The Intentional Home

An Intentional Mother/Daughter Craft Night: May 31

2013-05-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars for Friday, May 31 because Anna and I are hosting another Mother/Daughter Craft Night!! We'll be creating this colorful, whimsical felt flower bunting:

This will be a night of creation, fun, and connection, a night made especially for moms and their daughters age 7 and up. Here is a picture of the creative fun from our last Mother/Daughter Craft Night:

The class is from 7-9:15ish and is only $25. That includes all your supplies.

At this Mother/Daughter Craft Night we will be playing with lots of felt.

You and your daughter will learn to make felt flowers and then you will combine these felt flowers with felt pompoms and a chalkboard to make a colorful garland of happiness.

Hang this colorful bunting in your girl's room or from the mantel or out on the deck or use it to decorate for a bday celebration like I did below. Our flower bunting has 16 on it because tomorrow is Anna's 16th birthday. This is my foyer:

Don't worry; even if you don't think you have any artistic ability whatsoever, we will walk you thru each step. You and your daughter will have fun picking out your own colors and creating together. You will leave with a unique, one-of-a-kind finished project that y'all handmade together! Here's the bunting in a different location. You can space the flowers to make the bunting different lengths.

The best part of this class (yes, even better than leaving the clean up to us) is at the end, we will hand you a sheet of questions. The questions are all related to the piece of art you just created and our hope is that these questions will be a springboard for some good, real conversation between you and your daughter. Here's a picture of a mom and her daughter answering the questions from our last Mother/Daughter Craft Night:

Perhaps you and your daughter can go out for ice cream afterwards and pick 5 questions from the list to ask each other. Or perhaps your daughter can read them out loud on the way home and y'all can talk thru them.

These questions are what make our Craft Night different from any others out there. We want to help you nurture your relationship with your daughter. This is an Intentional Craft Night, so plan on crafting with us and then spending some time connecting with your daughter. Have some fun, but then go open the lines of communication and help prepare your daughter for life. What could be better?

Here's our flower bunting out on the deck. I love the lights with it.

We'll be playing with felt, paint, felt pompoms, twine and more. We'll be designing our own fabric covered buttons. Here's another shot of the colorful, whimsical piece of art we will be making.

Won't you join us for this special memory-making night? If you are interested in coming, let me know and I will get you and your girl on the class list. I will then let you know where you can send your class fee and registration. Class is limited to the first 12 moms and their daughters.

This is a new class The Intentional Home is offering. Our hope is to offer a new project and new questions every quarter for moms and their daughters. Anna and I are already planning another night for September!! Contact me here if you want to reserve your spot for Friday, May 31.

Catching Up: 6 Thoughts

2013-05-15T12:42:00.001-04:00

Hey-

I miss y'all. I have been in the thick of parenting teenagers lately and thus a little too tired for much else.

from Pinterest

It is also May. Is May not the most packed month of the year? My house and me!! tend to fall apart every single May. I used to go to the doctor every May convinced something was terribly wrong with me. Now I know it is just the end of school year craziness.

So since it has been a while, I thought I would share a few things that have been rumbling in my head and heart lately:

1. In 26 days, my kids will be out of school. I am a little scared. I need a summer plan and routine. I think I need to go back and read my post on The Power of a Summer Routine. Do you have a plan of attack yet?

2. I was listening to Family Life on the radio the other day and this quote by Tommy Nelson, a pastor in Texas has stuck with me. This is what I want to impart to my kids as they start to think about dating.

“If you’re single, your job is to run as hard and as fast toward Jesus as you can. If, while you’re running, you see somebody out of the corner of your eye, running in the same direction and about the same speed, take a second look.”

If interested, you can listen to the entire broadcast here; it is titled Finding Your Soul Mate.

3. I really want to do a blog series on Laundry. I recently made my own laundry stain remover aka Shout or Resolve and I can't wait to share it with you. I am so pleased with its performance.

I am thinking I really do have 5 days of laundry encouragement, inspiration, and practical tips to share. I mean I do have lots of experience; I do about 12 loads a week.

Would you be interested in a whole blog series about laundry? What laundry questions do you have? What is your biggest struggle when it comes to laundry? Is there something you do that has been a laundry "lifesaver" that you can share with us? What would you like to read about in this series? You can contact me here.

4. I am in the process of making this:

from County Living

For Mother's Day, Rob and the kids spray painted 3 filing cabinets that I found at the State Surplus Property Agency Warehouse; they were only $15 each. Rob and the kids also got me started on a globe collection. I'll be sure to show you the finished piece when it is done.

This new piece of furniture will go in the rec room and store the boys' trains, our board games and puzzles, and extra blankets and comforters (for cold movie watching nights in the basement and for the kids' sleepovers).

5. New parenting thing is happening in the Soutter household. Rob and I have always agreed that there should be no tv in the kids' bedrooms. We want to know what they are watching. Plus we want to know how much they are watching. Yet we have allowed laptops and ipods in the kids' rooms which not only give access to facebook, texting, twitter, and instagram but also to tv episodes, netflix, and youtube videos. And that got us thinking, if we do not allow tvs in the kids' rooms, then why are we allowing their ipods in their rooms?

So we have a new rule in the Soutter house. At 8pm, all ipods and laptops have to be out of the kids' rooms and on dad's dresser. Just trying to set some boundaries in this crazy easy access electronic world. On this topic, did you read the Newsweek article, iCrazy? We read it out loud as a family.

6. Anna and I are preparing for our 2nd Mother/Daughter Craft Night.

Friday, May 31 from 7pm to 9:15ish, we will be making colorful garlands of happiness. Felt flowers, felt pompoms, twine, fabric covered buttons, mini chalkbaords, and paint are all involved. Here is a sneak peak at some of the colorful fun:

On Friday, I will have a post up with pictures of the craft we will be creating as well as details on how to sign up for this class.

If you want to read about our 1st Mother/Daughter Craft Night, check out this post here. It was such a fun and special night.

More later. Have an intentional day!

My Top 3 Favorite Deals at Harris Teeter 5/8-5/14

2013-05-09T21:11:00.000-04:00

Quick post to share my top 3 favorite deals at Harris Teeter this week. These deals are good til Tues, 5/14.

1. Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggies are on sale BOGO so that makes each bag $1.34. Use the 50¢ coupon from 4//14 SS and you get a bag of frozen veggies for just 34¢. I aim to pay no more than about 60¢ a bag so this is a good deal!

2. Newman's Own Pasta Sauce is on sale for $2. Use the 50¢ coupon from 4/14 RP and you can get a jar for just $1. My target price for spaghetti sauce is 50¢ to $1.

3. Quaker Granola Bars are on sale for $2. Use the 75¢ coupon from 4/14 RP and you can get a box for just 50¢/ My target price for granola bars is less than 75¢.

Did you find any good deals at HT this week? Do share. Or have you shopped else where? If so, tell me what has been your top favorite deal this week?

Sweet Deals at Starbucks and Taco Bell

2013-05-07T07:41:00.001-04:00

2 "Happy Hours" to note:

1. At Starbucks, everyday this week (until Sun, May 12), from 3-5pm, you can get half price frappuccinos.

Even the new Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is half price.

2. At Taco Bell from 2-5pm everyday (until they tell us otherwise), you can get loaded grillers, freezes, sparklers, and medium drinks for just $1.

My kids like the Pink Lemonade Freeze and the Cherry Limeade Sparkler, a little treat after school.

Both of these deals are nation wide, so you readers not in Raleigh can take part of these "happy hours."

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/centsiblesaver/starbucks-half-price-frappuccinos-start-friday-may-3#storylink=cpy

My Favortie Deals at Harris Teeter this Week

2013-05-02T08:14:00.001-04:00

Who needs Triples or Super Doubles to score great deals? This week I spent $34.36 at Harris Teeter and saved $71.71, a savings of 67%. If you need help figuring out the % you saved, check out this post.

These were my favorite deals at Harris Teeter this week. These deals will be good until Tues, 5/7. And these deals use coupons that recently came out so those of you who just took my coupon class, perhaps this week is the week you go try out the coupon thing.

Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal is on sale BOGO so that makes it $2.19 a box. Use the 75¢ coupon from 4/14 RP and you get it for 69¢ a box. My target price for cereal is 70¢ to $1.25 a box.

Finish Dishwasher Gelpacs are on sale BOGO so that makes it $2.89 a box. Use the $1.25 coupon from 4/21 SS and you get it for $1.64 a pack.

Smart Balance Milk is on sale BOGO too so that makes them $2.09. Use the $1.50 coupon from 4/14 SS and get a carton for just 59¢.

Nestle Pure Life bottled water (24 pack) is on EVIC special for $2.97. Limit 2. Use the $1/2 coupon from 4/28 SS and you can get a 24 pack for $2.47. I aim to pay no more that 10¢-12¢ a bottle.

Did you go to Harris Teeter this week? What were you favorite deals?

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/centsiblesaver/grocery-deals-may-1-7#storylink=cp¢

A Home Decor Swap Meet Is So Much Fun. . .and I am having one tonight!

2013-04-30T08:37:00.001-04:00

At my Home Organization and Decor Class, ladies come with boxes, and bags, and big tupperware containers full of their old and unused home decor items.

All those impulse buys that never got returned to the store.

All those purchases that we thought were going to work, but did not.

All those items that worked in our old home, but not in our new one.

All those unused gifts.

All those pieces we just got tired of, but are still in great condition

fill my dining room!

There's usually so many items that we have to push the chairs against the wall, lean pictures up against the walls, and put items on the floor. The dining room table is simply not big enough and I have a big table that easily seats 10-12 people.

You see that pretty turquoise vase there? The gal who took that home emailed me afterwards letting me know she painted the backsplash of her kitchen this color. She then used the vase as an accent piece above the cabinets. Dark brown cabinets and this lovely light turquoise color. . .so pretty!

This gal said she had been feeling so stagnant and stifled creatively in her home and then she took this class and participated in the swap meet and turned her home into a place she truly loves.

There are usually no cat fights. . .lol. Everyone leaves delighted with their "new to them" treasures!!

And hopefully some of those who come "catch the bug". This would be a great "party" to host in your home. . get to know your neighbors a little better. It is so thrifty and so resourceful and so fun and a perfect way to recycle items that no longer bring you joy!

I have a Home Organization and Decor class tonight (April 30, 7-9:30pm). There are still spaces open if you would like to come. We'll talk about the organizing, the cleaning, and the decorating of our homes. And then we'll have a swap meet.

Contact me if you would like to come to tonight's class and I will send you the class email with directions to my home. More details about the class as well as what past students have said about the class can be found HERE.

I got paid $8.77 at Target! Lots of Freebies this Week!

2013-04-29T12:00:00.002-04:00

Target has some great deals going on this week.

When you combine sale + coupon + gift card promotion + mail-in-rebate, you not only get items for free, but you can make money!!

I made $8.77 for taking all of this out of the store. You can too!

I got 10 mouthwashes, 9 mini shampoos, 8 eyeshadows, 29 toothpastes, and 24 toothbrushes for better than free.

To make the most of this deal, you will want to shop today or tomorrow. Many of the coupons expire 4/30 and to take advantage of the mail-in-rebate, you have to shop on or before 4/30.

Here are the deals:

1. When you buy 4 Cover Girl products, you get a $5 gift card. So you can buy 4 eye shadows for $3.14 each or $12.56 total. Use 4 of the $2 coupons from 4/28 SS and bring the total down to $4.56 and then get a $5 gift card.

Do note that if you are going to buy more than 4 of these eye shadows, you need to do them in separate transactions. You can only use 4 identical PG coupons in one transaction and Target registers will beep if you try to use more. My Target had no problem with me doing 4 separate transactions. I not only did separate transactions so I could use 4 identical PG coupons at a time, but also so I could get gift cards and then pay with gift cards.

2. The 1.7 oz bottles of Loreal Advanced Shampoo and Conditioner are 99¢ at Target. These are found right next to the big bottles of Loreal in the shampoo aisle. Use the $1 off coupon from 3/17 RP and 4/28 RP to get these for free. I had 9 coupons.

