My Weight Loss Goal

I was reading this post and got to thinking how maybe I need to be more specific about my GOAL of losing weight.  Not just some want, wish or resolution!  So here is my goal for 2012:
I want to lose 50 pounds by the time Bug has
her baptism! 

In our church people that are raised in the church are typically baptized at the age of 8.  She is set on getting baptized.  She talks about it randomly out of nowhere.  Her birthday is at the end of June.  With baptisms come family.  With family functions come pictures.  With pictures come Sassy not happy with herself.  I can't stand my picture taken with me at this current weight.  I know that might sound weird. but I seriously am not happy right now with my weight. 

So Bug will be baptized in either July or August I think.  We will have to work on the real details of this.  I have plenty of time.

I have a long way to go to get myself to where I want to be, but I am going to work really hard at this and keep my goal.  How do I plan on getting to my goal weight of 135 pounds?


For starters, I am going to cut out soda completely!

I will admit that this is going to be so hard for me.  I have a great love for Mountain Dew.  Nothing pleases me more in the morning than that sugary tingle on my tongue from my beloved Dew.  After all I would Do the Dew!!  ;)  No more though!  Dew is out.  Water is in.  Mountain Dew has unwanted calories.  I don't want them on my waist.  So long, Dew.  It has been great knowing you.  It is over.  Get your stuff and move out, why don't ya!  Sassy is tired of seeing you.  (Okay seriously seeing this picture on here of the Mountain Dew brand makes me want one so bad.  I can tell this is going to be harder than I thought.  I thought it would be smoothe sailing from here.  Not so.  Oh what a shame.) 

I am going to replace Mountain Dew with water and drink lots of water.  It is much healthier and keeps you full longer.  Best part of all- NO CALORIES~!!

I am going to start walking and exercising.  Back when I was good and lost all that weight (and kept it off for such a long time even after giving birth), I would walk and exercised.  I loved walking.  We would walk around the park and just go!  It was such a great stress relief.  I loved it.  In addition to the stress relief, I felt so great by the time I was finished.  I would go home and shower, drink more water, unwind and soon I was ready for bed.  I just felt happy and content.  The biggest thing I need to do right now is put an exercise routine together.  It is time!  I need this.  Whether it is walking, cleaning, yard work, exercise videos (don't get me started on how many dang work out DVDs I have just sitting around collecting dust like the dust is in fashion or something), or hiking, it is time to put them in place.  It has been too long.  I have to stop making excuses.

I plan to make sure I get 8 hours of sleep.  Did you know that getting 8 hours of sleep somehow revs up your metabolism?  I was reading some article somewhere on weight loss and it stated that.  Considering I have been running on less than that for a while, maybe it is time to start working on that.  That can't be too hard can it?

I have to start eating more fruits and veggies.  Okay I will tell the truth, a lot of days I won't eat any at all.  I know that is horrible!  I have to really work on that.  It isn't that I don't like them, I have just been too lazy.  Pure laziness. 

Above all things I have to really cut back on my portions.  Let's face it- I am a total foodie!!  I love fooooooooood!  I just can't get enough. 

My coworker and I were discussing this and she said, "Being a foodie is fine.  You just have to make sure you are burning the food off afterwards." 
I said, " Let me rephrase that!  I am a lazy foodie."
She laughed and I guess she thought I was joking.  Unfortunately, I wasn't and I'm not.  I am serious.  I have to get really serious about this though.  I have to start exercising and I have to cut back on my portions really.  It isn't unheard of for me to eat big plates of things and go to town on them, only to go back for seconds.  (Sassy covers head and face in total shame.)  I know; it is really bad. 

I am a snacker.  I like to have my meals, but I like to snack in between.  Unfortunately, I reach for unhealthy things for snacks- chips, candy, cookies, cake, nackos, peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets, or anything else within reach of my fast hands.  Finishing off an entire bag of flaming hot cheeto puffs can be chalked up right to me.  (Dang it- I can't blame it on anyone else but me.)  Sad huh?  I love them!! 

I need to replace those bad foods with good ones.  I need to start having string cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, granola and other healthy, filling foods within reach of my hands.  What can I say?  I am really bad about this. 

I need to plan healthier meals out and stick with it.  The laziness just takes over sometimes, I swear it.  I can buy some healthier things to make meals with but without sticking with it, it just goes unused in the fridge, when in turn I reach for the easy and lazy things to make.  Can anyone say Ramen or Macaroni and Cheese?  Spaghetti-O's anyone?  Oh you're tired of that?  Ummmmm how about some...  some.... some...... uhhhhhhh...................................uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....................... microwavable burrito?  No?  Ummm.... go find something for yourself then.  ;)  So I have to get real serious about making better foods AND STICKING WITH IT AND MAKING IT!!! 

(I am such a terrible mom sometimes.  By the time I get home I am so beyond tired to the point that I just want to crash out and sleep.  It doesn't help when you have a boss who screams and belittles everyone at various times.  It would be one thing if he was consistent, but I swear this guy is bipolar.  One minute he is nice and joking with everyone.  You think everything is going great.  Then suddenly he is screaming over something that is not a matter to be screaming.  I swear if this economy was better I would be out of here in a heartbeat.  Unfortunately, as we all know, the economy and job market are stinking.  Peeeeewww what is that stench??  Oh wait, it is this dang job market and economy totally stinking up the place.)

Back to this whole goal thing though--- I am going to stick with this!  I have to.  By family pictures for Bug's baptism, I need to have myself down to size.  Then maybe I can start fitting in my old clothes.  (Yes, I am guilty.  I have held onto them because I wanted to be back to that size and didn't want to part with my clothes.  I am such a hoarder.)

So what goals do you have in place for this next year?  I can't possibly be the only one here who plans to actually follow through and do something with this new year.

2012 is Coming

2012 is coming!  Changes come with a new year.  As I look around me, I just can't be satisfied with my weight.  I have put on so much weight to the point of embarrasement.   I am disgusted with myself.  I now weigh more than I did when I was 9 months pregnant!!! 

A few years ago I got real serious about my health and worked out hard, as well as eating healthier and kept it off.  I got pregnant with Jack and lost the weight right away.  I was at my old size in no time.  I felt happy and content.  Above all things, I felt healthy. 

Then, enter my sister.  My big sister was in a horrible living situation with roommates. They were taking advantage of her to the point she was paying the majority of things.  Out of frustration, she moved into my house and rented a room.  For any of you who know my big sister, she has always been a bigger person weight wise.  Soon her eating habits and unhealthy ways started really rubbing off on me. 

McDonalds, fast food and junk food were very abundant in our house suddenly.  Candy and soda.  Fattening processed junk.  Impulse buffet trips just for the heck of it.  Eating out.  Suddenly I didn't exercise at all. 

She has been moved out of our house for a long time now, but those poor habits have really stuck with me, unfortunately.  I hate to admit that I drink my beloved Mountain Dew EVERY SINGLE DAY now.  Some days it isn't just one can either...    I don't really eat fruits and veggie too often.  Healthy string cheese, yogurt, and various heatlhy snacks are nonexistent in this house.  My clothing is at the largest size I have ever been at.  It is disgusting for me!  Yet, I have just continued on and on.

As I look around me this morning, I am filled with shame and saddness.  I worked soooooo hard all those years ago to get myself at a weight that I was content with.  I was healthy and confident.  I was happy. 

