Target.

Yes, That Target. I'm proud to report that I have learned to control my impulse buys and can safely navigate through target without buying things that aren't on the list. That's huge progress for me. So now, a good majority of my shopping is done at Target, the only other store I go to is Publix. But I would say 90% of my shopping is done at Target. And I have found ways to save HUGE on the things I already buy.

First, I do get a Sunday paper and clip coupons, but ONLY on things I already use. The trouble you get into with coupons is clipping them all and buying something you don't use, or would normally never buy, just because you have a coupon.

Second, Target online store coupons.

Next is mobile coupons. You can sign up here to get coupons via text message.

And last is the Target debit card, you can get it here. It comes out of your bank account just as if you had used your debit card from your bank. And you save 5% EVERY time you shop. The card can only be used at Target, and the only downside that I have noticed is that it takes 2-3 days to come out of your account, So just be diligent about balancing your bank account. It is seriously the greatest thing since sliced bread. It even gives you 5% off the pizza hut cafe! {Not that I would know that or anything because I don't eat that garbage... I'm pregnant, don't judge me}Think about 5% over your Grocery/Diaper/Toiletry/household stuff over a year... It adds up. Our savings {just for having this card,} are probably close to three or four hundred dollars per year. That's not including big purchases either. And no, there is no fee for having it either. Really, I haven't found a downside.

Now, A few other things I love about Target... They have coupons on their generic up and up brand.  I don't know of anywhere else that does that. And as a side note, Up and Up diapers and wipes are awesome! And You can earn gift cards on things you purchase with coupons Including their generic brand!... Not to mention they print lots of catalina coupons, based on the things you buy. So, long story short, I love Target, and feel pretty good about saving a lot of money there.

A farm?

There's part of me that wishes I lived on a farm... Minus the nasty poopoo smell. And no cows or horses either... Those are just too big and stinky. But I really want a little piece of land that we could have chickens on, and let a puppy run, have some ATV's to ride around on, have some beautiful fruit trees, And a fantastic garden. Do I think it will ever happen? Mmmmmm, probably not, There's also a part of me that is a city girl snob. It would have to be a piece of land that was still within 15 minutes of a Target, and lots of fun activities for the kiddos. {Maybe we could just move right next to you Heidi, Kansas City sounds perfect!} Aside from the fact that I don't think I'll ever get Michael out of Jacksonville. But I can dream right?

 

Doesn't this make you want a chicken coop? To see more, go here!

And a garden to pick fresh fruits and veggies from and have an afternoon snack on the wrap around porch?

Have a pair of gardening boots by the door... sitting on beautiful rustic hardwood floors, That didn't matter if you scratched or dented them, because it would just add to the charm and beauty? 

With a perfect little country kitchen to make family breakfasts in, using freshly gathered eggs and fruit?

Hmmmmm.... maybe one day....

 

The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.

—Unknown Author

 

 I found this quote in a booklet I was going through at my moms house. I've been thinking about it a lot, and can't get it out of my head, and can't stop thinking about what it really means. We certainly don't have the most by the worlds standards. However, there is not a person in the world who could tell me that we aren't the richest people in the world. We adore our children. We are grateful for the challenges that they lay before us everyday. We love our lives together. We have a place to call home, because we're here together. I think once you start focusing on the things you have, instead of the things you don't, you begin to realize that you don't need the things of the world. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn, and I don't know if I'll ever be done learning it. Not because I don't realize the many many blessings that I've been given, but because I love pretty things. I love fancy clothes, I love shoes, and jewelry, and make up and we all know I love me some Clarins self tanner. I don't think it's wrong to want these things, or even have them, however, I do think that there is a point where you realize you don't need them. I realize that... but, I still want them. But they aren't important at all compared to this sweet little family that we have that is centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Does that make me CRAZY?

These last few days I've been in some crazy moods. In addition to my normal obsessive anti-clutter self, It's been magnified, thanks to this stupid "nesting" phase of pregnancy... I can't stand clutter and I really don't have any, but somehow, I'm still going crazy,  even the bowl that holds the fruit on the counter bothers me. In addition to that my sister and I have rearranged and organized the pantry twice, just this week. I've been in a cooking mood {not like me at all}... I made a few batches of jam yesterday, a batch of cupcakes today, and I really need to start some bread today. I also have the craziest urge to do a freezer day again... In addition to the list of sewing projects that I have, {Mind you this is after I've knocked out a few already}  A few more dresses for the girls, a papoose carrier, and now thanks to an outrageous price quote on a car seat cover, I get to add that to the list. I really hate this part of pregnancy It gives me anxiety... I'm way too round and uncomfortable to possibly be able to do all of this. Isn't there supposed to be some BURST of energy during this "nesting" phase that gives you the strength and energy to do it all? Because I'll be honest... I'm not finding it... at least not today.

So a few other thoughs about this pregnancy....

