Tuesday Free For All - 12/28

I'm currently spending the holidays enjoying my family and friends and taking a break from my blog. However, I wanted you to have the chance to submit your giveaways if you have them running or enter some if you have the time. =)

I will be back blogging fully on January 3rd. Until then, be happy, healthy, and safe.

GIVEAWAYS:

Voices of the Faithful by Beth Moore - Review

The publisher's description:

A 366-day devotional with inspiring stories from the front lines of faith.

"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore, speaking of her friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom she collaborated to create this book. This brilliant, 366-day devotional features incredible stories of God's faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and danger, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.

With a foreword by International Mission Board president Jerry Rankin and an introduction by Beth, this volume also includes advice on how to hear God's voice, pray for missionaries, and understand the church's and individual's role in missions.



My thoughts:

Like anything by Beth Moore, this book is nothing but inspiring. Her collaboration with missionaries who are truly living out the life that God intended for them is one to strengthen, build up, comfort, and stir the soul.

I love the day to day account told in the words of the saints on earth today of how God is continuing to be faithful in the promises he has made throughout His Word. The tales vary from all lands, all situations, and all walks of life, proving that God truly is the God of all.

Summary:

I cannot possibly begin to describe to you the ways the stories in this book have touched me. I can only promise that God speaking through His followers is such a powerful way to convey a message that is both thousands of years old AND timeless.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Family Game Night 3 - Review

We told Patrick that when he turned 5 he would finally be old enough to play video games. He had played some educational ones on the computer and various kids sites, but to get to play the REAL THING with (and like) Dad, was something he was really looking forward to.

The birthday has come and gone now, and I have to say that the child is good. He's really good. It's building a great deal of hand/eye coordination in him (which with his genes, he needs all of the help he can get!).

Of course though, we don't just let him play ANY game...you have to be careful about such these days. And we also limit the amount of time he gets to play. But all in all, it's a real treat for him and something we will continue to let him do.

Our family members are all also board game junkies, so when we got the chance to try out Family Game Night 3 from Hasbro (by EA Games) on our PS3, we jumped at the chance.


This collection of some of Hasbro's most classic board games has been updated and twists added to add a little pizazz to the board games we already own!

You can play Clue, The Game of Life, Mousetrap, Yahtzee, and Twister.

I have to say, this video game is truly one for the whole family! All three of us are really enjoying ourselves. Patrick is learning the ins and outs of some oldies, but goodies and Chip and I are loving playing some childhood games without feeling childish. =) It provides opportunity for Patrick to get face time with the gaming system, as he so loves to do to feel like a "big boy," and we all can relish some great family time together.


Some highlights...

Although I always LOVED building the set for Mousetrap (that's the engineer in me from a very early age, obviously), it often took a really long time to set up (or it seemed like it, at least) and the equivalent of like 30 seconds to have it all over. No fear of that with the digital version! =)


If you try it out on Xbox360 or PS3, you get the option of online multiplayer gaming, which you may or may not want for your children, but can make YOUR experience more challenging. It is also available on Wii format, but without the online experience.

With up to 4 players possible, everyone in the family can join in!


So if you are looking for some fun and family-friendly games for your brood or looking for a way to liven up family game night, check out Family Game Night from Hasbro (by EA Games).

Game provided by Hasbro for the review. All opinions are mine and are unbiased. No additional compensation was received.

Merry Christmas to All...

I just wanted to let you know that I will not be actively blogging here again until January 3rd, using this time to celebrate the birth of my Savior with my family and friends.

There will be a couple of posts that go live that were already pre-scheduled, but nothing new from these fingers until the new year.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Tuesday Free For All - 12/21

I would love to offer you some great freebie and sweepstakes links today, but frankly, I feel like dirt and don't have the time or energy. So please, enjoy these giveaway links and add your own if you'd like!

GIVEAWAYS:

Let's Say Thanks!

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.



How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank yous.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

8 Free Traditions for Christmas

On a tight budget this year, we are looking for ways to carry on the Christmas spirit without digging into the wallet. These are some ideas for our family and yours to celebrate the season without breaking the bank.

1. Caroling: This age old tradition is not as prominent as it once was...which makes it more fun in my eyes. No one expects carolers these days, so they are a bit nostalgic and heart warming. If you don't live in a place with traditional neighborhoods, you can always visit a senior home or nursing facility and sing for the residents. They will enjoy the music and the visitors.
2. Christmas Parade: I remember as a child being in awe of our hometown parade and waiting for the day that I could be in it. And when my Girl Scout/Brownie troop got to ride in the back of a pick up truck while tossing candy to onlookers, I was on cloud nine.
3. Looking at Christmas lights: This is something we reserve for the night of the 23rd. Riding around neighborhoods looking for grand displays. Amazing what a show some people can put on!
4. Christmas movies: There is nothing that rings in the season like the first airing of Charlie Brown Christmas or the old claymation classics like Rudolph. You can throw in your favorite, whether it be It's a Wonderful Life or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the family time spent huddled around the holiday movies is one I still treasure to this day.
5. Making homemade ornaments: Whether it is looping strips of paper to make garland, creating clothespin reindeer, or stringing popcorn together, this simple ornaments scream togetherness and home.
6. Live Nativities/Musical Programs: So many churches now put on living or drive through nativities that you are sure to have one around you. Or just visit several area churches for their Christmas musicals and programs. We must remember what this whole shebang is really all about, you know.
7. Baking and decorating Christmas Cookies: What child doesn't love to cut out cookies and add icing, sprinkles or candies to decorate--and then gobble them up?
8. Volunteer: Throughout the holiday season, people's giving spirit is elevated, making non-profits a very joyously busy place. Find a soup kitchen or homeless shelter who might love the extra help. Call your local Salvation Army to volunteer to be a bell ringer. You can assist in wrapping presents at one of the stations in the mall that raises money for a nonprofit by wrapping presents for shoppers. You might want to volunteer at an animal shelter so the employees can take some time off while daily care activities are still performed. You might check with a local hospice who might need help during the holiday season. The possibilities are endless, but you can match them with your talents and gifts and volunteer as a family!