3. Target is giving a $5 gift card when you buy certain oral care products. Many of their $5.99 oral care products qualify for this deal. These $5.99 items are not found in the oral care aisle; they are found in the back corner of the store where the holiday/seasonal merchandise is typically set up. In the back corner of the store, there is a bulk packaging and value size section. This is where these oral care products are.

So combine a $5.99 product with a $1 coupon with the gift card promotion and you can get toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouth wash for free. I will be donating a lot of the above to my food pantry this week.

Listerine Mouthwash 1.5 liter is on sale for $5.99. I happened to have 55¢ coupons from a dentist office for these. So that brought the price down to $5.44 and then I got a $5 gift card for each one I purchased. There is also a $1 coupon in 4/7 RP which would make it free, but I had already used mine. Do you still have that coupon?

Colgate Optic White 2 ct Value pack toothpaste is on sale for $5.99. Use the $1 coupon from 4/14 SS to get it down to $4.99 and then get a $5 gift card which essentially makes it free.

Crest 3D White Mouth rinse with a bonus trial size bottle is on sale for $5.99. There is a $1.50 coupon in the 3/31 PG that would make this $4.49 and then you get back $5 gift card. So you would make 51¢ buying this.

Crest Pro Health 3 ct Value pack toothpaste is on sale for $5.99. Use the $1 coupon from 3/31 PG and 4/28 PG to get this for free too once you take in account the $5 gift card.

And get this: All of these products except for the Loreal shampoo qualify for the $15 mail-in-rebate when you buy $50 worth of select PG products. So save your receipts and upcs and send them in with this form and get $15! Again, to take advantage of this mail-in-rebate, you need to have receipts dated between 2/13 and 4/30.

So for those interested I did 4 transactions so I could use 4 identical PG coupons at a time and also so I could pay with the gift cards I got from the previous transaction.

1st Transaction: Spent $64.28, but got 12 gifts cards back totaling $60. Now if you do not have $65 to spend out of pocket, just break down your transactions to very small ones, where you will spend $5 out of pocket and get a $5 gift card. And then just roll the gift cards so you are paying nothing for future transactions.

2nd transaction: Spent 0, used 7 of the gift cards (10¢ remaining on one), so that means I have now have $25.10 on cards (5 cards plus 10¢). And I earned 7 cards totaling $35.

3rd transaction: Spent 0, used 9 ($4.30 left on one). So now I have left a 4.30 card, 10¢ card, and 3 cards totaling $15. And I earned 8 more cards totaling $40.

4th transaction: Spent 0, used 10¢ card and 2 cards ($3.75 left on one). So I leave the store with $4.30 card, $3.75 card, and 9 cards plus one more I just got back from this transaction. So I leave the store with $58.05 in gift cards. I spent $64.28 in the first transaction, so really I spent $6.23 real money. And then I am going to submit for the $15 rebate, so I really make $8.77!!!

You can do this!!

Ok . I gotta go. I have a Home Organization and Decor Class tomorrow night that I need to get ready for, which by the way there is still room, if you would like to come. Details here. But this deal was too good to not get on here and share. Let me know if you go to Target today or tomorrow. I'd love to hear what you get. My Target at North Hills was stocked. I did not even make a dent in the shelves.

5 Coupon Tidbits You Don't Want to Miss

2013-04-28T16:49:00.001-04:00

1. 3 coupon inserts (SS, RP, PG) came out today which means there are new deals to be had at Harris Teeter Triples and Lowes Super Doubles.

Centsible Saver has a deal list up for both stores with these new coupons.

Harris Teeter

I was excited about the Lysol sponge 3 pack which ends up coming to 75¢, free Colgate toothpaste, and the 3 pack of Ivory soap for 25¢.

Lowes

2. There are also 3 coupons in today's Parade magazine. One of these coupons if for KFC; buy one 2 piece Boneless Combo, get one free.

3. Kroger will no longer be doubling coupons in their NC stores. May 12 is the stop date.

So those of you who just took my coupon class this past Sat, ignore what I said about Kroger. And I would choose either Harris Teeter or Lowes to get really good at. Those 2 stores are the only 2 stores now in NC that double coupons every day, 99¢ and under.

4. At CVS this week, you can get free Zyrtec, chocolate, and power toothbrushes.

My CVS was out of the Oral B power toothbrushes. But I was able to score 7 packs of Zyrtec 5 count for free and 2 Hershey candy bars for free. And there is my Anna making fun of me for taking a picture of my freebies for ya'll:

Zyrtec 5 count is on sale for $6 this week. Use the $6 coupon from 4/28 SS and get this for free!!

Hershey's or Mars chocolate candy bars are on sale for 99¢ this week. Use the 99¢ store coupon that is printing out at the kiosk AND the coupon for $1 off wyb Hershey's Air Delight AND Milk Chocolate Bar from 4/21 SS and you can get 2 candy bars for free.

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/centsiblesaver/drugstore-deals-april-28-may-4#storylink=cpy

5. In the May 2013 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, there is a tear out coupon for a free 8 oz sample of Valspar paint at Lowes.

This coupon expires 5/31. I also heard there is one of these coupons in the May issue of Family Circle. If you get either one of these magazines and you are not going to use this coupon, I'd love to trade you something for it. You can contact me here.

Here's to spending less at the stores so you can ______ more and give more!

Harris Teeter Triples AND Lowes Super Doubles Start Tomorrow!!

2013-04-23T09:32:00.002-04:00

I posted this on The Intentional Home Facebook page yesterday morning. Have you liked The Intentional Home on Facebook yet? I tend to post time sensitive info there. I also post there when my days are full and I have little time on the computer. So you may want to go on over and like The Intentional Home?

But here's the news:

Starting tomorrow, Harris Teeter will run Triples and Lowes will run Super Doubles!! Should be a fun and crazy week for us, eh? Below are deal lists and tips to help you get ready.

So this week (4/24-4/30) at Harris Teeter Triples, all coupons 99¢ and under will triple. A 25¢ coupon will be worth 75¢, a 35¢ coupon will be worth $1.05, a 50¢ coupon will be worth $1.50, and a 75¢ coupon will be worth $2.25.

