Gift Cards at Kroger

I am a Bzz Agent. When you buy gift cards at The Kroger Co. Family of Stores, you get something, too: the gift of cheaper fuel!

I purchased the 4 ten dollar Mc Donalds Gift Cards. I used a hundred bonus point coupon I received for being a Bzz Agentt and received 99 points for this purchase. So I will be saving about .30 cents per gallon on my next fuel purchase. You can go to Kroger Stations, Turkey Hill Stations and Shell Stations and use your Kroger Card for money off on your gas purchase. These points will come in handy due to the rising cost of fuel. You too can save on gas by purchasing gift cards at Krogers. 

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Kroger Skillet Meals, Kroger Fresh Express Salad Kits, and Kroger Garlic Bread Bzz Agent review

This is my second review. I decided to try a different variety of the Kroger Skillet Meals for dinner this time. I went with the Tuscan Style Penne. I purchased two bags, because one will not feed a family of four. My family loved it. We will definitely purchase this variety again! The Fresh Express Salad Kits are great because they include everything you need lettuce, veggies, dressing, and toppings such as croutons and bacon. And just enough left over for my lunch the following day. Coupled with the Kroger Garlic Bread, which is a winner in my household. It’s difficult to believe it was store brand. The kids really loved the garlic bread and we've had it couple of times since first trying it. It is a complete meal ready in a little over 10 minutes with minimal effort. This meal is definitely a huge success! Be sure to give Kroger Skillet Meals a try and while you're there, why not make it a meal and pick up a bag of Fresh Express Salad and some Kroger Garlic Bread. I had the pleasure of trying their Kroger Skillet Meals, Fresh Selections Salad Kits, & Kroger Garlic Bread. I received a sample of this product from Bzz Agent to review. I am a Bzz Agent and participate in their program

Saving Money with Coupons

There seems to be quite a few people that don't use coupons because they are embarrassed to do so. While they may think that there are legitimate reasons to not use coupons, the truth is that they aren't in the least bit embarrassing.

Everyone has reasons for saving money, it could be for emergency fund, retirement, college funds, vacation and the list goes on, because life happens every day.

My grocery bill came to $62.00 and some change. I donated $1.00 to the food bank right in the store. I used my coupons for a savings of $27.45. So I actually spent $34.00 and some change for all of this.

Besides using your savings on yourself and family, you can use your coupon savings toward helping others. Here are some good points or ideas.

You get the ability to support other people in need.

You are able to meet your family obligations without getting into debt.

You are able to support Gods work in the local church and missions abroad.

You have the ability to demonstrate your obedience to God through your finances.

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)

Thats all for now, until next time!

How the Herbs from My Garden have Grown

Herbs from my garden

Gather the herbs in the early morning after the dew has evaporated to minimize wilting. Avoid bruising the leaves. They should not lie in the sun or unattended after harvesting. Rinse herbs in cool water and gently shake to remove excess moisture. Discard all bruised, soiled or imperfect leaves and stems.

 

dried dill

Drying is the easiest method of preserving herbs. Tie them into small bundles and hang them to air dry. Air-drying outdoors is often possible; however, better color and flavor retention usually results from drying indoors. Suspend a small bunch (large amounts will mold) of herbs in a bag and close the top with a rubber band. Place where air currents will circulate through the bag until the moisture evaporates. Any leaves and seeds that fall off will be caught in the bottom of the bag.  

I put mine in a black net bag which I hang mine in my closet. 

oregano ready to dry

When fully dry I place a newspaper on the table and gently squeeze the bundle over the paper. I then check for stray stems and discard them. I fold the paper and pour into a spice bottle and then write on the label what spice it is. I bought some inexpensive spice bottles from Dollar Tree.

And presto basil, thyme, & dill spices are ready for use.

I am currently drying out oregano.

Proverbs 6:6-8

⁶ Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
⁷ It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest

Kroger Deli Fried Chicken

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I am a bzz agent and I recieved free of charge an eight piece deli fried chicken, a bag of Kroger Kettle Chips and a liter of coca-cola. You may ask why? To review the products in the campaigns I am approved for and to write a review.

