Put your hands together for RxSaver by RetailMeNot who #sponsored this post How to Find the Best Prescription Discounts, supporting Through Her Looking Glass. This post includes tracking links. For more information about tracking links and how to opt out, please visit All About Do Not Track prior to clicking any links found in this post. All opinions and content are my own.

If you know me at all, you know I love saving a peso. (Or five.) Recently I came across a fantastic way to save significant money every month on prescription drugs, putting me in charge of what I pay at the pharmacy counter. To Find the Best Prescription Discounts, just plug basic information into the search engine at rxsaver.com or on the app. It’s that easy! Convenient and free, now I use RxSaver.com monthly and save up to 80% off!

As many of you know, Jon and I and our older boys are caregivers for our little guy Hudson who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. It’s hard to put into words just what that entails on a day-to-day basis, but I’ll try.

I’m no stranger to disability. My oldest sister Elisabeth also has Down syndrome. We just celebrated her 52^nd birthday in May. I can’t remember a time when our lives weren’t affected by disability in some way.

Hudson and Liz playing ball at her birthday party a few years ago…

So Hudson’s nine years old, but developmentally he’s around three. He’s still in pull-ups day and night and is non-verbal. He has a speech device so he can pick what he wants for breakfast or which video he wants. But more significant communication is pretty limited. As you can imagine, this can be frustrating, but we all pull together as best we can.

Hudson blowing out the candles for the third time on his birthday. Note he has zero interest in sampling the cupcakes. It’s all about the singing and candles.

Thankfully Hudson is cute as a button and that greatly helps his cause. Most days the blessings far outweigh the challenges, but there are the occasional days when things get pretty crazy.

Hudson is considered a bolt risk, meaning that at any time, he might decide to run. This is pretty common in children with autism. And when he runs, he won’t look back or respond to his name. As you can imagine, that can be beyond scary in a parking lot or near the road. That’s why we hold his hand tightly and keep a handicapped placard at the ready to dangle from the car mirror. It’s especially helpful for getting him into doctor and therapy appointments safely.

So one cold, snowy afternoon last winter, I parked in the handicapped spot right outside his therapy building. We entered through the sliding glass doors and Hudson pushed the elevator button as usual. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned here that Hudson is not disabled when it comes to being naughty. As we waited for the elevator, he stared me down, then poked out his little tongue, threatening to LICK the elevator button. Of all the horrible things. I eyed him sternly and shook my head.

That’s when I heard the accusing voice: “You really shouldn’t park in a handicapped space if you’re not handicapped.”

Really? My jaw dropped as I looked back for that split second. A young mom hauling an infant seat, with an adorable little boy in tow was passing through the lobby behind us. I locked eyes with her. “I’m not handicapped,” I said quietly, “but my son is.” I nodded at the large sign on the wall: “AUTISM THERAPY, SECOND FLOOR”

My eyes were averted for that split second, so I’ll never know whether Hudson licked the elevator button or not that day. Because as I turned back, the elevator doors were meeting in the middle and Hudson was gone. I whirled around, raced for the stairwell and dashed up two at a time, hoping to find him on the second floor.

The good news is that Hudson’s autism makes him a creature of habit. He’d actually pushed the correct floor button and taken the elevator by himself to the second floor. When I found him, he was standing in the hallway by the elevator doors, the picture of innocence. Thank you God. My heart rate began to recede and I brought him to his classroom, then took a deep breath as I retrieved his missing backpack from the elevator. I thought about finding that mom and giving her a piece of mind. But then I thought better of it. The truth is, I need every single remaining gray cell. (!)

Every extinguished candle is cause for great celebration! On birthdays we blow out candles all day long, so tall candles are required!

Life can throw some unexpected punches and surprises. And whether you deal with disability or not, one can never know what a day will hold. Or an hour, for that matter. That’s why I’m SO grateful for anything that saves me time, frustration and money. RxSaver by RetailMeNot is a shortcut that does just that. 

