It's about to rain book reviews... :-)

As a wise woman shared with me a few weeks ago: "You know, I think every season on life is crazy, just in different ways." Well-meaning friends often say something along the lines, "If you think you're busy right now, wait until you reach ---insert life season---, then it really gets crazy!"

I'm sure that's true, but in the midst of learning a new season in life (in my specific instance, a stay-at-home mom of two kiddos 21 months apart), thinking of it getting crazier doesn't help me catch my breath in the moment! Letting myself acknowledge that right now, in this particular adventure in my life, there are days that DO feel crazy, somehow gives me breathing room to face the next moment. It relieves some pressure.

One area I've been able to start catching up on this summer has been reading... I have enjoyed being part of both Waterbrook Multnomah's "Blogging for Books" and Bethany House Book Reviewers programs, but have gotten behind on reading the books and writing my reviews. So get ready for a slew of reviews coming the next few days! Feel free to skip them, skim them, or whatever else you want to do. But I need to hold up my end of the deal with writing honest reviews for receiving these books*!

And if you, too, are sometimes overwhelmed with a "crazy" season or adventure in your life, take a deep breath. Don't fear life getting crazier. Embrace today (but you don't always have to enjoy every single moment), capture the great moments, and let go of the hard ones when you can. And let yourself smile! I know the connection isn't really clear between book reviews and life being crazy, but for me it was a tangible example of how something as small as writing a review can feel like pressure, when it really doesn't have to be!

* If you are a blogger (of any size blog) and like reading, sign-up to be part of either of those programs! I personally recommend them. Both publishing companies send you a free copy of the book you choose, which you read, and then write an honest review for them. A great way to read good books without having to spend extra money! And no, neither company is paying me anything to promote their programs! :-)

Blog Under Construction!!!

After taking some time off to focus on finding the balance of being a mommy of two, I'm now getting back on the wagon of blogging, and the first thing being done to this blog is a new design! So over the next few days/weeks, you may see various designs going on as Saving With A Smile gets a makeover.

Thanks in advance for your patience, and I look forward to once again sharing a little bit of life with y'all as we all learn how to save more, give more, and enjoy life together!

Disney Princess Play Set: $14.24 SHIPPED (today only)

 One of Target's Daily Deals today is the Disney Princess Royal Accessories set for $28.49 (normally $49.99). All Daily Deals ship FREE. This set includes a stroller, high chair, and play pen. Combine this deal with Target promo code "TGTRRS2U" to get an additional 50% off the price, bringing it down to $14.24 (+tax). Crazy good deal!!! HURRY!!! Because this one will not stay in stock long...

Book Review: "As Silver Refined"

I have been putting off writing the review for Kay Arthur's book "As Silver Refined". Why? Because I have slowly fought my way through the book, and finally have come to the point where I have to say I can't finish it right now. I'm halfway through, and just can't read another chapter. Here are the ups & downs of this book for me (and I am totally honest that my being a mom of two kids ages 2 years & 5 months affect my reading habits!):

I appreciate Kay Arthur's commitment to take people to the Bible directly, sharing passages that relate to the topic of each chapter. She is not just stating her opinion, but sharing her stance based on God's Word. This is an important factor for me when I read a Christian Living book! The book is laid out well, and has a constant direction. It definitely addresses the biblical (and difficult!) concept of life disappointment and feeling overwhelmed when things happen that are out of our control! I also love beautiful image of silver being refined into something beautiful! I chose to read and review this book because I am trying to alternate "fun" books, with books that help me grow more as a woman of God.

The reason I finally had to quit reading the book was because it is too detailed and prolongs the various points the author is trying to make. God has already been revealing to me personally different areas in my life that I need to be working on, and when I was reading some of the first couple chapters, it affirmed that I'm on the right track. That was exciting! But since I had already started seeing those truths & needs in my life, I felt bogged down as a I read by all the details, stories, and scripture verses added into it. I just wanted to move on to the next step since I personally recognized that part in my life! When I barely get 10 minutes at any point in the day by myself, reading 20-30 pages on one point is rather difficult and discouraging. So I ended up moving on to another book that keeps the truths short and simple, so I can read them and have time to ponder them throughout my day.

This book would probably be a better fit for someone who has much more time to read and process. I know the truths it contains can truly be like refreshing water to a thirsty soul!

* I received a copy of this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review as part of their "Blogging for Books" program.

Picaboo: $30 for a $100 Voucher (Today Only, 3/8)

Picaboo is offering a $100 voucher for $30 (today only, 3/8). This voucher can be used on photo books, calendars, and cards, and can be used across multiple orders (but not towards taxes or shipping). If you have been thinking about making a photo book, I LOVE Picaboo. It has the most freedom of any photo book site I've worked with in the last few years... Thousands of backgrounds, fonts, photo placements, etc... If you do digital scrapbooking, it's really easy to just upload your completed pages into the book.

