Showing posts with label A Day In The Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Day In The Life. Show all posts
February 13, 2014
Super 16 Party.... On A Budget!
So the secret is finally out of the bag! My daughters recently turned 16, and for about the last 6 months I have been planning a super Sweet 16 for them. I can't believe it, that we actually pulled it off, without either of them knowing!
For the last 6 months, they honestly thought they were helping to do things for a friends wedding! We had a budget, and I knew that the budget HAD to be stuck to! I knew that I wanted it to be elegant, and look expensive, just not have that expensive price tag!
After we found a place to hold the venue, (at a discounted rate of course) I had to order invitations. Invitations can get pricey. So I stalked the Groupon site for weeks, until they had a Vistaprint deal. I scored $70.00 worth of product for just $17.00. I also knew that I would need response cards, and just by luck I found 100 response cards on clearance at my local iParty store for just $1.57 a package, down from $4.99 a package.
Next, I wanted a jaw dropping centerpiece...
Of course, I was obsessed with finding ideas on Pinterest. Looking to rent centerpieces, like these that we made would have completely blown the budget. So I began to try and hunt down ostrich feathers. I ran into 1 big problem. Each feather would have cost around $2.50 each! I needed like 300 feathers! I began researching these feathers everywhere, when I found a lot of 300 purple feathers on Ebay! cost, just $62.00 granted they were not the 20 inch feathers I was originally looking for, these were just 10 inches in length. however, when you realize that the tops would still be large, I figured they would work just fine, and as you can see they did! The vases we used are called Eiffel Tower vases and are approx. 24 inches tall. These can be found at just about every craft store. My problem, was they were $10 a piece. So I made multiple trips to my local AC Moore, and uses a 40% off coupon for each one. cost just $6.00 each! We also managed to drop in 2 LED lights into each vase on strings to light the base of them up!
Because buffet dinners are cheaper than sit down meals, we planned on buffet style. This way I could also enlist some family and friends help with making some dishes!
Because the tables would look a little bare to me, and it was indeed a birthday party, I wanted the tables to have that finished look. Normal favor boxes are always so small, and I wanted a "Wow" favor, that looked like gifts. The problem with that was, I knew these would probably take a good chunk out of my budget. 4 inch squared craft boxes would cost me approx. 79¢ for each box. Times that by 100, and now you're talking about $80 just for the boxes! That's not even including the candy for the inside! So I would have to research again online. That's when I cam across a fabulous online store called Bags and Bows online. I would need to purchase 100 boxes, which was fine, seeing as that's exactly how many I needed, but instead of paying $80 I paid just $15.95! That's another savings of $64.
All the candy I purchased, I waited until drug stores had cash back deals, like CVS for instance had buy $30 of candy, receive $10 back in ExtraCare Bucks. I also didn't want to just tie a simple Thank You on the boxes. Instead, I found some beautiful online quotes that I would print out on sticker paper, and apply them to the inside lid of each box. (People could not stop talking about these!)
With the favor boxes being 4 inches, they really made the tables look beautiful:
Small White paper doilies acted like place settings, and everyone's silverware were wrapped in a napkin to complete the look.
I managed to work out a few deals with local artists, like trading computer work for a 3 tiered cake.
And am doing more computer work in exchange for the entertainment!
Which the girls got their chance to work the DJ booth! I'm a huge fan of the Barter system, especially when budgets are involved!
While everyone was waiting for the girls to arrive, I wanted to keep people busy, so after spending about 2 weeks thinking of what to put out, I decided on a cheese and fruit table:
Cutting celery and carrots, and standing them up in a small triffle bowl added another dimension to the table.
By placing all the cheeses at different heights adding depth to the table, it looked more expensive than it really was. All the strawberries and cantaloupes were casually placed on the table itself, instead of on trays, I saved money buying and cutting the cheese myself, even though I had 11 different cheeses!
