Motivating Kids With a Homemade Reward Store

I'm always looking for ways to motivate my kids! For years, we had been giving them Reward Bucks (Monopoly money) to encourage good behavior. Simple concept--each day they are behaving, they earn one reward buck, to paid out every Friday. When they are misbehaving they lose reward bucks, according to the severity of their actions. Often, they would trade in their bucks for a prize, and weeks would go by before I got around to cashing it in for them. Since kids like instant gratification, the system was loosing momentum for the both of us. Now that they are getting older, I don't feel I need to reward them at this age for behaving as they are expected to. But, I love teaching the concept of "work-save-reward". So I decided to revamp it!

I recently saw a pin on Pinterest that showcased something similar to a Reward Store.With school coming up, I thought this might be a great concept to incorporate. We homeschool our kids, and with that often comes the challenges of complaining, procrastinating, and lack of motivation, as the year goes on. I decided to revamp our reward system, to incorporate instant rewards, via a Reward Store. I also decided it easier to create a custom Reward Card for each child, verses exchanging Monopoly money. If you want the template, just Email me, and I will email you back with a PDF (Adobe Reader) file of the template. I printed them out on 2" x 3-1/2" business cards (10 cards per sheet), which will give enough for the whole school year, per child.

Reward Card

Each day, based on their attitude and productivity during school, they will either gain or not earn a credit on their card. I will just initial the card on the days they earned a credit. Then once they trade in their credits for a Reward Store item, I will red line the amount of credits used. The goal is for them to get their cards filled up and then cash them in for things that motivate them. At any time, if they have enough credits, they can trade them in for an item or voucher from the Reward Store. They got to fill the Reward Store themselves, with items they don't normally get on a regular basis, yet really desire. The key is to already have the items on hand, or be willing to use any vouchers by the next day. That way, when they decide to trade in their credits, the reward is already there and ready to go.

5 credits = 1 week (if earning a hole punch each work day)

Credits Needed

Printed vouchers for the non-tangible items

I based the credit amounts on how long I feel they should have to wait, based on days earned, before justifying being able to receive that particular reward. For instance, they have to save for 6 weeks straight before cashing in for Laser Tag! Since that will be a high-priced outing for us, I made it longer, then say, a fast food gift card or candy. You can either make up a sign posting the credit amounts, and place a corresponding sticker on the items in your basket OR just have the specific items and credits needed listed right on one sheet of paper (as pictured above). This way the kids can see the items, and have a clear picture of what is expected to earn them. I am excited to get started! 

Chicken Ranch BLT w/ Pepper Jack Cheese

My boys made this for dinner last night! 

It's their spin-off of a Club Sandwich. 

4 thin-cut chicken breasts
1 Tbs. olive oil
Sea salt and ground black pepper
8 slices bacon or turkey bacon
4 Kaiser rolls
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
Tomato, sliced thick
Lettuce
Ranch dressing

In a large pan, cook bacon over medium heat, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (or use the leftover bacon grease) in a large pan, over medium heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook each side, over medium heat, until no longer pink. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes per side, depending on how thick your meat is.

Split kaiser rolls in half. Lay them face up on a baking sheet. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom halves. Toast under the broiler for 1-3 minutes. Watch closely not to burn them!

Layer a slice of tomato, 1 chicken breast, 2 slices of bacon, and a lettuce leaf on the cheese half on the rolls. Spread ranch dressing on the top half, then place over the lettuce.

Makes 4 Sandwiches

FREE 10x30 Sears Spotlight Portrait (expires 8/31)

Sears Portrait Studio is currently offering a FREE 10x30 Spotlight Portrait ($124.98 value), with no session fees and no purchase necessary! Offer expires August 31, 2012. Must print coupon here. Limited space available. Call to book your appointment 1-888-767-8724.

*Portrait is unframed, unmounted. One free offer per family. Single image only. Includes one enhancement.

Book It Pizza Hut Reading Program (Enroll by 9/1)

Pizza Hut is offering the Book It Program to teachers and homeschool families. These rewards encourage students, grades K-6,  to read! You will receive vouchers for each child you enroll, giving them each one free personal pan-size pizza, redeemable each month from October 2012 through the end of March 2013! The enrollment deadline is September 1, 2012.