Here are the deal lists I have found around blogland for HT Triples:

Centsible Saver

WRAL's Smart Shopper

Southern Savers

Moola Saving Mom : this is a new deal list I have found, I love the spreadsheet format she uses and this blog is based out of Winston Salem so we Raleigh gals should have most of her matchups

And below are a few tips to have a most successful HT Triples shop:

1. Triples starts at 7am on Wed. Even at the 24 hour stores, Triples starts at 7am.

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.

And at Lowes Super Doubles, coupons with a face value of $2 or under will double this week (4/24-4/30). $1 coupons are worth $2 and $1.50 coupons are worth $3 during Super Doubles.

Here are a my favorite deal lists for Lowes Super Doubles:

Centsible Saver

WRAL's Smart Shopper

Moola Saving Mom

And here are a few notes about Super Doubles at Lowes:

1. Super Doubles at Lowes starts when the doors open tomorrow. For some Lowes that is 6am, for others that is 7am. To find out when your Lowes opens, click here for store hours.

2. The policy is you may double up to 20 coupons per day.

3. 3 identical coupons can be used per transaction, which is different than Lowes' normal coupon policy where you can use 4 identical coupons.

And let me know how you do!! I'd love to hear your totals and see pictures.

Coupon Class in Raleigh Tomorrow: Just show up! (plus 5 Myths of Couponing)

2013-04-19T10:30:00.002-04:00

I am getting ready for my Coupon Class tomorrow morning, which by the way is open to the public! The class is from 9:30 to noon at Raleigh Vineyard. You can just show up at the door. And get this, class fee is only $5 and a can of food for the food pantry. This class is normally $20 and this will be my last coupon class until the fall, so if you have always wanted to take my coupon class or you need a refresher. . .tomorrow is a great time!!

I'd arrive at 9:15 to check in and get settled. All you need to bring is your class fee, a can of food for the food pantry, a pen and perhaps a clipboard or something to press on.

More details about tomorrow's class can be found here.

And if any of the below thoughts are going thru your head, think again. We will start the class off by proving all the below false.

1. Couponing takes too much time. False.

2. Generic and store brand items are cheaper than name brand items bought with a coupon. False!!

3. Walmart, Food Lion, Super Target, or Aldi is cheaper than shopping at Harris Teeter or Kroger or Lowes with coupons. False!!

4. Coupons are always for products I do not buy. False.

5. Coupons do not help the budgets of those who eat mostly organic or do not eat any processed, boxed foods or eat gluten free, etc. False.

I promise all the above are false. Come tomorrow morning and learn why. And learn how you really can cut your grocery bill in half. Click here to read my coupon story and see what others have said about this class.

Let me know if you have any questions. I can be contacted here.

Mother/Daughter Craft Night #1

2013-04-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

This past Friday, Anna and I hosted our first ever Mother/Daughter Craft Night, a special night of creation, fun, and connection just for moms and their daughters!

All these pictures make me smile. The night was filled with some of my most favorite things.

Here are my top 5 favorite things from the night:

1. A house full of people! I love the energy, the noise, the organized chaos, the beautiful mess of a full house.

2. Art! Whimsical and colorful pieces are my specialty.

One mom emailed me this afterwards:

We had a great time! My daughter was so proud of her painting! Thanks for opening your house and knowledge for us on Friday.

3. Lots of color! If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you know I love bright bold colors. Just look at my house in the background of these pictures. Color makes me happy.

Each mom and daughter customized their painting with their own colors. It was so fun to see how each painting was different.

4. Sweet time together. Anna and I felt like we were so lucky that it was us who got to provide an opportunity for moms and their daughters to hang out together. We were so excited to open our home and create a special and memorable night.

Plus Anna and I had sweet time together planning this craft, creating the sample, shopping for supplies, setting up for the night, and then teaching together.

5. Real conversation. The best part of this class was at the end, we handed out a sheet of questions. The questions all related to the piece of art we created that night. Anna's and my hope was that these questions were a springboard for some good, real conversation between mom and daughter.

Here is what one mom emailed me afterwards:

We went out for ice cream after and talked. It was special. And we love the picture. It's hanging over our mantel.

Oh it was an Intentional Craft Night! A night of crafting and connecting and nurturing mom and daughter relationships.

This Mother/Daughter Craft Night is a new class The Intentional Home is offering. Our hope is to offer a new project and new questions every quarter for moms and their daughters.

Our next Mother/Daughter Craft Night will be Friday, May 31. Details to come but you may want to mark that night on your calendar.

And if you want to see more intentional art, click here and start scrolling. I have a whole section on my blog called "Intentional Art".

The Intentional Home has lots of classes on the calendar now. Below are all my upcoming classes. Click on the class title for all the details and registration.

*This Saturday, April 20: Special $5 Coupon Class at Raleigh Vineyard, 9:30am-12noon. Open to the public. Just show up!

*Tuesday, April 30: Home Organization and Decor Class at Su's home in Raleigh, 7-9:30PM

*Friday, May 31: Mother/Daughter Craft Night at Anna and Su's home in Raleigh, 7-9:15pm. Details and pictures of what we will be creating are coming soon.

*June 17-21 OR Aug 5-9: Anna's Craft Camp for Girls, 9:30am-12:30 each day

Coupon Class this Saturday in Raleigh!

2013-04-15T11:41:00.003-04:00

Cut your Grocery Bill in Half!

Coupon Class in Raleigh on Saturday!!

April 20, 9:30-12noon

at Raleigh Vineyard on Litchford Rd

You asked for it, a Saturday Coupon Class. And here it is! And get this, this class is normally $20 but this Saturday's class hosted by Raleigh Vineyard is only $5 and a can of food for the food pantry. Raleigh Vineyard wanted to give a gift to the community and thus cut the price of this class to just $5. So if you have always wanted to take my coupon class, now is the time. This will be my last coupon class until the fall.

I shop for my family of 7 for less than $100 a week (and I still buy diapers!). That is all my family's food, cleaning, and health and beauty products. I shop one grocery store and one drug store only. And for the past 5 years I have been teaching others how to cut their grocery bill in half by using coupon strategically.

Here is what past students are saying about this class:

It means so much to our family that you opened your home to teach thrift and couponing. We are now consistently spending 50% of what we were spending just a few months ago. And that means everything, not just groceries. You've helped us see the light at the end of the maternity leave tunnel. – DH

I've gotten our grocery bill down from $800-$1100 to about $400 -$500 a month. It's been wonderful! Thanks again for your advice and help. -KC

You have helped me tremendously and I am really excited about it. I actually have more peace since your class, about having to quit my weekly job than I did before I knew of a way to save us some money. –CC

Your class has saved my family lots of money. I can't tell you how much these dollars mean to our family budget. It has been a real blessing the way you equipped me with the tools to do this. We have also been able to give freely to the food pantry thanks to your class. Really, your class has made a big difference for us. -BM

Our grocery bill for our family of 4 for this month was only $371. Last month it was $800! My freezer and pantry are well stocked along with a bathroom linen closet. I am very, very encouraged that I can really cut our grocery bill! -SE

The class pays for itself. I made a profit after the first run to the grocery store. –AC

All the details about this class can be found HERE.

You can also check out my "You Can Shop Like This Too" category on my blog to see pictures of my shops and of past student's shops. These are fun to look at. For example, I was paid $4.89 to take all this out of CVS:

I teach about the drugstores in my coupon class too.

Couponing has enabled me to cut our grocery shopping by about 60%. My goal is to never pay full price for an item again. Let me teach you all I have learned this Saturday!!

If you would like to come, it would be helpful to let me know so I can prepare a folder for you. But if you don't get around to contacting me, then just come. I'd arrive at 9:15am to check in and get settled. Bring $5, a can of food, and a pen!

You really can do this!

Why I Really Do Housework

2013-04-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

This post was originally posted about a year ago, but I am reposting today because I have a Home Decor and Organization class coming up on April 30 and this post gets me excited about that class. Also because Juana (who is a local Raleigh blogger) has started a new linky party:

and I thought this would be a good post to introduce myself there because it is so me and so why I blog and teach classes under the name: The Intentional Home. So here is my post on the real reasons I do housework:

I can finally admit that the physical environment of my home can either lift my spirits or take a toll on my emotional well being. There was a time when I once could not admit that and I had every excuse imaginable for not spending time organizing, cleaning, and managing my home. I wrote a blog post about those excuses here; perhaps you have said the same things to yourself?

I do not even have the words for a caption, but this is my kitchen

I now realize that the physical environment of my home does affect my mood. And the mood of my husband and my kids and all who enter it. And while my house and the things in it are not eternal, the people in my home. .and their moods and my relationships with them. . are eternal. And that is why it is important to spend time, effort, and sometimes money to organize and beautify our homes.

Spending time on our homes does not mean we are superficial, frivolous, or focused on unimportant things. Quite the opposite. Organizing, cleaning, and decorating our homes can provide us with so much more than just order and no more ugly eyesores.

Below are the 3 Real Reasons to Do Housework.

1. Housework Decreases My Stress & Anger

Can you truly relax in your home? Is your home a place that drains your energy and makes you tense, anxious, or even depressed? Or is your home a place that relaxes you and makes you feel at peace, encouraged, and happy?

via this Pinterest image

When my home is organized and clean, I am more calm, relaxed, and more fun to be around. I am not yelling at my kids because we are late again because Jonathan could not find his shoes. (oh how many times did that happen before I created a set place where shoes go!)

2. Housework Gives Me More Time

When my house is organized, I do not waste valuable time hunting and searching for things (like my keys and credit card!) I can generally find everything I am looking for.

When I maintain a cleaning routine, things are just easier to clean and take less time. Great example would be: it is easier to clean the dishes immediately after dinner than to throw them in the sink and do them in the morning. It just takes more time to wash dried up, crusted on food off dishes. Time that could be spent on something you want to do (instead of have to do!)

via this Pinterest image

A organized and clean home gives me more time for the people and activities that matter the most to me.

3. Housewok Gives Me More Peace & Joy

When my house is organized and clean, I am able to focus on the present. I am able to focus on my husband and kids. Instead of all the things that have to be done. I no longer feel the heaviness and guilt, a messy home brings to my heart. I am able to relax. I am able to enjoy what I am doing. When my house is organized and clean, I think more clearly. I feel better. I have more energy. I am more creative.

I have mentioned before that this is the real reason I teach on the practical aspects of running a home. I so believe that when we address the practical in our homes and lives, we are able to hear the big dreams in our heart. And when the practical is under control in our homes and lives, then we are able to move out in those big dreams. So an organized and clean home enables me to focus on the bigger, more meanigful things I was created for.

via this Pinterst image

Those 3 Real Reason to Do Housework are Big Eternal Stuff. And that is why I am teaching a class on Home Organization and Decor on Tuesday night, April 30. In this class I cover the decluttering, organizing, cleaning, and decorating of our homes. In this class, you begin to create a vision for your home.

This is my last Home Organization and Decor class before summer hits and it is one of my favorites!! My next one will not be until the fall. All details and registration for this class can be found here.

We were made to run intentional homes!

Lots of Freebies this Coming Week!!

2013-04-05T11:45:00.002-04:00

Our Spring Break is winding to an end; school starts back Monday for us. To make the transition a little easier (or perhaps to celebrate. . .lol), here is a list of 4 really good freebies:

1. Free Coffee

Starting Monday, April 8, and continuing through Tax Day, April 15, you can grab a free small cup of Premium Roast McCafe coffee at McDonald's throughout the Triangle. Anytime day or night. No purchase necessary. No coupon required. Just ask for your free coffee.

2. Free Ice Cream

It's Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's on Tues, April 9 from 12-8pm. What flavor will you get? Chunky Monkey? Cookie Dough? Will you get a cone or a cup? This is a global event so find a shop near you here.

3. Free Artist Paint

You can go HERE and request a free sample of Liquitex Spray Paint, Acrylic, or Paint Marker. This would make a fun addition to an artist's Christmas stocking or tied on top of her birthday gift. I have already ordered mine; it's a quick little form to fill out to request the sample.

4. Free Sample of Children's Vitamins

You can request a free sample of Jelly Kids Vitamins by going HERE.

As I shared back in February, Anna is going to Guatemala this summer for 2 1/2 weeks. One of the items needed in the area she is going is children's vitamins. So if you do not want these vitamins for your kiddos, would you consider requesting a sample and then giving them to Anna to take down to Guatemala? Especially, those of you I see on a regular basis.

Celebrate Spring with Bird's Nest Cookies

2013-03-28T11:39:00.000-04:00

To celebrate the start of Spring Break, my girls and I made these Bird's Nest Cookies:

All you need is:

12 oz. package chow mein noodles
12 oz. package butterscotch morsels plus about 1/4 cup more
a bag of egg-shaped candies like Cadbury Mini Eggs or mini Robin Malt eggs
wax paper

This makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or do what we did and just lay some wax paper out on the counter.

2. Pour the butterscotch chips in a big microwave-safe bowl and place them in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds; then remove to stir. Return to the microwave and heat again for 30 seconds. Stir. Keep heating in 30 second increments and stirring until the chips are completely melted. I think it took us about 6 times.

3. Then add the chow mein noodles to the melted butterscotch chips and mix till combined.

4. Use a spoon to put a glob of the chow mein mixture onto the wax paper. And shape glob into a nest. We would just start pulling the mixture out from the center to make a little dent in the middle. The girls were much better at this than me. Mine looked more like haystacks; the girls were patient and actually made nests. If the mixture starts to solidify in the mixing bowl, you can reheat for 15 to 30 seconds to melt.

5. After making all the nests, melt about 1/4 cup of butterscotch chips in a small bowl. Dip the bottom of the candy eggs in the melted butterscotch chips and place them in the center of each cookie. This helps the candy eggs stay put. Below you can see how the melted chips act like glue.

Brooke made the below cookie just for me. This nest holds 5 eggs, not the normal 3. 5 eggs to represent Anna, David, Brooke, Daniel, and J. That made me smile.

6. Allow the cookies to set for about 10 minutes before serving or transferring.

And if you want to tie this fun treat into a teachable God moment, (I am always, always looking for those) you could tell your kids that to celebrate the start of a new season we are going to make some cookies. Ask the kids what season it is? Ask them what are some things that happen when spring comes?

And then tell them: Yes, when spring comes, baby animals are born, and flowers begin to bloom. Spring is a season of new life. And because spring is a season of new life, it can remind us of the new life Jesus gives us (great Easter tie in). And then of course continue the conversation about Jesus as you make the cookies.

As the cookies are setting up, you could take a walk around your neighborhood and look for signs of new life that are starting to appear.

Happy Spring Break! Happy Easter! May they both be intentional. If you are looking for some ideas to make your Easter special, you may want to scroll thru my Easter posts here or check out my Easter Pinterest board.

I will be off line until Rob and the kids go back to school. I'll be back to blogging Monday, April 8. But if something pops up that I just gotta tell you, I will post on Facebook.

Super Quick, Super Easy, Meaningful Easter Treat

2013-03-26T12:09:00.001-04:00

Here is a super quick, super easy treat to help the kids remember that Easter is really all about Jesus. This treat will remind your family that Jesus' tomb was empty! Jesus rose from the dead and did what no one had ever done before or since.

All you need is:

1 Doughnut per person
1 Doughnut (Donut?) Hole per person
Toothpicks
Scrapbook paper or Washi tape
Magic Marker
Glue Stick

First you cut about 1/3 of the doughnut off. You are making a tomb, so you want a large hole. Discard the 1/3 you just cut off.

Then you set the larger part of the doughnut up on its side.

And roll a huge stone aka doughnut hole over the opening of the tomb "to prevent grave robbers from stealing the body of Jesus".

Then you make a little banner with a toothpick. You just cut a rectangle strip out of scrapbook paper and cut a little triangle out of the end. Wrap the straight end of the paper strip around a toothpick; just adhere with a little glue or tape. And then write your celebratory message: He is risen! Happy Easter! Hallelujah!

These would be perfect to serve with Easter breakfast.

Or you could serve these sweet "empty tombs" after you play my Hide and Seek Easter Game. This game is where kids act out the Easter story from "taking Jesus off the cross" and putting Him in the tomb to rolling the stone away and announcing the resurrection and looking all over the house for Jesus (a figure you have hidden). Kids love to play this game over and over. This post has a video of my kids playing this game as well as more detailed directions.

Or perhaps you could read Matthew 28 to the kids while they munch on their sweet snack. I find it is always a great time to read to the kids when their mouths are full. I tell you, I get the best teaching done in Sunday School during snack time.

I did find this more adult version of the empty tomb treat. Candace over at His Mercy is New makes a cake in a bundt pan every Easter and turns the bundt cake into an empty tomb:

For more Easter treats that remind us of the real meaning of Easter, check out these other posts of mine:

Yummy Dessert Tells Easter Story aka Resurrection Rolls

Meringue Cookies that use symbolism and the physical activity of making the cookies to explain the Easter story

Little Lamb cookies remind kids that Jesus is the Lamb of God or the Good Shepherd

You may also want to check out my Easter Pinterest Board. I am using that this week to plan special activities for my kids over Spring Break. You got any creative fun ideas to help your kids remember the real reason for Easter? I'd love to hear them.

I am sharing this post at: Titus 2 Tuedays

Free Redbox Rental Codes

2013-03-25T14:00:00.002-04:00

I have not been feeling well. Since Wed, I have had the runny nose, sore throat, coughing, in bed crud. I mean I have not even felt well enough to get on the computer. And I so wanted to do some Easter posts this week.

I did manage to find some Free Redbox Rental Codes. I needed something to keep the kids entertained while I slept. And Rob and I did watch a movie together Saturday durig my few waking hours.

Use the following codes for a free one-night rental. Codes can be used once with a debit/credit card, then they are not valid again with the same debit/credit card.

Here are the 2 codes I used:

DVDONME

DVDNIGHT

and then I just saw this one over at Centsible Saver:

F2AMA8TG3 (this one expires 5/8).

Anyone have any other Free Redbox Rental Codes we can add to this list?

And hopefully I will be back soon with some Easter ideas. If not, check out this post: 5 Fun Ways to Make Easter More Meaningful

Why I Meal Plan Even When I Do Not Want To

2013-03-19T05:30:00.000-04:00

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??

I am sharing this post again because I have a Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking class tonight. I still have spots open if you'd like to come. Email me and I can send you the details.

Meal Planning and Freezer Cooking Class this Tues!

2013-03-18T09:18:00.001-04:00

Today I am getting ready for my Meal Planning and Freezer Cooking class on Tuesday night, March 19. As I have gotten better and better at meal planning myself, I have tweaked the class. Tuesday night's class has all new handouts.

Come learn how to save money, time, and sanity at my Meal Planning and Freezer Cooking class tomorrow night! Class is in my home in Raleigh from 7-9:15pm and there are still spots open. 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 Meal Planning 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 still spots left in the class. Class fee is $20. If you would like to come, just shoot me an email at 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!!

$1.79 Zaycon Chicken Sale Coming to Raleigh!

2013-03-16T05:30:00.000-04:00

Last year at one of my Meal Planning/Freezer Cooking classes, a couple of gals raved about the chicken from Zaycon Foods, a company that brings fresh meats and other products direct to consumers at wholesale prices.

I loved what these gals told me: the chicken is boneless, skinless, fresh (never frozen), 100% natural with no added hormones, additives, or aritificial ingredients. And it was below my $1.99/lb price point. But at the time, the closest pickup location was Durham and I was not willing to drive to Durham.

BUT now I have discovered Zaycon has a location in Raleigh and on the morning of April 9, they are bringing chicken to Open Door Baptist Church on Durant Rd. And it's Zaycon's semi-annual chicken breat sale so the chicken is only $1.79/lb!! I just placed an order!

You do not even have to get out of your car when you go for pick up; you just drive up and they hand you your box of chicken. However, you do need to preorder. I just ordered 1 unit, which is 40 lbs of chicken. Which yes, is a lot and if that is too much for your family, perhaps you can split the box with a friend.

But I plan to just bring the chicken home and do these 4 things. Remember I did a whole series on freezer cooking? Here is a post that also describes what I do with chicken; one of those things is make Cornflake Chicken like Brooke is doing here:

If you want to order some chicken, click HERE. That is my referral link. I get $1 credit for everyone that signs up thru me. But even if I did not get a $1 credit, I would be telling you about this deal. $1.79 is a great price for boneless, skinless chicken. . especially chicken straight from the butcher with no additives, hormones, or artificial ingredients! I tell you, I only share on my blog what I would share with my girlfriends in real life. (The truth is, many of you are one in the same).

And don't worry, even if you do not live in Raleigh, Zaycon has many locations.Check them out here. I am told that many locations sell out before the pick up date so you may want to order soon.

And I will be sure to let you know about my experience with this chicken. I'll do a follow up post mid April since I pick the chicken up on April 9th. Those of you who have already used Zaycon, chime in with your thoughts.

5 for this week

2013-03-15T08:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Found this happy print from ecojot on Pinterest and thought it was fitting for my 5 for Friday posts. Below are 5 heads ups, things I wanted to share with you:

1. Are you still earning Recyclebank points? I have not been on Recyclebank in a long time since they did away with the $10 off $50 Harris Teeter coupons, but I got on there this week and discovered some great new rewards:

Earth Fare Coupons: $5 off $25 for 50 points, $10 off $50 for 100 points, and $20 off $100 for 200 points.

Subscription to Country Living for only 240 points

Have you heard of Recyclebank? Recyclebank is a free online program that rewards members for taking green actions. You take quizzes or you pledge to be more environmentally aware or you play games to earn points. And then these points can be redeemed for coupons, gift cards, or magazine subscriptions. Right now in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, you can take a short 8 question quiz and earn 30 Recyclebank Points.

2. If you are looking for something fun to do tomorrow night, there is a free concert at Redeemer Presbyterian Church featuring the musicians Shelly Moore, Christa Wells, and Nicole Witt. There will be families there bringing kids so it would be a great family outing. Again, admission is free, but this is an adoption benefit concert for my neighbors who are in the process of adopting a little boy from China. So I know if you put even a few dollars in the bucket, they would be encouraged.

3. Disney Spoonful recently posted a gallery of 20 Creative Chore Charts for Kids. And my very simple chore chart was featured.

If cute sticker charts, marble jars and popsicle sticks just don't seem practical, you may want to check out my system that is simple and functional... and all you need is a pen and paper!

But if you love the more creative chore charts, then check outthe other 19 features on Disney Spoonful's post: 20 Creative Chore Charts for Kids.

4. I am teaching my Meal Planning/Freezer Cooking Class this Tues, March 19 from 7-9:15 at my house. This will be my last Meal Planning/Freezer Class until the fall. There is plenty of room, so if you would like to come, contact me and I will send you the class email with what to bring and directions to my home.

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!! Come learn how to save money, time, and sanity at my Meal Planning/Freezer Cooking class Tues night. More details can be found here.

5. Next week, I will be sharing how to make Easter more meaningful for our kids. It is so much more than just Easter baskets, chocolate bunnies, dying eggs, and new clothes. But if you want to begin some meaningful Easter activities, browse my Easter ideas from year's past, click here and start scrolling.

Happy Weekend! May it be an intentional one!

Look What Visits Our Backyard at Night!

2013-03-07T08:31:00.000-05:00

Lately I have had a lot of girly posts, eh? I've shared about Anna's Craft Camp this summer and our upcoming Mother/Daughter Craft Night. So here is a post for moms of boys and for your actual sons too! Show the boys in your home (whether they are 2 or 62!) the pictures below!

My David bought a trail camera off Craigslist. And just look what visits our North Raleigh backyard at night:

1. Possum!

Question to ask your boy: Do you know what a baby possum is called? Answer below.

A baby possum is called a joey. That is also what a baby kangaroo is called.

2. Foxes!

And more foxes. Do you know what a baby fox is called?

A baby fox is called a kit.

3. And deer!!

Questions to ask your boys:

What is male/daddy deer called? He is the one with the antlers. He is called a buck.

What is a female/mommy deer called? A doe.

What is a baby deer called? A fawn.

4. And then anyone know what this may be? A mink? A neighbor's cat? Anyone have a guess?

And let me tell you the real reason I am posting pictures from my son's trail camera.

Because one way to connect with your kid is by invading their world and letting them invade yours. And fishing and hunting and camoflauge and the great outdoors are my teenage son's world right now. And blogging and y'all are a part of my world.