I also didn't want people having to ask what kind of cheese was there, so I printed out the names of the cheeses, and glued them to wooden coffee sticks for each mound of cheese, really creating a finished look.
Another easy idea that everyone loved were the dinner tags at the buffet table. I printed out these and used an edging craft tool that I had to create the decorative edging, and glued them to a colored card stock paper. With so many people dealing with allergies these days, I listed the ingredients that was in each dish. Making it easier for everyone. (Not to mention, avoiding anyone having an allergic reaction!)
The card box was a favorite of mine. I used left over Christmas boxes, lined them with black fabric and decorated accordingly!
Although it was a tremendous amount of work, and research, considering the hundreds of dollars that I saved, it was well worth it all!
January 04, 2014
101 Lessons & Advice for my Daughters.. (Read them, Print them, Live them!)
When I first found out that we were pregnant, and expecting our first babies, I will admit that although I first prayed that you would be healthy, I also prayed that my twin babies would be girls.
"Oh please let me have twin girls." "Twin girls would just be the best!"
And, God gave me twin girls!
Even though I may jokingly say, "What was I thinking when I prayed for girls!?" I love, love, LOVE the fact that I was blessed with both of you.
Every dress. Every Shriek of "OH MY GOD! A Spider!!!" Every tear. Every broken heart. Every girl moment.
Every. Single. Moment. I am thankful for you both.
With your 16th birthday literally right around the corner, I have been thinking. A lot. I have been thinking about when you girls were born, when you were learning to walk and talk. I have been thinking about all the milestones that have passed, and even still all the milestones you still have to go.
So this year, I wanted to give you something in which wasn't bought. Something that you carry with you. Always. This list will be printed out for each of you. I want you to keep it with you, where ever you go, so when you need to, you can pull it out, and read them over and over.
101 Lessons for my Daughters
1. Take every opportunity to travel.
2. There is no such thing as too far to travel for a great hamburger.
3. Make time for road trips.
4. Get lost on purpose.
5. Breathe deeply, at least once every day.
6. Write out a bucket list, and keep it in your pocket. Add to it often, and make sure to check items off when you have done them!
7. Dream big. Even the "too big" dreams sometimes come to fruition. It just may take a little more hard work.
8. Learn to sew.
9. Learn the basic general maintenance of car care.
10. Learn to cook.
11. Learn to eat out by yourself.
12. Learn to go to the movie theater by yourself.
13. Learn a second language, and use it often.
14. Learn to iron. ( As you may have guessed it, this one came from your father!)
15. Learn the art of persuasion.
16. Learn the difference between a lie and a fib.
17. Learn to laugh at yourself.
18. Learn to invest your money. Your goal should be to have your money work for you, not the other way around.
19. Learn to meditate, and do it often.
20. Learn how to be patient.
21. Never underestimate a good long hot shower.
22. Learn that life does in fact have "Do-Overs". While you can't "do-over" everything, just remember that you can "do-over" career choices, boyfriend choices, lipstick choices, etc.
23. Don't stay in a bad job. I'm not saying don't work, I know we all need money, we have all had those horrible jobs that we would rather forget about, what I am saying is there is no rule that says you have to stay in a bad job. Do something, and make a change. Get out there and network.
24. Before you want to post something on one of your dozens of different social media accounts. Ask yourself this question... "Would my grandmother be horrified, embarrassed, or shocked if I posted this?" I, of all people, know that even though times have changed, and it is a completely different world from what it was 50 years ago... Your grandparents era had the best morals, hands down, and that never changes!
25. Always say "I love you" to those you love.
26. Make the time for friends and family. You never know when you're going to lose someone you love, and you'll be able to smile when you say, "I'm glad I took the time".
27. Make time for yourself. It will do wonders for your ego as well as for your health.
28. Never wait too long to apologize. While we're at it. Learn that there is 3 parts to a sincere apology. Randy Pausch wrote the book "The Last Lecture", and taught me the proper way to apologize, and it truly speaks volumes. First, "What I did was wrong", Secondly, "I feel badly I hurt you", and lastly, "How do I make you feel better."