Photo credit: danyba

How Some of You Found Me

Some interesting ways you guys found me via search engines in 2010:

• cheaper to live single : Yes, yes it is (not per person, granted. but it is overall cheaper).
• dachshund puppy cubicle sitter: No idea, but he sounds cute.
• does god want us to be organized: what an interesting search. I have no idea, but I'm guessing it's easier to get things done that way.
• dont put your hands and head while driving: Don't put them where?
• fun things to make money at carnivals: No, I'm afraid they will be taking all of your money.
• gifts for "high school" grads: The only thing that was amusing about this one was the placement of the quotation marks. Are they REALLY graduating from "high school"?
• guiness world book of records who is the 15 smartest woman in the world: Awwww...I'm so HONORED--except for the fact that "is" doesn't make that sentence work correctly. Obviously the inquirer was not one of them.
• honey walnut shrimp toledo: I was with you through Honey Walnut, but then you just lost me.
• i can move my pinky toe without moving other toes: Me too (seriously)! Nice to meet you.
• it is consirdered an offense to hunt whales in utah why?: Of course...I don't think you're allowed to whale hunt much of anywhere unless you're a professional or something.
• mrs nemesys frugal world: Okay, so it's simply a misspelling of this blog's name. But "nemesys"? Like Nemesis? That's just cold.
• persons classified as "ugly" may not walk down any street. true or false?: It should be true, but looking around, I see that it is not. (okay, sorry...that was harsh, wasn't it?)
• world known money saving blogs: Wow...that's very flattering. Thank you
• over budget every month: Yep...that's us.
• sexy things to do while driving: What?! How about you just drive, okay?
• "take 1000 and add 40 to it.. now add another 1000 . now add 30 .add another 1000. now add 20 . now add another 1000now add 10 . what is the total?": Seriously? You entered this whole thing into the Google search bar? That's dedication.

I Should Have Bought Lottery Tickets This Week!

Over the last 2 weeks or so I have been entering giveaways...trying to cut down on my gift giving costs this year. And boy, has it been lucrative! In the last 6 days I have been alerted to winning the following:

Two PetCakes from Blissful Reviews


Choice of Soap and Bath Salts from Springvale Soap via Audrey's Give Aways! (I chose pink sugar and it is DIVINE!)


Komar Sleepwear Pajamas from Just Another New Blog (I chose the women's blue circles because both of my children have more pjs than they possibly need).


Stocking Stuffer Bundle from I Hate Whine!


Furry Frenzies from My Four Monkeys


$15 to Shop at Pink Princess via To Spend or Save


AND (yes, there is an "and")

$100 to shop at Elephantito from Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports

Holy Moo! This sweepstakes thing is pretty lucrative even when you only enter the ones you are truly interested in!

Friday Faves - Some Fun Quotes for Your Weekend

• I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
• The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.
• Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
• Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
• If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
• We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public
• War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
• Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
• Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
• To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
• A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
• I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks.
• Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.'
• I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
• Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
• A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.
• You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
• There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.
• I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.
• You're never too old to learn something stupid.
• To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
• Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
• Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
• A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.
• Hospitality is making your guests feel at home even when you wish they were.
• I always take life with a grain of salt. Plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
• When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

Learning to Accept My Limitations

I have a serious confession to make. I'm afraid that it might disappoint you. I'm afraid that you might shake your head and "tsk" in my general direction. But in the spirit of full disclosure, I must make this confession to you, my readers.

I am not Superwoman.

I know. Shocking.

Wait, what? You aren't surprised?

Well I was when I first figured it out. It's a tough lesson to learn. Especially when you think you've got everything under control. When you think you are supposed to be able to do everything that everyone else does.

Let me tell you what I learned though.

Those people that you are trying to emulate? They are not Superwomen either. There is something in their lives they are sacrificing in order to do what they do. And if you are trying to be just like several Superwomen...who all have different focuses...you surely must realize that you can't be like ALL of them. They can't even do that!

Here are the things I have felt the need to be:

Wife. Yep. My husband needs me. I don't mean he is helplessly useless. But he married me because he wanted me to be in his life and spend time with him. I am called to be his friend, his lover, his support, his cheerleader, his helpmate, his biggest fan, his encouragement, his sounding board, his support. I cannot ever forget that.

Mom. I love my children. I am their mother. They need me to be everything that a mother entails. This in itself is very multi-dimensional and overlaps into many of the categories below. It includes teacher, disciplinarian, cheerleader, friend, doctor, and even just a set of arms to snuggle into.

Engineer. Yes. I am an engineer. An engineering manager these days. This is something that I love to do. I love to use my talents and strengths to help a company succeed. I like using practical and critical thinking skills to tackle a task and create new and innovative ways to approach matters.

Homemaker. Even though I love my career, I feel the responsibility of making our house a home falls to me. I was brought up very traditionally and feel that the cooking/cleaning/ and all matters of the home fall to me. Not that Chip doesn't help--he's actually a HUGE contributor. Not that I don't want him to help, as I am VERY grateful for how wonderful he is. But the responsibility for making sure that it happens is mine.

