The Intentional Home

Cool Teenage Party Idea: Picture Scavenger Hunt

2012-05-22T13:45:00.000-04:00

Anna turned 15 over the weekend and invited 21 girls over for a sleepover. At one point in the night, Rob looked at me and said, "I could do this once a month." Keep in mind he is an extrovert and has chosen to work with school age kids every day for the past 20 or so years. Me on the other hand, I am still recovering. But it was fun and so successful. So much so that I want to share some of the activities we did just in case you find yourself with a house full of tweens or teenagers. I will share one idea below and others in weeks coming.

My goal for the party was to keep these teenage girls engaged and entertained so that there was no room for drama, cliques, or gossip. I also wanted them to interact with each other instead of tweeting and texting. Yes, I am even intentional when it comes to my kids' bday parties.

I had activities planned from 5pm to 3am. And no the girls did not bawk at that. . they LOVED it. They did say it was a little different than the normal sleepover they have been to. But they also said that the weekend went by so fast for them and the weekend was so fun. And they did post pictures of the games and crafts we did on Facebook and Instagram. .so that says something right there, eh?

One activity we did was a Picture Scavenger Hunt. We divided the girls into groups of 4 or 5 and walked up to the nearby park. Once at the park, the girls had to take pictures of the items on the list (a list Rob and I had made up that Anna had not seen). Taking pictures was not a problem because there was a least one girl in each group that came with their iphone, ipod, etc (Who am I kidding? All 21 had some electronic device on them that took pictures). Each item was given a point value. The group with the most points won.
Some items on the list were:

A team member dressed up as a superhero

The entire team in a bathroom stall (not handicapped). Iphone photos upload small on my blog.

The entire team off the ground at the same time

A team member with a tooth blacked out

The entire team picking up trash

The number 15 (for Anna's birthday!)

All but one team member with coins over their eyes. These scavenger hunt picture will make great scrapbook pages.

A team member dancing with a stranger. Is that dancing?

We gave the girls 45 min. We then walked back to our house for pizza and while they were eating dinner, they emailed me their pictures from the scavenger hunt. And I put them all in a folder for a slideshow. After dinner, we watched the scavenger hunt slideshow, laughed and laughed, and tallied up the points for each team. Here are the girls watching the slideshow out on the deck. We hung up a sheet and borrowed a projector. So much more fun than just viewing them on the laptop or tv.

This is so not an original idea. Just google "picture scavenger hunt list" and all kinds of ideas will pop up, but if you want to use the list we used for Anna's bday, click here and you will be able to print it out. A picture scavenger hunt is a perfect tween/teenage party idea. Gets the kids interacting. Gets them laughing and having fun. Gets them moving and outside. Takes up a good chunk of time. And the kids think its cool.

5 for Friday, May 18

2012-05-18T08:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's 5 things I wanted to share with you:

1. Harris Teeter Triples is still going on. It ends Tues, 5/22. How have you done? You got any pictures to show me?

My favorite deals have been:

-Grande Tortilla Chips are on sale for $2.50. Use the 75¢ coupon from 4/15 SS and get then for 25¢ a bag. Perfect for all the homemade salsa making once our tomatoes come in.

-Always Liners are $1.29. Use the 50¢ coupon from 4/29 PG and get them for free. But there is also an evic coupon for 50¢ off one pack, did you load it to your card. If so, then you will get an additional 50¢ off, which means you make money!

-Dole Frozen Fruit is on sale for $2. Use the 75¢ coupon from 4/15 SS and get a 2 pack for free. My kids use the strawberry ones for smoothies.

-Mardi Gras napkins (250 count) are on sale for $1.99. Use the 55¢ from 3/18 RP and get then for 34¢. (My store was out before I got there; I will continue to look for these. Did you get them?)

2. And I did notice in my evic email this morning the following two deals. These deals start today (5/18) and run til Tuesday (5/22). Did you get these deals in your evic email?

-Sparkle Paper Towels (8 regular rolls or 6 big rolls) are on sale for $3.97. Use the 50¢ from 5/6 RP and get them for $2.47. I aim to pay no more than 50¢ a roll for paper towels. So this deal fits way under that!!

-Angel Soft Toilet Paper (12 reg roll or 9 mega roll) is on sale for $4.97. Use the 45¢ from 3/25 RP and you get it for $3.62. I aim to pay between 25¢-35¢ a roll for toilet paper so this deal fits right into my stockpile price list.

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/centsiblesaver/harris-teeter-triple-coupon-good-deals-list#storylink=cpy

3. There will be two inserts in this coming Sunday paper. So hopefully there will be new deals to be had at HT Triples with these coupons.

And next weekend, since it is Memorial Day Weekend weekend, there will be no coupon inserts. There are usually no coupon inserts on major holidays but just to be sure, you can check the 2012 coupon insert schedule here.

I usually call the N&O and ask them to not deliver my paper when I know there are going to be no inserts (since the only reason I get it is for the coupons). I ask them to just extend my subscription a week. You do all this thru an automated service.

N&O phone Customer Service # is 1-800-522-4205, then you'll enter #1 and proceed to enter date stop and date start.

4. There is one spot open in Anna's Craft Camp for a Cause which runs June 18-22 and is for girls ages 7-12. Clcik here for all the details. Anna has been busy making lists and buying supplies and planning. It is a joy to see my girl dream big and then work hard.

found this on Pinterest and it so reminded me of my Anna, especialy with the map since
Anna dreams of lviing full time in Guatemala and loving on the orphans there

5. My last class before the summer hits in next Thurs, May 31. I take a break for the summer since my kids are all home all day long. .and also to just refocus and plan for the upcoming year (create new classes, figure out what The Intentional Home is to be about for the following year, etc). I resume teaching in September.

On Thurs, May 31, I will be teaching my Home Organization and Decor Class. Cick here for all the details because as of now, I have 3 spots open.

Here's what others are saying about this totally new and updated class (if you came a few years back, you may want to come again because it has all changed for the better):

Oh my WORD, Su! I had a wonderful time at your "House to Home" class yesterday. I came home and immediately started gathering ideas/inspiration for making our sanctuary. Thank you for being YOU and sharing your story with us. I think this is going to be a game-changer for me & my family. -GC

You rocked my world a bit last night, Su! Thanks for a great class. This may sound silly, but decorating and style are topics that are really kind of outside my usual comfort zone. Walking back into my house last night (decorated in Late Fisher Price style) was a little overwhelming, but I tried focusing on the ways that I am already on the right path. You do a good job of saying "If I can do this, then you can SO do this!" Thanks, because I needed a boost of confidence! I am excited about getting my family involved in dreaming up a home that makes us all say "AAAH, this is the life!" -TB

Have a great weekend! I have 21 teenage girls spending the night at my house this weekend! I am off to prepare for that!

Homemade Carpet Cleaner

2012-05-15T07:09:00.002-04:00

A while back I went shopping for all the ingredients to make the natural homemade cleaners I have pinned on my Home Cleaning Pinterest Board.

You may remember I made the Homemade Laundry Detergent and loved it!

Well, this week I made the Capet Stain Remover and I love it too. It is by far the best carpet cleaner I have ever used. Better than Spot Shot, Woolite, Resolve.

Before:

After:

I followed the directions from this pin.

You need:

Baking soda
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Clear Dishwashing Liquid
2 cups warm water
Spray Bottle

Directions:

1. Your first dampen the dirty spots on your carpet with water. I just spritzed them with a water bottle. And then you pour a little baking soda on the stain.

2. Let baking soda absorb for 10 minutes and then vacuum.

3. Mix one tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon white vinegar with two cups of warm water and pour into spray bottle.

4. Spray the stain and scrub with a scrub brush. This was my kids' chore for the day.

5. Then blot with a white rag until all the liquid is absorbed.

Now the only problem with this carpet stain remover was it cleaned too well. It cleaned so well that you can tell where the stains were and where I concentrated the baking soda and the vinegar/dishwashing solution. See the really clean spots below. Obviously my whole carpet is dirty and I need to use this homemade carpet cleaner on the entire carpet. My carpet is 8 years old and has never been cleaned unitl now.

So I had to go back and clean the spots inbetween the original stained spots. So that it all looks one color, so it is all clean. If you are using this homemade cleaner on an older carpet, I would feather out the baking soda and vinegar solution so that the new clean spots blend in with the areas you have not cleaned.

I think this product would work really well with a new carpet that you just spilled meatballs on. . . you could just clean that one meatball spot and the clean spot would blend in with the rest of the carpet.

I did try this homemade carpet stain remover on clothes and it did not work. But it works beautifully on carpets. I could not be more pleased. It is cheaper, works better, and is free of the harmful chemicals found in commercial prodcuts.

Have you tried this homemade carpet cleaner? Do you make your own cleaning products? What is your favorite? Do share your recipes with me.

I am sharing this post over at one of my favorite linky parties:

Harris Teeter Triples 5/16-5/22!

2012-05-14T16:18:00.001-04:00

Harris Teeter periodically triples coupons that have a face value of 99¢ or less. A 25¢ coupon is now worth 75¢. And a 35¢ is now worth $1.05. A 50¢ coupon is worth $1.50 and a 75¢ coupon is worth $2.25 during the week of Triples!!

And starting this Wed, 5/16 is Triples at Harris Teeter. Triples will run Wed, 516-Tues, 5/22.

So far here are the deal matchup lists I have found. I will add to this list as more deal lists pop up in blogland.

Centsible Saver
Southern Savers
Moola Saving Mom

And below are my Top 10 Tips for a Successful HT Triples Shop.

