I am so excited - I participated in the Endorse Beta testing and LOVED it - they have made big changes since then but still awesome to get money back for buying what I buy anyway!
There is an Endorse free app to download on your iPhone or android - You can only submit receipts dated/time stamped after you have opened and logged into the app
when you open the app - allow logon with Facebook - on the 1st screen will be your offers for the "week" for example mine that end tomorrow are
20% cash back on Diet Mountain Dew, SoBe Lifewater, Quaker Soft Baked Bars, Quaker Whole Hearts, Popchips -
10% offers Any brand: Toilet Paper, Any Brand: Soup, Any Brand: Pet Food, Any Brand: diapers 30% back offer is Nature Valley Protein.
My daughter in law has toothpaste as one of her offers- I didn't get that one
I just open the app at the grocery store to remind myself of the offers - any offer you choose can only be used once that week - for example diapers - must be on one receipt - and if you use coupons for the diapers that will be subtracted from your total spent on the item - for example if diapers $20 and you have $2 off coupon - you will be given 10% on $18 - so $1.80
Be careful with your receipt because you have to take a good picture of it - I don't use my phone on WIFI usually but for submitting the receipt - it works better if you turn WIFI on - the submission goes a lot faster on WIFI- I try to submit the receipt after I put all the groceries away because it has to be submitted within 7 days of date of receipt and the day you purchase counts as 1st day! So turn on the lights for a better picture - I lay it on the table - open the app, click upload receipt - you need to position the picture so top of receipt is part of the picture - then take the picture - if your receipt is long - there is an add segment choice - click on that - at the top of the picture area is the last line of the previous picture - I position the receipt so that is showing then snap the next pic- if you are not satisfied with the picture there is a retake button- once you are satisfied with the picture - click "looks good to me" button - then the 10 offer items comes up and you click in the box of all the offers that are on that receipt - (for me I chose diapers) then submit (can't remember if it says submit or something else - but you will see - ) I set the receipts aside in a ziplox bag until it processes - a couple have been too blurry and I've had to retake the picture
My receipts have been processed usually within 24 hours - but as they get more users it might take longer.
They are also giving points for any receipt submitted from almost any retailer- I have submitted restaurant receipts, Walgreen and Dunkin Donuts :) (not airlines or hotels, medical bills or parking violations, event tickets, financial transactions) - even if you didn't purchase any of your weekly offers. You get 5 points per receipt - when your point balance reaches 500 they'll send a voucher for a donation to DonorsChoose in your name - You'll be supporting local public schools and they will soon be adding other charitable organizations. I don't know how you choose the school but I'm sure when I get to 500 points I'll let you know - at 85 points now.
Helpful hints: try to group the offer items together - so they are rung out together - I bought 3 packs of pull ups ..........cashier rang 2 then bacon then the other pack - I was only credited with 2 - so I challenged the receipt and they took another look at it - so from now on I will group them together :)
If you don't understand something go read the FAQ - when you open the app - upper right corner has "person icon" - click on that you can see Cash Earned, Points Earned, Receipts and Rewards, Settings and Help and FAQ - if the FAQ doesn't answer your question - at the bottom of FAQ is a button to click that will send them an email once you type the question. They have answered me within 24 hours.
Under Settings: click on Reward Payments and type your address that you want your payments to go to - there is no save button (don't know why) = but after you type it in - click the X in upper left hand corner.- it saved my info there
When I participated in the Beta trial - I received 4 different payouts during that time -
I am delighted to get money back for buying stuff I would've bought anyway!! Happy Endorsing
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Adults Bully Also
How can we expect our children not to bully, when as adults we are bullying others? Don't think you are a bully?
Bullying is when someone keeps doing or saying things to have power over another person.
Some of the ways they bully other people are by: calling them names, saying or writing nasty things about them, leaving them out of activities, not talking to them, threatening them, making them feel uncomfortable or scared, taking or damaging their things, hitting or kicking them, or making them do things they don't want to do.
If you see someone else being bullied you should always try to stop it. If you do nothing, you're saying that bullying is okay with you!
(http://www.nobully.org.nz/advicek.htm)
I'm so sad to say that I know of a recent event that someone I love was bullied - I do NOT know how the adults involved in this can laugh and joke about leaving out my friend. If you don't like her - then cut the ties - be an adult and send her an email and say - I think it is best that we are no longer friends - and be brave and give the dang reason - kids don't get along, no common interest or I like Jane and she doesn't like you so now I have no backbone and Jane won't like me if I talk to you. She has cried real tears seeing the crap that has been posted on Facebook- why don't you do the grown up thing and NOT BRAG on Facebook - someday you will realize you have lost a good friend - but she will still be mine!
And in a Christian opinion - how about when you go to church on Sunday you stand up and brag about bullying my friend and making her cry - and how you all laughed and bragged on Facebook to make her feel even worse.
How can we expect our children not to bully, when as adults we are bullying others? Don't think you are a bully?
Bullying is when someone keeps doing or saying things to have power over another person.
Some of the ways they bully other people are by: calling them names, saying or writing nasty things about them, leaving them out of activities, not talking to them, threatening them, making them feel uncomfortable or scared, taking or damaging their things, hitting or kicking them, or making them do things they don't want to do.
If you see someone else being bullied you should always try to stop it. If you do nothing, you're saying that bullying is okay with you!
(http://www.nobully.org.nz/advicek.htm)
I'm so sad to say that I know of a recent event that someone I love was bullied - I do NOT know how the adults involved in this can laugh and joke about leaving out my friend. If you don't like her - then cut the ties - be an adult and send her an email and say - I think it is best that we are no longer friends - and be brave and give the dang reason - kids don't get along, no common interest or I like Jane and she doesn't like you so now I have no backbone and Jane won't like me if I talk to you. She has cried real tears seeing the crap that has been posted on Facebook- why don't you do the grown up thing and NOT BRAG on Facebook - someday you will realize you have lost a good friend - but she will still be mine!
And in a Christian opinion - how about when you go to church on Sunday you stand up and brag about bullying my friend and making her cry - and how you all laughed and bragged on Facebook to make her feel even worse.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Magnet use
But here's the point: not even 2 minutes after turning on the television she says something that really caught my attention - Satan uses a magnet to keep pulling you to your past - to keep you focused so much on past things in your life that are bad that you can't move forward - and as soon as you try - he uses a stronger magnet! He causes chaos in your life and if you just recognize that you can talk your way thru a situation in your mind and pray - pray - pray
I know some people that are so stuck in the past things that they don't see the joy ahead of them - they can't just enjoy the moment - surrounded by people that love them.
