Celebrating and Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook--- giveaway!

Many of you know that I am following along on Money Saving Mom's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home series.

Did you also know that Money Saving Mom is one of my FAVORITE blogs to read?

Did you know that Money Saving Mom author Crystal Paine, just released her new ebook, Celebrating and Savoring A Simple Christmas?

This book is jam pack full of tips on EVERYTHING to make your Christmas enjoyable and simple for YOUR family!

Some of the topics she covers are:

Organizing your Christmas list

Making and sticking with a Christmas budget

Freezer cooking for the holidays

Making memorable family activities

Simple and inexpensive homemade gifts

Getting your home in order (including a 2 hour cleaning list)

Savoring the meaning of the season

THIS IS A GREAT EBOOK!!!!

TO BUY:

TO WIN:

24 HOUR GIVEAWAY!

Crystal Paine is generously giving away a copy of her Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas ebook to one of my readers. 

TO ENTER: Just leave me a comment on what you plan on doing to make this Christmas great for your family.  (Please also leave your email address so I have a way of contacting you if you win!)

This contest is open to the US and will close at 10:00 PM EST on November 14, 2012. I will draw the winner by Random.org, and they will have 48 hours to respond to the email notification that they won.

GOOD LUCK!

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--- Day 7

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I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
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Today is day 7.

Today's assignment and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! }

DONE: Today's outfit of choice is: black short sleeve shirt (has a crocheted top half), jeans, black and grey socks, black shoes, and a silver necklace. Actually pulled my hair back in a pony tail today as I was HOT at work yesterday so we will see if this helps.

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and vacuum the main living areas of your home.

DONE: Kind of.....You see I don't have any carpet in my house. NONE. The house we are renting has either hardwood floors or lineoleum throughout. So I did sweep the main living areas, but not with a vacuum, but with a broom! :)

It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
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Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--- Day 6

photo credit

I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
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Today is day 6.

Today's assignment and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

Today's outfit is: jeans, dark red tank top, black sweater, cross necklace, black shoes and socks. :)
I find that I feel better about what I am wearing if I add a necklace to it.

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and create a list of weekly goals.

MY WEEKLY GOALS:

• Complete and mail off HEAP application
• Pay remaining November bills
• Farm Rich review and giveaway posted on blog
• Read at least 1 marriage book
• List at least 2 things on ebay
• Read at least 1 book a day to each child

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and run through your home and quickly pick up everything that’s out of place and put it away.

DONE-- Thankully the house wasn't too bad, as Hubby helped me get it clean yesterday. :)

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and clean out the inside of your vehicle. Remove all trash and clutter. If you have time, use a vacuum attachment to vacuum all the seats and floors out.

I actually did this last thursday as Friday Hubby was traveling with a coworker to cover a tournament game. I didn't think that his coworker should be subjected to the craziness of having 3 kids and only 1 car, so I cleaned it out last Thursday! So was ahead of the game! :)

It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
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Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers WINNER!

 

The lucky winner of the Green Giant Seasoned Steamers Prize pack is:

 

LIBERTY B. (mindomatter76@.....)

 

Liberty, you have been emailed. You have 48 hours to respond or I will choose a new winner!

 

Thank you everyone for entering!

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home---Day 5

photo credit

I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
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Today is day 5.

Today's assignment and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

Today's outfit of choice: jeans, long sleeve black t-shirt, long black sweater and black shoes.

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

My goals for today:

• Parent- Teacher conference
• Deliver snack stuff to school
• Lunch date with Billl
• pick up books from library

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and remove your couch cushions and clean out any crumbs, toys, or other miscellaneous items you find. Use an attachment on your vacuum to vacuum the cushions, underneath the cushions, and all crevices of your furniture. Spot clean the fabric, if needed.

It wasn't too bad. There were a couple of small toys but that was about it under the couch cushions. I did take the covers off the couch cushions and they are currently in the washing machine. Benjamin apparently had a blow out in his diaper while our friend was babysitting them this afternoon for us, so I had to spray and wash the covers. (That is life with a kid in diapers though!)

Before

After

 
::Set the timer for at least 15 minutes and do something you really enjoy and that relaxes and rejuvenates you. If you need ideas, here are a few: read, write, call a friend, pray, exercise, bake, play with your children, laugh with your husband, stop by the bookstore and browse the book selection, work in the garden, or take a nap! Take some time to just stop and enjoy life today!

Today Bill and I had to go to my daughter's school for a parent-teacher conference. It was good. We also took the opportunity to have a friend babysit the kids during this and we went out to lunch at our local Mexican restaraunt BY OURSELVES!!! This is something that we haven't done since before Benjamin was born (he is 7 months old!). It was so nice to enjoy adult conversation and enjoy yummy food! Then we went to the library and spent a little bit of time browsing. I feel so good right now and refreshed and am ready to get back into housecleaning and other responsibilities!

It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
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Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home---Day 4

photo credit

I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
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Today is day 4.

Today's assignment and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

Today I am wearing jeans, a pink tanktop, topped with a long brown sweater. I love the combo of browns and pinks!

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

My to do list for today:
1. Find all paperwork for HEAP app
2. Get supplies together for MIL b-day present
3. Make and email snack schedule to work
4. One load of laundry
5. Do today's assignments

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and do a quick-clean of your most-used bathroom (if you have more than one bathroom!).

Our main bathroom wasn't too bad. A few towels and bath toys on the floor. I picked those up and put them away. Went through the bath toys and threw out a few that were old and/or were squirting out stuff with the water. I replaced shower gel and shampoo for my hubby. And wiped out our sink and bathtub. I also straightened up the toothpastes.

Before

After

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and quickly clean out underneath your beds and furniture. Remove clutter and trash and put it away or throw it away. If you have more time, move the furniture (if possible) and vacuum underneath.

OH MY WORD!!! I didn't realize how much STUFF was under our couch and under our computer armoire. There was a ton of kids' toys under both. We have hardwood floors and so there is nothing to stop small toys from getting kicked under the couch or the armoire. But now they are both clean underneath. I did not do our beds as I do the kids' each time I change their sheets and Bill and I do not keep anything under ours.

Here are the "treasures" found under the couch-- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the expression on Jacob's face...when I got all the stuff out, he was like "wow! treasures!" LOL! LOVE that boy!

And the "treasures" under the computer armoire---

I am glad that is done. I really should add a weekly clean out under the couch to our list of things we should do.

It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
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Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--Day 3

photo credit

I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
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Today is day 3.

Today's assignment and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

My goals for today:

Find all paperwork that goes with HEAP application
Read at least 1 book to each child
Get supplies together for MIL b-day present
Go snack shopping for work
Do at least 1 load of laundry

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and do a quick-clean of your bedroom: Do a quick clean-up, make your bed, and vacuum, if you have time.

My bedroom isn't too bad, but I cleaned off surfaces and made our bed. Looks much better now.

Before (from one angle)

After

Before (from another angle)

After (from another angle)

::Set your timer for 10 minutes and do a quick clean-out of your freezer. If you have a deep freeze, don’t worry about cleaning it out unless you have extra time today.

My freezers weren't too bad, as I did a grocery shop this weekend. So no pictures of them. In the interest of full disclosure... I did empty a box of waffles and threw the box away. That was about the extent of my freezer cleaning today!

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Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

I got a haircut!

This weekend, I decided that I had enough. I haven't had my hair cut in over a year. I was probably 2-3 months pregnant with Benjamin when I last had it cut. So it was time.....

Here is the before:

Here is the after....

I had a total of 11 inches cut off! My head feels so much lighter. I love it. Jacob keeps asking me "what happened to Mommy's hair?" LOL

Here is another look....

 

I think it is perfect because it is short enough for me to wear down and still long enough to pull back out of my face when I am doing something with the kids or am going to work.

What do you think? How do you wear your hair?

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--Day 2

photo credit

I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
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Today is day 2.

