Some Must Have Items and Savings

I ended up making two trips out because the first time I ran into a friend at the store and spent too long taking. Overall it was a good week. I got some things we were out of (like sandwich bags) and some fun things (games for the kids birthdays'). I shopped JC Penney and Target.

Total Spent: $125.65

Total Saved: $225.40 (64%)
Rewards Earned: $10.00

Refresh, Recharge & Rejuvenate with EdenFantasys - Adult

It's spring time and that means it's time to start with a new life. We've got baby chickens, spring cleaning, and much spending time in the sunshine going on at our house. For me there is nothing better then laying in the sun with a good book, even if I have to keep my sweatshirt on still to stay warm during April in Idaho.
To help me relax this year I placed a special order from EdenFantasys Bodycare Sale. They have everything I need, including body wash, lotion, lip balm, massage oil, and more, to help get my body and skin ready to enjoy the summer after a long winter of sitting around in the cold.
I love EdenFantasys because they have a great selection, awesome prices, and even better sales. It's always easy to find what I need and I can find lots of reviews on every product I look at so I can choose the item(s) that are best for me. It's a great place to shop and you won't be disappointed with any products you receive! Head on over and find some great products to help you enjoy refreshing, recharging, and rejuvenating your life this spring! Happy Shopping!

Hot Water and Cold Showers

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

I've told you all about the plumbing troubles we've had since E and I got married. It seems like every time we turn around something new is leaking, today it was the fridge because the kids turned the freezer off and it thawed, and I have to deal with it. One of the things we did when we moved into our new house that I am super thankful for was pay for a Water Heater Instillation.

Yes, it's starting to warm up (finally) but these past few weeks having hot water has been incredibly important for my well being. Thanks to spring, my allergies have been in full bloom and there is simply nothing like a hot shower or bath, with some essential oils included of course, to help me feel better and sleep well so I'm prepared to deal with my terrors the next day.

During the summer hot water isn't such a big deal, we did go a summer without a hot water heater at our old house and lived, but during the rest of the year I just love knowing that at the end of the day I can enjoy the soothing heat of warm water.

As a mom of diapered kids, I also like knowing that when we have a multitude of poopy underwear and throw up (it's been one of those weeks) that I can simply throw my kids in the tub and shower them off with warm water. So often this is much easier than a towel bath or even wipes and I having the shower option available is a great blessing.

Last week C got in trouble (the poopy underwear thing) and got in the shower. He wasn't listening and I gave him a blast of ice cold water. It was amazing at how quickly his attitude toward me changed. I think my son now appreciates hot water almost as much as I do. Such fun punishments, if only I had a camera ready so that you could all see what his face looked like. It was too cute and I can't believe I missed it!

A Visit to Salt Lake

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

We don't travel as a family very often but every once in a while we like to take a little vacation. Thankfully we live close enough to a few cities that make great travel destinations, like Salt Lake and Boise. The main reason I love these particular cities is that they feature family that I love to go visit. They also have great shopping, like Closet Salt Lake, that we just don't have in my little town.

Visiting family can be lots of fun, especially for the holidays. With it being Easter weekend we would normally spend the time with family but this year, for the first time, it's going to be just is. That means we will be having lots of fun at the Kerr house doing things like coloring and hunting Easter eggs, eating, and, my favorite, taking Sunday naps.

As we've been preparing for Easter the boys' therapist has been doing some Easter themed activities, like a small Easter hunt and coloring Easter bunny pictures. I was kinda surprised that my boys didn't know about the Easter bunny (you can say bad mommy now) but when I told them that he is friends with Santa they got really excited!

I just love Easter and I am really excited to share this weekend with my family. I probably won't be online much because I will be enjoying time with them but the other reason that I love Easter is because that means that my birthday is just around the corner. My birthday also happens to land on finals week and that means E is really close to having an actual day off every we and my family is back to having a regular paycheck. I really can't wait for April, it's going to be a great month. So many fun things happen and I have a few surprises for all of you too. You'll want to be sure that you stick around to see some projects that I've been working on that are almost ready to show everyone. It's going to be an awesome spring!

What I Love About Tutoring

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Many of you know that I recently graduated with a degree in math. This has led to some fun opportunities, like tutoring Valencia, that have led me to bring in a little extra money for my family. For the most part I love tutoring. It gives me a chance to do what I love on my own schedule. I love that I can worry about my family first and then fit my income opportunities in after I've taken care of them.

