Three Days in Rome: Part 3 (The Sistene Chapel, The Vatican Museum, and the day when jet lag really caught up with me!) and more...



Here's what's new: Three Days in Rome: Part 3 (The Sistene Chapel, The Vatican Museum, and the day when jet lag really caught up with me!) Get our new 4-week Make Over Your Year course for just $25 (last chance!) Three Days in Rome: Part 3 (The Sistene Chapel, The Vatican Museum, and the day when jet lag really caught up with me!) If you missed my other trip posts, read the Day #1 recap and the Day #2 recap.  Day #3 of our Epic Trip to Italy and Israel with the Museum of the Bible started rough. I spent most of the night lying in bed looking at the fronts of my eyelids unable to fall asleep (hello, jet lag!). I finally fell asleep and then woke with a start at 6:30 am… And realized the two alarms I had set never went off and I needed to be down in the lobby ready for the day by 7:10 am. Yikes! So much for washing and blow drying my hair! Instead, of washing my hair, I sported Day #2 of the I-Really-Need-To-Wash-My-Hair messy updo look. It worked and it allowed me to be down in the lobby with my eyes open and my brain semi-functioning. The reason we had to be up and out the door so early was because our hosts had secured a private tour of the Sistene Chapel for us. From what we were told, this was a very special honor. And judging from the crowds of people who were lined outside waiting to get in after we got there, it truly was. We weren’t allowed to take photos in the Sistene Chapel, but I can tell you that it was breath-taking and inspiring… especially to be looking at such amazing artwork in person! We spent most of the rest of the morning at the Vatican Museum. It was almost overwhelming — especially in my sleep-deprived and hungry state (I had made the mistake of not eating that morning in my rush to get out the door on time!) There was SO much to look at. So much artwork. So many ornate ceilings. So many paintings. So many plaques and interesting artifacts. It was almost mind-boggling and hard to take it all in. Then we headed to St. Peter’s Basilica (again, whoa!!) for a short while before walking to lunch. I was SO hungry by then — after skipping breakfast and all of that walking and standing. We went to a local restaurant and I was the woman who boldly ordered TWO cafe lattes + a huge cheese pizza. I was famished and tired and it was just what I needed! And it pretty much tasted like the best coffee and pizza I’d ever had after all that walking, the sleepless night, and the early morning! Our lunch table was made up of an even mix of Jews, Catholics, and Protestants and we had such great discussions… it was beautiful to see people from differing faith backgrounds come together on this trip to learn from each other, listen to one another, and love each other well — in spite of theological differences and beliefs. We only took a few group shots on the trip, but this was one of my favorites! Such a diverse group of people with so much collective experience and wisdom and insight to share! We had planned to walk back from lunch to the bus and then head back to our hotel. The bus was about a 20-minute walk away and, a few minutes into the walk, it started pouring rain. It was windy and freezing and our umbrellas did little to shield us from the blowing rain. We took shelter in a cafe and waited for the rain to die down and the bus to drive to a closer location. By the time the rain let up, we were all freezing and wet and tired… and I was so ready to get back to the hotel. We had an option of going to the Coliseum or going to the hotel. I would have loved to see the inside of the Coliseum, but I knew that if I was going to last for 7 more days at this intense pace, I needed sleep, rest, and quiet. So I opted to stay back at the hotel and skip the Coliseum and dinner and just ordered room service and enjoyed “introverting” in my hotel room for the afternoon and evening. It was just what I needed to cap out our time in Rome and prep to fly to Israel the next day! {See? Even on this whirlwind trip, I tried to remember I am observing a Year of Rest. I think that prioritizing a few blocks of time throughout the trip for self-care really was key in allowing me to survive such a fast-paced and stretching schedule for 10 days!} My mom texted me and asked if I was getting enough to eat… I texted her back this picture of my room service cart and she texted back something about “Well, I guess I don’t need to worry about THAT!”        Get our new 4-week Make Over Your Year course for just $25 (last chance!) My husband and I believe one of the biggest reasons people don't get where they hope to go—or don't really get anywhere in life!—is because they don't set goals. Goals bridge the gap between dreams and reality. It's fairly easy to brainstorm. It's very easy to daydream. It's much harder to get on your work clothes and get busy. Do you have hopes and dreams for the future but you struggle to figure out how to turn those dreams into realistic goals? Have you tried to set goals in the past and been frustrated because you just can't figure out how to follow through with them successfully? Do you feel like life is overwhelming and exhausting but, as hard as you try, you just can't ever seem to make much progress in the right direction?   