Library Card Blessings with 3M Cloud Library and Overdrive

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE our library system?!

Well, I do.  Let's just say that my love for our Sacramento Public Library system continues to grow and grow.  My family is truly blessed by our library and I am so grateful for the amazingly free resources they provide for our family personally and for our community.  Now, every library system is different but many happen to use the two services that I will quickly go over here on this post.  If your library system does not have these services available I can assure you that they do have others that might be similar so the best way to find out is head on over to your library's website or better yet on over to you local library and talk to your Librarians.  They are there to help you and truly enjoy what they do.  I adore our Librarians and the entire staff.  And let's not forget about the volunteers.

3M Cloud Library and Overdrive both make it possible for you and your family to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free!  I will add that with Overdrive you will be able to watch movies and shows on top of that.  What I find wonderful is that everything is connected to your library card itself.  Everyone in our family has a library card and that makes it possible  for our family to have an additional 50 items checked out on our cards per service.  Since we take advantage of both services that makes it an additional 100 items that we are able to checkout that do not count against our other checkouts that me make when visit our library.

Woohoo!!  I knew you would be excited!!


What I find so convenient is that we are able to check out or put these items on hold without needing to leave our home.  In fact, we can do it from anywhere.  We are talking about convenience here and the fact this is free.  You will be able to download the apps to listen to your audiobooks and read your ebooks from your phone or tablet which is another convenience.  If you love audiobooks and have not heard of these fabulous resources please check it out!  We listen to audiobooks every single day so for me this is just a wonderful resource.  It is also great if you like audio lessons for languages and much more.  We utilize it all.

I hope that you are able to utilize these resources with your local library and that this has been helpful in any way.

Be Kind To Yourself, Simplify And Use That Crockpot!

Last month before Thanksgiving I had gotten really sick and it took weeks to get well enough to even do the easiest task at hand.  It was rough for me to say the least as I am not one who can just simply sit still.  Well, little did I know that this was going to change things for me and see things in a different light.  I think it is a wonderful thing how our Father in Heaven can help direct and guide us in any situation with the help from the Holy Spirit.  We just have to listen to that still, small voice.

I am so thankful for the opportunity that my family and I had to just slow down...alright really slow down!  I have found myself enjoy having less things go on and truly be in our HOME.  As you know we are a homeschooling family and as I was working on our 6 Month "No" again I decided that this upcoming semester we will not be doing any outside classes.  Just a monthly park day and a few other homeschooling meet ups.  It's not that they aren't fun or that my children did not enjoy them but that it truly did take a lot of time away from what I know we are in need of right now and I have seen a huge change these past few weeks.  No feeling rushed and needing to stop a project or learning activity because we need to hurry up to get to the next destination.  With knowing of these minor but crucial changes for my children and I during the day I knew that I wanted to be better prepared having everything we needed for all that I wanted incorporated at home.  Let's just say that I am very excited to start a few fun little classes with music and art with my children in our home.  That means our dog Blue get's to join in and he loves when we are reading and learning!  It makes him happy!

One thing that is in need of a change is our family dinner time.  It's more like the preparation that comes before the gathering at the table to eat the meal as a family.  I really want it to feel like I have been in the kitchen all day  but without the being in the kitchen all day for one meal.  I am trying to have less snacks in our home aside from fruits and vegetables, nuts and a few other things which means that I really want my children to eat more during our meal times.  Since dinner is our last meal of the day I must make sure that they eat enough and are full so I do not hear how one is hungry two hours later before getting ready for bedtime.

I LOVE my crockpot!  Well, I have one big crockpot and one small crockpot.  I need one more big crockpot now.  I have always liked the idea of having one crockpot meal each week but something came to me when I was figuring out the simplifying of our home.  Why not three days a week or more if need be?  This can go for using crockpots for the entire meal, the main dish, sides and more. It truly is up to you.  As for me, it is just something that will continue to make my life easier so why not use it more!?!

