weekly lesson #3

Hair conditioner works as well as shave gel when you're in a pinch!

I had read this little tip somewhere, some time ago. So, when I ran out of shave gel after only shaving one leg, I thought it was worth a try. Had it been winter when this happened, I would have simply just shaved one leg, but since it's capri pants and skirt weather, I had to shave both!

The hair conditioner worked even better than I figured it would. The razor glided over my leg as smoothly as it does when I use shave gel. The only down side was that the conditioner was invisible, so you could not tell where you had already shaved. Other than that, I have no other complaints!

Try this alternative yourself the next time your shave gel runs out!

top 3 thursday

If you could be a character in any movie, not the actor or actress but the character, who would it be and from which movie?

It's late here in VA (10:22 pm), so I am going to make my answers short and sweet!!! By the way, feel free to comment and leave me your top 3 answers as well!

#3 Allie Hamilton Calhoun

The beginning of Noah and Allie's love story takes place in the 1940s. This is an era I have always been intrigued with, and would have loved living through. The Notebook is a touching movie, but the book, written by Nicholas Sparks, is even more incredible. Allie was able to experience a true love that lasted decades! What an amazing gift!

#2 Sara Thomas from Serendipity

Sara ends up with her soul mate...her perfect match! That's reason enough to want to be her! Plus, I like her belief that if something is meant to be, it will be, period.

#1 Bella Swan from Twilight

If you know me at all, you had to see this one coming:) I would want to be Bella for the one simple fact that she gets to love and be loved by Edward! Lucky girl:)

goodbye swoozie's

I love this store! I've bought Julia's birthday party invitations there twice, Griffin's baby book and several other unique things. The Swoozie's I've always shopped at is located at the Summit, in the strip of mall located behind the Cheesecake Factory. Click here to see which location is closest to you. Now that they are going out of business, you may be able to find some cute Mother's Day gifts and other unique stuff at really good prices. If there was a store close to where I am in Virginia, I would have already been, and given you a first hand account of what I found...but, sadly, the closest one to me is in Tennessee, Pennsylvania or New York, and there's just no way the kids and I are up for that kind of road trip:)

sing it bob & larry

This is the cutest CD! It was $9.99 at Target (thanks MaMaw for the $5 gift cards...the kids pooled their cards for this purchase!). It is awesome praise music, but with a Veggie Tales twist. It's perfect for moms and kids. Many of these songs are favorites of mine, and the kids love the fact that the Veggie Tales are helping sing them. It's a win-win, because all three of us could listen to this CD over and over again! I'm so glad Julia spotted it while we were shopping!

the wednesday dish

This is a must share recipe, because it is a favorite at our house! These cookies are so easy to make, but taste like they are made from scratch! You must try these!!!

white chocolate coconut cookies

Ingredients: 1 roll sugar cookie dough, 2 1/4 cups coconut, 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, break cookie dough into pieces. Add remaining ingredients and knead by hand. Grease or lightly spray a cookie sheet or use parchment paper. Roll cookie dough into balls about the size of golf balls, and bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Yields 24-28 cookies.

6 germiest places

My Nanny gives me stacks of old magazines, and when I have the time, I flip through them. Mainly I enjoy looking for recipes or craft ideas, but sometimes something else will jump off the page at me...some random story or bit of info.

I thought these facts were part interesting and part creepy. They came from the December 2009 Woman's Day magazine.

The 6 Germiest Places

1. Shopping Cart - 80% of shopping carts tested had traces of E. coli on them
2. Cutting Board - More harmful bacteria are here than on a toilet seat
3. First-floor Elevator Button - Most punched elevator button, so it is highly germy
4. ATM Enter Key - Another popular button
5. Your Desktop - Bacteria are higher here, because you spend so much time in this one area
6. Playground - Bacteria (including fecal bacteria) are all over playgrounds

Lovely, huh?

weekly lesson #2

This week I have learned that a crayon drawing on my fitted bed sheet is really no big deal!

