I Love This!

I found the cutest elephant decals for laptops on etsy today.  The one in the picture is my favorite!  The laptop I plan on buying next week is black, so I bought this decal in a lavender gloss finish.  I'm not getting a MAC, so I don't know exactly how I will place the decals, but I do know it's going to look awesome!

I Want These!

I want a new purse.  The one I carry is a couple of years old and it's falling apart.  It's pretty small and doesn't hold everything that I normally carry with me, so I am looking for one that is just a bit bigger.

I am really loving this one:

It's a fendi bag, and the dimensions seem to be exactly what I am looking for.  I love the little tassel thing on the front, and the fact that it comes with two different straps.  The short one (seen in the picture) is the same length as the strap on the purse I carry now, and it works well for me.  This purse also comes with a longer strap so that you can carry the bag across your body.  I am not sure I would ever do that, but I know that is a popular feature these days.

I also love this bag:

I love the different colors in this one.  I can't remember a time when I carried a purse that wasn't black.  I always seem to gravitate towards that color. 

The only thing keeping me from buying one of these fendi handbags is the price.  They are unbelievably expensive.   One purse would be the same amount of money as two months rent.  But, if I ever win the lottery and money is no object, both of these purses will be mine.

Just For Fun...

...I typed "weird" into etsy.  Since finding those poo and toilet paper earrings, I have been curious about all the weird stuff on there.  Holy cow was there some strange things that showed up.  One thing was crocheted lungs...yes, lungs. 

My favorite thing was the toilet tank monster.  Is it odd that I want one?

Will We Be Dealing With Car Dealers Again?

We were driving home from running some errands today when Bob informed me that he is going to have to sink some money into the van to get it back to running right.  I asked him how much money, and he didn't commit to an actual number, which kind of freaks me out a bit.  I know it needs tires and plugs and wires and a bunch of other stuff, but I guess in the end it will be worth it.   I mean, we own it.  I don't want to have to deal with Car Dealers again while trying to find a new car, and I definitely don't want a car payment right now. 

Bob has become kind of addicted to online shopping, and I wouldn't put it past him to check out Net Car Dealers.  I mean, car shopping online has to be less stressful.   There are no pushy salespeople to deal with, and you can take your time while looking around.  The downside of online Car Dealers UK would be not being able to test drive the cars, but I guess when you find the right vehicle, you can always go and test drive it before making a final decision.  

For now, I guess I'll just have to let Bob spend the money to get our van running right.  It's got to be cheaper than investing in another vehicle.

I'm Going To Be, Um, Well, A Year Older

My birthday is in a couple of weeks.  I am going to be 39.  I seriously can not wrap my mind around that number.  Not because I am closing in on 40, but because I seriously do not feel that old.  Not that 39 is old.  I am just wondering why the years seem to be going by so much faster.  When I was in high school, time seemed to drag.  I couldn't wait to graduate, yet it seemed to take forever for that day to come. 

That day was 21 years ago. 

Now that I'm a mom, I like to focus on the kids' birthdays, and not mine.  We'll probably go out to eat, and have cake, but that's about it.  It's not like I am going to send out luau themed invitations.   Maybe next year, for the big 4-0, I'll have a party.  This year, I am going to let it slip on by quietly. 

But, that doesn't mean I don't want presents.  I love presents.  There are a couple of books I want, and I really need some silicone tipped tongs.  Oh, and you can never go wrong buying me an elephant.  I love those!

Super Bowl Sunday

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are not big sports fans in this house, but we do like a good party, especially if there is great food being served.  I know that Super Bowl Sunday is coming up, and a lot of people have company over to watch the game.  If you are hosting a party this year, you should check out TABASCO's Game-Day Party Menu.  You will find all sorts of recipes for finger foods and pizza.  I love all the tips they share about making frozen and delivery pizza taste better.  They call it their Pizza Perfected tips.   Basically, all you have to do is use your imagination and add whatever your favorite topping is, along with a dash of TABASCO® Original Red.  It not only adds a little heat, it also helps to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.  My favorite pizza would be one with mushrooms, garlic, and spinach, as well as a white sauce.  A little dash of TABASCO on top for some heat would make it perfect.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

You should think about making pizza with Tabasco Original Red a part of your game day traditions.  As they say, it is "So Much More Than Hot". 