*ENDED* Special Ad Offer (ends 8/31)

When Pigs Fly is growing and we want to help grow your business too! We are excited to announce that we are now offering advertising space! Our ads reach over 70,000 readers per month! We cater to everyone~ small or large companies, independent consultants, services, other bloggers/websites, Ebay and Etsy sellers, or at-home businesses! We have created an affordable ad package, with a variety of durations to choose from. Plus, don't miss out on our Special Offer, good through August 31, 2012 ~ Receive up to two months free, with your purchased ad package! Packages start at only $20! For pricing and offer details, visit our Advertisers information page.

Free Chipotle Kid's Meal in September (when you purchase one in August)

Head to Chipotle anytime between August 24-31, 2012, and purchase a kid's meal. Then bring your original receipt back, anytime in September, and get another kid's meal for FREE!

FREE Full-Size Bottle of Bayer *First 10,000 (Facebook Offer)

Bayer is giving you a FREE 24-count Bottle of Bayer Aspirin, when you "Like" them on Facebook and fill out the request.

*Offer limited to one free sample request per household or address. Duplicated requests will not be honored. Requests from clubs, organizations, and PO Boxes will not be honored. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer good only in the USA while supplies last.

*ENDED* FREE Zone Perfect Nutrition Bar Sample

Update: It's back, for those who didn't request one last month. You are allowed 1 per person, but 3 per household, using a different name.

ZonePerfect is giving you a FREE Perfectly Simple Nutritional Bar sample. Choose one, from three all-natural flavors-- Peanut Crunch, Cranberry Almond, or Toasted Coconut.

Limit one per person, with a max of three per household. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

FREE Lansinoh Baby Product Sample Package

Lansinoh is giving you a FREE sample of their Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin, Lansinoh® Disposable Nursing Pads, Lanisnoh® Milk Storage Bags, AND Lansinoh® Clean and Condition™ Baby Wipes. While supplies last. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

FREE T-Shirt from Bargain Shirts (Facebook Offer)

Head over and "Like" Bargain Shirts Facebook Page, to claim your FREE "You Like This" T-Shirt! While supplies last.

Fun in the Dark! NERF FireVision Football Review

My boys are stoked about this particular review! Looking for a toy to amuse your children, both day AND night? Check out the NERF FireVision Football! This unique, foam football set comes with two FireVision Frames, which illuminates the football, from over 100 feet. The football will glow either red or green, depending on the color of the FireVision Frames you're wearing, so you can even form teams! Only players wearing the frames can see the light on the football. It made for hours of fun for the kids!

What it looks like through the green FireVision Frames!

The Firevision Football suggested retail price is $19.99, and includes one football and two pair of frames. Available at stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Toys R Us.

Also be sure to check out the NERF FireVision Hyperbounce Ball and Nerfoop, for basketball fun too!

Our boys enjoying their NERF FireVision Football 

As a BzzAgent I received a free NERF FireVision Football set, to review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.

Chicken Pot Pie Pizza

Comfort food delivered in a new way!

1 large (16") pre-made pizza dough or homemade dough recipe
1 (10.5 oz. can) cream of chicken soup *might not use the whole can, depending on size of crust
1/2 Tbs. olive oil
1 breast chicken, cut bite-sized (will need 1 cup total once cooked and chopped)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, and green beans), thawed and drained well
1/4 cup white or yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven, according to temp. stated on your dough package. Place rolled out dough onto a greased pizza pan.

If using raw dough or homemade recipe: Pre-cook the raw pizza dough partially, prior to applying the toppings. This avoids the crust from getting under-cooked or soggy. I usually cook it at 400 degrees, for about 5-8 minutes. Then apply my toppings and cook for an additional 15 minutes, at 400 degrees F.

If using pre-made, already cooked pizza crust: Just apply your toppings and cook according to package directions.

Heat oil in a small pan, over medium heat. Once hot, add chicken, salt, and black pepper. Cook until no longer pink. Drain any liquid that may be in the pan. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Using a large knife, chop chicken into smaller pieces.

Spoon a even layer of the condensed chicken soup over the cooled crust (if you pre-cooked it). Top with chicken, thawed vegetables, onion, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle cheese over top.

Cook according to the instructions on your package of pre-made crust or follow the instructions on your homemade dough recipe. Cheese should be melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes prior to slicing.

Tip: You can substitute fresh vegetables. Just make sure they are pre-cooked prior to adding them to the pizza.

Makes 1 large 16" pizza

FREE Sun Care Kit (Hat, Lip Balm, Sunscreen, & Travel Bag!)

Head over and request your FREE Sun Care Kit! Just click the grey "Sign Up" tab, located on the left side of their webpage. You will receive a confirmation email, once you sign up. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Update on Sophie: She's A Keeper!

