It has been a hot minute since my last post . Literally. I don't know about where you are , but it has been hot as fire here in East Tennessee . I hope that you all are having a restful and yet productive Summer . I can't say that The Faith Journals have much to report .
As in fourth of July's past I spent the holiday with several of my former roomies . This partial reunion was in North Georgia ( which is also hot as a freshly baked potato ) and to say our plate was full with princess-esq duties is an understatement .
Because when you are Snow White animals eat from your hand .
Riverbanks Zoo - South Carolina
As if a true Princess would allow her train to drag .
Aunt Ebe & BB aka Elsa
Jack Davis spent the majority of our visit hiding in his carrier . I learned that in his ripe age of 9 years old he is very set in his ways and refuses to make new friends . He clearly doesn't get this discipline from me . I could never resist this little face . P.S. who knew 10 month olds aren't allowed to have dip-n-dots ?! I mean it was one dot , everyone calm down . It isn't like we fed her half a cone of cotton candy......which we did once to Sophia , our groups first baby . This among other reasons I why I am Auntie Stacie and not momma . LOL !!!
How does this face get resisted ?
I sure don't know , but he resisted it .
All Lucy wanted was just a bit of his attention
and just like a man he refused her .
Look closely and you will see JD is hiding in
his travel crate while Princess Elsa decides
which shoes go with that dress .
We spent the actual fourth of July close enough to fire works that we all came home with a bit of ash in our hair . You know it was a good night when you spent part of it a little afraid your hair might catch fire . That tends to be my rule of thumb for all outings . We also took the kids to a jump park one day . For those that do not know what that is , it is basically wall to wall trampolines . I of course could not hang as long as every one else so I tagged in for baby duty . Auntie Stacie is always available for baby holding . I also fell literally as soon as I stepped onto the trampoline . First thing . Actual first thing I did was fall . I mean , of course it was .
A good friend helps you up when you fall.......
while the other friend takes a picture .
AirStrike Jump Park - Augusta , GA
Addison Clare and I watching people
jump around ! Jump around !
Jump up ! Jump up ! and Fall Down !
We also (minus the children) saw Jurassic Park at a drive in . I highly recommend seeing this movie in the outdoors . It's like watching Jaws while floating in a lake . It was awesome !! As always time with friends was therapeutic . It is truly a treasure to find folks that love and accept you flaws and all . The summer heat mixed with my RA leaves me wore plumb out most of the time , but I am lucky to have friends that understand and are cool w nap time .
This trip along with a lot of normal day to day has been the Summer thus far and actually that is just fine with me . I'm becoming a content shut in , in my old age . LOL !! Jack Davis has spent many an after noon chasing bunnies .
I am not 100% sure what the rest of our Summer holds , but even in the stillness of a calm schedule I am learning a lot . I continue to pray , think on and pursue God's plans for me . I am doing my best to be faithful in the little and content in the now . I know that his silence has purpose . So , I continue to wait . What has God been teaching you this Summer ? Have you laid big requests at His throne in anticipation of an answer ? Please feel free to share in the comment section . We are all in this together !!
In my neck of the woods we woke up to lightening, thundering and bad dreams, oh my ! I woke myself up from a bad dream, literally sobbing . I was crying in the dream and I was crying in real life . I dream a lot and usually they are entertaining, but now and again the bad dream happens and I just hate it . To add too my immediate emotional distress (as if waking up isn't hard enough) it was thundering, lightening and raining so hard I was sure the house was afloat . It wasn't . So, I decided today was a good day for a comfort food type breakfast . Sausage, biscuits and gravy are just the southern stand by for a hot comforting breakfast meal .
Now, I do not make gravy . I know ! I know ! They debated taking away my southern belle status, but I have way too much "Julia Sugarbaker" esq sass for it to happen . So, with belle status in tact I shall tell you my gravy comes from a mix . Head held high . I don't cook with a lot of fatty meats ( I tend to cook w lean turkey or chicken) and the grease/run off from the fattier meat is important in true southern gravy making . So, instead I use Pioneer Brand gravy mixes . They have a variety, cost only a $1.00 at my local grocery and make 2 cups of gravy .
