Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover {Review and Giveaway}

Disclosure:  Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar in exchange for a product review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.


Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover {Review and Giveaway}
 
Some products have been around for a long time.  You may have heard of them before but never have used them.  One of these products that I have heard of before but just never thought of trying is Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover.




Did you ever hear of this little bar before?  It's been around a long time, like since 1894!  Wow!  I was surprised to hear this.  Fels-Naptha is wrapped in paper just like a regular bar of soap and is 5.5 ounces. Fels-Naptha is really different and unique and is used to treat stains or just for a laundry booster with your detergent. 

I couldn't wait to try this little bar out.  I got out my grater and grated some on top of my towels.  It says to use 1/16th with detergent so I just grated some and didn't measure exactly.  You can also use it to pre-treat stains.  Just rub the stain with a wet bar of Fels-Naptha and let sit for a few minutes, then wash with your regular detergent.



Fels-Naptha had a smell which reminded me of the old days I think, not "perfumey", but a clean fragrance.  I think it was like some homemade soap my mom had when I was little.  Anyways, my clothes came out cleaner and fresher!  I can't wait to use Fels-Naptha again in my laundry!!  This is a product that I will continue to use again for sure!

To celebrate their 120th anniversary Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar is having a 120 Winners Sweepstakes.  One lucky winner will win the $500 grand prize and 119 second place winners will receive a coupon for a free bar of Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry bar
120 Years Sweepstakes



Gloria's Bits and Pieces Giveaway:  If you would like a chance to win 2 coupons for a FREE Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover for yourself just enter the Rafflecopter below.  Ends 8/17/13. Ages 18 or older in the U.S.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sunday, July 28, 2013

Special K Nourish Bars and Hot Cereal Review

Disclaimer:  I am a BzzAgent and received complimentary samples and coupons to review product.  Opinions are my own and yours may differ.


Special K Nourish Bars and Hot Cereal Review

Recently I had the pleasure to review some new yummy poducts from Special K, which is a brand I regularly purchase.  I got to review these products complimentary from BzzAgent.  There were 3 varieties of Special K Nourish Bars and 3 varieties of Special K Hot Cereal.  


My favorite of the bars was the "dark chocolate nut delight".  I love dark chocolate and also nuts so this was the one for me!  It was tasty and kind of like eating a candy bar to me. 


I love that these bars have lots of nutrients like calcium, vitamin D & Iron.  Since I'm getting older I need more of these nutrients and these are one way to get them.  The other two flavors were "cranberry almond" which was my second most favorite.  It was good too and would be great if you are a fan of cranberries and almonds like I am.  The third flavor is "lemon twist".   My mom tried this since she loves lemon and she said it was delicious and could really taste the lemon flavor.


 She also liked that it was good for her (she's a senior citizen and likes to eat healthy) and said she would eat them again.





As for the Nourish hot cereals so far I have tried the Nourish Cranberry Almond.  These hot cereals also have lots of nutrients in them such as iron, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin C to name just a few.  They contain whole grain blends also.  It was so easy to prepare, just add 1/2 cup of cold water to the bowl and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.  Then mix the toppings that are attached to the top of the bowl in your microwaved cereal.  I really liked that you could prepare it so fast.  These would be great for on the go, or to take any place for a quick breakfast, like to work or camping, etc.


The other two hot cereal varieties are Cinnamon Raisin Pecan and Maple Brown Sugar Crunch.  I'm sure I will love these also because I love cinnamon and raisins, plus maple flavor and brown sugar flavors.  The portion size was just right and it was filling to me. 

All in all I enjoyed these products and thanks to BzzAgent for allowing me to review them. 


EquityLock Protector & Giftcard Giveaway Winner~






Equity Lock Protector and Giftcard Giveaway Winner

is............................



Entry #950Cassandra M.



Thank you to all who entered in any way!














Friday, July 26, 2013

County Fairs........ Aren't Like They Used To Be



County Fairs....... Aren't Like They Used To Be


Did you go to the fair when you were young or maybe you still do.  We haven't been to one in quite a few years since our kids are in their 20's now.  

But today my husband thought of the idea to take a drive to the fair since it's on this week.  He thought it would be something to do and it was a nice day out, not too hot.

Well, was I surprised to say the least.  There were not many people there at all.  The rides weren't even going except the ferris wheel.  Somebody must have been riding that at least.


