Slimming Down After The Holidays

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you thinking about the pounds we pack on over the holidays? Aren't we all? One in four are trying to lose weight. All of the good food, holidays parties, and all sense going out the window? My husband and I were talking about that last night as I was making some hot cocoa. Drink and be Merry right?

I'm not saying DON'T eat all of the yummy food but maybe scale back at bit and you don't have to sacrifice taste. Slim-Fasthas the New Slim-Fast 3•2•1 Plan.

• The new Slim-Fast shakes are part of the Slim-Fast 3•2•1 Plan, The plan gives you quick results* - done right. Plus it’s flexible so you can get the structure you want and the variety you crave. Just follow the plan:

• 3 Snacks: Three nourishing snacks a day such as Slim-Fast 100-calorie snack bars, fruit, nuts or veggies

• Slim-Fast 100-calorie snack bars provide a delicious calorie-controlled snack to help curb sweet cravings between meals

• 2 Slim-Fast Shakes or Meal Bars per day: Slim-Fast shakes and meal bars are delicious and satisfying, providing the balanced nutrition of a meal and up to four hours of hunger control

• 1 Balanced Meal: Enjoy one balanced 500-calorie meal per day. As a rule, try to fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with whole grains

Availability
• The new Slim-Fast shakes are available in the pharmacy sections of grocers and retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway and Kroger and online at Amazon.com and the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Store on Facebook.

If you are trying not to completely pig out now you should make sure you are eating the 100 calorie snack packs and their shakes are so YUMMY!

Here are the flavors and come in very totable bottles.

• Creamy Milk Chocolate
• French Vanilla
• Rich Chocolate Royale  (Love to heat this one up and drink it like hot chocolate!)
• Cappuccino Delight
• Strawberries N’ Cream

Holiday Themed Zenni Optical Frames are Coming to Town!

I’m actually amazed and their selection and such affordable prices. They even have glasses as inexpensive as $6.95 and I didn’t see any more than $49.95. I can get different glasses for every day of the week and they have prescription glasses  like bi-focals and progressives.

Have you checked out all the fantastic eyewear Zenni Optical has in stock? Many of these frames come in your favorite festive holiday colors!

Using the latest modern materials, manufacturing and marketing systems they bring their product direct from the factories to you.

No middlemen, no retail overhead, and practically no advertising budget,(they leave it to you, their satisfied customers to spread the word), they do not pay for or sell expensive, or even inexpensive, brand names, but only their own manufactured brand ZENNI.
Saving so much money on cheap eyeglasses leaves some extra money for Christmas Shopping!

I always want books for Christmas and I definitely need my glasses for that so me it would be a win- win.  I’ve paid as much as several hundred dollars for ONE pair of glasses. I would be saving a lot. When my oldest daughter was a baby she broke my expensive glasses and I cried… a lot. I wish I would have had some of these glasses then.

They have a great value and shipping is free if you spend $50 or more.


 Brought to you by Zenni optical

Perfect Christmas Present

   Watches seem to be going out of style with the kids. At least it seems that way when I see them pull out their cell phones to check the time. Really? My cell phone is always buried at the bottom of my purse. A watch is MUCH easier for me.

   The fact that I don't have to quit what I'm doing, I just glance over to check the time. I also love chronograph watches when I'm exercising. Watches that also have a stop watch. It's on my wrist and not on my waist band or wherever I can tuck my cell phone.

  My husband bought my watch for me as a present, it was a Seiko Invicta watches He especially picked it out for me. It's jewelry and means a lot to me. It's a fashion statement and special ;) I can't say that about my phone.
  
  I really don't think watches with go completely out of style. I think the kids will just have to mature to appreciate watches. My daughters who are younger love their watches. I know that may change when they are teenagers but I believe they will go back to it.

Holiday Deal - Sprint 12/12-12/14 3-Day Sale

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.

The  Android™ powered EVO 4G devices is on SALE for 3 Days only!  Hop on over and take advantage and Get the HTC EVO™ 4G or EVO™ Shift for FREE only on Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY

And Guess what else, you get waived activation for new lines of service and free shipping from Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY

Makes a great present for your teens, hubby, or even yourself (You know you buy yourself Christmas presents, I know it can't be just me.)

Did you know your old phone could pay for your new one?

