Frugal Finds 4 Moms

Tiny Prints: Holiday Card Campaign

2011-09-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Christmas and everything about it. It’s about family coming together and celebrating the birth of Jesus. I love decorating my home, going out with my family every year to pick our Christmas Tree the day after Thanksgiving and the beginning of December, going with hot cocoa in hand to cut it down. Another huge thing for me to do is share our year of activities with our friends and family through Christmas Cards. I am a huge proponent and fan of sending cards. With the internet being as huge as it is, I still feel the time you take to prepare a card and send to someone has more meaning than sending a “happy holiday email” to someone.

I am no different as I LOVE to receive holiday cards from our friends and family, especially those who live far away. I love seeing pictures of their family and reading the notes inside the cards and sharing those with my family.

Our holiday cards are displayed on our pantry door in the kitchen for everyone to see. We celebrate Christmas Eve in our house having our family and friends over, and where we display the cards, they are enjoyed by everyone. Where do you display your cards??

Have you ever heard of Tiny Prints??? For 2 years now I have prepared and ordered our Christmas cards through Tiny Prints and have been extremely pleased to say the least with their product. This year is no different.

This is the card we ordered last year through Tiny Prints and not only did we love it, but so did everyone on our holiday list, both far and near. I was able to show pictures of my family throughout the year on the card and have a note written on the inside of blessings passed on to all. The ease of making the card, to finalizing it, then ordering was easy. The software on the site walked you through the process with ease. It made it that much better to create your memories to share with all. The cards were received in prompt time too.

This year is no different with who we are ordering through, Tiny Prints all the way, though the card design will be a little different. After looking through hundreds and I mean hundreds of designs, I have it narrowed down to one. That one is the Tri-Fold Holiday Card. I love it and will love my 3 childrens pictures making the card up for everyone to enjoy. This is a front and back side card which will allow pictures on both sides. I love uploading pictures of my family for all to share and especially love a more personable holiday card. It is worth the .44 cents to send to everyone just one time a year.

Calling all Blogging Buddies: If you have your own blog and are interested in checking out Tiny Prints for your holiday cards, and partake in this blogging campaign, visit Tiny Prints Holiday Card Campaign and fill out the form.

Disclosure: Through my participation in the Tiny Prints Holiday Card Campaign, I will receive 50 cards of my choosing for free. In no way receiving these cards did it entice me to write a favorable review. I have received these cards before and the craftsmanship is amazing. If I did not work with Tiny Prints on this campaign, I would definitely order through their site.

Mat Kearney: Young Love {Music CD Review}

2011-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Mat Kearney's third album, Young Love, hit stores last week (August, 2011) debuting on the #1 spot on iTunes Album and Rock charts and is currently sitting at #5!

Propelled by the sunny handclap and catchy hook of hit single "Hey Mama", Young Love is quickly making listeners fall for Mat all over again. Check out the video for "Hey Mama" HERE. And check out his really cool thinglink widget here.

If you aren't familiar with Mat's music you've probably heard some of his previous hits on your favorite TV shows. Past songs have appeared on 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows. Mat's been winning over crowds on tours with everyone from John Mayer and Sheryl Crow to Keane and The Fray.

Young Love Tracklisting
1 Hey Mama

2 Ships In The Night

3 Count On Me

4 Sooner Or Later

5 Chasing The Light

6 Learning To Love Again

7 Down

8 She Got The Honey

9 Young Dumb And In Love

10 Rochester

11 Seventeen

Mat on Tour This Fall
Mat is hitting the road in September playing nearly 40 shows in US & Canada. Tickets on sale now.
9/14 Jacksonville, FL Murray Hill
9/16 Charleston, SC Music Farm
9/17 Athens, GA GA Theater
9/18 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
9/20 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater
9/23 Louisville, KY Headliners
9/24 Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
9/25 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
9/27 Interlochen, MI Corson Aud
9/29 Urbana, IL Canopy Club
9/30 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
10/1 Des Moines, IA People's Court
10/2 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
10/4 Bloomington, IN Bluebird
10/5 St Louis, MO The Pageant
10/7 Oxford, MS The Lyric
10/8 Pine Mountain, GA Callaway Gardens
10/9 Birmingham, AL Workplay Theatre
10/20 Nashville, TN Cannery
10/23 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
10/24 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head
10/25 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
10/27 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
10/28 New York, NY Webster Hall
10/29 Philadelphia, PA Theater of LIving Arts
10/30 Albany, NY Northern Lights
11/1 Northampton, MA Pearl Street
11/2 New Haven, CT Toad's Place
11/4 Boston, MA House of Blues
11/5 Portland, ME State Theatre
11/6 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
11/8 Montreal, QC Petite Campus
11/9 Toronto, ON Opera House
11/11 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
11/12 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
11/13 Detroit, MI St. Andrews
11/15 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
11/17 Chicago, IL House of Blues
11/19 Madison, WI The Majestic
11/20 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue

My Review:
I had to first listen to his song "Hey Mama" on You Tube and I have to admit, though it is not typically the type of music I listen to, his voice is a great comparison to that of the band, Coldplay. From there on, I was hooked and couldn't wait to hear the rest of his cd. When I received the cd, I immediately put in my pocketbook to make sure the next time I got in my car, I would remember to play and hear what Mat has. The rest of the album was better than I expected. I loved Hey Mama, so I knew I would like this album. His voice is amazing. I would definitely recommend this cd to tweens/teens/young adult and adults. Everyone will love his music. My 9 year old sings to this cd. It is very easy listening, though enjoyable. It will get your feet moving, that's for sure.

I am excited, however sad at the same time as Mat Kearney is coming to where I live in October, though with it being my daughter's birthday, I cannot go out to see him. It would be amazing to check him out. I have listed his tour date schedule above. Make sure to check him out if he is coming to a city near you.

Disclosure: Through my membership with One2One Network, I was provided a copy of Mat Kearney's CD Young Love to help abide in my review. In no way receiving the item, did it entice me to write a favorable review. I received, listened and wrote a fair and honest review.

WINNERS......

2011-08-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!!!!

The winner for the Yobaby coupons is 5KCassie.

The winner for the Energizer batteries is Kim D.

An email has been sent to both, who have 24 hours to respond or another winner will b chosen.

Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper {Book Review}

2011-08-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Book Description:
Humorous yet poignant stories from Lisa's life help readers relate to spiritual truths found in the life and ministry of Christ.

Stumbling Into Grace is the diary-devotional of one woman's honest, ongoing, bumbling journey of faith and how she finds encouragement through a deeper understanding of Christ's time on earth. Within each chapter she alternates her often humorous memoir with stirring portraits of Jesus and his own encounters as recorded in the New Testament.

Both intimately relevant and refreshingly inspirational, this book will help readers to jettison the theological misconceptions, guilt, shame, and hypocrisy they struggle with, exchanging them for a vibrant, passionate relationship with Christ that results in a more abundant, joyful life.

My Review:
After each chapter, there is a Journal Entry that you yourself can input your thoughts of what Jesus has brought to you and the meaning of those gifts. This book is part diary, part devotional. Honestly, I was captured by the cover of this book. The cuteness of the cover brought me about reading this book and actually enjoying it. The author engaged me in wanting to read more. Some books, you pick up and are able to put down, not this one, it kept me wanting to read more and laughing at times as I could relate to some things she was saying.

I am glad I read this book and am passing it down to my friends to hopefully enjoy as well.

I would recommend this book and give it 4 out of 5.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book through my membership with Booksneeze to help abide in a complete and honest review of this book. All opinions expressed above are complete, honest, accurate and 100% mine.

YoBaby Coupon Giveaway (ends 8/19)

2011-08-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

How would you like to win the above pictured coupons? There are a total of the following available to win:

* 17 - $1.00 off One (1) 4-pack of YoBaby, YoBaby Meals, or One (1) 4-pack of YoBaby Drinkable

Organic Yogurt

* 17 - $1.00 off One (1) 4-pack of Yooddler Organic Yogurt

* 17 - $1.00 off One (1) yogurt 6-pack or Squeezers 8-pack of Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt

* 17 - $1.00 off on Five (5) 6oz Cups of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt

Now that's alotta Yogurt!

~ G I V E A W A Y ~

One (1) lucky Frugal Finds 4 Moms reader will win 17, yes 17 coupons of each of the 4 above listed categories. That's 68 coupons - WOWZA!!!

TO ENTER:

Just leave your name and a valid email address below in the "comments" to contact you should you win. That's it - easy, peasy!

ENDS:

This giveaway ends on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST and is open to U.S. Residents only.

Good luck!!!

Energizer {Review & Giveaway} (ends 8/12)

2011-08-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Summer travel season is in full swing and the ever changing cost of gas prices is impacting everyone. To help with the big summer shuffle between activities for your kids and family road trips, Energizer has a deal to help make a positive impact on your gas budget. We’re rewarding Energizer® Lithium customers by helping their dollars last longer. Consumers simply purchase two packs of specially-marked Energizer® Ultimate Lithium or Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries and you will get a $10 Prepaid Discover® Gas Rewards* card mailed to you. It’s that easy.

How is that for savings! Everyone uses batteries for some sort of device. I received a package of "AA" Energizer® Ultimate Lithium and a package of Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries. I used the Energizer Ultimate Lithium "AA" batteries in my Nikon digital camera when we went on vacation and to this day the batteries are still strong (that does not happen with other batteries I have purchased). These were put in in June so for batteries to last 2 months in a camera, all I can say is wow! Double plus for me - batteries are still lasting for me to capture endless memories of my family and I will receive back a $10 Prepaid Discover Gas Rewards card. I will take $10 in free gas - a win-win for me!!!

When you purchase specially marked packaged of Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries and/or Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, here is what to do to receive your $10 Prepaid Discover Gas Rewards card:
1. Visit Energizer on Facebook
2. Click on tab for the Lithium Gas Reward and follow the instructions to input your battery pack codes.

3. A $10 Prepaid Discover® Gas Rewards card will then be mailed to you from the fulfillment company.

4. The last day to redeem codes is 1/31/12 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

About Energizer® Lithium Batteries:

§ Lightweight and perform well in extreme temperatures, from -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C).

§ Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries last up to 8x longer** in digital cameras for up to 8X less waste.

§ Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries last up to 4x longer** in digital cameras, 20 hours longer** in wireless gaming accessories and up to 30% longer** in personal audio devices.

** Vs. Energizer® MAX®. Results vary by device and play and/ or usage patterns.

~ Giveaway ~

One lucky Frugal Finds 4 Moms reader will have the opportunity to win two packs of batteries marked with special codes. You can select between AA and AAA batteries.

HOW TO ENTER:
Just leave your name below in the "comment" section together with what size battery you want to win. That's it - easy peasy!!! Make sure to leave me a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.

ENDS ON:
This giveaway ends on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 12:00 noon, EST. Once the winner is notified, they will have 24 hours to respond. If I have not heard from them within that time, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!!

Please Note:
*Should you win and you are interested in something other than purchasing gas with your reward card, the Reward Card may be redeemed for any merchandise offered by a retailer that accepts Discover.

Disclosure: I was provided with the exact prize package as offered to one of my readers for a complete and honest review. I tried the product and love it. Receiving the product did not in any way entice me to offer a positive reveiw.

SuperHeat Games: I am a Hostess, Are You???

2011-08-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Are your kids active? Do they like games? How about Card Games? If so, you definitely need to check out SuperHeat and apply to host a SuperHeat Houseparty. And to top it off, they will choose so many parties to for a pro skater to come to your party and play the game with your kids. How stoked would your kids be if that were to happen???

This party is to take place on August 27th from 1:00 - 3:00, so if this date and time is acceptable to you, check out SuperHeat now and enter to be a host.

I am a confirmed host for this party, so lets see if a pro skater comes to my house. Stay tuned for pictures and a write-up of this party.

Good luck!

Home Decorating on a Budget: Easy Wall Art

2011-08-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

I came across a blog the other day called Jens Idea and fell in love with the concept of her Easy Art Blocks though it seemed a big harder for me to do, so I made a few shortcuts and here is what I came up with:

Isn't it beautiful? I think so too and believe it or not, so does my hubby....

Items used are as follows:

I took 9 pieces of Artist Board (the kind you paint) in 8 x 10 pieces. They sold them in lots of 5 for $5.99 less 40% coupon at Michaels Craft Store (I bought 2 packages with 2 coupons). I went through my storage of scrapbook paper and came up with the above pictured pieces. These were all 12 x 12 pages. I picked up the 3 flowers at Michaels Craft Store for $1.00 each (less 40% coupons), (yes I love my coupons), and got to work.

I placed the Artist Board in the center of each paper and folded like a present, than I used my handy package tape (yup, no glue needed), and got to tape-in. Thereafter, once all the paper was adhered to the Board, I layed them out as to how I wanted them on the wall. I then added the flowers with Gorilla Glue (those will be there for-eh-va.

