Cook'n Recipe Organizer Review

For the past few weeks, I have been checking out the Cook’n Recipe Organizer. Cook’n is a program that lets you organize your recipes into your own cookbook. You can input your own recipes or capture them from the internet, then export the entire collection out to where you need it. It also has a built-in menu planner, shipping list organizer and nutrition guide.



The program only took a few minutes to install. It comes with one cookbook already setup with recipes, the DVO.com Cookbook. It has a great selection of recipes and I’, eager to try them out over the coming months. I decided to create my own cookbook and start capturing the recipes off the Internet that I frequently use.



To create the cookbook, all you have to do is click the ‘New Cookbook’ icon, the green + sign, and then type in a name. You can add in chapters as you go. I separated mine out by cuisine type. You can also pick out a theme to decorate your pages. Capturing is also very easy. First, you run a search in the ‘Search’ tab of the recipe that you’re looking for. You can also paste in the url as well. When the recipe comes up, click the ‘Capture’ button and the recipe will automatically be entered onto a new recipe page/card. I’ve noticed that on the Mr. Food recipes it doesn’t get the directions all the time, but all you have to do is copy and paste them in.


The grocery list is pretty neat too. You click on the recipe to open it up, and then click the ‘List’ button. The list will be generated automatically and you can add or remove stuff as needed. It also includes prices, giving you a rough estimate of how much everything will cost. The menu generator also connects to the list, and will give you a complete list for all your planned meals. You can also print your recipes out onto cards or export them into HTML files and email. They are currently working on a sync feature that will allow you to send your cookbook to your iPhone, Android, tablet and more.


Overall, this is one of the best programs ever. I can get all my online recipes in one place and easily pull them up whenever I need them. All the extra features are just icing on the cake. The program costs $79.97 and can be used on most systems. The sync feature will cost extra since you have to purchase the app for which ever device you are going to put it on. The cost for the main program is worth it since you will get many years of use out of it. For more information, you can visit the Cook’nwebsite, or check out their Facebook page


Buy It: From the website here for the sale price of $79.95. (ARV is $99.95)

Win It: Just fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below! The giveaway will end October 31, 2012 at 12:01am PST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Rantings from an Army Mom

So I see all of the news about saving PBS, lets save Big Bird.  I see so many posts from people so upset at the thought of not having PBS anymore. Do you people even watch the news? Do you not know what is really going on with the war? Well WAKE UP!!! There are more important things going on than losing PBS!!!!!!!!

Well.....how about lets save our Troops and bring them home. Should this not be the number 1 topic of us American's? Who cares about PBS at this point. Have we not lost enough of our troops? Do we not have enough of our troops injured, who have lost limbs? Come on people what is truly wrong with you all. 

I may not know some of the injured soldiers personally but I do have my own son who came back from a year in Afghanistan who is suffering PTSD and not a day goes by that I don't worry about him. I pray every single day that God will give my son the strength to get through these difficult times. My son went into the Army with a career in mind but after serving just 1 year in Afghanistan he is already having different thoughts about his career choice. 

So instead of worrying about what is going to happen to Big Bird lets worry about bringing all of our troops home safe and sound - right where they belong - with their loved ones.

Blog Make-Over Giveaway!

My Creative Zone is hosting a giveaway for a blog makeover!! If you are looking to revamp your site, this is a great giveaway!

The Prize:

- Blog Design customization with up to 3 revisions (worth over $150)

- Grab Badge

- For self-hosted WordPress and Blogger platforms only. Blogs using wordpress.com will not be accepted.

Contest will end on October 10th. Enter here.

Reusable Plastic Multi Purpose Storage Box Review

It's More than a Box. It's a Storage Solution.

These boxes sure can come in handy when your children have no where else to put their toys or those clothes they have out grown. I am showing my youngest how to organize his room and he absolutely loves these.

There are 5 different sizes from under the bed to small and large with 4 different colors to choose from; green, pink, blue and white. Prices range from $8 to $18

12 gallon
16 gallon
21 gallon
under bed 36″x24″x6″
tote 18″x13″x11 3/8″



The boxes are made from durable corrugated plastic that can withstand harsh conditions. They also fold away flat for easy storage when not in use. There is an erasable area for easy labeling and storage needs. I can see these boxes being used to store things in a room inside a closet or storage space or even a college student moving to a dorm. I can’t see someone using these in an attic because the boxes are just too pretty. Of course they are ideal for use in all your storage needs but I think they are just too cool to be stuck in an attic. I imagine if you are a military family you move a lot, so I can imagine that these REUSABLE , easily stored boxes would be a dream come true to any military family that is frequently relocating.

