JORD Black Friday Sale going on NOW

Are you ready for all those Black Friday Sales?
How about getting a jump start on those sales?

Check out JORD for some awesome Black Friday Sale prices on incredible wood watches!  I really LOVE mine.

But wait ... yes you can get in on this fabulous Black Friday Sale NOW through November 27th but if you want to get an even better deal, I have a secret for you.  Once you are on the site, look for the text "BLACK FRIDAY" and click on it 5 times.

Yes you got me .. click on it 5 times and you will be given even bigger and better deals during this Black Friday Sale!

They have some really sharp looking watches for both men and women in awesome colors and designs.

Here are some of my favorites.

This one is from the Frankie Series and just looks amazing.  The plum face against the Purpleheart body is just stunning.  

This is my all time favorite for either you or your man.  There are some great wood and face color combinations that make this perfect for either of you.

This one, with it's light wood color with the amazing grains and then a beautiful blue face from the Meridian Series .. I can see this one on my wrist too.

How about something like this for your favorite man?  

The Delmar Series includes this Red Sandalwood body with a Red Carbon face that just looks so much more than what you will find in a department store.

Or are you looking for something a bit darker with a pop of color like this one from the Conway Series?

Even with the darker body, you can still see the wood grain that helps to make the Burgundy face stand out.



Now don't wait because this Black Friday Sale ends on November 27th at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

I may just have to get a new one for myself at these sale prices!
I am also in the running for a prize based on their sales.  If you were to purchase from my link above, I could win a prize from JORD, but that is not why I am sharing this.  

I am sharing this because I really do LOVE my JORD wood watches (I have 2).  They are the lightest watches I have ever owned and they keep perfect time.  

Make you own Master Baking Mix

I love all the recipes you can make in a flash with Tupperware products, but I also love that there are fantastic storage options.  

How many times have you wanted to make you own cake mix or pancake mix or waffle mix so that you can control how much salt or sugar or preservatives are in them or just to save money since some of them are really expensive but thought you didn't have anything to store it in?   

Well enter Tupperware's Modular Mates, with a size for everything!

I love this one.  You can make your own Master mix to make pancakes or waffles or even breakfast muffins.

  
You could make this more of a whole wheat mix by swapping some of the white flour with a whole wheat flour.  I wouldn't swap it 100% but you can experiment with it and find the blend you like the best.

Check out my Tupperware Site for all your storage solutions and Easy Cooking Options.

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Personalized!

It can be really hard buying books for people as gifts.  Everyone now has an e-reader and has a complete library of e-books (I know I am one of those) but sometimes you want to really hold on a book, especially if it is a special book.  

Here in lies the problem, unless you live in their book shelf, you never know which books they already have, which book they would think is special enough to hold a space on their bookshelf. And then when you do find the right book to give it to them, how do you make it really personal? Put in a book plate? Write an inscription? How do you make the whole thing totally them?

I know you already know about the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books, they can be of such comfort when you see them on the shelf and even more as you sit quietly and read/reflect on them.  You know that there are so many wonderful thoughts within those pages that will make you (or whoever is reading it) feel like you are not alone.
These personalized “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books are one really great way to share something special. 



Not only do you get to choose from five different story themes (from “Christmas Stories” to “Giving thanks”), you can personalize it in ways you just can’t with a conventional book. As the title suggests, these are stories meant to comfort and heal.

Your custom “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book will truly be a book for them because the book is printed with their name on the cover, as the recipient. And it’s truly from you because your name is printed on the cover as the giver. You can even include an inscription inside the book and on the back cover. Even add a photo to the back.

What a wonderful way to share you sorrow and sympathy when a friend has lost a loved one.  We all know that feeling when we want to say something, but just can't find the words.  They have picked stories about remembering those that have been lost, about finding comfort and healing that can help you find the words you are looking for or that will speak to their sorrow and help them heal.


