Frugal Friday: 10% off or Free Shipping at Christianbook.com

I love shopping at Christian Book Distributers (CBD). I did the majority of my Christmas shopping online through their webiste this year. Through January 3rd, they have Free Shipping on all orders over $35. I would encourage you to check out all they have to offer: books, DVDs, toys, and gifts of all sorts. They have clearance prices on many things right now too. What a great way to get ahead on gift shopping for 2012 at super prices!

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Get Free Shipping: Just place an order of $35.00 or more before 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday January 3, 2012, enter promotion code 375550, and choose standard shipping. Terms and conditions: Cannot be combined with any other offers. Applies to U.S. delivery addresses only. Applies to standard shipping only. Cannot be used on orders already placed, or on backorders. Order must total at least $35.00, excluding shipping fees or taxes, in order to qualify for this offer. Offer expires at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on January 3, 2012.

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Take an extra 10% off our already low prices Use promotion code 375553 on orders of $35.00 or more, and receive 10% off your entire order! This offer is good through 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday January 3, 2012. **These promotions can not be combined

Christmas Trivia

It's beginning to look like Christmas around here. After some unseasonable warmer than average temperatures, we had a light snow yesterday and today. It was perfect, just enough to dust the ground and look pretty floating down from the sky but not enough to stay on the roads. Since, the subject of the last post was Christmas songs, I'll post Mike's trivia question that he came up with this year and see if anyone knows the answer...

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Who is Parson Brown? (In the song "Winter Wonderland" the lyrics go..."In the meadow, we can build a snowman, and pretend that he is Parson Brown...")

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Ha, funny, huh, how many times we've heard that song and really don't know what they are talking about...at least I know I had no idea...

Favorite Christmas Songs

So, my brother-in-law asked us at Thanksgiving to go around the table and tell everyone what our favorite Christmas song was. It was very hard to pick just one. Since then, I've been trying to remember all of those wonderful Christmas songs that I love to listen to but often get forgotten (I seem to hear the same songs over and over on the radio). As I pulled out my CDs for this Christmas season, I made a list of my favorites, including the ones that are not quite as well-known. So, here's my compilation so far (not necessarily in any order), some classical, traditional, hymns, carols, others contemporary/worship, mostly likely at least a few that you aren't familiar with...check out any that you aren't familiar with on www.youtube.com, maybe you'll find a new favorite:

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Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode to Joy)

O Holy Night

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Christmas Offering

Angels We Have Heard On High

Mary, Did you Know

Carol of the Bells

The Gift

When Love Came Down (Point of Grace)

O Come All Ye Faithful

Christmas Canon

Let There Be Light (Point of Grace)

Breath of Heaven

In the First Light

Little Town (Point of Grace)

For Unto Us

Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah

All is Well

Emmaneul (Chris Tomlin)

My Soul Magnifies the Lord (Chris Tomlin)

Joy to the World/Unspeakable Joy (Chris Tomlin)

Glory in the Highest (Chris Tomlin)

Light of the World (Chris Tomlin)

Winter Snow (Chris Tomlin)

Born That We May Have Life (Chris Tomlin)

Jesus, Born on this Day (Mariah Carey)

Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child (Mariah Carey)

What Child is This

Hope is Born Again (Jim Brickman/Point of Grace)

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The First Noel

O Little Town of Bethlehem (especially verse 4)

Silent Night (especially verse 2 & 3)

I also enjoy singing all of the verses of each of the carols...the additional verses are some of my favorites.

Anyone with other favorites?

A few favorites are listed on the Play list below. (I can only get 9 on there at a time) Enjoy! (You can still listen while viewing other sites if you minimize the window and they will keep playing)

Meal Planner Monday: Gingerbread Pancakes with Lemon Butter Sauce

Last December, we had gingerbread pancakes with warm lemon butter sauce at a bed and breakfast we stayed at in Ashland, OH. Very festive and oh, soooo yummy! The smell of these spices in breakfast pancakes on Christmas morning or on a snowy December day really warms up the home. Personally, I think the lemon butter sauce works better with them than maple syrup, but maybe that's just me. I searched the internet for a recipe that sounded good and this is what I ended up with. I made them this morning. Mike said he like plain pancakes better but he ate 8 of them, so I guess they were pretty good.

