Life is Good! (blog award)

I'm so pleased that someone has chosen me to receive a blog award!

This one comes to me from my friend Ruthi of Poetic Creations by abitosunshine.   Thanks so much Ruthi!

Here are the things you have to do when you receive this award:

1. First, thank and link back to the person that gave the award.
2. Answer the 10 survey questions.
3. Pass the award along to other bloggers whom you think are fantastic.
4. Contact the bloggers you have chosen to let them know about the award.

1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you aren't anonymous, do you wish you started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now?

I didn't realize that I was blogging anonymously...at least in the way that my email wasn't shared in my blog profile.  I have since changed that!

2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side.

I guess you could say that I am stubborn in my endeavor to earn a living on the computer.  I've been at it for 14 years now and still don't have it!  Years ago there were so many wonderful reward programs out there and it was so easy to earn hundreds of dollars in a month.  It's gone way down hill and I have switched to other endeavors online.  I'm getting there slowly, mostly through my blogging, but still not even close to making what could be called a living.

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror?

Yep.....someone who is getting older......one things I plan to do with the new year is to get back to using the numerous beauty aides in my cabinet.  I've rec'd them over time to try and review, but stopped using them after the reviews were done.

4. What is your favorite summer cold drink?

Dr. Pepper....that's my drink all year long!

5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

Time for myself?  What is that?  Life has been crazy for me of late always out going and doing for others.  When I am home, I am trying to do housework first, but generally look forward to a full evening of just sitting in front of my computer.

6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life?

stated above.....to earn a living online.  I'm working on things right now....getting myself more known out there....started up an etsy store.....advertising myself in some social networks.

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching?

I pretty much kept to myself in school.  I did end up pregnant as a junior is high school.  I was always on the honor roll.

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?

The birth of my first child...keep them closed to see the births of my other 3 children....and now 7 grandchildren.

9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog, or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people and events?

I used to share my day each day in my blog here when I first started.  I've pretty much gotten away from that part of it.  Of myself, all I mostly share now is my crafts I am working on.   I do share personal blogs over on sidetick each day.  What I've done during the day, rants, etc.

10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?

Considering that my mother calls me 15+ times in a day, I can honestly say I would rather read a book.  In fact, I just took on the 2011 challenge to read 52 books in 52 weeks.  Click the link at the top of my blog to read more about it.  I'm looking forward to doing the best I can to read one book (and review it) in the year 2011.


Having accepted the Life Is Good award from Ruthi, I am passing it forward to: 

Household Cents


Being Frugal and Making it Work


Dnbuster's Place


Confessions of a Thrift Store Shopper


Every Day Crochet

WIP Wednesday 12/29/10

Welcome to work in progress Wednesday in conjunction with Every Day Crochet.   Please click the button at the bottom of my post to play along, or check out what others have been working on.

I did finish the toothbrush rug I was working on and it's now listed in my etsy store. You can check it out here if you would like.
I started another, but only have the initial braid done, so I didn't take a photo of that.







I got out the strips and squares for the strip quilt I am working on for sewing club at church. I had finished sewing on the strips on 4 squares at our last meeting. (haven't trimmed them down yet).  I sat in front of this computer and pinned on the first 2 strips on each of the other 24 squares that will go into the quilt top.

I also got some of the squares cut to use on the next strip quilt I am going to make myself.  I needed to cut the squares to see how much of the black sheet I would have to use to finish up that toothbrush rug.  Well, for the size I am making, I am 23-10 inch squares short.  I will have to find another sheet to cut later.  I barely had enough of the black left over to finish the last round on the rug, but I made it!

I have a whole list of things that I want to get made before March 19 when I am taking part in a monster garage sale at the state fairgrounds.  Want to see what all is on my list?  You can find it here in one of my blog's on sidetick.  It's extensive, but if I keep on keeping on, I can complete everything in time.   Stopping in Early Today

Don't Miss Extreme Couponing!!!

I can't wait until 8 pm EST this evening to watch Extreme Couponing on The Learning Channel!!

I am thankful that due to the holidays we don't have the usual choir practice this evening and I will be able to watch it.   I've been looking forward to it ever since I first read about it being on.

Nathan Engels (MrCoupon)(of weusecoupons) along with three other people will be featured.

He built something that was about 15 feet tall!!  They filmed it's creation and it was almost entirely donated to local foodbanks!  TLC also filmed their giving aspect of couponing!!  During this episode theye donated around $6000-$7000 in product to a fantastic pantry!!!  (we share this not to brag, but to lead by example, giving is such an amazing aspect of couponing!!!)

They also interviewed Amanda (who is one of the Couponers on the show) and some of her interviews are already available on FrugalTV (their YouTube channel - click the frugal tv banner!!)

Today they are uploading 20 new episodes/interviews to their YouTube channel, so I encourage you to check it out and subscribe!  I can't wait to go watch them myself!!

Click this banner to check out weusecoupons and sign up so you don't miss out on the good deals.  It's an awesome forum.

