*ENDED* Mother's Day Groupon Deals

Okay ladies, so subtly slip this post to your husband or children, or grab this for your own mom! Great deals, and most include free shipping! Simply click on the bolded red words below, to take you directly to the Groupon deal. Some of these deals expires 4/26, while others are running through 4/30, so hurry!

The Body Shop – $10 for $20 worth of Skincare and Bath Products 

Fannie May Chocolates – $15 for $30 worth of Chocolates

*ENDED* Earrings and Pendant made with SWAROVSKI ZIRCONIA -$19 ($69 value)

*ENDED* Pearl Necklace and Earring Set- $29 ($99 value)

 

Homeschool: Telling It How It Is

If you are on Pinterest, then chances are you have seen these funny homeschool-related captions! I especially loved this one, as I get this a lot...obnoxiously so. For more funny homeschool related captions, like this one, be sure to check out http://homeschoolingryangosling.tumblr.com

Pain-Proofing Your Back

Two words that currently make me cringe? Back pain. I have been dealing with my fair share of it lately. Woke up one morning, three weeks ago, to a stiff neck. Next thing I know, my back muscles are tight, sending unbearable pain throughout my shoulders and neck. Desperate to find a cure, I began to research causes of back pain, remedies, and things to do to avoid it from happening again. The key is to stop the pain before it starts!

What is muscle strain?
Muscle strains are actual small tears in, or the stretching out of, muscle fibers. They are also the #1 reason for back pain. Make sure you are clear it is a muscle strain and not a pinched nerve, as treatment may vary.

How does it feel?
You may feel stiff or sore, and it seems to worsen with activity, even light activity.

How can you treat it?

• Ice the strain for 15 minutes, every hour for the first 24 hours. This will reduce any swelling. Heat will cause inflammation in a muscle strain.
• Stretch the area lightly every two hours.
• Try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory (like ibuprofen), every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed on package.
• Use a topical pain-relieving cream such as doTERRA's Deep Blue Rub
• If the pain does not improve within 48 hours, call your doctor.

For muscle pain that seems to linger, I use a TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).  It uses painless electric current, produced by a device, to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. It is battery-operated and able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity. Each and every time I use it, I heal much quicker than not using it. I will use it two to four times a day, targeting different areas of pain on my back, until the muscle has healed. It has saved me many times when my sciatic nerve flares up. Check with your local Chiropractor to find out how to purchase one of these. Very good to have on hand! Again, make sure to consult your doctor, prior to starting any new treatments.

Ways to Protect Your Back

Work Chair: Make sure your chair at work, or if you're like me and at the home computer a lot, is supportive to your back. It should give your back a curve like an S, not a C shape. Make sure your shoulders are pulled back, and not hunched over. Your tail bone should hit the back of the chair. If you've been at the computer a long time, be sure to get up every thirty minutes and walk around for a few seconds. This will take some of the stress off of your back, and increase blood flow.

Proper Posture: When you are standing, pretend a string is pulling your shoulders back at all times. Then imagine another string running through the core of your body, pulling you up toward the ceiling. The key is to have alignment of your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and heels.

Shoe Selection: I am a flip-flop addict during the summer, so this one is hard for me! If you are on your feet a lot, look for a shoe with a good sole cushion. If you don't want to give up your flats or heels, then consider placing a cushioning insole insert into your shoe.

Stop Smoking: There was a review done in 2010 which found that smokers have more low back pain than nonsmokers. They believe this is caused because smoking reduces blood flow to the spine.

Learn Lifting Techniques: Most of us know that you need to use your legs when lifting a heavy object. There is a technique to lifting a light object as well! Lean over, slightly bending one knee, and extend the other knee behind you. Hold onto a chair or table for added support.

Choosing a Pillow: Is your pillow too fluffy, or do you sleep with two or more pillows (like me!)? This can add strain to your neck muscles, causing all sorts of pains to show up later.

Evaluate Your Bra: Top-heavy women want to be sure that their bra is supportive. If it is not, it can cause the muscle that connects your neck to your shoulder to tighten up.

