Thursday, January 15, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday

Leave a comment on someones blog today. It doesn't have to be mine. Just let that person know that they do have readers. It is so nice to hear from you. Comments always brighten my day.

Thought of the Day

"He who has health has hope. And he who has hope has everything." Arabian proverb

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Eat Better America - $10 in Coupons


Click here to receive.

FREE Sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food


Click here to order.

Interview - Katie Roose - Experienced Scrapbooker

As I have stated before, I have begun to scrapbook. I have enjoyed working on my first scrapbook and I completed 12 pages over the weekend and I have almost completed my first album. As a beginner, I had lots of questions. None of my friends are scrapbookers so I decided to interview Katie from Three Blondes and a Redhead because she is an experienced scrapbooker.

Interview with Katie:

1. I noticed a picture on your blog showing a binder with your scrapbook pages instead of an album. Is there a specific reason you use an album?

I just started using the 3-ring binder scrapbook albums a couple of years ago and I LOVE them. They hold more pages, but the main reason I made the switch (I asked for a few for gifts each year so I didn't break the bank by transitioning all at once) was because on the spine of the binder is a tag where you can label what's IN the album. I was starting to get out of control albums and needing to peek through each one to try to find the layout or pictures I was looking for. Now I have them labeled (April, 2002 - September, 2003, for example) and they're really easy to reference.

2. Where do you seem to find the best deals on your scrapbooking supplies?

I started accumulating scrapbooking stuff slowly about 10 years ago. And at the time, I only bought from the scrapbook stores because Michael's and Joann's primarily carried stickers at the time. Now their selections are better and I save up my 40% coupon in the newspaper each week and go and buy one item at a time (unless there's a sale). It's the only way I can afford to keep up my "habit." :) But I've been known to drop $50 at a specialty scrapbook store before...it's so easy to do. Now I'm more careful with what I buy, try to get things that I can use for multiple projects and only spend the big bucks on stuff I LOVE. Don't save the 40% off coupons for big-ticket items only. I will use them for a $2 item if that's all I need at the time...and I'm not ashamed to admit it!

3) I am trying to be creative and thrifty and think of items that I already have that I can use in my scrapbook. I thought about using old Christmas and Birthday cards. I read that I should use an acid free spray. Have you ever done this? Do you have any other "thrifty" suggestions?

You know, I'm not sure I completely understand how the whole concept of "acid free" products work, but you have to keep that in mind before putting anything in your scrapbook. Maybe I just haven't had my pictures long enough and maybe the acid will eat them away over the years, but most scrapbooking supplies are safe nowadays. The problem with using greeting cards is that you don't know if they're acid free and safe for your scrapbooks, so you need to decide if that's important to you. (ie if you want your great-grandkids to look at the albums and see them exactly as you see them today with no fading, discoloration, etc.)
As far as using the adhesive spray, I have used it and it seems to work well, but it gets all over, so I'm not a huge fan. I'd just use your regular adhesive or find something a little stronger, like "Zots" brand glue dots. Those things are crazy strong.


4) What is your favorite scrapbooking item that you couldn't do without?

Hmmm...I don't know if I can pick just one. I have a list of my favorites that I'll share, though.

* My guillotine paper cutter is the best and I don't need to buy refill blades. I got turned on to that after using one at my office years ago, then found out that it wasn't much more expensive than the other paper cutters you see at the craft stores.
* I love my circle punches. I have them in a few different sizes and I use them for accents a lot.
* My inexpensive, grade-school ruler is probably my favorite tool, come to think of it. I measure so much on my layouts...I just can't "wing it."
* I love using letter stickers and rub ons. I usually only buy the white rub ons b/c I figure I can print black or other colored titles on my printer if I want, but I can't do white.
* I use photo corners a lot...like the ones they used back in the early part of the century? I like those.
* I also have a corner rounder to take the sharp edge off the corner of the picture. I like the variety, I guess.
* One last thing is my adhesive remover. It's a small square gummy-like product that pics up adhesive if you happen to get over excited with your tape runner.


5) Do you have any other tips to share for someone just beginning?

