Showcase Sisters

Sunday Inspiration {2/12} Holding Fast

2012-02-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

This week's inspiration comes from:

"Trusting God"
by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, and Mary Southerland
[Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group]

Holding Fast to the Faithful One

"No matter what challenges you face today, take comfort in the truth that God knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Hold fast to the faithful One. Your challenges do not fall outside the scope of God’s ability to intervene. God is mysterious, He’s powerful, and He’s able! When you lift your eyes from your situation and fix them on your Savior—when you choose to trust Him—you will find peace in the pain and strength in the struggle."

— Excerpted from Trusting God by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith,
and Mary Southerland

Enjoy your Sunday!

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Win a Trip for 2 to Paris!

2012-02-11T07:00:00.006-05:00

Enter the Travel Channel's Trip for 2 to Paris Sweepstakes

for your chance to win:

ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: A trip for two (2) to Paris, France consisting of the following: round-trip airfare to Paris; first-class hotel accommodations for five (5) nights in Paris; round-trip airport transfers between hotel and airport in Paris; one (1) dinner at a fine dining restaurant; one (1) couples massage; Seine River Cruise including dinner; and $1,000 in spending cash for winner only.

TWENTY-NINE (29) PRIZES: one (1) Instant Win Game Prize awarded per day during the Promotion Period: A writing journal embossed with the Travel Channel logo.

Sweepstakes ends Feb. 29...
please read official rules to enter.

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Publix: Running Out? Run In! Giveaway

2012-02-10T07:00:00.045-05:00

Even though they are in their teens, my children often do not tell me when they need something from the store before I go. Usually they tell me a day or two after so I find myself having to run out for that one more thing. Thankfully we have a Publix just around the corner!

Do you hate reaching for something you need only to realize that you’ve run out? If you’re running low on your favorite Yoplait yogurt flavor, Big G breakfast cereal or tube of Crest toothpaste, then head to Publix® during the Running Out? Run In. in-store event so you can purchase the everyday products that you love and need more of! Receive rewards for stocking up on some of your favorite General Mills and P&G products at Publix during the Running Out? Run In. event this February.

* From Feb. 9th through Feb. 14th, look for the “Running Out? Run In.”event at your local Publix store and “run in,” to take advantage of the great savings available on some of your favorite brands from General Mills and Procter & Gamble, including Yoplait yogurt, Cheerios, Charmin, and Crest
* Also, don’t forget to look in-stores for over $14 in coupon savings – coupons are valid Feb. 6 through Feb. 25
* Receive a $5 Publix® gift card to use on your next shopping trip when you purchase $30 or more in participating items during the event (2/8 – 2/25); simply mail in the rebate form found in-store or online at runningoutrunin.com along with your original receipt(s).
* For more details on this great rebate, visit RunningOutRunIn.com

Here are some of the items I ran out of and in for:

Milk, Cereal, Yogurt, Rolls, Cookie Mix and pain reliever (not shown)

$25 Publix Gift Card

For your chance to win, answer this question in the form below: [this one rule must be followed for entry]: What will you run in to Publix to pick up, the next time you're running out?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Giveaway entries must be received by 12:01 AM EST on Friday, February 17, 2012.

* 1 winner will be selected and will be notified both here at Showcase Sisters and via email.

* The winner will have 3 days to claim their prize after contacted. If unclaimed, the giveaway will go to the next person on the list.

* Open to US and Canada only.

Disclosure: The Publix gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Valentine's Day Traditions

2012-02-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day [according to Wikipedia.com]:

"is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards
(known as "valentines")"

There are so many different ways in which people celebrate Valentine's Day. Of course, the most popular is to send flowers, chocolates, exchange notes, gifts, or cards, and/or go out to dinner with your loved one.

My friends/neighbors started their own family tradition many years ago when their 3 daughters were very young; the all dressed up in their best clothes and sit down to a candlelit dinner. I think this is a fantastic idea, and wish I'd have thought about doing something similar when my own kids were younger!

For us, my husband usually sends me flowers, or he'll stop on his way home from work and pick up some. We don't typically make a big deal, but who doesn't love getting flowers or chocolates from their hunny?

How about you? What are your Valentine's Day Traditions?

