Semmes Savers

Saving Money on Meat

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:18:00 +0000

I've heard many times over my years of couponing, "Yeah, but there's no coupons for meat and it's expensive" (or some variation of that phrase). Well, sometimes there are coupons for meat, although it's not a common thing, but I still save a lot of money on meat regularly.

The first step is to decide which store in your area is the best to save money on meat. The easy way to do this is to visit the stores on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, morning times are best. These are the days I get the best deals! After a few visits you should be able to see who marks down their meat the most.

Locally, I prefer to shop at Greer's. I just went today and took some photos of what I purchased out of the meat department. I'll share the photos, then the break down of what I purchased.

2 packs of BBQ seasoned Pork Chops and pack of Bacon

2 x Baby Back Ribs and 7 x hamburger meat

Market Style Bacon
Was $4.56 Now $2.53
(note: I purchased 2, but one had already been opened. Price was about the same.)

Pork Chops w/ A BBQ Rub/Seasoning
2 Packs of 5: $3.43 and $3.31

Baby Back Ribs w/ a BBQ rub/seasoning
2 slabs: $5.79 & $5.69

Hamburger Meat x 7
Was $7.53 Now $1.62
Was $4.58 Now $1.07
Was $4.70 Now $1.15
Was $5.03 Now $1.22
Was $4.95 Now $1.20
Was $5.03 Now $1.23
Was $4.62 Now $1.12

Now the Ribs nor the Pork Chops had the before price, I normally save at least 50% on these!

If I purchased the Hamburger meat alone (notice, it's a mix of ground beef, ground chuck, etc) NOT on sale, it would have cost me $36.24. I paid $8.61. Total savings on hamburger meat? $27.63 or 76%!!!!

On everything else I saved about 50%!

All of the meat is STILL IN DATE and, since I froze it immediately, should be good for a few weeks at least (not that it will last that long! lol).

Do you have any suggestions on how to save money on meat? If so, please leave them in the comments below!

TOMY The "Fan"tastic Pokemon Giveaway (Facebook)

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:09:00 +0000

My oldest has collected Pokemon for about 10 years now, so my fingers are crossed for this giveaway! Figured I might have some fans that either like pokemon or have kids who do, so wanted to share! Check out these awesome Prizes!

PRIZES. Prizes will not be appropriate for all age groups. One (1 of the following prizes will be awarded to eligible winners in this contest:

GRAND PRIZE: One (1) Grand Prize proposed winner will receive fourteen (14) products from the Spring 2013 TOMY Pokémon product line. (ARV $ $200)

FIRST PLACE PRIZE: Twenty-Five (25) proposed winners will each receive one (1) Pokémon Center Play ‘n’ Store Case and Twenty (20) 2-inch Pokémon figures to fill it (ARV $90)

SECOND PLACE PRIZE: Fifty (50) proposed winners will each receive one (1) Pokédex Trainer Kit (ARV $19.99).

Rules can be found underneath the entry form!

Enter HERE

FedEx Delivery Manager! Sign up today!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:31:00 +0000

I've been (impatiently) waiting for FedEx to introduce a service like this for awhile now! So excited! Check it out!

Change our plans, not yours. Built to make your life easier, FedEx Delivery Manager gives you the power to customize your home deliveries to fit your busy life.

Haunted Happenings: The Face in the Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:17:00 +0000

My daughter informed me that I should do another "Haunted Happenings" post. If you haven't seen the original, you can view it here. Long story short, my house has a history of unexplained phenomena. I do tend to believe it's ghosts, but who really knows? All I know is it tends to make things around here interesting....

For a long time it was my daughter and I that was experiencing the "hauntings". We didn't really discuss it except when she'd say something to me about seeing or hearing something. Now my husband finally believes us (although that will be a post for another day) but this happened about 6 months ago, before he was a believer.

One night I poked my head in my daughter's room to tell her something. She had the lights out and was watching TV, just waiting on the Sandman to visit her. When you walk in Cassie's room her bed is to the left. At the foot of her bed is her Armoire. It's at least "vintage" but I'd lean more towards "antique". We found it on Craig's List a few years back. This is what it looks like (if you're sitting on her bed).

Yes, her walls are Barney purple. She chose that color. lol

It's a beautiful piece of furniture, even if it's busting at the seams because she has so much junk in it. Anyway....back to the story....

I poke my head in the door and speak to her. As I'm backing out of the room, pulling the door shut, I see something in the mirror...a face. It's not looking at me, but a profile. I can still see it to this day and, rather than trying to explain it, I figured I'd use a photo.

My friend, Isabella, is the blogger behind Just Another Static Heart and a photographer at Shades of Grey Emporium. She is also a historian and does reenacting (She's MAD talented, so check out her site and page for her photography). She recently posted a photo that reminded me so much of what I saw in the mirror and has been kind enough to share it here.

Photo property of Shades of Grey Emporium. Used with permission.

That is exactly like the profile I saw in Cassie's mirror on her armoire!! I saw a profile of a woman, dressed in the same type of clothing Isabella is wearing in the self portrait above. (Note, this was months before Isabella took and posted these photos). I asked Isabella and she tells this is an 1863 patterned Blockade dress.

I thrust Cassie's door back open and looked again. The profile had disappeared. Nothing unexpected was in her mirror at all. I just made an excuse like, "Oh, I thought you said something to me," shut the door, and went on my way.