The Family Tradition

Author: Joseph Sandoval

One of my favorite hobbies is definitely knitting. I've been knitting since I was about about five years old and I've gotten progressively better as the years pass. I knit just about anything, from hats and scarves to booties and socks. I recently tried knitting a sweater but I wasn't happy with the way it came out. I guess I'm not a knitted sweater type of girl. I use an assortment of different yarns to create my crafts. One of my favorite yarns to work with is that fuzzy type that really gives off a modern and retro appeal. Once in awhile, I'll even knit things for my family members.

It's actually become a tradition in my family to get together during the holiday season and sit and watch BestChoiceTV while knitting. My mother, grandmother, and I all gather around the living room and just begin knitting our hearts out. My grandmother is fantastic at the hobby. She has been doing it for over sixty years and you can really tell that she's good at it because of the crafts she comes up with. If you want something knitted, she can knit it. It doesn't matter what it is. Maybe someday in the future I can be just as good as her or maybe even better. It's amazing how relaxing knitting can really be.

I Think I Need A Massage

They canceled school for tomorrow.  That means another day of kids who are bored bugging me all day.  You would think the older kids would be able to entertain themselves, but no.  I am about to send them off to get some massage training so that they can work some of this stress out of my shoulders. In the past 27 days, the kids have had four days of school.  Bob was home 17 of those days as well.  That means I have had no time to myself in weeks.  I think I might be getting close to losing my mind.

Seriously.

At this point, getting a real massage may not be a bad idea.  I have never had one before, but I have heard good things from people who have.  We have a massage school right around the corner from where I live.  I wonder if a part of their massage program is practicing on actual people?   I wouldn't mind being someone's guinea pig if it means saving some money. 

The Simple Joys of Knitting

 Guest written by our friend Mason Abbott

When I was a younger girl, I used to sit on the sofa watching television and was amazed to see my grandma sitting beside me for hours knitting. She would knit stocking caps, socks, and adorable baby blankets for friends or relatives that were having newborn babies. I watched in amazement because I always noticed that as meticulous as my grandmother was with her knitting, she would be rocking and humming happily as she was knitting. She told me this was her peaceful time, a time that she just enjoyed relaxing and doing something fun for her and from that point on, I wanted to learn how to knit!

I sat down when I was 10 years old and began learning from my grandmother how to knit. I always enjoyed her taking me to the store and picking out my favorite colors from the large selection before me and I would dream of my finished product before I even started! My first project was a knitted stocking cap for my cousin's baby girl and I will never forget the soft pink yarn that I selected.

It didn't take very long before I was doing the same as my grandma was, sitting for hours and hours knitting anxiously watching my projects get closer to completion and anticipating what it would look like when I was done.

Little by little I grew to love my knitting projects just like my grandmother did. I can sit for hours rocking and totally enjoy watching satellite TV from www.cannonsatellite.com/ while knitting away at blankets, sweaters, and all sorts of projects for people I enjoy knitting for. I can now knit without even looking down at my project too often, catching a nice show or movie and moving right along as knitting has become an art for me.

People Actually Buy Stuff Like This?

 

Toilet paper and poop earrings....I don't even know what to say.  The weird thing is...this etsy seller has sold six pairs of these, and eight toilet paper and poop phone charms.  I guess people will buy anything.

A New Baby Blanket

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was at the store today looking for yarn to make a baby blanket for my new nephew.  I had a really hard time deciding what to get, so i didn't get anything.  I found a yarn I kind of liked, but I didn't love it, so I decided against it.  It was a blue/green/white multi-colored baby yarn, but it wasn't as soft as I wanted.  Plus, they only had one, and I am sure I will need more than that.

I wish my sister had found out before delivery what she was having, so I could have had the blanket made and ready for my new nephew to use.  This is her third child, and she already has one of each, so she was covered no matter what the sex of this baby was.  Of course, you can never have enough diapers and wipes, or baby formula.  All parent know to keep a stock of all of those things in the house.  The only drawback is that baby supplies can be really expensive.  I know you can buy on diapers.com most of the things you can get in your local store.  They even offer Bright Beginnings Formula, which is cheaper than the name brands but just as nutritious for your baby.  You can find out more about Bright Beginnings on Facebook. 

I guess tomorrow I need to check out a few more stores to try and find some yarn.  Any suggestions?  Where do you get yours?

Making The Smart Choice

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Baby formula is expensive.  Seriously expensive.  Not as expensive as feeding a teenaged boy, though.  That food bill every month is going to kill me. 

I remember the days of buying formula, and even nine years ago when my youngest was a baby, it was expensive.  We were on WIC back then, which was a huge blessing.  The months we did run out of formula, we always bought the store brand formula.  For us, the price difference was a big factor in that decision.  Back then, you could save several dollars by buying the store brands, and they were just as good as the name brands.  They had to be. 

These days, you could save up to $600 a year simply by making the switch to generic formula.  All infant formulas are regulated by the FDA, who makes sure that all formulas meet the same nutritional guidelines.  For instance, Similac Advance and Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formulas both have:

- Prebiotics to help support baby’s immune system

- Milk-based nutrition containing all nutrients, vitamins and minerals for growth and development
DHA & ARA, which may support brain and eye development

- Available in 23.2 oz and 12.4 oz sizes

The only significant difference is the price.  I know all parents want what is best for their babies, but why pay more for a "name" when you don't have to?  My kids were raised on the store brands, and they turned out just fine.

Here Come The Bills

It's January.  Christmas and New Year's Day are behind us, and we are all facing a new year full of endless possibilities.   I am sure there are millions of you out there who will also be facing those credit cards bills from all the Christmas shopping you did last month.  Luckily, we did all our shopping with cash.  If you didn't, you may want to look into finding a way to make those credit card bills more manageable.  I would consider Consolidating my credit cards if I had any, but I don't.   I plan on keeping it that way, too. 

Top Droppers ~ December

Thanks to the following blogs for dropping the most this month!

 Bit Doze ~ Help your site to become No 1 in search engines, here you can find useful information about ways of making money online and other news related to internet world,Blogging Tips, SEO, Social Media

Comedy Plus ~ A place for a few laughs.

my kids are my world ~ This is a blog about my life as a wife and mother of three kids, who are, obviously, my world.

the way I see it ~ A collection of monologues on my thoughts and opinions. Personal observations on a wide variety of subjects including travel, politics, child sponsorship with Children International. News and views from my perspective.

Moonangelnay on Etsy ~ A contemporary handmade, fine art, photography, crafts, gifts, jewelry, fashion and Etsy focused blog, sharing weekly features, tutorials, original works and interviews of the new artists of Etsy.

Sparkle ~ Sparkle is the author of two cat-to-cat advice books (no humans!), has her own Muse Medallion-winning calendar and is one of the original cat bloggers - she has been blogging since January, 2003!

Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife ~ I am the Psychotic Housewife - a gothic Martha Stewart, SAHM, addicted to shopping and saving money while living in a Murphy's Law zone where everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. I love to give my opinion and share the deals I come across.

Technology News ~ All about Technology

Digital Rebel350 ~ Digital Rebel 350-Digital Memories Captured With Canon EOS 350 Digital Rebel

bethere2day ~ A personal blog about anything and everything, fun, humour, randomness and rants.

I'm Dreaming Of Warmer Weather

It has been so cold here in South Carolina.  We even had a white Christmas, which hasn't happened in over 45 years.  The snow is slowly melting away, but the temperatures are still pretty chilly.  I am ready to go somewhere warm, with beautiful beaches so I can get my feet wet in the ocean water.  I told Junior he needs to look into west palm beach real estate, not to buy anything, but to find a rental place where we could stay for a few days. Brandi has been asking for years to go to the ocean, and I think this year we might actually do it.  Well, I say this year, but I really mean next year, seeing as how there are only two days left in this year.

Either way, I am looking forward to some down time with my family.

On Company Time

Do you own your own company, and have company vehicles?  If so, you may want to look into vehicle tracking systems.  Knowing where you employees are while on company time can save you money in a bunch of different ways.   For one thing, gas prices are pretty high right now, and if your employee is using the company vehicle to run personal errands on company time, you have a right to know bout it so that you can put a stop to it.  Tracking your vehicles can also insure that your employees are being efficient. 

Some people may think this is an invasion of their privacy, but I don't agree with that.  If you are on the clock, than your boss has a right to know how you are spending your time.

Easy DIY Quilt For My Daughter

Guest post written by Tina Carlson

I love making things for my family and I think that they like the stuff I make them. It's not like I knit them embarrassing sweaters every year for Christmas or anything, but I really think about what they could use like a new pair of gloves or a scarf to match a new winter coat.

Right now my daughter just finished up her first semester of college and it's so nice to have her back at home for the holidays. I thought that I could make something really nice for her to take back with her to use at school. While I was online I came across a site with some internet packages on it and after I looked through them, I decided to sign up for one of them.

I decided to make her a easy DIY quilt that she could put on her bed in her dorm room and have as an extra layer of warmth in that drafty old dorm. I think that she'll like it, especially because I made it to match her bed's comforter.

I'm A Charter Mom

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.
I just "liked" the new Charter Moms Facebook page.  This is a place where mom's can voice their opinions on all things Charter.  For those of you who don't know, Charter is the 4th largest cable operator in the United States, and just so happens to provide me with my cable, internet, and home phone.  I have been a loyal customer for many years, and overall, I have been very happy with the service they provide.

When I heard about Charter Moms, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.  I want to be one of the first to know about new programs and features that are available.  As a new customer many years ago, I didn't know about their on demand feature for several months.  Once I realized what it was, I could have slapped myself for not using it before.  I have almost every channel available, including all the movie channels.  I like watching movies on demand with the kids, because it gives me the ability to pause and even rewind if one of the kids missed a part.  I also love watching Victorious on demand.  I know, it's a show geared towards kids, but I really like it.  I have been known to watch it even when the kids aren't.
Don't judge me.  You know there are shows you secretly watch, too.

Four More Days!

I can not believe there are only four days until Christmas day.  This is the first year, in many, many years that we have not had to borrow money to get the kids their gifts.  Sure, it's not going to be a big Christmas, but each kid is going to get exactly what they asked for, which doesn't happen very often around here.

We have lots to do the next few days, too.  On Christmas Eve, we are going to visit some of my husband's cousins, and then we are going to my sister's house to exchange gifts with my dad.  Christmas Day will be spent with my mom, of course, which I am really looking forward to. 

I am also looking forward to seeing what Junior and the kids have for mt under the tree.  It's been many, many years since Junior and I have spent money on each other, letting the kids pick out gifts for us.  We decided that we will worry about "real life" stuff like car insurance and changing our cable package after the first of the year.  We have until February to pay for our yearly car insurance policy, and I think I have until March to decide about the cable.  It's nice to put those things on the back burner for the next week or so, and not worry about money.  Or even worry about anything.

We are dedicated to enjoying this Christmas, stress free. 

Shopping On Black Friday Is The Best

Guest post written by Rolf Tate

It's the first day of the Christmas shopping season. Stores put everything on sale at phenomenal prices. Okay, the traffic is snarled and the people are militant, but there's a reason for that. Women drive the economy; it's a statistical fact. It's women who shop on Black Friday and women who buy most of the Christmas decorations and presents. So you crawl through the crowds with your purchases clutched to your chest and actually make it to the checkout.

But I got the deal of the century on a new coffeepot. I was in Kohl's and saw a black twelve cup Mr. Coffee coffeepot for twenty dollars. The sale price knocked it down to fifteen. At the register, unbeknownst to me, was yet another discount and so I got a great coffeepot for eight dollars! I put the coffeepot in the car and went back in to get a gift for my three year old granddaughter.

I happened across a set of blocks with letters and numbers to help my daughter teach her to count and teach her the alphabet. The set was ten dollars but with the discount at the register, I got the set of blocks for four dollars! I just love Kohl's!

As I watched satellite TV that I got after seeing this Directtv comparison, I was very thankful to be home with few bruises.