There are other nice options to choose from, like the type of cover you’d like and the type of paper. It takes just about five minutes to make it a truly custom book. And chances are, it’s something they’ll love forever. And a 60-page book starts at just $24.95. You also have an option to increase the size of the book from 60 pages to 120  pages for just $10 more!  There are so many ways to personalize these books so that it will always have a special place on their bookshelf.

There’s a quick video here: Chicken Soup for the Soul that shows you how to fill in all the info using a simple online tool. The books are all done by Blurb, so you know the quality is going to be great.

Until 11/21/13 

you can save 25% when you spend $50 or more 

Using the discount code: SAVING

Looks like a win-win to me.

Although this is a sponsored post, it is based on my own opinion, that has not been influenced by any remuneration I may receive. 

Custom iPhone Cases

Do you own an iPhone?
Do you have a case?  A CUSTOM case?

If you are in need of a case for your iPhone 4, 4S, or 5, now is the time to get one!


Vistaprint is offering 50% off iPhone cases for one week only giving you an opportunity to customize your favorite accessory with designs that reflect your personality starting at $9.99.

Vistaprint has a lot of different designs to choose from, whether you want to upload just one memorable photo, a series of pictures (there is even an option that turns each photo into a mini Polaroid), or just pick a fun pattern, like chevron, which you can personalize with your name or a personal message.

These customizable iPhone cases are fun gift ideas for the iPhone owners in your life. The cases range from sports memorabilia for your sports fan to princess crowns for your girly girl, giving you options that can make every iPhone user happy.

This could also be a great way to get ready for the holidays and be your one stop shop for stocking stuffers. Or, you can customize the cases with pictures of your kids (or pets!) and keep it for yourself! Even sweeter, there is no upload fee for these cases, so take advantage of this Vistaprint deal and personalize away!

Shipping starts at $5.52 (I know weird amount).

Unfortunately this offer is only good until Sept 27th so HURRY!

10 Ways to Love

Now here is something we can all appreciate

Lets all work on these 10 steps ........ every day

Take What YOU Need

I think I should be making a few of these and leaving them all over the place.

What do you think --- do you think I would be finding a lot of "empty" signs?

Easy White Sauce Starter Mix

I found this new website Hillbilly Housewife that has some really awesome ideas to make those "store must haves" like that usually have a ton of salt or preservatives.   She has some great easy ways to make your own.  Here are some I can't wait to try.

Keep this white sauce mix base on hand for easy sauces that are great for changing up your meals without going crazy with storing lots of "stuff"

White Sauce Mix Base

• 2 cups instant nonfat dry milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup butter, margarine or shortening

In a large bowl mix well dry milk, flour and salt.
With pastry blender or 2 knives cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Store in an airtight container.  I'm going to put this in another one of those great Tupperware Modular Mate Containers.
If using butter, store in the refrigerator.
If using margarine or shortening, will keep on the shelf in dry weather for up to 6 months.

I'm going to make this with my Tupperware Quick Chef Pro so that I can easily mix everything together and get the "fat" cut in easily without any problems.

White Sauce
In a small saucepan combine

• 1/2 cup White Sauce Mix Base 
• 1 cup water 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper. 

Stir over low heat until smooth and hot.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Cheese Sauce
Add 3/4 cup shredded cheese after your White Sauce thickens.

Curry Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon curry powder to your thickened White Sauce.

Alfredo Sauce
Make White Sauce from White Sauce Mix. To every 1/2 cup White Sauce add

• 2 to 4 cloves garlic, pressed, 
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
• 1 cup light cream. 

To cooked and drained hot pasta, add Alfredo Sauce ingredients, one by one, mixing and tossing well after each addition. Serve immediately.

Mac and Cheese
Combine

• 1/2 cup White Sauce Mix, 
• 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk. 

Pour over hot, drained, elbow macaroni. Toss well.

Homemade Cream of "whatever" Soup

 I was looking for recipes for some of those "prepackaged" convenience things I use all the time (you may too) and stumbled upon a really neat website called Hillbilly Housewife.