Today's assignment and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life!}

Today I dressed up a little. Was feeling a little down and with the arrival of "Aunt Flo" for the week, I felt like something had to make me feel a little better. So I wore black dress pants and a nice pink shirt. I also wore my breast cancer awareness necklace that was made by a friend who is currently battling this horrible disease.

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

The things I wanted to accomplish today are:

• Find all paperwork that I need to complete HEAP application
• Make copies of said paperwork
• Fill out HEAP application and have hubby sign
• Get supplies ready to make Mother-In-Law's birthday gift from kids
• Read at least 1 book to each child today
• Exercise for at least 20 minutes

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and do a quick-clean of your kitchen: wash the dishes/load the dishwasher, clear off the counter tops, and, if you have time, wipe down the counter tops and the outside of the cupboards with wet rag or cleaning cloth.

Did this.  My kitchen wasn't too bad to start. But when I went to wipe down the outside of the cupboards the bottom ones were gross. I even wiped off the side of the fridge because it was nasty too. Guess I never look that close to the ground when I am doing cleaning.

Before

After

Before (Gross!)

After (Much better!)

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and do a quick clean of your refrigerator. Remove all the contents that are past their prime, wipe down the sticky spots, and re-organize things so they are easier to get to.

I had already done this over the weekend as I had to do a major grocery shop. But I did move a few things around today, as leftovers were getting in the way of other stuff.

before

after

Feels good to be doing a little something each day for organizing and cleaning house. Hope I can keep up the momentum!

How are you doing? Are you cleaning and/or organizing your home?

4 weeks to a more organized home--Day 1 (UPDATED with PICTURES!)

photo credit

Beginning today I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!

Today is day 1.

The first assignment and how I did today:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life!}

Today was a work day for me...so I had on jeans, a green sweater tanktop (covered with a matching green sweater when I went to work) and I had my hair pulled back. I also had on my new family tree necklace that I won in a contest.

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and make a list of 5-10 goals for this week.

MY GOALS FOR THE WEEK:

• Complete and mail off HEAP application
• Date lunch with Bill and go to the library with him
• Work on reading with Rebecca each night
• Excercise at least 3 days this week
• Read to Ben and Jacob at least 1 book a day

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and quickly pick up the main living areas of your home.

DONE

::Clean out your purse and/or diaper bag.

Cleaned my purse out. And MAN did it need it. I also cleaned out the diaper bag....all that I had to do there was take out summer clothes and replace with winter clothes and restock diapers. We really don't go too many places so the diaper bag rarely gets messy.

I am excited to do this! Can't wait to see what tomorrow's assignment is.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

It is Monday again, which means that it’s "Happy Homemaker Monday," a project which is hosted by Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Each week, she hosts "Happy Homemaker Monday" as a way to highlight what is going on in her world. This week I have decided to join in....So here is a little glimpse into my world on this Monday!

 

 



The Weather:::

It has been cold and cold, and did I mention...cold. :)  The sun was out earlier but it has clouded back up. Temperature right now is 32 degrees. COLD!!!!

Right Now I am:
Sitting here at the computer typing this up, thinking about what I need to do.   

Thinking:

That I hope work isn't too bad today. That I need to make a library run soon. That I love my husband and kids.
 

On my reading pile:::

Unending Devotion by Jody Helund
Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

On my tv:::

Cartoons (for the kids)
Malibu Country (dvr'ed the pilot on Friday night and need to watch it)
 

On the menu for this week:::

Monday:  Chicken, broccoli, rice casserole, chicken patties for the kids, corn
Tuesday:  turkey and cheese crescent rollups, potatoes

Wednesday: Pot roast, potatoes, onions, carrots in the crockpot, crescent rolls

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday: macaroni and cheese, veggies

Saturday: Pulled pork sandwiches, veggies, fruit

Sunday: dinner out with inlaws for MIL's birthday
 

On my to do list:::

HEAP application

Prep and schedule blog posts
Plan for decluttering weeks
 

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

Made chocolate chunck cookies this morning :)  

Looking around the house:::

Jacob is watching cartoons. Benjamin is napping on his blanket on the floor. There is a pile of things to go through next to my computer. Kitchen has been cleaned up after breakfast and cookie making.  

