Friday, May 29, 2009

Friday Faves - The Day God Dropped the Paint Box
























Psalm 8

1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! who have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;
4 What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him?
5 For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tuesday Free For All


Here we are...another Tuesday, more freebies and sweepstakes. Not as many freebies to offer today as usual, but I hope you'll take advantage of those items of interest to you!

And remember...without the people hosting the sites linked at the bottom, this post couldn't happen, so give them some traffic to their sites in appreciation for these great finds!

FREEBIES:

  • Free teeth whitening strips: Get a free sample of Crest White Strips from Wal-Mart.
  • Free T-Shirt: Get a free T-shirt from Lenhan & Dempsey.
  • Caress Skinwear: Complete the form to get a free sample of Caress Skinware bodywash and beauty bars (US residents only)
  • Lego Club Jr. Magazine: Sign up to get a free subscription to Lego Club Jr, for Lego fans 6 or younger (US residents only)
  • Quizno Coupons: Join the Quizno Q Club and get free coupons for Quizno subs (US residents only)
  • Gillette Deodorant: Complete the form to get a free sample of Gillette Deodorant. Make sure to check the box at the bottom! (US residents only)
  • Aveeno Nourish: New offer! Complete the form to get a free sample of Aveeno Nourish Hair Care (US residents only)
  • North to Alaska Travel Guide: Complete the form to get a free 2009 North to Alaska travel guide (US residents only)
  • Playtex Gentle Glide: Walmart is giving away free samples of Playtex Gentle Glide (US residents only)
  • Garnier: Free sample of Garnier Nutritioniste® Ultra-Lift® Pro Deep Wrinkle Cream. (US residents only)
  • Free Book By Elizabet Berg: While supplies last, get a free novel by Elizabeth Berg (US residents only)
  • Free Underjams sample here (if you requested it previously it may not let you request again)
  • Free Lego Smart Kit for Educators here
  • Sign up here for a free membership at DoSomething.org and you will receive a printable coupon in your email for a free soft serve ice cream from Baskin-Robbins on July 13th. Coupon will be valid until July 17th.
  • Free Gillette Deodorant sample here
  • Sign up for the Southern Theaters Newsletter Club and get a coupon for a free popcorn. Click here to find theater locations near you.
  • MaxCore.com is offering a free sample of Max Hydration Sports Drink. This offer is available to US residents only.
  • Stop by Walmart on May 30th from 11 AM to 4 PM for free ice cream samples. Samples are limited to one per person and include a 1.57 fl oz. Dips Snack Bag, 2.4 fl oz. Blue Bunny Aspen Frozen Yogurt Granola Bar, and 4 oz. Ben & Jerry’s Flipped Out Cups
  • Napa is offering a printable coupon for a free gallon of washer fluid redeemable at servicing Napa Auto Parts Stores. This offer is available to WA ,OR, MT, NV, UT, and WY only.
  • You can still get a free sample of Lactaid from Sam’s Club. No membership number is needed. US residents only.

SWEEPSTAKES:

