Are you Frugally Challenged?  How do you know when you are Frugally Challenged?  How does one even recover from Frugal Challengitis?

I am frugally challenged.  I try to be frugal, but it’s like a fish trying to swim out of water.  It’s difficult.

It’s not because I don’t want to be frugal, nor is it because I don’t know how.  It’s because it doesn’t come natural.

My mother would disagree.  After all, she raised me with canning, couponing and clothe diapers.  It SHOULD come naturally to me right?  I should love to be frugal as much as a baby loves their mamma.  Right?  Um, would someone PLEASE tell me I’m not alone.

If you clip coupons and forget to take them to the store…you may be frugally challenged.

If the thought of reusing a product makes you squirm….you may be frugally challenged.

If you think coupon clippers are obsessive and a little bit weird…you may be frugally challenged.

If you would rather buy your bread from the local grocery store than make it…you may be frugally challenged.

If you are a squeeze the toothpaste in the middle type of a gal (or guy)…you may be frugally challenged.

If you make a trip to the grocery store 3 times in one day because you keep forgetting something…you may be frugally challenged.

Not that I’d know anything about doing any of those…

How does one become unchallenged?

First, don’t beat yourself up for all those wasted minutes and pennies.  Just say, I will make changes, 1 day at a time.  

Here’s my 6-step process from consumerism to frugalism.

• Create a realistic budget for your discretionary spending.  (Hint, after you pay all those bills, save money…then you figure out how to spend the rest)
• Stick to said budget for one month.
• If you fail go back to step one and start again.
• Ditto for step 4, 5 and 6.

To be honest, I don’t have a nice simple formula.  I’m beginning.  SO…here goes.  Feel free to join me.

Looking for some frugal tips?  I recommend Frugal Village!

This confessional is purely my own.  I am not compensated in any manner, nor have I been bribed with chocolate (hint! hint!).  This post is in no way associated with Frugal Village.  I am simply a mom who has overspent her grocery budget (again) with 2 weeks left. 

TOMORROW, March 29, 2012 visit

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The above post contains Amazon affiliate links.  This means if you make purchase through my link, I will receive a referral fee.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

It seems like such a long time ago that I went to my high school prom. It wasn’t the most fun experience for me because my boyfriend at the time and I were fighting the whole night and probably should have broken up weeks before that. I guess that we just stayed together for the sake of going to the dance together. Well, I want my daughter’s prom to be so much better for her. So I’m helping her plan out things to make sure that she can just concentrate on having fun instead of worrying about her dress or limo or other details.

We’re already starting to make some of the bigger arrangements, like a limo rental and beauty appointments. We were looking through some possible prom hairstyles online when I saw info leading me to debt settlement family and decided to look at it some to see if it would apply to our family. I’m glad I did because it definitely applied to our family!

I hope that she has a really fun time and won’t remember the bad part of prom, like I do. Here’s to hoping that everything will go perfectly and there will be no bad part of her prom!

Image Credit: Image: Dynamite Imagery / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Author:  Jamie Carie
Publisher:  B&H Books
Publish Date:  February 1, 2012
ISBN Numbers:  1433673223/978-1433673221
Paperback: 320 Pages

The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ForgottenCastles
• Live Action Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyTk2MQw04s
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Duke-Forgotten-Castles-Novel/dp/1433673223/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328570148&sr=8-1
• One Sheet: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433673221
• USA Today Review: http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2012-02-04/review-the-guardian-duke-by-jamie-carie/620195/1

My Review

I must admit that I was not sure what to expect upon receiving this book.  I typically do not read many fiction stories simply because my time is limited.  I am really glad that I chose to read this book.  Jamie is an incredible author. She kept me spellbound from beginning to end.  I look forward to getting book 2!

The Duke of St Easton, Gabriel, is on one hand a noble character worthy of being Lady Alexandria’s guardian.  On the other hand, his inability to discern the King’s ulterior motives is worrisome.  After all, it seems as if he is following orders from a man who would cause harm to the very person he is charged with caring for.

Lady Alexandria is somewhat of an intriguing character.  She seems determined to prove her parents are alive, on her own, despite the dangers.  It was hard at times to tell that she was a mere 20 years old!