Carrying your 4th child is nothing like carrying the first 2 or even 3... It's much, much worse, every pain and discomfort is magnified by 100x. I don't know how Michelle Duggar has done this 19 times... how has her pelvis not fallen off?
I've gained 10 pounds in the last 2 weeks alone... awesome.
I'm addicted to nose spray. Seriously.
I'm up every hour on the hour to pee at night.
My belly itches like crazy. No matter how much lotion I put on it.
My right leg is numb 1/2 the time thanks to the baby sitting on my sciatic nerve.
If it's not numb, my toes are curled under themselves thanks to leg cramps.
It hurts to walk. I am positive at this point that my pelvis is broken.
Surprisingly, I'm not as swollen as I'm used to being at this point... Go figure, This is what it's like not to have toxemia?  
Can someone tell me why I get new stretch marks every time I'm pregnant? I mean... The babies are all basically the same size, can't they all just use the same stretch marks?...
My butt and tata's are humongous...  but then again, so is every other part of my body.
My nails and hair are in fantastic shape however... That's a bonus.
Living with contractions every 10-12 minutes for weeks isn't pleasant... AT ALL.
Terbutaline shots aren't pleasant... however they aren't as bad as betamethosone shots... Those are much much worse...
Pregnancy hormones are the devil... I am happy one second, and could {and probably would} bite a random strangers head off for looking at me the next...

Oh the joys of this mortal life. Okay, it's not really that bad, I know it could be much much worse. I'm grateful to be able to have children, I'm grateful that he's still in there... At least for the next week and 5 days, after that, he won't be welcome in there anymore. I'm very grateful for modern medicine. A cute little sister who is extremely helpful. And very grateful for a wonderful, loving, extremely patient husband, Even though he is terrible at back massages. Oh well, he can't be perfect I suppose.

 I highlighted stuff I liked. I know it's old school, but it's still pertinent.

Teach LDS Women Self-Sufficiency

Sister Barbara B. Smith

Relief Society General President

---

Teach LDS Women Self-Sufficiency

  <--------------CHECK OUT THAT HAIR!!!
 

My dear brothers and sisters, this morning and in the welfare meeting last October, our Presiding Bishop, Victor L. Brown, quoted from the Doctrine and Covenants, section 78, verses 13 and 14, in which the Lord says he is preparing us to withstand the tribulations that shall come upon us so that “the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world.” (D&C 78:14.)

We have been told that the gaining of this independence will come to Church members only in proportion to their obedience to the word of the Lord in this matter. Obedience brings security and self-sufficiency. It breeds confidence and a peaceful attitude.

Relief Society officers are in a position to materially assist the women of the Church to respond obediently to the advice of our leaders regarding home production and storage, that each family may be prepared to take care of its basic needs for a minimum of one year. Latter-day Saint women should be busily engaged in growing, producing, and conserving food, within their capabilities to do so. Relief Society should help them be provident in the use of the resources available to hem, however great or small these resources may be. By provident, I mean wise, frugal, prudent, making provision for the future while attending to immediate needs.

Relief Society can help give direction to women by providing them with expert instruction and learning experiences. The best place for this teaching is in the ward homemaking meeting, in lessons and in miniclasses. Instruction could also be given in homemaking fairs, seminars, and workshops sponsored by stake and district Relief Societies. Home storage could be a topic for summer visiting teaching messages and could be a suggested theme for talks in ward and stake meetings. Stake and district Relief Society teachers could make this matter a subject of active planning and enlist the cooperation of ward Relief Societies in implementing it.

Each ward or branch Relief Society presidency should make an assessment of the general circumstances of the sisters living within their area and prepare a one-year plan for homemaking meeting instruction to be given on subjects relating to home production and storage, according to the needs and conditions of the women. These classes could include the following guidelines to provident living:

1.  How to save systematically for emergencies and home storage.
   
2.  How to, what to, and where to store.
   
3.  How to store seeds, prepare soil, acquire proper tools for gardening.
   
4.  How to grow your own vegetables.
   
5.  How to can and dry foods.
   
6.  How to teach and help your family eat foods needed for physical health.
   
7.  How to do basic machine and hand sewing, mending, and clothing remodeling.
   
8.  How to plan and prepare nutritious, appetizing meals using the resources available, and foods from home storage shelves.
   

The resources of libraries, extension services, and government agencies should be wisely used. Instruction should be given that will help each sister understand how to make a good home storage plan in council with her husband, that he might direct their family.

May I suggest that when approving such plans, each Relief Society presidency use the following checklist:

1.  Are we as Relief Society officers motivating and actually training the sisters in the necessary skills of family preparedness, and then helping them to put these into practice?
   
2.  Are we counseling among ourselves and with our priesthood leaders so that adequate and realistic plans for home storage and production are being developed and carried out?
   
3.  Do our homemaking miniclass plans respond to the various needs of the women in our ward?
   
4.  Are we helping the sisters know how to estimate needs and replenish their home production and storage program?
   

If we do these things, when trouble comes we will be like a family I know who experienced unexpected financial reverses last year. The father became severely ill, and they were temporarily without employment income. As the fresh produce in the refrigerator was eaten, the family began to use the food they had stored. When the father recovered, he had to look for work in another community. While he was gone, there was a breakdown in the town water system. The family had gallons of water stored which were used for several days before the water line was repaired. Throughout this experience there was no panic, no sense of being overwhelmed. They were prepared for the emergency. Adequate advance provision had been made, including money saved. The basic household bills were paid, and the family was able to care for itself independently.

