New Year's Resolutions

 

As the new year approaches, we think more of goals for the next year and make our New Year's Resolutions. Some people superficially make their resolutions, to lose weight, spend less, enjoy family, all beginning next week. Others start off with best intentions but lose focus as the year continues. Some post and focus on their goals, to allow those to make a positive change. Honestly, I have the truest of intentions and have fortunately gotten about 85% of my goals accomplished without extreme focus. 

The other night, my husband very casually asked me about my goals for 2012. And I gave him a very blank stare. So to buy time, I asked what his were, and he handed me a notepad with 2 pages filled! He had various goals from physical to financial, from creative to material -- some were longer-termed goals, but still he had them listed to work towards it. He wanted to write them down and share them as accountability. 

I love him and appreciate that idea! He's right. We don't have to go it alone. If we seriously want to make changes, we need to employ the help of others, for support, encouragement, and joy!

I also think goals should be attainable. I do fairly well with my goals because they aren't so high that it would be extremely difficult to achieve. With that, here are my goals this year:

Discovering the Me in Mommy's Goals
1. Write more frequently

2. Get more faithful readers as I'm faithful to read others' blogs

 
Personal Spiritual Goals
1. Be more excited to regularly read my Bible 

 

Personal Goals

1. Exercise 2-3 times a week

2. Drink 6-8 cups of water each day

3. Come up with creative learning projects for my toddler

4. Renew my teaching license
5.Support and encourage my husband

Photo Credit: Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This Mommy's Year-End Discovery!

At the beginning of 2011, I wrote about my goals for 2011. And now at the close of 2011, I'm so amazed by the blessings. Here's a quick look back and an update...for my benefit too!

Discovering the Me in Mommy's Goals
1. Get to 200 Facebook friends before the end of January (and there'll an awesome giveaway from Sweeter than Sweets when Discovering the Me in Mommy's resolution is resolved)!
We did it -- thank you!
2. Post more of my thoughts (with the help of the Blog Dare) and build up my readership
I tried to more consistently blog, but I still have room to grow.
3. Be content with the rate my readership grows!

Contentment was much easier as life got busier!
Personal Spiritual Goals
1. Read my Bible and pray each day, willingly and whole-heartedly.
I got involved with a community Bible Study (Bible Study Fellowship) which really helps me to regularly read and study the Bible and pray more whole-heartedly.
Personal Social Goals
1. Learn to more happily serve my family, even especially in the mundane activities.
I think I forgot about this goal, but looking back, joyful service was achieved some of the time.
2. Find ways to invest in other women's lives.
YEA! I'm able to meet with awesome women twice a week!
3. Make sure to care for the ME in this mommy by drinking more water and exercising regularly.
This makes me laugh, because I hardly drink enough water still, but I am exercising...kind of!

 Photo Credit:Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Post-Christmas Rush to Return? Or Re-gift?

The presents are opened, and everyone's mostly happy, right?!? Earlier I blogged about my distaste for Christmas lists, but the thing about Christmas lists is that the satisfaction after the wrapping is undone should be a guaranteed 100%. So (perhaps) unfortunately for me, the one who doesn't like making lists, I some times get something that I could probably live without! Some times I am given the gift receipt, which makes returns a new attempt at a "better" gift. I've also heard that people can find out where the gift was purchased to receive store credit; not sure how this really works in practice because businesses might end up losing money in this deal because there are some who would abuse this. There is also much more love in sharing by donating to a charity who could use it. And there is the dear re-gifting!

I actually have a shelf for "gifts." Most are generic gifts, like candles, random pieces of jewelry which I like but probably would rather share with someone else, toys/games, lotions, fuzzy socks. If I don't "need" a gift I'm given, it might just end up in this shelf to be passed along to someone at a later time. Fortunately I have a pretty good memory when it comes to remembering who gave me what -- I can even remember which infant clothing was given to my daughter by which friend! But for those who don't, you might need to attach a note about who the gift was from and the date; obviously it would be embarrassing to re-gift to the person who originally gifted it to you.

So what do you actually do? Return or re-gift?!?


Photo Credit:Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

BluePay Giveaway Winner!

 

BluePay, a non-profit credit card processing company, offered a $50 giftcard giveaway, and Kelly D. is our lucky winner! Congrats and Merry Christmas!

