A "Sample" of Jennifer's Thoughts

Looking back...

2012-01-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure this is why I'm thankful we are having a 'mild' winter.

January 2009, see all that snow PACKED on the road that leads to the 'main' road?

January 2010, yes there is a lake under all that snow, ice and dog prints in the snow!!!

January 2011, another foot or two in our back yard.

So far this January (and we had none before January)we've only had about 3 inches, just barely enough to cover the ground. I was so ready for a milder winter!

This time of year......

2012-01-07T17:27:00.000-05:00

Sales are abundant. Whether it's Christmas stuff marked down, clothing, or whatever it speaks to my heart. See, I am cheap er, frugal, er thrifty? I hate to pay full price for anything and rarely do. I went to the mall the day after Christmas and my daughter got aggravated with me because I came home grumpy and empty handed. Everything I like either wasn't on sale or still too expensive for my taste even on sale. I just can't help myself, I want a bargain!!

So Bath and Body Works is having their big semi-annual sale right now and I love their stuff. My husband is not a fan of their store, but he did spoil me on Valentine's Day last year and bought me body wash, lotion, and body spray. Well when I opened my email yesterday and found a $10 off of $30 coupon good for this weekend only I got really excited!!! I browsed online to check out prices and decided I would use that coupon this weekend.

I went today, I don't have a picture, but I can tell this is what I purchased:
5 - 10 oz. body washes
1 - 3 oz. body wash
1 - 8 oz. foaming hand soap
1- 8 oz. hand soap
3 - 2 oz. hand lotions
1 - 2.5 oz. Shea Cashmere hand cream
4 - small antibacterial hand gels
1 - 3 oz. body spray
and
1 wash cloth.

Regular price would have been $107.00 my total was $20.74.

So, if you like their products, get a coupon code (places like retail me not, dealegg etc. have them listed online)and go online OR in store and save you some money! I'm thinking about getting some more to put up for birthdays that I know we have coming up soon.

Looking forward to 2012

2011-12-31T22:50:00.000-05:00

Looking forward to 2012 is there something that you'd like to do more of? Maybe there is something that you do now, but you'd like to change?

I am not one for making resolutions. Not really because I wouldn't follow through, but alot of the most common resolutions such as quit drinking, quit smoking, quit swearing as much, lose weight, etc. I never did to begin with so I don't need to qui. And I am still below the goal weight I set in late 2009 and acheived in 2010 so that one is taken care of.

I do set reading goals for myself. Usually so many books a year, I think this year just to make it interesting I may try to track how many pages I read, just to see how many that is in those books.

Also, if we're looking forward, is there something you are looking forward to doing or experiencing? Maybe a vacation you know is coming up, a wedding or graduation etc in your family? I'm not really looking forward to anything like that. We're not sure what our vacation plans will be, we're up in the air right now.

If I just look forward to the calendar page of January 2012 I almost want to crawl in a hole & hibernate. Every . stinking. evening. we have something going on. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings are ballet. Sunday morning & evening & Wednesday evening are church. Thursday evenings our youngest has basketball practice. Friday evenings the hubby is playing is some recreational church volleyball league. Saturday mornings at 9:00 or 10:15 youngest has basketball games, daughter has ballet from 11-12:30, at least if she doesn't have rehearsals too (which she will Snow White is February 3rd). I'm not pulling my kids out of their activities, need to actually squeeze something in the oldest, younger son's only last till first weekend in March, daughter is talented dancer & loves it, I'll just not see my hubby for a while I guess! lol!

Oh well, what are you looking forward to in 2012?

Betty Crocker

2011-10-19T16:09:00.000-04:00

Do you food desires change with the seasons? Mine seem too. Once it gets cooler outside, the leaves begin to change, and fall descends upon us I desire to bake, bake, bake! I hunt for new recipes or just use old ones over and over. I love to do something new with pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon every year. Not to mention how yummy it makes the house smell when I do get creative!!

Last week I stumbled upon a petite pumpkin donut recipe on pinterest (surely you know what that is? If not, consider yourself saved from another internet addiction OR leave me a email in the comments & I'll send you an invite) and one for apple cider donuts.

I had the ingredients for gingerbread so I made that first last week. It was okay, not really something I'd have to make again.

This morning I got up and made the petite pumpkin donuts and also some into mini-muffins (I don't have a big enough donut pan currently). They were pretty good. Oldest son says recipe is a keeper, but he's really begging for pumpkin fudge.

Have you tried any new recipes lately?

I ended up baking something for the youngest for lunch and am about to go bake baked spaghetti for dinner. Today must be my day to feel like Betty Crocker!

Days Like This

2011-10-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

Have you ever just had one of 'those' days?

Where, for whatever reason, you just want to (stay in bed and) hide all day?

Oh, the kids are up....already? Begging you to bake muffins? Laundry needs done, there is school work to get accomplished, bathrooms to scrub, milk to go buy? But you don't want to do any of those things?

Wait, the phone's ringing but you don't want to talk to whoever is on the other end (or anyone for that matter). But, the kids have already answered once Grandma's name showed up on called ID.

I don't want to hear how you don't like the way something is planned for this weekend. I don't want to hear how you don't want to do school today. I don't want to hear how someone done someone wrong (country song there?) so forth & so on.

Today is that day for me. I don't want to talk to anyone, I don't want to fool with school with the kids (or their arguing, making stupid noises distracting others, whining 'I can't do this' ~ you can if you READ the directions), I don't want to go to church this evening because then I have to listen when someone speaks to me (about organizing a cleaning day, or a teen outing, or anything else!)) or respond once they have.

Yep.
That. is. me. today.

Shopping the Deals!!

2011-09-19T12:29:00.000-04:00

Have you found any good deals lately? I try to keep my eyes open for free samples and awesome deals (even if I'm not shopping much lately).

I found this earlier.:
Lands End has a Kids Rugby Mini Beach towel in vivid cobalt stripes on clearance for $3.99 in their Overstock section. While that is a good price, be sure to click on the details on the overstocks home page to get your promo code & pin number (expires 9/21/2011)for an extra 25% off!!! Bringing your total down to $2.99 each. AND don't forget sign up for Shopathome.com (if you're not already signed up you can do so here: ) and earn 4% cash back on this deal, yes I realize it's only about .12 but hey, once you keep shopping you're cash back will keep adding up!! They have all kinds of coupons listed on the ShopAtHome site.

And Lands End has all kind of awesome deals in their overstocks right now. Just click on Overstocks, and price low to high to find the best deals first. Think ahead to those upcoming Christmas or birthday gifts and save, save, save! Let me (and others here) know what kind of deals you find while you are there!

Weight Loss Tips

2011-06-30T21:59:00.000-04:00

In June of 2009 I saw a picture of my husband and I on the beach from our vacation that really just made me ill. I had said several times I wasn't happy with my weight, made excuses it was the RX I was on, I didn't have time to exercise, etc. It took seeing this picture for it to really hit home and make me think to myself, that's it, I'm done I refuse to keep this weight on. I'm going to get up & get moving. From July 2009-spring of 2010 I lost 30lbs. I have friends & family that keep asking me what I did, tips, which diet etc so I thought why not post it here in case it can help any of you that read my blog?

Now, first thing I want to make loud and clear, I am NOT a medical professional (and these opinions are soley that, MY opinions) so I can only tell you the weight loss tips that worked for me, doesn't mean they will work for you but I was at that point where I figured it couldn't hurt, maybe you are too? And again, not everything works the same way for everyone. I thought I'd break it down into several posts, and if something strikes you as odd or whatever, don't hesistate to ask me something & I'll answer in my next post. And I'm going to try to do these weekly, if not more often, as long as I can get my internet to co-operate ( the price we pay to live in privacy :) is slow internet ).

Tip #1
Drink Water, lots & lots of water. I think I just heard several groans out there. ;)

When I first started this journey I gave up pretty much everything except water. Have you read the labels on pop (soda/coke/ whatever you call it in your neck of the woods), tea (not the green tea healthier kind, but the normal tea & here we drink it sweet, the sweeter the better), milk (depending on what kind you drink), coffee (and whatever you add to it), Kool-aid, even juice? And I'll just go ahead and say it now, I don't like Diet anything, aspartame is not good for you!! Fake processed sweeteners (Sweet n low etc.) are not good for you!

We don't keep soda in our house so I only drank it at my parents house & tea for Sunday dinners mostly to begin with but yes it was still hard to do. I never gave up milk, not really. I drink 2% milk, always have and always will. I drink at least one 16 oz. glass of milk every morning with my breakfast ( I plan to do a post on what I might eat in a given day too).

And please, I'm not saying if you're going to give this stuff up to do it cold turkey, I wouldn't want you to experience caffeine withdrawal effects. Believe me I have done that, I was once drinking at least one a day if not more but since I quit work to be a stay at home mom 12 yrs ago it dropped alot as I wouldn't add that to our grocery budget. So do it wisely a little at a time!

Water is good for you!! We don't have great tap water but I don't buy bottled (unless it's for traveling or taking to a gym etc)instead we have the filter pitcher that we keep full in our fridge (at our old house it was built into our in the door fridge system, our fridge here doesn't have that) and we put it in a thermos and take it with us to ballet etc. It can give you energy, it washes toxins out of your system, prevents dehydration (which can cause those nasty headaches & other issues too!) etc. I've heard people complain they just don't like the taste of it, add a lemon slice, add a orange slice, add a strawberry slice! You CAN add flavor without adding alot of sugar & calories.

