Weekend Coupon Preview

The list of this Sunday's coupons is HERE.



The schedule shows a Smart Source, General Mills and Redplum! I'm picking up several just to get the $1 off Eckrich sausage coupon! My father-in-law will be happy to get the V-8 soup coupons too!

Book Review: The Vigilante's Bride

The Vigilante's Bride
By Yvonne Harris
Bethany House, 2010
English, 300 pgs.


Product Description:
Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and kidnapping a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expects to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from him, but ends up with a feisty copperhaired orphan thrown over his shoulder who was on her way to marry Sullivan's bitter enemy. Emily McCarthy is an orphan out of options. Forced to marry because she was too old for her orphanage, she doesn't take kindly to her "rescue." Still she trusts God can turn any situation to good especially when it seems Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Sullivan's crossed a dangerous man unused to losing and Emily may just be the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.

My Review:
Western Christian romance is a new genre for me. As someone who grew up raising cows I have some background with horses and whatnot. Of course, it's completely different than what I know, but anyway...I really liked this book. I read it in just over 24 hours so I had a hard time putting it down. There is a good amount of action and the romance is so sweet and refreshing. I just thought it was a nice change for me and I do recommend it.

I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner...

The winner of the Wholly Guacamole giveaway is:

Comment #5!

Sheryl said...

I now like Wholly Guacamole on Facebook

September 16, 2010 10:25 PM

The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond with an address or a new winner will be chosen! Congrats Sheryl!

Site Review: EcoSTORE USA

"ecostore NZ was founded more than 15 years ago by Melanie and Malcolm Rands from their home in an eco village in New Zealand."

"The team at ecoSTORE USA loves making a difference in people’s lives. ecoSTORE USA does not compromise on performance, so customers can be assured of the efficacy of the products - they truly work. We offer more than 100 products, each one meeting the most stringent environmental and sustainability standards. The guiding principle of every formulation is and will always be that the end product must not only be good for the user, but good for the planet."

As a chance to review products and the site, I requested the Natural Baby Sleepy Time Bath and the Toilet Cleaner.

So...the baby bath...it says that "Ecostore’s aromatherapy blend of Lavender and Geranium will help your little one fall into a relaxed, calm sleep." Well, it kinda worked....on us instead of the kids. The scent really did make us calmer. Maybe there just isn't anything out there that can make my kiddo sleepy. I was really disappointed that the bubbles didn't last long at all. For a kid who likes to make bubble beards, this was a let down.

The toilet cleaner...just used it and I have a perfectly white bowl. We have extremely hard water around here and there is always a ring, no matter if I cleaned every day. There isn't one now. ( Tried to get photos and it just doesn't show well, plus...ew...) One use. I did let it sit a bit to try to break through the mineral ring. I'm sold. It will kill me to pay $8 for toilet cleaner, but not having that ring is totally worth it.

I was provided with one of each product in return for an honest review of the site. I have received no additional compensation and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Power Thoughts

Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind
By Joyce Meyer
FaithWords, 2010
English, 288 pgs.


Product Description:
Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases-her fans call them Joyceisms-and one of her best loved is "Where the mind goes, the man follows."This was the basis for Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest book, Meyer provides "power thoughts," bringing the reader to a new level of ability to use the mind as a tool to achievement.
In POWER THOUGHTS, she outlines a flexible program to turn thoughts into habits, and habits into success. Sections include:

· The Power of a Positive You

· 5 Rules for Keeping Your Attitude at the Right Altitude

· More Power To You bulleted keys to successful thinking in each chapter

· The Power of Perspective

Nobody has more of a "can-do" attitude than Joyce Meyer. Now you can, too.

My Review:
I do not deny that the mind is a battlefield. I do not deny that when you think positive, you act positive and vise versa. But I feel like I've heard all this before. I feel like I've read this before. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Mrs. Meyer says in this book. She is well researched and has a valid point to all that she says. Her "Power Thoughts" are thoughts that can transform a life, if the book is taken seriously and studied seriously. I love that she has "Think About It" questions after most sections. There is room to write your personal thoughts and revelations as you read. All in all, it's a nice book with a good premise.

I received a copy of the book from Hachette Book Group in exchange for a review. I received no additional compensation and was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Masquerade

Masquerade
By Nancy Moser
Bethany House, 2010
English, 400 pgs.


