Cyber Monday Giveaway

Cyber Monday is Giveaway Monday on Melissa & Doug's Facebook Fan Page!

“LIKE” us on Facebook to be eligible to win! Answer the active giveaway’s question, to enter that giveaway. At least one random entrant will be chosen to win each giveaway.

JOIN US BEGINNING at 8am EST for the FIRST GIVEAWAY…OUR TRAIN TABLE!

We’ll be giving away terrific educational toys from 8am EST, right up until midnight!

Check out Melissa & Doug's Terrific Twenty Holiday Toys to see some of the great prizes we’ll be giving away!

Giveaway event ends midnight EST 11/28/11.


They also have great deals I have seen some things I want... If only I did not have to go to work!!
Tell them I sent you!!

Advent 2011- Week 1

Growing up, we did something called advent. I thought it was normal, and that everyone did it.  Little did I know that it is not common.

Advent is celebrated the four weeks before Christmas. This year it begins today on November 27th.   There are 5 candles: one for each week and the last is to represent Christ. The purpose of Advent is to celebrate the 1st coming of Christ all while preparing for his 2nd coming.  Each Candle has it's own meaning: Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherds, and Angel.

When it came to our family, I knew this was a tradition I wanted to carry on. It would look different then what I did.  My father actually wrote his own reading list for advent. I searched and looked for something that would fit our family, only to in the end combine several plans to create ours.   Here is what our family is doing for advent:


Here are a  few sites that I have found that are great.  They are for past years, but still have a great plan.  They both have calendars that give not only devotionals for the day, but also crafts, topics to talk to your kids with, hands on activities, and even how Christmas is celebrated around the world.

Teaching Mom-  Click on the calendar for the activities for the day.
Annies-  A bit outdated, but has some great links

We are trying to make this interesting to Jeshu and even Janasa.  One thing we are doing this year is making a color through Christmas book. 

DLTK- Offers an Advent Coloring pages.  There are 24 pages to color. The idea is to color one December 1st- 24th and then read the whole story on the 25th morning.  Since there are four days before December 1st, I have found my own to add to this:  November 27, 28, 29, 30

The Readings

Sunday-  Genesis 3:1-15   Galatians 4:4       The need for Jesus and from a seed of Woman      
Monday-  Numbers 24:14-16                       From the tribe of Judah
Tuesday-  Isaiah 9:6-7                                  Unto us a Child is born...
Wednesday-  Isaiah 7:10-14                         From a Virgin
Thursday-   Isaiah 11:1-5                             From David
Friday-      Jeremiah 33:14-16                     From David and Judah
Saturday-   Micah 5:2                                 From Bethlehem

The last thing I have done to get ready is a Advent Calendar.  (I will post a link to this later)  It has 28 pockets where there will be our Bible readings and activities for the day.  It is a great way to count down to Christmas.  The suggestion I have, is to wait to fill the activities until the same day.  You never know what may come you way, and it would be hard to disappoint your kids with activities you cannot fulfill.

Some of our activities are:

• Decorate the house-  Starting December 1st we take one item and decorate every day. It normally takes a week.
• Get a Christmas Tree
• Festival of Lights- A big light show in a local park
• Journey Through Christmas- A drive through Christmas Nativity that my parent's church does
• Bake Cookies for the neighbors.
• Various crafts

The rest we will add to as we know what our week holds. 

Do you want to join us on our advent journey?  Comment below and let me know what you do!!

Cute Thanksgiving Napkin Rings

I am sure you are like me and in the middle of Thanksgiving preparations, unless you are one of our Indian or Canadian friends (Love you Paige)

Jeshu has asked me to do a craft.  We normally do a Friday craft night, but I threw another one in for this week. 

Credit

I googled looking for a cute craft we could use on our table. I was thinking of name cards, when I came across this tutorial for Thumbprint Turkey's.  These also double as a name card. 

They were quick to make.  My camera is in the charger, so I will post some Thanksgiving pictures tomorrow.

Christmas is coming!!- Christmas Cards

Yes I know that it seems like the leaves have just started to change, but now is the time to get ready for Christmas.  There are many great deals out there, if you start early.  My one big project this weekend has been Christmas cards.  There has been several good deal on free or next to free cards out there.  I am ALWAYS late on sending out my Christmas Cards.  We normally combine our family cards with our cards from Real Hope Ministries, so it is really important to get going on these things.  Last year we never got cards out because we were in the middle of moving.  I am planning to have my cards out the beginning of December.

That brings me to my point.  I am excited to be able to review the photo cards from Tiny Prints.  They have a great selection.  There are various kinds and shapes in there vast selection.  I have ordered items in the past from Tiny Prints, and have found there items to be of the highest quality.  My favorite one is Christmas Glory. To me it is not Christmas without a Christian Message!!  I love the simplicity of this card and the message.  I have made several Christmas cards this weekend, and honestly Tiny Prints is by far the easiest to use.  Christmas Photo Cards have really taken over in place of traditional cards.  Christmas cards are tapped to our door and then thrown away after Christmas (except for the exceptional ones that are saved for scrapbooking supplies), BUT Photo Cards are kept on our fridge all year long.

Are you looking for a good place to purchase Christmas Cards from, so check them out.

Are you a blogger and want to review some Christmas Cards from Tiny Prints?  Head over to this link and fill out the quick form and you too can receive free cards in return for your review!  If you do, please leave a comment and let me know that you too were chosen to review Tiny Prints!!

Tiny Prints is also having a Talent Contest Search. You can enter pictures in the following categories:  Baby, Kid, Family, Couple, and Pet.  I entered both of my cute kids in the contest. They are winners in my book. 

Menu Plan Monday- Thank God for Breakfast For Dinner

Menu planning is great.  It is nice to know what to cook, but what do you do when an unexpected thing comes up and changes your plan?  Do you run to the nearest pizza or burger joint?  I contemplated that today.  I remembered an appointment that the kids and I had to go to this afternoon.  We did not get home till 6, and dinner was not even started.  I thought for a second to pick us some food, but resisted the unwanted cost and calories.  What is a good substitute:  Breakfast for Dinner.  It was quick and easy.  It is good to have a plan on what you are going to cook, but life is unexpected.  I have a few back-up plans just in case my best laid plans go astray.

Here is my menu for the week reflecting the change I made.

Breakfast-
Cereal
Oatmeal
Cream of Wheat
Poppy Seed muffins

Lunch:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi  with green ranch and carrot stick chop sticks
Tuna Sandwiches
Pizza
Lunch out


Dinner

Sunday: 
Church Potluck  We brought Lemon Rice  (the link is to give you an idea, I will have to share our recipe later)

Monday:
Breakfast for Dinner

Tuesday:
Garlic Chicken and Ratatouille with Salad

Wednesday:
Leftovers

Thursday
Tuna Burger, homemade fries, carrots

Friday:   Ravi's Birthday
Ribs    Salad    Mushroom Risotto  Cake

Saturday:
Dinner out-  We have our nephew's Birthday Party 3 hours away to attend, going to be a long day.

I am getting into a funk.  I am to tired from a long day at work, that I do not want to fight Jeshu to eat.  What are some quick kid friendly dishes?  I am also looking here, for more great ideas.  You should check it out!

Come Support Team India 2012, Monday October 31st

Real Hope Ministries India: Come Support Team India 2012, Monday October 31st ...:

If you live in the Roseburg area, Panda Express is doing a fundraiser for the team that is going to India in 2012. When you bring the flyer in, we get 20% of whatever you purchase. Check out the above link for the form.

Menu Plan Monday

Ah, November is here, and so is the beginning of the Holiday Season!!  This is a BUSY time of the year for us with our Annual Tribal Christmas.   I am trying to be purposeful in my planning and life. More on that later.

Breakfast

Banana Bread, eggs, sausage
Regular Fare

Dinner

Sunday -

Leftovers
I always plan something, but I hate to waste food.

Monday-
Dinner at Panda Express to support our 2012 India Team
(If you are in our area, come on with a flyer from the above link and we get 20% of your order)

Tuesday
Oven fried Pork Chop   Carrots

Wednesday

Leftovers

Thursday
Mini Turkey Meatloaf   
Butternut Apple Casserole

Friday
Indian food with Ravi

Saturday
Eggplant Parmesan  
Salad


 Check out Organized Junkie  for more links. Have a great week

16 by 20 Poster from Walmart

Walmart is offering a FREE 16 by 20 Poster... Yes I said FREE. Here is what you do

1) Print out the coupon Here
2) Log into your Walmart account and upload your photo
3) Choose same-day pickup and pay in store
4) When you go to pick it up, bring your coupon and the total will be free

We are working on a presentation for Real Hope Ministries, and this worked out great for us to be able to print a large photo of our building project.

Thank you, DESI SAVING MOM

Recipe of the Week- Indian Spices

If you want to start cooking Indian food, there is one key ingredient, spices.  Historically, India has been known for spices.  We personally bring spice packets from India.  However, we know that many of you do not have that luxury, and if you happen to find an Indian grocery store, these packets are expensive.

The first step it to purchase the necessary spices:
Anise- whole and/or ground
Cardamon- This is  used in both spicy and sweet dishes
Chili Powder
Cinnamon-  Ground and whole
Cloves
Coriander
Cumin- both ground and seeds
Fennel Seeds
Fenugreek Seeds
Mustard Seed- the black seeds
Nutmeg
Pepper-  Whole and ground
Turmeric- very commonly used in many of the dishes

Also fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro are needed for most recipes.

For many of the spice recipes, it is good to use the whole spice instead of the ground.  That way you can lightly fry the spices in order to bring out the good flavor.  If you are in a pinch, the ground will do.

Here is a simple recipe for Garam Masala that can be made easily

Garam Masala

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Mix all ingredients and store in a cool dry place

If you want more authentic flavor,  try this recipe

Garam Masala

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon cardamom seeds
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1 teaspoon mustard seed
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 dried red chile peppers, seeds discarded
• 2 tablespoons ground turmeric

Directions

1. Combine the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, peppercorns, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, cloves, and red chile peppers in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Toast until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Grind the toasted spices in a clean coffee grinder or spice mill to a fine powder. Spoon in the turmeric, and process to combine. Use immediately, or store in a sealed jar for up to 1 month.

I hope this will get you started, so you can start making authentic Indian food at home.

A Candid Look into My Life: Setting Goals

I have been reading my favorite blog... er... the one I follow the most.  (I love all you other bloggers out there too)  Well, Crystal at Money Saving Mom has been sharing her "10 Weekly Goals" for some time now.  She has written a book (that I am hoping to get to sample soon), and has a popular series on  Time Management.

I have been struggling lately. Things in many areas of our life have seem to have taken off. Our ministry in India has taken off leaps and bounds. We bought land for a tribal center this summer, and by the Grace of God, the money for the pre-construction was donated two weeks ago.  So we are drawing up plans and working hard to find the right contractor in India. On top of that, we are leading a team to India this summer, so I have so much to do to organize that.  Then we have active ministry in the church. Combine that with raising two small children, working full time, all while your husband is on the opposite shift as you can make a person go crazy.  To add to it, I have been making a determined effort to Bible Journal.   (More on that later)

When I look at my life I try to see what can be taken out. There is nothing. This is just the season that God has me in.  I must then determine to make the most of my time. I am a COMPLETE "A" type personality.  I make list, schedules, whatever it takes to keep me organized. If you look in my trash can (and why would you) you can always find a crumpled up to do list, or a time schedule from the week before.  Ask my husband, and he will tell you I always have to do lists for the both of us.  (Mine is usually 10 times longer)  I usually keep adding to the to do list until I am stressed out.  Not good at all.

I have been challenged by Crystal to find just 10 things that need to be done each week and tackle them. Accomplishments begets more accomplishments. If I motivate myself when I complete one project, then I will have the determination to tackle the next one!


So with out further adieu,  here are my goals for the week

Spiritual Goals
1. Bible Journal each day

Real Hope Ministry Goals
2. Update Blog daily
3. Write a Newsletter
4. Work on Church Presentation

Church Ministry Goals
5. Organize Fundraiser
6. Prepare for Missions Meetings

Household Goals
7. Fix up the front yard with new grass seed
(oh this is our BIG Friday project... Thank God for my Husband and Dad!!! I need to do a before and after!)
8. Complete 5 min clean ups in each room each day (more on that some other day)

Family Goals
9.  Do devotions with Jeshu every night.


Personal Goals
10.  Wake up earlier to work out (do I have to...)

Do you have any goals for yourself this week?? What are they?

Menu Plan Monday- Cool weather is arriving

Do you ever wish life had a pause button? I have so many things on my to-do list and just not enough time.

So here is my menu for the week in a nutshell.

Breakfast

Overnight Oatmeal
Pumpkin Scones- These will be similar to my Apple Spice Scones, but with fresh pumpkin puree

Lunch

Homemade refried bean burritos (I used both black and pinto beans)  This is all part of my goal to eat better.
Indian-  I need to get some good recipes up for you guys.  Friday we are stealing my dad to help us with some major yard work. So this will be his payment.

Dinner

Sunday-

  Leftovers-  We went out to dinner Saturday night with our Pastor and his wife, so we had leftovers

Monday- 
Oven fried Fish      Quinoa   Corn-  The jury is still out on whether Quinoa was a hit with Jeshu

Tuesday-
Homemade Alphabet soup      Rolls      Salad

Wednesday-
Leftovers-   I have moved our leftover day, because we are going to a new class on Wednesday nights at church and I want something easy as pie. Nothing beats putting dinner in the good old microwave

Thursday-
Turkey Sloppy Joes     Corn  

Friday- 
Elk Enchiladas-  I had this planned for a few weeks back and something came up and I did not make it.

Saturday-   Dinner with family.  I am making bread sticks, Salad, and homemade Alfredo sauce.

Check out Organized Junkie for more menu's.

HOT!!! Groupon for Photo Books

If you have not gotten into the Groupon phenomenon, you are missing some great deals. 

Here is one that I found this morning.

I LOVE to make online photo books for my family. They normally run $40 or more.  This is WAY more than I can budget.  I wait until there is a good deal, and then I move!! Well, a few months ago, Mixbooks, was giving away a free photo book, and I starting making one. Unfortunately, I missed the cut off for this free book. So I have a book sitting in Mix Book land, waiting to be printed. I have been waiting for a good deal.  Well here we go.

$15 for $50 Worth of Photo Books, Cards, and More from Mixbook. 

What an awesome Christmas present. You can make several mini-photo brag books, a large family album, photo calendars, or even order photo Christmas cards.  I was really not happy when I did all the work for nothing a few months ago, BUT I still have that photo book that is waiting to be printed. 

This has two days left, unless it sells out soon.  So grab it while you can!!!

The link above will take you to the deal, but it is under North Carolina city Piedmont Triad

Have fun!!

Menu Plan Monday

Another week another Menu.

I am worn out from a weekend of canning applesauce and freezing beets and pumpkin puree.
But I ended up changing Saturday's breakfast plan to these AMAZING pumpkin muffins that I will post tomorrow.

Sunday-
Zuppa Tuscana   Salad    French Bread 

This is a mock off of an Olive Garden recipe. I found the Crockpot did not cook it the way I like.  I ended up finishing on the stove. But it was YUMMY.

Monday-
Was suppose to be BBQ Chicken Pockets but had a huge problem.  (I have a great idea for an article..stay tuned)
So we had Tacos

Tuesday-
Parmesan Crusted Fish    Green Beans

Wednesday-
Baked Chicken Fingers  Butternut Apple Casserole (YUMMY)

Thursday-
Leftovers

Friday-
Indian 
( I have been craving Sambar lately.  The link is for an idea, but I should post that recipe because it is a good soup like dish)

Saturday- 

Lasagna  Green Beans

Check out Organized Junkie,  I am linked up with that site too!!

 Found these great FREE, printable memory verse cards for your kids. They are super cute and great. They have a verse for each letter of the alphabet... So doing a double duty for your little ones.  In kindergarten, I had the ABC verses.  However they were in King James and the "Thee's" and "Thou's" were a bit hard for a little one. I love these because they have taken the words down,  and made them easy to memorize. I am planning to do these with Jeshu in correspondence to the letter he is learning in preschool.   I am even thinking to make a translation in Tamil, so he also learns more Tamil.  (good for momma too)

 
Check out this link and print them out.  I used a thick card stock!  I will post pictures when I get our set made. It is on my "to do" pile now..

ABC Printable Scripture Cards

Thanks to Money Saving Mom and Jenae at I Can Teach My Child

October Sales

Kelly over at Faithful Provisions  has a great article about matching the sales with coupons. From what I have found, October is "National Coupon Month."  This last Sunday there were some GREAT coupons in our paper,  including an $8/2 Cover Girl face products.  That is potentially two free or next to free items if you purchase something like eye shadow or blush.  So get to your recycle bin and get those coupons out (and if you do not want them, send them my way!!) 

Read Kelly's article   Seasonal Sales Cycles: October  and enjoy!!

Happy money saving!