29. Be sincere. In everything you say or do.
30. Remember that what you put out in the world, will come back to you ten fold. "What goes around, comes around."
31. Start traditions when your own children are young.
32. Carry on traditions we did with you, with your own children.
33. Perform in public at least once in your life.
34. Overcome the fear of public speaking. I swear I think we are all born with this fear, some just learn to overcome that fear quickly, and still others never overcome it. Be one of the people that overcome it quickly.
35. Love with your whole heart. Your. Whole. heart. You'll know you did when you can forgive an unforgiving act.
36. Sing loudly.
37. Exercise every week.
38. Never neglect your eyes. You only get a single pair, and those are meant to last you a lifetime.
39. While we're at it, Never neglect your teeth, You get 2 sets of those, but your 16 now, and you're down to your last set.
40. Don't buy meaningless gifts. Always put thought into whatever it is you give. Whether you bought or made something by hand, if you put thought into it, the recipient will surely appreciate it.
41. Plant a garden. Even if you live in an apartment, I'm sure you'll have windows where you'll be able to grow something. There comes great satisfaction when you can grow your own food.
42. Listen to that inner voice when it tells you something is amiss, or just not right.
43. Eat for your health. Don't eat when your upset or bored. Practice good habits now, and they'll stay with you a lifetime.
44. Be thankful.
45. Always send thank you notes via "snail mail" for gifts received, or even for gestures made especially when it really meant something to you.
46. Remember to always say "Thank you".
47. Remember to always wash the makeup off your face every night.
48. Remember to wear sunblock. You'll be glad you did when your 70, and still have the skin of a 40 year old. Tanning is highly overrated.
49. Remember that perspective is everything. Everything you say or do has the ability to be taken out of context. It's all in one's own perspective.
50. Never ask a question with a statement. Again, this goes with #49, as it's a surefire way for it to be taken out of context.
51. Experience a play at least once in your life.
52. Volunteer to help the elderly.
53. Rescue a pet. But make sure you have the room and time for a pet first.
54. Learn your words. Always remember that there is a classy way and a trashy way to say something. Don't be trashy.
55. Speak your mind. Don't let things on your mind stay bottled up.
56. Whether or not you have children, don't ever judge another woman's parenting choices. Parenting is probably the hardest job there is, and for the most part, we are all just trying to do the best job we can with what we have. Remember what may be right for one family, isn't necessarily right for another.
57. Learn the difference in being vulnerable and being a pushover. Vulnerability is not a bad thing. Only when we are vulnerable are we able to see strength.
58. Don't let fear make your decisions. Fear will prevent you from reaching those goals you set for yourself.
59. Don't let material items define your happiness.
60. Know your surroundings at all times.
61. Learn to lose with dignity.
62. Read, and don't ever stop reading.
63. Don't be afraid to fail.
64. Don't keep people waiting. Their time is just as important as yours, remember that, respect that.
65. Always look for the positive in everyone.
66. Make it a point to try something new every year. Whether it's Salsa dancing or skydiving, you never know when you just may find a new passion.
67. Make it a point to try new foods often.
68. Listen to the stories of your elders.
69. Don't pierce your body or stretch your earlobes.
70. If you ever think about getting a tattoo follow these two pieces of advice. a.) Draw it yourself. b.) sleep on it for a month before getting it.
71. Don't hold onto grudges.
72. Don't be too self absorbed.
73. Stand up for yourself.
74. Make a stranger smile.
75. Every once and a while, make someones day and pay for their coffee when you're in the drivethru.
76. Don't wish your days away.
77. Enjoy the present day.
78. Don't dwell on the past. You'll miss today.
79. Try hard. You may not succeed, but at least you'll have the satisfaction in knowing that you gave it 110%.
80. Listen to your parents advice. Our advice comes from our mistakes. You don't have to take our advice, but at the very least, listen to it.