  • HGTV Green Home Sweepstakes: You could win the 2009 HGTV Green Home located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and a new 2009 GMC® Sierra Hybrid. A grand prize package worth $750,000! Remember, you can only enter once a day through June 5, 2009.
  • Le Creuset Pan Set Sweepstakes: Enter to win this top-of-the-line cookware
  • Modern Plate Set Sweepstakes: As featured in the Met Home Design 100, this innovative blue and white pattern is truly unique—and gorgeous!
  • Bodum Gravity Grinder Sweepstakes: For a clever kitchen enter to win this colorful, sleek, and motion-sensitive spice grinder—featured in the Met Home’s Design 100!
  • Wamsutta’s Harborside Bedding Set for The Disney Resort Collection Sweepstakes: Feel like you are on vacation in your own bed
  • John Robshaw Quilt Sweepstakes: Beautify your bed with this printed queen-sized quilt
  • Moen Kitchen Faucet Sweepstakes: Enter to win this faucet with pullout spout for a more efficient sink
  • EasyBloom Plant Sensor Sweepstakes: Enter to win this garden tool and discover what flowers will thrive in your yard and how to help your ailing plants
  • Custom Stationery Sweepstakes: Enter to win a gift certificate to InvitationConsultants.com and create the chicest personalized stationary, invites, or announcement cards
  • Win $2500: Enter the Cinemark sweepstakes for a chance to win $2500 in cash (US residents only)
  • Win a HGTV Room Makeover: Enter the Star Magazine sweepstakes for a chance to win a makeover of your bedroom or living room (US residents only)
  • Win a $250 Levi Shopping Spree: Enter the Levi Strauss sweepstakes for a chance to win a $250 Levi's online gift certificate (US residents only)
  • Win a Home Theatre System: Enter the FYE sweepstakes for a chance to win an Epson Home Cinema projector, speaker system, and much more (US residents only)
  • Win a Sierra Espresso Machine: Enter the Starbucks sweepstakes for a chance to win a Sierra Espresso at Home Package worth $500 (US residents only)
  • Win a Metal Detector: Enter the Lost Treasure sweepstakes for a chance to win a Fisher metal detector valued at $1000 (US residents)
  • Win a Trip to Mexico: Enter the Parenting Magazine sweepstakes for a chance to win a four day trip to Aventuras Resort and Spa in Mexico (US residents only)
  • Win a Gardener's Supply Cart: Enter the Gardener's Supply Company sweepstakes for a chance to win a large garden cart (retail value : $1000) (US residents only)
  • Win a $1000 Tuttle Shopping Spree: Enter the Tuttle Sportsware sweepstakes for a chance to win a $1000 shopping spree (US residents only)
  • CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Mexico, Getaway Giveaway: Enter to win a luxurious four-day, three-night Mexican escape at CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa for a family of four Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday June 03 2009 ARV: $820.00
  • Energy Muse Jewelry Wealth Necklace Giveaway: Enter to win the Wealth necklace from Energy Muse Jewelry Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Monday June 08 2009 ARV: $100.00
  • PedEgg Giveaway: Enter to win the newest and fastest way to make your feet feel smooth and healthy with zero mess, the PedEgg Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Monday June 08 2009 ARV: $10.00
  • Timex Diamond Collection Watch Giveaway: Enter to win a Timex Diamond Collection Watch. Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Tuesday June 02 2009 ARV: $275.00
  • Personal Financial Planning Consultation Giveaway: Enter to win a 90-minute personal financial planning phone consultation with Eleanor Blayney, a nationally recognized financial planner and consumer advocate for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Number of prizes: 3 Expires: Monday June 01 2009 ARV: $500.00
  • NikkiFitness Booty Camp Fitness DVD Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of the NikkiFitness Booty Camp DVD Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Monday June 08 2009 ARV: $19.99
  • BlackBerry Pearl Flip Giveaway: Enter to win the new BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8200 smartphone Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Monday June 01 2009 ARV: $349.99
  • Johnson’s Body Care Giveaway: Enter to win a Johnson’s Body Care prize package consisting of six new body washes and six new body lotions in such scents as lavender and chamomile, green tea, and cocoa butter and shea Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Monday June 15 2009 ARV: $84.00
  • Ecostore USA Green Home, Green Life Prize Package Giveaway: Enter to win an Ecostore home cleaning line prize package including an Ecostore Lemon Cleanser, Laundry Liquid, Oxygen Whitener, Dishwash Liquid, Citrus Spray Cleaner, Lemongrass Soap, Vanilla Shampoo and Vanilla Conditioner Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Friday June 26 2009 ARV: $65.00
  • All Small & Mighty Detergent Giveaway: Enter to win a 32-oz bottle of All Small & Mighty Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Saturday July 04 2009 ARV: $8.00
  • BHG Prius Sweeps: One (1) lucky winner will receive an environmentally friendly Toyota Prius supplied by Messina Wildlife, ARV $28,000! One entry allowed per day. Sweepstake Ends: June 1, 2009
  • Bedroom Makeover Sweeps: One (1) winner will win a bedroom makeover worth $20,000! One entry allowed per day. Sweepstake Ends: June 21, 2009
  • "A Cleaner Clean with Libman" Contest: One (1) grand prize winner will receive one (1) washing machine, plus a one (1) year supply of machine washable Libman Wonder® Mops. See full rules for details. One entry allowed per household It ends: May 31, 2009
  • IKEA Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will receive a $2,500 IKEA gift card. One entry allowed per household It ends: June 16, 2009
  • Mission Skincare Sweepstakes: Enter to win a Deluxe Bundle Kit, which includes a hydrating lip protector, five long-lasting lip balms, an anti-sting sunscreen with facestick, a fast-drying sunscreen spray, a sweat-proof sunscreen, an after-sun gel, and a foot synergy gel Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 26, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 91.00
  • BeingTrue Sweepstakes: Enter to win the entire BeingTrue Moisture and Repair collection, which includes a refining body scrub, a restoring hand cream, sheer oil spray, and an anti-aging body cream Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 27, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 126.00
  • Green Up Your Wardrobe Sweepstakes: Enter to win a full wardrobe of our editors favorite Green pieces as well as up to 5 pairs of the new Payless Zoe & Zac product line Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 27, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 1,500.00
  • Jimmyjane Massage Candles Sweepstakes: Enter to win a pair of Ember Massage Candles in Honey Suckle & Clover and Vetiver & Honey Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 28, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 110.00
  • eDressMe.com Sweepstakes: Enter to win two $100 gift certificates for a Mom-and-Daughter-treat this Mother’s Day. Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 29, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 200.00
  • GO SMiLE Sweepstakes: Enter to win two sets of the GO SMiLE Smile Whitening System Number of prizes: 1 Expires: June 02, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 178.00
  • DANNIJO Sweepstakes: Enter to win an 18K gold Celia Necklace by Danielle and Jodie Snyder's handmade jewelry line, DANNIJO. Number of prizes: 1 Expires: June 03, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 465.00

