Wednesday's Challenge and FREEBIES

This is actually the challenge from LAST week but I have had no time to get it done, so here I am with less than 2 hrs left to post it!! Yikes!   But I'm happy with how it turned out.   The goal was to take a NOT so perfect picture and scrap it.  We all have those don't we?!  Here's mine in trying to get both dogs to sit still.  Max is the 5mth old puppy and Fritzy is about 17mths.

I used "Puppy Love Pack" by Snickerdoodle Designs

If you are interested in purchasing the My Memories Suite v2 software, 

here is what you do:

1. Go to 

                      https://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software

2. Use code STMMS4223 to get $10 off your purchase.

After your purchase they will give you another code in your email for $10 off digi art at their store which means you can score a couple new kits as well!! :D

**********************Now ON to the FREEBIES********************

My Memories has been gracious enough to give me freebies to pass along to you on a weekly basis.  I told you they're awesome!! :D   

 Click on the picture and it'll take you to a download page.  They give you these two quick pages, which includes 6 page elements that you can manipulate as you need with any project.

I think this would be so adorable for a little girls party or for a girls night out!  Show me what you do with it!!

Come back on Thursday for another Freebie!!!  

It'll coordinate well with todays!! 

And don't be afraid to show off your memories!

A surprise because I can....

I have one extra FREEBIE from MyMemories that I'm giving to you this week because I can. :D

Click on the picture and it'll take you to a download page.  They give you these two quick pages, which includes 9 page elements that you can manipulate however you desire.

Remember the link DOES expire, so grab it NOW!

Enjoy and don't be afraid to show off your Memories!

My Memories has been gracious enough to give me freebies to pass along to you on a weekly basis.  I told you they're awesome!! :D  This coordinates wonderfully with last weeks freebie. 

 Click on the picture and it'll take you to a download page.  They give you these two quick pages, which includes 7 page elements that you can manipulate as you need with any project.

Grab these Freebies while you can, because the link WILL expire quickly!! 

 Enjoy and don't be afraid to show off your Memories!

p.s.  I may have another surprise later today.....:D

Help is on the Way!!!

If you've finally plunged into digital scrapbooking by purchasing MyMemories Suite v2 but not sure where to start, check out this video tutorial.  It is very helpful!  If you haven't bought the software yet, don't forget to use code 

STMMS4223 to get $10 off when you do.

click on the picture to take you to your help

Wednesday's Challenge and FREEBIES

I am loving My Memories' Wednesday's Challenges.  They enable me to scrap outside my comfort zone and learn new techniques.  This week involves wrapping text.  It is a very useful technique when you don't want to detract from your photo with a bunch of words, but still want to journal.  Here is mine for the week:

I used "Indian Summer" by Trixie Scraps.

If you are interested in purchasing the My Memories Suite v2 software, here is what you do:

1. Go to 

                      https://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software

2. Use code STMMS4223 to get $10 off your purchase.

After your purchase they will give you another code in your email for $10 off digi art at their store which means you can score a couple new kits as well!! :D

**********************Now ON to the FREEBIES********************

My Memories has been gracious enough to give me freebies to pass along to you on a weekly basis.  I told you they're awesome!! :D  Here is the first one. 

 Click on the picture and it'll take you to a download page.  They give you these two quick pages, which includes 9 page elements that you can manipulate as you need with any project.

Come back next Thursday for another Freebie!!!  It'll coordinate well with todays!! 

And don't be afraid to show off your memories!

Scrapbooking with My Memories.

I starting using My Memories Suite v2 software this past month and am in LOVE.  It is so easy to use and it comes with a huge stash of FREE papers, embellishments and fun stuff right off the bat!  I've just completed my 6-10th pages today and love how I can quickly get a page done in 15 min when I really set my mind to it.  And I'm doing it while taking up so little space.  I'm not spreading pictures, stickers, papers, scissors and whatnot all over my living room while watching t.v.  I actually did the page below while we watched a family movie.  That was an added bonus because I did it with the lights out and it only took up my lap!  EVERYthing is on my laptop.  Like I said, I am in LOVE!

So during the movie I did the Wednesday Challenge from last week.  They set one up every week and you gives you a chance to maybe try a technique you'd not done yet and win store credit at the same time!  This challenge was as a simple as "Use one frame."  I actually haven't used a frame yet, so it was fun!

Here is the page I came up with:

I used "Puppy Love Pack" kit from Snickernoodle Designs

If you are interested in purchasing the My Memories Suite v2 software, here is what you do:

1. Go to https://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software

2. Use code STMMS4223 to get $10 off your purchase.

After your purchase they will give you another code in your email for $10 off digi art at their store which means you can score a couple new kits as well!! :D


Let me know if you get it.  I would love to see your creations!!