This week I have decided that I am going to get serious about my health again and stick with it.  I want to start walking again.  I want to start eating healthier foods.  I want to be a good example for my kids.  Above all things I want to have self confidence in myself and my weight. 

I want to be in my skinny clothes again.  I am not going to disclose my current clothing size out of pure shame, but I want to get to my old size 5-7 again!!!!

I want to do this all for me.  I need this.  This past year I have really focussed on entering online giveaways.  It has been to the point where I don't want to do anything else.  I was so focused on entering so I could provide a big Christmas for my kids.  I am going to continue to enter, but I think it needs to be in moderation.  It has been to the point of complete and total focus in the past.  No more of that. 

It is time to get myself to a point where I am satisfied and happy with myself.  2012 here I come!!  Beware 2012 because I am going to change a lot this year.  I am going to work so hard and not just let this be some random new years resolution that I drop within a week or two.  2012 you are my year.  The year I will work on myself very hard.  I can do this!!

What do you intend to do in 2012?  Let's hear your resolutions intended changes!!

2011

2011 is coming to an end.  This year as I look back and think hard of all the new and different things I have done this year, I can't help but be proud of myself.  This year I did some pretty different things.

1. I started entering online giveaways and ACTUALLY WON!!  So many years I thought all these giveaways were just gimmicks and that no one actually won.  I couldn't believe when I actually won something.  It was so fun and unexpected.
2. This year was my first time ever driving to Arizona.  I didn't just drive a short distance either.  Scottsdale, Arizona is pretty far I discovered.  The best part was seeing so much snow on the way, even though we didn't get to stop and play in it.  I drove all the way down there to pick up Bug's new bedroom set that I just happened to have won online.  The only stipulation was that it had to be picked up down there.  It was a Mommy and Bug trip.  Just the two of us.  I literally woke up at 2 in the morning, had Bug up and dressed and ready, gassed up and we were out of town by 3.  We drove straight down there and back, not stopping for fear that the rain was going to get us.  Imagine if you will, looking behind the truck with brand new furniture and seeing dark rain clouds circling!  Pretty scary.  I was so terrified of the furniture getting wet that I just kept driving and driving.    There was no way I was stopping and getting this furniture completely ruined after driving so long and being so exhausted. 
3. Adding to the above the first time I took such a long road trip running on three hours of sleep.  No nap, no rest stop resting or anything.  I must admit that it was an extremely long, tiring day.  In the end though, it was totally worth it.  The look on Bug's face was priceless when I told her it was for her.
4. I took Jack and Bug up to the mountains and hiked while there was snow out.  It was so fun and unusual.  I loved it.  Bug completely fell on ice and I just couldn't stop laughing.  ( I know I am such a mean Mommy!)  We also had a little lunch and just enjoyed the outdoors.
5. I drove up to our family reunion up in Utah by myself and the kids.  I had never driven up there on my own.  It was such a fun trip and I completely loved it.  I intend to do this more often as long as they keep the reunions going.  We also actually camped out.  I hadn't camped since.... someone died!  (Long while ago when Bug was just a tot we went on a camp out and one of her grandma's friends had a heart attack and died.  It was very unexpected and she was only in her 40's!)  So it was fun making cool memories of camping.  The kids totally loved it.
6.  I had a mostly giveaway Christmas for my kids with my winnings from giveaways and we had such a blast.  I spent a little over $20 out of pocket for Christmas and we had one of the biggest Christmases (as far as gifts) ever.  I worked really, really hard at my online giveaways in hopes of winning for Christmas gifts.  It really helped a great deal.
7. I finally filed for Child Support!!!!!  Yes, you read that correctly.  After all these years I finally did it.  No, it isn't even close to completed, but at least I took the steps necessary. 
8. I started really working on my food storage.  I have a long way to go on this but at least I took the first steps and really started to dive into it.
9. Oh yeah, I MADE HOMEMADE BREAD FOR THE FIRST TIME!!
10. ?????

Hmmmmmmm for the life of me I can't really think of much else right now to make it to number 10.  I am going to have to work on this next year to make a lot of new things on next year's list. 

This next year I intend to get healthier.  I want to lose a significant amount of weight.  I won't announce the number out of embarrasement.  hahahaa  But I want to work really hard at it.  I want to start walking.

I want to start a real budget.  I want to start writing down where all my money is going.  I mean REALLY start getting serious about this.  I am very frugal and watch my money but I want to get more serious on it.

What do you intend to do this year? Anything spectacular?

Chuggington Table Giveaway

As you should know by now from reading other posts on here, my son is a  huge Chuggington fan.  I have been trying so hard to win one of the cool Chuggington tables.  I want one so bad to go with his Chuggington train set that Santa just brought him.  Right now if you head on over here to Rockin Mama, she is having a giveaway for one.  I am keeping my fingers crossed very tightly for this one.  Wish me great luck!  I think I may really need it.  Chuggington is such a great brand and I love their products.  They are dependable and durable for little ones.  (Hey they NEED to be durable if MY son is playing with them, hahaha.  He can be pretty rough on things without even remotely trying.) 

Chuggington Table Giveaway

Currently if you head here to The Mommy Files, you will see an amazing giveaway!!!!!!  Woo Hooooooooooooo!  She is giving away a cool Chuggington  Let's Ride the Rails Table. 

Now anyone who has a Chuggington lover will know just how awesome this giveaway is.  As mentioned before on my blog, Jack is receiving a Chuggington train set this year from Santa.  Instead of having to have his train set on the floor, it would be GREAT to have this table for him. 

I love Chuggington.  It is a great brand with great customer service.  I love the durability of their products and just how great they are.   

Head over and enter the giveaway today .  I want this table so badly for my son.  I know he would totally love it.  If any of you win, let me know so I can be happy with you.

All Aboard.... :)

Christmas is almost upon is.  I can't believe it.  Really I can't.  I have been so busy and on the go lately.  As you all know, I have been working extra hard this year to provide a great Christmas for my kids this year.  In my never-ending effort to work hard at entering giveaways, Santa scored an amazing Chuggington train set.  I will admit that I was literally doing a happy dance when I found out.  I just couldn't believe it.  As you all know from previous posts, being a single mom sure isn't easy financially.  Christmastime for some reason just about scares me because there is always something else that comes up that I owe on.

So Jack is getting this awesome train set for Christmas now and I am so beyond excited to give it to him.  I can't wait to see his expression and excitement.  Today as I was just looking around online, I found the ultimate giveaway!!! 

Right now if you head here to Real Moms Real Reviews, they are having a... GIVEAWAY for a Chuggington TABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, you read that correctly.  An awesome giveaway for a table for his train set.  I want this so much.  It will be much easier than having his train set on the floor and having to be cleaned up or stepped on.  I can only imagine his ultimate excitement at this table. 

I am crossing my fingers and hoping that I win this.  Even if I don't, you should head there to enter.  What a great giveaway.  Enter now.  It ends soon.  :)

My Financial Bucket List

A Financial Bucket List.  Do you have one?  There are so many things I could put on this list for myself.  Some of the items might mean nothing to some of you but could mean a lot to me.  You might have some on your list that I would think are unneccessary but it is yours. 