You may have seen my post last week, looking to re-home our dog Sophie. For those who don't know, we took in Sophie, 6 weeks ago, as a stray dog found in our backyard. We nursed her back to health, and thought it may be best to find her a new home. After much discussion as a family (and many tears), we decided to keep Sophie after-all! She is getting along so good with our other dog (they are BFF's) and absolutely adores us and the kids. She is learning what is expected of her, and actually fitting in very nicely. Now the down-side to this decision are in the things we need to do, in order to make this work-- some training, installing a high fence in the backyard, and not being able to take my eye off her, when loose in the house. It's like having a toddler all over again! Had to go through the same thing when we took in our other stray dog, Ginger, 6 years ago. And that turned out very well! So, here we go again :) Look at that face...how could we not?!

FREE Hand Sanitizer Sample from SafeHands

Fill out your request to receive a FREE Hand Sanitizer sample from SafeHands! This hand sanitizer is alcohol-free!

FREE NFL Rally Towel from Tide

Tide is giving you a FREE NFL Rally Towel! Head over and request yours! Use Promo code 92298033 and  UPC code 037000090908. 

*This offer is available for U.S. residents only. Limit one NFL team rally towel per person per household while supplies last. Must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents of all 50 US states & DC.

Quality Make-up at an Affordable Price: CoverGirl & Olay Review

Finally! I have found a make-up product that not only gives me even coverage, yet is very affordable! For many years I have used a high end, expensive foundation.  I was always afraid to switch products, as I didn't want to buy a new product and be dis-satisfied with it, ultimately wasting my money. I can testify that the new CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and Pressed Powder is not only better than my high end product, yet much, much cheaper! I was very pleased with the end results, as my face felt light, smooth, and even in coverage (even in the humidity I am in!)! It even lasted all day! Plus, with a variety of shades to choose from, I can afford to change up my color, as we head into Fall and I lose my tan. There is nothing worse than a dark face and white neck, in the winter time!

The 2-in-1 Foundation covered discolorations and fine wrinkles on my skin, due to years of sun. The Pressed Powder then brightened my overall skin tone, while softening my look! My skin never felt heavy or cakey :) I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for quality make-up, on a budget!

As a BzzAgent I received a free CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and Pressed Powder, to review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.

Blue Cheese-filled Turkey Burgers w/ Tarragon-Garlic Mayo

I literally have no words to describe this burger, as it leaves me speechless!

Tarragon-Garlic Mayo:
1/2 cup mayo
1 Tbs. sauteed garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. dried tarragon leaves, crushed (can substitute for 1 Tbs. fresh, minced)
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. ground white pepper

Turkey Burgers:
1-2 Tbs. olive oil
2 lbs. ground turkey,divided
5 oz. crumbled blue cheese, divided
1 tsp. sea salt, divided
Few dashes fresh ground white pepper

4 large Ciabatta buns, split in half
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened
1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, divided, stems removed
4 slices tomato, divided

In a small bowl, stir together mayo, garlic, tarragon, salt, and white pepper. Set aside in refrigerator, to allow flavors to enhance, while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Form the ground turkey into 8 large, equal patties. Divide all of the blue cheese onto the top of 4 patties. Place the remaining patties over each, and seal the edges to enclose the cheese in the burgers. Sprinkle one side with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large pan, over medium heat. Using a spatula, transfer each patty into the pan, salt side down. Salt and pepper the other side now.

Cook the first side for about 7 minutes, on medium heat. Then flip burger and cook the other side another 7 minutes, or until no longer pink. Remember, because these are made with turkey, they need to be cooked well done (internal temperature of 165 degrees F.) Once meat is cooked, transfer to a plate and rest meat, while preparing buns.

Spread butter on each half of the buns. Toast buns, on a baking sheet under the broiler, for 1-3 minutes (watch closely not to burn!).

Layer toasted bun with a thick coat of the mayo mixture, spinach, tomato, burger, and top of bun. Cut burger in half (easier to eat and allows blue cheese in every bite).

Makes four 1/2 lb. burgers

Tip: Can substitute ground chicken instead.

*ENDED* Giveaway (8/19-8/25): Cowgirl Fairy General Store Summer Gift Pack ~ 2 Winners!