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Gingerbread Pancakes (from Taste of Home)

* I made half of the recipe and still had a lot (maybe 24 or so)

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

6 eggs

1 1/2 cup molasses

6 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp ginger

1 Tbsp cinnamon

2 1/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp allspice

4 cups milk

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Add molasses. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk.

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Lemon Butter Sauce (Mom's recipe)

Mix together:

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp cornstarch

Stir in: 2 cups water

Boil 1 minute.

Add:

1/4 butter

2 tsp lemon juice

Lemon rind

Frugal Friday: Crafty Christmas Ideas

I was looking around on the internet today for a crafty Christmas idea and a new Christmas picture for the background of my blog. I came across these sites...

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You Seriously Made That!? (I love these nativity silouettes! No ideas for how to use them exactly yet)

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Country Living Crafts and Simple Projects

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The 36th Avenue Handmade Gifts Under $5

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And, of course from Money Saving Mom

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Oh, here's one more...Gifts in a Jar eBook free download from Heavenly Homemakers...I think I'm going to try the Simmer Pot in a Jar on p. 17

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I know the ideas out there are endless. I think I'll be posting some pictures of some of my recent projects (such as the pumpkin spice sugar scrub, snowflake busy bags, and pom-poms and pinchers busy bag) soon now that they are no longer "surprises". I also have been inspired to try some hair accessories after I received a very cool headband from my sister, Julie, for Christmas. Seeing new things inspires me. There's still time for another homemade Christmas gift...

***WARNING: You may lose track of time when you start clicking around***

Frugal Friday: More Inexpensive Thanksgiving Ideas

More great Thanksgiving ideas here... I don't know if all of the offers from last year are still available or not, but it appears so. Be sure to check out the "Scripture Adventures"!

A Season of Thanksgiving: Counting Your Blessings

One of the reasons why I love this time of year is that it reminds me to have a spirit of gratefulness. I saw this tool for writing down or journaling our gratitude. We've done something similar before. It can be used in various ways (some ideas are listed on the website) and I wanted to pass it along because I love the ideas and the artwork. I thought was so kind of them to make it available for free since it probably took some time to design (of course you will need to use your color ink to make them look nice). If you wanted to be really frugal, you could still use the ideas by handwriting on some index cards or maybe something else. Click here to download the printable "Gratitude Journal"

----Ephesians 5:19-20

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Free Movie Night: The Perfect Game

There will be a free movie showing tonight at the Cinemas in DuBois. It looks like a great family movie. It is rated PG. I am guessing that any young boys who like baseball will especially enjoy this movie. You can watch the trailer here There is also an accompanying Bible Study guide that you can download.

Another Free Projecting Hope Movie: The Grace Card

The Grace Card will be showing at the Carmike Cinemas in DuBois this Thursday September 15th at 7:00. Tickets are free at the door. Seats are first come first served. Advance tickets are available through www.ProjectingHopeDuBois.com.

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Note that this movie is rated PG-13 (probably for violence and drug/alcohol content). It appears to contain significant spiritual content however, and is a project of Memphis' Calvary Church.

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View the trailer here.

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And also, the Focus on the Family's "Plugged In" review can be read here.

Blessing Bags

I was reading on my one of my favorite blogs the other day and saw this idea. I was moved to make a couple of these to take along to the Pittsburgh Pirates game that our church's Young Adult class was attending last evening. I only spent probably $7-8 each on them. I included some toiletry freebies or almost freebies(from my past deals and hotel complimentary items), fast food coupons from the newspapers, a Bible from the Dollar Store, a few packaged snack items from our pantry, and a $5 giftcard to McDonalds.