Baking in the Van - experiment 1

I came across a blog earlier in the week that gave directions on how to bake cookies in the car.  With the high heat index I knew we were supposed to have at the end of the week, I had plans to give it a try.  However, I didn't really 'plan ahead' with supplies and I believe that worked against me.


Here's the link to which I based my experiment:  http://bakingbites.com/2007/09/car-baked-chocolate-chip-cookies-step-by-step/


It turns out I had NO pre-made dough in the freezer AND I was out of chocolate chips. (I know...can you imagine?!  I'm still shaking my head at the travesty of the situation).  :D  I was in a hurry to get them in the van and didn't want to make it from scratch..  So I went to my pantry and found a box to make sugar cookies and brownies.  It would have to do!  I wanted to make the most of the experiment so I attempted brownies as well....had to get the chocolate in somehow! 


The kids decorated the sugar cookies and I put the brownie batter into bite-size-easier-to-cook sections.

When I put them in the van the temp initially read 106.1 and that was with all the windows rolled down all morning!  Notice that I used a digital thermometer.  If you are really interested to see how hot it gets, I don't suggest using this kind as they turn off automatically...making it too much of a temptation to open the door and check it (yes, I speak from experience ;)).  Again...I didn't plan ahead and could NOT find my oven thermometer anywhere.

I put them in shortly before noon.

By the time I walked away from putting them in it was already 126.3!!

 About 2.5 hrs into the baking the thermometer read over 150, however, I believe the heat of the sun prevented it from showing the true temperature.  You can see the black on the left side of the numbers quickly growing across to the right not enabling an accurate reading.  When I went inside to reset the thermometer it was a literal sauna in there...the sweat was just dripping.

During the last hour I put tin foil over the sides (forgot to take a pic) at the suggestion of a friend. I finally had to take them inside about 4:30pm because I had to run a couple errands.  As the previous bloggers directions explained, I was not expecting a browned or crispy product. 

They were mostly done...just a tad still moist throughout the middle. :(

I had made white chili in the crockpot and was CRAVING homemade cornbread to go with it....so I finally turned on the oven when I got home and finished off the experiment with the cornbread. :D

So.....would I do it again you ask?

YES, in a heartbeat!  My kids thought it was cool.

Ok, so did I. :D

Would I plan ahead better?

Why would I not? :D

What would I do differently?

1. Either have pre-made dough or make the dough a day ahead so it's fresh and not from some old box.

2. I would make sure I had chocolate chips. :D :D

3. I would find my oven thermometer if I really have to know exactly how hot it is in the van (and of course I want to know).

4. I would not open the door for at least 2.5 hours!! Not even ONCE!  It's not like they're going to burn. :D

5.  I would make a miniature "oven" over each pan using tin foil...like a "foil packet."

6.  Because it's at a "low oven" temperature, I think a fruit leather would be perfect, especially if you can put it in in the morning and let it be in there until dinner at the latest.  THAT's what I'm going to try next.....with yummy strawberries!

Let me know if you give a try and how it turned out!!

Life is a Sandcastle: $10 WalMart Gift Card Giveaway

Who wouldn't love a FREE $10 gift card? Spend it on yourself for Easter or Mother's Day....or use it on someone else. Enter at Life is a Sandcastle: $10 WalMart Gift Card Giveaway It ends April 15, 2011.

The World of my Kids

We have a great relationship with many of our neighbors.  One in particular has two boys that are the same ages of my youngest two boys, ages 7 and 8 (will be 9 in May). We love these boys.  I actually babysit them through the Summer and Fall and then our whole neighborhood tends to hibernate through the winter.

I have to say, that today felt like the first real of day of Spring, with 50* weather, snow melting, and the sun shining brightly.  The kids spent more time outside today enjoying the chickens and cleaning out Daddy's truck for him as a surprise.  With this thawing, the neighbor boys, T and L, came over after school like they do a lot in good weather.   They showed us today how their Aunt gave them texting phones for Christmas.  A bit outrageous for their age, but their Aunt spoils them and both their parents work, so to each his own.

When I got home from running a quick errand, they had all migrated inside to watch "American Pickers" and say hi to my son's rabbit.  I was in the kitchen making dinner when I heard my youngest ask his Dad if he and L could play outside.  He gave them the parameters, which included going out front right in front of the living room, and they came into the kitchen to put on their shoes and head out.  Here is the conversation that followed:

Me:  We're going to eat dinner soon and get ready for church so listen for me to call you.