How to Find the Best Prescription Discounts: RxSaver

Just a few weeks ago I was refilling my allergy medicine. I usually pay $43 monthly out of pocket for it. So I downloaded the app on my phone, then plugged in my zip code and the name of my prescription. RxSaver directed me to the pharmacy that I always use, but gave me a coupon that discounted my medicine to $10.01. Yes!!!!

At first I wondered if it could be a mistake. So I called in my prescription as usual, then showed the RxSaver coupon on my phone to the pharmacist. (You can also use the RxSaver site at home and print out a coupon.) Guess what? I saved $33 and you better believe I was ecstatic. (I can do a lot with an extra $33.)

So I really hope you’ll try rxsaver.com for yourself and start saving money too! You don’t need a membership or password or any personal information. (Passwords are the bane of my existence.)

Just enter the name of your prescription and zip code, then compare prices and choose the best price/location for you. You save money whether or not you have health insurance. I know you’ll love using this great money saving tip! (You’re welcome.)

Follow RxSaver by RetailMeNot on Facebook for more money saving tips!

The post Favorite Things #8 – How to Find the Best Prescription Discounts appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

One of my favorite poems: “Gate of the Year”, by Minnie Louise Haskins

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will
Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.

Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill.^[3]

(The Gate of the Year was first published in 1908 as part of a collection titled The Desert. The words were a source of inspiration and comfort to Queen Elizabeth II, particularly after World War II. The Gate of the Year is also engraved on stone plaques and fixed to the gates of the King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.)

Wishing you a beautiful year of joy, health and blessing.

XOXO,

The post Gate of The Year appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Merry Christmas friends! Today I’m sharing Christmas pictures.

So pictures don’t tell the whole story. They put their best foot forward and hide the chaos beyond the lens.

On the periphery of these photos are laundry piles, dirty dishes, dog hair, sticky counters, messy little hands, smeared fingerprints on stainless appliances and unmade beds. Yep.

I’m thankful for those laundry piles. (My family and I are blessed with clothes.)

I’m thankful for dishes in the sink and sticky counters. (We have plenty to eat and drink here.)

I’m thankful for the Chloe hair. (We absorb quiet comfort from a gentle, wagging tail and sympathetic brown eyes on our hardest days.)

I’m grateful for messy little hands and faces. (They belong to the loves of my life. How I wish I could protect them from the harsh world they were born into ….)

I’m thankful for smeared fingerprints on appliances. (Dishwashers, dryers, washing machines, stoves and refrigerators simplify the mundane, giving me time to focus on other things.)

And lastly, I’m thankful for the unmade beds. (We each have a cozy place for shut eye, even if we can’t bounce a nickel on the bedspread. How blessed are we.)

I read an article after Thanksgiving about a woman who lost her house and all her possessions in the Paradise fires. She spent Thanksgiving at a shelter, serving turkey dinners to fellow homeless survivors.

“It’s probably the best Thanksgiving of my life,” she said. “Being alive – my family being alive – makes you realize…. (what’s really important)”

This quote hangs in my kitchen: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough”

Are you in search of Christmas joy this year? Me too. What a year it’s been. At every turn, sorrow for so many. Broken relationships, loss of loved ones, health crises, financial and political stress, and so much more.

Today I’m snuggled by the fireplace, counting my blessings, like that grateful lady in Paradise.

I’m thankful to be alive and experiencing the joys of the season.

I’m thankful for each member of my family and extended family.

I’m thankful for today, because that’s all that’s guaranteed.

I’m thankful for a tiny Baby that arrived in a manger bed two thousand years ago on a cold winter’s night. Hope.

What are you thankful for?

Wishing you a beautiful, meaningful time with your family and friends, celebrating the joys of the season.

All my love and wishes for a peaceful, restful Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and hope. XOXO

You may also enjoy: The Gift of Giving and Broken Wings

The post ISO: Christmas Joy appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Hey friends – wishing you a very happy June weekend! Hope you’re having a fantastic summer so far and enjoying all the good things: family, friends, homemade ice cream, veggie/flower gardens, ocean walks, outdoor concerts, picnics, watermelon, spell-binding beach reads, etc.