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Mike and I handed both of them out within the first block on our walk back to our parked car after the game. We didn't stay and talk but simply said "Here's a little something for you." We pray that the Lord led those two particular individuals to us and that they may be touched in some way spiritually through our small act.

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I know that I often fail to reach out to share the gospel with others and sometimes don't know what to do when coming across needy/homeless people on the street. From living in the city, I know just handing them money isn't always the best thing to do, and, inviting them to share lunch with you or engaging in a long conversation with them isn't always practical. So, this is an idea for how you may be able to touch their lives in a different way...I thought it was kinda cool :)

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If you'd like to make your own Blessing Bags, this is what you would need: (This is from the above blog post with a few of my own changes/additions)

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Gallon size Ziploc bags along with items to go in the bags, such as: (Watch for these items…on clearance, weekly sales, in the travel size section, free samples by mail or $ store)

chap stick

packages of tissues

toothbrush and toothpaste

comb

soap or shampoo (double bag soap to contain the fragrance)(like I said hotel complimentaries are good)

snacks such as granola bars, crackers, snack packs of fruit, instant oatmeal (include a plastic spoon)

band aids

warm socks, gloves

bottle of water

laundry soap and some quarters

gift card for fast food or grocery store, pharmacy, Goodwill, etc or a bus pass

*Consider whether or not the homeless individual may/may not have access to a homeless shelter where there would be running water/showers.

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Assemble all the items in the bags, and be sure to add a note of encouragement or consider a pocket sized Bible, maybe a copy of "Our Daily Bread," information about a local church or places the individual can receive additional help. Seal the bags and stow in your car for a moment of providence. Pray about these from the time you gather the items to include in the bags through the time after they have been handed out.

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Even if you can’t afford to fill a few complete bags of your own since these items do add up quickly if you pay full price, this would be a great activity to do with some other families. Break it down so that each family could bring one or two of the items going into the bags (ex: toothbrushes).

Frugal Friday: Saving on Gas, Big Lots and Sheetz

Big Lots is one of the stores that I shop at periodically but not on a weekly basis. It's kind of my store to go to when I have extra time just to see what they have. I've learned that if you find something you like there not to expect it will be there the next time you go back and also don't count on them having a particular item from your list. The items they get in do go quickly. Within a couple days, an item is usually gone. However, I don't mind because I usually come home with some exciting buys when I do go. They actually carry a lot of different organic items and the prices are just about unbeatable. The other negative would be that they don't accept coupons, but the prices are usually good enough to beat out even store sales combined with a coupon. I stopped the other evening and got several things, including Ragu organic spaghetti sauce for $1.35 a jar, a box of Quaker granola bars on clearance for $1, Eden organic sprouted grain tortilla chips for $1.50 a bag, and a couple DVDs for $5 each. Later, I discovered that the particular box of TownHouse crackers that I bought for $1.50 was marked with a special promotion by Keebler. Remember the free Toy Story piggy bank that I got earlier in the year? Well this brings me to the first way to save on gas... Now Keebler is doing a similar promotion for the movie Cars 2. Each specially marked Keebler item contains a code which can be collected entered online and redeemed for certain items. A $5 VISA gas card for only 4 points caught my eye, so I went back to Big Lots today (it's right in town, so it's doesn't require a special trip) and got 3 more boxes of the crackers, already entered them online and my $5 VISA gas card should be arriving within 90 days. So, it will only cost me $6 for the $5 VISA gas card and 4 boxes of crackers

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and, for the second way to save on gas... I've been meaning to post about the new "My Sheetz Cards". It is free and you can pick one up at Sheetz then register online. It automatically gives you $.03 off per gallon of gas when you scan your card. There are other ways to save when you buy food. And, as a bonus, they have been sending out an email for free items (last month was a Mountain Dew, this month is a King size Reese cup). (That's my free candy bar in the picture above>)

Coming to Theaters in September

Just saw this, a new movie coming out soon from the makers of "Fireproof" and "Facing the Giants" Watch the trailer here

Free Movie Night: Soul Surfer

I stopped by Subway this evening and noticed the flyers for a free movie night next Thursday, August 4th at Carmike Cinemas in DuBois. The movie is "Soul Surfer" which I've been waiting to see. The doors open at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:00. The movie is free but first come, first serve. And, to change the subject...regarding a sign at Subway...apparently Subway is now referring to their employees as "sandwich artists"...sorry, I don't really think you need artistic abilities to work there.

