Burt's Bees... fabulous!!

Have tried this out and love it.. give it a shot too! If you know me IRL drop me a line for some coupons.. I have some left from teh last time I corresponded with BB, and I love to share! And as always, thanks to bzz agent for a chance to share this product with y'all!

Just me.

I have spent years trying to figure out where I fit, how I fit, and after a couple decades on this earth, I have decided I just don't.

I try to be part of things, join the FRG, join the PTA, get social, make friends. It always backfires, and I am sick of it, really. I can't abide pretentious wankers, and it seems like the world has soo many of them or at least they fall in my path. They insult me and expect that because I am not pretty, not overtly witty, not amazing that I will bow before them and take it. I think not. Sometimes I think they don't even care enough about others to realize how insulting they are. Sometimes I wish I wasn't privy to the fact that they are so hateful, meaning to be or not.

Its taken years of loving people who don't love me, and finally loving the few who really do, to get it. I can count on two hands the number of people who really love me, who I really love. I have lost friends, companions, lovers along the way, and honestly I think I am glad. If they are not here, they didn't have what it takes to stay in the inner circle. It need not be big, it just needs to be true.

But I digress. These are some of the realizations that I have come to.

I am not pretty, I am beautiful- if only on the inside.
I am not funny, but I have some good old silly moments.
I am not brilliant but I have inspired thoughts.
I am not a social butterfly but I am fiercely loyal to the friends I have.
I am not typical, normal or anything more than average really.

But I like me. I like loving the world around me without those people who pick at me.

I like seeing nature and playing in the rain even when its cold. I like watching a bee flit around on a warm summer day. I like finding that last squash of the season in the garden when there is a nip in the air. I like carrying around field guides in my purse so I can figure out what that awesome plant I found growing all alone on a rock is.

I like supporting causes and lending my ear. I like saying 'It will get better' and helping someone find out that it does. I like dreaming about what the foundation to help kids that my husband and I would open if we won the lottery.

I like being in the shadows and out of the limelight. I like doing something nice for someone I don't know and watching them smile, even though they will never know it was me, or maybe even realize anyone did something for them at all.

I like singing in my car at the top of my lungs even though my voice cracks. I like listening to dance music and hopping around the house to the beat when every one is out.

I like falling into a book and devouring every word like a lifeline to my imagination. I like writing short stories even if they suck because the characters are alive to ME. I like absorbing everything I can, learning as much as I can shove into my mind, knowing it will never be enough.

I like sitting in silence, not because I am afraid of talking but because when I do, with the people I love, we can talk without words, and that is so much more comforting than having to fill ever moment with sound.

I wish that people would appreciate me for what I have done, but honestly I have found that I really don't care anymore.. I know who I am, what I have done, and how much I have given of myself, and that is enough.

AboutMe.com profiles..

Its another free opportunity from Bzz agent, a place to sign up for an electronic business card. I checked it out and its not bad. I wish there were more options, but for free, its not bad at all.




If you want to check out mine:

http://about.me/elementalwitch

Freebies 7/28

Free Ball Jar Pectin Sample (great for jam, freezer jam)
http://www.freshpreserving.com/community/sample.aspx?promo=hppectin

$10 in Bounce Coupons
http://bouncecare.com/coupons/

lizard crochted bookmark
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80356AD.html

HP Scarves
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cwe-wizardScarf.html

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cgs-heavyMetal.html

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80703AD.html

Freebies 7/1

Free Tub O Towels sample
http://tubotowels.com/free-sample-request.html

KIMTECH cleaning wipes
http://resp.survey01.net/servlet/survey?surveyId=MjQ3NDUS1

Latctaid free Half and Half coupon
https://www.lactaid.com/couponsoffer/Free+Half+and+Half

Skinny Cow Club (samples and coupons)
http://www.skinnycow.com/clubskinny/register/

Classics..

‎'My ear should catch your voice; my eye, your eye,
My tongue should catch your tongue, sweet melody,
My tongue your tongue were the world mine'

Goodies 5/1

Free s pack samples of Mirilax.. got mine, ordered some more for family
https://miralax.spdata.us/miralax/consumer/free-sample.jsp?utm_source=ABC&utm_medium=banner&utm_term=2010_MiraLAXAd_020111.mov&utm_content=ABC.com_MiralaxDemoA50+_Sample_Video&utm_campaign=miralax2011

Check out a new forum all about deals, coupons, and savings
http://socentsible.com/forum/forum.php

Today's goodies 4/25

Today I received stickers from Dickies (a nic big vinyl one and a little one), PF Flyer, Bond and Spy. Wicked cool, Thank you companies!

Also, this weekend yeilded coupons:
Bolhouse Farms salad dressing
Apple and Eve juice
Amy's gluten free goodies
$15 off $15 at JCP (I got 2 free shirts!)
$10 off $25 at JCP
Free bodywash at Sephora
$10 certificate for Kroger/Freddy's goods (I found a piece of plastic in something frozen that was store brand so I called, and they sent me $10 to replace it! Woot for them!)

