New Year, Road to New Me!

I'm not much of a resolution girl. I just can't do it. I am all over it the first few weeks of January, then I fizzle out.

But this year I want to set myself some goals, just things to work on. Not something I have to check off a list or mark on a calendar, just things I want to try to do to be a better me. Things I want to look back on next January and see a noted change in myself.

These goals are in different categories, people and things I want to work on.

Relationship Goals-
For God- r.e.a.d the Bible. Not in a checklist, read the bible in a year kind-of way, but in a learn something kind of way. Spend more time listening. Memorize one Bible verse a month. (I tried two a month last year and got overwhelmed by like March and quit)

For Nick- be a better wife. Duh! Do more acts of service (that's his love language- and SO NOT MINE!) Make time for just us and spend time with him. Let things go.

For Bates- be patient. I'm not patient by nature and I want to slow down and enjoy him.

For Friends and others- be a giver. I talked about this on our adoption blog. Pray for my friends, ask them their needs and pray for them.

For Me
Drink water (i'm starting small with one bottle a day!)
Run my life, don't let it run me.
Say no to things. Simplify our calendar.
Blog more. Turn blog into book.

That'll about do it.... here is to 2010. A big year for the Browns!

more christmas shopping sites

Tiny Rockstar
Wild Olive

couponing update

So apparently, all I have to talk about is couponing and our adoption since that is all i blog about....

Anyways.

I went to Publix (with Marty, which was a NIGHTMARE because she didn't have her coupon's organized!) and spent $12 and saved $28! WHOO HOOO

Then I went to CVS where I bought: a roll of paper towels, a bag of hersey kisses, a toothbrush, two boxes of cereal, and printed 4 pictures i needed and spent $2.01! And I got $4 in extra care bucks! So really, CVS owes ME money!

My friends, I think that is success!

how did i miss this?

Did you know that the ecoupons you can load onto your Kroger card can be used IN ADDITION to your paper coupons? Well, they CAN!
I just loaded a BUNCH of coupons and with my paper coupons I should save BIG! I have an ecoupon for $1 off any 2 pillsbury breads and a $1 off any two pillsbury breads paper coupons. That will be $2 off 2 of them!

I'm going Krogering tonight.... whoohoo!

christmas shopping early

So it's never too early to start your own Christmas list, I have!
Every year I give some of my family members gifts from world vision. Nick and I sponsor two children through World Vision and we normally give gifts in our family members honor. We have given children health scholarships in honor of my mawmaw, a fishing kit in honor of my pawpaw, an education kit in honor of my mom, an art kit in honor of william, etc, etc.
This year will be no different, although I am going to try to only buy gifts that will benefit others. You know, fair trade, charity, orphans, etc. So here are some of the sites:

www.tenthousandvillages.com
www.147millionorphans.com
www.tomsshoes.com
http://twohandsworldshop.com/

And soon, I will have my own fair trade coffee site up and running. They will be donating $5 of each bag to our adoption, so if you are a coffee drinker, I know what you'll be getting this year!

If you are expecting a Christmas gift from me, you better check these sites and make your requests now....

way to save more at Kroger

So last night I took my reusable bags to Kroger with me, just to save some plastic. Well, when I was checking out, the cashier asked me how many bags I had. I counted 7. She asked me if I wanted 4 cents off or gas points. Since I use the gas points to get 10 cents off a gallon on my fill up, I chose gas points.

I called customer service when I got home and asked them to explain the deal to me.

So, for every reusable bag you bring in you can choose to get 4 cents off your total grocery purchase or an additional 5 gas points per bag!

It's not much, but it will add up fast! Not to mention you'll get better coupons from the coupon printer at the register. I got a $1 off your next purchase!

$7 date night

Since we have had a house full of folks for awhile now, I decided it was time for a date night, but since we are saving $$ for our baby to come home. I planned a $7 date night.
We are going to see Night at the Museum 2 at the $1.50 movie. So $3.00 in tickets. On Tuesday it $1 popcorn and drink night. So we won't even have to share popcorn.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my hubby and for $7 - you can't beat it!