re-connecting

I love when the opportunity arises to re-connect with an old friend.

recap

It's been awhile so let's recap what I have been up too...

• I spent a weekend at Bountiful with some rockin' people for Sr. High Retreat
• I did some pre-work stuff (drug test, background, orientation...)
• I started a new job
• I've witnessed a dead body being covered by a white sheet among other things while doing my job
• Mark and I had our first Thanksgiving by ourselves
• I relaxed for 5 days without doing anything and I got paid for it!!
• I decorated the apartment for Christmas (minus the Christmas Tree)
• I've tried new recipes

It doesn't seem like a lot, but really it has been crazy busy around here.

Now that I think some of it has settled down a bit, I am making a commitment to making more time to read. I love, love, love to read and I have plenty of new and old books to show for it. Since I don't go into work until 2:30 - 3:00pm, I am going to commit to reading a book for an hour a day. I started Mercy by Jodi Picoult and I never got around to finishing it so that's what I am going to be reading over the next week.

I also promise to blog more often!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

just call me suzy homemaker

Today I've been in the kitchen cooking up some goodness. First of all, I prepared tonight's dinner in the crock pot - Thai Peanut Chicken (which was a dish that we were supposed to have last week but we had so many leftovers I decided not to make it). And then I made a broccoli and bacon salad - you know, the one that you have at picnics and potlucks - the one with the grapes, small pieces of broccoli and crisp bacon mixed with a delicious dressing. And last but not least, I made some peanut butter and chocolate fudge. I have never, in my life, ever attempted fudge because I thought it was hard but I actually never took the time to look at fudge recipes which in fact, are rather easy. I particularly loved this recipe because everything that I needed for it, I had in my pantry plus its gluten free. If you are looking for a yummy, easy and delicious fudge recipe, try this one:

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1 1/3 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter

1 7 ounce jar of marshmallow creme

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate pieces

1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanuts (optional)

1. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, leaving about 1 inch of foil extending over the ends of pan. Butter the foil; set pan aside.
2. In a 2-quart saucepan combine sugar and evaporated milk. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until sugar mixture boils. Reduce heat to medium; continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. Immediately stir in peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and chocolate pieces. Stir until chocolate melts and ingredients are well combined. Quickly spread fudge evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with peanuts (if desired), pressing them lightly into the fudge with a spatula or your hands.
4. Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours or until firm. When firm, remove fudge from pan, using the overlapping foil to lift fudge. Place on a cutting board; cut fudge into squares. Store, covered, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes 3 pounds (64 pieces)

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

music

Music is what feelings sound like. When I'm expressing any kind of emotion be it sad, angry, happy or mellow I listen to music. The simple art of musical instruments and life altering lyrics have always been a huge part of my life. I listen to anything and everything and if you ask me what kind of music is my favorite or what my favorite band is, I won't be able to answer that. Music is the universal language of mankind and it truly speaks to me. Hearing a certain song reminds me of specific people, places and times in my life whether they bring me comfort, animosity or sadness, it still makes me feel. When I hear "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men, it reminds me of Nick and how he played that song for his mother at her funeral. When I hear Blue October's "18th Floor Balcony", it is a promise of the future as it is the song I want to walk down the aisle to on my wedding. When I hear "Friends" by Michael W. Smith, it reminds me of every camp I have ever attended as a camper. When I hear any song by Logan Ross, I hear God given talent that provides me with a blanket of peace. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey reminds me of everyday in college. When I hear John Waller's "While I'm Waiting", I'm constantly reminded of my faith and where I am currently at in my life. I can't turn on the radio, or open iTunes and NOT hear a song that doesn't bring back a flood of emotions, that one memory I forever have a connection with.

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

best news in a long time!

So....here it is:

I GOT A JOB!!!!!

This is the greatest news that I could have received and it couldn't have come at a better time! A HUGE weight has lifted off my shoulders and I feel like a brand new person. No more worries and stress! I'm SUPER excited because it's actually the job that I really, really, really wanted. It's a youth program coordinator position working with inner city youth at a youth empowerment center in Dayton. I have always wanted a JOB that lets me work with youth (not just doing summer camps which I LOOOVE, LOOOOVE to do as well). With this job, I will be able to pay bills and (in time) do the things that I have been wanting to do for a loooong time which include:

• date nights with Mark
• $1.75 movie night
• thrifting
• antiquing
• re-decorating my apartment
• putting money BACK into my savings account
• visiting my friends
• and many, many, many more things!!!

Thanks to three of my dear friends Lee Lee, Becky and Alicia for helping me land the job with the rockin' references that they gave! And....I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

election day

i voted today....
did you?

another week of meals

I think I have managed to pull together another week of delicious meals. I sat down earlier this morning and decided on the hot food feast we will partake in this week.

Since Mark is working today, Tuesday and maybe Wednesday, I won't cook while he is gone. I could actually eat a bowl of cereal for dinner and be just fine but for the remainder of the week, we will be having:

Wednesday - Pot Roast (with potatoes, carrots, celery and onions)

Thursday - Pan-Fried Tilapia (with cornmeal breading instead of flour) and roasted vegetables

Friday - Thai Peanut Chicken with brown rice

Saturday - Crock-pot Chili

Sunday - all you can eat leftover day

In the meantime, I need to slow-cook the ribs that Mark thawed out so they don't go to waste and grill up the Italian sausages that he set out too. Maybe that's what I will eat on for the few days that he is gone.

Stay warm out there and let me know what you are eating this week or what new recipe you will be trying.

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

garage sale

It's been some time since I have posted anything and I apologize for that but I have been getting ready for a garage sale. It was a cold and windy two days but I did okay. Not as good as I would have hoped but I'll take what I can get. I am however, really excited to be going home where I can get warm and stay warm for a long period of time!!!

Tonight is also beggar's night in our area but I won't be passing out candy or watching the cute little kiddies but I will instead be curled up in some sweatpants and blankets watching a movie with Mark and eating my own stash of candy...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ya'll!!


Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

Meijer + books = awesome weekend for me!

Once again, Meijer has proven their awesomeness. Yesterday, Meijer had a gluten free day where you could sample many gluten free items, pick up some coupons for gluten free food (and the coupons are actually for things that I buy so that makes me a happy girl) and I also picked up a booklet that gives me ALL gluten free Meijer brand foods!