Click this banner to check out frugaltv....you won't be sorry!

cinch!--Book Review

Cynthia Sass, the creator and co-author of the New York Times Bestselling Flat Belly Diet presents her new break-through, 30-day weight loss program Cinch! targeted to end overeating, leaving dieters feeling full and satisfied while enjoying the best food combinations to burn fat and boost metabolism.
Cinch! by Cynthia Sass, M.P.H, R.D. and co-author of Flat Belly Diet
Conquer cravings, drop pounds, and lose inches
Stop counting and start living.

I want to say from the get go....if one of your New Year's Resolutions is to lose weight, this is a must have book.  You can find it on amazon here Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches
.  Just out today, December 28, 2010!!

I jumped on the chance to sign up with one2one network to review this book.  I didn't want the book for myself, but instead for my 14 yr old daughter.  For some reason she just keeps gaining weight.  I can see pretty much that it's because she eats almost constantly and isn't very active just sitting in front of her computer most days....or riding in the car with me.

I wanted to see what Cinch! was all about.  What I found out is that it's all about a whole lot!!

My daughter really wants to try the Cinch! plan.  The plan starts out with a 5 day fast forward program, in which you can lose up to 7 lbs in those 5 days.  It's based around just 5 foods, along with approved beverages and approved seasonings.
If you so choose, you can skip this part and go right in to the Cinch! core plan.
If you choose to do the fast forward, you then would do 25 days of the core plan.  If not, then 30 days of the core plan.

I am just so impressed with this book.  The nutrional advice, guidance and education alone makes this book priceless to me.  I learned so many things I didn't know as I turned each page.
I do not need to lose weight....just the opposite in fact....I need to gain weight.  One thing I learned was the importance of maintaining scheduled times to eat to fuel my body.

Let's go back to the 5 day fast forward plan.  You are given a shopping list as well as recipes for those 5 days.  Now, you use the same recipes each day for the 5 days.  You can mix them up for variety over having the same thing each day at each time.
There is a test in the book to help you determine if you should do the fast forward, or just start in with the core program.
I've asked my daughter if she was sure she wants to try this.  Her answer time and time again is a resounding YES!  We've not started with it yet as we are gathering up the groceries, but we are well on our way.

The next step is the 25 day core program.  With it, you use the same 5 foods, plus a lot of others.  Cynthia Sass has provided over 100 recipes in the book for cover breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner and beverages.  You even get to indulge each day with dark chocolate...yes, every day!  Recipes are included for some great dark chocolate treats as well.

As you are doing the core program you will learn what the "puzzle pieces" are so that after the 30 days you can stay on the right track with the program.
Are you worried that you are away from home too much to stick with a time schedule for meals and snacks?  Not to worry, she covers this in the book as well.  She even gives you ideas of what to order when you go out to eat at a restaurant.

One chapter is dedicated to questions that you might ask...with the answers.  As I stated earlier, the information in this book is phenomenal.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a better reign on their health, whether they want to lose weight or not.

You can find Cynthia Sass and the book at these links:

• Cynthia's Bio  »
• Cynthia's Weight Loss Blo  »
• Cynthia Sass on Twitter  »
• Cynthia Sass on Facebook  »
• CynthiaSass.com  »
• Cinch!  »

Disclaimer:  I was not paid to do this review, all opinions are my own.  I was sent a copy of the book through one2one network for the purpose of my review.
 

Giveaways Linky Tuesday

Happy Tuesday to all.  It's time to share your giveaways!

The linky remains active until the following Tuesday, so feel free to list all throughout the week.

Please make sure to list the prize as well as the end date.

Thanks and good luck!

Mailbox Monday 12/27/10

I am late getting this posted today.  Please join in on the fun and/or see what others have gotten free this past week by clicking the button at the bottom of my post.

Slow week for mail this week for sure, especially with a day off.  I did get some good things.

magazines: Newsweek, Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated.
3 Christmas cards--Thanks!
envie that included coupons for me and a Kentucky postcard for Jasmine's 50 States book--Thanks Lisa!
Cinch!--Book to review for one2one network
Check for some books I sold through homeschoolbuy

In my email this week:  $3.50 paypal from matrixmails.  I also got a last minute order of a fabric bag through my etsy store.

That's all folks  :)

My Frugal Christmas 2010 Part 5

I am going to include my baking and food making this year as part of my frugal Christmas, which I will explain below.

Normally I wouldn't consider the food goodies to be frugal.  I usually would have spent more money on food items than I did on all the rest of the gifts!  In past years, I've had food stamps, so there was no actual cash going out of my pocket.  I'm sure that's why all those years ago I even started baking bread and cookies and making some kind of candies and such.

I was worried this year as to how I was going to do the baking.
Here is a photo of the total of 11 boxes I fixed up.....whew!  got them done about 1 pm this afternoon.

Now for the fun part.  The Lord works in mysterious ways and does provide!!
I was chosen to do a giveaway through myblogspot with Chex cereal and Kroger.  The prize package included a $25 Kroger card to make my favorite Chex cereal holiday recipe.  I've been making the Muddy Buddies for a few years now.  These were TOTALLY paid for, including the Ziploc bags with the gift card!  Plus, there was some left over for a few other groceries as well.

I "cheated" this year on the cookies.  I used Krusteaz cookie mixes.  They were on sale at my store for .99 a box and there were $1 coupons out!   I had 6 coupons, and therefore got 6 boxes of cookies mix free (just paid the sales tax).   I did peanut butter and frosted sugar cookies (powdered sugar for the frosting was left over from making the Muddy Buddies)

Then, I won a blog giveaway for a $25 Del Monte gift certificate good on fresh fruits and veggies.  The bananas for the banana bread all came from that (along with 3 pineapples and 9 large tomatoes).

Steve bought the ingredients I was missing.....1 dozen eggs, 2 boxes of stick margarine and a bag of brown sugar.

And, even the boxes I used I didn't pay much for.  They were all part of a larger bag full of the boxes, plus some gift wrap that I picked up at my church Christmas fundraising sale for just $1!

So.....how did I do?  I want to say again, that God works in mysterious ways...and here's proof that he listens to prayers and does provide!

Here is wishing all my readers a very Merry Christmas!!

Marsha Seiberling's blog - Would You Please Give Us a Vote?

Marsha Seiberling's blog - Would You Please Give Us a Vote?

WIP Wednesday 12/22/10

Welcome to this week's WIP Wednesday in conjunction with Every Day Crochet.
(click the button at the bottom of my post to join in the fun)

This week has still been a lot of preparing for Christmas.  I need to be having a work in progress of baking cookies and making my Muddy Buddies.  I did get the banana bread baked so far, but that's it.  Oh oh  3 days until Christmas!

I did some My Frugal Christmas posts in 4 parts.  Part 4 has the photo of the completed hot pads.
I also had a last minute order for a fabric bag that had to be put together and mailed out.

I did get some more scrubbies made.  I made taking netting along with me while running others around my project.  I finished about 9 of them and added them to my jar.  As you can see, I still have a long ways to go to fill the jar.

I also got in some more work on my current toothbrush rug.  I hope to have it completed before next week's post and listed in my etsy store.  I posted scrubbies in my etsy store.  As I get 4 of a color I am listing them there.

That's it for this week.....I want to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas!!

Giveaways Linky Tuesday

Christmas is just around the corner and there are lots of great giveaways still going on!

Look at the list below to find some to enter.

List your own giveaway if you are having one.  Please list the prize and end date.

Most of all.....have fun and good luck!

Mailbox Monday 12/20/10

Mail's been good this week again.
Magazines:
People
Time
Sports Illustrated
Entertainment Weekly
Good Housekeeping
Newsweek
Other mail:
Spent (book) redeemed for with pointsandprizes.com
Birdseye .50 coupon
6 free coupons for Healthy Request soups from shespeaks
Kashi Go Lean cereal sample box with coupons from vocalpoint
coupon train
Pillsbury 2011 calendar
Jerky Direct autoship (price covered by my downline)
(items above aren't pictured as some of the  magazines are still at my mom's)

In the Pink prize package that I won in a blog giveaway (pictured below)  includes coupons for 5 free products.
Also pictured below:   Lego Set I redeemed for with clubbing.com








In my email:  $10 paypal from gather and $4.92 paypal from squidoo.

My Frugal Christmas 2010 Part 4

As the last of my banana bread for this season is baking, I thought I would get part 4 of my frugal Christmas this year posted.

It seems I've been working on these hot pads for months...I'm sure it's only been a couple of months.

I used leftover materials from the quilts that I gave my kids and grandkids last year.  I hope you will visit my squidoo lens all about them at Blankets For Christmas.

When I was cutting the material last year for the quilts, I was throwing away the smaller pieces of fabric.  It was actually my boyfriend that pointed out as to why I wasn't making 2 inch squares to use some time later.  Well, go Steve!  
I had what seemed like piles of them in my dresser drawer.


While we were at Wal-Mart one day there was some of the Insulbrite material in the remnant bin.  I picked it up quickly, knowing I had been wanting to make hot pads/pot holders with those small squares.  I don't remember the exact cost, but it was right around $6.

I also did pay $1.97 for the package of plastic rings that I sewed to the back of each one.

All of the women on my list are getting a set of 2 this year.  My daughter's boyfriend is also getting a set since he recently bought a house.  (Can't wait to see his reaction when he opened them  he he)


What do you think?   Sure looks like a load of them when I put them all down for the photo once they were done!

I'm thinking of doing a part 5 with my Christmas goodies, but I'm not sure yet.  It's turned out to be more frugal than most years, so I probably will  :)   Just wish me luck on getting all the baking done this week!

My Frugal Christmas 2010 Part 3

Welcome to part 3 of my frugal Christmas this year.

By accident I had discovered making the fabric bags when someone contacted me asking if I could make them.  From there it blossomed to me making one for each of 5 grandchildren for their birthdays this year.  Filled with goodies of course.

I decided that for Christmas I would make my other 2 grandchildren, as well as my niece and nephew each one as well.

Below is the photo of just the bags--Thomas for my 3 yr old grandson, Cash--Scooby Doo for my 9 yr old grandson, Tristian---pink and brown sparkly for my 11 yr old niece---and KU for my 16 yr old nephew.

Below is the photo with the contents in each.  I now have these wrapped and ready to go.

 I'm not sure how well you can see, but the body wash and body spray I had gotten at Walgreen's using coupons and receiving back full price in register rewards.  The deoderant was part of a sale and coupon deal at the grocery store  and I paid just 5 cents for it.

My 9 yr old grandson is getting the same school supplies that the other are getting in a box, just inside his bag instead.

My niece is getting a Teddy Bear that I paid $1.79 for at a close-out store, body spray I paid $1 for, a ruler that was 5 cents, and body wash that I just paid sales tax on after sale and coupon.

My 3 yr old grandson is getting 2 tray puzzles and an activity book boubht at Walgreen's 3 for $1.  Another activity book I paid 25 cents for on clearance.  A box of crayons that I paid 25 cents or less for and a Tonka tractor that I paid .50 for at a yard sale.

As far as the bags....each takes 1/2 a yard of material.  The most expensive was the KU licensed material at $3 plus.  The Scooby Doo was $2.24 and the brown and pink was $2.22.  The Thomas material was given to me by a gal at church.

I strive on finding bargains, and I love making home made Christmas gifts.  These fulfill both!

Part 4 will be the hot pads I am almost done with!  Stay Tuned!

Santa Savings with Cellfire and Kroger!!

This doesn't start until tomorrow, but I wanted to get the word out!

Cellfire is running another special promotion for Kroger stores this week. Their Santa Savings campaign will launch at 10AM Pacific on Thursday, December 16 for four hours (it ends at 2PM Pacific). Anyone with a Kroger or Kroger-owned loyalty card who logs in will receive a $$ off coupon. The fun starts when they login to see whether they've won a $0.50, $1.00, $2.00 or $5.00 coupon of their next shopping trip. Please see the attached graphic for details.



These Coupons are for Kroger and Kroger-owned stores.

HERSHEY’S KISSES brand Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy any two bags of HERSHEY'S KISSES chocolates 7.5oz. or larger.

Colgate® Wisp® Save $.75
Save $0.75 on any Colgate® Wisp® 4 count or larger.

PILLSBURY® Rolled Pie Crusts Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO packages of Pillsbury® Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts.

PILLSBURY® Frozen Grands! Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any TWO Frozen Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits.

Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables Save $.60
Save $0.60 when you buy THREE any variety Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables.

Just for One® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any variety Green Giant® Just for One® vegetables.

PILLSBURY® Sweet Rolls Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Sweet Rolls OR Grands!® Sweet Rolls.

Pillsbury® Crescents Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls.

PILLSBURY® Refrigerated Grands! Save $.30
Save $0.30 when you buy TWO any size/variety Refrigerated Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits
.
PILLSBURY® Italian Meal Bread Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Italian Meal Breads (Includes any Loaves, Breadsticks, Dinner Rolls, and Pizza Crust).

PILLSBURY® Cookie Dough Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough.

Progresso® Soups Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO CANS any flavor Progresso® Soups.

Nature Valley® Granola Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor/variety Nature Valley® Granola Bars (excludes Nature Valley® Granola Thins).

Betty Crocker® Fruit Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot®, Fruit Gushers® OR Fruit Roll-Ups® fruit flavored snacks.

Chex® Cereals Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Chex® cereal listed: Rice Chex® Corn Chex® Wheat Chex® Honey Nut Chex® Chocolate Chex® Multi-Bran Chex® Cinnamon Chex®.

Fiber One® Chewy Bar Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® Chewy Bars OR Fiber One® 90 Calorie Chewy Bars.

Honey Nut Cheerios Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE BOX Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal.

Lucky Charms® Cereal Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE BOX Lucky Charms® cereal.

Green Giant Bagged Vegetables Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any variety 19 OZ. - 24 OZ. ONLY Green Giant® Frozen Bagged Vegetables.

Betty Crocker Cake Mix/Frosting Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy BOTH Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Cake Mix AND Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting (any flavors/varieties).

PILLSBURY® Holiday Cookies Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Refrigerated Holiday Cookies.

Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any variety Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers® frozen vegetables.

Chex Mix® Treats Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Chex Mix® Treats, Golden Grahams® Treats OR Milk 'n Cereal Bars.

Betty Crocker® Potatoes Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any flavor Betty Crocker® boxed Potatoes (Except Potato Buds® and Betty Crocker® Pouch).
 

New Coupons this week at Coupons.com!!

New coupons available this week at coupons.com!   Good stuff.  Happy savings!

$5.00 off on ONE (1) REMBRANDT Kit
$0.50 off any TWO (2) Plum Organics Baby Products
$1.00 off on any ONE (1) Gorton's Shrimp item
$3.00 off TWO (2) boxes of WONKA Exceptionals
$1.00 off on 2 Any Spic and Span Product
$0.55 off one (1) package of ARMOUR Pepperoni
$2.00 off any LISTERINE ZERO™ Mouthwash
$1.00 off HP ColorLok Paper
$1.00 off Spot Shot Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator
$0.55 off any one package of Treasure Cave cheese
$0.55 off on any one (1) package of Stella cheese
$0.55 off on any one (1) package of Frigo cheese
$4.00 off Any Benefiber Product
Buy One Get One Free box of WONKA Exceptionals
$2.00 off any one (1) Triaminic product
$1.00 off ON ANY ONE (1) FLEXITOL PRODUCT
25% off (up to $36) only at www.tryboda.com
$5.00 OFF any size HP Photo Book
$1.00 off when you buy InStyle magazine
$1.00 off Any Three (3) STOUFFER'S Entrées
$1.00 off on any ONE (1) TENA Product
$1.00 off TWO (2) Boxes of Ronzoni Smart Taste
$1.00 off one (1) Starburst Sweet Gamebook
$0.75 off Pledge Multi Surface product
$1.00 off one (1) LIFESAVERS Gummie Wreaths
$1.00 off any LISTERINE for Kids product
$2.00 off on any Slo-Niacin
$1.00 off on AmLactin Foot Cream Therapy
$2.00 off AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion
$1.50 off 2 DOVE Chocolate Bags (8.5oz. - 9.5oz.)

Free Samples of Emergen C, Slim Fast, Gas X and Ester C!!

Simply click the links below for each sample.

If you aren't a member of FreeFlys, I strongly encourage that you sign up.  Nothing beats free!!

Free sample of Emergen C BLUE®:

Free sample of GasX® Thin Strips:

Free sample of Ester C® Gummies:

Free sample of Slim Fast® Peanut Butter Crunch snack bar:

Hurry before supplies are exhausted!

WIP Wednesday 12/15/10

Good morning, and welcome to WIP Wednesday in conjunction with Every Day Crochet.   Click on over from the button at the bottom of my post to join in on the fun and see what others are up to.

10 days until Christmas!!!

I did finish sewing up the fabric bags that I am using for gifts this year.  I took a photo of them completed.  Hey, I even filled and wrapped them too.  If you are checking out my frugal Christmas blog posts, they will be the next segment there.

I'm still working on the 18 total hot pads that I am making for gifts.  There shouldn't be any reason I don't get them finished this week as well....and wrapped up.  I'm not used to Christmas being this close and me still having gifts to finish and/or wrap!  I just have 3 more to pin, then to sew the rest....and put on the plastic circle on the backs.

Sitting here I also did quite a bit more work on my current toothbrush rug.   I was able to bring home a lot more cut up sheets from sewing club yesterday, so I have enough materials to make at least 2, maybe 3 more rugs on hand.  I'm excited about that.  I love making them....and listing them in my etsy store.  

That's it for this week.  I'm off soon to Headstart because santa is going to be there and I'm taking my little grandson to see him with his sister Willo.   After that I hope to get my sewing machine back out and back to work on the hot pads.  The more I get sewn, the more circles I can put on the back this evening while sitting in the living room.




 

Giveaways Linky Tuesday

Are you hosting a giveaway or giveaways?  Please visit each Tuesday and link them in the linky.

Please post the name of the giveaway and the end date.  Link directly to the giveaway post, not to your blog in general.

Linky is active until I post the next one each week.

Have fun....good luck....and Thank you!

My Frugal Christmas 2010 Part 2

Part 1 were boxes for the kids.  Part 2 are boxes that adults get from me.

Any of you that follow me know that I shop Walgreen's all throughout the year getting good deals with register rewards and coupons.  A lot of what Walgreen's offers are health and beauty aids.  All of my adult children, and their boyfriends and girlfriend expect a health and beauty aid box from me.  This year they are even fuller than usual.

Each of the men get a body wash, a razor a deoderant and dental floss this year.  Each woman gets a razor, or package of razors, deoderant, dental floss, a bar of Neutrogena face soap and a body wash.
For the men other things are mixed in...the box in the photo has shave gel, where another box has body spray.  For the women some get lip balms or gloss and body spray, some just the lip or spray.  

As I said in Part 1, I didn't keep track of what I paid as I should.  I do know that I only paid sales tax after sale and coupon for each of the dental floss (7 cents)  The Right Guard deoderants for the guys only cost me 5 cents each plus the sales tax after sale and coupons.
Some of the body washes are the same....just sales tax.   The majority of the rest I used a coupon for in conjunction with getting full price, or close to it back in register rewards.

