My Favorite Things - July 15th


Posted by Melissa at 10:32 AM 1 comments
I learned today ... I don't know as much as I need to know about
plastic bags and how they are harming our earth.
CHECK out this:
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/MULTIMEDIA02/80505016w
JUST to reiterate a couple BIG points.....
1- It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the amount of plastic bags the US uses per year.It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the amount of plastic bags the US uses per year.
2- Plastic bags utilize nonrenewable resources, ultimately helping to drive up fuel prices.
3- A plastic shopping bag can take anywhere from 15 to 1000 years to decompose. In a compressed landfill, deprived of atmosphere to help them biodegrade, paper bags don't fare much better.
4. An estimated one million birds and 100,000 turtles and other sea animals die of starvation each year after ingesting discarded plastic bags which block their digestive tracks.
Couple places to get your bags... cause I know you want some now, RIGHT?
From The "Cent"sible Sawyer site:
With every $15 minimum donation to the National Park Foundation, they’ll send you an eco-friendly shopping bag and up to $20 in Unilever coupons! Go HERE
*Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Offer ends August 16, 2008
Couple links:
1- http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bag-Cotton-Cloth-Grocery/dp/B000RF0X6O/ref=tag_tdp_sv_edpp_i
6 bags for 29.99
2- QwertyO's Shop (little produce bags)
3- Izznit's Shop (OH so stylin' bags made with Amy Butler fabric)
4- AND if you're looking for something super cheap... here ya go:
http://store.affordablestorageinc.com/servlet/-strse-410/Tote-Bag,-I-Help/Detail
OR you could always make your own!
Happy Shopping!
Melissa
Posted by Melissa at 1:02 PM 0 comments
So today I read that Publix is putting up a couple stores in the county
right next to where I live. I AM DOING A HAPPY DANCE TODAY!
This is wonderful wonderful news! If they are building in Baldwin county
now, hopefully they will move into Mobile county next.
(so as soon as these stores are up and running... every time I go to the
beach... I'll surely be doing a Publix run!)
We have a friend that works as a store manager for Food World
(I think as a part of Bi Lo)
But he was saying that Food World will probably not last that much longer.
Maybe Pubix will buy out the Food World stores... oh yes! I'm lovin' it!
Posted by Melissa at 8:27 AM 1 comments
Here are a few meals we've had this week:
Hotdogs, chips and cole slaw
Homemade Pizza
Marinated Pork Tenderloin, rice and broccoli
and for tonight...
Crockpot Cube Steak over Egg Noodles and a veggie (probably corn
since I have about 100 cans in the pantry)
Now I need to plan my menu for next week. I have a
few whole chickens in the freezer... any ideas?
Posted by Melissa at 6:03 AM 1 comments
I've never been a huge fan of Crystal Light, but I was sent a free sample
Posted by Melissa at 4:02 PM 2 comments
Thanks to Danielle from Scrapyard!
Posted by Melissa at 1:54 PM 0 comments
It's been a long time since I posted in this here Blogger!
Check out a few Freebies:
NEW YORK Dippin Sticks
http://www.marzetti.com/survey/
WARM DELIGHTS Mini's -- by Betty Crocker
(Oh, these are so yummy! If you are on a diet... just ignore)
http://www.startsampling.com/retail/kroger/
Posted by Melissa at 9:50 AM 0 comments
Elizabeth introduced me to this cool little blog for
ideas on saving money, freebies and such.
http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/
Check it OUT!
Heather posts great ideas and deals everyday!
ONE that Heather mentions on her blog --
http://simplemom.net/
I just checked it out today and I really really like this one!!!
Nice, short and to the point entries about being a MOM!
(or just being a human, really!)
On Simple Mom she mentions a Jewlery giveaway...
super neat stuff -- http://lisaleonardonline.com/
I really really really want the Family Tree Necklace!
