Thirfty Thursday - Grocery Store Incentive Programs

Check with your grocery store about any incentive programs they have for purchases. Sometimes you will find out about them when you purchase something and they give you something that lets you know about the program, but if you want to be sure just talk to a manager and ask them.

The above picture is of some "Baby Bucks" that I recently turned in from buying any type of baby products (it took a while for me to finally turn these in, as we have not had to buy baby products in quite a while.) Our grocery store also offers "Pet Bucks" for purchasing pet items and I am saving those as well. It takes a while to get to $150 in bucks spent, but eventually I will get another $10 gift card to spend at the grocery store. I don't buy anything that I wouldn't have normally bought or without it on sale, so this is $10 of grocery money that I would have not otherwise had for buying things I was already buying.

GIVEAWAY and Review: Shutterfly Valentine Cards and Desk Plaque

Are you looking for special gift for Valentine's Day? 

Or are you thinking about Valentine's Cards for your kids?

What about some Photo Gifts for Valentine's Day?

Or some Photo Valentine's Cards?

I have the opportunity to review Valentine Cards that my children will give to their classmates this Valentine's Day, as well as a Desktop Plaque that we will give to my husband as he embarks on his new job.And GUESS WHAT?!?!?!? One of my readers will win the same package of 50 4x5 Valentines and a 5.5"x5.5" Desktop Plaque.

I will give each of my kids the choice of the 12 4x5 card options, but if you are open to other sizes there are a total of 105 options to choose from. My son was very enthusiastic in his choice of the "Yoooou Arrrr Great" card and very quickly spotted it and made his decision. That kid knows what he wants! My daughter took a little longer to decide because she liked so many of the options. She chose Such Sweet Hearts that is pictured above.

Other personalized photo gifts you might be interested in purchasing are iPhone cases, Photo Mugs, Photo Water Bottles, and Photo Cubes.

There are also non-photo Valentine card options that can be used until you get them all gone and don't have a picture that "dates" your children, like the one below:

Join Shutterfly at their  #SFlyValentinesTwitter party on 1/17 at 2 PM EST. For more info and RSVP: http://resourcefulmommy.com/11427/shutterfly-valentines-day-twitter-party/

Here is what the plaque looks like:

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN 50 4X5 VALENTINE CARDS AND

A 5X5 DESKTOP PLAQUE!!!!

Enter on the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given the opportunity to receive valentine cards and a plaque in exchange for creating this post. No monetary compensation was received. All thought and opinions are my own. 

GIVEAWAY and Book Review: The 5 Money Personalities

About the Book:

The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money.

Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.
Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.
It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed. Are you ready?

My Thoughts:
I always knew that my husband and I differed on how we spent and saved money, but it was interesting to read more about which of each of the personalities (Spender, Saver, Risk Taker, Security Seeker, and Flyer) we are and get a better understanding. After you determine what your money personality it, the book gives you ideas of how to communicate and negotiate with other money personality types. The book is very easy to read and follow and very informative.It is also a very quick read, only 180 pages, but it is intended that you read the book over the course of 90 days, but due to having to review the book I needed to read it much more quickly. I think they authors also do a very good job of making sure that you understand that this is not money management book, it is a relationship book. 

You can find out more information about The 5 Money Personalities online:

Website: http://themoneycouple.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMoneyCouple

Twitter: https://twitter.com/themoneycouple

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/themoneycouple

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Money-Personalities-Speaking-Language/dp/0849964784/

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN A COPY OF THE 5 MONEY PERSONALITIES !!!!!!!

Enter the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  

Wordless Wednesday: The Works Museum

The Works Museum in Bloomington, MN

Try It Tuesday: Make a Scarf with Straw Weaving

I made this scarf to match the hat I made my daughter last year for Christmas. Straw Weaving is quite easy to do and is something you can pick up and put down easily. My best estimate on how long this project took me was about 1 1/2 - 2 hours from start to finish, so it is a project that can easily be done in one sitting or maybe while you watch a movie. As it is with any yarn project, the thicker the gauge of yarn you use the faster it will be completed. This was a gauge 5 yarn. I do notice that my speed at creating this scarf was quicker than the one I made last year.

You may remember that I first introduced this crafty tool to you last year and showed you the scarf I made for my son and a couple of head bands I made.

The Straw Loom will come with instructions, but they are simple. You  just weave the yarn over and under the straws on one side and then over & under as you come back. Inside the straws you will have lengths of yarn that the weave will slide on to. So, you do need to know in advance the exact length you want your project to be.

Be sure to check out all my Knifty Knitter projects or follow my Knifty Knitter board on Pinterest (which has my projects plus a bunch of other projects I want to create).

Be sure to check out my Introduction to Loom Knitting post Northern Cheapskate.

Make It Monday: Oven Roasted Vegetables

Oven Roasted Vegetables
3 med potatoes, cubed
2 med carrots, sliced
1 small acorn squash, peeled & cubed
1 med onion, quartered
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
3 T olive oil

Directions: 

• Prepare all raw vegetables as directed above and place in a 2Qt casserole dish. 
• Sprinkle with salt, seasoning, and olive oil and then toss to blend together and cover all of the vegetables.
• Bake covered at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
• Remove cover and continue to bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
• Serve and Enjoy!

Winter Bucket List

This was passed out today in our ECFE class and I wanted to share it with all my readers because I think there are a lot of really great ideas on here.