There are a variety of side characters.  Some I found amusing, others were too villainous for my taste.

If you want a good Christian novel with romance, danger and suspense, this is a good book for you! 

About the Author:

When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.

The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church. When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.

Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in her head for a long time, so the story went fast. Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.

Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

I received this product for review in hopes I would mention it on my blog.  All opinions are my own.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

Would you like to win this book?  Simply enter below!

Date:  March 1, 2012 to March 7, 2012

Rules:  One prize per household.  Open to US only. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced on the blog as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This review and giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

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Win The Mighty Macs DVD – Ends March 3, 2012

Win Vineyard Miami Live CD – Ends March 5, 2012

Win Three Hearts DVD – Ends March 7, 2012

Win The Guardian Duke - Ends March 9, 2012

A passionate team of people work to save the lives of three Mongolian children with life-threatening heart defects.

Graduating college senior, Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham, takes on an internship at Samaritan’s Purse working with the Children’s Heart Project. This project is dedicated to saving the lives of children by providing medical procedures that aren’t available in many countries. Cissie is charged with supervising the arrival and surgeries of three Mongolian children suffering from fatal congenital heart defects.

But the task is not easy and filled with unexpected challenges.  Cissie balances responsibilities as a newly married wife to a professional football player and her tasks with the internship.  Meanwhile the Children’s Heart team turns to a Texas family who travels to Mongolia for the adventure of a lifetime to help bring the children to San Antonio for their surgeries.  In Texas, two host families make sacrifices to care for these children and their mothers, while a team of doctors and nurses volunteer their time only to stare directly into the face of life and death. How far would you go to save a life?

It’s a fight for survival, a fight of faith, and a fight for a new life for these three hearts.

My Review

This is one of the sweetest documentaries I have ever seen!  Three children, three hearts.  Time is ticking.  One dear family goes to Mongolia to bring the children to the US.  Two dear families in Texas host the children & their caregivers.

I appreciated Cissie’s honesty about wanting to make the trip to Mongolia but needing to balance the needs of her husband.

The little boy from Texas made me laugh when he proclaimed, “I think if I have anymore Mongolian food it’s going to throw me over the edge.”  I’m with him, I don’t think I would like camel’s milk.  YUCK!

The littlest girl is so adorable. I just want to hug her!

This is what life should be about:  giving up our own time and conveniences to save the life of another human being.  A great film for helping our children learn compassion!

Tip:  Make sure you have LOTS of Kleenex.

Three Hearts DVD

• Youtube Trailer Links: http://youtu.be/sMUA8lbbkDU
• Youtube Trailer Links: http://youtu.be/1aUxbJd15fk
• Christian Book Distributors Link: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=320721

I received access to preview this DVD online in hopes I would mention it on my blog.  All opinions are my own.

Would you like to own a copy of this beautiful story?  I have been given the opportunity to giveaway a copy to my readers.

Date:  2/29/12 to 3/7/12 at 12:01 am

Rules: One prize per household.  Open to US only. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on the blog as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This review and giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

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About Miami Vineyard LIVE:

What happens when a group of 20+ musicians and 10+ songwriters steeped deep in their own musical traditions of Black Gospel, Latin, Caribbean, and Anglo come together to create a new tradition and sound? What happens when the fusion of Black, Anglo, Latino, Caribbean, and Cuban voices unite together to worship in one voice? Among the 2000 people that attend the Miami Vineyard Community Church, there are over a hundred singers, instrumentalists and songwriters that make up its eclectic worship ministry. For one night, these musicians joined together in worship and invited the church to document the sound that is uniquely MIAMI VINEYARD LIVE.

This distinctive bi-lingual liturgy is filled with many flavors, from Latino claves to gospel two-step to funk and soul to delay-laden rock guitars of modern worship, yet they all work together seamlessly to create a new sound and voice that is authentic and refreshing. From anthems of praise and proclamation to songs of intimacy and adoration, there is a common thread running deep throughout this recording and that is true worship of the Living God as an expression of His Kingdom breaking in on the streets and beaches of Miami, FL.

My Review

This CD has been playing in our household for the last week, almost non-stop.  Each of us have 2-3 favorite songs.  It is definitely a mixture of Latin & Gospel. 

