$50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! Hosted by DnBuster

ENTER TO WIN A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD



DNBUSTER AND 22 PALS HAVE COME TOGETHER

TO BRING YOU THIS GIVEAWAY WITH AN AWESOME PRIZE

FOR ONE LUCKY PERSON!








Enter below VIA the raffle copter form to win

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1 winner will win a $50 Amazon E-gift card

Giveaway ends March 14th @12:01AM

PrintRunner Premium Sticker Giveaway

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Prize Details---enter using the rafflecopter form below--
Details of the giveaway prize: Stickers
Sticker Shape : Standard Stickers
Flat Width : 2"
Flat Height : 3.5"
Quantity : 250
Paper : Premium Sticker Stock
Colors : Full Color ( 4 Color Process), Black and White
Proof : NONE
Ready to Ship In : 3 Business Days
*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.

Disclaimer: Thank you to PrintRunner for providing this giveaway. I will receive a set of stickers for hosting this. Information provided to me by PrintRunner.

Squidoo Hopping--March is a New Month!

Let's talk about goals for March. What are yours?

My goal is to head into the mission I talked about last month, which is to get the This Day in History lenses going good.
I'm also still working on transferring my lens notes to different paper and having them in a three ring notebook in alphabetical order.

My daughter was married last night. I'm still always so busy with so many things, but hopefully with the stress of the wedding going off without a hitch, I can calm myself down and put some better order in to my life.

I did update a lens this past week, but for the life of me, I can not remember which lens that was! Once I can get in and update my lensography I will apply for giant squid 50.

So, this week I think I will share a couple of my lenses that are higher than 400,000 in rank and maybe they can jump up a bit.

Jasmine's Lapbooks

Homeschooling

Thanks for all the link up's last week! I hope to continue to see lots for me to check out each week.

WIP Wednesday--Including 1 Complete!

No progress (again) on either the toothbrush rug or the cross magnets.

I have a finish!  This is still a WIP because I have 3 more to make, but I have to show off that I finally got one of the walker bags completed.  Quilt guild is making these as a community service project.  They will be auctioned off and the proceeds go to help cancer patients.  I had to get help from 3 different people for the steps on getting this put together but I have it now!

 I made more progress on the scrappy quilt for sewing club at church.  I even almost have all of the squares sewn down the middle.  I tend to only work on it one day a week.

 Not a whole lot of progress on my other quilt either.  I did sew together another row of squares but haven't finished up the lines.  I get the feeling on both of these quilts that they will never be finished.

 And, 7 more granny squares put on to my blanket for the granny a day 2012 challenge.  I bet I crocheted another 15 squares though.  I so want to see just how many squares I can make with this yarn sitting by me here on the couch.  However, I did open a container and found some more yarn to add to it.  I am just only a adding on a square day as far as the challenge goes.   This is day 60. (306 to go!)

 Our biggest WIP this week is getting ready for my oldest daughters wedding.  The wedding is today!  I still have to go find myself a dress!  I suppose I better get on that---and buy pantyhose----and iron my daughters dress and the bridesmaid dress.  We have to go set up tables and chairs and decorate the hall.  Yep, I better finish up my computer "work" and concentrate the rest of this day for the wedding.

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I am linking up with the following blogs:
 

Zenni Optical--Buy 2 Get 1 Free Special!

Zenni Optical is running a Buy 2 pairs get the 3rd pair free (equal or less value) promotion on all eyeglasses. The biggest promotion ever and it is limited time offer.

Zenni Optical is the #1 online eyeglasses store offering high quality complete prescription eyeglasses from $6.95.Virtually any glasses, even bifocal or progressive eyeglasses, can be ordered on Zenni's website with tint, whether for fashion or sunglasses. Full rim, half rim, even rimless frame eyeglasses can be tinted to suit your style or use, and with tint only $4.95; it’s an option not to be overlooked. You can try any frame before you buy with Zenni Frame Fit system. And with the affordable price at Zenni, you can buy multiple pairs and get to switch styles to match the outfit or moods.

I have to say that I am impressed!  Zenni Optical has hundreds (actually 1000's,  3084 to be precise) of eyeglass frames to choose from.
You are even able to "try-on" the eyeglasses while on the website.   You simply upload a photo of yourself, put in your millimeter eye measurements, find the glasses you like, and click try on.   Below is an example photo of a pair we are trying on my daughter's face.   Her head is tilted just a bit, so please ignore that.

Just the other day my daughter told me that she would like to have different colors of frames to match different outfits.  I told her that would just be too expensive.  I love how things work out and I found Zenni Optical and their affordable eyeglasses.  I can make my daughters wish of different colored frames come true. 


I only looked at the $6.95 prescription eyeglasses.  I am very impressed with the selection of frames.  There are 103 in the $6.95 price and women's!


Ordering is easy:

1. Have your prescription available
   
2. Upload your face to Zenni Frame Fit™
   
3. Select your prescription type and PD in the left menu
   
4. Choose which kind of eyeglass frames to display
   
5. Click the "Try On" button to see the frames on your face
   
6. Click the "Order" button on the frames you want
   
7. Enter your prescription
   
8. Click on "Add to Cart" and follow the on screen instructions 

I hope you will give Zenni Optical a look-see!


Disclaimer:   This is a paid review.  Information was given to me to share as well as I took information from the website.  All opinions are my own, and truthful. 

Homeschool Journal--Week of February 19

I couldn't think of a title for this post.  Last week was a strange one.
We only had one full day of schoolwork  :(
Maybe I should say it was crazy, instead of strange.

Jasmine's boyfriend was having finals week at the high school.  That meant that he was out of school extra early every day, and didn't have school on Friday.  Yes, that means he wanted to spend more time with Jasmine.  They did take lots of walks so I will clock some time for her for that.  Walking is not something she does much of.

Jasmine has a doctor's appointment last week with the rheumatologist.   He's diagnosed her with a long name-- without going to get the paper, there is no way I can remember it---I can't even pronounce it!  It's an arthritis in the spine and it's not good...and it's especially not good since she is only 15.  We go back on March 14 for another blood test and to find out what all the x-rays show.  I hope he is able to change the diagnosis to something less serious.  What he is saying she had now will cripple her....and is very painful.  He put her on a medicine that as of right now he says is a lifetime medicine.

On a happier note--it was Ash Wednesday this past week.  Jasmine attended the service at the church where she attends youth group.  My hubby and I went to the service at our church.  She also attended Bible study as usual on Tuesday morning.  She was given a pair of waterproof shoes and a waterproof jacket by a couple at church that morning.  They are their gifts to her for her trip to England.  We have raised enough now with donations from church members that her entire trip is officially taken care of now!

My oldest daughter had drama in her house, so her, her fiance (they get married tomorrow), and her 5 children are back in our house.  This is always a mess to work around getting school work done.  This isn't going to be a school work week either.

I'm going to close for this week.  Next week will be a bigger report  :)

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Knorr Homestyle Stock--Review

With Knorr® Homestyle Stock, you’ll find:
• The most carefully selected ingredients slowly simmered to perfection.
• Versatility for a multitude of dishes, from soups to skillets to sides.
• A better value than cartons or cans – each tub makes 3-1/2 cups of broth.
• Two great varieties for adding rich flavor to dishes with either the chicken or beef flavors.

Find Knorr® Homestyle Stock in the broth aisle at your local supermarket retailer. Knorr® Exclusive! For delicious recipes from Chef Marco Pierre White and the Knorr® Chefs, featuring Knorr® Homestyle Stock, click here.
• Click here to "Like" Knorr® on Facebook.

Watch Chef Marco Pierre White recipe videos here.


I received the chicken stock for my review.  From watching the commercials on tv, I expected the tubs to be larger.  I was surprised to see that they are relatively small.  They pack a lot of flavor though!

It so happened that I was already cooking a chicken for homemade chicken and noodles the day the Knorr Homestyle Stock came in the mail.  Great timing!
I don't generally add stock to my homemade chicken and noodles.  I just use the stock made from cooking the chicken.   Everyone always loves it when I make chicken and noodles.....they loved them even more when I added the Knorr Homestyle Stock to the pot too!  It really gave the chicken and noodles a great hearty taste.  Half of the  batch is in the freezer for a later meal.


Here is a photo of the chicken and noodles before serving:

 

Included in my campaign kit was a packet of recipes.  Thy all sound great, but we couldn't wait to try the Super Easy Sweet Potato Mash.  (Half of these are also in the freezer for a later meal)
Here is the recipe:
 

SUPER EASY SWEET POTATO MASH

A Chef Marco Pierre White Recipe

SERVES 6

PREP TIME: 5 Minute(s)

COOK TIME: 25 Minute(s)

INGREDIENTS

2-1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 Tbsp. water 1 tub Knorr® Homestyle Stock - Chicken 4 Tbsp. Shedd's Spread Country Crock® Spreadable Butter With Canola Oil

PREPARATION

1. Combine sweet potatoes with water in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave at HIGH 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
2. Remove from microwave and carefully remove cover. Stir in Knorr® Homestyle Stock - Chicken and Spreadable Butter. Mash or process in food processor until smooth.

A distinctively different taste, but it was very good. 
Guide to Career Education can help you find the right Culinary Arts school to make these and other delicious dishes like them.
Who would have thought about using stock in sweet potatoes.    Here is the picture of our finished product:

My daughter was hungry for stuffing one night.  She used the stock in with bread crumbs and made it herself.  I ate more of it than she did, it was so good!

What will be make with our last tub of the Knorr Homestyle Stock?  I really don't know.  There are a lot of great recipes on the website.  I want to try several of them using the beef stock as well.  Click the links to find out even more information and take a look at the recipes too.

Disclaimer:  I received a Knorr Homestyle Stock package from Knorr and Smiley360 for the purpose of my review.  I was not compensated in any other way and any opinions are my own.

Frugal Friday Link-Up--Uses for Popcorn and Potato Chips

Today I am going to share 3 uses for popcorn and 4 uses for potato chips. I am sharing from the 99 Cent Solutions book.

Popcorn:
1. Pad a package. Popcorn isn't a recommended replacement for foam peanuts, but it does work for domestic shipping. Wrap the object you are shipping, place a layer of air popped popcorn on the bottom of the box, put in the item you are shipping, then fill the box the rest of the way with more popcorn. Popcorn is economical and a great shock absorber. (Let's just hope the person you are shipping too doesn't decide to eat it.

2. Decorate a tree. Remember the good old days of making popcorn strings to decorate the tree with at grandma's house? I know I do! We still make it a family tradition here when we can.

3. Make a squirrel UN-friendly bird feeder. Make a couple of loops of strung popcorn and hang them for the birds. They are great for the birds to perch on and have a snack, but too light for squirrels to climb.


Potato chips:
1. Top a casserole. Use potato chip crumbs in place of bread crumbs to top your casserole dish. I actually do save the bottom crumbs of the potato chip bags in my freezer, just for this purpose. A family favorite to have the chips on top of the casserole.

2. Give fried foods a crispy crunch. Again, in place of bread crumbs, use finely crushed potato chips instead, and fry as usual. You won't need to add any salt. Yum!

3. Make a sandwich. In the British Isles it's well known to have salt and vinegar chips between 2 pieces of buttered bread for a sandwich. Well.....we do often put potato chips, or Doritos inside our sandwiches but never just chips. They say it's strangely addictive.

4. Bake some cookies. Using your favorite butter cookie recipe, or the standard recipe for chocolate chip cookies, use crushed, salted potato chips instead of chocolate. If you love a mix of sweet and salty in your snack foods, you'll never look back! (I should give this a try for sure)


I do hope you find some of these tips and suggestions helpful each week. Link up any frugal posts you've done over the past week--or posts you do between now and next Friday when the linky closes, please.

Saline Soothers/ Boogie Wipes Home Party--Review--and Giveaway!

I have the extreme pleasure of being a Saline Ambassador.  What does this mean?  It means that I get to hand out samples of Saline Soothers and Boogie Wipes so that everyone can try these great products!


I have been handing the samples out about everywhere I go.  I also hosted a party in my home.  I want to share the photos from my home party--

First we have the snack and sample table  :)

Some of the guests arriving and milling around.

Coloring time for the kids.

Everyone was more than happy to try the samples and take a few home.  I did a drawing giving out 2 full packages.  It was a fun filled afternoon for all.

A little more from me about the Saline Soothers and Boogie Wipes:
My ambassador kit couldn't have come at a better time.  I had been blowing my nose several times a day.  What I found right away was that I blew my nose once with the Saline Soothers and my sinuses stayed clear the rest of the day.  This was daily!

I've not personally tried the Boogie Wipes, but my teenager has been using those.  (Yes, she's tried the Saline Soothers too.)  She's been handing out the Boogie Wipes samples to her friends.  I'm loving it!

I had to do my own learning on the benefits of saline, and here is what I found:
Saline (Sodium Chloride) is a mineral found naturally in the earth that excels at dissolving mucus when used in the right concentration.
Saline cleans and helps dissolve mucus, while moisturizing aloe and vitamin E keep your nose looking and feeling up to snuff.

 Saline Soothers come in three refreshing scents: Cool Menthol, Fragrance Free, and Light Lavender.

 Extra soft, alcohol, phthalate and paraben free, Boogie Wipes are available in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Minty Menthol and Simply Unscented. Recommended by pediatricians as a gentle, effective alternative to a dry tissue.


Now for the fun!  One lucky blog reader (who is NOT already a Saline Ambassador) will win their choice of a package of Saline Soothers in Menthol or Fragrance Free--OR a package of Boogies Wipes in Grape or Fresh Scent.  Also included in the prize package will be samples of the products not chosen as well as coupons.

Five bonus winners will receive a sample and coupon pack.

 

Squidoo Hopping---Mission Failure

Well, my mission was a failure.  If you remember last week, my mission was to really get to work on making the This Day in History lenses.
I got out a paper to start one---it sat on the couch next to me all week!

The thing about making lenses is that even if you know just what you want in the lens, even if you have the body of it cut and pasted, it still takes well over an hour to put a lens together.  At least it does for me.  I've been so busy that the extra hour hasn't fit in to my schedule.

Can someone come give me a kick start?

I did look at, and comment, on lots of lenses as usual.  It's pretty easy to get lost in squidoo if I am searching for something specific, or just viewing lenses to return comments, or viewing what is posted to the facebook groups.  Oh yes, and the lenses linked up in last week's hop.  A huge thank you to all of you who took the time to link up last week.  I hope to see more and more join in.  I didn't get to all of them yet, but I will!

I did edit my Learning About England lens.  It's the final update until Jasmine returns home from her trip with photos for me to add.  Her trip is March 20-28.