Here are a few starting pointers so you don't get overwhelmed:

* Work backward - Start with a recent event, like Christmas, and scrapbook that. Then do your trip to the pumpkin patch in October, then your kids' first day of school, then fun summer memories...you get the idea. If you start by scrapbooking your wedding and work forward, you'll never feel a sense of accomplishment. I'm convinced that's why people give up. I've never scrapbooked my wedding and, at this point, I may never get around to it. I did put together an "our marriage before kids" album when I got pregnant for the first time. That had a 2 page summary of our wedding, but covered everything from dating to deciding we wanted a baby and everything in between. Just decide what's important to you. A whole album about one day of my life isn't necessarily worth all of the time and effort, but my kids can peek at our early-marriage scrapbook and see how in love we were before they came along and complicated everything. ;) *I'm kidding.* But seriously, by working backward, I'm usually "caught up" with my scrapbook pages about twice a year. And, unfortunately, most scrapbookers always feel perpetually behind in this hobby.

* Keep a list - Another way I keep on task is to decide what I'm going to scrapbook and make a list of the events, then jot down which pictures I want to include. This summer, I didn't scrapbook much, but there were a ton of events: we had both kids' birthdays, tons of swimming pictures and family fun days that I wanted to remember, plus a million daily moments I knew I wanted to record. By September, I was so inundated that I sat down and made a list of what I wanted to scrapbook, primarily so I could order the pictures, but also so that I didn't have to go in chronological order if I didn't want to. I've continued using the list and it keeps me sane and on task!

* Stay organized - Keep your stuff in like piles/buckets/bins so it's easy to find. The last thing you want to do when you're scrapbooking is to spend an hour looking for your stuff. Don't run out and spend a bunch of money on organizational tools right away. First use baskets and containers you already have in your home (you'd be surprised what can be re-purposed), keep your eye open for good deals, decide what needs to have a more elaborate organizational system (I finally gave in and bought 12x12 paper trays online and can't remember how I lived before them!) then make your purchases from there. Also remember to check Craigslist and eBay for people trying to downsize their craft collection.

*Use idea books - I am an admitted scraplifter! I get ideas from sketch books all the time, whether I copy the layout exactly or just get a little inspiration to give my creativity a jump start. I love the sketch books that Becky Higgins has put out over the years. She also has a monthly sketch column in Creating Keepsakes magazine, which I subscribe to for additional inspiration. Not only are the sketches helpful, but I like Becky's clean, simple style. The focus of each layout is on the pictures, not all of the "stuff" added to the page.

*Don't buy tons of embellishments - When you DO buy embellishments, buy them for a specific layout or project. My new strategy is to print my pictures first, then bring them with me to the scrapbook store to pick out paper and embellishments. (I like to pick coordinating colors, personally) You'll establish a "stash" of extra stuff soon enough. You'll be surprised what's leftover after you use 1-2 cute things out of a package.

Good luck starting this amazing hobby! I read recently that someone labeled themselves "the family historian" and I loved that idea. It's not just a fancy way to store pictures for me...I spend time journaling about the memories I'm recording so the books can tell a story in years to come.

Thanks to Katie for a wonderful interview. I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I hope we have encouraged and inspired others to begin scrapbooking. I have enjoyed scrapbooking for the past couple of weeks. I have a sense of accomplishment when I finish a page. This is something that I plan to continue. I hope my scrapbooks will be enjoyed for years to come.

Interesting/Useful/Fun Website

kidsmealdeals.com - Find local kids-eat-free deals.

FREE Bottle of Suave - Today ONLY!!!


Suave is giving away a coupon, 1 per household, for a FREE product.
Today ONLY!
Click here to receive coupon for (1) bottle of Suave Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Spray, Styling Aid, Body Wash, or Body Lotion.

Thought of the Day

Give up on trying to control others.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Thought of the Day

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."

Katharine Hepburn

Monday, January 12, 2009

Multi-Use Item - Lotion


1) Get rid of clothing static - Put a small amount on your hands and rub over your clothes or pantyhose.

2) Polish shoes - Buff with a cloth to shine.


3) Get rid of frizz - Spread a little on your fingertips to scrunch in hair.


4) Shave - Out of shaving cream use lotion instead.

GIVEAWAY WINNER

GIVEAWAY WINNER
Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers: 8

Timestamp: 2009-01-12 13:10:20 UTC
Congrats!! The winner is Jeff Hughes.
We use the towels more often than anything else in our house.
An email has been sent to Jeff. He has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thanks to everyone who participated.

A new giveaway will be announced next week.

Thought of the Day

"If you do things well, do them better. Be daring, be first, be different, be just."

Anita Rodick, founder of The Body Shop

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Thought of the Day

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

Dr. Seuss

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Do You Have Points at MyPoints.com


If you have points sitting your account at mypoints.com ,redeem a gift card between now and January 15th and receive a FREE $15 FTD gift card.


Thought of the Day

"A lot of disappointed people have been left standing on the street corner waiting for the bus marked "Perfection."