Son:  Well, you can just call L's phone to tell me.

Me:  No, I can just call out the window and you'll hear me.

Son:  (matter of factly) Well, that won't work.

I have to chuckle at the this new age of technology our kids are growing up in, where my 7 year thinks that the traditional way of calling him in for dinner is broken. LOL

Leelou Blogs: Swag Saturday $50 GC

Leelou Blogs: Swag Saturday *Plentiful Pantry* Who would like to have $50.00 shopping spree to Plentiful Pantry to test it all out? Head on over and enter by Feb 25, 2011 midnight est!!!

What I’ve Learned and Final Freebie Friday

What I’ve Learned and Final Freebie Friday Win a free gift card to Chipotle on the Vegan Experiment Blog! http://everydayexperts.com

I have followed my friend on her 50 day experiment as a vegan that ends this Sunday! She has encouraged me to go outside the box and realize that we do NOT have to eat meat as much as we do. I actually didn’t cringe but smiled yesterday when I made taco soup without the taco meat. Mainly because I realized i had no hamburger in the house but normally I wouldn’t make it then. I decided to make it w/o it though and the family never knew!! It was vegan until I mixed mine with noodles.

We’ve been drinking fruit smoothies lately AND I invested in a juicer for our V-tines day present. I LOVE it. and the consistancy of having fresh smoothies in the afternoon when my hubby gets home, instead of coffee, has been wonderful for our energy. I am so thankful for her dedication to the integrity of this experiment.

2 day Eversave Special

FREE $5 Eversave credit....TWO days only! New Eversave members can score a FREE $5 credit when they sign up! Today's save is a $50 voucher to Melissa and Doug, BabyLegs, Moby Wrap and more products from ShopZoolu.com for ONLY $25. After your $5 credit this would only be $2O! oR keep it in your account until there's a better deal you like! Go HERE and get your FREE $5!

Yankee Candle B1G1 printable coupon

Yankee Candle has a printable Buy 1, Get 1 Free for any regularly-priced large Jar Candle or Tumbler.  Print now and use by Feb 21, 2011!  Whether your weather seems like it or not, Spring is just around the corner and I'm sure you'll find some scents to help you feel like it!! Enjoy!

I Just Won 12 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com

I Just Won 12 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com You can too just by searching the web! Turn in your swagbucks for gift cards and items in their store. I've turned them in for numerous $5 Amazon gift cards and am waiting on $20 more to be added to my account so I can get a deal on Zumbo for Wii!! Can't wait.

Just follow the link, sign up for Free and add Swagbucks as your default search engine!!

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Happy Blogiversary To Us

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Happy Blogiversary To Us: "Today is SMILE A DAY GIVEAWAYS one year anniversary! Thanks for following us and letting us sharea little bit of our lives with you! We..." This ends March 26, 2011.

True Friends

What kind of friends do you have?  What kind of friend are you?   Are you surrounded by fair-weather friends or do you have ones that have stuck through thick and thin?  These are questions that I think we need to ask ourselves regularly.

 We have friendships on all sorts of levels, but you do need that one or few that can kick you in the butt when you need it, hug you when you're low, take care of your kids when your desperate for time away, honestly praise you in your efforts and encourage you....and can see your house when it's the worst disarray!   (Yeah, most us have "lived" in homes but hide it from most outsiders.)

Today I was reminded at just how blessed I am.   I have so many projects on the "have-to" list that my "should-do/ want-to-do" list doesn't get touched...usually anything revolving house projects....the painting and decorating aspect of keeping a home.  I used to love to do that and swap out seasonal decorations, but after my fourth child a lot in our life changed.  And I just have tried to keep things as simple as possible and have kept my creative juices at bay except for special activities.

My youngest decided to take RED sharpie to his bedroom walls a couple years ago.  His goal was to draw Daddy and a snake.  This was his snake.

No matter we used it would NOT come off.  So I decided that when he was out of the drawing on the wall stage and when his brother and he kept his room clean for an extended period of time, then I would finally paint their room.  Well, that time finally came.  I volunteered a great friend to come help me and she came......but neither of us were in the mood!!

And that's where my blessing came in....she made us paint anyway!!  That's a great friend!!  She knew how important it was for me to get this job done and keep my promise to my boys.  So we painted. And I'm so glad we did.  She gave me the kick in the rear to just do it!  Thank you Deanna!!

Now I challenge you to go be a great friend to someone in whatever way they need! You'll be as bless as them. I guarantee it!

Heard of WHIRLYBALL??