My Financial Bucket List:
1.  Pay Off My Mortgage in Full- Considering I just bought my house less than 3 years ago, I have a ways to go on this.  I can't wait til the day I don't have a mortgage payment to make, considering a large majority of my paychecks go toward my house.
2. Save Up Money to Visit Wales With My Kids- For any of you who don't know, my mother lives in Wales.  That is where she is from.  Her and my father married and when they divorced years later, she decided to go back to be with her family.  I have a whole side of my family who I have never met.  Some of them I have emailed, facebook messaged/ wall posts, etc.  However, I have never met any of them in person, with exception of my mother of course.  I think it would be awesome to finally have the chance to meet them and enjoy their company.
3. Save Up Money to Visit Big Ben in London- I don't know why, but I have always been interetsed in seeing Big Ben. 
4. Buy a New, Reliable Car- My car is seriously a piece of s*&^!  One minute it works, and the next it just breaks down.  It is horrible.  I have had my car now for 6 years.  I would love to have a new one.  My dream car is a Lincoln Navigator.  Other choices that come to mind would have to include a Dodge Journey, Ford F350 (don't ask me why but I have ALWAYS wanted a big truck for me), Dodge Avenger, Toyota RAV4, and the list could go on and on.
5. Start a Retirement Plan- Enough said
6. Obtain Health Insurance- Yes, we are living without health insurance.  It is scary when you think of it.  However, due to my limited income I can't afford it.  It is scary.  Work doesn't offer it. 

I am entering a cool competition right now for sharing my financial bucket list, that is the $500 Give Me Back My Five Bucks competition. Head there and enter right away.  This ends today.

$500 Giveaway

If you head here right now you can have a chance to enter a giveaway for $500.  I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by Check ‘n Go at Creating Motherhood! I want to win a $500 gift card! Enter to win here: http://bit.ly/plaidcash

When driving around I never know how reliable my car will be that day.  One minute it runs and the next minute it literally just breaks right down.  Imagine driving and starting to break at a stop light and it just dies.  The scariest is when I am driving with my kids in the car.  It is so scary.  I have had it looked at by a good Christian mechanic, and he can't seem to figure it out.  I haven't been able to afford to take it in to a big shop, but it sure needs it.  As a single mom, money is always tight, and I swear around November and December money seems extra tight.  With $500.00 I could finally get my car worked on.  I am sure any of you could use $500 extra in your pocket.  Head there to enter the giveaway for a chance to win. 


 

Chefs Catalog Giveaway

Currently Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms is having a Chefs Catalog giveaway.  Up for grabs is a $250 gift certificate to Chefs Catalog.  I was browsing Chefs Catalog and found so many amazing kitchen items.  I totally want a pressure cooker and some awesome bread pans now.  "As soon as the giveaway ends, you can shop on line at your convenience! There’s no crowds to fight or traffic to sit in!"

If you head HERE to Deal Hunting Diva's site, you can enter her AMAZING giveaway for... 

wait for it......

wait for it.....

A VTech MobiGO Touch Learning System and Game Storage Cartridge!  :)

Woooo hoooooo!  How fantastic huh?  What is it you might be asking?  Well, the coolest thing ever!!

Vtech’s MobiGo Product Description: Put your kids on the cutting edge with VTech’s MobiGo Touch Learning System. Touchscreen technology makes learning fun as kids look, listen, and touch! This touch technology educational toy allows your child to tap, flick, pat, and drag their way to learning and fun! Numerous learning games teach basic skills including math, vocabulary, spelling, logic and categorization.

From Deal Hunting Diva's Site:
The MobiGo Storage Cartridge allows kids to have all of their favorite downloadable games with them in one place. You insert the cartridge into your MobiGo, connect it to the computer, download your games from the VTech Learning Lodge, and they are automatically stored on your cartridge. Learning on-the-go with your favorite educational toy has never been so easy! This is a pretty neat feature.

Head there now for this giveaway!!!  This is a very short giveaway.  You'll want to enter this right away.  :)  Happy entering.

New Age Mama's Think Geek Giveaway

New Age Mama is having a super, fantastic giveaway!!!!!

  Have you heard of Think Geek yet?  If you haven't, check out that site and you will see some awesome things that I just can't get enough of.  Do you have any geeks in your family?  Their items would make great Christmas gifts. 

From New Age Mama's site:

If you are looking for a fun gift this holiday season, than Think Geek is the perfect place to start shopping. You can shop by price, category, or even pick stocking stuffers using their convenient search engines! Be sure to check out their sale section for savings on already low prices. Whether you're looking for toys for kids, fun finds for the die hard collector, or even something for the techie geek in your life, you can find it all and more at Think Geek!

Well, New Age Mama is having a giveaway for a $50 gift card to Think Geek. 

If I won, I would totally buy the Nintendo Monopoly.  I grew up playing Nintendo and Super Nintendo.  Mario is so awesome!  I know I am not the only Geek out there, so get over there and enter! 

A $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway

Right now if you go here, you can enter for a chance at Practical Frugality's $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway!!!  Wooo hooo!  I love Target.  They have such great things there. 

If I were to win, I would totally purchase some glass bread loaf pans so I can make a bunch of fresh, homemade bread.  I would kindly share with neighbors and friends.  I love fresh bread.  mmmmm.  I made some this week and it was my first time ever making bread.  Let me just tell you, it was AMAZING!! 

Well, head over to Practical Frugality now for your chance and happy entering!  :)

I won!!! :)

I WON!!!!

Woooo hoooo!  I won an awesome giveaway over at Familylicious!  This giveaway is the one that I won.   What is it that I won you ask?  Well, I won a LullaPet with an MP3 player. 



I am super excited.  My daughter is going to love this.  How awesome is that???  Check out their blog.  I am so happy right now. 

Invest It Wisely's $300 giveaway

Invest It Wisely is having a $300 giveaway.  With the holidays soon approaching, I know this could help so many people out.  Make sure you enter.  What I love is that they will be donating half to charity.  How awesome.  Head there now!

Autism United Giveaway – $300 Sears Giftcard Giveaway

Autism United Giveaway – $300 Sears Giftcard Giveaway!  Here is an awesome giveaway at Mommy Matter.  How would you like $300 to shop at Sears?  How about a gift card in that amount?  I would love one.  I surely could use it. 

This giveaway starts Dec. 5th and runs to Dec. 15th, 2011 and is for a $300 Sears Gift card available via email which can be used for online shopping or printed out and used in you local Sears store. This gift card is the perfect item to be able to bring a hard year to a happy ending. At Sears you can get a wide range of gifts or items on your list that will ensure everyone can have a gift.

Calphalon Slow Cooker

If you go here you can enter a giveaway for a Calphalon Slow Cooker.  I love slow cookers.  They are perfect for winter time.  Just throw the food in and go.  No worrying about it.  Make sure you enter soon, as the giveaway ends in two days.  Who can't use a slow cooker?  Check it out now !  :)

Perplexus Maze Game

I was in Target recently and spotted this fun game- the Perplexus Maze Game.  It looked pretty fun and I started playing with it in the store.  That evening I came online and found all these reviews for them.  I think this is going to be all the rage this Christmas.  If you head here you can enter the giveaway for one.  Who wouldn't want one of these? 

PERPLEXUS is a maze game where players maneuver a small marble around challenging barriers inside a transparent sphere. Unlike traditional flat-surface mazes that are composed of one path, PERPLEXUS houses various challenging tracks with 100 barriers providing a frustrating three-dimensional experience. Players select the track they would like to attempt and must work with gravity to carefully shift, flip, and twist the sphere to guide the marble. Players can race each other or the clock.

