How to Save Money while Shopping

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June 4, 2018 By Jennifer 11 Comments

Our grocery budget is higher than anyone’s I know.

We have different priorities for sure and food is high on the list. We don’t cut corners. We like all-natural and homemade. We like to cook and eat together. I’m home with the kids seven days a week and we all eat three meals a day together. Aaron joins us after work each night for weekday dinners and helps cook meals on weekends. See what we eat every week. See an example of our grocery expense a few years ago.

I’m not into couponing and most of the items I regularly buy aren’t in regular coupon circulars anyway.

I want to be a good steward of our financial resources and I want to teach my kids about budgeting and being good stewards as well. It’s a constant balance between spending more on the better quality and healthier options and trying to save money where it counts.

I primarily shop at Kroger since that’s our closest store. I buy several things at our base commissary each month, like bacon and sausage, because they’re remarkably cheaper and tax-free. We buy all our meats at a local butcher shop. I occasionally shop at our local Walmart. I shop at Costco every few months to stock up on a few items. I buy cat food and litter and wild bird seed at Chewy because it saves me time and money and I don’t have to lift the bags except to drag them into my house. And I shop online for lots so I don’t have to interact with too many people. I also like self-checkout when I can!

I usually check these FREE apps on Thursdays when they update.

How to Save Money while Shopping:

Ibotta

This is my favorite service where you upload your receipts for 287 participating stores and receive instant rebates.

It’s most convenient on mobile where you can you access the camera to take pics and upload the receipt.

For Walmart and some other stores, you just scan the QR code on the receipt and it’s smart and does the rest for you!

You choose your store and the items you’ve purchased each week to receive cash back on those purchases.

Sometimes, there are offers on “any item” or “any brand” and those are wonderful.

There are bonuses each month or so that you can earn more.

You can use this app to earn even more when you shop online.

Some of the deals are combos, like you buy a certain brand of crackers and any kind of cheese.

There are great rebates on baby items.

You can cash out once you’ve earned $20. They send via Paypal.

I love love LOVE that it offers deals at military commissaries.

I’ve earned over $70 this year with iBotta.

Checkout 51

This is another service where you upload your receipts for participating stores and receive instant rebates.

This app has improved a great deal in the last few years. They are consistent with a few brands but offer great deals on those. You can link brand accounts to save even more. I love that they offer Back to Nature and Bob’s Red Mill and other more natural organic product deals.

You can add loyalty cards to the app for a few participating stores. Sometimes, you can earn on several items at once.

It’s also most convenient on mobile where you can you access the camera to take pics to upload your receipt.

You choose the items you’ve purchased, upload your receipt, and receive cash back on those purchases.

You can cash out once you’ve earned $20.

I’ve earned over $20 this year with Checkout 51. They only mail checks, which I don’t really like.

eBates

I’ve earned over $150 shopping online for things I would buy anyway.

I use eBates when I buy floral arrangements for my mom or friends.

I use it when I’m buying needed items at Kohl’s or Lowe’s or Walmart and use the ship to store option. It saves me time and earns me money!

It’s free and even has a nifty little Chrome plugin so it manages coupon codes and alerts you if there’s a better deal at a competing store.

You can link a credit or debit card to earn cash back when you shop in-store!

Join eBates now!

Coupons

I don’t do many coupons and I don’t follow my favorite brands on social media or subscribe to newsletters to get updates and deals. I know that there are some good options out there on some items.

I like the Kroger app for in-store coupons for things I’m going to buy anyway. Kroger also mails me coupons periodically for items I’ve bought in the past.

I have apps for Hobby Lobby, Joann, and Michael’s too for their weekly coupons.

I check the Kohl’s app for coupon codes before buying.

And I use the Chick-fil-A app to earn free items!

Loyalty Cards

These irritate me to no end, but I try to remember to use them. It seems that every store has a loyalty card these days and some of the perks are barely worth it. I like the Kroger card to save on gas and store brand items. If the store has an app that I can link the loyalty card to, I am much happier.

We move so frequently and the cards aren’t always transferrable or the store isn’t in our new city or state. Then we have to start all over again.