The True Christmas - Name Above All Names

Yesterday I was driving home after picking up a few things I needed to make a dish for a Christmas dinner we're attending tonight! And traffic back from the store was twice as long and miserable, with the long wait of red brake lights. Driving does not bring out the best in me, but before I hurled my attitude down, this song came on the radio. Listening to it gave me goosebumps when the song I recognized began to change to different languages. For me, this is Christmas. There would be no joy, no hope, no love without this glorious gift. If you have a few minutes, watch this video of the song I heard.
What is Christmas to you?

Awesome Pillsbury Potluck Party!

While I do enjoy hosting parties, I've discovered that I end up being super stressed about details. After hosing the Pillsbury Potluck Party, I realized there are some easy recipes available! It was a fun night! I prepared a few recipes from the Pillsbury website, and my guests brought another Pillsbury dish to share. We had the Crescent-Wrapped Brie, which I'm making again for another Christmas dinner, Cheeseburger Pot Pie, which makes an easy dinner, and Holiday Appetizer Wreath, perfect for bringing to Christmas parties! My husband decided he would make some desserts which appealed to him, and he made the Chocolate and Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies and the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Truffles, which we dipped in dark, Ghirardelli chocolate!

As you can see, Pillsbury makes holiday entertaining easier (and also can make dinners around a busy time much easier)! I'm no longer stressing about entertaining; in fact, I'm bringing the Pillsbury Party! The weekend after this Potluck Party, I used the leftover ham for a Ham 'n Cheese Omelet Bake, which was both yummy and impressive! For your next party, check out Pillsbury's site, and for those of us who need it as easy as possible, Ideas Made Easy are created in less than 30 minutes with less than 5 ingredients! Also, many Pillsbury products are currently on sale, and with coupons, you could save even more! Click to print a coupon for $1.10 off the purchase of Pillsbury refrigerated products for your creations!

You can also follow Pillsbury on Twitter and like Pillsbury on Facebook.

***Opinions are strictly my own. The Pillsbury product, information, food ideas, online coupon link, and prize pack have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.***

Are you finished Christmas shopping?!?

I was listening to the radio the other day, and they mentioned that the average American spends $700 per family member at Christmas. I was shocked because I spend less than $100 per family member, some times even closer to $20 -- the most extravagant was getting my husband a laptop (which I'm currently using -- hee hee) several years ago.

In conversation today, I met a lady who must be the average American. She mentioned that her father was giving her $350 to spend on each child. In addition to that, she was spending $250 on each child, and her partner was spending $200 on each child. As graciously as possible, I asked if she had considered setting some of that money aside for college since a 4-year-old really doesn't need $800 worth of toys, but she somehow dismissed that idea. I'm still somewhat in shock, and honestly saddened that Christmas has been cheapened to spending dollars, some of which could be put to better use like paying down debts or saving for the future. What good will all the extravagant toys do when the family has no emergency fund? Anyway, this lady is still happily doing her shopping. And I'm happily done with my shopping!

How about you? Are you still shopping? Honestly, what kind of budget do you have for presents?

By the way, if you're still shopping, I have a quick giveaway for $50 from BluePay, which provides non-profit credit card processing.


Photo Credit: Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

BluePay for Non-Profit Credit Card Processing with $50 Giveaway

For business owners or non-profit organizations who need the use of credit card processing, let me introduce you to BluePay. With offices in Chicago and New York, BluePay is a small business and full-service credit card processing solutions company.  BluePay provides non-profit credit card processing; with customizable and secure solutions, they assist clients to provide an easy way to make donations. BluePay offers competitive rates with excellent customer service.

You can learn more about BluePay and their non-profit credit card processing solutions at http://www.bluepay.com . You can also follow BluePay on Twitter or LinkedIn.

BluePay is giving away a $50 Gift Card of the winner's choice. Be sure to click "Read More" to enter on the Rafflecopter form!

Oral-B Stages

Our playgroup got to have the Oral-B Stages experience, and the party kit was fun. We had everything in it to keep smiles bright, from the Oral-B Stages toothbrush and toothpaste, complete with Pooh Bear, Cars Movies, or Disney Princesses. My little one love Pooh on the toothbrush!