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

February Bizarre & Unique Holidays

2012-02-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

Here's some trivia for ya about some
bizarre & unique holidays this month!:
[according to holidayinsights.com]

*Kite Flying Day [Feb. 8]

*Umbrella Day [Feb. 10]

*Make A Friend Day [Feb. 11]

*Clean Out your Computer Day [Feb. 13]

*National Gumdrop Day [Feb. 15]

*Chocolate Mint Day [Feb. 19]

*Love Your Pet Day [Feb. 20]

*Be Humble Day [Feb. 22]

*Tortilla Chip Day [Feb. 24]

*National Pistachio Day [Feb. 26]

*National Tooth Fairy Day [Feb. 28]

*Leap Day [Feb. 29]

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Showcase Giveaway Link-Up {2/7}

2012-02-07T07:00:00.004-05:00

Showcase your giveaways here!

Please use this format for your listing: Giveaway Item ~ (End Date)

*Please make sure that your giveaway link is to the URL of your giveaway post and not to your homepage URL*

Stop back by every Tuesday to link up your giveaways or find great giveaways to enter.

Mister Linky's Magical Widgets -- Auto-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
For best results, use HTML mode to edit this section of the post.

February Awareness 2012

2012-02-06T07:00:00.005-05:00

February is National Awareness Month for:

*Heart Disease
National Wear Red Day®
(Friday, Feb. 3, 2012)

*Organ Donation
Donate the Gift of Life
(National Donate Day, Feb. 14)

*Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week:
(Feb. 7-14)

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Sunday Inspiration {2/5} Restoration of Joy

2012-02-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

This week's inspiration comes from:

"Soul Obsession" by Nicky Cruz
[Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group]

Restoration of Joy

"That’s how God works when he redeems his people. He does so much more than save us; he restores us. Whatever Satan has stolen, God gives back. Whatever time we’ve lost to sin, he reclaims through love. The wounds inflicted upon us by the world are healed by his wonderful grace.

This is the Jesus we worship—the Savior who died so that we can live!

This is the message we bring to a world still bound by sin.

This is the only testimony worth telling—the only thing that really matters!

How can we not shout it from the rooftops? How can we ever slip into moments of apathy after all that God has done for us? How can we not live with uninhibited passion and zeal, knowing what we know? Understanding what we understand about Satan and his lies? After experiencing the unconditional forgiveness that Jesus brings?

How can any man keep silent?"

— Excerpted from Soul Obsession by Nicky Cruz

Enjoy your Sunday!

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Win Trip to NYC + More!

2012-02-04T07:00:00.004-05:00

Enter the SKINNY COW DELICIOUS NEW YEAR
INSTANT WIN GAME

for your chance to win:

One (1) GRAND PRIZE Winner will receive:

a "Weekend of Style" in New York City (Friday-Monday), for Winner and one (1) guest. Trip includes: round-trip coach air transportation for Winner and one (1) guest to New York City, three nights hotel accommodations; ground transportation to/from New York City area airport and hotel and to/from hotel and spa location.; a $3,000 Macy's gift card; $1,000 credit to be used at a spa in New York City during the trip; a check in the amount of $780 to be used towards a year of manicures/pedicures (or any other use) and a year's supply of SKINNY COW™ candy (to be awarded via twenty-four (24) coupons each good for one box of Heavenly Crisp or Dreamy Clusters candy (up to $4.99 each).

Instant Win Prizes:

(25) FIRST Prizes: The Ultimate Spa Day" (to be awarded via a $450 SpaFinder* Gift Card) and a one year supply of SKINNY COW™ Candy

(25) SECOND Prizes: a one year membership to Curves® 30 minute fitness center.

(300) THIRD Prizes: a manicure and a pedicure
(to be awarded via a $65 check)

(3,500) FOURTH Prizes: one box of SKINNY COW™ candy
(awarded in the form of a coupon good for one box of Heavenly Crisp or Dreamy Clusters candy).

Sweepstakes ends Feb. 15...
please read official rules to enter.

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Friday Photo Fun {2/3} 4 Generations

2012-02-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

[top, left to right]:
My Grandmother, Me, my Mom, & my son at 8 months

[bottom, left to right]:
Me, my son, my Mom, & baby Olivia

TV Warranties; Are They Worth It?

2012-02-02T07:00:00.004-05:00

When purchasing a big-ticket item such as a big-screen t.v., do you also purchase an extended warranty?

I never did, until we bought ours a few years ago.

