Stores I Love and Why You Should Too!

In Econ 1010, you learn that there's rarely ever a fixed price for anything.  Those who provide services or goods have a target price they'd like to receive for their goods as a whole rather than individually.  You don't see a Fortune 500 Company creating staff meetings about how much they want to make for each little product, rather they set a dollar amount for what they'd like to collect at the end of the fiscal year.
   If ever you've traveled on an airplane, and you ask those around you how much they paid for their tickets, you'll find that some paid their proverbial arms and legs, while others practically fly for free.  How is this?  Because at the end of the day, businessmen know that some profit is better than none at all, and they'll take the highest amount from whomever is willing to pay that price.  What this creates in the market place (or rather, should, if a free market is left to its own devices without government interference) is that you can shop around for the same product from several different merchants before acquiring the best deal.  Now that the econ lesson is over, here's my list of favorite stores, and why you should love them too!

COSTCO:  You may be thinking, "I'm not paying $55 to a store just so I can shop there!"  That kind of thinking is both absurd and asinine.  Costco will refund your membership fee at any time if you are unsatisfied.  Costco offers an amazing American Express card with 3% cash back on all purchases.  We shop using the card and then pay the bill off each month and then at the end of the year, we receive 3% back in the form of a check.  We always get more than enough to pay for the next year's membership and by being a member, you become privy to all sorts of amazing deals.  You might be thinking, "I don't own a business, what on earth would I do with that enormous can of black olives?"  Costco is more than a store full of oversized canned goods.  Costco carries different merchandise based on location, so each time you PCS, each store will carry its own unique perks.  Costco's brand (Kirkland) carries the best baby wipes on the planet (no, that's not my opinion, it's fact).  You can get a box of 900 wipes for $20.  Let me tell you something about these wipes.  I've been known to accidentally wash a wipe or two and they come out of the dryer strong as ever.  I've found myself holding it up thinking, "What is this washcloth?"  That's how strong and amazing they are.  In addition to wipes, Costco carries both Kirkland brand diapers and Huggies.  These big boxes of diapers are the same price ($39 a box) but they almost always have one brand on sale at any given time (for $32/box).  If you're pregnant or already have babies in the home, you'll want a Costco membership.  In addition, they have monthly coupons that are outrageous.  They have everything at Costco!  Furniture, amazing food at amazing prices (did I mention you can get a hot dog lunch with a drink for a buck fifty?!), pharmacy (which accepts Tricare ExpressScrips) as well as Gasoline that is always cheaper than market value.  "I don't need Costco gasoline, it's cheaper at the PX."  True, it usually is cheaper at the PX, but the Costco membership card travels with you.  If ever you need gas and there's not a PX around, Costco will still save you money.  And in case you already forgot, if you get an American Express Costco Card, you receive cash back on every purchase!! So, get a Costco membership already!!!

TARGET:  Walmart's better looking and nicer cousin, right?  "Duh, Jane.  Everyone already knows that!"  But did you know that Target offers a Debit card which gives you an automatic 5% off your total purchase at checkout?  I know the cashier has already talked to you about it, and if you're like me, you instantly heard white noise and said, "Not interested, thank you."  But the next time you are at Target, ask them for a pamphlet so you can read all of the fine print at your leisure.  It's a Target Debit Card which connects directly to your existing Debit Card/Bank Account.  It's not like a credit card, there's no APR or annual fee or anything like that.  If you're already using a debit card at Target, for heaven's sake, do yourself a favor already and get the Target Debit Card!  It's free, and you save an instant 5% on every purchase (in store or online AND you get free shipping)!  I absolutely love it!!!

WALMART:  Not as nice or clean as Target, I know, I know.  But they're always busy, aren't they?  Why is that?  They have good prices, sure, but the competition has caught up with them, and there's really not that much of an edge for shopping at Walmart as opposed to, say, Target.  However, I will say this for all you Walmart snobs.  Over Christmas, we were in the market for a TV after Porter took a crayon to our existing one.  Being myself, I shopped around online, in stores, etc, looking for the absolute best TV for the best price.  I found one.  It was a 47" Vizio 3D, SmartTV.  It was a beaut.  It was amazing.  It was incredible.  It was refurbished.  It didn't work when it arrived, regardless of everything we tried.  When we returned it to the store, we found they had one in stock.  The difference between this new one and the refurbished was a mere $100.  We decided that it was worth paying the difference.  But, oh no.  Walmart exchanged the TVs so we paid exactly $0 extra dollars for a brand new TV!!!  That's Customer Service that keeps a business on top.  Furthermore, at another Walmart trip, I purchased an HDMI cable.  It was a Vizio and the tag said $14  (what a steal!)  When I checked out, the final price sounded much too high so after reviewing the receipt, I saw that the cable was $24 as opposed to $14.  Dismayed, I immediately took it to Customer Service and explained that I thought the tag said it was $14 and that $24 for an HDMI cable was just too rich for my blood. The Customer Service rep asked if I'd like to return it, or if I'd just like the difference.  She explained that if Walmart has something marked at a different price from what it rings up as, the Customer gets it for the marked price (in Monterey, they give it to you for the marked price and an additional 3% discount).  That is why I continue to shop at Walmart...