June irises and purple allium in Ogunquit, Maine

And all in that order LOL. You’ve been on my mind – I know!!!! It’s a crazy time of year. It’s been busy at our house too, with the school year winding down and summer schedule winding UP! And we’ve already hosted a few big extended family parties here in the last few weeks, celebrating my mom’s birthday and also Jon’s mom’s #80. Wahoo! Good times.

We’re especially looking forward to doing some things this summer that we haven’t been able to in a while. Some of you know our Hudson (8) has Down syndrome and autism. It’s been a beautiful journey in many ways but has also kept us closer to home with multiple medical, sensory and behavioral issues.

We’ve been working hard all winter long, applying for grants and getting extra helps in place for Hudson in the form of ABA therapy (autism therapy) and in-home respite care to free up our family for occasional breaks from care giving.

The excellent news is that many pieces that have been in limbo for nearly a year are finally coming together and Hudson is making great strides in his therapy programs.

Hudson meeting Sunny for the first time. While he was petrified of the lobby cat, he had NO FEAR approaching Sunny. Go figure.

Yass!!! The brush is upside down.

He’s looking forward to a wonderful summer filled with music classes, equine therapy and even attending a special needs local day camp for a week for children w/disabilities. It’s going to be a great summer!

Don’t know if I mentioned previously that Hudson has regressed significantly with his speech in the last couple years. We used to sing many songs like the scene above, with Hudson filling in partial words like this sweet little guy Bo with Downs.

We’re not sure if Hudson’s speech device has caused the regression or something else, but we’re just now starting to see Hudson picking up where he left off and attempting to communicate verbally more. If you haven’t yet seen the clip above, it’s one of the sweetest you’ll ever see. The talented strummer is Bo’s big sister Lydia and together they sing You Are My Sunshine. (Grab your tissues.)

Some interesting things to share with summer in mind. A few beach read recommendations, all WW II novels. I’ve read each one and highly recommend:

• Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

And here’s one I haven’t read yet, but taking it on vacation in a couple weeks: We Were the Lucky Ones  by Georgia Hunter.

New topic. If your feet are rough and calloused like mine were – consider an at home foot peel. I’d never heard of it before, but was pretty desperate and now I’m sold. I researched and took the plunge (literally!) a few weeks ago. I wore plastic “medicated” booties on my feet for an hour at home, then soaked my feet in warm water for 15 minutes a day for two weeks.

For the first few days, nothing happened at all and I thought maybe I’d been scammed. (It wouldn’t be the first time!) But on the fourth day, my feet started peeling. And then the soles peeled off entirely, revealing baby soft skin underneath! I’m thrilled – and it was a small investment – under twenty dollars for two complete treatments. Be careful to time this well and don’t do it before a special event. The dead skin comes off in shards, and it’s U-G-L-Y. (Trust me on that.) So give it the full two weeks to peel off.

And who doesn’t like candy? I recently became acquainted with a great company Lovely that sells many organic and gluten-free candy options. They sent a few samples to our house – good stuff. Hard candies, chewy candies, salted caramels, gummy bears and various kinds of caramel and chocolate dipped pretzel balls. The pretzel balls went first. Delish! Find retailers near you here.

.

And last but not least – we recently watched this beautiful movie, Breathe. (On Amazon Prime.) While controversial at times, it’s a captivating true love story – Jon and I were mesmerized. No spoiler alert here, but an interesting thing to know is that the movie was directed by the real life son of the two main characters portrayed.

Would love to hear what you’re up to and if you’ve got a book or movie recommendation, do tell ! I’m always scrounging for ideas.

Have a super summer weekend enjoying the little things, and Happy Father’s day to all the great, sacrificial dads out there. We love you!

XOXO,

allie

The post You Are My Sunshine – Favorite Things #7 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend and welcome to Favorite Things #4 , where I share what’s percolating in the remaining gray cells. Today just happens to be my firstborn’s birthday. So happy, happy birthday Jonathan! The big 2-0 is just that… BIG! Remembering that poignant moment so long ago when I first saw that precious baby face. Sniff.

