Today I made some progress on the scale...FINALLY! 4 pounds to be specific. Ken and I decided about 3 weeks ago that we need to get strict again. Why or why is it so easy to slip into old habits? Damn you sugar!!!...creeps back in so slowly that you don't even realize it until your pants are tight. It has been almost 2 years that we went gluten free, dairy free...and "clean eating"...now the popular 'paleo' would be somewhat fitting. My first 4 months with this eating lifestyle I lost 30 pounds. So did Ken C. Soukup..although he has been a much more diligent exerciser than me. I have kept the majority of this off but right now I am thicker in the middle than normal...so is Ken...boo hiss :) lol. Anyways, we're back in business! Cleaning up our diet, we have been very consistent in our exercising for 3 weeks now, and we're using amazing essential oil supplements from DoTerra that has helped us so much with energy and overall mood, just to name a few. I must say that I feel amazing...we both can see some results already...and this time...I think I can...I think I can...the rest is sure to come off! ;) More to come...I have some great things to share on using essential oils!!

More than Gluten-Free Living...My Story...

I had a friend ask me the other day why I am gluten-free...which quite frankly is not an unusual question since most people are seeing "gluten-free" plastered throughout the grocery stores and not really sure why it has become so "popular". So I figured, for those that are curious, I would document some of my story here...as you'll see it is not a one sentence answer :).

Back in 2008 after I had my fourth child I started to experience IBS symptoms. Needless to say, this was my first experience with these type of extreme symptoms so I didn't really recognize it for what it was. In addition to my symptoms, my breastfeeding daughter was experiencing extreme colic. When she was around 4 months old I started to seek medical assistance for her but not getting any answers from my pediatrician I decided to take her to a chiropractor thinking that quite possibly she needed an adjustment...lol :)...I was desperate! Well, this particular doctor asked me lots and lots of questions, including lots of questions about ME, and eventually narrowed the problem down to ME and MY gut. I was a little shocked but I was having stomach issues, I was desperate to fix her, and alternative medicine was not new to me so I was open and I agreed to his conclusions and suggestions. He put me on what he called an "anti-inflammatory" diet which was very strict. It was gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, plus more "free" than I can really remember all these years later. I was also on a lot of probiotics and enzymes. Well, in a couple weeks my symptoms started dissipating and within about 5 months all symptoms had disappeared. Unfortunately I was under the impression that it was just a temporary issue and slowly but surely stair stepped my way out of the diet.

Several years went by and as time went on my health deteriorated in a slow progression that didn't just smack me in the face...in fact by the usual standards I ate healthy...however, I put on 40 pounds, I had extreme changes in the texture and health of my hair...including loss of hair, my hormones were a mess, I experienced chronic fatigue, bouts of depression and anxiety, adhd symptoms, my IBS symptoms returned but not as extreme as the first time, I experienced bouts of sleep disturbances, my abdomen was bloated, I craved sugar...there's more but that gives you an accurate picture of just how unhealthy I was.

Frustrated with how I was feeling and wanting to lose the pounds I decided to go back on the diet that the doctor had suggested 3 years prior. It was easy and something I knew I could start right away. In addition, I went to the library and the internet and researched and read everything I could get my hands on. Interestingly, I started to lose weight right away...and my energy started returning...and I started to feel better. In 4 months, I lost 30 pounds following a gluten-free, dairy-free, low sugar, nothing artificial diet with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and cod fish oil. I found my body likes that! I became a strong believer that your body will lose weight by following the principles of building a healthy gut...as most overweight individuals do NOT have healthy gut flora or a balanced immune system...therefore neither is there a balanced hormonal system. So another essential piece to the puzzle for me was finding the resources that discussed healing the gut and immune system. This plays a huge role in the development of today's auto-immune diseases both in the child and adult.

SO many people decide for some reason or another, some by choice and some through diagnosis, to go gluten-free...so they don't eat wheat, barley, or rye. They successfully cut out wheat bread or breaded chicken nuggets but they don't want to give up their bread or chicken nuggets so they just exchange the bad in for the bad...they get gluten-free bread, gluten-free chicken nuggets, and snack on gluten-free pastries instead. All of which continues to feed the yuck that is brewing in your gut...therefore, continuing to feed the source and feed the growing disease state of your body...you maybe just slowed it down. The bottom line is not really the gluten. Yes, you've successfully eliminated the gluten but NOOO you are not really changing the health index of your food choices! You are not really fixing the problem just skating around it.

That is not what I did! I completely changed our lifestyle. All of us...me, my husband, and four young children. NO it wasn't easy...it took discipline and persistence!  So our diet consisted of primarily whole foods...low to no sugar and nothing artificial. Our calories came from veggies, protein, yogurt, some fruit, some high quality starches. I also learned to read labels and understand the verbiage on them. This took time...to get used to and to transform our kitchen, recipe logs, fluency at the grocery store, taste buds!! Yes, your taste buds are trained to favor whatever you feed them...they had to change too! Also cravings had to subside and our blood sugar needed regulated and balanced. It was a process.