Free Samples received:

From BZZ Agent
NatureLuxe (Covergirl) Lipstick (Full size)
Natureluxe (Covergirl) foundation (full size)
+ coupons
This stuff is awesome! Defintely worth a try if you are in the market for a new makeup..

2 packets of Miralax
+coupon

Vocalpoint:
Free cup and drink mix

Now, onto the stuff I ordered... Sent emails to:

Annies
http://www.annies.com/contact
I Love their GF mac and cheese..

AXE
http://www.theaxeeffect.com/contact.html
I love this smell..

Aveeno
https://www.aveeno.com/contactus
Aveeno baths rock!

Arrowhead mills
http://www.arrowheadmills.com/content/about-us
Good line of Gluten Free products.. I do love this company!

Armour
http://www.armour-eckrich.com/armoureckrichcontactus.php

Goodies for 4/22

Happy Earth Day!

Free Zing Via
http://www.zingvia.com/

Free Mia Hamm Book
(must answer yes to all the questions)
http://www.scholastic.com/smiles/survey.asp

Additional Props today..

Got an email from PFFlyers letting me know there are goodies on teh way! Woohoo guys! Thanks!

Thank you for contacting PF Flyers Consumer Support! We have sent out some PF swag that is on its way to you as we speak! Thank you for your interest in PF Flyers!

Please let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns by email or at 1-800-622-1218.

Sincerely,
Elvis
PF Flyers Consumer Response Team

Also received in the mail this week so far:

~10 pack of tide
~ Petco Hamster info kit
~Pantene shampoo samples

Must give some props..

I must give some props to Bond Ltd.  for appeciating me as a gear mom, and sending me stickers. I like places that say thank you. And to BMX (whom I have ridden myself in races, and who I buy gear for my kids for).. Both sent great emails thanking me for being a gear mom and said they'd send me stickers ASAP.

Also, APO and Bacon Boards sending stickers, after I ordered tehir catalogs..

For the walk of shame: Subaru. When I asked for stickers to rep your brand (which I loved till today) I could have handled a sorry, we don't have stickers. What I don't appreciate was the how about you go BUY our crap for your kids birthday. Dude, when I buy my kids birthday stuff, it will be cool and appropriately priced. A simple no would have been enough. I won't be buying or reccomending tehir stuff to anyone, and maybe its just me but it rubbed me the wrong way. While not outwardly rude, a little marketing like a sticker here or we don't have any but we will take your request under advisement would go a loooong way.

This is what I got from them:

You or the kids may have some luck finding some stuff at your local hobby stores. 
Another idea is for their birthdays, please consider visiting our Website where you can purchase some cool gear for them!
Thanks again for contacting us.
Best wishes,
Kelly Shinault
Subaru of America, Inc.

Also: a note- Scion, rocks. They sent us a beanie, stickers, cards, a pen.. all kinds of goodies that we can use and I greatly appreciate. Buy Scion not Subaru.

Samples galore! Where to go..

Freebies are nice, but there are other ways to get free samples and product test trials as well:

http://www.houseparty.com/
This is a fantastic site, where you can sign up for product parties. You invite your friends, they supply most of teh goodies. For example, I did one for Philly Cooking Creme. I got coupons, wooden spoons, recipes, an apron, and all kinds of goodies. I made dinner for a birthdya party and shared the product with our friends.. All for free!

http://www.bzzagent.com/
Love this site.. they ask you to review products that they send, or that you use on a regular basis. When you do you get mypoints, which you can turn into gift certificates, but you also get teh products!

http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/
Still a little new to this one but you get to try green products and share and review.

More to come..

Blue Star Free Museum Program

Washington State participating museums:
http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2011.php?st=WA#list

• Appelo Archives Center
  Naselle, WA
• Children's Museum of Tacoma (been here - AWESOME!)
  Tacoma , WA
• Clark County Historical Museum
  Vancouver, WA
• Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum
  Stevenson, WA
• Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
  Ilwaco, WA
• DuPont Museum
  DuPont, WA
• KidsQuest Children's Museum
  Bellevue, WA
• Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
  Leavenworth, WA
• Lynden Pioneer Museum
  Lynden , WA
• Maryhill Museum of Art
  Goldendale, WA
• Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
  Seattle, WA
• Naval Undersea Museum (Been here, Loved it!)
  Keyport, WA
• Ocean Shores Interpretive Center
  Ocean Shores , WA
• Polson Museum
  Hoquiam, WA
• Puget Sound Navy Museum (Been here, very nice!)
  Bremerton, WA
• Shafer Historical Museum
  Winthrop, WA
• Tacoma Art Museum
  Tacoma, WA
• The Henry Art Gallery
  Seattle, WA
• Wenatchee Valley Museum
  Wenatchee, WA
• White Pass Country Museum
  Packwood, WA
• Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
  Seattle, WA

These museums offer discounts to military families:

• Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Been here- LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!)
  Seattle, WA
  $2 off regular admission with an active military ID.
• Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
  Leavenworth, WA
  The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum offers free admission to active military and their families all year long.
• Museum of Glass
  Tacoma, WA
  $2 off adult admission with military ID
• Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
  Seattle, WA
  We offer $2 off our Museum Experience admission for current military, veterans and their families

Freebies 4/17

Target is giving away free reusable totes today for earthday

Free Goodnights Sample at Target
http://samples.target.com/

Free OxiBotanicals face stuff
https://oxygenbotanicals.wufoo.com/forms/z7x1s7/

Free Zantac
http://www.zantacotc.com/sample/?sc=ZANACQWEBBANVAL1103073

Free Digiblock Sample (math tool for kids)
http://www.digi-block.com/sample.html

Odd (wo)man out.