It was only about $50 more, and guess what?
It was worth it!

The first year after purchase is covered by the tv's manufacturer, then after that our 2-year extended warranty took over.

Well, last year, we had no picture so I called the warranty company to tell them what was going on. Within a few days, a repairman was here, and it cost me nothing out of pocket. Everything was covered. Parts and service!

Then just recently, we began to have some other issues with it. Since our extended warranty isn't up til April, I called them again.

This time, they're replacing our t.v.! Evidently, no one sells this particular part for our model, so they have to replace it.

So, next time you purchase a big-ticket item, it might just be worth it to pay that little bit extra for that extended warranty!
(Make sure you read over the warranty terms,
as they vary by company.)

For more tips on lcd t.v. warranties,
go to lcdtvbuyingguide.com

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Wordless Wednesday {2/1}

2012-02-01T07:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

[Baby Girl Digi-Scrap pages from Scrapbooks Gone Digital]

Showcase Giveaway Link-Up {1/31}

2012-01-31T07:00:00.006-05:00

Valentine's Sweet Treats

2012-01-30T07:00:00.005-05:00

Looking for some unique sweet-treats to share with your loved ones?

Here's some lovely recipes we found:

[left to right]

1) Strawberry Heart Pillows
by KraftRecipes.com

2) White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread
by bhg.com

3) Mini Chocolate Cupcake Heart
by MarthaStewart.com

4) Marshmallow Pops
by flickr.com

...and there's more...

[left to right]

5) Red Velvet Cupcakes
by JoyOfBaking.com

6) Pink Lemonade Tea Cakes
by TheTomkatStudio.com

7) Cheesecake Chocolate Strawberries
by TamisKitchenTableTalk.blogspot.com

8) Cheesecake Pops
by Bakerella.com

Enjoy!

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Sunday Inspiration {1/29} Live Your Dreams

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

from SpiritualInspiration.tumblr.com:

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Learning to walk in the destiny God has for you is a process. The first step is to get a vision, a clear picture from God that you can see. The next step is to trust Him – to believe in faith that it will happen. And then finally, you take a step of faith and live out what God has promised no matter what your circumstances or people around you have to say.

First you dream it, than you believe it, and then you live it. Every dream I’ve ever received from God has followed this same pattern. We see in scripture that even the great men and women of the Bible walked through this process. They had to overcome doubts, they struggled on their journey, but they held fast to what God said knowing that He is faithful to complete what He started in us!

Today, if you are having a hard time believing what God has promised will come to pass, understand that you are in a process. Don’t empower doubt with your words. Instead, keep declaring that He who promised is faithful! Keep the vision in front of you knowing that it is for an appointed time. Dream it and believe it because it won’t be long until you are living the blessed life God has prepared for you!"

Enjoy your Sunday!

Win a Louisiana Cajun Country Trip!

2012-01-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

Enter the "Louisiana: Pick Your Passion" Sweepstakes

for your chance to win:

One (1) Grand Prize being awarded for a Cajun Country Getaway for Two (2), a L’Auberge Casino Resort Luxury Getaway for Two (2) and $1,500 towards transportation for both trips.

Winner will also receive dinner vouchers, tickets to attractions, gift certificate, massages and more!

Sweepstakes ends Feb, 28...
please read official rules to enter.

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands Biscuit Sandwiches Winner

2012-01-27T09:30:00.015-05:00

And the winner of our Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands Biscuit Sandwiches Giveaway is...

Congratulations, Maria! We will be contacting you shortly for your information.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this giveaway!

P.S. Don't forget to stop by and enter our giveaway for a $25 Publix Gift Card!

Publix Best Meals Happen at Home Giveaway

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

A busy weeknight doesn’t have to mean fast food for dinner! Publix knows that the best meals happen at home, so they are excited to help you enjoy family mealtime without having to stress about what to prepare or spending hours in the kitchen. Stop by Publix during their “Best Meals Happen at Home” event to find great savings on some of your favorite products. Be sure to visit BestMealsatHome.com to find fantastic recipes, which can be cooked in 30 minutes or less, and your family is sure to love.