1. Triples starts at 7am on Wed. Even at the 24 hour stores, Triples starts at 7am. See here for more on that.

2. The policy is 20 coupons per day PER HOUSEHOLD. So no more 2 shops at 2 different stores on the same VIC card, or one on your card and one on your hubby's card (that is if they are both linked to the same phone # and address).

3. Remember 3 identical coupons can be used per transaction; just like normal. And only 2 of the exact same INTERNET PRINTABLE coupon can be used per transaction. HT only accepts 2 internet coupons per manufacturer product per visit per day.

4. For you beginners. . don't stress about tTiples too much. There are tons of great deals every day of the week with doubles.

5. I go early the first day of Triples in order to get the stuff I really want because I know it will be in stock then. I go at 6:40 and I am in line at 7am when the cash registers start tripling. Ignore my roll out of bed, no makeup, no brushed hair (although I do brush my teeth) look if you see me there. . .I am on a mission and take care of all that when I get home. . .after I have taken pictures and figured out my savings ;)

6. If you go in expecting that some items will already be gone during Triples, you won't be too disappointed. But most stores are good at restocking, so ask when they expect to have more of the item in.

7. You do not need a raincheck if the item is out of stock; a raincheck guarantees the sale price, not the fact that they will triple a coupon. So in most cases, it is best to just go back later in the week when it is still Triples and pick up the item. My store is usually restocked by Sat am. Ask the manager when they expect to be restocked if they are out of an item.

8. And see this post here for an explanation to Does the strategy of only shopping coupon + sale apply to triples too?

9. The coupons that are 60¢ off 6 items or 75¢ off 2 or something cents off more than one item. . they often do not multiply right during triples. . it multiplies to the full price of one item, instead of the 6 items in the case of the yogurt coupon 75¢/6. Now you can take your receipt to customer service and explain the above to them and they will give you some money back. . but is that worth the time and hassle, perhaps?. . I usually avoid the 60/6 or 75/2 coupons during triples time.

10. Can you use 2 coupons for BOGO items since you are "buying" 2 items? The official HT coupon policy does not say anything about BOGO items. So the answer should be yes. Each item will ring up 1/2 price and you can use a coupon on each item. I have never had a problem.

The ony time I have had a problem is on the B2G3 items. Since B2G3 items ring up as the first 2 items full price and the next 3 as $0.00, you can only use 2 coupons (for the 2 items that actually cost you money). Anyone experience anything different?

Let me know if you have any pointers you would add! And let me know how you do!

5 for Friday

2012-05-11T07:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's 5 things I wanted to share with you.

1. Don't forget tomorrow, Saturday, May 12 is Letter Carriers Food Drive. I shared all the details about this easy way to make a difference in our community in this post here. But bottom line is, place a bag of non-perishable food items by your mailbox tomorrow and your mailman will deliver all the bags to a local food bank or pantry. I received a brown bag in my mailbox on Thursday just for this purpose, did you?

2. Speaking of making a difference, below is another opportunity to give. We couponers can help out so easily because a lot of items that are needed by organizations, we couponers can get at huge discounts or even get them for free!

Asbury United Methodist Church is taking a group of high schoolers to Haiti this summer and serving at an organization called Mission of Hope which houses an orphanage, school, hospital clinic, and outreach services to the people in the community (namely, post-earthquake construction). Here's a picure of some of the kids Mission of Hope serves:

Mission of Hope needs the following items for their children:

Enfamil formula (or generic equivalent)
baby clothes size 3-6 month & 6-9 month
diapers (especially size 2, but all sizes needed)
wipes
kids twin bed sheets
peanut butter
jelly
girls leggings
deoderant
soap
toothpaste
kids books

If you would like to donate any of the above items to Mission of Hope, you can drop them off at my house by June 1 and I will get them to the group at Asbury Church that is going to Haiti this summer.

3. Below are my favorite deals at Harris Teeter this week. There are a lot of coupon matchups this week. Lots of deals on "teenage food" as my kids like to call it (chips, cookies, Poptarts, sweets). I was excited because I have so many end of the year school celebrations to send in items for. These deals are good til Tues, May 15.

Smithfield Ham Steaks are on sale BOGO so one is $3.59. Use the $1 coupon from 4/15 SS and you get it for $2.59. Anyone have any idea what to do with this? I have never cooked one before.

Cheetos are on sale BOGO. Use the $1/2 coupon from 4/29 Pepsico insert and you can get 2 bags for $2.49.

Keebler Chocolate Chip Cookies are BOGO. Use the 75¢/2 coupon from 4/15 RP and you can get 2 packages for $2.39

Poptarts are on sale for evic members for $1.47 (limit 2). Use the $1/2 coupon (there were blinkies a while back and these coupons were on the back of NutriGrain bars a while back) and get 2 boxes for $1.94. . cheaper than what one box usually costs!!!

Kellogs Rice Krispies are on sale BOGO. Use the $1/2 coupon from 4/1 RP and get 2 boxes for $2.75. $1.37 is not a great price for cereal, but it is if you need cereal. Beats paying $3.75 a box!

Ken's Salad Dressing is on sale 10/$10. Use the B3G1 coupon from 5/6 SS and you get 3 bottles for just $2!! That is only 66 cents a bottle.

HT Black Beans are on sale for 50¢ a can. No coupon needed. I bought a lot of these to give to the mailman's food drive on Saturday.

Texas Pete Hot Sauce is on sale for 75¢. Use the 40¢ coupon from 5/6 SS and get it for FREE! I am sticking this is the food drive bag too. Be perfect on top of black beans.

Cucumbers are on sale for 69¢. No coupon needed.

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls are on sale for $1. There is a coupon in 4/1 SS for 40¢/2. So buy 2 for $1.20. But there is also an evic coupon (if you loaded it to your card) for 40¢ off. So you get 2 packages for 80¢ or 40¢ each. These are normally $1.99 a tube.

Sun Drop 2 liters are on sale for $1.49. Use the $1 coupon from 5/6 SS and get a 2 liter for just 49¢.

Mission Tortillas are on sale for $1.99. Use the $1 coupon from 4/29 SS and get a pack for 99¢. These freezer well.

Pillsbury Cookies are $2.85. But there is a HT deal that when you buy 4 packages, $4 will automactically come off at the register. So that brings it down to 4 packages for $7.40. Use the $1/3 coupon from 4/1 SS and get total down to $6.40. And then there is also an evic coupon (If you loaded it to your card) for $1 off. So you get 4 packs for $5.40 or $1.35 a pack!!

And speaking of HT deals, Triples will be next week, starts Wed, 5/15! Southern Savers already has a list of freebies up here.

4. As shared yesterday, Rob and I will be sharing a Mother's Day message at our church on Sunday. We will be speaking on "When Motherhood Isn't Easy". We will be discussing how hard motherhood can be and sharing 3 practical ways to help us move our eyes off the ovewhelming and mundane and onto the powerful and eternal.

Please know you are welcome to come. We meet at 10am at Raleigh Vineyard Christian Fellowship on Litchford Rd. Dress is very casual. And if you are coming and want me to meet you our front in the lobby. . .email me. . .I will so meet you and we can sit together (and my girlfriend and her hubby will sit with you when we speak). Or if you just want to sneak in and sit on the back row, that is fine too! No pressure.

Oh, come be encouraged in your mothering. I know it can often be lonely, exhausting, and overwhelming. But we moms were made for more than just survival!!

5. I like to read. I like words. I like to blog surf. And below is a line from my blog surfing this week that has stuck with me. It's the concluding line line from this guest post by Emily Freeman. Here it is:

I’m caring less what people think and more for people, period.

Yeah. .me too. I want to live in total freedom in who I was created to be and not care of others' opinions. . just simply care for others. I want to love with abandon and give generously.

Have I told you how much I enjoy you and my classes and this blog? Thanks for spending a few minutes of your day on this blog. Thanks for your emails and comments. Thanks for getting this "be intentional" thing. Peace and Joy to your heart, mind, and home!

Am I A Good Mom?

2012-05-10T09:40:00.000-04:00

In honor of Mother's Day, I wanted to share one of my favorite posts. I wrote this post last year; a post centered on the question, "Am I A Good Mom?" I updated it for this year. My hope is that this post will bring you much freedom in your mothering.

I also wanted to let you know that Rob and I will be speaking at our church this Sunday, Mother's Day, on "When Motherhood Isn't Easy". Our hope is that this message will bring encouragement to mothers as they wrestle with the often times mundane, lonely, tiring, overwhelming tasks of raising kids. Please know you are welcome to join us. We meet at Raleigh Vineyard at 10am. Dress is very casual. And without further ado, here is the post on "Am I A Good Mom?"

. . .

I have always struggled with whether I was a good mom.

I think it began hours after my first child was born. I had planned on natural childbirth. I had written a birth plan. I had made my husband promise he was going to communicate my wishes to the hospital staff.

And then after 36 hours of labor, I had a c-section. And the lies started immediately: good moms have natural birth with no drugs, no epidurals, and certainly not c-sections.

Or perhaps it was when the teacher, who had all 3 of my older kids for kindergarten, told me that I parent all my kids the same way. She said I was really good at training their heart. And what I heard was, "But you aren't good at training their mind."

I had taught my kids to be respectful and responsible, but I did not teach them their abcs, letter sounds, or how to count to 100. Some kids even came to kindergarten reading; mine could barley recognize their printed name. Oh the guilt over how were they going to find their cubby or desk if they could not recognize their name!