Get up to $250 for your phone — even if it's from another carrier — with the Sprint Buyback program. The environment wins and so does your wallet and you all know I like things FREE :)

Sprint gives your smartphone Unlimited data.

No throttling. No metering. No overages. Our national competitors love to limit new customers to a measly 2GB of data usage. AT&T and Verizon give you unlimited text and talk, but they charge you extra after you reach that limit. At Sprint, our Everything Data plans give you unlimited data, texts and calls to or from any U.S. mobile phone nationwide while on the Sprint network.

Click the sponsor button to get your Android for Christmas

 

Apple Raisin Oat French Toast with Cranberry Sauce

Apple Raisin Oat French Toast with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
by Mandie Stevens

Sunday morning I made a delicious breakfast. Unfortunately I didn’t take a picture and this picture is the closest I could find. I made Raisin, apple, oat bread the night before and made French toast out of it in the morning with a cranberry sauce instead of syrup. Did I mention it was delicious?

Here is the recipe for the bread. Like I said earlier, I made it the night before using my bread maker.

1 -2/3 cup of apple juice (I actually used apple cider)
4 ¼ cups bread flour (I used ½ & ½ wheat & bread flour)
1 tbsp Sugar (I used raw honey, you can also use brown sugar to make it a little healthier)
2 Tbsp Melted Butter
1 tsp Cinnamon
2/3 cup Oats
3 tsp Rapid Rise yeast for the Quick setting

When it beeped I added 1 cup of Raisins and 1 cup of Apples (you are suppose to use dried but I didn’t)

The next morning I made French Toast out of them, if you aren’t familiar with making French Toast, here is an easy Recipe –
3 Eggs
¾ cup milk
1 tbsp Sugar (once again I used the raw honey)
¼ tsp Vanilla
Bread

1. Beat eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla with beater until smooth.

2. Heat griddle or skillet over medium – low hear or to 375. Grease griddle with butter if you need to.

3. Dip your bread into the egg mixture. Place on Griddle. Cook about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Cranberry Sauce – I made this just like I would for my Thanksgiving dinner…
1 bag off cranberries
1 cup of Sugar (I used Raw Honey)
1 cup of water

Cook it down, takes about 10 mins. You may want to add more sugar, I like it a little tart.
Enjoy!

Mandie Stevens is founder of Taking Time for Mommy. She is a homeschooling mom of 2 girls. When she isn't writing she spends her time at the beach, making crafts, playing in the garden, and reading entirely too much. Her specialities are frugal and natural living.

You chance to win $5000 Puppies vs. Baby Contest

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everybody knows that the sight of a cuddly baby or a cute puppy makes hearts melt, but it's high time America found out who is cuter in the online version of Puppies vs. Babies! Let's get ready to rumble!!!

Get your votes in from now until November 23rd and get your say in who will ultimately be the top baby or puppy to win! The winning puppy or baby will get $5,000! Let the smack talking commence!

I was such a dog person. Don't get me wrong I still love my pooch but my babies, come one NO competition. Even other people's babies over puppies but hey, that's just me. Although I have seen some sweet puppies. My mother in law has a pup that she treats like a baby (thank goodness she doesn't read my blog) She dresses it up on Halloween and everything. We make jokes about how her children have been replaced.

I know how she'd vote in Puppies vs. Babies How about you?What would you pick? I'm asking because not all of my readers are parents.

Remember that the winning puppy or baby will get $5,000. That will buy a lot of kibble or diapers so sign up for the Puppies vs. Babies online contest

Perfect Present for Christmas

                              


Are you looking for good quality 
Silver Jewellery?  Silver Supermarket has .925 Sterling Silver and comes with a lowest price guarantee.  Perfect pieces for Christmas presents or just because.They are a UK based online retailer of silver jewellery including rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and earrings.  




Disclosure

Perfect for the Whole Family

This post brought to you by TracFone. All opinions are 100% mine.

   I'm a HUGE fan of tracfones. After being with ***** for 15 yrs I am counting down the days my contract is up (yes I've been with them that long and still am on a contract :/ ). I'm going to get a tracfone, Biggest thing for me - NO Contract!!

Mu husband uses his phone for calling that's it. I tease him he needs one of those senior phones with Senior Value  They have simple phones for simple needs, calling and texting capabilities for under $10.00 For me on the other hand they have great phones packed with features like camera/video recorder, web access, app capabilities, mp3 player, and full QWERTY keyboard, for $29.9. Even frugal me will pay that.