Donald Kennedy

Friday, January 9, 2009

Finally Friday


I've never been happier that today is Friday. I have had the worse time getting out the bed this week. I do plan on sleeping late in the morning.

I can now officially say (if I haven't already) that Payton is now in the Terrible 2's!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that this doesn't last long. LOL

All I want to do this weekend is have a fun filled weekend at home. I think I am turning into a home-body in my "old" age. I wouldn't mind it if I didn't leave the house all weekend. Maybe the cold weather has something to do with it.

Have a great weekend and see you Monday!

Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week



1) Journal in a Jar - I love this idea. I may do this with my mom to pass on to my daughter one day.

2) Barley Lentil Soup - This sounds like a great thrifty recipe.

3) Monthly Inspiration Binder - What a great way to stay organized.

4) Banana Sour Cream Pancakes - Mmmm....my mouth is watering just looking at the picture.
5) Thirfty Treat - Bedtime Beauty - Just taking a couple of minutes of time for yourself is so enjoyable.
6) An Apartment Fire - A few posts to remind everyone that we should be grateful for what we have to appreciate everyone in our life.

SOY JOY BAR SAMPLE


Click here to receive your sample.

Thought of the Day

"Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly."

Langston Hughes

Thursday, January 8, 2009

FREE Suze Orman Book Download


Suze Orman will be on the Oprah Show today discussing financial plans for 2009.
Get your copy of Suze Orman's latest book, Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan, for FREE! Download Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan in English.* Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, January 15

Thanks Alisha for letting me know!

What Did You Get for FREE This Week?

It has been a very slow shopping week for me. I did not need to grocery shop but I did make it to CVS and I had 2 great transactions. I also received a surprise rebate check for $10 that I completely forgot about. I did receive a couple of FREE samples.



Cologate Total Toothpaste Sample
Post-It Note Sample
Right At Home Fall Prize Package - Ziploc Vacuum Sealer and Bags
FREE Lucky Magazine
2 - 3 Packs CVS Paper Towels
2 - CVS Bath Sponges
Sample of Flexitol Heel Balm
2 -Johnson Buddies Soap
6 - Reese's Whipps
2 - Trial Size Johnson's Powders

What did you get for FREE this week?

FREE Sample of Cream of Wheat


Click here for a FREE Sample of Cream of Wheat. You can choose between 4 flavors - Maple Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Swirl, Apples & Cinnamon and Strawberries & Cream.
Thanks to Freebies4Mom for sharing this FREEBIE.

Thoughtful Thursday

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/ - Visit this site today and give.



When you click, we display ads from our site sponsors. 100% of the money from these advertisers goes to our charity partners , who fund programs to provide mammograms to women in need.

Photo Deals

Do you still have Christmas pictures that you need to get developed? If so, check out the deals below:

Snapfish - FREE Shipping on orders of 100 or more 4" x 6" prints with Coupon Code - FREESHIP100. New customers automatically get 50 FREE prints just for setting up a new account.

Walgreens - 4" x 6" Prints for 10 cents each with Coupon Code FIFTY at checkout when you order at least 50.

Thought of the Day

"Integrate what you believe in every single area of your life. Take your heart to work and ask the most and best of everybody else, too."

Meryl Streep

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Thrifty Tip - Reuse Containers


My husband has heard me call him a packrat many times over the years. One of his obsessions is he loves to collect plastic containers (butter containers, Cool Whip containers, Pringles cans, Juice Bottles). I admit I have thrown several away while he wasn't looking. One family can only have so many.

Over the holidays, his obession with containers was put to good use. I used them to send home leftovers with guests, to store breakable Christmas ornaments, and freeze a few leftovers for us.

Interesting/Useful/Fun Website

http://www.yopta.com/ - Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant



Track fares on your preferred flights. Receive email alerts when fares drop. Also, it lets you know if fares drop after you have booked to inform you if you are entitled to a refund.

Thought of the Day

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

William Arthur Ward

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

FREE Sample of Quaker Mini Delights Rice Snacks


Click here to order.

GIVEAWAY



Kimberly Clark has provided me with 4 Coupons for FREE Scott Towels, Scott Tissue, Kotex Pads and Kleenex. Coupons expire 3/31/09.


All you need to do to enter is leave me a comment telling me which item you buy most often. Please include your email address. For a second chance, subscribe to
my blog.

The giveaway will close on Sunday, January 11, 2009. The winner will be announced Monday.

Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Beef
1 Large Onion, Chopped
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (I use 1-1/2 Cups)
1 Cup Milk
2 Eggs



Directions:
Heat oven to 400°. Spray pie place, 9" x 1-1/4" with cooking spray. Brown ground beef and onion in skillet over medium heat until done. Stir occasionally until beef is brown. Drain, add salt. Spread in pie plate; sprinkle with cheese. Stir together remaining ingredients until blended. Pour in pie plate. Bake about 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Thought of the Day

6Begin with a sincere compliment before giving criticism.

Monday, January 5, 2009

FREE Kraftmaid Kitchen Idea Book




Click here for your FREE Kraftmaid Idea Book and Planning Guide.

CVS Find

Be on the lookout!!

I found Monogrammed Napkins yesterday for .75 for a pack of 16. They are white with the monogram in khaki. A great item to have on hand for a holiday or a family dinner. This would also be a great item to include in a gift basket.

(They were hanging on the end of an isle.)

LADYBUGS!!!!!!!


When I was younger, I use to play with ladybugs. I thought they were so cute. I guess it had something to do with them being polka dotted. Needless to say, my opinion has changed.


I despise ladybugs!!!!!!

They are all over my house. It started about 2 years ago, right about the time Payton was born. They would start appearing in the fall and by winter they would be gone. I think every ladybug in the county decided to take up residence at my house. You could walk outside and you would be covered. You could walk in my house and you would see them on the ceiling, flying around lights, and laying in the floor dead. My MIL feared that Payton was gonna swallow one. I have found them in my dryer, my sink, my floor, in Christmas bags that I had fixed for gifts, and in Payton's bed. I have spent numerous hours vacuuming up ladybugs. They are so common that Payton will now point them out to us. Every night when she goes to bed she scans her ceiling and if she finds one I have to remove it from her room or she will not go to sleep.

They usually go away when the weather turns cooler and I have looked forward to that day for the past 2 years. This year, our weather has been very strange. It can be 35 one day and 60 the next. When it gets warmer, the ladybugs appear again!!


Do you have this problem? Do you have a solution?? HELP, I'm being invaded!!!

Thought of the Day

When you feel anxious, breathe deeply.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Friday, January 2, 2009

Finally Friday

Another week has quickly passed by. I have managed to get lots of things done at home since Christmas. I always seem to get in a organizing / clean out mood after the holidays. I have taken down and packed away all of my Christmas decorations. I have cleaned out and organized 2 closets and all drawers in 3 rooms. I have started working on a scrapbook for Payton. I think scrapbooks are great but I have always said that I didn't have the patience to do one. I have 6 pages complete so far and I am enjoying it. I try to work on it at least 30 minutes a day. I hope I continue.

This weekend I plan on visiting with some friends. I would love to go to the movies (something I never do) and see Marley and Me. I may continue to organize if I feel the need again and I plan on working on Payton's scrapbook.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday!!

What are your plans this weekend?

Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week


1) Inexpensive Invitations - Meredith at Like Merchant Ships shared a great if you ever need inexpensive invitations.
2) Cleaning in the New Year - I am not the only one that did some organizing after the holidays. Check out what KaseyQ did in l hour.

3) The Secret to a Good Self Photo - Photo tips that may come in handy for you.

4) Empty Wrapping Paper Rolls - Toys to create from what would be trash. These are great ideas.

5) Little Dipper Pizza Fondue Recipe - Great idea for a quick dinner or for a Super Bowl Party.

FREE Sample of Gold Bond Ultimate Soothing Lotion


Click here to request your sample.

Thought of the Day

Join a club made up of other women who share at least one of your interests.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

FREE Bottle of Suave - January 14 Only!!


Click here for the details.


I will remind you again on the 14th.

New Year's Resolutions




I don't usually make resolutions but this year I have decided to make a list of things I plan to do/change/or improve on. Wish me luck!


1) Plan a menu each week. I think this will save money but also it will end pity disagreements between my husband and I. We waste so much time trying to decide what to fix for dinner.


2) Pay off bills. I am starting the Debt Snowball by Dave Ramsey. I am on Step 2 of the Baby Steps. This will be hardest I'm sure.

3) I received some cash for Christmas and I have started me a "New Stove Fund". Anyone who would like to contribute, please let me know. LOL I am in desperate need of a new stove and I am going save enough cash to buy one. My husband doesn't know I am doing this. It's going to be my surprise.

4) Exercise more and lose a few pounds.

5) Get to work by 8:00 if not 5 minutes early every morning instead of 3-4 minutes after. :)

Have you made any New Year's resolutions? If so, let me know what they are.