Stay tuned for Part 3

 

Mailbox Monday 12/13/10

 

I had a good week!
Magazines:  People, Sports Illustrated, Time, Forbes, Newsweek, and Car & Driver
Book: Sword of the Darrow (this came to Jasmine from the Young Reviewers Circle to read and review)
Samples:  Shout Color Catcher and bag of Purina O.N.E.
Three Christmas cards
envelope of coupons (thanks!)
From Listia: small jewelry bags and Christmas cards
Commission Check from Jerky Direct
Starbucks $10 gift card from gsn.
8 additional pieces of mail from hausernet

In my email:
$20 total paypal from gather
$5 amazon from swagbucks

Join us each week in conjunction with MyFrugalFriend and share your mailbox freebies and/or check out what others have gotten in the mail free.

Chex and Kroger Winner Announcement!

Thanks to all who entered the Chex/Kroger giveaway!  One lucky winner has been chosen using random.org.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.

Without further ado......the winner is........

and.......commenter 16 was............

Karen said... 16 I buy Corn, Rice & Wheat Chex as we all are mad crazy for Chex Party Mix at the holidays. I have always wanted to make the Muddy Buddies cuz I love anything with peanut butter. :-)

~K


Congrats to Karen!!


I hope to be doing another giveaway soon!

Swap-A-Shop with abitosunshine

Ruth Cox of abitosunshine (and more!) is offering a Swap A Shop!   If you are interested in Swapping A Shop, please contact Ruth via her blog.  Just click the button at the end.

You can see her interview with me here:

Swap A Shop Interview With Marsha's Spot

 

I originally met Ruth through gather.com.  From there, it's bloomed into the blogging world and numerous other social networking websites.  Ruth is a wonderful writer.  She puts her poetry with great photos to match.  You will want to check out her cafeexpress store.

 

My interview with Ruth:

Tell me about your online shop at cafepress.

Poetic Creations by abitosunshine are a combination of my poetry and my graphic design. I create the items to sell at CafePress (http://cafepress.com/abitosunshine)

I've always enJOYed using my poetry and my graphics to spread a bit o' sunshine, online and offline, and CafePress does a wonderful job with the products that I design, which gives me another way to reach into the lives of others with the warmth o' the sun and hopefully share a bit o' wisdom.

When did you start writing?

Seriously writing? When I got my first computer in 1999. But honestly, I attribute my current creativity to the past year or so of spending my time at Gather.com. The peer group there is fabulous; members are supportive, encouraging, and willing to tell it like it is if you're willing to listen, and I am. (Most of the time..:-)

How do you come up with the inspiration for your poems?

A thought, a feeling, gather group writing challenges and prompts, something someone says or does, a photo, nature, animal antics, anything and everything ... and I have a favorite aMUSEr who keeps me motivated.

I love the photos that go along with your writing...what inspires you to choose certain ones?

Thanks Marsha! My poetic creations seem to be a favorite of those who regularly view my work. Often, I write a poem and go in search of a photo that represents what I've felt in what I've written. Other times I see a photo and a poem starts writing itself in my mind.

What other things do you enjoy doing online when you aren't writing?

Reading what others are writing and sharing in the many social networks I'm a member of, although, Gather is my favorite place to be doing such, as the talent there is immensel and diverse. I enJOY just surfing personal websites and dropping a bit o' sunshine into the guestbooks of friends and strangers. I also belong to a half dozen web groups where I have been socializing and/or writing for over a decade now.

Over a year ago I became unemployed and began building my business -- abitosunshine Hosting and Design -- I host web sites and domains, design and/or maintain web sites. It's slowly building into a good business and I am learning so much along the way. I also design and sell my graphics and poetry on request.

And I spend a couple of hours a day doing things to earn online, other than my paying social sites.

What do you enjoy doing that doesn't involve being on the computer?

What, is there life other than that shared on a computer? My favorite thing is to spend time with my dog, Tidbit, be it just playful lovin' around the house or in the yard or a walk in the park or just taking her for a ride -- she loves to go bye-bye. Before computer, I did all sorts of needlework and sewing, but rarely make time for these things now. I do, however, always have a jigsaw puzzle going. I just finished a killer whale puzzle and am now working on a Kim Norlien "Sanctuary" jigsaw.

I also love to read, and, of course, write book reviews. However, my eyes fail to cooperate all the time, so my time is limited in how much reading I can do. I think I've strained them from staring at a computer screen all these years!

With friends, I enJOY getting together for food and a Bud Ice and shooting a few games of pool. I used to shoot on a league, for years, but haven't done that the last couple of years.

List other places on the internet where we can find you.

My 4 blogs:

http://abitosunshine.blogspot.com

http://ruthireads.blogspot.com

http://abitosunshineloveandwriting.blogspot.com

http://cafepressabitosunshine.blogspot.com

Website: http://abitosunshine.net

CafePress: http://cafepress.com/abitosunshine

http://ruthcox.gather.com/

http://reviews4reviews.com/

http://twitter.com/abitosunshine

http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/296462/ruth_cox_aka_abitosunshine.html

http://www.facebook.com/abitosunshine

http://www.mylot.com/?ref=abitosunshine

http://www.sidetick.com/signup.php?signup_referer=36427

http://smile.ly/?refid=25639

 

"Wow! You Saved How Much?" Winners Announced!

Sorry for the delay in getting my winners chosen.

1st person wins a hardcopy of the book!  Please send me your mailing address ASAP.

Winner of the hardcopy of Wow! You Saved How Much? is:

April said... 7

I learned that Renita is a SAHM The 2 winners of the ebooks are:

abitosunshine said... 6

Hey Marsha! Great giveaway! Don't forget to add this book giveaway to my B-Y-G-B linky list for December. :-)

Alexandra Knaub said... 11

Something I learned: She made her husband happy using coupons- she has to be doing something right! (not saying her husband is hard to please, but from experience the hubby is always a skeptic when it comes to couponing!) Please note that all non-winners will be contacted as well with a code to buy the book, or e-book if you would like!

 

My Frugal Christmas 2010 Part 1

I thought I would share with my readers some of my Christmas.  Having lived poor all my life, all of my Christmas' as an adult have had to be frugal.  

I am one of those who buys all throughout the year with coupons, sales, clearance, at yard sales etc.  I also make things each year.

The one thing I don't do, that I should, is to keep track of what I am spending that will be used for gifts.  I started to a few years ago then fizzled out.

Below you will see an example of art sets that the grandchildren are getting this year.   Each year at the beginning of the school year, we all know that Walgreen's, Office Max, Wal-Mart etc all have supplies that you can buy cheaply.   Nothing in these boxes did I pay  more than 25 cents for, and the majority of it I paid from 1 cent to 10 cents for!  

Inside each box is a folder with 40 sheets of notebook paper, a spiral notebook, a ruler, a box of 24 count crayons, a protractor, ever sharp pencils, pencils,  pens, bottle of glue, a glue stick and a sharpie marker.   The oldest 4 grandchildren do get a box of colored pencils.  I didn't have enough markers, so each box I had was split in half and put among the boxes.   I made a total of 6 of these boxes.   What was left I split up between my neice and my 3 yr old grandson.

 Stay tuned for Part 2

Centrum's "America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman" Contest!

This holiday season, the makers of Centrum® multivitamins and Molly Shannon are in search of “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman” and they want your help!
In celebration of women who live life and love to the fullest by staying healthy and energized, even during the busiest time of the year, Centrum® is kicking off a new contest.
Visit LoveFeelingHealthy.com to nominate yourself or someone special in your life.  Tell them your secret to maintaining healthy energy levels so you can enjoy the great things the holiday season brings – including friends and family time, giving gifts, hosting parties, and so much more!




Participants are asked to submit 300 words or less that explains how you (or who you nominate) does it all. Nominations are being accepted until January 3, 2011 (12pm EST).  Contest open to US residents only.

Five finalists will be selected and then, from January 17-31, 2011, the public can cast their votes for who should be coined “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman.”

PRIZING

• Grand Prize: $3,000 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate.
• Four (4) Runner-Up Prizes: $400 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate
  

XPERIENCE DAYS offers thousands of unique gift experiences nationwide
Sweepstakes Rules & Regulations Here.
Achieve better health during the holiday season! Download a $3 coupon for Centrum® Women’s or Centrum® Men’s.

 Disclosure:  I am a member of One2One Network and this post is part of a member project where I am eligible to win prizing.  I make no claims about Centrum as a product or it's effectiveness.

WIP Wednesday 12/8/10

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to my WIP Wednesday post, in conjunction with Every Day Crochet.

Click the button at the bottom of my post to join the fun!

It's been busy busy busy for me away from home, but I have tried to get things done.
I spent a lot of Saturday and Sunday wrapping what Christmas gifts I could.  I'm pretty much down to just having the items I am trying to get made.  I also ran out of tape  LOL

I did get 2 of the potholders sewn.  I'm not real happy about the way they are turning out.  I think the different material I am using on the back is a bit of my problem.  I did get 2 more pinned to sew, as well as I did buy the rest of the Insulbrite that I need for the rest of the middles.
I also finished the other toothbrush rug (finally) and got it listed in my etsy store.  I have a small start on my next rug.

Here we have my sewing "mess".  I still have one more bag to pin, but have at least started sewing on these that I am making for Christmas gifts.  I hope to get more sewing on them done today.  I managed a whole 10 minutes of sewing time yesterday.  I'm starting to really wonder if I can get these projects done in time!

I'm also in the process of reading a book.  It's a new one I had, by an author that my brother likes.  I wanted to read it before giving it to him for Christmas....how chintzy is that??

I need to be in the process of getting the rest of my Christmas cards ready to mail.  Time to pull out the address book.  

Giveaways Linky Tuesday

Are you hosting a giveaway or giveaways?  Please visit each Tuesday and link them in the linky.

Please post the name of the giveaway and the end date.  Link directly to the giveaway post, not to your blog in general.

Linky is active until I post the next one each week.

Have fun....good luck....and Thank you!

Mailbox Monday Blog Hop

It's time for the mailbox Monday blog hop in conjunctions with myfrugalfriend.net.
Click on the button at the bottom of this post to hop on over and join the fun and/or check out what others got in the mail free this past week.

