“Every word of God is pure…”

As I was reading over Proverbs chapter 30, this verse kept jumping out at me.

Every word - not some words, not all but one or two, but EVERY word of God is pure.

Pure - unmixed with any other matter, being thus and no other, free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes . These are some of the definitions of pure found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

*God’s word is unmixed with anything else. God is truth, His word is truth, it’s not mixed with lies or deceit.

*God’s word is God’s word - not a prophet’s, pastor’s, or disciples word.

*God’s word is free from anything that weakens or pollutes (lies, bribery, deceit). It’s 100% true, accurate, bringing us to Him.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 tells us - “… the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Isn’t it such a blessing to know in this world we live in, full of lies and deception, that there is ONE place that we can go to where we’ll find 100% truths for our lives!

What a shame that it’s a book that gets looked over so often - I know I’m guilty of that.

God’s word is alive! Read and be blessed today!

Good Monday Morning!

Don’t be confused by the Saturday label, I’m typing this up Saturday evening, as Sunday is our anniversary and I don’t believe it best to tie up my day typing up this posting. =)

I know many of us are cleaning out - spring cleaning if you may. I know I’ve been pulling out stuff that I determine we just really don’t need (this is hard for me - parting with items I MIGHT need one day). If I’m always having to clean up an area, I’ve got too much stuff!

Currently, I have a garage full of stuff to get rid of. So much so that we can’t even get vehicles in there. I’d like to go over a few options of what we can do with all of our cleaned out “treasures”.

First - if you’re fortunate, you’re in a location where you can have a garage sale. I know not all neighborhoods allow this, or apartments - but if you can, it’s a great way to get rid of some stuff and pocket a little spare change at the same time.

Be sure to check with your city to see if you need a permit though - and price to sell! I know once my mom was fortunate enough to have a late comer as we were closing up that bought everything that was left for a set price.

Second - You can post your items online to sell. Ebay and Overstock Auctions offer selling your items auction style, or buy it now - for a small fee.

Freecycle and Cheapcycle are two Yahoo based groups that allow you to buy/ sell items for free in your area. Craigslist.org is also used for this purpose. Just find your local site - and look for almost any and everything - FREE! You can also post pics for free.

Third - Some churches offer a clothes closet - where they provide clothing and household items to needy families in the community. You can also check with your local police department or DHR to see where true needs are to donate to.

In our town, we have a local lady that all the churches work with. She works with officials finding out who really has needs, and everyone comes to her. This eliminates those which take advantage of churches - going from one to another. It’s a good way to know that what you donate is going to someone that truly needs and appreciates it.

Other options are thrift stores, goodwill, the salvation army. Most of these third options will also give you a receipt, allowing you to deduct these items on your tax return. Just list the price at what you would be able to resell it for realistically.

One last thing I’d like to add, something I personally believe - if someone has graciously given you an item, pass it along to someone else. Something given in good measure shouldn’t be sold for our own profit. Freely you have received, freely give.

Alright, I hope we’ve learned a few new things today! If you have any other tips, please share them with us! I’ve got to get finished cleaning out so I can have our yard sale.

Blessings!

Good Friday ladies! I’ve been really excited about sharing this week!

For starters, our frugal shopping tip! A huge thank you to my sis-in-law for sharing today’s link with us - tips for FANTASTIC finds at Target (link is at the end of the first section)!

After checking that out, come back quickly - cause you DON’T want to miss out on this week’s review, especially if you have little ones, or know someone who does (must have item!)

I myself love shopping at Target! Not for the day to day items (those are too expensive in my opinion), but to do just as this article says - shopping the perimeter! By reading the linked article, you’ll learn what items get marked down on which days!

Target has the BEST markdowns - you just have to know how and where to look! I’ve found Christmas items 75% off - LOTS of them hidden in the back corner of the store, an Eddie Bauer double stroller marked down to $34, custom baby gates that you can interlock to form a circle $100 marked down to $25 each, crayons for 8 cents a box, and the list goes on and on…!!