Help Is Here! If you have experienced any of these frustrations and struggles, I’m so excited to let you know that help is here! Jesse and I created a step-by-step goal-setting course called Make Over Your Year to help you start living your life with more purpose and a plan. Make Over Your Year is a simple, effective 4-week, hands-on course to help you take your big dreams and ideas and turn them into realistic goals and a doable action plan. We want to be your guides and cheerleaders on your goal-setting journey. We want to walk you through a simple, doable 4-week process to decide your priorities, determine your focus areas, define your specific goals, and draw up a doable action plan. Why We Wrote Make Over Your Year As you may know, if you read MoneySavingMom.com or follow us online, we are a little fanatic about setting goals. We've experienced firsthand the fruit and fulfillment that comes from setting a goal, developing a plan of action to follow through with that goal, and then making it to the finish line. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help you experience this same fulfillment! Over the years, as I’ve shared openly about our goals, so many people have approached us with more questions on what our goal-setting process looks like and how we decide what goals to set—personally, professionally, as a couple, and as a family. After years of practice, many mistakes, and a lot of learning, we created Make Over Your Year — a hands-on course where we pull back the curtain and share in detail everything we've learned about goal-setting over the past thirteen years of our marriage. We'll give you an inside peek into why we set goals, what kinds of goals we set, how we choose our goals for each year, how we break those goals down into bite-sized pieces, and what we do when we encounter setbacks and struggles.   What You’ll Get When You Purchase This Course When you purchase this course, you'll get the following: Four pre-recorded group video coaching sessions with Jesse and Crystal. These sessions are an hour long each and were recorded live as a Google hangout with course participants who went through the live course at the beginning of the year. A 47-page printable PDF workbook with a chapter of encouragement and inspiration for each week. Weekly projects to break down the goal-setting process & set yourself up for success. Printable worksheets to take you step-by-step through each of the projects in the course. Additional resources and links to guide you in your goal-setting journey. How This Course Will Work Sign Up — After you sign up for the course, you’ll get immediate access to the pre-recorded videos, course handbook, worksheets, and weekly projects. You can work through the course at your own pace. Read — Read the weekly chapter from the handbook. Complete — Work through the weekly step-by-step projects and worksheets. Watch — View the pre-recorded online group coaching sessions. We believe that this course has the power to complete transform not only your goal-setting success — but your entire life! Sign Up While You Can! As I've talked about before, we are very committed to making all of our products and resources affordable and accessible for every one — not just those who have a lot of wiggle room in their budgets to invest in online courses. The course — including the 4 hour-long group coaching sessions, the workbook, the worksheets, the emails, and the projects — is priced at just $25 through midnight tonight (Monday, March 21, 2016). It's like paying for coaches and personal cheerleaders—at a fraction of the cost! So what are you waiting? Go get in on this great deal while you can! P.S. We are offering a 15-day money back guarantee. If for any reason the course does not live up to your expectations, we will refund your money — no questions asked!        Baby Deals Round-Up: Rewards, Coupons & Freebies! Check out these great baby deals you can take advantage of right now: Sign up for Huggies Rewards to earn points good towards free diapers, wipes, gift cards, and more. Sign up for Enfamil Family Beginnings to get a welcome gift pack containing $250 worth of free gifts. Print some diaper coupons to help you save: $2.00 off any ONE package of HUGGIES Diapers $4.00 off 2 of HUGGIES Diapers $1.50 off ONE Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers $1.00 off any 3 Gerber Graduates Puffs $2.00 off ONE package of HUGGIES Little Swimmers $4.00 off 2 PULLUPS Training Pants or Goodnites $2.00 off Any Balmex Diaper Rash Cream $5.00 off any TWO Gerber Graduates Formula $3.00 off TWO Bags OR ONE Box of Pampers Cruisers $1.55 off ONE Pampers Baby Dry Diapers $0.25 off ONE Pampers Wipes 56 ct or higher $2.00 off any Tommee Tippee Pacifiers $1.00 off any 2 Gerber Graduates Yogurt Blends $3.00 off any 2 PediaSure Products $1.50 off ONE Luvs Diapers $3.00 off TWO Bags OR ONE Box Pampers Swaddlers $0.75 off any (1) NUK Pacifier $2.00 off ONE Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants And don’t forget to check out the stock-up deals on diapers and wipes you can get on Amazon right now! (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)        Fandango: Get two movie tickets for just $6 after rebate! Update: This deal is expired again. Top Cash Back is offering a $10 rebate on Groupon's $16 Fandango deal right now. That means you'll pay just $6 total for two movie tickets from Fandango! This is for new Top Cash Back members only. If you are already member, you are allowed to sign up another adult in your household. Here's how to get this deal: 1. Sign up for a new Top Cash Back account. 