For Christmas Eve we had a rotisserie style whole chicken that I cooked in my crockpot!  Say what?! That's right.  My crockpot.  I had seen it before but had not tried it out for myself until now.  I make baked potatoes in my crockpot and other dishes so it was a great time to try it out.  Super simple and easy but very delicious and looked like I put in way more effort than I actually did.

Prep your whole chicken like normal taking the gizzards out and cleaning it, then choose your seasonings.  Whisk your seasonings together to make your rub.  After you put the rub on your chicken in the crockpot it goes on high for 4 to 6 hours depending on the size of your chicken.  What I did after it was cooked through was place it in the oven to broil for less than 10 minutes to give the skin that crispiness we like.  That's it.

It was moist and delicious!  You can do this weekly which is what I plan on doing as you can get a whole chicken for a great price a lot of the time and use different rubs depending on what you plan to do with the chicken.  This is great to do if you want to use the meat for enchiladas, chicken salad and so much more.  The wonderful thing is that you do not need to do much at all to make this.  The same goes for making baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and so much more in your crockpot.

I encourage you to use your crockpot more if this will help you to feel a little more peace when thinking what's for dinner.  Just a little preparation and the possibilities are endless for us all!

I will be sharing more crockpot ideas with you soon!

I'm That Mom...

What a wonderful evening it was having a date night with my girls thanks to some dear friends of ours who gave us tickets to be able to go to the Disney On Ice show!  This was our first time and they enjoyed every minute of it!  Seeing their eyes twinkle with much delight, their big smiles and looks filled with anticipation of what might happen next was the cutest!  I will say that these girls felt like the princesses that they were watching during the show.

Of course, they would look around and see a child next to us with Frozen Popcorn, wands, princess necklaces, and much more.  You name it and they were probably selling it there.  I am known to be frugal and maybe it's just my frugality but I just do not go to these types of events to spend more money to buy overpriced food, snacks and the works.  That $15 princess necklace, I am sure I can find for $1 and that popcorn I can make at home, put inside a Frozen themed bag and call it a night.

I guess you figured out already that I did not purchase anything while we were there. Did my twincesses get sad a few times?  Yes, they did.  But, I have always explained to my kids why I choose not to at these places and they do understand.  I am sure they feel like they are missing out at times, but I assure you that we do many things and they have made so many great memories.  All three of our kiddos have and continue to do so.

One parent next to us had purchased everything from the cotton candy to the wand and I could see my girls stare for a few seconds here and there and then go back to watching the show and have those bright smiles again.  On the way out heading to our car another little girl kept asking her parents why she could not have the $5 coloring book and her mom simply replied that she would not spend $5 on that.  I overheard and commented how we could totally get a Disney Princess coloring book at the dollar store.  The two parents smiled and I smiled back.

Is there anything wrong with parents wanting to purchase things for their kids at these types of shows and more?  Absolutely not!  It just won't be me and I am fine with that.  For me, the savings add up.  After the show we headed home and made a quick stop to grab their treat a $1 ice split into two cups and they were so happy!  I was happy too!  

Because of my only paying for the parking and the icee treat, I will be taking my son on a date night next month!  Of course, I will save money when choosing our date night then too!  What can I say?  I'm That Mom!  Well, a Frugal Mom that is!!

Bringing Fancy Nancy To Life

A few months ago my children stumbled upon the Fancy Nancy Books at our library from author and illustrator duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Glasser.  It was no surprise to me that my daughter Kylie absolutely loves the character of Nancy.  She is quite the fancy girl herself.  But, my other daughter has a love for the character's go make it happen attitude which was not surprising either.  What had caught the attention of my son Caleb was the inserts of French words and meanings throughout each book.

A few days ago we read Fancy Nancy Ooh La La!  It's BEAUTY DAY and it was very fun.  It was all about Nancy wanting to make her mom look fabulous for her birthday and turns their backyard into a spa.  Very fun!

Well, we just had to bring the book to life.