Guess how I hung them? With 2 sided sticky tape. Yup, no holes on the wall, nothing, just some easy-peasy tape that will come right off the wall. It was that easy.

Total cost = $10.00

Now where can you get a beautiful and cheap wall hanging like that? Because of the contrast of colors used in the paper, this brightens up my kitchen. With brown walls and white cabinets, the added benefit of this is ah-may-zing....

Hope you enjoy!

VALSPAR PLUS GIVEAWAY on Facebook {8/8 - 8/16}

2011-08-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

When it comes to home improvement, the 60 million Americans living with asthma and allergies can breathe a sigh of relief! Valspar’s new Valspar Plus™ is the first paint certified asthma & allergy friendly™ by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allowing people with respiratory sensitivities to connect to the transformative power in color more easily than ever before.

Valspar Paint and HGTV’s ‘Design Star’ judge Genevieve Gorder are hosting a giveaway contest on Facebook for two free gallons of Valspar+ (available in thousands of colors!). To enter – Visit Valspar Paint on Facebook and tell us in 100 words or less how you or someone you know has been impacted by asthma or allergies and why you deserve a chance to win. Entries will be accepted from Monday, August 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. EST to Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Genevieve Gorder will then select winners based on their submissions to win any two gallons of Valspar+ of their choice.

“As someone who had childhood asthma, I think Valspar Plus is an amazing innovation” says Gorder.

Valspar Plus features zero VOCs, reduces airborne irritants during painting, and prevents mold and mildew. To learn more about Valspar Plus, visit HERE.

Good luck entering and if you win, I would love to hear back from ya, especially what room you plan on "sprucing up".

Sam's Club "Open House" {August 5 - 7, 2011}

2011-08-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

Warehouse Club Shopping Opportunity!!!

Here ye, here ye, if you have been wanting to shop a warehouse club to stock up on some of those “Back to School” items, here is your opportunity.

Sam’s Club is hosting an “Open Family House” August 5 – 7, 2011. Just visit your local Sam’s Club during that time and you will not have to pay a membership fee. Take advantage of those “bulk” packages at lower costs for your family.

One little side note: Sam’s Club does not accept manufacturer coupons, though buying in bulk will still provide you savings.

I Heart Price Chopper's Coupon Policy, here's why.....

2011-07-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a date with Price Chopper and boy was it not only good, but memorable. I saved a total of $113.59 consisting of $25.86 in Advantage Savings and $87.73 in coupons - yup you read correct!

Here is a picture of what I purchased:

4 packages of Luigis Italian Ice

2 packages of Mrs. T Perrogies

1 package of Huggies Pull Ups

4 packages of Huggies Pull Up Wipes

1 package of Chinet plates

1 package of Zyrtec

2 packages of Orbit gum

2 containers of Suave Kids Shampoo

2 packages of Hunts Tapioca Pudding

2 bags of M&Ms

1 package of Cape Cod Kettle chips

2 packages of BIC razers

2 packages of Poise pads

1 package of Cottonelle toilet paper

2 packages of Scott's Extra Soft toilet paper

2 packages of Glad Ware containers

1 package of Blue Bunny Ice Cream Sandwiches

1 package of Klondike Heath Ice Cream

2 Dove Deodorants

2 Lady Speed Stick Deodorants

1 PC Ammonia

1 container Wet Ones wipes

AND, I am up to .60 cents off of gas... Woop=woop.

What an awesome shopping trip this was.

Grand total out of pocket $20.11.

Pier 1: $10 off $10 coupon

2011-07-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Click here to print a $10 off $10 coupon for Pier 1. This coupon is valid Monday, July 25th (today) through Wednesday, July 27th only and 1 per customer.

I just returned from Pier 1 where I purchased a beautiful burgundy bowl and colored balls for the bowl for just $1.25 out of pocket!!!

Their summer items are up to 50% and tons of clearance scattered throughout the store.

Make sure to "LIKE" Pier 1 on Facebook as each day they will list a "daily deal" and who knows it may be another awesome deal like this one. Past deals have included 30% off any dining chair and buy a director's chair get the fabric free...... I have to say the $10 off $10 is my favorite, so let's see how they can top it. Like them today!!!
Happy savings!!!

BRUEGGERS: $2 off any Panini

2011-07-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Click here to print the above-pictured coupon for $2.00 off any Panini Sandwich at your local Brueggers. Valid July 25th - August 5th.

The panini's there are awesome!!!

Enjoy.

Hannaford "Create a New Summer Holiday" Contest

2011-07-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

How would you like to invent the next holiday? Well, Hannaford is giving you that opportunity starting July 22, called “Create a New Summer Holiday”. Hannaford thought it would be fun to pose a question, “July has the 4th, September has Labor Day, what about a holiday for August?”

Here is where you come in to play. Make sure to head on over to Hannaford's Facebook page to enter your invented August holiday. Tell them what you would serve for food at this make-believe summer holiday and maybe where and how you would serve it. I am sure there will be some doozies and I too can’t wait to see all of them myself (and I am not even employed by Hannaford).

The prizes for this contest are pretty amazing, they are as follows:

$1,000 Hannaford Gift Card for 1st Place

$250 Hannaford Gift Card for 2nd Place

$100 Hannaford Gift Card for 3rd Place

Everyone who enters will get a coupon (not sure what that coupon will be, but hey, it’s a coupon - that’s savings in your pocket!)

The contest closes August 14th and judging will begin on August 15th.

So get your creative minds flowing and start planning this fun contest now.

Let me know if you’re a winner and what you plan on doing with that gift card. Will you have your “made-up” holiday or use it towards monthly groceries?

Enjoy and Good Luck!!!

The Quotable Rogue {Book Review}

2011-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Book Description:
Inspiring, impactful, and revealing words from political and cultural icon Sarah Palin.

Many a pundit has tried to define Sarah Palin, but this is one woman who chooses not to wear labels imposed by others but instead to define herself by her own words and actions. Today she is one of the most sought after speakers and commentators and is poised to help to frame the issues in the 2010 election and beyond. The Quotable Rogue encapsulates Palin’s thoughts on such salient issues as health care, taxes, and government spending, the right to life, climate change, what it means for a politician to serve the people, and more.

“We need to spend more time lifting up America instead of apologizing for the greatest country on earth.”
“How’s that hopey-changey thing workin’ out for you?”
“My dad always says, ‘Don’t retreat, just reload.’ Don’t let anybody tell you to sit down and shut up.”

My Opinion:
I enjoyed the book. One can never imagine the stress of running for President of the greatest country in the world. We all remember Sarah Palin by her quick-witted "Palanisms" or as we say in layman's terms, quotes. Remember, "Russia is our neighbor, I can see it from my house"? This book is full of them. Whether you like Sarah Palin as a person or not, this books gives insight to her thoughts on a daily basis. Very funny and humorous.

When I get a good book, I like to share and pass down to my friends. This book is one of those books.

If you don't want to spend the money, I would definitely recommend checking if your local library has.

Disclosure: Through my membership with Booksneeze, I was given a copy of this book free of charge to provide my honest opinion and review.

Double Take Deals: $5 Code

2011-07-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

If you like ordering discounted coupons through Double Take Deals, and you plan on buying something this weekend, make sure to apply FREEDOM5 when purchasing your deal. This will automatically take off $5 from your purchase.

If your certificate is $5, enter FREEDOM5 and it will be free!!!

I just ordered a $15 certificate to Quintessance for $30 worth of food, and when I punched in FREEDOM5, it brought my total down to just $10. That is great for $30 worth of food. I see a date night for my husband and I very, very soon!!!

Don't delay, this code is only good for one time use (per account) and expires July 3rd at 11:59 p.m.

Make sure to check out Double Take Deals today and grab this awesome discount.

How Do You Send Your Kids Away For Summer Vacation {a reader debate}

2011-07-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I just came across a great article, one that really hit home this summer for me. The article was about letting your kids go away for the summer and how could one do that?

Honestly, I would have thought differently about this question if I was not in the predicament that our family is in this year. For some reason, the economy hit my family hard. We are fortunate that we both have jobs, (thank god), though my pay and hours were cut at work. At first, I was thrilled YEAH, I can be home and I enjoyed it. I was able to spend more time with my kids, especially because I work full-time out of the home and feel already that I am missing out. That was the first week. Now came week 2 and getting my paycheck and actually feeling the wrath - it hurt!

Now comes the reality. Daycare for two kids is expensive and now that both of them are out of school - r.e.a.l.i.t.y.