What unique ways do you save money?

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Linking up: Our Holiday Journey, Modest Mom, Squishable Baby, Mostly Blogging, Inspiration for Moms, Lori Schumaker, Holley Gerth, Darling Downs Diaries, Create with Joy, MaryAndering Creatively, Life of Faith, Timeless Mama, Let It Shine, April Harris, LouLou Girls, Meghan Weyerbacher, Purposeful Faith, Trekking Thru, Blogghetti, Ducks in a Row, Jessi’s Design, Our Three Peas, Bringing up Georgia, Gingersnap Crafts, Jaime Wiebel, Soaring with Him, Sarah Frazer, Creative K Kids, Life Beyond the Kitchen, A Bountiful Love, Penny’s Passion, Katherine’s Corner, My Learning Table, Organized 31, Be Thee Inspired, Imparting Grace, Crystal Storms, Mommynificent, Simply Sweet Home, Coffee with Us3, Overwhelmed to Fulfilled, Easy Peasy Pleasy, Anna Nuttall, Answer is Chocolate, Susan Mead, Crystal Waddell, Bright on a Budget, RCH Reviews, Momfessionals, Blended Blog, The Charm of Home, Lyli Dunbar, Counting My Blessings, Create with Joy, Being a Wordsmith, Our Mini Family,

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Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste

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June 2, 2018 By Jennifer 2 Comments

I loved my sample of Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste.

*I received a free sample in exchange for my honest review.*

I haven’t used mainstream brand name toothpastes in years. Our family also hasn’t had a cavity or any oral problems since we went natural.

It’s a challenge finding a natural toothpaste that everyone likes. We’ve experimented over the years and *this one* tastes good or *that one* whitens and cleans the teeth best. Seldom is there an all-around great natural toothpaste that checks off all the necessary boxes on my list.

Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste is one of the best natural toothpastes I’ve tried!

Here’s one of the two samples I received to try:

The texture is smooth and creamy.

Don’t expect a lot of foamy action with natural toothpastes and you don’t need as much as I show here.

Yes, natural toothpastes are usually more expensive and there aren’t coupons in your Sunday paper, but it’s so much healthier and better for you and especially your kids!

The flavor is delicious – sweet and minty from the xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener.

My teeth feel clean and smooth. It’s not abrasive but very gentle!

I feel my breath is fresher than with my regular natural toothpaste.

Ingredients

Coconut Oil Toothpaste: Pure Water, Coconut Oil, Hydrated Silica, Glycerin, Xylitol, Irish Moss, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Aloe Vera Juice, Titanium Dioxide, Natural Mint Flavor.

Have you read the ingredients list on store bought national brand name toothpastes? Do you know what all those things are? Why is there a poison control warning on something you put in your mouth at least twice a day?

I love that Dr. Ginger’s products have NO Sodium Lauryl Sulfate!

It’s often used in soaps, detergents, and toothpastes as a cleaning agent, but it’s also a known irritant because it removes oils from the skin. I have to be really careful reading labels since we have one kiddo who’s really sensitive.

Get the FAQs.

I highly recommend this delicious and natural toothpaste!

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Linking up: Home and Horizon,

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5 Ways For Parents To Empower Daughters In An Unkind World

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May 23, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

While opportunities for women have advanced significantly in recent decades, studies reflect that the path to personal independence and growth isn’t always smooth – starting in early childhood up through high school.

Gender stereotypes persist.

According to a survey of 1,900 girls and young women between 7 and 21, conducted by the charity Girlguiding, many feel that pressure from social media, TV, friends, teachers and parents affects how they think and act. Another study in the Journal of Adolescent Health reported that stereotypes of girls were reinforced by schools, parents and the media, thereby limiting their mobility and access to opportunities.

One possible answer, says mentor and author Sheri Engler, is for parents to empower their daughters from a young age.

“We parents need to take the necessary time from our busy lives to find out what our daughters are experiencing on a daily basis,” says Engler, author of The Pearls of Wisdom: A Fairy Tale Guide to Life’s Magic Secrets for All Ages.

