Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

This Week:
Softball game rained out. - So not ready for it anyway.

Big changes being decided for the kids next year- more on that later.

Our car has a blown head gasket. Stinks.
President Obama shows his birth certificate- is that really important in the middle of the tragedy that has happened to our country?
Praying for all those who have lost someone or are displaced after the tornadoes.


On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the follow button somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

Extreme Couponing- How Much is Too Much?

I know many of you have either heard or seen the new TLC show, Extreme Couponing. What did you think?

I saw the first special and have yet to watch the actual series. I am dvr(ed) it last night.

I have my concerns and like I've shared before, it is hard to go to such great lengths here in New York. Our stores put limits on everything and are very stingy with the double coupon thing.

That being said, after watching that special, I immediately thought, I have to do this!

I am a stay at home mom who spends a ton of money on groceries!

This is for me.

I started a plan of attack- I would get a coupon binder- I started looking on etsy and ebay for the supplies I would need for said binder.

Yeah, sure, it made sense to spend over $20 on a coupon binder, right?

You gotta spend money to make money, right?

Then I called around to find out how to get extra inserts from the paper- even tried to figure out if it was worth it to buy multiple copies of the Sunday paper?

But before I took these steps in making purchases for my "supplies", I figured I would try it out first!

I am glad I did.

I spent a good time pouring over the circulars of the stores closest to me- King Kullen, Best Yet, Pathmark, Stop and Shop (my favorite- so expensive, but so clean) and Waldbaums.

I had coupons for a lot stuff I promised myself we needed.

My mother-in-law has been giving me her circulars, so I had a decent amount of coupons.

This experience did not go very well.

I had calculated how much I would save and the total was a lot more than I had anticipated!

Did I ask the cashier to take some off?

No, because that would be embarrassing and I promised myself I wouldn't be one of those embarrassing coupon ladies that the cashiers loathe.

I did ask why and was told they only double (5) $1 coupons per transaction

Oh. I guess I forgot to ask that over the phone when I called and asked if they doubled coupons?

After this trip I was supposed to go to another store, but after such scrutiny in the first store, the little guy was exhausted.

Home we go.

But, after much thought and a conversation with my girlfriend who had recently seen the show-I thought this is crazy!

And in the time it takes to do these things, I could pretty much get a job! I read an article the other day that talked about the dangers of extreme couponing and how it takes up a serious amount of time and realistically, are we buying the foods we really eat or things that are on sale?

Do I need 100 boxes of oreo cakesters? Or is it more worth my time and energy to buy fresh produce?

On the flip side, I am challenged to do more, to make a list, stick to it and check out the sales- get a game plan. Spend less. And with the price of gas and food, don't we have to watch where our money goes a little more closely?

I know I do.

I'll leave you with a chart I found from this site - there is also an article you might want to read- check it out.

What are you doing to save money at the grocery store?

What I Love Wednesday {wilw}

I love this tapioca fat free pudding from Jell-o. It has less than 100 calories and it gives me a little something sweet before going to bed. I haven't read the side, because I am trying not to think about what additives it has in it.





I love when the kids are off from school and can just spend time together doing crazy things, like making slides and towers out of couch cushions!

And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life

I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on

Oh Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go

And I am loving this song by Carrie Underwood called, "Jesus Take the Wheel". I know it has been around for awhile, but I am not much of a music person. I have been going to Theresa's blog and reading her posts and then leaving her blog up just so I can listen to her playlist. She has all my favorites.

What's your favorite song?

Happy Easter/ Resurrection Day!

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

Weekly Recap:
Love Spring Break- it has been great having the kids home.
They slept at Nana's house for a cuz buzz for 2 days and loved it and I got some things done!
We have been going to church at night for our holy week services as much as we can and it has been a blessing!
And a wee little small babe by the name of Sariah was born to a mom at our church at just 2lbs. 4 oz., so please keep Sariah and her parents in your prayers as she grows and gains strength.
Hope you are having a great week and experiencing some sun!

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the follow button somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

Oh yeah- Check out my new etsy shoppe!

What I Love Wednesday {wilw}- TAGS

Tags From My New Etsy Shoppe!