OVERSTOCK:  Overstock simply has amazing prices and what else, is they have flat rate shipping ($3) and free shipping on any purchase over $50.  Like anything, Overstock has better deals in some areas as opposed to others.  I always purchase our memory foam mattress toppers from Overstock because they're priced so well.  In addition, they have great quality dining chairs at a fraction of the cost of what you'd spend at the Exchange or any other store.  If you've not yet visited this site, do so!  You'll never know what you'll find!

KOHL'S:  The reason I love shopping at Kohl's is because they always have sales.  My mom says they artificially raise their prices so that when they tell you, "You saved $250 today!"  It sounds better than it actually is.  But, keep in mind, that Kohl's has a better priced clearance section than even Target.  If you sign up for Kohl's emails, you're almost always guaranteed an additional 15-20% off your entire purchase, and if you get a Kohl's Credit Card, you'll often receive an extra 30% off with an opportunity to earn Kohl's Cash...which is exactly what it sounds like).  I always buy the boys' clothes for the following season from the clearance rack (shorts and pants go for about $2 a pair.  That's about on par with a thrift store, but they've never been worn!)  Lastly, I love Kohl's because each month they get a new stock of children's items called "Kohl's Cares".  Everything in this section is $5 and 100% of the proceeds go to Children's charities.  This month, their special is Dr. Seuss books and stuffed animals.  We bought "Green Eggs and Ham" and two others that have now slipped my mind, all for $5 each (hardback!)  Trust me.  Kohl's is one you want to add to your repertoire!

IKEA: If you've yet to experience the glory that is IKEA, you owe it to yourself to drive to the nearest one and find out what you've been missing.  John and I like to eat before we shop.  They have an amazing cafeteria (try the Swedish Meatballs!).  IKEA is also one of the most family-friendly stores in existence.  They have a nursing room, complimentary diapers (should the need arise) a bottle-warming station, a children's dining area, as well as play stations throughout the entire store.  If your child is potty trained, they can even spend time in Smaland (a supervised play area while you shop).  What can you expect to find at IKEA?  Everything from furniture to toys to home decor and dinnerware.  But best of all?  You can expect INSPIRATION.  Upstairs, IKEA consists of what they call the Showroom.  You walk along a curving path throughout the store seeing entire rooms constructed with IKEA products.  You can physically lie down on a bed or sit on the couch, or work in the Kitchen to see exactly what you like and what you don't.  If you have a hard time figuring out what your style is, IKEA offers a bit more of a hand's on experience than say, HGTV.  Also, what I love about IKEA, is  that you can find inexpensive stuff for your college dorm or your newlywed pad OR spend a little more for your brand new home.  For every level of your life, IKEA will be there.  As one of my all-time favorite stores, I've been known to drive 4 hours just to spend the afternoon indulging in the IKEA experience.  Sounds extreme, right?  Check it out for yourself, then you'll understand!

Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors: A Duck and Cover Adventure

   I realize it's been a while since I recommended one of my "Good Reads" and for that, I apologize (honest!).  If you're looking for a good book, something that is often overlooked are the Indie Authors that are booming with the increasing popularity of ebooks.  They're a dime a dozen.  It's easy to feel overwhelmed by what you see and it's hard to know what will be a good read, and what won't be worth your time (or your money!)

   Well, look no further than "Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors: A Duck and Cover Adventure by Benjamin Wallace.

   As if the cover (and title) doesn't make you laugh enough, right?  This book is HILARIOUS!  It made me "lol, out loud" as Adrian Monk says.  It's awesome, OK?  It reads like a movie, won't interfere with your schedule too much, and you're not really in danger of developing any non-fictional feelings about fictional characters.  You'll just have a good time and when you're done, you'll think to yourself: "That was fun!"

   I really enjoyed this read, and I'm sure most of you will too!  If you have a Kindle or any other ereader, click here to read reviews, purchase ($5 or $0 if you're an Amazon Prime member) and enjoy!  If not, there's always the paperback price of $15.50.

Life and Death

   Something that only a Military family can understand, is that a Soldier (I say Soldier, but of course, I mean Marine, Airman, and Seaman too) gives their life for the country.  People mistakenly associate life with death.  When you hear someone say, "He gave his life for this country," you automatically conjure images of a flag draped casket.  You don't think of the day to day, mundane and wonderful aspects of life that a Soldier misses because of what he does.

   

    While your Soldier is off doing this:

   

He misses this:

   In short, he misses life.  He misses out on what makes life sweet for everyone.  Life is the ups and downs of family.  The spills, the poopy diapers, the late nights.  It's the moments you roll around on the floor with your kids, dance with them, kiss away their tears and get to look them in the eye and say, "I love you!"

   

   While dying for your country is the ultimate sacrifice, living for your Country is often overlooked.  Veterans are taken for granted because it's easy to think, "You didn't die, so what did you sacrifice?"  Those in the Military know that the answer is always: 'Everything!'  

   Those men and women in uniform sacrifice everything for their values, for duty, and for love of country.  The above pictures are moments taken in our life as John has been away these last 6 months.  John falls asleep without the precious goodnight kiss of a toddler.  John does combatives at PT and not in the living room on the floor with his boys.  John sat on duty during Thanksgiving, not at a table heavy-laden with food prepared with love surrounded by those he holds most dear.  

   Honor the men and women who have died for their Country; that have died for you.  "Greater love hath no man, than to lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)  Pray for their families and seek ways to help lift their burdens.  Thank God that someone cared enough about your freedoms to die for them.

   But, never forget that there are those who continue to sacrifice their time, their families, their very lives.  They freely give you moments they'll never get back, all for your freedoms; for your right to vote.  They do this so that you can enjoy your own family.  So that you can kiss your children.  And read to them. And dance. And sing. And play. And be silly.  They sacrifice their lives so you don't have to sacrifice yours!

   As a military spouse, how can you help your Soldier enjoy as much of life as possible?  I recently began a nightly journal to give John at the end of the year (for Christmas).  Any time he's away from the family for any training or deployment, I'll write a daily account of funny things the boys said and did.  I'm writing about the grievances, the trials, how much I love him, how much his life means to mine.  I'm illustrating the entries with snapshots taken of the boys doing their random things throughout the week.  All of this, so that when next he's in the field, he can feel connected to life at home.  

   I was told several years ago (while my brother-in-law was in Iraq) that he should be ashamed of himself for what he was doing.  That the Military is full of hate-driven, violent-loving, warmongering, red necks who love guns and big booms, is a popular belief held by many who don't fully understand that a Military is not about war, but about peace.  These men and women do what they do, not because they're driven by hate, but by love; not by what lies in front of them, but by what, and who, they're standing in front of.  

   May God bless you Military men and women as well as your families.

Free Giveway on Our Facebook Page!

  We're attempting to advertise our awesomeness via facebook.  But, instead of paying fb for an ad, I figure I'll let you do the work for me and give you the reward!  Be sure to like our facebook page (if you haven't already)

   So, we're giving you the chance to win a free $25 Gift Certificate to the restaurant of your choice!  Who doesn't love date night?!  I enter giveaways all the time and never win, but they're still fun.  Hopefully you'll have better luck than me!  

   Here's what you'll need to do:

1)- Like us on facebook

2)- Like the Contest

3)- Share the Contest

4)- Leave a comment with the restaurant name to which you'd like a gift certificate!

   The winner will be chosen on Thursday morning (via random.org).  Best of luck!

Easy Meatloaf

   If you're looking to improve your current meatloaf recipe, or if you are just in the market for an inexpensive, easy dinner tonight, this is a recipe you'll want to keep handy.

Bbq Meatloaf with Seasoned Rice
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Bake Time: 60 Minutes
Serves: 6-ish

INGREDIENTS
1lb Ground Hamburger
1 Package of Stuffing
1 egg
1 Cup Water
Barbeque Sauce

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375.  In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients with 1/2 Cup Bbq sauce.  I use my hands, but you could use a wooden spoon.  If your kids like to help in the kitchen, this is the perfect dish to get their hands dirty!  Dump mixture into a greased baking pan/casserole dish and shape into a loaf.  Top the loaf with 1/2 cup Bbq sauce.  Bake for 50 minutes at 375 degrees.  After 50 minutes, top the loaf with more bbq sauce (about 1/4 Cup) and return to oven for another 10 minutes.

   I like to serve this with a side of rice and vegetables.  When the meatloaf has about 30 minutes left, bust out your rice cooker.  I like to add an extra 1/3 Cup water and include 1/4 bag of frozen veggies into the uncooked rice.  This is an easy alternative to preparing a 2nd side dish.  The other great thing about rice, is that you can make it as fancy as you'd like.  Our family likes seasoned rice.  Here's how I make it:

1 C Rice
2  and 1/3 Cup of Water
1/4 Bag of mixed frozen veggies
2tsp granulated chicken bullion
Melt 1T of butter over medium heat in a small skillet.  Take a handful of uncooked angel hair pasta and break it up into bits (about 1/2" long) and toast in melted butter until browned.  Dump entire contents of skillet into the rice cooker and cook.

   If you time it correctly, the rice and meatloaf will finish simultaneously and you can enjoy a hot dinner; perfect for these cold winter evenings!  My kids love this dish and it makes great leftovers.  John likes to crumble his meatloaf and eat it over his rice (like a rice bowl) and the consistency of the cooked loaf is perfect for toddlers to feed themselves.

   Let me know if it's a hit in your house too!  

Motherhood

    I was going to write about the stores from which we can't afford to not be shopping.  But, given recent events, I feel I should instead write about the responsibilities of motherhood.  I'm not talking about the changing of diapers, or the cooking, or the cleaning.  Those, while important, are acts that anyone is capable of performing for any child.  I'm talking about motherhood.

  Last night, after my boys were down, I crept downstairs to the kitchen.  I had a sweet tooth, and I wanted to settle into bed with Downton Abbey and relax.  As I retrieved some Mint Chocolate Chip from the freezer, raised voices from the other side of the wall made me freeze.  My neighbor could be heard, clear as day, yelling at her child.  Every other word was the F word, and the Lord's name in vain.  She was screaming at him; calling him lazy and stupid.  Apparently, he's having a hard time reading and so his teachers have sent him home with additional reading homework.  The mother was irate.  She was livid.  I heard dishes being banged about, I heard the child crying (not loudly, mind.  I never heard the child contradict or talk back to her).  Before retreating from the domestic horrors, I heard the mother say, "Now, your'e going to sit here" (scuffle) "and you're going to effing read this @#$# book to me!"

   In a better world, I would have had the courage to knock on the door and demand justice for the poor child.  But, I'm a coward.  I cried, put the ice cream back in the freezer and stewed about it in my room.  I debated as to whether or not I should call the cops.  I asked my sister what I should do.  We discussed calling the elementary school or CPS.  At the end of the day, I am who I am, and to my shame, I did nothing.  But, the incident has not left me.

   When first I moved in, this boy and his siblings were extremely disrespectful to not only me, but to others in the neighborhood.  I witnessed this boy trying to stone a kitten in my yard (which I stopped).  I've seen this boy fighting with others and getting his siblings into trouble.  I've also seen this boy around his mother.  I've seen how he grovels and hovers.  He acts as though he's stepping on egg shells, eager to please and always falling short.  Obscenities fly from his mouth because he hears them first from his mother.  He picks on those around him because he's known nothing else.  He's old enough now that his life will be forever tainted by the impact of his home life.  How tragic is that?  How common is that in today's world?

   I know it's old fashioned and considered politically incorrect to promote families and motherhood instead of woman's independence and career, but I think it's more important now than ever.  How different would this child's life be if his mother spoke with him in love and concern?  If she taught by example?  How different would this child interact with those around him, especially around those weaker than himself?  Some day, this child will grow up and be a man.  He may have children of his own.  He will most certainly have relationships of his own.  How will he treat those with whom he interacts?

   If you're a mother, you are doing the most important work in the world.  If you're a stay-at-home-mom, I wonder if you realize the rarity of your situation.  And, even if you are a stay-at-home mom, how much time is actively spent in rearing your children?  There are, of course, household duties which are included in your "job description" so to speak (i.e., cleaning, cooking, laundry, errands, etc.).  But, how is your time managed?  How many minutes a day do we spend reading to our children?  Playing with them?  Laughing, hugging and kissing them?  How many times a day do they hear the words, "I love you" being uttered sincerely from your lips?  Do they know why you love them?  Do they know how much they're worth, how much they add to your family, how grateful you are God has placed them in your home?

   I read a blog post from a mother in Utah this past summer.  She took her children to the community pool.  It was a busy morning.  Several mothers and children were there, and she let her 3 year old swim.  She became busy in taking pictures of her baby and was putting them on facebook when she looked up and saw her son flailing in the water.  He was drowning.  She had done what we are all guilty of doing at one time or another.  Not being present.  It's easy to say, "Yeah, I'm a great mom.  I was with my kids all day!"  But, what did you do with your kids?  How many minutes did you spent reading, or on your cell phone, or on your tablet/computer in their presence?  How many times a day do we lash out at them when they do something they shouldn't, but we were too busy socializing with our electronics to intervene?

   I am guilty of this, repeatedly.  After I read the post this summer, I vowed to only be on facebook/writing during the children's nap times.  Most days (like today) I'm very responsible and do very well at separating "Jane time" from "mom time".  Other days, I need a break and see my phone/kindle, etc. as a means to escape mentally while I'm still physically there for my children.  It's even harder when your husband is away on either deployment or training, and all responsibilities come down to you; when breaks are limited and everyone is vying for your attention.  Nevertheless, ask yourself at the end of every day, as you put your kids to bed, what kind of mother was I today?  What kind of mother do my children deserve?  How can I improve upon tomorrow from who I was today?

   Children inherently love their parents.  They can learn to not love, but it is unnatural.  I think a parent has to really work at ruining their relationship with their children.  Kids want to love their parents, they want to be friends, they want to be loved and respected.  Children forgive so readily and so easily.  Don't be hard on yourself if today you fell short of your expectations.  Tomorrow is a new day, and while your children are young, they will always embrace you with open arms.  It's vital to be who your kids need today, so they want to keep you in their lives when they're teens.

New Year, Old Practices

   Happy New Year (albeit a tad belated).  For or better or worse, I haven't actually made a New Year's resolution yet.  They never really pan out.  However, I think it's safe to say that there is one that everyone seems to embrace in those first few weeks of January: Be Healthier.  This generally consists of an extreme diet scheme and workouts which may or may not be effective.  Unless you're one of the rare, committed individuals, the new lifestyle fizzles by the end of February at the latest.  But it still doesn't change the fact that you want to be healthier, does it?
   I've recently discovered (by way of a childhood friend and my mother) two amazing beauty regimens that are unique, highly effective and cheap!

Beauty Regimen #1: Oil Pulling.  Sounds bizarre, right?  Well, it's incredible.  For detailed information regarding the technique and the science behind how it works and why it's effective, this is a great website to peruse.  In a nutshell, it improves gum and mouth health while whitening teeth, boosting energy and amping up the immune system.  Essentially, all you do is take 1 Tablespoon of oil (any cold pressed oil should do.  Personally, I use Safflower oil, although other recommended oils are Sunflower, Sesame and/or Coconut) and you swish it in your mouth for 20 minutes a day (take care to not spit the oil into the sink).

Don't put the oil away too fast!

Beauty Regimen #2: The Oil Cleansing Method.  Take 1 Tablespoon of Oil (I use Safflower, but they recommend Castor Oil/Olive oil) and after warming it in your hands, massage it into your entire face (yes, your face!) for 10 minutes.  Then take a hot, wet, washcloth and leave it on your face until it cools (repeat this 2nd step 3 times).  Then massage more oil into your face for another 10 minutes, then shower (if you shower in the evening.  If not, that's fine).  I know that it sounds counter intuitive to put oil onto your face, but it works wonders.  The first time I tried this, I was skeptical.  I had enormous zits along my hairline from talking on my cell phone.  Within the first 10 minutes, I felt the zits being cleaned out beneath my fingertips.  It was unreal!  Now, only a week later, my skin tone looks amazing and bright and flawless.  Best part?  A bottle of safflower oil can be purchased from any Grocery Store for cheap (mine was $4).

   I've tried both of these methods and have had nothing but positive results.  Morning breath?  Gone.  My gums look better, my mouth feels better.  My face looks spectacular, and I have every intention of making both a lifelong habit!  The best news?  You'll see results in just a few days!  Try it!  You won't be sorry!