“We must break down barriers to success early on. Otherwise, girls frequently surrender their ‘surplus’ qualities before they even leave grade school, because they feel they won’t be accepted if they are ‘too much.’ They are not allowed too many gifts for fear of alienating boys and competing with other girls. This has to stop.”

Five ways parents can empower their daughters and help them grow into strong, successful women:

Explain the social dynamic.

Help them understand the reasons why boys may be intimidated by powerful girls, and why girls may become jealous and pull down a girl who has too much.

Help them avoid social programming.

Most forms of mass media “bombard girls with destructive messages.” With character development so important, parents need to offer more positive influences. Discouraging Facebook is a good place to start due to its entrainment of a ‘me-oriented’ society.

Provide social alternatives.

Connecting with other parents and families who hold similar values is one option. Perhaps consider online or home schooling if your child is being affected by negative conditioning from peers and/or misguided authority figures. Parents need to find out what’s really going on with their daughters, both at home and at school. Sadly, damaging messages come from every direction.

Teach them to help others.

Parents can role-model strengthening values. These values could be exemplified by going together to volunteer in soup kitchens, to foster homeless animals, or to visit lonely, old people in nursing homes. Learning compassion for others supports strong self-esteem through character building.

Help them identify their unique desires and abilities.

Encourage pride in being who they are on an authentic level. Help them experience life’s many aspects so they may explore their natural abilities and interests, while paying particular attention to what truly brings them joy – because that is usually where their authentic selves reside.

We need to prevent damage early on, instead of trying to fix it after it’s too late.

About Sheri Engler:

Author/illustrator of The Pearls of Wisdom: A Fairy Tale Guide to Life’s Magic Secrets for All Ages. She is an experienced mentor, medium, and metaphysicist with a background in psychology, counseling and research. She received a BA in Clinical Psychology at San Francisco State University. Follow Sheri on Twitter.

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How to Keep Your Kids Safer in the Sun

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May 22, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Kids are more vulnerable to damage from the sun than adults. A few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.

The best sunscreen is a hat and shirt. After that, protect kids with a sunscreen that’s effective and safe.

These tips will help you keep kids of all ages safe in the sun.

Infants

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin.

When you take your baby outside:

· Cover them up with protective clothing that is tightly woven but loose-fitting, and a sun hat.

· Make shade. Use the stroller’s canopy or hood. If you can’t sit in a shady spot, use an umbrella.

· Avoid midday sun. Take walks in the early morning or late afternoon.

· Follow product warnings for sunscreens on infants younger than 6 months old. Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreens on infants, or advise parents and caregivers to consult a doctor first.

Toddlers and children

Sunscreens are an essential part of a day in the sun. But young children’s skin is especially sensitive to chemical allergens – as well as the sun’s UV rays.

· Test sunscreen by applying a small amount on the inside of your child’s wrist the day before you plan to use it. If an irritation or rash develops, try another product. Ask your child’s doctor to suggest a product less likely to irritate your child’s skin. Or make your own!

· Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply it often, especially if your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests about one ounce of sunscreen per application for a child.

Teens

Teenagers coveting bronzed skin are likely to sunbathe, patronize tanning salons, or buy self-tanning products – all of which are bad ideas. Researchers believe that increasing UV exposure may have caused the marked increase in melanoma incidence noted among women born after 1965. Tanning parlors expose the skin to as much as 15 times more UV radiation than the sun and likely contribute to the melanoma increase. Many chemicals in self-tanning products have not been tested for safety.

Parents of teens should be good role models – let your teen see that you protect yourself from the sun. Tan does not mean healthy.

Sun safety at school

Sometimes school and daycare policies interfere with children’s sun safety. Many schools treat sunscreen as a medicine and require written permission to use it on a child. Some insist that only the school nurse apply it. Some ban hats and sunglasses as distractions.

Here are a few questions to ask your school, daycare, or camp:

· What is the policy on sun safety?

· Is there shade on the playground?

· Are outdoor activities scheduled to avoid midday sun?

