Deals & Giveaways

  • Love It – You Version (Free Bible App)

     

    A friend of mine shared this free app with me back in September.  While in a conversation with a group of friends we started discussing how much time we actually spend reading and/or listening to Scriptures. We decided as a group to encourage each other to read through the Bible completely.

    Each of person has chosen various plans, versions, etc…. Since I didn’t start this until the middle of September I decided to do the whole Bible in 90 days so I can listen to the entire Bible before the end of the 2012 calendar year.   Here’s the 90 Day Plan I chose.

    At the beginning of the New Year I plan to switch to another plan. I have a few that I am excited about doing but haven’t completely decided which one yet.  Even though I have grown up in a godly family and church and probably have read all the Bible verses at various times I honestly cannot say that I have not faithfully followed a “read / listen the whole bible plan” until this one (I know it is really sad and embarrassing to admit).

    I have been thinking and praying a lot about my life, parenting, etc…. if my heart isn’t right and I am not gaining wisdom from the best source available how am I suppose to raise children who love God? How can I make an eternal positive impact on the lives around me if I am living life in the flesh or doing what “I” think is best?

    So after gathering with a few friends (for accountability) who want to do the same thing we started using this awesome free app. I LOVE that I can listen to Bible with this app. Everyone learns a different way. I have found that if I get up earlier and listen to it while I walk on the treadmill I actually retain more. The girls have come down a few times and heard me listening to it as well and have asked to listen to the last half with me while they eat breakfast for school. It warms my heart to see them eager to hear the Bible.

    When I miss a day I have it set to remind me which helps me stay on track. I find the weekends harder to keep up with it since our schedule is always different so I listen to more chapters on Mondays to catch up. Doing the 90 day plan has a lot more reading / listening then some of the other plans but it has been wonderful, insightful, and encouraging listening to it.

    There are 100’s of plans to chose from (whole bible plans, topical plans, devotional, and more). I chose to do the whole bible because I have never done it before.   You can read it, listen to it on your phone, or on your computer. I typically listen to it on my phone (if I do it on the computer I tend to get too distracted) where I can take my phone downstairs where it is quiet and listen without interruptions or distractions.

    I am so EXCITED to say that I have actually stuck with this plan!  Tomorrow is my last day – Day 90!!!!!  YAY!!!!  I am already looking forward to narrowing down the next plan that I want to go through.

    While I did listen to the Whole Bible in the past 90 days I still have A LOT to learn!  There were days that I didn’t listen very well or got distracted.  I am so thrilled to finally find an app that works really well for me that I want to share it with you.  Since starting I have shared this app with many family and friends too.  Jake is working through one as well.

    I hope as we quickly approach Christmas Day and the New Year that you would consider challenging yourself to read or listen to the Bible, whether it is with this app or another.  We have so much that we can gleam from the Scriptures that can help encourage us throughout our days as well as point us to the One who truly has all the answers!

    Download The Bible App Now

  • Gift Giving: 12 Days of Christmas

    It’s that time of year again…..excitement is building and the countdown to the final days of Christmas draws nearer.  This year we decided to spread the Holiday Cheer out at our house this year by doing the 12 Days of Christmas again.  I did this last year and  the year before; both years it was a huge hit!

    Christmas morning can be so busy and this allows an opportunity to spread the fun over 12 days instead of packing everything into one day.  Starting December 13th the girls will be able to open one a day with the last one being opened on Christmas Eve.  The cost in the previous years was less than $20 total, including boxes and wrapping paper, however, we decided to add their “big” gift to this stack.  Most of the gifts were bought on clearance over the past year and their big gift really wasn’t that much because we got a great deal on it.  We did a joint stack for both of our girls, although you can choose to do a stack for each person.