2. Head here for Groupon's Fandango offer. 3. Add the Fandango deal to your cart. Very important note: Do not order anything else. Only order one Fandango promo code, or the rebate deal will not be valid.  4. Within 21 days, your Top Cash Back account will be credited with $10. 5. After you receive the $10 payment in your Top Cash Back account, you can choose to transfer it to your bank account or request a Paypal payment. 6. It's like paying $6 for two movie tickets after the rebate! This offer is valid through March 23, 2016. (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)        Amazon.com: Pyrex Bakeware 4.8 Quart Baking Dish for just $7.35! Amazon has this Pyrex Bakeware 4.8 Quart Baking Dish marked down to just $7.35 right now! This is by far the lowest price ever on record. Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to get free 2-day shipping. Thanks, For The Mommas! (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)        Outside Magazine for only $4.99 per year! You can order a one-year subscription to Outside magazine for only $4.99 (up to 2 years) with code MONEYSAVING at checkout. Great Father’s Day gift idea! This offer expires Tuesday night (March 22nd, 2016) at midnight EST. About Outside Magazine: Created for the active reader, Outside is the magazine devoted to travel, fitness, outdoor gear and sports. Whether you like rock climbing or mountain biking, each issue provides the best coverage of these an other exciting outdoor activities. Vacation tips and profiles of outdoor enthusiasts, along with colorful action photography make this a great resource for the active soul! (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)        Gymboree: Extra 20% off entire purchase + free shipping! Gymboree is offering an extra 20% off your entire purchase + free shipping when you use coupon code SPRING at checkout. You can use this on their various sales to grab some great savings. They still have their $14.99 & Under Sale running, or you can take advantage of their 50% Off Dressy Styles Sale. They also have a huge Winter Clearance Section, with prices starting as low as $5.99. You can get these super cute girls’ dresses for just $11.20. They also have boys’ jeans and girls’ jeans for $11.99 after coupon code. This little Baby Girls’ Bundled Squirrel Hoodie is just $3.99 after coupon code! Valid today only, March 21, 2016. (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)        Rare Coupon: Buy One, Get One Free Purina Dog Chow Natural Dog Food Hurry and print a super rare buy one, get one free Purina Dog Chow Natural Dog Food coupon. Valid on 4 lb. bags or smaller. Last time this coupon was available, it only lasted for about half a day. (Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)        Pampers Gifts to Grows: 15 free points Here's how to earn 15 free Pampers Rewards Points: Get 10 Pampers Rewards points when you enter code FBX93KE3J2A6E16 by 3/24. Get 5 #PampersRewards points when you enter code TW93AX73MB9O316 by 3/24. You can redeem your Pampers points for free products and more. Sign up here for Pampers Gifts to Grow and get 100 free points. Thanks, Freebie Shark!        Target: Pantene Stylers, International Delight Coffee Creamer, plus more! Here are a few great deals you can get at Target this week: Buy 6 Pantene Stylers at $3.99 each Get a $5 Target Gift Card wyb 3 Use $5 gift card with $20 personal care purchase Target mobile coupon Stack with 3 $3/2 coupons from the 3/13 RedPlum insert Free plus $0.06 overage after coupons and gift card Buy International Delight Coffee Creamer at $2.27 Use 25% off Cartwheel coupon Stack with $1/1 printable $0.71 after coupons Buy Dunkin' Donuts Creamer at $2.99 Use 25% off Cartwheel coupon Stack with $0.75/1 printable $1.49 after coupons Buy 2 Bear Naked Granola at $3.99 each Use 50% off Cartwheel coupon Stack with $1/2 printable $1.50 each after coupons Thanks, Freebie Shark and For The Mommas!        Educational Deals & Freebies Round-Up Here are some of the best educational deals and freebies available right now from Katie who writes at Cincinnati Cents: 40% Off ALEX Toys: Amazon is featuring 40% off select ALEX Toys today. For instance, this ALEX Toys My First Sewing Kit is on sale for $18.99. Perfect for a rainy day activity, this kit includes 28 felt shapes, embroidery floss, stuffing, fabric, ric rac, scissors, measuring tape, pins, needles, thimble, pin cushion, 6 buttons, and a pom pom strip. You can find all the items included in this sale here. LEGO Creator Blue Racer Set for $3.99: Amazon has their LEGO Creator Blue Racer Set on sale for $3.99. This set typically retails for $6.99, and it can be rebuilt into a snowplow or a buggy. Free Kindle eBooks for Kids: Amazon has several free Kindle eBooks for kids available for download including Minecraft Box Set, Will You Be My Mother?, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Ugly Duckling, Dream Patterns Coloring Book, and more. Crayola Storm Trooper Art Case Set for $8.99: Amazon has their Crayola Storm Trooper Art Case Set on sale for $8.99. This set typically retails for $16.50, and it includes 20 