We will both admit, when it comes to the weekends we would rather not have to cook so it's great to find fast and easy recipes that our whole family will love. We enjoy the time spent with our families around the dinner table. To kick-off the great savings Publix invites you to try one of the delicious recipes that you can find at BestMealsatHome.com. Here's one that uses Cheerios® to make Crunchy Chicken Nuggets:

Prep time: 15 Min
Cook time: 25 Min
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:

2 cups Cheerios^® cereal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon mustard
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions:

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray with cooking spray or lightly grease 13x9-inch pan.
Finely crush cereal. Stir together cereal, salt and pepper; set aside. In medium bowl, stir together milk, honey and mustard until blended. Dip chicken into milk mixture; coat with cereal mixture. Place chicken in pan; drizzle with melted butter.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden and chicken is no longer pink in center.

I clipped some coupons and picked up these items:

Honey Nut Cheerios, Campbell's Soup, Yoplait Yogurt, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Swirl Bread and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls.

To take advantage of great savings on some of your favorite participating brands during the “Best Meals Happen at Home” event at Publix, look for in-store for coupons that will be valid January 26th through February 15th. Also, be sure to visit BestMealsatHome to sign up and receive emails with weekly recipes and coupon offers that will help you save up to $200 this year.

For more info visit The Best Meals Happen at Home on the web: PublixBestMeals and on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/BestMealsFB

$25 Publix Gift Card

For your chance to win, answer this question in the form below: [this one rule must be followed for entry]: What meal do you most look forward to preparing at home with products purchased at “The Best Meals Happen at Home” Publix event?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Giveaway entries must be received by Midnight EST on Thursday, February 2, 2012.

* 1 winner will be selected and will be notified both here at Showcase Sisters and via email.

* The winner will have 3 days to claim their prize after contacted. If unclaimed, the giveaway will go to the next person on the list.

* Open to US and Canada only.

Disclosure: The Publix gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Our Grandma Turns 100 Today!

2012-01-26T07:00:00.007-05:00

Grandma & Grandpa c.1963

Besides our Grandmother's birth, other things that happened in January,
100 years ago:

[according to Wikipedia.com]

*the Republic of China was established

*Pinellas County Florida came into existence

*New Mexico was admitted as the 47th state of the USA

*Danny Thomas; comedian, actor and founder of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital was born

*the Overseas Railroad carried it's first passengers from
Palm Beach to Key West

Happy 100th Grandma!

We wish you many more happy, healthy years!

~Love, Cheryl & Sheila

Almost - Wordless Wednesday {1/25}

2012-01-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

"then"...

...........................
.......................
..................
.............
........
.....
...

...and "now"

My first grand-baby was born on Sunday morning
at 3:27 a.m.

Olivia Rose weighed in at 5 lbs., 13 oz.,
and is 18.5" long.

She, her momma and daddy are doing great!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Happy 17th Birthday to my Son!

2012-01-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

My baby boy, my first-born turns 17 today! I know I say this every year (for both of my children), but where does the time go?

Happy Birthday, Son!
We love you and wish you all the best that life has to offer!

Showcase Giveaway Link-Up {1/24}

2012-01-24T07:00:00.008-05:00

How-To Knit, Crochet & Cross-Stitch!

2012-01-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

[How-To-Knit]

Winter is the perfect time to learn a new craft.

Have you ever wanted to know how to knit, crochet or cross-stitch?

I personally know how to do basic crocheting, and cross-stitching, but have always wanted to learn how to knit.

If you've been looking for a craft project that you can do while you're inside due to the cooler temps, here's some easy, basic instructions & items you need to get started;
compliments of MarthaStewart.com:

[Crochet Basics]

[How-To Cross-Stitch]

Happy Craftin'!

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.

Happy 50th Anniversary to my In-Laws!

2012-01-22T07:00:00.005-05:00

Happy 50th Mom & Pop!

May you have many more wonderful years together!

Win Rachael & Guy Gear + Food Festival Trip

2012-01-21T07:00:00.007-05:00

Enter the Rachael Vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off Sweepstakes

for your chance to win:

One (1) Grand prize winner will be awarded:

a 3-day trip for two (2) to Miami, FL to attend the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Trip includes round-trip air on Southwest Airlines, round-trip ground transportation from airport to hotel; admission to pre-selected events at the 2012 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and $500 worth of Rachael Ray & Guy Fieri kitchenware.

Sweepstakes ends Jan. 29...
please read official rules to enter.

Disclosure:{CMP.ly/0}I have not received any compensation for writing this content and I have no material connection to the brands, topics and/or products that are mentioned herein.