5 Natural Ways to Prevent Sunburns

Vitamin D

While the sun helps us to manufacture vitamin D, consuming vitamin D rich foods like cod liver oil and/or supplementing with quality source of oral vitamin D3 can in turn help to protect us from the UV radiation of the sun. What a brilliant cycle nature created! Learn how to best absorb vitamin D from your foods and you may very well find that your tolerance to sun exposure increases significantly.

Healthy Fats

It’s true, healthy fats do truly relate to everything. Including stable, robust fats in the diet is crucial to resilient skin. Dietary fats and oils provide building blocks for skin tissues. Logically, if your skin is enriched with fragile oils, it will be much more sensitive to damage by the sun.

Minerals

Deficiencies in certain minerals such as zinc and magnesium can cause photosensitivity and sun rashes. Be sure to have your mineral status checked and consume mineral rich foods from both plant and animal sources. Bone broths and organ meats like liver are particularly balanced in trace minerals.

Coconut Oil

It may be delicious to eat, but coconut oil is also a powerful healing agent when applied to the skin. There is anecdotal evidence showing that Polynesians frequently rubbed this precious oil on before spending long periods of time in the sun. Although it has been tested to block only about 20% of the sun’s rays, its value lies more in the powerful antioxidants it releases into the skin, which bolster natural defenses and prevents damage from long term sun exposure. Try making your own whipped coconut oil lotion.

Astaxanthin

This unique compound is a super-antioxidant found in algae and the organisms that consume it such as salmon, shrimp, krill and flamingos. Pink-red in color (hint: think about the animals that eat it), this substance has been growing in popularity as an “internal sunscreen.” Several trials using human cells have shown it to have protective effects on the skin. Although it may not turn our skin quite as romantic a hue as a flamingo, many people experience skin benefits and an enhanced ability to tan from consuming astaxanthin or krill oil.

Click here for my homemade sunscreen recipe!

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Amazon Prime Book Box for Kids

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May 21, 2018 By Jennifer 18 Comments

Story time just got better with Prime Book Box, a subscription that delivers hand-picked children’s books every 1, 2, or 3 months.

Discover new favorites that inspire a love of reading—new adventures await in every box!

Prime Book Box saves you up to 35% off List Price, and provides the best value on books sold by Amazon.com.

What’s in a Prime Book Box?

Each box contains 2 hardcover books or 4 board books.

Who’s It For?

The age ranges are Baby-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

For babies and the little readers, you’ll get up to 4 board books in your box.

Older kids will get 2 hardcover books (picture books for the younger kids, middle reader books for the older kids).

How Much Does it Cost?

The subscription rate is $22.99 per box, charged at the monthly interval you choose.

It’s a 35% discount on the cover price. If Amazon’s advertised price happens to be lower when your books are shipped, they’ll give you back the difference!

But What If I Already Have It?

Amazon will keep an eye on your recent purchase history to avoid books that you’ve already purchased through them. They’ll also give you a notice before your books ship so that you can review what will be in the box.

If you don’t like the selections that month, Amazon provides a list of four alternates that you can choose. If you don’t like any of the titles that month, you can skip it, just like any Prime subscription.

I hope that the Amazon editors make a concerted effort to promote female authors, authors of color, and alternate viewpoints. We shall see!

Where Can I Sign Up?

Prime Book Box is currently only available to Prime members, and those interested must request an invitation on the Prime Book Box web page. I got an email and that’s how I first heard about it. There’s no word whether the subscription box will ever be made available for non-Prime members.

The new subscription box offering also comes shortly after Amazon announced a price increase for Prime memberships—up from $99 to $119 annually. The company cited new Prime features and increased costs as the reasons it will raise the annual Prime fee starting May 11, 2018, for new members and June 16, 2018, for existing members. So now might be the time to join if you haven’t already!

Our first Amazon Prime Kids Book Box opening:

The kids were excited to get a fun mail surprise!

In the future, I will have them help choose the book selections, but I wanted to surprise them the first time.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen

We may do these as family read alouds or the girls may just read them on their own. These are great for a summer book club!

I requested a 2nd invitation for my son, who’s 8.