Life With the Stevens

Life With the Stevens has joined in on the Coupon Cabin giveaway going on right now through November 25th.  Up for grabs currently is a $35 Target Gift Card which is sponsored by herself!  Head over and say hi and check out her blog.  Happy entering.

$150 for Holiday Shopping

Right now if you head here you can have a chance at $150 for holiday shopping.  I know I sure could use that.  Go there now and enjoy. 

MamaNYC Giveaway

MamaNYC has moved!  As a result, she is having a fantastic giveaway. 
It is actually a "thank you for understanding and being so patient with me while I stopped blogging for X-amount of days because I had to move in a snowstorm and now my life is in boxes"
giveaway. 

What a great kind of giveaway.  Did I forget to mention something really special about this giveaway.   Oh wait.  I think I did.  How about the fact that there are 6 winners?

[1] Grand Prize Winner: $100 American Express Gift Card AND $50 PayPal Cash

[2] First Place: $75 Visa Gift Card
[3] Second Place: $50 Visa Gift Card
[4] Third & Fourth Place: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
[5] Fifth & Sixth Place: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

You guys know that I love a good giveaway.  So I will be entering this.  :)  Head on over here to check it out. 

Frugal Follies' $50 Amazon GC Giveaway

If you head over to Frugal Follies right now, you can enter to win $50 in Amazon gift cards!  How exciting is that??!?!  :)  You could use that toward Christmas presents for your loved ones or something for YOURSELF! 

Everytime we go to my cousin's house Jack BEGS to play with their Beyblades.  I don't really understand the whole thing, but he seriously LOVES it.  In fact, whenever we drive anywhere near their house he asks if we can go there to play.  hahaha  He stays playing that for hours.  If I won $50 in gift codes from Frugal Follies, I would totally buy him a Beyblade vortex battle set. 

Head over there now to enter this giveaway.  If you win, head here and let me know.  I always love hearing when people win things. 

Fun Giveaway

Horseshoes is having a fun little giveaway.  Up for grabs is a Target giftcard.   Who couldn't use one of those right now with the holidays around the corner?  What could you use this for?  Something special on your Christmas list or for someone else you are shopping for?  I know I cuold really use this.  It would help out.  Head there now and check out the giveaway.  Enter right away because the giveaway ends really soon.  You wouldn't want to miss out on this one. 

Looking for a Blog about Family, Money and Values?

Are you looking for a blog on family, money and values?  Head over to this awesome blog and check it out!  Very cool huh?  So excited to have found it myself  :) 

A Vtech Kidizoom Camera Giveaway

With holidays fast approaching, I have already experienced the numerous commercials on tv.  The other night I saw one that Jack told me he wanted really really REALLY bad for Christmas.  It is a chidlren's camera that is safe for kids.  I must admit that I thought it was pretty cool.  nycsinglemom is having a giveaway for one Vtech Kidizoom Camera.!  If you have any aspiring young photographers (or any child who likes taking pictures), head over and check it out.  How fun!

We all know that Christmas is around the corner.  With Christmas comes gifts.  My son would absolutely LOVE a Chuggington All Around Chuggington Set!  Well guess who the heck is having a giveaway for one!  Mom Spotted is!

 From her site:
The Chuggington Interactive Railway brings your favorite engines to life via SmartTalk technology! Featuring spiral elevation and 60 total pieces, the All Around Chuggington Set features over 4 feet of track and includes 3 interactive train stops: a loading yard, a tower platform, and a roundhouse with an Interactive Vee figure. It also includes an Interactive Wilson engine, a hopper car, and 6 pieces of cargo.
Best of all, the Interactive Vee and Wilson included in the set actually recognise and react with other Chuggington Interactive engines and train stops! This set features over 250 sounds and phrases when used with other Chuggington Interactive products…the more pieces you add, the more interactive your world becomes! Requires 11 x AA batteries (included).

Jif Giveaway

Mom Spotted is having a great Jif giveaway right now!

Jif® Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest provides the perfect opportunity for families to stir-up some fun at home by getting creative in the kitchen! Not only is involving kids in preparing mealtime is a great way to spend quality family time, this contest encourages kids to experiment with new cuisines, ingredients and flavor combinations. One creative kid can earn a $25,000 college fund -and in honor of its tenth anniversary – Jif is adding $10,000 in educational prizes. Visit www.jif.com and www.jifenespanol.com through October 12 to enter and for official rules

Arm & Hammer Giveaway at The Mommy Files

The Mommy Files is having a giveaway at her site.  1 lucky reader on The Mommy-Files will win a $25 VISA Gift Card!!!  Who doesn't like Arm & Hammer?  It is such a great and trusted brand.  I love their line of laundry detergent.  The fabric softener is great too.  Head there now.  :)  Happy entering!!!

Retired by 40's {Giveaway}

If you are looking to be the proud owner of a Kindle, I would go here right away. 

As you can see, Retired by 40 is having a giveaway for a Kindle Fire!!!!  :)

Win the new Kindle Fire – The new Kindle Fire looks like a great tablet for content consumption and is selling at a blistering pace of 2,000 units per hour at Amazon right now. It has a 7″ touchscreen, new Amazon Silk web browsers, email , Amazon cloud access, and weight less than a pound. I think this will be a great device to take on a trip or on a commuter train. You must enter the contest at Retire By 40 to win this prize.

This giveaway ends on November 7th at Midnight. 

Couple Money's 2nd Birthday!!!

Couple Money is celebrating their 2nd Birthday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OH HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
And many more on channel 4....  ;) .......

In celebrating of their birthday, Couple Money is having a Tablet Giveaway!!!!!

Woot, woot!!!! 

From Couple Money's site:

Velocity Micro T301 Cruz 7-Inch Android 2.0 Tablet

Ultra responsive capacitive touch screen and dual core processor lets you navigate the installed Android 2.2 operating system with ease. The Kindle for Android app allows you to read your Kindle books and gives you access to the largest selection of books people want to read in the Kindle Store. The Amazon Appstore for Android lets you install the newest applications with just a tap.  Whether on the go, at home, or at work, the Cruz T301 is the perfect complement to your mobile lifestyle. Backed by Velocity Micro’s expert US-based support.

Don't wait to enter.  I really like their site.  It is very cool.  I have been subscribed to their emails for about a year now.  It is awesome receiving their emails.  They post about all things finances which is awesome.

Thousandaire's Giveaway

Wow guys!  So Thousandaire is having this super huge, awesome, gigantic, amazing, fun and big giveaway!!!! Thousandaire is giving away a total of $683.90 worth!

From the website:
Thousandaire Giveaway Prizes

•$275 Amazon Gift Card (enough for a Kindle Fire and accessories)
•$100 Amazon Gift Card (enough for a Kindle Touch)
•$100 Amazon Gift Card (enough for a Kindle Touch)
And now the sponsored prizes. Thank you very much to all the PF bloggers who are sponsoring this giveaway, and please check out their sites:
•iPod Shuffle ($50 value) from Prairie Eco-Thrifter where you will learn how to go green, save money, and have fun.
•$25 sent via Paypal from MaximizingMoney.com, where you’ll find the best bonus offers and promotional deals.
•$25 Amazon Gift Card from Retire By 40, where you can read about saving 50% on your medical bills.
•$25 Amazon Gift Card from Invest It Wisely, where it’s all about getting out of the rat race.
•$25 Amazon Gift Card from Accountant by Day, making it as a 20-something professional in the corporate world.
•$20 Amazon Gift Card from Bucksome Boomer where you’ll read about life and money on the way to retirement.
•Dave Ramsey’s Entreleadership Book ($14.95 value) from Personal Finance Whiz, where the goal is to spend smarter, beat debt and grow wealthy.
•Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover ($12.95 value) from Hank. If you ask a money question at Money Q&A you could win more prizes if your question is featured on the Money Q&A
•$10 Amazon Gift Card from My Personal Finance Journey, where understanding how to prioritize new funds is bringing sexy back.


