Really nothing in my life I can think of to blog about right now...so I'm going back to dance....
Okay, so did you watch So You Think You Can Dance last night? We were pretty old school....we went to dinner with Jordan Fenton (who lives with us) and recorded it on a VHS tape. haha- hey- we still got to see it.
Some of the highlights, in my opinion, were Katee & Joshua's contemporary routine, Joshua's solo dance, Twitch's solo dance and Chelsie dancing the mambo.
So, who do you think is going home tonight?
It's a tough one, I know. I'm going to go ahead and say Twitch and Courtney.
I would LIKE it to be Mark & Courtney, but I just don't know.....America's weird like that.
what do you think?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Grocery Game- Week 3 Update:
So, it's beginning to work out pretty well. I'm stocking up on things like meat and pantry staples, as well as getting toiletries and medicine for dirt cheap! It does take some planning, but using what I'm getting and supplementing it with the fresh produce I get has turned out pretty well. Here's what happened this week:
Publix:
Regular price: $36.15
My price: $17.06
Savings 53% ($19.09)
Some items I bought: Season salt, couscous, bananas, fresh cherries, etc.
Kroger:
Regular price: $58.39
My price: $33.94
Savings: 43% ($24.45)
Some items I bought: HUGE package of pork chops, whole chicken, turkey meatballs, peaches, onions, etc.
**again, I spent about $10 on non-sale items- things I needed to make some of my planned menus for the next couple of weeks, but it still turned out to be a great savings b/c I had a couple of coupons for some of those items. So, I saved about $44 this week. Hey- if I can save an average of 45-50 per week- that's almost $200 a month. I think it's worth it so far!! We'll see if this holds up.
So, it's beginning to work out pretty well. I'm stocking up on things like meat and pantry staples, as well as getting toiletries and medicine for dirt cheap! It does take some planning, but using what I'm getting and supplementing it with the fresh produce I get has turned out pretty well. Here's what happened this week:
Publix:
Regular price: $36.15
My price: $17.06
Savings 53% ($19.09)
Some items I bought: Season salt, couscous, bananas, fresh cherries, etc.
Kroger:
Regular price: $58.39
My price: $33.94
Savings: 43% ($24.45)
Some items I bought: HUGE package of pork chops, whole chicken, turkey meatballs, peaches, onions, etc.
**again, I spent about $10 on non-sale items- things I needed to make some of my planned menus for the next couple of weeks, but it still turned out to be a great savings b/c I had a couple of coupons for some of those items. So, I saved about $44 this week. Hey- if I can save an average of 45-50 per week- that's almost $200 a month. I think it's worth it so far!! We'll see if this holds up.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I got up and worked out this morning. See, I used to, in college, have a great habit of running and working out and was very much in shape. Most mornings of the week, I'd be up and run 4-6 miles before the sun was fully up...then, for some reason, after getting married and both of us adjusting to one another's schedule, that stopped happening. Mornings weren't as easy as they used to be. So, I've stayed "in shape" but definitely not where I'd like to be. I'm smaller than I used to be, but size truly isn't everything, and I know my body needs more exercise and I need more energy. A friend was over here for dinner on Tuesday night, and was talking about how she and two other ladies from church go to the Rec Center at 5:30am every morning. Ewww...But, last night, after Life Group, I came home, ate b/c I hadn't all evening, and decided I should just go on to bed about 9:50, so I did. I woke up this morning (w/o alarm) at 5:40am and decided, "What the heck- I'm going." So, I went and had a great work out and I must say I'm feelin' great. Not sure if this is a new pattern or not, but I am certainly going to try and make it more of a habit. (I also made it to the gym yesterday BEFORE life group- so I'll fit it in when I can)
On another note, I need to do my Grocery Game, Week 2 update. I have to say, I'm not quite as thrilled with this week. I am finding some holes (for me) in the Grocery Game. Part of the problem is that a lot of things on the list- I just don't buy normally, so I've bought a few things the past 2 weeks that I normally wouldn't, which means, even though I am saving money on THOSE, I'm not really for us, b/c we don't typically eat it anyway. BUT, I think with that realization I can use it to work for me and still save a good amount of money. Here's the breakdown:
At Publix, I spent about $23. I don't have my receipt, so I can't remember exactly, but I think that was actually about a 56% savings....didn't use a lot of coupons there, but bought several buy 1 get 1 items and stocked up on some good stuff. I didn't get the penny item though...it was hot dogs, and I just can't do that :)
At Kroger, I spent $31.73. I saved $33.74, so 51% savings for my items. Here's the bad part about Kroger- I HAD to buy butter- spreadable and in sticks, and that was NOT on sale. Luckily I had a coupone for $1 Smart Balance, but those two items still added up to $6.18 which was almost 20% of my total spending, so you see buying stuff when you need it as opposed to when you don't and it's on sale certainly does cost more.
I do however, after 2 weeks, have a freezer stocked with Bacon, italian turkey sausage, chicken breasts, a whole chicken, shrimp, lots of frozen beef, 16 oz. shredded cheese, lots of frozen veggies, etc. for much less than I would have spent normally. So- I'm stickin' with it. We've certainly been eating well (with the help of my organic produce I get from Delvin farms bi-weekly) Here's a run down of this week's meals (if you REALLY care to know)
Sunday Lunch: pot Roast with Organic potatoes & carrots (we had a church picnic, so it was actually more than that- but that's what we brought)
Sunday dinner: homemade pizza with italian turkey sausage, red onion, tomatoes, bell pepper
Monday dinner: shrimp & beef kabobs with squash, zucchini and onion, FRESH tomato basil soup (made from the tomatoes from the farmer's market and my neighbors home-grown basil) cranberry walnut salad and bread
Tuesday dinner: grilled honey soy chicken, fresh corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, salad and watermelon (it was a yellow one- very strange!