I almost hate sharing my tips, just don’t go to my Target and we’re fine - ha!! You’ll never view ’shopping’ the same, or ever want to pay full price again!

http://www.wisebread.com/tips-for-perimeter-perusing-at-target

And now for this week’s review… Kidz Packs made by Raelynn at KidzComfort! This company was born when a mom ust like us had needs with her own chilren. She got creative, came up with products that worked, and now is sharing those solutions through her business!

Alright ladies, keep reading - this is one review you’ll LOVE!

You’ve been there, your little one has a boo-boo and really needs an ice pack - but the ice pack is so…. cold, so…. hard and stiff, and almost burns as it sticks to their skin.

I can’t keep an ice pack on my little ones for my than 15 seconds! But I believe those days are gone.

The Kidz Pack is a hot pack/ cold pack in one! It’s made from cherry pits, which have several benefits that I discovered. No cords, no artificial anything!

I was really excited to receive this sample, as was my son which got to pick out the fabric for our review (not the pink one above) :). Raelynn has many fabric choices, some being flannel which I personally preferred for it’s softness.

For the heat feature, simply place in your microwave for up to 60 seconds (I used 50 seconds). You’ll notice a faint cherry smell - yummy!- and the moist heat feels wonderful

I’ve been battling a horrible head cold, and the timing of this was perfect. I rarely have an earache, but did the other day, and was so glad to have this

I really didn’t think about it helping that much, but the moist warmth really and truly made the pain fade away in no time. I pulled it away after a minute, and quickly replaced it on my ear realizing HOW MUCH it helped!!

For the cold pack, I placed the pack in the freezer (although I’ll admit I hated to since I was enjoying the heat so much!).

I had no real need for the cold pack, which is a good thing, but pulled it out and tested it none the less.

The pack was cold, but nowhere near frigid like you’d think an ice pack would be. I could easily see my children keeping this on a boo-boo.

I like the fact the inside is cherry pits - besides the neat sound they make (which had me turning it over and over like a kid myself) - this would actually mold to an injured area such as a knee or elbow. Ice packs freeze solid and stiff, plus you still have to wrap them in a dishcloth so the ice wouldn’t be directly on your skin.

The flannel solves that problem - it was cold, but not too cold - moldable to any area - and so soft!

But what about rice packs? Yes, these work as well - but I personally think Raelynn is on to something with the cherry pits and their wonderful aroma!

Plus, in my past experience, we lived in a house located in a huge field years ago. Field mice would sometimes get in through the fireplace. Mice ate threw my rice pouch! So I know I’ll always wonder what else might eat through fabric to get to the rice.

My husband much preferred this smell to the rice - and he doesn’t even like cherry flavored things!

This is definetely a product I’d recommend having around, especially with little ones! Visit Raelynn at http://www.kidzcomfort.com/ and tell her Candace from Heaven In Our Homes sent you!

Here’s the final stats:

Measure approximately 5” x 8”, perfect for children

Safer than traditional electric heating pads and ice packs

Cherry pits are all natural with no added chemicals

Great for muscular pains, cramps, headaches, leg aches, earaches and may also help babies with colic, just to name a few

Made in the USA

Available in lots of great prints that your kids are sure to love!

Heat in microwave for 1 minute, or throw in freezer until chilled (usually 4 hours) for a cool pack

Order your’s today for only $11.95!

“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”

Money, money, money…. how many times a day do I think about how much we have, how much we need, how much our problems would be solved if we just won a million bucks!

We work and focus to make money to meet our needs, save for the future. God tells us here NOT to labour to be ‘rich’ (we still do need to labour) - and to cease from our own thinking.

This would be thinking we must save and keep money to ourselves, to meet needs in the long term future, or for unexpected needs. We can’t give it away, now wait - stop! we have to think about this… - is this not the way we think?

Let’s look to see what God’s said about all this -

How much we have.

Psalms 62:10-11 - “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God”.

Matthew 6:19 - “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.”

