TGIFF--Two Walker Bags

 

It's been a few weeks since I've posted a finish on Friday.  I had meant to post one of my pink walker bags, but now I have a second one complete.  I still have a blue one and a green one to complete.

We are making these in our Quilt Guild as a community service project.  They are being donated for auction and all proceeds go to help families of cancer patients with medical expenses.  Current count from the guild turned in is 40 bags....who knows how many more there will be when we meet again on the 26th, but I will have 4 of them done.

I'm also thinking of making up a few to list in my etsy shop--what do you think?

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Frugal Friday Link-Up--6 Uses for Soda and Cola

Pin ItWhew! Another whirlwind week around our house!

This week I want to share 6 used for soda and cola from the 99 Cent Solutions book:

1. Take rust off of chrome. Crush a piece of aluminum foil and dip it in cola, then scrub off those little dots of rust with ease.

2. Speed up a drain. Slowly pouring a whole 2 ltr. bottle of cola down the drain every once in awhile will help to prevent any clogs that may be forming. It's the potent carbonic acid in the cola that will keep your pipes free and clear.

3. Clean battery corrosion. Dip a rag in cola and wrap it around the battery terminals. Let it sit for several minutes and then scrub off any rust deposits and any cola residue with a damp sponge. The same trick works to loosen rusted-on nuts and bolts.

4. Restore stained porcelain. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of soda and let it sit for an hour. Scrub and flush. Your toilet will be good as new.

5. Get oil off of concrete. Sprinkle the oil spot liberally with sawdust or cat litter, working it in with a broom. Leave for half an hour to soak p the grease. Sweep this up and throw away. Pour enough cola to cover the area and work it in with a rag. Let this sit for half an hour. Mop it up with 2 tbsp. each of laundry detergent and bleach mixed with 2 quarts of warm water. (I've heard of using kitty litter, but sure didn't know about all the other steps that will completely clean the oil off the drive or garage floor.)

6. Keep flowers fresh longer. When putting flowers in a vase, add 1/2 cup of a clear soda, such as Sprite or 7-Up, to the water. The flowers will live for days longer than they would have with just plain water.

Have you post some good frugal tips, shopping trips, recipes, etc this past week? If so, please link them up. Inspriration to save is great for everyone.

Squidoo Hopping 3/15/12--Payday!

I'm working hard on getting myself back in to routines. It's not easy with everything that has gone on in our life lately, but if I don't get back to a good routine, I will go insane! No need for details because if you follow my blog and follow me on gather, you pretty much know what all is going on.

It was payday yesterday. Mine was $5.85 with .21 going to charity. Charity will continue to go up as I gt back in to updating lenses and choosing charities for those lenses I've not gotten to yet. I'm showing $5.88 in commissions from sales yet on my stats, so that is good.

Tell me about your earnings--in other words, inspire me to get to business with squidoo!

Since I did no updating or building last week, I'm going to list a couple of my lenses towards the bottom of my list that need a boost in this week's linky. I hope to see many link up this week. Thanks to those of you who are coming aboard to link up each week and thanks to new ones who join us.

Marsha

WIP Wednesday 3/14/12--Whew!

Wow! is about all I have to say about this last week.  Well, busy is another word, but honestly not anything new for me. 
I attended the Sit n' Sew Friday evening from 6-9 at the local quilt shop.  They have it once a month on the 2nd Friday evening.  I took the walker bags to work on.  I forgot the pattern, however, so only could work as far as I knew.  I have since finished one that I started.  I have 2 more to complete.  I didn't take a photo.


My Great Aunt Donna passed away on Saturday so this week has been all about her and family---including today as we went to clean out the rest of the place where she was living.  Can we say major WIP to look through the stuff and find it a home?  Not to mention the putting back together of the house that I already needed to do!


I got a start on the cross magnets, in fact, I finished 4 of them yesterday.  I worked on them while we drove to take my middle daughter back home after the funeral yesterday.  I even finished up 2 of the baby blocks this past week.  I do have a picture of those.

I worked on the scrappy quilt but very little.  I sewed some of what I had pinned, ironed those pieces and put more pieces pinned.  I didn't think it was enough to warrant a picture to share.


I didn't get any more work at all done on the flower print quilt I am making.  I sure intended too and I have my pink thread in the machine ready to work on it.


I guess otherwise, I just need to share my progress on the Granny A Day 2012 challenge.  It's day 74.  It's starting to fill in a bit now.  I am leaving it 19 squares long for now although I intended it to be 21 squares long.  I will decide on that later.  I can't see where 366 squares can come out even at all, so I am planning on a couple of pillows with the extra squares, especially if I leave it 19x17 squares.  

I am really late posting this today so I am going to close for now.  I am linking up with the following blogs:

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Antigingivitis Rinse Giveaway

Are you seeing red? When you floss or brush your teeth, that is….