(a shameless plug)

I finally opened my new etsy shop and have very few things in it so far, but wanted to share.

Check it out!

P.S.- I will try to only mention the shop one more time this week. I'll try.

Product Reviews- Business 2 Blogger

Have you heard of Business Blogger? It is a company that helps bloggers find businesses that need bloggers to do product reviews.

I found it on another blog and decided to give it a try. You sign up and you have 2 choices. You can either become a basic member or a preferred member. Neither costs you money. I went with preferred because it gives you a little bit of a head start
and all you have to do is put their button on the side of your blog.

Then once a week, B2B sends you an email (you get it earlier if you are a preferred member) and it has a group of advertisers looking for bloggers to review their products. Sometimes these advertisers need a certain locale or a blogger with a certain number of followers, but mostly they will take any blogger. They also have advertisers looking for certain genres- such as parenting or fashion, etc.

Once you find a product you are interested in reviewing, you fill out a form letting the advertiser know you are interested.

These forms are easy and only take a couple minutes to do.

If interested in doing product reviews on your blog, click the button above.

Happy Monday!- What a Weekend!

On Saturday, the two middles had their opening day parade and games. It was freezing- like seriously cold and rainy and overcast. But, we got through it.

And after, we basically crashed and some of us took naps. We were supposed to go dress shopping, but it just didn't happen. We were all tired and the weather was bad. Much to the dismay of my daughter, who of course was gearing up and ready to go.

A promise was made to go sometime soon, but the idea of bringing the little ones to the mall with us, just sounds like a recipe for disaster. They would be good for a time, but watching their sister and I decide over dresses just doesn't seem like it would hold their attention. So, we will wait for a better time to go, when someone can watch them.

We went to church last night as a family. It was awesome. Our pastor told us that they have been doing Holy Week at our church for over 40 years! So, on Sunday night we sing, listen to the message and then the men carry a wooden cross (made the same size as the one Jesus hung on) into the sanctuary and while we sing the men put stones around the bottom of it.

My son was so excited that Daddy was coming with us that his prayer at dinner was, "Dear God, please touch Daddy more than you ever touched yourself!" We all had to stifle our laughter- especially my husband. After service, we went for ice cream! I had such a good night that I won't tell you that ice cream cost us more than one night's dinner. I guess it is Breyers and some sprinkles next time!

And Ta-Da! The Chatty Mommy Shoppe finally has some product in it. I will be adding more things and may even do a giveaway or 2, but I really wanted to share that it's open, since I have been talking about it for so long! Come and check it out and let me know what you think.

Well, Happy Monday! I am so excited the kids have off this week! Can't wait for summer!

Spring Fling Earring Swap

I participated in the spring fling earring swap hosted by Yes, Teacher!

Sarah, from Yes, Teacher paired us with another blogger and we bought each other earrings with a limit of $20.

My partner was Karina, from Ramblings of a Simple Girl.

Karina sent me a package with a whole bunch of goodies including a insulated Trader Joe's bag- I love Trader Joe's!

She sent me a postcard (from NYC- she lives there- so cool!) and a NY key chain, an adorable webkinz lip gloss and 2 great pairs of earrings!

The first pair of earrings are handmade by Karina's mother. Her shop is called Ninfa Designs and she has the greatest pieces in her shop, but my favorite are the silver and green stone earrings that Karina sent me. I am so wearing these to church tomorrow!

And then she sent me these adorable sun earrings. My daughter is wearing them in this picture and I am thinking if I can't find them in my room, I might check hers.

Thanks so much Karina!

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

Weekly Recap: Beautiful weather today!!!! WOO hoo!
We had softball practice tonight and the kids have their first game and opening day parade on Saturday!
The little guy had an allergic reaction to a immunization. His little arm is swollen and he is too cute- pray the swelling goes down quick please.
The kids have off next week and we are super excited.
They are going to a cuz buzz at Nana's house, one has a birthday party to go to and we are hoping to take the oldest shopping for a elementary school graduation dress and possibly to see the new movie, Soul Surfer.
Pray for us on the dress shopping thing- either a dress with thick straps or small straps with a bolero to cover- ah- the price of modesty.

