• Book: Giant Storybook Treasury by Richard Scarry

    The girls love Richard Scarry’s Giant Storybook Treasury and can often be seen toting it into the van to read as we drive around town.  Our family has spent some extra time in doctors office these past two weeks and the girls brought this book along for the adventure (to give you an idea of how long we were in the waiting room, we read the entire book and then some….).

    The book contains 12 classic stories in one book.  One of the best parts of the books is its great illustrations with colorful pictures of pigs, cats, foxes, and more.  Some of the stories in this book:

    • Mother Cat’s Busy Day
    • The Firefighters’ Busy Day
    • Miss Honey’s School Bus
    • Mr. Gronklers Busy Day

    The girls have enjoyed this book for a long time (even before they could read).  If your looking for a fun and fascinating book this is a great one to check out.

  • Honey & Lemon Sore Throat Remedy

    When you have a sore throat this is a great recipe to try.  The girls love it and makes them feel better.   A little bit of water, honey, and lemon helps coat the throat and soothes the pain.

    Honey & Lemon Sore Throat Remedy:

    • Hot Water
    • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (or fresh squeezed lemons)
    • 1 teaspoon Honey

    Fill a mug 3/4 full of hot water. Add equal amounts of lemon and honey.  Stir the lemon and honey until dissolved.

    The warm water, honey, lemon are soothing for the throat.  You can add a little more lemon and honey if you prefer.

  • Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals

    Lunch is ready for the kids to take to school.

    The girls love taking their lunch to school.  I try to pack a protein, a veggie, fruit, drink, and snack.  With one kid with food allergies she doesn’t have dairy, but the other chickie usually takes yogurt and cheese stick.

    Lunch Box Meal:

    • Tuna Fish Sandwich
    • Fresh Apple Slices with Caramel
    • Fresh Banana Pepper
    • Dried Peaches
    • Fruit Chew
    • Mott’s Pomegranate Applesauce
    • Animal Crackers
    • Stila Blueberry Granola Bar
    • Yogurt Tube
    • Windmill Cookies (Egg, Diary, & Peanut FREE)!
    • Cranberry Juice

    The girls are pretty good about helping put together their lunches, however, on busy days I will do it for them.  Do you pack your kids lunch everyday?  What do you like to put in their lunch boxes?

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our “Celebrating & Savoring a Simple Christmas” Winner!

    The name has been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to

    Myeshia U.

    for winning Crystal Paine’s new ebook

    “Celebrating & Savoring a Simple Christmas”!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    I hope this ebook is a wonderful blessing in your life!

    If you didn’t win you can still get a copy of the  Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine which will be available for $0.99 for 1 more day ONLY (Tuesday, November 13 to Thursday, November 15, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.

    Don’t forget to enter our Say Anything Family Game Giveaway too!

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.

  • Pampers Gifts to Grow – 10 Free Points

    You can receive another 10 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!

    This code is different from the previous codes I have given.

    • Use Code:  NOVWIN12NLSPNMR

    (Expires 11/30/12 at midnight CST) 

    You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!  For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!

  • Travel & Vacation: Seeing the Countryside of Bangalore, India

    You never know what you will see driving down the road….pretty sure the people hanging off the vehicle are not wearing their seat belts!

    We had a great time with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family while we were in India.  India had a lot of agricultural areas near Bangalore too.  It was neat seeing all the fields, produce, people, farmers market, small villages and more.  No matter where you travel in India there is always a ton to look at and soak in as you are driven to your destination.

    Notice the fence….in the United States we make most of our fences out of wood or metal posts with wire in between.  In India it is common to see slabs of rock, cement, marble, or whatever they can find in the area for a fence around their home, livestock, and fields.  I am sure those pieces are very heavy to move too!

    Tropical fruit orchard near Bangalore, India (these look like bananas)

    Outside farmers market on the way to the airport

    A field of grapes!

    Someone has to ride in the back of the truck in case the merchandise decides to fall out.

    After growing up on a farm it was interesting seeing how they farm in India.  Even though they do some things differently with their crops, they have delicious food!  It was great having the opportunity to go to India.  Thankful for the amazing time we had and hope that we will be able to make another trip someday.  The people were very hospitable and I learned a lot not only about the area, but about myself.

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of November 14 – 20, 2012

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.  It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meat and Seafood

    Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb

    Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb

    Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb

    Ground Beef – $1.99 lb

    Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb

    *Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.

    Fridge and Freezer

    Home Churned Butter Quarters (16 oz) – $1.99

    Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Signature Pick 5 Pizzas (26 – 28 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Signature Pick 5 Onion Rings (2 pounds) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Signature Pick 5 Corn Dogs (25.6 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Signature Pick 5 Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Signature Pick 5 Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds) – 5 for $19.99 special*