Downsize Your Purse, Briefcase or Backpack: Your purse, briefcase, or backpack should be less than 10% of your body weight. Keep the bag as close to the center of your body as possible. Messenger-style bags or backpacks where both straps are worn over your shoulders are best. Deep clean your bags, removing items that aren't needed on a daily basis. Transfer those items you want to hang onto for those "just in case" times, to a smaller bag or tote that you can keep in your car or at the office.

These tips and guidelines are meant to give you a general idea about back strain, based on my personal experience. They are not meant to diagnose, treat, or per sway decisions, regarding your medical condition. Please check with your doctor prior to making any changes.

*ENDED* Giveaway (4/22-28) Miss Ali's Cake Pops~ 1 dozen, Plus choice of flavor!

My kids devoured the Creamy Chocolate & Very Vanilla...as did I!

I have a confession...I have never tried a cake pop before. Awful, I know. I have seen them, and heard of them, but never had the privilege of biting into one. That was until a decadent box showed up on my doorstep straight from California. Three words for you-- Oh. My. Goodness. Take your favorite cake, crumbled, and then mixed with frosting, shape it into a lollipop form, dip it in melted chocolate, then decorate it, and wha-la...I give you  Miss Ali's Cake Pops! *I'll wait while you wipe your drool* It gets even better...One lucky winner will get one dozen Cake Pops, in your choice of any one standard flavor! These would make a GREAT upcoming Mother's Day gift (hint, hint)!

Miss Ali's Flavors & Designs:
*Subject to change

Standard:

Very Vanilla, Red Velvet, Creamy Chocolate, Carrot, Lil' Devil

Very Vanilla

Cocktail:

Margarita, Rum & Cola, Irish Coffee, Appletini, Sangria, Chocolate Stout

Appletini

Specialty:

Cupcake, Dirt w/ Worm, Monster, Hello Kitty, Lalaloopsy, Mickey Mouse

Cupcake

Plus Lots More...

Wedding

Seasonal

Custom/Create Your Own

Gift Baskets & Displays

Vegan

...and they will ship it right to your doorstep!

Packed well!
Traveled 2,700 miles via mail,
 and arrived undamaged!

Do you have a special occasion coming up? Surprise that special someone with a dozen of Miss Ali's Cake Pops! Visit them online, where you can browse their delicious selections or place an order. Have questions? Email Miss Ali's!

ENTER BELOW TO WIN! There are many ways to enter the Giveaway below, the first entry is mandatory, and the others are optional bonus entries. The more ways you enter, the better your chance of winning! One winner will receive one dozen cake pops in your choice of any one standard flavor, a $24 value. Drawing will be held April 30, 2012, via Random.org. Winner will be emailed, announced on Facebook, Twitter, and added to the Winners Wall.

Thank you to Miss Ali's Cake Pops for providing me with one free dozen cake pops to review, as well as sponsoring one dozen cake pops for one giveaway winner. All opinions in this review are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy and Giveaway Rules here. 

Having technical difficulties with this Giveaway? Email jennifer@jennifervandahm.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEXT WEEK'S GIVEAWAY (4/29-5/5):

 The NEW Layers Laundry Pack by Scentsy

Are you giving away something on your website or blog this week? Tell us about it and leave your link, in the comments below!

Homemade Hamburger Helper

You'll never go back to the boxed version again!

1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1-3/4 cup dry whole wheat elbow macaroni
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
3 Tbs. whole wheat flour
2 cup milk
8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
1-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tsp. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large pan, cook ground beef and onion until meat is no longer pink. Drain grease and set aside.

Cook macaroni according to package directions, in lightly salted water.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour until smooth and bubbly. Let it cook for about a minute over medium heat. Slowly and gradually whisk in milk. Over medium heat, bring back to a boil and stir constantly until thickened. Reduce heat. Add both cheeses, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

Add drained macaroni, ground beef mixture, and corn, to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat. Transfer to a greased 3 quart baking dish.

Bake uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let is rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

ENDS TOMORROW! FREE Entrance to National Parks (April 21-29)

In honor of National Park week, Over 100 National Parks will be waiving their entrance fees April 21-29, 2012. Find a participating National Park near you here.

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

How To Save a Week's Worth on Groceries

So yesterday I was planning out our menu for the week and making a grocery list. We allot $100 per week to buy organic groceries (visit our post How to Shop Organic Foods on a Budget). As I  made my way through the list, I started to think how silly it was to buy all of this food, when essentially I had some meals I could still put together. We can tend to get in a routine sometimes of buying just to buy. In doing so, that box of rice you got on sale two months ago sits in the back corner of your pantry. In an effort to save money, I put the list down and dug around in the refrigerator and pantry. Now to most people, they would of looked in my refrigerator and thought there is no way you have enough food to make another week's worth of meals. Wrong! This is where creativity, experimenting, and a little sacrifice come together. I decided  to create a new menu, using the items we currently have on hand. Sure, they won't be elaborate meals, but everyone will get just what they need. Plus, the goal here is to save $100 this week and use up some of the food on hand. In order for this to happen, I will be setting one baking day aside this weekend. The key is to take your normal recipes and substitute the ingredients out for what you have on hand. Also, there won't be a lot of snacking going on, which is probably healthier any ways! This is not something you would do every week, but if done once a month or even once every two months, you could begin to really save! Here is the breakdown of the meals I will throw together this next week:

Breakfast
Make homemade: breakfast muffins (substituting cranberries instead of raisins), and bagels (will spread peanut butter on top)
Eat leftover cereal (have 1 full box left)
Egg in a Hole
Oatmeal w/ dried fruit

Lunch
Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches
Chicken Nuggets (have 1/2 a bag left) & Carrot sticks
Oatmeal Banana Smoothie
Mac-n-cheese
Pizza Hut (Free-using the last two Book It coupons)

Dinner
Banana Cinnamon Pancakes (will substitute milk for heavy cream, using honey instead of syrup)
Roasted Veggie Pasta (using up any of the fresh veggies I still have)
Homemade Pizza (make my own crust and sauce)
Basic Spaghetti w/ bread from freezer

I have 1 LB of chicken that will be divided into two meals:
Chicken Jambalaya (adding 1 breast of cooked shredded chicken to a box of jambalaya mix I have)
Chicken Rice Casserole (adding the other two chicken breasts to brown rice with a can of cream of chicken soup and frozen corn kernels)

I have 1 LB ground beef that will be divided into two meals:
Homemade Mac-N-Cheese Hamburger Helper (taking my mac-n-cheese recipe and adding 1/2 lb. ground hamburger)
Hashbrown Beef Casserole (taking my tator tot casserole recipe and using the other 1/2 lb. ground beef and hashbrowns instead, leaving out the sour cream)

Dessert
Chocolate Cake

Snacks
Fresh popped Popcorn
Homemade Banana Bread (using my frozen bananas)
Yogurt
Apple slices w/ peanut butter

There are still a few things I will need to pick up, costing under $10 for the week. But a 90% savings is still really good! So, get digging around, you would be surprised what you can come up with! For more recipe ideas, visit our cooking section, What's Cookin' Recipes!

DIY: Wall Mounting Kit for Flat Sceen TV (For under $20)

In our quest to save money, we are always looking for ways to cut corners. A few months ago we were able to trade in our broken TV projector for a new 50-inch flat screen TV, due to a warranty plan we had. The wall mounting kits were outrageously priced, most starting at $50 minimum. My genius husband declared he could make me one, that would be just as functional. This particular wall mount will not allow for tilt or swivel, but if you just want it flat on the wall, this is the way to go!

Supplies Used: 
Shallow Strut (aka: 5/8 strut or kindorf strut)
2 bolts & 2 washers for wall side
2 bolts & washers for TV side, will need specific TV bolt size

Cut two pieces of strut, going just beyond the length of the mounting holes on the back of your flat screen TV. Mount the strut to the wall, making sure each bolt is in the wall stud, not just drywall.

Determine mounting bolt type needed for the back of your TV. Most owner's manuals will tell you what size screw/bolt you will need to mount your TV. Typically they are metric. Purchase 2 bolts and 2 washers to mount the strut to the back of the TV.

 Here's a close up of what the fastened strut will look like on the back of the TV.

 Slide the two struts together, interlocking them. Be sure they are completely interlocked prior to letting go.  

Wha-la! For under $20 you just made your own flat screen TV wall mount!

Are You Assertive? Take Our Quiz!

Assertive. Now there is a word that either frightens you or challenges you. It is standing up for yourself and speaking your mind in a clear yet respectable manner. Unfortunately, like everything in life, some individuals cross over from assertive to just plain obnoxious or loud. You know you've seen them. They are the ones in the grocery store who yells at the person who just cut in front of them. They are the ones who speak up in the meeting, not afraid to knock your idea. But, not all assertive people have to be so bold. How many times have you thought, "I am a confident person who knows what I want."  Sure, you know what you want and believe you have the right to it. The problem? Finding the courage to say or express it to others. Being assertive is about speaking up when something needs to be said and standing your ground, even if it may disappoint some people. You first need to stop giving subtle hints to what you want or don't want. When you are not confident you can tend to say too little or too much, leaving your point in a matter unclear. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Work on giving a clear, "No, I am not able to do that" answer. No further explanation is needed. Perhaps you have difficulty issuing a much needed complaint. To make it easier, try starting out by saying something positive about the issue at hand. Then, follow up with a description of the problem. Lastly, express how you hope the issue can be rectified. That way you don't feel like you are coming out of the gate with guns blazing. Being assertive will help you do better at work, give you more time, and help maintain healthy relationships. Take our quiz below, to see where you rank!

How Assertive Are You?

Rate yourself in each scenario below. Then total up your score and see where you rank in assertiveness.

Always: 5    Quite Often:4    Sometimes: 3    Not Always: 2    Never: 1

1. I have no problem contacting a company, and issuing a complaint, when they have done something wrong.

2. If a friend picks outings that I can't afford, I feel comfortable suggesting something else.

3. If I receive my meal at a restaurant, and it is undercooked, I will send it back.

4. If someone is talking to loudly during a movie, I tell them to please keep it down or stop talking.

5. If someone cuts in front of me in the grocery store line, I point out where the back of the line is.

6. When my neighbor asks me to do something that I don't have time for, I tell them I can't do it.

7. If I felt I deserved a raise, promotion, or time off at work, I would ask my boss for it.

8. When my family decides to spend a holiday together, and I already have plans of my own, I have no problem declining.

9. When my sister asks me to babysit for the third time this week, and I feel she is taking advantage of me, I have no problem telling her so.

10. When my in-laws give parenting advice, that crosses over to being pushy, I let them know I appreciate it, but it is not needed.

Tally up your score!

41+: You are assertive to the max! You have no problem speaking your mind. But, be careful that you are not coming across as too pushy, loud, or obnoxious.

31-40: Depending on the situation you may or may not be assertive. You tend to only speak up about certain issues. Try to figure out what is holding you back from speaking up in all situations.

21-30: You worry that if you ask for what you need, you may put someone else out. You don't like to disappoint others, therefore you tend to keep most thoughts to yourself, rarely speaking up. Accept the fact that your needs are just as important as others.

10-20: You don't speak your mind. Period. It doesn't come natural to you, and feels just plain uncomfortable to do so. Take steps to unleashing your voice. Start in areas that you are most passionate about.

It's Back...Target Spring Beauty Bag Offer

Target is offering the Spring Beauty bag again! Stop by the Target website and request yours. These bags come with great samples and coupons from Nivea, Nexxus, Pantene, L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Simple, and more! Please note: It appears that this offer is only working on certain browsers right now, like Firefox. If you have already requested a bag in the past, I don't know if they will send you a second one.

*Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Headache Trigger Foods to Avoid

Not sure why you have a headache or do you get uexplained headaches frequently? Sometimes it can be challenging to pin point. Headaches can be caused from a variety of things-- weather, allergies, bright lights, strong smells, and certain foods. Yes, food! Here are a few common items, known to trigger headaches.

Aged Foods and Drinks

Aged cheese, dried fruit, and cured meats contain tyramine, which force blood vessels to constrict and then expand, potentially causing pain.

Additives

MSG, a flavor enhancer used in packaged and takeout foods, may cause vascular changes that can trigger pain.

Alcohol

Many wines and beers contain preservatives such as tyramine, sulfites, and nitrates, that can contribute to headaches...thus, the infamous hangover.