My inspiration came from websites like:
http://gapsdiet.com/
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/

And books like:
Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies
The Amen Solution
Healing ADD

**links will take you to Amazon but they are not affiliate links. I checked them out at the library! Then I bought them!! :))

It has been over a year now since we started on this journey. I have learned SO much. We are all SO much healthier. Do I have Crohn's or IBS? I don't really know....quite possibly. If so, I am in remission...through diet and supplements alone! I never went and got officially tested. From what I have read the tests are painful and not always very accurate. I wouldn't go on medication anyways so why bother. I just know that following a diet plan that includes the elimination of gluten works for me. I also know that my body can't handle carbs or sugar very well...it gets very addicted. I also know that while following the basis of our lifestyle...high protein, low carbs, simple carbs, alkalizing, digestive enzymes, probiotics, whole food supplementation...I lose weight and feel great!

I still have another 30-35 pounds to lose. I didn't give up but I did stagnate and then I did gain 10 pounds back over the holidays...probably one of the most gluten, sugar induced times of year. Excitedly, I found a company that follows these principles in a weight loss system. I already understand the principles and eat the recommended food for the diet so that wasn't a need for me...but I do benefit from the structure of a plan that is laid out and getting the assistance from some needed, high-quality supplementation is helping me boost the process to complete what I started. So far on this plan, I have lost 10 pounds and my clothing went from super tight to very lose and on the brink of the next size. My blood pressure is also down.

I will continue to add resources, my experiences, recipes, etc. I know that I don't have IT ALL documented in this ONE post! Just a quick synopsis...lol...quick, right? :))) I can also answer any questions that you may have so please feel free to discuss your experiences or ask your questions below.

May you be blessed with good health and the motivation and resources to be your best!

xoxo

Crockpot Chicken Adobo Recipe (low carb-high protein)

I am on the hunt for low carb, protein rich crockpot recipes to make life easier on the days I work and don't get home until 5:30-6:00. This sounds so good to me...but I do like tangy dishes! Also, if you like to try foods outside of traditional American culture, which I do...this one is Filipino.

Chicken Adobo

• 5-6 chicken breasts
• worshershire sauce
• red wine vinegar
• soy sauce (I use organic, low sodium, gluten-free)

Pour equal parts of liquids over chicken. Cook on Low approximately 8 hrs.
**fyi: another recipe I saw adds garlic, onion, and water and omited the woshershire sauce which sounds like a good variation. You can also use white vinegar.
**I have also read that you can add some sugar if the taste is too pungent for you. I will not be doing this but it is an option.

I will serve the rest the family a side of brown rice and a steamed veggie.

FANTASTIC!

If you have a favorite you can share with me, please post it in the comment section...vegetarian recipes welcome...and we are gluten-free!!

Rose Elliot: Vegetarian High Protein-Low Carb Resource

I found this author, Rose Elliot, to have, what appears to be, some great low carb diet vegetarian cookbooks and other resources that support the high protein...low carb VEGETARIAN lifestyle. We are learning...right Yoli Veggie Girl?...that you CAN be a vegetarian without a diet that is centered around carbs. Interestingly, I am not a vegetarian but I am enjoying so much researching this topic that I very much could just become one! :D I am definitely going to be buying some of these books asap!

BTW--It's been awhile since I blogged :( but I am back. I have a lot to keep track of these days as I am pursuing hard my mission to lose weight. Figured what better place to keep notes, track progress, and discuss ideas and tips but here on my blog. Beats Facebook...kinda...

So stay tuned!

Home-Made Yogurt Recipe/Directions

Making home-made yogurt...

Supplies needed:

• Milk (1/2-1 Gallon)
• 2-4 Tbsp. yogurt starter such as Dannon Plain, Stoneyfield Plain, Fage Plain
• Cooking thermometer
• Spoon
• Stock pot w/lid
• Heating Pad
• Towel
• Stove
• Empty Sink

Step One is to heat your milk in the stock pot to 180-185F. Heat slowly on medium heat and stir often. You will notice the milk becoming a little frothy on top when it is getting close (you can see it in the picture). It takes about 15 minutes. However, check often with your thermometer until you get more comfortable with the process.




Step Two is to cool your milk in the stock pot to 110F. I put water with some ice cubes in my kitchen sink to roughly the same level of the milk in the pot. You can release some of the water if you notice your pot floating. Stir frequently and check often with your thermometer. Once you hit 110F, remove from ice bath and move to step 3.