This week's Giveaway is just perfect for this time of year! I love Summer-time, that is, with the exception of mosquitoes, sinus headaches, and dry lips! Cowgirl Fairy General Store is giving two winners the chance to beat those stubborn Summer ailments! Each winner will receive an 8 oz. bottle of Bug Off All Natural Bug Repellent, a pocket-size Fog Lights Sinus & Headache Relief Rub, AND a Karma Kisses Lip Balm! 

I don't know about you, but here in Virginia the mosquitoes are heavier than normal, due to the unusual warm winter we had! I don't like spraying my kids down with chemicals, every time they want to play outside. Bug Off is a great, effective alternative! I tested this product, while sitting by the pool, on a recent humid day. Typically, I would of been bitten eight times in the first few minutes (yes, I have actually counted!). However, this time I saw them swarming nearby, but they stayed clear of my skin! Speaking of weather, with the humidity levels changing on a daily basis, I am often left with sinus pressure in my head. A quick rub of Fog Lights, across the forehead, helped to reduce the pressure and tension, leaving me with the ability to function as normal, without medication! Are the days out in the sun causing your lips to become dry? Karma Kisses Lip Balm will leave your lips feeling moistened and healthy. I suggest stocking up on a few for winter as well! 

Win this Summer Gift Pack!

Bug Off is an all natural, non-greasy, light bug spray repellent, made with essential oils, verses chemicals! It contains witch hazel, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon grass oil, and lavendar oil.

Fog Lights is a pocket-size balm; great for sinus congestion, headache and muscle tension relief. Perfect for on-the-go relief!

Karma Kisses is an all natural hemp and organic beeswax blend lip balm, preserved with Vitamin E and flavored with natural flavors. Available in Brown Sugar Lemonade, Candied Pomegranate, Cappuccino de Menthe!

What is it about handmade products, made in small batches, that just seems better than store-bought?! Cowgirl Fairy General Store makes a vast array of products, using all natural ingredients and ~50% organic as well. The owner, Julie Farmer, crafts, cooks, packages, labels and shrink wraps everything herself. This leaves the consumer with quality, handcrafted products, found no where else!

Special Offer:

~20% OFF all Karmaroma Soaps, Karma Kisses Lip Balms, Fog Lights and Custom Yerba Mate Tea's. Use promo code WPF20%OFF at check out.~

Want to get your hands on these products now? Visit the online Cowgirl Fairy General Store where you will find many more enticing products! Questions? Feel free to contact owner Julie Farmer via Email or the Contact Us form! Do you own a retail store and want to feature Cowgirl Fairy products? Contact them, for wholesale pricing and terms!

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are many ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the others are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning! Two winners will each receive-- one 8 oz. bottle of  Bug Off All-Natural Spray, one Fog Lights Sinus & Headache Relief Rub, and one Karma Kissess Lip Balm (a $28 value!). Drawing will be held August 27, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Cowgirl Fairy General Store, for providing me with one Bug Off, Fog Lights, and Karma Kisses Lip Balm, to review, as well as sponsoring an identical set for two giveaway winners. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here.

Having technical difficulties with this Giveaway? Email jennifer@jennifervandahm.com.

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Free Unreal Candy at CVS *Print Coupon for CVS Card Holders *Expires 8/24 (Facebook Offer)

Head over and "Like" the CVS Facebook Page and fill out the request form, to receive an in-store coupon, by email, for a FREE Unreal Candy! Your choice between five different candies! This candy is made with real cane sugar and  real caramel! No corn syrup, no preservatives, and no hydrogenated oils!

*Need a CVS ExtraCare Card to request. Limited quantity; Coupons available while supplies last. Up to a $1.19 value. Offer valid in store only. Limit of one coupon per customer. Must be age 18 or over.

FREE K-PAX Energy Sample

**ENDED** K-PAX Energy tablets provides a gradual onset of energy that plateaus for several hours then tapers off naturally. No jitters or crash! Request a FREE K-PAX sample!

FREE Haircuts for Kids at JCPenny Salons (all of August)

Still available through August 31, 2012!

During the month of August, all JCPenney Salons will be offering FREE Haircuts, for kids grades K-6th. Offer available by appointment only, so get yours scheduled soon!

Thank you to reader Bonnie B., for this money-saving tip!

Free Papa John's Reward Members ~ 15 Bonus Points (expires 8/23)

Word has it that many Papa John's Reward members have received an automatic 15 Reward Points to their existing account on 8/17. Remember, it only takes 25 points to score a free large 3-topping pizza! So, if you were close, this bonus may have earned you one. Be sure to check your account! Must use bonus Reward Points by August 23, 2012.

