the original site is SkinnyTaste.com !! I am IN LOVE with this website. She has tons of great recipes to choose from. I didn't change a thing about the recipe. I did use fat free buttermilk instead of just low fat. (Umm, so I guess that means I DID change something :) The sauce is just a little bit of a spicy BBQ sauce mixed with plain greek yogurt. It was a perfect dipping sauce.

The sandwiches were just a simple turkey and cheese, (yes that is white french bread...) that I put olive oil and garlic on either side-and grilled with my grill pan. Wow. Much more flavor than butter. It also gave it that perfect "panini" crust on the outside. Wish I would have sliced a tomato and put in there. That was all it was missing.

For lunch today, I had breakfast. After my run this morning I did a wonderful protein shake of vanilla soy milk, a banana, 1 scoop chocolate soy protein powder, 1 scoop of ground flax and two drops of agave. YUMMY. So I really wasn't in the mood for breakfast after that. Once lunch came around, I was craving a good breakfast. So this is what I had-

This was perfection on a plate! Crispy turkey bacon, grilled whole grain bread with olive oil, scrambled eggs with feta, parm and basil. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this. It is a lot of food-but it was worth it, hahahaha! I haven't had ONE snack all day long. I feel satisfied, not deprived. My body is starting to feel the best it has ever felt in a super long time. It's hard, because not everyone is on this kick with me. So I am starting to see having to tell people I can't go to fast food places, or I can't go anywhere until I get my workouts done. But I know this will be so well worth it!

XOXO,
D.Lynn



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Im still here!!!

Hey everyone! I wanted to take a second to say that I am so sorry for being a complete and utter blog procrastinator! My absence has not been intentional. This summer has been wide open with my two young boys running me ragged. I am so looking forward to Thursday, the start of a new school year, and perhaps some structure and order to our crazy lives. I am entering my last semester of college. I will be graduating from Gardner Webb University with a BS in Human Services in Dec. This is a huge accomplishment for me...it has taken me 10 years to finally complete! One day I may share my testimony, if God leads, and it will explain more on why it has taken me so long. My husband, Rodney, who is a worship leader for our church, started college this week. His first week of his Freshman year at 31 years old! Im so proud of him. Anyway, Im going to cut this short, but I will be returning....more consistently when things calm down a little!

I do, however, have a crafty little tid bit to leave you with. Since Dominique is the "crafty" one of the two of us, I am very excited to say, I did this all on my own! :)

My boys needed curtains. We actually need curtains all over the house. I wanted the Energy Efficient ones, but they are SOOO expensive. Dom and I were shopping at Big Lots one night, and I saw some blankets. The boys have a bright blue shag rug in their room, and these blankets were smaller size, and were blue with red outline. They look like Superman capes. I thought, "hmmm." I looked at some curtain rods (cheap-o) and some curtain clips (again, cheap). The blankets were $5 a piece, and they are heavy and block out light. I plan to sew some Superman emblems on them, but for about $12 bucks, they make great energy efficient curtains! :)

Sorry that the pic is sideways. You get the idea though. :)



Nikki

In response to the "Anonymous" comment left on previous post...

 Well. That day has finally arrived. Negative feedback. It is what it is really, but this particular comment needs to be addressed. I do not suggest anyone look at the video link that was posted on the previous post and I will not give details about it either. This is for your Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous.

First off, I want you to know that I am sorry. I am sorry that you felt it was necessary to post something so negative on my blog.  You are not the first person and certainly won't be the last person to bring up such an argument. BTW, Obama beat you to this exact statement.

I am also sorry that you do not have Christ in your heart. I am sorry that you don't know His love and peace. If you just gave Him a fair change, He would change your life. He has changed mine, and that is an understatement.

Secondly, please please please-do your homework. The statements that were made in that video are Old Testament. They are Jewish laws, NOT Gentile laws. Does that make them invalid? Nope. They are just as important as anything else in the Bible. But you are reading them without getting to the end of the story. The story of Christ. Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17 The things spoke about are still wrong, but Christ took the punishments for those sins.


Third point- The covenant that was established with God in the Old Testament is different than that of the covenant we have with Him, through Christ, today. Jesus also said, ²⁰ Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:20 


I can take any verse in the Bible and read it out of context. I hate to say that a majority of Christians I know do this very thing. Why would you even take the risk? I do not believe that God plays mind games. No, I don't understand why certain things are the way they are-but if I ever have my own universe-I can run it that way I want to.




XOXO,
D. Lynn

One of many rants...

This has been one of those evenings where I am really feeling the Lord move me in a simple direction. It's examination time.Where is there sin in my life? Where am I compromising? Well, after just a few mins-I have come to the conclusion-I am not as "narrow road minded" with my Christian walk as I should be. I feel a bit of shame to even admit that.

 I grew up with a wonderful dad who takes the Bible VERY literal. What it says is what it says. Uggh. You can imagine what I went through as a moody teen :) I hated it to be quite honest. But as an adult? I really couldn't be more thankful. He exposed me to so much of The Word. And not just the pretty parts. I was never taught a "feel good" gospel from my parents. I was taught that whatever God said-that's what he meant. No interpretation needed. I don't live that way.

Seriously. From music to TV shows to how I treat my husband-I compromise a lot. It has only been in the past few months have I really realized this. A lot of it has been from numerous sources. I had a wonderful friend tell me in the most rawest form that I was not being a biblical wife. DO WHAT??? Who says that? A person who cares, that's who. I was given "Created to be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. Every single thing is this book is backed by scripture. 1 Peter 3:1-6, Titus 2 and so on. Studying those verses and then having a woman who has been married for thirtysomething years tell me it works to live this way-I totally had to give it a try. You know what? IT WORKS!

Another verse I have been studying deep within my heart is Revelation 3: 16. ("So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.") Wow. No warm and fuzzy feelings here. You know what this means? There are no fence riders in heaven. Is being a Lukewarm Christian even possible? Christian the term means to "be Christlike"-from what I know, Christ was never lukewarm on anything, so why the heck do we think we can be? Why is a huge percent of the American church negligent to their ministry model? The church isn't about numbers people. Jesus said, "Will you also go away?" John 6:67. Even Jesus knew taking the narrow road wasn't very popular. And trust me, I am feeling pretty unpopular the more I want to live like Him.


I feel like the Lord is moving me and my husband into a lifestyle stripped of all the gimmicks. A lifestyle that is based purely on His word and nothing more. I can't even describe it. I used to be that person who could only go to a church if the music was good. Oh man, I am even embarrassed to type that. I also put most famous preachers on some sort of pedestal before I checked their teachings out for myself. (Another lazy faith contribution on my part) If someone had title of "pastor" and preached something-I would typically take their word as golden. I am learning more and more that it's crazy to even think that way. The way this world is now, if you don't know that Word yourself-you could be putting yourself in a horrible predicament. 


Here is an example-Rob Bell. Most of you probably know him though his NOOMA series or his recent contreversy with the book, "Love Wins". *Sigh* This really makes sad. If you don't know much about him, just google. Simply put, Rob Bell is preaching a gospel void of hell. If this raises eyebrows and blood pressure, you are not alone. Even if you check out his church, Mars Hill, and look up their theology-it is all about service-NO GOSPEL. I think in 5 paragraphs Jesus was only mentioned once. Service is awesome, don't get me wrong. The Bible even says, "...faith without works, is dead." James 2:14-26. But how did anyone get that there wasn't a hell? What the heck did Christ die for? To make a good story? To become a super hero? To make Hobby Lobby rich with all of it's wonderful cross decor? I am lost for words. But God isn't. He says,