From the party kit, my favorite was the Disney Daily Renewal Naturals. I love the fact that it's paraben, sulfate, and dye-free, natural and safe for little ones!

Teaching children good hygiene is so important, and I'm so glad Oral-B was able to help us accomplish that! Smiles and special thanks to MommyParties and Oral-B Stages!

****This is not a paid post.  Thank you to MommyParties and Oral-B Stages who supplied the products for the party kit!**** 

Review Opportunity!

 
All right cloth diapering bloggers! Kebbie's Diaper Bag are looking for mamas to provide honest reviews and host giveaways of their cloth diapering products. Read more and sign up with Midnight Mommy!

Wordless Wednesday - Wishing for Spring!

Exciting News!

No, I'm not pregnant! But I wanted to announce that Judy (lucky #1) won the 39DollarGlasses giveaway, and coming up really soon will be a giveaway for a $50 gift card of your choice!


Photo Credit: Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Pillsbury Potluck Planning!

I'm planning my Pillsbury Potluck Party where each family will prepare a Pillsbury recipe to share with the others. With 30 minutes and 5 ingredients or less, which sound good to you?!?

• Crescent Cranberry Wreath
• Italian Crescent Casserole  
• Chicken-Chili Crescent Bake 
• So-Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Spicy Chipotle Twists

Get these and other great recipe ideas at Pillsbury.com!

Wordless Wednesday - Santa's Little Helper?

Making a Christmas List?

And just like that, Thanksgiving is over and the frenzied season of (Christmas) shopping begins. On our local news, a lady who had camped outside Best Buy since Monday (for Black Friday shopping), said that camping out for several days was "the only way" she could get her family presents for Christmas since she had lost her job. I grew up in all simplicity of gift-giving -- whatever you could afford which suited the person gifted was wonderful. So all the focus on Christmas lists and having certain presents under the tree is extreme for me. If someone asks me what I want, I'll say something, which probably I'll forget to use in a few months, but most presents that are given without my insights seem to be treasured more because I know they were thinking of me when they bought it.

For some people in my extended family, I'll probably have to buy something for them off their list. But we'll try to throw a little creativity in and see what happens!


Photo Credit: Image: Kittisak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tokii Review

 

Remember seeing commercials with the family sitting around the dinner table, and instead of talking directly to each other, they're all texting each other on their phones? Or maybe you know friends like mine who will be in the same house, and even the same room, but on their own computers or phones, chatting and posting each other on Facebook?!?  The digital world presents lots of opportunities but also presents relational challenges.

Tokii is a free online resource that uses technology to bring fun and closeness to relationships. Tokii's goal is to provide couples with tools to playfully and easily grow their relationships, using simple Discovery Games and questions, not discussions or clinical diagnoses.They have all sorts of categories, from love to spirituality. And know that Tokii takes privacy and security very seriously.

Originally I sat down alone to check Tokii out. My husband wandered over, and we tried out the Spirituality section.

It was a simple way of tapping into each other's minds and provided opportunities to talk more about different ideas!

Tokii is new and innovative. Sign up to connect and rediscover each other!

Thankful Thanksgiving

I was teaching my weekly class of 4, 5, and 6-year olds. As we were sitting around the tables eating our snacks, one 4-year-old boy was talking about Thanksgiving and said, "God made Thanksgiving." In reply, his classmate matter-of-factly said, "I thought the Pilgrims made Thanksgiving!" It just made me smile! These boys were looking back to the beginnings of Thanksgiving and not to the hectic rush of entertaining or even mad shopping preparations. It made me appreciate and desire the simplicity the holiday warrants. Probably at the first Thanksgiving there was a feast, but I'm sure they weren't concerned about straining family relations, proper table settings, or menu planning -- it was a feast celebrating survival and partnership.

We have so much beyond survival to be grateful for, and I'm choosing to recognize the simple blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours!

Wordless Wednesday -- Will she hit it?!?

Win $5,000 For Your School!

Team up with everyone you know for a chance to win $5,000 for your favorite grade school or high school. Register and watch the trailer for "Game of Your Life" -- it's a video gaming drama about a promising young video game designer who has to make a choice that will affect his future and the lives of everyone around him. Then ask all your friends, family, teachers, fellow parents and PTO members – everyone you know – to watch it so they can vote for your school once a day, too. Because if any one of the people you tell wins, your school wins $5,000. 