My favorite people to tutor are kids. I love seeing the look of understanding in their eyes and I love planing activities to make learning fun! There are so many things you can do with math that most people would never think of and it makes teaching great.

The only person I really don't like to tutor is E. Someone somewhere along the way has told him that he's not good at math and it doesn't matter what I do he can't get past that. It's super frustrating and I wish I could give a piece of my mind to the person who did so. Teachers who tell kids they aren't good at something really aren't doing them a favor. I hope if you ever hear a teacher telling a student they can't do something that you will give them a piece of your mind. People can learn to do anything (I like to say that you can always teach an old dog new tricks if you take the time) and telling them otherwise is one of the worst things you can do.

In this time of trial in the schools please take the time to thank the good teachers. You know who I'm talking about, the teachers that make you and your child want to succeed. And while you're at it, take the time to stand against the bad teachers and get them out of our system so that our kids can continue to learn about learning. If you teach a child to learn they have all the skills they need to get through life. That's what I love about tutoring. It's not about teaching kids a subject, it's about teaching kids to learn. All true success stories start with learning to learn!

Stinky Heads are Not for Me

Some of you may know that I come from a very big sports family. For me, the one who somehow missed
this gene, the big sports family translates into a very stinky family. Don't get me wrong, I love watching my siblings play (baseball is my favorite) but the ride home can get very stinky if you're not careful.

Thankfully my parents now have a new ani-stink tool at their house. This is a Stuffit Antimicrobial Drying Insert. It looks like a microwave heat pack but it's filled with cedar. I had my sister try it out in her softball helmet and she says it works great for keeping her hat, and her gloves that she stores in her hat, dry. The only thing she doesn't like is that "it smells like hamsters". I think that's a small price to pay for a helmet that is dry and fresh every time you need it!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Just Chillin

Sexy An I Know It with Juliet Dream's Designer Maternity Styles

As a mom of four generally the last thing I'm worried about is how I look. You've all seen my comfy look which is super easy to throw on as I'm running around trying to keep children out of their sister's bed and away from any food they may find in the trash can - more on D's latest adventures another day though. Today I'm here to show you my awesome sexy look! I was so happy when I got dressed this Sunday and came out looking like this after just twenty minutes. There is no way I could have done it without Juliet Dream's designer tie maternity shirt! 

I love this shirt because it really does go with anything! It fit great while I was pregnant so I wore it most of the winter and now I'm continuing to wear it to nurse in this spring. This is the outfit that I wore for St Patrick's day and I loved that I actually felt cute. The skirt and shirt were from my high school days (I actually wore them when I did my interview for Junior Miss) and I love how this awesome tie shirt hides my mommy rolls while still making me feel just as adorable as I did in high school.
This sensation is what will happen every time you put on something from Juliet Dream. They have an amazing line of maternity and women's clothing that is sure to make you feel sexy while still allowing you to accomplish all of your motherly tasks.

Love In The Balance by Regina Jennings + Kindle Fire Giveaway

Every young woman (at least that I know) dreams of life without cares. A life of ease with someone they love. That is exactly what Molly is dreaming of in Regina Jennings' Love in the Balance. Molly lives in Lockheart, Texas and is torn between two men, the choice of her heart, Bailey and the choice of her parents, Edward. Ultimately the decision she makes will not only change her life, but the lives of many of the people in her small town.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more of Regina's stories! Molly was a great character that I fell in love with and was more than happy to spend time with her on her adventures. I'm so glad she made the decision that she did, it was a wonderful surprise ending to the story!

Regina Jennings is celebrating the release of Love in the Balance with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on 4/4!

One "lovely" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire 
• A copy of Regina's Sixty Acres and a Bride and Love in the Balance

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Love in the Balance" Author Chat Party on April 4th. Connect with Regina, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Love in the Balance and join Regina on the evening of April 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Behind the Columns by Arlette Gaffrey

Last month I told you about one of my new favorite books, A World of His Own, by Arlette Gaffrey. Today I am excited to tell you about the second book in this series, Reader Views Literary Award Winner, Behind the Columns. The story of Creole life continues with Desiree, the new owner of Chene Vue. This young woman lives with her grandfather, a heavy drinker and gambler. When he dies suddenly Desiree learns that her beautiful plantation must be sold to pay his debts and she struggles to find a spot for her betrayed heart.
You'll find another great adventure in Behind The Columns ! I know I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters and the Creole life. It was a wonderful novel to keep me company this winter as I dreamed of warm sunshine during our snowy afternoons!

