Love Spice

When my youngest DS was born until his third birthday, we moved six times through three states. Although, he had his own room in each state he had been too young to remember them, and as far as he knew he had always shared a room (thus was the case whenever we were in temporary housing – as an infant he was with us, then his brother).

He was quite traumatized when he received his own room. He verbalized this by saying, “No one loves me!” When asked why he said such a thing, it was because no one slept with him at night. Nana and Poppop slept together (they were in our living room, having come down to help us move), Mommy and Daddy slept together, and now brother didn’t want to sleep with him.

Nothing verbal would reassure him. So I invented “Love Spice”. I purchased an empty spice jar (with a removable twist cap and a sprinkle lid – if you recycle a jar make sure it is a sweet spice like cinnamon as the scent never completely washes out); I had meant to decorate it and put “glitter hearts” inside; but never got a chance as our situation grew desperate.

At bed time, I introduced the “Love Spice” as I sprinkled it on his head, heart, legs and toes I said, “On your head so you know you’re loved, on your heart so you feel you’re loved, and all the way down to your toes.” Then we quickly put the lid on so none could escape and I said, “Now we hug and kiss it in.” The last part of course is smothered in kisses and an occasional tickle. It worked.

Later when my husband and I were to go on our first trip, leaving him and his brother safely in the care of their Grandmother, we reassured him that Grandma was fully instructed on how to “Love Spice Him” and we “filled” the bottle by placing it between us with the cap off and hugging each other and blowing kisses inside. We’ve since filled the jar as a whole family; which always results in hysterical laughter.

Now, that he is 5 we don’t use it that often. But the other night I said, “Where’s your ‘Love Spice’? (it had been used to specially season his imaginary restaurant food and not returned to his bed) Well, I guess you don’t really need it.” He piped up immediately, “Yes, I do!” Tonight, the “Love Spice” was back!

I share this idea for soldiers who are about to be deployed and may want to leave a jar with their children, or for far away grandparents who may want to send some “Love” to their grands, and for other parents like me who just want to add a little love to their own recipe of life.
What are some of your “Family Love” ingredients?

First CVS Deal

Just last night I completed my first CVS deal. I had to spend a bit on a previous visit to get enough CareBucks; but, now I’m good to go.

I realize I could have made multiple trips and not spent as much real cash initially, but I have to minimize my trips, as I do not have a nearby CVS. I did however, only buy items that our family normally uses and that were on sale (plus I had a few coupons – that means the wind chime I bought was really free ???).

I loved the teller’s face when I dwindled a pre-tax order of $16 to about $2.50 and then walked out with another 17 CareBucks!

I learned about drug-store shopping (how they take multiple coupons and their reward/rebate programs) at
http://momsloveshopping.com/how-to-save-money-at-the-drug-store-show-20/.
Make sure you printout Lisa’s CVS cheat sheet as there is a specific order to get all of your coupons accepted.

I’ll never make as many deals as other posters; because I have brand/item limitations due to my family’s unique health issues and I don’t have access to all of the same stores – but, hey, any little bit helps!

What do you do to save a few cents?

Introducing MzRenaissance

I chose Renaissance Lady as the title of my blog for several reasons:

* The Term: Renaissance Man implies ability (or in this case interest)
in a broad array of topics
* Lady: I am one and will probably post things that are of interest to ladies
* I like the connotations given in Renaissance Period Art of a
“Healthy Lady’s Body Image”

Please introduce yourself in the comment section so we can get to know each other.