Enter here!

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 or older as of the last day of the month prior to the date of entry. Ends 12/2/11. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize description, visit http://tremor.promo.eprize.com/gameofyourlife/. Void where prohibited.

In a Fog...Again

Every now and then, I feel my head is enveloped in this scene, surrounded by fog, which disorients me. I'm the kind of girl who loves the sunshine, and when things aren't as I perceive sunny, it can really affect my entire outlook.

I know this is the season of giving, thankfulness, and compassion, and while I am personally attending to those attributes, I'm missing a certain and deliberate dive into the "holiday season." We've experienced major changes with my husband's job loss, and for a person who really does function best on routine, this has been great and not-so-great for me -- this blog began because I needed to find a sense of order and belonging when I entered motherhood, and I'm searching for that order again.

So I'm trying (one again) to be deliberate and disciplined. In an earlier post about my struggles with cleaning the bathrooms, a friend suggested a regular cleaning day. So I've been rather faithful in cleaning the bathrooms on Tuesday. And as I think about my desire for order and routine, I'm trying to keep making steps in the right direction. I've decided that I need to be awake before my toddler wakes up, and this morning, I woke to the sound of my alarm, laid in bed for several minutes as I thought about getting up, heard her waking up, and then we were both off and running as a good pace!

Thank goodness I don't have to host Thanksgiving! If you still have much preparation to do, check out the $5 Dinner Mom's Holiday Entertainment Guide -- she has a number of recipes and tips to keep the fog away!


Photo Credit: Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Only $.99 for Nov. 15! $5 Dinner Mom's Holiday Entertaining Guide

I'm not quite the holiday entertainer I'd like to be, but the $5 Dinner Mom makes it much more simple for people like me! Just to let you know, today she's offering her holiday entertaining guide for $.99 with code GOBBLE! The main goal of this guide is to make the upcoming season as stress-free and fun as possible. In the same fashion as her cookbooks and blog, she addresses the proper budget, items that are necessary and some that aren't, making the most of coupons and grocery store finds, delicious recipes for left-overs, and (my favorite) "the perfect plan to have everything cooked using only one oven!" Included are 30 recipes, from sides to desserts, like this Cranberry and Celery Stuffing -- even for Stove-Toppers like myself, I can handle this recipe! And for $.99, you won't be disappointed!

39DollarGlasses.com Review and Giveaway

I was contacted about reviewing 39dollarglasses.com, and I was so pleasantly surprised with the quality of their products! Trying to cut the extra costs applied to retail optometrists, 39dollarglasses.com allows you to purchase the same quality prescription glasses or sunglasses.

For the review, I ordered the Katie frame as sunglasses, which also came with a hard-shell case, lens cleaning cloth, and frame screwdriver tool.
This is the first pair of glasses or sunglasses I've ordered online, and I'm extremely satisfied with the process and with the end product. 39dollarglasses.com offers a variety of frames for all members of the family, with a printable PDF of the actual size of the frame so you could see how it would fit your face. After I chose my frame, I chose whether I wanted single vision lenses, bi-focal lenses, reading lenses, or progressive lenses; next, I inputted my prescription and and PD -- I had to use their online help to figure it out, which was basically the spacing between pupils!

The sunglasses I received are perfect for my face. I do not have much of a nasal bridge, and these frames sit wonderfully on my face, unlike most of the sunglasses I've bought at retail stores. These are one of the best pairs of glasses I've had, up there with the other pair of sunglasses that were purchased at an optical store about 15 years ago!

BUY IT!
Use code DTMIM for 10% off your order.

WIN IT!
39dollarglasses.com is offering a giveaway!

Book Review: One Father's Heart: How Christ Restored a Wounded Heart

I received One Father's Heart: How Christ Restored a Wounded Heart by Richard H. Ehrman.
A cathartic collection of memoirs, Ehrman recalled how his lack of true love for his two daughters drove them to drug addiction. With actions directly perpetuating their drug abuse because of a lack of courage to confront them all with the truth, his family crumbled. But the very end of the book brought out the boldness of trying to make things right and Ehrman's journey to know the grace of Jesus Christ.