The last couple of years my friend Susie has helped me open my eyes and ears to hear and see God and how he is working in my life. I have often questioned why certain things happened and have said WHAT ABOUT ME! Where is my blessing - She has guided me into opening my eyes to see .........how blessed I am.
I pray to win the lottery - God's answer - friends and family worth millions of dollars
I pray for a dream house - God's answer - when my husband retired - I kept hearing a little voice in my head to pay off the house instead of investing the money - pay the 10% penalty for using IRA money before we were 59 1/2 and pay off house - I did some research and found that when "purchasing" your 1st home the 10% penalty is waived for $10,000. This was our 1st home - WE PAID IT OFF ! I am thankful everyday for that because when I retired I rolled mine into another IRA - and within a year BOOM the market crashed and we lost almost 1/3 of our investment - GONE ...........but my house is paid off and no one can take that from us.
In my lifetime I have set goals and reached them - many never do, I get to spend every weekday caring for my 3 youngest grand-kids- there are some grandparents that never get to see their grandchildren.
So yesterday as my mind created this blog post - I have to tell you - the grand-kids were calm and playing nicely, and as soon as I started typing this post ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE ! They started fighting, I got a phone call about the accident that my son was in months ago, my husband called angry about the insurance company, I got the worst headache, my mom called upset about her eyes (again-) so I got up and just saved this post- until things calmed down .......and so today I've tried to sit down and post 3 different times - and as soon as I do ............the phone rings - yep husband still angry about the insurance ..........the calm kids started fighting ..............So I am saying out-loud that Satan doesn't want me to write this - BUT GOD WANTS ME TO ! Today is the day .........I'm posting in the midst of chaos - and I've forgotten several things but I am still making my point ---- Satan doesn't want you to be happy - he creates chaos to keep you from God .......because when things go wrong do you say Satan screwing with me ..........Nope ........you say why doesn't God want me to be happy
So my parting words..........if you can open your thought process ........to step back from a situation ... and see that if chaos is around ............It Ain't God .............Stop looking backwards ........break that magnet hold on yourself to move forward ............
Fair weather or all weather friend
My mom used to talk about "fair weather friend" - a friend that is around when things are going good - then she had what she called "all weather friend" - a friend that is around no matter what.
Lately I've been reading lots of blogs, and seems like I'm not the only one that has some fair weather friends - some of the ladies in these blogs have lost their baby or has been diagnosed with cancer or lost their husbands/boyfriends due to the war or given their child up for adoption. Almost all of them say their friends back away when something bad happens- but this is the time they need someone the most. Some of the friends will say call if you need anything - and you know as well as I do making a call to say I need something is very hard to do. I'm thinking a lot of these friends just don't know what to say or feel very uncomfortable being around the sadness. So I ask you to stop and think - a true friend finds a way to be supportive - and yes I also avoid sadness - but have tried to be more creative in support.
My husband had major surgery a couple years ago, none of my kids could be there with me - some had to watch the kids, some had meetings that couldn't be missed - and I was just gonna sit there by myself - which I know a lot of people do that - but as I was sitting in the waiting room - some of my friends texted me off and on - with just idle texting as we call it - but in walks the pastor of our church and he sat with me 3 1/2 hours until I got the call that the surgery was successful and he was in recovery. And in that time he didn't look at his watch once nor his phone - we just sat and talked about all kinds of stuff. The comfort that brought was interesting to me since I thought I could handle being alone, but I was so grateful he showed up.
The majority of the people that I've read about have stated all they needed was someone to listen and not judge them - they didn't ask that someone agree with decisions or understand the pain - but just to listen - whether on the phone or in person. So if you know someone that is having a difficult time right now - give them a call - say how are you doing - want to talk about it and then just listen - say something every few minutes so they know you are still there.
And do something - call and say what night can I leave dinner on your doorstep?
If someone is having a funeral - offer to drop off breakfast - take it in throw away pans - biscuits - scrambled eggs and bacon - and some cinnamon rolls -
If someone is in hospital - pack a cooler for the person with them at the hospital - everyone needs to eat or snack and when my daughter-in-laws mom was in intensive care - the family didn't want to leave the room or waiting room - we packed a cooler with ice and few waters- someone brought subs - chips - few paper plates - and lots of quarters for the vending machine. Another night someone ordered pizza - someone dropped off Starbucks - Each and Everything that was brought meant the family could eat and not leave the area. For anyone that has experienced the hospital - you know that as soon as you walk away, the doctor makes his rounds -
If someone has been diagnosed with cancer - the treatments zap their strength - offer to go to grocery for them, pick up the laundry and do it - take the dog for a walk, mow the grass, go put out their garbage cans night before collection - ask if they need stamps for bills or cards -
So my challenge to you is to stop and think about the kind of friend you are.
Lately I've been reading lots of blogs, and seems like I'm not the only one that has some fair weather friends - some of the ladies in these blogs have lost their baby or has been diagnosed with cancer or lost their husbands/boyfriends due to the war or given their child up for adoption. Almost all of them say their friends back away when something bad happens- but this is the time they need someone the most. Some of the friends will say call if you need anything - and you know as well as I do making a call to say I need something is very hard to do. I'm thinking a lot of these friends just don't know what to say or feel very uncomfortable being around the sadness. So I ask you to stop and think - a true friend finds a way to be supportive - and yes I also avoid sadness - but have tried to be more creative in support.
My husband had major surgery a couple years ago, none of my kids could be there with me - some had to watch the kids, some had meetings that couldn't be missed - and I was just gonna sit there by myself - which I know a lot of people do that - but as I was sitting in the waiting room - some of my friends texted me off and on - with just idle texting as we call it - but in walks the pastor of our church and he sat with me 3 1/2 hours until I got the call that the surgery was successful and he was in recovery. And in that time he didn't look at his watch once nor his phone - we just sat and talked about all kinds of stuff. The comfort that brought was interesting to me since I thought I could handle being alone, but I was so grateful he showed up.
The majority of the people that I've read about have stated all they needed was someone to listen and not judge them - they didn't ask that someone agree with decisions or understand the pain - but just to listen - whether on the phone or in person. So if you know someone that is having a difficult time right now - give them a call - say how are you doing - want to talk about it and then just listen - say something every few minutes so they know you are still there.
And do something - call and say what night can I leave dinner on your doorstep?
