Travel & Vacation: Visiting Daniel’s Island and More
View after going over the Cooper River Bridge on our way to Daniel's Island We always love the views on our way to Daniel’s Island, South Carolina. This picture was taken shortly after going over the Cooper River Bridge. Just one of the beautiful pieces of scenery in the Charleston area.
Almost there.....one more mile to Daniel's Island. The girls always look for this sign and know we are almost to Daniel’s Island. They know that it is Exit 24 and in between two big bridges. It is a lot of fun traveling with the family!
One of my favorite signs in the Charleston area. A sign we have seen many times this year that the girls always wanted me to read whenever we go to the Waterfront Park under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. I grew up in the country hearing coyotes so this smile makes me smile. One of the girls questions the first time we read it why can we “never feed coyotes won’t they get hungry?”
Snacks at the park The girls were really good about remembering to take their drink with them to the parks. Most of the places we went had water fountain and restrooms which was really nice too. I had made some cookies for Jake’s co-workers that week so I put in a few sugar cookies with sprinkles for the girls too.
Stopping for a quick snack I was able to convince Karlie and Brina to stop for a few minutes for a quick snack and more importantly a drink (it was over 100 degrees and we had been out all morning). They were so fascinated by all the other kids at the park. Sometimes we would be at the park with a handful of kids and a daycare would show up to play making the the area buzzing with little ones having fun.
Refueling with Powerade on a very hot day On one of our trips it was over 100 degrees and the girls (and Mommy) spent the day outside at parks. I was worried about them getting dehydrated so we stopped by CVS and picked up a “Powerade”. The girls thought it was great and it tasted like lemonade.
Karlie worked up enough courage to go down the big pole. Although the pole probably would have been a little easier sliding down in pants I was very proud of Karlie for trying it out. It takes a little bit of guts to reach out over that gap between the jungle gym and gap to go on the pole. She was very excited of her accomplishment.
Brina spinning in the red seats at the park I really don’t know how she could sit in those seats and just spin! The couple times I braved it and did a couple of spins I was ready to loose my cookies.
Brina and Karlie testing out a new ride One afternoon during our Charleston adventures it decided rain so the girls and I hang out for about an hour at the Outlets. The girls thought this car was HILARIOUS and spent several minutes checking it out.
After picking up Daddy from work Brina crashed We picked up Jake after a full day at the parks and playing. A few minutes later I looked back to point out a rainbow I saw in the sky and Brina has fallen fast asleep. Not sure how she can sleep like this (it looks very uncomfortable) but all our pillows and stuff was already at the hotel.
Karlie was sleeping too Looking back at both of them sleeping made me laugh. They are so different even when they sleep in the car. After a busy nap the few minute cap night was very nice for both of them. Thankful that they both travel so well and enjoy exploring different places on our trips together.
Watching the sun set as we crossed over the bridge. One of the questions the girls asked the last time we were in Charleston….”Is Charleston made of bridges?” There are quite of few there. We enjoyed watching the sunsets, sunrises, and seeing the beautiful scenery from the many bridges we crossed.
Walking with Daddy near downtown Charleston The girls loved learning about history and just walking around Charleston. We actually wore out one pair of flipflops on this trip with all the walking and playing. They love asking Daddy a lot of questions about the town and Jake is so good about answering them.
Sign from one of the guns / cannons near downtown Charleston We went through the Battery Park in Charleston again and looked at all the guns and cannons. This is a sign from one of the guns that was used to attack Fort Sumter on April 7, 1863. The girls loved learning about the variety of different cannons and the history behind them.
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!
New Upromise eCoupons for November 2011
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of November 2011. 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 29 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.
Giveaway: $10 CVS Gift Card
I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied! The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 CVS Gift Card! As a Mom, wife and homeowner I am always looking for ways to save a little extra when buying items for around the house and for my family. It is a great time of year to pick up a few extra items at your local CVS to keep you family healthy especially during the Holiday Season. If you shop at CVS regularly and use coupons you may be able to stretch this gift card over several trips. Here’s how to enter the giveaway:
- 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.