If you are experiencing “pink in the sink” when you spit out your toothpaste, or blood on your dental floss, take heed.  People mistakenly think this is a sign that they are brushing hard/well or flossing efficiently, but bleeding gums is actually a symptom of gingivitis, and it is a warning sign that your gums need serious attention. 

Dentists estimate that 80% of us develop gum disease in our lifetimes, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. If left untreated, however, gum disease may progress to other oral health issues, including tooth loss (it’s the #1 reason for adult tooth loss!). Other studies and experts, including Dr. Oz, have also linked gum disease to heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and respiratory diseases, such as COPD.

While it can happen to anyone, the following raise the risk for developing gingivitis:

§         Poor dental hygiene

§         Pregnancy/puberty/menopause (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)

§         Uncontrolled diabetes

§         Genetics/family history (30% of general population susceptible to gum disease)

§         Smoking

§         Stress

§         Medications

§         General illness

Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits, and it is often painless, so bleeding gums may be your only symptom until it has progressed further along (other symptoms are swollen/tender gums, receding gums, and/or persistent bad breath).  Luckily, one of the early warning signs of the gum inflammation IS the bleeding you see when you brush or floss, so it is your body’s way of telling you something’s not right. If you have a family history of this issue or notice bleeding when you brush or floss, you should schedule a dental visit to evaluate your condition, as well as take steps at home by adding The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse to your oral care regimen.

              

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Mouth Rinse is clinically proven to:

• Reduce and prevent bleeding gums
• Protects against gingivitis
• Kill germs
• Reduces plaque
• Freshens breath
• Contains Aloe Vera gel as its active ingredient to help prevent bleeding gums
• Also contains other natural medicinal components such as Echinacea, goldenseal, calendula, and grapefruit seed extract that help calm gum inflammation

The Natural Dentist line is powered by nature, proven by science.  The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse DOES NOT contain alcohol or artificial ingredients, making it natural and healthy for your mouth.  However, unlike other natural products, The Natural Dentist tests its products in controlled studies. Universities, oral care experts, periodontists, and dental hygienists continually evaluate the products, ingredients and effectiveness. The Natural Dentist products are not tested on animals; research is conducted with human volunteers and laboratory tests. View research studies, publications and abstracts at http://www.stopbleedingnaturally.com/clinicalstudies.php.

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Rinse is available at all several major retailers nationwide including Walgreens, Rite Aid, Whole Foods and more for an average retail price of $7.49. To see a complete list of stores and the entire line of The Natural Dentist products, visit   http://www.stopbleedingnaturally.com.

Stay connected to The Natural Dentist on Facebook for healthy mouth info, product details and fun giveaways: www.facebook.com/thenaturaldentist

My thoughts:

My 15 yr old daughter was the first to try it.  She says that you can taste the aloe in it.  Next to try it was my 26 yr old daughter.  She commented on how the peppermint taste stays with you. (I see this as a good thing as far as keeping your breath fresh).   My daughter's husband tried it.  He thought it didn't taste bad at all.  He hasn't ever tried a mouthwash that didn't have alcohol in it.  He didn't think he would like it, but he did.

I was the last to try it.  I wasn't sure what to expect taste wise.  It's for sure not the usual mouthwash taste.  Actually, I think this is a good thing.  To me, it doesn't have that anti-septic taste that I just do not like in mouthwashes.   

For me it's the ideal product.  All other pertinent information is listed above.

Enter to win your own bottle using the rafflecopter form below!

Disclaimer:  I was sent a bottle of the rinse for the purpose of review.  I was not compensated in any other way.  Product for the winner is being provided by Robin Leedy Associates.  All opinions of the product are my own.  Information provided was sent to me by Robin Leedy Associates.

Frugal Friday Link Up--5 Uses for Shortening

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Here we are to another Friday. It's been a good week for being frugal.
I am excited that recyclebank is now "live" in my town. Not only can I earn points for our recycling, but it's increased our recycling. I was lazy on some things, not rinsing cans and such and just throwing them in the trash. Not any more...if it's recyclable it's going in to the cart. I hadn't thought much about plastic bag recycling since they can't be put in to the cart. I read over on the recyclebank website about recycling plastic bags in a bin at the grocery store. Ever since reading that, all plastic bags are now going to the store.
I'm feeling much better about our recycling efforts.

Today I am sharing 5 uses for shortening from the 99 Cent Solutions book:

1. Make a magic snow shovel. Before heading out to shovel the snow, smear a generous amount of solid vegetable shortening on your snow shovel. The snow will slide right off much more quickly.

2. Restore a pair of galoshes. Bring back the shine to your child's galoshes by polishing them with a dab of shortening on a clean rag.

3. Soften your feet. Save yourself more than a few bucks by softening your feet with shortening instead of the fancy foot creams. Shortening contains pretty much the same active ingredient at the fancy foot creams: fat or grease. Before bed, slather it on your soles and put on socks. In the morning you will have satiny soft tootsies.