I pushed it to the back of my mind and didn't think about it again until a week or so later, nor did I tell anyone about what had happened.

One Saturday night my husband, Cassie, and I are in the living room watching TV and one of those ghost hunter shows comes on. Cassie says, "I want to see it". Well, of course, the overprotective Dad says, "I don't know that you should be watching a show like that. It may scare you."

Cassie and I laugh and I look at him and say, "You know, me and Cassie LIVE stuff like that. It doesn't bother us at all. In fact, I never told y'all about what I saw in Cassie's mirror!!"

I start telling the story about what had happened and I get to the part, "I saw this woman's profile in the mirror. She..."

Cassie cuts me off. "She was looking to the side. She had this weird thing on her head, kinda like a hat, but not a hat. She had blonde hair."

I'm stunned. I had told NO ONE about what I had seen in the mirror. So, I look at Cassie and say, "How did you know that?"

Cassie says, "I've seen her in the mirror too." and went back to doing whatever she was doing before that.

Later my husband asks me, "Did y'all plan that?"

I told him, "No. There's no way we could have. You had the remote and had it on that channel that the commercial came on. I had no idea the subject was going to come up and I never spoke to Cassie about what had happened. I never told ANYONE about what I saw."

He couldn't explain it, but still wasn't a "believer". He had his own experience about a month or two ago that may have changed his opinion. That's for another day though....

Have you ever had any "haunted happenings"?

Sincere gratitude to Isabella for answering my endless stream of questions regarding the era of clothing she was wearing in the photo, as well as being kind enough to share her photo with me. I can't say Thank You enough for all your help Isabella. Check her out if you haven't already!!

The Search for the Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer CONTEST

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:08:00 +0000

I used to consider myself a sweeper. I entered tons of contests and giveaways, and even won quite a bit. Now I don't have the time to enter a lot, but I still love to enter in my down time. Giveaways are a great way to try new products and win cash and prizes! Check out this info about the Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer Contest!

Calling all egg-sperts! Eggland's Best is searching far and wide to find the first-ever Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer! Do you have what it takes? We're looking for "CEO" candidates who demonstrate:

An egg-streme passion for EB eggs
A sunny-side up disposition
An eagerness to get cracking as an EB ambassador

The grand prize winner will be awarded $5,000 and the honorary title of Eggland's Best Chief Egg Officer. The grand prize winner will also receive a one-year supply of Eggland's Best eggs, to ensure they are only eating thE Best. Two runners-up will receive a six-month supply of Eggland's Best eggs and $500.

Eggland's Best eggs are America's #1 Egg! Compared to ordinary eggs, Eggland's Best eggs contain:

10 times more Vitamin E
2 times more Vitamin D
More than double the Omega-3
25% less saturated fat
3 times more Vitamin B12
38% more lutein
And so much more!

Ready to get whisked away in this egg-citing contest? Visit the Eggland's Best website and tell us why you would make the best "CEO." Entries will be accepted from May 13, 2013 through July 31, 2013. Don't scramble at the last minute - enter today!
Other key contest dates:

Semi-Finalist Consumer Online Voting: September 9, 2013 - September 30, 2013
Finalist Consumer Online Voting: October 28, 2013 - November 17, 2013
Winner Announcement: December 2013

Eggland's Best CEO Contest and Social Media Links:

Chief Egg Officer Contest
Eggland's Best on Facebook
Eggland's Best on Twitter

Disclosure: The Eggland’s Best Chief Egg Officer information was provided by Eggland’s Best. All thoughts/opinions portrayed as mine are mine alone. I've been offered no compensation for sharing this info with my fans/readers.

Kels' Korner: Coupons giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (TheKels1721) — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:58:00 +0000

I cleaned out my coupon book today, and I have way more than I need on a few so I was thinking, why not do a flash giveaway on the blog? One winner will have the coupons mailed to them. US residents only.

Some of the coupons:

Save $2 on Tide Liquid Detergent

Save $2 on Campbell's Go Soup

Save .50 on any Nexcare product

and a few more!

If this little prize pack interests you, join the giveaway today!

Running Midnight Sunday 5/12/13 until 11:59p Tuesday 5/14/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Missing: Aundria Bowman from Holland Michigan since March 11, 1989

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Aundria Bowman was born June 23, 1974 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. At birth her name was Alexis Badger. When Alexis was 4 months old her mother found herself divorced and homeless. Alexis's mother was assured that she would have a better life in a two parent home, where she would be provided the things her mother could not provide. So, Alexis was adopted through Catholic Charities in Virginia in 1975 and her name was changed to Aundria Bowman.

Years pass and Aundria's birth mother started searching for the daughter that she never stopped loving. She joined adoption reunion sites, hoping to reconnect with her daughter, yet never received any replies. Until the day that she received a request for DNA to compare to Unidentified Bodies (Jane Does).

According to an article on WZZM Aundria ran from home. The article states that Aundria struggled with the fact that she was adopted and she was scared of being put in foster care due to arguments with her adoptive parents.

However, according to the Doe Network and the Find Aundria M Bowman Facebook Page her biological Mother maintains, Aundria was in a group home where she disappeared from on March 11, 1989 at the age of 14.

While having the precise details of Aundria's disappearance would be extremely valuable, right now the most important thing is finding her! In the past few years there have been several cases of people that were missing for years and have later been found. Some were taken forcibly and some left on their own free will, so never give up hope!

