Book review: "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" by Debora Coty

I recently read "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" by Debora Coty. This was an interesting book that did not take me too long to read.

While I did feel like this book had plenty of practical advice in it, I did not care for the book overall. Coty's writing style was a little strange and often, it seemed like it was too conversational. When I read most books, I expect a high quality writing style (with some sense of formality) and this book just didn't utilize that style.

From a Christian standpoint, I was also bothered by Coty's use of the name "Papa God," which she obviously used for God. This seemed unnecessary to me and quite odd. I also did not care for the many different Bible translations from which she quoted. She used translations such as the Contemporary English Version (CEV), New Living Translation (NLT) and the Message. None of these versions translate the Bible close to its original languages and unfortunately, this means that often the true, original meaning of a verse is lost in favor of a contemporary version.

This was an interesting book and certainly contained helpful, practical advice and insight, but unfortunately, these other concerns of mine made the book less enjoyable.

Enter Today - 2/14 - 3/6!
Through March 6, you can enter to win a Kindle in celebration of the release of this new book. Then join the Facebook party on March 7 to connect with Debora and see if you win the Kindle!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" from Litfuse Publicity Group for the purposes of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kwik Trip: Milk $2.18/gallon {through Mar. 15!}

Through March 15, Nature's Touch milk is on sale at Kwik Trip stores! The sale is valid on skim, 1% and 2% milk.

You can get half gallon bags for $1.09 per bag, which is $2.18 per gallon.

If you prefer a gallon jug, those are on sale for $2.39.

*Don't forget that the milk caps (or tops of the bags) earn money for your school!

Burnstad's 2/19-2/25: Kemps 1/2 gallon $1, Village Hearth wheat bread $1.78, Powerade $0.50, + more!

Burnstad's ad is valid through next Monday. Burnstad's sale cycle runs from Tuesday through Monday.

Burnstad's has four locations in central Wisconsin: Tomah, Black River Falls, Richland Center and Spencer. All four locations have the same ad each week. Burnstad's will give you $0.05 off for each reuseable bag that you bring in.

Keep Burnstad's coupon policy in mind as you shop.

Surprise Internet Coupon: Snapple iced tea or fruit drinks (64 oz.), $0.99 (limit 1 with additional $5 purchase)

Fresh produce
Dole Classic salad mix, $1

Jumbo Texas red grapfruit (4 lb. bag), $1.98 (limit 1)

Russet potatoes (10 lb. bag), $1.99

Meat
Boneless/skinless chicken breasts (frozen), $1.99/lb.

Farmland bacon (12-16 oz.), $3.99

Dairy
Kemps Select milk (1/2 gallon), $1 (limit 1)

Frozen
Kemps ice cream (132 oz. family size pail), $5.99

Pantry
Powerade (32 oz.), $0.50 (limit 4)

Essential Everyday pasta (12-16 oz.), $1

Shopper's Value ketchup (24 oz.), $1

Shopper's Value mac 'n cheese, $0.50 (limit 20)

Miscellaneous
Village Hearth 100% wheat bread, $1.78 (limit 2)

Kwik Trip: Milk $2.18/gallon {through Mar. 15!}

Through March 15, Nature's Touch milk is on sale at Kwik Trip stores! The sale is valid on skim, 1% and 2% milk.

You can get half gallon bags for $1.09 per bag, which is $2.18 per gallon.

If you prefer a gallon jug, those are on sale for $2.39.

*Don't forget that the milk caps (or tops of the bags) earn money for your school!

Weekly Goals Update

My goals for last week were minimal and simple and I did well with everything - except Baby Girl isn't here yet!

Family Goals

• Love my husband and baby (and hopefully have this Baby Girl!).

Personal Goals

• Read "Miracle for Jen." {Read my review of this book in this post.}
• Start reading "Radical."
• Finish off my dishcloth that I crocheted last week.
• Start crocheting a scarf. {I picked this pattern and it is looking really good!}

Home Management Goals

• Reorganize the bookshelf in our bedroom.
• Set aside books for trade-in on Amazon. {None of them were eligible for trade-in, but I did donate all of them to our local library system.}

Blog Goals
Nothing special happening on the blog this week.

Because we do expect Baby Girl to make her appearance this week, I am not making any goals. I'll be taking a break from weekly goal setting for at least a few weeks as we adjust to having a baby at home.