Here's how to get the deal:
- Sign-in or sign up here (new members get a $10 credit towards their first photo purchase, not valid on gift card though).*
- Then go to through this direct link to get the deal (Picaboo emailed me about this offer, I can't find it directly on their website).
- Have fun creating!!!

* This post contains my referral links. Picaboo offers a $10 credit to current and new members when someone is referred. Feel free to go directly to Picaboo.com if you feel uncomfortable with that! If you like Picaboo, make sure to grab your own referral link and share with friends so you can earn some extra credit! You and your friend each earn the $10 when your friend installs the Picaboo program, so no purchase is necessary for you to earn your credit, and your friend gets their credit so they can use it on their first pruchase! :-)

Free Gevalia Coffee Sample

Head over to Walmart.com to sign-up for a FREE sample of Gevalia Coffee.

Thanks, Hip2Save!

BabyLegs.com: Leg Warmers, Tights, & Socks ALL $4 (through Feb. 29th)

To celebrate leap year, Baby Legs is offering ALL their leg warmers, tights, and socks for $4 each, with shipping only $4, too! (no promo code needed!) Baby Legs is the only brand I have bought (when they had a fantastic sale a few months ago), and I recommend them (although I'm sure other companies make good leg warmers, too)

I love using leg warmers on my daughter, and wish I had known about them when my son was born two years ago! They make diaper changes so much easier, while still keeping socks on the feet and my little girl warm! They work well under her dresses and full-body sleepers.

Pinterest: Baby Owl Hat

Pinterest is definitely addicting. I have been trying to keep mine simple and using it for things I want to try making myself, or at least to give me ideas when I start a new project for the house.

This weekend I was laid up with a sinus infection & cold, so I finally got around to crocheting one of the animal hats I've been drooling over... I chose to make my daughter a baby owl hat. And I LOVE it!

And I got one of the things from Pinterest checked off my list!

If you haven't gotten on Pinterest yet, but would like to see what all the hype is about, just email me at texasmama10 at gmail dot com and I'll send you an invite!

(Sorry, I didn't follow directions of any sort... I love crocheting and I just winged it, so I can't help you out with how to make one! I'm sure there are directions somewhere that would simplify the process, but I just played around with the size until it fit my daughter)

"Re-Purposing": A T-Shirt into a Kitchen Dish Rag

You know how I mentioned that I want to start tackling the clutter around my house and either re-purposing it or getting rid of it? I love to crochet, so at long last I have gotten around to trying out some ideas I've seen on Pinterest. One idea I've wanted to try was cutting t-shirts into "yarn" and crocheting them into different things. I had several men's undershirts that needed to be thrown out, and I need some new dish rags, so I tried my hand at it this weekend. And I loved the results. Two undershirts has produced four nicely textured rags for me to wipe up messes in my kitchen (or off my toddler...). Here's what I did:

Supplies:
- One old shirt (I used a ribbed undershirt)
- Sewing scissors (or any sharp scissors)
- Large crochet hook (I used a size K)

Making the "Yarn": (20 minutes, but time may vary)
- Start cutting at the bottom. If there is a bulky seam/hem, cut it off.
- I cut the "yarn" about 1/4" wide... With this material, I wouldn't go any skinnier. You can experiment and make it thicker if you want.
- Continue cutting around and around to keep the "yarn" continuous.
- When you get up under the armpits, you can decide if you want to stop there, or use the front & back, too. If you do, cut it like a "z" so it's still continuous.
- Roll your "yarn" into a ball.

Crocheting the Dish Rag (appr. 8"x8" for mine, about 20-30 minutes):
Row 1: Chain(ch) 19.
Row 2: Turn and single crochet(sc) in the 2nd chain from hook, all the way across (18 stitches total). Ch 3 and turn.
Row 3: Double crochet (dc) in second stitch from hook all the way across (18 stitches total when you count the first  ch. 3 as a dc). Ch 1 and turn.
Row 4: Sc in 1st stitch from hook, all the way across (again, your total should be 18... I keep counting when I crochet so I make sure I don't lose a stitch along the way and then have intended square become a fan-shape). Chain 3 and turn.
Rows 5-14: Repeat rows 3 & 4. Cut your yarn about 2" and tie off, then weave the dishcloth into some of your stitches. (one shirt made two washclothes for me)

If you used a shirt that is 100% cotton and white, you should have no problems bleaching it! And it won't scratch your pots & pans, and should provide some great texture for those stubborn spots of dried food on the counters!

Enjoy! If you have any questions, just let me know, and I will try to get back with you as soon as possible!

The Valentine's Day Giveaway winner is...

The winner of the beautiful Peony Headband in honor of Valentine's Day is...

Amy V.

Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered this giveaway, and don't forget that Baby Sprout Boutique is offering a 10% discount off any purchase with the promo code "SavingWithASmile" through Tuesday, February 21st over in her Etsy shop! And remember, Baby Sprout Boutique also does custom orders, so if you don't see something exactly in the colors you want, contact them about working with you to make something you will love!