Cleaner. This is part of homemaking, but it is a huge part for me. I'm a bit picky. When our house is not clean enough to eat off of the floor, my soul is not at rest. These days, my soul is more restless than I like.

Musician. I grew up soaking in music at all times. I love playing. I love singing. I was once much better at both than I am now. This is something I truly love doing, but has been neglected over the last few years when other parts of life have taken over.

Cheerleader. No. Not the kind in ponytails and skirts (seriously...no one wants to see that), but the mom on the sideline or in the audience cheering on my children in their activities. The attentive wife who attends and is enraptured by all of my husband's musical demonstrations.

Classroom Mom. I can't be there to cut out felt for craft time. But I want to send homemade cookies. I want to help with Christmas parties. I want to chaperone a field trip.

Volunteer. I want to help out at our church. I want to help out our neighborhood. I want to give time to causes that I believe in.

Friend. I want to have a girl's night. I want to have friends to chat with and have private jokes with. I want to go our for dessert or laugh over a pedicure with girlfriends.

Gardener. I don't have a green thumb or anything, but I'd love for the outside of our home to look really nice and cared about with brightly colored seasonal flowers and manicured landscaping.

Craft Aficionado. I want to be crafty. I want to make things that impress other people and make our home unique. I want to teach these skills to our children while getting to spend quality time with them. I want to offer one of a kind gifts to friends and family that were made with love and personalization.


And the point of this ridiculous list is that I cannot possibly be all of these things. At least not at the same time. And that is okay. I mean, I know that, but I must truly believe that.

• I must believe that it is okay to have a pile of laundry that needs to be done while I go on a date with my husband.
• I must believe that it is okay to have store bought cookies because I had to work later than allowed me to bake them from scratch.
• I must believe that it is okay that the we seriously need some new pine straw for our landscaping because I'm choosing to sit on bleachers and cheer for my son and his teammates on the t-ball team.
• I must believe that it is okay to say "no" to a volunteer opportunity just so I can spend time on a craft for our home.
• I must believe that it is okay to take a day off of work to shop and have lunch with a friend.
• I must believe that it is okay to leave my children in the church nursery so that I can volunteer somewhere else during the worship service.
• I must believe that it is okay to leave the husband to entertain himself while I plant some lovely annuals in the front yard.
• I must believe that it is even okay to drop all of these things (even the kids--there I said it and you can lash out in the comments if you want) just so I can take a long hot soak in a bubble bath and relax.

It's also okay for your children to see that dad sometimes wins quality time with you over them. It's okay for your children to see that the house can wait to be cleaned until you have helped a neighbor out. It's okay for your children to see that you can take a day off of work just to spend time with them alone. All of these things are good. In fact, all of these things are HEALTHY for them to see. They need to see that mom is a person. That mom is more than a worker bee.

Dropping one for another is nothing to feel guilty about as long as it is not always the same thing getting dropped. Nourish your relationships. Grow yourself. Be everything you want to be. Just realize that you cannot be all of these things at the same time.

And be okay with that.

I know that is what I will be trying to do.

Donating on Behalf of Others and Truly Change the World

What’s the best part of the holiday season? Is it sharing gifts with friends and families? Is it helping out others in need?

If those two are at (or close to) the top of your list, why not consider giving a gift to help others in need on behalf of your loved ones. There are so many ways to give to charitable organizations, the possibilities are almost limitless. However, here are a few of the ways you can tangibly help others on behalf of others and enjoy both of joys of the season.


Money:
Almost every organization that accepts donation will accept them on behalf of others and usually send cards to the person whose name it was donated on behalf. This one is common, so not a big surprise for any of us, but an easy way to help a charity of choice and allow them to use the money as they need to.

Related to this concept is the TisBest Philanthropy gift card. You basically go to their website and set an amount to be donated. A card is then sent that can be given to a friend or family member. That person can then visit the TisBest website and choose from over 250 national non-profit groups, and many other local groups, that the cardholder can choose to donate that gift to. It’s a great way to allow your loved ones to donate to a cause that really means something to them.


Packages of Needed Items/Emergency Supplies:
Many organizations offer donation packages to meet an immediate need, like for lifesaving medicines and supplies which are not specific in its contents, but needed so greatly.

You can also give soap, blankets, mosquito nets, water, clothes, or safety for an exploited child.

And what is more needed than water? Providing water can provide health, nutrition, livelihood, and prevent death. You can help by visiting UNICEF, Water.org, or Project Concern.


Educational Needs:
You can easily provide school supplies, uniforms, and art supplies for children as well as a desk or computer training. For slightly more, you can train a midwife, help establish a savings group, or even build an entire primary school (that one’s just $1500) through Oxfam American Unwrapped.

I know, $1500 is a lot of money for many of us, but considering what you are providing, this would be a great gift to really make a huge impact. Think of either one big gift or perhaps getting 15 people to give $100 each…or 100 people to give $15 each. The impact it would have would be permanent.

Through UNICEF, you can provide books, pencils and notebooks, or a School in a Box kit for temporarily displaced schools.


Benefitting an Entire Village:
You can build a school, start a savings group, dig a well, or protect the fishing rights of an entire area, which will benefit entire groups of people at one time. All of these can be done through Oxfam American Unwrapped.

UNICEF provides the opportunity to buy packs of immunizations for diseases that we in the US take for granted that our children will not have to suffer. For just $20.60 you can provide 412 tetanus shots.

A number of different health and nutrition gifts can also be found at Project Concern.