Aspartame

There is no explanation to it yet, but this artificial sweetener can bring on headaches. Most commonly found in diet sodas and some juices.

Ways to Recover from a Sleepless Night

Didn't get a full night's rest? Kind of wished you would of turned the TV off sooner or put that good book down earlier? We have all done it, stayed up way too late, knowing we have to get up early the next morning. Those are nights we can tend to toss and turn, leaving us that much more tired the next day. Luckily, there are a few ways to feel normal and fake a good night's sleep!

1. Open Your Blinds
The minute your alarm goes off, refraining from hitting the snooze button. This only makes you more groggy, and delays the inevitable. Instead, reach for your blinds and get them open as soon as possible. The natural light will rejuvenate you, helping you to perk up faster.

2. You Are What You Eat
On mornings when you're tired it is easy to grab something quick, and quite often sugary, in hopes to wake up more. One problem. Those type of foods make your blood sugar increase and decrease giving you false highs and lows. Try to eat a breakfast high in protein, such as a Peanut Butter & Banana Wrap, Oatmeal Banana Smoothie, or a Fried Egg In a Hole. Each of these take less than 10 minutes to make.

3. Slow Down on the Caffeine
I'm guilty of doing the zombie walk toward the coffee maker! As soon as that hot mug of goodness is in my hands, I gulp it down ordering the caffeine to get to work in my body. On mornings after restless sleep you actually want to do the opposite. Instead, make a thermos of coffee or tea and slowly sip it throughout the morning. Just be sure to put your thermos away before 3 PM, or you are sentencing yourself to another sleepless night. Avoid grabbing soda, as it will spike and crash your blood sugar, sending you on a energy roller coaster.

4. Hydrate Yourself
When you haven't gotten enough sleep your body can become slightly dehydrated. Sip a cold beverage throughout the afternoon (avoiding soda), as its refreshing temperature may increase alertness. Stay clear of drinks with caffeine at this point, making water the best choice. Feel free to flavor it with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

5. Take a Rejuvenating Break
You know that time of day, usually between 1 PM and 3 PM, where your body naturally starts to drag? It normally begins with a yawn and ends in you grabbing chocolate, soda, coffee, or anything else that will give you a rush. Beat the afternoon slump by taking a short 5-10 minute walk. Activity boosts your body temperature, stimulating your heart, brain, and muscles. Whether it is walking your stairs at home or a few trips around the office, it will help avoid the afternoon slump. Also, have a small snack of carrot sticks, nuts, dried fruit, or a banana. These foods are low in sugar, making them a perfect pick-me-up snack!

6. Get to Bed on Time
It is one things to pull a late night once, but more than that can cause sleep cycle problems. That night you may even find yourself wanting to crash early. Try to head off to bed closer to your normal bedtime. Changing your schedule to make up for lost sleep can actually cause you to wake up earlier or to  have another restless night. Try to go to bed no earlier than an hour before your usual bedtime and wake up no later than one hour past your usual wake time. On nights where I feel restless at bedtime, I take 5 mg of  Melatonin, 20 minutes before bedtime. This supplement works with my natural Melatonin levels, helping me to wind down and rest easier. Since it works naturally with your body, it won't knock you out, like some of the other sleep aids do.

FREE Carnation Breakfast Essentials Drink Packet (Facebook Offer)

Carnation Breakfast is giving away a FREE sample packet of their Chocolate-flavored No Sugar Added Carnation Essentials Breakfast Drink Mix (man, say that ten times fast!). Stop over to their Facebook Page, and "Like" them, to receive your sample, plus a $1 off coupon.

*Offer good in the U.S. only. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one (1) sample pack per person or maximum two (2) samples per household or address. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

FREE Pretzel at Pretzelmaker (4/26 only)

In honor of National Pretzel Day, Pretzelmaker is giving everyone one FREE Pretzel on Thursday, April 26, 2012 only! Just say, "National Pretzel Day", when ordering. Available at participating locations only. Limit of one per customer. Valid for a salted or unsalted pretzel. No purchase or coupon necessary.