Book Description:

Moser writes inspirational fiction with a strong, historically accurate foundation in this new offering, set in 1885 in New York City. Twin protagonists Charlotte Gleason, wealthy English heiress, and Dora Connors, her maid, decide to take fate (and love) in their own hands and switch places upon their arrival in America. Dora, having never experienced material comfort, jumps at the chance to "become" Charlotte and marry a very wealthy American suitor, Conrad Tremaine, in Charlotte's stead. Charlotte, whose idea it was to trade places, finds herself penniless and on the Streets of New York, alone and desperate. Both young women find themselves utterly discombobulated and ill-at-ease pretending to be the other. Through some expected plot twists, Charlotte and Dora learn a few tricks, and lessons, about life. In the end, they find their way back to being comfortable in their own skins. Moser's work is nicely done and thoroughly entertaining throughout, even with a predictable storyline. --Publishers Weekly

1886, New York City: Charlotte Gleason, a rich heiress from England, escapes a family crisis by traveling to America in order to marry the even wealthier Conrad Tremaine. She soon decides that an arranged marriage is not for her and persuades her maid, Dora, to take her place. What begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl wanting adventure becomes a test of survival amid poverty beyond Charlotte's blackest nightmares. As for Dora, she lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt and the presence of another love that will not die. Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It's a risk. It's the chance of a lifetime.

To see a book trailer for Masquerade go HERE.

My Review:
This was my first Nancy Moser novel and I really liked it. There were several times that I thought I knew what was about to happen and sometimes I was right, lots of times, I was wrong! I love that! I loved the description of the garments and was heartbroken by the accuracy of the descriptions of Five Points. I have a few friends who I'll be passing this to since I know they're going to love it too!


I was provided with a copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Mailbox Round Up

Here's what came in the mail last week (all free):

Magazines:
More Redbook
Entertainment Weekly
People
Bloomberg BusinessWeek
eWeek
Saveur
Shape
Slam
Family Fun
Baby Talk
Ready Made
Harper's Bazaar
Fitness
Ok!

Books:
City on Our Knees (to review for Bethany House)
Good Morning, Lord (review HERE)
A Roaring Field Trip (from Johnson & Johnson promotion)

Samples/Coupons:
Purell/Neosporin/Johnson & Johnson (came with book)
Free Soda at Tom Thumb (if only there was one near here...)
Free M&Ms
Free Swiss Miss Pudding
NasalCease
Oxy Clinical (with $1.50 coupon)

Cash:
$5 from Synovate Global Opinion Panel
$1 from MySurvey

Other:
Bass Pro Gift card from MyPoints (Christmas!)
Shelves from CSN to review

Proud to be part of Mailbox Monday at A Frugal Friend!

Site Review: Little One Books (CLOSED)

Little One Books is a web site run by a set of grandparents who wanted to find things for their own grandchild and then in turn found things for all kids! They handpick and review books, music and movies for kids from newborn to 5 years old.

Their main purpose is to help parents choose between the overwhelming amount of materials for this age group. The site is organized by age group and also by media type. However, the part that meant the most to me was the "Why We Chose" section on each product page. It's more than just a generic product description. You can tell they've actually watched the video, read the book, etc.

I have been honored to review their site as well as The Big Train Trip from their site.

As you're aware (if you've been reading my blog for a while) my son is only slightly obsessed with trains. He does occasionally play with an airplane! We even have a train bathroom and have to go every Thursday evening to the local train yard to watch a train go through! Yeah, obsessed.

Anyway, I knew my son would love this video and I was right. He sat and watched every second! I like that it was narrated by a child and that it explained scientific concepts in a way he could understand. He liked that they passed another train and went into tunnels! When it was over, he looked me right in the eyes and said "Thank you momma. Can we watch it again?"

I was really happy with how fast the movie got here from the site. The order was acknowledged and a notice came when it shipped as well.

I'm also excited to tell you that they are giving a $25 Gift Certificate to the site to one of my readers!

Entry Methods:

All entries MUST have your email in them. If a winning comment does not have an email, a new winner will be chosen.

First, and mandatory, entry: Go to the website and tell me what you would order! (1 Entry)


Other entries (leave a separate comment for each), please notice that some entries have changed:
1 entry - "Like" Little One Books on Facebook, let them know you're referred by Faithful Finances


1 entry - Follow Little One Books on Twitter


1 entry - Become a public follower of my blog. The link is on the right hand side of the page. If you're already a follower, leave a comment letting me know.


2 entries - Blog about this giveaway, with a link back to the giveaway (leave a link in your comment so I can verify)


1 entry - Subscribe to my blog by email (link is just under the followers) or let me know if you already subscribe.


1 entry - Become a Facebook fan of Faithful Finances or let me know if you're already a fan.


1 entry: Place my button on your site (You must leave a link so I can verify)

Giveaway Rules: Please be sure you read these before 

you start posting comments. 

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen, with the True Random Number Generator (Random.org), Sunday, October 10 at 10 PM CST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. All entries MUST have your email in them. To keep Spam Bots from snagging you, put your address like this: name(at)server(dot)com

I received a copy of the DVD for review purposes. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Audra from Little One Books for allowing me this opportunity!

Weekend Coupon Preview

The weekend coupon preview is ready HERE.

 

Looks like a good week with a Redplum, SmartSource and a Proctor and Gamble! It's at least a 5 paper weekend for me! I see several things on my shopping list in there!

