Free Notepad and Pen

Check out this Freebie for a notepad and pen when you sign up for spa translations emails.  

click here

Thanks ChicSavvy for the heads up!!

Thursday

Hello Everyone!!  Happy Thursday.  Don't you just hate how fast Christmas ends?  It starts slowly and the season is great and it all leads up to such fun on Christmas, just to pop really fast and your left with a messy house, Christmas decorations and not more Christmas music.  I hate that after feeling!!  Today will be a day of cleaning, putting the decorations up and moving on.  I have been putting off some phone calls as well so I will be making those too.  What a blah kind of day!!

Have a good day everyone, I hope yours is more exciting then mine!! 

Now to put off that cleaning and such for a while with a little blog hoppin'

Think of me Thursday
Thirsty Thursday 
Twitter Friend Thrusday
Twitter Hop Thursday
Traveling through Thursday
 

Blog roulette

Tonight I am going to play blog roulette.  I follow so many blogs and never have time to see all their newest posts.  So tonight I am going to check into blogs at random and at to this post what I find.  Have a happy Wednesday evening everyone!!

1. My first stop waw to A mom's take and boy does she have a ton of giveaways check them out!!  

2. Apron Senorita- check out her lovely blog that first post with the chicken makes me hungry!!!

3. Stop three lead me to a giveaway over at BizziMommi's Blog for some really neat erasers.  Check it out the giveaway ends 1/5 
4. Copper Llama Studio has a review of the clean and green set from give a green bag.  I have always thought these soupnuts were interesting I need to try them some time. 
5. I just entered a barney giveaway over at Crazy House.  
6.  Oh check it out Dawn's Great Finds is giving away a Charlie Brown DVD!! I love Charlie Brown.  Hurry on this one it ends tonight (12/29)  

Other Blog - Giveaway books

A Sequence of Continuous Delights is having a great giveaway for 5 books - 

iFaith

Orphaned Hearts (in PDF format)

It's Not About Me

It's Not About Him 

A Stray Drop of Blood

Click here to enter Let them know Tori from Learning to be Thrifty Sent you.   Hurry it ends tonight at 6:00

Giveaway Link up Wednesday Wins

It is time for a new giveaway Link up.

It is time for Wednesday Wins:

This year I have decided to win most of my Christmas gift for next year and I am starting early so I am ready to enter, enter, enter.  

Feel free to add your giveaway to the linky below.

Tori 

Giveaway - winner

We have a winner for the Progresso Gift Pack!! 

Number 147 :

Becca said...

147

I would use it on tilapia - yum! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com

Congratulations Becca I will be emailing you shortly!! 

Giveaway ending tonight!!!

Last day to enter the Progresso Gift Pack Giveaway!!  Hurry Hurry!!

CSN Reveiw - Bird Feeder

A Review

CSN

Opus Avant Garden Bamboo Garden Feeder

 I was given the opportunity to do another review for CSN.  I have worked with CSN several times throughout this year and I must say I have found their service to always be top notch.  Not only are the options endless, but my products have always arrived in a timely manner, well packed.  This time around was not different. 

 This was a very exciting package to receive in the mail.  It was a gorgeous bird feeder and I love to look of it.  The middle is a clear tube that holds the bird food, surrounded by a green decorative tray and top that is made to look like bamboo.  I like the coloring it is green with a bit of gold on it.  I think it will look very nice outside.  The birds will be eating in style.  If you are thinking of getting a bird feeder check out the selection at CSN they have so many great options.

I would give this product 5 out of 5 stars I love it! 

Disclaimer:  This product was given to me by CSN for review purposes, the opinions in this review are soley mine and are not influenced by CSN.   

CSN Review - Wooden Horses Stamp set (Melissa and Doug)

A Review:

Wooden Stamp Set

 

This is a great set for the creative child in your life.  I love the different horses and the fact that they are all so different.  The Kit is of great quality and would make a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift.  The set includes ten woodent stamps, 5 colored pencils that are sharpened and ready for use and a dual color stamp pad with black and brown ink.  I like that this set is an art project fully ready the only other supply needed is paper to stamp on.  The ink is washable which is always a must for a children's kit.  The box says for ages 4+ I think this is a kit that could really span a large age range.  I think it is best suited for 4-12 but I could see it being a treat of a horse enthusiast  of any age. 

As in the the past I had great service from CSN the order went through easily and was on my door step fast.  I am very impressed with CSN's quality service.  

Disclaimer:  I did receive this product from CSN for review purposes, the opinions are all mine and are not influenced by the company.

Book Review- The Charlatan's Boy by J. Rogers

A Review:

The Charlatan's Boy by J. Rogers

This was a different read for me.  It was not a sappy happy ever after type book that I often read.  This was a book about belonging.  It takes you into the life of Grady, a boy looking to find where he came from and where he belongs.  The only life he knows is that of the sidekick to Floyd a scheming huckster.  It took a bit for me to get into this story.  I went from feeling so sad for Grady to begging him to set out on his own adventure away from Floyd.  There were several parts of the book that dragged for me, I spent the majority of the book wanting the book to end so I could know how it ended.  At the same time I could not put the book down I was desperate to know what would become of Grady on his journey of discovery. 

I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars, not my favorite read but well worth the time and effort to read it. 

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  The opinions of this review are my own and were not influenced by the company or author.  

Contest: WaterBrook Multnomah is holding a contest the winner with the highest ratings for their review will win an e-reader.  Please feel free to visit and vote for my review - Here.  

The week of Christmas Blog Hoppin'

If you are new to my blog welcome :) Enjoy your time here!! 

Have a wonderful week Everyone!!  Christmas is very close now!

Don't Forget to check out my Progresso Gift pack giveaway with low entries!! 

If  you are a twitter person check out this cool site that will allow you to clean up your twitter account love this one!! It was way past time for me to work on mine again!!  

swagbucks!!

Do you use swagbucks yet?  What a great way to be rewarded for something I am sure you do anyways- searching the internet.  If you have not looked into it click on the picture below to check it out. 

 

I just redemmed my swagbucks for amazon giftcards.  I was able to get this sweet little toy for baby bug for only $1.49 out of pocket!! 

Gaby Crocs

I have no need to buy these kids crocs for but check out this deal I just read about over at spend less save more.  You can get two pairs of Crocs for $11.38 that is less then 6 dollars a piece!!

Thanks Spend less save more for posting this great deal!! 

Tori

Progresso Panko Bread Crumbs Reveiw/giveaway

    I have been a fan of Progresso ever since I started doing Weight Watchers a few years ago.  They have a bunch of soups that are very low points and make great lunch choices.  So I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to review one of their products through MyBlogSpark.  

     I received a gift pack including a box of Lemon Pepper Panko Crispy Bread Crumbs and a very nice cookbook from Michael Chiarello.  I have always enjoyed using Lemon Pepper when cooking I love that tang.  These bread crumbs are not exception.  They have a nice tang to them, and the lemon pepper flavoring is very strong in them.  I really like the texture of these bread crumbs as well they are very crunch but much more finely chopped them n\most bread crumbs.  These are a winner in my book!! 

    Here is a little more information on Panko - Whether frying, baking or broiling, this culinary superstar adds a flavorful crunch to create simple, savory recipes. Made from the soft, tender centers of the bread, Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko combines the perfect crunch with effortless flavor to give any dish that extra punch. The large, flaky crumb has a coarser texture than traditional bread crumbs, delivering a lighter, crunchier coating or topping. 

Guess what!! Panko is providing one of my wonderful readers with this same Gift pack.   

How to enter:

  Mandatory Entry:
Tell me - What type of dish would you create with Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko?


Extra Entries:
1. Follow this blog using google friend connect.

2. Blog about this giveaway leave a link to the post in your comment- 3 entries (leave three separate comments) 

3. Tweet about this giveaway (may be done once a day) 

4. Follow me on twitter

5. Tell me how did you find this giveaway?

6. Enter this giveaway into a giveaway linky - one entry per linky it is entered into please leave the link to the linky in your comment 

 This giveaway is limited to US Residents only, 18 years of age and older.  Contest ends Tuesday December 28, 2010 at Midnight Central Time, 1 winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclaimer: This Progresso Gift Pack  was sent to us for review purposes only by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Happy Tuesday!!