Or maybe it was when I realized I do not have this soft, cuddly, nurturing side to me. When I was at the playground, I saw other moms run to their children when they fell down. I just say, "Hop up. You're OK." Nothing in me wants to scoop them up and kiss their boo boo.

I have never ooohed and ahhhed over babies, mine or others'.

I don't want to hold your new baby.

I still, after 5 kids, cannot change a diaper without gagging.

I have never talked baby talk.

Hugging and cuddling and kissing do not come naturally to me; I'm not a touchy person.

I set the timer and read to my preschoolers. Otherwise, I would never think to do that.

I set the timer when I play house or dolls with my girls or I would play for 2 minutes and be done. I never really delighted in the play of kids.

And for some reason all the above is what I equated motherhood too.

And I struggled.

I always questioned should I be doing this mom thing.

The picture Parent magazine and Family Fun painted for me, the picture of mom and child creating sweet memories, baking cookies and playing make believe and giggling on the couch together. . .none of that looked like much fun to me.

And then God showed me that he gave me these 5 kids. He picked me out to be their mom. He chose me, not some other woman. More importantly, these children belong to God and He is watching over their lives.

And that is where my confidence comes from.

And so I do not enjoy playing pretend, but I am good at role modeling a life that lives passionately and authentically.

And so I do not oooh and aaah over a baby or want to hold a newborn (even my own), but I am good at looking my kids in the eye and affirming them with "I like who you are! I am proud of who you are! I like how God made you! or "I am so glad you were born!"

And so I may not have this soft cuddly "come here and let me kiss it" nurturing side to me, but I am good at nurturing the individual gifts and unique talents each child has. I am good at dreaming big with my kids and for my kids. I can see the possibilities of their future.

And reading to my kids is not fun to me, but having real and honest conversations with my kids is. Just a few days ago Brooke and I talked about kissing boys before you were married and it was natural and comfortable and fun.

I rest in the fact that God loves my kids more than I do. He longs to protect them more than I do. I can never meet all the needs of my kids, no matter how hard I try to anticipate them or prepare for them or be intentional about parenting. Only God can meet every need. This brings me much confidence.

I am simply a vessel God uses. I am thankful He is bigger than my inadequacies, limitations, mistakes, and weaknesses. And that has brought much freedom to me. I can relax. I can enjoy my kids.

And that is my wish for you and me this Mother's Day.

I wish us freedom. I wish us the ability to move in that freedom knowing that God made each of us and gave each of us unique gifts. He delights in the woman and the mom each of us is.

I wish us release from guilt.

I wish us to stop comparing ourselves to other moms, to each other, to those Pinterest images and to those blogs. I wish that we would be free from discontent and the lie that “I am not good enough.”

I wish that we would see ourselves the way God sees us, women who were made to be the moms of our kids.

image found here

Happy Mother's Day!! You are a good mom!!

I shared this post at my favorite linky parties at these blogs: Women Living Well, We Are That Family, and Serenity Now.

Food Pantries Need Our Help This Saturday!

2012-05-09T10:19:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, May 12 is Letter Carriers Food Drive!! To make a big difference in our community, all you have to do is put some non-perishable food items in a bag and place the bag by your mailbox this Saturday. Your mailman will then deliver all the bags he collects to a local food bank or pantry.

Oh we couponers can do this! Below is a list of the items that food pantries need most:

diapers, rice, pasta, toilet paper, pasta sauce, canned tuna, cereal, mac & cheese, canned fruit, canned vegetables, toothpaste, shampoo, deoderant, laundry detergent, and feminine prodcuts

All of these items we couponers can get at huge discounts or even get them for free!

Oh let's use couponing to not only cut our own grocery bill in half, but let's use couponing to feed needy people in our own community. Just imagine what a difference we would make if every gal who took my coupon class would place a bag full of items by her mailbox on this Sat!

My church's food pantry serves over 200 families a month. While we are thrilled to serve these folks in need, we are being squeezed fininacially. The number of families coming to our food panty doors increases every week. There really is a need and we couponers could easily meet it by donating some of our deals. Here is Rob and Brooke stocking the shelves of our church's food pantry. See?! There are empty spots.

Imagine what would happen right here in our own community if we each adopted our local food pantry as a "part of our family" and started shopping for this food pantry as part of our weekly shopping that we do for our own family. Oh there are bargains and free items every week that would make good donations!

So who is in? Who is going to leave a bag of non-perishables by their mailbox on Sat! I certainly am! Will you join me?

Why to Meal Plan Even When You Do Not Want To

2012-05-08T08:43:00.003-04:00

This is a repost . . . but it applies today because I have a Meal Planning class tonight (Tues 5/8) and there are still openings in tonight's class if you would like to join us! Read on!

What are the advantages to meal planning, to deciding what to eat before it is time to prepare dinner. . before it is 5pm and you are tired, hungry, and overwhelmed???

In my Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking Class, I ask gals to think ahead of time why they want to meal plan. . because if you know why, then you have more motivation to make meal planning/freezer cooking a reality.

Why to Meal Plan Even When You Don't Want To:

1. Save $ (food waste goes down, no more extra trips to grocery store, do not go out to eat as much). . this is true even if you do not coupon

2. Save Time: Truth is is takes about an hour to get dinner on the table if you haven't a clue what to cook until the hour approaches.

3. Save Stress/Feel Organized/Life is Easier/Simplifies Life (you know what you have, what to get at grocery store, when to thaw meat, you can answer your hubby's question: What's for dinner?)

4. No More Guilt for Going Out to Eat: you go out to eat because you want to, not because you have to.

5. Cook Healthier/Diet Under Control

6. Way to Love Up on Our Families

What is the one reason that really stands out to you??

And if you want to join tonight's class, contact me and I will send you the class email letting you know what to bring and directions to my home.

Great Deal on Diapers at CVS

2012-05-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

I went to CVS this morning and thought I'd share my shop with ya'll. These deals are good til Sat, 5/12.

There is a great deal on Huggies diapers this week. Anytime I can get diapers for under $5 a pack, I stock up. Even when my Jonathan is out of diapers at night, I will continue to stock up because diapers make a great baby shower gift to keep on hand. I keep size 2 diapers and pink and blue bows (from the Dollar Store) in my stockpile.

I did 2 transactions.

Transaction 1:

Snickers bar is on sale for 75¢ (get 75¢ back in ECBs, front page of flier)
Good'n Natural Bar is on sale for 99¢ (page 12)
Kotex pads, tampons, or liners are on sale for $3.99 (get $3 back in ECBs, page 11 of flier)

Total = $5.73

Use the Free Good'n Natural coupon from 5/6 RP and your total is $4.74 plus tax ($5.08)

And you get back $3.75 in ECBs. I also got a $1 back for using my Green Bag Tag 4 times.

Transaction 2:

2 packs of Little Snugglers or Little Movers Huggies Diapers, Jumbo Pack. These are on sale 2/$20. Remember at drugstores, you do have to buy 2 to get the $20 deal. You canNOT buy one and get it for $10 like you could at the grocery stores.
1 pack of Huggies Wipes, the large pack for $6

Total= $26 (which you had to buy at least $25 of Huggie items to get $10 ECBs back, page 12)

Use 2 of the $2 coupons from 4/15 SS for the diapers to get your total down to $22.

Pay with the $3.75 from Transaction 1. I paid with my $4.75.

And that brought the grand total down to $17.25 plus tax (18.94). And then I got back $10 in ECBs for me to use next week.

This is what ECBs look like; they are at the bottom of your receipt.

So for $24 out of pocket (but really like $14 because I got $10 ECBs back), I got a candy bar, an energy bar, box of pads, 2 jumbo packs of diapers, and a jumbo pack of diaper wipes!! Yipee!! $14 is about what you would pay for one package of jumbo diapers ($11.99 plus tax) and I got 2 packs. ..plus wipes, pads, and 2 snacks.

Let me know if you go try this deal.

And speaking of drugstores, 2 things:

1. Emily, who just took my coupon class on April 26 (not even a month ago!) emailed me this morning and shared that she spent $1.16 at Walgreens and got 2 Pantene Shampoos, 6 Starbucks and a gallon of milk! Centsible Saver has all the deal matchups for the drugstores here. I am telling you, I like shopping the drugstores more than I do the grocery stores.

2. In the fall, be on the lookout for my Drugstore Only Class. I usually teach this class once a year. This summer I will be revamping this Drugstore Only Class so that it is up to date with the latest drugstore coupon policies and secrets. The handouts will be new, the class will be new. . you will not want to miss it. Here is what one gal said who took my last Drugstore Only class:

Oh Su! Have I mentioned that I heart CVS, I heart Rite Aid, I heart WAGS, I heart Southern Savers. I know I haven't given you an update since I took your Drugstore Only Class in the Fall, so here it is:

I am so glad I took the Drugstore Only Class. I was a little slow to get started, but now I love it. I have shattered all my previous low price records...AND I looked (a little bit) fabulous doing it because I have all new makeup!!

5 for Friday

2012-05-04T13:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday! Here's 5 things I wanted to share with you:

1. First, I want to thank you so much for all the interest in Anna's Craft Camp for a Cause. Anna was so encouraged by your emails and comments and posts on Facebook and email forwards. Looks like there are only 4 spots open so if you want to get your daughter, grandaughter, or special little girlfriend signed up, contact me soon and I will send you the registration form. Details about the camp can be found here.