One Father's Heart: How Christ Restored a Wounded Heart was brutally honest and sincere. Reading about the lack of love and support really tore my heart, and many times I was in disbelief at the actions of one who called himself a father. While the stories were compelling, there came a point where I just wanted them to stop because it almost became too much for me to bear. I am relieved to know he is on his journey of healing, and many have been helped because of his family's struggles.

Ehrman's style is simple to read and understand. Some times the chapter breaks also created breaks in the continuity though.

After reading it, I'm again reminded of the important role that parents play in the lives of their children, and I cannot, for any amount of time, neglect to love and teach my children. But before that even happens, I need to know the truth for myself before I can present truth to anyone else.

I'm sure One Father's Heart: How Christ Restored a Wounded Heart has also been instrumental in Ehrman's healing processes. This would be such an encouraging read for fathers, especially ones who have realized they have enabled their children to develop harmful habits, because they'd know their story wasn't yet finished. But I was intrigued to review this book because I wanted to know Ehrman's personal story, to hear the other viewpoint of a father who drove his children to be drug addicts -- I'm not sure that I was ready for the grim realities he shared.

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Deep River Books (July 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935265687
• ISBN-13: 978-1935265689

"To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!"

**I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications for review purposes. I was not compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are my own.**

Time To Vote!

"Public service, my son, must always be done by somebody. . . If wise men decline it,
others will not; if honest men refust it, others will not." John Adams


Actually it will be in the morning that I'm heading to the polls! Personally I try to make the most of my right to vote because I chose where to keep my citizenship. I believe that I need to do my part in helping this country, and some times the results do not pan out to my desired outcome. But I will do my part.

And tomorrow, there will be a few businesses who will throw in a few perks for being good citizens too! So after I vote, I'm heading here:

Any other patriotic businesses offering specials tomorrow?!?

Hope You've Set Your Clocks Back!

Every year, I get excited about my "extra" hour, but every year, I seem to squander that time away! This year, I seem to be on track to get an extra hour of sleep, but I realize that the people who came up with Daylight Savings did not have young children. Last year, my little one was not informed of the time change, and it took her several days to readjust her schedule. So I might not be getting an extra hour of sleep tonight!

Photo Credit:Image: healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Flock-Lined Yellow Latex Gloves Magid® Comfort Flex® 620 Review

Most of you know of my aversion to cleaning bathrooms, and part of it is getting my hands dirty! I received the Flock-Lined Yellow Latex Gloves Magid® Comfort Flex® 620 for review and found them to be durable gloves. They are thicker than the average disposable gloves, thus less prone to the early ditch in the trash, as many of my previous cleaning gloves found their timely end. It is a flock-lined latex glove with embossed finish for grip and is a great help for cleaning, for those who do not have a latex allergy.


****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Magid Glove & Safety who supplied the products for the review!****

'Tis the Season

For the month of November, everyone's more grateful. There's more of a focus on being thankful. Today, as part of our church's season of compassion, and because it's basically the last day to donate items, we went shopping for the collection of Thanksgiving baskets to be given away to needing families. I always scope out the store match-ups, but I'm so excited that one of our local stores started their sales on Thanksgiving items; paired up with the sales promotions and a few coupons, we were able to save 50% off retail!

I saw other deals for various toys or educational items, which could be donated to Operation Christmas Child, sending shoeboxes with small gifts to children in other countries. Thriftiness shouldn't cause us to become selfish but recognize that even more can be shared!

Photo Credit:Image: ningmilo / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wordless Wednesday

$5 Dinner Mom's Holiday Entertaining Guide

This is awesome! The $5 Dinner Mom is publishing a simple holiday entertaining guide to make the upcoming season as stress-free and fun as possible! In the same fashion as her cookbooks and blog, she addresses the proper budget, items that are necessary and some that aren't, making the most of coupons and grocery store finds, delicious recipes for left-overs, and (my favorite) "the perfect plan to have everything cooked using only one oven!" Included are 30 recipes, from sides to desserts, like this Cranberry and Celery Stuffing -- even for Stove-Toppers like myself, I can handle this recipe!