The principles of family preparedness and a woman’s part in them were not given for our time alone. I consider the women described in the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs a provident woman. Recall her wisdom, prudence, frugality, and preparation, as “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. …

“With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. …

“She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. …

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. …

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (See Prov. 31:13–31.)

From the beginning it was planned that reverses and trials would be a part of our earthly experience, but the Lord has mercifully provided ways for us to withstand these problems if we are obedient to his revealed truth.

The guidelines for Relief Society sisters now are the same as they were in biblical days: Obey, Plan, Organize, Teach, and Do. Obedience is training and doing.

Relief Society sisters have always been known to do that which they have been given divine direction to do with excellence, commitment, and the vision that makes it possible for them to have the rewards and the joy of righteous endeavor.

I pray that we may all become provident homemakers and help each other to perform his or her role in family preparedness effectively. I know that this is the desire of our Heavenly Father for us, his children, whom he loves. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Whole Wheat—in Disguise

Random sampler from Aug. 1990 ensign

If you want your family to start eating foods made from wheat flour, you may have to reeducate their taste buds. Most of the foods our society prepares for us are made from white flour, so it is normal to think of whole-wheat flour as tasting “a little funny.” Since your family is more likely to accept whole wheat if you ease it into their diet gradually, try some of the following cooking tricks.

Start by using whole-wheat flour in desserts. After all, who can turn down a cookie? Then move on to other recipes your family likes. The transition is easier when foods are not totally unfamiliar. Don’t feel that you have to use all whole-wheat flour in a recipe, either. Using half white and half whole-wheat flour gives excellent results in most baked goods. If your family is extra fussy, include one tablespoon of whole-wheat flour in each cup (eight ounces; four ounces, British measure) of white flour, then increase the amount each time you make the recipe.

Since whole-wheat flour is brown in color, it is less noticeable when you use it in recipes with brown sugar, molasses, chocolate, or fruit or vegetables (bananas, applesauce, carrots, or zucchini).

Whole-wheat flour is heavier than white flour, so to make sure foods maintain their normal textures, you’ll need to increase the leavening (baking powder and yeast) in a recipe when you substitute whole-wheat flour for white. In yeast breads, use half again as much yeast and allow the dough to rise a little longer.

In recipes that use baking powder, increase baking powder by one teaspoon for each three cups (twenty-four ounces; twelve ounces, British) of flour. Recipes using baking soda need not be adjusted.

For baked goods that use eggs, separate the eggs, stir yolks in with ingredients, beat whites until stiff, then fold whites into batter just before baking. For extra lightness, add an extra whipped egg white.—Rosalie Farnbach, San Diego, California

 Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with 1/2 wheat flour and 1/2 white flour are a great start... And actually I always make my bread with 1/2 and 1/2. I tried to do it with all white flour and thought I'd done something wrong because it tasted funny to me, come to find out after several other people tasted it, and raved about it, it was made correctly, I prefer the taste of wheat. It's how my mama makes it and I guess that's just how I'm used to it. So, go bust out a can of wheat, grind it, and get to bakin'. 

Homemade instant oatmeal packets.

 

So, before I had seen the light... {You know, not eating artificial and processed crap} I used to LOVE Quaker strawberries n cream oatmeal packets. However, after reading the ingredient list, I quickly decided it wasn't for me or my family.

Ingredients

WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, SUGAR, FLAVORED AND COLORED FRUIT PIECES (DEHYDRATED APPLES [TREATED WITH SODIUM SULFITE TO PROMOTE COLOR RETENTION], ARTIFICIAL STRAWBERRY FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, RED 40), CREAMING AGENT (MALTODEXTRIN, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL**, WHEY, SODIUM CASEINATE), SALT, CALCIUM CARBONATE, GUAR GUM, OAT FLOUR, ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE*, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE*, RIBOFLAVIN*, THIAMIN MONONITRATE*, FOLIC ACID*.

EEEEEWWWWW, Gross! So Here's a way to make your own, that's cheaper, tastier, doesn't have all those bad words you can't pronounce, and has no artificial colors or flavors. Here's my recipe.


1/3 cup quick oats
2 Tablespoons THRIVE freeze dried strawberries
2 teaspoons powdered milk {I used THRIVE instant milk}
2 teaspoons sugar


This makes one packet. The easiest way to do it is to get out a bunch of snack size ziplocks and add oatmeal to all of them, then the milk, then the sugar, then the strawberries. You can make as many as you'd like at a time! And you can always use blueberries or peaches or any other freeze dried fruits you'd like.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot you just add enough water to cover the oatmeal and microwave for a minute or so.

I put my strawberries in the food processor and pulsed it just a bit. See the powder on the left side? It makes it so the strawberry flavor gets incorporated throughout. And if you don't want to use sugar you can always use Truvia or something else.