Luke 12:16-21 contains the parable Jesus told of the rich fool. He had a very plentiful harvest, so much so that he tore down his barns to build bigger ones - keeping the rich rewards to himself to “eat, drink, and be merry”.

God said “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided.”

We might work hard/ earn/ and save up money - but it’s still God’s and He either allows us to have it, or He can take it away.

Years ago, when we first got married, we had a hard time finding a church that really lived out the Word of God. In that time, we either bounced from church to church, or stayed home watching church on television (not recommended!)

We had always been tithers, but since we didn’t have a church home, we weren’t tithing at all during that time.

It was UNREAL how much money we were spending in drs. bills and medicines during that time. Coincidence? We think not. My DH pointed out that God would get His money one way or another. This isn’t necessarily Scriptural (I don’t think), but it did seem to make sense.

Thankfully, we found a church to settle at, and even though we’ve moved a couple times since then as God led us, we’ve been faithful tithing back to Him.

We saved a lot of money during those months, from not tithing - but we weren’t at peace and it seemed we had bills constantly - unexpected ones. We didn’t have God’s financial blessing over us. We got by, but never saw His miraculous working in our lives and finances!

I know there’s debate out there whether tithing is Scriptural. I personally believe God would have us to tithe. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. So yes, it was an Old Testament thing, but God’s the same today and I believe His laws and truths are still the same.

What is the argument really about anyway?? If you realize that GOD gives you the money, why not honor Him by returning part of it for His work? I was brought up that we give God 10% and He allows us to keep 90%.

Do you not want to tithe because you don’t want to be told what to do? Because you can’t afford it?

It’s always a blessing to give to God. And though you may think you’re saving money by not tithing - that might be true, but you’re not getting ahead or receiving the opportunity to watch God work and bless you!

He has met ALL of our needs the past few years - even given us some unexpected blessings along the way!

We’re not giving out of requirement, but because we love the Lord and are thankful for His blessings to us. We’re acknowledging that He provides any money we have and that we’re trusting Him to meet our needs.

Vs. 21 - “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God”.

Remember, God loves a cheerful giver!

How much we need.

This relating passage can be found in Matthew 6, or you can stay in Luke 12 (vs. 22-34). I really encourage you to pull out your Bible and read this if you haven’t already started reading along. There’s so many wonderful verses in this passage, verses showing us how God will take care of our needs!

He clothes the flowers of the field, He feeds the ravens - He created ALL, loves all, and takes care of all!

Vs. 25-26 - “And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?”

WE can’t make money come to us/ stay with us.

Vs. 29 - “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.”

Keep reading…. vs. 30 to 34 - they’re a blessing!

How we’d be problem free with more.

Proverbs 30:8-9 - “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”

If we’re financially set and living off of ‘our riches’ - for what reason would we trust God? ‘We’ would be meeting our needs.

It would be more like ‘God? Oh yeah, He takes care of us, I forgot.’ Then we’d forget again, going on with our lives, until one day we might need to remember Him again for something.

But if we’re daily living/ walking/ trusting Him - living our ‘financial‘ lives with HIS money - we’ll know who He IS and see His powerful hand in our lives daily.

I remember reading about George Mueller as a teenager - great reading, highly recommended! He was running an orphanage, and instead of discussing the financial needs with ANYONE (even regarding needing money to buy bread), He would take his needs to the Lord in prayer - and it was incredible how the Lord met each and every one of his needs!

Honestly, I’m getting chills again just typing of God’s awesome power when we trust Him!

As much as I’d love to have tons of money, I do so love being able to see God’s powerful work in our lives financially - meeting our needs beyond our wildest imaginations!

In conclusion a few more verses from I Timothy 6

Vs. 6-10 “But godliness with contentment IS GREAT GAIN. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful LUSTS, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (Scary huh!)

For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after (one of the Ten Commandments), they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Vs. 17-19 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the Living God who giveth richly all things to enjoy;

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Blessings!

