A Great Giveaway: UPS Giveaway

My friend, Sara, from SavingForSomeday is having a giveaway for an UPS American Express Gift Card for $10.00.  

Have you ever used Whrrl?  Do you like Social Media, there are many addicts out there!  If you never used Whrrl, here's your chance to try a new media and win!

Please, check it out and I hope you win!!

P.S.  You have a chance every time you visit UPS and Whrrl about it!  The giveaway ends April 2oth...so start sending your packages out by UPS Stores.  Check out the way to do it & the rules: SavingforSomeday



Other Places to go for Giveaway!!!

Here's a few more places you can go to leave comments for a chance to win Smart & Finals Ambiance coffee basket and $150.00 Gift Certificate....

http://www.shuggilippo.com/2011/01/sponsored-giveaway-myambiancemoment.html

http://savingforsomeday.com/my-ambiance-moment-ambiance-coffee-and-a-smart-final-150-gift-card-giveaway/

http://www.supersavingsense.com/2011/01/ambiance-coffee-150-smart-final-gift.html

Wow!!! Now that's a lot of places you can go to win....Please start leaving some coffee lovin' comments to these lovely women!

And of course, enter mine to win too!

Cafe Au Lait...Smart & Final....Ambiance French Vanilla

It's not to late.....


You can still win some awesome coffee....Smart & Final Ambiance


Plus, added bonus....


$150.00 Gift Certificate to Smart & Final...


Have you tried Smart & Final's new coffee, Ambiance, yet???


If not, YOU need too!


Today, I was fortunate, my coffee maker broke (truly it was one step in the grave already)...but no worries...I drove to Macy's and bought this beautiful, sleek looking, muti-function coffee machine:   Cuisinart Brew Central 14 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker!

So, now I'm totally set:  Great coffee and a Great Machine....I hope I have company soon to show off!


This is the first thing I made:

Ambiance French Vanilla Cafe Au Lait

Now, It's your turn...share with me...what's your great coffee moment?


Here's the details to enter my giveaway:

• Only one comment per post, please.


• Leave an email address or a way for me to reach you in case you win!


• Giveaway runs from January 19th to midnight February 4,2011.Your comment will be placed in big bowl and on February 5 a random person will pick a winner from the bowl.




Disclosure:  Collective Bias compensated me for my time, but all opinions are my own.

GREAT COFFEE GIVEAWAY!

I have been trying Smart & Final's new coffee, Ambiance, for the past month.  Ambiance comes in six varieties and if you want to see what I think of each one, please check out it out here.  Now, if you check it out, please no laughing!  I shared it with my co-workers and they teased me for the rest of my shift!  Apparently, it was very entertaining to them.  I am lucky to have a chance to offer you a wonderful giveaway.  One lucky reader will get a basket of all six varieties of coffee along with a $150 gift certificate to Smart & Final.  All you have to do for today's chance is watch one of my videos and tell me how I did as a reviewer of Ambiance coffee.  Just for fun, I found some interesting facts about coffee that I thought would be cool to share:


Coffee & Health


Q: Can caffeine kill you?
A: Health experts say if you were to drink 80 to 100 cups real fast and all at once, it might do the trick. This is not advisable to try at home! So technically, coffee is not going to kill you. You just may be up all night.


Q: Can coffee be good for you?
A: Coffee actually contains important anti-oxidants, which is the way most Americans get their daily fix. Coffee can be beneficial at about 1-2 cups per day. If you can’t handle that amount of caffeine, well you can try black tea instead. If that doesn’t suit you, you can find anti-oxidants in beans, bananas, or corn.


Q: Can caffeine boost the female sex drive?
A: Actually, this study was done on rats and it worked! But, for humans it is not necessarily true. Some people who are not used to drinking coffee may find themselves more excited than usual. I don’t know if it will lead you to this exact issue. You won’t find someone offering a cup of coffee in a bar.

Q: Does coffee relive pain?
A: A small study had shown that 2 cups of coffee alleviated the pain of post-gym muscle pain. Take into consideration that this research was done on those who were not regular coffee drinkers. Those of you who are big drinkers, you may be immune.