Aundria's photos and info below:

Aundria Michelle Bowman born on June 23, 1974 as Alexis Badger. From Hamilton Michigan - Missing since March 11, 1989 from a youth home in Holland, Ottawa County, Michigan.

Classification: Endangered Missing

Date Of Birth: June 23, 1974
Age at Time of Disappearance: 14 years old
Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'5; 115 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Brown hair; green eyes. She may have bleached her hair blonde.
Marks, Scars: She has pierced ears.
AKA: Alex; Alexis
Dentals: Partial dental records available

Circumstances of Disappearance
Bowman ran away from a youth home on March 11, 1989. She has never been seen or heard from again. Bowman is adopted.

If you have ANY information regarding the disappearance of Aundria Bowman, please contact:

Allegan County Sheriff's Office Missing Persons Unit
616-673-5441 OR 269-673-0500
Email: sheriff@allegancounty.org

Follow the Find Aundria Bowman Facebook Page and make sure to share her flyer. You can also Pin her flyer on Pinterest.

One recent story said that a person recognized themselves on a missing poster, so I just want to say, Aundria, if you happen to see this, know that you are loved and missed very much.

Age Progression with blondish hair

View the video below to see Aundria and others missing from the Michigan area.

Chick-fil-A #FreshMade Salad Giveaway: Take your taste buds to greener pastures

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sat, 11 May 2013 11:40:00 +0000

Forget about yesterday, today is #FreshMade! Each day we have a choice, a choice to do the same old routine or do something unique and different. What have you wanted to do for a long time? 2013 is almost halfway over and it’s time to do something new. It’s time to grow, it’s time to make your dreams a reality.

Chick-fil-A is helping you make today #FreshMade, by creating new menu options that you can feel good about! They are introducing 3 new premium salads and an improved wrap all under 430 calories made with premium ingredients.

Have you checked out the new salads at Chick-fil-A? These look AMAZING.

Chick-fil-A has also offered this cool blog app for you to check out!

Check out the blog app! It's got a lot of cute stuff in it! Also, take the "Are you a starter?" Quiz, and remember your answer. You're going to need it for the.....

GIVEAWAY!!

One lucky winner will receive two coupons for the new Chick-fil-A Salads!

Enter below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I have received nothing in return for running this giveaway. All thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone. All information about Chick-fil-A's healthier options, as well as the images, video, and blog app, was provided to me by the sponsor.

Current Printable Coupons on Coupons.com (Updated 5/10/13)

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:46:00 +0000

This post contains affiliate links

Updated Coupon List for Coupons.com!

Local Semmes Athlete heads to South Africa with Team USA for the World Transplant Games

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:57:00 +0000

March 2012 I posted about Organ Donation and why I feel it is important in honor of National Kidney Month.

A local man, David Miller, is a Bone Marrow and Liver Transplant recipient who is headed to the World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa with Team USA this summer!

Have you heard of the World Transplant Games Federation? Here is some more info about them, per their site:

Our purpose is to visibly demonstrate the benefits of successful organ transplantation, work to increase public awareness of its success and thereby increase organ donation rates, as well as promote the full rehabilitation and well being of our participants.

How cool is that? They show how successful organ donation can be, as well as spread the word about Organ Donation through athletic competition!

From David:
I'm a Bone Marrow and Liver Transplant Survivor from here in Semmes. This July I will travel with Team USA as a member to Bowl in the World Transplant Games in Durban S. Africa. My mission is to continue to showcase the SECOND CHANCE given by the Gift of Organ & Tissue Donation. In needing to raise funds to travel with Team USA and also wanting to be able to promote Organ & Tissue Donation.

David has created a Facebook Page, Second Chance, to help spread awareness. He also sells Second Chance shirts to help raise funds for his mission.

Second Chance Shirts, Currently Available in Blue or Green.

David told me the proceeds from shirt sales will be split into helping with costs associated with Promoting Organ & Tissue Donation, and working with assisting Kids undergoing Transplant and assisting Local Transplant Athletes. Promotional shirts are being SOLD currently for $10 Small - X Large. 2X add $2.50 and $1.00 each size over 2X. Shipping can be arranged.

I think this is a great way to support a transplant recipient, as well as spread the word about organ donation!

If you have a few moments, like the Second Chance Facebook Page. I know David would appreciate it. You can also find out more about ordering a shirt on the Facebook Page!!

Are you an organ donor? Do you know someone who has been the recipient of an organ donation?

Disclosure: I have received nothing in return for promoting David's Facebook Page and Mission. All thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone.

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness on DVD June 18

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 10 May 2013 02:04:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I still enjoy some cartoons. Kung Fu Panda is one of our favorites! I was super excited to hear about this DVD release, and wanted to share the info with y'all! Leave me a comment and let me know which cartoon you still love (even though you're not a kid in age anymore, you can always be a kid at heart!)

Brace yourself for awesome action and legendary laughs in this fun-filled animated TV series based on the
Academy Award®-Nominated hit movie Kung Fu Panda! As the chosen Dragon Warrior and sworn protector of the Valley of Peace, Po the panda is highly skilled, ever vigilant and hungry for justice...and dumplings. Together with the Furious Five—Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper—Po must fend off fierce villains, including an evil version of himself (courtesy of the Mystical Mirror of Yin and Yang) and the toothy Croc Bandits!