Cardstore.com: 5x7 greeting cards $0.44 each {including a free stamp!}

Here's a great deal on greeting cards today!

To celebrate President's Day, Cardstore.com is offering 5x7 folded greeting cards for only $0.44 each! Use code CCC3324 at checkout for this discount.

Even better - Cardstore.com will mail your greeting cards directly to their recipients at no extra cost! That means you get a stamp ($0.45 value) absolutely FREE!

In addition, Cardstore.com also allows you to schedule future delivery of a card, so you can pick a date for your card to be sent.

If you would prefer to have the card sent to you first, shipping will also be free.

*This offer is only valid today, February 18.

$1.50 off (2) M&M's candies printable

Hurry and print this new coupon for $1.50 off (2) bags of M&Ms this morning!

My coupon expires on March 20, so there's plenty of time for a sale.

If you're shopping at Target, you can stack this manufacturer coupon with the $1.50 off (2) M&Ms Target store printable coupon (under "grocery"). Check for clearance Valentine's M&Ms for a great deal!

Dollar General Weekly Ad 2/17-2/24: Sun laundry detergent $0.03/oz., Salonpas 20 ct. $2, + more!

Here is the new Dollar General ad. These deals are all valid through next Sunday, 2/24.

You can also see the printable coupons on Dollar General's website, plus their Coupon Policy.

Sun Oxi or Fresh Morning Breeze laundry detergent (150 oz.), $3.95
*This is only $0.03 per oz., which is below my "buy price" for laundry detergent.

Maxwell House coffee, $6.95
Includes: 30.6-34.5 oz. Original and 29.3 oz. Breakfast Blend.

Select Post or General Mills cereal, $2
Includes: Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Roasted or Almonds, Trix, and Cocoa Puffs.
--$1 off (3) General Mills cereals (2/3 SS regional)
As low as $1.66 per box after coupon!

DG Health 12 hr. nasal spray, $1.75

DG Health Tussin DM Cough & Congestion (4 oz.), $1.75

DG Health Children's Triacting syrup night-time cold & cough or cold & allergy (4 oz.), $2

Salonpas pain relieving patch (20 ct.), $2

Renuzit solids 2 pk., $1.50

Target samples: Dove body wash and Eucerin Professional Repair

There are two new samples available in Target's Sample Spot today:

Sign up for a sample of Dove body wash.

And you can also sign up for a sample of Eucerin Professional Repair lotion.

*Target samples are sometimes difficult for me to request. Often, trying another browser does the trick.

Dollar General Printable Coupons 2/17

These are the store coupons you will find on Dollar General's website this week. Remember, store coupons can be combined with manufacturer coupons for even better savings! Below, manufacturer coupons are in red.

$5 off $25 purchase on Sunday 2/17 & Monday 2/18

$5 off $25 purchase on Saturday 2/23

$0.50 off Purex liquid fabric softener (Mountain Breeze 100 oz.)

$1 off Purex powder detergent with Crystals (30 load)

Save $4 wyb (1) Purina Dog Chow (42 lbs.) AND (1) Beggin' Thick Cut Strips (Hickory Smoked)

Buy (1) Friskies Savory Shreds (32 ct.), Get a Free Friskies Party Mix

Buy (1) Tidy Cats Litter (30 lbs.), Get (2) free 5.5 oz. cans of Friskies wet cat food

$0.50 off Rexall vitamin (priced $2 or more)

$0.25 off Nonni's Biscotti Bites (4 oz.)

You can also print a coupon for Buy One, Get One Free any Rexall product when you subscribe to Rexall's emails.

*There are also many manufacturer coupons available on Dollar General's website. These coupons cross-over with Coupons.com. If you print from Coupons.com, the coupon will not be available on Dollar General's website, and vice-versa.

Walgreens 2/17-2/23: Schick Hydro RR deal, Reynold's foil $2.24, Ricola drops $0.79, + more!

* View the entire ad on Walgreens' website.
* You can view the Walgreens coupon policy here.
* Photo Deals:

• 30% off canvas prints (use code CANVAS2DAY at checkout; through 3/2).
• B1G1 free photo greeting cards (use code CARDSBOGO at checkout; through 3/2).

