The Simple Woman's Daybook

Monday, September 07, 2009

FOR TODAY September 7th

Outside my window... Wispy fog, dew, and wetness. Thank you God, we needed this water!

I am thinking.... school.

I am thankful for... A God who allows us all to grow, where we are, and learn more about Him and His wonderful love.

From the kitchen... fruitflies! Yuck!

I am praying... teach me to pray!

I am creating... memories. Good, bad, indifferent. Each moment is soon gone and remains but a memory.

I am going.. no, I am staying.

I am reading... a book about praying.

I am hoping...for just a little more sunshine.

I am hearing...computer noise, children's voices.

Around the house...some interior decorating. Give me more!!

ANOTHER of my favorite things... School days.

A few plans for the rest of the week: get those blueberries! School. Applesauce.


Go here to read more or take part in the simple woman's daybook.

No Inserts This Week and Safeway great Deals

Just a reminder that because this is a holiday weekend, there will be no inserts in the Sunday paper. You get a little breather! whew!

Also, there was a $10/50 coupon for Safeway in both The Oregonian and The Columbian on Tuesday. With the sales they are having this week, you could stock up on some good buys.

With the 10/50 coupon deal, also take advantage of the 5/20 Ranchers Reserve meats ( which can be meat in the clearance bin as well!) Also, it's the time to use up many of those 'try me free' coupons that we've gotten in the mail. Plus, they have a number of super deals with the store coupons, like Kraft cheese for .99 - which really would be .81 when you use the 10/50 along with it.
Let us know what your deals for the day end up being. I'm hoping to get there soon.

Free Chocolate Friday

Once again.... go here to sign up for that free chocolate! Guess we're gonna all get a good taste ( or maybe they are hoping we will be addicted to M&M's!)

Wives, See that you Reverence your Husbands

Ladies, as I sat here this morning, staring at a blank screen, I realized I can search the other blogs, check my inbox, scan the papers, and come up with some good sales, free items, maybe even a good recipe or a money saving tip for you. All those things are good and fun! Then I realized that even if we have saved $200.00 today and can add that to the list of many more hundreds we've saved over the year, it doesn't make any difference if when our husbands come home there isn't a spirit of unity between us, he isn't quite to happy to walk in the door and we aren't thrilled at all to see him come home.

Now maybe some of you have never been there. ( If not, please! get on your knees in thankfulness right now!) Maybe you are there. Maybe it is worse then not being thrilled to see him come in, maybe you are wishing he didn't come in. Whatever your story... I would guess you would like to see it change. We've not always had an easy road to walk, but we just celebrated 21 years together. Both of us so very thankful for what God has done in our lives and in our marriage. I remember the days of praying that God would help us, show us, bring us back to a unity. God hears and answers prayer. If you haven't started to pray, start now.

For all of us, I want to encourage us to take what scripture says and put it to heart. Right after the Bible tells men to love their wives as Christ loves the church it goes on to tell us wives to reverence our husbands. I remember reading it and not understanding what it meant. Dr. S.M. Davis gave a talk at a homeschool conference which was a huge eye opener for me - and it has made a huge difference in our life. I'll explain briefly what he says and pray that each of us will be encouraged to put this one little effort out today to help our marriages.

Dr. Davis explained that men are different than women. (oh? really now! :) ) The word picture that will forever stick in my mind as the blinking billboard of what I should do is:
"Have you ever noticed how men go hunting, and when it's all said and done and the meat is in the freezer, that they come home with the head of that dead animal? They pay good money to have it stuffed and mounted and then they come home to hang it on your wall!!!!??!! Why do they do that? Because as soon as another guy comes over, what is the first thing that is exchanged between them? 'Did YOU really get THAT one? WOW! Good Job" Then they start telling stories and most likely they are doing a little bragging on how big that other one was. What Dr. Davis wanted us to see was that men really do need to have their accomplishments noticed... they need it so much that they are willing to risk their pride and pay to have it hung on the wall, waiting their for others to notice and comment on.

Ladies.. here is where God has given us a key to their hearts! Do YOU notice what your man does? The efforts he makes? Things about him that you noticed when you first met him, do you still notice them? And if you DO notice them, do you ever comment on them? I encourage you to make a huge effort in this area. For 1 week try it... and I can almost guarentee you that your efforts will be noticed! I remember coming home from the conference and almost feeling dumb the first time I walked up behind my husband and commented on the house he was designing on the computer. I could feel in his body language that he noticed. He paused, then slowly he turned around, looked up at me, and gave me a smile. After a few days he commented and asked what was going on, to which I just replied that I think I had learned something about him. From there, it only got better.