I didn't get all my mail collected from my mom's house, so sorry to say, no photo this week.  But, here is all I got:

2 boxes of Chex cereal and $25 Kroger card from my blogspark (same package that I am currently giving away on my blog)
Pack of Extra Key Lime Pie gum
Sports Illustrated
Entertainment Weekly
People
Time
Business Week
2011 Oriental Trading calendar
4 other pieces of hausernet mail
Head & Shoulders shampoo and conditioner samples plus $5 in coupons for other products
$25 gift certificate for Del Monte Fresh fruits and veggies--won from Frugality is Free

In my email:  $30 total paypal from gather



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p.s.....can someone please help me figure out about these "stand alone pages" please?  I would like for my readers to be able to just click and see my giveaway posts, or my winner posts, or my blog roll etc.
The blogroll can all go into one post.....however I do need help with the html and what I would put in between each one so that I could have 3 buttons per line.   Otherwise, I can't make that like an index up there for others to find certain posts that I do?  Thanks!

Chex and Kroger Giveaway (including $25 gift card!)

Kroger^® and Chex^® Cereal have joined forces to help you whip up recipes for your holiday entertaining that are easy on your time as well as your budget!

There are so many great tasting Chex Party Mix recipes that you can make in the microwave in only 15 minutes! Try The Original Chex® Party Mix or Chex® Ginger-Honey Crunch for sure crowd pleasers.

Looking for an easy gift idea for friends, family or co-workers? Try wrapping your favorite Chex Party Mix in a colorful tin or bag and personalize it with your own recipe card.

To make things even sweeter, Kroger Family of Stores will have Chex cereal on sale so you can impress your guests without stressing your wallet. For 3 weeks, from December 2nd – December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year! (Be sure to scroll down my blog and click to print your savings coupon!  Chex cereal is part of the current Mega Event at Kroger right now.)

Don’t forget to visit Kroger and Chex on Facebook to“Like” their pages and keep up with recipes, news and their latest and greatest products.

Upon receiving my prize pack, shown below, I couldn't wait to open it.  My 14 yr. old daughter, Jasmine couldn't wait to get herself a bowl of Chex cereal and opened a box right away. (please note the gift card taped to the front of one of the boxes.)

For the last 3 years I have made the Muddy Buddies as part of my holiday goodies presents for friends and family.  It's been a hit.  I had already planned on buying the ingredients to make it this year as well.  I was thrilled to receive the package from Kroger and Chex to help with my holiday baking. (Muddy Buddy Recipe to follow the photo of my ingredients)
I have bought the ingredients as you will see pictured below, but won't make them until closer to Christmas.  I went ahead and bought additional boxes of Chex cereal to use for the holidays....have to let the rest of us enjoy the cereal for breakfast.

Recipe courtesy of the chex.com website where you will find lots of great recipes!

Chex® Muddy Buddies®

Another popular name for this favorite mix is "puppy food". Chow down; it's doggone good! Prep Time:15 min Start to Finish:15 min Makes:18 servings (1/2 cup each)  687 ratings

Cooking Gluten Free?

Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is gluten free. Products and ingredient sources can change.

Substitution

Peanut butter and chocolate are a favorite flavor combo, but peanut butter lovers can substitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips to intensify that flavor.

9	cups Rice Chex®, Corn Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
1	cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2	cup peanut butter
1/4	cup butter or margarine
1	teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2	cups powdered sugar

1.	Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.	In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.	Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

1 Serving: Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 16g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 6%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

On to the fun!  Chex and Kroger via myblogspark have graciously offered to allow me to giveaway the same prize package that I rec'd.  One of  my lucky blog readers will win 2 boxes of Chex cereal as well as the $25 Kroger gift card to help with your holiday recipes!

Contest rules:  Open to United States residents 18 yrs of age or older.   Entry deadline is Sunday December 12 at 9 PM CST.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me.

How to enter:

Mandatory entry:  Comment and tell me which of your favorite Chex cereals you plan to stock up on during the event.  Make sure that I have a way to contact you if you win.

Additional entries:  (Please leave a separate comment for each entry) 

1.  Share this giveaway on twitter, including the link to the giveaway post as well as the hashtag #myblogspark --comment with the link to your tweet.

2.  Follow me on twitter (marsha32) --if you already do, just comment letting me know.

3.  Follow my blog publicly with google friend connect.--if you already follow, comment to let me know.

4.  Friend me on facebook (Marsha Seiberling)--if you already are, comment to let me know.

5.  Follow me with networked blogs.--if you already do, comment to let me know.

6.  Post this giveaway on your own blog or to other websites that allow such posting.  Post must include the link back to this giveaway to be eligible.  Comment with the link to your post.

7.  Add my button to your blog or website.  (2 entries, please leave 2 comments)

Disclosure:  I was not paid for this review.  Any opinions within are my own.  I was provided with a prize pack from Kroger and Chex through myblogspot for the purpose of this review and giveaway.