Special Features:
• Good Croc Bad Croc
• The Princess and the Po
• Chain Reaction
• Bad Po
• Jailhouse Panda
• Father Crime
• Po Fans Out

Details:
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Screen Format: Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio:
English 5.1 Dolby Digital
Spanish: Dolby Surround
French: Dolby Surround
Subtitles:
English, Spanish, French

U.S. Rating: NR
Total Run Time: 154 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes

Disclosure: I receive nothing in return for sharing this information with you. Thoughts/Opinions are mine and mine alone and all product information was shared with me via press release.

RECIPE: Bruschetta Chicken on the Grill

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:15:00 +0000

Bruschetta Chicken on the Grill

When it’s light outside until late at night and temperatures don’t dip below comfortable levels, it means it’s the perfect time of year to start grilling outside. Not only is grilling one of the easiest cooking methods out there, but there are dozens of different grilling recipes to experiment with during the warmer months.

From traditional grilled favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers to warm-weather tomato recipes like grilled margherita pizza, the possibilities are endless when it comes to grilling. Recipes that can be made on the grill include kebabs, paninis, quesadillas, wrapped meat and vegetables in foil packets and even grilled fruit to go with cold vanilla ice cream for a sweet dessert, proving that the grill is an exceptionally versatile cooking tool.

It’s also a good tool for anyone looking to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Instead of greasy fried food or heavy baked casseroles filled with creamy sauces, most grilling recipes don’t need much more than a marinade or a little bit of heart-healthy olive oil. The grill provides lots of flavor in itself; no high-calorie or high-fat extras required!

This bruschetta chicken recipe is exactly what it sounds like; grilled crusty bread, topped with juicy marinated chicken and a delicious garlicky tomato topping. It’s everything you love in the traditional bruschetta appetizer, elevated into a tasty, satisfying spring dinner that’s half grilled chicken entrée, half opened-face sandwich. Fire up your grill and try out the recipe on your next warm evening!

Hunt’s® Bruschetta Chicken Grill

· ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing, divided

· ¼ cup Hunt’s® Tomato Paste, divided

· 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 oz. each)

· 1 14.5 oz. can Hunt’s® Diced Tomatoes, drained

· ¼ cup sliced green onions

· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

· 1 clove garlic, finely shopped

· 4 thick slices Italian bread

Stir together ¼ cup dressing and 2 tablespoons tomato paste in a small dish. Pour over chicken in a small glass dish; cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.

Meanwhile, stir together drained tomatoes, the remaining ¼ cup dressing, the remaining 2 tablespoons tomato paste, onions, basil and garlic. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat grill to medium. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Grill chicken 10 to 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the centers (a meat thermometer should read 165°F), turning once. Just before chicken is done, grill bread 2 minutes on each side or until toasted. To serve, place bread on serving plates; top with chicken and tomato mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if desired.

This is a guest post by Meredith K. on behalf of Hunt’s®. For more delicious grilling recipes, along with traditional dinner favorites like easy lasagna recipes, visit www.hunts.com.

Disclosure: This is a guest post by Meredith and I receive nothing in return for posting it. Thank you Meredith for such a yummy recipe!

Help Lacey Become the Face of JO + JAX with a Simple Vote on Facebook!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:39:00 +0000

If you've been here more than a few minutes, you know that I love to help others. Whether it's a vote and asking for others to vote as well or sharing their page and/or posts. It's all about helping others out where Social Media is concerned.

Mobile, Alabama, my hometown, is not big news. We are not even considered a "big town". When we have someone make it big, or trying to make it big, it's news. That's what drew me in to one of my friend's posts one day. She explained her cousin was trying to win a contest and could use votes. Initially I voted here and there, but then I decided why not try to get some help?

Above you can see the photo that is in the contest and below you'll some info released by Lacey's Mom, who has given me permission to share this with y'all. If you have a few moments I ask that you please vote for Lacey. You can vote every 24 hours. Voting is simple, just like the page, then hit "vote". If it hasn't been 24 hours yet, they tell you that you've already voted. The company hosting the giveaway is JO + JAX, a dance wear - active wear clothing company based out of NYC. After you like the page (linked above), just visit this page to vote.

Thank you in advance all of you who choose to help this young lady achieve this dream!

About Lacey and the opportunity she has:

St. Paul’s 7th grader Lacey Evans, with the help of her hometown, could be the new face of the national dance clothing line, Jo+Jax, based in New York City. Lacey, a talented dancer at Sheffield School of Dance Studio who excels in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop, managed to inspire hundreds of family and friends last month to beat out more than 1,000 other girls from across the country in the first round of the national Jo+Jax model search. But, round one was just the beginning. And, without more help from more “friends,” her big city dreams might fall short as just another local ambition.
Here’s what’s at stake: For one year, one lucky dancer will be the face of Jo+Jax. She’ll be flown to New York City, where she’ll participate in a full, professional photo shoot and given $500 to spend with the company.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life and it’s always been my passion,” said Lacey. “But, recently, I also starting modeling and I love that, too. I came across this contest for Jo+Jax, my favorite line of dancewear, and it clicked. Here’s a way to do both.”
But, passion alone won’t propel Lacey to the top. This contest is based solely on public opinion and the power of social media. That’s because Jo+Jax has put the contest to Facebook, where people can vote for their choice of the three final girls, every 24 hours through Monday, June 10.
“We’ve rallied troops and Team Lacey has grown to include old friends and new ones,” said Jennifer Bryant Evans, Lacey’s mom. “I can’t tell you how humbled we are and how much we appreciate everyone’s support. It’s overwhelming sometimes. But, the competition is stiff and to make my daughter’s dreams come true, we need even more support.”
So, Lacey and her family are appealing to the public for help. Voting is easy and anyone with a Facebook account can participate. Simply visit the JO + JAX Facebook Page. Once there, “like” the page on your initial visit and then scroll down to see the three girls competing as the final contestants. Finally, click “vote” for Lacey Evans and watch the number climb. Then, go back every 24 hours to vote again.
“It really is simple,” said Dodie McLain, Lacey’s grandmother. “I’m voting everyday but I need everybody’s help to see my grand-daughter’s dream come true. This really could be a wonderful opportunity for her.”
MORE INFORMATION
Team Lacey is now also a Facebook group. To join the group for personal messages from Lacey and other local residents who want to see a local girl make it big, visit the Team Lacey Facebook Group.

Disclosure: I am receiving nothing in return for posting about the Contest Lacey is in. There is no compensation offered for my post, nor for your votes. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Semmes Savers.

Kels' Korner: "Mymo's Adventures" DVD Review and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (TheKels1721) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:24:00 +0000

We all want what's best for our kids. That usually includes a healthy active lifestyle. With busy schedules, sometimes getting in all the activity we want can be difficult. But My Gym's "Mymo's Adventures" make it a little easier!

Just pop this DVD in instead of the usual kid's video and boom! Additional physical activity AND learning fun!

With it's bright colors and fun activities, your kids will be entertained and excited. My 4 year old autistic son loved Alphonse the puppet and Mymo the monkey. The characters and kids really held his attention, and when the kids started working out and learning about new places (using their imagination to interact with the six educational adventures) he joined along as best he could! How cool! It really got him moving and in turn, got Mama moving with him! We had so much fun! Getting active and learning? Bonus!

We've been using it a few times a week since receiving it for the review and it's been fun every time!

From the DVD packaging:
"Action packed and imaginative, this engaging DVD combines animated fun, live action workouts, and a wisecracking puppet named Alphonzo Bartholomew III, better known as 'Alphonse.' Created to educate, entertain, and motivate your children to be active, Mymo's Adventures will help them develop their coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and fine/gross motor skills. And most important....it's just plain fun, and they're going to want to watch it over and over again!"

And thanks to the sponsor, one lucky winner will win a copy!
(Contest open to US and Canada only)

ALSO, right now through June 30, 2013 on My Gym's Facebook page, they're having their "My Gym's Fit and Healthy Family" contest. In celebration of My Gym's 30th anniversary, they are searching for the fittest family in North America!

Just go to My Gym's Facebook page and follow the instructions to enter. This includes submission of a photo and essay. Thirty families with the most votes will receive a prize package loaded with gifts including a certificate from the President's Council of Physical Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition; a gift package from BabyGanics and free MyGym and Chugginton DVDs!

The 30 families will then have an opportunity to win the Grand Prize! This includes top items from Little Tikes and one free year at My Gym, including kids classes and a birthday party!

Contact My Gym:
My Gym's Website
My Gym's Facebook Page

You can also purchase a DVD by emailing Matt at info@MyGym.com.

Disclosure: I received this item for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone. I was in no way required to post a positive review and am expressing my personal thoughts about the product. Please review our disclosures with any questions.about our review policies.
©KSH2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mother's Day Giveaway Hosted by Moms Living Thrifty and Semmes Savers

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:51:00 +0000

Welcome to the Massive Mother's Day Event hosted by Moms Living Thrifty and Semmes Savers!

We have a lot of great sponsors and some awesome prizes up for grabs!

RewardTab, the site that rewards you for purchasing gift cards, is giving away a $25 site credit (plus new members get a $5 credit!).

Collage.com, the collage innovators, are giving away a 16x20 Collage Canvas.

Ssh-oes, home of the quiet, comfortable heel, is giving one person their choice of shoes from the site.

Zipz Shoes are cool because you can change out the cover of them! They're giving away a pair of Zipz from their current look book.

Mia Mariu is a health and beauty company that promotes beauty inside and out. Mia Mariu is giving a Revitalizing Canvas Treatment Collection to one lucky winner.

Sibu products are 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free! One winner will be getting a 5 of Sibu's products: Toner, Mask, Cleanser, Facial Cream and Scrub!

Farm Rich offers quick and tasty appetizers, snacks, and breakfast foods. One lucky winner will receive 2 free product coupons.

Nomad Footwear has everything from rain boots, to flats, to flip flops for womens, juniors, and children! The Nomad Footwear winner gets any pair of shoes from the site, valued up to $60!

Teleflora is a floral delivery leader due to their unique choices and superior service! One lucky winner will receive a Teleflora Celebrate Mom Bouquet.

Klondike Brand Potatoes are not your average potato....the flavor will leave you hooked! Klondike Brands is sponsoring a Potato Prize Pack, that includes: Cookbook – The Culinary Guide to Klondike Potatoes, a potato peeler, a potato cutting board, a baked potato grill cooker (a cooker designed to make baked potatoes on your grill), spud buttons (helps potatoes cook faster and will pop up when potatoes are cooked through), and a bag of Klondike Rose Potatoes!