Get your butt over there NOW!!!

{Giveaway} Time

Head here for an awesome giveaway today!  Trust me, you will want to see this one....  ;)  Happy entering my friends!!!!!!

To Infinity and Beeeeeeeyond.................

Go here to check out  Two of a Kind's giveaway for a Mattel To Infinity And Beyond Space Toys. 

Who doesn't like the Toy Story crew??  My son loves Buzz Lightyear.  Who doesn't?  They are such a great bunch of toys. 

Coca Cola Giveaway

Have a Family Game Night with Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is offering to kick-off Family Game Night!

Head here to enter a giveaway!  What is being offered  you ask?  Well, how about

(1) $25 Amex Card for snacks and supplies

(1) Coca-Cola Coupon

(1) Yahtzee Board Game

(1) Monopoly Board Game

(1) Coca-Cola Polar Bear Puzzle

(1) Checkers Mat

Happy Entering!!!

It's a Grand Giveaway!

Who wants one of these hot numbers?


Two of a Kind is having  a giveaway for a DXG Luxe 1080p Slim HD Camcorder. 

From her site:
The DXG Luxe 1080p Slim HD Camcorder combines HD technology and style in one device that's hip, hot and haute. It features a classic design that is inspired by the latest trends in fashion and will complement anyone's taste and personal style. This camcorder records real 1080p high definition video and captures still pictures up to 12 megapixels. It also boasts a 3" touchscreen display and an HDMI interface so it can easily be connected to your HDTV. This camcorder comes with everything you need to start recording your precious memories right away.

It is less than 1 inch thick so it takes up very little room. The screed flips out and can be turned to the front or back so you always know what you're recording.
I would LOVE one!  Head over to her site now.  You know you want to enter this one!!!

Finally Winning Again!! :)

This week I won not one,

not two

but THREE things!!!!!!!!!!  :)

At Jolly Mom I won a Chuggington Laptop from a giveaway I entered on her site.

At My 2 Cents I won a CD!  Yay, something for Meeeeeee! 

And last but not least my friends, I won (from The Staten Island Family) an awesome Mechatar for my son!!!!!! 

A Mechatar is a fun robot toy that my son is going to completely freak out over.  You must check them out!  I chose Wrexx.  He is red and totally awesome!!!  :)  I can't wait until that arrives.  I am going to have to hide it so carefully as to not be found until Christmas.

Okay you have to keep these secret so the kids don't find out.  ;)  I am trusting you guys.  Don't break the trust!!!! 

Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center Review & Giveaway at Jabbering Jessi

Jabbering Jessi is having a Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center Review & Giveaway over at her blog!  Do your kids like the Toy Story movies?  Such a fun adventure.  How about a fun Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center?

From her blog:

The Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center is awesome with its lights, sounds, phrases that go off when the command center is opened or closed. It even has a voice PA amplifier that allowed the kids to give their own commands. Inside of the spaceship there is a Mission Control Launch Deck, Prison Chamber and Observation Deck. While it does not come with any figures you can purchase Woody, Rex, Buzz, Zurg and the Zurgbot separately for $10.99 each. Buzz and Woody each come with their own spacesuit, helmet and blaster. Rex has a helmet and spacesuit with claw-like hands and Zurg has a space cannon while the Zurgbot comes with two extra bots for backup.

Happy entering!!!

Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

Thanks, Mail Carrier is at it again.  Have I mentioned before how much I love her blog? 

Check out her blog for an awesome giveaway brought to you by Hellman's.  Who doesn't like Hellman's?  Check out the Hellman's Chicken Challenge right now. 

Moving On

Change. 

Such a difficult part of life at times. 

I will be the first to openly admit that I tend to have a difficult time with change.  I want things to be constant and lasting. 

When you are young you think you will always have the friends that you have.  At my age you look back and realize how life is constantly changing.  Friends come and go.  I have always taken hold of the past when it comes to people and held on for dear life. 

Today it kind of hit me over the head.  Embrace change.  Allow it and love it.  Let certain people go.  There was a reason and season for them, but now it is time to let it go. 

Even best friends I had in my past who I swore would be by my side no matter what and I for them as well, just don’t fit into my life anymore.  I don’t fit into their lives I am realizing now.  People are all at different phases in their lives. 

I don’t think people know how to handle or relate to me.  Sometimes it feels like my friends who are married and have families don’t relate to me because I don’t have a husband.  Other friends can’t relate to me because I have kids and they don’t.  There are so many factors that come into play.  I have always let it bring me down.  But for what reasoning?  It isn't something to bring you down.  It is time to LOVE Change!

Today I am embracing it and coming to the realization that it is okay.  Letting people go is just fine by me.  Not in a dramatic “I’M DELETING THEM FROM MYSPACE/FACEBOOK” kind of way or anything.  Just letting it go and moving forward. 

Mr. Change I take thee to be my lawful wedded...
Happiness. 

The ULTIMATE Giveaway

Okay happy bloggers and readers:

Christmas is just around the corner. 
We all know how much fun Christmas shopping and preparing is  ;)

Do any of your kids have a playhouse on their Christmas list?? 

Shining to Save is having the ULTIMATE giveaway right now! 

How about the Step2 Gather & Grille Playhouse??

RUN, don't walk, over there as fast as you can and enter this hot giveaway!  Step2 is such a great company and makes quality items. 
I know my son would LOVE one of these for Christmas.

Mechatar

The Girl From the Ghetto is at it again! 

She is having a giveaway for an iloveRobots Mechatar!!!  How many of you are preparing for Christmas early?  Anyone have a robot lover in the house?  I know I do.  My son is into such a vast array of things.  Robots just so happen to be on that list.  Check out the giveaway and get entering.  :)

DXG Luxe Collection Camcorder Giveaway

If you are looking for a cool DXG Luxe Collection Camcorder Giveaway then you should head on over to Our Ordinary Life. 

Kristin has a great giveaway for this hot item.  What could you do with this? 

Check out her post!!

"It features a classic design that is inspired by the latest trends in fashion and will complement anyone’s taste and personal style. This camcorder records real 1080p high definition video and captures still pictures up to 12 megapixels. It also boasts a 3″ touchscreen display and an HDMI interface so it can easily be connected to your HDTV. This camcorder comes with everything you need to start recording your precious memories right away."

All Aboard (Giveaway)

All Abooooooooooooooooooooooard!

Jolly Mom has a sweet givewaay for a Vtech Chuggington Laptop!  What is great about this is that it isn't just fun, but in fact helps with learning.  Head to her blog now.  Don't delay in entering this as today is the last day of the giveaway!

Peg Perego Pliko Switch System

Mama B is having the ULTIMATE giveaway right now!!!! 

                         She has a giveaway for a Peg Perego Pliko Switch System!

Peg Perego makes this amazing system.  My little sister is pregnant with her first child right now and could really use this for my little niece or nephew.  How helpful and great this would be.