Means of Providing Nourishment and Income:
Worldvision (look in the gift catalog) offers packages where you can purchase a goat for $75, two chickens for $25 or five ducks for $30. All of these provide a source of nourishment for the family who receives it but also gives them products to sell and earn money to provide for other needs for themselves. You can also choose alpacas, cows, donkeys, bulls, rabbits, oxen, fishing supplies or just collection of farm animals.

Other animal gifts can be found through Oxfam American Unwrapped


Help Getting a Livelihood Established:
You can provide seeds, livestock, irrigation, a boat, tools, or many other implements of daily life to give people the supplies and training they need to provide for themselves for a lifetime. A gift like this could change the entire direction of the life of a family.

Through Worldvision you can also Microfinance a loan for a entrepreneur trying to get a business off of the ground to change the path of their family’s existence. You can read through bios and donate some or all of their loan request. When they repay their loan, that money is used to fund other endeavors approved by Worldvision. This gives the business owner a since of pride and accomplishment to do it for themselves and teaches them the skills necessary for their business to be a success.

Fun:
Children in desperate circumstances often don’t get to be kids, and that is truly sad. You can provide two soccer balls for $16 via Worldvision that will provide days of entertainment and much needed physical exercise, as well as an escape for children who need to have fun in their lives. You can also provide music lessons, basketballs, plush animals or Christmas present in general.

You can also find kites, toys, and books through Oxfam American Unwrapped.

There are loads of other organizations. Don’t let my post here limit you to only those I have listed. There are many who can all help people. Many needs that are near and dear to your heart may not be listed here, but you can help with those as well.

Just check out Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and/or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to find a legitimate charitable organization that will help causes that you believe in.

Just give. Bless the one you donate on behalf of as well as hundreds of others.

Tuesday Free For All - 12/14

Lots of great freebies out there right now! Go check them out! And thank the sources by clicking through to their sites linked at the bottom of this post!
FREEBIES:

• Free lotion: Get free samples of Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion.
• Free Dr. Pepper @ Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill: Print this coupon good for a free Dr. Pepper with no purchase necessary at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill.
• Free Slim-fast Bars for Sam's Club members: Sam's Club members can get a free sample of Slim-fast bar here.
• Free pain relief patches: Get free samples of Salonpas pain relief pads.
• Free Breathe Right Strips: Get free samples of Breath Right Strips.
• Free Dove conditioner: Get a free sample of Dove Daily Moisture conditioners.
• Free large beverage @ Hardee's: Print this coupon good for a free large beverage with purchase of hand breaded chicken tenders at Hardee's.
• Free shampoo: Get a free sample of John Frieda Sheer Blonde shampoo.
• Free burger on your birthday @ Red Robin: Register here and get a coupon on your birthday good for a free burger.
• Free maxi pads: Get free samples of Poise Maxi pads.
• Free shout color catcher: Register here to get a free sample of Shout Color Catcher.
• Get a FREE sample of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Liquid Nude Fragrance at participating Sephora inside JCPenney stores! Offer good through 1/12/11, while supplies last. Limit one per person.
• Hurry and request your coupon for a FREE Cup of Yoplait Original Yogurt! The coupon will come by mail and expect 2-4 weeks for delivery.
• Free Sample of Garnier Intense Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Free Sample of Mist8 All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
• Free Sample of Natural Dynamix Gummy Vitamins
• Free Sample Pureology Colour Stylist
• Get a FREE Kerrygold cheese or butter printable coupon when you take a quick 5-minute survey on your butter and cheese-buying habits
• Free Sample of Purina ONE Beyond Dog Food
• Free Sample of Purina ONE SmartBlends Dog Food for Sam’s Club Members
• Free Sample of Whey to Go Protein Powder
• Head over to Facebook to Wendy’s Fry For All! You can get FREE Natural Cut Fries and have the chance to win even bigger prizes!
• Sign up to get a free sample of Goodnight Underpants for your little one!
• Read to Succeed is a free educational program sponsored by Six Flags to inspire kids in grades K through 6 to engage in recreational reading. Students who complete six hours of recreational, nonschool-related reading are eligible to earn a free admission ticket to a participating Six Flags theme park. Teachers whose classes participate and complete the program are also eligible to earn a free ticket. Schools must be within a 250-mile radius of a participating Six Flags theme park in order to participate.
• Request a FREE Juno Baby DVD from Heard It From A Mom!
• Use the coupon here to get a FREE Portrait Collage, Enhanced Wall Portrait or Portrait Composite at Picture Me Studios. Coupon expires 12/31/10. Click here to find a location near you.
• Sign up for the Stone Theatres eClub and receive a coupon for a FREE small popcorn. Click here to find a location near you.
• Xtra Mart stores are offering printable coupons for a FREE 3 oz package of Cheez-It Crackers (good through 12/19) and a FREE coffee (good on 12/25 only). You must become a fan on Facebook to view and print coupons.
• Quick Chek is offering a printable coupon for a FREE Trident Layers Gum. You must be a fan to print the coupon. Offer expires 12/20/10. Click here for a location near you.
• Use the coupon here to get a FREE 6 piece screwdriver set at Harbor Freight stores. Coupon is good through 1/7/11. Click here to find a location near you.
• Request a free sample of Curel Sensitive Skin Remedy Lotion.
• Receive a free Playtex Sport sample.
• Military personnel can register to receive a FREE Care Package including items like beanies, a deck of cards and a complimentary hour of internet access from Scion. Care Packages will ship to the U.S. and any APO or FPO addresses.