*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Weekly Freebie, Woman’s Day Magazine, "Deal"icious Mom, Elle Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, & Better Homes & Gardens

Photo credit:
TheTruthAbout...

Monday, May 25, 2009

In Remembrance...

This is a repost from my blog from Memorial Day last year.

Today is Memorial Day. Although most of us "celebrate" with a day off work highlighted by a grill, a pool, and friends, this day really should (in my opinion) be held as a much more reverent occasion. Maybe it's because I am married to a veteran. Maybe it is because said veteran is an Army bugler who has provided the rite of TAPS at more funerals than either of us care to count. Maybe it is because many family members of mine have been in the military. Maybe because I live in a military town and am surrounded by families who are short a member currently because of current deployments.

It really does not matter whether you have a family member who is currently serving or if you've never even met a service man/woman (although, I'd love to meet you because I don't think that exists!). Either way, we are all free due to many, many people sacrificing what is most sacred (their very lives) for the greater cause of freedom and liberty. Not only have those who have been lost to the conflicts made the sacrifice, however, but also those they left behind.

In honor of all of the men and women who have made it possible for us to be allowed to sit here and type whatever we want (yes, even those people who insult them and trample on their efforts), I wanted to post a notes in honor of this holiday and those whom it represents:

In Flanders Fields
--Major John McCrae
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw T
he torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Memorial Day
- C W Johnson
We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.

Some Rules of Etiquette for the Flag

*The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset.*Exception: the flag may be displayed at all times if it is illuminated during darkness.

*The flag should be protected from weather damage, so only an all-weather flag should be displayed during rain, snow, winds and other detriment weather.

*When a number of flags are grouped together, the U.S. flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group.

*When a U.S. flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat, or suspended in such a way that its folds fall free.

*When displayed over a street, the flag should be placed so it faces north or east.

*When displayed from a staff projecting from a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half staff.

*When displayed on a speaker’s platform against a wall, the flag should be placed above and behind the speaker with the union of the flag in the upper left-hand corner (as the audience faces the flag).

*When used to cover a casket, it should be placed so that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should never be lowered into the grave and should not be allowed to touch the ground.

*During any ceremony when the U.S. flag is passing in parade, all persons should face the flag, stand at attention and salute. This means that a man should remove his hat and hold it with the right hand over the heart. Men without hats, and ladies should salute by placing the right hand over the heart. This salute should take place while the flag passes.

*When a U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, it should always be hoisted to the peak then lowered to half staff position. When taking it down for the evening, raise it to the peak again then lower.