Pepperoni Pizza Biscuit Bake

Enjoy this classic pizza, in a casserole form!  

2 cans (16.3 oz. each) Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (8 to a can, original flavored, flaky layer style)
2-1/2 cups jar pizza sauce
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1 cup Turkey Pepperoni slices, quartered (less greasy than regular pepperoni)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces and place into a large bowl. Toss biscuits with pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.

Add all of the pepperoni and 1 cup of the cheese. Gently mix until well blended.

Pour biscuit mixture into a greased 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes, then top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Cook an additional 10-15 minutes, or until center is done.

FREE Personalized Greeting Card from Cardstore.com (Any occasion) *Ends 8/26

Cardstore.com is giving you a FREE Personalized Greeting Card, plus free shipping, for any occasion! Just pick out a card online, personalize it, and tell them where to ship it! It is both quick and easy to do. Use promo code CCK2248 at checkout. You do not have o enter any credit card information. Offer ends 8/26/12 at 11:59 PM EST.

Why My Future Daughter-In-Law Will Love Me

Last night marked the first night of my boys making a whole dinner for the family. My two boys are 9 yrs. old and almost 11 years old. We recently implemented that they get one night a week to work together and make the whole meal by themselves. It's actually become a neat, new thing for them! They get to choose whatever they want to make and have to tell me before I go grocery shopping. In return, we can't complain and we do the dishes. If you saw my kitchen last night, you would know I got the short end of this deal! Why do we do it? It's my attempt to help them learn kitchen/cooking life skills and make my future daughter-in-law happy. Just another way to raise boys into responsible men. Yes ladies, you may want to submit applications on your daughter's behalf now ;) What was on last night's menu? Pancakes, eggs, and turkey bacon...cooked to perfection! Good job boys!

FREE Simply U Shampoo & Conditioner Sample

Walmart is offering a FREE Simply U Shampoo & Conditioner sample! These are sulfate and paraben free!

*Allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. Limit one sample per household. Whiles supplies last.

FREE Purina Healthy Weight Cat Chow Sample

Walmart is giving you a FREE Purina Healthy Weight Cat Chow sample! Just click on the "Get a Free Sample" button, on the scrolling banner, loacted on the Walmart page.

*While supplies last. Limit one sample per household.

FREE Jar of Planters NUT-trition Cinnamon Raisin Granola Peanut Butter *First 40,000 (Facebook Offer)

Planters is giving away 40,000 jars of their NUT-trition Cinnamon Raisin Granola Peanut Butter, Claim one, when you "Like" their Facebook page and complete the request.

*Limit of one per household. Sample provided in the form of a 12 oz. jar, or a coupon for a free jar. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

FREE Finish Power Up Booster Agent (Facebook Offer)

Receive a FREE Finish Power Up Booster Agent sample for your dishwasher, when you "Like" their Facebook Page and complete the short request form. 

*While supplies last. One sample per household. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Whole Wheat Banana-Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup Sucanat sugar or light brown sugar
1 cup dry honey granules or granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 large) ripe banana, mashed with fork
2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 cups old fashioned oats (not instant)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In separate large mixing bowl, cream butter, honey granules, and sucanat with a hand mixer, until it makes a grainy paste. Add eggs, vanilla, and banana; beat well.

Stir dry ingredients into the creamed ingredients, a little at a time, blending well with each addition. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop rounded heaping tablespoons of cookie dough, 2-inches apart, onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden. Let cookies rest on pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Store left overs in an airtight container or bag.

Makes about 2 dozen large cookies

FREE Homeschool Idea Book, Plus a Adventure Catalog

Jm Cremp's Adventure Store is offering a FREE Homeschool Idea Book! It is filled with fresh ideas to bring adventure to your school year! Plus, receive a huge annual adventure catalog in mid-October, filled with adventurous gifts and gadgets that boys will love! JM Cremp's is an adventure store that focuses on fostering a courageous, adventurous, and biblical boyhood. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Giving Back to Your Community