Right from Mama B's blog:

Here are some fabulous features of this Peg Perego system :

» Reversible seat.
» One hand umbrella–style folding. Compact and self standing once folded.
» Stroller seat also easily separates from chassis for even more compact stowing.
» The included infant seat creates the perfect travel system.
» The included bassinet easily attaches directly to the chassis.
» Height adjustable handles with rubber insert.
» Central handle for folding and side carrying handle.
» All wheels suspension: swiveling or locking at the front.
» Adult cup holder.
» Built–in rear footboard provides safe ride for second passenger.
» Large, practical basket.
» Zippered hood, can be used as a sun canopy.
» Hood with loop to dangle baby’s favorite toy.
» Five–point seat belt. Hinged front tray opens and removes easily.
» Backrest reclines to several positions and leg rest is adjustable to 3 positions.
» Stroller seat attaches easily to the stand enclosed in your Modular System.
» Convenient single purchase.

Check out Mama B's blog and make sure you check the review for this out.  She has completely sold me on this.

The giveaway ends on September 30th

$25.00 Amazon Gift Card Up For Grabs

Manager to Mom is one year old as of yesterday!!!!

Happy Birthday, Manager to Mom! 

She started her blog to document her adventures in pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Little did she know it would grow to have 360 amazing followers.  I have been following for a little while now.  I must suggest that you visit and follow her blog!  :)

Woooo hooo.  Let the celebration begin.  In honor of her ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY, she is having a fun little giveaway. 

How about a $25.00 Amazon gift card up for grabs? 

That sounds like music to my ears!!!  :) 

The Little People (Giveaway)

Have you or your babies ever played with the Little People?  Oh my gosh, my kids LOVED them growing up.  They even have movies about them.  Right now Two Boys One Girl and a Crazy Mom is having a giveaway for the Zoo set.  If you or anyone you know likes Little People, check it out!

Freebie Junkie

thefreebiejunkie is having a good giveaway right now!  You can enter a giveaway for a 7 inch Digital Photo Frame.  If any of you really know me, you know that I love pictures.  I seriously LOVE pictures of my kids and family/friends.  Head over there!

Going Through A Dry Patch

I am going through a rather dry patch in my giveaways. 



I haven't been winning lately.  

Where the heck has my luck gone???

I know I should be thankful for all that I have won and be happy.  I consider my giveaways/sweepstake entering my second job. 

Well, Sassy's 2nd job sure isn't paying up lately. 

I spend so much time on my giveaways.  I know I should just concentrate on it a whole lot less. 

Maybe I am just a spoiled little brat sometimes, but come on!  My luck has got to turn around.  I was on such a good streak.

Food Storage and Preparedness {Giveaway}

Did you know September is Preparedness month?I am not one of those doom and gloom kind of people. However, with the recent tragedies of weather and as we just came upon the 10 year anniversary of one of the biggest events that have affected all of our lives, (and let’s not forget the fact that food prices keep rising and RISING), I have been steadily working on my food storage. I buy things at their rock bottom price and stock up my pantry. In my effort to save, I stumbled upon Deals to Meals.

Have you ever checked out Deals to Meals? Oh my goodness is it awesome. Shandra Madsen shows you how to easily stock up on food storage and incorporate the items in your everyday lives. She shows you awesome recipes and how to perfect items your family loves.

I was always scared to cook with beans due to the time and …. AFTER AFFECTS, hahaha. After following her bean month, I will tell you that my kids’ favorite food is my white chicken chili. They absolutely love it!!!

I am much more open to incorporating better foods in our diets. She has great tips and shows you how to easily put together a food storage plan. As she shows in one of her videos, you don’t just want to stock up on macaroni/spaghetti and peanut butter. You want to incorporate full meals that your family could be sustained on. No, I don’t have a year’s worth of food in my house or anything, but in the event that I didn’t get paid for some time or the stores were all closed, I know our family wouldn’t be too frantic over it. At least we wouldn’t starve!

Shandra explains on her blog how her family stocks up on food when they receive windfalls, such as tax return money. She is more excited over food than clothes and jewelry. I never was too thrilled with my grocery shopping until I started following her site.  If you haven’t checked her out, I really think you should. I am sure her blog could help you!

Bucket List

What are some things on your Bucket List? 

Here are mine:

#1) Visit Wales and meet/see my Mom's side of the family. 

Did you know they have really old castles there???  I think that would be awesome to see.


#2) See Big Ben in London

I have always wanted to see Big Ben in London.  I think it would be grand and exciting.

#3) Take my kids to Disneyland again

You know, the happiest place on EARTH!!!  :)

If you head over to Budgets are Sexy, they are having an awesome giveaway toward your bucket list.  How about $500 toward yours??  The $500 Budgets are Sexy giveaway! Run, don't walk over there now!!!

Marshalls Giveaway!

Have you finished all your Back-to-School shopping or do you still need to pick up some things?  Head over to Mommy Gaga right now for a chance at a $50.00 Marshalls gift card.  Oh the endless possibilities.  Jack keeps growing out of everything so quickly.  I would love to win this to buy him some new shirts. 

Have you ever been to Marshalls?  I have.  I had a great experience and found some great finds.  Head to Mommy Gaga NOW!  You won't want to miss out on this giveaway.  Happy entering.

Scrabble Alphabet Scoop {Giveaway}

I have always loved the game Scrabble.  I remember my big sister getting this HUGE Scrabble set from a yard sale when we were really little.  This was one sturdy set.  It was so fun to play (or act/try to play when you are so young that you don't know how to really spell). 

Well, Hasbro has made a Scrabble Alphabet Scoop game now.  Head over to Home Grown Families for a chance to enter and win this.  I recently started playing Scrabble with Bug and she loves it!  I know this new game would be  a blast!  Who else likes Scrabble?

TJ Max Giveaway at Shining 2 Save

Shining 2 Save is currently having a nice giveaways over at her site.  Do you like T.J. Maxx?  I do!  I could spend so much time in there shopping.  They always have super cute clothing and decently priced name brand items.  I always love hitting up their toy section and finding great discontinued items that I don't see in other stores anymore.  Oh the possibilities on this TJ Max Giveaway!  Check it out now before it is too late!  :)  Happy entering.

Cooler Weather and Motivation

I just love when the weather starts to cool down.  I want to start walking again and get in shape.  I hope that with the weather starting to decline, it will give me initiative to get outdoors.  I need to really work on that.  Oh I just love when it gets nice a cool. 

Good Ol' Labor Day

Oh how nice it was to have an extra day off work this week.  I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed having that little break.  This weekend I had my whole family over for dinner.  My step mom's best friend was in town from Texas.  "Aunty Connie" only tend to come here once every year or every other year.  I decided it would be perfect to get the family together since they were in town. 

In preparations to have everyone over for dinner, I scrubbed the house down until it shined.  We had Hawaain Haystacks.  Fresh cooked rice, the chicken mixture and all the toppings were prepared ahead of time as to not add pressure and stress to me  later on.  I will admit that dinner was a huge success.  I felt so accomplished and happy having our whole family in my dining room.  The joy and love that I saw before my eyes just made me so happy.  I loved seeing my kids playing with their cousins in the other room and just being kids.  I loved witnessing everyone eating plenty of food. 

I wish our family would get together more often, but it seems that everyone is always so busy pertaining to their own lives. 

Our family keeps growing and growing.  My little sister got married a couple months ago and just found out she is expecting.  I get to be an aunty again!  Whether the baby is a boy or a girl is not an important matter.  The parents just want a healthy baby.  I personally want another nephew!  :)  I just think a boy would be so fitting on my sister at this stage in her life.  Of course, if Aunty Sassy has a niece she would be pleased as well. 

During dinner my step mom and Aunty Connie were discussing going thrift store hunting this morning.  Apparently there are 99 cent days at Goodwill on Mondays and my stepmom always has great luck when she goes.  I was more interested in hitting up Savers' 50 percent off sale I knew they would have.  I haven't really gotten all of Bug's school clothing.  I focused on purchasing her pants to get her through the year before school starting.  In our conversation, I agreed to give Goodwill another try with them, though I never had an inclination that I would find anything worthwhile.  We put together a plan based on Savers opening at 7 in the morning. 

My nephew asked if my kids could spend the night last night after dinner, and I had the entire house to myself.  I must admit that it was kind of odd.  I am not used to having the house to myself.  As a single mom, I just hardly ever am at home alone.  I must admit that it kind of saddened me last night.  I was having a tiny bit of a pity party being single.  The feeling comes and goes at times in my life.  Instead of excelling, I just feel like I am spinning my wheels lately.  Instead of going further, I am just here.  Is that a normal feeling?  Strange? 

Being a single mom, I feel the stereotypical judgments of others. 

No, I am not some whore who sleeps around and doesn't care about her kids. 

I love my kids with all my heart. 

They are the reason I do what I do.  Everything I do is for them. 

I know that I have to look up and look toward the future.  Just today my aunty was asking when I am going to get married.  She told me it is my turn next in the family.  It took everything I had not to laugh at her.  Does she think I purposely am not dating or married?  In a sense, it feels like people think I just live off in my own little world and have a lack of desire to find anyone. 

I am not desperate by any means, but people it isn't as easy as it sounds or looks!  hahahahaha

I feel like it is the church scene that I don't fit in with the most.  It hurts that guys at church or of the religion don't give you a real chance because you have kids. 

My step mom had been single for 10 years before she remarried.  She had one daughter who was one year old when she and her ex husband divorced.  She faithfully kept in the church and went, as well as single adult activities.  She has told me many stories of activities and dating and how it just never happened until my dad came around. 

Is it sad that that makes me so sad to even think of 10 years of being single??  I have been single for a long time now, hahaha! 

I just have mixed reactions to hearing that it can happen "one of these days".  Like I mentioned previously, I am not desperate by any means.  It just isn't as easy as some people make this dating thing out to be. 

What really makes me the saddest about it is my kids' ultimate love and yearning for their dad.  He doesn't even call them.  When they get in trouble, who is it that they cry for?  Him.

He hasn't paid ONE DAMN PENNY, or even a birthday present, card or Christmas present in years!  Is it so bad that I wish they had a more permanent figure in their life?  By no means will anyone EVER replace their dad, nor would I ever want anyone to.  I just wish things would be easier in this whole thing sometimes. 

Sorry for the rambling guys.  Just wishing things were better in my life.  I know that I am blessed beyond words.  I don't know where I would be without the Lord.  He is in control and it is all in His hands.  I know everything happens by His time.  So Sassy has to be patient and deal with it.  Fine.  :)

On a positive note, I did find some great finds at Savers and even a few things for Bug at Goodwill.  Aunty Connie got Jack some great shirts while we were out and about.  She also got Bug some formal wear from Goodwill for dress ups.  Bug was sooooooo excited.  I washed them all up really good and she was having a ball after they were all dry.  It was so cute. 

Who Wants an iPad 2???

Head over to Life and My Finances to enter to win...


wait for it....



wait for it.....  


          an iPad 2!!!!

How awesome is this???  I think it is very awesome.  Head there now, no really NOW!  :)  Happy entering my peeps.

Nutrimill Giveaway

There is a giveaway for a Nutrimill going on over at Heavenly Home Makers.  Do you ever make homemade yumminess?

From the Heavenly Home Makers Website:

The Nutrimill will grind wheat and beans—hard and soft wheat, kamut, spelt, hulled buckwheat, oat groats, hully barley, triticalae, rye, brown rice, wild rice, popcorn, sorghum, soybeans, split peas, and dried beans.

I would love one of these.  I want to start cooking more naturally and healthy.  I know this would definitely help me in the process.  Does anyone have one of these?  What was your experience?

 

Who Loves to Cook (Giveaway)

Okay there is a great giveaway going on right now over at Cooking With Thas.  Who loves some great cookbooks?  How about one from the Pioneer Woman?  I <3 that lady.  She is so inventive and awesome.  Okay the giveaway includes 4 books!  But hurry before it is too late to enter.  You will want these.  One of them is an Indian cookbook!  Have I ever mentioned my absolute LOVE for Indian food?  Oh my mouth is watering just thinking about that yummy curry right now.  Okay enough of my jabbering already.  Get over and check out the giveaway NOW!!!

I Want It NOW a.k.a. Sassy the Spoiled Little Brat

Today I have been thinking of my life. Thinking of my life immediately takes me to my kids, which then in turn brings me to responsibilities, which then in turn brings me to my house, which for some weird reason today brought me smack dab to my dishwasher.

Or shall I say…. LACK OF A WORKING DISHWASHER.

I have decided today that a new dishwasher is no longer a want. I am kind of throwing that up there to a need. Okay so I might be being petty and know that a dishwasher is not a need, but I really, really, REALLY, REALLY, REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEALLY want a new one.

My life just can’t go on without one (grin). If I have to scrub another sink full of dishes by hand again I might just stop eating all together so I don’t have to do the dishes, though that might not exactly work as I know my kids will still be eating. And I just don’t wanna do dishes by hand.

Yes, the frugal side of me can easily deal with it and do dishes by hand, thereby not dishing out such a substantial amount of money on a dishwasher. But the spoiled brat side of me doesn’t care about being frugal right now. Time to get my butt in gear and save up to get me a dishwasher.

Maybe my spending freeze on food for next month will kick start some of the funds for my much needed dishwasher. Maybe I can save a substantial amount by not shopping for food, even though we currently eat pretty frugally. But that is beside the point.

Sassy is tired of not having a dishwasher!!!!


I immediately am brought to remembering in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where the Veruca Salt girl sings that song “I WANT IT NOW”. Yes, I can be a spoiled brat too. ;)

Hoarders, Food and Heat

Over the weekend I had this weird, sudden urge to cook. Remember I live in the desert where it is hot! In the middle of summer where it is so deathly hot, cooking can have very bad consequences. Namely heating up the whole house! I immediately thought it through and stupidly decided to cook anyways!


I ended up making homemade spaghetti sauce all from scratch. Tomatoes, bell peppers and onions have been on MAJOR sale this and last week. I will admit that I don’t like tomatoes. I do like spaghetti sauce and tomato based items, but not tomatoes raw and plain. So I figured I better use them up as this had been the first time in my entire life I had ever purchased tomatoes. Am I weird? Maybe. I just never had done that in my life. I didn’t even know how to pick out a good tomato. But I did cook and swimmer the sauce until it was perfect. I feel like a pro now though ;) I looked in the freezer and added some meatballs and broccoli in it. The kids would eat it at least.

I also made a 15 Bean Cajun Soup from dried beans. The beans alone took about 2 hours to make. It also required tomatoes, onions and bell peppers. I must admit that it turned out so great! I added sausage links in mine.

Needless to say, our house was quite HOT over the weekend. While cooking I realized I had no space in the freezer to store anything. So I decided I need to get working on eating up the foods in the freezers. Yes, I said FREEZERS. I have a deep freezer and my regular freezer. When foods go on sale, I stock up and purchase plenty so I don’t have to pay full price later down the road. So needless to say, we are well stocked up. But now it is a matter of rotating foods and using them up.

So I think I am putting myself on a “NOT-ALLOWED-TO-BUY-ANYTHING-FOR-FOOD” kinda spending freeze until I use up a lot of the items in the freezers. I am initiating this spending freeze for the month of September. I am permitting myself to purchase fruits, veggies and milk. However, I think other than that, I shouldn’t be buying anything else.

I feel like I am living on the show of hoarders when looking in my freezers (okay maybe that is stretching it a little). But I think it will kick me in the butt to use up the foods in there. Yes, I might end up heating up the house quite a bit over the next month.

Tragedies of Window Shopping

Over the weekend I was invited to a family member’s house for dinner. They told me to bring a salad if possible and come sometime after 5:00 that evening. I showed up at about 5:10 and they were nowhere in sight. Well, since they don’t exactly live anywhere around our house, I decided to go window shopping and looking around in Ross right by their house. While in there, the kids wanted to look at the cool toys. I just wanted to browse around.


In my browsing, I found a darling purple children’s ottoman. I thought it looked so cool and would look great in Bug’s room. My mind raced to all the awesome uses she could make of this. It was plush and very stylish. I thought how cool it would be to put all her dress up items in. I thought how cool it would be next to a mirror. Then I looked at the price tag. They wanted $40.00 plus tax for it. That is a pretty big penny for a storage item in my opinion. I let my mind wander and thought how awesome it would be for Christmas. Then I looked to my right and saw an awesome looking coat rack. You know those old coat racks from back in the day, well that is what I saw. And I got to thinking how cool that would be to put her dress up items on- next to the ottoman and mirror. How much was the coat rack? The same price as the ottoman! So here I am thinking about how awesome these would be in her room.

Remember that I set a $50.00 limit out of pocket for Christmas this year. I am currently at almost $10.00 as of right now. Had I seen these items at Ross before, I must openly admit that I would have definitely put together a different strategy and list for Christmas for my kids.

I am not one of those parents who buys my kids whatever they want. I honestly pretty much only purchase toys and things of that nature for birthdays and Christmas. Heck, I only purchase clothes for my kids around back-to-school time or at yard sales when they are really in need of them.

I am left wondering what to do about getting these things for Bug. I really think they would be of great use to her and I know she would love them. But there is no way I want to shell out $80.00 plus tax for them. That just isn’t wise spending in my eyes.

So now I am hoping I work hard to win some gift cards and such in order to get her these. Wish me luck! I might need it. What would you do in this situation? Would you just buy them and not worry about it?

My Quest for an Amazing Christmas- Ongoing Still :)

Well, it has been quite a while since I really blogged significantly.  What have I been up to?  Oh you know- the usual.  Saving, stretching my pennies to their max, working, kids, cleaning  oh wait, I have been completely slacking and NOT cleaning (I know I need to be punished, hahaha), deal hunting, entering my online giveaways and everything else in between. 

You all know I have been on a quest to provide an amazing Christmas for my kids for under $50.00 out of my pocket this year, with hopes that I can provide great presents for my kids.  Yes, I am a single mom and our money needs to be stretched.  If you go here, here and here you would see all the preparations and anticipations I have put into Christmas thus far. 

In addition to those posts, I won a few gift cards and have items to add to the list :)  Yes, I am so blessed to be on track to reach my goal. 

In addition to my kids, our agreement in our family is that everyone purchases just for the kids for Christmas beginning this year.  So I have one niece and one nephew to purchase for in addition to my kids.  So I decided I should add them to the list and figure out something to get them at an inexpensive price.  So I got my brain working (yeah pretty sad that I have to turn on my brain, don't ya think???). 

Target was having a big clearance sale, which my friend Michelle (aka Shelli) was so kind to let me know about (HUGE THANK YOU TO YOU, SHELLI!!!), and I went to check it out.  I was so happy to find some great items at such little prices.  I found a Knex set for $5.32 for my nephew (originally $21.00), 3 fun card games for under $1.50 each for stocking stuffers for me, Bug and Jack, a Carz 2 walkie talkie set for only $8.48 for Jack, a fun board game for $3.24, and an Iron Man light toy for only $1.24!  To top it off, I had a $25.00 gift card that I had and used.              
                                      Total: $25.14
                             Gift Card: ($25.00)
                                       Total: $0.14
Yes, you read that correctly.  14 whole cents out of pocket.  Woot, woot. 

I took in some cans that I have collected from work for a while now and received $6.00.  I decided to purchase the Cheaper by the Dozen movie (which I have been wanting to get the kids for a while now) on WalMart.com for $5.41 with ship to store shipping.  So nothing spent out of pocket!  In fact .59 whole cents left over.  So I will take that 14 cents off the total I would have added in my total for above.

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So far for Christmas here are the running totals with designated gifts listed below:

Jack:


Hook the movie (won online)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Tutles DVD set(won online)

Cars Toy Laptop (won online)

Monsters Inc. DVD(won online)

Arthur and the Invisibles DVD (mixed won online and overage out of pocket)

Arthur and the Invisibles 2, 3 DVD (won online)

Batman DVD 4 pack (won online)

Stash of 14 Chevron Techron cars (yard sale)

Car Rug (yard sale)

Veggie Tales Live DVD (won online)

Crocodile Hop Game (won online)

Cars Shirt and puzzle prize pack(won online)

(2) Mater toys (received for free)

Cars 2 Walkie Talkie set (clearance- won online with gift card)

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus game (clearance- won online with gift card)

Iron Man toy (clearance- won online with gift card)

card game-stocking stuffer (clearance- won online with gift card)

Jack's Total: $8.19 spent out of pocket

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Bug:
Taylor Swift's Fearless CD (won online)

Taylor Swift's Self Titled Album (won online and a little overage)

Taylor Swift's Speak Now CD (won online)

A Flip Camera (won online)

Cheaper By the Dozen 2 (won online)

Enchanted DVD (won online)

Build-A-Dream Playhouse (Castle) (won online)

Judy Moody Book (won online)

card game-stocking stuffer (clearance- won online with gift card)

Cheaper By the Dozen DVD (money received from recycling cans from work)

Lilo and Stitch Movie (purchased with a gift card won online)

Neverending Story 1 and 2 DVD (purchased with a gift card won online)

Problem Child Tantrum Pack (purchased with $5 of Swagbucks gift card and overage of $2.69)


Bug's Total: $4.07 spent out of pocket

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Niece and Nephew:
Barbie playset (already purchased on major clearance last year so I am not going to count this in my total for this year's total though it was only $3.00)
Knex set (clearance- won with gift card plus overage but overage deduct due to recycling)
Total: $0.00 due to recycling overage lol
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TOTAL SPENT OUT OF POCKET: $12.26
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So who else has been preparing for Christmas?  How prepared are you?  What does Santa plan on getting your kids this year?  How are you feeling about your Christmas preparations?  Let's hear all about it!