If someone is having a funeral - offer to drop off breakfast - take it in throw away pans - biscuits - scrambled eggs and bacon - and some cinnamon rolls -
If someone is in hospital - pack a cooler for the person with them at the hospital - everyone needs to eat or snack and when my daughter-in-laws mom was in intensive care - the family didn't want to leave the room or waiting room - we packed a cooler with ice and few waters- someone brought subs - chips - few paper plates - and lots of quarters for the vending machine. Another night someone ordered pizza - someone dropped off Starbucks - Each and Everything that was brought meant the family could eat and not leave the area. For anyone that has experienced the hospital - you know that as soon as you walk away, the doctor makes his rounds -
If someone has been diagnosed with cancer - the treatments zap their strength - offer to go to grocery for them, pick up the laundry and do it - take the dog for a walk, mow the grass, go put out their garbage cans night before collection - ask if they need stamps for bills or cards -
So my challenge to you is to stop and think about the kind of friend you are.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Fundraising Questions
I am baffled. There are all kinds of folks asking for money - the guy / girl with the cardboard sign, the bell ringing Salvation Army person, kids with buckets at stoplights, plea's from Facebook, giveaways for donations, kids selling stuff for schools, Jerry's kids ............what is it that compels a person to give and to whom?
Sometimes I buy the stuff from the kids selling from school(can't resist a cute kid begging)
I've dropped change in the Salvation Buckets because they do good things and in the firefighters buckets for Jerry's kids
I will not give money to the cardboard sign carriers (I will hand them food and/or water) in my area - honestly - most appear to be drugged out .......or so high they can't stand straight so the cities actually have signs asking motorist not to give money to the pan-handlers - one time last year my husband handed a person $5 and we pulled into gas station and GUESS WHAT .........the pan-handler came bought beer at the gas station! his sign said please help me feed my kids!
Usually not to the kids with buckets (the middle of the road is not safe - and I don't want to encourage the behavior) and yes I know they are raising money for good programs - but really a 10/12 year old playing in traffic carrying a bucket is just not a good thing - put the parents out there with a sign - Raising money for my kids softball team !
So what I'm wondering is what makes YOU give - is it the cause, the kid, the story - and why I'm wondering is because a couple friends are trying to raise money for adoptions and both have hit a stone wall even with offering prizes ..........like good prizes like IPAD2 ........you get entries just for donating $10 which you might've done anyways. And I have tried doing stuff to help them also and fell FLAT on my face .......so am I saying something wrong .......you can answer anonymously if you wish - I just need to understand so that my next effort at least gets 2 donations LOL
Sometimes I buy the stuff from the kids selling from school(can't resist a cute kid begging)
I've dropped change in the Salvation Buckets because they do good things and in the firefighters buckets for Jerry's kids
I will not give money to the cardboard sign carriers (I will hand them food and/or water) in my area - honestly - most appear to be drugged out .......or so high they can't stand straight so the cities actually have signs asking motorist not to give money to the pan-handlers - one time last year my husband handed a person $5 and we pulled into gas station and GUESS WHAT .........the pan-handler came bought beer at the gas station! his sign said please help me feed my kids!
Usually not to the kids with buckets (the middle of the road is not safe - and I don't want to encourage the behavior) and yes I know they are raising money for good programs - but really a 10/12 year old playing in traffic carrying a bucket is just not a good thing - put the parents out there with a sign - Raising money for my kids softball team !
So what I'm wondering is what makes YOU give - is it the cause, the kid, the story - and why I'm wondering is because a couple friends are trying to raise money for adoptions and both have hit a stone wall even with offering prizes ..........like good prizes like IPAD2 ........you get entries just for donating $10 which you might've done anyways. And I have tried doing stuff to help them also and fell FLAT on my face .......so am I saying something wrong .......you can answer anonymously if you wish - I just need to understand so that my next effort at least gets 2 donations LOL
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Why adopt overseas - and Pampered Chef
So for the eighteen months or so, I've been friends with a girl that adopted. Her family began the adoption overseas, but God had different plans and she adopted from US. When it was still an overseas adoption, I asked her - why choose overseas when there are children here that need to be adopted. It was an eye-opening conversation.
In the USA - families with 4 children are rarely considered- I know you are thinking but I've seen some special needs children that have been adopted into a large family - YES - they were part of the foster parent system - and the foster parents adopted them.
The wait list for baby/toddler is something like 10 years - your income has to be outrageous.
Overseas will let you adopt based on income/family size ratio - In the USA there are still orphanages but not as many - the shift is to foster care -
For both types of adoption you go thru home studies - someone comes in and checks out your house/family interaction etc (i really don't know much else that goes on but do know you have to pass)
So then I started reading some blogs of people that are in the process of adopting and I'm saddened by the conditions I read about - Children with Down Syndrome that are left to lay in rooms all day long - couple diaper changes and a bottle with a huge hole cut out of the nipple - 5 year old kids that look to be 6 months old - that can't walk, or talk and shy away from any physical touching - no hugs, no sitting on laps - that is just sad ...sad .... sad. Because of the countries they are in - the blogs are very careful to not complain too much about conditions because the country will just shut down adoptions. One already has ..........one has threatened to. ..........
So I say to myself - a child with Down Syndrome - is just as worthy of being loved as any other child - And my online friend Mandy and her husband and 2 kids are welcoming 2 boys near age 5 from 2 different orphanages .....I am drawn to her blog - and her story .......and her much anticipated trip to actually meet these 2 little ones which she will name Joseph and Samuel. I have posted about her and her fundraisers but another online friend Susie and I will be having a Pampered Chef fundraiser to help her try to raise the 3990 that she still needs to fulfill the adoptions.
I'll be posting about that in next day or so ------keep your eyes peeled.
In the USA - families with 4 children are rarely considered- I know you are thinking but I've seen some special needs children that have been adopted into a large family - YES - they were part of the foster parent system - and the foster parents adopted them.
The wait list for baby/toddler is something like 10 years - your income has to be outrageous.
Overseas will let you adopt based on income/family size ratio - In the USA there are still orphanages but not as many - the shift is to foster care -
For both types of adoption you go thru home studies - someone comes in and checks out your house/family interaction etc (i really don't know much else that goes on but do know you have to pass)
So then I started reading some blogs of people that are in the process of adopting and I'm saddened by the conditions I read about - Children with Down Syndrome that are left to lay in rooms all day long - couple diaper changes and a bottle with a huge hole cut out of the nipple - 5 year old kids that look to be 6 months old - that can't walk, or talk and shy away from any physical touching - no hugs, no sitting on laps - that is just sad ...sad .... sad. Because of the countries they are in - the blogs are very careful to not complain too much about conditions because the country will just shut down adoptions. One already has ..........one has threatened to. ..........