    12 Days of Christmas

    • Day 1:  Reindeer Christmas Socks (purchase last year after Christmas on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 2:  White Christmas Teddy Bear Shaped Soap (purchased last year after Christmas on clearance and with rewards)
    • Day 3:  “B” and “K” Candy Cane Striped Christmas Ornament for each girl (purchased last year after Christmas on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 4:  Christmas Stocking Sticker Craft (purchased on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 5:  Two Colgate Kids Christmas Toothpastes  (purchased on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 6:  Two Christmas Games – Pin the Star on the Tree & Christmas Checkers (purchased on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 7:  Christmas Bear Pez Dispensers and Pez Candy Packs (purchased with rewards on clearance)
    • Day 8:  Disney Cars Christmas Spiral Notebooks (purchased on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 9:  Gingerbread House Kit (purchased on clearance)
    • Day 10:  Princess and Frosty Hot Chocolate Tins Sets (found on clearance at Kmart and used gift card)
    • Day 11:  New Winter PJ’s for each to wear (picked up on sale)
    • Day 12: New Digital Camera’s (purchased when it was on sale with Swagbucks gift cards)

    Their cameras are their “big” items for Christmas this year.  Jake and I decided to give them to the girls for the last day of their 12 Days of Christmas so they would have the cameras to use on Christmas Day.  The girls are taking more and more pictures these days.  The inexpensive, non-English digital cameras that we bought for them several years ago have held up remarkably well.  Whenever their cameras are not working over the past several months they were asking to borrow mine to use so we decided to do a little research, save up (including earning Swagbucks) and get them a little better quality cameras this year since they both are showing a big interest in photography and creative writing.  The cameras made my typical $20 or less 12 Days of Christmas gifts a little higher this year but since it included their big gift for the Holidays I am okay with that because they will be so excited to start using them.  This time around we got the same camera, but in different colors to help keep track whose is whose without putting names on each camera.

    Other Ideas for 12 Days of Christmas:

    • Hair Accessories
    • Facial Cleansers or Make Up – if you have a teenager just starting to wear makeup or want to update your collection my Mary Kay contact is doing a 12 Day of Christmas set!  If your husband is looking for something awesome to get you he may want to contact Ann too.
    • Socks or Tights
    • Chapstick
    • Socks
    • Gloves or Scarf
    • Card Game
    • Construction Paper
    • Markers or Crayons
    • Matchbox cars
    • Small Toys
    • Baby Doll Clothes
    • Christmas Underwear
    • The ideas are endless!

    I wrapped them in the original boxes or found ones around the house to put the items into.  The Christmas paper was purchased on clearance and I used a coupon.  Many of the items we purchased on clearance throughout the year and / or used CVS – ECBs and Walgreens – Register Rewards, Swagbucks Gift Cards or Coupons.  I cannot remember the price for all the items but with the rewards it very reasonable price for 12 gifts and some days had multiple items in them.

    We did a joint stack for our girls to save money, however, the items we picked match their individual interests (for example, the pj’s were themed to match each girls tastes).  When the girls walked into the room and saw the stack of gifts they were super excited.  Love seeing their faces and hearing their comments when they first see the stack.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 12 – 18, 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

    Hickory Springs Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99

    Beef Round Roast – $2.49 lb

    Hillshire Farms Sausage (16 oz) -2$1.99

    Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 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

    Coburn Farms Cream Cheese (8 oz) – $0.99

     Ginger Evans Crescent Rolls – $1.49

    Toni’s Pizza Rolls – $2.79

    Blue Bonnet Spread (45 oz) – $2.49

    Reddi Whip (6.5 oz) – $1.99

    Banquet Family Size Dinners (26 – 28 oz) – $1.99

    Coburn Farms Cream Cheese Spread (8 oz) – $1.89

    Home Churned Butter Quarters (16 oz) – $1.99

    Banquet Frozen Dinners – $0.99

    Coburn Farms Natural Cheese Slices (8 oz) – $2.29

    Produce

    Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb

    Carrots – $0.39 lb

    Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb

    Sweet Potatoes – $0.25 lb

    Russet Potatoes (8 pounds) – $1.99

    Celery – $0.59 each

    Grocery

    Cap’n Crunch Cereal, Assorted Varieties (12 – 14 oz) – $1.88

    Zesta Saltine Crackers (16 oz) – $1.89

    Maxwell House Wake Up Roast Coffee (30 oz) – $5.99

    Ragu Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varieties – $1.49

    A1 Steak Sauce (10 oz) – $2.99

    Little Debbie Holiday Cakes, Assorted Varieties – $1.50

    Little Debbie Big Packs, Assorted Varieties – $3.00

    J. Higgs Potato Chips (10 oz) – $1.49

    Sunbeam King Sandwich Bread – $1.50

    Coke (2 liter) – $1.00

    Ginger Evans Granulated Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99

    Ginger Evans Flour (5 pounds) – $1.69

    Wesson Oil (48 oz) – $2.49

    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

    Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99

    McDaniel Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $1.99

    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.

