"I've always tried to go a step past wherever people expect me to end up."
Beverly Sills
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thought of the Day
"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world."
Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball
Friday, January 23, 2009
FINALLY FRIDAY
It's my favorite day again!! I am so happy. I feel like I wish my week away so the weekend will arrive.
This weekend I am going to begin working on a home project that I have been wanting to do for quite a while. I will share with you my progress. Of course, I will be doing this on a strict budget.
My family is also celebrating my husbands birthday Sunday. It was 12/26 but with the holiday schedule everyone has we always celebrate a 2-3 weeks late. We are taking him to his favorite restaurant, Arigatos Japanese Steakhouse. I am looking forward to it.
Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday!
Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week
1) A Valentine Quickie - A thrifty idea to decorate your front door.
2) L. O. V. E. Shaped Candy Canes - A neat idea if you have any leftover candy canes from Christmas.
3) Thrift Store Shopping - Great tips for shopping thrift stores.
4) Photo Display - A simple but very neat photo display.
5) Going Potty for Pennies - My daughter is in the early stages of potty training. Maybe I should try this.
SWAGBUCKS - Earning more FREE Gift Cards
I just signed up for this Tuesday and I already have 9 Swagbucks. It is very simple to earnbucks. Just use their homepage or toolbar when doing a search on the internet. You can also earn Swagbucks by shopping through their site and receive 1 Swagbuck for every $5 you spend. Swagbucks can be used to buy anything from gift cards to electronics.
Please click HERE to join. You will receive 3 FREE Swagbucks just for joining. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What Did You Get for FREE This Week?
My mailbox has been empty this week. I haven't gotten anything really exciting except for:
- Family Fun magazine
- Tide-To-Go Pen Coupon
- More Address Labels
- Good Housekeeping Magazine
What did you get FREE or exciting things in your mailbox this week?
- Family Fun magazine
- Tide-To-Go Pen Coupon
- More Address Labels
- Good Housekeeping Magazine
What did you get FREE or exciting things in your mailbox this week?
Thoughtful Thursday
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ - Help an animal just by clicking.
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.
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.
FREE Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix
Sign up for the Betty Crocker newsletter and receive a FREE Sample of Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix. Click here to order.
Thought of the Day
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
Alice Walker
Alice Walker
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
6 FREE Valentine's Day Cards
Visit Stories by Everyone at Scrapbooksetc
All you need to do:
- Create an account.
- Choose your card.
- Upload a picture.
- Use Coupon Code - valentine at checkout which includes FREE shipping.
You do not have to enter any credit card information.
The site must be overwhelmed with hits. It is very slow.
All you need to do:
- Create an account.
- Choose your card.
- Upload a picture.
- Use Coupon Code - valentine at checkout which includes FREE shipping.
You do not have to enter any credit card information.
The site must be overwhelmed with hits. It is very slow.
Thrifty Idea - Plastic Grocery/CVS Bag
Interesting/Useful/Fun Website
mousesavers.com - Search for deep discounts on America's favorite family vacations.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY
General Mills Coupons
1 - .50 off Old El Paso Product
1 - .35 off Progresso Product
1 - .35 off Jenos Crisp 'n Tasty Pizza
1 - .35 off Totinos Product
1 - .50 off Green Giant Canned/Frozen Product
1 - .50 off Pillsbury Frozen or Refrigerated Dough Products
2 - .50 off any General Mills Products
All Coupons Expire - 12/31/09
To enter, please leave me a comment telling me what coupon you really look forward to winning. Please make sure I have a way of contacting you or include your email address. For an second entry, follow this blog and leave another comment letting me know you signed up.
A random winner will be chosen Sunday, January 25 at 9:00pm. The winner will be announced on Monday.
Country Egg Scramble
Ingredients:
1 lb. Small Red Potatoes, Cubed
6 Eggs
1/3 Cup Milk
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/8 Tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Butter or Margarine
8 Slices of Bacon, Crisp and Crumled
8 Medium Green Onions, Sliced (1/2 Cup)
Directions:
Heat 1" of water to boiling in 2 quart saucepan. Add potatoes. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until potatoes are tender; Drain.
Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper and set aside. Melt butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook potatoes in butter 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until light brown. Stir in onions and cooking approximate 1 minute. Stir constantly.
Pour egg mixture into skillet. When mixture begins to set on the bottom and sides. Lift up cooked portion and let liquid flow to the bottom. Avoid constant stirring. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are done. Sprinkle with bacon.
1 lb. Small Red Potatoes, Cubed
6 Eggs
1/3 Cup Milk
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/8 Tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Butter or Margarine
8 Slices of Bacon, Crisp and Crumled
8 Medium Green Onions, Sliced (1/2 Cup)
Directions:
Heat 1" of water to boiling in 2 quart saucepan. Add potatoes. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until potatoes are tender; Drain.
Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper and set aside. Melt butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook potatoes in butter 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until light brown. Stir in onions and cooking approximate 1 minute. Stir constantly.
Pour egg mixture into skillet. When mixture begins to set on the bottom and sides. Lift up cooked portion and let liquid flow to the bottom. Avoid constant stirring. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are done. Sprinkle with bacon.
Thought of the Day
"Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it."
Dr. Karl Menninger
Dr. Karl Menninger
Monday, January 19, 2009
Mulit-Use Item - Salt
Besides using salt to cook with. There are other things salt can be used for.
1) Remove odors from your hands.
2) De-ice your steps or driveway.
3) Set tie-dye.
4) Scrub away kitchen grease stains.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Thought of the Day
"To look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory."
Betty Smith
Betty Smith
Saturday, January 17, 2009
FINALLY FRIDAY - A DAY LATE!
Well, I completely forgot to do my Finally Friday post. It has been a very busy, cold week. It is suppose to be in the single digits in the morning. That is something that I am not use to at all. I would love to be laying on the beach somewhere with the sand between my toes and the warm sun on my face. A nice cold fruity cocktail would be nice too.
Stay warm and have a great weekend.
I'll see you Monday.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Carter's Coupon
Huge Sale This Weekend
All Clearance PJ's - $5.99
Super Duper Clearance Sale - $3.99 and Up
Click here to print a coupon for 20% off $50 purchase. Coupon can be used on clearanced items.
All Clearance PJ's - $5.99
Super Duper Clearance Sale - $3.99 and Up
Click here to print a coupon for 20% off $50 purchase. Coupon can be used on clearanced items.
Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week
1) Inauguration Party Ideas - Anyone having a party? Check out the ideas listed.
2) How Clutter Goes Unnoticed - Funny story about how you get so use to your clutter until someone else notices it.
3) Recycled Grocery Bag Snowman - How cute is this.
4) Valentine's Day Ideas - This list has covered everything for Valentine's Day.
5) Pepsi/Frito Lay Rebate - This makes a great deal with the sale items at Walgreens this week.
6) All That Kids Stuff - Thrifty ways to organize a kids room.
Thought of the Day
"You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside."
Dr. Wayne Dyer
Dr. Wayne Dyer
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thrifty Tip - Credit Card Debit
I am constantly trying to figure out ways to save and get myself out of credit card debit.
After reviewing my credit card statements last night, I became sick to my stomach at the APR. I decided "That's It, I'm Calling Them Tomorrow!"
I just picked the phone up, made 3 simple calls, and "snap" my rates have been decreased tremendously.
Give it a try! A simple phone call may work for you too!!
After reviewing my credit card statements last night, I became sick to my stomach at the APR. I decided "That's It, I'm Calling Them Tomorrow!"
I just picked the phone up, made 3 simple calls, and "snap" my rates have been decreased tremendously.
Give it a try! A simple phone call may work for you too!!
What Did You Get for FREE This Week?
Since the Johnsons coupons have been reset and there was one in the paper, I stocked up last week:
4 Johnson Buddy Soaps
2 Johnson Baby Shampoo - Trial Size
2 Johnson Baby Powders - Trial Size
6 Boxes South Beach Cereal Bars (Great deal at Walgreens)
What did you get for FREE this week?
4 Johnson Buddy Soaps
2 Johnson Baby Shampoo - Trial Size
2 Johnson Baby Powders - Trial Size
6 Boxes South Beach Cereal Bars (Great deal at Walgreens)
What did you get for FREE this week?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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
Anita Rodick, founder of The Body Shop
Sunday, January 11, 2009
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