Now that I've lost the weight I allow my self a splurge of pop (usually this is if I feel a headache coming on ~ which I have only had 2 migraines since December of 2010 when I began seeing a Naturopath but that's another post) once in a blue moon and I will drink a glass, maybe two of tea (which is now decaf with less then 1/2 cup of sugar per quart we make)with our Sunday dinner or if I feel a cold coming on I will have some hot tea.

Anyways, this is just something I thought I'd try out. Let me know if you like this idea & I'll keep posting my "tips"

Ack!

2011-06-30T21:28:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry, our internet has been super slow, yes I live in the boonies & can't get good service, so I've been ignoring this place for a lack of patience but it seems to be doing better so I have an idea for some posts (IF I can get it to post), let me know what you think!

Ack!

2011-06-30T21:24:00.003-04:00

um..wow

2011-05-02T11:32:00.000-04:00

So I haven't been here in two months?
What have I been doing?
Staying super busy somehow.
Maybe with ballet 3-4 times a week?
Maybe with home school of 3 kids?
Maybe with the editing job, although I resigned that last week.
Maybe with some sewing orders I had to get done, although I have a baby quilt I HAVE to get done for my niece!!
Maybe just normal life.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have anything interesting to say so I just ignore this place when I really shouldn't.

Birthday

2011-03-02T15:39:00.000-05:00

It's the beginning of what I call the birthday season here in our house/family.

This little guy turned 7 today, where has the time gone?

His birth announcement/newborn picture, taken at 4 days old.

Taken a few weeks ago when he bought himself this sweet new ride with money he received for Christmas.

Sweepstakes

2011-03-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

A few months ago a friend told me about a job she does on the 'side' as a contractor. They were looking for a new editor and she asked me if I'd be interested. I took the leap to earn a little extra money.

Anyways, I never realized how many sweepstakes are out there! Do you enter sweepstakes?
I know some people live for these things, there are members of the site where I'm an editor that can be freaky crazy if certain sweepstakes aren't submitted on time. Lots of websites, have daily, weekly, or monthly sweepstakes/contest/giveaways and those 'sweepers' know that & expect them to be up immediately.

I, myself have never really entered alot of them. Occasionally, if the kids see one on TV or something but not really. And even now, as an editor once in a blue moon I will enter one or two if they really pique my interest or the prize is something I'd really like to have.

Anyways, that is where I've been the last few days....no excuse for the weeks before when I haven't blogged, sorry!!!

What can brown do for YOU?

2011-01-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

Since ~~we moved to this house~~ I've had 'opinions' on FedEx, wait scratch that, even at our other house we had issues with FedEx. There they would never deliver things on time, I even had to chase down the truck one time to get a paycheck that had been over nighted to my hubby. Here you're lucky if you get it on the day you're supposed to because 1.) they can't find you or 2) they put it on the wrong truck THEN call & say they can't find you or 3.) if it's sprinkling they won't come out our dirt road. Mind you it's a nice dirt & gravel road 98% of the year and it's flat ground, not mountainous ( see my header up there? when it's snow and ice it might not be ). However, UPS? They have always delivered when tracking information says they would, one time they called to verify where we were, after that they have always been able to find us.

In December I ordered family portraits, for different family members, as a Christmas present. Now it was before the 15th when I ordered them but because of the site saying it could take 3-5 days processing time then shipping time I was a little afraid they wouldn't be delivered in time for family Christmas gatherings via regular shipping methods. So, I forked over the $9 they wanted for 2 day shipping.

Well a snow 'storm' came along and they shipped the things like the next day but FedEx kept showing a stupid excuse (something like weather delay) after it got in to town. I can't remember the exact wording but they wouldn't attempt to deliver.... for two days. Now they have this policy, three attempts then they return it to the sender, so I called and had it held at the local FedEx store for my husband to pick up. And guess what? That $9 fee I paid for expedited shipping was not refunded. However, something else that had been ordered was delivered by UPS that same week.

Fast forward to this week. Our oldest received money for Christmas that he used to buy a Sony Bloggie video camera. It was shipped via FedEx, supposed to be here last Friday. Nope, again there was snow on the ground so they wouldn't attempt delivery. Finally on Tuesday (when the tracking information said it was being held in the FedEx distribution center) they showed up, after I had left to get dd to ballet class on time, I passed them & turned around to come back and get it or they would have taken it back with them.

And to today, our youngest ordered a Razor motorcycle (with money he received for Christmas and we paid the rest for his birthday present) on Monday. I didn't even receive shipping notice until this morning and was super surprised when tracking information showed it being on truck for delivery today. Well, if you've seen a national weather forecast then you know we've been hit with snow again. It was pouring rain this morning, by noon it had changed to snow, several inches of big, fat, WET snow, schools released early even my husbands office closed early & he said roads were horrible when he came in. So, we really didn't expect anything to be delivered today ( we were also expecting some sound equipment that had been ordered for church & a package from FedEx for the church too). We sure were surprised when someone pulled in our driveway! There was the motorcycle & the sound equipment packages from UPS, being delivered by the guy in (I'm assuming) his own personal 4wd vehicle. Talk about service! And of course FedEx didn't deliver, maybe tomorrow! ;)

Now, I'll apologize if I've offended anyone if you or family members or whatever work for FedEx, I didn't mean to. But I guarantee you from now on if we have a choice between something being delivered by FedEx or UPS, we'll choose brown every time, hands down.

White Collar on USA

2011-01-18T15:06:00.000-05:00

Have you watched? I love it! I'm excited for the season 2 premiere tonight.
Even more? I'm excited about this giveaway over on DaemonsTv.Com
http://www.daemonstv.com/2011/01/18/giveaway-white-collar-gift-bag/

I'd love to win this!!

MMmmmm

2011-01-13T14:10:00.001-05:00

Once again we have more then 6 inches so snow outside. For three weeks in December we had over 12 each week. Now we're going on the second week of January following the same tread. At least we did get a 4wd vehicle on New Years Eve so hubby is making it out to work even if that still leaves me stranded at home with the kids all day everyday (because of where we live - it's not like this everywhere here). So I decided a treat was in order for all of us today.

Homemade SnowCream.

And one of my biggest craving downfalls is always what I call 'wedding cake' white cake with the real buttercream icing. Well I've never made the icing myself before, honestly I always thought it was hard to do. I changed my mind over the weekend and decided I would attempt it. So after ballet on Monday I made sure I had everything I needed from the store for Tuesday. Granted I used a box cake mix this time (wasn't willing to do it all from scratch ) and this is the result. It's pretty good but oh so not good for my 'diet' waistline!!!

Have you made anything yummy lately?

Creativity

2010-12-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

This is what I got creative with lately. Actually a friend bought all the fabric (some of her choices were fabulous) and then paid me to make this stuff for her. I can't wait to see what the recipients think (they are baby shower gifts & Christmas gifts).

Ended up with 25 total burp cloths and three aprons. These aprons turned out cute I thought, they are for toddler sizes.

See you soon!

2010-11-26T10:40:00.000-05:00

We're off to see Mickey Mouse in the morning!!

Time

2010-11-17T12:51:00.000-05:00

I don't know how it keeps getting away from me and my posts are so far apart.

Wait, maybe I do have an idea.

I have some custom ordered sewing that needs to be completed, I have yet to work on it though.
I was offered, and accepted an online paying position, as an editor for a sweepstakes website. So I've been trying to really get moving with that so I make a little more then I have the last two weeks.
I decorated for Christmas last week, we're leaving town after Thanksgiving for a week and I want it done when I get home.
Daughter's fall show is THIS Friday night, which means the rehearsal schedule has been HECTIC! This past weekend it was 3.5 hours Friday night, 4.5 hours on Saturday, 2 hours on Sunday ( in between church services), 4 hours on Monday, and 1.5 hours last night. Some of that was class time but most of it was rehearsals.
Add in to that normal housework, home school stuff etc. and well.....I'm lucky if I'm keeping my head above water!!!

We get through this weekend and things will slow a bit I think. Dress rehearsal plus three shows, plus babysitting hubby's baby sister plus church. Come Monday I'm thinking I'll do nothing but I may haul all my sewing stuff to my mom's and sew all day ~ we tag team the sewing/home school/kids if I'm at her house so more gets accomplished. And I have to pack next week for our trip south!! I'm hoping the two who are a bit under the weather in this house are 100% by end of next week for our trip AND that it's nice and warm in Florida!!

I'm here....and I'll be back...I promise!

Can I just say....

2010-11-06T10:17:00.000-04:00

That there is just something about a man walking through the house smelling good that makes me smile?
:-)

I mean, it's alot better then these teenage boy smells, right?

I received a sample of AXE Body spray & Deodorant a few weeks ago. I thought, oh I'll give that to our oldest son, that will help combat these 'teenage' boy smells too won't it? Instead I sat it on top of our cabinet in the master bath. Well the hubby has been using it and I just love the smell of this stuff!! I have to be careful with perfumes or scented lotions that I wear because they have a tendency to offset a migraine. So I love getting the sample size first. This stuff smells so good that I'm going to buy both of the guys in my house their own!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. *takes a big sniff* Don't think I'm too weird, will ya?

Exercise

2010-11-03T19:34:00.000-04:00

Yes, I said that dreaded word, actually I only dread it occasionally, lol!!

Since July of 2009 I've been getting pretty serious about it actually. And have branched out into different types of exercise to keep myself interested & motivated to move. What kind of exercise do you do? Anything that you just love?

I began with the Wii Fit in July of '09, doing different things anywhere from 30-90 minutes a day. And I loved it. I upgraded to the Wii Fit Plus for some of the different activities. I like that I can do it in my own home no matter the weather outside, of course sometimes that is a con too because I can also talk myself out of doing anything. I still try to do it at least once a week.

My husband bought the Golds Gym Wii game last year on Black Friday for $5 I think? I know it was one of those super low special price deals. He's been gaining weight, working out to build his muscles back up more to get into a 'normal & healthy' mode. I tell you that Gold Gym Cardio thing is h.a.r.d!! One thing is I can be uncoordinated so I have a hard time keeping up. I do what I can occasionally thought. But you better have a good sports bra on, it' involves a lot of bouncing back & forth and if you don't well you might regret it!

When the weather has been nice I've been walking two miles a day on the days I don't do the Wii Fit. But I have to make myself go do that too. Weather, creepy crawly creatures etc can keep my inside instead of moving it outside.

So I was looking for something 'fun' to do and I kept hearing about Zumba. So in July when some friends had a temporary beginners class at their church I went. The instructor was fun, but she only lasted through the month (that was a detail we knew from the beginning). so another one stepped in. I've loved her too, class is Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30, about 20 minutes to the west of my house. It got a little hard to go once the ballet season picked up but I was making it sometimes. I wanted to do it more then once a week though! It's a great work out and fun, fun, fun!! So I found out they are releasing a Wii Version later this month, I planned to get it, use my Amazon gift cards I've earned with Swag Bucks.

But then a new club Brickhouse Cardio Club had opened up about 30 minutes west of my house, our instructor worked there on other days of the week. She told us they were opening another location and best of all? It's three blocks from my daughters ballet studio!! They had their Grand Opening last Saturday and I went to check it out. It's only Zumba classes for now, M-Th 6-7, and Sat. 10-11. It's only $5 a class (which is a nice perk!!) most places and here too or you can be a member for $34.99 a month with unlimited classes. Well I signed up for a membership and took my first class on Monday night and while I missed the instructor I'm used to I loved this class. I am still sore today actually. I had planned to go again last night while Rachel was in ballet class but she got sick and has been down with a fever, so no Zumba for me either. I can't wait to go back next week though & plan to go at least twice a week from now on.

So is there any fun, new thing you've tried lately?

Nicholas Sparks

2010-10-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

I met him on Saturday at the WV Book Festival. He was such a neat guy. We met in a room 'backstage', there were oh maybe 30 of us, if that. We had pictures taken, he signed books:

He told us about the filming of the The Lucky One, which started filming last week and will star Zach Effron!
And just stood around and talked for a while. Then we were escorted to front row seating for his presentation. The presentation lasted an hour or so and was very interesting, it was neat to hear how he got inspiration for The Notebook, The Guardian, Message in a Bottle and a few others. I had a great time!!

Weekend Plans?

2010-10-15T20:18:00.000-04:00

So do you have any 'big' plans for this fall weekend?
I'm kind of excited about this weekend, I'm not excited about the chill in the air, or the frost warning that is out for tonight but what is going on this weekend is another story.

This weekend is our county library's BOOK FESTIVAL they host a used book sale, authors readings & autograph sessions, workshops and several other things. As part of their promotion of the festival they ran a contest on face book to a special meet and greet with one of the authors who is presenting. Not just any author mind you, but one of my favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks!! I hopped on that contest quickly and a guess what?

I won!!!! I'm attending a private meet and greet with Nicholas Sparks tomorrow and 1:30pm. Then at 2:30 he will be doing a reading and answering questions for a crowd, during which I have reserved seating.

I've got my brand new copy of Safe Haven (I've already read the library's copy LOL!!) waiting in the van. I've got my camera charged and ready to go and I've got one of my closest friends excited and reading to go as my guest.

Along with that I'm planning a surprise birthday dinner for someone on Sunday ( I don't think they read here but just in case I won't say who because I have it on good authority they have no idea & I'm excited to see their reaction)so I'll have to cook that tomorrow evening, I need to do three weeks of lesson plans, tonight my daughter had two hours of ballet rehearsals tonight, tomorrow is class followed by three hours of rehearsals. So needless to say it's going to be a long exhausting (but exciting!!!) weekend!!

I'll be back with pictures!!

For Sale

2010-10-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

My latest creation, this one is up for sale:

I'm asking $25 for this one, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G Komen Foundation since it's PINK and this is October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Craftiness

2010-10-04T12:39:00.000-04:00

It's no secret I've been sucked into the sewing & quilting world lately. That's why my reading is slacking, why my posting here is slacking, my house work is slacking, etc.

Well that and the daughter's ballet schedule :)

I made this Thursday & presented it to my sister in-law for her birthday yesterday.

I started another one yesterday, it's pink and brown. I"ll finish it later this week and put it up for sale. I've go tot make soem extra money somewhere some how & since I never figured out how to get this blog to pay off for me I guess I'll try this way.

I'm also almost down to the binding on the baby quilt I'm making so I've been working hard ont that! I'd like to fnish it in the next week and move on to the other two I've got plans to make!!

Fall Creativity

2010-09-28T13:48:00.000-04:00

Even though I am much more of a warm(er) weather person I tend to get in the mood to decorate in the fall and winter more. I've had this idea going around in my head and acted on it the other day, before the rain began. It's still not perfect, the glass container I wanted was temporarily out of stock at the primitive store I was in on Friday but I hope to get it changed soon. This is in the middle of our kitchen/homeschool table.

And just a little way Avery likes to say Happy Fall Ya'll!

Free stuff!

2010-09-21T11:55:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of this site, swagbucks? It's a search and win site. Yes, I hear your groans now but bear with me here, I'm a little leery of these things most times too. But I gave this one a try a few months ago, well last spring sometimte I guess and I have to say I really like this one.

You can download their toolbar and earn 1 swagbuck a day just for using it. And in that toolbar there is a little spot that tells you if you've got mail from TSG (The Swag Guy). He sends out codes worth so many swagbucks via the toolbar message system that you enter on the home page. You get bucks for doing searches (I prefer google but will use them then if I can't find what I want I'll hop on over to google ~ after searching for it on swagbucks you might win bucks!!), answering daily polls, completing special offers, when codes are out etc. You might have noticed the little widget I have on my sidebar here, it will tell me when a code is out too and give me clues where to find the code. They do have a facebook page too and believe me people post on there when a code is out, they can't post the exact code but can say Thanks for the code, TSG and hint to others where it might be though.

Anyways, there are some great prizes that you can redeem those swagbucks for. My favorite? $5 Amazon.com gift card (e-certificates really) cost 450 swagbucks. And it really doesn't take that long to earn those 450 swagbucks. I redeemed for one the end of last week and have almost enough for another now, you can get 5 per month. I could have more but I have been curbing my online time to sew. Regardless, $5 free to Amazon will come in handy for Christmas shopping or any other shopping!

And yes, now comes the time to pimp myself out, if you haven't heard of the site or aren't using it, go check it out! You can earn bucks for referalls too and if those you refer actually use the site and such you earn off of them too!!

For Sale

2010-09-10T20:27:00.000-04:00

I've made a few of these over the last year as gifts for friends for new babies.
I've decided I love doing it so I took two custom orders the end of last week and spent yesterday putting them together.
I personalize some of them, others I just sell as is. They are so absorbent and awesome burp cloths but you know they are big enough to work as a changing pad if you're in a tight spot and have to change baby somewhere you'd rather not. ;)

Labor Day

2010-09-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

Did you do anything fun over Labor Day weekend?
We did the normal fall weekend stuff basically.
WVU Mountaineer football season kick off was Saturday so obviously we watched the game. Sunday was church followed by dinner at my parents. I also cleaned & stained a antique chest of drawers I have out there, to be brought here soon while hubby changed the brakes on my Odyssey then we came home minus one child. And took the other two kids to his parent's and spent the evening alone together. That will be the last one for a while most likely, daughter starts ballet classes back up next week so that takes up three nights a week (and Saturday morning which kind of puts a damper on Friday night sleepover & dates).

Monday was a cookout at his parent's house in the evening but before that we went to a antique car show. Saw some pretty cars, well this first one isn't old but when you live in a house with TRANSFORMERS fans you get why I've got his picture. ;)

Home decor

2010-08-30T12:15:00.000-04:00

We've been in this house for two years.

For two years I haven't been happy with this wall behind the couch, where the clock is hanging. It's not the best photos but I forgot to take one before we hung photos this weekend and I didn't want to take them down to take a before so I'll deal with it.

I've looked for sconces, I've looked for mirrors, I've looked for anything that would fill out the big wall a little better.

Once we came home form Hawaii we decided we'd blow up & frame some of our favorite photos and use them in this room. We decided to put two on this wall, and two on a different wall.

I'm not sure I love it but then again I can't decide if it's not just because it looks different & I haven't gotten used to it yet.

The other two went across the room on this wood 'piece' we'd thought we would remove the panel and install bookshelves behind it but when he removed the trim & looked behind the panel it's a whole wall not just studs like I'd hoped. So instead I've used it as a 'frame' for artwork:

And finally, I had another little plaque above the window but again was never really pleased with it. My mom found a little primitive store one day and they had this sign, I fell in love with it when she bought one. Of all the hanging & re-arranging I did this weekend, this I absolutely love.

I think I might be done 'tweeking' this room now.....until it's time to decorate for Christmas! :-)

Portraits

2010-08-25T13:54:00.000-04:00

I've realized this week with alot of children going back to school that I'm a bad momma. No first day of school pictures here for the last four years, we just go to another room so why? But now I realize I don't have a FIRST first day of school picture for our youngest, the other two went to a Christian school for K4-four years ago (1st & 4th grades). Bad momma. Nor do we have yearly school pictures. Again, Bad momma!!

Then I realized that our 15th wedding anniversary came and went this summer with no proof existing around here. I had all intentions of some sort of photograph on that day, even if it was something one of the kids snapped. I was determined we were going to have some of just us from our trip to Hawaii but we only ended up with one really good (taken by a professional before we boarded a whale watch cruise) and a few that we snapped ourselves, one of which I love, the others are just okay.

A friend is a photographer near Kansas City, yes to far for me to use her, but if you're in her area look her up!! ME Photography she took these this past weekend. I absolutely love these shots:

That top one, there are three or four in that series and I love them. Why should only wedding photos show all the hot, steamy, in-love kisses? :-) I don't know that my hubby would go for them but still.

When you think of family portraits do you like the more traditional, posed shots or the more contemporary un-posed shots like these?

There is a photographer in my area that I keep seeing mentioned all over the place. I've contacted her about setting up an appointment for us soon. I'd show you her work but I don't know if you could see her Facebook page from here, her website is still under construction but here it is: http://www.pixbybre.com/

Don't get me wrong I loved what we had done two years ago, park with all the fall leaves changing colors & falling but we were still kind of 'posed' and I want something different this time I think!

Hey there

2010-08-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

I'm such a bad bad blogger. Yes, I realize it and I kept thinking, I really need to sit down and write up a post then somehow something got in the way and it never got done.

I can't believe it's mid-August and I can't even really honestly tell you what we've done this summer?

Let's see Rachel has had ballet pretty much all summer, we took a two week break end of May to beginning of June. Then she had a camp class with an instructor from North Carolina School of the arts. then a break until the first week of July when she began classes on Monday & Wednesday's until the first week of August when we missed one night, and we missed one night last week. Somehow I don't think we got a summer break but the pro to this? She's had a lot of private or semi-private classes this summer as all the other girls that are supposed to be showing up aren't.

The last two weeks we've been at church, seriously pretty much every day. We had Youth Revival then the following week was VBS of which I was the director and music instructor. I just wanted to sit and do nothing this week.

We've had horrible weather this summer. Well not horrible, just HOT, humid temperatures in the high 90's with a heat index of over 100 for over 25 days this summer. That's normal for WV well somewhat, the hot & humid is, not so many of those super hot days. On those days when it's not so hot and humid we've had a lot of bad thunderstorms. Okay so thankful we have a/c right? Um, yeah...we came home yesterday to discover it wasn't working properly. After two hours today Jason & his Dad have figured out it's most likely not fixable. So we're getting final word on that in the morning, I hope if it has to be replaced they can do so quickly because those temperatures with no a/c are not fun.

I got tired of the whiny, moody kids last month sometime and put the kids back to work part time. I've had the other two doing two subjects once or twice a week most weeks. I have to get myself in the mood to go back full time and get the lesson plans done. I want to start next week or so, I know we're going to be taking several days off in November because....we're going on vacation to Walt Disney World the week after Thanksgiving!! I'm excited to see it all decorated up for Christmas.

So seriously...where has my summer gone? I honestly don't know! And I promise to try to be more regular with my posts.

Sample time!!!

2010-08-05T10:15:00.000-04:00

I love these!!! FREE POST-ITS samples!!! Hurry before they are gone!

FREE Sample of Nature Made Vitamin D (chewable) here.

CHEETO's mighty zingers, you'll have to register or sign in for this one. go HERE! Bottom right, the picture will change if it's not there, or hovenr over the different colored dots to find it.

Nature

2010-08-04T16:10:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd share ;)

Pretzel M&M's

2010-07-13T15:06:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new pretzel M&M's adverstised on TV? I kept seeing the commercial and wanting to try them so bad, I love chocolate covered pretzels! Have you tried them yet?

Finally I found a package and bought them last night. I was ready to eat dessert first last night LOL!! But like a good mommy I ate dinner first with the family then opened them.

Sadly, I was disappointed. They just weren't what I thought they'd be. Guess I'll go back to eating chocolate covered pretzels. Which might be a good thing since I rarely have those, probably once or twice a year, my waistline will thank me!!!

Free Samples!!!

2010-07-01T14:05:00.001-04:00

Pick your choice of a FREE Kotex sample pack at Kotex.

Do you need to quit smoking? Nicorette Gum sample brought to you by Costco (you might need a membership number).

Are you a blonde? Get a free sample of John Freida Sheer Blonde® Highlight Activating Shampoo and Conditioner go here!

Do you have a little one in diapers, almost ready to try potty training? Get a FREE potty training kit from Pampers.

If you enter to win a trip for two on Veria.com they will send you a FREE vanilla organic lip balm. And who wouldn't love to win the trip?

It's a Giveaway!!

2010-06-28T15:01:00.001-04:00

Sorry, not here but over on my book blog!!

http://jasonjenniferbooks.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-giveaway.html

HAPPY ANNVIERSARY!

2010-06-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day.

Barbara De Angelis
American Expert on Relationship & Love, Author
more famous quotes

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. We were engaged at 17 and married at 19, amid some trying to talk us out of it & discourage us. Obviously, we knew what we were doing :) I'm not saying it wasn't hard at times, that we weren't broke at times but you know what? I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Free Samples!!

2010-06-19T22:03:00.000-04:00

Here are some new offers, while supplies last, US only (sorry to my international readers!)

Dove Hair Care

Nicorette Cinnamon Surge Gum

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew

Bodycology Fragrance Sample this one is hand lotion in Cherry Blossom or Cucumber Melon

Become a member of the Power Bar community and receive a free sample of PowerBar Gel Blasts!

FREE Trial Sample of Miracle Skin Transformer

Free O.B. tampon sample pack

Free Sample Offer

2010-06-10T17:13:00.000-04:00

#free-sample

Here's another free sample offer!

I've tried EOS shaving gel in the past and absolutely loved it! I'm too cheap to buy it though, I buy whatever is cheapest and on sale!!

Hawaii is....

2010-06-06T13:28:00.000-04:00

Water!!!

From turquoise blue......

to filled with dolphins....

to a deeper blue...

to holding a sunken boat...

to calm outside out hotel...

Hawaii's water is many, many things. I've got more to show you but it's storming here so I wanted to post these before I lost internet & my post!

Hawaii is.....

2010-06-04T10:53:00.000-04:00

Sand!

From bright white:

to dotted with lava rock

to a stunning black

to dotted with white coral

Hawaii has some of the most beautiful sand I have ever seen anywhere!

Vacation...

2010-05-13T14:58:00.000-04:00

I'm off to Hawaii for a anniversary trip with my hubby.

I'll be back.......maybe :)

More free sample offers!

2010-05-06T16:57:00.000-04:00

Jenn, ask and you shall receive!!! Here are some more free sample offers!

Nivea Happy sensations body lotion OR touch of happiness body wash, go here.

If this is your first time registering...

You will receive a confirmation email shortly. Once you get the email just follow the instructions in the email in order to verify and complete your registration.

John Freida root awakening product, go here.

For Pantene Customized solutions, go here!

For Lacoste perfume sample, go here.

Stayfree samples are here

Free Sample!!

2010-05-05T17:16:00.000-04:00

Just a quick free sample offer!!

Lever 2000 soap

Your backyard

2010-05-05T16:49:00.000-04:00

This is a bush we have in our back yard, we really like it and were suprised to see it this year as neither of us remember it blooming at all last year. It really attracts the butterflies and bees so it's inspired me to get out with my camera this week.

So what's blooming in your backyard?

Sweet Tea at Sunrise review

2010-05-05T16:36:00.000-04:00

Second review is up here!

Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods, a review

2010-05-03T11:59:00.000-04:00

I've got the review to my first book up on my book blog!

Just go here
http://jasonjenniferbooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/home-in-carolina-by-sherryl-woods.html

Stick around I'll reivew the next two books this week. And I've got copies of the first two books to giveaway to (two) lucky readers!!! Would you like to win? I'll tell you how later today!

Tacos.....

2010-04-26T11:24:00.000-04:00

In the recent months while on my weight loss 'journey' tacos has become a favorite meal around here. Actually it was before that too according to our youngest. But this is actually something that I love and could eat enough of to get full and not totally ruin my eating habits, because I leave off the sour cream.

What do you do with yoru taco shells when they break though? That is a mess! So I've started making 'taco pizzas' with the shells that are broken when they come out of the box. The kids like this idea.

Place shells on a cookie sheet, cover with hot taco meat & cheese and place in oven to melt cheese.

Remove & eat!

yummy!

Hi

2010-04-25T20:19:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been MIA this week, it's been a rough week around here.
My husbands Grandfather passed away on Sunday afternoon, he was more like a father to him, so we were busy with services this week.