These ponies were just standing around waiting to give rides to some little kids but there weren't any kids around.  The ponies were so cute I had to take some pictures.  The pony below just stood and looked at me, isn't he sweet.


Hubby and I walked around and went in the merchant's building and there weren't many businesses in there either.  I remember years ago when the building was packed and they gave rulers, pens, pencils, and goodies away and everyone had drawings that you could sign up to win a prize. 

 The 4-H building was a lot smaller than when my kids took 4-H also.  I guess there aren't many 4-H groups any more.  When my kids took 4-H the building was packed with things kids made, collected, grew and what not.  Now there was a lot less than ten years ago for sure.  Probably less than half as much.


My husband said maybe it's because every town has a festival these days.  I don't know but he could be right.  It seems like every little town has a festival and people get so much of it.  Anyways, it was a nice day out and we took a tour of the fair.  Hubby had some homemade french fries (I was good and didn't splurge) and we sat on a bench for awhile.  It was nice to spend time together anyways.  Maybe they got busier later after we left but I see it's raining outside now.





Wednesday, July 24, 2013

More Backyard Visitors



More Backyard Visitors


Lately I have noticed something has been eating the green beans in our garden out back.  We have a corn field (10 acres) around our house so there is plenty of corn to eat but I guess the deer that live around here want some green beans too.
They must want a variety of veggies in their diet, ha, ha.

My husband planted green beans twice, at different times.  We did get about three pickings from the first plantings.  There were lots of the plants eaten though.

Hubby then planted another four rows of green beans.  Well, once they were growing nicely, somebody thought they would be nice and tasty too and ate the whole four rows.

Daughter K. went out to look if we had any summer squash today and noticed that some of the corn was trampled down and there were a lot of deer tracks around the bean plants.  Thank goodness they did leave some for us!



We looked out back today and saw this little guy looking around.   I'm glad he doesn't like onions or squash anyways..........

Last year we planted a bunch of tomato plants and guess what..........something ate those too!  Now we plant them in front of our house.  So far, so good for them.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Ways We Save Money




Ways We Save Money


Everybody knows that prices keep going up including food, clothes, bills, and what not. Do you save any money at all?  It sure is hard to do in this day and age.  We have 3 children who all are going to college so we have to cut corners any way we can.  Thankfully, my daughter is graduating next month so that will help a little.  We'll only have our twins going then, ha, ha. 

Now, I just made a decision to start saving a little money that I find, like change or a few dollars even. Then once a month or more I'm going to make a deposit in my savings.  We haven't been able to save any money at all for a looooong time so this is going to be a little "project" I do on my own.  I'm anxious to see how much I can save in a year.  It's going to be very hard but I don't care if it will only be ten dollars to deposit at a time.  It will be something.

Hey, I won't notice it if I don't have it to spend.  Anyways, that's my way of thinking.  Here are a some ways to save some money that we do in our family right now.
  • Stay home if you don't have the money to go out
  • Cook at home
  • Go to a beauty training school to get cheap hair cuts or highlights, etc.
  • Buy off brand foods instead of name brands
  • Watch movies on television instead of going to movies
  • Grow a garden (we have one every year)
  • Can your own vegetables
  • Have garage sales to sell unwanted items such as clothes, etc.
  • Wash clothes in cold water 
  • Turn your air conditioner higher so it doesn't go on as much
  • Turn heat down and wear sweaters/cover up with blankets
  • Sell unwanted items on eBay
  • Eat leftovers more often and don't waste food
  • Buy cheaper cuts of meat
  • Make popcorn for a cheap snack
  • Cut out soda pop and drink more water
  • Use coupons and check for sales on groceries, etc.
  • Check clearance items in stores to save
  • Instead of drinking bottled water get a water purifier
  • Don't hire to get household repairs and try to do it yourself if not to complicated
  • Paint your own room if needed
  • Sell your vehicle instead of a trade in at a car dealer (you'll get more)
  • Only have cell phone or landline (not both)
  • Buy used cars 
  • If we need a repair on the cars occasionally, we get our mechanic neighbor to do it
  • Don't have full coverage insurance on our cars 
Do you have any other ideas how to save money?




Sunday, July 21, 2013

Purex Fabric Softener Sheets {Review and Giveaway}

Disclosure:  Purex provided me with sample in exchange for a product review.  All the opinions expressed here are my own.


Purex Fabric Softener Sheets  {Review and Giveaway}


Purex is a brand that I can depend on to to a great job.  It has so many varieties of laundry detergent that I have used before and is a brand that I use regularly.  I just ran out of the Purex plus Fabric Softener with Crystals in my laundry room which I really like.  So when I had a chance to try out their new Purex Fabric Softener Sheets I was really interested.  I love throwing in a sheet or two dryer sheets with my laundry to get them wrinkle free and smelling good.  



When I opened the box that the Purex Dryer Sheets came in the first thing I noticed was that they were very heavily scented.  The scent filled my kitchen and dining area just as if I had sprayed an air freshener.  Wow, they are really a lot stronger than your regular dryer sheets.  You could use these in your hampers, linen closet, drawers or wherever you want to keep it smelling fresh and wonderful also.  I did put some in my linen closet and my husband said it smells really good!


I received the Sweet Lavender scent which was great because I love the scent of lavender.  The other scent they come in is Mountain Breeze which I want to try next.  Since these dryer sheets are 3x the fragrance vs. previous sheets I only used one in my laundry.

Results:  My laundry came out smelling really good and were wrinkle free.  The fragrance was just right to me. There was no static cling also. They are a product that I will use again.  



Giveaway:  One winner will win 2 coupons for a box of Purex Fabric Softener Sheets.  Enter below Rafflecopter form below.  Age 18 or older in the U.S. Ends 8/02/13.






Saturday, July 20, 2013

Signed Book "Open" by Craig Gross Giveaway

Disclosure:  Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to me in promotion of Thomas Nelson.


Signed Book "Open" by Craig Gross Giveaway



 Get inspired and energized with this new, life-changing book, Open, by Craig Gross, available now wherever books and eBooks are sold.

Doesn’t it feel great when you find a book that really inspires you? Something that really gets you motivated to live and love better?  

Author and speaker, Craig Gross, is helping men and women all over the country do just that.  In his new book, Open, Craig is letting you discover a life of freedom, confidence and success by being honest and transparent with people you truly hold dear.

How would getting more "open" benefit YOU in your life and relationships? 

Hear why Craig believes this message of "openness" for FAMILIES is so important:

"Open" is for families because "Open" is for everyone. Yes, accountability is helpful for individuals; it can help men become better husbands and fathers and women become better wives and mothers, and accountability can help young believers grow into a more mature faith. But beyond showing the individual benefits of accountability, "Open" shows that an honest, forgiving, caring, consistent, and respectful dialogue within a group dynamic--including families--serves only to make that group stronger and closer together. Your family relationships are forever and will outlast all others--why not make them open?
- Craig Gross, author of Open






About the author:
Craig Gross is an author, speaker, pastor, and revolutionary. He shot to prominence in 2002 when he founded the website XXXchurch.com. Craig is the author of nine books. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Jeanette, and their two children, Nolan and Elise.

Endorsements Received for Craig Gross's book, Open:
"I don't say this often, but this book is a must read."
Jefferson Bethke

"Open is one of the most relative and practical books on accountability I've ever read. Craig takes many routes, through stories from pop culture and his personal journey to help lead you to a life thats Open."
Josh McCown
NFL Journeyman 
 
Special Offer:
**For anyone who preorders the book via ThomasNelson.com before the street date of July 30, Thomas Nelson are also offering a special freebie pack. Visit ThomasNelson.com to learn more**

Giveaway:  Enter to win a  Signed Copy of the Book "Open" by Craig Gross. Ages 18 or older in the U.S.  Ends 8/6/13.

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Landmark Coffee Beans Review......And Giveaway!

Disclosure: I received sample of product to review and opinions are my own. No compensation was received for post.


Landmark Coffee Beans Review......and Giveaway!

Every morning when I get up one of the first things I do is have a nice big mug of coffee with my breakfast.  It's a time to just sit and relax and enjoy the time before the day starts. 

Are you a coffee drinker?  Do you enjoy your coffee time?  If you said yes then let me tell you about a fabulous coffee company that I found called Landmark Coffee.  Landmark Coffee is a small family run business which has been selling gourmet coffee since 1959. They use the highest quality beans available (100% Arabica).  I love that the packaging comes in a convenient, resealable bag too. Each order is fresh and small-batch roasted and is usually delivered within hours of roasting.  You can't get much fresher than that!



When I received the box that the beans were in the first thing I noticed was the wonderful tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee.  I opened the box and was excited to see the huge 2 pound bag of fresh roasted Decaf Columbia Supremo coffee beans Landmark Coffee sent me.  I always drink decaf coffee so was anxious to try it out.

So after drinking the Decaf Columbia Supremo let me say it is a great coffee!  I've been having it for a few days now and it is about the freshest and best tasting coffee I have tried for a long time.  It was the perfect balance of flavor for me also, not too strong at all with a just the right amount of body.  Like I said, the aroma is amazing and the taste is delicious.  I love drinking it with my half and half lite... ha, ha.  

Landmark Coffee has so many types of coffee that you should definitely check them out. They have Classic Blends, Medium Roast, Dark Roast, Flavored Coffees, Decaf, and Organic Fair Trade types of coffee.

All first-time customers of Landmark Coffee get a free pound of coffee with their order, and there is a $3.00 coupon for "liking" them on Facebook  (can't be combined with free pound offer on first order).  Check out their social media sites shown below.



Thank you to Landmark Coffee for providing the product to review and for the giveaway for my readers.

Giveaway: Now, if you would like a chance to win a 2 pound bag of coffee beans of your choice just enter the Rafflecopter below. Ends 8/9/13. Age 18 or older in U.S. only.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway




Thursday, July 18, 2013



I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.



Court Yard Hounds Album Review Project


I think everyone has heard of the popular country music band Dixie Chicks.  Two-thirds of the former Dixie Chicks - talented sisters Martie Mcguire and Emily Robison have been away from the limelight for a few years but are ready to get back into the studio with their new creation of Court Yard Hounds.


Amelita, out now, marks the Court Yard Hounds' second album.

Containing 11 new tracks, Robison and Maguire took a different approach with Amelita than their debut album in 2010. This album contains a new perspective, which is due in part to time passed since Robison’s divorce. “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robison. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun."



The Court Yard Hounds’ new album is a clear statement of who the girls are as artists, defining their sound as a band, with soaring songs that are personal, yet familiar and widely relatable.

"I love this band...the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people," says Martie. "We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.


Media Links:

Links To Buy Album:

Amelita Track Listing:
  1. Sunshine
  2. Amelita
  3. The World Smiles
  4. Aimless Upward
  5. Guy Like You
  6. Rock All Night
  7. Phoebe
  8. Divided
  9. Gets You Down
  10. Watch Your Step
  11. The Road You Take

My take:  These girls are really talented and sound wonderful as usual.   I loved the songs, especially "Watch Your Step" and "Amelita".  I think the girls have evolved in that they sound like some songs relate to their life experiences.  Some of my own events in life can relate to them.  I think you will be happy with the girls' new CD if you liked them before.



Tuesday, July 16, 2013

More Flowers In My Yard (Coneflowers or Echinacea)



More Flowers In My Yard (Coneflowers or Echinacea)

Coneflowers or Echinacea (those are Cosmos growing around them)

Closeup of A Coneflower

Monday, July 15, 2013

A Little Surprise In Our Breezeway



A Little Surprise In Our Breezeway



A few days ago I was going to go in the garage and saw this little guy hiding in a corner of the breezeway between our house and garage.  I imagine he was pretty scared and didn't know where he was.  He must have hopped in when the door was open.


Here's the little guy on the cement in the breezeway.

I told all the kids and they came out to see the little toad. (I thought it was a frog but my husband corrected me)  He probably saw lots of them growing up in the country on a farm.  My daughter who is afraid of bugs but not toads or frogs I found out,  picked him up to put him outside in the grass.  She just held him for a minute while I took a picture then let him go free to hop away.  Hmm...I wonder if he had a family around the neighborhood.



The little frog.....I mean toad, hopping away!   He really blends in with the grass and all.   Look at those little eyes and the bumpy skin.  They are some interesting creatures.  You don't see many of them anymore.   Good luck to you Mr. Toad!




Saturday, July 13, 2013

Winners!



Congratulations!!




Winner for the Sweet Sally's Bakeshop giveaway was.......Entry #111Barb S.

Winner for the Jack the Giant Slayer giveaway 
was.....Entry #608William G.

Winner for the Golden Island Jerky giveaway

 was.....Entry #660Nicole S.