Still Recovering

I am still recovering from Black Friday shopping...Here is the low-down:

Kohls @ 4 AM: left without buying anything b/c the line to check out was a 3 hour wait!
Target: went to score the 19.99 DVD player for the in-laws as their's wasn't working on Thanksgiving day
Toys R Us: they were out of the Princess baby that I wanted, but I did score a science kit, moon sand, and a VSmile game...plus 3 workbooks that were NOT on my list :)
Fashion Bug: went in for the 6.99 doorbuster sweaters and bought a LOT; in fact I am taking 2 things back on Thursday.
Elder Beerman: a HUGE surprise for my hubs (who s a subscriber) and a set of towels for my aunt
John Deere Store at the Mall: new hat and 2 pr socks for my JD boy! (not oin sale eiether)
CVS: robe for my mom-in-law
Meijer: couple cheapies for my hubs - most everything I had my eye on was gone by the time we got there.

Then on Saturday, I went back to Kohls, to Tractor Supply, and to WalMart. Paid a little bit more for what I needed, but it was worth it! (And, did I mentioned that I paid with CASH?) :)

I think that I am almost done with Christmas shopping. Hoping that wrapping goes as easily!

FREE item (up to $13) at Bath & Body Works

Go HERE to print a coupon for a FREE item at Bath & Body Works with a $10 purchase.

Thanks, Saving and Stewardship!

A question...

How are you cutting back this holiday season? What are you giving up? What are you changing?

Let's encourage each other with tips.

Veggie Tales DVS for FREE (Pay $2.99 to Ship)

I highly recommend this deal. We previously did this and ordered "The Ballad of Little Joe." Today, we did it again, and bought "Abe and the Amazing Promise." You pay $2.99 in shipping. The newsletter is actually informational; telling release dates and the like. The DVD's come directly to your home in about a week. It's really a great idea and I applaud Big Idea for getting God's Word out there into homes!

Go HERE to see all of the nitty-gritties...and enjoy some veggies for Christmas!

Thanks, Moms by Heart, for this reminder.

$9 Glasses!!!

Please go HERE to visit my friend, John's, site and see how he purchased perscription glasses for only $9!

His site @ Johnopolis encourages DIY projects, budgeting, and great finance tips. John and his family are currently working through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. They reside in Haskins, OH.

Thanks, John, for allowing me to share your site and your savings!

Homemade Cranberry Orange Relish

This is a recipe that I received from my Grandma Stewart. Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without this relish. My in-laws always request it, and I oblidge because it is SO SIMPLE!

Combine in food processor:

1 bag FRESH cranberries
1 large seedless navel orange - peel and all
1 c. sugar (I use 3/4 c., see note)

Process until combined. Transfer to bowl and let flavors combine for 24 hours. Serve cold with Thanksgiving turkey.

(NOTE: I have tried this using Splenda - my husband's father is diabetic - and it does not come out the same. I would recommend cutting the actual sugar instead.)

I always make a double batch of this as it goes over well due to its fresh taste. We love the leftovers on toast with cream cheese for breakfast the next morning.

You can also freeze a batch to save for Christmas dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Top Ten - Thanksgiving Style

I am thankful for...

10. A place to call home
9. My church and its mission
8. Unlimited long distance
7. In-laws that I actually like
6. Finances that allow me to stay home with my children
5. Freedom - both political and spititual
4. Friends who have become family
3. A patient, unwavering, faithful spouse
2. Answers to prayer: Grant and Reagan Grace
1. "God with us," who delights in me, and has no beginning and no end!