My parents are retired and have a camp up north in Lake George. This coming year (actually this coming week), my parents will be taking my children for the entire week while my husband and I stay home and work. If we were to pay for day care for the entire week for both of our kids, that would be my paycheck and we just could not live on one salary, at least not right now.

There are so many positives for my kids to be with my parents, such as:

1. They will be able to spend time with their grandparents and make memories. Tons of memories they can hopefully speak to their kids about.

2. Six Flags Great Adventure is right around the corner from my parents camp and we will buy a Season Pass for each kid. With that Season Pass comes free passes. Hence, my parents will be able to go on the rides with them (and boy, does my father like to go on the rides!)

3. They can do things throughout the day. Like go shopping, go play miniature golf, go swimming, etc. All things that at a day care, they would not be able to do.

My son is in college and goes away to school. I miss him terribly, though I speak to him every day and he comes home some weekends or we try to plan time to get up to see him. I know this is not quite like it, however, it is still sending your kids away.

Will we miss our younger kids this summer going to mima and pipa's? Yes, like c.r.a.z.y! Though they are only a hop, skip and a jump (ok, an hour car ride) away, so we can always take rides up to see them at night or just wait until the weekend when they come home.

For us, right now, this is going to work. It has to.

What are your thoughts on this subject? I would love to hear, whether positive or negative. Do you feel the same I do, or are you against this? Please comment below.

AHHHH Vacation - A Much Needed Luxury

2011-06-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Howdy all. I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking a leave of absence from June 23rd to June 30th as my family will be heading to the sunny and hot (hopefully) shores of Wildwood Crest, New Jersey for a much needed family vacation.

Upon my return, I will have lots of posts of some amazing reviews, together with sharing a few photos from our vacation and possibly a giveaway.....

Check back with me on July 1st and until then, Happy Summer!!!!!!!

Tracy

Money Secrets of the Amish by: Lorilee Craker {Book Review}

2011-06-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Book Description:
Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America’s thriftiest people, the Amish.

Author, journalist, and descendant of the Amish, Lorilee Craker, was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo—family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering her people, the Amish, and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to get back to her roots and learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

In Money Secrets of the Amish, readers go on an “Amish money makeover,” learning the choices, secrets, and disciplines that safeguarded the contentment and the coffers of America’s favorite plain folk by spending less, saving more, and getting happier doing it.

My Review:
I have always been intrigued by how the Amish live so when I was given the opportunity to review this book, I jumped at the chance. In today's economy I need to learn, not only for myself, but for my family, how to live within my means and be happy about it.

Growing up, every year my family always traveled to Pennsylvania, so I knew a bit about the Amish and their culture. Whenever we we there I always thought, wow, these people live minimal and seem so very happy. I guess when you do not have something, you do not miss it.

Anyhoot, this book was amazing. The Amish do not believe in electricity in their homes, so right there they are saving a ton of money. I could never live without power. That means no lights whenever necessary, no tv, no radio. However, I can learn, from this book, how to be more responsible when using them and to minimize its use (now, to teach my kids that).

Another huge aspect of this book is how the Amish do not live with debt. That is a huge NO to them! They will rent out a farm for years to save money to buy their own. In one aspect it is odd, though to think of how hard they work to get something that is their own, it is an accomplishment bigger than anything else! This past year, my husband and I have paid off all of our credit cards - no more! I never actually realized how much we counted on them until not actually using them. It is a blessing and has taught us the value of the dollar.

Something I need to teach my children is to appreciate what they do have. The Amish, at holiday times, only give 1 gift to their kids. Now yes, they do have a "football" team of kids and with all those kids, I too could not afford to get more than 1 or 2 gifts for each. This is another way they save money. Also, by making gifts, and reusing what they have, i.e., a big man's shirt, they may cut up and make 2 small boy shirts out of the material. They never ever get rid of anything - everything has a purpose to be reused again.

This was an eye opener of a book. I enjoyed this book and have passed it on to my friends to continue to pass on to whomever is open to reading it. It is a book I would highly recommend. And, I would also recommend going to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to visit and actually see how these amazing people live.

I have given this book 5 stars out of 5 - amazing learning!

Disclosure: Through my membership with Booksneeze, I received a copy of the above book with only having to provide my honest opinion. I read the book and truly loved it and have passed it on for more to read.

ALERT: Calling All Moms With a Child-Care Business - Huggies Mom Inspired Grant Program

2011-06-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Are you a Mom who has a child care business and want to take it to the next level?

In 2010, The Huggies brand introduced its MomInspired grant program, providing inventive moms with the resources and seed capital they need to help transform viable product ideas into successful new businesses, or take their businesses to the next level. In its inaugural round of submissions, the program solicited almost 400 applications and awarded $15,000 each to 12 inspired moms to help fund their business startups based on innovative baby or child care products inspired by motherhood. Grant-worthy examples include:

o Allyson Phillips - TILTY CUP
o Amy Baxter, Buzzy Pain Relief
o Michelle Staley, Busy

Round two of grant submissions is currently open through June 30, 2011 at Huggies. Twelve inspired moms will be awarded $15,000 each in the Fall of 2011, to turn their original, viable child care product ideas into a reality, or progress their already established small businesses - original, innovative and viable new business and product ideas designed to help make life easier for parents. Visit Huggies for more information on the grant program, eligibility requirements and details on the first round of grant recipients.

I know that there are lots of moms out there who can definitely use the grant money, but may not know about the program yet. So I am encouraging you, my readers, to pass along this information to any and all moms who have that child care type business and are looking to expand on it by applying at Huggies grant program today. Remember, any good idea could become the next big hit!

Disclosure: By providing the above information on the Huggies Mom Inspired Grant Program, I was entered for a chance to win a gift card.

DOVE: Don't Fret the Sweat {It's a Party}

2011-06-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Through my membership with She Speaks, I just won a "Dove: Don't Fret the Sweat Party" for my friends of tween daughters!

Look what arrived in the package and what my friends will be taking home:

Don't you want to be my friend and come to this party??? This is just a sampling of what was in the box. It was loaded with deodorants and body sprays, together with a fun dice game, and bags with tissue paper for each person to take their goodies home in. The $25 gift card is for me to purchase additional goodies for the party. How nice!

If you are interested in checking out how you can become a member of She Speaks, just click on the link here and join - it is for FREE!!!

Party to be soon - stay tuned!!!

In Stitches-A Memoir, by: Anthony Youn, M.D. {Book Review}

2011-06-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

I just got through reading a very comicle, yet serious memoir of a young Korean-American man's journey through life, from child to adult, and how he found himself and what he, not his father, was meant to be. Realizing in the life he was in, his father was an doctor who delivered many, many babies, at all hours of the day/night, and his father wanted both he and his brother to also follow in his footsteps and become a respectable, wealthy surgeon.

Anthony Youn knew he was going to be a doctor, although for opposite reasons, he wanted to get "laid", because all doctors got lucky! At one point, Anthony Youn thought he wanted to be in family practice, though to his father's dismay, he said, ok, you be in family practice and be broke. His father said to him, "you become plastic surgeon, one surgery, ten thousand dollah". It was very comical and I caught myself chuckling more than a handful of times. From grammar school, to high school to 4 years of med school, to being different (as he calls himself, a "nerd"), to girls, this book is a must read for all.

I enjoyed reading this book, learning of Dr. Youn's journey from beginning to now, and the path he has chosen. You will read the different routines in the hospital Anthony Youn must learn and how he comes of learning his fate and what he will be.

During his tenure of figuring out his fate, he finally realized that he wanted to be a doctor to "fix people".

I give this book 8 stars out of 10. A well written book, one that kept my interest from one page to the next.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All words expressed above are 100% mine and completely honest. I read the book, and really enjoyed it.

Dunkin Donuts: National Donut Day, Friday, June 3rd

2011-06-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a FREE donut of your choosing at your local Dunkin Donuts store on Friday, June 3, 2011 with any beverage purchase for celebrating National Donut Day.

MARY BRAGG: tattoos and bruises {music review]

2011-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was given the opportunity to review the newest cd of Mary Bragg, "tattoos & bruises". This cd consists of the following 10 songs:

1. How and Why
2. When Your Heart Belongs To Another
3.   Tattoos and Bruises
4.   Leave Tonight
5. Hanging on the Wheel
6.   The General
7.   Gone
8.   Wildflower
9.   Morning Lover
10. Hurricane

Each song tells a story. Mary's voice is beautiful, melodic and easy to listen to. Not only is Mary Bragg an inspirational singer on these songs, she also wrote every one of the songs, though some compiled with other writers, she did, however, put her soul into each song.