81. See your favorite musician in person.
82. Don't let society, and trends define you.
83. Never stay in a bad relationship.
84. Find that person that treasures and respects you.
85. Be confident, not cocky.
86. Don't ever change because someone else wants you to, Change because you want to.
87. Take lots of photos.
88. Make sure you get in those photos too.
89. Don't miss this small moments that happen.
90. Realize that sometimes the grand moments come beautifully wrapped in small moments.
91. Remember that the secret to staying young is being able to see the wonder in everything.
92. Don't spend money you don't have.
93. Don't go crazy with credit cards. Have only one, and use it for emergencies.
94. Always put at least 15% of your paycheck into your savings.
95. Don't let birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays pass by without acknowledging them, whether they're yours or someone else's.
96. Adventure happens in your attempts. Attempt as much as you can.
97. Be the best "you". Don't try to be that person down the street. Don't try and be like the newest celebrity, just be you.
98. Don't ever stop picking up pennies on the sidewalk.
99. Write a book, or an article. It's a huge ego booster to see your name in print.
100. Create your own story. Don't let someone else do it for you.
101. Live your life following this Mantra: "I'm glad I did" instead of saying, "I wish I had".
October 15, 2013
How did Pumpkins come to be Halloween Decorations ( and other Halloween things you probably didn't know!)
(In light of Halloween, I thought would repost this post from a few years ago!)
We all know that Halloween is seeped in superstitions, but do you know how those superstitions came to be? Here are some of those little known facts that brought those superstitions to life.
The Black Cat. The bad reputation dates back to the dark ages, when "Witch Hunting" was commonplace. Elderly, Solitary women were often accused of Witch Craft, and their pets were considered to be their "familiars", otherwise known as demonic animals that had been given to them by the devil to help grow their powers.
Jack-O-Lanterns. Did you know that Jack-O-Lanterns roots actually come from a tragic, sinister fable? Celtic folklore tells the tale of a drunken farmer, whose name was Jack. He tricked the devil, and his trickery resulted in him being turned away from both the gates of Heaven and Hell when he died. Having been turned away by both places, he had no choice but to wander the darkness of Purgatory. Jack made a lantern from a turnip, and a burning lump of coal that the devil had tossed to him. He used the lantern to guide his lost soul, and as such the Celts believed that placing Jack-O-Lanterns outside would help guide lost spirits home when they wander the streets on Halloween. By carving scary faces into them it would also help to scare away evil spirits.
Bats. Bats were also associated as a Witches Familiar. One myth states that if a bat was seen circling a particular house three times, than someone inside that home would soon die. Another Halloween myth states that if a bat flew into your house on Halloween it was a sign that your house was haunted.
Spiders. Spiders hold a few Halloween superstitions. One myth states that if a spider jumps into a candle lit lamp and is consumed by the flame witches are close by. Another myth states that if you spot a spider on Halloween, it means that a spirit of a deceased loved one is watching over you.
The Witch. The witch was actually at one point in time, honored during the Pagen Festival Samhain. Known as the Crone, a Pagen Goddess. She was known as "The Old One" or "Earth Mother"
Cauldrons. The cauldron is now often seen as a bubbling witches brew, but back during the Pagen times, it's believed that after death all souls went into the Old Crone's Cauldron. The Cauldron symbolized the Earth Mother's Womb. It was in the cauldron that the souls awaited reincarnation. The stirring of the cauldron allowed for new souls to enter and old souls to be reborn.
Black and Orange. Black and orange are the signature colors of Halloween. These colors stem directly from the Pagen celebration. Orange symbolizes the colors of the crops, and the turning of the leaves, while the black symbolizes the Death of Summer, and the changing season.