Let me tell you after working a 12 hour shift I really didnt feel like cooking. So I went to the Kroger deli and picked up the chicken and cole slaw, then the chips and coca-cola. Went home set the table and my family had a meal in no time. Thanks.

Until next time

The way my garden grows with birdsong

God provides

Matthew 6:25-27
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life, whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

I love watching my Grandchildren having fun & not worrying about things in everyday life.

 

If there’s one thing I know and am thankful for it’s that God provides and values each and every one of us.

He provides whether I ask or don’t ask, and He provides more abundantly than I would have ever dreamed, and most of the time in ways I never imagined.  I have been very blessed in my life.  

Who would have thought God was going to bring me thru all the trials that He did and somehow worked it for ‘my good’.  You know what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  I am in awe of His grace. 

It’s time to let God know we value him as well. It’s up to us to stand up for our rights as Christian believers. People around the world are demanding their rights, claiming they are offended and filing lawsuits and setting precedents’ regarding what they find acceptable.  Whether to say the pledge of allegiance, to pray or sing about God, Carry or read a Bible, Christmas Plays, Nativity Scenes, even putting in God we trust on our money.  Well it offends me that this stuff is being considered for banning or already been banned. Does it offend you?

Until next time.

 

Taking pleasure in God Bounty

Psalm 104:14
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that
He may bring forth food out of the earth.

2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 

Thought I'd share some pictures of my garden with you today. It truly is a bounty that will keep giving all season long. This garden gives me alot of pleasure. It is beautiful to my eyes and peaceful. My thoughts often turn toward God and I thank God for allowing me to have my garden spot. And my blog spot to share with you.

Remember this week and always treat others kindly as you would like to be treated.  Share your bounty with others, you will find that you always will have enough.
Until next time.

Grandparents Jewels

Proverbs 17:6 
Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Caleb Austin

Gracie, Alexis & Clarissa

Brodie James

Autumn Rose

I love each and every one of them.  I feel really blessed to have this chance to be their grandma. They are unique and a lot of fun to play and just hang out with.  Pretty smart too.  And are a good looking bunch of kids if I do say so myself.  Friday I will have the four youngest all at once. So besides a good selection of toys and depending on the weather. I have desided to try to be the crafty grandma. 

What the crafty grandma needs

We grew up with construction paper, scissors, and glue, and many of us still keep them around for the grandkids to use. I know I do. But you could try newer craft supply ideas such as these.

For the younger kids:

Sidewalk Chalk

Your grandkids' sidewalk masterpieces remain long after their visits, or at least until the next time it rains! 

Old Socks, pompoms & buttons and card board boxes

To make puppets and puppet stages.

Fingerpaint

For pictures or to decorate a shirt. Or the puppet stage.

Clay and Dough Shaping Tools

Kids love shaping things with clay or Play-Doh. These tools are an easy upgrade to give them even more control over their creations. Tools like the cutter make it easy to separate the clay, while rollers let kids easily flatten or roll zigzag shapes onto clay.  I will put down wax paper first.

For the older kids on another day :

Glue, beads, buttons, stamps in fun shapes, shoestrings, and fishing wire and pop cycle sticks to make necklaces, bracelets, key rings or decorative picture frames.

Felt

Easy to cut, sew, and glue, felt can be attached to almost anything, including notebooks and clothing. Provide kids with stencils, or let them draw shapes free form, then help them cut and attach shapes to the accessory of their choice.

Stamps or Fabric crayons or paint.

Pair form stamps with colorful ink pads in the kids favorite colors you can decorate T-Shirts, Blank tote bags and other things.

 

S   

There is a Time (Thyme) for everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 

Ecclesiastes 3:2

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.

Thyme is an ancient cooking herb that is versatile and one of the most widely used from many countries. It pairs well with lamb, poultry, tomatoes lemon, and other seasonings. It is used chopped or whole and imparts a woodsy, warm flavor to any dish. Though widely available in fresh and dried forms, thyme is easy enough to grow at home. I like to keep some on hand for use in soups and stews, or add to roasted vegetables and it will enhance your favorite grilled foods.
It is a very aromatic herb commonly used for both cooking and in natural medicines. It has a wide range of uses and abilities. I like to use it in cooking the best.
It also grows back year after year. Here is what mine looks like so far this year. It is already producing flowers.

Used through the centuries as a remedy for many ailments, from epilepsy to melancholy., it is prescribed by herbalists for intestinal worms, gastrointestinal ailments, bronchial problems, laryngitis, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.  It has antiseptic properties, and can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and as an anti-parasitic for lice, scabies, and crabs.  For skin inflammations and sores, make a poultice by mashing the leaves into a paste. To use Thyme as an anti-fungal agent or as a parasitic, mix four ounces of Thyme to a pint of alcohol, or buy the essential oil and use sparingly on the affected area.  For bronchitis and gastric problems, make a tea to be used once per day.  Add honey as a sweetener, if desired.

The essential oil of Thyme (Thymol) can cause adverse reactions if taken in it's pure form, so use Thyme-based medications sparingly.  If taken in a tea, drink only once or twice per day, and if used on the skin, be aware that it may cause irritation.

Lemon Balm

Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

What does Lemon Balm do

Many people grow Lemon Balm in their garden for it's looks. It's flowers help to attract bees to the garden. It is also grown for it's wonderful medicinal properties. Being a mild, nutritive herb it’s great to use every day. Medical authorities of ancient Greece and Rome mentioned topical lemon balm as a treatment for wounds. The herb was later used orally as a treatment for influenza, insomnia, anxiety, depression, also acts to restore depleted energy and revitalize us, and for a nervous stomach.  Lemon Balm can also act as a decongestant and antihistamine, helping with even chronic problems like asthma or allergies.  Lemon Balm is also an anti-viral herb. There is also some evidence that it may be helpful in colic and irritable bowel syndrome.  You can also make it into a tea, a tooth polish that whitens teeth, an insect repellent, a syrup and for first aid treatments.
If you had to buy the oil, creams, ointments or salves they run from $11.00 to $115.00.  Products including the real lemon balm run on the high end of that price range.
In a later blog I will explain how to make each.

How to Harvest Lemon Balm  

Cut the whole branch as close as you can to the ground. The area will grow back at least one more time this season. You want to make sure to do this before it flowers.

Gather the branches together that you are going to dry. Tie end with rubber band to allow shrinkage. Rinse well allow to dry somewhat. Place in a bag leaving room for ventilation and hang in a dry, dark place. When dry take leaves and place in glass jars with lids.

Rinse well and remove leaves from stems.place leaves in a mesh bag

Put bag in a picture and add hot water, allow to sit for 3 to 4 hours. Then add ice and drink.

You can make a hot cup to enjoy by putting leaves in an infuser spoon and seeping in boiling water.

Until next time.

Taking care of family

Proverbs 31:27 King James Version (KJV)

²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Today's Post has to do with saving money for your family. I admit I love to get things free, who wouldn't. There are many ways to do that. I have several websites I go to a couple times a week. I posted some links for you to try.
Some other ways to save are to use coupons, cash back sites, and e bate sites. I have included some of them as well. Just copy and paste into your search bar. 

1) http://www.hersavings.com/

2 ) http://www.shop4freebies.com/

3) http://www.freakyfreddies.com/

4) http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples.aspx

5) http://www.shopathome.com/

6) http://www.ebates.com/

7) http://dealseekingmom.com/

8) http://www.coupons.com/

Also I would like to mention to do lists are very helpful as long as you don't over do it. I already have alittle over half of my list done.
1) Get fasting blood test done. check
2) Get mammogram done. check
3) Visit dad in nursing home and pick up has laundry. check
4) Stop at Target use $25. gift card. check
5) Fill up gas tank and get gas for lawn mower. check
6) Wash and dry laundry. check
7) Make vegetable soup for lunch at work and freeze. check
8) Get ready for family cookout.
9) Watch Autumn while Brodie gets hair cut
10) Take dads laundry back and get him ready to go to cookout.
11) Drive to Martinsville/Mooresville area for cookout.
12) Take dad back to nursing home
13) Go home & relax
14) Write this post. check

Until next time. Have a great week end

Endurance and Energy needed in today's life.

Today I had the joy of watching my three youngest grandchildren, Brodie 2 yrs,  Caleb 1  1/2 yrs & Autumn 2 months. I only had all three for about 3 to 4 hours. I really enjoyed myself and I am pretty sure they did to. Thankful though the grace of God I still have the opportunity to have energy and time to spend with my grandchildren.

The baby was sleeping while I got the boys fed. Yummy pancakes, tater rounds, bannanas & Brodie had 2 scrambled eggs as well. And of course milk.  

Then it was on to play time. This reminded me of my boys.. I think I still have pretty good stamina and endurance.  By the way doesn't the floor my sons put in look good!

By then the baby was up, finished her bottle and I played with her and my great niece 

Me and Caleb went outside after his nap and played. He loves the swing almost as much as Brodie.

Trimmed more branches off the mulberry in backyard. Pulled and cut weeds, moved some boards and moved flowerpots around. Then I went and took my dad outside in the gazebo area of the nursing home and had a good talk and time.  They have some pretty flowers out there and plenty of birds. We even seen ducks and geese fly over. Thank god no droppings.  

This was how my day was spent.

Now back home and feeling strangely energized. Well that's all for now, until next time.

Landscapes of Life

Sometimes the storms in life take control of you. But when they are over you are stronger for them. If you look close at this picture taken today you can see a little line of blue sky. Remember your problems will soon pass.

Can you imagine how Christ felt up on the cross he hung on? I imagine the sky that day looking somewhat like this. He did it so we could have hope of eternal life.

He probably felt so alone. Like this Robin on the power line. He loved us so much to sacrifice himself that way. it was a horrifying but beautiful thing for him to do.

I will try to look for the beauty in everything, not just in the flowers of life. And to believe in him. Be thankful for what I have, and know it could be worse. 

Using Gods provisions in life

Today I am grateful for the many blessings in my life. Like having a backyard where I can grill out. And having a grill to do that on. It may be little and old school but a lot better than some. I get to enjoy being out doors. There is a nice breeze here in the backyard. Listening to birdsong.

 I got the green beans all ready and the corn on cob is almost done. Yummy. 

Enjoying being alive and counting my blessings. See you later, until next time.

Beauty of God's Creation

This week seemed to fly by. I had to stop and take a few deep breaths and exhale. I mostly did this at the start and end of the day. Before work I tried to get up 15 minutes earlier. I used this time to sit in the backyard.  I listened to our daily bread devotional on my iPad while drinking coffee and enjoying the bird song and looking at the sky and my garden.  I recommend this to everyone.

Also I sat outside (when it wasn't raining) in the evening. I planned more of my garden and trimmed a few branches from the mulberry tree. Took my two grandkids I watch every Friday out that morning and they really enjoyed it. I got some good pIctures of them and had quality time with them.

I went to church today. Then met my son and daughter in law at Ci-Ci Pizza with three more of my grand kids. We had some quality time talking and stuffing our faces. Got some more good pics with them. Then I picked up my dad at the nursing home and then drove us to Martinsville to pick up my sister. He got to see her finance and where they stay. Nice drive back to my house where we set in the backyard.  Quality time again and you guessed it

more pictures lol. Enjoying Gods creation. Which we all are a part of.
This evening a robin landed a foot from me. Guess things like that happen which you slow down and just enjoy the things and people around you.

Growing in my life!

I am happy a being myself. It wasn't always that way. I used to be so different and my life was chaos. Thank The Lord Jesus that is so over. I put my trust in him and things changed for the better. Hopefully you can relate.
I think that our values changes as we grow up and gain more experiences.  I got married at 15 years old and two wonderful sons by 17. Much to young to be married so we were divorced when I was 25.
The older I get I've found that many things I thought where important when I was younger don't seem to matter much anymore.  Such as drinking and partying aren't my number one concern.
Family has become more important. Being the best person I can be for the lord and my family. I now take time to enjoy my family and when I need a time out there is always some kind of nature around me.