From the camera:::

My kiddos! Was trying to get a group picture and Jacob said he just had to hug his brother! So cute!



On my prayer list::: 

For healing in marriage and relationships.

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

There you have it. A little glimpse into my life on this Monday. Hope everyone has a great Monday!

 

 

Green Giant Steamers (and a GIVEAWAY!)

 

I love vegetables. My family loves most vegetables. But I find that I am getting in a rut when it comes to preparation of said vegetables. Added to the fact that our life has been crazy busy and it is a struggle for me to get dinner on the table in a timely manner when I am trying to feed the kids and hubby a healthy dinner. (Especially hard when I get home at 6:05 from work each night and am trying to get dinner on the table by 6:30 at the latest!)

 

Enter new Green Giant Seasoned Steamers!

 

Available in six different varieties, Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™ are one of the first sauce-free seasoned vegetables to bring unique chef-inspired seasonings and premium cut vegetable blends to your dining room table. These tasty Seasoned Steamers are bound to spice up any meal with six varieties including: Mediterranean Blend, Tuscan Seasoned Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts with Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, Honey Roasted Sweet Corn, Honey Dijon Carrots and Backyard Grilled Potatoes.

 

I was so excited to receive the opportunity recently to try out some of the new seasoned steamers (courtesy of My Blog Spark!). 

 

 

 I chose to try the Tuscan Seasoned Broccoli (which is broccoli seasoned with parmesan cheese and tuscan seasonings). It was very easy to prepare (microwaved for 7 minutes).

 

 

When it was done it was steaming and smelled delicious.

 

 

I served with with turkey and cheese crescent rollups for a quick, healthy dinner.

 

My official review: I thought the broccoli was FABULOUS! There was just the right amount of seasoning and you still got the fresh broccoli taste! I was very impressed. Even my kids loved the broccoli, including my anti-green vegetable son Jacob. I can't wait to try another variety. (The only downside was that there was only enough for the kids and I. Had Bill been eating dinner with us that night I would have had to fix 2 bags!)  

 

These will definitely be a fixture in our freezer for those crazy nights!

 

For more information about Green Giant Seasoned Steamers, visit Green Giant on greengiant.com, an on facebook,  

 

If you would like to have them in your freezer too you have 2 ways to save:

 

BUY IT:

 

If you want to buy a package (or more) at your local grocery store, you can print a coupon to save $1 on any one package of Green Giant Seasoned Steamers.

 

WIN IT:

 

Green Giant and My Blog Spark have generously offered one "Living Better One Day at Time" reader an opportunity to win the same prize package that I was provided for my review.

 

One winner will recieve:

 

(1) VIP coupon for one free package of Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™

Apron

Green Giant Serving Spoon

Mixing Bowl .

 

 

To win all you have to do is follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form!

Giveaway is open to US residents only. Winner will be announced and emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Green Giant^® through MyBlogSpark.

2 Skeletons and a Witch

Since I was too tired last night to upload my trick or treating pictures, I thought I would share a few with you today....

My little skeleton Jacob---
He did not want to put his costume on, but finally I was able to do it.
He did SO well going up to eat house and saying "trick or treat" and "thank you."
This was his first year really trick-or-treating and he had a BLAST!

 

My littlest skeleton Benjamin---
These are actually baby pjs that he had on over his sweatpants.
It was cold and rainy but he stayed bundled up in the stroller under the blanket.
This was his first Halloween!  

 

 

My little witch Rebecca.
She got her face painted green at school by a family friend, Miss Maggie. 
She had SO much fun! (and I loved that her costume only cost me $4 total at Goodwill!)

 

My Decked out kiddos. I love Jacob's expression in this picture. He is like "what the....?" LOL

Aren't they just the cutest skeletons and witch you have ever seen??