So I say to myself - a child with Down Syndrome - is just as worthy of being loved as any other child - And my online friend Mandy and her husband and 2 kids are welcoming 2 boys near age 5 from 2 different orphanages .....I am drawn to her blog - and her story .......and her much anticipated trip to actually meet these 2 little ones which she will name Joseph and Samuel. I have posted about her and her fundraisers but another online friend Susie and I will be having a Pampered Chef fundraiser to help her try to raise the 3990 that she still needs to fulfill the adoptions.
I'll be posting about that in next day or so ------keep your eyes peeled.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Food and Housewarming Parties
I love food - I love trying food at parties! ------- (and getting the recipes)
At my daughters housewarming Sunday - our friends Pati and Joe put together a yummy caprice (?spelled right?)
So thin slices of tomatoes, sliver of prosciutto, sliver of mozzarella (in milk juice LOL) chopped up basil - sprinkled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil - and you put it on small slices of round Italian bread. Now you are probably saying - oh yes ........I've seen that - but I'm telling you it was delicious - and you know that cause 3 platters were gone before the cheese lost it's chill.
And my dil makes this really weird salad (but yummy) with ramen noodles, sesame seeds - I think scallions - and a few other things - I am always excited to see that come to a party - I was really hoping my other dil would bring her yummy pasta salad - but Rebecca didn't ask her (dam)
The housewarming was awesome - lots of Rebecca's friends came to see her 1st home. She has always wanted a home with a pool - but I was totally bummed that it was too cold to even put a pinky into the pool - although Shelby donned her bathing suit and jumped right in - THIS IS FLORIDA - not supposed to be cold! - I'm blaming it on days of cloudy, overcast skies.
We have tote city beside her house and hopefully our friend that is moving soon can take some off our hands - until we have a bigger place to store them.
Ahhhhh - totes - are so much better than cardboard boxes - several years ago when my son moved from his shop - I bought the 1st 10 totes - you know the 18 gallon totes for like $5 (they were 3.50) - and we thought then - hmmm these are better than cardboard because the cans don't fall thru the bottom - they have handles to carry them - they seal so roaches don't get in them, they stack easy - and that began our building of tote city - he moved - I bought 10 more- then 10 more - a couple huge ones for pillows and blankets and hangers - They were awesome in storage - which wound up being over a year - instead of 6 weeks. We labeled them with masking tape on the top edge of the lids - so that when they are stacked you can stand and see in a stack what is in each box - So here is my advise on that: try to buy the same size/brand - along the way we have bought them for various things so there were some mis-matched ones - they don't stack as easy - so right not the same size ones are stacked - smaller ones inside - one lid on top and all other lids in one of the huge ones. -----just waiting for the next move.
At my daughters housewarming Sunday - our friends Pati and Joe put together a yummy caprice (?spelled right?)
So thin slices of tomatoes, sliver of prosciutto, sliver of mozzarella (in milk juice LOL) chopped up basil - sprinkled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil - and you put it on small slices of round Italian bread. Now you are probably saying - oh yes ........I've seen that - but I'm telling you it was delicious - and you know that cause 3 platters were gone before the cheese lost it's chill.
And my dil makes this really weird salad (but yummy) with ramen noodles, sesame seeds - I think scallions - and a few other things - I am always excited to see that come to a party - I was really hoping my other dil would bring her yummy pasta salad - but Rebecca didn't ask her (dam)
The housewarming was awesome - lots of Rebecca's friends came to see her 1st home. She has always wanted a home with a pool - but I was totally bummed that it was too cold to even put a pinky into the pool - although Shelby donned her bathing suit and jumped right in - THIS IS FLORIDA - not supposed to be cold! - I'm blaming it on days of cloudy, overcast skies.
We have tote city beside her house and hopefully our friend that is moving soon can take some off our hands - until we have a bigger place to store them.
Ahhhhh - totes - are so much better than cardboard boxes - several years ago when my son moved from his shop - I bought the 1st 10 totes - you know the 18 gallon totes for like $5 (they were 3.50) - and we thought then - hmmm these are better than cardboard because the cans don't fall thru the bottom - they have handles to carry them - they seal so roaches don't get in them, they stack easy - and that began our building of tote city - he moved - I bought 10 more- then 10 more - a couple huge ones for pillows and blankets and hangers - They were awesome in storage - which wound up being over a year - instead of 6 weeks. We labeled them with masking tape on the top edge of the lids - so that when they are stacked you can stand and see in a stack what is in each box - So here is my advise on that: try to buy the same size/brand - along the way we have bought them for various things so there were some mis-matched ones - they don't stack as easy - so right not the same size ones are stacked - smaller ones inside - one lid on top and all other lids in one of the huge ones. -----just waiting for the next move.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Praises and complaints
I want to start off by PRAISING GOD for the little things that mean so much
...............all 3 of my sons working on the broken car - and the promise to work out the transmission
...............the nurse at my mom's doctor's office that always manages to have enough samples to give to mom
...............the wind this weekend that kept the heat away as my sons struggled over the hunk of junk car
...............the window tinting cheap enough that my husband could surprise me with a tinted car
...............the friends that generously helped put in my daughters 4 windows
...............
with that being said - I'm very discouraged - NOTHING is easy for me - and I mean NOTHING - I feel like I am in a constant struggle with something - and I hear ya - turn it over to God - I can assure you, it has taken me a while to admit that there are things I can't handle alone - or at all - But what I don't get is why oh why do I feel the dark cloud all the dang time. And I know there are millions worse off than me - but also I personally know folks that just breeze thru life without a trouble in the world - WHY??
...............all 3 of my sons working on the broken car - and the promise to work out the transmission
...............the nurse at my mom's doctor's office that always manages to have enough samples to give to mom
...............the wind this weekend that kept the heat away as my sons struggled over the hunk of junk car
...............the window tinting cheap enough that my husband could surprise me with a tinted car
...............the friends that generously helped put in my daughters 4 windows
...............
with that being said - I'm very discouraged - NOTHING is easy for me - and I mean NOTHING - I feel like I am in a constant struggle with something - and I hear ya - turn it over to God - I can assure you, it has taken me a while to admit that there are things I can't handle alone - or at all - But what I don't get is why oh why do I feel the dark cloud all the dang time. And I know there are millions worse off than me - but also I personally know folks that just breeze thru life without a trouble in the world - WHY??
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
My Birthday Surprise
My adult kids totally surprised me !!! I am usually hard to surprise cause I'm nosy.