    Banquet Frozen Dinners – $0.99

    Produce

    Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb

    Sweet Potatoes – $0.25 lb

    Potatoes (8 pounds) – $1.99

    Celery – $0.49 each

    Household

    Save A Lot Today Paper Towels (1 roll) – $0.50

    Grocery

    Save A Lot Today Mashed Potatoes  – $0.79

    Save A Lot Today Apple Juice Cocktail – $1.49

    Save A Lot Today Buttermilk Pancakes – $0.49

    Save A Lot Today Cereal – $1.00

    Save A Lot Today Toaster Pastries – $0.99

    Wylwood Canned Vegetables – $0.59

    Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.49

    Ginger Evans Granulated Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99

    Westcott Vegetable or Canola Oil (48 oz) – $2.69

    Kaskey’s Broth  – $0.50

    Kaskey’s Condensed Cream Soups – $0.50

    Colburn Farms Evaporated Milk (12 oz) – $0.69

    Colburn Farms Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz) – $1.19

    Ginger Evans Sweet Chocolate Chips (11.5 oz) – $1.79

    Ginger Evans Light Brown Sugar (32 oz) – $1.49

    Ginger Evans Powdered Sugar (32 oz) – $1.49

    Grissom’s Brown & Serve Dinner Rolls (12 oz) – $0.99

    Tipton Grove Jelly or Whole Cranberry Sauce (14 oz) – $0.89

    Crystal 2.0 Purified Drinking Water (24 count – 16.9 oz bottles) – $2.69

    Stuffing on the Side (6 oz) – $0.79

    Save A Lot Soft Drinks (2 liters) – $0.69

    Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.  For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.  Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.

  • Giveaway & Review: “Celebrating & Savoring a Simple Christmas” ebook by Crystal Paine (24 HOURS ONLY)

    Do you want to have a meaningful, memorable, relaxed Christmas this year? Do you really want to be able to savor and enjoy this season-not just rush through it feeling overwhelmed and behind? Are you tired of overspending every Christmas in attempt to feel close to your loved ones?  I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas.   Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog and this is a positive and practical ebook that will encourage you to focus on the joy of Christmas while staying within the family budget!

    24 HOURS ONLY 1 lucky reader will win a FREE copy of the Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine!  ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great ebook (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)!

    You can get started reading  Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (November 13 – 15, 2012)!

    Who is This Book For?

    Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas is for you if:

    • You end every Christmas season frazzled, with a cold, and in need of a nap.
    • You dread the day after Thanksgiving and every day following up and until New Year’s Day.
    • You want your house to look beautiful for Christmas, but instead it’s a mess!
    • You end up overwhelming yourself by spending too much time on Christmas crafting and baking

    Why I love this book:

    I LOVE the Christmas Holidays and celebrating with my family!  Somehow with the busy activities, shopping, gift wrapping, delivering, programs, and everything else the “to do” list gets longer and before long I am exhausted.  Not to mention some years our budget has been stretched a little bit too much.  I like that Crystal encourages people to kept it simple and stay within your family budget.

    After reading Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the direction of a Simple Christmas as well.  My husband and I have already discussed our Christmas budget (and sticking to it) and several other items already.  I am looking forward to spending some time together to go over more of the topics I read about in Crystal’s book.  I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource especially with the upcoming Christmas season!   Here’s just a few topics covered in this book:

    • How to organize your Christmas list
    • How to make & stick to a Christmas budget
    • Holiday freezer cooking
    • Simple and inexpensive homemade gifts
    • How to get and keep your home clean & organized
    • Printable worksheets for your Holiday planning
    • And Many More great tips to help you have a fun Christmas Holiday with your family.

    24 Hour Giveaway Details

    As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway!  1 WINNER will receive a free copy of Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine!

    Enter the Giveaway (up to 4 entries per person)!

    1. Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email
    2. Follow Blessings Multiplied on Twitter – @BlessMultiplied
    3. Like Blessings Multiplied on Facebook – BlessingsMultiplied
    4. BONUS – you can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your favorite part of the Christmas Holidays.

    All comments must be made by Wednesday, November 14, 2012 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    I encourage you to check out more information on Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those Holiday projects and events!  This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on track for a simple and relaxing Christmas season!  What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!

    The Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, November 13 to Thursday, November 15, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99. 

    I was given this ebook for free to write an informed review.  The ebook, specific product information, and pictures were provided by Crystal Paine, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.   I was not paid to write this post.  A special thanks to Crystal Paine for providing me a copy of her Celebrating & Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook to review as well as one to giveaway to my readers!

  • Teacher “Thank You” Gifts

    Thank You goodies for the girls teachers!

    For Thanksgiving the girls always enjoy bringing in a “thank you” note and a little surprise for their teacher.   Here is one where they put M&M’s in a mason jar, added a ribbon on top, and a little note.  The note said:

    Mrs. __________,

    We are a thankful for a Magnificent & Marvelous teacher this year!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Love,

    Brina & Karlie

    If you are looking for a simple and easy thank you gift for a teacher, friend, neighbor, or family member this is a great one to try!

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 11 & Day 12)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 12

    Who:  Nutritionist

    When one of our girls was tested for dyslexia earlier this year she was also tested for a variety of nutritional / allergy items.   She came back high in diary, peanuts and eggs so we have adjusted our meals to make sure she had none of those items for about 2 months and are now re-introducing them slowly to see how she reacts.  She has been going to the nutritionist and tutor for several weeks now and it has been a real blessing.  She loves going and today she hand delivered a thank you card and a hug to them today.

    Day 11

    Who:  Doctors & Nurses

    Today I am thankful for Doctors and nurses.  Within the last few days we had a sick kid, several doctor appointments, our yearly physicals, 4 trips to the pharmacy, and 2 trips to the urgent care.  As much as I dislike going to the doctor I am thankful that they are available when we need them.  Many nurses, doctors, and health care professionals work all week, the weekend, and even Holidays.  Today I sincerely “thanked” the staff for all their help.

    Day 10

    Who:  Aunts & Uncles

    I am thankful for the great Aunts & Uncles in my life.  Today I sent an “I’m Thankful For…..” cards and sent a note of thanks.