Tracfone had pay as you go online or with cards available at thousands of retail stores across the country.

1 year service cards give you so much more. Receive double minutes for the life of your TracFone, and 800 minutes, for only $119.00

 “Double minutes for the life of your phone” is a feature that can be purchased separately for only$19.99, but some phones include it!

•Choose monthly plans with 200 minutes for under $30.00, and as low as $9.99 for 50 minutes.

International Long Distance:

• This is the only wireless service where you can call internationally, for the same price as any other call.

• Call over 60 international destinations directly from your TracFone at no extra cost!

• With the International Neighbors program, you can provide family and friends in Mexico or Canada a local phone number in those countries to reach you at your TracFone in the U.S.

Yes I'm sold and I Can't wait until my contract is up so I can ' Get into Everywhereness '

Great Coupons and a Challenge for the Pooch

This post brought to you by Hills Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

  Do you have a dog? I do, his name is Sampson and he's getting up there in age. He is a part of the family and it breaks my heart to think of him suffering because of not having mobility. He is a large dog and while he's okay now, I know I need to head off anything to come. When I heard about the Hill's Health Mobility Challenge I knew this is what we needed to try. The more active he is the better. We are committing to taking the challenge and switching our dog food.

    If you change over to Hill's Pet Nutrition and take the challenge you can get a $30 in offers with the Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon  That is incentive enough for me to give it a try! Good health for my dog AND at a discount.

   When you sign up you will even get an automatic entry in the Healthy Mobility Challenge sweepstakes! 30 Winners will receive FREE PET FOOD for a year. Who couldn't use that right?

   Get more information about Hill’s Science Diet dog food by visiting http://bit.ly/nh5LiQ

and visit Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook

Why I Love my watch!!

   Watches seem to be going out of style with the kids. At least it seems that way when I see them pull out their cell phones to check the time. Really? My cell phone is always buried at the bottom of my purse. A watch is MUCH easier for me.

   The fact that I don't have to quit what I'm doing, I just glance over to check the time. I also love chronograph watches when I'm exercising. Watches that also have a stop watch. It's on my wrist and not on my waist band or wherever I can tuck my cell phone.

  My husband bought my watch for me as a present. He especially picked it out for me. It's jewelry and means a lot to me. It's a fashion statement and special ;) I can't say that about my phone.
  
  I really don't think watches with go completely out of style. I think the kids will just have to mature to appreciate watches. My daughters who are younger love their watches. I know that may change when they are teenagers but I believe they will go back to it.

I can't wait until my contract is up!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband has been with our current cell phone company for about 15 years and every time we want a new phone we have to sign another contract. We are loyal people but it's REALLY starting to eat me up. Shouldn't my loyalty count for something? So I've been looking around to see what else is out there. We will NOT be renewing. Our plan is too high, phones too expensive, AND we have to sign another contract on top of that? Sorry, I don't think so.

Straight talk is looking REALLY good to me (besides, I love their commercials lol) I wouldn't have activation, reactivation, or termination fees. 411 calls are included at no extra charge. We pay $2 now! Grr, someone is getting ripped off.

There are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity.

Finally, Straight Talk only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung. It has everything you need even the Android on Straight Talk

They even have reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. Great for young users! Perfect for when they want to Call a friend

• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data. My husband & I don't use this many minutes TOGETHER!

• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web. • Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00! Check out Fantasy

 

Fishing Hook, line and sinker

 

 

Another way to save {and look good too}

 If you’ve been a follower for awhile you know that I’m always looking for new ways to save money. There are so many ways in which you can cut back and I thought this one was different.


I was watching Zenni Optical on CNN and saw how much money I could save. They have $6.95 prescription eyeglasses. That is super cheap! I have spent several hundred for mine.

Zenni Optical is the #1 online eyeglasses store offering high quality complete prescription eyeglasses from $6.95. Clark Howard, HLN money expert, has written a new book about how to save money in a tough economy titled “Clark Howard’s Living Large in Lean Times.” In which, he raved about Zenni Optical as well as other ways to save money. What’s more, he strongly recommended Zenni Optical on CNN’s American Morning show.