  • Torani Pumpkin Pie & Hazelnut Flavored Syrups

    Hot Chocolate with Torani Hazelnut Syrup, Cool Whip, and Sprinkles

    What is the secret ingredient behind those amazing coffee shop drinks that you and I enjoy so much?  It is the delicious syrups they use to flavor them.  Torani flavored syrups are made in the USA and are used at restaurants and coffeehouses in more than 40 countries around the world.   The best part is you can get these amazing flavored syrups and make your favorite drinks at home!

    As the weather gets cooler you may enjoy a hot cup of coffee to help jump start you on a crisp morning even more or a cup of hot chocolate by the fire with the family as you relax together on a cold evening.  Of course you may be in an area that is warm and would rather grab a smoothie or an iced coffee.

    Torani Pumpkin Pie and Hazelnut Syrups

    I was thrilled to hear that SheSpeaks teamed up with Torani and they were sending me some Torani Flavored Syrups to try!  I received the Salted Caramel and Peppermint flavored syrups.   They are delicious!  I have been having fun trying out a variety of fun recipes both Torani’s Recipes and ones that I have come up with myself.

    Torani offers over 120 Regular and Sugar Free Flavored Syrups which are the perfect compliment to your favorite Coffee, Espresso, Hot Chocolate, Lattes, Smoothies, Teas, and many other drinks you enjoy.  I have even used Torani Flavored Syrups in a few recipes while I was baking and they turned out great!  Our favorite baked goods were Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup in our Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins and Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup in our Pumpkin Dip!   My favorite way to eat / drink Torani Hazelnut Syrup is with a cup of coffee (hot or iced) and in hot chocolate.  Torani Flavored Syrups will add an extra special touch to your next party celebration!

    Coffee and cream with a touch of Torani Hazelnut Syrup

    Use them in

    • Flavored Coffees / Espresso Drinks
    • Italian Sodas
    • Flavored Tea, both hot and cold
    • Flavored Lemonade
    • Flavored Sodas (or Pop as we say in the Midwest!)
    • Cocktails
    • Mocktails
    • Flavored Energy Drinks

    Our family tried a variety of delicious recipes with our Torani Flavored Syrups!  The ones from Torani’s recipes are awesome so if your interested in getting started that’s a great resource.

    These Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins are super easy to make and taste awesome.  The last time I made these for a group of friends only 2 came home with us and the girls begged to take them in their school lunches.  You will not have to add any water, eggs or oil to this recipe and the muffin will still turn out with a moist.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

    • 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
    • 1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin
    • 1 teaspoon Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup
    • 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
    • 4 tablespoons Powdered Sugar

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease or line 24 muffin tins.  Mix together yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, and Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup until blended (the batter will be thicker than your typically cake mix).  Scoop evenly into muffin tins (I use an ice cream scoop) and set aside.  In another bowl blend softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.  Drop a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.  Remove from oven, cool, and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar over the top of each muffin prior to serving.

  • Love It – Cuisinart CPB-300 Compact Portable Blender & Chopper

    My husband bought me a Cuisinart Blender a little over a year ago and I LOVE it!  He got me a Cuisinart CPB-300 SmartPower 15-Piece Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System and it has been a huge hit with the whole family.  The best part is it is compact and comes with four 16 ounce single smoothie cups as well as a bigger blender.  I will often whip up a quick smoothie for myself for breakfast or a snack as I am walking out the door.

    I have used this blender A LOT and it has held up very well (its still in great condition).  Before this one I went through 2 KitchenAid Blenders which were much bigger and I didn’t use them nearly as often because it was harder to clean.  I cannot say enough good things about this blender.

    I have made a lot of different recipes with this Cuisinart.  The fruit smoothies are my favorite!  I have enjoyed experimenting with smoothies and  have discovered how easy it is to make smoothies at home.