Coupon Organization Ideas

Stretching a budget, often to the point of breaking, is more and more common. Over the next few months, I’m going to teach you several tips and techniques for pinching a penny that are really easy to implement.

The first, and most basic, way to get started is coupons.

Before you start, you have to familiarize yourself with your store’s coupon policy. Most stores take manufacturer coupons. Some stores will allow you to “stack” manufacturer coupons with store issued coupons. Some stores have e-coupons that are loaded onto your shopper loyalty card. Some double and triple coupon values.

Most coupon policies are on the company website, or can be obtained by an email request. Print these out and take them into the store with you. Cashiers are not always correct in the way they accept coupons. You have to know your policy and have it with you to get them accepted correctly.

Do not be afraid to speak up at the register. This is your money. Ask for a manager if you notice your cashier isn’t handling your coupons correctly. If you’re using a FREE coupon, make sure your cashier looks at the receipt for the price. I’ve had many coupons for free products entered wrong because a cashier didn’t want to take the time to look.

It takes time to clip and sort your coupons. I look at time spent working on my coupon binder as a way to pay back into my budget.

The easiest way to sort coupons is with an accordion style holder, which you can often find in office supply stores.  These are arranged how you want them. I started out with mine sorted by category (dairy, hair care, child, etc.) and then as my stash grew, I moved into alphabetical order.

Other way to sort is by insert date. This is useful if you know which date the coupon was inserted in the paper. Not so handy if you need to grab and go. Handy if you don’t have a lot of time to clip and sort. I’ve found that this actually wastes time because you’re constantly clipping when you need a coupon. You could potentially re-visit the same insert three weeks in a row to clip.

My current way to sort coupons is in a zippered binder with clear plastic sheets that are used for organizing baseball card collections. I have sections based on type of product (baby, bath and body, oral care, etc.) with further divisions in each section (make up, body wash, deodorant). It’s bulky but easy to find coupons when I need them.  Pocket dividers at the front hold store policies and coupons for specific stores.

However you decide to organize, make sure you keep a calculator and pen with your coupons. You’ll need them more than you realize.

Now that you’re all ready to sort your coupons, where are you going to get them? Well, you’re going to have to keep reading for all my tips and secrets!

Infant Formula Recall

There is a massive recall on Similac infant formula that may be contaminated with insect parts.

The company said the products may contain a small beetle or larvae, which could cause stomach ache and digestion problems.

The recall does not affect any liquid formulas.

Consumers can enter the lot number on their containers online to determine if they are subject to the recall. The products should be returned to Abbott for a full refund.


The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce (227-gram), 12.4-ounce (352-gram) and 12.9-ounce (366-gram).

Get more information HERE.

Book Review: Mockingbird Parables

The Mockingbird Parables: Transforming Lives through the Power of Story
By Matt Litton
Tyndale House, 2010
English, 240 pgs.


Book Description:
The Mockingbird Parables takes readers on an inspiring and engaging journey through Harper Lee’s beloved 1960 literary masterpiece, introducing each character through the lens of faith. The enigmatic Boo Radley as an allegorical representation of God, “the divine, mysterious neighbor” who watches over, protects, and longs to know his children personally. The hero, Atticus Finch, as a model of faith, integrity, and even parenting. The main character, Scout Finch, and what she might teach us about the role of women in church and society.
The Mockingbird Parables compels us to ask the often-ignored questions: Do we truly love our neighbors? Are we building community? Are we influencing society for the better? By illuminating the parallels between Christian faith and Lee’s masterpiece, The Mockingbird Parables reaffirms the magnitude of a novel perhaps more relevant today than ever before.

My Review:
I was disappointed with this book. To Kill A Mockingbird is one of my favorite books and I was really hoping to dig deep into it with a devotion style book. This book neither digs deep nor does it read as a devotional. It does have good points (do good, watch out for kids, get to know your neighbors, take care of each other) but I felt that the style of the book was lacking in depth. It is waaaay too personal. I think losing a sister like the author did would be terribly heartbreaking, but it's brought up way too many times and the personal stories in the book distract from the "meat" of the book. The points from the book are simply retelling of the book. I would much rather go read Ms. Lee's book than read this one. I was neither challenged nor inspired by this book. What a shame.



I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Good Morning, Lord

Good Morning, Lord: I Don't Know Where You're Going Today, But I'm Going With You
By Sheila Walsh
Thomas Nelson, 2010
English, 224 pgs

Book Description

Delight in each day as an adventure in trusting a faithful God.
Whether facing day-to-day frustrations or long-term struggles with fear, insecurity, or the weight of a painful past, Sheila Walsh takes women by the hand and helps build unbridled trust in The One who gives hope, healing, peace, and redemption. Each ‘day’ starts with a devotion geared toward real life situations that women often face, and ends with questions for thought and space for journaling personal reflections. The invitation is to journey through lessons that women can use immediately to establish a deep, life-altering trust in the Father.

