A little this, a little that

This week has been a rough one around here, both emotionally and physically. Our church is doing a fantastic sermon and small group series called The Story. It has been great and very motivating for me, and yet extremely frustrating at the same time. You see, there are so many things I am passionate about and I have such a strong desire to help orphans and go on missions trips and so much more, yet my health has not been very good the last few weeks. Ever since my "big crash" five weeks ago, I can barely seem to do anything. In fact, I've been in bed or on the couch for three days this week after going to the grocery store and running a few errands earlier in the week. Even sitting here typing is not easy... So the question is, what does God want me to do? How can I further the kingdom? It is maddening at times, but God just keeps reminding me to be still. "Be still and know that I am God." How I wish I could see his plan! I can't, but I know it is there, so I will trust and wait.

In other news, I am loving the deals I'm finding online! As soon as October was over, it seemed every retailer started vying for our Christmas dollars. In addition to the websites I listed a few weeks ago, several online retailers are having "deal of the day" sales with free shipping. So far, I've seen wonderful deals on Target.com, Samsclub.com, BestBuy.com, Walmart.com and Amazon.com I had a coupon code for $5 off any Target order last week, so I snatched up some great wii games, then this week Amazon AND Target are both offering buy 2 get 1 free deals on wii games. Whoo hoo! I use swagbucks (see widget at the top of the page) as my search engine to get free amazon gift cards (you can also earn Bucks by printing your coupons through them, taking surveys and much more!). I've earned over $100 in gift cards, thus reducing my out-of-pocket cost for Christmas presents! This morning, I noticed on One Kings Lane they have some super-cute bathroom accessories for kids and great prices. I'm thinking about using my free $15 credit for the cute butterfly tray for Katie (only will pay shipping, yay!). What are you going to use your $15 credit on? I also found out that vitacost.com is now offering $10 credit for new orders as well. I buy all of my supplements except my Zija through them. They usually have great prices on kids vitamins and liquid vitamin D3 (Dr. Gladd says D3 and lemon water boosts immune systems, seems to work in our family!). Through all of these sites, I am earning cash back from Shopathome.com. They give you a $5 credit when you sign up through this link, then you earn cash back from your online purchases (sometimes up to 15%!). I just signed up about a month ago, and I'm already up to $20, so it adds up quickly! Also, I can't recall if I mentioned PaperbackSwap.com yet...I use it to get rid of books we are done with and swapped them out for Christmas presents for the kids (several American Girl books and a cookbook for the little lady, new chapter books for the little man)! We are about 1/2 way done with our Christmas shopping for our kids, 4 nephews, 1 niece, and our parents, and we've spent under $80, but purchased over $250 of merchandise. Yay! Shopping does NOT need to be stressful or expensive!

This post was originally going to be filled with recipes for taco seasoning, toothpaste, dry laundry soap (courtesy of my SIL), and our family's typical mean plan. Since I don't have much energy, though, I'm just going to do the toothpaste. I used to get toothpaste for free, but haven't seen as many great deals (of course, that could be because I've only been to the grocery store once in the last 5 weeks!). I came across this recipe online, but can't remember where I saw it... any way, here it is:

lime zest-dry overnight, then crush it into a powder
1/2-1 cup baking soda
peppermint oil

Combine...dip your toothbrush in it and brush! Now, I didn't have any peppermint oil but I was anxious to try it, so I made it without. It works just fine, but is a little salty. I went ahead and ordered some peppermint oil from Vitacost and will add that in when it arrives. I love that it was so cheap to make and that I'm not putting extra chemicals into my mouth! Maybe once the oil arrives, I can convince the rest of my family to try it?

Time to go rest some more, but let me know if you have any money-saving tips to share!

GREAT DEALS!!!

"Oh, the Lord's been good to me and so I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need like the sun and the rain and the apple trees the Lord's been good to me, amen!" Yep, Scott's favorite song from camp applies today; everyday, actually, but especially feeling it today.
1) Walgreens has some spectacular deals! They are clearancing several items to get ready for re-vamping the stores. Some deals I got today:

backpacks~$2.59 each
Cottonelle TP ~4pk $0.89-$0.50 coupon from cottonelle.com/coupons=39 cents!
Walgreens 180 ct facial tissues~$0.50
Aussie products, Herbal Essence products and Bic Soliel razors with coupons and
register rewards CHEAP (don't recall the exact prices)
Domino 5 lb sugar~$0.80 some coupons out there for 50 cents, I didn't have any, but that is still a great deal, especially with holiday baking coming up!
Total spent:$21 for 21 items
Total saved: $52!! Whoo hoo!!

ALSO: go right this minute to www.childrensplace.com if you ever buy clothes for kids! They are having a fall sale, and some of the items are only $0.99! Add coupon code V4989 when you check out for 15% off. I spent $18.83 INCLUDING shipping for 15 items: 2 dresses, 9 shirts and 4 pairs of shorts. Some I plan on keeping and some are for gifts. Remember, Christmas is not too far away! :-) Happy shopping! Karin