Recently I had to do some online shopping because we needed parts for hubby's computer. Since we normally buy our stuff from Tiger Direct, I headed over there and found what we needed. When I checked out, I was able to use a new payment option that doesn't require the use of a credit card. Ebillme allows you to pay for items using online banking. It is simple and easy to set up an account and attach it to your bank account. The advantage of doing this is that you don't have to charge items. It is like paying cash for your purchase. If you bank online, you will find that this is a really convenient way to make purchases. The payment process was so easy that I'm sure to use it many times on future purchases. Overall, I'm happy that I had the opportunity to try ebillme and I am very satisfied with my experience.
Blog Tour: Twice Loved by Lori Copeland
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren. They are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa. Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995 after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has more than 95 books published including Now And Always
and Bluebonnet Belle.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Texas, 1865 Willow Madison and her friends, Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas communities until the Yankees rode into the area and burned them out. In the midst of fear and chaos, survivors banded together to fight for what remained of their homes. Then word reached the people that the terrible war was over.
Now penniless but still hopeful, Willow vows she will take care of her friends, Copper and Audrey, and her ailing uncle, in Thunder Ridge, Texas, even if it means having to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, a man thirty years her senior. But standing in her way is handsome sawmill owner Tucker Gray, with his enticing eyes and infuriating headstrong manner—the man Willow cannot get out of her head . . . or her heart. Even though her friends beg her not to give up her dream of happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those who are dearest to her. But which path does God want Willow to take: a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Twice Loved, go HERE
How Are You Dealing?
A friend and I were talking about gas prices the other day and how nice it was that gas has come down 30 cents a gallon in the last month. As soon as we spoke the words, we started to laugh. How funny, we're excited that gas is only $3.48 a gallon now! The same evening, hubby and I were talking about changes we were going to have to make in our driving habits. We've already started to really consolidate our trips to town. A few hours after our conversation, we ran across an article about food costs and how they will continue to stay high like they are now. Now, staying home more is more than easy to do but you have to eat! Not long after that, we ran across another article informing us that our energy bills would be going up as much as $20 more each month. We started talking about ways to cut our energy costs and have already started by changing most of our light bulbs to florescent. We only have a few ceiling fans in the house that still have regular bulbs and we'll phase those out soon.
It's crazy.....every time you turn around, the cost of something sky rockets. I don't see how many families are doing it. I have a couple of friends who do futures trading and I'm not sure how they continue to do that. I can't figure out where we're heading but it can't be good. It seems we (our country) just continue to go in debt. How far can you go and still dig yourself out?
I'm curious how you guys are dealing with the rising cost of things. What are you doing to conserve gas? Energy? How are you dealing with the rise in food costs? I feel like our family is doing all of the obvious things to conserve and be frugal but I'm always curious about what others are doing. Maybe some of you have thought of something I haven't.
Can You Feel It Now?
Hey Jenny, can you hear that? Sounds like football to me!
Only 10 more days until my beloved Vols take the field against UCLA!
There is nothing better than fall winds, football on tv, warm blankets, and plenty of Southern comfort food to make a girl feel in her element! I can't express how excited I am that football season is almost here. I've enjoyed the Olympics and I love basketball but I'll take football any day!
Bring it on!
Every Act to Judgment
While visiting Stacey's blog today, I noticed a coupon giveaway she was having. As part of entering, she asked that commenters share their favorite verse of Scripture. As I was commenting on her post, I was again reminded of the great message in my favorite verse. Here it is:
Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14
13The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
14For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
I think it speaks for itself. This verse serves as a constant reminder to me that no matter what I think, say, do, or feel, God brings it to judgment. I take much comfort in knowing this. I know how prone to sin I am and I find that this verse helps me consider my words and actions beforehand. I wish I could say that I always make the right choices and do not sin but that isn't the case. I am especially thankful for the verses that remind me God knows All things.
A Funeral and Old Shirts
Holy smokes, have things been nuts around here lately! Since March, we've had 4 deaths on my hubby's side of the family; an aunt, his brother, a distant relative, and on Friday, his uncle. Our heads are still spinning from all of it. Just when things seem to settle down, something else pops up. This is one of the tougher seasons of our lives thus far. We are thankful that each of these relatives claimed Christ as King. To some degree, that eases our sorrow.
While attending funerals have been a big part of my absence, we've also had many things to catch up on around our house. Our garden is keeping me very busy. We're having a wonderful harvest and are very excited to improve our planting next year. Another thing I'm working on is cleaning out hubby's closet. He's lost about 35 pounds since February and has outgrown many of his old clothes. One thing I need to make use of are several of his company logo shirts. He doesn't need these anymore since the company changed names several months ago and the shirts are really too large for him now. They are good quality shirts and I'm wondering if I can somehow recycle them. They are short-sleeved, polo type shirts with the company emblem on one side. He also has a few good quality long sleeved shirts with the emblem on the side. He always pushes them to the back of his closet so I don't see him ever wearing them again. All of the shirts are made of good quality cotton that is kind of thick. It's not practical to keep them for "around the house" shirts because they are just too hot due to the thickness.