Here's a list of a few others that you might find interesting too!
http://www.becentsable.net/
Click on Grocery Gathering and then look through the list for a
grocery store new you. (includes places like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens)
http://www.couponsinc.com/corp/source/cp_clientlist.asp
Contains a list of current Printable coupons.
http://moneysavingmom.blogspot.com/
http://moneysavingmom2.blogspot.com/
THE #2 is the same site... she had to create a new site because
of some "blogger" problems.
Anyway.. great site! I visit it almost everyday.
http://fiddledeedeeblog.blogspot.com/
Found this bouncing around blogs... she posts
great Publix deals... for example BOGO --combined with coupons.
FOr a full time working mom (like myself)--- Sarah is a life saver
for all the time she puts into sharing her finds! Thank you Sarah!
Here's the last one for now:
http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/
Denise is the author at this blog plus she's a 2nd grade teacher.
She does a great job of sharing lots of sales at places other
than the grocery.
For example, she provides a link to some free music downloads
(Clint Black... I guess he's some famous country singer... Just kidding!
I know who he is... it's just not my thing)
Ok, I'm done..
Peace!
Melissa
Posted by Melissa at 8:49 AM 2 comments
So today I headed to Publix to pick up a few BOGO deals
and I think I'm going to miss that place after we move. Boohoo!
I think the only place to shop in AL is Winn-Dixie - poo!
Ya never know, I might be able to find some good deals there too.
Anyway, thanks to Sarah at http://fiddledeedeeblog.blogspot.com/
I was able to save a total of $29.16 today.
Spent only $25.88
I got
2 Bags of Lays Chips (BOGO free) = 3.79/2 -- $1.90 each
Gallon of Milk = 3.99
2 Jars of Vlasic pickles (BOGO free) = 2.69 Plus 2 $1.00 coupons = .69/2 -- .35 each
Box of Juice pouches = 1.67
Kraft cheddar stick snacks 3.99-2.00 coupon = 1.99
2 Bottles Kraft dressing (BOGO free) 2.69 plus a .75 coupon = 1.94/ -- .97 each
Bertolli Tomato Basil pouch 2.55 - $1.00 coupon = 1.55
Cooking spray - 2.49
2 Boxes of Uncle Ben's Rice (BOGO Free) 1.39 - plus a 1.00 coupon = .39/2 -- .20 each
Totino's pizza rolls 1.50 - .50 coupon = 1.00
Canned Pineapple = 1.15
Canned Pear slices = 1.17
2 bottles A-1 sauce (BOGO free) 3.85 plus two $1.00 coupons = 1.85/2 -- .93 each
2 packs of Keebler Cookies (BOGO free) 3.09 - 1.00 coupon = 2.09/2 -- 1.05 each
I'm pretty pleased!
Ok so I know I don't have anything here to make a meal.. but I was just stocking up for the
most part. Plus can you beat .20 for a box of Rice? (that your kids will actually eat!)
I also went to CVS this week...
spent all of my ECBs...
got 4 packs of soda/lemonade
Some free toothpaste and a new toothbrush
Free Tums -- plus I'll get 3.99 rebate in a few weeks.
Pack of Skittles for the boys
Large Pack of Pull ups
Bottle of wine
Shaving cream
Allergy med
Total out of pocket -- $4.29 -- AND that's only because I bought the wine! But it was good!
Posted by Melissa at 3:51 PM 2 comments
Tonight is my 3rd time making this.. IT is SO yummy!
I ran across this recipe in Jan when I was searching for A Black Eyed Pea
recipe... the black eyed peas didn't fair so well, but this Lime Chicken is FAB!
I printed it out because the last time my parents had visited they left a jar
of Key Lime Juice... which was suppose to be used for Key Lime pie, but I'm not a
huge fair of Key Lime Pie, so I had to figure out something else to use the lime with..
and this is perfect! I'm using the last bit night... trying to empty the fridge before our move.
