Savings and Stewardship

Not “Goodbye” …

by Alecia on May 15, 2013

As you’ve all probably noticed, I have been severely absent the last few weeks. Since moving to SC and having our 3rd child, my life has taken a drastic turn – for the better! With these changes, though, I’ve found my desire to be nearer to my family and farther from the computer grow stronger and stronger. I started this blog several years ago, in large part, in order to make friends and stay connected to the “outside” world after having my first child and going through the transition of being a stay-at-home mom. Please note as of May 2017 I am no longer actively blogging. I am now employed with Entrust Bankcard, selling merchant account credit card processing services.

Now, 4 years later, I’m transitioning again – into the at-home-and-very-involved-mom-and-wife. A roll that I have long neglected in many ways and one that I am genuinely excited to tackle now! In the past few weeks, I’ve been able to do things that used to be a struggle with a new-found joy and energy. Things like – clean my house, decorate our new home, do crafts and activities with my kids, bake & cook to my heart’s content, find areas in the community where I can minister to others, and really focus on my marriage and nurture my husband. These things were not completely forsaken over the past few years, but they were often pushed to the back burner for a short time while I “posted one more thing” or “checked Facebook real quick” or “responded to an email”.

My days of posting 20+ times are over. And I’m thankful to be moving on just as much as I’m thankful for the blogging journey I was on the past few years! I am most thankful for my readers and new friends that I would never have known or loved if it wasn’t for this blog.

… and truly it is NOT goodbye!! I’m actually in the process of brainstorming and mapping out a NEW blog –> “From Foodie with Love“. It will be all about one of my favorite things in the whole world – FOOD! And it will not be updated very often … but always with unique content featuring my foodie adventures, restaurant reviews, recipes, and everything else food related! I’ll definitely let you all know once it is live & hope you’ll follow me there!

From the deepest, gooey parts of my heart – I love you all. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me these last few years! Thank you for supporting me through our rough times, rejoicing with me in prayers answered, and just toiling through the daily coupons with me! You have impacted me in so many ways and I am immensely grateful for you.

xoxo – alecia

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JJ Heller’s Newest Album “LOVED” Released Today + GIVEAWAY

by Alecia on March 12, 2013

JJ Heller may be most well known for her amazing song “Your Hands“, which has touched the hearts of so many Christians! With lyrics like …

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn’t there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That you would take my pain away

… it is no wonder that her sound & lyrics have become so inspirational to believers! Her raw truths & uplifting messages echo the promises we’re given in the Scriptures and mirror God’s love for us with beautiful melodies & her unique voice.

When JJ Heller and her husband/co-writer, Dave, began writing for their sixth studio album LOVED, life looked a few shades darker, more painful and confusing than it had during the work on their work of the recent past. Over the past few years, the duo steered much of their material toward the whimsical and simple joys of life, love and new parenthood. But, when confronted by illness, death and broken marriages within their community, the Hellers chose to stay true to the weight of their season of life when crafting lyrics this time around.

We were recently sent a copy of Loved to review. It is an album that our whole family can listen to and have enjoyed. Although as a whole the album is at a bit of a slower pace than her previous works, we still love this newest addition! Personally, my favorite song is “If You Fall“!

If you fall
I fall with you
If you hurt I feel it too
Even if my heart turns black & blue
I will love you

How amazing are those lyrics?! They’re made even better with the beautiful addition of JJ Heller’s one-of-a-kind voice!

JJ Heller’s newest album Loved is released today & you can pick it up from Amazon or your favorite music store! You can also use the easy form below to enter to win a copy of the album Loved by JJ Heller!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* If you’re viewing this giveaway in email or an RSS reader, please visit the full post to enter the giveaway. This is a sponsored post. I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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“VeggieTales: The Little House That Stood” DVD GIVEAWAY

by Alecia on March 5, 2013

VeggieTales‘ latest adventure is on sale starting today!! You can pick up a copy of “VeggieTales: The Little House that Stood” and see the veggies’ take on a few favorite fairy tales!

When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation – following the wise plans from the Master Builder’s Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses – and their lives – on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God’s blueprints, then can stand strong when the storms come!

We were recently sent a copy of this DVD to review & my girls loved it – just like with all of the other VeggieTales stories! Personally, it was a great jumping off point for me to discuss how important it is to build a foundation on God & His Word with my girls! The second story “The Good Egg of Gooseville” is based on the Golden Rule of loving your neighbor as yourself & while I found to be a bit confusing at times, it ends with a good message & is, again, a good starting point for a conversation to have with your family.

I do wish that they actually read the complete Scripture verses that the stories are based on, but instead I was able to pull out our Bible and read them with my kids. I can’t help but feel that sometimes the true message of Jesus gets a bit lost in these stories, and is even more convoluted with the fairy tale spin now, but all-in-all they’re fun movies and my kids enjoy them!