I am getting my pantry in order with my Tupperware Containers and trying to not buy so many "prepackaged" goods.  Here is one that could be great as a soup itself or as an ingredient in a casserole or such.  Hillbilly Housewife calls it the  

Cream of Anything Soup Mix 

• 4 c. powdered milk
• 1 1/2 c. cornstarch
• 1/2 c. instant chicken bouillon granules *
• 4 tsp. dried onion flakes
• 2 tsp. dried thyme
• 2 tsp basil – crushed dried
• 1 tsp. pepper

 * For a vegetarian version of this soup, use vegetable broth bullion instead.

Measure all ingredients and pour them into a container with an airtight seal, like a Tupperware Modular Mate container, but a larger freezer bag will work as well.   Be sure to label your container.

To Use The Mix:
Combine 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 cup of water and heat it over medium low heat in a small saucepan until it starts to thicken. This is the equivalent of one can of soup.

I can see some cubed chicken, or steamed veggies added to this to make some great soup for a chilly afternoon or even a late night quick supper.  I am going to try this recipe using leftover chicken (from my Stack Cooker Monday night dinner) in the Tupperware Vented Soup Cup.


Remember you can always get the great Tupperware products noted here at my Tupperware page or you can send me an email and I will get you set up so you can be creating wonderful meals in a matter of days.

The Day your Life Really Begins

Sometimes, when we are feeling like nothing is going right ......
When whatever we do, is just not right for some people,
because they always find the "wrong" in anything we do ....

It is time to live YOUR life YOURSELF

It's time to take control of YOUR life, the good, the bad AND the ugly.

Let's face it .... It's YOUR life!

Tupperware - Online Party Time!!

Do you remember Tupperware?  I ask this because there are a lot of people who thought Tupperware was gone with all the hype about those "other" containers.  They are still around, going strong and have LOTS of new and refreshing items in their catalog of items.  Yes they still have quite a few of the old tried and true from kitchen items, to storage items to kids toys!  I saw one of the kids toys that I really loved when my kids were little. 

Actually I still have it sitting in a plastic tub waiting until it is needed again.  It is still in perfect shape after 2 rough and ready kids playing with it.  I'm thinking I need to pick up another one to add to a baby gift for one of the girls in the office..... shhhh I didn't say that.

Personally, I love Tupperware.  I love it so much I just recently became a Tupperware Consultant.  If you are interested in becoming a Tupperware rep, just let me know - message me here or send me an email - I can set you up AND get you the Executive kit ($525 value) for $119.99 AND if you sign up before August 17th, you can pay in 3 installments!    If that is too much (even with the 3 installments) how about the Business Kit ($355 value) for $79.99 or the Summer Starter ($197.50 value) for $50.00  again with 3 monthly installments.

Wouldn't you like to enjoy more Tupperware AND make some money sharing the fun with your friends and family?  Think about becoming a rep yourself or holding your own party with me.  You know we can do Online Parties, if you have friends and family that would love to join in the fun but can't make it to your home.  Just something to think about.   Let me know if you want me to get you hooked up and ready to start - its super easy.

Look at some of the things that are are sale through August 10th!  If you want to join the "online" party I set up as my "first ever", you are more than welcome to do so, just click on one of the pictures and your in.  This party will be open until August 13th.  You could be enjoying all these great sales with just a click!  Click on over.  Oh and because it is online if you are in Canada you can order too!  Just need to click on the top right where it says "Shopping from Canada" and you are IN!  Don't find that very often do you?  See Tupperware loves you just like I do.

Blog Background Suggestions

If you have been following my blog for a bit, you know that I've been changing the background of my blog to fit the month/season/events.  For a while there I was changing it every month or so it seemed.

But mostly I've been changing the background looking for something that "feels" right.  I'm not sure if this is "it" or not, but I like the look of this one.  I sometimes think I should have a background that is like my personal Facebook pictures - water/boats/Florida - not that I live there (but then NJ isn't that far away, right?) .... but I'm not sure that would be  appropriate for all the things I try to do with this blog.