Men need to be appreciated. Ever notice how scripture says there is nothing worse than a nagging woman? In fact it goes so far as to say it's better to live on the housetop than in the house if she's going to nag! Let's step back and take a look at our actions. We are here as Jesus' hands, mouthpiece, and feet, to serve the man he gave us. If our actions are not serving him, then very likely they are tearing him down. Ladies... don't do it. It's not worth it. God's desire is that our homes would be a light to this world, a refuge for not only our loved ones but any others who enter in. Most importantly in my mind is that our home is a place where our men can come home and be refreshed from the battles they face every day! Don't wait for him to start doing his part... someone has to start and maybe this is the day for you to start! My prayer for all my readers is that we could have a submissive heart to our husbands. A heart that loves and fears God and is willing to be a servant to the man we married. I pray that God will work in the wives hearts to be reminded to do or begin this and that He will also work in the hearts of the husbands so that they will respond with the 'love, as Christ loved the church.'
What are ways you show reverence and encourage your husband? Would you share them with our readers? We are all on life's journey together... leave your comments below.

Albertson's Coupon Policy

Krazy Coupon Lady has a copy of Albertson's Coupon Policy. A good thing to read and know in case you have any trouble there. Go here to see/print it.

Free Fruitista Freeze

Here's a coupon for a free Fruitista Freeze from Taco Bell. Coupon is good through 12/31/09! If we have any more nice, hot summer days, this would be just the treat on those days! Be sure to print off your coupon now.
Thanks Jane, Alltogetherbeautiful see her blog for some more freebies!

Meditation for Today

Ever feel like you're just wandering in life? What are we here for? What is our purpose? To whom do we turn? Those thoughts enter into our minds from time to time, but there is an answer to all of our questions. Maria has another encouraging post for us today in her blog Life Lessons. This blog is fast becoming one of my favorites. She so often takes what I've been thinking and writes a post on it! Thanks Maria. Be sure to visit her site and read her past posts, you'll be thankful you did.

Potatoes

Fishmama at Lifeasmom is putting out the call for our favorite recipes in her Ultimate Recipes Swap. Check out her blog, and all the links to other blogger's favorite recipes. I know I posted this back in March, but it really is one of my ( and my families) favorites so I'll share it again.

It's amazing to see how many different KINDS of potatoes there are. I guess I was once in the thought pattern that 'apple' meant Red Delicious and 'lettuce' meant iceberg. We most often have used Russet potatoes. They are the common one, easily available, inexpensive and a pretty good taste. In the past few years we've had opportunity to 'get to know' the reds, whites, yellows, and even the fingerlings. I find that by choosing a different variety you can change the taste of a whole meal. Go here to see a chart on who they all are. Watch for sales on them and give them a try. Potatoes are such a great way to start your meal planning... bake, boil, fry, mash, baked french fries... ah, yes... the recipe for the day.

Home Baked Fries

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Scrub as many potatoes as you need ( for this, I could 1 per person, plus about 3 extra for our family of 9.. there are NEVER leftovers)

Slice them into strips either lengthwise for 'regular' fries, or the short direction for round fries.
Place on WELL oiled large cookie sheet. ( I prefer Olive Oil.. about 1/3 cup.) Turn a few times to get the oil spread all over the potatoes.
Season generously with Garlic powder, Onion powder, chili powder, salt and pepper.
Bake in hot oven for about 12-15 minutes. Using a metal turner, get under those fries and flip them over. Return to oven and bake until tender - about another 10-12 minutes. I prefer to let them crisp up a bit, my husband likes them a little 'soggy', so his come out early.

For variety, you can use 1/2 regular potatoes and 1/2 sweet potatoes, a variety of potatoes, or add some rutabaga or parsnips with the potatoes.

And speaking of potatoes, found this and thought it was cute...

If GH can stand for P as in Hiccough
If OUGH stands for O as in Dough
If PHTH stands for T as in Phthisis
If EIGH stands for A as in Neighbour
If TTE stands for T as in Gazette
If EAU stands for O as in Plateau

Then the right way to spell POTATO should be: GHOUGHPHTHEIGHTTEEAU

Kids Eat Free

Got a special little someone that you'd like to honor with a meal out, just you and him/her?
IHOP is having a special through Sept. 13th. Kids 12 and under eat free with an adult purchase from 4 -10 pm. Go here to check the details.

Albertson's Deals Sept 2 - Sept. 9

Current Catalina Deals/Promotion:
Unilever Catalina, 7/22-9/9/09

Lingo Definitions:
BOGO or B1G1-Buy one get one free
Peelie-Coupons on package
WYB-When you Buy
Exp-Expires
MIR-Mail in Rebate
Catalina-Thin paper coupons that print at register
OYNO-On your next order
IP-Internet Printable Coupon

Meat:
Chicken, boneless-skinless $1.88 per #
Beef Rib Eye Steak $5.99 per #
Round Rump Roast or Chuck Roast $2.99 per #
Canned Starkist tuna, 79 cents each
Boneless Pork Shoulder Country Style Ribs $1.99 per #
******See 3 day sale below for other deals

Produce:
Fresh White Sweet Corn 3/$1
Watermelon 25 cents per #
1# baby carrots 3/$5 or $1.67 ea
Half Flat of Raspberries $9.99 (unsure how many pounds this is)
Fresh Tomatoes on the Vine $1.99 per #

Dairy:
****See Dannon Yogurt Promotion below
Albertsons Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese 16 oz $1.50
Darigold 16 oz. Sour Cream 3/$5 or $1.67
International Delight Coffee Creamer 16 oz, $1.50

In-Store Coupons:
These are manufacturer coupons, so they cannot be combined with any other coupons. Albies is getting tricky! :) I don't see a limit on these coupons, but I am unsure how many you will be able to buy with each coupon. Coupon also states one coupon per purchase.
Capri Sun 2/$3
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 2/$3
Oreo Cookies 2/$3
Kraft Shredded or chunk cheeese, 8 oz. 2/$3
Oscar Mayer Wieners 2/$2
Oscar Mayer Cotto Salami or meat bologna 2/$2
Osacar Mayer Lunchables 2/$3
Kraft Singles 2/$3
Ritz Crackers 2/$4
DiGiorno Pizza 2/$10
Kraft Dressing 2/$4
Planters Peanuts 2/$4
A1 Steak Sauce 2/$6

Other:
Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta 2/$3 Sign up for this $1/2 IP Coupon-Hit the back button and hit "resend" to print it twice. =$1.00 each

Cheez-its or Lay's Potato Chips, $1.79, Use this $0.75/1 Cheeze-it IP coupon=$1.04

Kellogg's Special K Bars 2/$5 Use this IP coupon $1/2

Dannon Yogurt-Purchase $10 worth of participating items and receive $2 off instantly
6 oz cups 20/$10
24-32 oz. containters 2/$6
Activia 4 ct, DanActive bottles, danimals bottles, 6 ct light and fit, and 4 ct. crush cups 2/$4
Deal Idea:
Purchase one of each:
1 Dannon Quart
1 Danimals 6 ct
1 DanActive 4 pk
1 4 pack Activia 4 pk
1 6 pack of Light and Fit
Use $1/1 coupon for each item listed (from the 8/31 inserts)
$2 off instantly
Pay $4 OOP!
(This deal will be even sweeter if you have a different combination of coupons. I used this example so that if you only purchase one Sunday paper you could still do this deal)

Betty Crocker Promotion:
With all the coupon links below, you are allowed to print up to 2.
Betty Crocker Cake Mix or Selected Brownies $1,
Use this $0.50/2 IP wyb cake mix and frosting together

Pillsbury Grand Biscuits 4/$5

Green Giant Frozen Boxed Veggies $1 Use this $0.50/2 IP

Progresso Soup, Light or reduced Sodium, 3/$4 Use this $1.10/3 IP

Betty Crocker Frosting 2/$3 Use this $0.50/2 IP wyb cake mix and frosting together

Betty Crocker Warm Delights 3/$5, Use this $0.50/1 IP

General Mills Cereals 2/$4: Use this $1/2 IP Cheerios, Mulit-grain Cheerios, Golden Grahams, and Lucky Charms (make sure you purchase the correct size box-it should be marked with the promotion)

Nature Valley Granola Bars 2/$5, Use this $0.40/1 IP

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, 2/$5 , Use this $0.50/1 IP

Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers, Fruit Roll-ups, Fruit Shapes and Fruit by the Foot or
Fruit Stickerz 2/$5 Use this $0.50/2 IP

Bisquick 2/$6,

$1 Deals:
Tree top 3 pk of juice boxes
Minute Maid 64 oz.
Rosarita Refried Beans
Albertsons 4 pk pudding cups
Albertsons Canned fruit, 15 oz.
Lindsay Ripe Olives, 4.25 oz.
Ro*Tel Tomatoes-Use B2g1free coupon from All-You Magazine, recent issue
Lawry's Beef Seasoning Mix
Aim, Pepsodent or Close Up Toothpaste
Arrid or Arm and Hammer Deod.
Wet Ones 15 ct pack
LifeSavers Gummies
Knorr Bouillon Cubes
Fuze Drinks
Green Giant Frozen Veggies
Super Chill 2 Liter
Albertsons Condensed Soup

3 Day Sale Sept 4-7:
Wild Caught Lobster Tails $4.99
Pork Loin Baby Back Ribs $3.88 per #
Fresh Ground Beef $2.88 per # (not a screamin' deal)
Jimmy Dean Bacon 12 oz. $1.99
Artic Shores Shrimp $5.79 per #

Thank you to Jane, at Alltogetherbeautiful for putting this together!

Free Barbque Sauce

Go here to sign up for a free bottle of Bob's BBQ sauce. They had this offer before, which I signed up for and never received. Maybe something didn't work for them and now they are offering it again - this time in the form of a coupon for the sauce. I'll try it again and see what happens.

Reuse Zippered Plastic Bags

Every dime we save is one less dime someone in our family has to earn, right? So, even though a dime doesn't sound like much, it's a dime! Multiply that dime's saving over a years time and a dime turns to a dollar - or two - or ten! If you can find one way to save ten dollars a year, get in the habit of doing it and then add another way, suddenly you're saving twenty, or fifty, or soon, you'll look back and see that you are saving hundreds of dollars! This site is just one of many on the web that wants to encourage saving, reducing waste, being a good steward of what God has given you, and help make your home a haven for your family.

Today's dime saving tip is a simple one. Reusing plastic zippered bags. If you're buying them full price, you're going to save a lot more than if you buy them on sale, or get them free ( like Jane did here), but if you reuse them, you'll make that dollar stretch much further.
If you figure on buying one box of gallon size and one box of quart size at $2.00/box, once a month, you're savings would be $48.00 in a years time. Once it's habit to reuse and you stop this buying, in the next 20 years you've saved almost $1000.00! That sounds a little bigger than a simple plastic bag!

When I empty a bag, I simply wash it out in hot soapy water, wipe the outside dry with a towel, turn it inside out and hang them up to dry. I love the summertime when I can hang them on the clothesline, they dry in a short time! Winter time, I do the same, turn them inside out and hang them over something - the blender, the top of the paper towel holder, or use a clothespin to clip a number of them onto a hanger which I then hang up. Once they are dry, I have a plastic tub in my pantry where the bags are stored. Or, you could make your own bag drier.

In the past I've been a little afraid to reuse bags that I've stored meat in, but really, think of it, meat gets stored in Tupperware, we put meat on plastic cutting boards, and then wash and reuse them. Today I just make sure to give those bags an extra scrubbing and we've had no problem. While researching for this post, I found comments from people who put the bags in with their laundry, and hang them in the dishdrainer of the dishwasher overnight to dry. Genius! Also, Cheaplander has found away to feel comfortable by labeling his bags and using the same types of food each time around. ( You can use magic marker to write on the bag and magic eraser to erase that before relabeling them.)

I'm up to a challenge, ( in fact I've kind of been living with the challenge for awhile now, but I'll put it out to you) can we go for 1 year without buying more ziplock bags? Yes, I really said one year! At the moment my freezer is filled to the brim with bags of peaches, berries, beets, chicken, peppers, applesauce and more. As we empty each of those bags in the coming month I have a guaranteed supply of bags coming back into my kitchen. I should have no need to buy more. ( And these bags are the ones that I've been using for the past 8 months - I started the 'no bag buying' thing in January)

If you need bags today to put up the bounty of harvest, go ahead, look for a bargain and buy them. After that, how about joining me and just using 'out of the pantry stock' until next years harvest comes around! (Maybe you won't even need any then!!)

I think the key to making this work is to have a place to dry and store them, so do your homework of figuring how YOU will do it and then if you're ready for the challenge, drop a comment in the comment section! Let's see how we do! Have fun! If you have any other tips on how to make this easier, leave your comments for us.

Coupons Sites Restocked

It's the first of the month so all the coupons sites ( coupons.com, redplum.com, boodle.com, etc.) have been restocked. Now is the time to print what you want while they are available. They only allow a certain number of each coupon, so the high dollar ones will go quick! Be sure to check them out. You can start with the coupon.com bar on the left and see whats available today!