Step Three is to culture your milk and tuck it away to ferment. I use ~2 Tbsp. of yogurt starter for 1/2 gallon and ~4 Tbsp. of yogurt starter for 1 gallon of milk and I let my starter sit out while I am cooking the milk to allow it to get to room temperature. I gently whisk/stir the starter into the pot to ensure an even distribution of the starter. Then I cover the pot with it's lid and I place the pot onto a heating pad set to medium. To keep it nice and warm I tuck the edges of the heating pad up against the side of the pot, like it's hugging the pot and fold over a towel and tuck it under the pad's edges.

Step Four is leave it to ferment for 12-24 hours. I will typically make my yogurt late afternoon/early evening and I will disturb it late morning the next day. Keep warm and do not stir or disturb. It must sit quietly for the helpful bacteria to culture and do what it needs to do to turn your milk into yogurt. The helpful bacteria consume the sugar found in milk, called lactose, and in result you get lactic acid. Lactic acid is the by-product that is responsable for the tangy flavor and for preserving the milk from spoiling during the process.

Step Five is to break the seal :). Take off the lid and stir. Stiring the yogurt at this point disrupts the chemistry that is taking place in the pot.

I then strain my yogurt to get a thicker consistency. If you don't strain it, it will be a drinkable yogurt consistency. I use another pot and I place a strainer lined with cheese cloth on top, I then dump my yogurt into the strainer. Very quickly the liquid will start to strain through. This liquid contains the whey. Removing the whey not only thickens your yogurt but removes a great deal of the sugar carbs that come from the whey. Most of the sugar that comes from the lactose should  be eaten up during the fermentation process. The longer (up to 24 hours and no longer though) you ferment, the more lactose you remove from the final product. The longer you strain, the more whey you remove from the final product. I usually strain my yogurt for about 1/2 hour, scraping the bottom of the cheese cloth to keep it circulating. You can strain for up to 24 hrs. depending on what consistency you are looking for. Think no strain: drinkable yogurt; 30-60 min.strain: regular yogurt to Greek yogurt consistency; 6-8 hr. strain: thick sour cream; 12-24 hrs. strain: cream cheese consistency.

Step Six is to jar it up and store it. I use glass storage with snap seal lids but use what you have on hand until you can get a better system for storage. Then place the containers in the back of fridge and let it sit for 12-24 hrs. to chill and thicken to final stage of eating.





Step Seven is to EAT and ENJOY! I love mine plain. We also enjoy it mixed with honey, unsweetened applesauce, fresh fruit, all-natural jam. I have also added herbs to make a veggie dip. The list is endless on how you can enjoy home-made yogurt.

Step Eight is to start over and make some more! Reserve the amount you need for a starter and make a new batch once you're ready for more.

Just a note: I used 2% the first round but since then have used Whole so I can get a thicker consistency. I do not add solid milk products...some people do to thicken (commercial yogurt definitely adds solids and pectins)...solid milk products add too much lactose and changes the pH of the yogurt which can impact the quality of your probiotics.

1/2 gallon with 30 minute strain yields about 48 oz. of yogurt.

You can also use soy milk, coconut milk, sheep's milk, goat's milk. You will need to purchase yogurt starter packets if using cow's milk alternatives.

Lastly, my yogurt has always come out quite tasty but don't forget that sometimes things can just happen and not come out as planned. Don't give up...just try again!

Look of yogurt after 7 hours of fermentation. Thick gelatin like layer on top, a little bubbly, and a yummy, tangy cheesy odor! :D

Enjoy!!! You can safely consume up to 3 cups of home-made yogurt a day. A great natural probiotic which helps keep your immunity strong and healthy AND a great protein source. Let me know if you have any questions and keep me posted on how your yogurt comes out!

A Moment Captured

Quietly talking amongst themselves, little Lu gently slips her hand into her big sisters. Melted my heart.

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life". ~Isadora James 

Healthy Home-Made Veggie Wash (Recipe)

How many of you use FIT or some other sort of pre-mixed veggie wash? Well we just recently ran out so while I was at the market my jaw almost dropped when I revisted the price, I held off on purchasing so I could research a coupon deal and well lucky me, I came across something better! My friend Karen, who may I add is super creative and makes tons of home-made things, shared this recipe for home-made veggie wash on her blog Sippy Cup Central. Score!...an awesome frugal find and she agreed to let me share it with y'all, hope you can use it too!

Homemade Veggie Wash Recipe:
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
2 TBS baking soda
2 TBS lemon juice

Directions:
-Mix ingredients then pour in clean spray bottle. Spray vegetables and fruit generously. Sit for 5 minutes then rinse off well.
-Make sure to first mix ingredients in deep container since there will be some fizzing from the baking soda and vinegar.

(Thanks Karen!)

**Enter my GIVEAWAY for a Thirty-One Demi Purse, ends 9/11**

YES, We're HOMESCOOLING! History Lesson #1 Family Tree Project

Homeschooling?...Who me?...It is actually pretty funny, in my own head, that I took this on! So you may have these two questions...WHO are you homeschooling? and WHY are you homeschooling LILY? And you may or may not care about the HOW but either way I am going to blog about it just in case you are wondering :-).