I do have exciting news though.

I've been approached to read three titles (it's a series) that haven't been released yet for review here. Not only do I get the books ahead of everyone else, I get to interview the author to put here too!! And I've got two copies of the first two titles to give away here to lucky readers too!!

So be sure to stick around , the reviews are coming up soon!!!

Who Am I Casting Crowns

2010-04-17T18:41:00.000-04:00

We had the pleasure to attend a Casting Crowns concert last night. They had Tenth Ave North, and Caleb Chapman with them. It was a great way to spend a Friday evening in worship.

I've had this saved for a long time, since someone passed it to me, and I like to pull it up and watch it every so often.

In loving memory

2010-04-15T09:15:00.000-04:00

Three years ago today our good friends lost their youngest daughter to a terrible accident. Not a day goes by that I don't think of htem and send up praeyers for them but moreso on this day & her birthday. We love you guys, John & Jamie and just want you to know you're in our thoughts & prayers!!

Macaroni & Cheese....for free?

2010-04-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

Yes!! You can get a coupon for a free box of KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese!

It's easy, if you have a Facebook account anyways. Go here click on Become a Fan on their wall then click on Free Cheesey and there will be a form to fill out to get your coupon for a FREE box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

Enjoy!!

My day

2010-04-05T10:51:00.000-04:00

Today I am:

Laundering (all the dirty clothes)
Cooking (these kids insist they have to eat)
Cleaning (up the kitchen after they eat)
Scheduling (yearly midwife check-ups)
Shopping (online for our trip to Maui)
Scrubbing (bathrooms, the only CON to having more then one in the house!)
Reading (love these Karen Kingsbury books that were recommended!)
Thinking (ahead to what all has to be done this week)
Chauferring (dd to ballet class this evening)
Balancing (the checkbook)
Paying (the bills ;) )
Soaking (up some sun in preperation for Maui....before the rain moves in!!)
Preparing (for our upcoming trip, paperwork to get in order, packing lists to complete)
Excersizing!! (gotta get my body in shape!)

Wow, my day is filled with lots of verbs!! Sorry, guess I should add homeschooling to the list, I've been teaching Avery about nouns & verbs lately ;)

Ready, set, go!!

2010-04-03T22:33:00.000-04:00

Avery had learned to ride his bike with no training wheels this week! He lost his first tooth a week or so ago & has another loose. It is one milestone after another with this kid lately!!

Black & White

2010-04-03T22:21:00.000-04:00

I decided to play aroudn with my old digital camera last weekend while at my mom's house (she bought it from me when we got a new one) and I'm seriously in love with black & white photos. These are just a few from what I took that day.

(learning to ride with no training wheels!)

Free Pantene Sample!

2010-03-31T10:08:00.002-04:00

Choose from 4 different customized solutions of new & improved Pantene hair products, brought to you by vocalpoint.com.

*Must be a Vocalpoint member; limited quantities available. Only one Pantene sample will be mailed per member. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Go here to sign up!

FREE luggage tags!

2010-03-24T13:27:00.000-04:00

These are coming at a good time for me but they can be used all the time!

If you're on Facebook then you can:
Design your own, free luggage tags!
KLM brings you all over the world through its global network and its popular Amsterdam hub.

Give your baggage a new look by designing your own, unique tag. You can use a photo of your family, your favorite destination, or one of the images pre-selected by KLM.

Two tags will be made with your design to ensure you can easily recognize your bags among thousands of others. Or, you can give the tags to someone else as a gift.

Just go HERE!

They have some beautiful photos on stock if you want to use one of theirs.
Allow 3-6 weeks for arrival.

Aprons

2010-03-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

I had a Christmas Charlie Brown apron that I got used to wearing while cooking & baking in November & December. So much so that I decided I needed a pretty new apron for other times of the year too. These are what my mom (she helped sew whiel I was working on her computer)and I created.

They are both reversible, can be worn with either side showing. However, this first one I think is a little blah on the plain side, I'm debating going back and adding something to it.

Second one, I actually think this one is going to go to a friend.

Redcorating on a budget

2010-03-16T12:26:00.000-04:00

After more then four long years our youngest is losing interest in Disney/Pixar's CARS. Now, he still likes them but it's not in his every waking thought like it was. He didn't have his own room until we moved into this house. Seeing as how he was younger (4) I refused to let him pick a paint color for his room and repaint when the neutral color the sellers had just painted worked fine and we could make it his room in other ways.
This was what we did then:

CARS on the wall, on the play rug, under the bed, on the quilt, everywhere!

On top of the dresser, the wheel mirror on the wall, and more decals on this side of the room.

Well, his taste have changed, so for a little money I changed his room to match what he is more into now. I'm talking little money, did I say that already? How little? Less then $10.

I flipped the quilt over to the plain dark blue side & switched out the CARS wall stickies with Star Wars the Clone Wars glow in the dark wall clings. And the CARS ones are still plenty sticky so I'm passing those along to two younger CARS crazy kids. The poster came with a box of Valentine's that Grandma bought him.

Above the dresser is now the 'bad' side of the Star Wars characters. And his Transformers or Star Wars toys now rest here, depending on which he is playing with at the time. All of the CARS are in the closet in a box so when whe gets the urge to play with them we can just get them back out.

R2-D2 has lived in our house for several years, in big brothers closet. Now, he guards the bed. And you can see in this picture that I took up the CARS play rug that was in the floor too.

So that is the budget makeover of Avery's room, honestly one of my favorite makeovers here...for no other reason then the price!!

And the winner is!!

2010-03-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

Sorry I'm a few days late. I've caught some icky cold so I haven't felt great all weekend and we had a busy weekend too!!

So the winner of this giveaway of 100 4x6 postcards is:

True Random Number Generator

Result:

Which means that comment number 1, Mindy from MEPhotography has won!! And I even gave you some linky love ;) Congrats Mindy & good luck with your budding photography business!!!

You should hear from Uprinting in the next two weeks about your prize but you can get a head start on designing your postcards by going here.

Thanks to all for playing and check back for more often, and just to stop by & say hi! :)

Another Birthday

2010-03-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I didn't get this done earlier this week, Bad momma!
Our one and only little girl had a birthday this week and entered into the world of double digit birthdays! She's 10 now! And so proud of herself ;)

She didn't have a big celebration or do anything special really. She wants her ballet group to go ice skating, well this is high rehearsal season preparing for the spring show (beginning of April) so it's kindof hard to work in at the moment. We're going to try to do it when they get their spring break from dance classes in a few weeks.

She did order a special cake from a friend, with her doggies on it.

We took it to my parent's house on Sunday after church (because she had ballet class on her actually birthday) and my brother & nephew joined us for a birthday 'celebration'. She also got to choose a place to go eat for her day but she chose a breakfast bar so it will wait until Daddy has the morning off of work Friday.

So here she is with her Littlest Pet Shop Owl that my brohter & nephew brought her. She also received two new outfits fo rher & two new outfits from Grandma for her American Girl doll.

It's giveaway Time!!

2010-03-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's time for another giveaway!! Since we're celebrating birthdays all month long in our house I figured I should do some celebrating here on my blog with you guys! Thanks to Uprinting for helping do that!

You can win, 100 4 x 6 Postcards for One (1) Winner!!
Specifications: Paper Stock: 14pt Cardstock Gloss, Full Color Both Sides; 3 Business Days Turnaround, with FREE UPS Ground Shipping! Sorry, this contest is limited to US Residents only.

Uprinting.com offers all kinds of postcard printing, they even offer promotional printing discounts!

So hurry and enter, by leaving a comment here on how you'd use them, and I'll pick a winner using Random.org on Saturday, March 13th!

good luck!!

Birthday month!

2010-03-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

Around here I call March the Birthday Season.

Seriously, four out of five in this house have a birthday in the month of March, the other is just into April. But, not only do we all have birthdays in March we have lots of other family members and very close friends that also have birthdays in March, beginning yesterday these are the dates of March when we have birthdays to celebrate.

March 1, March 2, March 3, fr. b-day. March 4, March 6, March 8, March 9, March 11, March 15, March 17, March 21, March 24, March 26, and March 30. Some of those days there are both family members and friends celebrating.

Is there a month on your calendar that just seems overloaded with birthday's?

First up here? Our son Avery. I can't believe my baby is 6 today!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVERY!

Again?

2010-03-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

Seriously, we've had enough snow for the winter season.

I have proof (at least some I'm not sure I took pictures everytime).

Take a look.

December 5

December 19

This time we lose power for 5 days (in a all electric house), have to dig our way out to the main road to stay with my parents when it gets down to 45-50 in the house. We have at least a foot of snow on the ground.

More like 15 inches.......

January 9

The lake below our house is frozen solid, we are once again snowed in. This time I was in the house from Janurary 2-11.

January 10

The last week of January we again get bombed with a bad winter storm. Ice & snow, ballet classes are cancelled and we're homebound. I didn't even bother with pictures this time!

February 10, that would be the main road across the frozen lake. Again, we're snowed in, at least the kids and I are. Hubby is missing work or they are using company 4 wheel drive to come get him

This was Saturday morning, February 27. And it continued to snow through out the day, dumping another 3 inches overnight into yesterday.

Icicles hanging off our back porch roof down to the porch banister.

Isn't living in the country 1/2 mile to any sort of paved road, without a 4 wheel drive vehicle, the best thing?

Seriously, you must read that last line with some sarcasm ;)

I am so ready for spring!

SwagBucks

2010-02-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of this site? I just joined yesterday and I really like how simple it is to join and begin earning. You can earn swagbucks just for searching the internet (and let's face it we all search for something at least once a day don't we?), or by participating in special offers they have.

So, go check it out here!

Cookbook Deal(s)

2010-02-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

Do you like cookbooks? I knkow I have friends that love to just sit and read cookbooks. Then you're going to love this post!!

Then again, what am I saying? My 12 yr old (almost 13 yr old) son loves to read cookbooks!!! His birthday is coming up soon maybe I'll order a few. Or maybe I'll order the cupcake one(s) because all the kids would enjoy those.

Anyways, Taste Of Home is hosting a big $5 cookbook sale. Go check it out here! I'm not sure but a friend said that if you buy four you'll get free shipping so try it out!! I'm not sure how long the sale lasts, I can't find that information anywhere but I guess they won't last long at these prices so don't wait long!!!

And....let me kno if you order, which ones you order....so you can share your favorites with me later LOL!!

Change

2010-02-19T19:46:00.000-05:00

Once again I changed things up a bit.
While I loved the red header I wanted something light & bright for spring. Yes, I realize it's not spring yet...espcecially not here.

Today was a very nice sunshiney day here, something we haven't had for quite a while. Hubby was late to work again this week one day due to snow, another day his boss brought the company 4 wheel drive vehicle and picked him up. That morning there was a SUV in the creek on the other side of the lake from our house. But all this sunshine & hearing some birds sing this morning sure gets me to hoping this is the last of the white stuff we'll see fall until next December or so.

So, what do you think? Like it? Hate it? I found the background at hot bliggety blogs ;)

Free Samples

2010-02-16T16:28:00.000-05:00

Would you like some more FREE stuff?

What about something for your hair? I've never heard of this brand so I really like it when I can get a free sample to try before buying it. And there are two products you can choose from. Fekkai Hair Products sample is available here.

Maybe you'd rather try some Aveeno hair products instead? You can, just go here!

Do you get enough fiber in your diet? If not some Benefiber Orange might benefit you! To get your sample, just go here.

Maybe you like to eat Cream of Wheat for breakfast? Well you can get a sample of Cream of Wheat Healthy Grain if you go here.

Do you have a bed-wetter in your house? Then this sample of Under-jams will probably come in handy huh?
Just go here!

Enjoy!!

And the winner is.....

2010-02-13T20:18:00.000-05:00

I used Random.org to generate the winner and the winner is...

Comment #8!!

Congrats Julie!!

YAY!!

I'll email you to make sure you know and email Online Post Printing with your contact information and you should hear from them soon.

Thanks for entering and stick around for more giveaways this year!!!

Don't forget to enter!!

2010-02-05T20:57:00.002-05:00

Giveaway #2!!

I just thought I'd bump it back up to the top!!

One day

2010-02-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

That is how much curriculum Avery has left for kindergarten.

I have to run some errands tomorrow so it may actually get stretched to two days but by Friday he will be done with his curriculum for the year.

I feel 'guilty' because he isn't getting a 'big ceremony' like the other two because they were in a Christian school for this grade. Shoot, I felt guilty because he didn't get all the fuss made over his first day at school, new backpack, growing up going to school without mommy & daddy, etc. either.

Hubby says boys don't care about all that stuff and while that may be partially true. He's worked hard to learn all this math, how to tell time, how to read all those big words this eyar I think it should matter! And Avery is excited about moving on to 1st grade so it should have some fuss shouldn't it?

I know we'll continue to do some reading just about every day(if not everyday) just to keep his brain 'focused' on all that he's learned this year and not be like starting from square one in the fall. And we'll probably do some little math worksheets or something occassionally too because he loves that. I'm debating ordering the 1st grade & just beginning with it then taking a break once his older brother & sister finish up for the year but they will be done in March sometime probably.

When did my baby turn into a 'big kid' kindergarten graduate?

Giveaway #2

2010-01-28T15:07:00.001-05:00

Here it is, another giveaway brought to you by the great people at Online Poster Printing!

One winner will receive the following:

18x24 Poster Print for One (1) Winner

Paper Stock: High Gloss or Semi Gloss

Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

So, do you have some awesome digital photos that you'd like to turn into posters and hang in your house? I did, and I won one of these free poster prints a few months ago see?

Uprinting.com offers digital photo enlargement so you can pur your digital photos on posters!

How to enter? You can get a total of 3 entries by following the directions below.

1. Leave me a comment!!

2. Share this post with friends, then leave me another comment saying you did so.

3. Become a follower (if you're not already), leave me a comment earn an extra entry! If you are already a follower just leave a seperate comment stating that ;)

Contest is open to U.S. Residents only. I'll use random.org to choose a winner on February 12th. I'll notify the winner and Uprinting.com and you'll receive notification from them too soon after!!

Thanks!!

Free Samples anyone?

2010-01-27T10:47:00.000-05:00

How about some cereal?
KASHI cereal (your choice of 3 samples) just click here

PLAYTEX Gentle Glide? Just click here.

POST-ITs Durable Tabs? Just click here. I LOVE getting post-it samples!!

HILLS Science Diet Simple Essentials Treats for your doggie! Just click here!

Rascal Flatts

2010-01-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

They put on an awesome show!! And Darius Rucker was no slacker either!!

I would go again & again!

Excitement!

2010-01-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

Do you have any excitement going on in your life right now?

Obviously, I'm in countdown mode to Maui, only 111 days now. But that is still a little farther out so I need some excitement in my life now!!

Well I've got it, I'm sitting here listening to my IPod Touch, all my Rascal Flatts songs to get me pumped up and ready for the CONCERT TOMORROW NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoohoo!! They were in town last year and hubby wouldn't go, when tickets went on sale this past fall for this one I refused to not go. I bought the cheap seats ($40 is that really considered cheap?)so it's very top of the arena but I don't really care I'm just ready to go see them LIVE tomorrow night!!!

Since hubby isn't a huge fan I found someone else to take his seat and go with me. I'm sure I'll have a better time and he'll have a better time at home with the kids this way LOL!!

So anything new or coming soon in your life that you are excited about?

Do you have a dog?

2010-01-21T11:56:00.000-05:00

If so you might enjoy this FREE SAMPLE OFFER.
I've received this before but I always request it once it has reset and is available again.

Go HERE to request a free sample of Rachael Ray's nutrish premium dog food.

In the past the sample has also included a coupon for $2 off the purchase of a bag, if your pet likes it well enough and you wish to buy more.

Family Circle Magazine

2010-01-18T14:31:00.000-05:00

Do you like it?
If you haven't tried it would you like to for FREE?

You can go here and sign up to receive 3 FREE ISSUES of Family Circle MAgazine.
You will receive May, June, and July 2010 issues with no strings attached!

I love to get magazines free, then I don't feel bad if I don't read them LOL!! And once I'm done with them I donate them to my daughter's ballet studio for the waiting areas. You can do the same, or donate them to nearby nursing home, Dr's office anywhere that has a waiting room that might need some new reading material is a good option!!

Free Sample!!!

2010-01-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hurry this free sample offer won't last long!!

Free 2 pack sample of Purex® Complete 3–in–1® Laundry Sheets. It’s that simple!
Go HERE.

By mail in about 6-8 weeks. US households only. Limit one per household. While supplies last.

Where have I been?

2010-01-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

You want to know why no blog post in the last 5 days? Actually longer then that as I scheduled that one earlier. I honestly can't tell you. I certainly haven't been out running around. We came in on Sunday from 'Christmas' with hubby's Dad, Grandparent's, and Sister not expecting any bad weather overnight.

Monday morning we had another several inches of fresh new snow. The road were we live was bad so hubby went in to work a little later then usual. He took my Odyssey since it does have the traction control which is more then his older min-van has. My plan all day was to miss dd's ballet class that evening. He said he'd come in and get her & take her back out. Yeah, well that got cancelled when he found out our driveway was so slick (ice under the snow that fell Sunday night & all day Monday)that he couldn't get the van all the way up the hill to home.

Tuesday morning, he ended up going to work after lunch. After his boss brought the company 4 wheel drive truck to pick him up. He brought the truck home Tuesday & Wednesday so he could get home. Last night his brother in law brought him home. Yep, we've still got lots of snow and still can't get the van all the way up the driveway.

So where I have I been? No where! No ballet on Monday or Tuesday and we won't be taking her in the morning if class isn't cancelled either. Guess we'll be back on Monday!!

I have been keeping up with my laundry, household stuff just in case we lost our electric again...like we did just before Christmas for five days, and reading. I'm on my fifth book of the year, I keep a list on my other blog and a challenge for those of you who read if you're interested.

I'll try to post more often!!

And the winner is!!

2010-01-03T00:00:00.009-05:00

As promised here is the winner for the contest from UPrinting.com!

Random.org picked #4 out of 10 comments.

That means Mommyc you are the winner!!

You should receive a email from UPrinting.com in the next few days! Let me know if you haven't by the 9th or 10th okay?

Thanks to all of you who played along!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

Wow, so another year is gone huh?

What sticks in your mind most for 2009? I ask that but honestly can't really answer it myself. I guess there are a few things but not any 'big deal' 'awesome' things like some blog posts I've read in the last day or so.

This is what sticks out in my memory for 2009.

Losing 20 lbs. After being unhappy with my weight for at least 3 years now.
Going back to The Outer Banks for a week in June with my parents. We hadn't vacationed there since 2005.
Getting healthy, with my diet AND with the help of my Naturopath. In the fall of 2003, while pregnant with our last child, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I went along with the meds for the baby's sake (that and doing research on the internet can resolve n some super scary results!! EEK!). I've felt miserable ever since. I swore up & down that the meds caused more symptoms of the disease then the disease itself did, for me at least. As of mid-December I am free of those medications! I am taking charge of MY health and my hypothyroidism is for all sakes gone. I've still got to get blood work to confirm but I feel great & everything shows up okay @ the Naturopath's office. Thanks to Dr Lori for that!!
Hm oh, my 'baby' started kindergarten!! Well I home school so it's not as big of a deal I guess and let me tell you the guilt of that got to me last fall too. The older two actually went to school for kindergarten (they were 5th & 2nd grade when we pulled them out) so for him not to get the big deal made out of the first day, and a 'big' graduation ceremony (he's almost done with his curriculum for the year)really made me feel guilty. I'm thinking we're going to have to do something once he finishes his curriculum!!
Rachel moved up on more level in her ballet classes, she is now in Apprentice level 3 to the Company. Next? Junior Company then Company!!
We were blessed with another year to be with my hubby's Grandpa. He's more like a Dad to him and in April 2008 we almost lost him. He's not doing great now, he started dialysis a week or two before Christmas so we're thankful for every day we have with him.
We were also blessed with another nephew in October! That brings the total to 5 nephews for us.
Oh we traveled to Atlanta, Georgia in August. We'd looked forward to the seeing the big Aquarium since the day it opened a few years ago and I have to say we all enjoyed it and will definitely go back.
And I earned a new GOLD library card this year. My library system put out a 'challenge' to all patrons to read 100 novels for their 100th Anniversary & you'd earn a gold card. You can read more about that on my book blog here

So that's about it, see not anything major huh? I had to really think to come up with these, how pitiful is that anyways?
What about goals for the new year or anything you're looking forward to especially? I know of these few off the top of my head.

As of right now I've lost 21.5 lbs. I'd like to loose maybe 3-4lbs more if that, but honestly I'd like to be able to maintain this weight. And not have to be so strict with my way of eating everyday. I did make lifestyle changes but to splurge a little more would be nice sometimes too ;)
To read 135 books in 2010, I'm on my way I've already read my first one & am halfway through my second.
TO SEE HAWAII!!! This one will be met! My husband planned a 6 night trip for he & I in May. It's sort of a I appreciate all you do with the homeschool/house/kids, 15th Anniversary (June 24), Christmas present all rolled in to one I think. LOL!! But HE took the initiative, he planned it (he asked for my opinions on some things), he booked the hotel (OCEAN view room baby!!), flights, rental car, etc. I'm so excited! My Dad even took the week we're going to be gone off from work to spend with the grandkids ~ they will be staying with my parent's while we're gone & will be so spoiled!!
T continue to get healthy with my Naturopath.
To enjoy the Casting Crowns concert on my hubby's birthday in April. We've got our tickets for that already.
And last but not least? This year I'll be the mother of a teenager!! HOW did that happen? Our oldest will be 13 in March, holy cow!! That must make me old right? Well that and the fact that I've been married 15 years this June?!?!

So there you have it, my boring boring life LOL!! Do you have any goals or anything you are looking forward to this year?

And P.S. blogspot bloggers....what the heck happened to the spell-check feature? I'm not seeing it anywhere?

Christmas Cards

2009-12-31T11:36:00.000-05:00

What do you do with all the Christmas cards you've received this year, after the holidays?

Me? I put them in a small box that goes into storage with the rest of the decorations until next year. That will be the beginning of my mailing list next year.

This year I found the cards from the previous two years. I didn't want to just toss them, some of them are beautiful!! So I decided they could make beautiful gift tags, or even another card (if there was no writing on the inside of the cover) next year.

So I pulled out the scissors and began cutting. I didn't save the whole cover on all of them ( I did on two or three) but I just began cutting out squares, circles, rectangles of the covers, creating cute little cardboard tags. Next year we'll take a hole punch and put a piece of ribbon through it and viola' have some beautiful, unique name tags!

Or I'll give them to the kids along with some construction paper, glue sticks, glitter, whatever else they find in our craft basket and let them make some of their own Christmas cards!!

So tell me, what do you do with yours?

Aloha!!

2009-12-29T12:13:00.004-05:00

get widget

I am so excited!!!

Just wanted to say

2009-12-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

From my family to yours

May you have a blessed Merry Christmas

And let's not forget, Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Giveaway #1~~Postcards from UPrinting.com

2009-12-17T09:56:00.005-05:00

Here it is!! The very first giveaway offered here on my blog!!

This is your chance (and I will receive them too so we'll both be winners!!) to win 100 4 x6 postcards, printed on 14pt Cardstock Gloss paper, full color on both sides from UPrinting.com.

Winner will have to pay shipping on their prize.

These make awesome birthday card invitations, change of address cards, shower invitations, for your business or anything you can design yourself!! I'm thinking I'll use them as change of address notifications to all of our friends and family. Per the Metro 9-1-1 regulations our rural address is changing soon. Or...maybe we'll have a party this summer to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary and I'll use these as invites. Hm, the possibilities are endless!!

So how do you enter you ask? Here are your options. You have chances to enter to win , be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. Go here to browse what all Uprinting.com offers. then come back here and tell me what you would use the postcards for in your comment. Make sure you leave your email if I don't have it so I can get in touch with you if you are the lucky winner!!!

2. Become a follower here and it will earn you an extra entry.

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave a url to your post in your comment here.

4. If you don't have a blog, tell friends via tweet or facebook, or email to come here to enter! Make sure you tell me in your comments that you've done so.

Now for the rules, entrance for the giveaway begins now and will close Wednesday, December 30, 2009. I will announce the winner here no later then January 3, 2010. Then you will receive a email with your coupon code enclosed from UPrinting.com on or around January 8, 2010 so keep an eye on the email you leave with me!

So, if you'd like to win get to entering and be sure to stick around in the months to come I hope to offer more giveaways, along with the sample offers I like to post, travel reports, and general family & life updates!

Me.....

2009-12-15T11:03:00.005-05:00

Holy crud I can't believe I am about to post this. When this was taken in June I wouldn't even let the hubby see it. This was what finally got me motivated to get up off my hind end and get moving!!

My oldest took this picture yesterday, it's a little blurry but I think you get the gist.

I'm just about 19lbs down ( a little over or under) I can't remember exactly where I was when I weighed in last week.

Can you see the difference? Two pants sizes and at least 8 inches off my waist!!

Christmas Baking

2009-12-14T13:54:00.004-05:00

Have you done any this year?

I did this yesterday for a Christmas dinner at our church.

Candy Shop Pizza

And this tray of chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin fudge, and sugar cookies.

Then I finished my contribution with baked potato casserole and baked mac-n-cheese!!

*whew* time for a break from the kitchen LOL!! I know I have to make some peanut butter fudge next weekend sometime, that is all my mom asks for for Christmas but I'm thinking we need nothing else in this house till what we have in g-o-n-e!

FREEbie!!

2009-12-14T11:53:00.001-05:00

You can get 2 FREE issues (March & April of 2010) of Family Circle Magazine with no strings attached.

Just go here to sign up!!

See that ----->

2009-12-10T20:44:00.003-05:00

See that new button over there on my sidebar?

I've got sponsorship!!

Whoohoo, thanks to the folks at Uprinting.com (that same cool place that sponsored the giveaway I told here and here offered me sponsorship!!

That means, giveaways in the future for you!! Stick around!!

The straw that broke the camels back

2009-12-08T12:51:00.002-05:00

There is this picture that was taken of hubby and I the last evening we were at the beach in June. I HATE it. I didn't even show it to him, I don't think. That picture is the straw that broke the camels back so to speak. I got serious about wanting to try out the Wii Fit and do some exercising and see if I could lose some weight or if the hypothyroidism *and the medication that goes along with it* were really partly (or fully) to blame for my weight gain in the last five years or so.

I'd share that picture with you if I had a current picture to share also. But I need to get a current picture then I'll show you the difference......maybe!

I started eating salads for lunch in January and also trying to watch what I was eating, somewhat. I was seeing results with that. Once I began using the Wii Fit the last weekend of July I got real serious about watching what I put in my mouth. I wasn't really on a diet per say but I was trying to be healthy & wise in choosing what I ate when.

As of right now, I am down 18.5 lbs, two pants sizes, and at least 8 inches off my waist. I bought two pairs of jeans size 10 two weeks ago, I haven't worn this size in years, and these are actually loose! I've had to buy a belt when again I hadn't HAD to have a belt in years.

I'm still watching what I eat somewhat, if I know we're having Thanksgiving dinner later I only ate a small banana & a tsp of peanut butter for breakfast so I could enjoy the dinner later!! Oh and the pumpkin roll ;) And I am still exercising at least every other day if not every day at least 30 minutes, there were days I was doing 1.5 hours.

And I'm seeing this awesome Naturopathic Doctor for my thyroid issues, which as of last week, are well....getting better!! Whoohoo!! I'm feeling good, and looking better to myself then I have in a long time.