After we read this book, I wanted my girls to have their first SPA pedicure experience and it was at home, of course.  Must stay FRUGAL!

 My husband had gotten me a spa foot bath for Christmas and it has been something that I have wanted for a while.  I love the idea of pedicures and having them done often, but am not willing to pay a lot of money for one.  I know, my mind stays on frugal at all times.  It was a lot of fun to be able to have my girls test the spa foot bath out and they enjoyed every minute of it.

We also made up fun names for the nail polish colors that they had chosen.  Kylie's was Rose and Caylee's was Apricots and Peaches.

Making Audio Books Accessible For All With LibriVox

My children and I have found that we really enjoy listening to audio books.  We go to our local library weekly and have found a great selection.  The only issue is that we eventually have to return them and I have found that I want to have them on hand at all times.  Starting my own audio book collection is very important and doing so with the least amount of money is a must.  I know that Audible is a way to get amazing audio books, but at this point in time I will not be a member any time soon.  I am very frugal and find many resources to make things possible with spending the least amount of money.  It helps my family to save for things that we need or would like to do later.

LibriVox has been my frugal answer!

I am so thankful for the many volunteers that have taken their time to make this work.  I have also done some research and this seems like the best site to actually get free audio books to download onto your computer, flash drive or even burn onto a disc.  The other wonderful thing is that it is ad free.

Once you are at the website, click on CATALOG and it will take you to the next screen where you can search by author, title or reader.  There are many readers and everyone will have their own preference when it comes to style of reading, along with voice.  For those of us who belong to the TJED Discussion Group on Facebook, we are lucky to have links saved for certain past discussions and there is one regarding LibriVox readers that others have preferred to listen to.

Thank you, Heidi! This gal has kept up with connecting past discussions according to topics making them accessible for us at all times.

Once you find a book that you would like to download, click on it and then you will see a screen like this.  This is The Adventures of Pinocchio (version 2) by Carlo Collodi.  Now, look at the picture on the right of the screen.  This is where you can download the CD case insert.  I would definitely recommend doing this if you are making CDs.

   
 Happy Listening!

Yes! I shop at Kohl's and Save!

This morning my son and I stopped by my Grandma's house to spend some time with her.  It's her birthday and we wanted to surprise her with a warm drink on this rainy day!  Before we left she gave me two of those $10 Kohl's promotional gift cards.  She was not going to use them and knew that I would put them to work.  My Grandma knows me so well, right!?!

So many people tell me that Kohl's is very expensive and that they do not like to shop there because of that.  Well, I am here to share with you a little secret.  Are you ready?  I am Frugal and I shop at Kohl's.  Actually, I find it quite opposite from being expensive.  At least, with the way that I shop.

This morning after leaving my Grandma's house I decided to make a stop at Kohl's.  I was on a mission.  My twins needed new underwear badly.  They both needed new sizes and different ones at that.  They are growing like weeds.  How lucky was I that they had a package of 9 pairs of underwear on sale.  Thank goodness.  I always want to get the best bargain with or without a coupon.  so glad I waited on their underwear.

Here is the break down of my savings today.

1)  I did two separate transactions. This is a must as you want to maximize your savings.  I always tell people that they should always shoot for spending around the amount of the promotional gift card.

2)  At Kohl's and many other stores you can save in more than one way.  Today I also used a 15% off coupon on top of the promotional gift cards for both transactions.

3)  You will want to sign up for a free Kohl's Rewards card.  No matter how you pay for your purchases, you can earn $5 rewards for every 500 points.  It is fantastic!


The packages of underwear are normally $18.00.  With the sale going on they were $13.50.  I then had my 15% off coupon which brought the total down to $11.47.  After that the cashier scanned the $10.00 promotional gift card with the total now down to $1.59.  Since I had two separate transactions completed my total out of pocket was  $3.18!

I scored 18 pairs of underwear for my girls for $3.18!  I sure did my happy dance!

Hope these tips help.  Let's stay FRUGAL!