What a busy, yet rewarding week this has been! Our family participated in our church's annual Neighborhood Bible Club. It's like traditional VBS, but hosted in homes throughout the county, verses at the church. Our focus was "Reaching our community through kindness". We wrapped up our week of activities-- crafts, games, snacks, and songs, and turned those lessons into action, by hosting a Community Food Drive at a local grocery store! Our goal was to fill one shopping cart, to benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank (which is in urgent need of supplies). In just two hours, the kids were able to collect four shopping carts worth of food! Our hearts were blessed over and over again as we watched people, young and old, drops bags of food into the carts. Every time the kids got a donation they squealed with delight, knowing their efforts were paying off. Even the people donating the food were excited to give to a cause that is greatly in need in our community right now. Okay, so there was one person out of the hundreds who told the kids they should not be out there collecting food through the church, because not everyone believes in God. Obviously that individual missed the purpose of our presence, as it was solely to collect food for the needy. That comment leaves me shaking my head in awe, that anyone would put down our efforts to help the community, just because we were a group from a church. All I can do is pray for hardened people like that. With that said, I was blown away by the amount of young adults and teenagers that came out with food, when it was clear they didn't have the money to feed themselves. Amazing acts of generosity!

Want to help your community? Simple! Get a few neighbors together to organize a bag drop at the homes within your neighborhood. Include a flyer telling them what items are accepted (typically dry pantry items), who the food drive will benefit, and a scheduled pick up date. Then take the donations to your local food bank or organization in need! Be sure to get the kids involved, so they can learn lessons in giving!

*ENDED* Back-to-School Giveaway (8/12-8/18): Scentsy ABC's Warmer ~ PLUS an Exclusive Wax Remover Tool & Sample Bars!

It's just about time to send the kids back to school! Why not make that teacher feel appreciated right from the start, by giving him/her a Scentsy ABC's Warmer! This would also make a cute gift to tuck away until Christmas or Teacher Appreciation Day! These ceramic warmers are designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb. No flame, smoke, or soot,  making them safe for the classroom or home! There are many more sizes, styles and fragrances to choose from. The possibilities are endless!

Bonus Gift ~ Easily remove wax with this
exclusive Scentsy Warmer Spatula!

Need some pampering while you prepare for school? Be sure to check out the NEW Layers by Scentsy! This line of new products make it easy to carry that favorite scent over into a new dimension! Choose from scented solid perfumes, shower gel, shower cream, body lotion, body butter, hand cream, body spray, washer whiffs, and dryer discs!

Here is a little something to wind down the kids... a Scentsy Buddy! It is a stuffed animal that features a zippered pocket in the back, to hold any Scentsy fragrance. Just insert a  Scent Pack of your choice, and make this cuddly, soothing companion a new bed-time favorite for your child! Many animals to choose from!

Special Offers:

 Email consultant to be added to receive up-to-date Specials!

Want to get your hands on these items now? Check out the Scentsy website! To book a catalog or in-home party (Richmond area), simply contact Dawn Bein-Rivera via Email or by calling or texting (804) 908-3296. For up-to-date specials and more, visit the Wickless Wonder blog site!

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are many ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the others are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the greater your chances of winning! One winner will receive an ABCs Premium Mid-Size Scentsy Warmer, an exclusive wax remover tool, and fragrance sample bars (over a $30 value)! Drawing will be held August 20, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Dawn Bein-Rivera, Independent Consultant for Scentsy, for providing me with one free ABC's Warmer and wax remover tool, to review, as well as sponsoring one identical set for one giveaway winner. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here.

Having technical difficulties with this giveaway? Email jennifer@jennifervandahm.com

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FREE Silver-Plated Heart Pendant or Earrings (Expires 8/17 @ Midnight EST)

1SaleADay.com is giving you a FREE Silver-Plated Heart Pendant OR Hoop Earrings, (a $19.99 value) plus free shipping! No strings attached! Just log-in to your account or register for a free account! Offer expires August 17, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST.

Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich

Sweet and savory come together in this unique, yet delicious, sandwich!

4 glazed doughnuts, each cut in half
8 slices cooked turkey bacon
4 cooked large turkey sausage patties
4 fried eggs
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For each sandwich, place 1 cooked sausage patty on half of a glazed doughnut. Top with 2 slices of bacon and one fried egg (which was seasoned with salt and pepper upon cooking). Place other half of glazed doughnut on top. Brace yourself for impact!

Makes 4 Sandwiches

*ENDED* FREE Box of Any Plum Kids Product (Facebook Offer)

Claim your FREE Box of Any Plum Kids product, when you "Like" their Facebook page and complete the online request form! Coupon will be mailed to you within two weeks, redeemable toward a free box of any Plum Kids product. *Not sure if the coupon will have a value limit or not.

FREE Post-it Super Sticky Notes Sample (First 10,000 only)

Post-it is giving the first 10,000 people to request, a FREE Super Sticky Notes sample! Just share your idea on their site, as to how you utilize Post-it Notes the most.