My Review:
I'll read anything Sheila Walsh writes. This is a great book which I intend to use as a morning devotional. Each day has a prayer/affirmation, a short story related to the topic, questions (thank you for giving us space to write...), a prayer and Scripture. Simple, to the point, wonderful.

For my review purposes, I skipped around and didn't read from front to back. Everything I read seemed like it was touching on something I have been dealing with or praying about. How does she do that? That's why I'll always read anything she writes!

I received a copy of the book from Book Sneeze for review purposes. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Lioness Arising

Lioness Arising: Wake Up and Change Your World
By Lisa Bevere
WaterBrook Press, 2010
English, 240 pgs


Book Description:
Awaken.
The lioness rises from her slumber, a magnificent image of strength, passion, and beauty. Her mere presence commands the landscape, protects her young, and empowers the lion. In groups, lionesses become a creative and strategic force to be reckoned with, acting as one to change the world around them.

You too are a lioness.

In Lioness Arising, author and speaker Lisa Bevere offers the life and image of the lioness as a fierce and tender model for women. Revealing the surprising characteristics of this amazing creature, Lisa challenges women to discover fresh passion, prowess, and purpose.

Learn what it means to:

• be a stunning representation of strength
• fiercely protect the young
• lend your voice to the silenced
• live in the light and hunt in the dark
• raise a collective roar that changes everything

Packed with remarkable insights from nature and a rich depth of biblical references to lionesses, Lioness Arising is a call for women to rise up in strength and numbers to change their world.

Jesus is, after all, the lion of the Tribe of Judah.

We are his lioness arising.

My Review:
"There's nothing more dangerous than being in the presence of lions when they are fully awake."


This is my favorite line from this book. It seems as if there have been a lot of books lately about "waking up" and looking at the world around us and seeing where there are hurts and needs. I like that this one is geared toward women.

I made a comment the other day (teaching on Jael from the book of Judges) that I didn't think I could do what she did (kill the countries biggest threat and enemy). But then I had to correct myself: if someone was harming my child, I could be fierce and dangerous.

That's kind-of the point of this book. How upset to we have to be to spring into action? Why aren't we (as women) defending children that aren't even ours? Why aren't we (as women) speaking for those who can't?

I was already stirred to action from the Max Lucado book I just finished and reviewed. This book has only reinforced that stirring and has given me more to think about presenting to the other women in our church.

It's long past the time when women should be silent, meek, and in the shadows. Step up. Awaken.

The Pearl Alliance - combats human trafficking in Cambodia and Thailand
Life Outreach International - reaches, rescues and restores child human trafficking victims
The A21 Campaign - fights human trafficking in Eastern Europe

I received a copy of this book in exchange for the review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Shelby at Phenix and Phenix Literary Publicists for allowing me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

Mailbox Round Up

Here's what came in the mail last week (all free):

Magazines:
Cruise Travel
Forbes
Parents
Ok!
Wine Spectator
Men's Journal
Woman's Day
Real Simple
People
Bloomberg Business Week
Parenting
Travel + Leisure
Marie Claire
US News and World Report
Caribbean Travel (2 issues)
eWeek
Muscle and Fitness
Esquire

Books to review (I was almost caught up...):
 Masquerade
In Every Hearbeat
The Vigilante's Bride
Power Thoughts
What Good is God?

Other Stuff:
Bic Pen
Febreze with Gain spray
Huggies Coupons
Her Best Friend (got 5 copies as a Harlequin Ambassador, other 4 go to library)
Safety 1st Tub Spout cover (bought with SwagBucks credits)

Not Shown: 
Large Box of Luvs Size 3s from Amazon (bought with discount code and SwagBucks credit)

Cellfire E-Coupons

There are several new coupons available thru Cellfire starting 9/21. For Select stores Cellfire allows you to add coupons directly to your grocery savings card.

 

FOR USE AT KROGER, SAFEWAY (and their subs) AND SHOP ‘N SAVE

• Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables Save $.60 Save $0.60 when you buy THREE any variety Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables.
• Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls.
• Refrigerated Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits Save $.30 Save $0.30 when you buy TWO any size/variety Refrigerated Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits.
• TWO Pillsbury® Italian Meal Breads Save $.40 Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Italian Meal Breads (Includes any Loaves, Breadsticks, Dinner Rolls, and Pizza Crust).
• Progresso® Soups Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any flavor Progresso® Soups.
• variety Nature Valley® Granola Bars Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor/variety Nature Valley® Granola Bars (excludes Nature Valley® Granola Thins).
• Fiber One® Chewy Bar Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® Chewy Bars OR Fiber One® 90 Calorie Chewy Bars .
• Betty Crocker® Cookie Mix Save $.40 Save $0.40 when you buy ONE POUCH any flavor 17.5 OZ. OR LARGER Betty Crocker® Cookie Mix.
• Gardetto's Snack Mix Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy any flavor 8 OZ. OR LARGER Gardettos® Snack Mix.
• Kix® cereal Save $.75 Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Kix® cereal listed: Kix®, Berry Berry Kix®, Honey Kix®.

• Cocoa Puffs® cereal Save $.55 Save $0.55 when you buy any ONE BOX Cocoa Puffs® cereal.
• Green Giant® Frozen Bagged Vegetables Save $.40 Save $0.40 when you buy any variety 19 OZ. - 24 OZ. ONLY Green Giant® Frozen Bagged Vegetables.
• Chex Mix® or Snacks Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy ONE any flavor 4.5 OZ. OR LARGER Chex Mix® OR Chex® 100 Calorie Snack.
• Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Cake Mix AND Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy BOTH Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Cake Mix AND Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting (any flavors/varieties).
• Yoplait® Yogurt Cups Save $.40 Save $0.40 when you buy SIX any variety Yoplait® Yogurt cups (Includes Original, Light, Thick & Creamy, OR Whips!®) OR any flavor Yoplait® Original OR Light Smoothie.
• Select Cheerios® Save $.75 Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Cheerios® cereal listed- Frosted Cheerios®, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios®, Banana Nut Cheerios®, Fruity Cheerios®, Chocolate Cheerios®, Cheerios® Oat Cluster Crunch, Yogurt Burst Cheerios®, Berry Burst Cheerios®.
• Yoplait® Fiber One® Save $1 Save $1.00 when you buy any flavor Yoplait® Fiber One® Yogurt Multipacks.
• Pillsbury® Savorings Save $1 Save $1.00 when you buy TWO any flavor/variety Pillsbury® Savorings® products.
• variety Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any variety Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers frozen vegetables.
• Betty Crocker® Box Muffin Mix Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy ONE any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Box Muffin Mix or Fiber One® Box Muffin Mix.
• Pillsbury® Sweet Moments(TM) Refrigerated Desserts Save $1 Save $1.00 when you buy any Pillsbury® Sweet Moments(TM) Refrigerated Desserts.
• Nature Valley® Granola Thins Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor/variety Nature Valley® Granola Thins.
• Yoplait Kids Zone Save $.75 Save $0.75 when you buy TWO any flavor Yoplait® products listed- Yoplait® Go-GURT® Yogurt, Yoplait® Trix® Multipack Yogurt, Yoplait® Splitz Yogurt.
• Betty Crocker® boxed Potatoes Save $.50 Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any flavor Betty Crocker® boxed Potatoes (Except Potato Buds® and Betty Crocker® Pouch).

Mega Swag Bucks!

Woo Hoo! I just won 40 Swag Bucks! I love Mega Swag Day!

Are you Swagging yet? Swag Bucks is a search and win site, powered by Google, which rewards you for things you already do (searching web, shopping online). I cash in every month for at least $10 in Amazon credits! Thanks to Swag Bucks, I have not paid for diapers since about May! There are so many ways to get Bucks every day! Hop over and sign up HERE and get started now!

General Mills Sample Site

General Mills Quericavida has food samples to give away. They are giving away free samples to Spanish speaking US citizens. Join them to receive updates, coupons, and samples of their products.

Free to your home! At Que Rica Vida we have a great variety of recipes, and fantastic advice that will help you to live balanced, healthy and happy in the company of your family.

By signing up you can receive the samples without charge to your home!

 

Weekend Coupon Preview

You can see the list of this weekend's coupons HERE. I'm excited about the Zatarains and Leap Frog coupons!

Book Review and Giveaway: Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Method (CLOSED)

Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method: The Weight-Loss Kick-Start that Makes Perfection Possible
By Tracy Anderson
Grand Central Life & Style, 2010
English, 272 pgs. Plus DVD


Product Description:
Did you know muscles get bored, just like people do? And did you also know that there's a 9 out of 10 chance that you're working the wrong muscles when you exercise? With TRACY ANDERSON'S 30-DAY METHOD you don't have to worry--her unique workout will help you drop the weight and shrink your body in just 30 days.

Based on ten years of scientific research and experience getting not just herself, but A-list stars and everyday people, red carpet ready, Anderson has developed a unique 30-day diet and workout routine that reshapes the body and defies genetics to tone the muscles and drop the pounds. While most people incorrectly target their major muscle groups, like the bicep or hamstring, the focus should be on the smaller accessory muscles that can create a long, lean, balanced look--instead of bulked up look. Anderson's program is composed of a groundbreaking three-tiered approach, including a mat workout and cardio routine targeting the all-important accessory muscles, and an exclusive 30-day meal plan, complete with dozens of delicious recipes.

This comprehensive kick-start program is unlike any other workout on the market and it leaves no chance for anything but terrific, fast results!

My Review:
I'm not 100% thrilled with this. Honestly, the idea behind the workout is sound. She targets smaller muscles to "pull in" the muscles around them, but her method is just not something I can do as a mother and wife. I can't follow her diet exactly, as she recommends, simply because it's not feasible for me to have all the different ingredients and I can't cook a meal 4 times a day. I'm happy to get one meal on the stove! That being said, her stretches and shaping moves are pretty cool. I've been starting the morning with her stretches as soon as I get up and I can certainly feel them! The floor work will challenge you as it's not super easy and some of the moves feel a bit un-natural in the way you move. Okay, the DVD...it's nice that she shows you how to do the moves so you can get your form correct, but it's black and white (making her look silver...kinda creepy) and she doesn't talk or smile or anything. The cardio was just not something I could keep up with. By the time I figured out how to move like she was, she was on to something else.

Thanks to Anna at Hachette, I'm able to give away 2 copies of this book to my readers!

Entry Methods:

All entries MUST have your email in them. If a winning comment does not have an email, a new winner will be chosen.

First, and mandatory, entry: Simply tell me you want the book! (1 Entry)


Other entries (leave a separate comment for each), please notice that some entries have changed:
1 entry - Become a public follower of my blog. The link is on the right hand side of the page. If you're already a follower, leave a comment letting me know.
5 entries - Blog about this giveaway, with a link back to the giveaway (leave a link in your comment so I can verify)
1 entry - Subscribe to my blog by email (link is just under the followers) or let me know if you already subscribe.
1 entry - Become a Facebook fan of Faithful Finances or let me know if you're already a fan.
NEW ENTRY: Place my button on your site (2 entries! You must leave a link so I can verify)

Giveaway Rules: Please be sure you read these before 

you start posting comments. 

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. You will have to provide a physical address, not a PO Box, per Hachette's rules. Winner will be chosen, with the True Random Number Generator (Random.org), Thursday, September 30 at 10 PM CST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. All entries MUST have your email in them. To keep Spam Bots from snagging you, put your address like this: name(at)server(dot)com

I received a copy of the book for review purposes. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Anna from Hachette for including me in the giveaway!

Book Review: SuperBaby

SuperBaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years
By Dr. Jenn Berman
Sterling Publishing, 2010
English, 432 pgs.




Book Description: 
The first three years of life are the most important for nurturing a child's full potential: that's when they start forming attachments, developing a sense of self, and learning to trust. During this time, there are critical windows of opportunity that parents can take advantage of-if they know how. In a dozen succinct yet information-packed chapters, award-winning columnist and professional therapist Dr. Jenn Berman gives parents the knowledge they need. Her enlightening sidebars, bulleted lists, and concrete, easy-to-use strategies will help parents raise happy, healthy babies…who grow to be flourishing toddlers and successful adults.

Berman (aka Dr. Jenn), a Los Angeles psychotherapist and author (The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids), focuses on development in the first three years of life. The mother of toddler twin girls, Berman quickly points out that her purpose is not to create an "uberbaby." In fact, the author flatly rejects such approaches as Baby Einstein, flash cards, and "infantainment." Instead, she guides parents though 12 crucial steps that help children grow intellectually and emotionally, devoting well-researched chapters to communication, responding to cues, creating predictability, the importance of touch, language development, sign language, foreign language, reading, play, the hazards of screen time, living green, and food and nutrition. Berman threads the work of respected parenting experts and scientific evidence throughout her text, shoring up her message that the first three years are vital for forming attachments, developing a sense of self, and learning to trust. In each chapter, she explains both why and how; for instance, play helps kids problem solve, and, among other benefits, aids in social development and impulse control; she follows up with creative toy and play ideas. The author doesn't just talk the talk; in her chapter on language, she notes that her own toddlers have learned Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Berman's absorbing new book will help parents give their youngsters a nurturing head start and a firm foundation for growth and learning. 

My Review:
I often wonder (as I raise two boys) if I'm doing everything wrong. I wonder if I'm talking to them enough. I wonder if I'm holding them enough, without it being too much. I wonder if I'm interacting with them enough. We've turned the TV off for the 4 year old (with the exception of when I have to take a shower in the morning) and he's really been getting creative with his play time. To that end, I was really happy to get to read this book. I have all kinds of "do this to make a happy kid" books and this will make a wonderful addition to that shelf. I knew that it was important to encourage another language in early childhood (have a friend who's kids are bilingual and I think it rocks!) but didn't really know how to do that since I don't speak another language. This gave me some ideas and hopefully I'll pick up some new words as well! I really liked the chapter on play time because I'm not sure what I need to be encouraging in the 9 month old at this time. This gave me ideas as well as a list of toys that are appropriate for him. So, all in all, I was really happy with this book and the ideas/tips is has in it. This may be the book I give expecting parents rather than my usual book which tells them what to expect as the baby grows.

I received a copy of the book in return for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Emily at Sterling for allowing me to review this book.

Wholly Guacamole, Batman! (CLOSED)

My family eats a lot of nachos. A lot. My husband has been known to use eggs and sausage to make breakfast nachos and they're on the menu at least once every week. We all like different things on them too. I'm a meat-beans-cheese-lettuce-tomato-salsa girl and my husband adds black olives and ranch dressing (I know...). The kiddo eats his in piles of ingredients, one at a time!

We were thankful to get to try a line of Wholly products. The re-usable cooler was packed with two types of guacamole, one layer dip, queso (!) and blue corn chips.

As my husband and I are firm believers that there is nothing better than warm cheese, we dove into the queso first! My son thought the chips were cool and I was really pleased to see that they were made with quinoa, sunflower seeds and flaxseed and they were not too salty.

The queso? Well, it's all gone...if that tells you anything. Oh-my-lanta! The spice level was perfect for me and my son could eat it as well (he panics if anything is too spicy). My husband was lucky he got into the kitchen when he did or it would have all been gone!

We made beef and black bean nachos and opened one regular and one spicy guacamole. My husband ate the spicy and said it was really good and tasted really fresh. My kiddo and I ate the regular and it was much the same reaction. It was fresh tasting. I wish I'd had limes to squeeze into them just for that little extra oomph.

The layer dip was too much for me. I liked the flavors of the guac and salsa, but there was too much heat for me. I could only eat a few bites at a time. My husband, on the other hand, could have made a meal out of it if I'd have let him!

The Wholly products website has a great recipe section too! You'll get really inspired by it!

By the way, did you know that today is National Guacamole Day? Guacamole is one of the top ten entertaining foods for football season. America's number one guacamole is ready to start football season! To celebrate, Wholly products has partnered in a website with entertaining ideas. I love that they're calling it "Home-gating"...you know like tail-gating, but at home! Clever!

On this site, you will find great tips for entertaining and just hanging out with friends and family. It has a menu planner, decorating ideas, kids korner and more! There's even a Football 101 section where you can check up on your knowledge! (I did really bad...)

While you're there, enter to win the sweepstakes for a chance to win really great party prizes!

Oh, while you're here...enter to win a prize from Wholly products!

Entry Methods:

All entries MUST have your email in them.

First, and mandatory, entry: Enter the sweepstakes at HomegatingHQ.com. (1 Entry)




Other entries (leave a separate comment for each), please notice that some entries have changed:
2 entries - "Like" Wholly Guacamole on Facebook (coupons!)
1 entry - Become a public follower of my blog. The link is on the right hand side of the page. If you're already a follower, leave a comment letting me know.
5 entries - Blog about this giveaway, with a link back to the giveaway (leave a link in your comment so I can verify)
1 entry - Subscribe to my blog by email (link is just under the followers) or let me know if you already subscribe.
1 entry - Become a Facebook fan of Faithful Finances or let me know if you're already a fan.
1 entry: Place my button on your site (You must leave a link so I can verify) 

Giveaway Rules: Please be sure you read these before 

you start posting comments. 

Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only. Winner will be chosen, with the True Random Number Generator (Random.org), Tuesday, September 28 at 10 PM CST. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. All entries MUST have your email in them. To keep Spam Bots from snagging you, put your address like this: name(at)server(dot)com

I received a package of products in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are truthful and are my own. Thank you to Sylvia for including me in this promotion!

Where was I?

Just realized I missed BlogFest...what? Where was I????

Mailbox Round Up

Here's what came in the mail last week (all free):

Entertainmene Weekly
Bloomberg Businessweek (2)
Living the Country Life
Glamour
People
OK!
Women's Health
Town & Country
Boating
American Photo (2)
Food Network Magazine
Electronic Products

Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Method (review and giveaway soon)
The Mockingbird Parables (review soon)
The I Hate to Cook Book (giveaway win from Coupon Clippin Mommy)
Forbidden Passion (giveaway win)

Stickers from Disney video club (just in time for a reward chart!)
Coupon for Rachael Ray dog treats
Hat from Purina
$3 check from Pinecone
Address labels from Susan G. Komen (yes, I donate)
Home Made Simple coupons
Customized Disney parks maps...these will be cute somehow......

 Cooler with Wholly products to review (coming soon)

Proud to be part of Mailbox Mondays at A Frugal Friend!

Book Review: Outlive Your Life

Outlive Your Live: You Were Made to Make a Difference
By Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, 2010
English, 240 pgs.


Book Description:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

My Review:
This was my kick in the teeth. My husband is a pastor. My degree is in religion. Yet I do nothing.

I used to. I used to give to the local food pantry (true, it was easy when we went to that church). I've gone on a few mission trips. I've fed homeless people in Detroit. I've cleaned halls and bathrooms in a shelter in North Houston.

But I cringe when someone comes to my door asking for help. I cry over the countless little girls who are being sexually abused in Asia, but I've never donated to a cause to help. I can't even look at the pictures of the kids with facial deformities in the magazines. I turn the channel when the sponsor a kid commercials come on. I can't look at kids in pain. I can't look at the struggle their lives and cannot handle the thought that I can't.

I look at my blog "tagline" and "button"...We are blessed so we may be a blessing to others. I feel like a hypocrite right now. The last thing I did to directly help someone was give sanitary pads to the local college health center. Did it change a life? Probably not. Did it show some random girl here that people in this town care about them? I hope so. 

This is MY personal call to action!

"No one can do everything. But everyone can do something."

Matthew 25: 31-36³¹"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. ³²All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
 ³⁴"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
 ³⁷"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
 ⁴⁰"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
 ⁴¹"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴²For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
 ⁴⁴"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
 ⁴⁵"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
 ⁴⁶"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Compassion isn't a new concept. Just a forgotten one. It's our duty to look after those who cannot look after themselves. There are so many ways you can help. Here...I'll give you the links so you don't have to hunt for them...

BrightPoint For Children: Christ-centered, child sponsorship organization through which sponsors can provide for the basic needs and education of impoverished children wherever they may live.

Compassion International: Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.

World Vision: Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide.

Samaritan's Purse:  Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.

The Water Project:  You can make an enormous impact on hundreds of lives by sponsoring a clean water well in Africa.

UNICEF:  Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more.

World Hope International: We go to remote areas and partner with people in an effort to bring healing, restoration and positive, sustainable change. Our programs offer opportunity, dignity and hope in places where those things are usually in short supply. 

GoNow! Missions:  Go Now Missions is committed to sending Texas university students to share the love of Christ across the world.


I'm not sure where our support is going yet, my husband hasn't read the book yet and I will wait for his leadership in this matter, but my outlook is changed. I can't sit by and not do anything anymore. I don't know what this stirring in my soul will bring. You CANNOT read this book and not be affected. You can't hear these stories and not want to do something.


I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review from BookSneeze. I have received no additional compensation and was not required to write a positive review. I have not checked out each and every organization on a personal level, but these are some that I have seen recommended in the past or have known someone who was involved with them.

CSN Review coming up!

I can't tell you how badly I'm wanting to get my house finally finished. There isn't much we still need, but I have a huge empty spot in my living room which is just waiting for me to find the right coffee table! I can't decide if I want a storage table, a console table, a round table or a rectangle table....luckily I can look through all the choices at All Coffee Tables and make a great choice, no matter which one I choose!

This is the one I'm leaning towards:

I also have a huge blank wall in the living room with no ideas...oh, so many things left to do.

I'm pleased that I'm going to get to look through and pick a product from CSN to review again. I've been 100% satisfied with my purchases from them in the past and know that no matter what I pick, I'm getting a quality product at a great price with really fast shipping!

I can't wait to show you what I choose and how great it looks in my house!

Synovate Opinion Panel

Share your opinion and win prizes! I've been working with Synovate Global Opinion Panel for about a year now and I have personally tested many products for them and have cashed out for $25 in cash!

For every survey you complete, you also receive an entry into their monthly sweepstakes drawing! The total value of all prizes is $5,000 each month.

I just logged in today and have one survey waiting too!

Book Review: Faithful

Faithful
By Kim Cash Tate
Thomas Nelson, 2010
English, 320 pgs

Product Description:
Three life-long friends experience life-altering struggles. Will they find the strength to be faithful to the covenants they've made with God...and each other?Cydney Sanders thought she knew God's plan for her life. She'd marry, have kids, and then snap her body back into shape with Tae Bo. But she's celebrating her fortieth birthday as the maid of honor at her little sister's wedding . . . and still single. Why would God give her this desire to marry, but no husband? And why is her life suddenly complicated by the best man-who's the opposite of what she wants in a husband?
Cydney's best friend Dana has the perfect marriage. But when Dana discovers her husband's affair, her world goes into a tailspin. And Phyllis is out of hope after six years of unanswered prayers for her husband to find faith. When she runs into an old friend who is the Christian man she longs for, she's faced with an overwhelming choice.
With life falling apart around them, can they trust God like never before?

My Review:
I felt this was truer to life than many Christian books are now-a-days. The characters dealt with real circumstances and real emotions. I'm passing this along to my girls at church. This is by far the best Christian fiction book I've read this year.

I don't want to give anything away, but keep a box of tissues handy when you read it and get ready to be pulled into the story.

I received a copy of this book from Book Sneeze as a part of their Blogger Review program. I have received no additional compensation and was not required to write a positive review.

Weekend Coupon Preview

Go HERE for your weekend coupon preview!




They don't have the SmartSource up yet, so keep checking!

Free Chips and Queso

If you frequent a Chili's (as we do) you may want to sign up for their email club. You'll get to print a coupon for a free chips and queso!