Good morning ladies!

I’m taking a little different turn this week. My DH and I will be celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary this coming Sunday - and my mind is set on how to be a good wife/ enjoy simple romantic things/ quality time together.

I will say, we’re good about sitting down to all eat dinner at the same time as a family. Breakfast and lunch try to be that way, but if the baby needs nursing/ changing/ etc… - well, sometimes we get separated a little.

We sit down together, and eat the same food which are the good parts….

The not-so-good parts are on the table…. the leftover plates from lunch, the newspaper that didn’t get finished and thrown out, the groceries that didn’t get put away…. PLEASE don’t tell me I’m the only one that gets a messy table!!

So, in the spirit of family togetherness with a slight touch of romance, I’d like to present that we focus on having an organized dinner!

A clean table, possibly some instrumental or Classical music playing softly, the little ones might even enjoy some candlelight! A meal prepared ahead of time (I’m guilty here of throwing something together AFTER he arrives home). A COMPLETE meal, not just pasta or chicken nuggets (kids menu)…. maybe pasta, salad, garlic bread or even a dessert made by us.

And instead of having a run down appearance, make sure the children are dressed neatly as well as yourself. Spray a squirt of perfume, brush your teeth again (he’ll notice when you greet him with a hug!) =), brush your hair. Let him know you’re appreciative of him, put the attention on him and not yourself/ your day!

I know my DH will love a calm, peaceful, well thought out dinner on a clean, mess free table! Be a blessing - and many blessings to you!

Hello Ladies!

We’ll be taking on two topics today, starting with fluorescent lights!

Many of you probably already know the benefits of ‘F.L.’, but for those who don’t - allow me to share!

The following information and more can be found at : http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

“If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

Earning the Government’s ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs:
ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

Save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime.

Produce about 75 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling. (I like this - being hot natured and living in the South!)

Are available in different sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture, for indoors and outdoors.”

Wow! All that from a tiny little light bulb! But there are a few things you should know NOT to do:

DON’T turn lights on and off - it actually uses more electricity to do this than to just leave it on!

DON’T place fluorescent bulbs in ceiling fans. The shaking of the fan will damage the bulb. I’m not exactly sure how it does, but when we bought our home, the electrician shared this tip with me!

Alright, moving on…. as you know, I share either a frugal find, or fantastic find with you on Fridays. I’ve had interest from several WAHM’s – in doing reviews on their products. So, on occasion, I’ll be sharing their products with you, and my personal experience with them.

Are you a mom with a product that YOU would like reviewed? Simply send me an email and we can work something out! All items will be used personally for at least a week, and I can return if you’d like - as long as you handle the shipping. =)

And now for this week’s review (drum roll…..) - The Droolie Boolie designed by Sherri Frushon!

This is a 3 in 1 teething blanket made from 100% natural cotton and terry cloth – designed to provide your child hours of hands on fun as well as relief from pain associated with teething.

The inner layer is 100% absorbing cotton, and the plush filler in the face and ears is non toxic/ non flammable/ soft spun cotton.

The Droolie Boolie measures 11 inches by 12 inches, all of which are hand sewn.

The blanket has an animal head made from terry cloth, and the reverse side being a 100% natural cotton (Sherri shared with me that this is a softer blend of cotton). It’s ears can be dampened and either refrigerated or frozen for extra relief from teething pain. My son personally used them as handles to play with. =) In the trial time that I had the Droolie Boolie, I was unable to get him to chew on the ears.

The cotton absorbs the drool associated with teething, allowing your baby to chew on a toy AND stay dry at the same time. My son even spit up on it and it absorbed right in – no runoff.

Along the sides are various size and colors of ribbon loops that provide lots of “entertainment” for your little one. I did find that my ribbons came loose in the wash. After talking with Sherri, she mentioned she has never had this happen before. I washed it in a lingerie bag, thinking this was enough protection.

She did bring up the question regarding my washing machine…. Does it have an agitator? YES it does! My personal recommendation would be to either hand wash or wash on the gentle cycle to prevent the ribbons from fraying.