Let's Go To The Movies!

Movies can be fun with the family!  They can also be expensive.  But, with this mom it sure isn't.  That's right, I am also frugal when it comes to the movies.

My children enjoy going to the movies, but they know it is something that does not need to happen all of the time.  No, I am not depriving them.  Trust me, my kids sure do a lot!

Wouldn't it be great to see movies for free here and there, or go for a very inexpensive price?  Let's say for fifty cents or one dollar a person.  I know.  I must be crazy!  Sure am.  Crazy about my savings!

I am here to tell you that if you did not know this, it is true!  If you live in my area we actually have another free night at our local West Wind Drive Ins next Thursday. My children enjoy the free movie nights at the Drive Ins.  They always have live music, games and so much more, along with the movies.  We always bring our dinner and movie snacks with us as well for even more savings.  Cannot beat free double movie features!

Another great way to go see movies with your children are during the summer movie festivals.  These are made especially for kids!  Regal used to have free summer movies, but the past few years they have been one dollar.  Still a great price.  I am sure glad I have a gift card for Regal to use this summer!  More bang for my buck.  You will also find other movie theaters who do the same type of summer festival and they are at great prices as well.  Cinemark has a deal for ten movies for five dollars if you pay in advance and a dollar each movie at the door.  Either way, it is great.

Wherever you live check with your local movie theaters and find out what they have to offer.  You can also get rewards cards and earn free movies and much more.

We occasionaly see a movie that is not during one of these specials, but I still am frugal about it and it is not very often. Remember to stay frugal by thinking outside the box!  It is very rewarding to save money!

Using the 99 Cent Only Stores and Library for my Frugalness

If you are a family member or a friend, you know how frugal I am!  It's in my blood and I get so excited all day long about my savings.  I eat, sleep, and even dream savings!  I am sure my family and friends have heard enough or want to laugh at times, but I know they have seen how much I truly save.  I am good at what I do, only get what my family and I will use and I truly appreaciate the simplicity that has come along with my mindset. 

Coupons are amazing and my coupon binder is like gold to me.  I have my own special bag for my coupon binder and it always comes with me to the store.  Coupons are money and I treat them as such with tender care.  One thing I have noticed lately is many people stop at coupons.  Not this gal over here!  Coupons are only one aspect to the many that add up my savings.

You probably have a 99 Cent Only Store in your neighborhood or close by.  Well, many people shop at these stores, but are not saving money.  Here is the problem, they are buying so many items and think to themselves that because it is cheap they should just buy it.  Wrong!  You want to maximize your savings, right!?  I know I do!  Here is my saving tip for all of you readers, we want to only buy the high value saving items and shop in the store during their new shipment days.  Hey, I just shared with you two savings tips!  I went in today to grab those high value savings and totally scored with a huge jar of pickles and boxes of Kraft Fresh Takes with three flavors in a box.  A great deal!

Onto your local library.  I just love my local library branch and my family makes use out of it weekly!  We arre usually there twice a week.  They have programs for all ages there that are free to the community.  My children absolutely enjoy all of the programs that they get to go to there.  Being a homeschooling mother, I especially enjoy that they have such a variety for children. 

Get to know your librarians!  We have gotten to know most of our librarians very well and I am so grateful for the help, support and guidance they have shown me and still show me regarding many things when I have a question or need help with something.  They are always willing and wanting to help us and it is awesome.  I had known very early on about our Seed Library that our branch was starting, before they even finshed with having everything ready, up and running.  I was so excited and happy that our local branch had recieived a huge donation of seeds from a local garden store.  I am happy to say that we have seeds planted and doing well already and we have a few more to get started.  Savings on produce everyone!  Plus, gardening is a great project to work on with your children!

Now,  the library just has so much to offer, from language programs, free museum passes, books, movies and I can go on forever.  I think you get the point.  We actaully have a few shelves dedicated to our library checkouts and we enjoy it.

Go see what awesome stuff your library has to offer!