2. Speaking of Arts and Crafts, Michaels has a 25% off you entire purchase (including sales items) coupon that you can print out. This coupon is good for this Thur-Sat only. . .so today and tomorrow only, May 4 & 5. Even if you are not crafty, this would be a good coupon to use for kids' bday presents or even Mother's Day presents.

3. I did not get to Harris Teeter until this morning. My favorite deals this week are below. This is for those of you who told me you like when I do these posts. . .because with little ones around, sometimes you do not have time to check out the coupon blogs. Well, thanks so much for checking out my blog!! These deals will be good til Tues, 5/8.

Quaker Real Medley Oatmeal (these are new, they are individual microwavable bowls) are $1.99. There is an e-vic coupon for 50¢ that you can load to your card. If you have never loaded these electronic coupons to your vic card, read this post here for instructions. Now e-vic coupons do not double, but you can use them in conjunction with paper coupons and there is a 50¢ paper coupon for this oatmeal in the 4/29 RP. So use both of those coupons and you get this new product for just 49¢. Do note that e-vic coupons only come off once. . so only buy 1 product.

Keebler Chocolate Chip Cookies are on sale for $1.94. Use the 75/2 coupon in 4/15 RP and you pay $2.50 for 2 packages. . .$1.25 a package is not bad for this special treat.

Mission Tortillas are on sale for $1.99. Use the $1 coupon in 4/29 SS and get them for 99¢. These freeze well too. Just put the whole package in a ziploc bag (so now they are double bagged) and throw in freezer.

Pepperdige Farm Bread is on sale BOGO. So 2 loaves are $3.99 and if you use the $1/2 coupon from 4/29 SS, you can get 2 loaves for $3 which is a good price for this speciality bread. I got the sour dough bread to make french toast with this weekend. My kids are going to think I am one good mom come tomorrrow morning.

Coffee Mate Liquid Creamer is on sale for $1.67. Use the $1 coupon from 4/29 SS and you get it for 67¢

Bounty Paper Towels are on sale for $6.99. There is an e-vic coupon for $1 off. Use this and the 25¢ coupon from the PG insert and you get 8 rolls of paper towels for $5.50. . a little higher than I like to pay, but if you need paper towels, this is better than paying the normal full price of $10.59!!

4. I have 2 more classes before summer hits so if you have always wanted to take one of my classes, now is the time. They are quickly filling up. Click on the title of the class for details and registration.

Tues, May 8: Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking, 7-9:15pm at my house in Raleigh

Thurs, May 31: Home Organization & Decor, 7-9:30pm at my house in Raleigh

All classes will resume in September. I spend each summer revamping my classes, making new handouts, creating new classes. So come fall, brand new classes will be on the schedule as well as my most popular ones. . but they are improved and updated. Upcoming classes are always listed on the right hand side of my blog.

5. I sure would like your input on 2 things that I am currently working on:

1. With the end of school quickly approaching, I want to compile a list of summer kid activities, resources, and links for us. . .like the list of free kids movies, free summer bowling, the reading incentive progams around town, etc. (any of you have that info yet that you can forward to me?). If you have anything that would be great to add to this list I am working on, please contact me.

from Pinterest

2. I am also working on a blog series called How to Raise Big Dreamers. . . how to raise kids with courage. . kids who are not afraid to risk. . kids who want to and believe they can change the world. I want to address parenting all age groups. . the toddler and preschoolers to the high school seniors. Do you have any questions that pop into your mind when I mention this topic? Is there something you intentionally do to instill this in your child? If so, would you share it with me and give me permission to share it in my blog series? I would love if you would share with me your questions, ideas, and thoughts. They will make my blog series so much better.

Craft Camp for a Cause

2012-05-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

Anna's Arts & Crafts Camp

for Girls ages 7-12

June 18-22, 2012

9:30-12:30

held at the Soutters home in Raleigh, NC

led by Anna Soutter (assisted by Su)

$100 if you sign up by June 4, $125 after June 4
(this is a fundraiser to help support Anna's mission trip to Guatemala this summer)

Each day at Anna's camp, the crafty girls will make 2 crafts. . .really cool crafts that I promise you will not end up throwing away. And half way thru the morning, the girls will take a break and move into the kitchen to make an edible foodie craft for snack. So really, each day the girls will make 3 crafts.

Anna has planned a theme for each day of the week. For example, Thursday is Spa Day and the girls will make lipgloss, soap, bath fizzies, and pony tail holders. Tuesday is Sparkle Day and the crafts that day all involve glitter. . what girl does not like glitter? The snack crafts even fit into the day's theme.

Anna needs $1900 to go to Guatemala this summer. She has raised $200 so far and wants to teach a craft camp to help her raise some more of the money needed.

Anna and Rob went to Guatemala the summer of 2008 to love up on the children in a number of orphanages, including the one Jonathan (our 4th child) lived in for his first 10 months. Ever since then, Anna has wanted to go back. Here is Anna from that summer (she was 11), whispering to a girl that she is indeed a princess of the King:

This July, Anna will be going with Caroline's Promise to love on the children of Casita Adonai. Casita Adonai is a small private Christian school in a difficult area of Guatemala City, an area devastated by poverty, gangs, and lack of education. Caroline's Promise is working with the local church in Guatemala to provide a safe, loving, quality education for some of the city's most vulnerable children. Many of them are orphans, living with grandparents or other family members. The rest of them live with their single mothers who struggle to earn $1 a day. The school, Casita Adonai provides a safe haven for these families and their children.

another picture from that 2008 missions trip to Guatemala

Casita Adonai is where Anna will spend a week this summer. Anna is preparing dances to teach the 3rd-5th graders. And she is preparing crafts for the littler kids. Anna will help with a retreat for the older girls where they will learn how valuable they are and about purity and abstinence until marriage. Anna is beyond excited because ever since that first missions trip at age 11, Anna has dreamed of living full time in Guatemala and loving up on the orphans there.

Anna doing a craft with her younger sister

My Anna (who will be 15 on May 18th!!) is super crafty. My Anna is patient. My Anna loves pouring into those younger than she is. . .she is the oldest of 5, helps teach Sunday School to the elementary school kids, and purposely seeks out the younger girls at church to love on and pour into. This craft camp is right up her alley.

If you would like to sign up your girl for Anna's Craft Camp, contact me and Anna and I will send you all the details. Space is limited to the first 12 girls.

Do note that the camp is for the entire week and even if you only plan to attend 3 or 4 days, you will still need to pay for the entire week.

I love my wife {a guest post by my hubby}

2012-05-01T06:36:00.000-04:00

My hubby (of 19 years!) wrote the below post. He is as "into" living intentionally as I am. Below, Rob shares one area that we are intentional about when it comes to parenting. Here are Rob's words:

My son, Jonathan’s preschool recently held a Donuts For Dads event. The kids served breakfast, sang songs, and celebrated dads. The kids also presented their dads with a picture they drew of their father and a filled out question and answer sheet.

One of the questions was “What is something your dad always says about you?”

Jonathan answered, “I’m a good boy.”

Another asked, “How does your dad make you laugh?”

My favorite question was "What makes your dad happy?”

Jonathan’s answer. . .“Mommy!”

Not pizza, not skateboarding, not work, not tools, but Mommy! When I read this, tears came to my eyes. I was filled with joy for two reasons. First, I loved my wife, and second, my child recognized it.

I have always felt that the greatest gift I could give my kids was to love their mother and model a strong marriage. I want them to look at me and say, “My daddy loves my mommy.” I want them to look at me and think, “I don’t ever have to worry about Daddy leaving Mommy.” When Su and I fight (yes we fight too), I don’t want my kids to wonder and doubt.

The irony of this is you have to put your kids aside some (well a lot). I don’t mean you ignore the kids completely, but you do have to say no to them. You do have to say with your actions and your words, “I am sorry but you cannot have all my attention. I am going to give some to your mommy.”

I drew this heart on a tree in our backyard
so Su (and my kids) would see it when we were out on the deck

One way I put my marriage first is by giving Su the first 30 to 45 minutes of my evening. When I come home from work, I say hi to the kids and then I immediately focus on Su. Most of this time is spent talking. We sometimes go out on the deck, or sit on the couch. Other times we prepare for dinner. Wherever we are, she is my focus. We talk about the day and connect. Then, after dinner, I will be with the kids. The kids and I play or do homework or read books. This evening pattern is not something that just happened; it was an intentional decision. I want my kids to know, “I care about you, but your mother comes first."

Well, Jonathan obviously got that message, at least in part. He knows that Mommy makes Daddy happy. She is the object of his desire. What comfort it brings me to know that not only do I love my wife well, but my kids see and feel it.

Note from Su: Rob has always given me the first part of his evening, even when the kids were little. When Anna (our 14 year old) was a baby, we trained her to play on the floor with her toys (you could have special toys that come out just for this time) while Rob and I sat on the couch and connected. We taught our little ones to not climb into my and Rob's lap or up onto the couch. We taught them not to interupt. We called it "Mommy and Daddy's time."

We felt like this was a tangible way to show our kids that Daddy and Mommy love each other. Oh, how that makes kids feel secure! Therefore, we made sure we had this time together when the kids were awake.

When we were first training our kids about this special Mommy and Daddy time, we sat on the couch for 3 minutes and then when the 3 mintues were up, Rob played with the kids and we praised them for not interrupting. And then we gradually increased our time to 5 min, 10 min, and then 15 min. This was when they were babies thru about age 4. Now that our kids are 5 years old and older, Rob's and my time is 30-45 minutes.

I'd love to hear your ideas of how you teach your kids that your marraige is a priority.