Also, the Droolie Boolie has a removable textured link for holding and chewing pleasure. Baby approved here! He chomped right down! You can also attach other links to the looped ribbons.

The Droolie Boolie is available in various colors of terry cloth, and print fabrics on the reverse side - allowing you to custom design your blanket for a boy or girl. Sherri has many cute fabrics to choose from, some appearing to be a bit softer than others from the samples I saw – but again, several cute ones to choose from!

Packaging/ shipping – Sherri was extremely prompt in sending out her item to me – I wasn’t expecting it for another couple days! Very good packaging – and the Droolie Boolie even comes in it’s own little tote bag (handy to keep it separate in your diaper bag).

This product has been sold exclusively in stores in the past, but now Sherri is opening up her orders to the public. The price is $24.99, and this price online also includes shipping to you.

Sherri sent out a sample Droolie Boolie for the purpose of the review - to personally try it out on my son who has been cutting teeth recently. The first one accidentally ended up being a sample, and Sherri was very quick to replace with the “real” one. Very customer friendly! Here are my overall observations and see pics below:

Pros -
*The Droolie Boolie DOES absorb moisture - keeping it locked into the cotton.
*My son enjoyed playing with the ribbons, especially the shiny and bold print ones.
*The cloth is soft to the touch (the second one I received being a softer fabric than the first).
*Nice packaging – made me feel as if I was opening a present!
*Quick, prompt shipping

Cons -
*The measurements weren’t exact, making it appear crooked (but then again, I’m a perfectionist!)
*The ribbons did come loose. Could’ve been my machine as mentioned. I would’ve preferred the ribbons to be more of the same size - instead of thin vs. fat ones….

It’s a great idea and I was so excited to sample it, but I couldn’t get my baby to chew on it for anything, which surprised me since he puts everything in his mouth! (He must get some stubbornness from his mommy)

I’m all for supporting moms being entrepreneurial, and Sherri invented this product to help her own son while teething!

I would maybe price this at half it’s listing price myself, due to it having more of a homemade appearance (the terry cloth) than I was expecting. I’m also comparing to the many other ‘taggie’ type products at lower prices. This does have the “wet ears for extra cooling pleasure”, but again, my little guy refused to chew on it.

I will say that Sherri goes out of her way, and I’m sure she’d handle any problems/ questions you might have promptly and with professionalism! You can order directly from Sherri by calling her toll-free line at 1-888-852-0975, or emailing her at loveyourpurse@yahoo.com. (She’s currently making upgrades on her website).

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

This is one of my favorite verses, and how appropriate that it comes today! I’ve been struggling with getting everything done, every day, and keeping it done. Everytime I turn around, my 3 little ones have made an even bigger disaster behind me. =)

I’ve also had so many thoughts and plans for HIOH and Sonbeams (the soon coming children’s products from HIOH) - my mind is so scattered and busy!

Then the Lord gives me this verse - if I commit my works (everything I do) to Him, He’ll establish my thoughts. He’ll clear my head, make my way straight, guide me in the proper directions.

Maybe you’re different, but if I’m going to get a lot accomplished, I have to plan out what I’m desiring to do - I can’t just ‘think’ I’m going to do this or that - it has to be written. It’s like I’m committing myself to do them.

At times, my thoughts seem too crazy to even take time to do that. But I just wonder, if I take the time each morning to sit down with the Lord and plan out my day, if He won’t make enough time and then some to get everything done? I’ll be committing my works down on paper, but also to Him, with Him - and He’ll give me what I need to serve Him each day!

My newest goal is now to start ‘committing’ our works for the day to the Lord - each morning with my children, whether it be laundry, picking up toys, cooking - whatever - we’ll be committing it to Him, serving Him in it - and I can’t wait to see the results!

The Lord gives us so many opportunities to serve Him each day - doesn’t seem right, if we’re serving Him, to commit those areas to Him first!

