HelpingMoms@Home: July 2016

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Freebies on Friday - July 29, 2016

Happy Saturday everyone! Sorry this is a day late. I've lost power at my home and spent most of the day yesterday without power (internet included). Luckily, we have a back up generator to run our home when the power goes out. Hopefully our power will be fully restored soon and I'll be able to get back to my normal routine.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the freebies!

e-Books

Survival First Aid Guide: How to Prepare for an Emergency Situation

How To Make Money Blogging: How I Replaced My Day-Job and How You Can Start A Blog Today (Blogging Guide Book 1)

Take Control Of Your Life: A 2 hour plan to help you set and reach your goals

Anti-Aging Habits: 137 smart and sassy ways to add years to your life and life to your years

Samples
Free Wildflower seeds from FeedABee.com
Fancy Feast White Chicken Medley cat food sample
Free Puff Candy - Peppermint flavor

Misc.
Pocket Constitution of the United States - ACLU is providing one for free until November 8th. Just use code: POCKETRIGHTS
Adorable Summer planner stickers from BibleJournalingDigitally.com

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Freebies on Friday - July 22, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you enjoy the freebies I've found for your this week.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the freebies!

e-Books

Preparedness Gardening: How to Grow Real Sustenance and Naturally Build Soil Fertility in Troubled Times

Alphabet Smash: Your Child's 26 Week Alphabet Adventure

Sewing: Sewing for Beginners - Master the Art of Sewing + 2 Bonus BOOKS (how to sew for beginners, how to sew, sew, sewing for beginners, sewing, sewing for dummies, sewing books)

Think And Grow Rich : 1937 Original Masterpiece (Xpress Book)

Samples
Vita Coco Coconut Oil Sample
Rachel Ray Nutrish Dry Cat Food Sample
Aqua Skincare Sample

Misc.
Mountain House Food Pouch Rebate - Purchase a Mountain House Food Pouch (up to $11) either at a store or online and receive a rebate in the mail.
Endangered Species Coloring Book - This coloring book has info on where the species naturally lives and other interesting facts.
Kids Bowl Free - Register your kids and they can bowl 2 games every day during summer.

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Importance of Having An Emergency Fund

This morning I logged into our checking account and found out that someone stole my debit card information. There was a charge pending for $760 at a watch store in Brooklyn, NY and overage fees of $144. Needless to say our account was in the negative.

I immediately called my bank and thankfully they had already cancelled my card. The person or persons had also tried my card at Walmart.com and OldNavy.com for over $500 each. Luckily they denied both of those charges but the first charge is still pending in my account.

That means when my husband's check is direct deposited this week we won't have access to some of the funds.

We are obviously going to file a fraudulent charge request with our bank, but we won't have normal access to our account until it's cleared up.

So what do you do when someone messes with your account and you still have bills, gas and groceries to buy?

You need to have a small emergency fund.

Any amount you can afford to start one is good, but you at least want to work up to a week's worth of expenses at the minimum. Many experts say to save up $1000, or a month or even 6 months worth of expenses. Like I said earlier ANY amount is better than no money at all.

It may be obvious, but don't keep that money in your regular bank accounts. I suggest in a safe at home or another safe location that you have access to in time of emergency.

A good friend of mine had here card hacked on Christmas Eve. You can bet the banks weren't open the next day. They aren't open on Sunday's either. Though some have phone centers open 24/7 but not all.

There are many good reasons to keep a little cash on hand for emergencies. Here are a couple.

* Banking emergencies such as having your debit/credit card lost or stolen.

* Power outages are another time when cash is helpful. We've all gone into a store at one time or another that couldn't take credit/debit cards.

* Job Loss isn't always predicted and it may be a some time before unemployment or pay from a new job comes in.

* Medical expenses are another common reason to have an emergency fund. Not just for you or your family but also for pets too.

I think it's obvious there are events in life we don't plan on or want but having an emergency fund helps get life back to normal quicker.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Before You Decide to Adopt A Pet

Midnight (age 19 cat) and Bandit (age 11 dog)

Before you decide to get your little girl or boy a pet please consider how long they live.

Getting a pet is a life long commitment and pets can live a long time.

Yes puppies, kittens and other animals are adorable when they are babies, but what about when they are 7 years old or 20 years old. Yep, some pets live that long and longer.

And just like people, they can develop medical problems such as heart problems, arthritis, cancer, kidney disease, and more.

What you need to think about is how your life my look in 10 or 20 or even 50+ years from now. Are you planning a move? Going to college? If so, can you take pet with you on campus or into a rental property? If you can't take the pet with you -- what will you do?