Bake A Bone, The All-Natural Dog Treats You Make Right at Home, is perfect for Moms of four legged babies! Three winners will each receive a Bake A Bone.

Misses Dressy is your one-stop-shop for prom, wedding, and all other formal gowns. Misses Dressy will be giving away one Mother of the Bride Dress (value up to $350).

Del Sol offers an extensive line of products perfect for summer, which change color in the sun! One lucky person will win a Tee and Nail Polish of their choice!

Hot Mama Designs & Sugar Soul Studio offers customizable jewelry that Mom will treasure forever. They are giving one person a $50 Gift Card.

Aurorae Yoga offers a line of products perfect for everyone from the Yoga beginner to the expert! Aurorae Yoga is sponsoring a prize pack that includes: Synergy Yoga Mat/Towel Combination and Lavender Meditative Mist.

Jewelry Candles not only smell amazing, but they also include a piece of jewelry! One lucky winner will receive Deep Purple Wax Roses!

Corset Chick offers Corsets, Corset Dresses, Plus Size Corsets and much more! They are giving one winner the corset of their choice ($35 max value).

MIKAROSE is reinventing modesty with stylish clothing! MIKAROSE is sponsoring a $50 gift card in the giveaway!

April Malone Plexus Ambassador in an independent representative of Plexus, which offers products to help you be a healthier you. One person will receive the Plexus 7 Day Challenge.

Hot Buns helps you create a fantastic updo in less than a minute! Two winners will each receive a set of Hot Buns!

NuWave Pic is the complete energy-saving cooking solution with precision temperature control. One lucky person will receive the NuWave Pic.

Want to make some extra cash for sharing your opinion? Do you post reviews on websites like Yelp? If you do and want to get compensated for it check out BestMark Mystery Shopping. BestMark and its clients want your perspective. BestMark has 40,000 mystery shopping jobs each month in over 15,000 cities across the US. BestMark is giving one lucky person $50 (payable via paypal).

Make sure to check out the reviews of these great companies by Moms Living Thrifty and Semmes Savers!

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter form below!

Giveaway Details:
Giveaway open to U.S. residents. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase required to enter the giveaway.
This giveaway is not affiliated or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any social media site. Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of sponsor(s).
Winner notification will come from a host blog. Semmes Savers nor Moms Living Thrifty is responsible for misdirected emails. Winners have 48 hours to respond to notification or prize is forfeited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mother's Day Event Pinterest Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 02 May 2013 05:12:00 +0000

Thanks for coming over to claim your entries for the Pinterest follows! Please make sure to follow all the pages. If you click on the name, it should open the pinterest page in a new window. If you have any problems, just leave me a comment or email me and I'll fix it asap!

Moms Living Thrifty

Semmes Savers

New Age Mama

Ssh-oes

Mia Mariu

Sibu Beauty

Teleflora

Klondike Brands Potatoes

Hot Mama Designs & Sugar Soul Studio

Jewelry Candles

MIKAROSE

Hot Buns

Nomad Footwear

Misses Dressy

Farm Rich

Kels' Korner: Big Salad

noreply@blogger.com (TheKels1721) — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:18:00 +0000

Were you a Seinfeld fan?

I was and if you were too, I'm sure you remember Elaine and her big salads from the diner.
Right?

My favorite local diner has salads that come in "regular" and "large" size. When I ordered a "large" I felt like Elaine - I had my own big salad! I fell in love with the cranberry chicken salad, and although the diner is reasonably priced, I don't always want to eat out. So I decided to make a copy cat at home. This salad is so good, I thought I'd share.

CopyCat Jimmy's Cranberry Chicken (Big) Salad

1 - 6oz bag lettuce blend (I use Dole™ Seven lettuce blend; use any lettuce or spinach you like, about 4C)
~ 1/4 cup drained pineapple tidbits

~ 1/3 cup drained mandarin oranges

1 - fully cooked and cubed boneless/skinless breast of chicken, seasoned to taste
~ 1/8 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries (I use Craisins)

pecans (to taste - optional)
bleu cheese crumbles (to taste - optional)

2-3T of your favorite brand of Poppyseed dressing

Assemble: layer all ingredients in order and top with dressing. Mix it up a bit if you like and enjoy!

(I had no bleu cheese or pecans this time, but I had three strawberries I needed to use.
What a great idea to slice them up and throw them in! Delicious!)

Plus, salad complements the review and giveaway I have coming up tomorrow too!

©KSH2013

Mother's Day Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:52:00 +0000

Moms Living Thrifty and Semmes Savers have had some AWESOME sponsors step up to participate in the Mother's Day Event! Make sure to check out Moms Living Thrifty's Reviews as well!

Hot Mama Designs & Sugar Soul Studio Jewelry
Looking for a one of a kind piece for a one of a king Mom? Hot Mama Designs is the place to look! Their custom pieces are sure to warm Mom's heart. Check out the Hot Mama Designs Sponsor Spotlight for a great coupon code!

Klondike Brands Rose Potatoes
If you haven't tried Klondike Rose Potatoes you're missing out! The taste is superior to regular old russets and are the perfect compliment to any meal. To check out my super easy recipes, perfect for Dad or the kids to whip up for Mother's Day, check out my Review of Klondike Brands Rose Potatoes.