Today is the second snow day I have been granted!!  I love being able to spend this time with my sweet little Baby bug!!  I hope everyone is having a good Tuesday!!  I have lots planned for today.  I need to get the tree finished and the livingroom cleaned back up all those Christmas boxes make such a mess!  I have presents that need wrapped and cleaning to last a year!!  But as long as I get in some hug the baby and peek a boo time I am going to consider it a great day!!! 

Tori

Don't forget to check out this week's count down and add in great giveaways you may be sponsoring right now!! 

Check out my lastest Giveaway for a Progresso Prize Pack

otherblog - giveaway diaper bag

I am sure anyone who has seen some of my post knows I love diaper bags!! Crazy house is hosting a giveaway right now for a great diaper bag from 7thenfant.  Ends 12/14

Sign up for a CHADWICKS account and get 40% off!

"Check this out!! I am having the best time picking a cheap item!! "

Visit Chadwicks.com to sign up for an account and check out the amazing style possibilities at smart prices. Plus, use promo code CHFRIEND and save 40% off your entire purchase.

View >>

Christmas Countdown Number 6- Gvieaway linky

Can you believe it?  We are so close to Christmas

I have so much to prepare this weekend!!  I need to do some shopping, get the tree up, wrap presents, send cards if I am going to, and I want to take Babybug to the local parade today if it is not to cold!!  So it will be a busy but fun weekend around here!!  Are you all ready for the Holidays?  

Feel free to add your giveaways that might make good Christmas Presents to the linky below!  

Have a very holly jolly week!!!  

Check out this giveaway over at Publix coupon queen for a Willow Tree nativity set!  Ends 12/14  
Coupon Mommie has a great giveaway going right now for a diaper bag full of Simply Saline goodies!!  But hurry ends tonight 12-13
 

Tori 

Song stuck in my head!!

OK ever get a song stuck in your head and no matter what you just can not get it back out?  

The radio station played this little number two different days recently and it is so stuck in my head.

Reminder - Christmas Countdown

Don't forget to add your giveaways to the Christmas count down linky!!  And enter all the fun giveaways listed! Click here!!

Hope your having a great Week!! 

Tori

Tips for entering Giveaways

Who doesn't love free stuff delivered right to your door? 

I discovered giveaways early in the year while I was home with baby bug when she was doing all that not sleeping in the middle of the night.  It was developed into a fun little hobby. 

I would like to share a little of what I have learned put there with my fellow bloggers incase any of you are new to giveaways 

1. Make sure when commenting to leave the contest holder a way to get ahold of you.  I always just leave an email address for them.

2. Check your email address you give out for giveaways at lease daily.  Most giveaway hosts will give a winner 48 hrs to respond but some only allow for 24. 

3. Do the extra entries - those entries really add up.  The two fastest that many contests have are Google Friend Connect and twitter.  For a long time I did not have a twitter account and boy was I missing out on many chances to win

4. Look out for entry ways that gain multiple entries, many of the blog giveaways depend on number of comments for the way they assign a winner so they will ask you to write a comment for each of the entries to go with a task. 

5.  Look for low entry contests.  Some of my favorite places to look are - Tightwad in Utah and Ten Talents both of these provide regular list of contests that still have low entries. 

6. Get in those daily tweets if their is something you really want do the daily tweets they really add up your odds.

7.  When you are wanting to find giveaways of a certain kind at find a twitter search a good way to look

8.  Just looking to enter some giveaways check out all the giveaway linkys that are floating around the blog world there are plenty of giveaways to enter.  

Happy Entering I hope these tips are useful for you!! 

Tori

Healthy Life Week 12-5/12-11

Weight:  196.2

Daily Point target:  27

Sunday:
Breakfast: Apples and caramel 1pts from Burger King, A handful of Hash brown rounds 5pts
Lunch: Chicken Salad 8 pts
Dinner: Cheese bread 15 pts Yikes not a good choice!!!
Snacks:Cheerios and milk 1/2 serving 2 pts
Exercise: 17 Min. elliptical 654 Minutes
Total Points - 31 yikes 4 pts over!! 

Monday:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Snacks:
Exercise:

Tuesday:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Snacks:
Exercise:


Wednesday:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
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 Thursday:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
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Friday:
Breakfast:
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Saturday:
Breakfast:
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Flex Points Used:

Book Review - Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

Let's Start with the info about this book provided on the back - "Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?"

I must admit it I love a good Christmas story.  There is nothing better in the month of December then to curl up with a sweet little romance centered around the magical time of year.  This book and was very fun Christmas time read.  It was light hearted and very easy to read.  I was able to finish it in two evenings. I fell in love with the characters in this book.  The author did a fabulous job pulling me into their lives.  The book does have a bit of magic involved in it, that is something that you do not see often in a Christian based book, and at first I was a little uneasy with it.  As the story went on I settled into it and realized that it was nothing to get worked up about and done in a very tasteful manner.  I love how the book describes wizards in the original form as a wise person.  Overall I was very please with this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars. 


Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  The opinions in this review are my own and have not been influenced by the company.

Other Blog Giveaway- Beautiful BLossoms Headbands

Aubut Life has a great little giveaway going on right now for a $25 to Beautiful Blossoms 

( they sell headbands ) 

Ends 12-17-2010

CSN Review

I know you have heard me talk about CSN several times before.  I have worked with them on two other reviews.  One was for a toy bin and the other for a workout DVD.  I have been very impressed with CSN each time I have worked with them.  They have a very wide array of products and each of my orders have arrived very quickly.

I most recently been given a chance to review a wall mount.  We received the:

Mouse Over Main Image to Zoom In

AVF Orbital CRT TV Wall Mount for 19-27" TV's with 2 VCR/DVD holders
My husband was the one in charge of mounting the TV and he did a very good job.  It did take a good amount of time to put up but was not very difficult for him.  I have a feeling I would have taken much longer!  We have been very pleased with this product.  It is very convenient to have the TV up and out of the way.  We put it in our bedroom and I have enjoyed watching movies from the bed with the TV at just the right angle.  The mount comes with all the pieces to get a secure fit to the wall.  I worried when we ordered it that it would be wobbly or might fall off, but it fits very securely and I have no concerns about it falling off the wall.  The only thing that did concern us was the way the DVD and VCR attachments are hung to the TV mount seems a bit loose but the DVD player has done fine in it and we have had no difficulties from it.  This is a great buy if you are in the market for a TV mount I highly recommend this one.
Disclaimer: CSN stores sent the TV mount for review purposes free of charge.  This review has not been monetarily compensated and the opinions and views are mine and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

 

Other Blog giveaway - Toilet bowl wand

Head over to mommy enterprises and enter to win a toilet bowl wand and foot ball from Clorox.  Click here!

Hurry this giveaway ends at Midnight tonight (12-4) 

Other Blog - Giveaway - baby legs

Check out this giveaway over at Living our life - It is for a grab bag from baby legs !!  What cute products.

It ends December 8th

Christmas Countdown number 5

Christmas is getting so close I can almost smell it!! I just love the warm, rich smells of Christmas.  The gingerbread men, the cookies, the ham and yummy sides.  I love the smell of pine this time of year as well, we always have a fake tree but I always light a pine scented candle to make my house smell like a real tree.  What is your favorite smell of the season?

I hope you are enjoying the season so far!!

Check out this giveaway at Take it from me for three sets of Boikido these looks like something I would really love for Babybug to have.

Oh my you must check out this gift for your children!! This giveaway would be a great gift to inspire the creativity!!  The mommy files is giving away a Melissa and Doug puppet Theater!! Ends 12/15  

Check out this great giveaway for a workout program to help mommas get their bodies back!! What a great gift this would make for someone wanting to get back in shape! Hurry this one ends tonight (12-4) 

Feel free to add your great gift giveaways to the linky below.  It is always so nice to be able to click through the giveaways listed and comment for a chance to win a Christmas gift for a family member or friend.

Wednesday!!

Is it Wednesday already?  My how this week has flown by!!  I cannot believe it is December already!!!

I heard this song on the local Christian Radio Station this morning.  Thought is was a fun way to get the message across -

 

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!! Merry Christmas!!