The CD starts out strong with Holy Spirit Come.  I confess, I found myself thinking of doing the Salsa!  For my kids who are drawn to techno dance music, this was a great treat for them.  The kids love the songs with Spanish, especially Gloria A Dios Solo.  I especially loved You Restored Me.  This song spoke to my heart.  Overall, it’s now a favorite CD in our library.

We LOVE and RECOMMEND this CD!

• Website: http://www.vineyardmusic.com/vm/miami-live
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/miamivineyardLIVE
• Purchase: http://www.vineyardresources.com/equip/content/miami-vineyard-live-cd
• Video: http://vimeo.com/28995392

I received this product for review in hopes I would mention it on my blog.  All opinions are my own.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

I have been given the opportunity to give away a copy of this CD to my readers! 

Date:  02/29/2012 at 12:01 AM to 03/05/2012 at 12:01 AM

Rules: One prize per household.  Open to US only. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced on the blog as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This review and giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

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Today is National Pancake Day!

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals(c) and other designated local charities.

Enjoy!

Starring:  Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton
Rated: G
Length: Approx. 99 Minutes
Released: 2/21/12

About the Movie:

From the inspiring true story comes the tale of one woman who just wanted to make a difference and wound up making history!  When Coach Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino, Mr. Popper’s Penguins) arrives at tiny Immaculata College, the women’s basketball team has no budget, no uniforms and no gym.  Refusing to give up, Cathy finds help from a young nun named Sister Sunday (Marley Shelton, Never Been Kissed).  Together their relentless drive reignites the team’s spirit and the Mighty Macs star conquering bigger and better-funded schools.  As financial troubles rock Immaculata, the Macs charge into the championships against all odds.  Can the Mighty Macs save their school with one last long shot at victory?  You’ll stand up and cheer for the heartwarming, incredible season that made the real Cathy Rush a Basketball Hall of Fame legend!

My Review

“If you loved Hoosiers and Rudy, you will love the Mighty Macs!”  We a definitely a family who loved Hoosiers, so we looked forward to receiving Mighty Macs to review.  We were not disappointed.

Carla Gugino plays Cathy Rush, the determined new basketball coach for Immaculata College.  She is definitely a modern woman in comparison to the nuns.  Throughout the movie she defies the wishes of her husband, Mother Superior and her old non-believing coach.

As a more non-traditional mom and wife, I found the interaction between Cathy and her husband a little awkward.  I could relate with her “All you want me to do is stay home and do nothing.” frustrations.  There was a little bit of competition between the two, which I found cute, but others may find offensive.  In the end, it was sweet to see her husband proud of what she had accomplished.   My girls are 9 and 11, so I don’t think they caught onto the dynamics of the marriage.  Older children should be able to pick up on the dynamics and be able to discuss the pros and cons of the situation.

I found myself engaged with the movie from beginning to end, as were my girls.  My husband wasn’t as impressed, but honestly, that’s because it was about GIRLS playing basketball, and he finds girl’s basketball boring.  Silly boy.

The movie does have awkward scenes that I feel you should know about before you choose to watch this movie.

Scene 1:  The girls are playing ball with some boys.  Sister Sunday decides to demonstrate defense.   It’s a little weird seeing a sister in a habit bumping into a guy so close, and the guy is obviously just as embarrassed.  Mother Superior arrives and is not amused.

Scene 2:  Cathy and Sister Sunday stop at a bar.  Sister Sunday takes off her habit, and orders a beer.  A fellow flirts with Cathy and Sister Sunday.  I know it’s not a sin to drink…but a nun and a bar…it’s just a lot for this mind to comprehend.

Other than that, the movie is inspiring.  It’s heartwarming, engaging and exciting.  You will find yourself cheering for the Mighty Macs to overcome all odds!

Thank you Affirm Films for producing another quality family film!

I received this product for review in hopes I would mention it on my blog.  All opinions are my own.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

I have been given ONE copy of the film to giveaway to my readers!

Date:  February 28th, 2012 to March 3, 2012

Rules:  One prize per household.  Open to US only. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on the blog as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This review and giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity unless otherwise specified.

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