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These boxes are easy to collapse and put back together. The bottoms stay closed and nothing falls through, which has been a problem with regular cardboard boxes. Also, if it’s raining you don’t need to worry about the contents getting destroyed by the rain. For us Washington folks that is EXTREMELY important because it rains 10 months of the year. They’re also simple to put back together, you won’t be hassling with them for ever trying to get them to fold back. They fold back easily and unfold completely flat for easy storage needs.

To purchase you can visit their website Packaways

Visit them on Facebook 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

National Consumer Panel HomeScan

Sign up with National Consumer Panel and voice your opinions to help manufacturers and retailers make decisions on what products to develop or improve. The National Consumer Panel home scan is accepting applicants for a very limited time! If you are accepted you will receive a scanner which you will use to track the different groceries and items you purchase and bring into your home. In exchange for doing this, you can earn some great prizes such as electronics, toys, gift cards and more. Not everyone gets accepted, so if you do, be sure to give it a try! You can always return the scanner if you choose to no longer participate. And it is totally free!

 Go here to apply. Let us know if you get accepted!

I have been with NCP for almost a year and my boys even love scanning their purchases the moment they get home. Not everyone gets accepted as it all depends on the area you live in but it is worth it to give it a try.

Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel & Baits Review & Giveaway!

It's still summer time and that means two things, Backyard BBQs and Bugs! The two don’t mix well together. Combat baits are insecticides disguised as an enticing food source for ants and roaches. They take the bait without ever knowing it’s really an insecticide. Perfect protection fro you and your family.

We got to try some of Combat's ant products. Combat Source Kill Max Ant Killing Gel gets your ant problem under control in just three to five days. It’s formulated to attract ants quickly, while its fast-acting insecticide, Fipronil, starts killing in hours. Worker ants return to the colony and feed the bait to the larvae and to the queen, eliminating the entire ant colony. This gel is easy to use so you can apply it in cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach places. Combat Source Kill Max Ant Killing Gel is effective against Carpenter, Pharaoh, Argentine, Cornfield, Odorous House, Thief, Pavement, White Footed, and Little Black Ants.

Combat Source Kill Max Ant Bait are easy-to-use, no-mess, child-resistant ant baits that need no activation. Just place them where you have seen ants and they will work day and night to control the problem killing ants at the source. Combat Source Kill Max Ant Bait kills ants that feed on sweet and greasy materials, including: Argentine, Cornfield, Little Black, Odorous House, and Pavement Ants.

Combat will also be holding a $1,000 Bug-Free Backyard Bash Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will win $1,000 and a variety of Combat Ant killing Baits and Gels. Check it out, and good luck! Also, check out my giveaway, so you can try some Combat in your home!

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Enter to Win a Coach Gift Card

Calling all Coach fans and I know there are a TON of you, I have an AWESOME Coach giveaway to tell you about. Right now Coach is running their ColorTag promo which is a TON of fun and there are 100 Coach Giftcards that will be won in the month of August!! Now through August 31 you have the chance to win a Coach gift card valued at $100-$500!!! To win the gift cards you will see the color below be black, to keep on trying to win just refresh this page.

 Prizes:

SIX (6) INSTANT WIN GAME GRAND PRIZES: A $500 Coach gift card. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $500 USD.

FOURTEEN (14) INSTANT WIN GAME FIRST PRIZES: A $250 Coach gift card. ARV: $250 USD.

NINETY (90) INSTANT WIN GAME SECOND PRIZES: A $100 Coach gift card. ARV: $100 USD.

Coming together to help our Wounded Warriors Families

I think it is time we step up and really help those families that have an injured soldier. I have been thinking about doing this for some time now and today I am going to do my best to help these families. Not all expenses are covered and they need help so they can be with their soldier. I do hope you will find it in your heart to contribute to this fund.