I shared this post over at my favorite linky parties: Women Living Well, We Are That Family, The Better Mom and Serenity Now.

What I'm Reading

2012-04-27T14:06:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, I won a blog giveaway. The prize: the book Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad by Shari Braendel.

Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad: A Style Guide for Every Woman

I thought this book was going to be a little love gift for my teenage daughter because I have never been one to be passionate about fashion, shopping, and accessorizing. I always viewed clothes as just a necessity. I am not one to watch What Not to Wear or buy the latest fashion magazine. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these things, they just have never been my favorite pastimes.

But let me tell you, I devoured this book! This book is soooo rich with useful, practical information to help you look and feel your best. I so want to hold a class and teach you all what I learned. I mean with a few little tweaks, we can look fabulous!

Here are just few things I learned:

1. I learned what my body shape is (there are 4 types) and how to best dress for that body shape.

2. I learned what colors look the best on me. There are 6 color categories based on your hair, skin tone, and eyes. Do you know which colors suit you? Do you know what colors help you light up? Do you know what colors of makeup look best on you? Shari tells you.

3. I learned what my face shape is and how to choose a hairstyle and glasses to flatter that face shape. There are 4 different face shapes.

4. I learned how to make sure you have a good fitting bra. Shari says that 8 of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. I tell you I want to teach a class just on this! A good bra can so make a difference in your appearance. I think a lot of us would look 15 pounds lighter if we just wore the right bra.

Oh we could all get together and figure out each other's body shapes, face shapes, and colors. Ok, maybe I just teach on the body shapes and you figure out that on your own. But we could talk out loud about each other's colors and face shapes. Anyone in? And then at the end we could make painted canvases that look like this:

via Pinterest

Or we could make scrapbook pages for our daughters or those special girls in our lives reminding them what true beauty is:

this picture came from a post I wrote recently on 4 Ideas to Help Raise Truly Beautiful Girls

One more thing, my favorite chapter in Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad was the one on jeans. Not only does Shari tell you what type of jean will work for your body type, she then goes on to tell you what brands to go try on!! I can't wait to go shopping with the list she gives in this book!

And all this so connects to The Intentional Home. Because once you know what looks best on you, then you shop with intentionality! No more impulse buying. No more wasted money. No more clothes hanging in your closet that you don't wear. No more wondering what to wear. No more feeling frumpy.

Note: This is not a sponsored or compensated post. I simply won this book and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share with you. I am actually going to go thru this book with my two girls (there's a great chapter on modesty). Now, that link above is an affiliate link which means if you do buy the book thru that link, I will get a few cents. But of course, no pressure. The book is so worth $10, but if you want to borrow my copy, let me know. And then once you read it, we can go intentional shopping together!

Beach Music Fun at North Hills

2012-04-26T07:40:00.000-04:00

Beach Music Thursdays are now underway at North Hills Mall. This is North Hills 5th sesaon putting on this concert series. From now until August 9, every Thursday from 6-9pm, North Hills' Commons area is a great place for free family fun. Below if the schedule of bands. Is there a particular band you are fond of?

Cheesecake Filled Strawberries

2012-04-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

So, so, easy. And so, so yummy.

My Anna went to a dessert making party and the cheescake filled strawberries and raspberries were by far her favorite. The next night she taught Brooke and me how to make them. Anna and Brooke made these all by themselves. My job was taking pictures. This is my kind of Girls' Night with my daughters. . .very little mess involved!!

You need 4 ingredients:
-box of Jello No Bake Cheesecake (this is were the pudding boxes are on the baking aisle)
-1 cup of milk
-strawberries
-raspberries

(note: the Jello No Bake Cheesecake makes a lot of filling. If you want to use all the filling, I would get 2 boxes of strawberries and 2 boxes of raspberrries. I would get double of the fruit pictured below).

First you rinse the strawberries and cut the tops off. Your little ones (4 and 5 year olds) can do this. But this was girl time at our house, so Anna and Brooke and I did it.

Then you hollow out the strawberries.

You do not need to hollow out the raspberries because they already have holes in them. So you just need to rinse the raspberries.

Then you make the Jello No Bake Cheesecake Filling, which is the Step 2 bag in the box. You simply take that bag and mix it with a cup of milk (you follow the directions on the box, I think it is a cup of milk). So you make a whole bowl full of cheescake filling.

Your little ones can help with this. Tell them to stir 10 times and practice counting. And then you stir 10 times. Then they have to stir 12 times and then you stir 12 times. And then they stir 15 times and then you stir 15 times. Counting together each time.

Then take Step 1 bag (this is the bag with the graham cracker crust crumbs) and dump it on a plate or in a shallow bowl.

You then scoop the cheesecake filling from the bowl into a ziploc bag and seal the bag. If you have lots of helpers, I suggest making a ziploc bag for each helper.

Cut the corner off of the bag so that you can squeeze the filling into the strawberries and raspberries.

Fill a strawberry with the cheesecake mix. I am thinking this is for those 9 years old and up. My Brooke had no trouble with this. But if you have little ones, this is Mom's job.

And then dip the top (the part with the cheescake mix showing) into the graham cracker crumbs. Your little ones could do this!! You squeeze the mixture into the strawberry and then hand the strawberry to your little one and let him dip it into the graham crackers.

Continue. Fill a strawberry or a raspberry with the cheesecake mixture.

And dip it into the graham cracker crumbs.

Enjoy your kiddos while you make a whole plate of yumminess. Which do you like better, the strawberry dessert or the raspberry dessert?

Won't Dad be surprised tonight? And strawberries are on sale this week at Aldi for 99¢ a pound.
These treats did not last long at our house.

I am sharing this post at some of my favotie linky parties: Women Living Well, The Better Mom, We are That Family: WFMW, and Serenity Now.

3 Winners & 2 Heads Up

2012-04-22T14:59:00.005-04:00

Real quick. . since I missed posting yesterday due to a full day of Farmer's Market shopping and getting our garden ready. Here's 5 things to wrap up your weekend:

1. Only one coupon insert in today's paper, Smart Source. And Centsible Saver has the deals that can be had at HT and Lowes Super Doubles with these new coupons up.

If you are ever wondering if you got all the inserts you were suppose to get or if there are going to be no inserts in the paper (usually just holidays), check out the 2012 Coupon Insert Schedule.

2. If you happen to go to Target today, pick up the free reusable shopping bag they are giving away to each guest to celebrate Earth Day.

3. Winner of the Coupon Binder and Dave Ramsey Book: Out of 39 entries, random.org chose #12: Laurie Finster!! So ironic that the winner (#12) was such an important part of the beginnings of The Intentional Home. Promise you, random.org chose the winner. Here's Laurie's comment:

Laurie Finster Apr 18, 2012 12:45 PM

I was in your 1st class and I was that girl that gave you $20 because it was SO worth it! I will have to admit I haven't been couponing recently :( I need to get back w/ the program and work on our debt. Would love to win the book to help. May need to come to a refresher course too! ... Laurie

4. Winner of the 3 Meal Planning Tools: Out of 23 entries, random.org chose #9:

Shannon F Apr 19, 2012 12:14 PM

I enjoyed reading this post. It was such an encouragement and reminder to allow God to use me in building my home. It also made me think of what weaknesses I may have that He wants to use through me. I have taken your Meal Planning class and learned to have a plan each week, stay organized and be prepared with having things on the table (like a pitcher of water!). It's the simple things that make meal time less of a chore and more of a joy!!

5. Winner of Elixabeth George's book and 2 Free Passes to One of My Upcoming Classes: Out of 22 entries, random.org chose #17:

The Furmans Apr 20, 2012 07:55 PM

This post makes me think of how I have these big dreams that I constantly have to lay at his feet! I want to speak at conferences as well.

Laurie Finster, Shannon F, and The Furmans. . email me and give me your snail mail address. It would also be helpful if you note what you won. And The Furmans. . you'll have to let me know what class you and a girlfriend want to attend free of charge:

Thurs, April 26: Couponing 101, 7-9pm at my house in Raleigh, NC

Tues, May 8: Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking, 7-9:15pm at my house in Raleigh

Thurs, May 31: Home Organization & Decor, 7-9:30pm at my house in Raleigh

Happy Sunday!

The Future of The Intentional Home

2012-04-20T12:02:00.001-04:00

This week I have been celebrating my 3rd Year Blog Anniversary and sharing How The Intentional Home Began, How The Intentional Home Grew, and today I wanted to share what is in store for The Intentional Home. Each day I have also offered a giveaway and there will be one at the end of this post too (one worth $54)!

my very first blog header. . .were you around when my blog looked like this?

Yesterday I shared how I felt like God asked me to put down all my dreams of running a business and focus on what I had been neglecting: organizing, cleaning, and managing my home. I also shared yesterday that once I did what God asked me to do, in His goodness, He gave those dreams back and The Intentional Home grew.

my 2nd blog header

Since those days, I have tried hard to hold The Intentional Home with open hands. Before each class I pray, "Lord, if this is the last class I teach, I am fine with that. Thank you for the opportunity to invest in and connect with the ladies you have brought my way. But if you have more in store, please let me hear from you and not miss out." I also pray over each seat in my living room and ask that God would allow each woman to leave with one big thing that is just for her.

the seats in my living room that I pray over before each class

Because you know, what I want to be known for is that I was a woman who chased hard after the things of God, a woman who dreamed big and took risks for God, a woman who would not settle for the status quo in her home or her community, a woman who sought God and knew with all her heart that He was big and real and personally spoke to His chidren. (whoa! that was scary to write and will be even more scary to publish!)

me and my girls (age 14 and 11) who I want to raise to be big dreamers and risk takers for God

And I want to teach couponing and meal planning and freezer cooking and home organization because I so believe that when we address the practical in our lives, we are freed up to hear those God-sized and God given dreams that are in our hearts. Do you know what yours are?