Mia Mariu
There comes a time in a Mother's Life when they notice those lines creeping up on their face. My time has come and my problem area is my eyes due to my messed up sleep schedule. Check out my review of Mia Mariu's Anti-Aging Eye Treatment.

Sibu
A skin care regimen is hard enough to figure out without factoring in how many skin care companies test on animals. Sibu is not only cruelty free, but also 100% VEGAN! Sibu brings wild, sustainably harvested premium Himalayan sea buckthorn to the West with all natural skin care and supplement products. Check out my Sibu Beauty Review.

Bake a Bone
Not every mom has babes of the 2 legged variety. Some have four legged babies. Some, such as me, have both! With Bake a Bone you can make delicious treats especially for your pups! Check out my Bake a Bone Review!

Corset Chick
Just because you're a Mom doesn't mean you can't dress like the hot woman you are! Corset Chick offers corsets in all styles and sizes! Check out my Corset Chick Revew!

Del Sol
Who doesn't love the sun? How about cool clothes and accessories that change color in the sun? Del Sol has an array of color changing products! Check out my Del Sol Review!

Hot Buns
Looking for a glamorous hairstyle, but don't have the time (or ability) to do one? Hot Buns to the rescue! Hot Buns makes up-does easy! Check out my review of Hot Buns!

Ssh-oes
Ssh-oes are stylish YET comfortable, which is a hard feat to accomplish! What woman doesn't love shoes? These shoes are beautiful and pretty dang comfortable, just check out my Ssh-oes Review!

Zipz Shoes
Zipz Shoes are super cool sneakers! They're innovative and the next big thing! Want to color coordinate or change style in Zipz? Just unzip them! Plus, you can customize your Zipz! Check out my Zipz review!

Collage.com
Looking for a way to transform those photos into treasured keepsakes? Collage.com has so many different options on ways you can turn your photos into collages, and offer them as canvases as well! Check out my Collage.com review!

Jewelry Candles
Not just a great soy scented candle, but each candle also has a piece of jewelry in it! Also, they've added wax roses to their inventory, and the scent of the roses last for six months! Check out my Jewelry Candles Sponsor Spotlight!

MIKAROSE
MIKAROSE offers stylish, modest dresses that compliment all body types. If you're a plus-sized gal like me, they have some to fit you too! Great for helping Moms look great!! Check out my MIKAROSE Review!

Farm Rich
Farm Rich offers snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods perfect for families on the go. I especially like them as part of Mother's Day because my husband and kids can make them with no problems! Check out my Farm Rich Review!

Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors for partnering with us in the Mother's Day event!

Flash Giveaway! Enter to win a Good Cook Nonstick Covered Cake Pan

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:00:00 +0000

I have a confession to make.....I'm not a fan of chocolate. Wait! Don't turn and run yet! I'm not a fan of chocolate candy, but I do love chocolate cake, fudge, and brownies (especially brownies with walnuts, straight out of the oven, with a glass of milk....YUM!).

To me, one of the most important aspects of making a perfect baked good is a good baking pan. I can't tell you how many times I've used one of my older, ratty pans in a rush and it just tore the brownies or cake up.

Good Cook offers an AWESOME Non-Stick Covered Cake Pan (13x9)! About the Cake Pan:

Bake and take your favorite sheet cakes or casserole to parties, picnics or potlucks in this nonstick cake pan that comes with a plastic cover. This carrier is perfect for baking, storing or freezing anything from brownies to roasted vegetables and meat.

Time for one more confession (I'm just full of them today, arent' I?).....I cannot make fudge. I've tried several times and my fudge just doesn't set up like it should. I end up with chocolate soup. However, Kels shared an AWESOME recipe which I'm excited to give a shot. She says it's the Second Easiest in the World, and I have a lot of faith in her!

Are you ready to get baking? Check out all the recipes in the linky below!

COUPON CODE:
You can save 25% on goodcook.com by using coupon code: CAKEPAN Coupon code expires May 3, 2013!

Good Cook is giving one lucky fan a Non-Stick Covered Cake Pan! Enter to win on the Rafflecopter! NOTE: There are 3 options on the linky to leave a comment on another recipe. You can do this daily, as long as choose a new blog to comment on each time! Also, each of the blogs on the linky have a giveaway just like mine! So, make sure to check out their blog so you can enter their giveaways!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I will be receiving a Nonstick covered cake pan for participating in this event. All thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone.

Mother's Day Event: Hot Mama Designs Sponsor Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Mother's Day Event: Klondike Rose Potatoes Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:01:00 +0000

Mother's Day Event: Mia Mariu Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:58:00 +0000

Mother's Day Event: Sibu Beauty Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:18:00 +0000

Have you heard of Sibu Beauty? From the site:

Introducing Sibu Beauty, premium skin care products made from the Himalayan sea buckthorn berry. Known as the “beauty berry” across Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn contains over 190 bioactive compounds that restore, revitalize, and protect youthful beauty – from the inside-out AND outside-in. These hardy berries help nourish skin, hair, and nails with powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids, including the rare Omega 7 – a key building block to healthy skin, hair, and nails, and also aids digestion and may help you maintain a healthier weight. Sibu Beauty features luxurious natural skin cleansers, moisturizes, and other topical treatments as well as dietary supplements that beautify and protect from the inside-out.

I honestly had never heard of sea buckthorn berry prior to Sibu Beauty. I was blessed with perfect skin when I was young. Unfortunately, it's not so perfect anymore. I notice a lot more blemishes, plus the overall aging of my face. My face has been screaming for me to develop a skin care regimen. I finally listened.