The library also gets a big shout-out for being awesome! Mark, my sister and I are all going to the Dayton Metro Library's Fall Book Sale today which means $1 for all the books that I can carry...which doesn't necessarily mean all that I can carry in my arms. People bring wagons, dollies, boxes, crates, anything that moves on wheels to this event because it's literally a buck for all that you can carry out (or wheel out). This is my second time going and my book collecting gene that was passed down to me loves it! It's fun and I can get all sorts of books that the library once owned or patrons donated for next to nothing. It's kind of like hitting the book jackpot! Last year I think Mark and I came away with 50-75 books (we didn't keep them all but after sorting, we were able to donate what we didn't want). I'll let you know if I score some really good stuff (and of course how many books I get for one George Washington). Happy Sunday!

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

Sheila's Pancakes

One of my most favorite things to eat is pancakes (hence my blog name) and I was DEVASTATED when I could no longer eat pancakes due to my gluten allergy but not long after that, a dear friend of mine, Sheila, was so kind to send me a recipe for Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes (which I now refer to as Sheila's Pancakes) that she found in a magazine and I can't stop making them...and eating them. Since they are so light and airy and delicious and small, I can eat a million of them and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Most gluten free recipes call for some crazy things but this one has basic staples from your kitchen and tapioca flour (which is $2.99 for a box in most supermarkets near the flours). Sure you can buy a GF pancake mix but that sets you back about $5-6 bucks which I personally don't think is thrifty at all, but whatever you choose, I'm happy to hear that you like eating pancakes too. Since I love this recipe so much and I love how easy it is, I would love to share it with you. Even if you don't have celiac's disease or an allergy to gluten, I think it's worth a shot to try. After all, my boyfriend loves them more than regular pancakes (he says they aren't as heavy as the regular ones) and that says a lot.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes (Sheila's Pancakes)

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 egg

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/2 cup tapioca flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and oil in a medium bowl until smooth. Sift together tapioca flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a small bowl; stir into buttermilk mixture just until ingredients are moistened (mixture will be slightly lumpy).

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, drop 1/4 cup batter per pancake into skillet and cook until light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup and banana's or confectioners' sugar; or spread with strawberry cream cheese and roll up. Serves 4.

I've actually tried them rolled up with homemade raspberry cream cheese, syrup and bananas, and even strawberry's and whipped cream. They are simply delicious so thanks Sheila! You are thought of everyday but even more so when I make these pancakes! Happy Pancake Eating!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

Cash Crate

About 2 years ago, I stumbled upon a website that lets me earn money for doing surveys, shopping online, and completing offers. I thought it was absurd that someone was going to give me money for doing so little so I ran with it and about a month and a half later, I received a check in the mail. I only did it once, and now I am doing it again. If I'm gonna be on the computer, then I should be making some money right? It's definitely not for everyone but for me I can keep up with it cause I have plenty of time on my hands to do this. It's great for extra gas money, or if you are saving up for something big and your non-existent salary isn't cutting it then try it out. So far, I have only accumulated $5.35 but I have only done this for 2 days with a total time of less than an hour and I have about $5 bucks pending. I will then get a check when I reach a minimum of $20.00. Not too bad for not spending a whole lot of time on it. If you want to start or see what it is all about, click on this link and it will take you to Cash Crate, the company that actually does pay you. They have all the questions you might be asking yourself on the website so if you have a little bit of extra time and need a little bit of extra money, go for it. What do you have to loose anyway? And don't forget, when you sign up for this, use a junk email address. If you don't have one, I would like to think that everyone in this day and age knows how to get one, but if not, Gmail is a good one to get. Happy Money Making!

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

cooking up some new stuff!

If you know me, one of my most favorite things in the world to do is too cook (and of course eat - because believe you me, I'm a great eater!). My palate loves when I try new things but don't worry, I still love me some comfort food! Mark is my guinea pig bless his heart, because whether or not something tastes good, Mark will still eat it - now that's what I call love :)

I have a wide variety of cookbooks and I even have a binder (that I just finished organizing) full of recipes that I have clipped and collected over time and placed in their appropriate categories. Since grocery shopping is more thrifty for us than going out to eat, I have been cooking a lot and trying new recipes, tweaking recipes, or creating my own. Having an allergy to gluten (wheat, barley, and rye) it's sometimes really hard to find good food to eat, but it doesn't stop me from trying new recipes. I tweak the ones that I want to try or if it's something that I can't really tweak, Mark gets to try it on his own (he loves when he doesn't have to share dishes - especially if it's the good stuff). I never not make something for him just because I can't eat it - the man loves his food!!
Side note: A lot of recipes actually aren't labeled gluten free but they are indeed actually gluten free based on the ingredients needed that don't have gluten in it.

On Sunday, I sat down with my binder of recipes and made a menu for this week. Here is what Mark and I will be eating (or have already eaten):

Sunday - Pan-Seared Tuna Fillets w. Homemade Maple Ginger sauce (I can't give you the recipe because I made it up and I don't measure)
Monday - Mozzarella, Mushroom and Pepperoni Meatloaf w. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Tuesday - Garlic Herbed Salmon with Cheesy Arepas and Baguettes w. Gorgonzola Cheese and Honey (Mark will have to eat these all by his lonesome)
Wednesday - Gluten Free Chicken and Veggie Stuffed Crust (with Fresh Mozzarella) pizza
Thursday - Gluten Free Pretzel Chicken w. Honey Mustard sauce and Spicy Steak Fries (homemade, of course)
Friday - Skyline Chili Spaghetti w. Gluten Free Spaghetti and Garlic Bread (homemade)
Saturday - Dinner with my dad at an undecided restaurant
Sunday - Tilapia with Fresh Herb Butter and rice

If you want a recipe for any of the above recipes, let me know and I will be happy to send it to you!

As far as desserts go this week, I am making Caramel Apples and Giant Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (NOT courtesy of Betty Crocker). I have a really easy recipe that doesn't call for all kinds of crazy ingredients that most GF recipes call for.

This week, I challenge (and encourage) everyone to try something new this week and let me know what you have tried! Happy Cooking!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

distant

I've been feeling so distant from
everything and everyone. And I don't
know how to get that back.

day diez!

So here it is ladies and gentleman! I made it to day 10 of the blogging challenge and all I have left to say is...

I confess that I sometimes drink drinks right out of the carton / container of the fridge (who wants to dirty another cup anyway).

You can too, get in on this action. Here is the 10 day schedule!