Corned Gnocchi & Greens in Cream Sauce

16 oz. bag frozen potato gnocchi
2 cups frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup saved water from the cooked boiled gnocchi
1 cup half-and-half
3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, cubed
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
A few dashes ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup fresh arugula
1 cup fresh pea tendrils
1 cup fresh spinach, torn into pieces

Boil water in a medium size pot. Add gnocchi and corn, and cook until gnocchi begins to float. If using fresh gnocchi, then add corn kernels the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain liquid, saving 1/2 cup of the gnocchi water. Do not rinse gnocchi; set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium size pot, over medium heat, combine half-and-half, cream cheese, salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, or until cream cheese is melted and mixture begins to bubble, whisking occasionally. Whisk in reserved 1/2 cup of gnocchi water.

Add gnocchi and corn mixture to the cream sauce, gently stirring to coat evenly. Stir in arugula, pea tendils, and spinach leaves. Heat just until greens are wilted. Serve in bowls.

Serves 4

Tip: Gnocchi (pronouced no-key) is a potato-based dumpling. Arugula will give the dish a nutty, peppery, and earthy flavor. Pea tendrils are the young leaves and shoot to the snow pea  plant, and taste like a cross between peas and spinach. You can substitute any one of the greens above for an equal amount of green or red watercress, if you would prefer. Watercress is a member of the cabbage family, and gives a peppery, tangy flavor. If you can't find these items sold loosely, then look for them in a fresh bagged form, in your grocery produce section. Sometimes you will even find them in one bag, as a blended mix together.

Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

So, with me being out of the kitchen most of this week, my boys have been craving a dessert each and every night. My oldest finally caved in and asked if he could whip up a batch of his own cookies, using our  All Natural Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe. He decided to try putting cocoa in, for that extra chocolatey touch! No complaints here! I better start saving, because he has culinary school written all over him.

3-1/2 to 4 cups freshly ground soft wheat flour (found in most natural food stores) *you want the dough slightly sticky
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup dry honey granules (Do not use pure honey as a substitute)
1 cup sucanat sugar
2 whole large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels (we use Organic)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

In separate large mixing bowl, cream butter, honey granules, and sucanat with a hand mixer, until it makes a grainy paste. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well, until creamy.

Stir dry ingredients into the creamed ingredients, a little at a time, blending well with each addition. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough, 2-inches apart, onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cookies rest on pan for a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack. Store left overs in an airtight container or bag.

Makes about 4-5 dozen cookies

FREE Rootology Allergy Sample (Facebook Offer)

Rootology is giving away FREE samples of their Allergy Pills when you "Like" the Rootology Facebook Page and fill out their short form.

*Limit one per household.

FREE Ecover Laundry Detergent Sample (Facebook Offer)

Ecover is giving away FREE samples of their laundry deteregent, when you "Like" the Ecover Facebook Page and fill out their short form.

*While supplies last. US residents only. Must be 18 or older to request.

FREE Finish Dishwashing Detergent Sample (Facebook Offer)

They are giving away 1 million Finish Quantum samples! Just "Like" Finish Dishwashing on Facebook, and receive a FREE sample of their dish washing detergent! Plus, you can skip over the step that says to "Invite three friends to get a sample". Please note: when I filled out the form, the lines were not lining up evenly, so make sure you are putting the correct shipping information on the correct line. Hopefully they will get that fixed soon!

FREE Bath & Body Works~ Signature Collection Travel Size Item (Facebook Offer)

Bath & Body Works wants you to send a friend an online Mother's Day card with a FREE gift! Visit the Bath & Body Works Facebook Page. It will then have you choose a friend from your Facebook list, pick a card, and personalize a message. It will then email the e-card to them, with a voucher for a FREE Signature Collection Travel Size Item! In return, you'll get an email for an exclusive offer too! I received a coupon to get a free Fine Fragrance Mist, with any $10 purchase (a $14 value). Bummer, I was hoping for a free travel size item as well!

It's Back...FREE CloSYS Mouth Rinse Sample (Facebook Offer)

CloSYS is giving away FREE samples of their 3.4 oz. Oral Health Alcohol-free Rinse! Just "Like" their Facebook Page, and let them know where to send your sample!

*Offer good in the US  only (excludes HI and AK). Limit one sample per household or address. Allow 6-8 weeks. While supplies last only.

Owning a Dog: Making 'Cents' of It All

Ginger

So, you have the urge to get a dog, do ya'? Maybe you're even considering rescuing one from the Humane Society or No-Kill Shelters. I am all for that! As a matter of fact, all of our pets have come from shelters or taken in as strays, over the years. There are a few things to consider when you get that sudden impulse to run out and pick one up. Let's just say, I speak from experience. We picked up our dog, Ginger, in 2006 as a stray. A visit to the vet revealed that she not only had fleas, ear mites, and was malnutritioned, but she also had heartworms, which is deadly if untreated. Over $1,000 later, she was on her way to becoming a healthy dog again. We often joke that we got a mutt at a showdog price.Wouldn't trade it for the world though! You can read our rescue story Ginger's Lucky Day. Sure, you may be getting your new furry pet for free, but there is a whole other dynamic to consider first. Below is a breakdown of the average cost of owning a large dog. If you are thinking about getting a smaller dog, the only big variation will be adjustments in food cost and the larger procedures. The overall price of the necessary supplements and standard routine vet charges won't vary by a whole lot. So, before you head out, really think about whether or not you can afford the upkeep of a pet. It is no doubt a huge commitment. The last thing your new dog wants is to be bounced from home to home or worse yet, sent back to the shelter, because you made a rash decision.

*These numbers are an average based on our large, 85 pound dog. These are basic upkeep costs. I have not included the additional medicines needed for arthritis and hormones, as she gets older. But it is important to consider that as well.

Authority Dry Dog Food 34 Lb. bag (30 day supply at 4 cups per day) $30/month
*You can buy cheaper food, but those brands have fillers, corn, wheat, by-products, and other ingredients that can actually cause your dog to have reactions to...causing more problems later.

Frontline Flea & Tick Control (usually sold in a 3, 6, or 12 pk) $13/month
*Must be applied monthly. There are other brands available, but they are very close in cost.

Interceptor or HeartGuard (usually sold in 6 or 12 pk) $8/month
*A monthly heartworm prevention chewable tablet. There are other brands available, but they are very close in cost. I hear that Interceptor will no longer be available in some places.

Books 4 Boys

Came across this website through Pinterest the other night, from a friend's pin! PenguinGroup.com has a web page called Books 4 Boys! It is a list of books, that will get the stamp of approval from any book-loving boy! You can even categorize the books by age and grade level. Found some fun, new reads for my oldest son, that I was the able to locate at my local library!

How We Survived a 3-month Job Layoff

I can still remember my reaction to the the phone call I received from my husband last July 2011, "Well, it looks like I'm going to need to get my resume out there sooner than I wanted to." I was shocked, as he preceded to inform me that his last day of work would be the following week. Let me tell you...it takes a lot to get that reaction out of me, as nothing seems to phase me anymore. My husband was a Project Manager for a large Electrical Company, who decided to consolidate offices, resulting in job cuts across the board. Needless to say, the news caught us off guard and we weren't given very much notice to wrap our heads around it. My husband spent most of his new free days filling out job applications online, dropping by businesses with his resume, and even flew out of town for an interview. Days turned into weeks, which ultimately turned into a total of three months. Although we were uncertain as to what job lay ahead, there was one thing we were confident about--we would make it. Three months of unemployment, and we never went into debt, never used a credit card to pay bills, and was never late on a bill. In this economy, no one seems to be safe. I pray that none of you have to face this challenge, but should you, here are some tips to the things we did to survive our layoff:

Review Your Budget:
We immediately looked at our outgoing debt, and began to red line anything that was not a vital need. TV was canceled, cell phone plans reduced, kids allowances put on hold, and no entertainment fund. We had to recreate our budget to bare bones. You can visit my post, 10 Steps to Creating a Budget, if you don't have one in place. Highly recommended that you do!

Apply for Assistance Programs:
As soon as we found out he was going to be laid off, we applied for unemployment through the State, food stamps through Social Services, heating & cooling programs through our Electrical Company, and contacted our mortgage company for payment options. Now whether or not we would actually end up needing all of this would be determined by how quick my husband found a job. The key is to get the process started before you actually need it, as some of these programs can take weeks to get an approval on. This step was hard for me, as I have a hard time receiving from others. It is very humbling to request help. But, don't be embarrassed or ashamed to do so. Your need is just as great as anyone elses!

FREE Gevalia Coffee Sample (NEW offer added!)

There are two ways to receive this FREE Gevalia Coffee sample!

Safeway Facebook: Safeway is offering a sample of the Gevalia Coffee when you "Like" the Safeway Facebook Page. Hurry, they are only giving out the samples until 9 PM (ET) on April 23, 2012!

*Limit of one request per household and/or email address. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. US addresses only. Offer good while supplies last, during offer promotion.

Target: Target is giving away a free sample pack of Gevalia coffee. Just visit their site and click on the "Request Sample" button below the coffee picture, then fill out the request.
*Limit one sample per household, per method. US residents only. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

FREE Dog Biscuit Treats from Pink Dog Bakery

Let's just say, my dog has been getting very spoiled lately, with all of these free treat offers! She is actually growing to like the mailman! Visit the Pink Dog Bakery website to request a FREE sample for your dog! If you get an error message, try again, as their server was getting slammed with requests this morning! Sample consists of 4 biscuits. Sample includes 1 of each type of biscuit (Bacon Biter, Liver Lover, Chicken Craver and Carrot Chomper). I love that these treats are made with the highest-quality human-grade ingredients, and free-range meats, poultry and eggs.

*Limit one sample per person/household. United States residents aged 18+ only. While supplies last. Includes free shipping via USPS Parcel Post. Please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping. Offer expires May 31st or earlier, depending on demand.

DIY: Window Shutter Picture Frame (holds four 10" x 13" pics)

Recently, we did a few home improvements, which involved replacing our old wooden window shutters. The shutters have since been laying in our backyard, awaiting their delivery to the trash can. After a few weeks, we decided to begin breaking them down, to fit into our trash bin. My oldest son was outside with a hammer, breaking the slats out of a few shutters, for fun. He came inside to show me his demolition. Upon looking at it, we both agreed it looked like a large picture frame. Trying to give him something to do, I told him he could design one for the house, if he wanted to. Straight to work he went! Here are his results (with some help from mom, that is!)!

Supplies Used:

63" H x 12" L Wooden Window Shutter- saved 8 center slats

Hammer

Sand Paper

Spray Paint, desired color

Measuring Tape

Hardware to hang finished frame

(4) 10" x 13" pictures

Tape or staples
Glass from old 10 x 13 frames (optional)
Hardware to mount glass (optional)




Get an old wooden window shutter. 





Arrange pictures on the shutter base. Mark the center slats will need to be hammered out. Keep the other slats in tact, to act as a border between the two photos on the top portion and two photos on the bottom portion. For this size shutter, I saved four slats for the top and four slats for the bottom. This gave a large enough border between the two top pictures and two bottom pictures.

*All of the center slats had already removed by my son, so we had to force them back in later, breaking a few along the way! Even though they were easier to spray paint that way, I don't recommend doing it that way. Just knock out only what you need to.





Give the surface a quick sand. This will roughen it up some, allowing the spray paint to adhere better.




Because the slats were already removed, we had to spray paint them individually, being sure to get visible edges (as slats will angle out some once reassembled).


For even coverage, prop shutter base onto two wooden beams, prior to spray painting. Spray paint shutter base, being sure to get in all crevices. *Later, we did end up painting the back of the shutter base as well, as we could see some of the small edges where the old green color was still showing, once hung.

 Attach hardware to the top portion, on the back of shutter base.

We decided to secure two screws into the wall, where we would hang the shutter frame. We then strung a piece of sturdy wire between the two screws and used the picture hooks to hang onto the wire. I'm sure there is better hardware designed for this, but we just went with what we had on hand.

Evenly position each picture and attach your pictures to the back of the shutter base, using either strong tape or staples. Optional: You can take the glass from four old 10 x 13 frames and mount each to the shutter base, using brackets. Then, position each picture to the glass using tape.

Now hang your finished frame!

My son, so proud of his work!