(and if you don't know about that.. tune in later)
Here's the source:
http://www.austin360.com/food_drink/content/food_drink/stories/2008/03/0326kittyskeepers9.html
Lime Chicken and Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto
4 boneless chicken breast halves
Marinade:
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika
Salt
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Cilantro pesto:
1 large bunch cilantro
2 heaping Tbsp. chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
3 cloves garlic
3/4 cup olive oil
Salt to taste
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
4 to 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
Grilled tomato halves
Combine the lime juice, olive oil, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt and brown sugar in a glass bowl or casserole. Add the chicken, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours, turning once during that time.
To make pesto: Combine cilantro, walnuts, ground pepper, garlic, olive oil and salt in a food processor and process to a smooth paste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Cook pasta to al dente stage. While pasta is cooking, grill or broil chicken until done, about 10 minutes. Slice into short strips.
Combine the warm pasta and warm chicken with the pesto. Toss until well coated. Serve with grilled tomato halves, if desired, and crusty bread. (This recipe could be made ahead and served cold.) Serves 4.
— Carol Johnson
Tonight I'm just doing the Chicken and serving a green salad.
I've also made the chicken and then used jared pesto to coat the
pasta... wasn't quite as good.. but quick and easy!
Posted by Melissa at 3:36 PM 0 comments
I know, kinda dorky. BUT with my new frugal plans, I've started CVSing!
You start with a CVS Extra Card ... scan the ads from the Sunday paper.
Match up sales with coupons and Bam! You can make some $ by just shopping!
This is what I did today.
I bought
1 Box Reeces Cookies $2.00
2 Bags Hershey's Bliss chocolates 2x4.29=$8.58
2 Glade Air Fresheners 2x.97 =$1.94
1 Barbasol shaving cream .97
1 Intuition Plus Razor $9.99
2 Hawaiian Tropic Lip Balm 2x1.99=$3.98
TOTAL OF $27.46
-----------------------------------------------------------------
coupons
.75 off Reeces Cookies
4.29 off for BOGO Hershey's Bliss
.97 off for BOGO Glade Air Fresh
4.00 off for Intuition Razor
4.00 off for Purchase of $20 at CVS
------------------------------------------------------------------
total coupons $14.01
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL after coupons $13.45
plus tax 1.23
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL out of Pocket $14.68
BUT here's the good Part!
I purchased things that give
back CVS bucks.
$5.00 ECB for purchasing $10.00 worth of Hershey's chocolate
$6.00 ECB for purchasing the Razor
$10.00 ECB for purchasing 2 Hawaiian Tropic products
=============
$21.00 ECB to spend the next time I go to CVS
SO the way I see it... I made $6.32 for shopping at CVS.
Posted by Melissa at 3:08 PM 3 comments
Are you frugal?
I always thought that living frugal was living like a cheap ass.
Well, I was wrong. Now, with my family's situation and our
economy the way it is, I've changed my way of spending $$.
I've joined a group that share frugal living ideas and I love it. Although I feel
some are very extreme, I have learn so much in the past few months.
I'll start sharing some of the info here if you care to check back.
First -- I'll start off with a FREE ICED COFFEE on May 15th!
check it out:
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/
Peace!
Posted by Melissa at 7:54 AM 0 comments
This was sent to me this week and I thought I'd share...
To be a mom...
We are sitting at lunch one day when my daughter casually mentions thatshe and her husband are thinking of "starting a family.
"We're taking a survey," she says half-joking.
"Do you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.
"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more
spontaneous vacations."
But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her.
I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes.
I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal,
but becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she
will forever be vulnerable.
I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking,
"What if that had been MY child?"
That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her.
That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything
could be worse than watching your child die.
I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moments hesitation.
I feel that I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested
in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood.
She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an
important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell.
She will have to use every ounce of discipline to keep from running home,just to make sure her baby is all right.
I want my daughter to know that every day decisions will no longer be routine.
That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's
at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.
However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess her self constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually
she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself.
That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child.
That she would give up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years, not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.
I want her to know that a caesarian scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.
My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child.
I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.
I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues,but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your childlearn to ride a bike.
I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time.
I want her to taste the joy that is so real it actually hurts.
My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes.
You'll never regret it," I finally say.
Then I reached across the table, squeezed my daughter's hand and offered a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.