Do you go on vacation often? Who will feed and take care of the animal while you are away? Can you afford to keep their shots up to date? What if a medical emergency happens to you or your pet? These are things you really should think about PRIOR to getting the pet.

Cats live on average around 15 years but can live as long as 30 years.

Dogs' life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. That varies between the breed of dogs Click here to see a list.

Birds can live upwards of 80 years. Click here for specific birds and their normal life expectancy.

Gerbil - depending on the type you choose they can live up to 8 years.

Hamsters live around 3 years.

Fish can live up to 30 years. The longest living fresh water fish are goldfish. Consider that the next time your child wants to win a fish at the carnival. Other live much shorter, for example, beta fish live 3 to 5 years and neon tetras live around 10 years. (Our carnival fish lived 3 years).

Bunnies can live 8 to 12 years old if kept inside and are spayed or neutered.

Please consider all the facts before adopting an animal because their life depends on it and lastly Adopt Don't Shop.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Freebies on Friday - July 15, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you enjoy the freebies I've found for your this week. I personally can't wait to read -- Aquaponics and Never Binge Again - topics that hit home for me.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the freebies!

e-Books

Quick Easy Recipes: 5 Ingredient Cookbook: Easy Recipes in 5 or Less Ingredients (Quick and Easy Cooking Series)

Supercharge Your Life: 7 Habits To Increase Your Success And Happiness (Includes Free Bonus Workbook)

Aquaponics: Everything You Need to Know to Start an Expert DIY Aquaponic System from Home (Hydroponics, Organic Gardening, Self sufficiency)

Never Binge Again(tm): Reprogram Yourself to Think Like a Permanently Thin Person(tm). Stop Overeating and Binge Eating and Stick to the Food Plan of Your Choice!

Samples
U by Kotex - Samples include 2 regular tampons, 2 super tampons and 2 liners.
Loreal Paris Advanced Hair care
Washeze - A 3-in-1 laundry detergent sheet.
Lego Mini Model Build - August 2016 - Register to build a free LEGO Apple on August 2 or 3, 2016 at a Lego Store near you. Registration is now required - walk-in aren't accepted any longer.

Misc.
Pokemon Coloring Pages - For the kids (and adults) into Pokemon Go here are a ton of Pokemon coloring pages.
Adorable Summertime Journaling Cards from PaperCrave.com
A Summer Travel Log from HomeSchoolDen.com - This is a very detailed log. It includes a daily journal, state park log, license plate log and much more.

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Gardening for Free

One of my favorite summer past times is growing a garden.

Mostly I try to grow vegetables such as cucumbers, green peppers, banana peppers, green beans, onions, potatoes and tomatoes, etc.

This year my family became addicted to guacamole. Joking my kids said we need a guacamole section in our garden. I have the cilantro, green onions and even planted an avocado seed. See how much it's grown.

After many failed attempts at suspending the seeds in water like I've seen in online tutorials. I ended up just planting it in a small pot of potting soil. Of course, the one in the pot of soil is the only one that grew and has been growing strong for a few months now. I used a seed from avocado I bought at my local Aldi's. I love to save seeds from peppers, apples, lemons, cantaloupes, watermelons, and pumpkins. If they grow great - if not it's not a bit deal.

Below is a photo of my veggie haul this week. My kids were helping and dug up some of the vegetables a bit early.

This doesn't even include my green beans which we ate for dinner before I took the photos.

The best part is I used the seeds from the avocados I bought and also the peppers bought. Not a package of seeds. Some sprouted, a few didn't but it cost me anything. I bought the food to eat - the seeds were a bonus. You can do the same. It is pretty easy.

Feel free to share pictures of your gardens.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A

Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A

Receive a *free* entree at Chick Fil A on July 12, 2016 from open to 7 p.m.

All that is required is that you dress like a cow.

Yep you read that correct!

Dress like a cow and receive one of many entrees (breakfast, lunch or dinner).

See official details here.

Friday, July 08, 2016

Freebie on Friday - July 8, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the freebies!

e-Books

All Inclusive Diet: Finding Balance & Keeping the Weight Off

Gardening: Beauty in Plants: The Basics of Home Gardening

Preppers Guide for Busy People: 50 Quick And Easy Tips To Prepare Your Home For A Disaster (Preppers Guide, Preparing A Disaster Book 1)

Budgeting: The 21-Day Budgeting Challenge - learn key strategies to set up a budget, make the most of your money, pay off debts and start saving (personal ... habit) (21-Day Challenges Book 4)

Don't Get A Job, Live Your Dream: 7 Important Reasons To Live Your Dream Today and Effective Strategies You Can Implement Now

Samples
7-Eleven is celebrating Slurpee’s 50th birthday next week. Visit your local 7-Eleven on July 11th from 11am to 7pm to enjoy a FREE Small Slurpee drink!
HippoSak.com - 13 gallon trash bag sample and coupon to purchase on Amazon.com
EquateandAssurance.com - free liner, pad or incontinence supplies sample.