So the real point of this blog post is to remind me and you that a sure fire way to connect with our kids is to take a genuine interest in their interests. So yes, everyday I ask David what showed up on his trail camera. Not because I care what animal came at night, but because I care about my son. When I ask about the animals in our yard, I am secretly saying "I care about you, David."

And he talks. That's right; my 13 year old boy is talking to me (talking my ear off to be more precise). Today it is about possums and deer, but tomorrow it will be about girls, or bullying, or friends, or integrity, or whatever deep thing he needs help processing.

Kinda reminds me of Rob and my blogging or scrapbooking or coupons or chick flicks. I am sure Rob could care less about these girly things but he asks, "How did Super Doubles go?" Or he comes home and tells me what a powerful blog post I wrote. Why does he talk about these things that he does not care about? Because he cares about me!

So what are you going to ask your kid (or hubby) about today?

I saved 87% today at Harris Teeter!

2013-03-06T10:37:00.001-05:00

Super Doubles at Harris Teeter started today and I got all the below for just $7.94!! I saved $52.31, a savings of 87%. The coffee alone is usually $10.49. I paid less than that for all of this!

That is 22 items I got for $7.94. So that is 36¢ an item!! Do you see the 2 packs of $7 razors there?

Harris Teeter Super Doubles begins today, Wed, 3/6 and lasts til Tues, 3/12. Harris Teeter will be doubling coupons with a face value of $2 or under.

So $1 coupons are worth $2 and $1.50 coupons are worth $3, and $2 coupons are worth $4 at this coming week's HT Super Doubles!

Here are 2 deal lists that will help you plan your shop:

Centsible Saver

WRAL Smart Shopper

And for those of you who just took my coupon class and this will be your first Harris Teeter Super Doubles shop, click here for my Top 10 tips for a Successful Super Doubles Shop.

And if you want to take one of my coupon classes, and learn how to save at least 50% on your grocery bill, then mark your calendar for Sat, April 20, 9:30am-noon. Raleigh Vineyard on Litchford Rd is offering a Special $5 Coupon Class. This class is usually $20, but Raleigh Vineyard wants to give a gift to the community and is offering a discounted coupon class. Click here for all the details about this upcoming class. This will be my last coupon class until the fall.

Have you gone to Harris Teeter Super Doubles yet? How did you do? I love to hear your totals and see your pictures.

An Intentional Mother/Daughter Craft Night

2013-03-05T07:41:00.001-05:00

This past weekend Anna and I made this together:

Because on Friday, April 12, Anna, Brooke, and I will be hosting a Mother/Daughter Craft Night!

This will be a night of creation, fun, and connection, a night made especially for moms and their daughters age 7 and up. Yes, bring that teen of yours. My girls are 15 and 12.

The class is from 7-9:15ish and is only $25. That includes all your supplies. All money raised from this class will go towards Anna's mission trip to Guatemala this summer. For all the details about Anna's trip, you can click here.

Again, here's the colorful, whimsical piece of art we will be making:

Don't worry; even if you don't think you have any artistic ability whatsoever, we will walk you thru each step. You and your daughter will have fun picking out your own colors and pattern papers and painting together. You will leave with a finished project that y'all did together!

The best part of this class (yes, even better than leaving the clean up to us) is at the end, we will hand you a sheet of questions. The questions are all related to the piece of art you just created and our hope is that these questions will be a springboard for some good, real conversation between you and your daughter.

Perhaps you and your daughter can go out for ice cream afterwards and pick 5 questions from the list to ask each other. Or perhaps your daughter can read them out loud on the way home and y'all can talk thru them.

For example, the piece above depicts a relationship between 2 birds. Are they a mom/daughter? 2 girlfriends? A mom and dad? A girlfriend/boyfriend (gasp! that will only be in the teenager questions!)? So one question may be: What qualities do you look for in a friend? What makes you want to be a friend with someone?

These questions are what make this Craft Night different from any others out there. We want to help you nurture your relationship with your daughter. This is an Intentional Craft Night, so plan on crafting with us and then spending some time connecting with your daughter. Have some fun, but then go open the lines of communication and help prepare your daughter for life. What could be better?

If you are interested in coming, let me know and I will get you and your girl on the class list. I will then let you know where you can send your class fee and registration. Class is limited to the first 12 moms and their daughters.

This is a new class The Intentional Home is offering. Our hope is to offer a new project and new questions every quarter for moms and their daughters.

The Intentional Home has lots of classes on the calendar now. Below are all my upcoming classes. Click on the class title for all the details and registration.

*Tues, March 19: Meal Planning & Freezer Cooking Class at Su's home in Raleigh, 7-9:15PM

*Friday, April 12: Mother/Daughter Craft night at Su's home in Raleigh, 7-9:15PM

*Sat, April 20: Special $5 Coupon Class at Raleigh Vineyard, 9:30am-12noon

*Tuesday, April 30: Home Organization and Decor Class at Su's home in Raleigh, 7-9:30PM

*June 17-21 OR Aug 5-9: Anna's Craft Camp for Girls, 9:30am-12:30 each day

Huge Kids' Consignment Sale this Thursday!

2013-03-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

Tis the season for kid consignment sales and the best one is this Thursday! My sister, Jenny and her girlfriend run The The Monkey Exchange.

The Monkey Exchange offers only the finest, gently used clothing and accessories from the best children’s specialty shops and boutiques. Name brands such as Chez Ami, Orient Expressed, New Potatoes, The Plantation Shop, Kate & Libby, Ragsland, Kelly's Kids,
Feltman Brothers, New Beaux et Belles, Lilly, Two Friends, Kitty Casey are consigned.

Here are all the details:

The Monkey Exchange 2013 Spring Show

Thursday, March 7, 9:00am – 8:00pm

Free Babsitting is offered on Thursday from 9-12 so you can shop without distractions!

Friday, March 8, 9:00am – 12:00pm (20% off!)

North Hills Club Ballroom

4824 Yadkin Drive

Raleigh, NC 27609

Vendors with amazing crafts & services will also be present.

For more info, check out The Monkey Exchange's website.

And for click here for my sister's top 5 tips on how to shop consignment sales like a pro!!

And if you head to North Hills Club Ballroom this Thursday, be sure to tell Jenny that you heard about her show from me :)