I've heard of it, never played it.  But this is an AWESOME deal in our area.  It's $155 for up to 15 people AND food.....LOTS of it.  Pizza, salad, bread sticks and pop!!!   You only have 2 days to nab it and 5 years to use it!  
Go HERE!!!

Freebie Friday – Peace, Love & Paper Smooches

Freebie Friday – Peace, Love & Paper Smooches She has some adorable new stamps that she's giving away. Enter by Sunday Feb 6, 2011 midnight MST.

Tatum's Family Reviews: Giveaway: Choice of Playhouse from Build A Dream Playhouse

Tatum's Family Reviews: Giveaway: Choice of Playhouse from Build A Dream Playhouse Hurry, ends Feb 3!!!

The Giveaway Angel: Announcing Our First Giveaway! Win a $25 Gift Card...

The Giveaway Angel: Announcing Our First Giveaway! Win a $25 Gift Card...: "Giveaway- One lucky reader will win a $25 Gift Card from Target. Details- Giveaway ends on February 10, 2011 at 11:59 pm CST. Wi..."

ENDS FEB 2!! Tatum's Family Reviews: Giveaway: Swiss Skin Scars & Stretch Mark Body Cream ($165)

Tatum's Family Reviews: Giveaway: Swiss Skin Scars & Stretch Mark Body Cream ($165) This is a HUGE giveaway for a lot of Mom's I know! Hurry it ends TODAY!

Chocolate Giveaway...need I tempt you more??

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Choccreate Review & Giveaway: "CHOCOLATEMMMMMmmMmmMmmmmmm... Are you a chocolate lover? Or do you know someone who is? I came across the best site ever! Combin..." Ends Feb 28, 2011 midnight MST and winner will be emailed.

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: SLAP™ Watch Review & Giveaway

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: SLAP™ Watch Review & Giveaway: "Products that remind you of the days when we were younger are always fun to discover and pass along to our children as we share with them al..." Ends Mar 5, 2011 at midnight MST and will be emailed.

Like flavored popcorn?

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: PopCorners Review & Giveaway: "So our family just found one of our new favorite movienight snacks! Great flavors with a new fun twist onpopcorn for a fun family night trea..." Ends March 5, 2011 at midnight MST and winner will be emailed. Yummy!

$30 GC giveaway for Mommy Necklaces

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Mommy Necklaces Review & Giveaway: " When you are looking for modern mommy friendly, adorable jewelry that is meant to last when you have little hands grabbing at it ..." This ends Feb 8, 2011 midnight MST and the winner will be emailed.

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Bummas Review & Giveaway

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Bummas Review & Giveaway: "Are you looking for an Eco-Friendly Cloth Baby Wipe?Let me introduce to you to Bummas! Do you want help to eliminate that no fun, mi..." This ends March 12, 2011 at midnight MST and the winner will be emailed. Let me know if you win.

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Build a Dream Playhouses.com™ Review & Giveaway

Another way to bring a smile to your day!: Build a Dream Playhouses.com™ Review & Giveaway: " Did you love to play pretend and day dream as a child of all the fun things you could do or be? Did you dream of being a prince..." Ending Mar 12, 2011 at midnight MST and winner will be emailed.

Scentsy Online Party

I'm looking to help a friend start her Scentsy business. I have used the product for about 2 yrs now and am thrilled that someone I know in my area is finally selling! 

Please check out her online catalog and email me with any questions or orders and we'll figure out the ordering details. Online means ANYONE, ANYWHERE can help me, help a friend! :D

https://leanda.scentsy.us/Home 

For those out-of-towners, when you go, you'll find a link for my party 
"Staceys Online Party" where you can order directly. 
If you're local, call me with your order and get FREE shipping with the party.

This months specials: 10% off...EXCEPT for the Breast Cancer Warmers and any packages OVER $40...ALSO the plug-ins are going up March 1st from $15 to $20 SO STOCK UP NOW!!!

They sell gift certs too! How perfect for Mother's day around the corner!

Our favorite is the Vanilla Suede scent. :) And the warmers are so safe!

Sammi's Blog Of Life: Becoming Jewelry Review and Giveaway

Sammi's Blog Of Life: Becoming Jewelry Review and Giveaway Woohoo! She's giving a $50 gift certificate to a beautiful, handmade jewelry company set in a home in Tennessee, Becoming Jewelry. They have personalization and something even for young girls and men. Go to Sammi's Blog of Life and let me know if you won! She will be choosing a winner on Feb 8, 2011 at 10pm and will email the winner.

Who doesn't love cookies??

And why not get them for FREE?!! Sammi's Blog Of Life is giving you the opportunity to get some yummy cookies in her latest giveaway. She will be picking ONE winner who will win a dozen chocolate chip cookies from Chez Sha's. The winner will be chosen on Feb 11, 2011 at 10pm and will be emailed. Give it a chance!