For birthdays - birthday person chooses their meal - so a few weeks before my birthday - my daughter and daughter in laws decided we should go to my favorite BBQ place for dinner (LOL) - it is 45 minutes drive from here and we usually only go there when we are going to or from Orlando to the outlets. But they convinced me that on a Friday nite it was not nuts to drive 45 minutes in rush hour traffic to eat at my favorite place - so that was the plan. So Friday morning my daughter calls, says I took your birthday off and I'm doing something with 2 of the grand-kids (normally I babysit them everyday) She says you will only have the 22 month old granddaughter. I found out later that they left her with me to keep me from spoiling the surprise by going home after I took mom to the doctor. (ahhh they know me well) - So my daughter slipped into my house and packed my bag while I had mom at the doctor - then she and my son and 2 of the grand-kids drove to Kissimme(Orlando) - and checked into the Star Island Resort and Club in Kissimme, Fl. Then went and stocked the suite with groceries for the weekend. And she made one of my favorite meals Baked Chicken Supreme. Also behind the scenes, my oldest grandson was being dropped off by his aunt (he had spent the week with her), but she drove him to the hotel and dropped him off (1/2 hour in other direction) Meanwhile, I was at DIL's house babysitting.
When my son and dil arrived home - we took granddaughter and my husband and I and headed for the restaurant (or so I thought)- My other son and dil were only a few mins behind us. And for those of you that don't know - I'm a backseat driver - even when in front seat. So as we approached the exit, I'm telling my son you need to get off here - he's like good thing you told me I've never been to this restaurant before, my dil asked me a question and I turned to answer and HE DROVE RIGHT PAST EXIT. I turned around and about freaked - you have to drive 41 miles north to next exit - it will be closed - he's like relax giving my brother time to catch up LOL - as he passed the next exit I realized something was up and was told to stop asking questions.
When we were just 2 blocks away I had to close my eyes until they parked and led me in - What a cool place this was - 3 bedrooms, 2 bath - fully setup kitchen - and dinner smelled and tasted awesome. They had decorated and even got me a pinata! - My 4 year old granddaughter last year made her parents buy each birthday person a pinata - she is relentless when she decides something and sometimes we just have to give in. So this year she asked what kinda pinata did I want - I said one with money! Well - they went to dollar store and bought fake dollars and coins and filled that pinata with money ! and of course lollipops.
After dinner we headed for the pool. The pool at Star Island Resort is family friendly - it has an area within the pool that little ones can play in - and goes to about 6 foot deep on far end. It was not overcrowded so it was easy to keep an eye on the little ones and it is open til midnight.
Later we needed a couple blankets and something in the kitchen - called and within 5 mins they were knocking on the door. We will go back there again - I'm thinking we liked this better than Nick hotel - which can get really really crowded.
Breakfast the next day was my son's bacon - he even brought his grill - and waffles
Lunch - my daughter in law made pasta salad and my daughter got this cool package of lunchmeat for subs that is a kit - for italian subs - 4 meats laid out on paper and stacked for 8 people - awesome kit.
Dinner - my daughter and daughter in laws made homemade tortilla's - and my other son made his delicious salsa
Breakfast the next day was eggs .......delish - then we had to pack and leave but not before going in the pool one more time.
Dessert - a huge chocolate chip cookie cake .........yum
So just when I thought the surprises were over - they gave me a Kindle and a Vera Bradley case for it.
I felt so so special that weekend- nothing is better than hanging out with your 4 adult kids- 2 awesome daughter-in-laws and 4 grand kids.
For birthdays - birthday person chooses their meal - so a few weeks before my birthday - my daughter and daughter in laws decided we should go to my favorite BBQ place for dinner (LOL) - it is 45 minutes drive from here and we usually only go there when we are going to or from Orlando to the outlets. But they convinced me that on a Friday nite it was not nuts to drive 45 minutes in rush hour traffic to eat at my favorite place - so that was the plan. So Friday morning my daughter calls, says I took your birthday off and I'm doing something with 2 of the grand-kids (normally I babysit them everyday) She says you will only have the 22 month old granddaughter. I found out later that they left her with me to keep me from spoiling the surprise by going home after I took mom to the doctor. (ahhh they know me well) - So my daughter slipped into my house and packed my bag while I had mom at the doctor - then she and my son and 2 of the grand-kids drove to Kissimme(Orlando) - and checked into the Star Island Resort and Club in Kissimme, Fl. Then went and stocked the suite with groceries for the weekend. And she made one of my favorite meals Baked Chicken Supreme. Also behind the scenes, my oldest grandson was being dropped off by his aunt (he had spent the week with her), but she drove him to the hotel and dropped him off (1/2 hour in other direction) Meanwhile, I was at DIL's house babysitting.
When my son and dil arrived home - we took granddaughter and my husband and I and headed for the restaurant (or so I thought)- My other son and dil were only a few mins behind us. And for those of you that don't know - I'm a backseat driver - even when in front seat. So as we approached the exit, I'm telling my son you need to get off here - he's like good thing you told me I've never been to this restaurant before, my dil asked me a question and I turned to answer and HE DROVE RIGHT PAST EXIT. I turned around and about freaked - you have to drive 41 miles north to next exit - it will be closed - he's like relax giving my brother time to catch up LOL - as he passed the next exit I realized something was up and was told to stop asking questions.
When we were just 2 blocks away I had to close my eyes until they parked and led me in - What a cool place this was - 3 bedrooms, 2 bath - fully setup kitchen - and dinner smelled and tasted awesome. They had decorated and even got me a pinata! - My 4 year old granddaughter last year made her parents buy each birthday person a pinata - she is relentless when she decides something and sometimes we just have to give in. So this year she asked what kinda pinata did I want - I said one with money! Well - they went to dollar store and bought fake dollars and coins and filled that pinata with money ! and of course lollipops.
After dinner we headed for the pool. The pool at Star Island Resort is family friendly - it has an area within the pool that little ones can play in - and goes to about 6 foot deep on far end. It was not overcrowded so it was easy to keep an eye on the little ones and it is open til midnight.
Later we needed a couple blankets and something in the kitchen - called and within 5 mins they were knocking on the door. We will go back there again - I'm thinking we liked this better than Nick hotel - which can get really really crowded.
Breakfast the next day was my son's bacon - he even brought his grill - and waffles
Lunch - my daughter in law made pasta salad and my daughter got this cool package of lunchmeat for subs that is a kit - for italian subs - 4 meats laid out on paper and stacked for 8 people - awesome kit.
Dinner - my daughter and daughter in laws made homemade tortilla's - and my other son made his delicious salsa
Breakfast the next day was eggs .......delish - then we had to pack and leave but not before going in the pool one more time.