With my 19 month old being the artist, the bed sheet the canvas, and a blue Crayola as his means to inspiration, a nice (and rather large) scribble highlighted our Tuesday morning. His big sister, Jules, was the one that informed me the incident had occurred, and surprisingly, it didn't really bother me. I guess I was just thankful it was a sheet, and not the headboard or the wall! Apparently, Crayola crayons really are washable, because after just one hot water wash, the sheets are perfectly normal again. Come to think of it though, the sheets were prettier with the drawing on it!!!!

the wednesday dish

This was the 2nd time I ate this particular Crispy Crown Casserole recipe, but the 1st time I made it (my husband whipped it up the time before). It's actually pretty yummy, and is an excellent one dish meal. It has it all: meat, veggies, starch and dairy. This picture of it is before it went into the oven, obviously. On a side note, the recipe calls for only 1 cup of cheese, but I adore cheese and use a whole 2 cup bag.

crispy crown casserole

Ingredients: 1lb ground beef, 1 onion - finely chopped, 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 3/4 ounces), 1/4 cup milk, 8-10 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 16 ounces crispy crowns.

Preparation: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brown ground beef with onions, and drain thoroughly. Put the beef and onions in bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Mix mushroom soup and milk. Layer over ground beef. Sprinkle frozen veggies over mushroom soup mix. Top with 1/2 cup of cheese. Lay crispy crowns in an even layer, and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until crowns are crunchy.

*PRODUCT REVIEW* Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets

I received this Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets sample in the mail. The sample included two sheets, so I was able to test the product on two different loads of laundry. In case you are not familiar with this product, let me give you a brief description of what it is. It is the sheet pictured above, and by putting this one sheet in your load of laundry, you are adding the necessary detergent, softener and anti-static. This Purex sheet goes into the wash, and then goes right into the dryer along with the clothes.
What I like about this product:
1. the convenience. no messing with liquid or powder detergent or liquid softener. not having to remember to put the anti-static sheet in the dryer.
2. the fact that it is h/e compatible, meaning that it can be used in a front load washer.
3. the smell. i used spring scent. they also offer a citrus scent.

What I do not like about this product:
1. the fact that you pay for the convenience. i bought a 20 load starter kit from Publix last week. Publix had them on sale for $4.99 and I had a $1 off coupon. So paying $3.99 to do 20 loads of laundry comes out to 20 cents for each load. That's reasonable, I guess, and certainly not going to break my bank account, but I'm not sure at regular price and without a coupon if the convenience would really be worth the price.

My overall opinion:
It's nice to pull a sheet out of the container and throw it into the wash, and that's it! It would certainly de-clutter my laundry room if I only had this one container, and no more big detergent bottle, liquid fabric softener bottle and box of dryer sheets. It does not make me WANT to do laundry like the exaggerating ladies on their commercials lead you to believe it will! Also, it does not seem to clean and soften my clothes any better than my typical washing routine of All free & clear liquid detergent, Snuggle liquid softener, and Great Value dryer sheets. Until it is priced, per load, a little closer to liquid detergent, I do not think I will permanently switch to using it. It will be a luxury item at our house, where if I find it on sale and have a coupon I might just splurge like I did last week!

Couponing 101

There was a short couponing 101 article in The Birmingham News Extra that ran on April 14, 2010. Articles giving couponing tips are excellent way to gain couponing knowledge. As I read this article several things jumped out at me, and I knew I had to share them on the blog!

First of all, if you are not into coupons yet, either because you just don't think it is worth the time to clip them, or you never remember to use them at the store once you clip them, or whatever your excuse might be, remember this tip. "Look at coupons as cash in your pocket. You'll be less likely to toss them." How true! There are things that I buy on a regular basis like shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, a number of Pillsbury products, diapers, and so much more that I WILL NOT buy without a coupon! Coupons for these things are everywhere, and it is such a waste to not get your 50 cents or $1 off the product! I'll have to do a post soon on certain products that you can literally always find a coupon for. The coupons are out there, I promise. You just have to want to find them!

The second piece of valuable info I found in the Couponing 101 article was a breakdown of which stores double coupons. I'm guilty of only shopping at Publix (because I know their couponing policy well), and Walmart (because it is so conveniently located to my house), but now that I have this information I'm going to try out some other stores...especially if they are running a sale on a product that I have a coupon for!

• Publix, Food World, Winn Dixie, and Bruno's double up to 50 cents.
• Western doubles up to 65 cents.
• Food Giant doubles up to 90 cents on Mondays only.
• Aldi does not take coupons.
• Walmart takes coupons. However, they do not double and they do not take competitors coupons. You can ad match and use coupons on a product.
• Target and Publix will let you use one of their coupons and a manufacturing coupon on the same product.

I'll add one more couponing tip. I did not read this one in the article, and I can only attest to the fact that it works at Publix. The tip is that on the BOGO (buy one, get one free) sales, you can use two coupons...one for each product. I know it doesn't seem logical to be allowed to use a coupon on an item you are getting for free, but Publix apparently doesn't care...they let you do it anyway! Also, if you only need one of the BOGO items or you only want one, because you only have one coupon that's perfectly fine. Publix only advertises the stuff as BOGO. In actuality, it is more like 50% off. If you only get one product, you pay half the price. If you get the two products (BOGO) you pay the full price of one item, but get two. I love this rule, because I don't always need two of an item, and many, many times I have just bought the one.

weekly lesson #1

Never, NEVER, go to the store, even for a short length of time with Griff (my 19 month old), but no baby wipes! I'm sure this one sentence could stand alone, but I'll elaborate a little.

This past Tuesday, squash casserole was on my menu. After breakfast, I started setting out my ingredients for the dish, and realized that it called for two eggs. It's been several months since I've made this casserole, and I had completely forgotten about the needed eggs. Just the day before, I had used my last two to make blueberry muffins. Even though a trip to the grocery store was not in our Tuesday plan, the kids and I headed out to get the eggs.

In hindsight, I probably should have just postponed the squash casserole until next week, and made something that didn't need eggs. But I didn't!

We get to the store, and run in for our items. Yes it's plural now, because while driving there, I thought of a few other things I should just go ahead and grab, so another emergency trip was not needed. We are in and out in less than 30 minutes. When we get back to our vehicle, I crank the car, then load the groceries in the back. I then get Jules (my 3 year old) buckled in her car seat, and drive the shopping cart to the cart holder with Griff still buckled in. When I get him out of his seat, there is a nice wet spot on the side of his shorts! His diaper had leaked, and it was poop! I open the back of our SUV, and while holding him, rearrange the groceries, so there is a little space for him to lay. Thankfully, I had a diaper with me, but the wipes were MIA! It was a stinky job that I quickly realized tissue (for that's all I had) would not thoroughly remove. I gave up, put a clean diaper on him, strapped him in his seat, and drove like mad home!

I learn from my mistakes! If you ever see me out with my kids, you can be guaranteed a pack of wipes will be close by!

the wednesday dish

All you need is Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, & EVOO

+ a 16 oz bag of frozen green beans.

I discovered this quick and easy alternative to canned greens from my mother. The first time I made them, I was very skeptical as to how I would actually like them. You see, I'm one of those people who does not like crunchy veggies, and I just assumed that these would be. I was wrong. They were simply perfect...perfectly easy to make, and perfectly delicious!!!

not-out-of-a-can green beans

Ingredients: Sea Salt (table salt will work also), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and 16 oz bag of frozen green beans. (Note: I usually split the 16oz bag giving me green beans for two meals...I only serve 2 adults and 1 child though.)

Preparation: Pour 1/3 cup of EVOO into your salte pan (you can use more or less EVOO depending on your preference). Turn heat on medium, and pour in your frozen green beans. Take the Garlic and Onion Powder and sprinkle over the beans until they are lightly covered. Do the same with your salt. Cover with lid, so the beans can steam a bit, and stir occasionally. I like my beans a little blackened, and to get them this way I typically cook them right at half an hour. Towards the end of the cook time, you can sprinkle the Garlic and Onion Powder again to help absorb the rest of the oil. Basically, just add the seasonings to taste. Then...ENJOY!

If you have any questions, email me at sweetserendipityblog@yahoo.com.

book give-a-way rules

Since I cannot keep each book that I review (my house is just not big enough!), I will occasionally do a book give-a-way. If a particular book that I have reviewed interests you, and I have indicated at the end of the review that I will be giving it away, you could be the lucky winner!

Simply follow these two rules to be entered into the drawing:
1. Be a follower of Sweet Serendipity
2. Leave a comment on the blog review post, which includes your email address so I can get in touch with you if you are the winner.

The drawing will remain open for 7 calendar days. For example, if I post a review at 8pm on a Monday, the following Monday after 8pm will be when the winner is chosen. If more than one person puts their name in the hat, the winner will be chosen through www.random.org.

HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!!

*BOOK REVIEW* Will The World End In 2012? by Raymond C. Hundley, PH.D.

This book examines 10 different doomsday predictions. From the Mayan calendar’s abrupt end on December 21, 2012 to religious predictions, which point out that the end is near, each chapter of this book looks at a different perspective of how the world could possibly meet its demise, and if that end is really likely to happen in 2012. Even though the author is open about his Christian beliefs in his introduction, he exams each prediction objectively allowing the reader to reach his own opinion.

The title of the book, presented in question form, really caught my attention, and made me curious to know what Hundley thought the answer was. Before reading the book, I had actually heard very little about the 2012 end of the world hype, so I wanted to know why so many people believe the world will end that year. I found this book to be interesting and easy to understand. However, if you are easily worried about impending doom, do not read this book. While several chapters detail some pretty extreme predictions, others, like the one discussing the eruption of a super volcano, will have you scared to death.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not asked to write a positive review, but simply, an honest one.

*Want this book next? I'm passing it on for free! Click here to find out how it can be yours.*

a few good deals...

You know I love finding coupons...especially when I can pair them with BOGO deals at Publix.

Publix has their Mueller's Wheat Pasta BOGO (buy one get one free) frequently. I bought it several different times when they had it on sale and I had a coupon. Speaking from memory, if you buy this pasta BOGO with the .55/1 coupon the pasta is well under $1 a box. The wheat pasta is delicious too...I can tell no difference in taste or texture from regular pasta.

Go to www.muellershealth.com to print your coupons. Note: most sites will only let you print a coupon twice, but I was able to print 6 of these Mueller's coupons...and I just stopped at 6...Mueller's still had not told me I had reached my coupon printing limit.

The second deal I have found is a free pouch of Uncle Ben's Ready Whole Grain Medley Rice. You can choose either the Chicken Medley or Roasted Garlic.

Visit: http://bit.ly/freeunclebens to get your free pouch in the mail.

the 1st post

Welcome to my new blog! After weeks of preparation, I'm excited that it is finally time to introduce Sweet Serendipity to you.

My plan is to use this blog to share recipes, book and product reviews, coupons and money saving finds, opinions and whatever else I find time to write about!

Check out the above About tab to learn more about me and Sweet Serendipity. Also, the Blogroll tab lists links directly to blogs I regularly read.

I hope that Sweet Serendipity will quickly become a blog that you look forward to reading! Would you make my day and do one, two, or even three favors for me? Favor 1: I would love it if you would follow my blog (followers make me feel like I'm writing to someone other than myself). Favor 2: If you like what you read, leave a comment (comments make me do a happy dance, and motivate me to blog more often). Favor 3: If you have a blog of your own, grab one of my buttons for your blog (buttons make pretty little additions to your blog, plus they help me spread word about my blog).

I'm so excited that you are here at the very beginning of my new writing adventure! Thanks in advance for stopping by and reading Sweet Serendipity over and over again!