Week of 2/26 deals

Happy Wednesday & Leap Day!  Unfortunately, this week wasn't as successful as last week on my deals.  In fact, I was a little disappointed.  My sinus infection returned over the weekend and took a turn for the worse, so I spent my Monday (usual shopping day) in the dr's office.  I did make it to CVS and Rite Aid yesterday.  This is what I got for less then $6.00

Rite Aid:

Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner, $3.50, use (1) $3.00/2 from 2/26 paper

Paid $4.00, recv $2.00 Up Rewards

Final Price, $1.00 each

CVS:

Glade Room Spray, $1.00, use (1) $2.00/2 from BHG magazine

Final Price:  FREE

Thermacare Wrap, $3.79

Paid $3.79, recv $3.79 extra bucks

Final Price:  FREE

Colgate Total Toothpaste, $2.74, use (2) $.75 coupon from 2/26 paper

use $2.00/2 CVS printer coupon

Paid $1.98, recv $2.00 extra bucks

Final Price:  $.02 moneymaker

Naturemade Vit C, $5.59( B1G1F), use (1) $3.00/2 coupon from 2/26 paper

Final Price:  $2.59 for both

Schick Shaving Gel, $1.99, use (1) $.75/1 coupon from 2/26 paper

Final Price:  $1.24

Final for all:  $5.81

Have a blessed Wednesday!!



 

 

A Heavy Heart

Today my heart is heavy as I learned that a good friend of mine just had a miscarriage.  It was a hard conversation as I tried to be strong while I was talking to her to offer support, but at the same time my heart was breaking as I know how excited she was just last week of the exciting news.  I never know how to respond in these situations as I feel completely overwhelmed with sadness, but I don't have the words to offer comfort.  It's unfortunate that I have had several close friends  who have had to experience this awful tradigy- some more than once.  I wish I had to ability to comfort and take away the pain; however I know that is in God's control and I will simply offer support and be a shoulder to cry on when needed.  In times like these we need to remember to lean on God for support and help bring us through these tough situations.  For those of you who have experienced a loss remember that your loved ones may not understand what you are going through, but know they are saddened and want to support you in any way that is needed.   

 

 

Cinnamon Rolls!

Every Sunday morning, I make cinnamon rolls before church.  It's a tradition my parents started when I was younger and now I make them for my family!  I don't know if they meant to make this a tradition, but I know I looked forward to them!!

I am finally getting into a baking frenzy again, it's been awhile!  So, after being reassured how easy this recipe was with a co-worker on Friday, I made homemade cinnamon rolls!!  

Thanks Leslie!!

The recipe is from All Recipes and is super easy!!  Here is a link for you!  

And you know it's super easy if I can make them and Ryan wants to bring some to work!  :)

I did use my bread machine to knead the dough, but I don't count that as cheating, just a little assistance!  :)  

Then after that part was done, Del and I rolled the dough out and mixed together the cinnamon ingredients! 

 All rolled up, ready to be cut!

 I put them in my greased 9X13 casserole dish and let them rise overnight, so easy Sunday morning to mix the frosting and bake them!!

End result!  Delicious!!

Do you have any traditions that involve certain foods?

 

 

Military Care Package

Kyle with Maddie, the day he left

Today, my heart is heavy as I'm really missing my younger brother, Kyle who is currently serving our country as a US Navy Seal in Cuba.  He left on his yearly deployment in October.  Between myself, my dad, and Kyle's Fiance, we try to stay connected through Skype & send as many care packages as we can to keep his mind at ease while he misses home.  Recently, he said he has enough food to last him a month :-)  That tells ya we send him a lot!  He has to have a lot of low-sodium foods, so that's usually what we send him.  And, his sugar addiction--he loves gummy bears, sour patch kids, red bull and laffy taffy! 