Dessert - a huge chocolate chip cookie cake .........yum
So just when I thought the surprises were over - they gave me a Kindle and a Vera Bradley case for it.
I felt so so special that weekend- nothing is better than hanging out with your 4 adult kids- 2 awesome daughter-in-laws and 4 grand kids.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Fundraisers and helping others
I've been trying to share the fundraisers that some of my online friends are having. I wanted to thank you for taking a look, maybe ordering or just sharing the post about the fundraisers. I can remember when I worked I would be overwhelmed at all the fundraisers that were happening, and sometimes felt obligated to buy. Just wanted to let each and every one of you know - I will never know if you bought something or not. -
no obligation, no feeling bad !
A little information about Madison (Amanda Woodard is her mother) She has Spinal Muscle Atrophy - she lost her ability to swallow at age 10 months. Recently Amanda posted a video of Madison using her 1st switch toy - her mommy holds the device which looks a lot like a snow cone only larger - the snow cone part is a globe that has lights that will spin if Madison squeezes the little switch in her hand. And she was able to make it spin 4 times on the video -
And some information about Mandy Rhodes- She and her husband are adopting 2 orphans from overseas that have Down's Syndrome. Her fundraiser is to raise the 30,000 for the adoptions. They already have 2 bio children and feel called to adopt these boys.
Most important is please PRAY for these families.
no obligation, no feeling bad !
A little information about Madison (Amanda Woodard is her mother) She has Spinal Muscle Atrophy - she lost her ability to swallow at age 10 months. Recently Amanda posted a video of Madison using her 1st switch toy - her mommy holds the device which looks a lot like a snow cone only larger - the snow cone part is a globe that has lights that will spin if Madison squeezes the little switch in her hand. And she was able to make it spin 4 times on the video -
And some information about Mandy Rhodes- She and her husband are adopting 2 orphans from overseas that have Down's Syndrome. Her fundraiser is to raise the 30,000 for the adoptions. They already have 2 bio children and feel called to adopt these boys.
Most important is please PRAY for these families.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Old people coupon also
I was shocked to see how many "old" people were in line at Beall's last weekend. Beall's emailed me a $10 off $10 or more purchase and I went with my daughter to get a "Gator" shirt for watching the game. Well, I'm old - 57 - but these people were older than me and they had HANDFULLS of the $10 off coupon. I had printed 1, thinking that was the rule - but some old lady in the 15 people deep line said - honey you need to go copy that coupon - there is a place right across the street. HMMMM - tempting - then she went on to explain that yesterday the cashiers were letting you use as many $10 off $10 coupons that you had in separate transactions, but "today" they were only letting you do 3 transactions - then you had to go to back of line. She had 9 boxes of K-cup coffee - on sale for $11.99 - she was bragging $1.99 for each. So let me also tell you there were 3 sets of 2 cashiers and each had lines 15 deep. I'm always the line stander when we shop on Black Friday, I hold the place in line and my daughter and daughter in law's shop and bring it to me. So I'm standing near the Tervis cups in line and wishing I had the time to go copy some of my coupons - so another line-stander - hears this "old lady" tell me to go copy mine - I said I don't have time to - she says well I used 15 yesterday and this is the last of what I want - so I will give you what is left - WOW ......
she gave me 4 more - so I got out of line and went shopping - I bought a box of sweet southern ice tea K-cups for 1.99 - and a couple infant toys - My daughter bought 2 "Gator" shirts and a pair of "Gator" shorts the shorts were on sale from $40 to $24.99 then $10 more off - the shirts were $20 - on sale for $12 - then $10 more off - When it was our turn at the register - I asked the cashier before I used them if we were allowed to copy and use several coupons and she said yes, all day yesterday they had people with 10 or more holding up the line - so the only rule "today" was only 3 transactions per person then you had to get back in line. Amazing cheap shopping day !
she gave me 4 more - so I got out of line and went shopping - I bought a box of sweet southern ice tea K-cups for 1.99 - and a couple infant toys - My daughter bought 2 "Gator" shirts and a pair of "Gator" shorts the shorts were on sale from $40 to $24.99 then $10 more off - the shirts were $20 - on sale for $12 - then $10 more off - When it was our turn at the register - I asked the cashier before I used them if we were allowed to copy and use several coupons and she said yes, all day yesterday they had people with 10 or more holding up the line - so the only rule "today" was only 3 transactions per person then you had to get back in line. Amazing cheap shopping day !
Friday, September 2, 2011
What is left of Ryan's truck
I would like to start out saying God watched out over my son, it is a miracle that he walked away with only 2 scratched knees, couple small burns from air bag deploying and soreness. His truck bed shifted forward kinda off the frame - What you cannot see in this picture is the broken windshield with the indent of my son's head :(
The Lincoln looks worse. The easiest way to describe it would be - had he hit the front passenger door - his bumper would've been touching the driver - BUT he hit the back passenger door - it actually pushed the "car" off the frame. We've been unable to get anymore information about the man in the car, at the hospital we heard he had some broken ribs - please keep praying for him, but we don't know his name, it is on the police report which isn't ready. The man driving the Lincoln was ticketed.
So here's what happened:
My son was driving east on a very busy 6 lane highway (3 east/3west) - speed limit is 45 - the man was coming west and had pulled into the turning lane to go south into his development - he did not see my son's truck and turned smack dab in front of him - Ryan tried to stop, it was lightly raining, but even in the best conditions there is no way he could've stopped his truck even going 25.
Accidents happen - sometimes there is just no way to avoid it -
The Lincoln looks worse. The easiest way to describe it would be - had he hit the front passenger door - his bumper would've been touching the driver - BUT he hit the back passenger door - it actually pushed the "car" off the frame. We've been unable to get anymore information about the man in the car, at the hospital we heard he had some broken ribs - please keep praying for him, but we don't know his name, it is on the police report which isn't ready. The man driving the Lincoln was ticketed.
So here's what happened:
My son was driving east on a very busy 6 lane highway (3 east/3west) - speed limit is 45 - the man was coming west and had pulled into the turning lane to go south into his development - he did not see my son's truck and turned smack dab in front of him - Ryan tried to stop, it was lightly raining, but even in the best conditions there is no way he could've stopped his truck even going 25.