Party in the Bath

Brooklyn Love by Yael Levy

There is something fascinating about reading stories featuring cultures that are greatly different from my own. Although most of the books I read our novels, and thus bound to have inaccuracies, taking a step into another life, so different from my own, can be an amazing adventure and learning experience. This is exactly what I found in Brooklyn Love b Yael Levy.
This contemporary romance tells the story of three girls, Rachel, Hindy, and Leah, struggling to make the break from child to adult as Orthodox Jews living in Brooklyn. Although some of the customs seem to be a bit exaggerated the story line is intriguing and the characters are lovable. You'll certainly find yourself rooting for these diverse young women as they struggle to find the right man for their life.
If you're looking for an adventure this one is for you!

A Score Savings Week!

I had fun taking D & F shopping this week. We found some good buys (like a trash can that will fit under our counter) so I was happy.

Total spent: $82.01

Total Saved $180.27 (69%)

Swept Away by Mary Connealy + $250 Vacation Package Giveaway

Can I just say that Mary Connealy is an amazing author and I can't wait to read more of her works! Her novel, Swept Away, left me wanting more of this great writing. I love how she used enticing characters to create a story unlike any I had ever read. It was so nice to see a couple working together to help those around them and yet not loose any of the excitement of a true adventure. You'll just love Ruthy and Luke as they discover each other and their future. It's one great read you won't want to miss!

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
• A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. 

Learning From The Past - Living Over the Hills

This post is sponsored. All opinions are my own.

When we bought our home, almost two years ago, one thing I didn't realize is that we were moving into an area that is similar to a retirement community. Part of it is the age of the homes but we also have a set of condos and an assisted living center within a block of our home. In many ways it is hard to have a young family in this area because the individuals living in these areas, mostly older women, don't care to go out and make friends but the good news is that there are a few who do and that is awesome!

I have made a few friends in our neighborhood who are simply wonderful people. They always say hi when they see me and love to get to know the kids. I love talking to these ladies and learning from them. This summer I have plans with a few of them to work on things like my bread making skills and other fun things that they can teach me.

For those people who don't care to spend time associating with others it makes me sad. I know that life is much more fun to live with friends and I wish that they could all see the blessings of having friends around. I also see that some of them believe they have done everything so now they feel it's ok to sit and do nothing but this vision comes to me a little differently. When I look at this group of people I see a wealth of knowledge that I would love to learn from. They all have so many experiences, many of them similar to me, and it would be so interesting to me to sit and learn from them. You all know that I love to sew, cook, and craft and my guess is that many of these ladies also have great recipes and homemaking ideas that I would love to put to good use.

My thought to anyone reading this, visit the elderly near you, like at Siena Hills. Learn from them. If they will share their knowledge, take advantage of it. It can be an amazing experience and one that you will benefit from greatly!

Spring Cleaning - Time to Donate

Over the last week I have started spring cleaning at my house. There is still a lot to be done but things are looking up. I mostly focused on the kitchen this week. Because of my Pampered Chef business I've been getting lots of new kitchen tools to replace the old ones, most of which E brought with him when we got married. I love that I now have quality tools that work well but I also know that many of the old ones still have a lot of use left in them so I've started a donation pile in the garage.

Right now my donation pile is mostly pots, pans, and plastic containers but soon I will be adding other things we don't need including various toys, blankets, and other such items. I'm so excited to have a clean house where everything has it's own space and there is little to no clutter (we'll let E tell you about my clutter obsession one of these days). I also love cleaning because that means I can donate back to some of the great organizations that have helped us get started. There are wonderful organizations in our area that are wonderful help to young families and I love giving back! I know they will be super excited with I show up to donate my car full of items in a few weeks.

Hopefully next week I can finish up the upstairs and get everything ready there (must tackle my room which won't be easy with the kids' help) and then I will just have the basement left. Mostly the basement is just my sewing room/office, because we clean up the toy room and family room regularly, but I'm sure I will still find things that need to go to a new home. When it's all done I will make sure to get pictures because I am working on some great new organizing items (did I mention my kitchen looks fabulous) that I want to share with everyone! There is so much you can do even when you have very little and donating is a great way to start. Knowing you are helping someone out is a great feeling and I love teaching my kids that it's good to share with others. It's a great gift for the world!

This post is sponsored. All opinions are my own.

Cart Buster Savings is Back at Kroger Stores!