SWEEPSTAKES:

• Free laser hair removal giveaway: Register here are you could win free laser hair removal form American Laser Centers.
• Happy Home Giveaway: AmazingFreebies.com is giving away a Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner, as well as two 15 piece cookware sets, and four Homedics Vibraspa foot massagers.
• Honeywell Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Sweepstakes: Breathe easier this winter with a new humidifier from Honeywell
• Coby Butterfly iPod and iPhone Dock Sweepstakes: Enter to win an ultra-modern sound system from Coby
• Elite Leather Armchair Sweepstakes: Enter to win an elegant chair designed by Nathan Turner
• Inception Sweepstakes: Enter to win the Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack Number of prizes: 5 Expires: December 31, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 36.00
• Kumi Kookoon Sweepstakes: 25 readers win a silk eyemask! Number of prizes: 25 Expires: December 30, 2010 12:00 p.m. ARV: $ 25.00
• Pandigital/AT&T Photo Mail Digital Photo Frame Sweepstakes: Enter to win the wireless Photo Mail Digital Photo Frame from Pandigital Number of prizes: 1 Expires: December 29, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 140.00
• Going the Distance Sweepstakes: Enter to win the Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack Number of prizes: 5 Expires: December 27, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 36.00
• Visine Sweepstakes: Enter to win the Visine Party Prep Kit including an iPod Touch Number of prizes: 1 Expires: December 14, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 319.98
• Woman’s Day Giveaways: Enter for a chance to win DVDs, getaways, gourmet treats, beauty packages and more from Woman’s Day. Number of prizes: 0 Expires: December 31, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 0.00
• Silly Cake Contest: Holiday Fun: Send us a photo of your themed dessert to win a complete baking set from Wilton Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Friday December 17 2010 ARV: $255.00
• DKNY Home Bamboo Boucle Towel Set Giveaway: Enter to win a soft, lavish towel set from DKNY Home Number of prizes: 12 Expires: Tuesday December 14 2010 ARV: $64.99
• Virgin America Round-Trip Airfare Giveaway: Enter to win four round-trip main cabin tickets to anywhere Virgin America airlines flies Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday December 15 2010 ARV: $4,568.00
• MyAgenda Day Planner Giveaway: Enter to win this stylish, colorful myAgenda organizer and day planner Number of prizes: 15 Expires: Saturday December 18 2010 ARV: $36.00
• Finish Quantumatic’s KitchenAid Superba Series EQ Dishwasher Giveaway: Enter to win a Finish Quantum prize package that includes a brand-new KitchenAid dishwasher! Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Sunday December 19 2010 ARV: $2,675.00
• Brother Project Runway Limited Edition Innov-ís 40 Sewing Machine Giveaway: Enter to win a Project Runway Limited Edition Innov-ís 40 sewing machine from Brother Number of prizes: 3 Expires: Monday December 20 2010 ARV: $599.95
• Delta Addison Showerhead Giveaway: Enter to win this modern, water-saving Delta Addison showerhead in stainless steel or chrome Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Tuesday December 21 2010 ARV: $100.00
• Red Mountain Resort & Spa in St. George, Utah, Getaway Giveaway: Enter to win a four-day, three-night stay for two at Utah’s rejuvenating Red Mountain Resort & Spa Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday December 22 2010 ARV: $2,700.00
• Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Dishes Sweepstakes: Five (5) winners will win a set of holiday dessert plates and a copy of Rosanna Bowles's book, Coming Home! Sweepstakes Ends: December 15, 2010 One entry per day.
• Better Homes and Gardens Bouquet-A-Month Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will win a bouquet a month from FTD for a full year! Sweepstakes Ends: December 15, 2010 One entry per day.
• Traditional Home $22,300 Kitchen Makeover Sweepstakes: One lucky winner will receive a kitchen makeover prize package, worth over $22,300! Sweepstakes Ends: December 19, 2010 One entry per day.
• Breakstone's Triple Churned Vote & Win Sweepstakes: Vote for your favorite holiday menu and you could win up to $1000! Sweepstakes Ends: December 19, 2010 One entry per day.
• Midwest Living John Hancock Observatory Skating in the Sky Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will win the ultimate Chicago winter experience! Sweepstakes Ends: December 20, 2010 One entry per day.

GIVEAWAYS:




*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Elle, Woman’s Day Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, Deal Seeking Mom, Couponing 101, Free Sample Freak, The Good Deal Gal, A Few ShortCuts, Better Homes & Gardens, SwagGrabber, Budget Help$, Mommies with Cents, & "Deal"icious Mom

Photo credit: bartmaguire

What is It About Christmas?

What is it that makes Christmas special to you?

Is it the giving of gifts to friends and loved ones?
Is it the experiences of taking time to give back to those in need through service?
Is it the thoughtfulness of baking cookies for a lonely neighbor?
Is it the family time spent around the table?
Is it the laughter and stories and games shared without the distraction of a TV?
Is it choosing a name off of an Angel tree to give to?
Is it the joy of packing up a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child?
Is it just making a trip home again?
Is it putting aside disagreements and differences just to not ruin family get-togethers?
Is it the traditions that you form with your family?
Is it the oneness you feel with neighbors you otherwise never speak to?

Here is my question to you, then:

Why do we save it for Christmas? Why not year round? I think this would truly be the best way to celebrate the coming of our Savior.

Weekend Round-Up #61

FINANCIAL:

• What You Need to Know About Tax Deductions and Tax Credits (And Why It Matters)! post at Redeeming Riches (by KNS Financial from Faithful With A Few) is a great explanation of the differences in the two. Read up!
• How Much Does Your Credit Card Debt Cost You? posted by Debbie Dragon at Wisebread is a great post. However, what might be really eye opening for you is grabbing a calculator and doing the math laid out under the first topic. If that isn't inspiration to get out of debt, I don't know what is!
• Budgeting Mistakes That Everyone Has Made at Five Cent Nickel lets you know that you're not alone and should not get discouraged when you mess up. Just pick up and start again.
• 1 Simple Strategy to Save $2,000 this Holiday and Make Everyone Love You Forever at Far Beyond the Stars cuts right to the chase. A MUST READ
• How a simple “NO” can simplify your personal finances at Simple Financial Lifestyle - we'd be in so much less financial strain right now if we had just said "no" a few more times.
• You’re not just broke, you’re stupid too at Punch Debt in the Face gets straight to the point.

FAMILY/LIFE:

• Stretching Your Grocery Dollar at Mom's Plan gives a few great tips that aren't your average "use coupons" tips!
• Boxes and Bags and Bows, Oh My! at From Inmates to Playdates offers what I proclaim to be a brilliant suggestion for storage!
• SUPER Science Kit! (Christmas Gift Idea) at Gluesticks is one of the best gift ideas I've seen to date! The idea, the organization, the presentation. Perfection!
• Choose Your Own Adventure Date Night at While He was Napping is a fun idea! It seems like a lot of work, but would so be worth it, I think!
• What Kids Really Want for Christmas at The Morris Tribe is a fantastic post from top to bottom. Seriously worth the click over!
• 7 Ideas For Creating Christmas Traditions at Women Living Well offers some brilliant ideas. There are too many great ones to list here, so I'll just point you over there!
• Parenting Secret Exposed at Suburb Sanity is funny, yet so very true.
• Toy-store-with-kid strategy: Email Santa with gift ideas at Parent Hacks is great for so many reasons! Curtail the begging AND get gift ideas for the family. Well played, Dad.

FAITH:

• Girl - You NEED A Bubble Bath at Women Living Well is a must read during this busy season--so all encompassing and succint as well!
• THE WORST FORM OF CENSORSHIP at People of the Second Chance nails it.

FUN:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Chick Flicks by Tyler Stanton is great. Even my husband who will openly watch "chick flicks" does several of these.
• Brilliant Christmas Mashup: ‘Rudolph’ & ‘Roxanne’ at Jesus Needs New PR is indeed brilliant.
  

And lastly, before you hit "play" on this video make sure you have tissues handy. And hug your children tighter than usual tonight.



Photo credit: keepps

I Still Loathe Our Timeshare

This post was included in the Carnival of Money Stories #84: ‘Twas Two Weeks Before Christmas Edition hosted by Yes, I Am Cheap. Stop over there and see a lot of other really great posts. If you are visiting from that carnival, settle in and stay a while. If you end of following me, you might win some candy (see just under my header!). =)

You've heard me gripe about owning our timeshare before (actually, pretty recently). I continue to loathe the fact that we own it.

We had discussed taking out a Lending Club loan on it and paying it off to obtain the note and then trying to sell it back to the sales department at the resort just to get out from under it. It wasn't guaranteed to work and we were going to have to take a loss on it. But frankly, I didn't care anymore. Anything to just have it gone.

But we haven't done that yet. I was very close to clearing the whole process with Chip and making sure he was okay with doing that when he lost his job. And the loan I wanted to take out was going to increase our payment on it because it was a 3 year loan rather than the 10ish years we will currently pay on it. But then the job loss happened and we cannot currently afford a new higher bill. In fact, we're just making minimum payments until full employment is back. So that plan is on hold.

Well, two days ago I was reminded of what a pain this thing is.

We got our maintenance fee bill.

If you don't know anything about timeshares, let me enlighten you. For each year you are allowed to use it (ours is every other year) you get a bill to "cover maintenance" of the property. That makes sense actually. For upkeep and all. However, what you may not know is that we have no guarantee that it won't go up.

And it has gone up this year.

A lot.

Two months ago, we got a letter saying we needed to pay a "special assessment fee" related to a lot of stuff I won't go into here. But basically, everyone who owns a resort through our timeshare company had to pay it. One time fee.

And our maintenance fees were going up.

So...back to the original story.

Our bill arrived two days ago. For $1322.50. Let me let that sink in for you.

$1322.50

We are just getting by to make minimum payments on our regular bills right now. We certainly don't have an extra $1300 to pay these people. And if I don't pay it, it will just get interest and fees attached to it.

So today I "paid" it. Let me translate that for you.

I put it on a credit card.

I know. It sucks.

I don't want to EVER put anything on these cards again without the intent of paying it right off that very month. But I won't be paying this off this month. I can't.

We have this in our emergency fund. But I don't truly consider this an emergency. Because if we deplete our emergency fund and then run into a real emergency that we can't use our credit card on? We're up a creek without a paddle. So the cash will stay in the emergency fund. And our credit card balance will increase. For the first time in over a year, our credit card balance will be higher next month that it is this month.

And I feel like such a failure. Not because I did anything wrong right now. But because we can't afford it. And because we can't get rid of it. And because it makes me feel stupid for buying it in the first place.

I guess I know what our tax refund will be used for this upcoming year. Not paying off debt to take a chunk out of the snowball, but to pay for this stupid maintenance fee to a property that we don't use in the first place. In the meantime, it will acquire interest while sitting on this card.

Hooray.

Photo credit: BLW Photography

*Disclosure...the Lending Club link in this post is an affiliate link.