What do you have planned?

On to the follow:

rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the follow button somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

What I Love Wednesday {wilw}- FOOD!

So, these are my favorite foods- foods, now that I do everything I can do to avoid. But.... if we are allowed to eat anything we want in heaven and not gain weight or get diseased- these are my picks.

1. I could pretty much eat sour cream on anything- my favorite - quesadillas! My dear husband was the one, who pointed out that it is not polite to eat sour cream with a fork by itself and without another food, one date night at Friendly's. And you know it is love, because I still married him after this comment.

2. Dominos deep dish meat lover's pizza- it just doesn't get any better- well, it does. Picture it- your pregnant- your husband is away and the kids are sleeping. You have no cash on you, but Dominos takes credit card and delivers at 9 pm. You eat the pizza and get rid of the box and no one is the wiser. Yes folks, those are good times.

3. Bagels- I just have always loved these baked doughy circles, usually with cream cheese. But, alas, someone ruined it for me when they basically explained that one bagel is equivalent to 5 slices of bread! Can you say dangerous?

4. White Chocolate peanut butter cups- Thankfully, these bad boys are only at Walmart, which is about 15 minutes away- this greatly helps. I do not think there is a better partner for white chocolate than peanut butter!

What are your favorite foods?

Crocheted Goodness

I made this necklace myself!!! I did it while on the plane. It is the chain stitch - 60 feet of chain stitch! And I learned how to make it from Mandipidy. She had some awesome crochet tutorials and I am still learning. Check out all of her yarn tutorials.

This is my new project I am working on. But, I didn't make this one- I won it- and you all know I love a good giveaway. While Mandy was busy with her tutorials, she gave away a couple of her projects. I get so many compliments on this necklace. It is one of my favorites. Thanks Mandy!

Reflecting

image of a sunset on L.I. taken by my daughter on 4/9

I have been thinking about this post and the comments that were left. I was surprised by some of the comments, but glad that people spoke their minds.

I have been thinking about what I wrote and even thought of deleting the whole post, so I wouldn't have to.

And though, I still believe in what I wrote, I have been thinking about judging others and what role I play in that.

I also started to take a look at myself. Alcohol is something I do not partake in, but how would I feel if someone were to look in my window and see what I watch on TV or what I eat. Or how much for that matter (something I have been working on). Would I want them to judge me?

So, I will work more on myself and less on what other people are doing.

Yesterday in Sunday school, our teacher told us to "get an arsenal of verses and saturate yourself with them."

So, here is my "arsenal" for the things I am working on, and praying about:

"Draw Me" Song of Solomon 1:4aKJV

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6NIV

"Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits." Colossians 3:21 (the message)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV

"(19) Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. " Luke 6:37 NIV

"A Fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul." Proverbs 18:7 NIV

What are some things you think on to get where you need to be? Helpful scriptures? What's in your "arsenal"?

Friday Follow With The Chatty Mommy...

Ugh! I started softball tonight and it was cold. But, it is nice to be part of the team and I am looking forward to playing in warmer weather. My husband had the fun job of taking the four kids to another field where the two middles are both playing sports- one softball and one baseball and of course, on opposite ends of the field, but they seem to be in good spirits when they came home. The kids have a music program at school tomorrow night and Saturday, we have an eye exam and a pine car derby. The fun never stops!!
What's your weekend looking like?

On to the follow: rules:

1. You must follow TCM.

2. Link your blog with the linky.

3. Put the follow button somewhere in your post.

4. Visit as many blogs and follow as many as you can.

5. Family friendly only and HAVE FUN!

What I Love Wednesday {wilw} - Vacation Edition

Just dreaming about vacations these days- probablly because it is cold and rainy here on Long Island, even though my calendar says it's spring- I know, I know, everyone is complaining about the weather- sorry.

But, if you were wondering:

1. My brother just got back from his honeymoon in one of those all inclusive resorts on the Dominican Republic. It sounds awesome. Would love to go.

2. Yellowstone National Park- The outdoor girl in me (yeah- she's in there somewhere) would love to take the kids to this amazing place. You know, see the geyser, maybe even camp?

3. Myrtle Beach- I wouldn't mind driving to this spot and renting a small house on the beach. Everyday I would get up early and sit on the beach with the husband and the kids until nightfall.

4. Hershey Park- This is where we went last year and I am sure will go again at some point, but not my favorite. Of course, the kids love it. I am just getting too old for amusement parks.

Where are you going on vacation this year?

Where would you love to go?

I lost $60....

Sunday after church was kind of a crazy day- nothing new. One of the moms I babysit for dropped off $60 from babysitting last week. I took it out of the envelope and put it on the kitchen table.

And I looked at it. I thought to myself- I am going to lose it if I don't put it away. But I wasn't sure if my husband needed it for gas or if I would deposit it at the bank. And sure enough, later, I couldn't find it.

I asked my husband, asked the kids and no one knew. Or so they said...

I knew I had to check the kitchen garbage bags.

I was too tired on Sunday night, so i did it on Monday.

Lots of disgusting garbage- gross and I found nothing. I cleaned it all up and tried not to dwell on it.

Then my son turned the corner and handed me the money. Apparently, the little guy put it in his big brother's toy bank.

And you know I had asked the little guy 20 times if he saw mommy's money. Apparently, I wasn't asking the right way?
Everyone got a great laugh as we took tweezers to pry the 3 - $20 bills out of the toy bank.

I was extremely happy to have the money back. But, boy- do these kids keep me on my toes.

Have you ever lost money?

Does Your Local Bar Have A Sign That Says This?

I saw this about 2 weeks ago and just got around to taking a picture of it today. I love it! Don't let the "bar and grill" title fool you. It is a local bar with regulars that sit and drink the night away- but apparently it is also a bar that has owners that think Christ is pretty great and worth putting a Happy Easter message up over a month before Easter. Very Cool.

But, it leads me to a somewhat related question: What do you think about drinking?

I was brought up in a conservative Christian home and we were taught never to drink. I don't ever and it has served me well. I feel if I did, even if it was just one, I would be a bad testimony to others, possibly causing others to drink or to drink more.

More importantly, I think it is a bad example for my children.

Recently, I have seen on twitter and different blogs, a lot of people who talk very openly about their relationships with the Lord, but will also tell you their favorite cocktail and that they had some beers and watched their favorite TV show last night.

This has irked me a great deal.

And though, I see no reason to change my stance on alcohol, I wanted to hear what you thought.

Let me know.

10 Ways It Shows You Got Your Tax Refund

1. You pull into the gas station and tell them to "fill it up".

2. You finally get a new pair of shoes for yourself.

3. You take the whole family out to dinner.

4. You get a new cordless phone for the house after your old one has died during almost every conversation you have had with your best friend for the last year.

5. You go to the grocery store and do a "proper" food shop after a lot of weeks of "picking up a few things".

6. You are happy in February.

7. You pay bills without constantly checking how much is in the bank.

8. You let the kids get bake sale at school.

9. You don't complain when your husband buys lunch instead of packing it.

and finally

10. You give a little extra in your church offering, because "hey, you can."

*Thanks to Kathleen who gave me this idea for a blog post.*

It's a Blog Party!

Hello! I decided to join the Ultimate blog party.

First, to my readers who already know me, thanks for being patient while I introduce myself to some readers that have never been to this corner of blogland before.

Next, to anyone new- Welcome!

I am a stay at home, happily married, mom of 4, who seems to be on a constant journey of trying to save money, lose weight and have a clean home. And, I love the Lord.

I aspire to have my own etsy shop and have slowly been working towards that goal.

To see a little more into my world, I am adding some of my favorite blog posts:

Having My Son in the Bathroom! Click here!

A daybook entry (I like to do these because it gives you an idea of my day)- click here!

And one of my favorite recipes! Click here!

I would love it if you left a comment to tell me you've been by. If you follow me and want a follow back, let me know. I would love to come and visit your blog as well.

You can follow me on twitter here or check out my facebook page here.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!

If you want to join the blog party, click here.

I am also linking up to Tri- Moms- click the button above and check them out.