Bobbing for Apples. The apple was viewed as a sacred fruit that could be used for predicting the future. Bobbing for apples was one of the traditional games used for this fortune telling on Halloween night. It was believed that the first person to "pluck" an apple from a water filled bucket without using their hands would be the first to marry.
July 24, 2013
I've been MIA
You've probably noticed, that I have been slightly, okay more than slightly, missing lately. Well, again, I have my plate full of things that I have signed up to do, didn't sign up to do, have to do, and have to plan.
The biggest and most important item on my list is and has been, going back to school. While I am loving it, studying, and homework are taking up a huge chunk of my time. In the end though, it will all be worth it.
Of course, it's Summer, and it seems that everyone waits for these warm/hot months to hold weddings, birthday parties, get togethers, etc.
We have the Taylor Swift concert coming up this coming Friday, and I have been helping my daughters come up with outfits that will make them stand out, as they are just dying to get chosen for her club red after party to meet her. (My fingers are crossed, and double crossed for them.)
We are also having a new driveway put in at our house, which they called and said... "How about Monday"? Ugh... I wasn't expecting that to happen so quickly.
Repairs to our existing deck, plus an addition to our deck... Then there are the everyday household chores etc. I think there really needs to be 34 hours in each day right now.
While my life as a blogger is pretty boring in comparrison to many others, it's far from boring as a wife, mom of teenage girls, pet parent, and woman.
... And I wouldn't change a single thing!
June 29, 2013
Weight Watchers - Because It Works! (Ongoing Review & Updates!)
When I was asked by the people of Weight Watchers to try out a 3 month free membership, I sat for a few days and thought about it.
While I have tried other programs in the past, I was more then willing to give Weight Watchers a try.
I have been following the Weight Watchers approach for losing weight now for just over a week. What do I think about it? Keep reading for my in depth point of view!
First, like with many of the other programs out there, it really is about portion control. If you can control your portions, you will lose weight. Secondly, unlike other programs, you're not limited to their foods. I really like this, because if you're like me, and have a family, you're probably still preparing their meals. While I lost weight with the other programs, it was short lived because, I still felt deprived. I hated, and I really mean hated making this beautiful meal and then having to throw this little prepared meal in the microwave for myself. I wanted what I had prepared for everyone else. With Weight Watchers, I can have what I make for everyone else, so the feelings of depravity isn't there.
With Weight Watchers, knowing that I am going to have what everyone else is having at the dinner table, I am actually using healthier options, and because most vegetables are zero points, I am using more vegetables in our meals. So on that point, it's a win for the whole family.
With Weight Watchers, If I want to have 2 cups of whole wheat pasta, because I'm a little more hungry than I was yesterday, I can. I'm not tied down to a 1/2 cup portion.
I'm also loving their app for smart phones. I love being able to see my progress. Tracking your daily activities, and weight loss at the touch of a button is so easy. They have a huge, very detailed list of foods, as well as foods in restaurants that you can go by.
The hardest part I am finding to be right now, is tracking my food every time, and it's not hard, it's just a matter of making myself remember to plug in the foods that I am eating. It's easy enough, all you need to do is click the food on your phone, and click on the portion size, and Boom, it's there, right on your phone, and your points are tracked automatically. While I am definitely getting better at tracking it, I still forget here and there.
I will say, that being able to see what point values are assigned to some fast food or restaurant options, makes me stop and analyze, "Do I really need or want that right now"? Most of the time, I have changed my mind on what I ordered. There has also been that time or two, that I went with my first option, because I really did want that particular dish.
Not feeling deprived is making a huge difference on my attitude towards losing weight. The good news is, I have lost weight already. I am down 3.2 pounds in just over a week, which is making want to work even harder the next week.
Join Weight Watchers today and see for yourself! Be sure to stay tuned for my next update!
** I was provided a 3 month membership in return for my reviews. All opinions are 100% my own.
May 19, 2013
Do You Know What's in Your Food?
I recently came across the website, Food Facts dot com. This is a great informative website, that I'm pretty sure you'll want to bookmark, as it contains loads of great information on thousands of different brands, and items that you probably put into your grocery cart everyday.
If you're looking to go organic, or stay away from certain ingredients, this website will save you hours of time looking up information!
What I really like about this site, is not only does it give you a grade on the food your looking for, but it gives you the information as to why it's bad. For instance, did you know that Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite are both salts used as preservatives in processed meats, and was also the same ingredient that was used to manufacture gun powder? Yep!
Head over today to FoodFacts dot com, and see what's really in your food!
May 15, 2013
15 More Items You Should Never Pay For!
.
So with my list of 10 Items You Should Never Pay For has been striking everyone's curiousity lately, I figured that it was probably time to add some more items that you may not have though of and create an additional list of 15 more items!
Feminine Pads or Panti Liners - Stayfree for example always run a B1G1 coupon, stack that with a B1G1 free sale, and there you have 2 FREE packages! Stock up during those weeks, and you'll have plenty to get you through until the next B1G1 free sale!
Credit Cards - There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of different credit cards out there, that it's very easy to be able to choose one that does not require an annual fee. If you have a card that requires an annual fee, start looking around at the other available options that are out there. Here's a great site for finding the 10 best cards available today.
Cell Phones - Note, I did not say the monthly charges here. That's because there's no way around it, you have some sort of cell phone bill, unless you don't have a cell phone. whether its a monthly bill or a prepaid bill, there's still a bill. Now the phone, well that's a different story. Most cell phone comapnies will offer a free phone, and yes, sometimes even a free smart phone with a 2 year contract. Here's another great way... Ask your friends or family, if they have any older ones that they are not using anymore, because let's face it, we all have those people we know that everytime you turn around, has a new phone. Nine times out of ten, they have even tossed there semi old phone in a drawer somewhere!
Movie Rentals - Sign up to receive text messages from Redbox, and they'll send you free codes that are good for a free movie rental. Have more than one cell phone in your family? Sign up all your numbers if you like renting movies, and you'll score a few free each week!
Checking Accounts - Many bank charge you to keep your money there. Why? If they want your money, they need to also be able to take care of it, not take it. Choose a bank that offers free checking. Just make sure to read the fine print! There are some banks that offer free chacking so long as you keep a minimum amount in there!
Your Credit Report - You should never, ever pay for your credit report. You are able to score a FREE full credit report once a year through Annual Credit Report dot com. You will not get your score, but you get your entire report, from all three credit bureaus free. If you really want your score, try out Credit Sesame where you'll get your score from Expirian, and you'll also get free monitoring, and yes it is really free, not just a free trial like you get when you sign up at free credit score.
411 Assistance - instead of dialing 411, where you only get 1 or 2 free calls a month, dial 1-800-free-411 for truly free 411 assistance. All the results are sponsored by private companies, so you'll have to listen to a quick ad, but hey, it's free!
Condoms - Okay, I know what you're thinking, "Condoms, really"? yes, you read correctly. There are planned parenthood clinics all over the country, and they offer free condoms! Also, College clinics, as well as County Health Departments also offer free condoms.
Plastic Storage Containers - Go ahead and laugh, but when we order from a local grocery store, their ready made food comes in these great plastic containers. Just wash and reuse!
Pens & Pencils - Every August school supplies start going on sale big time. Just about every week you can find coupons, and cash back deals on writing utensils. Stock up enough to last you the year!
Scissors - Again, its an August thing. Those back to school sales often time include a free pair of scissors at many of the different drug store companies. Stock up time!
Napkins - Go ahead and laugh again, but I always ask or grab an extra few napkins whenever we go out to eat. If you only knew how many free napkins I have stocked up on, you wouldn't be laughing!
Straws - Yep, here's another one of those things, that if you knew how many extra straws I have brought home from places, you wouldn't be laughing. Hey it works!
Higher Education - Yep, another shocker here. Did you know that MIT offers free classes to anyone in the world? And even more the BBC offers free lessons to anyone wanting to learn a foreign langauge!
Passport Photos - Anyone with a digital camera and who can snap a photo can do it for free, and just upload them to epassportphoto dot com. No more need to pay upwards of $10 for a passport photo!
And there you have it, 15 more free items!
What You'll Be Seeing
While, I have had an eye-opening experience by watching the documentary, "Genetic Roulette", and will be choosing healthier, cleaner food options, I am not going to go all "You should only by this, and only choose this option" on everyone.
This is a whole new experience, that I hope you'll continue to follow me on this new journey.
While, I will still be posting great deals, store sales, and giveaways, I will no longer be promoting the GMO laden foods that seem to be so prevalent in our food supply. I'll be looking for cleaner, greener, healthier options in my food choices, and I'll pass those onto all of you as well.
Over the next few weeks, you'll see some changes on this blog, adding more organic coupons, healthier recipes, and talking more about how you can take back your food supply as well.
You'll still be able to find all the coupons you normally can on the right side of this blog:
I'll be perfectly honest, while I won't be specifically promoting new coupons from these sites, if they are not GMO free products, you can still support me and this blog by clicking those "affiliate links" to print your coupons, as each time you do, I earn a small commission from those.
You'll still be able to find craft store coupons, and grocery store deals here, only the grocery store deals that I will be posting will be cleaner, and healthier deals.
Taking back our food supply, is not something we should be having to do, but unfortunately, it's a reality. Recently, I learned that Rhode Island does have a House Bill on the table that was introduced on February, 6th, 2013. House Bill 5278 would require
"that food and food products derived from or containing genetically modified organisms be labeled as such by the manufacturer, retailer or other person before putting it on the market for sale in Rhode Island."
If you live in RI, please consider signing this petition HERE.
May 14, 2013
There Are Changes Coming!
I just wanted to give my readers the heads up that Brandy's Big Bargains, will be undergoing some big changes!
After watching the documentary "Genetic Roulette" I will no longer be promoting foods or products that contain GMO's. If that means losing money and/or readers, than so be it. I will understand.
After seeing the health effects, and concerns, and really seeing the direct correlation that GMO foods have on the human body, I had that "Ah-Ha" moment that you hear people talk about.
I've got my work cut out for me, and many items to go over, so enjoy your day people, and make it a good one! Hope to see you back here in a few days!
Regards,
Brandy
May 12, 2013
For All The Mothers Today
I wanted to take a moment out of my day today, and wish all the Moms, Moms-to-Be, Mother-in-Law's, and Mom's that once were, a very happy Mother's Day.
May 10, 2013
Made in America
Have you ever really looked around your home and noticed just how many items you have that are not made in America? I have, and I have to admit, I was rather disgusted with myself. The more reasearch I did, the more I realized that there are still many items that are in fact made here in America, and truth be told, are cheaper! So I decided to put together a list in hopes that more people will start to pay attention to what they are buying.
Baby's Needs
Bath & Body Items
Duffle, Hand and Messenger Bags
Household Gadgets
Barbeque Grills & Accesories
Bedding Items
Kitchen Items
See if your appliances are made in the USA HERE
So, I hope I have prompted some of you to start looking at where your next purchase is coming from. next time you're looking for something, just type in Made in the USA products in your search engine!
May 02, 2013
24 Everyday Uses for Mayonnaise!
1. Does your piano have dull ivory keys? Brighten those dull keys up with a little dab of mayonnaise! Rub a little bit of mayonnaise on each key, and leave on for about 5 - 7 minutes. Wipe off, and buff with a micro fiber towel for brighter keys!
2. Got Dry or Brittle Hair? Mayonnaise will soften and smooth your hair for a sleek look. Shampoo and towel dry your hair normally. Then using a wide tooth comb, comb in about a tablespoon of Mayonnaise, making sure to coat each strand of hair. Leave in for about an hour. Rinse, and shampoo and condition once more!
3. Rough Patches of Skin? Apply a small dab to those rough elbows, knees, and feet. Leave on for about 15 minutes. Then simply wipe with a damp towel. Moisturize as normal.
4. Got little ones that "accidentally" drew on the wall with their crayons? Simply apply a small amount of mayonnaise to the colored area, leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, and watch the coloring magically disappear! Wipe down with a damp cloth.
5. Weak Nails? Soak your fingernails, and cuticles in some mayonnaise for 10 minutes a week. Rinse and after about a month your nails will be 50% stronger! Mayonnaise will also help to reduce future hangnails!
6. In a Sticky Situation? Mayonnaise is great for removing sticker residue, sap, and tar! Cover the affected area with mayonnaise, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth. Apply a small amount of lemon juice to your mayonnaise mixture for added sticky cutting strength.
7. Water Rings? If you've got water rings on your wooden furniture, use a small amount of mayonnaise on a dry cloth to buff out the rings!
8. Stained Furniture? Just like the crayon effect, apply a small amount to the affected area, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You may want to try it first in an inconspicuous spot before applying to something that is out in the open for all to see, as sometimes, you may end up with an oil stain.
9. Removing rings. Mayonnaise is great for being able to remove a ring from your finger!
10. Polish Your Houseplants. Yes it's true, people actually do polish their dull house plant leaves! I don't, well because I am lacking the green thumb gene entirely! However, if your houseplants have seen better days, and are looking dull. Try dabbing a small amount to the leaves, and buff.
11. Kill Head Lice. I wish my mom had known about this one when I was little. Yes, when I was a kid, I had head lice, and boy did I hate those chemicals! Massage mayo into the scalp, covering all the hair as well. Apply a shower cap, and leave in overnight. Wash out mayo the next morning, and using those fine tooth combs, comb the scalp. Repeat every 2-4 days if needed. It really does work!
12. Fix Cracked Furniture. If you have small cracks in wood furniture, apply mayo to the crack, filling it up. Wipe off any excess. Leave mayo to set for several days. The proteins and oils from the mayo will make the wood swell up, thus shrinking the crack.
13. Relieve Sunburn. Don't have Aloe? Apply a thin layer of mayonnaise onto the sunburned area. It moisturizes and cools the skin!
14. Remove permanent Marker from Skin! Apply mayo to mared up skin let sit for 5 minutes and wipe off with a damp cloth. Permanent No More!
15. Give Yourself a Facial. No more need for expensive creams. Apply a thin layer to your face, and leave on for about 20 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth, and you'll be amazed at how well your skin looks!
16. Use Mayonnaise as a substitute for Eggs. When you are baking, and realize you have no eggs... Simply add 3 tablespoons of mayo as a substitute!
17. Remove Fingerprints from Stainless. Wipe a thin layer of mayonnaise on your stainless stell appliances, and gently buff away!
18. No More Squeaky! Got a squeaky hinge? Apply a small amount to that hinge and open and close the door a few times to quiet the squeak!
19. Gum? Get gum out of hair! Take a small glob of mayonnaise and rub all around the gum with your fingers, gently sliding the gum down the strand of hair.
20. Polish Your Silver. Giving your fine silver a once over with a buff using mayonnaise on a dry micro fiber towel, and bring the shine back to all your silver.
21. Have some dried up paint drips on door knobs, windows, or your skin? Apply a small amount of mayonnaise to the drip, and let sit for 3 - 4 minutes. Wipe clean. It's less harsh than those over powering paint thinners.
22. Use Mayonnaise to coat fish fillets or chicken breasts to lock in moisture, and help your desired breading adhere.
23. Use mayonnaise as a base for your tater sauce
24. Combine mayonnaise and a teaspoon of basil pesto for a zesty chicken sandwich spread
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