Q: Can coffee keep you up at night?
A: Of course, why do you think so many are hooked on coffee? Health experts say you shouldn’t drink coffee up to 6 hours before you plan to retire.


Q: Does Decaf have caffeine?
A: Decaf coffee has an extremely small amount. It would take about 5-7 cups to get the same amount of caffeine in 1 cup of coffee.


Q: How are coffee beans made decaffeinated?
A: The way the caffeine is removed is by steaming the beans until the dissolved caffeine rises to the surface, then an organic solvent is used to wash the caffeine off. The organic solvent is called methylene chloride.

Q: What makes coffee so bitter?
A: It is amazing to find that it is actually the anti-oxidants that make coffee bitter. It is not the caffeine.


Q: What makes a great tasting coffee?
A: It is all in the roasting and brewing. At 400º degrees of the roasting process, the beans begin to release its oil. This oil strengthens the flavor. And as for brewing; it depends on the coffee. But, the longer coffee grounds steep, the more caffeine content you will have. A cup of regular coffee often has more caffeine then a cup of espresso or cappuccino, and the darker the roast the most likely the more caffeine.


I found these fun facts at stumblerz.  If you need to know more fun facts check them out. 


Here's the rules to my giveaway:

Only one comment per post about this fabulous coffee/GC giveaway.  Every time I post about coffee, you can enter for another chance.



Leave an email address or a way for me to reach you in case you win!


Giveaway runs from January 19th to midnight February 4, 2011.Your comment will be placed in a big bowl and on February 5 a random person will be picked a winner from the bowl.

P.S. A great deal right now at Smart & Final: Buy Ambiance coffee and get a dozen of their brand eggs free!

Recipe for Making a Cafe Au Lait using Ambiance Kona Style Coffee from Smart & Final

Yesterday, I made a video on how to make a specialty coffee drink, Cafe Au Lait, using Ambiance new coffee.  I used Ambiance Kona Style coffee but it really doesn't matter which variety you use.  I change the type of coffee I use all the time so I'm never bored with the taste. 

Well, this really isn't a pretty picture of me! But the coffee drink is geat!



Smart & Final released their new coffee line, Ambiance.  There are six varieties: 

House Blend : A medium to dark roast

Kona Style: A medium Roast  

French Vanilla: A medium Roast

Hazelnut

French Roast: A dark roast

Gourmet Supreme: A mild to medium roast

My favorite coffee from Ambiance is the French Vanilla.  A very close second is the Kona Style. 

Which coffee do you think you'd like to try?

Leave me a comment for a chance to win all six coffees and $150 gift certificate to Smart & Final.

Every time I write a post about coffee, leave me a comment; it is your chance to win! So start leaving me some coffee lovin’ comments…I will put your name in twice if you tweet about my giveaway with the #MyAmbianceMoment included!

The rules:

• Only one comment per post, please.

• Leave an email address or a way for me to reach you in case you win!

• Giveaway runs from January 19th to midnight February 4, 2011.Your comment will be placed in a big bowl and on February 5 a random person will be picked a winner from the bowl.

• Contest ends February 4, 2011 @ Midnight.

P.S.  A great deal right now at Smart & Final:  Buy Ambiance coffee and get a dozen of their brand eggs free! 

Disclosure:  Collective Bias compensated me for my time, but all opinions are my own.

The Six Varieties of Ambiance Coffee from Smart & Final

Smart & Final's new coffee line, Ambiance, has six varieties: 

House Blend

French Roast

Gourmet Supreme

French Vanilla

Hazelnut

Kona Style

I have tried all six styles.  Does anyone know which is my favorite?  If you guessed the French Vanilla you'd be right!

Which do you think you would like best and why?

Leave me a comment for a chance to win all six coffees and $150 gift certificate to Smart & Final.

Every time I write a post about coffee, leave me a comment; it is your chance to win! So start leaving me some coffee lovin’ comments…I will put your name in twice if you tweet about my giveaway with the #MyAmbianceMoment included!

The rules:

• Only one comment per post, please.


• Leave an email address or a way for me to reach you in case you win!


• Giveaway runs from January 19th to midnight February 4,2011.Your comment will be placed in big bowl and on February 5 a random person will pick a winner from the bowl.