Freedom Is Not Free
-Kelly Strong
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

TAPS
-Major General Daniel Butterfield
Day is done...
Gone the sun
From the lake...
From the hills...
From the sky.
All is well...
Safely rest
God is nigh.
Fading light...
Dims the sight
And a star...
Gems the sky...
Gleaming bright
From afar...
Drawing nigh
Falls the night.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Throughout history, there are many armed forces members who have died in numerous wars without their remains being identified. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is symbolic and represents the war grave for unidentified soldiers. The tomb in Washington DC houses the remains of an unknown soldier from WWI, WWII, and Korea. The soldier representing Vietnam was exhumed after identification was made via DNA. Due to DNA records, it is not expected that any further soldiers will be unidentified in future conflicts and therefore there are no plans to add additional soldiers in the future. The inscription on the tomb often says that they are “known but to God.” The Tomb Guards are an elict group of soldiers who dedicate not only their military career, but some aspects of their entire lives, to honoring the fallen. To further understand their level of commitment, please read this description and these FAQs regarding their duties.

Information acquired from Roswell Remembers, Memorial Day Tribute, and USMemorialDay.org

Photo credit: mordoc, rfirman, tomlara

Friday, May 22, 2009

Friday Faves - Canstruction

Architect and engineers compete to see whose team can build the most spectacular structure using little more than cans of food at Canstruction, the 13th annual NYC Design and Build competition in New York.

All these cans will go to the food bank afterwards.

Scroll down and enjoy.





























Friday, May 15, 2009

FREE CHOCOLATE!!!

Saw this link on msn's homepage today and followed it. Guess what? Mars is giving away coupons for free chocolate for the first 1/2 million registrants at their special website every Friday! I just signed up for mine! Go get yours too!

Who doesn't need Free Chocolate!?

Photo credit: vernhart

Friday Faves - God and the Spider

Definitely worth your time to visit and read:

God and the Spider...

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Tuesday Free For All

Back again for Tuesday Free for All.

On with the show...

FREEBIES:

  • Today, May 12th from 4-8 PM you can stop in your local Haagen Daz and get a free scoop of their Bee-Built ice cream. Details here and you can find locations here. Make sure to call before you go just to make sure they are participating.
  • Free Always Clean Feminine Pads sample here
  • Free sample of Dove Energy Glow moisturizer here
  • Free Nature Made Triple Flex Triple Strength sample from Sams Club here
  • Find out how to get a free coupon for free strawberries from Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Safeway, and Dominics here
  • Free sample of Pull-Ups from Wal-Mart here. You can choose from sizes 2-3T or 3-4T and Learning Designs or Cool Alert.
  • Free dandruff shampoo: Get a free sample bottle of Optimum Care dandruff shampoo from Softsheen.
  • Free foot cream: Get a free sample of Heathifeet foot cream from Tendercorp.
  • Free diabetes value pack: Get a free pack with lots of goodies to help you control your diabetes.
  • Free dietary supplement: Get a free sample of Lactaid Fast Act.
  • Free disinfectant wipes: Get a free sample pack of Klean-To-Go personal protection packets.
  • Free planner and tomato seeds: Get a free 2009 wall planner along with Thompson and Morgan tomato seeds, all from the Telegraph.
  • Free cook booklet: Get a free Farmers Market recipe booklet with all sorts of great meal ideas.
  • Free color contact lenses: Get a free sample pair of Acuvue Color contact lenses.
  • Nescafe Taster's Choice: Register to receive a free stick pack sample of Nescafe Taster's Choice coffee (US residents only)
  • L'Oreal Everpure Shampoo: Click on "Get Your Free Sample" and complete the form to get a free sample of their new shampoo (US residents only)
  • Kraft Foods Samples: Join kraftfoods.com and get access to recipes, special offers and product samples. (US residents only)
  • Tripleflex: Fill out the form to get a free sample of Nature Made TripleFlex from Sams Club. Membership not required. (US residents only)
  • Sunbutter: Complete the form to get a free sample of SunButter spread. Use code 3569. (US residents only)
  • John Frieda Brilliant Brunette: While supplies last, get a free sample of John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner (US residents only)
  • Romance Novels: Sign up with eHarlequin to get two free romance novels. (US residents only)
  • Free Sample of Charmin Freshmates and Head & Shoulders - you must sign in or register.
  • Free Sample of Prilosec OTC.
  • Kids Bowl Free allows kids to bowl up to 2 games a day free at participating alleys. Once you sign up online you will get coupons for to 7 days a week of bowling. I am excited that one in our area is participating this year! Children ages 15 and under are eligible. You must rent shoes or bring your own.
  • Barnes & Noble is gearing up for their summer reading program too. Kids read 8 books and fill out the printable summer reading journal and redeem it for a free book in store. This is for kids grades 1-6.
  • TD Bank (formerly Commerce) has their summer reading program once again. Kids read (or read along with parents) 10 books and fill out a form. Stop by your local branch and get $10 deposited into a savings account.
  • Regal Entertainment Group has their FREE Family Film Festival each summer. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays kids can choose from two different movies to see.
  • ChristianAudio.com is offering a free download of the audio book “Foxes Book of Martyrs” by John Foxe. This download is available for the month of May when you use the code MAY2009. International.
  • Get a coupon for a free DiGiorno Flatbeard Melt on May 18th starting at 12 AM - 11:59 PM EST. This offer is available to the first 100,000 people. US only.
  • You can still sign up to receive a free sample of Beyond Bodi Heat Pain Relief Heat Pads. This offer is available to the US only.
  • The free audio book download of the month at SimplyAudiobooks.com is Japanese Fairy Tales. This offer can be found on their homepage in the bottom of the side bar on the right of the page. International.
  • Sign up to receive a free HealthiFeet foot cream sample and $2 off coupon. This offer is available to US residents only.
  • Sennheiser is offering a free cadet-style cap with the Sennheiser logo. Offer ships to residential addresses in the US only.