And FYI - I’m working with several of you at the moment, as well as with a printing company, getting together products to provide YOU with some of the tools I’ve found most helpful in beginning to manage my time each day. My children LOVE using it, and I’m hearing the same feedback from my reviewers!

Hello once again!

Today, I’m going to attempt to clean our windows - by attempt, I mean try to get them clean AND streak free.

For as long as I can remember cleaning windows and mirrors, I’ve always fought streak marks and lint.

Thanks to my mom for sharing a tip she read about the lint. Some paper towels have more lint than others, and it’s recommended to use Scott’s Paper Towels - them being the ones with less lint of course.

FYI - you can use newspaper to clean glass with as well, though I don’t like all the ink that gets left on my hands.

Now, the streaks…. I have one of those Idiots books - one for household solutions. They have a solution in there with ammonia, but isn’t this something to stay away from??

I’m needing your advice today! Have you found a cleaner that works well for you - PLEASE share!!

I believe most of the pollen down south here has gone away, and it’s safe to clean all this gunk off my windows.

And did you know?? When the power company sends out tips for lowering your power bill, one of the suggestions is to keep your windows clean. The sunlight can actually get in and warm up your house naturally!

(So is this a good reason to NOT have to clean your windows in the summer - ha!)

I know each spring as I clean my windows, I love the fresh look it brings - not having had realized how dirty they got during those cold months.

And do you do what I do - cleaning one side, then standing back to compare the dirty / clean side… then make your husband come and look to see how gross the windows were? =) Don’t laugh!

Alright, happy window washing and I’m anxiously awaiting to read what YOU use to clean STREAK FREE.

P.S. - I made an extra post over the weekend - be sure to read how you can sign up for a program that gives you money back when shopping their sponsors - it’s FREE MONEY! (The links I have are good through Tuesday if you’re interested.)

Free money! Yes - you read right! We all pay for bills, food, clothes, etc…. Why not save money for future (or present) education while you spend?

We joined a program just before our first child was born, and have saved lots already! By using signing up for their Citi bank credit card, we earn 1% - 10% (sometimes more) on purchases when we use our card for gas, at select stores for groceries and household products, and online as well. We even earned a percentage of our home’s cost when we bought our home through one of the sponsoring realty companies!

If you’d like more information on how you can sign up for this FREE money, please email me at candace@heaveninourhomes.com and I’ll send you the sign up link. If you’d be interested in signing up for their Citi Mastercard, I can email you that link as well.

The card gives you EXTRA percentages when you buy certain brand name groceries or gas - on top of the savings from shopping at that retailer. You also receive 1% of each month’s statement back into your savings fund.

There are NO strings attached! You can even recruit others in your family to sign up and transfer their savings to your account (or the one for your children). The only ‘catch’ so to speak is that you don’t receive the money for your own spending, it is specifically set up for an education fund. You would later be able to allow the money to be divided between your children.

We’ve used this for years and have loved it! We now pay as many bills as possible with our credit card (paying it off each month) - just to get that extra 1% in savings. And to give you an idea of the savings possibilites, we’ve earned the most money back towards savings by buying our home than we have in all the years in which we’ve used the other savings methods (1% credit card returns included).

Let me know if you’re interested in the program, or the credit card so I can send the appropriate links. The credit card link is good through April 15th, 2008 - so act quickly!

Blessings and happy savings!

Greetings once again!

I have TWO interesting topics today - the first being a frugal and healthy tip, the second being a special I came across while trying to build my websites.

First -

Alright, I’m from the South, living in good ole Alabama - and what do Southerner’s like? Sweet Tea!! I’ve been on the stuff for decades - never really paying that much attention into how the tea got it’s wonderful flavor.

Years ago, when I got married, I really started paying attention to HOW MUCH sugar went into this drink that I consumed often and in large amounts!

Just FYI, I have used the Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker for ever - and love the convenience of it vs. the boil it on the stovetop method. (Hey, another fantastic find for some of you.)