Holiday Safety

With the holidays quickly approaching for many of us and already here for others (Happy Hanukkah, my Jewish friends!), we really need to remember to keep this holiday a safe one.

Here are some tips:

LADDER SAFETY (1):

• The CDC analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) for three winter holiday seasons. For this analysis, the holiday season was defined as November 1--January 31. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, during 2000--2003, an estimated 17,465 persons were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs) for holiday-decorating--related falls. Approximately 62% of those injured were aged 20--49 years; approximately 43% of injuries were caused by falls from ladders; and males were 40% more likely than females to be injured. Prevention strategies should focus on raising awareness about falls and promoting safety practices during the holiday season.

PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE (2)

• Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
• Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
• Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.
• Don't heat your house with a gas oven.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY (3)

• Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.
• A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember:
  --A fresh tree is green.
  --Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
  --When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
  --The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
  --When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is too dry.
• Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand with wide spread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.
  Place your tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces and radiators. (4)

"SNOW" (3)

• Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels; follow directions carefully.

LIGHTS (3)

• Whether indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
• Lights could short and start a fire.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted!

CANDLES (4)

• Avoid using candles when possible. Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles.
• Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep burning candles within sight.
• Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room or leave the house.
• Place lighted candles away from combustible material and areas where they might be knocked over.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Keep candle away from other decorations and wrapping paper.

OUTDOOR DECORATING (4)

• Make sure all products are marked for outdoor use.
• Keep all outdoor extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water.
• Make sure spotlights used to highlight decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather, and a safe distance from flammable items.

POST HOLIDAY SAFETY (4)

• Holiday decorations are meant for temporary use. Take down all decorations during the first week of January.
• Do not yank or tug on cords when unplugging them.
• Carefully inspect all decorations prior to storing them. Discard broken or faulty lights.
• Make sure that electrical cords are in good condition, and wire insulation is not frayed or cracked.
• Store decorations in a dry location that is safely out of reach of children and pets.

Photo credit: Anthony!!
Sources: (1) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5348a1.htm (2) http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm
(3) http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf (4) http://www.holidaysafety.org/holidaysafety/file/ESFI-Holiday-Decorating-Safety-Tips_2010.pdf

WFMW - Cozy Toesies

This is probably nothing new to most of you, but for those of you who haven't done it or are first-time parents who haven't thought of it yet, I'm going to offer you a simple, yet effective hack to keeping tiny people warm on those cold winter nights.

First let me tell you that I am neither an expert on parenting (this 2nd one is nothing like the 1st!) or the cold (I live in Savannah, GA, for crying out loud), but this works for us and it might work for you.

Have you ever noticed that when your feet are warm, the rest of you is? Seriously...my arms can be cold and I can warm them up by putting socks on my feet. Strange, but true.

So to give me peace of mind when our babies were either too young for heavy blankets or slightly older but not able to keep a blanket on them (our children flip and flop all night), I simply put socks on them underneath those fleece zip up footie pjs.

It gives me peace of mind and their little bodies always felt warmer in the morning when it was time to get up.

That is something that works for me. If you want to see what works for everyone else, visit We Are THAT Family.

Photo credit: psansao

The Day That Still Lives in Infamy

December 7, 1941.

A day that changed the United States forever. Changed its history. Changed its sense of security. Changed its resolve. A day that made men out of some boys. A day that made heroes out of some sailors. A day that made the call to freedom ring out to many others.

A day that brought sorrow. A day that stirred courage. A day that brought about a fight where the US would prove that we were more than a sleeping giant.

Let us never forget those who survived as well as those who did not, and their families.


Images linked to their sources.

Tuesday Free For All - 12/07

Back with another week of great freebies, sweepstakes, and giveaways. Don't forget to enter my giveaway of Homemade Fudge and Candy treats for my followers!

Also don't forget to visit the links at the bottom of the post where I located most of these great freebies and sweeps!

FREEBIES:

• Free baby formula: Register here to get a free sample of Parents Choice Baby formula.
• Free baby formula: Print this coupon good for a free can of Enfamil baby formula.
• Free kindle books: If you have an Amazon Kindle the right column on this page has 100 free books.
• Free shout color catcher: Register here to get a free sample of Shout Color Catcher.
• One Touch Glocometer at No Cost: Get a painless one touch meter from Diabetic Connect.
• Free internet radio - iPod Giveaway: This site cool site has free internet radio. Also you'll be entered to win an iPod just for joining.
• Free item & Bath and Body Works: Print this coupon good for a free item, up to $13 value with any $10 purchase at Bath & Body Works.
• Free recipe book: Get a free Best Cookies and Bars recipe book from Karo Syrup.
• Free drink at Hardee's: Print this coupon good for a free large beverage with purchase of hand breaded chicken tenders at Hardee's.
• Free Drink at Rubio's: Print this coupon good for a free Dr. Pepper with no purchase necessary at Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill.
• Free NASA Magazine: Get a free copy of NASA's Spinoff magazine here.
• Free flat tire repair: Print this coupon good for a free flat tire repair at Mr. Tire and other repair shops.
• FREE Excedrin: Excedrin is offering FREE coupons for both the Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine varieties.
• Use coupon code F102785 at Bath & Body Works to save $10 off your purchase (exp. 12/31/10)! There are gift sets marked down to $10 so just pay shipping ($5.99).
• Download your Free 25 Days of Music from Amazon.
• Become a friend of Krispy Kreme and get a Coupon for a Free Doughnut.
• Use this coupon to get Free Natural Cut Fries from Wendy’s.
• Sign up and get a coupon in the mail for a FREE bottle of Dream Water at your local Walmart.
• Sign up and get a free sample of Soooo Sweet! Sweetener, a revolutionary Stevia blend that you can now choose to replace sugars in your diet!
• Sign up and get a Free Sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture from Walmart!
• Create a holiday card on Denny’s Facebook Card Maker to give a free order of Gingerbread Pancake Puppies to a friend and also get one for yourself!
• Free ForeverLily perfume sample.
• Download 30 free Grateful Dead songs through 12/8/10.
• Get a free sample of Pureology Colour Stylist. Click “like” on the Pureology Facebook page and then go to the Serious Colour tab.
• LearnOutLoud.com is offering a free download of the audio book “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. This offer is available internationally.
• Use the coupon here to get 2 FREE Chicken Strips and dipping sauce at Whataburger. This offer is good 12/7/10 from 2 to 5 PM, for dine-in orders only. Click here to find a location near you.
• The Trophy Hunting Channel.com is offering a FREE Bag N Tag Scent Trial Pack. This offer is available to the U.S., while supplies last.
• Sign up for the Memphis Barbecue Blue Ribbon Club and receive a coupon for a FREE rack of ribs and strawberry shortcake on your birthday. Click here to find a location near you.
• Sign up to receive a FREE Kotex Sample Pack with regular maxi pads and long liners. This offer is available to the U.S., while supplies last.
• Quick Chek is offering a printable coupon for a FREE Chocolate Covered Cherry Cappuccino Hot Chocolate or Cappuccino. You must be a fan to print the coupon. Offer expires 12/13/10. Click here for a location near you.