Pip-Squeaks Skinnies (w/ black galaxy barrels), 6 Twistable Pencils, 6 Twistable Crayons and 15 Paper Sheets with Star Wars content. Crayola Crayon Carver for $6.44: Amazon has their Crayola Crayon Carver on sale for $6.44. Regularly priced at $29.99, this set includes 32 tracing tiles and 8 Crayola crayons to create custom-carved crayons. Plus, the built in storage makes for easy clean up as well. Free Photo Book from Shutterfly: Shutterfly is offering customers a FREE 8×8 Hard Cover Photo Book when you enter the promotional code SPRINGONIT at checkout. This is a great way to create a customized book that teaches a variety of topics (ABCs, numbers, parts of speech) by using pictures of family members, friends, and familiar places and/or objects. This type of book makes the learning process fun and familiar for your child. This offer is valid through March 22nd. LEGO Friends Heartlake Supermarket for $23.99: Amazon has their LEGO Friends Heartlake Supermarket Set on sale for $23.99. This set typically retails for $29.99, and it features a 1-story supermarket building with opening doors for easy play as well as food accessories, display counters, a trolley, and more. ZOOB Bot Kit for $17: Amazon has their ZOOB Bot Kit on sale for $17. Regularly priced at $33, this kit features 54 total pieces including 1 light-up ZOOB piece with batteries, 2 wheels, 2 wheeled motor assembly, 4 tires, and instructions. Free Vincent Van Gogh Unit Study: Download a free Vincent Van Gogh online unit study. With this unit study, kids will have the opportunity to create a self-portrait and an animated biography video about Van Gogh. Educational Insights My First Microscope for $15: Amazon has their Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope on sale for $15. This microscope offers a range of magnification from 2.5x to 8x, enabling little ones to see hidden worlds with ease. Katie is a wife and homeschooling mother of four who writes at Cincinnati Cents about saving money and having fun as a family without breaking the bank. She enjoys sharing new recipes, ideas for frugal family fun, and tips for spending less at the grocery store.        Chipotle Coupon: Free Chips & Guac! Get a Chipotle coupon good for one free order of chips & guac when you play the Guac Hunter game and get to round three. Once you get to round three, the mobile coupon will be e-mailed to you. The coupon is valid through April 10, 2016. Thanks, Freebie Shark!        Free Quest Protein Bars Sign up for 2 free Quest Protein Bars. Thanks, Freebie Shark!        Target Mobile Coupons: Free gift cards for baby care, personal care, and grocery purchases Target is offering several new mobile coupons right now: Text FOOD to 827438 to get a Target mobile coupon for a free $10 gift card with a $50 food or beverages purchase. Text CARE to 827438 to get a Target mobile coupon for a free $5 gift card with a $20 personal care products purchase. Text SAVEd to 827438 to get a Target mobile coupon for a free $25 gift card with a $150 baby department purchase. All of these are valid through March 26, 2016.        Over 120 Spring Activities for Toddlers and Kindergarteners Check out this great list of over 120 Spring activities for toddlers and kindergarteners.        Free Printable Easter Activity List for Toddlers Download a free printable Easter activity list for toddlers.        Free Parts of the Animal Cell Printable Pack Download a free Parts of the Animal Cell printable pack.        Free Spring Playset and Dress-Up Printables Download a set of free Spring playset and dress-up printables.        Latest finds on Pinterest Did you set goals for 2016? How are they going for you? Now that we are well into the new year, maybe you’re struggling to follow through with your goals or maybe you feel like giving up on your goals. If you’re needing a pep talk or some inspiration to keep pressing on with your goals, here are 3 keys to actually follow through with your goals: There are so many amazing ideas in this post! Wow! I can't believe I haven't thought of doing some of these things before! Sometimes my husband is a bit reluctant to embrace my visions, including when we first started on our frugal journey many years ago. But my husband finally decided to jump on board with me in the area of goal setting, and here's why... Latest finds on Pinterest Did you set goals for 2016? How are they going for you? Now that we are well into the new year, maybe you’re struggling to follow through with your goals or maybe you feel like giving up on your goals. If you’re needing a pep talk or some inspiration to keep pressing on with your goals, here are 3 keys to actually follow through with your goals: There are so many amazing ideas in this post! Wow! I can't believe I haven't thought of doing some of these things before! Sometimes my husband is a bit reluctant to embrace my visions, including when we first started on our frugal journey many years ago. But my husband finally decided to jump on board with me in the area of goal setting, and here's why...     Click here to safely unsubscribe from "LITE Feed, Money Saving Mom®." Click here to view mailing archives, here to change your preferences, or here to subscribe • Privacy Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz, LLC, 365 Boston Post Rd, Suite 123, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA.