Small Town Blues

Lately I think I've been antsy for some warmer weather and being outside more.  The cold weather is starting to get old, although we have had a pretty good winter.  I'm longing to see some flowers, green grass and have some sunshine on my face. 

We live in a small town and there isn't a lot to do so I am so happy to have a blog.  Actually we live in a town that is like a lot of other small towns that used to be booming but are slowly dying.  It is sad to see businesses close and people driving to big cities to do their shopping for clothes, groceries, appliances, and everything else that people need..... but that is what happened.

I just found out a couple of days ago that the lone clothing store in town has closed.  Now all there we have is a grocery store, hardware store, dollar store, two gas stations, Subway, McDonald's, two sit down restaurants, a post office, three insurance offices, a pizzeria, an antique shop, funeral home, flower shop, library, and two banks.  I think that about covers it.

I've never lived in a city before but think I wouldn't mind living closer to a city.  My kids have to drive an hour to go to college so that's a lot of gas money.  Actually, my daughter drives an hour.  My sons have driven over two hours to college twice a week last fall.  This semester it's once a week.   It's still cheaper than living on campus.  The majority of kids who graduate from high school leave this small town. 

We'll have to see where my kids get a job after they graduate.  Maybe my husband and I will move too!  I'm ready for a change.

Winner of Dry Idea Advanced Dry Fresh Deodorant Giveaway

 

And The Winner is..................................

Entry #893Tammy A.

 

I have emailed Tammy and she has already responded.  Thanks to all who entered this giveaway!

 

New Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath & Kitchen Cleanser Review and Giveaway

I've always liked to use Soft Scrub around the house cleaning my bathroom sinks and tubs and the kitchen sink.  It's been around for quite some time and always does a good job but I did notice that there was always a lot of residue and rinsing.

Guess what?  There's a new Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath & Kitchen Cleanser.  I got to try the Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath & Kitchen Cleanser with the lemon scent and am very impressed to say the least!  First of all the lemon scent is so fresh and clean smelling.   It's so good and smells like real lemons!   The new bottle and design are also improved and prevent spills.  It's got a flip off cap and the bottle is more sleeker looking and modern.

The first thing I wanted to clean was my bathtub because it needed it the most.  I  must admit I hate to clean bathtubs but with this awesome new product it was kind of fun!   I squirted some of the Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser around the bathtub and went and had a cup of coffee to make sure it had a chance to work.  Using a sponge I rubbed it and it really got the soap scum off good.  It made the bathtub look whiter and nicer looking too.

Rinsing was a lot better also because it didn't take as much water to rinse the residue down the drain.

Next I wanted to clean the kitchen sink and it made my stainless steel sink shiny and newer looking.  It was a lot less work for me to use Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser because I didn't have to keep rubbing.  You don't need as much elbow grease with this wonderful Lemon Cleanser.

New Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser is my new cleaning friend and it's going to be a little more fun to clean from now on.

Soft Scrub is hosting a sweepstakes with the release of new Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser.  One grand prize winner will receive $1000 and a 1-year supply of Soft Scrub coupons, while 250 additional winners will receive one Soft Scrub coupon.

My Giveaway: If you would like a chance to win 2 coupons for a free full size Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser for yourself just enter the Rafflecopter form below.  Age 18 years or older living in the U.S.  Giveaway ends 3/14.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Soft Scrub provided a free sample of Soft Scrub Total All Purpose Bath and Kitchen Cleanser for this post.  My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Free Sample Suave Moroccan Infusions Haircare 

To get a free sample of Suave Moroccan Infusions Shampoo and Conditioner just click here to get to Suave on Facebook and 'like' them.  Then you have to click 'enter now' to sign up.

Movies Are A Staple In Our House

If you would happen to be at our house sometime, you might see a member of the family watching a movie in their spare time.  You might say we are movie people and love to watch movies.  It's in the genes I would say. 

My twin sons are going to college for Digital Video Production.  They have lots of dvds and  blu-rays that they get with their spare money and like all kinds of movies, whether it be drama, comedy, or whatever.  Hopefully some day they will get a job with their college education.  Maybe they will work in Hollywood.....who knows!  The boys also like to be in movies too and make their own videos for you tube.

My daughter is finishing college this Spring and will be getting a double major in Art and Graphic Design.  She worked for  a couple of years at Walmart and saved her money and she is going to Italy in May for a month for her last two classes to study abroad.  She loves movies also, by the way, and knows a lot about all types of movies.  She even knows facts and trivia going back to the silent era. 

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Now, where do my kids get this interest movies, you might ask?  I think they get some of it from me.  I love old classic movies.  My favorite channel is TCM and I'm usually watching a movie at night.  I don't know what it is but it is so relaxing and great entertainment for me.  I just get my bowl of popcorn and a glass of iced tea and am all set!  