Tonight: I don't know yet- I'll open up the freezer and be creative!
On another note, I need to do my Grocery Game, Week 2 update. I have to say, I'm not quite as thrilled with this week. I am finding some holes (for me) in the Grocery Game. Part of the problem is that a lot of things on the list- I just don't buy normally, so I've bought a few things the past 2 weeks that I normally wouldn't, which means, even though I am saving money on THOSE, I'm not really for us, b/c we don't typically eat it anyway. BUT, I think with that realization I can use it to work for me and still save a good amount of money. Here's the breakdown:
At Publix, I spent about $23. I don't have my receipt, so I can't remember exactly, but I think that was actually about a 56% savings....didn't use a lot of coupons there, but bought several buy 1 get 1 items and stocked up on some good stuff. I didn't get the penny item though...it was hot dogs, and I just can't do that :)
At Kroger, I spent $31.73. I saved $33.74, so 51% savings for my items. Here's the bad part about Kroger- I HAD to buy butter- spreadable and in sticks, and that was NOT on sale. Luckily I had a coupone for $1 Smart Balance, but those two items still added up to $6.18 which was almost 20% of my total spending, so you see buying stuff when you need it as opposed to when you don't and it's on sale certainly does cost more.
I do however, after 2 weeks, have a freezer stocked with Bacon, italian turkey sausage, chicken breasts, a whole chicken, shrimp, lots of frozen beef, 16 oz. shredded cheese, lots of frozen veggies, etc. for much less than I would have spent normally. So- I'm stickin' with it. We've certainly been eating well (with the help of my organic produce I get from Delvin farms bi-weekly) Here's a run down of this week's meals (if you REALLY care to know)
Sunday Lunch: pot Roast with Organic potatoes & carrots (we had a church picnic, so it was actually more than that- but that's what we brought)
Sunday dinner: homemade pizza with italian turkey sausage, red onion, tomatoes, bell pepper
Monday dinner: shrimp & beef kabobs with squash, zucchini and onion, FRESH tomato basil soup (made from the tomatoes from the farmer's market and my neighbors home-grown basil) cranberry walnut salad and bread
Tuesday dinner: grilled honey soy chicken, fresh corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, salad and watermelon (it was a yellow one- very strange!
Tonight: I don't know yet- I'll open up the freezer and be creative!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Weekend Re-cap:
Friday after work, we took off to Franklin for me to do my final dress fitting for Ferris's wedding. The dress was great and we left there and headed to downtown Nashville to see Scott & Courtney and new baby Noah! He was precious and we had a great time with them, chatting and holding the newborn. Jordan and I left Baptist hospital and headed down the street for some Mexican food off Nolensville road, and then met up with Robby & Ferris to see "Dark Knight." It was a great movie- VERY dark, VERY intense, but very good. We were up WAY too late though and got in bed somewhere b/w 12:30 & 1am. (ewww, I know)
Saturday morning came too early, as Jordan had a bunch of high school guys meeting here at the house at 8am to go play in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. I woke up to make him some breakfast before he left and spent a couple of hours, cleaning and preparing for worship before I took off. I got to squeeze in about 45 minutes at the pool to catch a little sun before taking off to meet up with Ferris. We looked at some paint color options for her apartment and had a great time chatting and catching up. I ended the evening in Spring Hill with the youth group in a great night of worship, teaching and connecting in our small groups.
Sunday again came early, and I had a great time leading worship for our service. After church, we had a great baptism/picnic with the congregation, the only downside being that it was incredibly hot!! By the time the events were wrapping up, the ONLY thing that sounded good was a pool, so Jordan and I headed off with several of the youth to the pool to cool off. We spent the next couple of hours playing Green River and Categories in the pool and had a blast!! We finished off the evening back at home with homemade pizza (I topped this one with hot turkey italian sausage, green peppers, red onion & tomaotes) and Step Up 2. I got in bed early and slept like a log- ready for an awesome- full week!
Friday after work, we took off to Franklin for me to do my final dress fitting for Ferris's wedding. The dress was great and we left there and headed to downtown Nashville to see Scott & Courtney and new baby Noah! He was precious and we had a great time with them, chatting and holding the newborn. Jordan and I left Baptist hospital and headed down the street for some Mexican food off Nolensville road, and then met up with Robby & Ferris to see "Dark Knight." It was a great movie- VERY dark, VERY intense, but very good. We were up WAY too late though and got in bed somewhere b/w 12:30 & 1am. (ewww, I know)
Saturday morning came too early, as Jordan had a bunch of high school guys meeting here at the house at 8am to go play in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. I woke up to make him some breakfast before he left and spent a couple of hours, cleaning and preparing for worship before I took off. I got to squeeze in about 45 minutes at the pool to catch a little sun before taking off to meet up with Ferris. We looked at some paint color options for her apartment and had a great time chatting and catching up. I ended the evening in Spring Hill with the youth group in a great night of worship, teaching and connecting in our small groups.
Sunday again came early, and I had a great time leading worship for our service. After church, we had a great baptism/picnic with the congregation, the only downside being that it was incredibly hot!! By the time the events were wrapping up, the ONLY thing that sounded good was a pool, so Jordan and I headed off with several of the youth to the pool to cool off. We spent the next couple of hours playing Green River and Categories in the pool and had a blast!! We finished off the evening back at home with homemade pizza (I topped this one with hot turkey italian sausage, green peppers, red onion & tomaotes) and Step Up 2. I got in bed early and slept like a log- ready for an awesome- full week!