May you always have in your arms the one who is in your heart...
Posted by Melissa at 2:10 PM 0 comments
Jacob fell asleep the other night
leaning on our chair... Fast Asleep!
LEAVE ME ALONE, I'M WATCHING
MY MOOB-BEE !!!
This past week (4-24) Lukas had an ear infection and had to
take antibiotics which did not taste good. This is the attitude
he gave me on Tuesday while we were home together ... (both sick)
I just found this random picture... Steve must have taken it..
BUT -- too cute! Lukas and Jacob both love to play with
Mommy and Daddy's shoes.
Posted by Melissa at 1:21 PM 1 comments
On April 4th, Jacob graduated from VPK
(pre-K in Florida)
Here are a few photos from the event.




They had graduation at a local civic center.
The 4 year old classes sang a few songs,
one in Spanish and one using sign language.
They were all so cute!
The teachers gave awards to each student along with their
certificate. The awards were labled with "Most Likely TO...."
Some were most likely to become Disney Artists, one was going to be a super hero, one a vet... etc... etc. We'll Jacob's award was "Most Likely to be well known for giving back to his community." NOW THAT'S SOMETHING TO BE PROUD ABOUT, HUH? It makes me feel wonderful that Jacob is thought of in this manner. His teachers are always praising him for helping out his classmates and around the classroom. I hope this is something he takes with him throughout his life. There's so much reward in helping others, and I hope he reaps those rewards 10 fold! Gosh, I'm so proud of him!
Posted by Melissa at 1:02 PM 0 comments

So, I made it to Week 2 of the scrap contest
over at Scrap 4 Life.
This week the challenge is to to create a layout that has prominent use of some kind of clear element in the design—transparencies, ghost letters, acrylic items, ...
So here is my layout...
Used: Bazzill CS
OScraps Digital kit "In This Moment" by A Neal. (the teal graph paper was printed on a transparency)
The butterflies were created using a brush from http://dead-brushes.deviantart.com/ -- then printed on a transparency and cut out -- and adhered with staples.
Title letters are by Basic Grey -- colored with black sharpie.
Lace from Jo-Anns
Few pieces of PP -- KI Memories and Gin-x
So the photos are of Lukas
The top one was taken the day he was brought home from the hospital.. I think around 4 days old... March 05. The bottom one was taken recently.
So, whatcha think?
There's a LOT of great talent in this contest, so I wouldn't be surprised if I was bumped off this week. Either way.. it's made me happy to create 2 layouts that I really like. Plus Scrap 4 Life is a super friendly site... so it's all good!
Posted by Melissa at 12:03 PM 3 comments
So I recently registered at http://scrap4life.com/
They are having a 4 week contest and each week we are to complete the a challenge posted. This week it's all about using Sparkle...
SO this is what I came up with. Jacob at his first t-Ball game. Used scraps for my patterned paper (Daisy D's, MME, Sandy Lion), AC thickers for my title, rhinestones to form the star.. MM glitter on a chipboard strip by Lil Davis.. and few other little things.
I'll find out Monday if I continue to the next round.
Posted by Melissa at 3:39 PM 2 comments
Well I know I haven't blogged in FOREVER! I'm still here.
In the past month -- the following things have happened:
1- I had a kidney stone. Pure Hell! I'm serious, it hurt!
2- Steve wrecked my van... shhhhh, don't tell anyone.. he is embarrassed
(he backed up and hit a fire hydrant).
3- Applied to several Design Teams -- so far, no luck.
4- Started a Contest at Scrap4Life. (uploaded my first layout yesterday)
5- Received lots of yummy mail... stuff I ordered and stuff I won.
6- Started cutting coupons.. like a crazy woman.
7- Finished up one of four swaps I'm currently in (and are due at the end of March)
8- Watched my son play his first T-Ball Game.
9- Started hybrid scrapping and card making... fun stuff!
10- Hugged and Kissed my boys everyday! (all 3)
Posted by Melissa at 2:35 PM 1 comments
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