Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 29: Yankee Candle Trio

Nothing special you have to do to be entered in this giveaway - but seriously who doesn't love candles? And Yankee Candle is a wonderful company - great varieties.

Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 29: Yankee Candle Trio

Hurry on over - don't miss out on this one.

Request from a special person

A very special person (and her very special hubby) needs our help. I am hoping that everyone that reads this will be there for them.

They aren't asking for money or possessions so no matter how strapped you have become with the economy the way it is - you can help them. It really is very easy. What they are asking for are prayers and/or good thoughts to be sent their way. See I told you it was easy.

Alicia and Josh are trying to become parents through adoption because they know that they have so much love to give. You can read all about their request here pretty-please .

I think they will be wonderful parents - just reading all the fun they have together and all they have been going through to become parents, I just think any child would be lucky to have them as parents.

Nicole's Nickels: Keurig Platinum Brewer Review & GIVEAWAY!

I would absolutely LOVE to win this prize. I have 4 adults living in my home (can't believe I have adult children) and before we all leave in the morning we MUST have at least 1 cup of coffee. Some mornings we could go through a 14 cup pot and other days I'm throwing out 3/4 of it because it didn't get drunk. This would be the perfect solution.

You need to jump on over and check this out. Try your luck - what have you got to lose? I think I've found another blog to add to my list of favorites. Just poking around I found some great give aways, samples, deals and great ideas.

Nicole's Nickels: Keurig Platinum Brewer Review & GIVEAWAY!

Sunshine and Lemonade: Blog siesta

Kat is back! If you have followed the trials and tribulations of this family the past year - I can say I have - you will be happy to know she is back and it looks like things are finally going to settle down for them. Whatever settling down is for a family.

To celebrate her return - she has a wonderful cookbook giveaway, from a wonderful Southern Belle (she'd probably hate that term) Ms. Paula Deen!

Go check out this post (as well as some of the others she has) and enter to win this fantastic cookbook. Can ya tell I already did??

Sunshine and Lemonade: Blog siesta

Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 26: Smashbox "Try Me Kit"

Smashbox - mmmm so many different types of makeup out there, so many to chose from. I confess, I have seen this "brand" many times, but have never tried it. I have been using Bare Minerals for about 3 years or so, even got my daughter to try it. She uses it too - although not that much (but then other than eye makeup - basically liner, she doesn't need makeup).

But I bet she might like this one. Heck I might like this one! One way to find out.

Here is a great giveaway by Fantabulously Frugal - a Smashbox Try me kit. You can try it too (if you win) free. But lets not dilly dally (need a new word here) entry to giveawy ends on May 31st.


Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 26: Smashbox "Try Me Kit"

Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 25: Made by Hank Clutch

If you've read my May posts you already KNOW about the 31 days of May Giveaway. Day 25 is a great prize. I think this one is perfect. It really does look perfect for so many quick trips or anytime you are "properly" dressed (as my grandmother would have said).

Well now you need to stop reading here and head on over to Fantabulously Frugal and get your entry in - I'm off to do the same. Good luck

Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 25: Made by Hank Clutch

Ladies - Food for Thought

Girls Rule....

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just pull up your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons in 2009 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!

13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest..

14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

Have a great day!

10 foods we SHOULD eat

Ok I just saw this at Forbes.com saying that there are 10 food that we SHOULD be eating but PROBABLY don't - especially if we follow the food pyramid.

Cherries - packed with anti-inflammatories
Blueberries - contain antioxidants shown to reduce belly fat
Kiwifruit - full of Vitamin C - 115% of what you need at only 45 calories each
Grass Fed Beef - full of omega-3 fatty acids
Wild Salmon - packed with omega-3 fatty acids
Flax Seed - tremendous source of omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans an anti cancer compound and source of fiber to enhance digestion.
Whey Protein Powder - great source of protein shown to stimulate the immune system
Kale - contains indoles and sulforaphane, a compound found to fight cancer. Also contains calcium, iron and vitamins A, C and K and is great for the eyes
Coconut - fats called MCT used for energy high in lauric acid that kills pathogens
Dark Chocolate - rich in phytochemical flavanol improves cardiovascular health.

And very nicely I find that I already eat a lot of what is on this list, maybe not as much as I should but I love the fruit and who doesn't love chocolate (dark chocolate IS my all time favorite)

Now I know ....

why it takes sooooo long to make a movie.

Monday Jenn got to be part of a movie that is yet to be titled - a Nancy Meyers project. Now she was in 1 scene - and that is all they shot all day.

We had to be there by 7:30 (and with the traffic around here and NYC that meant leave our house by 5:30).

We arrived at check in before 7am, where we were hoping it would warm up soon if we had to be outside all day. After getting her "wardrobe" for the day - we moved over to holding where she could also get breakfast. At 7:30 she was on set, and being "advised" as to what they would be doing for that part of the scene. Now there were quite a few background actors involved but seriously how many times do they have to walk through the scene before the director felt he (or was it they) had "gotten" it. I counted 5 times! seriously they had to walk in a graduation procession ....... and most of these kids had done this very same thing within the past 12 months for themselves. They got a break for lunch at 12:10 - where they were told they had to be ready to be back on set at 1.

Now they didn't actually get back on set until almost 2:30 - not exactly sure WHAT they were shooting from 1 to 2:30 - where it was more of the graduation scene. No not diplomas handed out or anything like that - it was more sitting, waving, standing - cheering on others. As well as one smaller group that did more "walking". This went on until they called it a "wrap" at 5:30., then she had to return her wardrobe and get all her paperwork filled out (they get ya there - all the forms not there or not signed - no pay). This was the only picture I could get with my cellphone (I just knew I should have brought my little digital - darn) - but this is the "afternoon part of the scene. As you can see they didn't really overwork them. Jenn's in there somewhere but God only knows from this picture.

Now she did get to see Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin and John Krasinski while they did their part of the scene - so it wasn't a total nothing day and she had a good time with the kids she was with for the scene. They did tell everyone that they could NOT absolutely could NOT take any pictures when the actors were doing their scene, but it didn't keep some of the kids from going up close to watch - no pictures but they could watch up close and personal.

But holy moses 10 hours to do 1 scene? How many scenes are in a movie? I'm thinking months and months of work just to get all the things they want after they cut hours of work and leave it on the floor. No wonder it costs so much to make a movie ..... no wonder it costs so much to see a movie - those movie ticket prices have to pay for all this.

I will say that even though she was exhausted (up at 4am leaving the set around 6:45pm to get home at 8pm), she said she'd do it again......she just wishes it wouldn't be quite so cold the next time. And she did admit she was glad I made her wear the heavier sweater instead of just her leather jacket.

Look at this face - couldn't you just see her doing something in print? So if you know of anyone that is in need of a background actor - or wants to give a young adult a break ....... tell them you know of someone - she'd love it.

What's for dinner

Well it is Saturday night (usually pizza night) but I was SO NOT looking forward to pizza. Of course everyone (almost everyone) came home for dinner tonight. I'm standing in front of the refridge thinking WHAT am I going to throw together that will be quick, tasty and doesn't include pizza.

Hubby was easy (although he's not home yet) I found 5 sweet sausages I had put in the freezer about 2 weeks ago since I didn't make them as a quick meal. While I was browning the sausages, I chopped up an onion and a red pepper. Once the sausages were browned I added the onion and peppers and about 1/3 cup of water and covered, lowering heat to medium low.

Now the kids are never easy when I want to change things around. I had a rotisserie chicken that I didn't use from Wednesday night when it hit me - Chicken Linguine Alfredo. I got to use my favorite new pasta - Fiber Gourmet (130 cal and 18 or so grams of fiber).

Now I still have leftovers - which was surprising but I may have this for lunch tomorrow if the garage "project" takes over most of the day.

The RIGHT size

I came across this "cheat sheet" when I was cleaning out all the magazines that I accumulated during tax season (that deep hole I fall into in February only to truly surface in May) and I didn't get to read until now.

Since most of us (ok many people I know, including me) would like to lose a few pounds or at least maintain our current weight during the summer fun, I thought this was really perfect.

Based on standards that most nutritionists follow, here is what a serving size would look like:

steak - an Ipod Classic
pasta - an ice cream scoop
baked potato - computer mouse
fish - checkbook
butter - stamp
salad dressing - 1 oz shot glass
brown rice - baseball (not softball)
peanut butter - golf ball
cheese - a matchbox
pancake - a dvd
beans - lightbulb
dark chocolate - dental floss container

Now whats the breakdown of what you really should have ........ you know proteins, carbs, fruit, veggies, dairy and fat (yes FAT)

Protein - 4 oz of beef, poultry, fish or tofu
1/2 cup beans
2 TBSP peanut butter
1 egg
8 oz milk
6 ox yogurt

Carbs - 1/2 cup pasta (whole wheat is better)
1/2 cup rice (brown is better)
1 slice bread
1 potato
1/2 cup beans
1/2 cup couscous

Fruit - 1 medium size whole fruit
1/2 cup cut up fruit
2 TBSP dried fruit
4 oz 100% fruit juice
4 oz no sugar added applesauce

Veggies - 1/2 cup cooked veggies
1 cup raw veggies
1 cup salad

Dairy - 8 oz milk
6 oz yogurt
1 oz cheese
4 oz cottage cheese

Fat - 2 TBSP salad dressing
1 TBSP Oil
1 Tsp Butter
2 TBSP peanut butter
1 oz nuts

Now just remember that just because its a "serving" doesn't mean that it has the same caloric value. I try to find the lowest calorie version for my servings, like lower fat cheeses or mayo, but at least this gives you an idea of what you are suppose to be eating.

So when you sit down at a restaurant and think ....... mmmm I'm going to have a treat and order a steak. That steak may be on 1 dinner plate but it could be 2 or 3 servings (in reality) since a serving of steak is only 4 oz not 8 or 12! Now I'm not saying don't order it - I'm saying take part of it home and make at least 2 (or 3) meals out of it!

Must really be spring .......

Here is a picture of the herb garden I am attempting this year. The big pot has basil, rosemary, oregano and french tarragon. The "baby" pot has catnip for my "baby".

This morning while I was waiting for the windshield repair guy to come fix the glass (gotta love stones on the highway) I planted a new azalea from Mother's Day and did a little pruning around the gardens in the front on the house.

In my front garden to the left of my front door is the rhododendron that is just about to pop and a few smaller azaleas (you can see the light pink one in the left corner.

Directly in front of my steps (ok off to the left and right but really close to right in front) are deep, bright pink azaleas that were planted when my father in law was born - so Spring of 1931! The one on the left is very large and FULL of exploding buds/flowers. The one on the right (which was overshadowed by a huge spruce tree that had to be removed last fall) is much smaller and less FULL, but again mainly because of the old tree. A few years ago some snow came off the tree into the middle of the azalea - although it didn't kill the bush - it did some "serious" damage. I was able to keep it alive and hopefully one day get "back on par" with the other . I just wish they were a little farther apart - and therefore you don't have to "duck under" to go out to the mailbox ...... One day I'll figure something out to open that walkway up - hecks its only been 28 years now.

Two of a kind, working on a full house: Pacific Cornetta Review And Giveaway

Here's another great giveaway at Two of a Kind. Its good until May 25th (but don't wait since it will be here before you know it)

You can check out all the other great things available at Pacific Cornetta here pacific-cornetta

And you can enter the giveaway here:
Two of a kind, working on a full house: Pacific Cornetta Review And Giveaway

Freebies

Who doesn't like (ok LOVE) freebies?? I've been using the following site to find some interesting freebies daily. Sometimes I don't find anything I am interested in - other times I could click on each and every one.

Check out this freebies site shop4freebies

Hopefully you too will find things you might like, at least every now and again.

Planting Day

Yesterday was the first day in almost a week that we had no rain, which although we needed the rain, was a blessing.

About 10 days ago I bought a few herb plants from a local market, to try and cultivate them on my deck . I am thinking a nice container garden. I really like this market because they have a pretty nice variety of vegetables and in the spring/summer/early fall have a garden center.

In very early Spring, I had picked up a basil plant and oregano plant from one of the supermarkets in the area. I WAS going to transplant them into an indoor planter - but of course that never happened. I had put the plants in a cute basket (lined in plastic) and put it on the window sill over my kitchen sink (now this window looks into my dinning room NOT to the outside). Aside from the fact that the plants have gotten VERY leggy they did do pretty well all things considered.

So now I'm thinking I'd like to try something on the deck (which gets tons of sun all summer) hence my purchase 10 days ago. I picked up another basil plant, a rosemary plant, an oregano plant (looks different than the one on my windowsill) and a french tarragon plant. Since the rain has stopped, I brought one of my larger deck planters back up on the deck and cleaned it up, added fresh potting soil and then my plants.

Oh and just because, I planted in a little planter a catnip plant I bought for Shadow - she's not sure she really likes the catnip or not - but she LOVES oat grass, so I will take another small planter and plant some of this as well. We bought her a container of Oat Grass (at almost $4 a pop) at the store - and you would think we bought her a filet mignon (please note my cat does NOT like fish - she likes beef, go figure) So before this one is either eaten up or dies, I better get that planter ready for the seeds I picked up as well.

I sure hope I still have a green thumb - or the $10 - $12 I spent will have been for naught.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

Two of a Kind is having a wonderful give away that ends soon - so don't dilly dally - - for a gardening gift basket. Now this basket looks pretty amazing, but I also went to the giftbasket site - and I want to tell you they all look pretty amazing! www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com Just in case you don't win - you can check out everything here

Don't miss out - click for your chance to win!!!! I did

gourmet-gift-baskets-giveaway

Building a Basic Pantry

I found a great "cheat sheet" for anyone that needs to set up their own kitchen. Newlyweds or recent Graduates usually get pots and pans, dishes and silverware (even if its hand-me-downs) but who stocks their pantry? Who tells them (or suggests) what they need to have? This listing would be PERFECT. Print it out on some pretty paper and add it to your gift ...... I bet it will be one of the best things they get - a how to without the pressure! You could even use it as the "starting point" for your gift - a basket of pantry items with some dish towels, cooking utensils, potholders ....

Personally I LOVE to cook and bake so I have a good deal of what is on the list of Basic Pantry Items and then some, but this is a great starting point.

Check it out here: basic_pantry

Greaser Babies

Oh you just HAVE to check this one out. I will admit I didn't find this originally (someone was kind enough to send it to me in an email - thanks Elaine!) but I did want to share it with you.

Check out this Website members.shaw.ca/anabw/grease.htm

Hopefully I got it set right to work on here and not just in an email!

Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 6: $15 iTunes Gift Card

Wow look at day 6! If you have kids - oh heck even if you don't - this is a fantastic giveaway. I know I could use a little help with my ipod costs ..... shhhhh I know I'm suppose to just fill it up and smile since my tunes are always with me.

Fantabulously Frugal: Giveaway Day 6: $15 iTunes Gift Card

Yes you do want to check out day 6! Ends May 12th

Got Pictures? You NEED this.

Here's a great giveaway for all of us that have pictures we are less than thrilled about - or need someplace to safely store them all.

twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.blogspot.com/2009/05/aurora-photo-edit-giveaway-10-winners.html

Looks like a great thing to have (win or buy) too keep everything in one place AND looking just like you saw it ........ not how your camera may have captured it.

Check them out too Aurora at www.lightcrafts.com/

31 DAYS of Giveaways!

YES you read that correctly - 31 DAYS of Giveaways!

Fantabulously Frugal is having the mother of all giveaways - 31 days! What a fantastic way to celebrate the month of May!

Now every day you need to run (ok click) on over to see what NEW giveaway she has. This first day is pretty neat (ok so I'm old). Check it out there's still time to get with day 1 which ends today.

www.fantabulouslyfrugal.com/2009/05/giveaway-day-1-silver-tory-burch-candle.html

Now you can ALSO click for entry into the other 3 days that have also already started - some interesting things already - I'm IN!!! See you there!

Two of a kind, working on a full house: Reliable Steamboy T1 Steam Floor Mop Giveaway

Two of a kind, working on a full house: Reliable Steamboy T1 Steam Floor Mop Giveaway

Fantastic giveaway but if you don't win - Go to www.reliablecorporation.com, where you can pick up one of your own or something else you might be looking for
Hurry since the giveaway ends on May 15th!!

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said, 'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'

'But I won't ,' the Lord protested. 'I am so close to finishing this creation

that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'
'She is soft,' the Lord agreed, 'but I have also
made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

‘Will she be able to think?’ asked the angel.
The Lord replied, 'Not only will she be able to
think, she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'
'That's not a leak,' the Lord corrected, 'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'
The angel was impressed. 'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer
when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope, and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.