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day Two: Nine things about yourself that most people don’t know.
Day Three: Eight things you couldn’t live without.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day ocho & nueve

Since I missed yesterdays three turn ons (the internet was being crazy) here they are plain and simple:

1. Sense of humor!! Nothing makes me happier than making me laugh! I laugh a lot and I have a loud laugh but it makes life (and MY life) so much better when I laugh!
2. Acceptance. I have flaws, everyone has flaws but if you can accept me for me, I'll keep you around for a long time!
3. Good listener. I think this is self explanatory.

We only have one more day left in the blogging challenge! I can't believe that I blogged for 9 days straight (okay minus the day I missed yesterday). If you know me, that's a big feat for me. So, to celebrate, I give you two words that describe my life right now:

• stressful
• loved

I promise I won't miss another day when it comes to doing another blogging challenge so to keep that promise, you can look forward to reading about one confession!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day siete

Wow! Only four turn-offs huh! I could think of a million (but I'm not shallow or high maintenance). I just think people in general don't have any manners. This doesn't mean I am the most perfect person but here are four things that turn me off when having to deal with the general population.

1. Unnecessary yelling/cursing/beating your child in front of everyone about NOTHING! I have seen this a multitude of times in every environment and I just wish I had enough guts to say something to their parents. All the times that I have witnessed this, all the child(ren) wanted to do was tell their parents something but they just get yelled at. The worst I have seen - "You little f*****g boys need to shut the f**k up. No one was talking to you so stop playing these games you little motherf****rs. I will beat the s**t out of you when we get home if this f*****g s**t continues." I wanted to scoop those kids up so fast and take them home with me. If you plan on talking to any kind of child this way, then maybe you should think twice about procreating.
2. Giving me your advice / input when I'm not directly talking to you. I have had strangers in a grocery store, department store, etc. listen in on the conversations that I am having with a friend or with Mark and they will just turn around and put their two sense in. I'm not trying to be mean, but I don't know you and you don't know me so don't get in my business cause I'm not all up in yours.
3. People who smoke in public areas. I have no problem with smokers. They aren't bad people, they just have made a bad decision and I, having chronic asthma, do NOT want to smell or inhale your cigarette. The worst smoking in public thing that I hate more than anything: People smoking in front of their kids/babies! Nothing makes me more angry than seeing that.
4. People who simply don't use manners. You know, the easy ones that you would think people would use on a daily basis: saying thank you when I hold the door for you, saying thank you when I let you through rush hour traffic, or what about holding the door for me when you clearly see that I am coming with a lot of things in my hand, or saying excuse me when you are coming down the aisle at the grocery store and I don't see you and you start charging at me with your cart thinking I'm just going to move. In the last scenario, I just want to let you know that in most cases, I don't move which makes the other person actually have to say excuse me. In some cases, I do move and say really loud "EXCUSE YOU!" or "YOU'RE WELCOME" when I do something nice for someone and they don't say thank you. I learned my manners as a young child and I know from experience that it literally takes .2 seconds to say "thank you" or "excuse me". This world would be a happier place if they thought about others and used their manners.

Whoa, that was long and I'm sorry for all the tangents that I went on but I get going when I am passionate about something. So just you wait until you hear my three turn ons! Until tomorrow...

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

PS. It's not too late to start the 10 day blogging challenge. Once again, here is the schedule:

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day Two: Nine things about yourself that most people don’t know.
Day Three: Eight things you couldn’t live without.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession

day seis

Coming up with five people who mean a lot to me is rather easy. The hard part is picking out the five that gets to have a shout out! Since I only surround myself with great people (lol), here are 4 people and 1 place that means an extra amount to me...

My boyfriend, Mark. We have known each other most of all of our lives. We have grown up together, attended church camp together, and actually didn't start dating until 3 years ago. He is my best friend and I would do anything for him and he would have my back 150%. I can't wait until the day that we make it official because we love each other forever, for always and no matter what.

Lee Lee. Triple L. Lee Lee Lee. Whatever you want to call her she has been such an inspiration, an influence and a rock throughout my life. I've known her for about 12 or so years give or take and we have so much in common and act so much a like that I could really be her twin, or she could be my mother. I love to laugh with her, cry with her, snuggle with her, walk with her and everything else in between. She has really been there for me in the last year or two as I have gone through some pretty rocky times. I can't thank her enough for all that she has given me, taught me and will continue to teach me.

My niece, Kayla and my nephew, Austin. I love being an auntie (as Kayla calls me) and an auntine (as Austin calls me). Kayla is my absolute world. We have a bond that is so strong and I love spending all the time I can with her plus, she is funny and she says the darnedest things. Austin is just so independent and has no fears about facing the world. He has a lot of love for other people (especially his sister). I adore the little one and eight year old that I have in my life! I can't wait to have kids of my own because I know they will be so loved by these two.

My boyfriends grandma. They haven't always gotten a long but things between them have been better than ever now. Yes, she likes to eat all the goodies at women's retreat and yes, she likes to call Mark all the time (I think one day she called him 7 times) but she means well. She has loved him unconditionally and sometimes she has made some bad judgments and mistakes when it comes to Mark but she is making up for it and I am so happy that one day we will all be family.

And last but not least is a place that I have mentioned before but I would love if everyone knew about this place - Camp Bountiful. I have grown up at this camp from birth to now (and I just turned 27) and it has really given me a place to always feel accepted, loved, cared for, inner peace, and fellowship. I have some awesome relationships that have come out of being at this camp. It's in Southern Ohio tucked in the hills and I wouldn't want it any other way. I never knew that one place could be so full of love, solitude and absolute greatness until I look back on all that it has given me. It will always remain a part of me wherever I go and whatever I do.

Until tomorrow when you find out my four turn offs...

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day cinco

There are plenty of things I wish I could change or wish I would have never done but changing things that I have done would not make me the person that I am today. I love the person I am and I can't dwell on the past but I can sure HOPE for some of these things to change (for the better of course). You can say I'm a dreamer so I present you with six things I wish I could change or I wish I would have never done...

1. I wish I would have never quit my job if I thought it would take this long to get another one (but I don't regret WHY I quit my job.
2. I wish I would never have listened to my grandma to wear my reading glasses all the time because it caused me to have to wear glasses / contacts for the rest of my life.
3. I wish I could change allergies to not ever having them. I am allergic to EVERYTHING! And I mean everything: all animals with some kind of hair / fur, mold, pollen, gluten, regular milk (but I can eat all the ice cream I want), etc., etc. I really want a dog. An English Bulldog to be exact.
4. I wish I could change the amount in my bank account. Hitting the lottery would be fabulous! That would solve all of my problems. They say the more money you have the more problems you have but I would have to disagree.
5. In addition to the allergies, I wish I could change the fact that I have asthma. I want to know what it's like to breathe freely. Maybe in my next life :)
6. Last but not least, I would like to change my last name...and soon. I've not been pressing the thought/idea of marriage to my boyfriend because we have talked about it and I know that it will happen but the wedding date that I want is less than a year. Good thing I have started some planning haha.

I bet you can't wait until tomorrow so that you can meet five people that mean a lot to me!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day cuatro

Today has been a crazy hectic day for me (read:stressful) and I do have a lot of things on my mind which this post is more than likely going to reflect today as opposed to my everyday life so I'm really sorry about that but anyhow, here are seven things that cross my mind a lot...

1. I think this is every one's number one: the money in the bank account (or the money that's not)
2. Will I ever get a job? When will someone offer me a job or call me for an interview?
3. What am I going to eat? (it sounds silly but I have a gluten allergy so I can't always pick up and eat anything)
4. Where are the dogs? (I'm house sitting / dog sitting and I worry about them all the time even though I know they won't go anywhere due to the invisible fence put around the acre of land)
5. Am I going to have a good breathing day? (Being around dogs for almost a week and overusing my breathing machine is really taking a toll on my lungs)
6. What else in our apartment don't I need so I can sell it in our garage sale?
7. What books / movies are due back at the library? (so far we have avoided any late fees - which is really surprising for us)

I wish I could say that tomorrow's post will be a little more positive but I can't promise anything as you will be reading about six things I wish I could change or that I wish I would have never done

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day tres

Here are eight things I can't live without:

1. My breathing machine. I literally cannot live without this!
2. My inhaler. This is what keeps me alive when I am away from my breathing machine
3. My boyfriend. As cheesy as this sounds, I really can't. He brings so many awesome things to the table and he makes me laugh all the time. He loves me and accepts me for him I am. Can I ask for anything more?
4. Food. I love food more than the average person who loves food. I love to try new food and I also love my comfort foods.
5. Facebook. As sad as this sounds, I seriously can't live without it. It has given me the opportunity to rekindle some friendships and to keep in touch with friends that don't live near me. We have a joke at camp that we like to "creep for Jesus" just to make sure that everyone is doing okay.
6. Ice cream. Meijer brand peanut butter fudge. It is to die for.
7. Camp Bountiful. This place means so much to me in my life and I can't imagine ever living me life without it. I'm so thankful and lucky to have grown up in this environment.
8. Hoodies & sweatpants. As unattractive as it sounds, there is nothing better than being able to put on a hoodie and sweatpants to lounge around the house or when you are sick (which is the case for me right now).

I know ya'll can't wait until tomorrow to read...seven things that cross my mind a lot.

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day dos

Here are nine things about me that most people don't know...

1. I'm scared of the dark. You won't find me outside alone in the dark. I was traumatized as a child.
2. Nothing annoys me more than cords, electrical cords, speaker cords, any kind of cords.
3. I am allergic to any and all animals (even if they are hypoallergenic)
4. My boyfriend and I like to talk like Carla and Daniel from The Other Sister (but never in the making fun of kind of way)
5. I don't have cable or own a dvr, smart phone, ipod or a new car
6. I love the crackling sound that the vacuum makes when it picks up dirt
7. I've been cutting down my own Christmas tree since I was in middle school and now Mark and I still follow that tradition
8. I would love to be a chef
9. Dawn dish soap reminds me of my daycare center when I was a baby

What you will find tomorrow? Eight things I can't live without

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

day uno

Today's challenge is to write ten things you want to say to ten people right now...

1. Mark - I miss you. I haven't seen you in 5 days and you are all I can think about. I love you and you mean the world to me. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Elephant shoes.
2. Community Action Partnership - I love the youth program that you offer and I really hope that you offer me that amazing job that I interviewed for.
3. Kardashians/Satellite TV - Thank you for keeping me entertained well into the night while I sit on an uncomfortable couch in a house that I am not used to while I am house sitting.
4. AJ & Buddy (the dogs that I am babysitting) - Please don't be so high maintenance this week. And please don't kill me when we take our 2 walks a day. Also, don't lick me. That will make me love you more.
5. Mom - I'm not mad at you, I just didn't know your love language or mine. I appreciate all that you have done for me.
6. Jena - You are my longest, greatest, most wonderful and beautiful friend. I love that we can go weeks, even months without talking and when we do, we pick right back up where we left off. I love you so much and I am so grateful to have you in my life and for this long. Thanks for the long phone chat tonight!
7. Lee Lee - Thanks so much for all of the laughter, late night talks, being a wonderful roommate, and the many more things that you are. You have no idea how much you mean to me.
8. CB - Thanks for all of the memories, friends, and peace of mind that you have given me. You have helped me grow and have given me so many opportunities to serve.
9. Kayla & Austin - I miss you and I wish I got to see you more of you. To watch you grow and to be there for you when you need a break from your parents or when your parents need a break from you. Auntie loves you!
10. My unborn child - You will truly be the love and light of my life. I can't wait to meet you when the time is right. I can't wait to be your momma and I know that you will be in great hands. I will always support and love you no matter what.

Tomorrow you can expect to read...nine things about me that most people don’t know.

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

ten day challenge

I've been waiting to start this challenge with my friend Becky. She is doing "Ten Days..." and she sent me an invite to join her. I have seen and heard other bloggers doing this but I was not blogging at the time so I couldn't participate in this well known challenge in the blogging universe. So, in the next ten days, here is what you will be reading from me:

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.
Day Two: Nine things about yourself that most people don’t know.
Day Three: Eight things you couldn't live without.
Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.
Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.
Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.
Day Seven: Four turn offs.
Day Eight: Three turn ons.
Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.
Day Ten: One confession.

Are you going to join Becky and I in this challenge?

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

language of coupons

I just came back from a really awesome young adult retreat at camp where we learned about our love language and trying to make that work in any and all relationships that we have with people and understanding why we do the things we do because of our love language and in talking about our love language, I have found out that all of the young women that attended actually spoke another language - coupons and saving money. I am absolutely 100% the kind of person that loves, loves, loves saving money so a friend actually talked me into posting some of the deals that I come across when I do my ad to coupon match-ups or just couponing information in general. One store that I love is Meijer and Meijer doubles coupons up to $1 so that makes it that much more worth it to go too. I am known in my circle of friends and family for saving 50-97% of my grocery bill a week. Now, grocery shopping every week may not be ideal or even convenient for all people but works for me because it lets me match the coupons that I have to the sales in the ads. The two places that I shop at the most are Kroger and Meijer. They are close by and they both double coupons. I get more than 90% of my coupons in the Sunday newspaper but I do print the ones that I know I will use or need from websites like coupons.com, smartsource.com, and redplum.com. Being that I have an allergy to gluten I also use mambosprouts.com for some of my gluten free needs. I also load digital coupons onto my Kroger card at kroger.com and now you can do the same at Meijer with their mPerks program. One important thing to do though is too make sure you know your grocery stores coupon policy so you are more aware if a problem with a coupon does arrive. I actually printed out the coupon policies for the stores I shop at so that if there is a problem I don't have to wait for a manager and it makes me look prepared and a knowledgeable couponer. With all of that being said, I have done a few match-ups for Meijer. These are ONLY the match-ups that I feel are not bad deals with the coupons that I currently have in my binder but do not reflect the entire ad as there are other sales going going on this week that I do have coupons for but I did not add that into this match-up as I didn't feel that they would be good deals after the coupon. If you want other match-ups I would suggest goggling coupon blogs in your area or coupon match-ups for (insert your favorite store). Happy shopping at Meijer!

Kellogg’s Cereal /Breakfast food (Raisin Bran, Nutri-Grain bars, Frosted Mini Wheats, Frosted Corn Flakes) $1.99
Use $1.00 off 2 packages of Raisin Bran
Total $2.98 for 2 or $1.49 each
OR –
Use $.60 off 1 package of Raisin Bran (from Parade insert)
Total $.99 / 1
OR –
Use $1.00 off 2 packages of Frosted Mini Wheats
Total $2.98 for 2 or $1.49 each
OR –
Use $1.00 off 2 packages of Kellogg's Corn Flakes
Total $2.98 or $1.49 each

Aunt Millie’s Bread or buns $1.25
Use $.55 / 1 any kind Aunt Millie’s bread
Total $.25

All Liquid Laundry Detergent 100 oz. $5.99
Use $1.00 off All Liquid Laundry Detergent 28 oz or larger
Total $4.99

Oscar Meyer hot dogs $1.25
Use $1.00 off 2 packages of any Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs
Total $1.50 for 2 or $.75 each

Orville Redenbacher Popcorn B1G1 (buy one get one free)
Use 2 $.40 off 1 package of Orville Redenbacher popcorn
Total – prices vary

Welch’s Jam or Jelly 2 for $4
Use $.55 off any 1 Welch’s Jam or Jelly
Total $1.00

Yoplait Yogurt 10 for $5
Use $.40 off 6 cups
Total $2.20 for 6 cups or $.36 each
OR –
Use $.50 off 8 cups
Total $3.00 for 8 cups or $.38 each

Progresso Soups $1.25
Use $.50 off any 2 soups
Total $1.50 for 2 or $.75 each

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix $1.67
Use .75 off 2 BC Supreme Brownie Mix
Total $2.34 for 2 or $1.17 each

Bugles $1.50
Use $.50 off 1 Caramel or Choc. PB Bugles
Total $.50

Chex Mix $1.50
Use $.50 off 2 any flavor Chex Mix
Total $2.00 or $1.00 each
(Not really a great deal as I have always been able to get Chex Mix and Bugles for free)

Keebler Cookies $1.99
Use $1.00 off 2 packages of any Keebler cookies
Total $2.98 for 2 or $1.49 each

Activia Deserts 2 for $4.00
Use $1.00 off any 1 Activia Dessert 4 pack
Total $1.00

Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt $1.89
Use $1.00 off any 2 Light & Fit 4 packs
Total $2.78 for 2 or $1.39 each

**Use the following promotion to your advantage:
Buy any four Activia, DanActive, Light and Fit 4 pack get $2 off instantly
Here are some ways to do your transaction:
Buy 4 Activia Dessert 4 packs $8.00
Use 4 $1.00 off coupons on any flavor Activia Desserts - $4.00
Register will take $2.00 off instantly - $2.00
Total $2.00 for 4 4-pack Activia yogurts or $.50 each
OR –
Buy 2 Dannon Activia Desserts $4.00
Buy 2 Light & Fit 4-packs $3.78
Use 2 $1.00 off any 1 Activia Desserts - $2.00
Use 1 $1.00 off any 2 Light & Fit 4-packs - $1.00
Register will take $2.00 off instantly - $2.00
Total $2.78 for 2 Activia and 2 Light & Fit or $.70 each

Silk Soymilk $2.94
Use $.55 off 1
Total $1.94

Huggies Tub Wipes 2 of $4.00
Use $.50 off 1 package of Huggies baby wipes 64 ct. or higher
Total $1.00

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

the library && everything else

Something that is not a secret about me is my love for books, all books, and being that I really don't have much else to do throughout the day but apply for jobs, clean, plan and organize (a little at a time), I can't even begin to count the minutes that I have spent in my local library. The good ole library has provided me with a wide selection of entertainment including movies, magazines and books. While I have a million resources for entertainment at home in my own personal DVD and book collection, what I don't have is the kind of books that I have been checking out - non-fiction. Organizing books, decorating books, cooking books, wedding books, dog books, craft books, holiday books, tattoo books, cake decorating books and many more have been on my list of books that I have read or skimmed - but there is one category that stands out the most. I have a love for simplicity but achieving that is sometimes hard to do but I have a new found love f0r organization (thanks to my unemployment and boredom). I have, for a long time wanted to get my apartment organized but I have been so overwhelmed with trying and not knowing where to start that I have just given up. I am pleased to say that I am on a roll and trying new ideas and tips from all the books I have checked out. I also have fallen in love with decorating and they have A LOT of those books at my library. My library card is definitely being used now more than it has, ever, and I am loving every single minute of it. My library even has a small section of books that are free and you can just take with you and you don't have to check them out. They are books that patrons donate to the library after they are done reading it so that you can read it and pass it along to a friend or even bring it back to the library so someone else can read it. The selection of books however, are not my kind of reading books (trashy romance novels, vampire books, etc.) but I still check it to see if I might find something that is up my alley or a book that I know a friend would enjoy (I got a couple of Nora Roberts books for my friend Lee Lee). In all of my page flipping I have done I have obviously found recipes, decorating ideas, craft ideas and just articles in general that I would like to refer back too but I clearly can't clip them out and I don't want to waste paper in printing them out so what have I done? I got out my trusty printer that has no ink by the way but does have a scanner and I scanned what I want to keep for future reference. It works, and it saves paper, and ink and keeps down on my clutter which in turn is better for my organization and getting my life on a more simple track. Have you visited your library lately? And what kinds of books do you read?

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

"i do"

In exactly one year from today, on Saturday September 10, 2011, I hope to have a different last name - the one that my boyfriend carries. I say hope because a lot of things have to happen first. I need to:

a) get a job

b) save money

c) get ENGAGED!

d) finalize my ideas

e) play out my dream wedding (or the wedding that I can afford)

...IN THIS ORDER!...

(unless Mark wants to propose before or after a and/or b)

That's A LOT to accomplish in one year. However, I have been planning my wedding since the age of 13. You know, the wedding that (mostly) all little girls dream of - the fairytale princess wedding - the one without a budget (because who knows the cost of wedding planning when you are that young), the one where your husband is a knight in shining armor (because aren't all boyfriends/husbands/fiances supposed to ride up on their white horse and save you from the bad guys), and the one where nothing goes wrong (because aren't all fairytale princess weddings perfect). My wedding will by no means be THEE fairytale princess wedding or even the perfect wedding, but, it will be OUR wedding. It will be simple and fun. Rustic and charming. Low budget and beautiful. I have been working very hard (especially lately) to try and make things happen. So here's too (hopefully) a new beginning, a new last name, and new initials, J.L., in one year. CHEERS!

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

designing bug

I've caught the designing bug which is pretty much the sole purpose of my previous post and obviously a sign that I am getting old(er). I've checked out nearly every design book from the library, researched a lot of things online and came up with some of my own ideas that I would love to implement. I really like the homemade/second-hand/garden/rustic look. I just want to design things and make old things into new things. I've already cleaned and rearranged my bedroom and it looks much better than before. I've spent a lot of time in it since because it's so wonderful; however, it's nothing spectacular...yet. But since I live in an apartment, I can't exactly paint it but I can dream about what I want it to look like and I can certainly write down all the details about it. I've actually done that with all of the rooms in the apartment - the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, etc. I have my color palettes and I have my ideas, now I need a job so that I can spend money to actually make my dreams come true. And a house wouldn't be a bad idea either...

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

Thrifting

I love going to thrift stores. Sometimes I buy and sometimes I browse. Regardless of what my intention is, I simply love the simplicity of thrift stores. I love looking at things that belonged to other people, to see how other people may have decorated their homes, or the kinds of things they used to use, or the clothes they used to wear. Thrift store items tell stories. The items in the thrift stores may have meant something to someone or it just may have been another useless item or a gift that they no longer wanted, used or liked. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, places and people. Thrift stores hold an endless amount of treasure. Whether it’s old or new, there are things that can be brought back to life, things that can be used for other purposes, or things that can bring a smile to someone’s face. I have purchased brand new things and old things that are now new to me. I have purchased mason jars (for storage of my cooking utensils) to playing cards (for endless games of nerts playing at church camp) to brand new baby clothes (for my nephew) and of course books. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than walking into a thrift store, especially when I see the book aisle. Nothing beats paying 29, 49, or 69 cents for a good book. It’s apparent in my past posts about books that I love books. Collecting books is a thing that my mom’s side of the family has done for decades and I just so happened to fall into the book collecting phenomenon (or craziness) that comes from the Stephens Family. What I’m trying to say is that I miss it. I miss browsing and buying things at the thrift store. I miss finding a “treasure”. This whole unemployment thing has kept me at home reading books, trying not to make myself go crazy, trying to think of new things to do, new posts to write about, new projects to start and as I start planning things for my future and all the ideas that I have, all I want to do is go to the thrift store to see what I can obtain to make those dreams come true.

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

mPerks

Meijer is one of my all time favorite stores. Even when I was younger it was my favorite store to go to with my mom. I remember when they had a lot of fun activities for kids - and they still do. They have lots of sample Saturdays and they even hand out coupons and have things for kids. I even got a free goldfish when I was little and last summer, Mark won 2 Reds baseball tickets from Meijer. I didn't think this store could get any better but it does. I'm pleased to let you know that they have a program that allows you to use digital coupons at the store. That's right, no clipping coupons, no wasting paper or time. All you have to do is sign up here, "clip" the coupons that you want, then redeem them at the checkout. They just need your basic information and your cell phone number which becomes the number that you input at the checkout BEFORE you pay. It's easy as that. No card to carry, and you definitely won't forget your phone number, and there are no pins to remember either. They have a really awesome coupon right now that gives you $2.00 off a purchase of $5.00. They update their coupons weekly which is really awesome. I was so excited (and eager) to see how this program works, how easy it is and how user friendly it is so my lovely boyfriend and I ventured to Meijer the other day to check it out. We purchased some chicken and 2 Purina kitten chow in which I will donate to the animal shelter since I don't have a kitten, or a cat. My transaction looked like this:

Purina Kitten Chow $1.99
Purina Kitten Chow $1.99
Meijer Family Size Chicken breasts $8.52
________
Total $12.50
- $1.99 (Purina Kitten Chow FREE coupon)
- $1.99 (Purina Kitten Chow FREE coupon)
________
Total $8.52

I then hit the mPerks button on the check out card machine and it took my $2.00 off coupon since I purchased more than $5.00 which took my total down to $6.52. Add in .23 for tax and I only paid $6.75 for 5 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts. For me, this program comes at a great time seeing as how I am unemployed and have very limited funds. I've never had a bad experience at Meijer - they have friendly greeters, awesome cashiers, very helpful employees on the floor, fast pharmacy workers and now they have this amazing time and money saving program. My cashier that I had today even said "I'm gonna have to sign up for that thing (meaning the mPerks program) because it really does save money." Yes!! It does and that's what I love to do --- save money! And I can, thanks to Meijer!!!

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

free stuff

I am the QUEEN of free stuff! I love getting free stuff...I mean, who doesn't. I get free stuff in the grocery store and in the mail which is why I want to share this with you. It's only one of many, many wonderful sites that offer free samples and merchandise. Within the last week, I've already received a book, bookmarks, and pencils in the mail. Do I need the book - maybe not. If I don't like it I will pass it on to someone or take it to Goodwill and donate it. Do I need bookmarks, well, YES! I read a lot and I lose bookmarks a lot so that is something I would need. Do I need pencils - no, but I will donate those to my church camp. Whether or not I use these things, or need these things, I still sign up and get them in my mailbox. I love mail and I love free things. Some of the other things I have gotten in the mail include laundry detergent, diapers and baby formula, post-its, cookbooks, coupons for FREE merchandise, glucose monitors (to donate), shampoo/conditioner, trash bags, cleaning products, feminine products, toothpaste, cards, and clothing. Companies pay a lot of money to get their products out there so why not take advantage of it.

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

tv on dvd

In the midst of my unemployment, I have logged a million hours watching TV on DVD compliments of Netflix. When I was employed, I didn't really have time to watch TV (except my beloved One Tree Hill) so I am apparently playing catch up now. Afterall, I don't have any money to spend, and I don't have a job to go to, and I don't have any projects that I can start because I'm afraid that ADD will set in and I won't finish it so my best bet is to apply for jobs and watch the tube. I love Netflix so very much - for several reasons but thanks to them I have dozens of movies and hundreds of episodes under my belt. Some of those including:

all 5 seasons of The Hills

Out of the Wild - The Alaska Experiment

Season 1 of The Little Couple

Season 1 of Celebrity Rehab

2 seasons of Crank Yankers

Season 1 of Cake Boss

lots and lots of episodes of Futurama (compliments of my dear boyfriend)

Season 1 of Laguna Beach

a handful of episodes of Chappelle Show (once again, thanks to Mark)

3 seasons of 30 Days

Seasons 1-4 of the Deadliest Catch

What am I watching now you ask?


I only have 2 more seasons of this wonderful crab-filled adventure left...

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

back to my roots

As I was looking through random blogs, the first 11 that I saw all had photos posted. They were photos of families, vacations, scenery, engagements and other events. Some were by professionals and some were by amateurs just capturing the moment. Regardless of who they were done by, I considered it a sign. A sign that I need to go back to my roots, back to the love I had and yearn to have again to produce art. I went to a vocational school my junior and senior year of high school for photography. I loved it. I loved seeing things from a different perspective. I even won a Kodak medal from a photography competition. I have a portfolio filled with my very own art inside. My mom has some of my best artwork hanging in her house. But, it's been a loooooong time since I actually did any kind of photo shoot. Yes, I have taken candids of friends and family and I did take some time to capture the serenity on my way in to Bountiful but I haven't shot any photos of things or of people to be capturing any kind of art. I want to go back to my roots, to start doing photography again - to just go around photographing any thing that I see and get back in touch with my artistic side. To capture the simple things in life. Maybe this is MY time...

I leave you with a few photos from Camp Bountiful, Jackson, Ohio

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

3 down...1 to go...

I've conquered Sr. High camp, Reunion, and Jr. High camp. I leave Friday morning out of Columbus for my LAST camp of summer 2010 to Graceland University in little Lamoni, IA. It's been a fabulous summer - good friends (old and new), good spirit and beautiful scenery. Even though I could be at Bountiful everyday of my life, it would ruin the specialness of being there. I'm ready to get on with whatever God has in store for me. I'm ready to start working again, to actually be able to go shopping instead of window shopping, to be able to go out on a date with my boyfriend without staying home. I have learned a lot about myself this summer, some things that I want to do in my life and some things that I need to do in my life so that I can "have my cake and eat it too". I wouldn't give up this summer for anything. I have wonderful people in my life to have made it the way that it is and I appreciate those people. So here's to 3 camps down, 1 more to go...and then here comes Fall - my most favorite season of all.

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

reading makes me happy

Reading is quite possibly one of my all time favorite things to do. Nothing beats opening a book and just jumping into a story with the characters. This hobby clearly requires books...and I have lots of them. You could maybe say that I collect books. Some people have even gone as far as to say that I am a hoarder, which is so not true. I just appreciate good books and some not so good books. My bookshelves may be full, and I may have one too many books but I simply love books. Books make me happy and knowing that I can choose any one book on any given day makes me happy. Why am I talking about reading...because I want you to check out two websites that I would suggest if you love to read... www.goodreads.com and www.swaptree.com. They are both very resourceful and could even get you a new book or two or even suggest new books to you that you may be interested in reading...so happy reading and let me know what good books you have read or are currently reading.

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

camp & best wishes

I just came off a looooooong (but extremely POWERFUL) week at camp for our senior high campers and have been laying low and catching up on my sleep and planning Jr. High class for Reunion which starts on Saturday. Mark and I have just been busy trying to get in a date or two before I leave and before he leaves for work at the end of this week and next week.

I also wanted to send out a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge BEST WISHES to my newly engaged friends - Becky & Rob. They are awesome individuals and an incredibly amazing couple. They both deserve each other and all the grand things that life to the both of them will bring. They both make me happy and I am so glad that they make each other so happy that they have found each other to spend the rest of their lives together. I am wishing you both nothing but the best!! Love you guys!!

fighting the fight

You know the saying "be a lover, not a fighter"...well, I don't necessarily agree with this saying because I am a fighter...

I am a fighter for the people that I love
I am a fighter for the truth
I am a fighter of asthma
I am a fighter for self confidence
I am a fighter for justice
I am a fighter for self worth
I am a fighter for standing up for what I believe in
I am a fighter for friendship
I am a fighter for children
I am a fighter for respect
I am a fighter for love
I am a fighter for me

Whether or not these statements reign true today, at one point in my life I was (and quite possibly still) fighting for these things. People don't typically think that people like me with a bubbly, outgoing personality who almost always has a smile on her face is allowed to have a bad day. But, I do. And today was one of those "terrible no good very bad days" but I have to pick myself up and keep fighting the fight. And today, I'm fighting the fight for myself and for Mark. To me, this saying means "fight for the things that you love" and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

sleepless nights

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you couldnt sleep? That was me last night.

I had so much going on in my brain that it was so hard for me to focus enough to actually fall asleep. I had a to-do list generating at 100 mph, 4532 ideas for the class that I am teaching this summer at Sr. High Camp and then I had about 29 different scenerios in which my job and camp schedule could possibly happen with me having my cake (gluten free, please) and eating it too. Everything about the latter scares me the most. I don't think I could actually afford to quit my job (even though its the worst) because I am thankful that I do have a job but on the other hand, I'm not happy - none of my co-workers are happy so it's nice to know that I'm not in this alone - and it's causing me stress, misery, illness...the list could go on. But...I NEED to be at camp (and I WILL be at camp) I just hope that I can please everyone involved in this situation, including myself.

So, I'm off, too possibly get a good's nights rest...wish me luck!

Peace, hugs & smiles,
J

proud couponers

I used to keep my couponing a big secret and only my family and my boyfriend knew about it because I thought I would get made fun of. I recently was able to share my love of coupons (and saving) with two of my very close friends. Fast forward to today...I just received a text from one of those friends telling me that she was able to get $93 bucks worth of groceries for $59 dollars. I am sooooo very proud of her. It's expensive to live, let alone living as a college student in grad school while doing an unpaid internship so mad props to you, Alicia for jumping on the coupon bandwagon and saving a TON of money and having "food for the rest of your life" haha.

In addition to coupons, I loooove getting free money in the mail. Okay, okay, it's not a $10 bill that comes in the mail but Kohl's sends me $10 cards all the time. It's a gift card for $10 off any purchase which means that you can technically get $10 worth of items for free - I like to keep my OOP (out of pocket) cost down as much as possible so I tend to go for cheaper items. On Friday, I went to Kohl's to see what I could scrounge up for $10. I needed another rug for the kitchen so I picked one up for $7.99 (originally $24.99) and then I found a pair of Xbox 360 boxers for Mark on clearance for $2.80 (originally $14.00) . I was able to get $38.99 worth of merchandise for .85 cents. Yes, you heard it right .85 cents. Thank you Kohl's!!

Have any of you scored some pretty sweet deals on anything??

Peace, hugs & smiles,

J

voiceless

i've lost my blogging voice....for now.
i hope to have it back tomorrow.
maybe. cross your fingers.

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day, I'll tell you what I did to make the planet a little more "green"...

• I took a 5 minute shower (they are usually 1o minutes)
• I didn't turn on any lights until 10 pm (easy to do when you are gone all day)
• I took the last of my plastic bags to Kroger to be recycled
• I used fabric bags for all of my grocery purchases this evening
• I watched the number of pages I printed today at work
• I haven't turned the TV on all day
• I went to work this morning with wet hair (which means I didn't use the blow dryer)
• I cooked a vegetarian dinner and had a vegetarian lunch (that I packed). I am not a vegetarian but eating meat actually hurts the planet. (You can help curb carbon emissions in the livestock industry if you cut back on eating meat once a week)
• I went the speed limit everywhere I went today (you actually burn less gas if you go 60 mph or less)

Here are some things that I do everyday that makes an impact on the planet:

• I don't drink bottled water. Instead I use reusable aluminium bottles, or nalgene bottles
• I pack my lunch everyday in a bag made of recyclable materials
• I only start the dishwasher when every inch of it is full and I literally cannot fit another knife in it
• I re-wear pants, cardigans, sweatshirts, etc. so I don't have as much laundry to do all the time (don't worry, I change my underwear everyday) :)
• I recycle when I can. It's hard to do when you live in an apartment with not a whole lot of extra space and no one to give you or pick up a recycling bin
• I pick up litter whenever I see it and I do not litter
• Some of my cleaning products are environmentally friendly (some of them are not, but I'm working on it)
• Most of my bills automatically come out of my checking account and I can view statements online so I am not using any extra paper by getting bills and statements in the mail
• I practice the 4 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle, re-wear)

By no means am I trying to save the planet by myself but I try to do my part one "greener" thing at a time and one day at a time to help protect the Earth so that one day my kids can have a much cleaner planet than what we are living in today. What things have you done today to help save the Earth? What are some things that you do everyday to be a little more "green"? Happy Earth Day y'all. I hope you try and make...
Peace, hugs, and smiles,

J

financially smart

If you know me, you know that I like to use coupons. A LOT! If you don't know me, you will soon find out. It's not something that I really have to do but it's something that I choose to do. Plus, the high you get from walking out of a store knowing you just purchased $150 dollars worth of items and only spent $4 out of your pocket is AMAZING! (And yes, this very situation happened to me at Walgreens last year - thanks to my trusty ole coupons). Every Sunday (except the ones that don't have coupon inserts), I grab 2 papers from the gas station down the road and I head home to clip and flip (clip the coupons and flip through the ads). I buy two so that if i find a great sale I can stock up. If I spend less than $4 on 2 newspapers, I only have to use 4 - .50 off coupons to get my money back (the stores that I shop at double my coupons up to a $1) Many non-couponers may think that coupons are for those financially strapped or poor. I say coupons are for those that are financially smart. Why in the world would you give your hard earned money away when you know you can save HUGE if you just take a little bit of time. Even if you don’t coupon in a big way, take the time to scan your ads and cut some coupons out. If you are an occasional couponer, you may not notice the savings with just a stop here or there, but if you were to record all of your coupons, I am sure you’d be amazed; I am. I even had a friend call me the other day with all the excitement in the world because it was her first time using coupons AND she saved 7 bucks and some change - I think that's totally awesome!! If you really want to see the outcome of saving with coupons, join with me in trying something new that I have been doing: take the money you save by using coupons and store cards (Kroger, Giant Eagle...) and put that into your savings account (you will find the amount you save on your receipt). Trust me, it adds up quickly and really, you wouldn't be missing any money from your checking account because you would have initially spent that money on your groceries IF you weren't using coupons anyway. Happy Couponing!!!

Peace, hugs, and smiles,
J

arrive hungry

Yesterday, I was told about a Beth Moore Bible Study that was taking place at our Beavercreek Branch and I was kind of skeptical to go. One, I have never actually been to or a part of a bible study so I didn't know what to expect. Two, I didn't think it was for me...EVER and three, Bible studies sound so lame.

I say this with all the "happy" in my heart and soul that one, I have now attended and been a part of a bible study. Two, it is for me and three, it's totally not lame. It's not your typical, "lets sit in a circle and read scriptures to each other out of the bible and talk about it". This is deeper than that and more personal. I look forward to going every Tuesday as I feel, and as Beth Moore states that I am "ordained by God to be in this bible study" simply because life is hard and there are things in my life now that I struggle with (but I'm not staying there) and this is the perfect time for me to be a part of moving closer to God. I will attend weekly and I will arrive hungry.

Peace, hugs, and smiles,
J

fresh start, new beginnings

Hello to Everyone!

Thanks to my dear friend Becky, you have found me. She has done a lot of convincing for sometime to get me to start a blog - so here I am. And afterall, it may be a great idea. I actually used to have a blog in college but this blog comes with a fresh start. New adventures, new stories, new (and wonderful) people in my life and the start of new beginnings for you, and for me. I may not exactly know what this blog will bring or what I am even going to blog about but I invite you to join me in my fresh start and new beginnings and I hope you follow me throughout my journey in life, with God, my boyfriend, my family and my friends.

Peace, hugs, and smiles,
J