Todays Recipe for a quick comfort Breakfast =
~ 2 Frozen Turkey Sausage Patties (I use the kind from the frozen section that are in a bag, usually the store brand) - cooked in skillet for about 5-7 minutes ( I almost always end up sharing half a patty or so w Jack Davis ) . I want to say that the bag I purchased was no more than $3 . 00 and of course a freezer bag in opposition to a small box or the kind of sausage in the chilled meats section can potentially last you a while making it worth the cost . I would think you could also freeze your own from the sausage in the chilled meats section too . Just be sure to date and label it pre freeze . ~ Can of biscuits (follow containers instructions) I never use a entire can of biscuits just for myself so I save the left overs for other meals through out the week or make a couple to-go containers and share w friends/loved ones . Who doesn't appreciate having one less meal to think about in a week ??!! No one . If you aren't into left overs or sharing (p.s. shame on you) , biscuits also come in the freezer section in a bag where you can cook one or two at a time . Easy ! A can of 5 biscuits , store brand is usually less than a $1 . 00 . The name brand almost always has a coupon in the Sunday paper of a certain amount off two cans . A bag of biscuits will run you maybe $3 or 4$ depending on size and brand . A bag may cost more , but will potentially last you longer than a simple can will . Depends on how many folks you are cooking for , etc .
~ And lastly, the Pioneer Brand gravy mix . Takes 1 & 1/2 cup water and calls for another half cup water, but I use 2% milk to make it a tad creamer . Follow packet instructions and in less than 15 minutes the entire meal is ready . As I mentioned earlier this costs only a $1 . 00 at my local grocer and sometimes there are coupons in the Sunday paper .
Quick, inexpensive, & yummy !!!!!
Hope this #quickfix helps you out w your meal planning this week .
Happy Cooking !!!
If you have tips , questions or just a comment to share please feel free to do so !!
You can search "Quick Fix" in the blog search box for past Quick Fix posts !!
Before I start this post I would like to share a bit of my heart on the topic of savings , coupons , discounts , and God's provision . As I write that it feels a little ridiculous , but for me every time I save some money , get something for free , or am able to share what I have with someone else , I am reminded of God's good grace and constant provision . I have been taught and believe with my entire being that what I have is not mine . It is God's . And I am grateful He see's fit every day to share some of what He has with me . I have never been more sure of His care for our every need and even for some of our wants than I have been in the last three years . He loves His children . His want for us is not to just survive, but thrive in what He has given us . So , when I "brag" on a savings or amazing coupons , what I am really saying is PRAISE THE LORD !!! HE HAS PROVIDED ONCE AGAIN !!!! In believing that everything I have is His I am compelled to be a steward of every ounce , penny, morsel and moment He allows me . I believe that in couponing , searching deals , etc . I am being a good steward of what He has provided for me and shared with me . I have also seen in looking at my finances , couponing , etc. that when I am diligent in this way He allows me to have enough to give away . Isn't that what it is all about ? It isn't mine anyway , I have , HAVE to be willing to give it away if it will serve Him and His higher purpose . On more than one occasion my couponing has provided me with something that I could pass on to someone else . I think that is kind of amazing . But , maybe that is just me . Now , onto Discount Diva-ing 101.....