Zenni Optical have no overhead or  middleman so they can pass the savings to us! They have really cute and fashionable glasses too. Now I need to get to the eye Dr. and update my prescription because I’m in desperate need of a new pair of eye glasses. I’m really glad I found out about this site, it is going to save my family A LOT of money!

Stop over!

Make sure to stop by our new site http://takingtimeformommy.com See you there!

Fall Time

Guest post written by Rolf Tate

What is it about fall that I love so much? My kids are back in school and the pool’s closed but something about the smell of the crisp, fall air and getting that first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks really puts me in an autumnal mood. I love the way the temperature starts dropping and the leaves change – here in Maine we get really beautiful leaves so it’s probably my favorite time of year to live where I do.

My husband likes that all the games are back on his direct tv every weekend and my son’s all about his fall track team but for me it’s the simple things – the colors, the smell and the thought that the holidays are coming up soon that really get me in the spirit. Do you realize at this point there’s literally only a couple of months until Thanksgiving? That sort of stresses me out but for the most part I feel really lucky to have such a great family to celebrate it with at home!

Perfect Getaway for this Summer

This post brought to you by Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Scenic Branson is the perfect summer break destination and what better place to stay than the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Enjoy being in the midst of all the action by booking your stay at either hotel today!

Long summer weekends are the perfect time to take advantage of the Hiltons of Branson Branson Best Value Vacation Package, which gives you the third night free! This package includes deluxe accommodations at Hiltons of Branson  Convention Center http://www.hiltonsofbranson.co… Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, two adult and two children’s tickets to the Legends of Kung Fu show at the White House Theater in Branson, MO, two adult and two children’s two-day passes to Silver Dollar City®, a $25 gift card for shopping, and a $25 food credit for Level 2 Steakhouse. On top of all that your third night is free!

Besides the excitement of adventure parks like Silver Dollar City, Branson has ongoing shows and events for everyone’s summer enjoyment, like The Mark Chapman Band - Live in Concert, Shepard Summer Cruise, Branson Mountain Man Triathlon, the 3rd Annual Guns & Hoses Fishing Tournament, Cut Club Dinner Event, and so much more. Visit Explore Branson Site for the complete calendar of events

 

Sibu Beauty Products Review & Giveaway - Winner

I was excited to try Sibu Beauty Products, they have a new line for 2011

 Sea Buckthorn Facial Cleanser

Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.

Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum

Experience the ultimate in skin hydration. This light, non-oily serum will flood your skin with moisture and help deeply hydrate your face and neck to eliminate that tight, dry feeling caused by dehydration. Natural sea buckthorn oils have proven to improve skin tone and texture, and help brighten complexion and stimulates cell renewal. Infused with vitamins and high in antioxidants, this serum fortifies the skin against the aging process and repairs damage at a cellular level.

Sea Buckthorn Rejuvinating Night Cream

Enhance your skin’s nightly natural repair process with this advanced all-natural renewal formula. Designed to protect your skin’s natural lipid barrier and stimulate your natural skin cell renewal cycle, our sea buckthorn night cream will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping to noticeably reduce the visible sun damage. Wake up with intensely hydrated and replenished skin.


I was worried the hydrating serum was going to make my face greasy but it didn't at all.I felt so good on my skin. None of the products made me break out either.The scent was a nice and refreshing citrus.I love these products and I'm sure you will too. Did I mention they are affordable. Very effective and you won't spend over $100 at the department store! Sibu Beauty offers a variety of products to make you beautiful from the inside out!
The wonderful people at SibuBeauty  are allowing us to give away a pack of these 3 products.Sign up below :)

#1 Penny Auction Site

   There is a new site called dealfun.​com​ It's a penny auction website. A completely new concept to me since it's different from Ebay, at Deal Fun everything is brand new and with a warranty. They were featured in the Daily Herald, MSNBC, and consumereinnews to name a few. 

   So I checked out the site and they have a variety of products like iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Laptops, LED TVs, PS3, Watches, Jewelry, and Toys. You can pick up these items SUPER cheap. I saw a Kindle go for $15. Really? Wow.  Ipads for $40, yeah I'm all over this. Why are they so cheap? They buy up warehouse closeouts and liquidation clearances.

    I was reading a post where they said the customer service there was absolutely fantastic, prompt and courteous. There is also no weekly or monthly win cap so you can big till your little heart's desire and they have a buy it now: If you bid on items and do not win it, you can use the bids towards buying the product. Sounds pretty cool to me.

    They even have Beginners auction (which I am going to try) For starters where you can polish your skills.

Visit dealfun.com for auctions that start a a penny!

     

                      Win Guarantee: If they don't win in the first 24 hours, all their bids are rest.

Brought to you by DealFun but all opinions are my own.

Deal - Super Cheap Disney Books!

Found these Disney books for as little as $2.35! Get them HERE

Deal - $1 off Welch's Coupon

SAVE $1.00

Welch's®

on any TWO (2) Welch's® 64 oz. 100% Grape Juices or 100% Juice Blends
                                                              Download Coupon HERE

Blood Rights ARC Review

Title: Blood Rights (House of Comarré, #1)
Author: Kristen Painter
Pages: 392 (ARC copy)
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: September 27, 2011 

The lacy gold mapped her entire body. A finely-wrought filigree of stars, vines, flowers, butterflies, ancient symbols and words ran from her feet, up her legs, over her narrow waist, spanned her chest and finished down her arms to the tips of her fingers.

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle’s body bears the telltale marks of a comarré—a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world…and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.

My Thoughts - The fine ladies at Good Choice Reading allowed me to join their ARC tour for this book. I didn't even read the description, I saw the cover and HAD to review it.  (& some authors think covers don't matter - what ev-) The story is set in the not so distant future, a lot of is in New Florida which I found amusing. It has a hierarchy of vampires along with other mythical creatures and there are a special breed of humans bred for their blood. They're treated like Geishas.

The story heated up for me when Mal and Chrysabelle met. I love my characters flawed and Mal is to the extreme. I have to say he is my favorite although there were a cast of awesome characters. Doc is a shifter who can only turn into a house cat, he's in love with Fiona who happens to be a ghost and was Mal's first victim.

This book was an amazing first book in the series. LOVED IT!! I will own the whole series and I love the fact they are all coming out close together!

 Blood Rights comes out October 1st

Flesh and Blood November 2011

Bad Blood December 2011

A book was provided for my honest review, no other compensation was received

Grilled Lamb Chops and Recipe Hop

   I had the most delicious meal the other night.
My husband grilled lamb chops. They literally melted in my mouth. My husband Marinated them for 3 hours and here is what he used1tsp dry mustard1 tsp Worcesteshire1/4 tsp Paprika1/2 tsp salt2 cloves garlic3 tbsp red wine vinegar5 tbsp olive oilThen he Grilled them until they were medium rare.Now for the hop. link up your delicious recipes stop by everyone's and leave comments :)Also join our Foodie Group (our link up is there all week)

My Coke Rewards for Schools

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Coke Rewards for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

  Did you know that you can go to My Coke rewards for schools There, you can register and donate points to your schools to help refresh activities and play. My Coke Rewards for Schools is a great way to bring more play to local schools by letting them redeem points for the things they need like classroom supplies, sports equipment, books, etc.

      July 13 through September 30, Sprite is giving away 25 playgrounds, worth $25,000, to schools and are giving consumers who purchase and enter a code from any package of Sprite/Sprite Zero an entry into the sweepstakes to help their school win. In addition, every three points donated to the school through the Sprite Spark Parks for Schools sweepstakes will give the school additional chances. Any new school that registers will be given a chance to win. So make sure your school is entered!! Rally your friends, neighbors, your children's teacher.... whoever to do the same!

How does it work? Check this out....

How it works for Schools (How to Donate)
• Purchase your favorite participating Coca-Cola product (there are 15 participating brands)
• Enter codes at mycokerewards.com/schools to get points
• Pick your school and donate the number of points you would like to give
• Your school uses the points to get rewards like athletic equipment, classroom supplies and more

How it works for Schools (How to Registration)
• Identify a School Coordinator to manage your school’s account.
• Go to mycokerewards.com/schools and click on “Register Today” to find your school and complete the registration process.
• Once you’ve completed registration, start spreading the word & encourage parents to donate My Coke Rewards points to support your school

Pretty easy huh? & it 's a great opportunity for your school. Yes, I know we homeschool but that doesn't mean I don't care about the schools my girls friends go to. This is an awesome opportunity!

Freebie Alert - Recipe Cookbook

 FaveDiets is giving away a FREE ebook with 25 Healthy and Low Cost Recipes.Sign up HERE        

Happy Shark Week :)

Happy Shark Week! Check out these bites :)

Looking after the elderly

Growing old gracefully is something we all aim to achieve, however the reality of what it is like to grow old is not always a happy experience. That is why it is important for those who are more able to take special care of the elderly and ensure their life is as happy and as long as it should be.
Nursing home or not?

The decision whether to put your loved ones into a nursing home is a particularly difficult one to make. It is dependent on a wide number of things and ultimately it should be a joint decision between yourselves and those who will be living in the home. This is due to the fact that if someone is forced into a home, and they are very unhappy, they are less likely to reach out to those who put them there. Some of the elderly may not have much of a choice in the matter and may be too ill to be cared for at home. For those, a nursing home is the only option as they will have the medical supplies hire that is needed to hire all the equipment for your loved one. If you search for a home together, you are far more likely to make them happy.
Day-to-day care

Some of the smaller details of everyday life becoming increasingly difficult when you are older and not all of these they will be willing to discuss with you. For example incontinence is an issue many of the elderly have to deal with but not something they will appreciate talking about. It may be better for you to bring up awkward subjects such as adult incontinence underwear to help them to understand it is ok to talk about these things.

Outings
It is important to try and make outings possible by working around the issues and accommodating any disability they may have. Sometimes, it is just nice to get out of that surgery seating and into a theater seat or even a park bench to enjoy the sunshine.

Time4mommy Blog Hop 8/2

Welcome to Time 4 Mommy's Tuesday Blog
Hop.






Find Great Blogs to follow and Gain new
followers!

To participate,
Follow your Host ( me- I follow back) - at our new site (hopefully be there next week), leave

your blog link Below, and follow the blogs listed

I can't wait until my contract us up!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband has been with our current cell phone company for about 15 years and every time we want a new phone we have to sign another contract. We are loyal people but it's REALLY starting to eat me up. Shouldn't my loyalty count for something? So I've been looking around to see what else is out there. We will NOT be renewing. Our plan is too high, phones too expensive, AND we have to sign another contract on top of that? Sorry, I don't think so.

Straight talk is looking REALLY good to me (besides, I love their commercials lol) I wouldn't have activation, reactivation, or termination fees. 411 calls are included at no extra charge. We pay $2 now! Grr, someone is getting ripped off.

There are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity.

Finally, Straight Talk only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung. It has everything you need

They even have reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. Great for young users! Perfect for when they want to call a friend

• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data. My husband & I don't use this many minutes TOGETHER!

• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web. • Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00! Check out Fantasy

Fishing hook, line and sinker

Great New Coupons!

Print soon before they are gone!
Food Coupons

• $0.50 off Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
• $0.75 off any Chex cereal
• $0.75 off Cocoa Puffs cereal
• $1.00 off any 3 General Mills Divisional cereals
• $1.00 off 2 Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken Breast
• $0.50 off Bisquick Baking Mix
• $0.50 off Nature Valley Granola Thins
• $0.75 off Nature Valley Granola Bars
• $0.50 off Fiber One Brownies
• $0.50 off Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks
• $1.00 off Pillsbury Sweet Moments
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Sweet Rolls
• $0.30 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands! Jr.
• $0.40 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• $0.50 off Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
• $1.00 off Frozen Pillsbury Egg Scrambles™
• $1.00 off Romano's Macaroni Grill Frozen Entrée
• $0.50 off Cereal Treat Bars
• $0.75 off any Yoplait Kids products
• $0.75 off Yoplait Light Parfait
• $0.40 off Yoplait Yogurt
• $0.50 off any flavor Yoplait Greek yogurt
• $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Frozen Smoothie
• $1.00 off Old El Paso Tortilla Stuffers
• $0.80 off Hamburger Helper and Tuna Helper
• $1.00 off Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza

Personal Care Products

• $0.75 off any Clear eyes Product
• $0.40 off THREE (3) KLEENEX On-the-Go Tissue Pack
• $2.00 off any AVEENO sun protection product

Suddenly Homeschooling Review and Giveaway - Winner!