Be sure to pick up your copy of the newest “VeggieTales: The Little House That Stood” today – it would make a great Easter gift!! You can also use the easy form below to enter to win a copy of the DVD.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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“Ruby’s Studio: The Friendship Show” Prize Package GIVEAWAY

by Alecia on January 30, 2013

You’ve heard me, a few times now, rant & rave about how much we love Ruby’s Studio – including the latest DVD from The Mother Company called The Friendship Show! Well, now it is YOUR turn to fall in love! You can grab your copy of Ruby’s Studio: The Friendship Show on DVD for just $16.99 via Amazon! Plus, you’ll get Free Shipping via Prime or with a $25 purchase!

Since moving to a new area, and with Bella starting school in the Fall, it has been very helpful for our girls to watch & learn from The Friendship Show! It is absolutely adorable to watch them practice what they’ve learned when they meet new people: introducing themselves, asking the other person’s name, and starting a conversation regarding interests! And of course, we love that they teach “the golden rule”, which is based on Matthew 7:12 –

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Although they don’t site the biblical reference, it was a great way for me to reinforce our scriptural beliefs & how Christ has commanded us to love others as we love ourselves.

Be sure to visit The Mother Company website to see everything they have to offer – and then use the easy form below to enter to win a Ruby’s Studio Prize Package including –

Ruby’s Studio: The Friendship Show DVD
Sally Simon Simmons’ Super Frustrating Day Book
Little Book of Feelings Book
My Feelings Activity Book
Families Saving Money and Reducing Debt

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* If you’re viewing this giveaway in email or an RSS reader, please visit the full post to enter the giveaway.

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New Coupons: Sparkle, Country Time, Advil, DiGiorno, & MORE

by Alecia on January 30, 2013

Head over to print these new coupons …

Find more printable coupons at Coupons.com, RedPlum, and Coupon Network!

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One Kings Lane Furniture Sale!

by Alecia on January 30, 2013

Looking for some new furniture pieces to liven up your humble abode? Look no further than the One Kings Lane Day of Furniture! Today through Thursday, 1/31, this event features pieces for every room and has great options for every design aesthetic. From Ottomans & Benches to Headboards & Beds, don’t miss out on this opportunity to grab a great new piece for your home!

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Wittlebee: $500 Grocery Gift Card Giveaway

by Alecia on January 25, 2013

Hurry over to enter Wittlebee’s $500 Grocery Gift Card Giveaway. Limited time only.

* This is a sponsored post. I am being compensated for letting you know about this offer.

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LAST DAY to Enter Wholly Guacamole & Hand-Made Baby Items Giveaways

by Alecia on January 25, 2013

Just a reminder that today is the LAST DAY to enter to win a Hand-made Set of Baby Items and a Cooler FULL of Wholly Guacamole (3 winners). Get those entries in to each giveaway by Midnight TONIGHT in order to qualify! There are several entry methods on each, so your odds are good!

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Coupon Round-Up by Category!!

January 25, 2013

Head over to print these new & awesome coupons … Baby & Toddler – $1.50 off ONE Pampers Baby Dry Diapers $0.50 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct. or larger $0.50 off two Gerber Graduates Yogurt Grabbers Beverages – $0.75 off one Welch’s Light Grape Juice Beverage $1.00 off (2) Pepsi Multi-pack Plastic bottles $1.00 […]

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Restaurant Deals & Coupons 1/25

January 25, 2013

Here is a round up of some of this week’s Restaurant Deals & Coupons courtesy of Smart Couponing. Buy Online with Secure Payment Services Checkout. Be sure to contact your local restaurant to be sure of participation. Denny’s 20% off your check with entree purchase Click HERE to print this coupon (exp. 1/26) Find a location near you HERE Einstein Bros. Buy one egg sandwich, […]

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“I Can Teach My Child to Read” (Kindle Edition) for $3.99

January 24, 2013

Head over to Amazon to download this eBook – I Can Teach My Child to Read: A 10-Step Guide for Parents [Kindle Edition] by Jenae Jacobson for just $3.99. Amazon prices are known to flip fast, so be sure to check the price before you download this book. Within the pages of I Can Teach My Child to Read, you […]

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$1.50 off Gevalia Kaffe Coupon

January 24, 2013

On the Gevalia Facebook page, Gevalia will be giving away $1.50 off coupons for premium Gevalia Kaffe. Enjoying the company of family and friends over a hot cup of rich, never bitter Gevalia is the perfect way to celebrate the winter season in the comfort of your cozy home. Limit one per person/household/address while supplies […]

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