- You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing one of your favorite items you like to get at CVS’s!
All comments must be made by November 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing. On November 30, 2011, I will randomly draw a winner from those who have entered the giveaway.
CONGRATULATIONS to Our Lowe’s Gift Card Winner!!!
The name has been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to Kathryn
for winning a
$10 Lowe’s Gift Card!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
Enjoy Your Next Trip to Lowe’s!
Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced tomorrow morning)!!!
*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.
Living on a Budget: Creative Cash (October Update)
October is my ninth month tracking my Creative Cash. What is Creative Cash? Creative Cash is finding ways to come up with extra cash to share with others as well as work on our current goal. I am working part time, a stay at home Mom, and wear many other hats from day to day, however, I feel that it is important to save money for our family by using coupons and buying items on sale but to earn a little money to help with the extra expenses and to share with others. The extra amount I bring in on top of the work is what I call “Creative Cash” which means finding ways to make money creatively or with items and talents I have already. I plan to continue this goal for the remaining months of the year. Despite the many financial obstacles that we have faced as a family we have been blessed with so much. My husband and I believe it is important to be accountable with our finances and give to others.Explanation: The creative cash will be made throughout the entire month through various endeavors. As it comes in the money is placed into our savings account and withdrawn at the end of the month so it can be split. It is my goal to make at least $100 extra a month to help with our goals as well as share with others. At the end of the month the money will be split 50 / 50 with half going towards our current goal we are working on (which at the moment is paying down debt) and the other half going to charity.
To be honest October was not as great of a month as I hoped it would be, however, it was better then September. Although life is still busy we are at least home more now giving me the flexibility to focus on this goal as well as other ones. I anticipate November being another busy month with upcoming Holidays and I hope to come closer to meeting this goal. Thankfully I was able to save some extra cash even though I did not reach my my goal of $100. I want to share with you the ways we did it so if you are looking for ways to make a little extra creative cash for your family hopefully we can be an inspiration in getting your creative juices flowing:
- $13.19 – Items sold on Ebay (after fees): The all the items sold were coupons. I encourage you to look around at some of the coupons you get the mail, newspapers, magazines, in your stockpile, or other places and if you will not have the opportunity to use them then consider selling them for a little extra creative cash.
- $6.59 – Recycled Items taken to the scrap metal company
- $28.99 – Other miscellaneous amounts earned (rebates, returns, cash back, extra money, etc…) that was added to my stash for the month.
It was a harder month to set the extra aside because it was very busy and I was not able to participate in as many extra creative cash activities. The good news is despite the crazy schedule I was able to get a few dollars of creative cash and almost met at least half of my goal. October’s “Creative Cash” total was $48.77 which means $24.38 extra that goes towards our current goal (saving for 3 to 6 month Emergency Fund) and $24.39 goes towards charity. Although I didn’t hit my $100 goal this month I am happy that I was able to contribute something this month and every little bit helps us get a little closer to our goals as well as helps others along the way. I have a plan of action on ways to earn creative cash in November so stayed tuned, hopefully, it will be another month where we can get closer to our goal and share with others. Each month I do a variety activities to accomplish this goal, the items above are just the ones I did specifically in October. I look forward to sharing more of the things that work well for our family as I do them in the upcoming months.
I will share with you the challenges, successes, and updates as I go through this journey so you can keep me accountable or even go through it with me by participating and sharing your story. Taking the extra time to find ways to help our family as well as invest in the lives of others is important to us. I hope that we have been able to encourage you to find ways to come up with some creative cash for your household as well. Obviously, each situation and family is unique so decide what works for you and go for it! Do you know of another way to earn creative cash? I would love to hear your ideas!