Frugal Friday: Facebook Offers & Back-to-school Deals

Last week, Ruby Tuesday was offering a free burger (actually good on any grill sandwich) to be redeemed last weekend through Facebook. Mike and I both got a coupon and we had a cheap Sunday afternoon lunch at Ruby Tuesday. Even with a splurge on a pomegranate flavored iced tea, our meal (including tip) was only $9.

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This week, Ruby Tuesday is offering a free burger with the purchase of two drinks again through Facebook...not quite as good, but still a nice offer...click here for link. Also, there were new $10 off two entrees coupons in the newspapers this week.

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And, another current offer through Facebook is 64 cents Arby's roast beef sandwiches on July 23rd with the purchase of a 22 oz drink...click here for link.

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Finally, watch for the back-to-school deals starting already. Watch for free backpacks at Office Max next week.

Meal Planner Monday: Roasted Banana Coconut Milk Ice Cream

I made this ice cream earlier this summer (it is from the Brown Eyed Baker and I adapted it using coconut milk instead of whole milk). I thought it was yummy. Even if you don't have an ice cream maker you can still try it (which is what I did). (See the instructions at the end.)

3 medium-sized ripe bananas, peeled

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted), cut into small pieces

1½ cups coconut milk

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1½ teaspoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon coarse salt

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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Slice the bananas into ½-inch pieces and toss them with the brown sugar and butter in a 2-quart baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring once during baking, until the bananas are browned and cooked through.

3. Scrape the bananas and the thick syrup in the baking dish into a blender or food processor. Add the milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and salt, and purée until smooth.

4. Chill the mixture for at least 8 hour (or overnight) in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the chilled mixture is too thick to pour into your machine, whisk it to thin it out.

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For instructions on how to freeze ice cream without an ice cream maker, click here.

Frugal Friday: Groupon, Jo-Ann's and Other Deals

Have you heard of Groupon? I have an account and receive daily offers by email from them. You sign up for a certain location, for example, I am signed up to receive offers in the Pittsburgh area. Most of the deals are for a certificate or a service at 50% off. Today's Groupon offer is $10 for $20 of apparel at Old Navy. Each offer has the details of how the offer can be used, but it appears that this can be combined with other sales and possibly even coupons for even better deals. (If you are interested, e-mail me because I can get $10 for each new referral to Groupon.) The Jo-Ann's in DuBois recently expanded and they are having a celebration with special promotions June 2-4. Each day they are giving away a $5 gift card to the first 50 customers. They also have a signup for a $100 gift card and other special promotions. It feels like Black Friday :)

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And, then there were some other deals this week...

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CVS

Preparation H Totable Wipes $3.99 - $2 printable coupon - $3.99 ECB = $2 profit

Mars candy bars (2) $.50 each - $1 ECB = Free

Crest $1.99 - $1 coupon - $1 ECB = Free

Aveeno Buy $25 in select products get $10 ECB (There are printable coupons available also)

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Rite Aid

Renpure Organics $4.99 - $4.99 +UP = Free (Limit 2) *Also there is a peelie rebate on certain products so you could make up to $4.99 profit on this offer

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Giant Eagle al Fresco all natural chicken sausage 2/$7 - $1 printable coupons (there was a few packages with short expirations marked an extra $1 off) = As low as $1.50 each

Frugal Friday: Walmart Ice Cream Social

My favorite sweet summer indulgence is ice cream... Participating Walmart stores are hosting an Ice Cream Social this Saturday (May 28, 2011) from 5-9 p.m. Stop by to enjoy a free sample of Edy’s ice cream topped with Nesquik’s Chocolate Syrup and Reddi-wip, while supplies last. Click here for more information and to see if your local Walmart is participating. I see that our Walmart is participating. Sounds like a great free Saturday fun Memorial Day weekend activity for kids... YUM!