And when the practical of budgets and dinners and cleaning and parenting are under control, we are able to move out in those dreams. I so know that God has big plans for your life and a unique purpose that only you and your family can fulfill.

image created by Stephanie at Home Grown Hospitality

And all that is what guides my vision for The Intentional Home. I am passionate about seeing women come alive, seeing women live with purpose, seeing women create homes of peace and joy. . homes that really are a refuge from the chaos of the world, seeing women make an impact on their home, their families, their communities. . .seeing women run The Intentional Home.

And I dream of creating tools to encourage and inspire and equip women to do just that, to run an intentional home. I dream of new classes and videos and webinars. I dream of craft weekends where we create intentional, purposeful art for our homes. I dream of better blog posts and new topics and more blog series. I dream of speaking at women retreats, women's conferences, and MOPS groups. All while remembering what I learned about dreams.

my current blog header. . .have you checked out my new blog design yet?
I think you will be able to find what you are looking for so much easier now.

So to end this celebration, I want to give one of you the book A Woman After God's Heart by Elizabeth George. This is the book that encourged me and gave me practical tips on pursuing God's priorities concerning my home, my chidren, and my husband. I also want to give you a pass for you and a girlfriend to attend one of my upcoming classes.

A Woman After God's Own Heart, Updated and Expanded Edition

These are my last classes before summer hits. I will then resume classes in September. If you win this giveaway, you and a girlfriend can chose from one of the following classes:

Thurs, April 26: Couponing 101, 7-9pm at my house in Raleigh, NC

Tues, May 8: Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking, 7-9:15pm at my house in Raleigh

Thurs, May 31: Home Organization & Decor, 7-9:30pm at my house in Raleigh

To enter, leave me a comment. Tell me what this post made you think of. Tell me what kind of posts are your favorite at The Intentional Home? What would you like to see in the future at The Intentional Home? What questions do you want to see answered? I am so excited for you. You really were made to run an intentional home. You really were made to be the hearbeat of your home.

And for a 2nd entry, tell you friends on Facebook about this giveaway and this post and then come back here and tell me you did so in a separate comment. That will give you 2 chances to win this giveaway!

You have until tonight (Friday, 4/20), midnight to enter all 3 giveaways and Saturday morning I will use random.org to chose 3 winners. Go here to win a one of a kind, custom made coupon binder and a copy of Dave Ramsey's book Financial Peace. Go here to win 3 Meal Planning tools. And comment below to win a copy of the above book and a pass for you and a girlfriend to attend one of my classes.

How The Intentional Home Grew {a God story}

2012-04-19T10:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I shared part of the story of how The Intentional Home began. I shared how we were deep in debt and couponing became part of the way out. I shared how friends started asking me to share my secrets and soon I had to hold my first class just to save time. At the end of my very first class, a gal gave me $20 and told me the class was worth a lot more than the $5 I charged. This got me thinking that maybe I should teach more classes and really turn this into a little business.

This was the first Drugstore Class I taught, September 2009.

I started teaching classes about once every month or two and word quickly spread. Many of my students started emailing and asking questions and I found myself repeating the same answers over and over. That is when I decided to start the blog. What started out as a place to answer questions about couponing slowly became what it is today.

While all this was happening with coupons and finances, something deeper and much more exciting was happening with me and God. To tell that piece of the story, we have to go way back in time.

Ever since I was young, I have had an entrepenurial spirit. I have always loved dreaming big and building businesses in my head. I was constantly planning to rent some retail space and sell crafts or old junk or whatever. Of course my husband was always the voice and reason to shut me down. "9 out of 10 start up businesses fail within the first 5 years" he would tell me.

Dreaming of business ideas was fun for me. In contrast, keeping house was not. I was not Suzy Homemaker. Far from it, more like Sanford and Son meets Van Gogh. The house was a wreck, my children had to hunt for something to wear each morning, and nobody knew what was for dinner (but it would probably be eaten out). Keeping house seemed so mundane especially compared to my big dreams of owning my own business, making and selling crafts, or writing a book.

And so I had this constant battle inside me. All the time, I wanted to do something big, build some special business (not really to make money, but just to see if I could), but inside was this nagging voice saying "Hello, you are so lazy; have you seen that pile of laundry in the basement?!" And I would press into being a housewife again. And then this other voice would say, "But God has given you these big dreams; how can you settle for dishes and vacumming?"

via Pinterest

After many, many years, I went to God to get His perspective (seems like I would have started there, but...). In desperation, I asked God what He wanted me to do. Was I supposed to stay in the house and be a homemaker or go out into the world to fulfill my wild dreams? God was quick to answer and clear in what He said. He told me to lay down the dreams, lay them down and focus on the home. He also told me that I had to trust Him, that in laying down my life He would bless me.

via Pinterest

I remember sitting on the couch telling Rob what God had told me. Rob was sweet; he sat and listened. But I could tell, inside he was saying "Halelujah! Dinner, clothes, clean house, yeah, go on, go on!!" There was a resolve in my vioce. My words rang out with clarity. I had been called to take care of my home and my family and I was going to focus in and learn how to do that.

I went to the library and checked out books on cleaning, cooking, and organizing. I met weekly with a girlfriend who was domestic and picked her brain. And I started cleaning, and ironing, even scubbed the toilet. An amazing thing started to happen. . . I didn't love cleaning, but I stopped hating it. I stopped viewing it as something I had to do, but something I got to do. I started to grasp that I created the atmosphere in my home. . .I got to be the hearbeat of my home and that was not just a responsibility, but an honor and privelege. (I share more of the truths that I came to grips with in my Meal Planning/Freezer Cooking Class and my Home Organization/Decor Class).

Now, don't get me wrong, I still wasn't Suzy Homemaker, but I had a plan. I was getting better, and most importantly my attitude was changing. And I stopped looking to start my own business or plan some big church event. I really stopped dreaming. . . not in a defeated broken way, but in a purposeful way. When the dreams would start rising, I wouldn't push them down, I would simply say, "Lord, I give these to You, help me focus on making my house a home."

So there I was, learning to be homemaker, and not dreaming of starting a business. A couple of years later, I taught my first class, not to start a business, but to help my friends. When the class was over, I started feeling like I should do another. I was quick to take this to the Lord and lay it at His feet. Only this time He said, "It's ok, teach another class, use it to make some money for your family." I kept my focus on my house. My first priorty was to make a home. But I taught a second class and a third. People kept asking me for more.

The next thing I knew I was building a business. Only it wasn't me building the business, it was God. He started giving me vision for something big, something that would provide for the family, impact other women, and ultimately bring glory to Him. He started giving me vision for The Intentional Home, a teaching ministry that would guide women to making purposeful decisions in the place that mattered most, the home.

God had been asking me for years to lay down my dreams and when I finally did, He gave them right back to me. Not only did He give them right back, but He gave them back bigger and better than I could ever have imagined. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." I had seen this verse play out in a very real way.

Not only had God given me my dream back, but He was doing an amazing thing, He was using the stuff I stunk at to build the business. He wasn't using my talents, but my weakness. God says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "my power is made perfect in weakness." God wanted to use me to teach women about homemaking! Only God could come up with something this crazy. It was like asking a turtle to give classes on running or a fish to give classes on flying. It did not make sense. But isn't that exactly how God works?

To celebrate the growing of The Intentional Home and my 3rd Year Blog Anniversary, I want to give one of you some Meal Planning tools. Meal Planning was the first area that the intentionality of couponing and budgeting and finances started oozing into for me.

One of you will win:
Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites: 130 Suppers Your Family Will Love
Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food
Set of 3 Bright, Happy Microfiber Dish Towels

To enter, leave a comment. Tell me what did this post make you think of? What big dreams are rumbling in your heart? Do you have an entrepenuerial spirit too? How do you balance that with running a home? What area of homemaking do you struggle with (for me, it was ALL of it!)? What area of homemaking do you find the most joy in? Have you taken my Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking class or my Home Organization and Decor class? What is the one thing that stood out to you from those classes?

Official rules are here, but you have until Friday midnite to enter. I will use random.org to chose a winner on Sat. Thanks for reading my blog. I so enjoy you.

The Beginnings of The Intentional Home

2012-04-18T13:16:00.007-04:00

The day got away from me yesterday before I had time to blog this 3rd Year Blog Anniversary Celebration post (with an awesome giveaway!). Sorry about that. I know I said to come back later in the day yesterday. . and then I did not post. Ugh. I had a coupon class I was preparing for and I was getting my coupons ready for Harris Teeter and Lowes Super Doubles and then I was going to blog. . and then a heart issue (aka discipline issue) in one of my kids took priority (and way too much time!) Sorry about that.

But speaking of couponing, that is how The Intentional Home blog got started. In the Spring of 2008, Rob and I were sitting in front of the computer screen, praying over our checkbook balance. Once again we were in the negative. We were also $38,492.58 in debt. I know because I still have the purple composition notbeook where I kept a running record of each payment we made.

At the time, we were reading Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace and Total Money Makeover and listening to his Financial Peace CDs. And one of the priciples Dave Ramsey talks about is that when you are in debt, you either have to make a way for MORE money to come IN OR you have to make a way for LESS money to go OUT.