SWEEPSTAKES:

• Happy Home Giveaway: AmazingFreebies.com is giving away a Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner, as well as two 15 piece cookware sets, and four Homedics Vibraspa foot massagers.
• Freebie Jeebies Big Screen giveaway: NikkisFreebieJeebies.com is giving away a big screen TV to a lucky winner on their mailing list.
• Elite Leather Armchair Sweepstakes
• Coby Butterfly iPod and iPhone Dock Sweepstakes: Enter to win an ultra-modern sound system from Coby
• Humanair Personal Air Purifier Sweepstakes: Enjoy cleaner air in your home with this smart and compact machine
• DYMO Label Maker Sweepstakes: Organize your home with this compact label maker
• Enter to Win a Roomful of Toys from The Toy Insider: Enter “The Toy Insider” Sweepstakes for your chance to win a roomful of toys or one of three toy packages hand-picked by the experts at Toy Insider. Number of prizes: 4 Expires: Friday December 10 2010 ARV: $1,000.00
• Joico K-PAK Essentials Trio Prize Package Giveaway: Enter to win a healthy and restorative holiday hair prize package from Joico Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Tuesday December 07 2010 ARV: $29.95
• Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Getaway Giveaway: Enter to win a three-day, two-night all-inclusive stay at the spectacular Occidental Grand Xcaret resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday December 08 2010 ARV: $2,300.00
• T-fal Appliance Trio Prize Package Giveaway: Enter to win this T-fal appliance package, perfect for any cook Number of prizes: 10 Expires: Saturday December 11 2010 ARV: $254.97
• Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 Instant Film Camera Giveaway: Enter to win the sleek Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 Instant Film camera for instant prints! Number of prizes: 20 Expires: Sunday December 12 2010 ARV: $65.00
• 30 Rock Season 4 DVD Prize Package Giveaway: Enter to win a DVD set of 30 Rock’s hilarious fourth season Number of prizes: 15 Expires: Monday December 13 2010 ARV: $49.98
• DKNY Home Bamboo Boucle Towel Set Giveaway: Enter to win a soft, lavish towel set from DKNY Home Number of prizes: 12 Expires: Tuesday December 14 2010 ARV: $64.99
• Virgin America Round-Trip Airfare Giveaway: Enter to win four round-trip main cabin tickets to anywhere Virgin America airlines flies Number of prizes: 1 Expires: Wednesday December 15 2010 ARV: $4,568.00
• Visine Sweepstakes: Enter to win the Visine Party Prep Kit including an iPod Touch Number of prizes: 1 Expires: December 14, 2010 12:00 a.m. ARV: $ 319.98
• Parents Gift Guide Giveaway: Five (5) winners will score the hottest holiday gifts of the year! Sweepstakes Ends: December 10, 2010 One entry per day.
• You'll Never Outgrow Your Love for Softness Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will receive a prize package consisting of thirty-six (36) 12-packs of Scott? Bath Tissue, retail value $120.00; and a check for $2,000.00; total prize package retail value $2,120.00.
  Sweepstakes Ends: December 13, 2010 One entry per household.
• Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Dishes Sweepstakes: Five (5) winners will win a set of holiday dessert plates and a copy of Rosanna Bowles's book, Coming Home!
  Sweepstakes Ends: December 15, 2010 One entry per day.
• Better Homes and Gardens Bouquet-A-Month Sweepstakes: One (1) winner will win a bouquet a month from FTD for a full year! Sweepstakes Ends: December 15, 2010 One entry per day.

GIVEAWAYS:







*Huge thanks to my sources: Thunder Fap, PointClickHome, Elle, Woman’s Day Magazine, The Freebie Blogger, Deal Seeking Mom, Couponing 101, Free Sample Freak, The Good Deal Gal, A Few ShortCuts, Friend Family Savings, Better Homes & Gardens, SwagGrabber, Budget Help$, Mommies with Cents, & "Deal"icious Mom
Photo credit: Roadsidepictures