So, there you have it!  We are a movie family and it's something we all have in common.  Good clean fun!

My Garnier Olia Review

I'm a BzzAgent and was very excited to get to be able to try a new product, Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Color.  My hair was getting mousy and drab looking this winter so I was really ready to get something to lighten it up.

First of all, there were so many shades to choose from and I chose the Dark Blonde shade to highlight my hair.  This product has no ammonia and is a 60% oil blend with natural flower oils.  It really does have a great fragrance for sure.  No nasty fumes in this awesome hair color.  I really liked the smell.  Also a plus is that is makes my hair softer and definitely easier to style.  The difference is amazing.  I couldn't do anything with my hair lately.  Now it's a snap to style it with all the body I have.

Before Garner Olia

The tear drop shape of the applicator bottle too is very modern and cute, although it's a bit hard to handle.  The box comes with some black gloves which fit my hands great.  The process for coloring your hair with Garnier Olia is very easy.  Just add the colorant to the foam developer and shake well, then apply to your roots first and let it on for 30 minutes.  Thoroughly rinse off the color and apply the conditioner and let on for a couple of minutes, and thoroughly rinse again.   Another positive thing about Garnia Olia is the consistency.  There is no drips or spills so it is not messy like other hair dyes.  It was nice and creamy with a wonderful texture.

After Garnier Olia

I like the results of New Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Color and will definitely try it again.  I didn't have any allergic reactions to it either, but you should always perform a skin allergy test 48 hours before each use of the product, per their instructions on box.



Disclosure:  I received the Garnier Olia to review and no compensation was given.  Opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Get A Free Sample Nescafe Memento

To sign up to get a free sample Nescafe Memento and $1.00 coupon just go here to watch a short video, then click 'free sample' to fill out your information. 

Ideas For Short Hairstyles

I have had short hair for quite a few years now and like that it's easy to maintain and doesn't take long to get ready to go out.  Lately, I've been thinking of getting a different hair style for shorter hair and thought I'd show some different examples that I found.

Image credit:  diyushop.com

I like this one but my hair is shorter than this so I guess not.

Image credit:  honey.hubpages.com

Not sure about this one. Kind of the messy look, but cute on her.

Image credit:  woohair.com

I like this too!  What do you think?  Raquel Welsh still looks good!

Image credit:  www.vuhelp.net

This style is cute too!  Might be my favorite.

Image credit:  lucason.com


Looks good but I don't think it would be good for my face shape.  

So there you have it, some hairstyles for you if you happen to have short hair.  What's your favorite?

President's Day Trivia

President's Day Trivia

Happy President's Day!  Here's a little trivia about our Presidents!

 The third Monday in February is designated in the United States as Washington's Birthday, more commonly known as Presidents' Day. 

The most common religious affiliation among presidents has been Episcopalian, followed by Presbyterian.

 President William Howard Taft  gained 50 pounds his first term.

 Eight presidents were left-handed.

 The first to have a Christmas tree in the White House was Benjamin Harrison.

 President Obama is the first president to write email as president.

 President James Madison, the county's fourth leader, who stood at 5-foot, 4-inches tall, was   the shortest president.

The term "First Lady" was first used in 1877 in reference to Lucy Ware Webb Hayes.

The Taste: Tuesday at 8|7c on ABC

Image Courtesy of ABC

Since I've never watched The Taste before but watched an episode for this review, it was interesting to see how the show worked.  On the episode I watched, the contestants had to choose five ingredients for their team and pair a wine to go with their dish.  It sounded rather hard to do if you weren't a wine connoisseur,  as one of the contestants mentioned.  

It was intriguing to see what ingredients the contestants chose for their dish.  Some of the foods the contestants used were sea bass, pork shoulder, poached salmon and blood sausage.   Yes, I said blood sausage.  The judges don't know which contestants made each dish or what ingredients were used to make it.  The contestants have to put a sample of their dish on a spoon for each of the judges to taste, hence the name of the show The Taste.  The judges pick a winner to go to the next round after they sample each dish.  They also have to choose their two worst tastes because at the end of the show two contestants are going home or eliminated.

  My favorite judge was probably Ludo who is a French chef.  I like his French accent, of course, and his personality. The other judges were Nigella, Anthony and Brian who I enjoyed watching too.  The camaraderie between the four judges is fun and they all seemed to fit well together.  It was also exciting to see the contestants hurry to finish their dish since they are timed and have an hour.  If you'd like to see the episode that I watched just go here.  I would recommend The Taste if you like food shows with contestants that end up with a winner.   It's entertaining and different that the regular food shows.  Watch The Taste Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

Disclosure: I am doing this post for Influenster.com and was not compensated but may be eligible for a prize.   These opinions are 100% my own.