As a military wife you get used to people moving on, changing up and being 1500 or even 5000 miles away . So when you have a chance to make friends you try to.. maybe that's just me. But what I have discovered is a passive 'its like you moved, you don't exist' type of attitude after a while. If you don't do what people want and cater to them, you get marked off the list and they move on to the next sucker, I mean friend. 90% of the time there is no thanks, no reciprocation. I have been invited to parties, all so that people can sell me crap. I have been asked to babysit, help out with gas money, do this or that, volunteer to help with this project or that event. But the consistency is this: No thanks from when I do help, just an expectation that I will keep doing whatever it was without any kind thought or god forbid, payment for services. OR I get dumped, but not to my face. Its a covert set you to the side, not respond kind of dump.

I will admit I have been a party to that too... when one of the wives here decided she wanted to use me as her personal commissary at 10 pm on a school night repeatedly, I finally stopped answering the door. I tried to say no, but she never heard it, just asked for something else.. The first few times I shares what I had, all in the name of trying to be a friend, and fellow military wife who knew how tough it was. Never a thank you and never any offer to help out in return or repay the MULTIPLE times she had received kindness. And I came to find out I was not the only one who was getting hit up. And with each new wave of wives, she got a new group of patsies.

I am a patient person, a giving person. I am not healthy, and sometimes I try to do more than my body wants to because I want to be there to help. I have been in the position where there was no one, with little kids at home, husband deployed, everything falling about my ears and nobody I felt I could turn to for help. I hate to see anyone go through that.. But now I am so beaten down that when I do rarely go to any event I sit quietly and don't say much of anything at all. I have been told it comes off as aloof.. but to be honest I am just uncomfortable saying anything, because even a statement like the sky is blue plays telephone and by the end of a night its something altogether different. So I stopped going to things, took myself out of the equation, and left it all to those who can play the game or who are more naive than I, and think that they too can make a difference. I obviously can't anymore because I don't know how to play this game.

But I have to be honest, and tell me how many of you out there feel this way too: I feel burned, and I am giving up. I always heard wives talk about the drama, and the backstabbing and the PITA of it all. I think I understand now. I started out in the mindset that I could change things, I could help just one person, just one, and it would be worth it. What I got was drama, hate mongering, completely made up gossip, overwhelming demands with no offers of help, people who wanted to take all they could get and never be thankful, and people who treat me like a leper because I wanted to help.

It took me a lot of years to give up, but I concede. I am tired of trying, and being left out. I am tired of helping and never being thanked- just two words, thank you, but they never came, and they won't. I always thought I was a nice girl, a friendly, dependable, knowledgeable, loyal, loving girl. That's what a person should look for in a friend, right? I guess not.. maybe its just me. So I yield.. I will focus on other things.. take up other causes, but this one, I leave on the curb. Free, take at your own risk.

You know what sucks about the whole thing? I have very few friends any more, and all the ones I do have are no where near where I am. I'd like a good cup of coffee with my best friend, and a chance to just be me, no strings, no what can you do for me, no gossip or drama. Just two good friends, hanging out.

Tap Rock: A+ on the salad guys..

They introduced a new spring salad with poppyseed dressing, strawberries and almonds (pictured below) and I fell in love. I like it well enough that I wanted to share.. and those of you in teh Kitsap Penninsula area, definitely check out The Taprock. They have wicked good food and we never have a wait, its sort of a hidden secret.

Next, thanks to a friend who ordered several of these to try with us, fruit candy that looks like sushi and that you make all by yourself! Its a gel based sweet, and you make them in a dish that comes with it. Even the salmon roe are awesome! You rock Katie..  These are awesome! (and the ones one the plate we actually made in our own kitchen!)

The lesson here, don't be afraid to try something new!

What are your saving this week..

So far I am averaging about half off this week with coupons.

I saved nearly $70 at the commissary off a $170 bill, and $20 at Albertson's off a $30 bill.

With all the hubub about extreme couponing, and mega savings and so on, I thought I might share some tips on how teh reasonable couponer, or someone like me, goes about it all..

1. Figure out your current budget.

2. Figure out why you want to save and what you are willing to invest: time, initial money, etc.
 i.e. I only spend about 4  to 5 hours a week, clipping, sorting, organizing, printing if I get stuff online, and searching for deals. I save because I have a good sized family and every penny helps... the money I save on feeding them helps us to afford a membership to the science museum, etc.

3. Find your coupon sources:
~Sunday Papers
~online (smartsource.com, redplum.com, coupons.com, coolsavings.com and company websites)
~Hangtags and on shelves
~Coupon trains (A group of people , say Mary, Jane , Sue and Ann. Mary sends what she doesn't need to Jane, Jane sends to Sue, Sue sends to Ann, and Ann then sends to Mary. Each week everyone sends to tehir person, and takes what they need from what they get and forward the rest on)
~Newsletters: Many like Organic Valley send coupons in their newsletters (both email and paper)
~Facebook: Like your favorite products for opportunities for freebies and coupons
~Freebies: Freebies often come with a sample AND coupon
~Savings cards: Many stores send coupons to tehir savings club members, and allow them to bank points for purchases to get additional discounts
~Points Programs: Mypoints and Best Buy, many other sites offer points which you can redeem for giftcards or discounts
~Give your feedback! If you love a product or have had trouble with it, email teh company! They need the feedback (one of mine was used in a company marketing bit) and they will replace things if there is a problem.
~Birthday programs: Anything from ToysRUs to Applebees... many places send you a coupon for a birthday goody!

4. Figure out what it is you want to buy, and multitask (legally of course).
If you want to get a new XBOX 360, multiply your discounts: for example if you go to bestbuy.com you can buy it online topick up in the store. But make sure that you have a best buy rewards card, upgrade (its all free) to a gamer's account card. Then make sure that you have a mypoints account from http://www.mypoints.com/.  Go to MyPoints, click their link to Best Buy online, and you get anywhere from 1 to 10 points per dollar that you spend. You also earn points with the Best Buy card. Then when you get there they have a 5 minute policy- if it takes more than 5 minutes to get your item, you get a gift card for $5. They also price match, so if you find itat sears for $20 less, print out proof or take in their flyer. When we got our Xbox I got 1500 mypoints, Best buy Points (extra because we have a gamer account) , the $5 because it took them 10 minutes to find it, and it was 10 less elsewhere so they matched it. I wound up getting a gift certificate for Best Buy, a gift card from MyPoints, and I got it for $15 less than it was originally marked.

*You may not stack most coupons, so be sure that you follow the rules when multitasking- don't try to get something free by using 3 coupons on one item, because its fraud.

5. Prepare : Get to know sale cycles, and use your coupons in conjunction with sales to get the best deal. Also remember that you can use coupons on most clearance, which leads to big savings. If you know you have things you want to get that are one sale, get  those coupons ready.. I use envelopes and some short accordian folders to keep my coupons organized, and I have an envelope for each store before I go, and one for coupons I am using - just takes one and keeps them all collected. Its really helpful too because you can write on the envelope what your shopping list is! (Or you can paperclip it  to the front of the envelope and reuse it over agin.

Also get to know clearance cycles: for example, wrapping paper, decorations and so forth usually go on sale in January. Stock up ahead if you can.. I buy clothes and so forth a year ahead for my kids, so I can hit the clearance.

6. Remember savings etiquette: Don't clear the shelves, and if you have extra coupons you won't use by teh expiration date, pay it forward. I leave my extras right there on the shelves for others, and I have noticed that others have started to do it at my commissary too, which helps me!


7. Last but not least if you want to see some savings, and even make some money and are willing to put in a little extra effort, check out http://www.volition.com/ Where you can find out about secret shopping opportunities. They also have coupon info and freebie info, but best of all they have mystery shopping reviews, from people just like you. You can get info on what companies are good, pay well, and which ones are stinkers.

If you go the mystery shopping route (and know up front, NO COMPANY should ask for money to be able to shop for them. If they do, walk away.) However, http://www.mysteryshop.org/ offers a silver and gold certification, which includes study materials and a test for certification (its about $25 bucks) You don't need it to shop, but I get more and better shops with a silver certification.

Does anyone have any suggestions for additions to this?

Free Samples 4/15

Garnier Fructis Shampoo sample
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid97078.aspx?cm_mmc=dt-_-pure%20clean-_-walmart-_-static&wmlspartner=TnL5HPStwNw&sourceid=05557717191246952500

Diabetes Support Wrist Band
http://www.sansum.org/newsletter.php

Free Planet Protector's Kit (for kids)
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/education/kids/ppcform.htm

Factor Tree...

I sent this site to some of teh teachers I work with on a regular basis and so far 3 of teh responses that I have gotten back have been quite favorable! Everyone seems to like how easy it is to use, and a free trial to check it out is even better. That math we all like :)

Bzz Agent for today..

Today I got a box from Bzz Agent (http://www.bzzagent.com/) with Biotrue eyedrops, contact cases, and coupons WOOT! Lovin' it so far..

Also got accepted for the Singer sewing House Party (http://www.houseparty.com/). We'll see how that one goes, I am pretty excited for it. Love to sew, love to share sewing, and several people have asked me to help tehm learn so maybe this is a good chance to start giving lessons.

Also found a couple good deals:

Till April 16  you can get 75 4x6 prints at http://www.walgreens.com/ for 9.99 when you order online and use the code TRAVEL75

1/2 off canvas prints at http://www.cafepress.com/ through Apr 13 using the code THXMOM

Get a free night with redbox movies.. just click this link! (legit.. promise.) I got it through bzzagent :)

http://redbox.tellapal.com/a/clk/6Fb7F

I discovered this through bzzagnet..  Itis a pretty cool web site that help kids with math. I enjoyed it, think it was quite helpful.. Be sure to check it out! We have been playing around with it for a bit tonight and its really user friendly and pretty helpful!

Okie dokie... I am a bzz agent (go to http://www.bzzagent.com/ if you are interested in signing up too). They have all kinds of cool campaigns, some are more information, some are more coupons, some are more samples, and some a nice mix. RIght now they are doing one for Covergirl's 50th anniversary.

As they say:

The next generation of COVERGIRL… is you! Visit the MyCOVERGIRL tab to celebrate and let friends and this iconic beauty brand know just what it is that makes you an easy, breezy, beautiful COVERGIRL. As part of the fun, they’ll be offering samples, fun quizzes, sweet rewards, monthly and quarterly prizes and amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Go ahead, invite your friends to the party and rock your COVERGIRL all year long!

There’s always new stuff to do

We’ll check in with you monthly via quick email updates to let you know what’s new to the celebration, including updated quizzes, prizes and giveaways. So look out for our emails and check the COVERGIRL Facebook page often!

Click the pic above and check it  out for yourself!

Free Samples 3/28

Aveeno shampoo Sample
http://www.aveeno.com/1005/haircare-free-sample

Free Quit Smoking book
http://www.jazzbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=QUIT&Store_Code=JAJAZZ

Invincibility of Duct Tape

I think Duct Tape must be the greatest thing ever made (followed by the steam cleaner by McCulloch). I need to make a Lowe's run this week-end to get some more, because I am almost out. It was great enough when it was available in silver only, but now there are rainbow colors, even a rainbow tape, cammo tape, leapord print, you name it. I wish they had coupons for it, but as much money as it saves me, even without coupons it's totally worth it.. for example:

DH's car had a loose headlight from breaking one of teh mounts that had frozen and cracked when we tried to replace a headlight. So we duct taped that puppy in place ind it was good till the headlight went out the next time (quite a while later) and we replaced teh light and the tape and repeated several times over till teh car died. They wanted 150 bucks for that part.. I spent 5 bucks worth of duct tape on it..

I send boxes closed with it, fix anything plastic, cracked, or broken with it. I have taped hardback books back together, fixed a cup, and yes, repaired a duct.

I guess what brings this to mind is the Red Green show, which is awesome, and a blessing of PBS. They fix EVERYTHING with duct tape.. from the mega wok to the mid car engine sportscar (two 70's boats duct taped together after they sawed the trunk off one).. Anything you can imagine, you can duct tape.

SO from Possum Lodge's motto - 'I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess', I think it shoudl be modified:

I'm a girl, and I can duct tape, if I have to, you bet!

I must admit, I do love the Red Green show, too bad they don't make it any more. That's okay though.. I love Prarie Home Companion, who also loves duct tape (i.e. the American Duct Tape Council) and has the Ketchup Advisory Board.

New meter..

My mother had an extra coupon for a USB glucometer, which made it free for her to pick up and send to me. I have been using the program for it for several days now, because it was free to download. I love the program itself, its super easy to use, and I can log notes like my insulin consumption and meals/exchanges.

But today the glucometer came, and boy was I thrilled more than I even anticipated! Its small, easy to handle, easy to use, and lets me make notes right there! Its super easy to note before or after meal sugar notes, and it comes with a wall charger or charges from my computer. I had decided to wait to see if I liked it before I called the doc about a script change, and I just got off the phone..

Man do I love new tech, and when it makes my life easier when it comes to my health, even better!

Printable coupon sites

http://www.bettycrocker.com/clippings/coupons.aspx
http://www.boodle.com
http://www.boxtopsforeducation.com/CouponsPromotions/
http://www.couponbug.com
http://www.coupondiscounts.net/
http://www.coupons.com
http://www.couponsinc.com/corp/source/cp_clientlist.asp
http://www.customcoupon.com/
http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/coupons/
http://www.eclip.com/
http://mrsbairds.com/promotions/coupons.html
http://www.pfizerch.com/coupons.aspx
http://www.pillsbury.com/coupons/Coupons.aspx
http://www.save.com
http://www.smartsource.com
www.verybestbaking.com
http://coupons.walgreens.com
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/99/105304.htm
http://www.couponpages.com/coupons/s...et-coupons.asp
http://www.couponmountain.com/Printa...y_Coupons.html
http://www.everydayeating.com/Specia...s/Default.aspx
http://www.wow-coupons.com/
http://www.coolsaving.com/
http://wow-coupons.com/printable-retail-coupons.php
http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/
http://afullcup.com/upload/cmps_inde...upon_generator
http://www.redplum.com/
http://coupons.com
http://smartsource.com
http://www.armandhammer.com/
http://militaryshoppers.com
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

Long Live the Coupon Queen..

I admit it, I love coupons. I am not as neurotic as teh people who spend hours planning their shopping, spend money to get tons of coupons so they can buy enough toilet paper for 40 years or ketchup for a decade (dude really?? Do they no know the words expiration date and food poisoning), but I do stock up. And I am that annoying chick that you curse in line in front of you because I have a coupon for literally everything I buy- untill you hear the lady say 'It was 250 bucks, you only owe me 92.47.'

I grew up with not much.. mom worked 2 jobs to try and pay for a roof over our heads and food and utilities. 2 TEACHING jobs, so you can see how much THAT would be. My father was a deadbeat bum, who had disability and got money for us kids, but never gave it to mom to take care of us, because he was a jerk, which is why she left in the first place. But I digress.. it was tough and we learned how to budget. I didn't get electronics, I didn't get to go out to eat, I didn't go on vacations. I did get schooled on how to make my pennies scream for mercy, and I do.

I'm getting ready to lay out all the coupons I clipped this morning, to sort through things. I have trouble remembering my own name some times, but I can tell you what stores run what sales and when to start looking for them. I use multiple points programs, and can get multiple discounts on you name the product.

I guess it's something I am proud of.. I may not be healthy enough to work, but I can still contribute to the welfare of our family. Even on days when I can't get up off the couch because I hurt, I know that I have been able to make the times count that I can get up- I can make sure what money we do have is stretched so the kids have cool stuff to eat, to wear, to experience. Although I do have to chuckle.. dh went to go out today and teh first thing we talked about is what coupons I had, what does he need.. and bless his heart I had a coupon for free panties from Victoria's Secret, and the coupon man that he is, he stopped off and got them for me :)

I love that he knows me so well, and that he gets me, and gets what I do with this whole coupon thing. I think that's the statement in itself- we love each other and support each other, even in teh little things like saving money with coupons.

Asian PIckles and Sukiyaki beef recipes

These are two of our favorite recipes:

ASAIN CUCUMBER PICKLES

1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese rice wine)

1 teaspoon sugar

• In a large bowl, sprinkle salt over cucumbers and let sit for 20 minutes.
• Drain and cover with remaining ingredients.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or as long as overnight.

SUKIYAKI UDON

Ingredients (for sukiyaki beef)

• 3/4lb sliced beef
• 1/2 onion (sliced)

Spices (for sukiyaki beef)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 2 tbsp sugar

Ingredients (for udon soup)

• 2 pack of frozen udon
• 4 slice of soft tofu
• 1/4 cup green onion (chopped)

Spices (for udon soup)

• 3 cup dashi soup (or 2 tsp hondashi and 3 cup of water)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp sugar

Preparation

1. Pour hot water on Udon to defrost
2. Mix spices for sukiyaki beef in a small bowl (soy sauce, sake, mirin and sugar)
3. Heat oil in a frying pan and stir onion for 4 minutes
4. Add beef, stir for 2 minutes, then add spices. Stir until the liquid evaporates, then set it aside
5. Boil dashi soup then add spices for udon (soy sauce, sale, mirin and sugar)
6. Add Udon and cook until it starts to boil
7. Put udon and soup in a bowl, then add tofu, and put sukiyaki beef on top
8. Sprinkle green onions on top

NOTE: We also make teh sukiyaki meat and just top it over rice.

You know your kids are well adjusted when..

My daughter had a sleepover last week, not the first for sure. All the kids have had them.. and the same topic usually comes up at least once: When they go digging for snacks in teh fridge their friends ask 'What's all that stuff on the top shelf?'

Insulin pens. Lots and lots of insulin pens.

I am an insulin dependent diabetic, and over the last couple years my kids have all come to understand just what that means: Mom needs to take shots, why, and how to do it. They know how to check my sugar without my help, they know how to calibrate my pens, put everything together, and give me shots. They know what my sliding scale it, what the right blood sugar is. They know how to call 911, how to get in touch with the emergency backups, and what to do if something happens.

Somedays its a little daunting to think about the rest of my life testing and checking and injecting insulin. Well, most days. And it was a tough choice to decide to teach the kids how to handle an emergency, but it came down to two things: Either I teach them, and the can help me be healthy and get me the help I need should there be an emergency OR I can hide it from them and pretend nothing is wrong. What kind of mom would I be if I didn't show them adversity that can be dealt with, or teach them that they can handle this stuff without an emergency so that if one happens they know they can do it.

While I hate being diabetic, it gets so expensive and frustrating, I would do whatever it takes to be here and with my kids and husband. I have come a long way form being a total needle phobe to giving myself mutiple shots and sticking my fingers every single day for the rest of my life. Totally worth it though to gain days watching my babies grow up, sharing life with dh.

Free Samples 3/12

Brown bread..

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1 oz yeast 
• 2 c water, plus 1 1/4 cups water

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F

Mix the flour with the salt.

In separate bowl mix molassas, 2 c water and yeast. Let bowl  set  for 5 minutes.

Grease pan.




When ready, stir and pour yeast mixture, with all the remaining 1 1/4 cups water into the flour to make a loose, wet dough. The mixture should be too wet to knead. Put the mixture into the greased tin.

Put pan in warm place and let bread rise just to the top of teh pan (do not let rise any more or it will overflow). Bake for 20 minutes, then turn heat down to 400 for another 40 to 50 minutes. 

from food network

Free Samples for 3/11

Heres the list of things I found for today..

Free Neti pot or sinus rinse bottle.
http://www.facebook.com/WaterpikSinuSense

Sample Parent's Choice baby formula
http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/sample-gentle-baby-formula.aspx

Free Nursing Materials promotion (magnets, coloring books, etc.)
http://www.discovernursing.com/free-materials-promotional

Free cane for the blind..
http://www.nfb.org/freecane/forms.asp

Free OB tampons (mini)
https://www.obtampons.com/mightysmall/en/register

Free sharps container
https://www.enbrel.com/order-sharps-container.jspx

Review: Philly cooking creme

I got selected to have a house party this weekend, and we have been doing some trial runs with Philly cooking creme. I have to admit I really like it. I think I maty used it more often than not and I really liked the extra  flavor it added to teh things I have made so far. I edited the old family favorite baked mac and cheese, and it was a big hit!

Macaroni (8 oz) cooked and drained
1/2 c butter
6 eggs
1 1/2 c buttermilk
2 and a half 8 oz packages shredded cheddar cheese
1 tub plain Philly cooking creme
pepper


Cook and drain pasta, then add butter in and stir till melted. Add in creme and stir until melted.
Beat eggs and butter milk. Pour into the macaroni, and add in cheese. Season with pepper to taste and stir until cheese is evenly incorporated. Pour into a large baking dish and bake at 350 until gorlden brown on top and fork comes out clean.

Tragedy in Japan..

I have been lighting incense since last night when the worst of the quakes hit, saying prayers for those affected by this horrific natural disaster. I can't even begin to imagine what they must be going through, but I can at least offer my thoughts and hopes that they can come back form it quickly, and receive all teh support possibe. Hopefully the worst is over.

Fortunately so far all teh friends and family that we have and know are safe.

One of the things that bothers me is that people are already saying 'The beginning of the end' and 'End of the world is coming'. They are starting to claim that its the start of 2012. Whats sad is that the WBC will blame it on God's vengance, teh fanatics will use it as an excuse to do bad things, and people will get even more scared.

The fact of teh matter is that crap happens. Fire, earthquake, tornadoes, blizzards, accidents, you name it. What about the ice ages? What about the bottleneck of the human race because of the moster volcanoes when virtually all of humanity died? What about the other earthquakes that were the 4 worst ahead of this one? What about volcanic eruptions that annhialated entire city populuses like Pompeii? We as haumanity survived, we have come through natural disasters, hate, violence, wars, you name it. We have come through so many apoctalyptic predictions, and yet, here we are.

I cannot imagine any God or Goddess or Higher power that would cut us off with a fell swoop in 2012. I don't believe that there is a reason for it all- there is no revenge earthquake, no equivelency tsunami, no purposeful natural disaster. We reside on a living, breathing planet. It just is.. it would happen whether people lived there or not, it happened before humanity rose up, it will after we are gone.

That said, I think I am going to stay put for doomsday 2012, and ride it out with friends and loved ones in a safe place. While mother nature may not have premeditated plans, I am not so sure about humanity.

Another day, another lab..

I think it's a little disturbing that I am getting to know lab codes just by the numbers, and I know what tests mean what. Its sad that I can tell a good phlebotomist from a bad one by experience. I think that being sick has to be the most helpless feeling.. you start to think that you'll never get to feeling better after a certain point. I hate the feeling that I can't do things because I am ill, that I can't be the person I spent all that time and money investing an education to become, all the effort into being a parent only to not be able to do the stuff the kids grew up with.

At least I am making progress, but for every thing that I find and start fixing, there is one more thing that pops up. *sigh*

Hmm.. sticking to veggies and proteins all day, and went for a cookie, and half a cookie made me say ew, too sweet. I wonder what it is about the aging process that causes people to appreciate savory and bitter tastes more. I could do without sweet chocolate anymore, and pretty much anything sweet.

The body is a fascinating thing..

Boo, car, boo.

I can't figure out why we have such shoddy luck with cars. We do the research, do our best to get things checked out before we buy, and then *pfft*. I have yet to make it 6 months which out a major shitstorm of car mahem. I do teh maintenance, keep things going, checked, and still.

It was really a pain when we got a used car, one that dh had loved and wanted forever and finally found, that dropped teh engine as soon as he crossed state lines. So away goes 4 grand to get a new engine for his 'baby'. Cool, it was in great shape, lasted quite a while with moderate repairs here and there.. till we lent it out and it was totalled, the driver sliding in it down the highway with one wheel completely gone and sheered off. Did they pay for that? No. Apologize, you know I don't think so. I don't actually recal an OMG, I am so unbelieveably sorry. It was explanationof why our car was messed up anda deathtrap.

I need to learn to not trust anyone.. Which is a sad state but it seems whenever I do- mechanic, friend, you name it, it bites me in the butt. There are only a handful of family (by blood or marriage) who have stood by me 100%, and the people I meet in teh life we are living now are sure not striving to be that. I start finding myself resenting the people around me because they pull shenanigans, and I am so tired of that.

So to the woman who can't seem to apologize, and takes me for granted, I have had enough. So long.

To the woman who stalks me, because she wants to mooch, piss off.

To the nutjobs who can't seem to do their jobs, and cost us time, energy and peace of mind- get off your duff and do your job, or take a hike. I hate you with a passion of a thousand white hot suns.

The garden..

Bring it on! Just paid the community garden fee, and ready for some warm weather now. We got the eggshells scattered to send those slugs and snails a 'Not Welcome Here!' message, and the frames have been condesed into the one plot from teh extras I picked up last year. I think we will do the following:

Frames 1-4, each
~onions/garlic
~beans
~ tomatoes
~ spinach

I think I may run some squash  behind them.. I always end up with such a surplus of zuccini, but I really like teh 8 ball so that and maybe some delicata or something nice and compact. Definitely have to throw some cucumbers in the mix too.

I have one end set up for english peas on trellis, the strawberries are starting to poke up, and hopefully the berry bushes will make a strong comeback from the sheer hacking they needed last year.

There are cinderblocks ready for my herbs as well.. that made a tidy bit of easy work too.. cinderblocks with hole side up, filled with compost and earth, insert an herb, and they get good drainage from being high up, but the bottom touching the ground gives them a retained moisture through the hot times.

Not sure about what to do at the house.. I have focused mostly on the herbs and flowing plants so far. My camelia has come through well this year, and the wisteria is going to do well too. My $1 dead rose of sheron took 2 years to come back but it was looking quite nice last year. I need to get some new catnip, basil, dill and stevia but the count stands now:

6 kinds of lavender
organo (two varieties)
sage
cilantro
parsley
thyme (two varieties)
curry
chammomile
a few no names, that I will have to remember when they spring out and I rub the leaves and say, ah yes! That smell means <whatever the heck it was>.

So that was day 1.. I am ready to get my hands in the earth without a chill again. I love that I can grow my own organic stuff at a fraction of teh cost, and a much greater good for my body (getting out there in teh warm and active air.). I am so ready. bring it on!

What to do, what to do..

There is so much to do today, so many needs, but so little time for wants. What I have discovered is that it takes so long to get tehrough the necessities for teh day that there is so very little time left for the things that I want to do. And what bugs me teh most is that it costs out the wahoo if I decide to do something alone.. I love being a mom, but there are a few things that I would eliminate:

1. Mouthy teachers who can't seem to drop the attitude or find teh time to deal with anything till I bring it up to the administration then they say they were never informed.

2. Sitters who leave a mess, eat all my food, leave a mess (bears repeating twice) and then expect me to pay through the nose, and ask favors but won't return them. I should do for you for free, but you should do for me at minimum freakin wage?

3. Car repair. Brand new car, 2 months out of warranty, need 400 bucks of repair after I get it towed there (kaching again).

4. General lethargy.. that's on me. I dislike feeling wiped out.

But there are some things that make every day bright..

1. My family.. best kids ever, most loving and adoring husband I could have ever asked for.

2. Friends.. I have very very few, but the ones I do have are, as Christopher Eccelston would say- Fantastick!

3. Faith.. I am no bible thumper, rather I don't believe in the whole organized religion. I study eastern faiths, which have become western faiths now too.. and I am greatful for the option. I feel blessed to have looked for a few years to find teh entrance to a path that leads far forward. I know so many still looking for their faith, for a meaning to life, and while it is not in hand it is in view.

I am sure there are more, and we'll get there eventually.. gonna try to add to the llist as I am able, but if you see fit to take a moment to post.. what makes your life worth it? What is your bliss?

The beginning..

And in teh beginning, there was, well, the big bang, and red shift, and stuff. And now there is me, here, typing. It's amazing how one monsterous explosion can cause the world we know it.. and it makes me wonder if we'd shifted one star tothe left what it would all be like?

I'm an avid sci-fi fan, so I guess these things run through my head a lot, and somedays I wish there was someone like the Doctor to come save us from our own insanity.  We sure could use it when there is so much upheavel and so much destruction. I wish that there would be a superhero who was just a man (or a Galifreyan)  that worked for good, never wanted to hurt anyone, just save and protect what he could. If Everyone channeled a little bit of their inner time lord perhaps teh world would be a much better place.

But I digress... this blog, I think it will be a place to review cool stuff I find, share thoughs, and capture the cosplaying we do.

That is all.. for today.


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