SWEEPSTAKES:

  • Decorative Tray Set Sweepstakes: Enter to win a pair of bronze trays sculpted to appear like the most charming angel wings
  • EasyBloom Plant Sensor Sweepstakes: Enter to win this garden tool and discover what flowers will thrive in your yard and how to help your ailing plants
  • Custom Stationery Sweepstakes: Enter to win a gift certificate to InvitationConsultants.com and create the chicest personalized stationary, invites, or announcement cards
  • Cuisinart Coffee Maker Sweepstakes: Enter for your chance to score a new coffee brewer
  • Designer Lamp Sweepstakes: Enter to win a decorative table lamp from Kichler Lighting
  • Deluxe Sewing Machine Sweepstakes: Enter to win the Marie Osmond Quilter’s Companion sewing machine—it’s a big-ticket item!
  • Passionfruit & Guava Candle Sweepstakes:Enter to win this fabulous fragrant jar candle from Blissliving—you’ll love the smell and the packaging!
  • iRobot Scooba Floor Washing Robot: Enter to win and you’ll never have to mop again
  • ELLE DECOR $10,000 Cash Giveaway!: Join the ELLE DECOR Reader Panel and to win up to 10,000 in cash!
  • METROPOLITAN HOME $10,000 Cash Giveaway!: Join the Metropolitan Home Reader Panel and to win up to 10,000 in cash!
  • Win $2000: Enter the myLifetime sweepstakes for a chance to win $100 daily, or a $2000 grand prize (US residents only)
  • Win an Elliptical Trainer: Enter the Woman's Day sweepstakes for a chance to win a CE 2.1 Elliptical Trainer (US residents only)
  • Win a Nexxus Hair Gift Set: Enter the ELLE Magazine sweepstakes for a chance to win a package of Nexxus products in a designer bag (US residents only)
  • Win $10,000: Enter the Dockers sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000 cash (US residents only)
  • Win a Home Espresso Package: Enter the Starbucks sweepstakes for a chance to win a Starbucks Espresso Machine (US residents only)
  • Precious Earth Fine Jewelry Sweepstakes: Enter to win a tusk bracelet, made with recycled sterling silver from Precious Earth Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Monday May 18 2009 ARV: $675.00
  • Luxtural Sweepstakes: Enter to win a skincare set from Luxtural Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Tuesday May 19 2009 ARV: $414.00
  • BeingTrue Sweepstakes: Enter to win the entire BeingTrue Moisture and Repair collection, which includes a refining body scrub, a restoring hand cream, sheer oil spray, and an anti-aging body cream Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Thursday May 21 2009 ARV: $126.00
  • Remodeling Center Lennox Comfort for Hearth and Home Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will choose a heating, cooling, Indoor Air Quality, or Hearth product from Lennox, approximate retail value of $10,000! One entry allowed per household It ends: May 15, 2009
  • Country Gardens Arbor Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will receive a Vienna Arbor from New England Arbors, a prize worth $279. One entry allowed per household It ends: May 19, 2009
  • Despereaux DVD Sweepstakes: Ten (10) winners will receive one DVD of "The Tale of Despereaux" and one pair of Despereaux Mouse Ears. One entry allowed per household It ends: May 15, 2009
  • Traditional Home Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will receive a custom backyard plan with outdoor lighting from Bevolo and outdoor furniture from Agio, a prize worth $8,000! One entry allowed per day It ends: May 18, 2009
  • Payless Sweepstakes: Enter to win a $50 gift card to Payless Number of prizes: 1 Expires: June 05, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 50.00
  • GO SMiLE Sweepstakes: Enter to win two sets of the GO SMiLE Smile Whitening System Number of prizes: 1 Expires: June 02, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 178.00
  • Mission Skincare Sweepstakes: Enter to win a Deluxe Bundle Kit, which includes a hydrating lip protector, five long-lasting lip balms, an anti-sting sunscreen with facestick, a fast-drying sunscreen spray, a sweat-proof sunscreen, an after-sun gel, and a foot synergy gel Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 26, 2009 12:00 p.m. ARV: $ 91.00
  • Planet Beauty Sweepstakes: Enter to win a Clarisonic Facial Brush from Planet Beauty Number of prizes: 1 Expires: May 13, 2009 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 195.00