We can’t wait for next month!

Learn more here:

Linking up: Home and Horizon, Modest Mom, Our Holiday Journey, Blogghetti, Life on Oak Hill, Holley Gerth, Darling Downs Diaries, MaryAndering Creatively, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Create with Joy, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, The Mrs Tee, The Chicken Chick, The Myrabev Life, Timeless Mama, Home Stories A to Z, Teaching What is Good, LouLou Girls, April Harris, Jaime Wiebel, Meghan Weyerbacher, Purposeful Faith, Trekking Thru, Wise Woman, Jessi’s Design, Ducks in a Row, Our Three Peas, Bringing up Georgia, Gingersnap Crafts, Soaring with Him, Breakthrough Homeschooling, Sarah Frazer, Creative K Kids, Organized 31, Penny’s Passion, Be Thee Inspired, Crystal Storms, Debbie Kitterman, Mommynificent, Life Beyond the Kitchen, A Bountiful Love,

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Pentecost Decorations

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May 20, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

I made an altarscape for our church for Pentecost Sunday.

I bought a fire silk and red flameless candles and sprinkled red silk rose petals on the altar.

I create a fiery hoop to symbolize the Holy Spirit roof holes of older times.

I printed a card to explain the history and symbolism (see below).

I sewed a red ribbon banner.

I bought a red linen fabric remnant and sewed different red and gold ribbons with bells at the bottom corners.

I added a couple other fun elements.

I got red rose floating candles and a glass bowl and propped it in our baptismal to symbolize a baptism of fire.

I got a flameless candle and Tabasco sauce to symbolize “tongues of fire.”

The Projects:

Fiery Hoop

We drained the hula hoop of water and placed bolts in 4 places to attach a chain.

I wrapped the hoop with gold ribbon.

We knotted tulle strips onto the hoop.

We used several glittery reds, one orange, 2 gold, and 1 glittery yellow.

Glitter was everywhere. It’s still everywhere.

We added curling ribbon in just a few places.

Here’s our almost finished fiery hole.

I added seven cardstock doves on clear thread.

We added the yellow and orange and hung it up in the narthex of our church with a cute little windchime in the middle.

The Banner:

I bought a red linen fabric remnant and several red and gold ribbons.

I cut the ribbons into 3 feet long segments and laid it all out to get an idea.

I hemmed three sides and left an opening for the banner pole and pinned the ribbons and tassels on.

I sewed the ribbon and tassels on by hand and hemmed the sides for the pole so it was neat and tidy.

I use my hair flat iron to even out the seams.

I added some extra tassels and little bells to the corners.

The projects were expensive, always more than I originally think, but the kids and I were blessed in the making and had lots of fun together while creating these and we pray it brightens our church and someone’s Sunday.

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How to Have a Legendary Summer

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May 15, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was compensated for this post.

We’ve lived the last three years in Europe and exploring all the history and culture was so fun and exciting.

Since we’ve moved back to the States, we’ve been exploring our local offerings in Ohio and the surrounding areas. We’re loving the warmer weather. And being able to speak to anybody easily in English. While we miss Europe, we try to make the most of wherever we are.

The American expectation of summer vacation is a bit much for us. We don’t have the desire or budget to do an all-out huge beach trip. We don’t live near a good beach. My eldest has a part time job and my husband works full time. As homeschoolers, we still do school work during summers so we don’t ever feel rushed by a schedule. And the neurotic cat gets sick any time we leave for more than a day.

We’re staying close to home this summer.

The kids are fine with roller blading before breakfast and playing in the sprinkler or riding bikes in the afternoons.

We do FREE bowling several times a week.

We live on a small street and the kids have a few friends who often play together. I like being the mom who knows where everyone is, providing lemonade and popsicles or cookies.

I miss the summers when I was young and everyone was out all day long except for meals. It seems so many kids are overscheduled with classes, camps, sports, activities. We like peace and leisure.

We stay up late and sleep a little later and eat when we’re hungry. We like to eat outside on the deck since it’s so shady or have a picnic at a park. We often have bonfires with smores in the backyard firepit.