Presenting....

2009-11-23T13:34:00.001-05:00

A Mini-getaway

2009-11-18T20:22:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago in our daily newspaper a resort about two hours away from us, called The Greenbrier offered a special as "A Tribute to the Virginia's". Room rates were being offered on two dates in November, December, January, and February. For $59 a night (regular room rates begin at around $269 per night)with inclusive golf green fees (golf green fees on this course this time of year run $95 IF you are a guest, if you're not a guest they are $165).

Well, my hubby is a golfer and he immediately wanted to do & sent a email off to his best friend to see if he could go, then sent me one asking if I minded if he went. I told him go ahead, while I'd like to see the place this is the height of the winter dance season for our dd with two weeks to go before performances, rehearsals are on the calendar alot along with regular class schedule. Anyways, a few hours later he's calling me to tell me that D. won't go without taking his wife so I have to go too. Hm....okay, so I decided since they didn't get a tee time till 1:27pm I'd leave up there early, come home & get dd to dance and relieve my parent's of the boys too. Well it didn't work out that way, for reasons I won't go into here so I had to get DD a carpool ride to dance before we could leave town.

But we left on Sunday afternoon after church. We planned to do some Christmas shopping on the way up but that didn't pan out (that's a whole different post!) and drove up.

I'm not sure what I expected because I've seen pictures of the place before but it wasn't what I expected. I worried over what to wear, jeans would be too casual too out of place. Having just lost 15.5 lbs I don't have a lot of anything that fits right now, so forth & so on. But you know what? It's just a normal WV place, friendly people, greet you as you walk by, don't care what you have on, smile, just plain ol' WV folk. ;0)

We checked in, our room wasn't ready, so while we waited for them to call us we did a little exploring. Our friends were about 45 minutes behind us checking in, when they checked in and got their room right away hubby went back to the desk to see if our room was ready. It was, and boy were we surprised! We booked the exact same accommodations as the other couple. But come to find our after talking to them on Monday morning we got way more then they did. They got a bedroom with bathroom & walk in closet. We had a big sitting room & a second bathroom on top of the bedroom, bathroom & walk-in closet.

The guys enjoyed the golf course on Monday afternoon, and after doing some small shops in a nearby town we enjoyed the free afternoon tea served in the upper lobby.

If you'd like to see pictures (and you're not a friend on facebook) you can, just click on the word pictures ;)

Holiday Baking

2009-11-12T11:31:00.003-05:00

Do you get in a mood to do more baking that usual this time of year?

It seems I do, actually most years I start as soon as we begin to fill that chill in the air. This year, with working on my weight loss I held off. *I'll have to update you with pictures too on the weight loss later!*

On Tuesday we had nothing going on, no ballet, no nothing that evening so it was I decided it was a good day to get started on baking some things. Besides, I'd been promising my youngest cookies for a few days and hadn't found time to oblige. So I baked up a batch of chocolate chip cookies (just those store bought refrigerator things ~ that is what my hubby & kids prefer)and some pumpkin doodle cookies. The pumpkin doodles are a new recipe to me this year, passed to me by a friend, but they are yummy! Sort of like a snicker doodle if you know what those are.

See? They are on the right.

Pumpkin doodle Cookies

8 ounces butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. Vanilla
1 large egg
3 cups & 2 tbsp of flour

Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon

beat butter on medium speed.
add sugar and canned pumpkin.
beat until fluffy.
add cream of tartar, salt and baking soda.
mix well.
add vanilla and egg.
beat until well mixed.
add flour in two increments, beating until just incorporated.
cover dough w/ plastic wrap and chill for 1 hr. preheat oven to 350 degrees.

mix 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create coating.

remove half of dough from refrigerator and roll into 1.5 in. balls. roll balls in coating, covering all sides. place on cookie sheet 2 in. apart. bake 12-14 min.
allow cookies to cool 5 min then transfer to cooling rack. repeat process w/ other half of mixture.

Are you seeing?

2009-11-12T09:17:00.004-05:00

The last couple of times I've come here all I see is the dark red background, are you seeing the whole background with the lighter colors too or just the dark red?

I'm seriously ready to switch to a Christmas theme but I'll hold off for a few weeks for my readers (all 3 of you) sakes. ;0)

***Edited, it should be fixed now. It was a problem with their image host.***

MMMmmmMM

2009-11-10T10:15:00.002-05:00

I decided to splurge a little for dinner last night. I made myself two pieces of french toast and one of the kids a piece while the others ate scrambled eggs. I haven't ate anything like this (especially syrup) for quite a while now.

Anyways, it sure was good and so yummy!!

But, my stomach sure was growling when I went to bed at 10:30. Seems the really indulgent, yummy tasting stuff just doesn't satisfy me long enough to waste my calorie/fat/carb values of the day on them anymore.

Weird that I'm thinking that way LOL!

New Blogs

2009-11-05T22:04:00.003-05:00

In the last week or so I have found three new blogs that I am now reading & following.

First is Design Girl, she designs blogs, hosts giveaways, etc. Actually, she's hosting a giveaway right now which prompted me to share her blog with you when I meant to last week and forgot. I'd love to win this giveaway, I know I could put in my newly decorated living room!!

Another is [RE]beautify. This girls has got talent when it comes to 'redoing' things and being creative!! I want to make this with the kids soon: http://rebeautify.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-mix.html

And last but not least is Just A Girl another talented, creative blog!

Have you found any new blogs lately?

The Little Red.....

2009-10-28T08:54:00.008-04:00

Finish that sentence.

What do you think of when you hear, 'The Little Red.....'? Hen? Schoolhouse? Something else?

Right now, around here it would be the little red school cabinet, ignore the stack of photo books on top, those go in the rooms I'm painting so I stacked them here while I work in that room.

My mom got this armoire off of freecycle in our area a while back, it's a several hundred dollar armoire from JcPenny that I had loved when it was in the catalog (and may still be) but I knew I wasn't going to pay that price, plus the shipping to own one, no matter how much I wanted one for our TV.

It needed some work when she got it but hey it was free!! She decided she didn't have the room for it and gave it to me and I immediately went to work. I forgot to take a before picture but this shot of the inside shows you what color it was:

And this shows you the use I've put it to. Those file boxes are the kids schoolwork, pencils, etc. Each kid has their own box so they just have to get it out & put it away each day. There is still so much wasted space in the top portion of this cabinet!! I've asked hubby to some sort of shelving in there so I could move the board games up and put the schoolwork yet to be used (that is currently still in a box in the basement)in that bottom corner.

So there is yet another painting project I've been working on around here. As for the kitchen/living room I'm done over to this point:

I took a break the last two days & might paint some more today, then again I might just move furniture out & finish getting all the prep work done first!

Temporary fix

2009-10-25T19:46:00.009-04:00

Since we've moved in here this kitchen hasn't been to my liking. Of course, finally getting a nice new dream kitchen only to turn around and sell that house 3 months later wasn't exactly in my plans either. We've got plans for this one too, little by little things will get to the way I'd like them, hopefully.

In the meantime I spent yesterday adding some color to the blah kitchen. I took if from this:

To this:

I say temporary fix because we'd planned to switch out the fridge with black or stainless side by side or french door bottom mount freezer. Well when the cabinets & counter top were put in by the previous owners someone made the counter top to fit snuggle against the fridge, so to replace it a new one will have to be the same size or smaller. Those other kinds won't fit here. So we've discussed it and have decided to wait 3-5 years to do that, then we will take the boards surrounding the top of the cabinets off & replace with the crown molding top. We will lay all new hardwood floor, preferably DARK, and get new counter top too. So this was my fix it to my liking for now kind of deal.

I'm painting the living room the same color as it is one big "L" shaped room. I hope to get it all done by next weekend, maybe by Friday.

Kodak Gallery's MIllion Thanks Giveaway

2009-10-21T12:05:00.003-04:00

I got this offer in a email yesterday and went to sign up. I received a code for $15 free value on their website.

I ordered 20 Christmas photo cards for $2.98 they were $13.98 but the code won't cover shipping value. Still $2.98 for customized cards is a good deal, thought some of you might like to take advantage of it too!!

Go here: http://kodak.promo.eprize.com/millionsofthanks/

The rules:

1 FREE gift of $15 good towards the Kodak Gallery website (fulfilled as a digital code) per person limit.

If/once the $15 gift codes are exhausted in each phase, 40% off gift codes will be given away.

If you are the recipient of a 40% off gift code, you may come back to the promotion during the next phase to receive a $15 gift code.

Visitors must register for the promotion and opt-in to receive future information from the Kodak Gallery in accordance with our privacy policy to be eligible for the FREE gift and/or discount code.

300,000 $15 gift codes will be given away over the course of the promotion. Please see the breakdown to see how many $15 digital codes will be given away per promotion phase. Kodak Gallery is also giving away other gifts through other offers, totaling 1 million gifts.

PHASE DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Phase 1 (Oct 20 - Oct 28):Minimum 100,000 $15 Gift Codes will be given away
Phase 2 (Oct 29 - Nov 5):Minimum 100,000 $15 Gift Codes will be given away
Phase 3 (Nov 6 – Nov 13):Minimum 100,000 $15 Gift Codes will be given away

Must be eligible for the promotion according to eligibility within the Official Rules

FYI

2009-10-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Just so you know....

It's 64 days & 12 hours till Christmas!!!!