*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Weekly Freebie, Woman’s Day Magazine, "Deal"icious Mom, Elle Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, Centsible Sawyer, Couponing 101, & Better Homes & Gardens

Photo credit:
TheTruthAbout...

Monday, May 11, 2009

You Wouldn't Willingly Risk Your Child's Life, Would You?

I learned something not long ago that I feel is vitally important information and definitely worth sharing in my little corner of Blogland where maybe someone can benefit from learning it too.

Did you know that car seats expire? Yep.

So if you think you are saving money by buying used, you might not be as smart as you assumed.

It seems that the shell of the car seat, made with a plastic material, will break down over time, especially considering the heat it is exposed to while sitting in your sweltering vehicle day in and day out.

How do you know if yours is expired?

Well, some manufacturers are helpful enough to put an expiration date on a label on the seat itself. My first recommendation would be for you to look all over the bottom and sides of your seat and try to find an expiration date. If you cannot find one, you can call the manufacturer for this information, being sure to have the model of seat that you have. You can find the date of manufacture on any seat and this will assist the manufacturer in telling you whether of not your seat is safe.

If you cannot do this, a safe assumption is 6 years after the date of manufacture. Note--not 6 years after you bought it, as it may have sat on a shelf in a store or in a warehouse for a year or so before it came into your household. Always use the date of manufacture.

And if the manufacturer tells you something other than 6 years, it is okay to trust them. Some (very few) will last up to 10 years safely after the DOM, but this MUST be acknowledged by the manufacturer.

So what do you do if your seat is expired? Certainly you must go out and get another that is not expired. Almost as importantly though, you must destroy yours. How? Cut up the harness straps to render them completely unusable, hammer or saw the base in half, or make sure you watch the trash truck crush it.

Is this a ploy to make us buy more car seats? If you think that, just watch this video of a 10-year old Britax car seat. Enough said.

So although you buy those convertible seats and think, "I'll never have to buy another seat again, " you can now reconsider that. You can assume that your child will most likely be 5 years old by the time you reach the expiration date on the seat he/she is riding in if they have been it from infancy.

Also, this is a good reason not to register for larger car seats at a baby shower thinking that this will save you from buying it 4 years down the road.

The fact is, your child's life is more important than any money you can save by reusing an old seat. Keep this in mind the next time you shop for your deals. If you find one that will last long enough to get good use out of it, by all means grab it up, but know that not every deal is as good as it appears.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Friday Faves - Why God Made Moms

Yes, I've seen this email float through my inbox several times over the last few years. However, I thought it would be an appropriate post for this upcoming weekend.

Have a Happy Mother's Day weekend, Moms!


Why God Made Moms
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:


Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you Your mother & not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know be cause I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your Mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home & dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but Moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your Mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your Mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Revisiting a Graduation Post

Last year it seemed a lot of people were looking for inexpensive gifts for the high school graduates they know. I did a post on it, which was quite successful. I am going to take this opportunity to redirect you to that post in case you missed it or just need a few gift ideas.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tuesday Free For All

I see you have returned for your weekly dose of the Tuesday Free for All. Since I cannot stand to disappoint you, here it goes...