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Photo by StopNLook
Song: “Fall Apart” by Josh Wilson
Sometimes it is easier to see the blessings and good in life when things are going well. The tough times can be difficult, however, in those times we may see greater healing, a deeper trust, and a stronger commitment to the one who holds our life in his hands. I heard this song several weeks ago and it has really made me think. Do I only worship and sing praises when my life it good? Or do I give Him all the glory even when I feel like my life is falling apart around me? He longs to hear from you both in the good and the difficult times. If you are going through a tough time right now I hope these words will be an encouragement to you:
Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know You when my life was good?
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise
Now it all seems upside down‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need?
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apartWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
It is a busy week ahead but I plan to do some good family recipes as well as venture out and try a couple new ones. Since today is Halloween I decided to do a recipe that is filling and we can eat easily with all the Fall Activities. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Hearty Beef Stew with Garden Vegetables, Dinner Rolls
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Grandma’s Stuffed Pork Chops, Ranch Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Curry Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Naan
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Blueberry Pancakes, Fresh Fruit (Breakfast for Dinner)
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Halloween Candy Buy Back Programs
Hope everyone had an amazing Holiday. Halloween is a great time to create memories with your family. The Fall Festivals, pumpkin carving, hayrides, dressing up and candy…..sometimes too much candy. Every wonder if you’ll be able to eat, share and giveaway all the candy before the next Halloween hits.
Dentists all over the country are participating in a Halloween Candy Buy Back Program. They buy the kids Halloween candy then donate it to the groups that send it to those in Military Service.
- Example: Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry in our area (1334 South Hwy 14, Simpsonville, SC 29681 / Phone: 864-297-5585) is Buying Back Halloween Candy and giving the kids $1 per pound ($5 max per child) and a Treat bag. The Buy back dates are Tuesday 11/1 to Thursday 11/3 between 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. All the candy will be donated to our Troops Overseas.
If it is something you interested in participating in you can read more about on the FAQ page and search for locations near you!
Photo by Rochelle
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
After much thought I have decided to share my weekly goals with you. I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Here are my goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
- Read a book to the girls everyday
- Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
- Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
- Schedule a Date Night with Jake
- Schedule a Date Night with each child
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
- Finish reading The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
- Listen to The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
- Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday through Thursday
Home Management Goals
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
- Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
- Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Summer clothes pulled out of the main part of the closet and put away (it’s getting chilly and we are not wearing them as much now)
- Pick the fresh vegetables that are ready and start preparing the garden for the first freeze.
Business Goals
- Spend 10 minutes cleaning and organizing my desk (somehow everyone stacks stuff on my desk, myself included, and within a day I have a pile sometimes piles)
- Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Research ways to create more residual income
Ministry Goals
- Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
- Alms & Legs Ministry – Email upcoming meeting reminder to members, write and print the meeting agenda
- Meet a friend for Breakfast or Lunch
- Pack our Operation Christmas Child boxes
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Pay off remaining debt
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses
I am striving to live intentionally so I have the ability to give my time, talents, and resources more generously to family, friends, and those who my life touches. Please feel free to share or link your list of goals in the comments below. Let’s help each other be accountable for the goals we set for ourselves.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
Fresh & Healthy: Fall Harvest – Community Supported Agriculture (Week 4)
We are enjoying our Fall Harvest with our Local Farm with Community Supported Agriculture program. The Fall harvest is 10 weeks long through our farm. We were thrilled to get the produce and fresh eggs. Our family is doing a half share again for this harvest.
Fall Harvest Week 4 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!
Fresh Goodies from our Local CSA Farm Items in our Basket this Week:
- 1 Acorn Squash
- 2 Sweet Potatoes
- 1 bundle White Radishes
- 1 White Eggplant
- 1 Black Eggplant
- 2 Milk Thistles
- 1 bundle Greens and ?
- 1 Half Dozen Fresh Eggs
I am not sure what the vegetable is on the left front corner of the picture, I’ve seen them before but cannot remember what they are. I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week! Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes! To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Farms