Suddenly Homeschooling

If you are one of the millions of parents thinking about homeschooling or have already made the decision to get started, don’t do anything before reading Suddenly Homeschooling — it's a parent’s quick start guide to homeschooling in a hurry.

Suddenly Homeschooling takes on the challenges of today’s lifestyles and the concerns of families who homeschool for new reasons and are busier than ever before.

Using a unique step-by-step approach, the book shows how anyone can begin legally homeschooling in as little as two weeks, plus delivers valuable information for the rest of the year and beyond.

Tackling everything from the non-traditional to the puzzling to the mundane, the book delivers what parents need to get started and offers experienced wisdom and tips. Coverage includes basic topics plus tips for finding resources, organizing the home, juggling work and other duties, scheduling lessons and much more. Experienced homeschoolers will like the advanced coverage about teachable moments, styles and intelligences, help and support, plus the comprehensive glossary of homeschooling terms.

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is an educational guru, habitual writer and compulsively organized  homeschooler. As an advisor and coach for homeschooling families all around the country, she uses her teaching, writing, workshops and discussion groups to encourage and empower parents who are raising the next generation of scholars.

Growing up in the northeast and earning advanced ivy-league degrees never prepared Marie-Claire for the realities of government schooling her own children. After heading south, she began homeschooling her children from birth and hasn’t looked back a day since.

As the founder and major contributor to a variety of homeschooling groups and web sites, she also publishes online at Examiner and at her new location, Quick Start Homeschool.

Mandie's Thoughts - I've been a long time follower of Dr. Moreau's Quick Start Homeschool blog and I was extremely giddy to be able to review her book. Dr. Moreau starts with several different scenarios as to why someone would homeschool. I was quite impressed with this because sometimes I forget why others choose to do it. 

    Then she sets up a 14 day programs for you. Now I have been homeschooling in some fashion since my children were two and I can honestly say there was so much information that I could use. She has suggestions as to how to school multiple children, how to schedule, record keeping, and so much more. She even includes charts to assist you.

    This is the PERFECT book for those who find themselves suddenly homeschooling or for established homeschooling families who would like to reorganize.


Dr. Moreau is allowing us to giveaway a copy of Suddenly Homeschooling!



A copy of the book was received for review for my honest opinion, no other compensation was received.

Novica Review & $50 Giftcard Giveaway - Winner!!!

     Novica promotes artisans from around the world. They are even in association with the National Geographic and have an incredible program where WE can give loans to artisans from third world countries to start their own businesses. It's an amazing company.

    It took me two days to go through and pick out what I wanted to review. There are so many different and beautiful products. I finally decided on this Mocha Ceramic Tea set. It is absolutely gorgeous and very well made! (I did think it was a little weird to have three cups instead of four but I assumed maybe it was something cultural.)

       I also really loved this dolphin wine holder but I thought my husband would want the tea set since he was going on about how we really needed one.

    They have amazing handbags and jewelry too.

   

 Novica also has a  program called Novica Live. 

It's a home based sales program where you offer home parties.

          

     You can sign up to become a consultant or host a party

It gives you the opportunity to see and feel the products up close.
          





NOVICA LIVE from Novica United on Vimeo.

Novica is allowing us to give one of our readers a $50 Gift card to their online store

No Meme today,.. moving on up

                         Just wanted to let everyone that know that there is no meme today.
 I'm in the process of moving to wordpress :) with my domain. Want a sneak peak?
http://takingtimeformommy.com    Will be over there for good as soon as I have a feed and can move all of my subscribers :)

Family Eating on a Budget

Guest post by Megan M. Perry
With the state of the economy still looming around recovery in many areas, plenty of families have been forced to tighten up their budgets and cut spending in a number of areas. This commonly includes cutting spending money on going out and eating out, as these aren't exactly necessities when it comes to taking care of a family on a budget.

But tightening the belt loop in lean times does not have to mean that you fill your belly with less appetizing foods. Families can still still have the opportunity to eat out on a budget, they just need to know a little about finding deals for dining out. Here's how:

1. Check the Internet for deals.

Many local companies strike bargains with Internet coupon sites for exclusive deals. Groupon.com and Budgetcents.net, and LA.com are just a few web sites that specialize in offering great deals to consumers, especially first time consumers and those with families. Check sites such as these on a regular basis and they often have good 2-for1 deals or specials on appetizers and main entrees.