Accidents happen - sometimes there is just no way to avoid it -
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A friend told me about Pinterest
My friend Brittany from Testosterone Tamer told me about a great place to organize my "findings". It is called Pinterest - it works very similar to bookmarking a page, but it is really a virtual bulletin board. The really cool thing is if I'm trying to show my daughter or daughter in law some ideas for recipes or decorating, instead of having to click on each bookmark - now i have a bulletin board that they can look at - then we can click on the link for any that we want instructions for. I am hooked - I've only been Pinning a few days but I think it is an awesome site. If you wanna take a look - click on follow me on Pinterest or you can go there directly at www.pinterest.com. So if you want an invite just let me know.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Bad Dream Catcher
My 4 year old granddaughter has bad dreams. Her parents have tried all kinds of ideas to re-assure her that they are only dreams and not real, but she's not buying it! So one night I was babysitting and had to go all around the room and scoop up all the bad dreams into my hands and throw them out the door. The next day I was at my favorite Dollar Tree and VOILA a bad dream catcher! (A.K.A. butterfly net)- so now before her parents kiss her goodnight - they wave the bad dream catcher around the room and it's been days since she had a bad dream.
Why I coupon #2
I love trying new products (until I find one I love) and having coupons to discount the cost of the new product is awesome. Not too long ago there was a $2 off the Benadryl Itch Relief Stick - which costs $2.29 at my Walmart and Target. My out of pocket was 29 cents. I LOVE THIS STUFF ! I will buy it even without a coupon - I even tested it on myself to see if it actually stopped the itching because the kids are all under age of 4 and sometimes can't vocalize what I want to know. You do have to rub it across your skin to get the roller moist - but once it is moist a couple rolls and voila - the itching subsides. For a couple BIG bites I had to roll it on again after about 10 mins - but that one had raised up big on me before I could get to the roll-on stick.
Just so you know - the mosquitoes in my area are on high alert when my grandchildren are headed for the door. The mosquito lookout texts all his/her friends to let them know a feast is coming out the door, because these sweet kids walk out the door and instantly have at least 2 bites. We do have spray on stuff for them when they are headed out to play, but when going to the car it seems like they should be able to walk 14 steps to car without having to have on bug spray - since riding in the car with that stuff on them just seems icky. I have one of these sticks in the diaper bag and one in my purse!
Just so you know - the mosquitoes in my area are on high alert when my grandchildren are headed for the door. The mosquito lookout texts all his/her friends to let them know a feast is coming out the door, because these sweet kids walk out the door and instantly have at least 2 bites. We do have spray on stuff for them when they are headed out to play, but when going to the car it seems like they should be able to walk 14 steps to car without having to have on bug spray - since riding in the car with that stuff on them just seems icky. I have one of these sticks in the diaper bag and one in my purse!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Stockpiling
Thru my couponing, I've been able to build a little stockpile of FUI (frequently used items). For us, Charmin toilet paper, paper towels, Safeguard soap, Ivory soap, razors, shave cream, Dawn dish soap, toothpaste and All laundry soap. I know it sounds like "brand snob" but allergies have determined what products I can use. As for the Charmin, I like it best so I get that!! I really don't stock up too much food, I've really not mastered rotation so it doesn't expire - there are food items that I'll get if on sale and I have coupons ...and it is a product I use! As for an Extreme stockpile - I don't have one.
We live in a tiny house, and had to really pull out some creative ideas to store the tp and paper towels. I have a tiny hallway - with 3 doors - bedroom and little closet opposite of each other and bathroom on one side - so my husband measured and cut a board and we have it above the door frames - so it is supported on 3 sides - I intend to paint the bottom of the board white so it blends in with ceiling, but for now - my stockpile is out of the way.
In the little closet are small clear totes with lids to store the razors. I found one of these at goodwill http://www.organizeit.com/large-expandable-wire-shelf.asp?cmpid=SLI. I stack washcloths under it and toothpaste and shave cream on the top shelf - along with the triple antibiotic cream from Dollar Tree. Yes, dollar tree, works just as well as neosporin and only cost $1.
My friend Brittany at http://testosteronetamer.blogspot.com/ showed me this: http://pinterest.com/pin/119901199/
so now I'm on the hunt for 1 or maybe 2 - wouldn't that be great for hair clips, brushes, detangler spray for a little girls room!
We live in a tiny house, and had to really pull out some creative ideas to store the tp and paper towels. I have a tiny hallway - with 3 doors - bedroom and little closet opposite of each other and bathroom on one side - so my husband measured and cut a board and we have it above the door frames - so it is supported on 3 sides - I intend to paint the bottom of the board white so it blends in with ceiling, but for now - my stockpile is out of the way.
In the little closet are small clear totes with lids to store the razors. I found one of these at goodwill http://www.organizeit.com/large-expandable-wire-shelf.asp?cmpid=SLI. I stack washcloths under it and toothpaste and shave cream on the top shelf - along with the triple antibiotic cream from Dollar Tree. Yes, dollar tree, works just as well as neosporin and only cost $1.
My friend Brittany at http://testosteronetamer.blogspot.com/ showed me this: http://pinterest.com/pin/119901199/
so now I'm on the hunt for 1 or maybe 2 - wouldn't that be great for hair clips, brushes, detangler spray for a little girls room!
Why I coupon
I've been retired 5 years now, and making ends meet takes a little work. Couponing has helped me stretch my money further. I shop a LOT at Publix - I love Publix - it is always clean and fully stocked - 99% of the cashiers are friendly and helpful. I take mom shopping every Sunday and she gets annoyed if I follow her around, so I set up my binder and work a few deals while I'm there. Publix has store coupons that can be stacked with manufacturer's and if something is on sale - I've gotten some awesome deals. One this week - Mento's gum - is BOGO - (save 3.29) well you can use a coupon on each - so I have 2 - $1 off coupons - so 2 - 50 pks of gum will be 1.29 - how great is that :)
So, from time to time I check up on mom and pull out any coupons for the stuff in her cart.But sometimes I miss knowing about a BOGO item, as the cashier it ringing mom up, she/he will say Oh this is BOGO and will ask the bagger to go get another item for mom. Now that is great service!
My daughter and 2 daughter in laws have now started couponing also. We try to get together Sundays to go thru the sales ads, clip the inserts and match the coupons to the things we are getting from the ads. It is exciting for me to see them save money and very helpful because they tell me of some of the deals I have missed.
So, from time to time I check up on mom and pull out any coupons for the stuff in her cart.But sometimes I miss knowing about a BOGO item, as the cashier it ringing mom up, she/he will say Oh this is BOGO and will ask the bagger to go get another item for mom. Now that is great service!
My daughter and 2 daughter in laws have now started couponing also. We try to get together Sundays to go thru the sales ads, clip the inserts and match the coupons to the things we are getting from the ads. It is exciting for me to see them save money and very helpful because they tell me of some of the deals I have missed.