Here are the items I was able to try out:

Sibu Beauty Purifying Mask, Balancing Facial Cleanser, and Clarifying Toner

Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser:

Deep yet gentle cleansing is the foundation of effective facial care at every age. This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients. This lightly exfoliating facial cleanser will leave your face fresh, clean, and perfectly balanced. Your skin will look and feel radiant.

*Leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and refreshed*

*Removes excess oil and impurities*

*Contains micro-particles for a gentle exfoliation*

*Great for removing make-up*

*Non-foaming gel formula for all skin types*

This all-natural balancing facial cleanser gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up while maintaining a healthy balance in your skin without compromising its natural protective nutrients.

Sea Buckthorn Clarifying Toner:

Our sea buckthorn clarifying toner, with omega 7 fatty acids, refreshes, hydrates and pH balances skin for up to six hours. With sea buckthorn, algae extracts and aloe, this nutrient infused toner is ideal for use after cleansing skin or any time during the day when you need to refresh your skin.

*Refreshes and hydrates skin*

*Reconditions and firms skin*

*Balances pH levels for up to six hours*

*Helps retain natural moisture*

*Leaves skin feeling smooth and calm*

*Helps restore youthful radiance and clarity*

*100% natural*

Sea Buckthorn Purifying Mask

Our sea buckthorn purifying mask, with omega 7 fatty acids, deep cleans pores while purifying skin. With sea buckthorn, detoxifying clays, exfoliating enzymes and shea butter, this multi-functional mask is ideal for weekly use. Not to be used on the same day as our exfoliating scrub.

*Purifies and refreshes skin*

*Helps slough off dead skin cells evenly*

*Reveals a fresh, youthful radiance*

*100% natural*

So, here's a list of my favorite things about my Sibu Beauty product:
1. My skin feels super healthy and clean now.
2. All of my products are good for all skin types, which means others in the family can use them as well. We all have different skin types.
3. The are vegan and cruelty free.

The SIBU products are great! I love them. My daughter has used them and loves them as well!!

Sibu is a sponsor in the Mother's Day Event and is giving away a prize pack to one lucky winner.

Fan Sibu Beauty on Facebook

Follow Sibu Beauty on Twitter

Follow Sibu Beauty on Pinterest

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned items for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone. I was not required to write a positive review.

Mother's Day Event: Bake-A-Bone Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:15:00 +0000

I spoil my dogs, but I look at them as a part of my family. They are my four legged kids. So, I like to have little treats for them just as an "I love you." When I saw the Bake-A-Bone on TV, I knew I had to have one! I was super excited when Bake-A-Bone decided to be a sponsor in the Mother's Day Event.

First, check out the infomercial!

Now, the question is how well does it work? Well, my dogs loved it. Here's some of our photos

Bake-A-Bone System

Sizzlin' Bacon Mix

Peanut Butter And Banana Blast Mix

Triple Peanut Butter Mix

This is the Sizzlin' Bacon mix in a mixing bowl.....Just Add Water!

Cooking some Doggie Bones

Cassie trimming the excess off (I'm a messy cook! haha)

Allie barking at me because I won't give her another Sizzlin' Bacon Bake-A-Bone!

The mixes are easy to use, just add water. All of my dogs liked the Sizzlin' Bacon and the Triple Peanut Butter, but one didn't care for the Peanut Butter Banana Blast (I think she doesn't like banana). I shared some biscuits with other "doggie mamas" as well, and they gave rave reviews and told me how their dogs loved them!!

In addition to the "baker" and the mixes, you get a cookbook full of recipes for dog biscuits! Doggie Heaven for sure!

My one thing that I feel I should point out is that the dog biscuits seem to have a soft, muffin type, texture when done. That's not a bad thing at all, but surprised me as I am used to a hard texture. You can place them in the oven to "harden" them, but my dogs are happy as is.

If you have a four legged baby, you'll want to check out Bake-A-Bone!

Become a Fan of Bake-A-Bone on Facebook

Disclosure: I received the products above to facilitate my review. All thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone. I was not required to write a positive review.

Mother's Day Event: CorsetChick.com Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000

I've been intrigued by corsets for as long as I can recall. The hourglass figure they help you attain takes me back to the early days of the silver screen and the glamorous ladies that graced it. Plus, they help hide those extra rolls around the waist area that many moms (me especially) have. Bottom line, I think they are beautiful and I've wanted one for some time. That's why I was super excited for Corset Chick to join in our Mother's Day Event!

As a bigger girl, I was looking for a plus size corset. Corset Chick has an extensive collection of plus size corsets! Here's the one I chose:

Black Burlesque with Red Corset

How pretty is the detail?

Lace up back

I may be confident y'all, but just too bashful to put a photo of me wearing a corset up. I tried....really I did. It's gorgeous though, as I'm sure you can tell by the photos. The quality is amazing though. Corset Chick's products are extremely affordable, so I was concerned. There was apparently no need for concern though as my corset is amazing.

In addition to corsets, Corset Chick has corset tops, corset dresses, and so much more!

Corset Chick is giving one lucky winner the corset of their choice ($35 or less) in the Mother's Day event!!

Like Corset Chick on Facebook

Follow Corset Chick on Twitter

Disclosure:
I received the above referenced product for review purposes. All thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone.