Love It

  • Game: Bean Boozled by Jelly Belly

    Bean Boozled Game

    Some friends of ours introduced us to this game called Bean Boozled by Jelly Belly a couple years ago and it has been a big hit with our family!  We’ve even picked up some boxes to take with us when we traveled to play with extended family and friends.

    There was a local store that carried the game, but the last couple of times I was in the store they didn’t have it in stock.  When I asked about it both times the person working told me that they didn’t know if they would be re-stocking it.  I checked online and Amazon carries it (this would be a great one to add to an existing order so you get free shipping).

    I cannot tell you how many laughs we have had over this game.  It is quite hilarious!  With a group of people you have each person pick out a jelly bean to try.  The is no way to tell if you have a “good” flavored jelly bean or a “bad” flavor, but as soon as you bite into it you’ll know!  The faces of the people biting into the jelly beans is priceless. We even played this game with Jake’s grandparents the last time with visited Vermont.

    Flavors

    • Licorice or Skunk Spray
    • Top Banana or Pencil Shavings
    • Buttered Popcorn or Rotten Egg
    • Berry Blue or Toothpaste
    • Chocolate Pudding or Canned Dog Food
    • Peach or Barf
    • Juicy Pear or Booger
    • Caramel Corn or Moldy Cheese
    • Coconut or Baby Wipes
    • Strawberry Jam or Centipede

    Even though they may “look” the same they taste VERY different. It is a good idea to have a napkin available for each player in case they need to spit out the jelly beans.  If you want to play a trick on your co-workers put these in a bowl on your desk, depending on which one they get they may never snag a candy from your desk again!

    For obvious reasons this game can only be played one time! Once all the jelly beans have been eaten the game is over.  Our kids love this game and can tell you many great memories of when they played it with various family members and friends.

    All the fun flavors, hilarious game!

     The box reads:

    CAUTION  These jelly beans may look alike but they could not taste more different from each other.  Think you can tell them apart?  WE DARE YOU!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • Love It – BluApple

    I am very excited to share with you a little item that has saved me a lot of time, energy, and money over the past year while helping our family eat healthier! I have been asked many times how I can purchase marked down fresh vegetables and fruits without them going bad within a day or two…..well, I am going to share my little “secret” with all of you.  If you love to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, but wish they would stay fresh longer I have stumbled upon something that will really brighten your day! 🙂

    When I got the BluApples I was a little skeptical, to say the least.  How can these little blue apples really help extend the life of my fresh fruits and vegetables?!  Do they really work?  Is it worth the cost?  And many more similar questions.

    I waited for a few weeks and found an amazing deal on these little BluApples.  I was able to get these free (only had to pay $3 shipping).  Unfortunately, I haven’t seen that deal again otherwise I would stock up on some for my family and friends.  Either way these little apples have more than paid for themselves MANY TIMES OVER!

    Our family loves to garden, buy fresh fruits and vegetables, however, when our fridge is full of produce sometimes fruits and vegetables would go bad before we had a chance to eat everything.  The BluApples extend the life of our fruits and vegetables (even ones that I buy which are already on the “edge”) for weeks!  These BluApples really do preserve the produce and help the items last much longer!

    I used to clean out my fruit and vegetable drawers out about once a week.  Now I do it once a month and sometimes longer because the items in the drawer are staying fresh. Enough of my raving, here are some more facts about this neat apple:

    • 2 Bluapples – Last for 3 Months Each – Additional Absorber Refills Available Separately (Our BluApples lasted longer than 3 months, typically lasted 5 to 7 months)
    • Prolongs freshness and storage life of fruits & vegetables
    • Made In USA
    • Put in refrigerator crisper drawers
    • Place in the fruit bowl on the counter or anywhere you keep fruit
    • Pays for itself dozens of times over in the the first year alone
    • Extend storage life of your produce (up to 3 times longer)
    • Average household can save up to $600 per year

    How Do The BluApples Work?

    • Ethylene gas is given off naturally by fruits and vegetables as a signaling mechanism in order to coordinate uniform ripening. However, once concentrated in your refrigerator or other storage areas, the presence of ethylene gas continues to speed up ripening and hasten spoilage.
    • The BluApple is designed to provide effective ethylene gas absorption for three months in a typical home refrigerator produce bin or storage container.
    • The active ingredient does not “wear out”, but continues to absorb ethylene until it has reached its capacity.

    This would be a wonderful gift for any cook in your family.  It really does WORK (and BluApple is not paying me to say it either).  Your Mom, wife, sister, friend will probably come back to you in a couple months thanking you again for this gift.  Hey, they even make you a special meal out of some the fresh produce just to say thanks!

    You can pick up the BluApple Ethlylene Gas Absorbers – Starter Pack of 2 – Refrigerator Fruit & Vegetable Preserver on Amazon for around $9.95 with two packs of or many major retailers. If you have a Swagbuck Amazon Gift Cards you can even get this it for free!  You’ll love it!

    “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!

  • Giveaway & Review: “Say Anything” Game by North Star Games

    I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   The winner of this giveaway will receive a Say Anything Family Game by North Star Games!  As a Mom, wife and friend I am always looking for ways to entertain my family and guests.  After playing Wits & Wagers  (see my review) and Wits & Wagers Family (see my review) both are from North Star Games I received Say Anything to check out.   My family gives Say Anything game a big thumbs up!  I know you will enjoy this one!   This game has become a favorite with our family.

    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 November 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    More information about “Say Anything” game:

    Say Anything is a great party game to play with your family and friends!  You will find yourself laughing as you read the wide variety of answers to each question.  The game is made for 3 to 8 players and takes about 30 minutes to play.  I would recommend if younger kids are playing that they are able to read and write answers independently (otherwise they may need additional help).  The game is recommended for ages 10 and up.

    1. Ask any question from the card you draw, such as “What’s the best movie of all time?” or “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?”
    2. Everyone else writes an answer and turns it face-up.
    3. Secretly choose your favorite of these answers. Then everyone tries to guess which one you picked.

    Where do I purchase “Say Anything” for myself or as a gift?

    This game would be a perfect game to play during the upcoming Holidays or to give as a gift to family and friends!  You can purchase this game on Amazon or at major retailers like Books-A-Million, Target, or local game stores found on North Star Games retailer locator.  To learn more about the game and those who created it you can visit North Star Games website.  You can get the most update to date information on North Star Games by following them Facebook and Twitter.

    *A special thanks to North Star Games, specifically Dominic Crapuchettes and Luke Warren, for the providing this game for the giveaway!

  • Giveaway & Review: “21 Days to a More Disciplined Life” ebook by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS – Today Only)

    21-days-3d1-200x308

    Do you have ideas, hopes, goals, and dreams for what you want to accomplish in your life, but you feel like you’re being held back by a lack of personal discipline?  I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life!   Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog.  This is a positive, practical, and motivating ebook that will encourage you to make progress, in the right direction, on those areas of your life that need extra attention! 

    TODAY ONLY 5 lucky readers will win a FREE copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life 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 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine or through Amazon for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (October 23-25, 2012)!

    Who is This Book For?

    21 Days to a More Disciplined Life (or through Amazon) is for you if:

    • You have trouble following through.
    • You get overwhelmed by huge projects.
    • You start strong, but your passion fizzles out.
    • You are super-disciplined in a few areas of your life, but you have one or two pet areas that you just can’t get under control.
    • You check out 10 different books on discipline and organization from the library, but return all of them late.

    Why I love this book:

    There are specific areas in my life (physically, spiritually, and more) that I need to focus on because I haven’t given them the extra attention they need and it is mainly due to a lack of discipline on my part.  I am looking forward to implementing several of the great ideas Crystal shared in this book.  She has help inspire me to get “back on track” and tackle those many goals / projects that I keep putting on the back burner for several weeks, months, and yes (although it’s embarrassing to admit) even some goals that I have been delaying for several years now. 

    After reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the right direction as well.  I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource!  It is a great time of year to re-evaluate our lives, goals, and priorities.

    • Are you easily overwhelmed by your big ideas or projects, and you just don’t know where to start and how to make real progress?
    • Do you find yourself making “all-or-nothing” plans for transforming your life, and then three days later you crash and burn under the weight of your plan?

    Giveaway Details

    As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway!  5 WINNERS will receive a free copy of 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!

    How to Enter:

    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.  You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email or like on Facebook.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your best tip that helps you stay on track with your projects and goals!

    All comments must be made by Tuesday, October 23, 2012 11:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    I encourage you to check out more information on 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those projects and goals you have been putting on hold for days, weeks, months, maybe even years!  This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on the road to a more disciplined life!  What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!

    More information about  21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine can be found:

    The 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.  You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!

    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 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook to review as well as five to giveaway to my readers!
     

  • Travel & Vacation: Orange County Kabini, India

    We made it to Orange County Kabini, India!

    While we were in India we had the opportunity to spend some time with Jake’s cousin and his family who are currently living in Bangalore, India.  The week we came to visit them was during an Indian Holiday so Matt had a few days off work and the kids didn’t have to go to school the last half of the week so we decided to make a last minute “road trip”.  One of our FAVORITE adventures while in India was when we went to Orange County Kabini. Thanks Matt & Jen for showing us around India!

    We took a road trip through the countryside of India you can see pictures of that adventure in my posts Traveling through MySore, India (and a Couple Small Villages) and Traveling to Orange County Kabini, India.  It was an awesome place to visit, such great memories.   I can see why Trip Advisor has Orange County Kabini listed as Travelers’ Choice® 2012 Winner with a 5 star rating.

    As we tumbled out of our Scooby Doo van and went to check into the resort we were serenaded with music.  These two musicians were at the front door playing music we each received our bindi blessing.  The bindi blessing consisted of a dot placed on our foreheads made out of a red paste (wikipedia definition).    What a great welcome for visitors!

    Fresh flower design on the floor in the entry way.  Every day they had a different floral design.  It was always bright, colorful and beautiful.

    Michael checking out the map of resort…….what should we do first Mikey?!

    The plaque hanging next to the check-in desk.  “WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EXPERIENCE WHICH MONEY CANNOT BUY”   It was an amazing experience.  If you are ever in India and have a chance to visit this place it is beautiful, the staff is awesome, the “huts” are wonderful and the food is delicious.  It is a great place to relax or go on various adventures (stay tuned for a glimpse at some of the adventures in upcoming posts).

    The fun crew we went to Orange County Kabini with Jen, Matt, Rachel, Michael, David, and Erica!  This is right after we had our refreshing sugar cane drink brought to us by the staff.  Now its time to plan our activities while at the resort.

    Jake & I at Kabini!

    Our hut for the next few days, it was AMAZING!

    The kitchen & eating area in our hut.  The ceiling was handmade out of a neat weave material.

    A cute porch complete with cushy chairs to relax in after a busy day of sightseeing!

    Very comfy bed…..we slept so well at Kabini!

    Even our own private jacuzzi for our hut!  This view is from our bedroom.  The kids loved the private “pool” and were able to squeeze in a few more minutes of swim time each day!  Rachel and Erica stayed in our cabin, it was fun spending some extra time hanging out with girls swapping stories and giggles.

    Fresh tray of fruit on the table everyday.  They also restocked our cookie bowl, drinks, chocolates and other snacks every day!

    Aw……what a life it was for those days.  We had a blast staying at the Orange County Kabini resort!  THANKS Matt & Jen for showing us another awesome part of India.  We were super excited to spend the extra time with family and create a lot of great memories along the way.  Next time maybe I will remember my passport before making a 7 hour road trip!  If you want to check out some more amazing adventures and get a glimpse into the culture in India check out Jen’s blog at Jenny from the Bangalore Block.

    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!

  • Travel & Vacation: Welcome Home Mom & Dad

    I love having some time with my handsome man but coming home is AWESOME too!

    Jake and I had the opportunity to get away for a few days several months ago.  We took a cruise with extended family and the girls stayed with friends.  Our plane came in the late to Atlanta and we arrived home in the middle of the night so we were not able to see the girls until the next morning.  The girls came walking up the sidewalk carrying this HUGE “Welcome Home Mom & Dad” banner that they had made for us.  We were thrilled to see them and loved the cute banner.  They had a BLAST with our friends and made a lot of great memories.  The girls told me I need to get all Aunt Ashley’s recipes because she made the best food while we were away.