2. Call ahead for specials.

Many restaurants have kids eat free specials, margarita Mondays, happy hour specials, and the list goes on. Call ahead to your favorite restaurants and eateries to see what kind of specials they have going on before you start driving. You can also ask their weekly specials to see when certain dishes or on special or ask for lunch and dinner specials.

3. Invest in a geographically monitored opportunity provider (GMOP) app for your mobile phone.

Many companies, in an attempt to segue into the mobile market, have opt in lists that give offers straight to your smartphone when you come within a certain radius of the location of the restaurant. If you have places that you frequent and would not mind receiving correspondence from, this can be a real money saving option.

Many restaurants offer deals on smartphones that are simply not available anywhere else, because of the importance of getting into that market. Make sure to take advantage of their marketing effort.

4. Have a potluck.

If you simply can not find a deal, you can still get great food by simply throwing a neighborhood party! Ask everyone to bring their own dish so that there is plenty of food to go around. Set up a time and date and let everyone know, and enjoy the fruits of your low cost efforts.

Megan Perry is a writer who enjoys sharing her experiences, knowledge, and advice on a number of different subjects. For more information about eating out, The Buck List offers readers information for restaurants where kids can eat free.

Source

Oreo Muffins - Delicious!

Oreo Muffins

My son loves muffins, if I haven't mentioned it before.  I think I have 5 different kinds in the freezer right now.  I make a batch, we eat them for breakfast, and they immediately go in the freezer.  Works great!  Then when he wants muffins again another day, he gets to pick what kind he wants.  I take one out, microwave it for 30 seconds, and he get a warm muffin for breakfast!  

I saw this recipe on Knead for Speed, and knew I just had to make it.  So when I had Oreo's left from making Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, I knew exactly how to use them up.  Because eating them straight out of the bag by the handful seemed like a bad idea.  As much as I wanted to, I had to resist! 

Oreo Muffins
Recipe from Knead for Speed
Printable Recipe

Muffins:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup skim milk
12 Oreos, coarsely crushed

Streusel:
2 Tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons butter, diced
6 Oreos, finely crushed

Preheat oven to 385 degrees F.  Grease or line muffin tin with liners.

Prepare streusel first.  Stir together flour, sugar, and finely crushed Oreos in a small bowl.  Cut in butter until consistency becomes like coarse meal.  Refrigerate 10 minutes.



Whisk together flour and baking powder in a medium bowl.  Set aside.



Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time, stirring between additions.  Add vanilla.  Add flour all at once.  Mix on low speed for a few seconds, then add milk and continue mixing just until incorporated.  Fold in crushed oreos.




Divide batter between 10-12 muffin tins, filling each 3/4 full.  Evenly sprinkle Oreo streusel atop batter.



Bake 16-18 minutes, or until done.

Erin Sellin is a writer for Taking Time for Mommy, moderator of the Time 4 Mommy Foodie Group and owner of Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.

So Much Cooler in Anime

      The creators of Supernatural were able to construct an animated world in which there were no boundaries. This new look into Supernatural brings new perspective to the show. From adding color, intensity and action to scenes, to vivid images of horrifying demons, the medium does not disappoint.

       I've been a huge fan of the 'real' Supernatural show for a long time but the anime really gives the show a new perspective without changing the basic story. 

I actually think it's amazing how just changing your perspective of something can change something entirely. I did it in my marriage once and the results were amazing. Now that I think about it, if my life was made into a movie I'd want it to be Anime. A - I'd be really hot (all the chicks in anime are) B - My life would be so much cooler in cartoon! I think Supernatural is a great show either way! I like to watch both for different reasons.

Order your copy of Supernatural: The Anime Series on DVD or Blu-Ray here today:  http://bit.ly/p0WOMq

                       
                I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Anime Series on DVD/Blu-Ray

Without Mercy Book Tour & Giveaway

Without Mercy Description

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

When Darcy's outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. 

When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense - it was all a dream. Or was it?

Buy it - Amazon $0.99

My Thoughts - 

Ever since I first saw the cover I had to have it. I bought it immediately even though I knew I was going to be able to review it. I just couldn't wait. I wasn't disappointing either. I read the novelette  in one night. My only complaint, I wanted more. This story was full of emotion, action, and I LOVE Mason!! Can't wait for the next installment.

Belinda Boring - A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.






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