I...I mean WE...decided it would be a good decision to homeschool Lily considering two things...she is a young five, birthday May 24th which means she would always turn the next age after the school year ended, being probably one of the youngest of her peers. Second, she did very poorly on her Kindergarten readiness exam, yes they do those in Ohio (not here in South Carolina). There are alot of things I question about Ohio's 'public' academia but this is not one of those things (may I gently mention that South Carolina is not in the clear either).

In all due respect, Lily progressed nicely through two solid years of preschool so I decided another year of preschool would be unfruitful...SO here we are...HOMESCHOOLING!

God blessed and surrounded me with a plethora of other homeschooling parents immediately here in South Carolina, I was kinda intimidated so thank you Lord! So now here I am doing something I once thought imaginable...and I am very serious when I say imaginable!

So here is our staff line-up...I will be teaching Language Arts, my dear friend Donna will be teaching Math, Science and Bible will be integrated through the curriculum, we will be meeting daily for two hour lessons. Once a week we meet with a co-op of two other families both having little girls that are part of the group. At the co-op, Sandy teaches History, myself and Donna will be teaching Girl Scouts and Karen will be teaching Five In a Row. We will also incorporate field trips, hands on projects (art), scrapbooking (art), physical education/sports and the such. More details to come :)!

So our first week was meeting with the Co-Op where Sandy taught the first lesson on Family History, prompting the children (even Lucy participated, how awesome is that!?) to answer questions about their own "history". Such as, where were you born? When were you born? Who are your grandparents? They also did a coloring page. The girls were attentive and engaged in (making an attempt to) answering the questions about who they are and how they got to be who they are today. Also, how do we know about history? Yes, through the written word and through photos! After a solid hour of learning, the girls were ready for playtime!

So, me taking it one step further, as it was Lily was crying and begging to "learn" the very next day pushing me to provide more...I think she is going to push and teach me! I planned Lily's (and my friend's daughters) FIRST Kindergarten scrapbook project...Her Family Tree! Not at all unique as I remember the boys doing it in their "regular" K classrooms BUT I guess I just feel that mine is home-made...special touch added :)! So Lily watched as I planned it all out and we sat and discussed "history". We talked more about what history means, "it is a story of what has already happened" and we discussed different ways that history is documented, "the written word...God gave us His HIStory in the Bible...Historians documented the History of OUR country in textbooks...Mommy takes photos to share YOUR History with you and others..." Fabulous! She's getting it!

So here is our project....(keep in mind...this is the layout...not glued together)...

FAMILY TREE

Supplies needed?

• 
  
  1-Red, 1-Green and 1-Brown Construction Paper
• 
  
  1 - 12x12 scrapbook layout page
• 
  
  1-2 copy paper
• 
  
  Printer w/ black ink (or black marker for labels)
• 
  
  Photos
• 
  
  16 Apple cutouts
• 
  
  6 Brown branch cutouts
• 
  
  1 Brown trunk cutouts
• 
  
  16 Green stem cutouts
• 
  
  6-? Labels cutouts
• 
  
  6-? Photo inserts (not pictured but labeled in photo)
• 
  
  Scissors
• 
  
  Glue sticks

I used this apple template to do the cutouts....

I found it HERE and just slimmed it down to size. The trunk is 7 1/2" X 2". The branches and stems are randomly cut ~1/4" width and length as needed. I typed and printed the labels in 20" font of my liking and then cut it free hand...keeping it simple (you can also hand write)! The photo inserts...head shots of each individual will be printed on regular copy paper and cut by the child to place in the center of each apple.

Estimated prep time: 15 minutes

Estimated craft/learning time: 30 minutes

• 
  
  HISTORY
• 
  
  FAMILY HISTORY
• 
  
  FINE MOTOR SKILLS (cutting and gluing)

So I am eager to continue to add to Lily's learning...so do you have any suggestions to enrich the learning of family history? Let me/us know by commenting below!

Where Do You Get All Of Those Coupons?

Lately I have been getting this question often, "Where do you get all of those coupons?" I typically answer the basics...paper inserts and internet printables. However, the truth of the matter is that I get my coupons from everywhere and anywhere...they seem to seep out of the woodwork and take over my home at times. A blogger friend of mine, Coupon Katarina, compiled a great list recapping all of the different ways you can build your coupon library, I added some additions. Keep in mind, this list is not meant to overwhelm you, just to educate and keep you aware of the many resources out there. Anyone can shop smart and save but those that work the hardest at it will get the deepest discounts. :-) SO let's get started:

WEEKEND NEWSPAPER: This is (and always will be in my opinion) the #1 way to get coupons. In my area we receive our coupon inserts in the Saturday paper; however the majority of you will want to purchase the Sunday paper to receive all your coupons. ALWAYS CHECK to make sure the paper you are purchasing has the coupons inside. I’ve been burned a couple times…got home…no coupons! Ugh. That’s the worst. Usually on holiday weekends there are no coupon inserts (boo!), but sometimes they surprise you, so always check. The coupon inserts are as follows: RedPlum, Smartsource, General Mills and Proctor & Gamble.