Misc.
Adorable beach design cross stitch pattern in PDF form
Summer Planner Pack from The Polka Dot Posie.com - includes a weekly planer page, a summer bucket list and list of summer holidays.

* Please note the ebook links are affiliate links but at the time of this publication all the books were listed as free on Amazon.com. All the remaining links are not-affiliate links and I am not compensated for sending people to any of them.

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

You Don't Have to Be Great to Start But You Have to Start to Be Great

Here's something the big exercise and fitness companies don't want you to know. They aren't making videos for beginners. Okay -- REAL beginners.

Well, ever notice how almost all the people in the exercise videos are in great shape. Yes I know that is to motivate you, but you don't usually see the people who are uncoordinated, overweight or aerobically challenged. They have to exercise too right?

As consumers, we don't get to see the people first trying those videos. The ones falling over, having to take breaks or stop all together when they are first starting out. There's a good reason for that too. People would think it's too difficult. Couldn't the fitness companies put them at the end as a blooper reel - just to show the that even paid fitness people lose their balance or fall too. Not to be mean just to show they mess up sometimes too. ;-)

The fact is not everyone can physically do aerobics for 45-50 minutes, or even 20-30 minutes. Not everyone can do a burpee, a pull-up, or squat. Those of us who try new videos and exercise programs occasionally fall, sometimes we can't make it through the entire workout, and yes we even fake our way through till we can actually do it right.

The truth is we are all built different and have different limitations. Whether you have knee problems, a hurt shoulder, are recovering from child birth or just haven't worked out in a long time.

Don't let your limitations be an excuse!

There are still lots you can do to get in shape. It will take time. It will make you sweat. It will be worth it in the end.

Here are a few *free* truly beginner workouts that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
JessicaSmithTV.com - 30 minute beginner workout
Sparkpeople - Coach Nicole's 11 seated workout for those with limited mobility
HASfit - 10 minute seated exercise
Beginning Yoga for Dummies - Great 10 minute videos teaching and showing you how to do common Yoga poses

Don't like videos. Not a problem.

* Go for a walk
* Go up and down your stairs
* Dance to the radio
* Here are 101 more ways to exercise without going to a gym.

Just get moving at your own pace. At your skill level and ability. Do what you can and then do a little more each day.

Always check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise program to be sure you are healthy enough for it.

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Live As If You Were To Die Tomorrow

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

It's human nature to think there will be always be more time.

You'll have time when the kids go to school. You'll have time when the kids grow up, go off to college and move out. You'll find time when things aren't so busy. There will be time when you have more money and don't have to work so much.

If you keep going at that rate you'll never find time. You need to MAKE time.

Have you always wanted to learn to play the guitar? What about write a book? Sell some of your photos? Start your own business? Dream of traveling to far off places?

How long have you been waiting to start living your dream life? Do you even know what that is? Do you even know what your dream life looks like?

You aren't getting any younger! Start today. Start now!

No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Make this a life of no regrets.

Make each day count!

Check out some of these websites. They could help you start living your dream life.
DaveRamsey.com
If you're short on cash and high in debt - start here. Don't wait to start your dream life until your are completely debt free. Find a way to start now.
Openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
Great foreign language classes, music, history, religion, biology, and more.
Open2Study.com
Writing, photography, early childhood education, and tons more.
Udemy.com
Entrepreneurship - From Idea to Launch, A Mini-Course on Achieving Your Dreams, Basic Life Support, a Mini Course on Better Reading and even a How to Draw Cartoons for Kids class.
Alison.com
Take a course on how to start your own business, grow your own organic food, yoga exercises or music theory plus more.
PlainandNotSoPlain.com
A years worth of Home Economics lesson plans - in case you're interested in brushing up your homemaking skills.
TillyAndTheButtons.com
Learn the absolute basics of sewing. This is a great site.
Craftsy.com
Lots of online courses to teach you a wide variety of crafts. They even offer projects and patterns.
Justinguitar.com
Over 980 free guitar lessons. If you need a guitar check local pawn shops or thrift shops.
PianoNanny.com
Want to learn how to play the piano. This site offers lessons from Beginner to Advanced.

If these don't help just go to your favorite search engine and type in "learn X online for free". Filling in the X with the topic of your choice, of course.