Free Miracle Grow Expand 'N Gro Sample

To get a free Miracle Grow Expand 'N Gro sample just go here to find out more and sign up to get yours.  Says they have millions to give away.

Free Subscription to Harper's Bazaar Magazine

To sign up to get a free subscription to Harper's Bazaar Magazine go here.  Says quantities are limited so head over now.

Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends Giveaway

Introducing Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends!  I got a chance to try this newest cereal from Post and really liked it a lot.  Who wouldn't with the crispy mango flavored flakes combined with the real coconut shavings and coconut flavored granola clusters.

The new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends is a great way to start off my whole family's day.  It is really different and delicious tasting.  I haven't had any cereal like it before.  My morning breakfast has been kind of dull lately with the same old cereal so it was nice to try something fresh and new.  I like coconut so this was a real treat for me too.  My whole family really enjoyed Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends and it will be something that I would purchase again.

Tropical Trio Sweepstakes:  Now if you would like to enter  to win a tropical paradise vacation to Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, courtesy of the Purex brand, Honey Bunches of Oats, and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts just go here.   There will be 1 Grand Prize Winner for a four-night stay for two people.

Gloria's Bits and Pieces Giveaway:  If you would like a chance to win 2 coupons for a free box of Tropical Blends for yourself just enter the Rafflecopter below.  Age 18 years or older living in the contiguous U.S.  Ends 3/2/13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Post provided a free sample of their Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends so I could review them.  However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.  Also provided was information on the Tropical Trio Sweepstakes and I may qualify for a prize.

Get A Coupon For $1.00 Off Kraft Miracle Whip Or Mayo

To print a coupon for $1.00 off a 30 oz. jar of Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo just go here.  Great coupon I just found!

Busyness 

Everyone seems to be busy these days.  With all of our modern conveniences you would think that we would be less busy and have more leisure time but that doesn't seem the case.  People are always rushing around and it's a never ending circle with cell phones, computers, dishwashers, microwaves and all the modern technology.  

Have you ever wondered what our forefathers would think of the way we live these days.  They didn't have any of the modern conveniences and I think they had more time to be with family and friends than we do these days.  

People these days are rushing here and there and going nowhere it seems.  When did this all happen?    Everything is fast and instant nowadays.   People want a quick fix to their problems too.  Instead of trying to resolve problems in their marriage some quickly get a divorce.  Kids grow up without parents to guide them and then they get into trouble.   We wonder why the world is in the shape it's in.  Maybe we should get back to the basics and try to slow down a bit.  That's just my opinion.  What's your thought? 

Free Samples CLEAR Ultra Shea

Go here to sign up to get a Free Samples CLEAR Ultra Shea!  Says your complimentary samples will arrive within 8-10 weeks.  One per household while supplies last.  Who doesn't like free samples!

Free Sample Poise Kit

To get your sample Poise kit just click on this link.  It will take you to Poise Facebook link and you can choose 1 out of 3 types of Poise kits they offer.  Hurry while this offer lasts!

Get A Free Magazine Subscription

To sign up to get a free subscription to a magazine from RewardsGold.com go to this link.  There are are some good magazines to choose from such as Martha Stewart Living, Forbes, and more.  All you have to do is fill out a short form.  Just found this so don't know how long it will last.

 PUREX CRYSTALS FOR BABY winners!

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Entry #116Maggie T.

Entry #1709Michelle T.

Entry #552Terri M.

 

I have contacted the winners and they have 48 hours to respond!   Thanks to all who entered and look for another giveaway soon!

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh Review & 

Giveaway

One thing everybody uses daily is deodorant or antiperspirant.  I like a deodorant that keeps me dry and fresh because I tend to perspire when I go for my daily walks.  In the summer I don't even like to walk because I don't like getting sweaty.  That's why I was so excited to try new Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh.  

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh brand is an antiperspirant and deodorant which has odor protection that lasts for 72 hours and also has Pulse Activated Wetness Protection.  Dry Idea brand guarantees to Never Let Them See You Sweat with their fabulous line of antiperspirant and deodorant products.  It has a silky smooth application which is formulated with Vitamin E also.  On top of that Dry Idea is hypoallergenic so you don't have to worry about having an allergic reaction to it at all.

I tried Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh for a few days to try it out and was very happy with the results.  First of all the scent is so remarkably clean, fresh and awesome smelling!  That was a big plus right away.  It was just the amount     of scent or fragrance and not overwhelming at all.   For my review I tried the Dry Idea AdvancedDry roll-on and it glides on your skin very smoothly and evenly.  It is fast drying and didn't leave any marks on my clothes either.  I always hate when that happens with other deodorants.  

When I went through my day doing the usual it didn't lose it's odor or Pulse Activated Wetness Protection either.  I even went for a two mile walk and it kept me dry and fresh.  I was happy with the results and plan on using Dry Idea AdvancedDry every day.  If you'd like to find out more about Dry Idea just go to there Facebook page also.

Dry Idea brand is hosting a consumer sweepstakes along with the release of new Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh brand antiperspirant and deodorant.  One grand prize winner will receive $500 and 10 additional winners will receive $50.

GIVEAWAY:  If you'd like a chance to win 3 coupons for a FREE Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh for yourself please enter the Rafflecopter below. One winner will win all 3 coupons. Age 18 years or older living in the contiguous U.S.   Giveaway ends February 25, 2013.


a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure:  Dry Idea provided a free sample of Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh brand antiperspirant and deodorant for this post.  My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

No Snowblower At Our House!

No Snowblower Here!

We had our biggest snowfall starting last night and ending this morning here in Michigan.  No, we don't have a snowblower and that means the snow has to be shoveled by hand!  Luckily I have a husband and twin sons who can do the job.  I have shoveled a lot of snow in the past though, and still help out when needed.  We sure don't get the snowstorms like years ago.  It must have snowed close to a foot in some places with the blowing and drifting.  The snowmobilers are sure having fun today anyways.   The snowstorm was a day late.  The weather forecasters predicted it for Wednesday night so it must have been a slow moving storm, since we didn't get it until Thursday night.  All the schools in the surrounding areas were closed so there were lots of happy kids today!  A neighbor we know just called to see if the boys could shovel her driveway so it looks there will be more shoveling for the boys.

Travis In Front Of Our Garage

Dustin Making A Path

It Was Snowing When I Took This Picture.  See The Spots!!  

Making Headway

Get A Free Sample of Playtex Gentle Glide 360 Tampons

To sign up to get a free sample of Playtex Gentle Glide 360 Tampons just go here to the form to fill out from Walmart.  Only one per household.  While supplies last.

Teeple’s Testosterone New Book I’m Still Sexy So What’s Up with Him? & Movie Tickets Giveaway Winner

We have a Winner!

The winner of the Teeple’s Testosterone New Book I’m Still Sexy So What’s Up with Him? & Movie Tickets Giveaway is...........................

Entry #1831Cassandra M.

I have contacted Cassandra and she has responded already!  Thank you so much to all my readers who have entered.  I will be having another giveaway in the next few days!  

Congrats Cassandra!!!

Get A Free Sample Centrum Burst Chews

Head right here to sign up to get your free sample of Centrum Burst Chews.  Hurry while supplies last!

Samples will be sent within 6-8 weeks.  Available to U.S. residents except North Dakota.

Ways I Save Money For Our Family

With prices going up constantly I am always looking for ways to save money for the household expenses in any way I can.    

In the cooking department I am cooking from scratch as much whenever possible.  Yesterday I made a big pot of homemade stew and  and it will be leftovers for a couple of days also.  It cost me about $12.00 for the stew meat, a can of tomato soup for around 69 cents, a package of frozen peas for $1.00,  a small package of fresh carrots for around $2.00, and  about 6 or 7 medium potatoes and an onion for probably a couple of dollars.  My family of five are big eaters which includes three adult children and my husband and me and this is a filling meal for them.  It's healthy too with all the fresh vegetables in it.   To go along with the beef stew I've been making homemade baking powder biscuits.  They are super cheap to make and only take 2 cups of flour, some shortening, baking powder and salt.  The recipe for the biscuits is here if you'd like it.  I will have to get the recipe for the stew written down.  It's really kind of something I make by guess.

We've also been saving some money by keeping the thermostat down a lot more than we used to.  It gets pretty cold here in Michigan in the winter.  Wearing a sweater and slippers helps keep you warmer.  Also covering up with blankets while you're sitting helps out.   Keeping something by the door to keep the draft out also does help.  I also keep the curtains shut when the sun goes down.  

Clipping coupons for things I use is something I always have done and still do to save money.  Sometimes the generic brand is just as good and many times I just buy generic brands, especially for something like flour, sugar, and some canned items.   My husband just found out he likes a store brand of crackers better than a name brand so that's a savings.

I haven't been buying as much clothes as I used to.  Clothes are expensive and the only way I will buy some are if they are on sale.  Clearance sections are a great place to look also.  I also wash laundry in cold water a lot of times when clothes aren't really that dirty.  That saves on energy to heat up the water for washing clothes.

We also plant a garden every year and plant lots of veggies.  I'm still using onions that we harvested last summer.  Canning also can save money and tastes a lot better than store bought food.  I can tomatoes and use them for chili and goulash.  This coming summer I want to try canning some other veggies and possibly some fruits.

These are some ways that I help out to save money for our family.  Do you have some tips on saving money?  I'd love to hear them!