Cranberry and Celery Stuffing
A burst of sweet-tart and crunch make for a wonderful addition to the traditional stuffing mix.

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped
1 14 oz. package herb seasoned stuffing mix
2 cups thinly sliced celery
1 cup dried cranberries
3 green onions, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish, or 9x9 inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Bring 2 cups of water and the butter and chopped onion to a boil, then toss in the stuffing mix until moistened.
Remove from the heat and cover. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Stir in the celery slices, dried cranberries and green onions.
Spread the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking 10 to 15
minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Serve Herb and Celery Stuffing.
Makes 6 to 8 side dish servings.

The book goes on sale Monday, Oct. 31 at 9AM (Eastern), and you can get it for 50% off at $1.99 with code THANKS (valid until Thanksgiving)! It's available in Kindle, Nook and iPad format.

$5 Dinner Mom's Holiday Entertaining Guide

Holiday entertaining can get me really frazzled, so I'm even more excited with the new release of the $5 Dinner Mom's Holiday Entertaining Guide! Stay tuned for more details, like a coupon code! =)

Wordless Wednesday - It's that time again!

Squeezing More Out of Our 24 Hours?!?

I'm realizing how hard I have to work at having good time management! If I don't have a plan of things to get done, I don't get anything done. And even if I need a break for some ME time, if I don't carefully watch it, I overwhelm myself with that time and don't get anything else done. Some times I get so frustrated with that cycle. I'll post more as I figure out ways to address my problems!

Some friends have issues with specific household tasks, like laundry. A friend suggested doing one load a day, therefore not being overwhelmed. For many, that's an excellent tip. I could easily run a load of cloth diapers in the morning and hang them outside to dry. With two adults and a toddler at home, even with cloth dipes and trainers, I don't have an adversity to laundry. I end up doing 2-3 loads in the evening a few times a week. I don't like running single loads because I don't want to waste the energy used heating up the dryer; so I'll run at least 2 loads. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I try to use that energy late in the day, just in case it's less of a draw on our power supply and bill!

I can wrap my brain around laundry, but I still have to work on how to address my issues with cleaning the bathroom. You'll have to help me out!

Photo Credit:Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I met the $5 Dinner Mom!

Yesterday I got to meet The $5 Dinner Mom, Erin Chase, at my MOPS meeting! She's authored The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook and The $5 Dinner Mom Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook (and will release a One Dish Dinner Cookbook very soon) and blogs at $5 Dinners.

She's always impressed me with her knack for great meals under $5, but after meeting her, I'm even more blessed by her humble and genuine spirit. She really desires to simply life in order to better attend to our top priorities. For example, her meals are delicious yet gentle on the budget, in order that finances become controllable. She knows firsthand because that's how she began prepping dishes for under $5. Incredible what we can learn from others!

Low Entry Linky & Friday Follow

Happy Friday! Here's a list a few low entry giveaways (less than 100 entries) which end in the next 2 weeks. And link up contests in the blogsphere that have less than 100 entries, ending in the next 2 weeks!

Also check out my giveaway for a $25 GC to KiKi's Fashions!

Growums Gardening Kit 10/14

Fitness 360 DVD 10/17

Lovable Labels Think Pink (10/18)

Fall

Ah, Fall. I know many people were ready for it when October rolled around with cooler temps and changing leaves. But for the first time in many years, I bucked the changing of the seasons! Here in the Mid-West, we had a very wet and dreary September, and I felt like I was cheated out of the last part of summer. Feeling like a misplaced Floridian, I wanted it to be hot! Thankfully, I got contentment calibrated back into my system, and I'm ready to enjoy the beautiful blue, October skies, the varied shades of leaves, the crunchiness of leaves already fallen, the crisp Fall air, and apple cider and pies!

Swagbucks: Earn 100, 500, or 1000!

Just want to let you know of a promotion Swagbucks is running until the end of the year!

Get at least 5 new referrals, earning 50 Swag Bucks after joining (not counting bonuses) and members outside your household, and you'll get a bonus of 500 Swag Bucks! Those translate really well into gift cards for Christmas time! And that's in addition to the 1000 matching search bucks you'll earn from each referral!

To get started, enter code 5For5 to get 100 Swag Bucks to start with! Valid until 10/17!