* Don't forget to sign up for the new Walgreens Balance Rewards program! In the ad matchups below, you will see how many reward points you can earn for certain items. Keep in mind that you will need to have a Balance Rewards card in order to get many of the sale prices now. Here are the redemption rates:

FREE after Register Rewards
Nothing this week.

Other deals with Register Rewards
Schick Hydro disposable razors or razor system, $9.99
Get $4 RR wyb (1).
--$4 off Schick Hydro 5 or Silk disposables (2/10 SS)
--$4 off Schick Hydro Silk printable
As low as $5.99 OOP, plus get $4 RR!

Rebates
Nothing this week.

Buy One Get One Free
Red Baron pizza (2/$5.99)

Walgreens alkaline batteries

Walgreens hearing aid batteries

FREE after coupons
Nothing this week.

Cheap ($1 or less)
Theater pack candy, $0.79

Velveeta shells 'n cheese dinner or Cheesy Skillets, 2/$4
--Use $1 off (2) store coupon (February booklet).
--And use a manufacturer coupon: $1 off (2) Cheesy Skillets printable or $1 off (2) Shells 'n Cheese dinners printable.
$1 per box after coupon!

Bubble knee highs, $0.29 with ad coupon

Arrid or Arm & Hammer antiperspirant/deodorant, $0.99 with ad coupon

Carmex or Blistex lip care, $0.99
--$0.25 off Blistex (1/20 SS)
$0.74 for Blistex after coupon!

Other Good Deals
Walgreens diapers and wipes, 2/$10 wyb (2)
Includes: Jumbo pack of sleep pants, premium diapers or training pants; 234 ct. wipes.

Reynold's aluminum foil (70 sq. ft.), $2.99 with ad coupon
--$0.75 off Reynold's foil printable
--$0.75 off Reynold's foil (1/20 SS)
$2.24 after coupon!
*This is a good price for name-brand foil.

Ricola drops (19-24 pk.), $1.29
--$1 off (2) Ricola drops (1/20 SS)
$0.79 per bag after coupon!

Scott Naturals paper towels (6 rolls), $5
--Save $1 with store coupon (Feb. booklet).
--And use a manufacturer coupon: $1 off Scott Naturals paper towels (1/13 SS regional) or $0.25 off printable (this might be higher in value after you register).
As low as $3 after stacked coupons!

Purex liquid laundry detergent, $1.99
Includes: 2X liquid (24 or 33 loads); Ultra Packs (18 ct.).

Book Review: "Miracle for Jen" by Linda Barrick

This week, I read "Miracle for Jen," a true story by Linda Barrick. This is a fantastic, inspiring book!

Linda writes about the tragic car accident that nearly claimed the lives of their entire family. Miraculously, God spared all of their lives that night - but led them down a long and difficult road. Their experience on this road created an inspiring testimony that they now share with millions of people through public speaking, the Internet, and now this book.

Linda's daughter Jen (age 15 at the time of the accident) suffered an extensive and traumatic brain injury. Doctors gave the family almost no hope for her survival, but God was with Jen during her long road to recovery. While she is not completely back to "normal" (and never will be), the Barrick family (especially Jen!) is okay with this - and even embraces it. Their entire story is extremely inspiring and provides a wonderful testimony of God's amazing healing power.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Miracle for Jen from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions expressed are my own.

Festival 2/14-2/20: Pork sirloin $1.79/lb., Freshlike veggies $1, Powerade $0.79, + more!

These deals reflect the ad for Festival Foods in Mauston, WI. Each week, Festival offers a Main Ad, a Green Sheet, and Surprise Buys. You can view all of the ads on their website. The deals below are a few highlights from this week's ad.

*Festival in Mauston accepts Internet manufacturer coupons!

Fresh produce
Dole bananas, $0.39/lb.

Green cabbage, $0.49/lb.

Meat
Boneless pork country-style ribs, $1.99/lb.

85/15 ground chuck, $2.99/lb.

Boneless pork sirloin roasts or chops, $1.79/lb.

Dairy
$0.50 off one gallon of Festival white milk printable store coupon

Frozen
Freshlike Midwest veggies (16 oz.), $1

Pantry
Shopper's Value pretzels (10-15 oz.), $1.25

Lay's potato chips, $2.99
--$1 off Lay's "Do Us a Flavor" contest winners printable
As low as $1.99 after coupon!

Miscellaneous
Fresh French bread, $1.99

Powerade (32 oz.), $0.79

ibotta app for Android and iPhone {now available at Dollar General!}

Update: Dollar General and Family Dollar are now participating in ibotta!

There is a new smartphone app available now called ibotta. This app is totally free and is available to iPhone users - and now to Android users!

It's easiest to sign up through this link on your computer. After doing so, you will be instructed how to get the app on your phone (it's easy, I promise!).

Here's how ibotta works:

• ibotta offers rebates on items that you likely purchase on a regular basis, like Simply Orange juice, Advil, Mio, etc.
• A variety of offers are available and you will be able to see them in your account after you register. New offers will pop up often, too! Be sure to scroll through all the pages.
• After you buy an item for which you have an offer, you can take a picture of your receipt and submit it. You will want to make sure that you are purchasing the right item (they offer a barcode scanner to help with this!).
• The rebate money will be deposited directly into your account with ibotta (receipt verification usually takes 2-24 hours).
• You can redeem your rebate money once you reach $5. You are able to redeem into any Paypal account OR you can donate to any school in America or the United Way.

There are 24 major retailers currently participating in ibotta, including:

• Target
• Walmart
• CVS
• Kroger
• Walgreens
• Pick n Save
• Dollar General
• and lots more!

I signed up back in December and the entire process took me less than five minutes! Head on over to sign up now so you can start earning your rebates!

Kwik Trip: Milk $2.18/gallon {through Mar. 15!}

Through March 15, Nature's Touch milk is on sale at Kwik Trip stores! The sale is valid on skim, 1% and 2% milk.

You can get half gallon bags for $1.09 per bag, which is $2.18 per gallon.

If you prefer a gallon jug, those are on sale for $2.39.

*Don't forget that the milk caps (or tops of the bags) earn money for your school!

Aldi 2/13-2/19: Strawberries $0.99/lb., Vanilla Greek yogurt $0.89, + laundry products!

Here's a quick glance at some of Aldi's best deals this week. Check the weekly ad and Special Buys ad for other deals.

Wednesday Meat Special Buys: Valid today 2/13 only (or while supplies last)! Aldi offers a "Meat Special Buy" on Wednesdays, every week. There is limited stock, so shop early for the best selection!

Fresh USDA Choice Boneless Ribeye Steak, $7.99/lb.

Weekly "Red Hot Special" - available while supplies last!
Woven Strap Hamper with Liner, $12.99

Produce Picks
Pineapple, $1.49 each
Strawberries, $0.99/lb.
Cantaloupe, $1.49 each
Navel oranges, $1.49 per 4 lb. bag
Blueberries, $1.99/pint
Lemons, $0.99/lb.

Weekly Ad
Long grain white rice (3 lbs.), $1.79
Instant white rice (28 oz.), $2.39
Instant brown rice (14 oz.), $1.49
Fabric softener sheets (80 ct.), $1.99
Tandil 2X Premium liquid laundry detergent (HE or regular; 100 oz.), $6.99
Bleach (96 oz.), $1.29

New at Aldi
Queso Fresco cheese (10 oz.), $2.29
Olive oil cooking spray (5 oz.), $1.79
Mode shampoo or conditioner (12.6 oz.), $1.59

In-store deals
Sterilite two-bushel laundry basket, $5.99
Triple laundry sorter, $19.99
4" lucky bamboo, $4.99
Fusia rice crackers, $1.49 (You may want to check & see if these are gluten free.)
Mama Cozzi's stone-baked pizza, $2.99
Bolthouse Farms Amazing Mango smoothie (15.2 oz.), $1.99
Friendly Farms vanilla Greek yogurt (6 oz.), $0.89

New Low Prices
Dry pinto beans (32 oz.), $1.79

Things to remember when shopping at Aldi:

• Bring a quarter for your shopping cart.
• Bring your own bags.
• Aldi only accepts cash or debit, not credit.
• You will occasionally find markdown items at Aldi. I always check the fresh meat and produce sections. Sometimes previous "Special Buy" items will be marked down as well. All markdowns will vary by store.
• Aldi offers a Double Guarantee on all of their products: "If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with any product, we will gladly replace the product AND refund your money."

Have you “liked” Our Frugal Happy life on Facebook yet? We have lots of fun over there, too!