And now I may just have to go enjoy a couple cookies and a movie with my oldest and youngest. :D

Luna Savings: Expired Coupons!

Luna Savings: Expired Coupons!: "I rarely used coupons. It was not until a few months ago that I realized how to use them and how to score free things with coupons. ..."

This is just too cool!!

I can't say that I love this company through personal experience....yet...but I think it is just so cool!  They have so many options to create a personal style in any part of your house, office, indoor, outdoor, vehicle....it's just endless!!  Not only do they have so many options, but you can upload your own picture as well.  And if you want to sell some of your photos for them to use, they'll buy them!!

 We're expanding my husband's tree and lawn care company and I know that I'll be ordering from WALLHOG to put our logo on our new bucket truck.  I can't wait!

And RIGHT now you can grab a deal for the company through EVERSAVE.  You can purchase a $55 voucher for only $25!!  Get it before time is up.  You only have 2 days left.

Once you've purchased your Eversave deal, please come back, follow my WALLHOG link here (or on my right sidebar) and let me know what you're purchasing.

Happy Designing!

Swappeez Giveaway

Check out Sammi's Blog of Life for a fun, practical giveaway!  I absolutely LOVE flip flops and sandals and love to match when possible and these sandals thrill me.  They are so practical to travel with....check it out! If I don't win, I hope one of you do.  Her giveaway ends Feb 7, 2011.  Don't wait until the last minute....you'll be able to use them before you know it!!  Good luck.

HOT coupon only through Jan31st!!

If you've never signed up with Zulily, this would be a great time with this extra special deal.  While you will already find deals up to 70% off, they are also offering a $10 off any order of $30 or more when you use coupon code BABIES10 at checkout through January 31st.

This is my life :D Can't make this up.

I was just shown a ziploc bag of what I could tell was clipped nails.  He informed me, laughing, that they were his toe and nail clippings he's saving.
You look at his smile, and although grossed out, you find yourself smiling as well...while you are saying,
"That's disgusting. What are they for?"
He figures he hasn't grossed you out enough, so he says through his HUGE smile and chuckle,
 "They're for a sling shot.  I can shoot them right into someone's mouth."

Yep, this is the mind of an almost 7yr boy.
And I have reclaimed the nail clippers.

$35 CSN store Giveaway

People don't usually just hand over money to you, but sometimes you can randomly win the equivalent.  Here's your chance!!
white house, black shutters is giving away a $35 gift card to CSN stores.  They have anything imaginable with over 200 stores to choose from!  Go HERE by Feb 4, 2011 to enter her giveaway.  You MUST be a follower of white house, black shutters, so if you're not yet then make it happen!  Let me know if you win!

ENDED Scout Giveaway - my fave

I absolutely have loved Bungalow  since my first discounted voucher that I purchased through Jasmere last year. I love how they collapse and easy to clean up!


***If you  want a chance to win a FREE JUNQUE TRUNK then go to HERE to this great website I just found and view it as very resourceful!  It retails for $40!


Take a look around the website after you've entered to win and tell them I sent you!


Hurry...it ends Feb 6, 2011

C.P.R (Consistent Personal Reprieve)

Just when you think you forgot how to breathe, God gives you CPR.  I love the definitions. 

 Consistent: a : marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity : free from variation or contradiction; showing steady conformity to character, profession, belief, or custom.  

Personal: carried on between individuals directly. 

 Reprieve: to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner); to give relief or deliverance to for a time.  

God's been working on this entry for a few weeks now.  He has answered prayer several times involving me needing a reprieve.  Sometimes, he has answered it BEFORE I prayed.  That is the MIGHTY GOD I serve.   

So thankful that God is ever consistent to His Word, carrying out a personal relationship with me as I allow, granting me the personal reprieve of going to hell when I make the decision to accept Him, and allowing me daily reprieves from my sinful self. He is EVER faithful!

ENDED Contest to win $1000 cash!

What would you do if you won $1000 cash through a simple random luck of the draw?  Something fun and carefree or serious and practical?  I would seriously make Dave Ramsey proud  if I win this $1000!  Follow this link for your chance http://wfi.re/5o7a3   It ends Feb 1, 2011!

ENDED Red Envelope $50 Gift Cert Giveaway

Check out Sammi's Blog of Life  for her awesome giveaway!!  She will choose a winner on February 3 (in time for Valentine's Day if you choose to get a gift for it), 2011 at 10 pm and then will be emailed.   Let me know if you win!!!