We eat lots of ice cream.

We play in the woods behind the house and catch frogs and crawdads in the creek and pond and play on the little wooden bridge and under the big trees. We watch the butterflies in the meadow and search for deer tracks in the mud.

We create, draw, sing, dance, dream, watch clouds.

We pretend.

I feel it’s very important that children have lots of free time to play so they have a pretty unstructured existence until they’re teens. The kids still contribute and do chores and help and learn how to run a household, but it’s all necessary teamwork for smooth living.

Childhood should be about playtime.

How to have a legendary summer:

You don’t have to drive 12 hours to the beach or spend a lot of money to have a legendary summer.

Explore the town or nearest city. There are lots of fun, frugal, and free activities right in our own area.

There are plenty of fun free outdoor activities to do near our house – splash pads, local parks, nature trails, bike paths, and more.

Sometimes, indoor playgrounds are just the thing – roller skating, jumping places, arcades, bowling.

Occasionally movies.

We go to the library often.

The girls volunteer at VBS.

Museum memberships often pay for themselves after a couple visits and we love museums when the weather is too uncomfortable to be outdoors for long.

I have a lineup of fun handcrafts the kids can do on their own or with a little supervision. Tie dye, beadwork, clay and paint projects, sewing, cooking.

Dad deploys this fall, so we’re taking a little camping trip at a nearby lake before he leaves. We love fishing and camping and hiking.

Summer is a lazy easy time to get dirty in the garden, play at the park, watch hummingbirds at the backyard feeder.

Don’t stress over summer. Have fun and make memories.

What to wear:

I love the cool summer looks from Gymboree that are perfect for all our summer adventures.

I love the basics for everyday. The quality is impeccable for all the products at Gymboree.

I miss when my kids were little and I got all the matching looks for picture day:

Gymboree clothes are always right for any occasion.

I don’t worry about dirt, mud, or grass stains. They are made so well they usually come right clean if taken care of right away. And kids are supposed to get messy and dirty! That means they’re having fun and making memories!

Our summer favorites:

Dresses are easy and breezy, but overalls are sporty and fun! A little different from just plain shorts. I wish they came in my size!

Overall shorts for girls

I love the plaid shorts and Tshirt look. So many cute styles to choose from!

Find Your Road Tee for boys

What’s your favorite look?

Shop now:
Free shipping Over $50 + Free Returns at Gymboree

Web Exclusive: $4.99 and up at Gymboree
Free Shipping at Gymboree

How will you have a legendary summer?

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Little Passports Sale

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May 8, 2018 By Jennifer 1 Comment

**The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

Exclusive Little Passports Offer

15% off starts now! I am excited to announce that we have early access to the Little Passports sale. Save 15% on ANY subscription from 5/6 until 5/14 with promo code: BLOOM.

Exclusive early access to the 15% off sale. Use code: BLOOM

This promotion is valid online only at www.littlepassports.com. To redeem enter code BLOOM at checkout. 15% discount is valid on new subscription products only and cannot be combined with any other offers and/or applied retroactively to previously placed orders. Offer applies only to the first month on a Monthly Plan. Offer not valid on non-subscription items. Offer excludes shipping and taxes. Offer valid from May 6, 2018 at 12:00AM EST to May 14, 2018 at 11:59PM EST.

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Engravables from Stella & Dot

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May 2, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

**I was compensated for this post and this post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Make it personal and customize your look with new engravables and charms from Stella & Dot.

Mother’s Day is May 13. Order by May 5th to ensure your gift arrives on time!

I love the rose gold disc and rose gold bar necklaces. I’m a little obsessed with rose gold.

There are so many choices to choose from, mix and match.

SHOP NOW: 20% Off Engravables at Stella & Dot

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An Imperfect Pilgrim

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May 1, 2018 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate Suzanne Ludlum Provides Inspiring Message of Hope and Healing.

As an author and yoga therapist, Suzanne Ludlum shares her compelling story of struggling with mental illness and suicide attempts to help others suffering in silence know they are not alone and to never give up.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and as an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, author Suzanne Ludlum has a message to send: Hope.