This week, I'm getting a box around which is going to include his all-time favorite--Chocolate No-Bakes!  He's been asking for these for some time now, but we didn't know exactly how they would get there fresh since it takes about 2 weeks for delivery to Cuba.  My dad just purchased a "seal-a-meal", so we're going to try it out--it's worth a shot!  I will probably get him a little toy like Legos or something, and some crosswords puzzles.  It sounds silly, but anything to keep his mind on home is good!  Most importantly, we send him letters & pictures!  He loves it!

So in your days to come, please remember to say a prayer for our men and women overseas and pray for their safe return home!  We love you Kyle and thank you for your hard work and protecting our country--we can't wait for you to come home!

 

 

Let it Snow.. Let it Snow.. Let it Snow

It's Feb 25th and we finally got our first real snow!  Typically I complain about snow, but it hasn't seemed like winter this year as it has been very mild...I'm not saying that I really want much snow, but I was really excited when we got snow yesterday.  I took the girls outside to play in the snow today and it was a blast!  While it did take about 30 minutes to get both girls ready to play in the snow it was worth every minute.

  

Enjoy your Saturday especially if you just got your first snow of the season!! 


 

Reach For the Stars

TGIF!  

I don't know what it is about the weekend, but Fridays are wonderful!  Maybe it's the anticipation of knowing you get 2 whole days (hopefully) with your family.  

You may be catching up with some friends or staying home and finally getting a chance to read a book or read a good blog!  :)

Either way, no matter what day it may be, make it the best and 

Reach For the Stars!  

 

 

I have to BRAG............

I had fun shopping this week for my deals, yes I did!  I made it to CVS, Meijer, Walmart, Walgreens and Rite Aid!  All in one day, without my 8 month old!  Here's what I brought home for less then $17.00 for 40 items!!  Even though, I'm bummed as I just spent a pretty penny to fix my laptop--but it's like brand new!!

Meijer:
Mentos U2 Gum, $1.00 each, use (3) $1.00/1
Final Price:  FREE

Meijer Dressing, $1.00 each
MPerks, $.75/3
Final Price:  $2.25 for all 3

Pizza Rolls, $1.00, use (2) $.40/2, doubles to $.80/2
MPerks, $.40/2
Final Price:  $2.00 for 4 boxes!

Walmart:
Aquafresh Toothpaste, Trail Size, $.97, use (2) $1.00/1 exp 3/20
Final Price:  $.06 Moneymaker

Glade Oil Warmer, $1.38 each, use (3) $1.50/1 exp 3/24
Final Price:  $.36 Moneymaker

Oral-B Floss, $.97 each, use (4) $1.00/1 exp 2/29
Final Price:  $.12 Moneymaker

U Kotex Liners, $1.24, use (1) $1.00/1 exp 2/25
Final Price:  $.24

Walgreens:
Degree Deo, $1.99 each, use (3) $1.00/1 exp 2/26
Final Price:  $2.97 for 3

Skinmate Shaving Cream, $1.99, use (1) $1.00/1 exp 2/26
Final Price:  $.99

Rite Aid:
Vaseline Lotion, $2.97 each, use (2) $1.00/1 exp 2/26
Paid $3.94, recv $4.00 UP Rewards
Final Price:  $.06 Moneymaker on both

Colgate Toothpaste, $3.50, use (1) $.75/1 exp 3/3
Paid $2.75, recv $3.50 UP Rewards
Final Price:  $.75 Moneymaker

CVS:
Coldcalm, $6.99
Paid $6.99, recv $6.99 extra bucks
Final Price:  FREE

Kleenex, $.88, use (1) $.50/3 exp 3/11
Final Price:  $2.13 for 3

Eclipse Gum, $1.00, buy 3
Paid $3.00, recv $2.00 extra bucks
Final Price:  $1.00 for 3

Right Gaurd Deo, $3.00, use (1) $1.00/2 exp  3/4
Paid $5.00, recv $2.00 extra bucks
Final Price:  $3.00 for both

Glade Oil Refills, $3.00, use (3) $2.00/1 exp 3/24
Final Price:  $3.00 for 3

TOTAL FOR EVERYTHING HERE WAS $16.23!! 

I also need to brag about this.......


 I bought this at Kohls for $139.30!!!
It was on sale for $299.  I had 30% off, which equals to $89.70.  There's a $30 Mail-in-rebate.  And I got $40 in Kohls Cash!!  I'm thinking spring, so this is my new kitchen color......and to add to my kitchen makeover, I got these glass jars to hold my baking items at Michaels for $1.00 each!  I cut some paper, painted it with chalkboard paint and added some cardstock that matches my kitchen color.  Had to share!

 

Introducing Jen's Bake Shoppe

I don't usually use my ipad to post but my laptop is broke and it couldn't be fixed remotely today, so my deals for the week will have to wait until tomorrow so I have pictures! Today, I'm really excited to introduce my new site here. After much thinking, I've decided to give it a shot and offer my creations to others! I decided to just name it Jen's Bake Shoppe because my husband didn't like anything else I had in mind. With being a stay-at-home mom, this has given me the opportunity to see if this business will grow into something much larger--we will just have to see! As always, I've dreamed of having my own storefront. But for now, I legally sell my sweets out of my beautiful new home on a one-on-one basis. In the near future, I will be having a sweet sale at my home where I will serve free samples and have cash and carry on all my cupcakes and cookies. Right now, I'm offering to my first "10" customers to "like" my FB page(through my website)/ or follow my blog AND order a dozen or more (valid only on same flavor if more then a dozen) will get 20% off your first order. Thanks for visiting and wish me SWEET success! Jen

cPrime is Everywhere!

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By Lockerz

I'm so excited because cPrime is now part of Evolv!  cPrime develops fashion-forward performance wear that can change your life by working immediately to maximize your body’s performance. The cPRIME Bands may also help to increase your strength, balance, flexibility and endurance: Every cPRIME Bracelet and Band is equipped with a chip that alters the way your body interacts with the electromagnetic environment around you.

 

In addition to all the great benefits of cPrime they are full of style.  Celebs such as Cameron Diaz and Madonna wear cPrime along with many top performing athletes: NBA star Dwight Howard and NFL star Justin Tuck, to name a few. 

 

I can now order cPrime and am so excited to order my first two in pink and white- see below. 

 

 

 

  My husband Paul is going to order this one:

Which one are you going to order?  Check out www.heidistern.myevolv.com for more details or to place your cPrime order. 



 

Storms

As I was reflecting back on this last week, I realized how much God directs us and guides us through others.  Last Sunday, before I knew it, Abe had gone all day with no pacifier!  All day!!!  So, we thought we'd take it one day at a time and now it's been 1 whole week and he's been just fine!!  He actually goes to bed quicker without his pacifier, except during nap time.  He loves to pull himself to standing so he pulls himself up and just jabbers, it's pretty cute!!

When we're faced with storms, I believe God wants us to take life one day at a time!  And before you know it, you'll be through the storm.  It may not go as quickly or easily as you'd like but in God's time, His will will be shown!

I feel like I'm at a cross road right now and I'm not sure which direction to take with some situations.  Luckily, I don't have to choose, God will lead me...if I hand it all over to Him!   As I thank my many blessings, my heart is heavy tonight for so many other families and friends who are not as fortunate.  They still have so many blessings but right now they seem to be going through some big storms.  Please keep them in your prayers!!

Make every moment count!!

 

 

Pizza Soup Recipe

This recipe goes way back for me.  It's very unique since you don't really hear the word "pizza soup" -- And when you do hear it, the first thing that comes to mind is "gross", right?  That's what I said too until I tried it!  I immediately fell in love with it. It taste just like pizza!  I don't make this that often but when I do, I make enough so I can eat on it for a couple days.  The recipe will make a good amount; probably 5 big soup bowls full.  Try it--you won't be disappointed! 

What you will need:

3 cans of tomato soup (10-3/4 oz cans)
2 cans of water
1 pound HOT sausage (you can use regular but hot gives it a kick)
1 green pepper, diced
3 medium tomatoes, diced
8 oz pkg of fresh mushroom
1/2 cup diced onion
8 oz bag pepperoni
2 tbsp oregano
1-1/2 tbsp basil
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
Shredded Motz Cheese

In a large pot, brown the sausage.  I usually leave the grease in the pot as there shouldn't be that much.  Add the green pepper, mushroom & onion.  Sauteed for a couple minutes.

Add the rest of the ingredients except for the motz cheese. 

Stir occasionally and simmer on low for 30-45 minutes. 

Add to a soup bowl and top with mozzarella cheese

Don't forget a napkin as the cheese will wrap around your chin!!





 

 

Family Is The Glue that Holds People Together

I've had a hard week and quite honestly have shed a lot of tears.  People closest to me know that I am not usually one to cry or to get emotional, but this week was extremely emotional for me.  I was away from my family the majority of the last week and now that Kylie (my 3 year old) is getting bigger it is harder on me to be away as she now tells me she doesn't want me to go to work or that she wants me to take her with.  I recently got an ipad and have been using facetime with the family; this is wonderful, however sometimes I think it is harder on me as it is a reminder that I am away from me family and reminds me of how much I love them and miss them.   In addition to being away there have been some personal issues going on in my life that combined with being away really put pressure on me.  I also learned yesterday of an unfortunate situation that has completely turned a love one's life upside down and it is very difficult for all involved.

This week was a tough week; however I know that I have a wonderful life and an extremely loving family that will help get me through this slump.  Family really is what holds people together and everyone needs to make sure to remember to stay close to your family and make sure you show them love.   My girls have been extremely cute today and have helped me laugh and get back to my normal self.  Below are a few pictures of them being so cute( notice Kylie in my heels)!!

  

Create Lasting Memories

I love, love, love anything to do with creating memories and I also love, love, love to create lasting memories for my family, friends and clients! With that said, I'm so happy to be announcing that you can hire me to capture your next birthday party, baptism, adoption hearing, birth, or even pregnancy announcement!!  You have something to share, hire me, or at least a photographer!!  That's what we do, capture your memories so you can cherish them forever!!!!  

*I do offer 1 FREE session to a family that is fostering and/or adopting!  The foster and/or adoption must be in the year that the pictures are taken!  *

Click on over to my business/personal blog to see what memories could be captured at your next birthday party!!




Also, by the time you read this I'll be a whole year older!!!  YIKES, 1 more year and I'm the big 3-0!!!
 
 

S'mores Anyone?

I was inspired by Jenn's post on Monday about camping, as my family and I LOVE to camp too!
It's really all we've been talking about since this crazy weird winter we've been having!!  Our favorite part of camping is sitting around a good campfire enjoying an old fashion s'mores--Yum!  So yummy my husband has been craving them, so I built this.....

S'mores Cupcakes:  A graham cracker cupcake topped with  Ghirardelli chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow frosting.

Also, I would like to say Happy Birthday to our Prodigy Momma friend, Jenn!  I hope you have a great birthday!




 

Why I Love Zoup

I don't have many restaurants that I love, but I do love Zoup! There is a Zoup by my office and whenever i am in town i have lunch there. The regular workers know me by name..some may not think that is a good thing, but i do as it shows customer service. There is a retired man Dave that works there and he calls me by name everytime I am there and he even has made me homemade applesauce (which i have to admit was the best ever). Do you realize that I have not even mentioned how great the  food is yet? This is exactly what i want I am trying to get at.. I know that if someone has great customer service that regardless of the food people will recommend based on their experience. Yes Zoup has great food, but I am a regular based on the experience, not the food. Too many times I visit a store or restaurant and have horrible service and that is what i remember and share. Let a lesson be learned-provide a great experience and you will be successful. Thank you Zoup for providing first class service.

http://www.zoup.com/

Happy Valentine's Day

Do you feel the love in the air??  I do!  I do!  I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.  There isn't a formula or method--You learn to love by loving!  My husband and I have never been big on Valentine's day, but we do make sure we at least spend it together on whatever we decide to do!  Today, we will be spending V-day "in house" since I have a horrible sinus infection :-(  I do however have a yummy dinner planned:  Steak & asparagus on the grill, tossed salad and homemade rolls.  We are also going to rent a movie!

I did however make some yummy V-Day cupcakes.  A couple guys helped my husband finish our garage this week, so I surprised them with some strawberry cupcakes and to set the mood, I topped them with a pink candy heart.

 

 

$1.00 deals for week Feb 12th

With a sinus infection on the rise, I didn't do that great with my deals this week :-( .  I didn't spend the time I usually do to get organized.  I did however still make it to CVS & Meijer, and what I did get wasn't much over a $1.00 each!  Here's what I brought home for less then $14.00 for 17 items!

CVS

Colgate Toothpaste, $2.75 each, use (2) $.75/1, exp 3/3

Paid $4.00, recv $4.00 extra bucks

Final Price:  FREE for both

Spend $15 get $5.00 extra bucks

Dove Shampoo/Conditioner, $3.00 each, use (4) $1.00/1, exp 2/26

Degree Womes Deo, $3.50, use (1) $1.00/1, exp 2/26

Paid $10.50, recv $5.00 extra bucks

Final Price:  $5.50 for all 5--that's $1.10 each!!

Got 2B hairspray, $3.99, use (1) $3.00/1, exp 5/12

Final Price:  $.99 (original price $6.99)

Meijer

Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks, $1.99 each, use (2) $.50/1, doubles to $1.00/1

MPerks:  $1.00/2

Final Price:  $1.00 ($.50 each)

Bisquick, $2.00 each, use (2) $.50/1, doubles to $1.00/1

Final Price;  $2.00 ($1.00 each) Great to take camping in the summer!!

Toaster Strudel, $2.00 each, use (1) $.50/2, doubles to $1.00/2

MPerks, $.50/2

Final Price:  $2.50 ($1.25 each)

Glade Candles, $2.00 each, use (1) $2.00/2

Final Price, $2.00 ($1.00 each)

Total for everything:  $13.99

 

 

Camping!!!!

We recently reserved our site for our first camping trip of 2012!  I don't know who's more excited, my husband, 4 year old or myself!  Even Oscar LOVES camping!  We have always camped, in a tent!  Yep, I said it, a tent!  There are several trips that we were thankful that our friends had a camper so we could hide out during rain storms but otherwise we love our tent! 

This is our first tent!  We actually bought it on a camping trip when we were dating! 

 This is our tent now!  LOVE it!  We can fit our double up inflatable mattress, area for Del to sleep, pack and play, chair to sit on and all of our clothes!  Plus there are so many nets to use to hang clothes on or keep certain items handy, which is nice with young children!  We always bring our oscillating fan with us, which is wonderful for those cool nights or warm mornings!

 This was our 2nd camping trip last year, our first one was Memorial weekend.  Abe was just 6 weeks old but it was so much fun!!!

 SOOOOO glad I saw this while registering, the best bouncy seat ever!!  Except there are 2 holes that you have to plug to keep bugs out.  Otherwise, it worked wonderfully last year!!!

Who doesn't love some creatures near your campsite!!

We have camped for years and each year we learn something new or think of something that we have to get for our next trip!

Tips:

Always bring shower shoes, for everybody!

Be friendly, you never know what you might forget and need!

Travel light, you'll be so much happier with leaving some stuff behind!

Invest in a good mattress, you'll be refreshed after a good night's sleep!

 If camping with others, share food!

Enjoy your time together as a family!

Do you have family trips planned?!