By the way...check out my sources at the bottom to find some truly awesome sites!

FREEBIES:

  • Free toilet paper and moist wipe: Get a free sample roll of Cottonelle toilet paper along with a moist wipe.
  • Free tote bag: Get a free reusable tote bag from Discovery Education.
  • Free baby formula: Click "Print this certificate" to get a coupon good for a free can of Enfamil baby formula as well as other goodies for moms. Good at participating doctor’s offices.
  • Hellmann's Light Mayonnaise: Complete the form and get a free sample of Hellmann's and Best Foods Light Mayonnaise (US residents only)
  • Grime Fighter: Fill out the form to get a free 2 ounce sample of Grime Fighter All Purpose On-the-Go Cleaner (US residents only)
  • Family Tree Maker Magazine: Enter your name and address to get a free subscription to Family Tree Maker Magazine (US residents only)
  • Ponds Anti Wrinkly Creme: Fill out the form to get a free sample of Ponds Anti-Wrinkle Creme, courtesy of Unilever (US residents only)
  • Free Resume Copies and Business Cards: Staples is giving away 20 free resume copies and 40 free business cards as part of their "Career Stimulus Program" (US residents only)
  • Christmas Seals: Complete the form to get the new 2009 Christmas Seals (US residents only)
  • Seattle's Best Coffee: Free 12 ounce beverage of Seattle's Best Coffee at Borders stores from now through May 6th (US residents only)
  • 5x7 Hallmark Code for Mother's Day: First, register to become a Hallmark member (it's free). Then create your own customized card and use code CARD4MOM to get it for free (US residents only)
  • Marlin Magazine, Free Subscription: Complete the form to get a free 12 issue subscription to Marlin Magazine (US residents only)
  • Nova Scotia Travel Guides: Free Nova Scotia "Doers' and Dreamers'" travel guide and travel CD (US residents only)
  • Free Boo Weekley branded Sharpie marker to the first 300 to enter daily here. It does not tell you if you are one of the first 300 so you should just try as early in the day as you can and hope for the best I guess.
  • Free Gillette Fusion Razor 500 per day until May 16th (reset each day at 12 pm EST) here – These go VERY fast!
  • Go here each day from May 4th through May 7th at 12 pm EST to enter for 4 different free items. This giveaway is for the first 500 people who enter so you really have to hurry. You’ll need to refresh their site to get it to work and keep doing it until it works. The site really gets jammed.
  • Sign up for a free Sunkist Lemonade Stand kit – get more info here ( enter code SKTAS)
  • Register or log in here to get coupon booklet for Alexia Crunchy Snacks. The coupons inside will include:(2) $1/1 any Alexia Crunchy Snacks and buy 1 Alexia Crunchy Snack, Get 1 free.
  • To celebrate National Beverage Day, stop by Arby’s on May 6th and say “I’m parched. FruiTea me!” for the opportunity to try one of their new delicious FruiTeas for Free! Flavors include Passion Fruit, Mandarin Peach, Diet Peach, and Diet Blackberry.
  • Free Sample of the new Degree for Women Fine Fragrance Collection.
  • Free Sample of Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream.
  • Sign up to attend a Free Home Depot Do-it-Herself Workshop and you will receive special in clinic savings. The next workshop is Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m and is about Yard and Garden Maintenance!
  • Sign up for The Chef’s Table at Benihana and you will get a complimentary Benihana Birthday Dinner certificate, maximum value of $30, emailed to you for use during the month of your birthday!
  • Free Sample of Head & Shoulders.
  • Here is a printable coupon for a free 2 piece grilled chicken meal at KFC. Meal includes 2 pieces of chicken, 2 sides and a biscuit. Coupon is valid 5/5 to 5/19, excluding Mother’s Day (5/10).
  • Request a free sample of Carmen Estate Coffee. Make sure to mention that you are interested in a sample in the bottom box. This offer looks to ship internationally.
  • Free appetizer from Houlihans HERE
  • Free appetizer from Romanos Macaroni Grill HERE
  • Free cup or cone from TCBY on Mothers Day HERE
  • Carino’s is offering moms a free three-course meal with the purchase of an entree. This offer is valid 5/4 to 5/8.
  • Moms will get a free mom-sized Brownie Obsession or Spiced Up Cupcake at with the purchase of an entree at TGI Friday’s on May 10th.
  • Beef O Brady’s is offering moms a free entree one free house wine or domestic draft beer on Mother’s Day. Moms need to bring at least one child (kid or adult).
  • Moms get a free entree at Mama Fu’s with a minimum purchase of $15 or more. Offer good for dine-in only at participating restaurants in Texas, Arkansas and Hollywood FL between May 4-10.