    The girls will often request a smoothie for a special treat or snack too (so I am not the only one who loves the Cuisinart Blender).  I have included some of our favorites smoothie recipes.

    Smoothie Recipes

    Product Specifics

    • Sleek electronic touchpad with LED indicator lights
    • Powerful 350-watt motor
    • High, Low and Pulse controls
    • Standby mode; safety interlock and auto stop features
    • BS housing with stainless steel front pane
    • BPA-free Tritan 32-oz. blender jar, 8-oz. chopping cup, and set of four 16-oz. travel cups
    • Patented ultra-sharp stainless steel blades
    • Two interchangeable blade assemblies: blending blade and chopping blade
    • Recipe Book
    • Dishwasher safe
    • Limited 3-year warranty

     

    Blender

     Are you ready for a smoothie?

    “Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly in my household that I love!  There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun.  I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list.  It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!

  • 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:  SPC125WINTR12PA

    (Expires 12/9/12 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!

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 5 – 11, 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

    Hickory Springs Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99

    Beef Round Roast – $2.49 lb

    Hillshire Farms Sausage (16 oz) – $1.99

    Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 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

    Coburn Farms Cream Cheese (8 oz) – $0.99

     Ginger Evans Crescent Rolls – $1.49

    Toni’s Pizza Rolls – $2.79

    Blue Bonnet Spread (45 oz) – $2.49

    Reddi Whip (6.5 oz) – $1.99

    Banquet Family Size Dinners (26 – 28 oz) – $1.99

    Coburn Farms Cream Cheese Spread (8 oz) – $1.89

    Home Churned Butter Quarters (16 oz) – $1.99

    Banquet Frozen Dinners – $0.99

    Coburn Farms Natural Cheese Slices (8 oz) – $2.29

    Produce

    Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb

    Carrots – $0.39 lb

    Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb

    Sweet Potatoes – $0.25 lb

    Russet Potatoes (8 pounds) – $1.99

    Celery – $0.59 each

    Grocery

    Cap’n Crunch Cereal, Assorted Varieties (12 – 14 oz) – $1.88

    Zesta Saltine Crackers (16 oz) – $1.89

    Maxwell House Wake Up Roast Coffee (30 oz) – $5.99

    Ragu Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varieties – $1.49

    A1 Steak Sauce (10 oz) – $2.99

    Little Debbie Holiday Cakes, Assorted Varieties – $1.50

    Little Debbie Big Packs, Assorted Varieties – $3.00

    J. Higgs Potato Chips (10 oz) – $1.49

    Sunbeam King Sandwich Bread – $1.50

    Coke (2 liter) – $1.00

    Ginger Evans Granulated Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99

    Ginger Evans Flour (5 pounds) – $1.69

    Wesson Oil (48 oz) – $2.49

    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

    Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99

    McDaniel Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $1.99

    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.

  • Free Audio Book: “God is In A Manger” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

    For the month of December Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book .  This month the audio book is God is In A Manger by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

    These stirring words are among forty devotions that guide and inspire readers as they move thematically through the weeks of Advent and Christmas, from waiting and mystery to redemption, incarnation, and joy. Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer’s letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.  (information from Christian Audio)

    If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in December.   Make sure to submit your order by December 31,  2012  to get your free audio book.  Thanks Christian Audio!

  • Giveaway: $10 Kmart / Sears Gift Card

    I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 Kmart / Sears Gift Card!  The best part about this card is you can use it either at your local KMart or Sears (or a little at both).  If you need to pick up a  gift, looking to score some bargains, or just need to restock your household items after house guests this is the perfect card for you.    The stores offer everything from clothing, toys, household supplies, jewelry, health & beauty, toys and more!  Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

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

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  Put a separate comment for each way you follow Blessings Multiplied (Email, Twitter, or Facebook) plus an extra entry for your bonus answer!   Each comment counts as an entry into the giveaway.

    All comments must be made by December 31, 2012 at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.  Good Luck!

    The actual gift card may or may not be identical to the one pictured above.

  • New Upromise eCoupons for December 2012

    Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of December 2012. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.

    This month they have 26 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!

    You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.