Friday, July 18, 2008
It's Friday, how exciting! It's a beautiful day here in Middle Tennesse. This morning, I was out watering my flowers (which are growing splendidly, by the way!) and marveling at the size and height of my pink impatiens. Mom & I planted several plants a few months ago and despite some plants having difficulty growing in my flower beds, these have LOVED it. I've never seen some get so tall. Here's an idea of what they look like when you buy them at the store:
Here is what one of the stems from my plant looks like....plucked out of the whole bush of them:
I think it's hilarious! Who knows why some grow the way they do...it's just the mystery of God's incredible creation!
Big news to announce: Baby NOAH is here! Scott & Courtney Ray's little baby boy was born yesterday around 2:30 by C-section at Baptist Hospital. He was 8 lbs. 6 oz which was a BIG relief to Scott & Court who had been told based on ultra-sound that he was swiftly approaching 10 lbs!! (They thought he was 9lb.8oz) Jordan and I will see him later tonight, so we'll post some pics of that, I'm sure! I got to talk to the new momma this morning and she sounds great! So, CONGRATULATIONS!!
All of you have a marvelous Friday and weekend! May it be full of God's perfect will for each moment :-)(That's what I'm shooting for!)
Here is what one of the stems from my plant looks like....plucked out of the whole bush of them:
I think it's hilarious! Who knows why some grow the way they do...it's just the mystery of God's incredible creation!
Big news to announce: Baby NOAH is here! Scott & Courtney Ray's little baby boy was born yesterday around 2:30 by C-section at Baptist Hospital. He was 8 lbs. 6 oz which was a BIG relief to Scott & Court who had been told based on ultra-sound that he was swiftly approaching 10 lbs!! (They thought he was 9lb.8oz) Jordan and I will see him later tonight, so we'll post some pics of that, I'm sure! I got to talk to the new momma this morning and she sounds great! So, CONGRATULATIONS!!
All of you have a marvelous Friday and weekend! May it be full of God's perfect will for each moment :-)(That's what I'm shooting for!)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
So last week I blogged about The Grocery Game, a way to seriously save money at the Supermarket. I'm currently doing a 4 week "trial" so see if I want to continue to subscribe to the lists that provide insight to the best savings. So, here ya go:
The Grocery Game: Week 1
-clipped coupons from Sunday's paper and some old papers I had. I hadn't really been in a habit of clipping coupons but I figure if I'm going to do this right, I had better collect as many as possible.
-I am currently subscribing to Kroger & Publix lists, which are the stores I go to regularly anyway. After pulling up "The List" (which organizes all of the best deals of the week and color codes them to tell me what to buy) After trips to both stores, here's how I made out:
Publix
Total bill w/o coupons & savings: $113.46
I paid: $59.80
Savings of 53% overall
(keep in mind that my savings is actually more b/c most of these items are already ON SALE w/o coupons)
Kroger
Total bill w/o coupons & savings: $110.46
I paid: $44.56
Savings of 62% overall
Here is a sampling of some of the things I got and some meals I will make from this:
- 1 1/2 lbs. of fresh organic shrimp (for jambalaya and shrimp scampi pasta)
- 2 bags fresh frozen asian veggies & 3 lbs. hormone free chicken breast (for stir fry)
- 2 boxes of whole grain spaghetti
- 2 lbs. top sirloin steak for grilling
- 9.5lbs. sirloin roast (this will last a LONG time. I felt like a butcher cutting it up, but with a little work, I saved a TON of money on this)
- Grilled Mesquite chicken strips & Dole Salad Blends for a yummy southwestern salad
- lots of fresh stuff like tomatoes, cherries, bananas, eggs, milk, turkey lunchmeat & then lots of pantry items like graham crackers, townhouse crackers, popcorn, brownie mixes, air freshener, bathroom cleaner, cereal, tea, shaving cream, medicine, and many other things!
I have a few doubts, but I am going to give it at least 3 more weeks. It takes me being creative, b/c I can't just plan out my menus and get what I need, but I need to really plan around the sales/coupons, but as I go more and more weeks, I'll have more and more to work with and will be able to probably get back to some of my "normal" menus.
I would say it's definitely been worth it so far.
The Grocery Game: Week 1
-clipped coupons from Sunday's paper and some old papers I had. I hadn't really been in a habit of clipping coupons but I figure if I'm going to do this right, I had better collect as many as possible.
-I am currently subscribing to Kroger & Publix lists, which are the stores I go to regularly anyway. After pulling up "The List" (which organizes all of the best deals of the week and color codes them to tell me what to buy) After trips to both stores, here's how I made out:
Publix
Total bill w/o coupons & savings: $113.46
I paid: $59.80
Savings of 53% overall
(keep in mind that my savings is actually more b/c most of these items are already ON SALE w/o coupons)
Kroger
Total bill w/o coupons & savings: $110.46
I paid: $44.56
Savings of 62% overall
Here is a sampling of some of the things I got and some meals I will make from this:
- 1 1/2 lbs. of fresh organic shrimp (for jambalaya and shrimp scampi pasta)
- 2 bags fresh frozen asian veggies & 3 lbs. hormone free chicken breast (for stir fry)
- 2 boxes of whole grain spaghetti
- 2 lbs. top sirloin steak for grilling
- 9.5lbs. sirloin roast (this will last a LONG time. I felt like a butcher cutting it up, but with a little work, I saved a TON of money on this)
- Grilled Mesquite chicken strips & Dole Salad Blends for a yummy southwestern salad
- lots of fresh stuff like tomatoes, cherries, bananas, eggs, milk, turkey lunchmeat & then lots of pantry items like graham crackers, townhouse crackers, popcorn, brownie mixes, air freshener, bathroom cleaner, cereal, tea, shaving cream, medicine, and many other things!
I have a few doubts, but I am going to give it at least 3 more weeks. It takes me being creative, b/c I can't just plan out my menus and get what I need, but I need to really plan around the sales/coupons, but as I go more and more weeks, I'll have more and more to work with and will be able to probably get back to some of my "normal" menus.
I would say it's definitely been worth it so far.
Monday, July 14, 2008
We got to have our "adopted" children over this weekend! Charis & Judah Moore spent the evening with us so Mommy & Daddy could spend some time for their anniversary. Our time was full. We had sandwiches for lunch, and took naps, went to the park and played on swings and in the sand pit, went to the grocery store and got balloons and Diego (from Dora the Explorer) fruit snacks, ate chicken and zucchini (which they loved) for dinner, watered the plants, and ate pancakes and bananas for breakfast. Oh, and of course took a bubble bath! (Just the kids, not me- haha) We had a great time and we hope Mommy & Daddy did too!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Okay, bear with me...this could be a long one.
I just started reading "The Importance of Being Foolish" by Brennan Manning. (The Ragamuffin Gospel, Abba's Child) There are some things in this first chapter that are CHALLENGING ME! Here's an excerpt:
We are satisfied by our decent little life. We are pleased with our good habits; we take them for virtues. We are pleased with our little efforts; we take them for progress. We are proud of our activities; they make us think we are giving ourselves. We are impressed by our influence; we imagine that it will transform lives. We are proud of what we give, though it hides what we withhold. We may even be mistaking a set of coinciding egoisms for real friendship.
The demands of the gospel bring us to the vivid awareness of our weakness and imperfection. They stun us, reduce our overestimation of ourselves, and make us realize how limited we are. This realization- when we allow it to infiltrate our hearts- keeps us from smugness, complacency, and the self-sufficiency that poisons spirituality. God's Word wakes us up to our need...
...If the radical demands of the Christian life are never proposed, if we settle instead for the tepid observance of a lukewarm set of precepts, how easily we become pharisaical and self-righteous. We try to save ourselves by our own works. We never experience the mystery of redemption or loving dependence on God. According to our own invulnerable standards of justice and honor, we are doing quite well at playing Christian.
WOW.
Ouch.
Now, don't get me wrong- I am not saying I'm completely off track or totally and utterly missing the mark, but God is speaking to me through these pages. I can completely identify with the bolded parts in the above paragraph. I still give too much when it's easy for me...whether my time or my treasure. I still need to go to a new place of servanthood...with my friends, family and the people I come in contact with. I still expect too much COMFORT! Serving God is NOT COMFORTABLE! Why don't I expect that instead? I am moved to tears this morning, but they are tears of renewing and purity, not tears of guilt or shame, and that's how I know the Holy Spirit is speaking to me. There's a place the Lord is calling me to, He's drawing my heart, He's reminding me of things- it's eye-opening, embarrassing, raw, beautiful, refreshing, wonderful and compelling. I haven't been "dry" or "tired" lately, I've been growing in my intimacy with Jesus, but He's opening my eyes in a whole new way, and I don't want to miss it- not even a tiny little part.
I just started reading "The Importance of Being Foolish" by Brennan Manning. (The Ragamuffin Gospel, Abba's Child) There are some things in this first chapter that are CHALLENGING ME! Here's an excerpt:
We are satisfied by our decent little life. We are pleased with our good habits; we take them for virtues. We are pleased with our little efforts; we take them for progress. We are proud of our activities; they make us think we are giving ourselves. We are impressed by our influence; we imagine that it will transform lives. We are proud of what we give, though it hides what we withhold. We may even be mistaking a set of coinciding egoisms for real friendship.
The demands of the gospel bring us to the vivid awareness of our weakness and imperfection. They stun us, reduce our overestimation of ourselves, and make us realize how limited we are. This realization- when we allow it to infiltrate our hearts- keeps us from smugness, complacency, and the self-sufficiency that poisons spirituality. God's Word wakes us up to our need...
...If the radical demands of the Christian life are never proposed, if we settle instead for the tepid observance of a lukewarm set of precepts, how easily we become pharisaical and self-righteous. We try to save ourselves by our own works. We never experience the mystery of redemption or loving dependence on God. According to our own invulnerable standards of justice and honor, we are doing quite well at playing Christian.
WOW.
Ouch.
Now, don't get me wrong- I am not saying I'm completely off track or totally and utterly missing the mark, but God is speaking to me through these pages. I can completely identify with the bolded parts in the above paragraph. I still give too much when it's easy for me...whether my time or my treasure. I still need to go to a new place of servanthood...with my friends, family and the people I come in contact with. I still expect too much COMFORT! Serving God is NOT COMFORTABLE! Why don't I expect that instead? I am moved to tears this morning, but they are tears of renewing and purity, not tears of guilt or shame, and that's how I know the Holy Spirit is speaking to me. There's a place the Lord is calling me to, He's drawing my heart, He's reminding me of things- it's eye-opening, embarrassing, raw, beautiful, refreshing, wonderful and compelling. I haven't been "dry" or "tired" lately, I've been growing in my intimacy with Jesus, but He's opening my eyes in a whole new way, and I don't want to miss it- not even a tiny little part.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Okay- if you haven't gotten Brooke Fraser's CD, Albertine- now is your chance. It is just $5.99 on iTunes right now and is SO worth the buy.
This is one of my most favorite albums of all time and her voice is incredible! I love to support her, so PLEASE - go buy her album. I can't think of a better way for you to spend your 6 bucks!
This is one of my most favorite albums of all time and her voice is incredible! I love to support her, so PLEASE - go buy her album. I can't think of a better way for you to spend your 6 bucks!
Got a forwarded email from my mother in law this morning. See how you do on these quetsions...they aren't trick questions- it's a quiz for people who know everything, which I, obviously, don't. (I got #'s 4, 7, 8, 9)
1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.
2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?
3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?
4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?
6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters 'dw' and they are all common words. Name two of them.
7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?
8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.
9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter 'S.'
Click HERE for the answers.
1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.
2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?
3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?
4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?
6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters 'dw' and they are all common words. Name two of them.
7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?
8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.
9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter 'S.'
Click HERE for the answers.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Just finished watching "So you Think You can Dance." LOVED the Bollywood dance number at the end. Yes, that's right...I said, Bollywood. I'm sure you can check it out on You Tube if you missed it.
So, my new favorite thing right now is "The Grocery Game." I was reading the paper about tips on saving on all sorts of things, and I seriously LOVE trying to save money at the grocery...it's a weird little interest of mine. The article was talking about this website- thegrocerygame.com and it intrigued me enough to try it out.
If you are one who doesn't like planning ahead, making a list, sticking to it, looking for deals then this is definitely NOT for you- and that's okay. But, if you're like me and love being a savvy food shopper than this is SO for you. It's a little confusing at first, but I decided to try it with a "mini" trip to the store and here's what I ended up with:
- Herbal Essence Shampoo
- Herbal Essence Conditioner
- Pantene Pro-V Shampoo
- Swiffer Sweeper Refill Pack (32)
- Frozen Broccoli
- Frozen Corn
- Crest Whitening Toothpaste
My total?
$9.21 plus tax! (Look back again at everything I got)
I saved almost $21 off list price from this trip alone. And these are all things I use! (The swiffer refill pack is usually $8.99 by itself) Imagine what my real shopping trip will be like. If you're intersted, check out it out here and read up. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it goes. It is supposed to take a while (12 weeks) to really get to a place where you're saving the max, but I think it'll be worth it!
So, my new favorite thing right now is "The Grocery Game." I was reading the paper about tips on saving on all sorts of things, and I seriously LOVE trying to save money at the grocery...it's a weird little interest of mine. The article was talking about this website- thegrocerygame.com and it intrigued me enough to try it out.
If you are one who doesn't like planning ahead, making a list, sticking to it, looking for deals then this is definitely NOT for you- and that's okay. But, if you're like me and love being a savvy food shopper than this is SO for you. It's a little confusing at first, but I decided to try it with a "mini" trip to the store and here's what I ended up with:
- Herbal Essence Shampoo
- Herbal Essence Conditioner
- Pantene Pro-V Shampoo
- Swiffer Sweeper Refill Pack (32)
- Frozen Broccoli
- Frozen Corn
- Crest Whitening Toothpaste
My total?
$9.21 plus tax! (Look back again at everything I got)
I saved almost $21 off list price from this trip alone. And these are all things I use! (The swiffer refill pack is usually $8.99 by itself) Imagine what my real shopping trip will be like. If you're intersted, check out it out here and read up. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it goes. It is supposed to take a while (12 weeks) to really get to a place where you're saving the max, but I think it'll be worth it!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Great start to the week. Yesterday was a full but wonderful day of work- got a lot accomplished and worked through! We had some friends over for dinner last night. I made a few different pizzas: my standard barbeque chicken pizza, and then a ham & pineapple and a new one- buffalo chicken. MMM,mmm, it was good! I made little Hannah her own personal cheese pizza and we had a wonderful time talking and hanging with them until 11:00 o'clock! Totally could have gone longer, but we all knew it was bed time!
Not too much going on this week. One of my friends is RIGHT on the verge of labor...so we're anxiously awaiting that! She's due in about a week but TOTALLY ready to pop, so we're praying little Noah hurries himself on up. She's certainly ready.
I have a dress fitting after work for my bridesmaid's dress for Reese's wedding. Let's hope it fits! I love the dresses- they are so pretty! And we may have another family over tonight, but other than that, it's a pretty easy breezy day.
Have an awesome Tuesday! Be blessed!
Not too much going on this week. One of my friends is RIGHT on the verge of labor...so we're anxiously awaiting that! She's due in about a week but TOTALLY ready to pop, so we're praying little Noah hurries himself on up. She's certainly ready.
I have a dress fitting after work for my bridesmaid's dress for Reese's wedding. Let's hope it fits! I love the dresses- they are so pretty! And we may have another family over tonight, but other than that, it's a pretty easy breezy day.
Have an awesome Tuesday! Be blessed!
Monday, July 07, 2008
This was an AMAZING weekend! I guess it helped to have an extra day, but it was such a perfect combo of rest and getting things done- I just loved it!
Friday, we had a lazy morning, and then begun work on our front flower beds...weeding, planting and MULCHING! We've been in this house since November of '06 and hadn't re-mulched yet. Needless to say, our poor flower beds were desperately needing it. It was pretty hard work...more so than I realized but a great workout. Jordan also did a TON of work in the garage...we put the TV up in the corner, got rid of some junk, he cleaned and straightened and organized. I LOVE IT when my husband gets his mind set to cleaning/fixing something because he is so thorough and does a great job. We spent the evening with my parents, Ferris & Robby and Dylan celebrating Dad's birthday, which is today! We had a wonderful time and it was SUCH a treat to all be together.
Saturday we slept in a bit, and I headed off to pick up my basket of fresh goodies from the Farmer's Market. I should have taken a picture...the box looked SO pretty. I got squash, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, Kale, Lettuce, Eggplant, Onions...mmm,mmm! So good! I met Jordan at Utopia and we had some breakfast, excellent coffee and read for a while before heading home to take care of some stuff there. We packed up and went to the pool, and hung out for several hours with some of the youth group and Ferris & Robby. It was SO fun and I accomplished my goal of getting rid of my tank-top tan lines from playing frisbee and camp. Now I can just try to get a little more sun before the wedding. We took off from there (I had 3 high school girls in tow) and packed up to go to the Drive in movies in Lewisburg with the youth group and some families. It was a total blast and so many asked to come again.
Sunday came WAY too early, b/c I was leading worship at our Cool Spring's campus and had to get up really early, but it was a wonderful morning, and God extended my energy. Jordan and I spent a couple hours at home, watching the finals of Wimbeldon and resting, before he went back to work in the garage, and then helped me finish the mulching. Here is our finished product:
I'm so excited for my flowers to grow- making sure they get lots of water, but everything turned out SO nicely. We went up to Carrabba's for dinner and had a wonderful evening together.
Praise the Lord for an amazing weekend full of wonderful people and fellowship!
Friday, we had a lazy morning, and then begun work on our front flower beds...weeding, planting and MULCHING! We've been in this house since November of '06 and hadn't re-mulched yet. Needless to say, our poor flower beds were desperately needing it. It was pretty hard work...more so than I realized but a great workout. Jordan also did a TON of work in the garage...we put the TV up in the corner, got rid of some junk, he cleaned and straightened and organized. I LOVE IT when my husband gets his mind set to cleaning/fixing something because he is so thorough and does a great job. We spent the evening with my parents, Ferris & Robby and Dylan celebrating Dad's birthday, which is today! We had a wonderful time and it was SUCH a treat to all be together.
Saturday we slept in a bit, and I headed off to pick up my basket of fresh goodies from the Farmer's Market. I should have taken a picture...the box looked SO pretty. I got squash, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, Kale, Lettuce, Eggplant, Onions...mmm,mmm! So good! I met Jordan at Utopia and we had some breakfast, excellent coffee and read for a while before heading home to take care of some stuff there. We packed up and went to the pool, and hung out for several hours with some of the youth group and Ferris & Robby. It was SO fun and I accomplished my goal of getting rid of my tank-top tan lines from playing frisbee and camp. Now I can just try to get a little more sun before the wedding. We took off from there (I had 3 high school girls in tow) and packed up to go to the Drive in movies in Lewisburg with the youth group and some families. It was a total blast and so many asked to come again.
Sunday came WAY too early, b/c I was leading worship at our Cool Spring's campus and had to get up really early, but it was a wonderful morning, and God extended my energy. Jordan and I spent a couple hours at home, watching the finals of Wimbeldon and resting, before he went back to work in the garage, and then helped me finish the mulching. Here is our finished product:
I'm so excited for my flowers to grow- making sure they get lots of water, but everything turned out SO nicely. We went up to Carrabba's for dinner and had a wonderful evening together.
Praise the Lord for an amazing weekend full of wonderful people and fellowship!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Jordan got back yesterday from taking a group of the high school guys camping in the Cumberland Gap at Stone Door. It's a GORGEOUS place in East TN. I LOVE living somewhere where this kind of hiking,climbing and scenery is available just an hour or 2 away. (Of course, Colorado beats it hands down- but I don't live there, do I?!) He took some pictures on his phone (I'm so proud of him) that turned out very well so I'll get those from him soon and post a couple.
I loved hearing all his stories of the guys, funny things they said, did, etc. One of the boys (who I consider one of my many "sons", but I won't name names to protect the innocent) was apparantly getting himself all worked up and freaked out about the dark. Jordan said that there were several raccoons barking at night, and he got all freaked out about it. Knowing this boy and knowing EXACTLY the facial expressions and tone of voice he had just sent me rolling! Hilarious! They survived it well and from Jordan's account are probably ready for the next level- the true back country camping. So fun...only thing I wish, is that I could have gone! :-) Next time!
I loved hearing all his stories of the guys, funny things they said, did, etc. One of the boys (who I consider one of my many "sons", but I won't name names to protect the innocent) was apparantly getting himself all worked up and freaked out about the dark. Jordan said that there were several raccoons barking at night, and he got all freaked out about it. Knowing this boy and knowing EXACTLY the facial expressions and tone of voice he had just sent me rolling! Hilarious! They survived it well and from Jordan's account are probably ready for the next level- the true back country camping. So fun...only thing I wish, is that I could have gone! :-) Next time!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
I love finding new worship music. 10 years ago, there wasn't much out there, but then a revolution happened in modern worship and Passion & Hillsong began pumping out new stuff every other week it seemed, Chris Tomlin followed suit, and now we have a wonderful environment around the world of fresh new music constantly being poured out. Of course, granted, there are those who have taken their opportunity to capitalize on the chance to make some money, so there are plenty of "worship" albums out there that are anything but.
But I've been finding some great stuff. I am of course a huge fan of the stuff Hillsong produces and they've got a new one by United and Hillsong coming out in the very near future. VERY exciting! Chris Tomlin's got a new one coming out later this month, I think.
Here's what I'm listening to right now:
Gateway Worship, "Wake up the World" REALLY, REALLY enjoying this! Starting with the track "God of My Days," the next 4 tracks are incredible. Going to see about adding some of these to our worship rotation at church.
Jamie Jamgochian, "Above the Noise." Not all the songs on this are written by her, but I love her style. It's refreshing and pure, and I am looking forward to listening more and more to this record.
Jeremy Riddle, "Full Attention." I LOVE how he incorporates the choir on this record. It's a little "old school" style but it is BEAUTIFUL and POWERFUL! I've been enjoying this VERY much.
Anything you all are listening to that you're loving?
But I've been finding some great stuff. I am of course a huge fan of the stuff Hillsong produces and they've got a new one by United and Hillsong coming out in the very near future. VERY exciting! Chris Tomlin's got a new one coming out later this month, I think.
Here's what I'm listening to right now:
Gateway Worship, "Wake up the World" REALLY, REALLY enjoying this! Starting with the track "God of My Days," the next 4 tracks are incredible. Going to see about adding some of these to our worship rotation at church.
Jamie Jamgochian, "Above the Noise." Not all the songs on this are written by her, but I love her style. It's refreshing and pure, and I am looking forward to listening more and more to this record.
Jeremy Riddle, "Full Attention." I LOVE how he incorporates the choir on this record. It's a little "old school" style but it is BEAUTIFUL and POWERFUL! I've been enjoying this VERY much.
Anything you all are listening to that you're loving?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Great weekend that went by too fast:
Friday night, Jordan took off to the Men's Overnight retreat our church, New Song, was having. He was leading worship and from what I hear- did a wonderful job! I took off up "north" to Cool Springs to run some errands and then ended up at my mom's house with Mom, Karen Hillis (in town for Ferris's shower) Ferris and her future mother-in-law, Sungcha Owen. We had a good time chatting, making dinner until poor Sungcha got eaten alive by mosquitoes on the back deck. (No joke- I cannot describe how many bites she had on her legs from a 15 minute time block) We ended the evening watching one of the most incredible dances I have EVER SEEN! I am not joking...it makes me cry almost every time I watch it. Check it out here. (Scroll past the interview part if you don't have time- the dance is only about 2 minutes)
Saturday, I caught breakfast with my friend Jessica Cupp- who is in town all the way from Hawaii. We had an incredible time catching up on so many things. I haven't seen her in a year and a half! Unbelieveable they've been over there for that long! It was so much fun!! I took off from there to change real quick and head to Franklin for another bridal shower for Ferris. I still don't have pictures because I've been too busy at the shower to take pictures, so I'll try to collect them from others. It was awesome! She was SO blessed by so many encouraging and wonderful words and generous gifts from friends and family. I ended the evening hanging out with our U-turn youth girls at one of the other leader's houses- playing Loaded Questions and laughing at the crazy antics of these girls. They are hilarious and I love them so much!
Sunday after our normal service in Spring Hill, Jordan and I headed out to New Song Murfreesboro to lead worship and participate in the service out there. This is the congregation that Robby & Ferris are pastoring, and it was SO exciting to be out there! After service we got to see the apartment they are living in, which is great and then spent the evening with them at our house.
So there was the weekend and we're gearing up for a fabulous week!
Friday night, Jordan took off to the Men's Overnight retreat our church, New Song, was having. He was leading worship and from what I hear- did a wonderful job! I took off up "north" to Cool Springs to run some errands and then ended up at my mom's house with Mom, Karen Hillis (in town for Ferris's shower) Ferris and her future mother-in-law, Sungcha Owen. We had a good time chatting, making dinner until poor Sungcha got eaten alive by mosquitoes on the back deck. (No joke- I cannot describe how many bites she had on her legs from a 15 minute time block) We ended the evening watching one of the most incredible dances I have EVER SEEN! I am not joking...it makes me cry almost every time I watch it. Check it out here. (Scroll past the interview part if you don't have time- the dance is only about 2 minutes)
Saturday, I caught breakfast with my friend Jessica Cupp- who is in town all the way from Hawaii. We had an incredible time catching up on so many things. I haven't seen her in a year and a half! Unbelieveable they've been over there for that long! It was so much fun!! I took off from there to change real quick and head to Franklin for another bridal shower for Ferris. I still don't have pictures because I've been too busy at the shower to take pictures, so I'll try to collect them from others. It was awesome! She was SO blessed by so many encouraging and wonderful words and generous gifts from friends and family. I ended the evening hanging out with our U-turn youth girls at one of the other leader's houses- playing Loaded Questions and laughing at the crazy antics of these girls. They are hilarious and I love them so much!
Sunday after our normal service in Spring Hill, Jordan and I headed out to New Song Murfreesboro to lead worship and participate in the service out there. This is the congregation that Robby & Ferris are pastoring, and it was SO exciting to be out there! After service we got to see the apartment they are living in, which is great and then spent the evening with them at our house.
So there was the weekend and we're gearing up for a fabulous week!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I don't need another reason to love the Indianapolis Colts, but maybe you do. In an interesting poll in an Indiana newspaper, they polled to find out how non-political figures stacked up next to Barack Obama and John McCain. How did Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts do? Out of a possible 10- being the highest level of respect, he got a 7.3. Percentage of people polled who said they had the highest level of respect for him, 33%. Maybe those numbers don't seem much, but consider this: out of a list of about 15 people, the only one to rank higher on the list than Tony Dungy?
Mother Theresa.
So- GO COLTS AND GO TONY DUNGY!! (and read his book if you haven't already- so good!)
Mother Theresa.
So- GO COLTS AND GO TONY DUNGY!! (and read his book if you haven't already- so good!)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
So here's a rundown of the last few days. It'll probably be long, so click on my music tab to the right and get a little music while you read!
Saturday:
-hooked up with Steven & John Herrenbruck for breakfast on Saturday in Newburgh. We had a great time with them before hitting the road to get back to Nashville. As soon as we arrive, I took off with Ferris and Mom to Ferris's shower, which was wonderful, and Jordan took off to play some Ultimate Frisbee with my brother and some friends. (More from the shower later) As soon as that was done, we met up with all the youth and parents at Pinkerton Park for a family picnic/game night. We grilled hot dogs, played water balloon toss (Jordan and I came in 3rd out of about 60 groups!) hung out, talked, played frisbee, angle ball, etc. It was beautiful weather and it was so fun to have everyone out there together. We crashed that night, and I think both slept hard!
Sunday:
-I woke up early to get ready- had to get to the church by 7:30 because I was leading worship. Went through rehearsal and had a great service. We are consistently at about 215 people these days, which is so exciting! Pastor Andrew Lamb from Woodbine was speaking, and we had a great time of ministry at the end. There is a lot to process still from the service, but God is doing some pretty amazing stuff. Afterwards, we hurried home, I made grilled chicken salads, we stuffed them in, and ran off to Ultimate Frisbee, which is an outreach we do every other Sunday for the youth group. We had a lot of fun playing frisbee for a couple of hours. We both got home around 4:45 from that, and got to rest for about an hour before I made dinner and we took off to go bowling for a friend's birthday. We had a great time bowling with friends that night- I actually broke 100, can't remember the last time I did that.
Monday:
-slept in until about 7, and then got up to read and get to work....had a lot to do! The day flew by working and catching up on things, and as soon as it was over, I prepared my grocery list and took off for some errands. Picked up our dry cleaning which I had dropped off like 4 weeks ago- OOPS! In the midst of grocery shopping we decided to go up to Mom & Dad's for the evening, so I made it home, whipped up some spinach artichoke dip, packed up the steaks I was marinating and we took off. We had a great evening, got to see Reese and Chris and got some good talks in with Mom & Dad. We left (too late) but oh well! It was worth it.
Today:
-work up early, and stepped outside to weed my front bed. we HAVE GOT to get some mulch down there...these stupid weeds are growing way TOO fast, so I took care of that, and got some great reading in before starting work. Finishing up the work day now, which again has flown by. We have our Spring Hill youth leadership team (about 9 total) coming over for dinner tonight, and I still need to clean the house. So, in the next 2 hours I will attempt to dust/vaccuum/clean the kitchen and cook chicken marsala/pasta/green beans for 9 people. I'll letcha know how it all turns out!
Saturday:
-hooked up with Steven & John Herrenbruck for breakfast on Saturday in Newburgh. We had a great time with them before hitting the road to get back to Nashville. As soon as we arrive, I took off with Ferris and Mom to Ferris's shower, which was wonderful, and Jordan took off to play some Ultimate Frisbee with my brother and some friends. (More from the shower later) As soon as that was done, we met up with all the youth and parents at Pinkerton Park for a family picnic/game night. We grilled hot dogs, played water balloon toss (Jordan and I came in 3rd out of about 60 groups!) hung out, talked, played frisbee, angle ball, etc. It was beautiful weather and it was so fun to have everyone out there together. We crashed that night, and I think both slept hard!
Sunday:
-I woke up early to get ready- had to get to the church by 7:30 because I was leading worship. Went through rehearsal and had a great service. We are consistently at about 215 people these days, which is so exciting! Pastor Andrew Lamb from Woodbine was speaking, and we had a great time of ministry at the end. There is a lot to process still from the service, but God is doing some pretty amazing stuff. Afterwards, we hurried home, I made grilled chicken salads, we stuffed them in, and ran off to Ultimate Frisbee, which is an outreach we do every other Sunday for the youth group. We had a lot of fun playing frisbee for a couple of hours. We both got home around 4:45 from that, and got to rest for about an hour before I made dinner and we took off to go bowling for a friend's birthday. We had a great time bowling with friends that night- I actually broke 100, can't remember the last time I did that.
Monday:
-slept in until about 7, and then got up to read and get to work....had a lot to do! The day flew by working and catching up on things, and as soon as it was over, I prepared my grocery list and took off for some errands. Picked up our dry cleaning which I had dropped off like 4 weeks ago- OOPS! In the midst of grocery shopping we decided to go up to Mom & Dad's for the evening, so I made it home, whipped up some spinach artichoke dip, packed up the steaks I was marinating and we took off. We had a great evening, got to see Reese and Chris and got some good talks in with Mom & Dad. We left (too late) but oh well! It was worth it.
Today:
-work up early, and stepped outside to weed my front bed. we HAVE GOT to get some mulch down there...these stupid weeds are growing way TOO fast, so I took care of that, and got some great reading in before starting work. Finishing up the work day now, which again has flown by. We have our Spring Hill youth leadership team (about 9 total) coming over for dinner tonight, and I still need to clean the house. So, in the next 2 hours I will attempt to dust/vaccuum/clean the kitchen and cook chicken marsala/pasta/green beans for 9 people. I'll letcha know how it all turns out!
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