    Our friends (and the girls) brought us Dunkin Donuts for breakfast, so sweet!

    Jake and I were thankful for the chance to get away for a few days and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our friends.  They took great care of the girls (actually I am not sure if they were ready to come home yet, ha).  We are blessed to have amazing people in our lives.  Thanks Mike and Ashley!!!

    Our sweet Welcome Home banner the girls made for us!

    Life has been really busy.  As I was going back over some of the pictures from earlier in the year I found ones that I wanted to share.  The time away from home with your spouse is important, necessary and refreshing, however, coming home to two sweet girls is a huge blessing!

  • Love It – Skippies (Water Toys)

    Our Skippies after a fun weekend in the ocean, still with some sand on them!

    My girls picked out a pool toy, Skippies by Fluid, to give to Daddy for his birthday a couple weeks ago and we got to try them out on our recent trip to Charleston.  It was a BLAST playing with these floating discs!!!!  I have to admit I was thinking of using the Skippies mainly for time in the pool because I thought we would lose them in the ocean with the waves.  Since we didn’t have the opportunity to use them at the pool first we decided to test them in the ocean anyway.   The whole family had a lot of fun playing with the “Skippies”!  They floated really well, were bright colors which made them easy to spot in the water, and light weight so if one managed to hit you it didn’t hurt (we tested that theory, Jake even managed to hit me on the forehead one time).  Plus they were easy to grab and throw even for the kids.

    Several people in the water near us stopped us to ask about them.  I was impressed with how entertaining they were and how easy they were to use even for our girls.  It is a great time of year to check out these neat pool toys as the summer season begins to wrap up.  They are not expensive and can provide a lot of fun entertainment for your whole family.  I found them on clearance at our local Sports Authority when they were closing down the store on Laurens Road.  I am looking forward to trying them out at the pool now that we tested them successfully in the ocean!  They come in a pack of 4 and measure 3 inch in diameter.  You can find them at Toy Splash!

    “Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly or seasonally 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!

  • Love It – Eye-Fi Explore X2 8 GB + Wi-Fi

    A couple months ago my sweet husband got me a Eye-Fi Explore X2 8 GB + Wi-Fi. When he explained what it was I liked the concept; although I didn’t realize how nice it would be until I started using it.  He had it set up and I was using the new card within minutes of putting it in my camera.  I LOVE my Eye-Fi especially when it comes to taking pictures or videos of my twin daughters as well as using it to take pictures for my blog!

    What is the Eye-Fi Explore X2?  Don’t worry I asked that question several times before I started using it as well.

    • The Eye-Fi is a wireless memory card used to transfer photo and video uploads from my camera to my computer (or online sites).
    • Eye-Fi memory card replaces your existing memory card in your camera.
    • It operates by transferring the pictures and videos via your wireless router.
    • You can use it for geotagging as well (I don’t use this feature).
    • If you are not at home on your local wireless spot you can actually upload using a hotspot access.
    • It stores up to 4,000 picture or 3 hours of video (I typically do a combination of the two)
    • The pictures & videos get downloaded automatically and are filed in their appropriate folders by date.

    It is so nice being able to download the pictures immediately after taking them.   If I don’t want to use them right away or do not have time to name or edit them when they download they will be waiting for when I have a free moment.   For example recently I used it for the following blog posts:

    The Eye-Fi card has been a huge time saver over the last couple months.  So thankful for a husband who knows how to make my life more enjoyable, efficient, and easier.  If you take a lot of pictures and need to have access to them within a few seconds this may be a great tool for you too.  I never have to worry about finding my cord or remembering to download the pictures because they are already downloaded and ready for me when I need them.  For those who take a lot of family and blog pictures / videos I would recommend requesting this as a gift or use your Swagbuck Amazon Gift Cards to get your Eye-Fi Explore X2, it really is pretty amazing!!!

    “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!