Still Picking up the Pennies

 Living in the country it is normal to see wildlife in our yard on occasion. It is normal to see three or four turkeys on the side of the road a few miles down the road from the house. We have lived in this house for 18 years (as of today, a matter of fact) and we have never seen what we did the other day.  We counted 28 turkeys, but we could have missed a few at the beginning. The turkeys were like a family of ducks following each other. They came from the far side of the garage across the driveway, through the front yard, and into the parcel of pine trees next to the house. I hope we see them more often. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my home to yours. Also, by the way, we are having ham for Christmas dinner. What are you having for Christmas dinner?

Ispy is a $12 per month subscription bag. You get 5 deluxe size samples of makeup, skin, or hair care. Sometimes you get full size products and makeup brushes. Every month you will receive a different makeup bag.  Ispy is one of my favorite subscription boxes.  From the ipsy site:        HEY HONEY Good Morning Honey Silk Facial Serum There’s nothing sticky about this honey-infused serum. Luxurious, lightweight and smooth—it almost feels like an oil. A natural healer, honey speeds up cell growth and leaves our skin soft, bright and glowing. Honey and propolis are super-potent antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients, which help keep breakouts in check while nourishing sensitive skin too.  Not only do hyaluronic acid and silk amino acids deeply hydrate, they work to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while increasing radiance and firmness.  My Review: It Goes on smooth, it has a light soft scent that I liked. My face soaked it up. I will ...

Now that I have more time on my hands to cook and bake for my family, I am enjoying trying new recipes. My husband loves cherry pie. I had hoped to try to make my first cherry pie. I sent my oldest son to the Dollar Tree for cherry pie filling. There was none in stock, but there was apple pie filling, I told him to get 5 of them.  This week I had my menu plan all set, but there was a bit of excitement lacking. I was in the mood for something sweet and I had 5 cans of apple pie filling so I searched the internet. I found this recipe . I have never made apple crisp, I wanted a simple recipe, and the fact that I had all of the ingredients in the house was a bonus. I wish I would have taken a photo before my family devoured it. This recipe is simple and so incredibly yummy. We had it for dessert while it was still warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I will defiantly be making this recipe again.  Have you made anything using a new recipe lately?

  The Loneliness Solution, a book about how, despite the connectedness of our world, we're lonelier now more than ever.  You are not alone. We are lonelier than ever. As countless students travel home for the holidays, many may feel especially isolated and lonely, even while "keeping up" with friends on social media. Social media tricks us into thinking that we are engaged in genuine friendships. Yet instead of intimacy, we get little more than what amounts to digital small talk. But there is a solution. With plenty of good humor and practical advice, Jack Eason invites you to discover the benefits of doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Grounding his message in Scripture, Eason helps you · learn the obstacles to real community · reimagine what real friendship looks like · discover a place of true belonging · and more If you're tired of feeling lonely, this encouraging and community-building book is just what you need. My Review:  During thi...

  Hello everyone, I wanted to do a quick post to wish everyone a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. I got a blessing in disguise this past week. I am not ready to talk about the details yet, but I will have a lot more time on my hands. I will begin posting here more regularly. I will be getting back to my basic frugal lifestyle so be ready for that.  I made chicken enchiladas last night for dinner. I used this recipe  but I used can sauce and I tripled it. My oldest son is working the midnight shift and he likes to take leftovers from dinner with him. He works from 10pm to 6am and there is no place to get food at that time locally. And he is very frugal (this makes my mamma's heart smile). I will write again soon. 

   I  am not even sure what words to use:  Take Back Your Life.   The last 6 months have been so unforeseen. I am a person that prays every day and believes: those who follow in the Lord's example will be blessed with the afterlife. It has been a time of turmoil but also a load of blessings. I could focus on the fact that my college-age son did not get the satisfaction of a graduation ceremony. Truth be told, I am not sure he would have enjoyed anyhow. He received his degree. WOOHOO!! Joel has an associate's degree in Criminal Justice. The world is his oyster.  Now the school year is about to start for my youngest son, he is a junior in High School. After much debate, we have decided he will be a virtual learner. He has the opinion at any time to join on-campus classes seamlessly.  I love the Autumn season. I feel it is time to wrap up the fun-loving carefree time of summer. It is time to get back to the routines of life. We need to prepare for th...

Disclosure: We received a copy of this book to facilitate our honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions stated are of those of the Still Picking Up the Pennies family. No financial compensations was received.    Hand Lettered Truth by Debbie Bratton is beautifully illustrated with quotes from the Bible. I used this book to enhance my daily devotional time.  I have enjoyed this book of daily encouragement so much I sent a copy to a family member who is experiencing a difficult time right now. The book is hardcover and is of great quality. One of my most favorite details is a gift-giving page with a space to write the person given to and from, along with the date. #HandLetteredTruth  @ellieclairegifts @handletteredtruth.