Everyone knows that I love a bargain , but last weekend when I scored 5 out of 11 items for free with coupons & store promotions I was giddy as a school girl . I shared my excitement with Facebook and got several pm's (private messages) asking how it's done . Well , I would love to gather us all and share what has been shared with me , but geography and conflicting schedules just won't allow for it . So , instead I thought I would post my first two tips here as well as highlight a few past posts that I think are applicable . This may become a series of sorts and if you have any couponing or discounting tips or questions please feel free to let me know . I love to share a guest post !!! (Hint Hint Cindy Cook @ sothecooksaid.blogspot.com ) ;-)
Before we get too far into "Discount Diva-ing 101" I think it might be good to know these things first and foremost . 1. Before you can save any money by couponing , working a promotional , shop hopping , etc. you need a LIST . You can't save properly without knowing what it is that your household needs and uses on a regular/seasonal basis . So, if you are going out post Christmas to score some clearance wrapping paper it is best to do a little inventory first . Catch my drift ?! 2. Budget . Yes, the goal is to save money . Obviously . But , if you don't start with an acceptable amount to spend and an expected amount to save then you are sorda starting the game like a kid set loose in a candy store . I. E. Willy Wonka's Veruca Salt , "I WANT IT ALL AND I WANT IT NOW" mentality . 3. Know a stores coupon policy prior to shopping . Most stores have them posted online, they are easy to understand and it only takes a minute . Do not trust a cashier to know the policy . I have on more than one occasion known more than the person behind the counter about the stores policies . 4 . Become a "member" of their club . If they have a free rewards program , join . This ALWAYS saves me money and as of late most stores have them in one form or another . Even Wal-Mart has jumped on the rewards band wagon . I don't mind anything that is FREE y'all ! 5. It never hurts to scan a stores sales paper or online ad . On occasion there will be store specific coupons that can be added to your manufacturer coupons and the stores promotions . I mean , it is just a glance and could end up saving you some green backs . Last, but not least in your pre 101 home work LOL, I would also suggest you read this past post on Stockpiling . I think if you can grasp the concept of the long run savings that can be had from stockpiling then these first two tips will make a lot more sense .
Now, to get us started on this edition of Discount Diva-ing 101 here are Tips #1 & #2 . Both related to seasonal items , i.e. post holiday clearance .
Tip #1
Post ANY holiday there will be massive amounts of clearance items . Items get slowly marked down as days past . Currently most Easter items are 50% off . In a few days it will be 75% and eventually 90% off . Yes , 90% !! Post Christmas... I found super cute and fun finger "tattoo" puppets at just 10 CENTS a pack . They weren't Christmas themed and made for great Valentines to a few of my "nieces & nephews". The thing to keep in mind as you cruise the clearance is 1. Does it expire ? 2. Can I use it next (insert holiday here) ? 3. Is it "technically" holiday, but could be used year round ? 4. Will this item make it to the final discount ? Some items get snatched up immediately and never make it to the 90% off bin . You gotta decided if you are willing to risk it or pay the extra quarter or whatever . Even w the extra quarter it would still be less than originally priced . Today I scored adorable cupcake wrappers for half off . Making them less than the cost of "normal" cupcake wrappers and twice as cute!!!! Nothing about these wrappers say "Easter Only". A lot of seasonal items are some what generic and worth keeping an eye out for, especially at discount time . I use cupcake wrappers for just about anything that is cooked in a cupcake pan . Makes clean up a lot
easier .
"Easter" cupcake wrappers I purchased for 1/2 off
at Wal-Mart in the clearance section .
Tip #2
A little pumpkin spice never hurt nobody.
Because sometimes , hoarding is good . Those tips I gave on discounted holiday items applies to the grocery section as well . While it will not be discounted to a 90% off , it is seasonal and so it only comes 'round once a year . There are usually seasonal coupons in the Sunday paper to go along w these temporary items. Most grocery items do not expire until several months after the season they are designated for, but ALWAYS check before you buy. Also as packaging or branding for a product changes they will often clearance out the old appearance . The product is usually still well within its expiration date the containers/packaging appearance has simply changed . I hope this little tip helps you as you grocery shop next time. And yes, I hoarded some pumpkin spice creamer for a rainy day. #worthit No, i did not put butter in it. Those are ingredients for bfast. Lol ! Just so we are all clear.
I hope that this is a good start for you . I have listed several past posts below to possibly answer a few of the questions that may be whirling around in your mind right now . If they do not answer those questions or even if they do , feel free to post questions, comments , tips in the comment section of the blog . You never know who is thinking what you are thinking , but is too afraid to ask . I'll do my best to answer and if I don't know I'll reach out to other resources .