INTERNET SITES LIKE: coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, etc. There is an insane amount of printable coupons these days – it is never ending.

MANUFACTUER WEBSITE: If I know that I am going to buy a particular brand and I don't see a coupon on an internet site and I don't have a paper coupon then I check that brands website. Most always there is a coupon on their website or on their facebook page (read below). Good examples are Betty Crocker, Kellogg's, International Delight, Right at Home -Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles, Glade. There could be an endless list of possabilities. If I can't find a coupon on their website then I will write and request one (listed below).

FACEBOOK: has become the new cool place to release HOT high value coupons and even FREEBIES. If you are leary of putting your info on the internet for all the world to see, I would still sign up with Facebook even if it is JUST to grab HOT coupons and freebies.

ASK FRIENDS and FAMILY: Chances are most of your friends and family are not using all of their coupons. Speak up and ask if you can save them from the trash! My mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law both give me their extra coupons and I repay them with some of the free stuff I got from using them! Seems like a fair deal to me.

BLINKIES and TEAR PADS: Blinkies are little machines that spit out coupons and tear pads have coupons attached to them. Be on the look out for these at all times!

PEELIES: These are coupons and offers attached to products. These are ONLY for the customer purchasing the item. It is NOT okay to peel off coupons from items you are not buying!

CATALINA MACHINE: This is the little machine that prints along with your receipt. It’s main purpose is to reward you for a specific purchase, but sometimes it has advertisements for upcoming Catalina deals and such, but many times it spits out extra coupons!

CHECK RECYCLE BINS: Now some of you might turn your nose up at this idea, but if you’re anything like my husband (fyi: this is Katarina talking)…you live for dumpster diving! Hey, don’t knock it. You can get lots of freebies! Our local paper recycling bin contains ONLY paper and mostly newspaper, so it’s actually pretty clean!

TRADE ON THE INTERNET: There are several coupon trading/clipping sites. There are several of these companies out there, but here are just a couple you can choose from: Coupon Dede, Ebay (Go through ShopAtHome to earn 1-3% cash back on Ebay purchases!). I purchase coupons from these sites once in awhile. For example, when Rite Aid has their Covergirl BOGO Free sale and there is a BOGO Free coupon…I stock up and get tons of FREE makeup a couple times a year.

MAGAZINES: Several magazines feature a few coupons per month…don’t let those get away! Even the ones you wouldn’t expect to have coupons will sometimes surprise you!

I cannot say enough about ALL You magazine, which features 40+ coupons within their monthly publication. You can also print coupons off of their website! I will make sure to give you a heads up when this subscription is offered at a great price! Check my Magazines category for the latest deal on this mag.

STORES: Many stores, especially drugstores like Walgreens will put out their own monthly coupon booklets to be used exclusively in their stores. The great thing about these is that these are store coupons that can be stacked with a manufacturer coupon, which makes for some great deals! Another way they promote coupons is in their weekly ads, so don’t forget to check those out. I also like to check out Target and CVS.
Grocery stores, like Kroger will mail you coupons based on what you buy.

EMAIL YOUR FAVORITE COMPANIES DIRECTLY: Just ask! I try to email about 10-15 companies each month to compliment them on a quality product. In response they mail me coupons! It only takes a few minutes of your time and the majority will respond with coupons. These coupons are usually higher value than ones you find anywhere else. To avoid bombarding your inbox with junk mail, I would definitely open a separate email account through yahoo or hotmail just for this purpose.

FREEBIES: So I may sometimes look like a free sample junkie but there is a bigger reason besides getting something for free that I sign up for them. Not only will you get a freebie but most come with high value coupons. It's a win-win!

MAILERS: If you sign up with different companies they will usually mail or email you promotional offers and coupons periodically.

INSIDE PRODUCTS: Make sure to check inside the products you buy. Also sometimes manufacturers will put coupons on the box, so don’t throw away anything without checking for coupons first!

LOAD ELECTRONIC COUPONS TO YOUR STORE LOYALTY CARD:
 

Another great way to amp up your coupon savings is by loading them directly to your store’s loyalty card (example: Kroger Plus Card). It is very convenient…never forget your coupons again!

3 easy steps to instant clip-free savings

1. Register your store card on each electronic coupon website
2. Check the coupons you wish to load
3. Swipe your card at checkout and coupons are automatically deducted

(the coupon deduction does not show up at the end of your receipt with the other coupons…it shows up immediately after the item scan)

Here are the 5 websites I load coupons from each month:
Shortcuts, Cellfire, P&G e-Saver, Kroger and Upromise

Each month, I always print a list of what I’ve loaded to my shopper’s card and keep it with me so I can easily match up sales to coupons to clip-free coupons. This makes for some great deals on the spot!