BOGO free Scotch Brite Botanicals wipes printable

The Buy One Get One Free Scotch Brite Botanicals disinfecting wipes coupon is available again!

The smaller canisters are priced at about $2.50 at Walmart and Target, so around $1.25 each after the coupon.

Shark Pro Slim Steam Mop $49 shipped {includes free mop pads!}

The Shark Professional Slim Electronic Steam Pocket Mop is on sale for $49 today on Target.com and shipping is free!

This is 50% off original price - and two free mop pads are also included with this!

I think it's likely that this daily deal could sell out before the day is over...I would not wait to order if you are interested. I've been thinking about getting one of these - the old-fashioned way of mopping is so annoying and these steam mops get great reviews!

*This mop is currently priced at $69 + $15 shipping on Amazon.

Burnstad's 2/12-2/18: Ring of bologna $2.99, Fresh bacon $4/lb., + floral sale!

Burnstad's ad is valid through next Monday. Burnstad's sale cycle runs from Tuesday through Monday.

Burnstad's has four locations in central Wisconsin: Tomah, Black River Falls, Richland Center and Spencer. All four locations have the same ad each week. Burnstad's will give you $0.05 off for each reuseable bag that you bring in.

Keep Burnstad's coupon policy in mind as you shop.

Surprise Internet Coupon: Essential Everyday stuffing, $0.49 (limit 1 with additional $5 purchase)

Fresh produce
Fresh green asparagus, $1.98/lb. (check limit in store)

Bolthouse carrots (1 lb.), $0.69

Meat
85/15 ground chuck, $2.99/lb.

Boneless pork sirloin roast, $1.79/lb.

Wenzel's Farm ring bologna, $2.98 (limit 2)

Klement's bologna (14 oz.), $2.99

Burnstad's bacon, $3.99/lb.

Dairy
Nothing this week.

Frozen
Blue Bunny ice cream (4.5 qt. pail), $4.98 (limit 1)

Roma Original pizza, $2

Pantry
Prego pasta sauce, $1.66
--$0.40 off (2) Prego sauces (1/6 SS)
$1.46 each after coupon!

Miscellaneous
Lofthouse cookies (10 ct.), $1.99

Fresh rye and pumpernickle breads, $1.99

Floral
Dozen roses, $19.99
*Aldi has a dozen roses for $10 through Wednesday 2/13!

Single rose, $4.99

Girl talk bouquet, $7.99

Tutu pink bouquet, $9.99

Candy Kiss bouquet, $11.99

$1 off any Glade product printable {free air freshener!}

Hurry and print this coupon for $1 off any Glade product! (Thanks, Money Saving Mom!)

The aerosol sprays and cone air fresheners are priced at about $1 at stores like Target, Walmart and Dollar General, so they will be free after the coupon!

This is the only way you will ever find an air freshener in my home - it has to have been free or purchased for mere pennies. :)

My 7 Weekly Goals

No baby yet...so we're pressing on around here! I am really hoping she decides to come this week, so goals will be simple. And they may not be accomplished - but that's okay!

Here's how I did on last week's goals:

Family Goals

• Love my husband and baby! (And maybe have a baby?!)

Personal Goals

• Finish reading "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" (for review). Start reading "On Becoming Babywise." {I read both of these books.}
• Work on crocheting. {I made a dishcloth using this pattern this week! And I bought more yarn to start another project.}

Home Management Goals
Honestly, it's very difficult for me to do any housework now (at 38 weeks pregnant!). I'll stick to the basics this week and call it good! I can still manage to do the laundry and clean the bathrooms - and that's enough for me. :)

Blog Goals

• Review "God Gave Us Easter" kids' book. {Read my review in this post.}
• Review Ghirardelli chocolate (yum!). {Read my review in this post.}
• Write review for "Fear, Faith and a Fistful of Chocolate" (to be posted later this month).

And here are my simple, straightforward goals for this week:

Family Goals

• Love my husband and baby (and hopefully have this Baby Girl!).

Personal Goals

• Read "Miracle for Jen."
• Start reading "Radical."
• Finish off my dishcloth that I crocheted last week.
• Start crocheting a scarf.

Home Management Goals

• Reorganize the bookshelf in our bedroom.
• Set aside books for trade-in on Amazon.

Blog Goals
Nothing special happening on the blog this week.