I thought I would share this " quick fix " dinner inspired by a knorr pasta sides commercial . I am sure you have all seen it . The Chef comes in mixing some unexpected what not with a simple packet of pasta mix .
Well , their clever marketing got me and when I saw the Knorr Alfredo packet on sale for a dollar at the grocery I thought I'd give it a try . My version is a Chicken Broccoli Alfredo and it would serve two people .
1 packet of Knorr Pasta Side Alfredo Flavor (cook per labels instructions) (milk and butter required) cooks in 7-8 minutes once boiling
1-2 baked chicken breast depending on size ( place on cookie sheet lined w foil , drizzle with olive oil , salt , pepper , bake on 350 for 20 -25 minutes , flipping half way through )
1/2 bag of Green Giant Steamed Broccoli ( you could probably use the entire bag, but for me that was going to be too much broccoli compared to pasta ratio ) cooks in 7 minutes in the microwave
Cook everything , mix together and boom ! In less than thirty minutes you have a yummy , quick , inexpensive meal . I would recommend keeping watch over the pasta as it cooks . I tend to walk away and do other things , but this is one in my opinion you need to watch .
I hope this helps you out with one of your weekly meals and your budget . What are you cooking up this week ? Please feel free to share in the comment section of the blog !!! We are all in this together . We might as well share survival tips .
I am a music FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like , IDK "fan" is really even an appropriate word for it . It is my therapy , my encouragement , my sympathetic ear , the words I want to say, but can't . It is at times my prayer , my advice , and even my justification . It is EVERYTHING !! My parents have never understood why I'd spend money on multiple CD's or iTunes purchases when there is the radio and music t.v. , but I attribute it to one of those "parents just don't understand" things in life . When relocating one of the heaviest items was my container of CD's . DON'T JUDGE!!!! I listen to all genre's for the most part and was a radio D . J . for a hot minute in college . I also spent five years working concert production along with many more years in booking , contract negotiations , venu rep, etc. . Also while in college one of my graphics projects ended up being a concert poster for my friends band . So, to say my hearts in the art form , is barely saying it right . My heart is in every part of the art form and when RIDICULOUS radio drama is going on over an AMAZING tune I get riled .
I was raised very conservative and in the south so, I totally see how folks (particularly the "typical" country music listener) could jump on a band wagon, get the message wrong or simply go on someone else's conviction when glancing the lyrics of "Girl Crush" . But , to not research for yourself , to not listen further , to not truly hear and understand the lyrics and protest it's being played is madness to me . It is the epitome of ignorance . It is those folks that picket because they "heard" such and such was going to happen , play , etc . I CAN NOT HANDLE the logic of " well someone told me...." or "everyone said that " . I CAN'T !!!!! I have this fire when it comes to a great many topics, but I tend to try and keep it contained . For whatever reason I just have to share it this time . I received Little Big Towns Pain Killers album as a gift and have listened to it on repeat . I was a fan to begin with , but have only grown to love them more with this new album . It took a bit longer than some albums take to be made and released, but the band always discussed how pain staking their effort was to make it the best yet . I vote well done .
Girl Crush, the second radio release from the album is a beautifully, skillfully, and cleverly written song about the woman not chosen . It was written by three women and it is the point of view of "if I was her would you want me ? " . A love song . A hurt song . A I wish or what if song . Some listeners have taken it to a all to literal level and are declaring it unfit for radio . Protesting stations that play it and forcing airwaves to remove it from their cycle . It is in the top for it's genre in itune sales and the lyric video's on Vevo.com and Youtube.com each have almost 700,000 hits . Clearly people are relating to it , loving it and getting it . How radio can be so easily bullied is something I may never understand . I am attaching the lyric video so that you can not only hear the tune , but read the lyrics as it plays . Seriously , cleverly written and beautifully performed song . Who hasn't been there ? Who hasn't compared themselves ? Who hasn't at one time or another debated changing their hair color , lip stick shade , or perfume to catch the attention of someone ? If you are honest , we all have .
" I have a girl crush . Hate to admit it but , I got a heart rush that ain't slowin' down."
I am fully aware that writing this post is like washing my car, as soon as I post it there will be a snow . Don't blame me you guys !!!! The last week has been warm , rainy and gave a little sunshine here and there . Hints that Spring is close . This week also brought with it my Mamaw's 82nd birthday . We tend to always do a small family something for bdays and so that is how we celebrated this birthday . I am pretty much o.k. with any way we celebrate as long as there is cake involved . I don't even really need to know who or what we are celebrating . LOL !! Jack Davis got his spring grooming and not a moment too soon. He was on the verge of becoming this guy.....
The Komondor
I am not even joking!!! Along with getting Jack spring ready I am mentally preparing myself for the spring cleaning of my car inside and out . Again, I am sure that once this is done a torrential down pour will be unleashed from the heavens for days and days . And again you guys.....it isn't my fault !!! I have written several posts in the past on Spring and you can find them here , here, and here . I love the seasons . I guess that is why I have spent so much time waxing poetic about them on here . I am the kind of person who needs the changing of the seasons . I don't know that I could live in a climate that is always one way or another . My mind , my body , even my soul needs what each season brings with it . My body and hair could do without Summers 100 degrees and humidity, but alas for every positive there is a negative.....a. very. frizzy. negative .
For me Spring brings with it renewed hope and a reminder of promises long forgotten under the layers of snow . I get this excited feeling inside me that something big is going to happen . My skin can start to feel the warmer air almost as soon as the time changes . Suddenly the days are longer and with them a chance to be more productive . I am looking forward to whatever this Spring may bring with it . In my heart I have high hopes for promises fulfilled , new habits, and a renewed spirit . Now, if it snows tomorrow I will be giddy , but it is nice to think forward into what possibly is next .
Do you have traditions , decorations, or whatever that change with the seasons ? What is your favorite season and why ?! Got any spring recipes or DIY's to share with us ??!!
You never know what is growing underneath .
This pic is a reminder for me that even in difficult situations
something beautiful and even delicate can be seemingly
suddenly brought to the surface .
I've been writing all week about dates , gifts , & acts of kindness towards others for Valentines . But today, Valentines Day , I felt compelled to write about love . Not the rom-com love , but real love . When typing that I hear the voice of the guy from "Princess Bride" in my head , "Wuv, tru wuv !" .
I keep going back and forth with what exactly I hope to communicate through this one specific post , but I am struggling . I am not sure if it is a case of I have so much to say or if there is simply no way to say it . And as I looked for inspiration , resources , and words I found myself googling the definition of "love" . I found several , but none that fit what I feel to be the true definition of love ! I was all kinds of annoyed and thinking that perhaps I just shouldn't do this final post in my Valentine series . Then , merriam-Webster came to my rescue !! I was surprised to see that the definition I was looking for was 4 links down . Yet , not really surprised at all , because that is exactly the point I had been hoping to make .
a (1): strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child>(2): attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers(3): affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>
b: an assurance of affection <give her my love>
2
: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>
3
a: the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration <baseball was his first love>
b (1): a beloved person :darling —often used as a term of endearment (2)British —used as an informal term of address
4
a: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as
(1): the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2): brotherly concern for others
Love as a " unselfish concern for the good of another " is these days , a seemingly foreign idea . I pray that my definition of love , no matter my relationship status or the day of the year , is always a "unselfish concern for the good of another" . From where I stand I believe that is the only way any of us or any relationship we have will ever truly survive . As I prayed over this post I asked the Lord to give me His words . Originally being frustrated by my writers block I suddenly realized He was answering my prayer . I close this series of posts wishing you a very Happy Valentines Day and with the following verses .
1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV
"Love bears all things , believes all things , hopes all things, endures all things ."
1 Corinthians 13: 13 - NIV
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 4-12 NIV
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Romans 12:9-10 RSV
" Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor." www.biblestudytools.com
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