I finally got the chance to go back out shopping last night. I took D and F with me so it was an interesting trip but still fun. I love it when I can go to the store and find great savings on items my family needs. That's why today I will be taking a trip to Smiths to get some great deals during Kroger's cartbuster savings event (running through March 16^th at all Kroger Co. Family Stores).

They have lots of great deals going on including items like Bounty, Tide, Pampers, Gatorade, Charmin, Dawn, Pantene, Tropicana, and Tostitos. I am mostly excited because these are brands that we use and love which will make E even more thrilled at the savings!

Besides the great cart buster deals today, by visiting Kroger's website you can Select Your Deal. That's right, today only (March 15^th) when you visit the SelectYour Deal promotion page you will be served three random digital coupons for addition in store savings. These coupons are load-to-card coupons that will be added to your Kroger shopper card making them super easy to take with you on your shopping trip! Deals include great products including Crest, Tropicana, DiGiorno, Secret, and Pantene so don't miss out. Your pocketbook will thank you for shopping this great event!

Now I've got to get going. The kids are going with me so this shopping trip will be quite the adventure! Smiths is right across the street from my house so we're not going far but it will be fun and give us some good exercise. Hopefully the kids will take good naps when I get home so I can show you all the great deals I found. It's going to be awesome! Make sure you leave a comment with the savings you find so everyone can have a great shopping trip. I can't wait to see the savings!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Saturday Fun

HALO SwaddleChange - Preventing Poopy Fingers

Being a stay at home mom is great but there are certain times during the day that I wish I had an extra set of hands. You know, mealtimes, nap time, all those times when I need to be able to deal with multiple children at the same time (aka anytime I'm nursing the baby and the older kids need attention). Thanks to HALO one of those times, diaper changing time, is something I am better able to handle myself.
I am absolutely in love with HALO's new SwaddleChange. It has been super helpful for me with keeping little fingers out of dirty diapers while I'm changing and has saved me much time that would have otherwise been spent trying to clean little fingers before they wound up back in someone's mouth.

The SwaddleChange is easy to use. It's simply a Velcro type closure on a wrap that is attached to a changing pad cover. I love it for diaper changes! Not only does it help my little ones (and not so little ones) hold still but it also helped to keep baby F quiet during those first few months when unwrapping her could lead to chaos.
I've used it on all my diapered kids and it works well for all of them. F gets to use it the most, simply because she doesn't understand what no means, but I have also used it on B & C to help them better control their squirms. C got a whole bunch of use out of this swaddle last month after his horrible, and I mean hospital trip, diaper rash that we couldn't figure out how to cure (more on that another time)  because he had huge blisters and all he wanted to do was scratch. I don't know what I would have done without this tool because his brothers simply aren't strong enough to help me hold him when he's that mad.

I recommend this changing pad cover for any parent. It's a great set of extra hands to have around. The fabric also washes well, we've had ours in use almost four months and it's not stained at all, and still looks new. Trust me when I say this is an investment you'll appreciate! Thanks HALO for another great product to lend mom an extra hand!

Summer Projects with Yard Sign Compensation

If you've been around Kerrific very long you know that we bought a house almost two years ago. It's hard to believe it's been that long! Owning a home has been quite the adventure with out the maintenance and repairs. This year one of my goals is to get paint on the walls (since we still have just texture) and hide all the crayon marks and bug guts that are currently there.

The painting will probably take most of the summer to complete since there is quite a bit to do. After that hopefully I can finish getting the shelves into the closets, more on that another day, and everything organized. It's hard to believe that after two years I still have many of our things in boxes but I suppose that's just the way it goes when you move.

I've thought about seeing if I could hire some people to help me get these projects done and get a discount in exchange for putting up the companies yard signs in my front lawn. Since we live on one of the busiest streets in town that should be a good exchange don't you think? I know that politicians love to put their signs up on this street simply because of the traffic and I would assume that business feel the same way.

The likelihood of this happening is slim but it's a good thought. What will probably happen is that I will work my butt off to get my house painted this summer and have very little time for anything else. I suppose it will pay off though since they say, “if you want something done right you have to do it yourself”. At least I will know the job is done right.

It will also be good to teach my kids how to do some of the jobs. I don't know that they will be able to help with much painting but they will be able to help me move things around and get ready to paint and then help me put things away again when we're done. Such a blessing to be able to teach my kids and get work done at the same time. I love being a mom!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.