This cd goes on sale to the public June 7th and can be purchased here for $12.99. If you cannot wait until June 7th, you can pre-order now and instantly get a free download of her hit "Gone".

Mary Bragg is going on tour. If you want to see if she is coming to a venue near you, click here to see.

This cd is music for both the young and old with no age limitations - everyone can and will enjoy..

I highly enjoyed this cd and would recommend it.

About Mary Bragg:
After several years of growing acclaim on the New York Americana scene, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mary Bragg reached a peak in her early career last year when she attracted overflow crowds for a residency at NYC’s famed venue The Living Room. Her latest recording, Tattoos and Bruises, grew out of that series of shows. Produced by one of the genre’s contemporary icons, Lee Alexander (Norah Jones, Amos Lee), the album was recorded and mixed at The Coop, the studio of Alexander’s long-time collaborator, Norah Jones.

Featuring a number of her fellow musical luminaries and friends, and writing or co-writing all of the album’s songs, Bragg invited Alexander to co-write four of them, while three more of her favorite songwriters, Adam Levy, Colin McGrath, and her bassist/husband, Jimmy Sullivan, made additional co-writing contributions. The ten tracks that comprise the final album were recorded and mixed over 14 days in December 2010 at Jones’ East Village studio, with Tom Schick (Wilco, Rufus Wainwright) engineering. Backing Bragg on the album is the same accomplished band of players who regularly perform in her live shows: Jimmy Sullivan (bass); Rich Hinman, Steve Elliot and Adam Levy (guitars); Jordan Perlson and Brian Wolfe (drums); Mike Cassedy (piano, organ); and Marika Hughes (cello).

Raised as the youngest of four children in a big musical family in Swainsboro, Georgia, Bragg lived in a number of Southern musical capitals – Athens, Atlanta, and Nashville – before settling in New York in 2004. Her music is consequently a seamless hybrid of her southern Americana roots and the downtown New York singer-songwriter community of which she has become a key member.

Tattoos and Bruises follows her sophomore release, Sugar (2007), which was produced by Darius Jones, and recorded just a block away from her home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Sugar earned Bragg several industry nods – at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (Emerging Artists Showcase), the Wildflower! Festival ( Performing Songwriter Competition finalist), and in the International Songwriting Competition (Honorable Mention). Her debut album, Certain Simple Things (2004), was co-written, engineered and produced in Athens, Georgia, by Dave Haywood (Lady Antebellum).

Drawing comparisons to Patty Griffin and Mindy Smith, Bragg has come to inhabit her own unique fusion of American musical forms, clearly heard and felt on Tattoos and Bruises.

Disclosure:
I was provided Mary Brigg's "Tattoo & Bruises" cd in exchange for a fair and honest review. In no way receiving this item did it have any effect on my thoughts. My opinion is 100% mine and honest.

Business Cards: The Necessity For All Blog Conferences

2011-05-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

I was provided the opportunity to write a post on one of three choices pertaining to business cards. I had a hard time choosing, though thought I would write on a good question:

What is one thing you wish you'd known before heading to a blog conference?

While I am not a "newbie" to blogging, nor am I a "pioneer", I do know one thing never ever to forget.....business cards!

The very first conference I ever went to was Cook's Ham sponsored by Price Chopper. There were approximately 20 of us bloggers there, it was local and smaller in size compared to some of the bigger conferences, and I met some wonderful blogging friends, all of whom passed out business cards. Guess what? I had nothing, nada, zilch. I felt embarrassed and like I didn't fit in, though I did and everyone understood. I was that newbie after all.

Tiny Prints has an amazing variety of business cards to choose from.

Remember, even if you are not into blogging a great investment for business cards can be used for a multitude of things, i.e., mommy cards, holiday labels (we love these as they are personalized and generic and can be used on any gift), id cards to put in your kids bags if ever lost, etc.

If you would like the opportunity for a chance to be considered for a business card review, you can fill out the following form here.

ABOUT TINY PRINTS:
Tiny Prints provides stylish, modern and unique stationery that cover all your paper needs. You'll find summer party invitations, personalized greeting cards, thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Come try the easy card personalization, powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality for yourself! With Tiny Prints by your side, commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch!

Disclosure:
I wrote the above post while participating in a campaign through my sponsorship with Global Influence. I will receive business cards for my compensation. In no way did being compensated for this post change my thought on this product. My opinions are 100% true and my own.