Anyway, the tea maker has a 3 quart pitcher. Somehow, when I switched from the stovetop method making 4 quarts, to this making 3 quarts, I neglected to lower the sugar amount. =)

Having children has opened my eyes to healthier eating (somewhat) - although they don’t drink tea. From the 2 cups (you didn’t read that) of sugar that was going in my 4 qts., then 3 qts. of tea - I slowly started reducing the amount.

I started by maybe filling the cup up 3/4 full on each scoop (2 scoops). After a while, our tastes adjusted and we didn’t think twice. Then reduced back to 2/3 cup each scoop (2 scoops).

Again, a small change, hardly enough to notice - but hey, every little bit helps! Besides being healthier with less sugar, I’m saving money too. (Refer to previous sentence) =) Sugar has gotten expensive!

Then I went from using a 1 cup scoop to a 2/3 cup scoop - then again started lowering the level I would fill it up to.

I’m much prouder to say that now we’re down to maybe 1 1/3 cup sugar per 3 qts. tea. Of course, I’d love to be able to one day use honey for an even healthier tea - but we’re still on baby steps here. =)

Plus now I’m down to only 1 or 2 glasses a day. It’s easier to cut back when your body isn’t screaming out for all that sugar!

My second find will interest those of you with blogs/ websites yourself! While searching for online clip art that I could use on my website, and for commercial uses, I came across the ladies at The Graphics Shoppe.

They have a special running until April 30th - 50% off their lifetime membership plan! They also have smaller plans that you can purchase, starting as low as one month for $5.95.

The Graphics Shoppe offers over 3,000 clip art/ templates for you to download - for instant access for your projects.

Backgrounds, scrapbook designs, glitter text, animated clip art, web templates, recipe cards, and the list goes on….!! Some of their work falls into categories, such as the new Noah’s ark theme or military theme.

My overall impression was they had really cute clip art - clip art that girls, especially Southern girls, would like - teddy bears, flowers, tea party, school themes.

It didn’t cover all of the areas that I was searching for, but still had original work I couldn’t find elsewhere. Plus, they keep adding to their files! They even offer a free newsletter where you’ll receive free graphics.

I can’t wait to have a little bit of extra time to incorporate some of my finds there into my pages!!

And an extra bonus - they are adding on a FREE extra 3 Week membership for 1 friend or family member when you join/renew at the club PLUS the 2 week gift memberships you receive when you join for their half price special of $55.00!!!!!

They also offer a freebies page, where you can get an idea of what some of their work looks like, and also make sure the downloads work properly on your computer BEFORE you purchase a plan.

If you stop by/ join, be sure to tell Maemae that Candace from Heaven In Our Homes sent you over! She’s been great working with me!

Here’s the list of things they currently offer:

Easter Graphics, Spring Graphics, 3D Graphics, Fairy Graphics, Fantasy Graphics, Patriotic Graphics, Country Graphics, Fashion Graphics, Wahm Graphics, Primitive Graphics, Boutique Graphics, School Graphics, Business Graphics, Ebay Graphics, Printable Stationary, Printable Chore Charts, Printable To Do Lists, Printable Shopping Lists, Background Tiles, Printable Recipe Cards, Scrapbook Photo Frames, Military Graphics, Army Graphics, Army Wife Graphics, Army Brat Graphics, Baby Graphics, Baby Shower Graphics, Baby Girl Graphics, Baby Boy Graphics, Animal Graphics, Teddybear Graphics , Christian Graphics, Bible Graphics, Jonah and the Whale Graphics, Church Graphics, Scrapbook Graphics, Scrapbook Papers, Printable Scrapbook Layouts, Quickpages, Coffee Graphics, Best Friends Graphics, Alien Graphics, Sports Graphics, Halloween Graphics, Christmas Graphics, Fourth Of July Graphics, Printable Awards, Outlines, City Girls Graphics, Diva Graphics, Princess Graphics, Printable Games AND More!!!

Clip art from The Graphics Shoppe