Sometimes these coupons are stackable with a paper coupon. It depends on your store, which site you loaded it from – and sometimes it just depends on the weather! It is so inconsistent that I always consider it a bonus when a digital coupon comes off in addition to a paper coupon.

GET TO KNOW YOUR GROCERY STORE: For example, Publix will accept competitors coupons so it is certainly worth noting who the competition is in your area. Once you have an idea then make sure to periodically check these stores for their coupon booklets and/or the store coupons they have on their websites.

Thank you for the wonderful guest post Coupon Katarina with additions made by Mission Driven Mom

Where would you go? Would you go? Advice/Opinions NEEDED!

(This photo was taken by me as we cross country traveled last summer with all four of our children!)

Have you ever thought about living somewhere other than where you live now? I don't mean the neighborhood next door or even the neighboring city. I am referring to new horizons, you know that location that in your mind fulfills certain desires; such as a better climate, more family friendly, less crowded or more crowded, less depressed economically, more like minded community, and on and on this list could go.

My husband and I have some big decisions to make over the next several months. One of them is that we are moving and we can pretty much go anywhere we desire! His job is remote and therefore our location can be transient. I thought this decision would be easy but now I am thinking about it and I am not as "pick up and go" as I thought I was.

So now I feel stuck in the middle, a horrible place to be. I refuse to be held back by fear so I am carefully considering, praying and being sensitive to my inner cues. I am also someone that, while going through a decision-making process, likes to hear feedback from others!

So I am torn, since the day we met we have daydreamed of living somewhere other than here but the opportunity has never been open, until now. We have done some extensive traveling and we have our favorite destinations that we like to call our "home away from home". Destinations, that if given the opportunity, we said we would move there in a heart beat. We consider ourselves as fairly adaptable and social. We love to try new things. I have made and acted upon difficult decisions such as change my son's school mid-year for the benefit of my child, which is going against the grain a tad. We don't like where we live (and I will not bore you with those details). I think we have what it takes.

On the flip side, where we live now is where our family ties are which is extremely important to us. It is familiar; we have both lived here all our lives. Our children are vested in their school which is positive. We are huge supporters of my parent's local ministry.

 I am curious...

1. If you could live anywhere, where would you live and why?

2. Would it be difficult to go? If yes, would you go anyway or would you be held back emotionally?

3. Additional thoughts or experiences...?

I am weighing and praying heavily and I would love to hear from you to help provoke my thoughts..

Do you stay or do you go?

Superbook Kid's Radio: Stream Christian Children's Radio For Free

I just came across this awesome find...it is Christian Children's Music that is streamed for free HERE on CBN's Superbook website. My daughters, in particular, LOVE listening to children's music and I am more than thrilled when I find children's music that I also enjoy having on in the backround! I have been listening to this station for about an hour now and the songs are great! There are also free games for them to play too.

Enjoy!

Lessons Learned From Extreme Couponing...

Today I made my first charitable donation out of our stockpile! Ahhhhh...did it feel SO good to see my hard work paying off!

You see there is a man at our church that has been without work for quite some time. He is a painter and he has done so much to contribute his talents to ministry without monetary expectations. In addition, he is the primary caretaker for his 11 year old grand-daughter. He truly has a servants heart.

So today it was on my heart to make a contribution into his home. So, I prepared a tote with some groceries...toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, noodles, spaghetti sauce, cereal, jello and I made a tuna noodle casserole split into two meals that could be frozen if so desired.

Now I am not posting this to boast...I want to hopefully portray a very important point about the value of extreme couponing and stockpile shopping...(yes, that is what I am, what I do and what we are about here at MDM!) and it is...

JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT IT OR NEED DOESN'T MEAN THAT SOMEBODY ELSE COULDN'T USE IT OR WANT IT!

SO I WANT TO SHARE 'SOME' EXTREME COUPONING TIPS AND INSIGHT:

1. I don't throw away any coupons that I view as unnecessary to my household (until expired and I'll give them away to the Military). True that! I never know what sales or deals are coming up and sometimes the best ones that work in my buying strategies involve products I would have never considered buying prior to couponing. Also there are so many, that if used properly, get you the items for virutally nothing. I will get these items simply because they are so cheap or free or sometimes I have to get these items to make it work to get the items I really want for free or close to it. It becomes a wash.

2. Not everyone knows how to extreme coupon and get things for free or close to it. This is a gift and a skill that can be used to not only help your family but bless others in need. I have learned that to me, an extreme couponer, I look at a tube of toothpaste as .16 cents but to most people it is $3.00.

3. Do you know that one of the reasons I started couponing so heavily is because my husband told me that we didn't have enough money for food!?! True that! Now this is getting personal but really...it is true. It is a very scary place to be...it is painful (and makes me uneasy to even speak about). However, this experience brings me to a place where I know how it feels to have no one to ask for help. We make far too much money to get any type of assistance and yet we still found ourselves in this situation...so then what? It is a silent pain...it goes unspoken. Since I am aware of this...I know the value of the small stuff. You know, that deodorant that doesn't really work on you...well,  if it was given to me during that period of struggle that would mean lunch for my four kids...SO I would have used it anyways. Means nothing to you but the world to someone else.

4. Lastly, I just want to add that just because you don't need it or want it NOW doesn't mean that someday you or someone close to you will. I think about the plethora of candles that I have acquired and the comments that I have received from family members..."I don't burn candles so I don't need to buy those...", "do you really need anymore candles..." ... the answer is "NOT NOW I DON'T but MAYBE SOMEDAY...they don't have an expiration date!" We live in tremulous times, I don't think you can have enough of the basic survival items (but that is just me thinking outside the box here).

You know, for me, extreme couponing started out as a means of survival (not a means of frugality, again for me that is)...it then turned into a hobby...AND is NOW not about me /us! That is the precedence of starting this blog to begin with. My husband says all the time, "now if we were only doing this from the beginning...think of all the money we would have saved!" Believe me when I say that the time to start is not during desperation!

So today, I say, hold onto those coupons and shop with a list derived from strategy vs. a list derived from personal desire. Here, on MDM, I talk strategy...math...stratego...planning...and it doesn't always make sense at first glance but it does in the big picture. It may take some trial and error...some learning and adjusting but ultimately your family will benefit, your budget will benefit and so will others as you will be able to sow into charity!

So today, I am blessed that I was able to make my first charitable donation with many more to come! Praise God!

Feel free to comment &/or add your own personal expreriences!

Home-Made Art Clay

One thing I have never purchased is art clay! Although the kids love crafting with it and they always love the little jars and bowls they created at school, I have just never spent the money on the this craft.

Well, just recently I had to make some for Kameron to bring into school. It was so cheap and easy to make (and they love it!!) so I thought I would pass the recipe along for those of you who may want it for a rainy day activity.

Basic Art Clay

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 3/4 cups warm water

*(if you want a specific color than add the food coloring to the water)

Process:

1. Mix all ingredients in bowl

2. Knead 5-10 minutes (I had to add quite a bit of extra flour as I kneaded)

3. Model

4. Bake 300 degrees until hard or air dry for a few days

5. Done...OR you can paint your art piece!

*If you store it in a Ziploc it will moisten so be prepared to add more flour upon use.

ENJOY!

The Mystery Of Sleepwalking and Spiderman

I know most often I am posting about saving money in some shape or form but here is an experience I had last night with my 7 (almost 8) year old son, Kameron.

He has always been prone to sleep walking. Most often he'll do things like slide down the banister (YES! that is not a typo!), randomly come and sit on the couch, go to the bathroom, nothing too obnoxious...well except the sliding down the banister which I can't seem to figure out at all.

Well, last night he had an episode...

I was sitting at the kitchen table...blogging. My husband was sitting in the family room, right next to me playing a video game. We could hear footsteps that were unusually heavy, coming down the stairs and along comes Kam, head up-looking very serious-holding his Spiderman pillow.

Wondering what is going on and not realizing yet that he is not really there, I try to engage him in conversation in which he mumbles back something that doesn't make sense. OK--sleep walking it is! Disregarding me, he walks towards the couch where my husband is sitting and aggressively throws his pillow on the couch then turns around and briskly walks himself back to his bed.

I know he is sleep walking but I do try and engage him several times. Nothing!

So we followed him upstairs, where he laid himself back down, he covered himself back up and refused to sleep on his Spiderman pillow. DH tried everything....even lifting his head and sneaking the pillow under him...with his eyes closed at this point, he only inched his head farther away until it was in the corner of the bed.

So, I grabbed another pillow--draped in plain green, picked up his head and placed it on the green pillow. He snuggled in, no prob! Ha, Ha!

What?!? Was it the pillow? Was it Spiderman? How does the unconscious mind of sleep walking make decisions like this? OR is there 'the spirit of Spiderman' that was freaking him out?? OK now that is getting creepy and superspiritual but really....!?!

I told him all about it today...no memory of the episode...only hilarious giggles of disbelief!

If you have experience, please do comment!

Although hearing real life stories is by far the best...if you are interested in learning more on sleep walking, click here.

Cincinatti Chili Recipe! Simple, Good and Cheap!

Next Week At Giant Eagle:

When you buy 2 -26 oz. Ragu jars you get box of pasta free!

Use this coupon $1.00/2 Ragu -- and final price is $1.50 for 2 Ragu's and 1 Pasta.

You may want to have this on your dinner menu for next week! I have made it and it is very good!

