Ethical Couponing Before I conclude my Coupon series, I need to say a world on ethical couponing. As the world of coupons has changed, there is a scrutiny by the stores on the use of coupons. Do not be afraid to use coupons. Simply be aware. Coupons are a completely legal way to save money. Internet coupons are perfectly legal – as long as they always have a barcode on them. If you print directly from Red Plum and Coupons.com, you will not have a problem. The problem comes when some well-intentioned (I hope) person circulates a coupon that is altered. How do you know? If it is missing a … Read More...
Coupons, Part 3
Coupon Collections You now have a coupon box. You now have some coupons filed in your box. Yet, you might be thinking that your selection looks pretty slim. There are several ways to add to your coupons. The first way to add to your coupon collection is to print coupons. It has become a common practice in the coupon world. Most, if not all major stores now accept Internet coupons. The first time you print coupons, you will be prompted to install a coupon printer. It only takes a moment and will allow you to print coupons easily in the future. You can specify your printer to print in … Read More...
We Believe
Yesterday, the National LCMS Youth Gathering - We Believe - ended in New Orleans. Over 23,000 Lutheran youth gathered together for a time to worship, learn and grow. I am a firm believer that every Lutheran youth should do two things. Number One - Go on a Mission Trip. Number Two - Go to a National Youth Gathering. Both of these events will change your life in dramatic, if admittedly different, ways. I know because I experienced both and my life was changed by both. My first experience with a National Youth Gathering was in 1995 - River of Light in San Antonio. I lived in San Antonio and … Read More...
Davenie’s Baptism
Today Davenie Kael becomes God's child in the water and Word of baptism. What a miracle it is to witness! God takes ordinary "stuff" as my Pastor / Dad likes to say and does something out of the ordinary. God writes His name on her heart. I've always loved the hymn "See This Wonder in the Making" by Carl Schalk. Do you know this baptismal hymn? It begins like this, "See this wonder in the making - God Himself this child is taking. Now God's precious son or daughter, born again by Word and water." What a grace-filled gift! Andy and I are honored to serve as Davenie's baptismal sponsors. As we … Read More...
Coupons, Part 2
Organizing Coupons Now, it’s time to organize your coupons. There are many ways to organize coupons. As with all things, you need to develop a system that works for you. I use a small Tupperware box that I bought. I’ve expanded past the point of an expandable coupon file, but that is a great way for beginners to start! Shoeboxes also work well. In my coupon box, I have mini folders / envelopes that sort and divide my coupons. Here’s a picture of my coupon box. What do you want your coupon box to be? Sorting Your Coupons The next question you must decide is how you want to sort … Read More...
Kitchen Shortcuts
I love to bake! I always have. I love to bake so much that for our first anniversary, my husband bought me a new set of pots and pans...and I was thrilled! My love of baking is probably due to the fact that many of my memories of my Mother are in the kitchen. She is a wonderful cook and taught me so much. I am blessed with grandmothers who cook just as wonderfully, and now a mother-in-law, who is also an excellent cook. To me, cooking is a way to show how much I care, as the women in my family continue to show daily. It’s a labor of love. The dishes aren’t always necessarily as much fun, but … Read More...