SWEEPSTAKES:

*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Weekly Freebie, Woman’s Day Magazine, "Deal"icious Mom, Elle Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, Centsible Sawyer, Couponing 101, & Better Homes & Gardens,

Photo credit:
Dana Spiegel

Monday, May 4, 2009

One Week and Counting...

Just a reminder that effective MAY 11, 2009, the price of first class postage stamps will increase from $0.42 to $0.44.

You have one week to purchase your Forever Stamps to put off this increase for your household.

What is a Forever Stamp? Well, they cost the same as a standard US postage stamp at the time of purchase but never expire. So if you buy stamps BEFORE May 11th, you can pay only $0.42 a piece and use them until you run out of stamps regardless of the price increase. This is not possible for the standard stamps and you'll be stuck adding two 1-cent stamps to all of your mailings until you run out of old standard stamps.

No, this is not a HUGE opportunity for savings, but it can certainly help...especially if you still have a few bills that have to be mailed or you need to send out invitations, thank-you notes, (ahem...weddings and graduations, anyone?), or just like sending birthday cards.

Don't forget to grab them up before Monday. And don't wait until the last minute or your local post office might run out!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Mrs. Nespy's Frugal World is Back...

For those of you who are faithful readers and have stuck around with me through thick and thin, thank you. For those of you who have found me and found some value in returning to my site, thank you. For those of you who wonder what has happened to this site during it's (relatively short) lifetime, I can say that I don't blame you.

I hit a wall a few months back. I stopped blogging.

If you look back through the archives, you can see that I used to post original (semi-) well-written posts that actually had content. Sometimes I posted 3-4 times a day. It was new and exciting. It wore off.

I didn't want to completely kill the site though. I knew that there was valuable information on it, as had been expressed by readers of my past stuff. I knew they could still access this information even if it wasn't recently posted. So I left it up.

The blog suffered. Almost died completely.

But then there was a faint heartbeat once again heard. I started posting only Tuesday Free for All, Thursday LL Bean bargains, and sometimes What Works for Me Wednesdays. Friday Faves came into existence and at least Tuesday and Friday were filled.

Now I think I'm getting my groove back. Slowly.

I can't promise daily postings. I can't promise quality material. I can promise that I'm going to do better.

Like this past Thursday, it will start slowly by redirecting you to some of my previous posts which were both popular at their original posting times as well as still receiving visitor hits today. I am redirecting you there in case you missed them the first time or just need a reminder.

Soon the original stuff will be back in full swing.

With a new baby coming soon, posting might get lax again, but I think you'll be able to forgive me that, won't you?

So it's not a grandiose start, but I'm back....

Friday, May 1, 2009

Friday Faves - Application to Date My Daughter

Now that we have a daughter on the way, my husband will most likely need to use the below form in a few years. Enjoy!



APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.

NAME_____________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH___________HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________ SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________ DRIVERS LICENSE #__ ______________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES______________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________
CITY/STATE___________ ZIP______
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
Number of years they have been married ______________________________
If less than your age, explain ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? ; __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, __Yes __No
pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring? (IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)

ESSAY SECTION:
In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

REFERENCES SECTION:
Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:

father? _____________
mother? _____________
pastor? _____________

SHORT-ANSWER SECTION: Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place I would want to be shot would be: ______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my: ______________________
C: A woman's place is in the: ______________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is: ______________________________________________________________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is: ______________________________________________________________
F. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENAL TY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT,
NATIVE AMERICAN ANTI TORTURE, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, AND RED HOT POKERS
_________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature _______________________________
Mother's Signature _______________________________
Father's Signature _______________________________
Pastor/Priest/Rabbi ________________________________
State Representative/Congressman ________________________________

Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow four to six years for processing.You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury).




Daddy's Rules for Dating
Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.
Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'
Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been, but on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over the desert in Iraq. When the nerve agents effects starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
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