Ludlum’s recently released book, An Imperfect Pilgrim – Trauma and Healing on This Side of the Rainbow, is a compelling memoir which chronicles her harrowing experiences with trauma and severe depression to navigating her struggles and finding a pathway to healing and overcoming her demons.

Suzanne Ludlum allows readers into the most intimate and tragic moments of her life while she finds hope in the pathways that were the key to helping her reclaim her lost life. After suffering multiple losses and subsequent abuse at the hands of those very people who were supposed to help her, Ludlum suffered intense mental decline and fell into a darkness that seemed unrecoverable. After years of psychiatric hospitals and various therapists, she began her long climb out. She is now active in spreading her message of hope and healing to those who may still be suffering, teaching them that they are not alone and that help truly is available.

As a yoga therapist and owner of Trinity Yoga Therapy, Ludlum is also involved in her local chapter of Mental Health America. Her inspiring messages and therapeutic practices are helping those who suffer from trauma and mental health issues such as PTSD.

“Suzanne offers us ways we can discover and nourish resources within ourselves that enable us to feel in control, even when life is out of control. Here, she shows us that we don’t have to be defined by our circumstances. We truly can be the master of our own destiny,” said Richard Miller, PhD, founder of the Integrative Restoration Institute and author of The iRest Program for Healing PTSD.

An Imperfect Pilgrim – Trauma and Healing on This Side of the Rainbow By Suzanne Ludlum

About Suzanne Ludlum:

Author Suzanne Ludlum is a Certified Yoga Therapist and holds the highest credentials in her field, including a Master of Science degree in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health, certification through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and ERYT-500 designation (experienced yoga teacher at the highest level) from Yoga Alliance. She also presents at international conferences to audiences of mental health professionals and other yoga therapists. Ludlum resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia with her husband and daughter.

To learn more please visit www.animperfectpilgrim.com and www.trinityyogatherapy.com.

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I usually check these FREE apps on Thursdays when they update.

How to Save Money while Shopping:

Ibotta

Checkout 51

eBates

Coupons

Loyalty Cards

What unique ways do you save money?

Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste is one of the best natural toothpastes I’ve tried!

Ingredients

Have you read the ingredients list on store bought national brand name toothpastes? Do you know what all those things are? Why is there a poison control warning on something you put in your mouth at least twice a day?

I highly recommend this delicious and natural toothpaste!

Gender stereotypes persist.

Five ways parents can empower their daughters and help them grow into strong, successful women:

Explain the social dynamic.

Help them avoid social programming.

Provide social alternatives.

Teach them to help others.

Help them identify their unique desires and abilities.

About Sheri Engler:

These tips will help you keep kids of all ages safe in the sun.

Infants

Toddlers and children

Teens

Sun safety at school

5 Natural Ways to Prevent Sunburns

Vitamin D

Healthy Fats

Minerals

Coconut Oil

Astaxanthin

Click here for my homemade sunscreen recipe!

What’s in a Prime Book Box?

I hope that the Amazon editors make a concerted effort to promote female authors, authors of color, and alternate viewpoints. We shall see!

Our first Amazon Prime Kids Book Box opening:

I sewed a red ribbon banner.

I added a couple other fun elements.

The Projects:

Fiery Hoop

The Banner:

We’re staying close to home this summer.

Childhood should be about playtime.

How to have a legendary summer:

You don’t have to drive 12 hours to the beach or spend a lot of money to have a legendary summer.

Summer is a lazy easy time to get dirty in the garden, play at the park, watch hummingbirds at the backyard feeder.

Don’t stress over summer. Have fun and make memories.

What to wear:

Our summer favorites:

What’s your favorite look?

Shop now: Free shipping Over $50 + Free Returns at Gymboree

How will you have a legendary summer?

Make it personal and customize your look with new engravables and charms from Stella & Dot.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate Suzanne Ludlum Provides Inspiring Message of Hope and Healing.

About Suzanne Ludlum:

Shop now:
Free shipping Over $50 + Free Returns at Gymboree