Disclosure:  Collective Bias compensated me for my time, but all opinions are my own.

Ambiance Coffee Giveaway From Smart & Final

I have been lucky enough to be selected to share with my readers a new brand of coffee, Ambiance from Smart & Final. How lucky am I! I have been drinking coffee every morning for….well, I can’t remember when I started. So I had no problem agreeing to try a new brand.

I was sent six packages of Ambiance coffee to try in order to give an honest opinion. Wow, that’s a lot of coffee to try out in just a few weeks, but I felt like I was up for the challenge.


Let me share with you why you want to stay tuned into my review. I'm giving away a basketful of Ambiance coffee to one of my new coffee groupies! And, if that’s not enough (it would be for me!) there is also a WONDERFUL FABULOUS GIGANTIC $150 gift certificate to Smart & Final. NOW, I got your attention! Money always does!

Here’s the deal….

From January 19th through February 4th, I’ll be posting about my experience drinking Ambiance coffee. I will be posting some videos of what I think of each coffee and I’ll be sharing with you some recipes using brewed coffee and my opinions. Finally, I’ll be sharing some witty coffee facts that you might not know.


Every time I write a post about coffee, leave me a comment; it's your chance to win! So it's up to you how many chances you want to give yourself; it’s like the lotto, the more you play, the more chances to win! So start leaving me some coffee lovin’ comments…because it begins right now!

The rules:


•Only one comment per post, please.


• Leave an email address or a way for me to reach you in case you win!


• Contest ends February 4, 2011 @ Midnight.Your comments will be placed in big bowl and on February 5th a random person will pick a winner from the bowl.
  
P.S.  A great deal right now at Smart & Final:  Buy Ambiance coffee and get a dozen of their brand eggs free! 

Disclosure:  Collective Bias compensated me for my time, but all opinions are my own.

Honoring Christina Taylor Greene

Our nation suffered a tragedy this weekend when a man shot into a crowd and killed six people and wounded several more.  One person who died was Christina Taylor Greene, a nine year old girl.  She was a very special person who already had developed a keen sense for wanting to help make our world a better place.  Wow, at nine years old.  She had already been on her way to her goal by being a member of student council in her school.  People (kids) who run for this job do so because they want to see positive change in their environment and believe they can make a difference.  She lived her very short life with purpose.  To honor her, I propose that we make sure that we live our lives with purpose.  We need to make sure that our days matter.

None of us know when our last day of life will be.  It's truly a mystery to all of us.  Most everyone goes through their day mundanely.  What if you knew today was it for you, that you had no tomorrows; what would you do today?  Well, most of  us  take today for granted.  What I'm proposing is that you make today a purposeful day.

I'm not saying to do something big, like run for office;  what I am saying is take all those small things in our day and make them matter.

I honor Christina by going through my closet and donating cloths I know someone else could use.  I honor her by truly taking in my surroundings while walking.  I don't want to take for granted the beautiful day that we had.  I honor her by remembering those people who honored me with their special gifts, such as a smile.

Give purpose and meaning to what you are doing.  Take a few minutes today to remember what you did.  If you can't think of anything you did with purpose and meaning, then make sure that tomorrow you live  it with  these two important qualities that make life worth living.

#Canyoutopthis Winner!!!

Wow!!!  This badge says it all!

Can you tell I was excited to win????  OH YES, I AM!

Becca (Our crazy boys) had a contest. 

The theme was "Can You Top This" from Elmers. 

What you had to do was create a masterpiece using  Elmer's Tri-Fold Display board. 

This is my masterpiece:

I bet you're asking, "What did she win?"

Well,  I won....

$100.00 Gift Certificate to Wal Mart.

Everyone could use that! 

Thanks Becca and  Elmers.

P.S. If you are interested in making this table runner, click here!

Cooking with Smart & Final's New Coffee line: Ambiance

Coffee Marinated Sirloin Steak

I'm trying a new coffee brand from Smart & Final, Ambiance, that is being released to the public this January.  One of their new flavors I'm trying is French Roast.  It is a dark roast coffee which really isn't my thing but my husband likes it.  He travels often so I needed to find another way to use this coffee.  I didn't want the coffee to go stale so I decided to try a new recipe that uses brewed coffee in a marinade. Here's the  recipe I'm trying: Coffee Marinated Sirloin Steak, where the marinade adds creaminess to the steak.  An added bonus – the coffee’s acidity tenderizes the meat as well.

 I'm trying it tomorrow night.  Since I work during the day, I plan to make the marinade tonight and have my husband add the steak in the afternoon.  When I looked through the ingredient list, I was pleasantly surprised because the ingredients (except for the steak)  can be found in most households so this would also make a great cost-saving recipe!  The only ingredient that you may not have on hand is fresh ginger.  When I was running errands today, I stopped at the grocery store and purchased it.  Ginger is very inexpensive, the cost for two inches was just 33 cents!

I have been looking for recipes using coffee and the site where I found this recipe is: http://www.brewed-coffee.com/coffee/coffee-marinated-sirloin/.  The recipe was originally posted in The Canadian Press.

So, without further chatter from me, here's the recipe:

 Coffee Marinated Sirloin

Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours (20 minutes active)

Servings: 4

1 1/2 cups cold coffee
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 tablespoons honey
1/2-inch chunk fresh ginger
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Four 8-ounce bottom sirloin steaks (or other tender, broiler-friendly cut)
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

In a blender or food processor, combine the coffee, pepper flakes, peanut butter, honey and ginger. Puree until smooth, then taste and season with salt and pepper.

Pour half of the marinade in a baking dish. Set the steaks in the baking dish, then pour the remaining marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

When ready to cook, preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the steak, in batches if necessary, and sear until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Transfer the steaks to the prepared baking sheet. For medium-rare, broil for 7 to 8 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer inserted at the thickest part of the steak reads 135 F.

Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Splash of Color

It's that time of year when I  need to add a splash of color around me.  It helps me deal with the cold winter days.  Yes, I live in a warm climate but winter is winter to everyone!  Mine just might not be as cold as yours, but it's still winter to me.

Yesterday, I had to run to Wal Mart for a few items and ran across this beautiful deep color orange rug.  I fell in love with it!  I really got it for a steal.... $3!!!  Now it has a wonderful place in my home.  I placed it in front of the stove  so I would see it every time I walked in the kitchen.  It's a wonderful way to lift up my mood....to sunny!

What helps you make it through the winter?

P.S.  The pic really doesn't do justice for the rug...when I look at it,  the rug doesn't look like it would go well with the cabinets but it does!  You'll just have to visit me and check it out for yourself!  Visiting friends is also a wonderful way to deal with the winter blues.

Craft Book Giveway from Apron Memories Blog

EllynAnne from Apron Memories is having a giveaway!  She stumbled upon a book (while browsing through Amazon.com)  she found interesting and after researching the author online, she decided she liked what Jodi Kahn (author) was about and actually contacted her to see if she would sponsor giving away her new book, Simply Sublime Gifts  to one of her blog readers of Apron Memories. 




(picture from Amazon)


EllyAnne blog is about aprons so you can see how this book caught her eye!  Look at the cover of Simply Sublime Gifts and you'll see a cute apron.  I believe that's all it took for EllyAnne to dig deeper into what this book was all about.  I can understand it!  I love aprons too and have quite a collection of patterns and articles that could easily  fill a whole dresser drawer.  So, of course I entered this contest! 

Even though I want to win, I want to pass along this giveaway information to you for a chance.  I love the idea that you can make easy, practical gifts from items you already have in your home. That's what this book is all about.  So please, check it out and sign up.  Support bloggers who want to give away a gift!



Elmer's Tri-Fold Display Table Runner (#canyoutopthis)

 Can You Top This??

Doesn’t this sound like a dare?

Becca, from Our Crazy Boys, is having a giveaway/contest and this is the theme... Can you top this?

Well, Becca, you challenged us and I accept the challenge!

She wants us to create a masterpiece using this:

That is the only rule.  Use Elmer’s Tri-Fold Display Board.  You can use it any way you want.  You can cut it, sew it, glue it, burn it.... 

You get what I’m saying???

It doesn’t need to look like a display board when you’re done.  

Here’s the prize: She is giving away 3 $100.00 gift certificates to Wal-Mart.  Now she’s totally speaking my language!  MONEY, honey!  

My passion is sewing.  I wanted to incorporate what I know with this board somehow.  It took me a while but finally an idea popped into my head... how about this:

A Designer Table Runner

 

What I love about this runner is it’s practical while at the same time it's beautiful for our home.  The display board is the “guts” in this masterpiece.  It gives the runner structure. It’s very practical to use on your table because you can put hot dishes right on it;  the board insulates the heat from going to the table!  Since it’s easy to make, you could make several  using different fabrics; you won’t be bored seeing the same thing on your table.  Another great idea is to recycle old table cloths or bedspreads into these table runners.  In addition, you could take these tri-fold boards from other projects and recycle them for this project too.  I love the idea that we can reuse what we already have.  A winning situation for our environment and economic times.

Materials Needed:

Elmer’s Tri-Fold Foam Display Board purchased from Wal-Mart ($7.95)

ruler

scissors

fabric: 1 yard (36x44)

sewing machine (I’ll share with you how to make it without one too)

tread (either matching or contrasting to fabric choice)

box cutter knife

pencil or marker

masking tape 

iron/ironing board

self healing cutting mat/rotary cutter (optional)

Construction:

1.) Lay board flat with the folds spread in open position with the shiny side facing up. With a pencil/marker using a ruler, mark the board in half lengthwise. Using the  line as your guide, cut the board using the box cutters. Because I was a bit of a klutz with

the cutter, I taped the cut edge of the board to make it smooth. 

2.) Cut your fabric: 30" wide x 43" long. On one side of the short edge (the width), turn right side of fabric under about 1 inch towards wrong side of fabric. Iron this fold into a nice crease. Now fold your fabric in half (the 30 inch side, making it 15 inches wide by 43 inches long) with right sides of fabric facing each other (so wrong side of fabric is on the outside (pic below). Iron the fabric, making sure there is a nice crease on the folded edge.

3.) Sewing part: This project only requires you to sew two straight  lines. Easy Peasy! With your sewing machine (if you're lucky to own one like me), sew one short end and the open side of the outer edge (opposite of the creased edge) with a 1/2" seam allowance. Remember to back stitch a little to secure the thread. After sewing the two seams, clip the edges like in the picture below and iron seams open. Turn fabric right side out and iron it nicely. Now, you are close to being done!!!

If you don't have a sewing machine, don't worry! You can still make it!

Purchase this:

(picture from Joann's Fabric website)

This can be purchased at Joann's Fabric. I'm sure you can find it elsewhere, just Google it. Follow the directions on the back and use it for the two seam closures listed above. It would be good to practice on old scrape material before using on project. Instead of opening the seams like mentioned when sewing, iron the seam to one side of fabric.

4.) Putting it together. 
     Insert the display board inside the fabric like so:

Now, just take a sewing needle and thread

and sew opening seam close. 

Now you're finished!!!! 

Place on table and admire your work!!!

P.S.  We only used half the board, so now you can make yourself another one!  

I thought the boards would also make wonderful place mats using the same technique.  If you have kids who like to draw, purchase some caulk board fabric and make either project.  They will get a kick out of drawing on it, keeping them busy while you're still preparing dinner.  You can also use it as a table teaching tool: have them draw where the plate and utensils should go on the place mats. 


What I realized while making this project was that once I started letting my imagination stir, I was able to come up with several projects using the display board so really, I'm already a winner!

Thank You, Becca!  I love a good challenge! Bring on the next one....

Easy Menu for New Years Eve

I plan to have a few people over for New Year's Eve  and want to keep it simple.  The menu is so easy to prepare with the help of my husband!  Because I want to keep it simple, I'm only preparing two of the dishes and plan to purchase a cheese and vegetable platter.

New Year’s Eve Main Dish

The Best Barbecue Wings

The Barbecue Sauce:

1 slice bacon

1 bunch of fresh thyme

extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped (I use more, just cause I like garlic)

2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablesp. red or white wine vinegar

1 tablesp. dry mustard

1 teasp. ground cumin

1 teasp. paprika (not the sharp type)

black pepper

First Street Chicken Party Wings, sold in a 4 lb bag for $7.00 (that’s only $1.75 a pound)

Thaw the wings 

To make the sauce:

Wrap the bacon around the bunch of thyme and tie with kitchen twine so you have a nice bundle.  Heat about 2 tablesp. of oil in a large sauce pan over low to medium heat.  Add the thyme and cook slowly for 3 to 4 minutes to render the bacon fat and give the sauce a nice smoky taste.  Add the onion and garlic and cook slowly for 5 minutes.  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.  Turn heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove bacon bundle.

While sauce in simmering, heat outside grill to medium heat.  

Make sure that your grill has a thin coating of oil on the grates to help prevent the wings from sticking to grates.  Coat the wings lightly with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper on wings and grill for 10 minutes (5minutes each side).  Preheat kitchen oven to 375 degrees F.  

Take the grilled chicken and place on cookie sheets covered with non-stick foil. Remove 1 cup of sauce from simmering pot and brush wings with this.  Place in oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes (until done!) 

Place wings on platter and serve with remaining sauce.

Along with this:

BLACK BEAN SALSA

2 cans drained black beans

1/3 cup small diced red pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped purple onion

1/4 cup small chopped unpeeled cucumber

2  tablesp. small diced celery

2  tablesp. minced jalepeno pepper (deseeded)

1  tablesp. chopped fresh basil

2  tablesp. olive oil

2  tablesp. tomato juice (or 1/2 cup salsa)

2  tablesp. red wine vinegar

1  tablesp. lemon juice

1 1/2 teasp. chopped fresh thyme

1/2    teasp. ground cumin

1/2    teasp. chili powder

1/4    teasp. salt

1/4    teasp. pepper

1 crushed clove of garlic

Mission Tortilla Chips (selected varieties, 22 OZ. @ $1.99 at Smart & Final)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.  Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.  Check seasonings and adjust to taste.  This dish will last one week refrigerated.  Prep time: 30 minutes, no cook time!

Enjoy this tasty Sala & chips with Shasta Soda (varieties on sale for $0.59 at Smart and Final) (Limit 10)

What are you planning to serve for your New Year's Eve gathering?

Happy New Year!!!! 

Look What I Won!

I don't want to BRAG!

OK, I WILL!

Remember the post I did last week about an apron giveaway?

Well, I won THAT apron!!!

 

Just in case you didn't see it....

Shawnee of Apronista promoted this giveaway; she is the queen of aprons!! 

 Her blog is dedicated to aprons and the women who wear, sew and sell them.  Apronista is all about women and their interest in domestic life.  Her website is beautiful, sophisticated, and interesting.

This artsy/beautiful apron is the made by Candace, who owns her own company, One Tree Lane USA.  Her business is solely dedicated to making aprons.  Her signature style includes a cute tassel on every apron. You'll be impressed with her and her business.  I always enjoy reading  someone's bio; I love to read   about the person and how their business came about.  Candace, I promise to wear your apron proudly!  When dressed in this apron, who wouldn't want to be domesticated!


Thank you for my beautiful prize

Look Who's 28!!!

My son, Mathew, turned 28 yesterday.  It's just so hard for me to believe he's that age.  I remember me at that age and it doesn't seem like that long ago...

Mathew and me about 3 years ago visiting wine country in Napa Valley

Mathew with his cousins, AJ and Brittany

Mathew, with his brother, Jason, and Brittany

(This picture was taken about 4 years ago)

My sister thought it would be cool to play a joke on me so

she took this picture of Mathew with his arm in a tattoo sleeve.

I thought it was real and
 called him in about
two seconds flat and asked him:

 "What the heck were you thinking???"

He asked what I was talking about....

I said, "Your arm looks awfully decorated!"

He says, "Doesn't it look great!?"

He didn't tell me it was a tattoo sleeve for a few minutes....

Then he told me it was my sister's idea!!!

Well, this is one of many things I love about him....

He can make me laugh...

Mathew, Happy Birthday!

P.S.  It's not that I don't like tattoos.  It's just that one!  I know he has a couple but nothing like that one on his arm.  

Funniest Christmas Tree

I just ran across the funniest Christmas tree. It's  posted on this blog

http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/

Who would have thought to TP the tree!!!



Have you ever heard of  elf magic?  Well, I hadn't so after I saw Beckie's blog, I had to check it out at:  

 http://www.elf-magic.com/

This would make a wonderful tradition to start....

Apron Giveaway!!!

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!

ANOTHER GREAT APRON GIVEAWAY
at Apronista !!!

 You could win:

(picture from one-tree-lane)

WOW!

Check it out:

http://apronista.com/2010/12/one-tree-lane-usa-giveaway/

Helping Someone with the help of Smart and Final

Today, I had the privilege to be a part of something very important.   Collective Bias asked me if I wanted to partake in  "Sharing & Caring Campaign" at Smart and Final.  I take this campaign seriously because I have been a recipient of someone's act of kindness many years ago.  I'm thrilled to be able to pass along this kindness to someone in need of a little help. 

The person I chose to help out is a co-worker.  I can relate to her because I was in her shoes 28 years ago!  I was a single mother, just like her.  I wanted to provide a good life for my child just like she does.  But it’s hard when you have only yourself to rely on and you have someone else who is depending on you.  The holiday times are the hardest.  When you’re struggling just to pay for the necessities there is little or no money left to give your child a gift.  I wanted to make it a little easier so when Collective Bias offered me a $25.00 gift certificate to shop at Smart and Final to participate in bringing holiday cheer to someone in need, I said “YES!”

There are many ways to approach what you purchase when you want to help someone. You could buy something they can enjoy, such as a really good cheesecake.  They could serve it when they have company dropping by for the holidays.  You could purchase some groceries for them.  It’s always nice to have a delicious meal!  But what I remember from my early years as a single mom was the need for the very basics.  If I could provide some of the basic necessities for my co-worker, she could afford to spend some money on her child for the holidays.

I am fortunate to have more than just one Smart and Final close to my home.  This is awesome when you’re out and about and need to shop quickly.  I don't have to waste time traveling because I can either go north or south and run into a Smart and Final.  If time is an issue, I'm sure you can appreciate this!  If you're wondering if you have a Smart and Final close to you, check it out here: Smart and Final. 

Now for my experience shopping at Smart and Final: When I thought of this store, the first thing that came to my mind was, “This is the store you go to if you own a business and need large quantities of stuff."  Well, my trip today proved me wrong! I found many items for sale in small quantities. They came in different sizes to accommodate a small family or a big business:

Same item: small or large quantities

I also liked that I didn’t have to compromise on my belief of being earth-friendly.  I purchased items made of  recycled material , items that could be recycled or used more than one time:

Earth Friendly!

More than one use

I found it easy to find the DEALS.  Look at the many yellow labels:  ALL GOOD DEALS (who doesn't like a sale)!  There are rows of yellow stickers!  Actually, I was surprised at how many deals I could find.  You don’t have to look hard,  they're all around you. 

I also liked that they sell many store-name products at great prices.  This is a great way to get more bang for your buck.  It gives me more purchasing power, who doesn't love that!

Many Products are manufactured by Smart and Final

 I liked the wide isles which made shopping so much more pleasant.  When a cart is coming up the isle in the opposite direction, you don’t have to wonder if you’ll both fit. Plus, look how clean this store is; I could take my mother shopping at this store (my mother who loves to see how clean things are with her white glove test!)

Wide Isles!  A real plus if shopping with kids

So, without compromising my earth-friendly creed, believing in purchasing basic necessities to make life a little easier on my co-worker, here’s what I purchased for $25.00:

This is a lot of bang for my buck!

Look at all my savings!!!

The only downside to my shopping experience was rain.  I live in the desert where it only rains a few times a year. Oh well, I finally got to use my raincoat!

If you are able to help someone out, please do! I have been so blessed since my younger years, it's so nice to be able to give to someone just like me.  Thank you Collective Bias and Smart and Final for giving me a chance to improve someone's holiday.  

Happy Holidays to all!

Disclosure:  Collective Bias compensated me for my time, but all opinions are my own.