It’s been a good weekend around here and hope it has been at your house too. The sick kids here are on the mend. Charlie’s been competing at the state Destination Imagination competition. The sky is azure. Birds are chirping. I can barely see the dirty little snow patches left in the side yard.

Truth: we had a momentary spring lapse yesterday when it SNOWED two inches. (Thankfully already melted.) But other than that hiccup, spring is definitely springing, even if it hasn’t fully sprung in NH yet.

Here’s what what Hudson and I do on Saturday mornings…

This wooly little lamb Marley thinks he’s a pup! Cute.

FYI, sharing a couple great new finds I recently stumbled across:Loving this GuruNanda Natural Mist diffusing mister. It diffuses essential oils straight up and plugs into the wall or a USB outlet. Right now the fresh scent of lemon grass essential oil is in my entryway. Clean, fresh and springy! All natural and no chemicals, the essential oil bottle screws right onto the mister itself. I’m trying lavendar and rosemary oils next. Genius idea.

And here’s a delicious aroma to lure you out of bed on a lazy Sunday morning: Sugar Dusted Beignet Coffee. Savoring this scrumptious new flavor by Community Coffee. Made with 100% select Arabica coffee beans, get it in 12-ounce bags or single-serve pods. Light and sweet, sipping at my kitchen table like I’m parked in a New Orleans street cafe a thousand miles away…

Book recommendation:  Born Survivors: Three Young Mothers and Their Extraordinary Story of Courage, Defiance, and Hope

Amazing read, and true.

“The Nazis murdered their husbands but concentration camp prisoners Priska, Rachel, and Anka would not let evil take their unborn children too—a remarkable true story celebrating three mothers who defied death to give their children life. On the seventieth anniversary of Mauthausen’s liberation from the Nazis by American soldiers, renowned biographer Wendy Holden recounts this extraordinary story of three children united by their mothers’ unbelievable—yet ultimately successful—fight for survival.”

This read is definitely worth your time. Five stars.

Sharing this in honor of my brave, beautiful mom and all the mothers of children with Down syndrome around the globe.

(Hint: grab tissues. I was a faucet.)

I mentioned in my cookie post earlier this week that we’re closing in on finishing the kitchen remodel project. So close! Waiting on just a few more cabinet doors to come in so I can take the snaps.

The project was fun and worth the grief. (I try to be honest here: there was grief involved.)

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough…”  – Melody Beattie

So what are you up to? Wishing you a beautiful weekend, savoring all the little things that make you smile.

XOXO,

Allie

The post Favorite Things #4 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Happy weekend and a few of my faves!

I KNIT THIS CRAZY SCARF! And enjoyed every minute. (And love wearing it too.)  Story here. (Always a story.) If you want directions, let me know. Very simple.

And just when we’d almost lost faith in humanity,  THIS!  (Grab your tissue box.)

This daddy serenading his baby girl – priceless.

Had tons of fun making these w/Charlie for Valentine’s Day. (And loved hearing from some of you who made them too!)  Hummed Three Blind Mice all day…

Reading: Your Creative Career: Turn Your Passion into a Fulfilling and Financially Rewarding Lifestyle by Anna Sabino.

Paddington 2 – fun for the kids and grands. In theaters now.

My cousin sent out this funny excerpt on the craziness of parenting to my extended family this past week. Cracks me up.

It was a different time. And can you identify?!?! (Me too.) As a 70’s kid, I remember our family ditching chocolate for carob for a short time. Gulp. And sneaking my mom’s Ayds caramel appetite suppressants (hidden in the drawer behind the kitchen chimney) for a sweet treat. Sigh. And sampling a chicken bouillon cube. Once was enough. And yuck. (It was the shiny gold paper that reeled me in.)

Retirement Plan cocktail Jon and I enjoyed pre-Valentine’s Day at this fun eatery in downtown Manchvegas last week. (Nope, no retirement plans anytime soon.)

Here’s a light fixture I just found for our kitchen reno. This is getting fun.

And just one more week ’til our kitchen remodel officially begins. Here. We. Go. I’ll keep you posted. (Literally!)

“Be kind,  for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  — Plato

My heart, along with the rest of the country, is heavy after the senseless loss of so many precious lives in Parkland on Wednesday. Hug your loved ones extra tight today.

XOXO,

Allie

The post Favorite Things #2 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Nothing quite like a Frosty New England Morning. I remember as a child, wandering the Rhode Island woods behind our home the morning after a freshly fallen snow. Eerily silent, save the sound of the snow crunch underfoot.

All is fresh and clean and new. Each tiny branch dressed as a bride in white.

These photos were taken in my back yard a few weeks ago as the sun rose, sending dappled rays through snow covered branches. It was breathtaking.

I thought you might enjoy these winter wonderland pictures if you love a fresh snowfall too. Especially if you grew up with snow, but live in a warmer climate now. (My extended California family, who appreciate a good VT snow, come to mind.)

I hoped to catch a bright bird at the feeder to share with you. There were blue jays, cardinals and a male house finch with a vibrant scarlet head. But they were skittish, uncooperative and refused to pose for me. Kudos to this sweet junco who was more obliging.

As a child, I stood statuesque for long minutes, under the gnarly old plum tree with the hanging feeder and birdhouse. My mittened hand outstretched, overflowing with seed. And the birds, they came! If you feed them, they will come. It was fascinating – the tiny claws perching. That little darting beak. And all too soon, gone.

Can you find the flag?  (As in, where’s Waldo…)

In my mind, snow is the perfect excuse for cozying up in a comfy chair by the fire. A good book in one hand, a steaming mug of chai in the other.

Snow brings to mind Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. Frost was born in San Francisco but spent most of his life in Massachusetts and here in New Hampshire. I was fascinated reading about his difficult life story here. Amazed at the literary beauty he produced in spite of it. (Because of it?)

 

XOXO,

Allie

The post Frosty New England Morning appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Sometimes there are things I want to tell you about that don’t fit neatly into a recipe post or otherwise. Things I love, enjoy or make my life easier. Thought provoking or beautiful things. Things that bring me joy. Stuff that simplifies my life. What I made in the kitchen yesterday or what I’m thinking about today.

So I’m writing occasional, informal, quick posts to fill in the gaps called Favorite Things. Taking inspiration from Julie Andrews: “These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things”. Do re me fa so la ti do. Minus the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. (You’re welcome.)

Favorite Things here might include a book I’m reading, a movie we liked, a story that moved me etc. Whatever’s spinning my world at the moment.

Here are a few of my favorite things today …

So many have been sick with the flu. It’s a real concern and it’s been deadly here in NH too. And apparently flu season still hasn’t hit its peak yet. So hard. If the flu has visited your family recently, I’m so sorry. My Hudson and Charlie both had Influenza A last week and it was tough. I was super nervous about getting it. (So far so good.)

Last year my friend Maria who is a pulmonologist told me all the doctors in her practice have their chemo patients on turmeric to build up strong immunities. She said it’s the best thing they know of to build up the immune system. Since the body doesn’t absorb turmeric well on its own, it’s formulated with black pepper extract to boost absorption. Here’s the kind I take: Turmeric.

Thought provoking movie we really enjoyed: Mr. Church. Eddie Murphy will surprise you.

Saw The Darkest Hour at the theater on a date night w/Jon recently. Wow! Loved it. (And just heard it was nominated for six Academy awards.)

Reading: Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner

Got a fun package in the mail this week. My new 2018 Personalized Planner from Plum Paper . Love all the affordable customizations available. If you still don’t have a planner for 2018, build your own on-line, starting with any month. YES!

There are customizable pages available to track fitness, holiday planning, photography, blogging etc. Whoever you are, whatever you do – it’s easy to get organized fast. I hear Plum Paper has big discounts on Black Friday for future, FYI. Check out a review here.

This loopy phone case – so you won’t drop your smart phone anymore like I used to. I got it when I upgraded my Iphone and it’s been a game changer. No more phone drops or cracked screens. Love it and highly recommend.

Here’s what I’m baking this afternoon. Yum.

And here’s a blog I really enjoy. Mary is a sweetheart.

Last but not least… if you have to be home sick, it’s always nice to have company!  – Charlie and Chloe

Have a great weekend and stay healthy!

XOXO,

Allie

The post Favorite Things #1 appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

I didn’t even mention previously that we’re having prizes here on THLG this weekend. We are. Truth is, you’re ALL winners, but I only have two prizes. So please keep reading to see if You Are The Prize Winner today.

Something mega exciting happened here last Tuesday evening while my family was quietly (?) sitting around the dinner table slurping up finishing the last delicious spoonfuls of Hearty Italian Sausage Soup.

The freezing rain pelted down hard outside, rivulets froze on the dining room window panes. And then at 7:23 p.m. on the dot, drum roll please, the 5,000th person subscribed to Through Her Looking Glass. Yes, 5000.

So woot woot. Party time! I think this is worthy of a celebration, a party for 5,000. And prizes too.

Are you someone who never wins prizes? Then you’re in good company with me. My oldest son, who claims he never wins ANYTHING, just won a $100 gift card to a sports store last month. He entered a contest on FB (or maybe Twitter) and was recently notified he was the winner. Hopefully everyone gets to win something along the way, because it’s exciting! Especially when it’s unexpected.

The biggest prize I ever won took place last year. And interestingly, it was for someone else. I was honestly so incredibly happy for her. Because she has a heart of gold. Many of you know our youngest son Hudson (7) has Down syndrome and autism. He also has learning delays, uses a speech device and wears pull-ups.

Thankfully he’s able to communicate in other ways besides words and brings us all great joy. He’s been a big unexpected blessing in our family. He’s also lucky (as are we) to have a wonderful teacher at school, not to mention a whole slew of dedicated therapists and assistants cheering him on.

One of my fave pics of Hudson when he was three, taken by my friend Linda. And here’s one of my favorite posts about Hudson: Hudson & the Little Yellow School Bus

One morning last year I was visiting my buddy Shashi’s blog and she was running a contest by Smithfield (the pork people). You entered by naming someone in your community who makes a big difference and telling how. It took all of a nano-second to think of Hudson’s teacher, Mrs. Livingstone.

If anyone makes a difference in our world and Hudson’s, she does. And other special education teachers we’ve encountered along the way too. I wrote a few choice words about Mrs. Livingstone in the comment section – about how blessed Hudson and his classmates are to have her for their teacher. I never thought of it again.

Then a month or so later, I got an e-mail from Smithfield saying Hudson’s teacher had won the prize. At first I wondered if it was a hoax. But she got an e-mail too. And then she got the prize — a $1000 gift card to Walmart. Figures. I finally win something big and it’s for someone else. Lol.

But truthfully, I couldn’t have been happier that she won. Of all people, she deserved it. It seems our culture celebrates the sports and movies stars, but the crucial people, those often selfless individuals who educate, shape and mold our most precious assets, our children, not so much. That’s why I was so thrilled she won the gift card.

So back to the prize today on THLG. Even at a virtual party, someone should get a real PRIZE. Don’t you think? But who? You can’t exactly beat a piñata or pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey virtually. Or if you can, I don’t know how. So I thought long and hard about WHO should get the prize. And finally it came to me. Two people will get prizes today.

Prize #1 goes to the very first reader who ever subscribed to THLG and is still a reader here today. Because she had faith in me, even when I didn’t. And that subscriber is, drumroll please…. Carrie W. of Easley, SC. Woot woot!

And Prize #2 goes to the reader who has left the most comments here on THLG since it began in late 2014. And that would be Susie M. of Columbia, SC. Congrats m’aam – and thanks for all the time and energy you’ve graciously spent being so supportive here!

I thought the prizes should be baking related, since it’s the Brick Street Chocolate Cake and other baking recipes that seem to bring in the most readers.

So the prizes today are $50 gift cards to King Arthur Flour Store in Norwich, VT. My favorite haunt for quality baking supplies.

I wish it was a larger gift card ladies, but in the food blogosphere, I’m still relatively tiny. (If only we were talking waist size.)

So hint hint folks: DO recommend THLG to your baking friends, so the prizes will be bigger next time. Lol.

Have fun shopping Carrie and Susie – I’ll e-mail you soon to confirm your snail-mail addresses. (And so glad King Arthur ships, because you’re not exactly a hop, skip and a jump away from Norwich, VT.) Maybe some day you’ll visit King Arthur in person – and I could come along for the ride. Not that I’m inviting myself along or anything. (Well, maybe.) I do love a good field trip as much as the next girlfriend, and it would be an adventure for sure.

Wish I could send you all a prize. Some of you are mousie quiet and drop in to read. Thanks for dropping by! Some of you kindly share your favorite recipes to give me ideas. Thanks! Some comment. (Which lets me know someone actually reads my posts, and thanks for the kind words.) And some of you e-mail behind the scenes with encouragement or share your own poignant life stories with me.

It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Because what’s the use of living, learning and growing if we don’t pass on what we learn along the way? Sharing our stories is therapeutic (at least for me!) and reminds us we aren’t alone on the journey.

And while I can’t send gift cards to everyone, I do wish you all a restful, joy-filled weekend.

XOXO,

Allie

The post Keep Reading to See If You Are The Prize Winner Today appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Almost is a beautiful word. Hey friends, hope you’re doing well and a very happy winter weekend to you I might add. I’ve got about an hour and I’m writing this post completely on the fly on Friday night. I don’t even have any pictures in mind at the moment. It’s an odd topic for a post here too: Don’t Get Scammed on Craig’s List Like I (Almost) Did. I had a crazy week on many counts and learned a valuable lesson in the process too. Thought I’d pass it on here in case any of you use Craigslist or know someone who does.

Unfortunately there are people out there in cyberspace who don’t work for their living. Well the truth is they work very hard, but their morals and work ethic are vastly different from yours and mine. Their profession is trying to separate people like you and me from our hard-earned money. In fact, these folks work around the clock trolling the internet, scamming nice, trusting, honest people. (Scammers have to pay their bills too.)

I tend to be a trusting person in general, though I won’t say I’m downright gullible. But I was almost taken in this time around and could’ve been out a significant amount of money. So I’m sharing about it here in hopes of saving you and your family some grief. (And maybe pesos too.)

If you’re not familiar with Craigslist, it’s basically an online yard sale for anything and everything. And each state and and most large cities have their own Craigslist. Here in NH it’s called Craigslist NH. Boston has a Craigslist Boston.

We’ve bought and sold many things online using Craigslist through the years. Exercise equipment, furniture, tools, strollers, ski helmets, skis, sports equipment, hockey skates, camping equipment, etc. (If you’re noting a theme here, yep, there’s lots of boys around here, LOL) You name it, we’ve bought (or sold) it.

Craigslist is a boon if you have kids because they grow so dang fast and it gets super expensive replacing their equipment every other year. Generally we’ve bought and sold small dollar items and had great experiences overall. Until this past week.

Grab your latte… here’s what happened to me just yesterday.

I mentioned here recently that we’re getting ready to remodel our kitchen. We’re not quite THERE yet, but we’re gathering the info, getting pricing, choosing colors etc.  The cabinet guy who came to measure for our new cabinets said our present cabinets are in good shape and could easily bring in 2K. That was unexpected and exciting news, and it would be great to put that money toward the new ones. So we thought we’d put the old ones up on Craigslist right away. I took the pictures and posted them.

The next morning I find a text message that came in during the night from an interested buyer. It was a FL number and sounded somewhat stilted, as if the person might not speak English or maybe used Google translate. Basically, “John” says he’s good with the price of the cabinets but he won’t be able to take a look at them himself due to the nature of his job.

But he’s good with the price and hopes they’re in good condition. Asks for my full name and address so he can send a certified check, plus an extra $50 for holding them until his movers can get there to pick up.