Tell me what you think.  Do you like this one?  Do you think there would be something "better" suited for me and my blog?  Something that I've had before, or something you would like to see?

I really am looking for some suggestions.  I may have to "create" something (ok find someone to create something) that would be more in tune with the feel but I am open to that if I can explain something that would "fit".

Or do you think I should keep changing with the theme/month/season that is happening at any given time?

Brownie eBook from AmericanFamily

Brownies? Brownies?

OMG did you say Brownies? AmericanFamily.com has a FREE Brownie Ebook,  that has Mouth Watering chocolate goodness within your reach!



I know I'm heading over to get my copy because lets face it ... Who doesn't like brownies??

Or am I in a brownie haze and there really are people out there that don't like brownies?

I just think they are great because you can have a little bite (or a bigger one) without having to have a plate, like you do with a piece of cake, and you can satisfy that sweet tooth without going overboard on calories.

Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it ............. and clicking on over to get my copy of the free Brownie Recipe eBook right now!

Daddy's Day Gifts

Are you looking for something for Father's Day? I know when my kids were little I was ALWAYS looking for something (other than ties) for the kids to give for "Daddy's Day".

  I found some really cute ideas here at Ink Garden that would be great for anyone's Dad.
Wouldn't it be great for the kids to have breakfast with Daddy while he drinks his coffee from the very same mug they helped "create"?

I know this would be perfect ........ think about how proud Daddy's little Buddy would be to give this to their dad on Daddy's Day.





I know my kids would have loved these (not the usual finds in the store) when they were little - it can be their "special" present that they can look back on years from now and remember that "special" breakfast bond they shared.

Now if you are a "new" customer use  the code FREEFORDAD on Ink Garden to receive a  Free Notebook, Mouse Pad, or Coffee Mug for Dad (Just Pay Shipping)

USE Code: FREEFORDAD Shipping Rates:$4.99 for the Notebook, $5.99 for the Mug, $4.99 for the MousePad.

How to make Hummingbird Nectar

My mom LOVES hummingbirds.  She has had feeders in her yard for forever (or so it seems) so that she can watch them as she sits in her chair in the den.  But, as with everything else, the nectar is expensive to buy, especially if you have LOTS of visitors or if your weather is very warm (regularly over 90 degrees) that you have to keep cleaning your feeder and refreshing the nectar to make sure it doesn't go bad.

I found this great (and simple) recipe for Hummingbird Nectar at Domino Sugar that I will definitely be giving to mom for this coming season.   It is so simple even a child can make it (ok with help from mom) because it literally has 2 ingredients.  Vet Tech Schools should also be able to teach you how to make your own hummingbird food using boiling water and ¼ cup of white sugar.  You can learn about this and so much more.

Ehow.com has some great articles on Hummingbirds.  From this site, you can see when to hang your feeder, where to hang the feeder, tips on feeders, as well as a few articles for how to make them from everyday items, most of which you can probably find in your kitchen right now.

Since it appears that hummingbirds reach Virginia in April, I better make sure mom has this recipe soon so that she will have everything ready for their "first sighting" of those cute little birds!

DIY Spices and Mixes from Frugal Families

You may have been seeing recipes that have Apple Pie Spice in the ingredients, I know I have.  But I have to say I have yet to see this spice in my grocery stores, so it was time to find a way to make my own.  I found it at a wonderful new friends website Frugal Families.

There are some FABULOUS mixes to be found on her site, so I think I will be spending a lot of time wandering around her posts for sure!

Here are just a few of what I have found on a quick wander - that I want to make sure I keep for me and share with you.  But she has so many great ones I know I will be going back often.

Apple Pie Spice Mix


-1/4 cup cinnamon
-2 tsp nutmeg
-1 tsp allspice
-1 tsp ground ginger

Mix together and store in airtight container.