4. Remove tar from fabric. Scrape off what you can with the edge of a credit card and then work shortening directly in to the stain. Let it sit overnight, then dab up the excess with a paper towel and treat the whole area with a grease remover. Launder as usual.

5. Tell the squirrels to take a hike. Is your bird feeder being raided by the squirrels? Grease the pole of the feeder liberally with shortening. Squirrels won't be able to climb the pole and will soon go find their food elsewhere, leaving the birds to eat in peace.


I hope you are enjoying these tidbits each week. I am loving this book, and I've learned several great tips along with my sharing here on my blog.

Now it's time for you to link up a blog post, or posts. Share those frugal tips and more with us. Thanks!

National Craft Month--Get Inspired With Cricut

In celebration of National Craft Month, Cricut is here to share creative DIYs to inspire you all month-long. Jazz up an old pillow, decorate your walls with giant flowers, share what’s for dinner with a handmade chalkboard menu, or create a beautiful bouquet that will last forever, because with Cricut you can create it.

Check out the photos and instructions for each project below.  Happy Crafting!

If you can’t get enough of National Craft Month, hop on over to Cricut's Facebook page or Pinterest boards for even more inspiration!




Disclaimer:  This information was sent to me as a public service on behalf of Provo Craft, makers of the Cricut, in celebration of National Craft Month.

Coupons66.com Review and Two Winners Too!

Coupons66 is your route to savings! Coupons66 is a FREE COUPON SITE. All fees associated with the website cover their labor and administration expenses.

I have looked all around the website and there are loads of coupons to choose from. I'm really impressed. She lists the newest coupons each week early too--usually by Saturday evening. You can get a jump start on the good ones!
If coupons are ordered before 3 pm, they are mailed out the same day. Shipping is very reasonable---usually only .50.

There is a minimum order of 5 coupons per coupon and older coupons come in sets of a minimum of 10. There is no limit to the amount of coupons you can order. Just beware that they are sold in sets, so when you put quantity 1 in the cart, you are getting the 5 or 10. In other words, if you want a total of 10 coupons, don't put 10 as the quantity or you will end up with 50 or 100! If you are searching for a certain coupon or for a product you use regularly, use the search at the top of the left side of the page. Credit/debit cards and paypal are accepted for payment.

*****New discount code: save
You may use this code at the checkout to receive instant 10% off ( min purchase $5.00)

*****NEW: Now you can collect points with each purchase. Collect 100 points and earn $10 coupon credits.



I'm thrilled to take part in this giveaway and be able to offer 2 of my readers gift codes worth $5 each. Just enter using the rafflecopter form below. Winners will need to contact me within 48 hours before I send their email address on to the site administrator. If not, another winner, or winners will be chosen.

Disclaimer:  Giveaway and gift codes are being provided by Coupons66.com.  Information was taken from the website--all thoughts are my own.  I will receive the same $5 gift code for hosting the giveaway.

Squidoo Hopping! 3/8/12

I have no title for today  :(   The best of intentions I am guilty of once again this week.
I seen Ruth's Latest 10 Lenses lens and got as far as making note of my latest 10 lenses built.  
I did this with the intention of building a This Day in History and then building the one about the recent 10.   This is a great idea, and when I get it built, I will be crediting the original person who thought of the idea.

This week, instead of posting my links within this post, I am going to just randomly add 2 lenses to the linky below.  I hope to see lots of others do the same  :)

 

Women's History Month: Knitting "Herstory" (giveaway included!)

International Women's History Day is today, Thursday, March 8. Be inspired by this year's theme, which is "Women's Education – Women's Empowerment".

Netgallery is doing their part with this just released, new video interview with STC Craft authors Joelle Hoverson, Melanie Falick, and Andrea Berman Price about crafting and women's empowerment. Please watch it below:


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I've asked myself this question-- "What is the special connection between womanhood and crafts?"
For me the special connection between womanhood and crafts is being a homemaker.  Part of being a homemaker is my ability to craft items for my home.  If you walk into my home, you will see items that I have made in every room in the house.  You will see tablerunners, placemats, coasters, hotpads, blankets and a lot more.
I believe it's important to start children young with crafting and to keep them interested.  Many think it's a dying art, but it is far from it.

Netgallery is graciously offering one of my readers who comment on this post an ebook edition of Michelle Edwards's incredible A Knitter's Home Companion.

To enter, just answer this question in the comment section: "How does knitting and crafting empower you?"

Winner will be chosen March 14th, 2012 at 9 pm CST.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.    Please make sure that I have a way to contact you if you win.

Disclaimer:  Video and information was supplied to me by Openroadmedia and netgallery.  I was not compensated for this review but will receive the same ebook as the winner.  Ebook is being provided via netgallery.