So I tell him that works great and give him my name and address. Then he texts and says he is going to add in some extra funds to the check to pay his movers. Would I mind paying the movers when they get there. Not at all, I’m happy to help, and tell him that’s fine.

Meanwhile I get another text message from a second buyer from a Los Angeles area code offering full price and to send a certified check and movers. So I tell him I’ve already sold them but if anything falls through, I’ll be in touch ASAP.

All that day I get more inquiries from out of state numbers. Five in all. And I start thinking, man… there must be a lot of people/builders out there flipping houses and needing cabinets. And dang, why didn’t I ask more for the cabinets, because there’s obviously quite a market for used cabinets.

We did get a few local inquiries too, but I told them the cabinets were sold and I was waiting for a certified check, but I’d get back to them if anything changed.

I was talking to Jon about it last night before dinner, and how odd it was that all these out of state folks were so interested in our cabinets. And how two people had offered to send certified checks on the spot without even seeing them in person. How crazy is that?

And Jon said who knows, but maybe there’s some kind of scam going on with Craigslist. Then it occurred to me there was a common denominator with the first two buyers — they both offered certified checks sight unseen. So I google “Craig’s List Scam with Certified Checks” just for kicks, and a bunch of articles come up immediately. Check out this one, it’s almost exactly what happened to me.

If you don’t have time to check out the above article, the gist is that there’s a huge scam going on with certified checks within Craigslist. So the scammer sends you a certified check, but sends extra and asks you as a favor to make a payment to a third party. In my case, it was the movers who would supposedly be picking up the cabinets.

So you deposit the check in your account and withdraw the extra funds needed to make the payment. You pay the third party, and then a few days later the bank contacts you to let you know the certified check is phony. Bogus. False. FORGED!!! And you are out that money you paid to the third party, in my case….”the movers”. (And if you’ve sent merchandise, you’re out that merchandise too.)

“The result of these scams is that the fraudulent check will be returned unpaid. The bank will then deduct the amount of the check from your account or otherwise seek repayment from you, and you will lose either the goods that you sold, the money that you sent to the third party, or both.”

It was amazing how my scammer John followed the scenario of the scam in the article above to a ‘t’. He even asked me to consider the cabinets sold to him and take them down off Craigslist. I’m proud to say I told him I’d take the cabinets off Craigslist when I received his certified check. (Though in retrospect it wouldn’t have mattered a bit either way lol.)

Because by the time I figured it all out, my money to pay the movers (likely drafted into “John’s” bank account) would have been long gone. (As “John” relaxes in the shade of a coconut tree on a small tropical island, sipping umbrella drinks on my tab.) And these thieves are savvy in covering their tracks.

So the moral of the story is… never never NEVER agree to receive a certified check from someone on Craigslist. Because certified checks can be forged. Who knew? And only accept cash from someone local. That’s one way to protect yourself.

I’ve obviously got a strong justice gene, because I don’t want to see any of these scammers get a dime of my money or anyone else’s either. Which is why I just spent an hour of my free time on a Friday night writing this post. So you’ll know too.

So how did I deal with this situation with “John”? First, I immediately blocked his number on my phone. And hopefully that certified check is on its way to me by snail mail. And when it arrives, I’ll take it straight to my local police department and give them his phone number too. These scammer guys know how to cover their tracks though and the truth is he probably already knows I blocked his number and already ditched that number to avoid being traced.

So my cabinets are still up for sale on Craigslist and a local couple is coming to check them out tomorrow. (And yes, my husband Jon will be home.) That’s a whole different issue re:Craigslist. Always meet in a public place if possible and if you’re a woman especially, never ever have anyone come to your house when you’re home alone without another adult. It seems like common sense, but people do this all the time. And sometimes the results are disastrous.

So be safe out there in cyberland. And I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts, Craigslist experiences or tips/advice you might have re:buying and selling online.

And if you’re local and in the market for some nice oak cabinets, give me a jingle. (No certified checks s’il vous plaît. )

And P.S. Update: 4/13. Click here to see our finished kitchen!

XOXO,

Allie

The post Don’t Get Scammed on Craigslist Like I (Almost) Did appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.