(** Disclaimer: I know girls this is not good for our Biggest Loser)

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Other deals of the week:

CVS - Stride Spark or Trident Vitality gum = Free after rebate

Shop and Save - Fresh boneless chicken breast $1.88/lb

Martins - Double $1 coupons

These are the ones that I saw to use...

Seventh Generation dish soap $2.99 - $1 coupon doubled = $.99,

Starbucks ice cream (pint) 2/$6 - $1 coupon doubled = $1,

Pringles 2/$3 - $1 coupon off 3 doubled = 3/$4,

So Delicious Coconut Milk 1/2 gallon $3.99 - $1 coupon doubled = $1.99, and

Snyder pretzel sandwiches $3.49 - $1 coupon doubled = $1.49.

There were probably other deals if I would have time to search for $1 printable coupons. I just looked at the ones I had to see which were worth using.

Derby Day

Today was the Kentucky Derby, the first of the Triple Crown Races. It's my favorite of the 3 races because it has the most character, I think. It's my favorite because... 1) I've actually visited Churchill Downs, 2) it's in the beautiful blue-grass farmlands of Kentucky, 3) I love the fashion at the Kentucky Derby...seeing everyone dressed up in sophisticated attire and their hats (What kind of fashion is it anyway? English? Southern plantation?), 4) they have the best song, and 5) I've had the Kentucky Derby Pie at Rachels in Grove City and it is really yummy! (I'll have to try that recipe sometime.) Someday, I'd like to go see the Kentucky Derby in person. I'll never be an owner or a jockey of one of those horses. But, I thought it would be fun if anyone is creative enough and wants to post what they would name their horse if they could have one to run in the race.

Recommended Reading: A Praying Life by Paul Miller

We received this book for Christmas this past year from Keith and Julie. I've been reading it and really enjoying it. I think my prayer life has changed in the process. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

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But even more exciting is that I just saw this offer this morning on Money Saving Mom (click here) and wanted to spread the word. I didn't want to wait for a "Frugal Friday" post, because like she said this offer could be gone anytime. Maybe I'm old-fashioned because I prefer to have the hard copy so I can highlight and make notes, but a lot of people do seem to like the kindle. And there are often great Christian e-books available for free which is wonderful, too. Like I said, this is one I would definitely recommend...

Meal Planner Monday - Mexican - Speedy Beef and Bean Burritos (ah, I mean Tacos)

It's Cinco de Mayo time again...I just absolutely love Mexican and Latin cuisine! I recently found a couple of great Mexican cookbooks which I am looking forward to trying some delicious recipes from. I hope to learn more about their cooking, also, since I really don't know the difference between a soft taco and a burrito. Does anyone know?

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I am posting one of the recipes that I recently tried from a cookbook called "Mexican Fiesta" (p. 50)

This was my adaptation...

1 pound ground beef

1 bunch of green onions, chopped (or 1 cup chopped onion)

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup salsa

2 tsp cumin

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Top with your favorite taco sauce or hot sauce, to taste, and freshly shredded cojack or Monterey Jack cheese.

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Combine beef, onion, garlic and chopped peppers in large skillet; cook over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef apart with wooden spoon. Pour off drippings. Stir in beans, salsa and cumin into beef mixture; reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro into filling. Spoon filling down centers of warmed tortillas. Top with cheese and sauce to your likings. Roll up and serve immediately.

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We had been to Pittsburgh about a month ago and I had bought some fresh homemade corn tortilla shells from an ethnic market called Reyna's in the Strip District...these made this recipe oh my, soooo good! Those tortillas are definitely something I'll be stopping in for the next time we are in Pittsburgh.

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Here are a few more ideas from Food Network...

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And I watched this episode of the Neelys this weekend and have added these to my list of recipes to try...