Homemade Taco Seasonings


-3/4 cup dried minced onion (I also have used 1/4 cup of onion powder)
-3 TBS of salt (original recipe called for significantly more and I lowered it to this)
-1/4 cup of chili powder
-1 TBS oregano
-2 TBS of ground cumin
-1 TBS garlic powder
-2 TBS of cornstarch

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
To use:  Brown hamburger meat or use diced leftover chicken (my boys LOVE chicken-based tacos!) or turkey burger and add 2 TBS of the mix with 1/2 cup of water and cook a moment longer until taco sauce thickens up.  Add additional mix for larger batches.

I Choose

I think that this is one of the most important lesson we can teach our children.  

Unfortunately I think there are many adults that also need to learn this lesson. 

 

YOU decide how your life will be.  

YOU decide what direction your life will take.  

It is YOU 

not me or your neighbor or some unknown face in the crowd 

that decided how or what your life will be.

Stop looking for someone to blame 

Stop looking for someone to "fix" your life 

 FIX IT YOURSELF.

Healthy Foods that MAY surprise you

Always looking for healthy recipes and ingredients that your family will eat?  I know I am.  I found this great post on The Food Network's website that I think will help.

Not only do they list 10 foods that are healthier than you think for you - you also get some recipe links as well.

healthyeats - 10 foods that are healthier than you think

There are some great and interesting suggestions here, that I may be trying very soon, since I have a somewhat "empty" canvas here at home after the effects of Hurricane Irene.  

Come on back to see what I end up trying in the next week or so.

Banana Ice Cream

As I continue to clean up and throw out after our visit from Hurricane Irene I found this wonder endorsement for the ever popular "banana ice cream".

one ingredient banana ice cream

Now as I get things settled around here I know what to do with the top shelves of my stand up freezer - fruit freezer station!  I will be having these and other fruit flavors very soon.

If you hurry, you could have this as a great treat for tonight.  I know I am going to try it.

Get Walking

With the new school year right around the corner and hopefully the worst of the summer heat gone for another year it is time to start getting back into our exercise routine.

Some of us (ok maybe all of us) will need to "ease" back into it, especially if you have been hiding inside the air conditioned areas, but I have found an easy way to do this.

If you are looking for an easy way to get back into the "groove" and get your exercise back to a more "regular" thing in your life - walking IS the best thing to do.  No equipment needed.  Well that's not exactly true - you really should have some decent walking shoes or sneakers.

Check out Walk off The Weight in 12 Weeks for a really easy way to ease back into that "exercise thing", complements of Family Circle.  Personally I would start at week 1 even if you were exercising before the summer started.  You could start with week 1 and then when you start week 2, if you are getting into the groove - you can either do double the time at one time or walk twice - once in the morning and once in the afternoon or evening.

I know I was doing a great walking program - but somewhere along the line I fell out of the routine - so I think I am going to start in the morning with Week 1. 

Hopefully I will see you out there ........... somewhere walking and then we could stop for coffee before walking back home.

Home Made Laundry and Dishwashing Soaps

I know I probably should have been doing something else, but while I was getting ready to do yet another load of laundry I started thinking about how much money I spend on detergent.  After I finished cringing (and putting the laundry that I just finished washing into the dryer) I thought about making my own detergent.

I know that a while back I had seen a post (yes I had been cruising around the blogisphere) and found a great site Tipnut has all kinds of DIY projects for you to do.  This is a fantastic site - you might want to nose around for a while - but beware - you could "lose time" as you peruse all the great idea ......... I know I did.

Anyway, I made Homemade Laundry Detergent - I made #4 because I just wanted to start with a powder, but there are liquid versions too.  The only "difference" was that I used 2 small bars of Ivory Soap instead of the Fels Naptha  (because I had that at home and didn't have the Fels Naptha)

Then because I was "on a roll" so to speak, I also made Homemade Dishwasher Detergent, but basically combined the 2 powdered versions - because I have exceptionally hard water, I was hoping that this would make things "cleaner".  I'll let you know when I finish the first load and then keep updating if things change.