"1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." 2 Peter 2:1-3

He ain't kidding, is He? Rob Bell is not the only person on this planet who has even taught false teachings through words or actions. What about those who claim to be Christians but perform abortions? (George Tiller was killed at church) What about those who claim to be Christians but will never PROclaim His name? It's all the same. I see it more and more. My dad always said-"If Christ were sitting next to you, would you be watching/doing/saying that?" As angry as it used to make me as a stubborn teenager-this is pretty profound. Would we be listening to Lady Gaga as she allows such sacrilegious images to adorn her songs and videos? Would we be watching that horror movie filled with demonic themes? Would we listen to the rock bands that litter their music with lyrics that degrade Christ and what He is about? Would we ignore our children? Would we fall asleep in church? Would we laugh at that dirty joke? Would we pray for our enemies, even those who do wrong toward us? Would we exalt famous Christians just because their picture is slapped on a book or because they have a mega church? *sigh* I can really go on and on. These are attributes I have seen in myself. These are attributes are those that I see in most Christians. What has happened?

 "Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one (John 10:10; Romans 6:1-2).

  Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all His followers (James 1:22; James 4:17; Matthew 21:28-31).

  Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their lives (Luke 9:57-62).

  Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; it’s only for pastors and missionaries and radicals (Matthew 22:37-38).

  Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached (Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 14:12-14).

  Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God (1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 10:28).

  Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a “Christian nation” (Matthew 7:21; Amos 6:1)

Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives (Luke 6:26; Rev. 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7)."-Francis Chan's Crazy Love (Chapter 4)

I know we are to be set apart. So why aren't we? Why don't we love our savior so much that nothing else compares? 

I have nothing left,

D. Lynn

No TV.

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Well, at least in the living room. Have you ever wondered why on earth the TV has become the center of the American household? Well my husband and I have. We have realized over the past month how much time we really spend watching TV. We had planned to just cut cable (which we have only had cable for less than two years. We didn't have cable, phone or Internet for the first year we were married) but since we are in contract, we can't do that just yet. So, my wonderful husband came up with a plan.

We had already gave away out little flat screen that we had in the bedroom. We didn't see the point since we really didn't watch TV up there. Honestly, we don't spend too much time upstairs anyways. So the only TV we had was our flat screen that G had before we got married that was in the living room. Our living room is pretty awkward and small, so trying to decorate has been a pain. Trying to make sure everyone can see the TV. Making sure the TV is center. Blah blah blah. Well, my husband finally came to me and said we should just take it upstairs to our bedroom. That way, we wouldn't watch very much. We wouldn't eat in front of the TV. Ours kids would also not have the opportunity to watch it too much either. So that is EXACTLY what we did.

My momma, (who used to be an interior decorator) came over and helped me rearrange our living room. I am in love. So much room and not much clutter. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulder. Yea, we can't really invite people over to watch movies-but this will makes our entertaining life more interesting. We actually have to get creative!

This is definitely a new thing. I have never been to any one's house that the TV wasn't the center. I am tired of wasting away in front of that thing. I do enjoy certain shows, and I do love pro football. But there is no reason to have that thing on all day long. It clutters my head. I tend to have it on for no reason-even when I am not watching it.

Can't wait to see how this small change will make big changes on how we spend time as a family at home.

Will keep you posted :)

XOXO,
D. Lynn

Home Management Binders!

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Oh organizing, how I love thee. It's true! I enjoy organizing anything and everything!! I am going to start doing a week-by-week process with you guys-organizing one thing at a time.

First off, it's time to make a Home Management Binder. This is literally going to be your command center for your home!

Since I don't have my camera on hand right now, I won't be able to take pictures of mine until later on in the week.

Here is what you will need-

Binder (2" is ideal)
Page Protectors
Labels or Dividers
Print-Outs (I will give you the links)

That's all you will need! Now, what kind of information goes into a Home Management binder? Here are some catagories-

-Cleaning schedule and checklists
-Chore lists for kids
-Meal Planning
-Pantry and Freezer Inventory
-Information for babysitter
-Grocery list
-Project List
-Medical Information
-Important phone numbers
-Spring Cleaning Checklist
-Fall Cleaning Checklist
-Potty Chart

The ideas will go on and on!

Here are some awesome websites for free printables!

Everything Mom


Starry Sky Ranch

The Project Girl

Buttoned Up

Organized Home

Goal #2 and a Yummy Recipe!

Here is Goal #2-Eating better.

Now, there are a zillion reasons why one should eat better-but I only have a few.

1. Breast Cancer is in my immediate family. My grandma passed away in 04' and one of her sister's is also a survivor.

2. I am overweight for my height and it's really taking a toll. We have a two story house and it hurts to go up and down the stairs. THIS IS CRAZY! I am only 24 for goodness sakes but I feel like I am close to 70.

3. I want to have another baby...soon. Yup that's the big one. My heart longs so much for another baby. It's hard to describe. With both of my pregnancies I was overweight and it was really hard. It's a miracle that I didn't have more problems during them. I want to be a better vessel to carry a baby.

4. If are bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit-then my temple is trashed. By eating crap food, I have come to realize that this SHOULD be a sin. To me, it shows that I am not grateful for what the Lord has blessed me with. It also means that I take things for granted. I don't want to feel this way anymore.

So what have I done? I went grocery shopping at 11pm last night. Yea I know. It was one of those nights. Actually, I didn't have any formula and since my hubs would be gone all day-I would have no way of getting any. While at Walmart, I realized that there were some things I was running out of to be able to cook anything-olive oil, cheese, etc. I went ahead and picked up everything I needed to stock my kitchen with healthy staples-sans coupons. This was a sad point for me because I ALWAYS shop with coupons, but this is a crisis. I can't live like this any longer.

I remember reading in a health mag about how you should shop the perimeter of the store-that's exactly what I did. I picked up eggs, REAL cheese (no more processed stuff), plain yogurt, hummus, feta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sliced turkey, whole grain bread, etc. I had already stocked my fridge with tons of fresh fruits and veggies.

My bill was higher (like 3x's higher) than what I have paid in over a year-but I know it will be worth it. The only junk I bought was chewy chocolate chip cookies for my beloved. They are his favorite and I won't take those from him! They aren't a temptation for me, so no worries :)

Now what have I done with these goodies so far. Well, here was my lunch-

Sorry for the crappy photo, it was from my phone!

This is a yummy "pizza" I made. I took whole wheat tortilla wraps and crisped them up by putting them in a hot pan-NO OIL. Then I spread garlic hummus on it, around a half tablespoon. I topped it with fresh tomatoes from G's great-grandparents garden, a little salt and pepper, feta and basil from my herb garden.

I can't begin to tell you how yummy this was! It was really filling too. My son who is about 8 months is chowing down on another tortilla with just hummus on it. He loves it!

I can't wait to share more of the yummy goodies I come up on this journey to fulfill this goal!

XOXO,

D. Lynn

Frugal Tip #1

Lynn's Kitchen Adventures

Here is a wonderful tip that I really do use!

We all have those days-we just don't feel like making dinner. Soooooo....we usually hit up the fast food, right? WRONG! No more no more no more!

Since I am trying to drive my family down a healthier path, this just isn't an option. This is where FREEZER meals come into play.

Freezer meals are ones that you make ahead of time that you can just pop in the oven at anytime-JUST like you would a boxed meal or pizza. The advantage to this is not only does it not take it any effort, BUT its a healthier version for your family.

There are so many options when it comes to freezer meals: Baked Spaghetti, Lasagna, Soups, Stews, the list goes on and on!

I tend to look what I have in my pantry on what needs to be used up. This is a great way to figure out what you can make! Toss a few cans of veggies together with some chicken or ground beef is always an easy dish!

All you do, is cook a large portion of you favorite meal, and put in either freezer safe plastic containers OR the toss-able foil containers.

Write on each one the name of the dish, cooking instructions and the date prepared. Usually, these meals just need to be popped in the over at around 350 degrees for anywhere from 35-55 mins, It depends on the size of the dish. You can also defrost by putting it in the fridge in the A.M., so that cooking time is less!

Still don't have any ideas? Check out some of these awesome blogs!







XOXO,
D. Lynn

Coupon Basics #1

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Anyone who knows me knows I have a real passion for coupons. Why? Because I really have saved a ton of money from it. You can honestly save anywhere from 45-90% on your grocery bill with coupons. So, I have started this series to help any of you that is interested. Just know that everything I teach is legal and ethical. God has blessed me in abundance with couponing, so I will not trade that for anything other that what is right. Also, when you coupon-think of others.

"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what they need." 2 Corinthians 8:14

So where do we get all of those coupons? Plenty of places!


-Sunday Papers: This is the most obvious choice. I pick up four papers every Sunday. I like to make sure that if there is a hott coupon, I will have multiples. The beginning of the month is always the best. That is when Proctor & Gamble puts out their coupon booklet. It usually contains over $100 worth of coupons in it!

-Online Printables: This is another great way to get coupons. There are numerous sites you can go on! Such as- coupons.com, RedPlum.com, SmartSource.com,Target.com, CVS.com. Check these sites out. Also, play around with the zip code search as well. There will be different coupons for different regions. 

-Peelies- These are exactly what they sound like. They are the little sticker that is stuck to certain products at the store. Now please, don't clear out every coupon there is-although I have heard a lot of vendors say they don't care who gets the coupon, because the product will get sold either way-don't go crazy.

-Tear Pads: These are also located randomly throughout stores. When I see one of these, I do tear off a few. I have used these plenty of times! I love finding these.

-Blinkies: These are the coupons that spit out of the blinking box. These can be good coupons too, but most will not double. Keep that in mind.

-Emailing Companies: I could not tell you how many companies I have sent quick emails to asking for coupons and they have responded generously! From diapers to peanut butter, if there is a product you really like, but are not finding a coupon-just ask!

-Free Samples: There are plenty of blogs out there that will post when companies are offering free samples. I suggest you pick one and check it regularly. I use Hip2Save.com. She posts throughout the day and I have received magazine subscriptions, tshirts, toothpaste, diapers, coupons, drinks, notebooks, etc. from this site! The great thing about getting these free items is not just that they are free, but they usually come with coupons!

-Home Made Simple: This is a coupon booklet that you can send off for every thirty days. Many people in the coupon world sign up for this. I suggest you do too! Home Made Simple.

-Research Companies: There are so many groups out there that want you to try their products and give them feedback. If you are going to sign up for these mailings, make sure you have a spam email. You will get tons, but sometimes, they will be filled with awesome stuff! VocalPoint.com

-P&G Sampler- This is a sampler box that Proctor and Gamble send out for free. Its filled with samples of their products and tons of coupons.  P&G Sampler






XOXO,
D. Lynn

Sale Cycles!

Krazy Coupon Lady

Wanted to share this wonderful list from The Krazy Coupon Lady!!!

Everyone knows that produce is seasonal.  If you want to make a triple batch of strawberry or apricot freezer jam, the best time of year to do it is during the summer when the fruit is in season, and thereby at its lowest annual cost.  A savvy shopper waits until a product is on sale and then stocks up!  The idea is to create a stockpile that will last you 3-12 months, or until the product again reaches its lowest price.

Packaged Foods are seasonal just like produce! Each calendar month brings a new batch of sales.  Here’s the predictable sale cycle for each calendar month:

January:

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods including: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs
Super Bowl Sunday:  Pepsi, Coke, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings
Seasonal Produce: oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, spinach
Clearance:  Christmas decorations, toys, wrapping papers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Winter Health:  cold medicines and vitamins

February:

National Canned Food Month:  canned fruit, vegetables, meats:  tuna, chicken, salmon, pie fillings
National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, syrup
Valentines:  chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, noodles
Seasonal Produce:  artichoke, asparagus, raspberries, potatoes, strawberries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, spinach

March:

Frozen Food Month: frozen meals, TGI Fridays, Contessa, Foster Farms chicken, Eggo, Sara Lee, Healthy Choice, DiGiorno, Freschetta, Breyers, Dreyers, Marie Callendars
Seasonal Produce: artichoke, asparagus, avocado, Haas, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, fennel, kale, leek, lemon, lime, mushrooms, onions, orange, peas, radish, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, tangerine

April:

Easter:  ham, eggs, some baking supplies:  sugar, spices, baking mixes, chocolate chips
Earth Day: organic foods, Energy Saver
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, grapefruit, Hass Avocado, mushrooms, onions, peas, rhubarb
Clearance:  after Easter sales are the time to stock up on decorating, baskets, etc for the next year.

May:

Memorial Day: BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
Paper Products:  plates, utensils, insect repellant, sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo:  salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: artichokes, asparagus, avocado, beans, green, beets, blackberries, carrots, onions, sweet vidalia, peas, edible pods,  English/Shelling peas, new potatoes, raspberries, strawberries

June:

National Dairy Month:  eggs, milk (free milk Catalina, wyb cereal), ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, Cool Whip, in-store dairy coupons or booklets
End of June is Fourth of July Sales: hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
Seasonal Produce: apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn, cucumber, eggplant, grapes, honeydew, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, red onions, summer squash, strawberries, sweet Vidalia onions, tomatoes, watermelon

July:

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales:   hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
End of July,  Back to School Sales begin:  crayons, pencils, folders, binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian pears, Bartlett pears, green beans, blueberries, corn, cucumber, eggplant, figs, garlic, grapes, nectarines, red onions, Valencia oranges, peaches, peppers (sweet, bell), plums, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon

August:

Back to School: pudding cups, lunch meat,
Staples and Office Depot penny items
Disinfectant:  Clorox, Purell
Clearance:  insect repellant, sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Apple (Gravenstein), Hass avocado, beans, green beans, berries, corn, cucumber, eggplant, figs, grapes, melons, onion, peaches, Bartlett pears, bell pepper, plums, raspberries, summer squash, tomatillo, tomato

September:

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  crayons, pencils, folders, binders
Diabetes:  Bayer glucose meters, Glucerna cereal
Seasonal Produce: apples, artichokes, beans, bell peppers, chili peppers, cucumber, eggplant, grapes, onion, Valencia orange, pears (Asian, Bartlett), pomegranate, squash, tomatillo, tomatoes, winter squash

October:

Halloween:  candy
Beginning of the baking sales:  canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: almonds, apples, artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard, chestnuts, cranberries, lemons, parsnip, pears, pomegranate, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, winter squash, turnips, yams

November:

Baking Sales in full swing: nuts, chocolate chips, evap milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, cake mixes
Canned foods – soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce
Turkey, canned pumpkin, stovetop stuffing, Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, gravy mixes, Rhodes rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou pears, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, Comice pears, cranberries, kiwi, lemons, oranges, potato, squash, yams
Clearance:  After Halloween Sales are the time to stock up on things for the next year.  I like to buy the Halloween candy-alternatives like halloween crayons, erasers, watches, spinning tops, etc.  I mix this in with my next year’s candy bowl, and it stretches my loot for all the neighbor kids!

December:

Holiday Dinner:  egg nog, deli platters, instant potatoes, gravy mixes, Rhodes rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows
Baking: flour, sugar, butter, cream, cake mix, brownie mix, muffin mix, breads, pie crust, marshmallow, whipped cream
Canned foods – soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce
Clearance:  Buy all your Thanksgiving Decorations, extra table settings and turkey carving products now once they’re at least 50% off.




XOXO,
D. Lynn