Hurricane Irene NOT COMING
Ahhhhh sigh of relief ! Irene has set her path on New York. Just praying now that it moves a little more east so it doesn't tear up North Carolina/Virginia with her winds.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Hurricane Irene coming
It's been a couple years since a hurricane really threatened our area. Wow I dread it ! Gas is so expensive and the dang generator uses 5 gallons every 12 hours - ugh. We do have the shutters that we just have to slide into place and screw down with their handy dandy spiffy screw down things ( not sure of their name!) We were lucky to get most of the shutters from the trash! yes people throw them out when they upgrade to roll down shutters - But mom's house is all windows and despite buying plywood numerous times for her windows (one of my brothers) always finds a use for the plywood after the storm - Seems like storing it away numbered would be the best thing to do - but no one listens to me there.
Then there is food - and batteries - ice -gas for the grill - deck of cards - put flashlights in handy spots - candles and matches in bathroom. When we put the sliding shutters on our front windows we wisely purchased 2 clear shutters so we get a little sunshine in and we can see out so someone (me) doesn't open the door to see what's happening out there. I do get claustrophobic so the clear panel will help with that. The oddest thing is almost all of the hurricanes that have forced us indoors - have "hit" during the night- so we can't see all the scary stuff - just hear it. Just praying the wind pushes it off our coast a little more so we only get some rain.
Then there is food - and batteries - ice -gas for the grill - deck of cards - put flashlights in handy spots - candles and matches in bathroom. When we put the sliding shutters on our front windows we wisely purchased 2 clear shutters so we get a little sunshine in and we can see out so someone (me) doesn't open the door to see what's happening out there. I do get claustrophobic so the clear panel will help with that. The oddest thing is almost all of the hurricanes that have forced us indoors - have "hit" during the night- so we can't see all the scary stuff - just hear it. Just praying the wind pushes it off our coast a little more so we only get some rain.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Buying grandchildren presents on a budget
Christmas is rapidly approaching and many of us grandparents are struggling on our budgets now. I have a tote box that I put in a handy spot to store some of my gifts. So here's some ideas for you:
JC Penney's mails out $10 off of $10 purchase cards - I've used that to purchase PJ's, decorative pillows, cute little purses for the girls / boys are a little harder but how about PJ's, some of the pillows can be for boys, many shirts for girls and boys are within the $10 range.
Kohls also mails out $10 off $10 purchase cards - they have a few counters of toys both for boys and girls - many are around the $10 range. Today I scored a Cinderella and Prince poly pocket style dolls - it was 12.99 on sale for $10.29 - so I paid 29 cents plus tax.
Target has great clearance sales on toys - many games were just on clearance for as low as 4.99. I do take the time to read about the game before buying it as I'm gonna be the one stuck playing it. Guess Who has proved to be my 4 yr old granddaughters favorite game along with a Curious George Discovery Beach game.
Sports Authority has sent me 2 different sales ads in the mail and wahoo .....inside were $10 off any purchase cards - which I scored free Nike socks :)
Disney Store also does some great sales - I usually find them thru Hip2Save.(see below)
Before you do the next step, I suggest you make another email address for yourself that you will use for giveaways, alerts and emails from blogs. I keep one for my personal emails so that it doesn't get clogged with junk mail. I follow a couple of blogs: Hip2Save, Slickdeals are 2 of them. I signed up for Tanga emails- I was recently able to purchase 2 little kits for in the car with tire pressure gauge, a pen and something else in a nice little case - it was free - I had to pay shipping - (from Tanga) - Hip2save is very popular and the deals go quick - but I've gotten some great deals - Slickdeals post a lot of the deals a few minutes before she does, but I sometimes find it hard to follow. So far with the deals, I've gotten Woman's Day for mom ($3.99, All You magazine for me (11.98), and a National Geographic Jr (for $7) magazine for my granddaughter and Taste of home magazine also for $4.99. All were year subscriptions and when the deal comes around again I'll get for my daughter in laws and mom for Christmas. There are men's magazines also that come up fairly cheap.
I also follow My Frugal Adventures on facebook. Many and I mean a lot of business have facebook pages now and do giveaways. I've scored free Aussie shampoo and Herbal Essence shampoo recently. They mail you a coupon and you go to the store of your choice
Til next time happy inexpensive shopping
JC Penney's mails out $10 off of $10 purchase cards - I've used that to purchase PJ's, decorative pillows, cute little purses for the girls / boys are a little harder but how about PJ's, some of the pillows can be for boys, many shirts for girls and boys are within the $10 range.
Kohls also mails out $10 off $10 purchase cards - they have a few counters of toys both for boys and girls - many are around the $10 range. Today I scored a Cinderella and Prince poly pocket style dolls - it was 12.99 on sale for $10.29 - so I paid 29 cents plus tax.
Target has great clearance sales on toys - many games were just on clearance for as low as 4.99. I do take the time to read about the game before buying it as I'm gonna be the one stuck playing it. Guess Who has proved to be my 4 yr old granddaughters favorite game along with a Curious George Discovery Beach game.
Sports Authority has sent me 2 different sales ads in the mail and wahoo .....inside were $10 off any purchase cards - which I scored free Nike socks :)
Disney Store also does some great sales - I usually find them thru Hip2Save.(see below)
Before you do the next step, I suggest you make another email address for yourself that you will use for giveaways, alerts and emails from blogs. I keep one for my personal emails so that it doesn't get clogged with junk mail. I follow a couple of blogs: Hip2Save, Slickdeals are 2 of them. I signed up for Tanga emails- I was recently able to purchase 2 little kits for in the car with tire pressure gauge, a pen and something else in a nice little case - it was free - I had to pay shipping - (from Tanga) - Hip2save is very popular and the deals go quick - but I've gotten some great deals - Slickdeals post a lot of the deals a few minutes before she does, but I sometimes find it hard to follow. So far with the deals, I've gotten Woman's Day for mom ($3.99, All You magazine for me (11.98), and a National Geographic Jr (for $7) magazine for my granddaughter and Taste of home magazine also for $4.99. All were year subscriptions and when the deal comes around again I'll get for my daughter in laws and mom for Christmas. There are men's magazines also that come up fairly cheap.
I also follow My Frugal Adventures on facebook. Many and I mean a lot of business have facebook pages now and do giveaways. I've scored free Aussie shampoo and Herbal Essence shampoo recently. They mail you a coupon and you go to the store of your choice
Til next time happy inexpensive shopping
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