Cincinnati Chili (Compliments of Betty Crocker)
10 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground turkey breast (or ground beef)
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 jar (26 to 28 ounces) chunky vegetable-style tomato pasta sauce (use Ragu Garden Veggie)
2 tablespoons of chili powder
1 can (15 to 16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1. Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package.
2. While spaghetti is cooking, heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey, onion and garlic in oil 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink.
3. Stir pasta sauce, beans and chili powder into turkey mixture; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve sauce over spaghetti.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No changes.

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 30 min
Makes: 5 servings (1 cup chili and 1 cup spaghetti each)

ENJOY!!!

Perfect Home-Made Playdough

Today, I was searching for an indoor activity for the girls. Uhh...the winter indoor blues have set in and you know it is TIME for the season to shift when even the kids have had it.

Looking through the same of same old I realized that all the play-doh containers were in the play-doh container but empty. What to do...what to do? I decided to dig out the playdough recipes that I have and away we went cooking.

I don't know, maybe you are reading this and thinking, "duh, homemade play-doh that is so old" but I remember a time when I searched the web looking for one that actually worked. It always seemed that I would find one only to make it and it come out too gooey or something was just off. This recipe was given to me by a teacher and is awesome...it comes out so soft and it is not sticky!

So anyways, if you are need...here is a fabulous recipe for Homemade Playdough. It is cheap to make (got to stick with our frugal principles anyways :-), it is quick and easy (only takes about 5 minutes) and it comes out perfect!

Playdough Recipe
1 1/2 Cup Salt (in pantry~.15-.25c)
3 Cups Flour (in pantry ~.99)
3 Cups Water (I used warm water)(free)
6 Teaspoons of Cream of Tarter (in pantry ~.60)
3 Tablespoons of Cooking Oil (in pantry ~.10)
Food Coloring--about 10-15 drops/color of choice (in pantry ~.10)

Add food coloring to the cups of water. Mix all ingredients together in skillet or sauce pan. Cook over medium to low heat. Be sure to stir mixture constantly until it becomes solid. Remove from pan and let cool. Place in airtight container/baggie.

Fills ~9-10 containers of "Play Doh" cups for ~$2.00!

Also makes for a fun in the kitchen activity...Have Fun!

Chew On This!!

One of the strategies I use ALL the time, everyday to help curb my munchy cravings is to chew gum. I just always found this to work really, really well for me. SO today...CONFIRMED to be true!! I read in Ladies Home Journal that the University of Rhode Island did a study and found that people who chewed gum in the morning ate 68 fewer calories for lunch than those that didn't. And they didn't make up for the calories later in the day. Why? One possibility: the nerves in your jaw muscles feed into the hypothalamus, which houses your brain's satiety control center. The very act of chewing may make you feel full.

Cool...now isn't that a good little tid bit to know...so glad I got all that gum at the salvage store! :-D

Happy Chewing!

Free Preschool Printouts

Visit Snackpicks to download some free Clever Kids Fun With Reading & Counting worksheets for toddlers & preschoolers. While you're there you can also print a coupon for $1 off Kellogg's Fruit Snacks.

My girls will love these!!!

Sweet and Spicy Pork Dinner...Healthy, Inexpensive and Something Different

This is what we are having for dinner!! Mmmm...fyi: I am substituting pork for chicken. My sides will be wild grain rice, cut green beans and toasted bread. Believe it or not, I got ALL items on sale and with coupons (one of the benefits of stockpile shopping) bringing this meal just under $10.

Sweet & Spicy Picante Chicken (Pork)
From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups Pace® Picante Sauce
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
3 cups hot cooked regular long-grain white rice
Directions:
Heat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken into a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Stir the picante sauce, brown sugar and mustard in a small bowl. Pour the picante sauce mixture over the chicken.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with the rice.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed cut green beans. For dessert serve lemon sorbet.

Nutrition Information
Calories 355, Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 907mg, Total Carbohydrate 47g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 30g, Vitamin A 0%DV, Vitamin C 0%DV, Calcium 0%DV, Iron 0%DV

Save and Enjoy!

Beef and Black Bean Tacos Recipe

I got this recipe in the February issue of All You Magazine. These are absolutely delicious, easy to make, healthy, inexpensive and everyone ate them!! LOL~definitely qualifies as a winner in this house and worth sharing.

Beef and Black Bean Tacos (Serving 5)

1/2 pound of ground beef or ground turkey

1 16 oz. can of black beans

1 package of taco seasoning

1 package of flour tortilla's

Toppings (as desired): Tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Brown meat in skillet, drain. While meat is browning drain and rinse beans. Once meat is cooked and drained add beans, 1/2package of taco seasoning and 2/3 c. of water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve.

FYI: Beans are a perfect filler, cutting down on the expense of meat and adding a healthy dose of fiber!

I prepared a double portion and fed my family (and 3 extra kids) for around $10 with left overs. Enjoy this wonderful meal!