This is where each of you come in. I need some good ideas for recycling these shirts. I thought of cutting them up for cleaning rags but I'm just not sure I could do that. I know I could always donate them but I'd really like to recycle them for our use. I'm thinking that the material is strong enough to use for making a few small tote bags or something like that. If you have ideas or simple patterns to suggest, please do so. I'm trying hard to be more deliberate about the things I throw out. I need to think outside the box more often so that I don't get rid of things that could really be useful!
Favre....Soon To Be In A Jets Uniform
Since everyone else is talking about it, I'm gonna mention it too. Brett Favre is going to the NY Jets!! Finally! The drama is over and he can get to work. I have really enjoyed watching Favre play over the years. I especially loved watching him last season. He seemed to be having so much fun. When he gave his retirement press conference, I wondered how he could walk away from football. As a former athlete, I know how hard it is to give it up after years of commitment. The drama was really getting on my nerves and I was longing for the day when I could turn ESPN on without hearing or seeing Favre's name. Thank goodness it's over and we can all get back to our normal routine.
I look forward to watching this all unfold. I like Favre as a person but the Jets, well, not so much:-o) I'll still be pulling for my Colts, Cowboys, and Titans. I do hope Favre shakes things up in New York and has success in whatever is left of his playing career.
Rite Aid Deals 8-4-08
Yesterday was an excellent day for going to Rite Aid. They had several FAR (free after rebate) deals that I wanted to take advantage of. I made up my list ahead of time and headed to Rite Aid after piano lessons. Here's what I walked away with:
- Twin pack of Bausch & Lomb ReNu Multiplus solution $9.99 but FAR
- Revlon nail polish $2.99 but FAR
- Stayfree pads $2.99-$1.99 SCR-$1Q=.99cents
- Gillette mens shampoo $4.49-$3.49SCR-$1 Q=free
- Infusium 23 shampoo $5.99-$1SCR-$3Q=$1
- Gillette Fusion razor $9-$5SCR-$4Q=free
- 2 pk of light bulbs $2 but FAR
- Acne treatment $7.99 but FAR
- Olay facial cleanser $7.99 but FAR
- Charles Worthington conditioner $4.99 but FAR
I can't believe I never took advantage of these generous deals until about a month ago! The total before coupons was about $60. After coupons (I had $11 worth of those), my total was $49.72. After my rebate check comes in, I have spent $1.99 plus tax for all of these items! Even if you're not into finding deals, couponing, or saving money, you have to admit this is wonderful! Rite Aid is very generous for running so many great FAR items. These are items that we can all use. It's not just a bunch of junk that they want to push out of the store. I'm very excited and glad to add these things to our stockpile. I'm going to have a wonderful time creating gift baskets for relatives come Christmastime.
Even if you don't want to fool with clipping coupons, you should check the Rite Aid sales paper each week and take advantage of these wonderful deals. They ran a deal last week that allowed me to get toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouth wash very, very cheap. I paid 50 cents for six toothbrushes. Don't need these items? That's ok. Take advantage of the deals anyway and donate the items to your church or local shelters. There's always someone who can use them.
Trying To Catch Up
The past couple of weeks have been extremely busy in our house and I feel like we need a little vacation. This morning, I was browsing some Orlando vacations since I know many people who've traveled there and loved it. I've always wanted to go to Sea World. That would be a real treat. I love animals and would love to be in the water with dolphins. I'd be scared to death for a little bit but once we warmed up to each other, I'd be fine.
Gas is just so outrageous now that it will be a while before we can actually take a vacation. It seems that every time we get in the car, we are trying to figure out how many things we can combine into one trip. I think we've finally decided to trade our Toyota 4-Runner and get a new small car that's good on gas. Our Echo is great. It's just that it has a lot of miles and needs to be our secondary car. We're trying to save toward the new car for a few months and once we get enough saved, we'll start looking. I think we can work a pretty good deal with a trade in and a substantial amount paid toward the new car. It's been 8 years since we bought a new car so it should be interesting.
Our garden is doing extremely well this year and I'll be sharing pictures in the coming days. I've got squash, zucchini, green beans, okra, jalapenos, cucumbers, and tomatoes to use up this week. I can't wait for our roma tomatoes ripen so that we can start making salsa!
Hope things are going well for you. What have you been up to?