Help our Wounded Warriors families

Life as not just a Mom but an Army Mom

It is never easy being a Mom but being an Army Mom really has had some challenges. You always want the best for your children - that is never a question for any mother. When my second to the oldest decided very early on that he wanted to join the Army I never really gave it any thought because I knew he wanted to follow in his grandfathers footsteps. My sons know that I support them 100% in all of the decisions they have made in their life.

When my son left for boot camp I thought that was the hardest thing I would have to get through but when he told me he was deploying to Afghanistan that was a whole different ball game for me. I had my moments of crying, breaking down and praying several times a day to just please keep my son safe. I made sure that I set up my Facebook account so when my son signed online that I was immediately notified so I could get online, didn't matter what time of day it was - sleep came second to talking to my son. I made sure I set up my Skype account so when he was able to use Skype I could see his face and know that he truly was ok. It was the longest year this Mom has ever been through. Fortunately my son is home, back on US Soil but the worries haven't stopped there. PTSD is real in our family now. My son has been dealing with so much since he got back and not a day goes by that I don't worry about it, doesn't matter how old your children are when it comes to something this serious.
My son has gone back and forth as to whether he will re-enlist when the time comes. Of course if it was my decision I wouldn't do it because of how things have gotten over in Afghanistan but it is not my decision and again my son knows that what ever he decides I will be there to support him 100%.
I have made some amazing friends through PODS and several other Army Mom groups that have made some of this a little easier.
When you think your life is tough please remember us Army Moms who really have the challenge. Having your child in a war zone is not something I wish on anyone.

I thank God everyday that my son is back home with his family who loves him so very much and is safe.

Woolite Don't Torture Your Jeans Product Review

I recently received an awesome package, thanks to being part of the Crowtap community!  I received samples of Woolite Don’t Torture Your Jeans, every sample contains a $1 coupon inside!  Yepie so if I enjoy this product that’s a lot of coupons, right?!?  Well, not for me I shared the samples I wanted to get an opinion from everyone else!  I alway provide my opinion, what about everyone else?  However, I did keep two for me!

Lets see, I provided everyone I work with a sample of the Woolite Don’t Torture you jeans, waited about a week for them to have a day off to do laundry, lol.  Who wants to do laundry on a workday, not this mommy!

So when I handed out the samples everyone was super excited, everyone loves freebies!  Another thing I heard was, “I didn’t realize Woolite made laundry detergent.”  I simply explained the product a little and asked that they give me an honest opinion after they used.

Well today was the day for feedback, everyone enjoyed their free samples.  I did not hear one negative remark.  I heard several different things, such as:

• “It worked awesome, I think my jeans are darker.”
• “I loved the way it smelled.”
• “Smelled amazing and got my jeans nice and clean.”
• “I don’t think I will have to dye my jeans to get the color back anymore.”
• “I really like it.”
• “I would have to use it more, however I am going to buy some because if this works its going to save me so much money.”
• I love that this product can be used in both front loan HE machines and older traditional washing machines.

Everyone seemed to be happy with the product and when I asked if they would buy Woolite Extra Dark Care, everyone agreed they were definitely going to buy it.  They all wanted to see what the long-term results would be.

So what did I think?

Here we go, I have to be honest I LOVED IT!  I would have to agree with my co-workers, I want to try it longer to see what long-term results are.  However, it smells good and cleans well too!     This is going to be a money saver on my dark clothing that normally fades fast.  I also like the way my cloths feel, sometimes after using a product to help stop fading, my cloths feel, don’t really know how to explain it.  I guess you could say like there’s a residue on them, maybe?  Something like that, they don’t feel clean and I hate the way it feels so I don’t use it.

After using Woolite, I did not feel that on my clothing.  My clothes were soft and felt great, and smelled good too!  I do suggest trying Woolite Extra Dark Care, don’t torture your jeans, love them with Woolite which doesn’t cause fading!

Thanks Crowdtap for introducing me to Woolite and thank Woolite for giving me something to Love my jeans and not cause fading, I look forward to using Woolite Extra Dark Care on all my dark clothing to see what long-term results are!

Want to join in on awesome opportunities like this?  Join me on Crowdtap here!

Purex "Lets Be Honest" Campaign

Purex has launch their new Let’s Be Honest promotional campaign featuring Second City Comedian Molly Erdman. They've created a funny series of short video vignettes sharing honest moments that reflect the ironic truths of everyday Life, Laundry, and Whatever.