Financial Peace: Revisited
Want to get out of debt and stay out? Financial Peace Revisited gives you the tools to understand why you are in debt, create a budget you can stick to, set goals you can achieve, and make things right for you and your family emotionally, spiritually, and financially, for good. Updated version of the bestseller Financial Peace includes new chapters on marriage, singles, kids, and families.

And as I was praying, I was reminded of this blog post on a scrapbooking blog! about how this gal got free makeup at CVS by combining sales with coupons. And I felt like perhaps one way that I could make "less money go out" was to coupon. And so I went to the library and checked out every book there was on couponing. By the way, my favorite was The Coupon Mom's book:

The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half
By Stephanie Nelson

And I devoured every book, took notes, and started practicing. And in about 4 months time, I cut our grocery bill from $1000 a month to $400 a month. I was so excited. That was $600 real money left over in our checking account that we were able to apply to our debt. And with that $600 a month and by applying Dave Ramsey's debt snowball principle (you gotta read the book!), and much prayer, we eliminated our debt.

I was so excited and felt such hope that I stared sharing with my girlfriends. Couponing was all I could talk about. My girlfriends wanted me to meet them for lunch and teach them how to coupon too.

And because I could only do so many lunches (my little one could only sit so long and lunches out cost money), I decided to gather all those interested in my home. I charged $5 for that first class in September 2008 to cover the cost of the handouts and refreshements.

After that first class, I remember one gal came up to me and gave me a check for $25. . maybe it was $20.. and said the class was worth so much more than $5. And I felt like that was God whispering to me that I was to teach more. And so over the past 4 years, I have taught close to 2,000 women the secrets of cutting your grocery bill in half.

not my very first coupon class. . but still a pic of me teaching couponing in my home

6 months after that first class, I set up this blog. Because it was getting too much for me to email everytime I came across a good deal or had something I wanted to share in regards to couponing. Two of my very first blog posts were:

Saving on Fresh Furits and Veggies

Your Grocery Budget: Is It Lower than the National Average?

And this story is getting too long. . I will continue tomorrow. But let's do a giveaway. I want to give one of you a brand new copy of Dave Ramsey's book Finacial Peace (it is in plastic, that is why it is shiny in the below picture) AND a custom, handmade coupon binder! Two tools that helped me get out of debt.

My friend Danielle made this coupon binder especially for one of you!! She covered a zippered binder with beautiful fabric. . .added straps to make it easy to carry. . .even put a clear pocket on the outside so you could slip in your name and phone #. . .and made the cutest little bird applique for the front.

I then filled the binder with 24 dividers. lots of baseball card pages, 3 sheet protectors for the Check Out, Refile, and This Week sections! (If you do not know what I am talking about, you may want to consider coming to my coupon class next week!), a new pair of scissors, and a new pen!

To enter, leave me a comment. . .what did this post make you think about? Are you familiar with Dave Ramsey? How long have you been couponing? How much did you spend on groceries before you couponed and after you started couponing? All you gotta do is leave a comment (for those of you getting this in an email or reader format, you are going to have to click the title of the post and come on over to my actual blog and leave a comment). Official rules are here, but you have until Friday midnite to enter. Winner will be chosen by random.org on Sat.

Want another chance to win? Facebook this giveaway (with a link to this post) letting your friends know about my coupon class next week or about what you got out of my coupon class or about this blog you read. . .and then come back here and leave ANOTHER comment letting me know you Facebooked. So there's 2 ways to enter to win!

Thanks so much for reading my blog! I so enjoy you.

3 MAJOR Heads Up!

2012-04-17T07:50:00.003-04:00

Before I write my 3 year blog anniversary post today (come back this evening) with the awesome giveaway I gave you a sneak peak of yesterday:

I wanted to let you know of 3 things.

1. Today is Tax Day. Which means there are some good freebies and deals to be had at area restaurants. Check out the list below:

1. Cinnabon locations nationwide will be giving away two free Cinnabon Bites to everyone between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.

2. Arby's locations nationwide will be giving away a free value-size order of their curly fries. Click here for all the details and to print coupon.

3. Maggie Moo's will be giving away one free scoop of their yogurt to each customer from 4 to 7 p.m. Click here for details and participating locations.

4. Panda Express will be giving away free single servings of its new premium entree, Shanghai Angus Steak. Coupons and details will be on Panda Express' Facebook page.

5. Sonic will have half-off drinks and slushes all day long. This is usually the case everyday during happy hour (2-4pm), but today, on Tax Day, Happy Hour will be all day long.

6. Boston Market is offering a BOGO coupon good on today only. Go here to print coupon.

2. Oh my word! Did you see: Harris Teeter and Lowes BOTH will be having Super Doubles beginning TOMORROW, Wed, 4/18-Tues, 4/24!! Oh what a week this is gonna be!

Here are a few deal lists to check out:

Centsible Saver: HT and Lowes

Southern Savers: HT and she does not have a Lowes list up yet

Anyone find any other good deal lists? Please let me know.

3. I have a coupon class TONIGHT (Tues) that is open to the public. Come and learn why we are so excited about Harris Teeter and Lowes Super Doubles. The class is from 7-9pm at Bayleaf Baptist Church. We will meet in room E210. Class fee is $20 and you can just show up! I would show up at 6:50 to check in and get settled because I will start promptly at 7 because there is SO much to cover. All you need to bring is your class fee and a pen. This is one of the last two coupon classses I will teach before the summer hits so now is a great time to come. All details about the class can be found here.

And make sure you come back later this evening for The Intentional Home's 3 Year Blog Anniversary Celebration!

The Intentional Home Turns 3!

2012-04-16T14:19:00.004-04:00

Let's Celebrate!

The Intentional Home Blog is 3 Years Old!!!

And I want to celebrate you. You for reading my blog. You for attending my classes. You for sharing my blog and classes with others. You for ordering In This Home paintings for your own home. You for your comments, email messages, and facebook posts. You for getting the whole "be intentional" thing. You for walking alongside me and wanting to live on purpose and dream big dreams. You for understanding that if we get the practical under control in our lives and homes, we are able to move out in bigger and meaningful things so much more easily. Oh, how I have enjoyed you over the past 3 years.

3 years ago when this was my blog header (were you around then?)

I wrote this:

I certainly don't have it all figured out or all together, but what I do have is a vision of what I desire my home to be: a place where my family & others gather around the dinner table and then later in the living room to rest, share, laugh, connect. I want those who enter to leave refreshed, comforted, and loved on. I envision being debt free and content with a little, but having an abundance from which I can freely give to those around me. I envision a strong, passionate marriage, lots of fun, well behaved kids who bring joy to not only me but others. I have a vision of a home that runs efficiently and is clutter free, a home that is bright, colorful, & happy. I am not there yet, but have made intentional decisions that guide my steps each day. And that is the journey I share on my blog.

And the topics I mentioned above are still the ones I cover on my blog today. Have you noticed the pull down menu bar on my new blog design (a gift to myself for my blog anniversary).

All the topics I mention above, I cover on my blog. There are 6 main categories and under each there are subcategories. This is what you can expect from The Intentional Home blog:

couponing: posts on coupon basics and tips, current deals, and pictures and details of my shops

meal planning: posts on meal planning tips, freezer cooking, crock pot recipes

family: posts on marriage, parenting, kids' activities, dinners together, and adoption (if you do not already know, my 2 younggest kids are adopted).

homemaking: posts on getting the home organized, cleaned, and decorated. Also posts on having people over.

holidays: posts on all the teachable moments that each of the holidays provide for our kids

other features: Be Intentional posts, 5 for Friday posts, What I'm Reading posts, Taking Care of You posts, and a few others

Go check it out!

So to celebrate there will be a fun giveaway each day starting tomorrow thru Friday (4/17-4/20). And today I wanted to let you know how the giveaways will work. So here are the "official rules":

There will be 1 post a day. Leaving a comment based on the prompt in the post will enter you in the giveaway for the day. Leaving a comment is the only way to enter (no emails, no facebooks posts on my facebook page).

Sometimes there may be more than one prompt for a comment. You need to leave a separate comment for each entry.

Make sure you leave your name or initials on your comment if you post anonymously, so I know who to list as the winner!!

You must live in the US to enter. And in some giveaways, you need to be local. . in the Raleigh area. . so make sure you read the whole giveaway post.

You have all week (Tues, 4/17-Fri 4/20) to comment on ANY post. All comments on all posts will be closed at midnite on Fri, 4/20

On Saturday, 4/21 I will do a post where I list all the winners. Winners will have until Wed 4/25 to contact me with their snail mail address. If I do not hear from a winner, I will choose another.

If you want to practice leaving a comment, do so here on this post. It really is easy. Click on that little word below the post that says 0 COMMENTS or 4 COMMENTS and move forward. You can check the anonymous box if you cannot figure out what other box to check. . but just leave your name or initials so if you win I can identify you.

Wanna see a sneak peak of the first giveaway?

Can you guess what it is? One of kind, custom made just for my 3 year blog anniversary! It's good. Come back tomorrow ready to comment!! I really do appreciate you.

5 for the Weekend. . .a FREE 5K that is!!

2012-04-14T11:31:00.002-04:00

Did that blog post title shock you? It does me.

I have shared in my classes that once I started being intentional in one area of my life and home, it started oozing into other areas. More on that story next week during my 3rd Year Blog Anniversary Celebration.

But, this past September, I started being intentional about my health. It has not been easy and has been slow going in seeing results. I have had to deal with not only physical issues, but emotional, mental, and spiritual ones as well. Oh how the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual are all connected, eh?

Some results (so far!) of this intentionality have been:

1. I quit drinking a 2 liter of Coke a day.

2. I now drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

3. I have lost 30 lbs so far.

4. I have read Made to Crave and been hit with some zingers that have gotten me on my knees and processing with girlfriends.

Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food

5. I have gone to the doctor (oh how I hate to go because of that scale!)

6. And I am on my way to making exercising a daily habit. . .this from a girl who does not like to sweat or get dirty. And this is where the 5K comes in.

I posted a few weeks ago how I wanted to do The Color Run in Charlotte.

And then I thought about it. What I really wanted was the colorful pictures of me and my family splattered with rainbow powders. When I thought thru the logistics of driving 5 kids down to Charlotte, the registration fee of 7 runners, the possibility of getting a hotel room depending on start time of the run, and the fact that I do not run. . .it seemed like a lot for some colorful rainbow pictures.

But then my sister, Jenny, who many of you know is a personal trainer, bootcamp instructor, and physcial therapist, emailed and shared that she is going to “host” an informal, free 5K in 2 months (looks like it will be late afternoon on Sunday, June 17).

The purpose of this 5K (3.1 miles) is to get non-movers into movers. I know this doesn’t apply to many of you, but if you are like me and a beginner, then perhaps you would like to join my sister and me?

If you are interested, you would start the easy 2 month training THIS COMING WEEK! I am starting on Monday. My sister has modified the Couch to 5K plan. Jenny's plan can be found HERE and it only takes 30 minutes, 3 days a week for 2 months. Again, this run is for beginners and “non-runners.”

Then, we will meet and run the 5K together. No fees, no intimidation of an actual race, no timers, JUST FUN! And perhaps we can find some colorful rainbow powders to celebrate with at the end; anyone know where to get some?!!

Contact me if you are in (and truly a non mover, beginner) and we can support each other over the next 2 months. This is a "first run". Open to those who have never run a race before.

Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking Class in Raleigh Tonight!

2012-04-12T09:18:00.000-04:00

Come learn how to save money, time, and sanity at my Meal Planning and Freezer Cooking class tonight, April 12! Class is in my home in Raleigh from 7-9:15pm. I do not know which I want more of. . money, time, or sanity. What about you?

Not only will you learn how to maximize your savings, but you will learn how to transform that hectic, rushed, stressful dinnertime into a time to come together and connect, a peaceful gathering, a time to bless and enjoy your family and friends. Really!

My goal is for you to go from overwhelmed and frustrated to empowered and confident, to equipped when you hear that question, “What’s for dinner?”

We’ll cover:

-How to inventory your stockpile. I'll take you on a tour of my stockpile. But don't worry, if you are not a couponer and do not have a big stockpile, you will still benefit from this class.

-How to organize the stockpile and shop from it

-Crock Potting, Freezer Cooking, Batch Cooking, Once a Month Cooking

-What freezes and what does not and the best way to wrap food to avoid freezer burn

-How to keep fresh produce from going bad so quickly

-Sale Cycles and more details on that price book (what is the target price you should aim for for certain items)

-And the best part: how to build sweet memories around the dinner table and perhaps a trick or two to get the kids to eat what’s put in front of them. But even if you do not have kids, there will be plenty of “secrets” shared to make your dinner table a fun and special place to gather.

I’ll also share:

-My weekly meal planning worksheet and make sure you leave with plenty of copies

-My favorite websites and resources

-Everyday emergency recipes

-Tricks and Tools of the Trade

-And more!!

Here is what others are saying about this Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking Class:

Your planning sheet and grocery store list that I got at the meal planning class have been a huge help for me. I have such a great stockpile of meat that I now cook most of my meals from what I have on hand. These tools have been great! Last month, I was able to save $100 MORE from our grocery budget and I can't wait to see what I save this month! –RB

Just wanted to say thank you for the information shared at the meal planning class last night. I am still trying to process it all but am so excited to be able to implement several of the ideas into my crazy life ASAP. With a 2 ½ year old and 9 month old, I feel very blessed to have this information now because I know that our “stress/ excitement” level is only going to go up as they grow up. -MH

Thank you so much for all you do! Your Deals to Meals class was such an encouragement to me (and to my family!) Not only do I have meals planned for this week (using your easy handout), but I also spent 30 LESS minutes in the grocery store! Thank you so much. I'd recommend this class to anyone! -BC

Thanks so much Su! My husband and I have a 9 month old so I was really interested in all your ideas for kids and trying food. I also liked your ideas for sharing around the dinner table as well. -SK

Thanks for the great class! The meal planning and grocery list worksheets were worth every penny of the class charge. -MR

There are 4 spots left in tonight's class. Class fee is $20. If you would like to come, just shoot me an email at susoutter {at} bellsouth {dot} com and I will get you on the class list and send you all the details.

I believe this Meal Planning and Freezer Cooking class is even more valuable than my couponing class. Everyone loves to save a buck and our culture values money. Unfortunately, connecting with family and friends over dinner is not high on our culture's priority list. But just like we are different with our grocery shopping, let's be different with how we fill the tummies in our house. You can so do this!!

Kids Eat Free at Red Robin this Week

2012-04-11T08:47:00.000-04:00

Here's another "tax refund" that an Intentional Home reader sent me:

Do note that you need to print out the above to redeem. . .read that white fine print.

And as I mentioned in yesterday's blog post, today is the day that Qdoba Mexican Grill is offering a free order of handmade tortilla chips and their 3-Cheese Queso Dip. No coupon or additional purchase required.

Dates for your April Calendar

2012-04-10T10:19:00.005-04:00

Get your calendars out and mark the following down. Really, go get a pen. Lots of great deals and happening events are coming up!

Today, Tues, April 10, (and Wed, 4/11 & Thurs, 4/12):

Triangle Mellow Mushrooms are giving away a totally free, no strings attached small 10-inch one (1) topping pizza. This is a mobile deal only: you have to use the SaveCity.com iphone app or visit SaveCity.com on your smartphone and choose your preferred location to grab the deal. Then show the deal from your smartphone to the wait staff. 100 pizzas are given away per day, per location. The app or SaveCity.com will tell you how many pizzas are left at each location. (Thanks to readere Yolanda for sharing this deal!)

Tomorrow, Wed, April 11: Qdoba Mexican Grill is offering "an early tax refund". Enjoy a free order of handmade tortilla chips and their 3-Cheese Queso Dip. No coupon or additional purchase required.

This Thursday, April 12: I am teaching my Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking class to the North Raleigh SAHM Group. This class will be at my home from 7-9:15pm and there are a few spots open that this group was not able to fill. If you would like to join us, email me and I will send you the email with what to bring and directions to my home. Class fee is $20 and all details about what is convered can be found here.

Also this Thurs, April 12 or any other Thursday in April (19th or 26th), Chick-Fil-A is giving away a FREE breakfast entree to customers who make a reservation online.

Click here to make your reservation at the Chick-Fil-A closest to you. You can pick one date and make one reservation per email address. Choose from April 12, April 19, or April 26th.

Next week, April 16-20: All week long I will be celebrating The Intentional Home's 3 year Blog Anniversary!!

Get ready to leave lots of comments! so you can win some fabulous prizes! Like free classes, a custom coupon binder, and some of my favorite books. I will also be sharing some "behind the scenes" stories about my blog and classes.

On Tax Day, Tuesday, April 17:

1. Cinnabon locations nationwide will be giving away two free Cinnabon Bites to everyone between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.

2. Arby's locations nationwide will be giving away a free value-size order of their curly fries. Click here for all the details and to print coupon.

3. Maggie Moo's will be giving away one free scoop of their yogurt to each customer from 4 to 7 p.m. Click here for details and participating locations.

4. Panda Express will be giving away free single servings of its new premium entree, Shanghai Angus Steak. Coupons and details will be on Panda Express' Facebook page starting Wednesday, April 11.

5. Sonic will have half-off drinks and slushes all day long on Tues, April 17. This is usually the case everyday during happy hour (2-4pm), but on Tax Day, Happy Hour will be all day long.

6. Boston Market is offering a BOGO coupon good on Tax Day only. Go here to print coupon.

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/centsiblesaver/tax-day-freebies-deals-start-early-this-year#storylink=cpy

Sunday, April 22: Target will be giving away one free reusable shopping bag per guest, near the Guest Service desk in stores because it is Earth Day.

Wed, April 25: I am totally guessing on this. For the past few years, Baskin Robbins has hosted its 31¢ cone day on the last Wed of April. I will be sure to let you know via The Intentional Home Facebook page once I know for sure. And if you hear anything before me, let me know.

Thurs, April 26: I will be teaching my Couponing class from 7-9pm at my home. This will be my last coupon class before summer hits. I teach very few classes in the summer and start back in September. So if you have always wanted to take this class, now is the time. Details and registration can be found here.

Tues, May 8: I will be teaching my last Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking Class before summer hits. This class will be in my home from 7-9:15pm. Registration and details can be found here. Come learn how to maximize your savings even more, as well as, how to transform that hectic, rushed, stressful dinnertime into a time to come together and connect, a peaceful gathering, a time to bless and enjoy your family and friends. Really! My goal is for you to go from overwhelmed and frustrated to empowered and confident, to equipped when you hear that question, “What’s for dinner?”

Thurs, May 31: I will be teaching my last Home Organization and Decor class before summer hits. Come learn how to really make your home be a place that works for you and your family. This class will be in my home from 7-9:30pm. Registration and details can be found here.

And let me know if you hear of any other great deals or happening events to add to this list!