Fast Easy Budgeting...

So I found this cool link to help anyone out that may be interested in the Dave Ramsey program, Financial Peace University but still hesitant. I am going to leave the link on the side of my blog page so people can get to it easily whenever they want. :-) Happy Budgeting!

Suprise Date!

Colin and I have been attending a class called "Dynamic Marriage" at church the last few weeks. It has really helped our communication of emotional needs within our marriage and we have really enjoyed it. Early in the week Colin set up a date day for us and left me clues about what the date entailed. Yesterday he (after arranging earlier in the week with his mom) dropped Kellen off to hang out with Grandma for the afternoon and he took me to an Angels Baseball game! We like watching baseball (live) together and it was really fun! He even bought me my first Angel's T-shirt! I've always just worn a red one to the game.

The day was beautiful! It was a little warm... that is why we are a sweaty! Irvin Santana pitched a great game and I got to learn the names of some of the new players. We had not watched/been to a game together since Kellen was born. The Angels won, and then we celebrated with free Baskin Robin's ice cream (free coupon from donating blood at church last weekend.)

The night completed with pizza, wine and good company over at Grandma's house. It was a great day!

Cleaning

It's funny to me how sometimes I just get the "urge" to start cleaning. I doubt many are like me... Our office could use a face lift, but so could our wallets. And we can't really do much without mulah, so we have to be VERY creative. SO, I am trying to see what I can take care of without actually buying anything first (wood for shelves, curtains to cover the closet etc.

Any way, random blog about my thoughts. Totally short. Maybe I'll post a before and after picture, well I've already started so an in-the-process photo and an after photo... if it ever happens!

Gold Canyon Candles

To change up my fundraising a little bit, I have decided to fundraise some additional items. I am so grateful to everyone that has donated so far and if you were planning on donating, you still can.

However, I know it is nice to get something in return as well. SO, I am selling Gold Canyon Candles. It is really simple.

Do you know someone that loves candles that is celebrating a birthday? Anniversary? MOTHER's DAY!?!?! Now is the time to start thinking about those that would LOVE to have one of these candles!!

There are 3 sizes, three prices and several scents:

26oz. = $25.00 burns for 175-200 hours
16oz. = $21.00 burns for 120-140 hours
8oz. = $17.00 burns for 50-65 hours

Tax and shipping included

Some cool facts about the candles:
Strong fragrance- The fragrance, is strong and true to life! The fragrance catalogue that I have includes a "Scratch and Sniff" for each scent, so you can get a smell of what you order!
Double Wicks- This ensures and evenly burning candle so there is no messy, residual wax left on the walls of the candle jar.
Safety feature- Each candle wick is fitted with a safety collar, causing the candles to self extinguish at the appropriate safety level. In addition, the unique cool wax formula is warm to the touch and will not burn the skin if a candle is accidentally bumped or turned over.
Burn Hours- These babies burn for up to 200 hours!! That's getting your money's worth!!

The scents include: apple spice, cinnamon, cinnamon vanilla, clean sheets, ginger lime, grapefruit splash, pomegranate, rose, cotton splash, cranberry orange, cucumber melon, fresh orange, strawberry shortcake, sweet pea, and wild flowers.

Unfortunately, I can't sell online... the company is working on that for the fundraiser aspect. I have a catalogue and the purchases much be made directly through me. Depending on how many orders I get, I will make an order every 2-4 weeks.

You can look at their website to get more information, http://www.goldcanyon.com/ but if you would like to purchase candles here is what I need:

Name
Phone Number
Address
Email Address
Candle size, scent and amount

I can give you a total with shipping and tax, and if you live far away you can mail me a check. The candles get mailed directly to you. CORRECTION!!! The candles get mailed to me, and then I deliver them... if you live far away you can order online instead, but it will not support my cause. SO SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION!!! The check must be made out to me (write "candles" in the memo), and then I write one check to the director in my area, and a percentage goes to my TNT fundraiser. A small percentage also goes to a charity called, "The Prayer Child Foundation."

If you have any questions please call, email, facebook, or comment below!

Mindie
mindieg@verizon.net

Crazy Cooking Ladies

This is my second time being involved in the "Cooking Co-Op." Well, that is what I call it. Here is the scoop:
So six ladies get together, we each get a grocery list, we have "homework- AKA- items to prep before the big cooking fest," and then we all get together to put 20 meals that can serve 4 to 6 people per meal into freezer bags, Tupperware and cooking dishes.
This is some of the food that we bring, buy, and/or borrow for the big event. Then, we split up and start prepping meals.

Here, Liz is rolling a bunch of meat balls. Haven't had this one yet, but you can use them for spaghetti or sandwiches, etc.

We even recruited some of the kids to help do small tasks like opening cans and separating jars. Hannah was such a good helper.

We started some of the meals, Nesha and I on the left were working on the Pesto chicken (OMG it was so good!!!) Angel was prepping one of the yummy soups. I haven't had it yet, but I'm sure it will be fantastic!

After hour 2 miles decided to order the hard working ladies some pizza for dinner. What a great guy!

We get into a pretty good rhythm and there's just no stopping us!

This time it took us a little less than 6 hours, mainly because we stopped for a dinner break, and had some new meals that we were not completely sure about. However, at the end of the day, each lady only had to dish out 132 bucks for 20 meals!! HOW AMAZING IS THAT!?! We have so much food, we usually only have to get together every other month. My freezer is loaded! And it is so great to have meals prepped that you know are going to taste good, and won't take as long to make, and didn't cost and arm and a leg, and thigh etc... :)

I definitely recommend signing up to do this cooking group stuff, or talk to the master, (Heidi Thompson) and start your own group! It was so much fun, and so cheap!!