You can enter to win 3 Free Product Coupons for Purex Triple Action Detergent below, just by telling me which "Let's Be Honest" moment is your favorite.




You can also earn extra entries into the drawing by sharing your favorite"Let's Be Honest" moments on your social media sites. (such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc)


As an added bonus to entering below, you can also enter to win a Years Supply Of Purex. Everyday Purex is giving their customers a chance to win a years supply just by entering with a code off any Purex Product!




Through mid July Purex will be adding new funny videos every few days at www.purex.com, plus posts on Facebook and promotional tweets on Twitter. The daily sweepstakes will run through July 17th. Just scroll down below the Rafflecopter form for more information.




Enter to win 3 Free Purex Triple Action Product Coupons!!
(One Winner Gets All 3 Coupons)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purex Pinterest Contest

Pin It to Win It! This promotion asks Pinterest users to repin a image of a laundry hamper full of socks and guess how many socks are in the hamper. The 5 people who follow the rules and guess the closest the actual number of socks win a year supply of detergent! 

http://pinterest.com/purex/purex-promotions/

4th of July Party Pack Review

I signed up to review this 4th of July party pack by Python Printable Games because my family usually gets together for the 4th of July these games would be totally fun to play. Some of these games are also educational which is perfect for summer if you don't want your kids to lose any of that "learning" momentum.

Some games are suitable for just kids, some for teen to adult, and some for adults only. So this fun pack is great for all ages. Also, these games don't come with restrictions or time limits. Once you purchase this pack, it's yours to keep forever and reuse them on other occasions, so games that might not be useful now may come in handy later! These games are downloadable via email and here's what you'll get in the 4th of July Party Games Pack. This pack retails for $19.95 and includes the following: Independence Day Trivia game Independence Day Mad Libs Patriotic Trivia match game Presidential Trivia game State Nicknames match game Beers of the World placemat game Nasty British Food trivia Military Trivia Baseball Trivia Survival of the Fittest party game Red, White & Blue Scavenger Hunt Happy 4th of July Left-Right American History trivia Independence Day Synonyms game Fast Food trivia US Beers match game Tangled Tongue Twisters Tango Pick the Party Stars Meet Your Match acting game The Color of Music

When it's hot outside and the kids are bored, get you some paper and print away and celebrate Independence Day with a bang!! If you love playing these sorts of games, please feel free to follow them on Facebook and Twitter. If you love their games....sign up for the Python Printable Games eZine I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

UGLee Pen Review

The Ultimate Grip Pen = UGLee Pen is my favorite new pen! It’s an ergonomic pen that was created by a Doctor and is used by a doctor.

It took a little getting use to when I first used it, but I quickly adapted and am in love. The grip follows the anatomy of your hand making writing so much smoother. I don’t get hand cramps or that sore spot on my finger when I use this pen.

Whether you write all day or are just jotting down some notes you should always have the UGLee Pen in your hand!

The UGLee Pen has also been featured on the t.v show The Doctor’s!

You can get your own ugly pen here. A 3 pack is $19.99 and worth every penny!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Recent News

With my busy schedule at work it does not leave much time left over to do all the improvements at our house but things are coming along. This week we get our new couch, cant wait. I don't live off of credit cards so when I want something I just save my money and purchase everything with cash. I figure if I cant buy it with cash then I really don't need it. I am completely debt free right now and that is such an amazing feeling.

I was able to buy a new car earlier this year, yes that too I purchased with cash so no car payment for me either.

This week we will be painting and getting things ready for when my son Greg comes back for the month to visit. He just got back from a year in Afghanistan so it will really be nice to have all of my children here. It wasn't an easy year having my son off in a war zone but not a moment went by that I wasn't beyond proud of him. Not too many people take the Military route in life. I always knew Greg wanted to go into the Military and I supported him 100%. He is loving what he does and already plans on reenlisting. He gets his promotion to E4 in just a couple weeks as well.

Brandon works for this wonderful company and is starting college here very soon as well. He and Angel are still together - High School sweethearts.

Kevin is living down in Cottonwood and raising his daughter on his own - beyond proud of him for being such an amazing father.

Trevor is getting ready to start his Junior year in High School. He too has done so well, works and loves having that extra cash in the bank ha!

Getting that huge raise the beginning of the year has put us in such an amazing position. I have been with Hillyard for 8 years now. I absolutely love working for this company, couldn't have asked for anything better.

I am so thankful for my family and the wonderful life we all have.

Never question what God has planned for you. You may not understand at the moment why things happened for he has so many better things in store for you. Just make sure you follow his guidance and everything will be ok.

Honey Bunches of Oats Review and Giveaway!

Hey everyone! My next review and giveaway is for Honey Bunches of Oats cereal!. Honey Bunches of Oats is one of America's favorite cereal and they actually made it better by adding more of those delicious granola bunches. Yummm! I'm a huge cereal addict and a big lover of Honey Bunches of Oats so I was so pumped to try their new, better recipe! 

I am not a big breakfast eater but once I tried Honey Bunches of Oats I am hooked. It has an amazing taste and is very satisfying. I have to hide this from my sons since they too absolutely love it. 

Some great things about Honey Bunches of Oats is that it is made with four nutritious grains: Wheat, Oat, Corn and Rice. It also has 10 grams of whole grain, 6 grams of sugar (Honey Nut Cheeerios actually has 9 grams!), and zero grams of trans fat, saturated fat, and 0 mg of cholesterol! It also provides 9 essential vitamins and minerals. Awesome!

Overall, Honey Bunches of Oats continues to be on of my favorites. It is just the perfect cereal to start your day. Sweet and delicious but not sugary sweet, just great wake-up sweet. Add some berries, maybe some greek yogurt like I do and you have a well-balanced breakfast. If you haven't tried Honey Bunches of Oats...well what are you waiting for?! You better not be one of those Frosted Flakes or Cheerios people! These are so much better, I promise you, try them and you won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Literally head on over to your local grocery store, supermarket, heck even Target or Walmart because I bet you they sell them there. If you are not sure though head on over to Honey Bunches of Oat's website where you actually can buy them online! 

Win It! FIVE winners will receive ONE coupon each for Honey Bunches of Oats! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with the above mentioned sample as a Purex insider. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own

"I Love You Dad" Father's Day Poem- Review

Fathers Day is only a few months away and its time to start thinking about the special dad in your life. Telling your father how you feel isn't always easy, and something we take for granted.  But there is a solution that will not only express how you feel about dad, but will be cherished for many years to come.

Review:
I recently received a Fathers Day Poem from Because I Tried It to review and was touched by how beautifully done it was. The poem was very expressive and heart felt, which is so wonderful for those that can't seem to find the words. The Fathers Day poem was emailed to me in PDF format with a very nice, pre-set background for me to print out. I was given a choice of Fathers Day poems (because there are many types of fathers), and was give the option to add a personalized footer (which I chose not to do). 

Because I Tried It has a wide variety of Poems to choose from, and you can either have it emailed to you with the pre-set background in PDF format for only $2, or you can select a special Background and/or have it framed and mail to you for just a little bit more. They are very quick at filling orders too! I recieved mine just a few hours after I ordered it.

To keep up with the latest news about  Because I Tried It, and learn about any offers for free items they often have, you can:
Subscribe to their Newsletter
Follow them on Twitter
Be their friend on Facebook
Follow them on Google Plus

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Elfishki and The Giant Cake iPad Book

Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends of Elfishki is a series of stories and games for the iPad. Elfishki are little fairy tale creatures who live on the beautiful Rainbow Island in the middle of the Sparkling Sea. This is a place where miracles happen every day:

"Elfishki and the Giant Cake" is an interactive iPad book which is specifically designed to inspire the love of reading in elementary school age children. On every page, you can find comprehension questions which help your child develop his or her conscious reading skills. According to the website, this interactive iPad book will teach your elementary school-age child to:

• Retell short stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of the central message or the lesson of the fairy tale;

• Answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how.

• Acknowledge and appreciate differences in the points of view of the characters in the short story.

• Use illustrations and details in the kids’ stories to describe characters, settings, or events.

• Recall prior knowledge related to the information and events in the text.

• Make and confirm predictions about what will happen next in the fairy tale text.

How to get your own copy:

To purchase this iPad book, you can find Elfishki and the Giant Cake at the iTunes App Store. Please visit them on Twitter and Facebook.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

So thankful for my year and its just started!

2012 has just begun but it has been an amazing year for my family already.

After 8 years with the company I work for I received a very nice bonus and was able to purchase a new vehicle and pay cash YEAH!! and I received my nice raise too. No more car payments for me. This feels so amazing to not have any more monthly bills and to have a brand new car as well. Having money in my savings too has truly been such a blessing. No more worrying how I am going to pay my bills. Now I pay them and still have well over a paycheck left over.

I do not believe in Credit Cards. I feel if I dont have the money in hand to purchase something then I really dont need it.

Just got myself the New Ipad too. Got each of my sons a Flat Screen TV for their rooms as well as a new one for our livingroom and one for my room too. Next we are looking at a new Livingroom Set.

My son will be home very soon from Afghanistan and we are planning a nice vacation for when he is home for his visit. He really wants to go to Las Vegas since he will be 21 and I told him where ever he wants to go we will go.

My baby sister is getting married and I have the privilege of being their Photographer. With my bonus I was able to buy a very nice high end camera and am so excited. I have started a couple new hobbies since my boys are older now and finally have "ME" time. I have also started Cake Decorating and have been very busy doing cakes for so many people. It is so nice to hear how well my cakes have turned out - all are home made from scratch - nothing from a box.

My family will be taking several trips this year. Our first one is for my sister Bachelorette Party in Vegas - really looking forward to that trip. The next trip will be to see my son arrive back home from a Year Long Deployment to Afghanistan.

Hard to believe we are in March and so many great and amazing things have happened for our family already. God sure does take care of those who live their lives honestly and truly believe in him.

Birthday Chronicle Review & Giveaway

The Birthday Chronicle is a one-page (8 ½” x 11”) personalized newspaper that details the events of any particular day you choose. By providing a name, date, and headline, you can receive a newspaper that provides the details of that special day and the events that were occurring around that time.

For my headline I chose "Greg is 21". My son is currently deployed in Afghanistan and I wanted to come up with the perfect gift to send him. I received an email in less than an hour after submitting all my information, amazingly fast service. Some of the highlights are:

Twins Win 1991 World Series

64th Annual Academy Awards

Celebrities that share the same birthday

Top Music Hits of 1991

Other Headline News

The Birthday Chronicle is created by BecauseITriedIt.com. This company is proud to offer “Personalized Gifts for Anyone, Anytime”! The Birthday Chronicle makes a great gift for a family member or friend. For an additional fee, you can order your newspaper to be sent with a black frame so it can be displayed for everyone!

Because ITriedIt.com offers free items from time to time. If you would like to make sure you hear about these free items in time, please consider following them!

Receive their newsletter and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Klout!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

A Mothers Journey during deployment

Deployments are not only difficult for those who are deployed themselves but for their families as well.

My son has been deployed since last summer and it has had its moments. I do my best to not watch the news because of all the events going on over there right now and it is hard enough having him over there right in the middle of all of it. There have been a few times that he has signed on and we see a new mark on his face, of course he reassures us all is ok and he is fine but a mother knows something has happened that he doesn't want to talk about. No matter what I am always here for my son and support him.

I am so proud of my son for serving his country and putting his life on the line each and every moment he is over there. We are on our final countdown for when he is home for good!

Thank you to each and every one of our servicemen/women who are currently deployed and to those who are preparing to deploy themselves.

Living within our means

There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.

Calvin Coolidge

I believe the following website says it all: 

Live Within Your Means
What do you want? What do you really need? Evaluate your current financial situation. Take a look at the big picture. Make two lists – one for needs and one for wants. As you make the list, ask yourself:
Why do I want it?
How would things be different if I had it?
What other things would change if I had it? (for better or worse)
Which things are truly important to me?
Does this match my values?We all have different budgets based on our needs and wants. But the Building a Budget chart on the next page shows some guidelines on how much should go toward different expenses. You may need to make adjustments for a daily latte fix or visits to family, but remember to subtract amounts from other areas if you do.
Once you start tracking, you may be surprised to find you spend hundreds of dollars a month on eating out or other flexible expenses. Some of these are easily trimmed. Cutting back is usually a better place to start than completely cutting out. Be realistic. It will help you to be better prepared for unexpected costs.
In finding ways to trim flexible expenses, it helps to have a goal to save toward each month. Setting such a goal needs to be SMART:


If you are like many Americans, you may find that you are spending more than you're saving and steadily going deeper into debt as a result. This is an easy and common pattern to fall into, and one that requires some planning and discipline to reverse.

The first step is creating a budget. As unpleasant as this may sound, creating a budget is nothing more than examining your income and expenditures in order to determine exactly how much money you have coming in and where you’re spending that money.

Once you've got a clear understanding of your current budget, your challenge is to find places where you can spend less (or earn more) in order to achieve your financial goals. Here are some steps you can take toward that end:

1. Question Your Needs And Wants


2. Set Guidelines


3. Track, Trim And Target


The SMART Way to Trim Expenses


SPECIFIC Smart goals are specific enough to suggest action. Example: Save enough to visit Rome for your wedding anniversary. Not just "save money."

MEASURABLE You need to know when you achieved your goal or how close you are. Example: A trip to Italy costs $2,000, and you have $800 saved.

ATTAINABLE The steps toward reaching your goal need to be reasonable and possible. Example: I know I can save enough money each week to purchase that trip to Italy.

RELEVANT The goal needs to make sense. You don't want to work toward a goal that doesn't fit your need. Example: We would like to stay in four-star hotels in celebration of our anniversary.

TIME-RELATED Set a definite target date. Example: I want to go to Italy by next summer.









http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/personalfinance/savingspending/budgeting/means.php

Purex Triple Action Review

Purex Triple Action Review

I started buying a Purex products a few years ago. I was first attracted to the brand when I noticed how much money I could save by purchasing it instead of other leading brands. So last year when I learned about the Purex Insider program, I just had to become a member!

Purex is rolling out a new Triple Action formula across the entire liquid detergent line. This new and improved Triple Action formula delivers even better on Purex’s promise to leave your clothes bright, white, and clean, and as always, for half the price of the leading brand! The detergent is for all types of washing machines including high efficiency. And it comes in different scents including Mountain Breeze, Lavender Fresh, and After the Rain. And they also have a Free & Clear version if you prefer something without the usual dyes and scents.

I really like this new product. The Mountain Breeze variety has a nice scent, and I love the innovations that are allowing us to use less and less detergent and still have fresh, clean results!

A Christmas Surprise

So Greg was able to be home for 2 weeks during Christmas and surprised his girlfriend Christmas Day - He proposed to her during our Family Christmas Dinner. It was the most amazing proposal EVER! The words he said to her were priceless. There was not a dry eye in the entire room when he was done.

Shanna has been the most amazing woman during his deployment. So many women end up moving on because they cannot handle the distance but she has not wavered at all.

They are currently planning their wedding and once he gets home everything will be finalized.

Purex Ultra Packs Review

I LOVE Purex Laundry Detergents and Fabric Softeners.  It's extremely effective and reasonable priced laundry lovin'!  I was recently given a free package of Purex Ultra Packs Liquid Laundry detergent and now I've found another reason to love Purex!

Purex Ultrapacks are pre-closed laundry packs that are so easy to use.  .Purex Ultra packs make laundry detergent so convenient and easy to use!  No spilling and amazing cleaning! So easy and simple to use. I have the HE Washer and these are amazing - just toss one in with your clothes and that is it. Clothes come out looking and smelling great.

Win an IPad 2 or Kindle Fire with Rafflecopter

Help Rafflecopter name their cute little mascot….and you could win a Kindle Fire or an iPad – Here is what they put on their site…

To celebrate the new year, we’re going to give away a 16GB Apple iPad2 and several Kindle Fires. The giveaway starts Monday 1/9 at 12:01 a.m. and lasts for a month. To enter, simply tell us who referred you to this giveaway! (Sandra Mounts) You can receive additional entries by tweeting about this giveaway, following us on twitter, and giving us feedback. In addition, we’re doing something a little special to make things more fun:
Suggest a Mascot Name – You’ve seen the Rafflecopter smiley-face dude hanging around the web. The poor guy needs a name, and we want to leave it up to you to decide what his (or her?) name should be. For an additional entry, suggest a name! After the giveaway is over, we’ll go through the list of names and pick out our favorite suggestions (be creative!) and bring it to a vote on Facebook. If your name is chosen, you’ll win a Kindle Fire and be immortalized in Rafflecopter history
This giveaway is open for the US and Canadian residents and will close February 9th at 12:01 a.m. EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway