tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26411765968143176362024-03-19T03:55:32.937-06:00Making Life Sweet...one deal at a time!Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.comBlogger880125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-5798310598248793052011-11-16T00:00:00.001-07:002011-11-16T00:02:29.899-07:00Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a <b>Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** </b>to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!<br />
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<a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-42827982223232552022010-05-10T11:07:00.002-06:002010-05-10T11:10:20.646-06:00Winner!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The winner of the $25 American Express gift card is commenter #16!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQe4l-50fEkwObauPqio5ye-RJUd-9xJoUW6m5d1Xe8hZJEwTX9eQksil5fECZoejV3o4nknfwxPHWQC711yFzU0eTH8G8s16KTmeIBjKbvblKZDZuaW9PVd_0b02fHmxYNL4oorri2Ky/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQe4l-50fEkwObauPqio5ye-RJUd-9xJoUW6m5d1Xe8hZJEwTX9eQksil5fECZoejV3o4nknfwxPHWQC711yFzU0eTH8G8s16KTmeIBjKbvblKZDZuaW9PVd_0b02fHmxYNL4oorri2Ky/s200/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469689316911277058" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="profile/12587653184844709168" rel="nofollow" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">Ulberich</a> said...</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I bet I could get at least 20 box tops depending on what coupons I have-maybe many many more! We love box tops at our house and were sad to not win our school's comeptition this year because we have tried to get lots this year but came up short! Getting 50,000 would be great for next year! It is such a great program! Thanks! </span><br /></p><br />Congrats Edee! And thanks to all who entered. Now go get some box tops for your school!<br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-36148662844825761912010-05-05T09:51:00.004-06:002010-05-08T19:39:31.190-06:00Box Tops Promo + a GIVEAWAY! CLOSED<span style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark </a>contacted me about helping to spread the work about the great Box Tops for Education promotion going on right now at all SuperValu stores. Of course, I agreed to participate. I love participating in ways that help my children's elementary school. So keep reading! It is explained below how you have a chance to win $5,000 for your child's school!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.myblogspark.com/s/6261/images/Americas_Neighborhood_Grocery_logo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.myblogspark.com/s/6261/images/Americas_Neighborhood_Grocery_logo.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Through <a href="http://myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark, </a>General Mills & SuperValu sent me a $25 American Express gift card so I could go to my local SuperValu store and stock up on Box Tops labels. Here is what I bought with my gift card. </span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6VEv0pgj5HIsd6LtSuFnWLUP6GyYTG2Qxc25Sk3f932rlk7Ebaomltp-o5UOP64Co8SSPE4BM5cA9BJbLFS4j75IEIU2HiR3UVToZlrwoXfvCZGHre3iGYx0Wo5xu5lUI6NjareX53LV/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467815976165991682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6VEv0pgj5HIsd6LtSuFnWLUP6GyYTG2Qxc25Sk3f932rlk7Ebaomltp-o5UOP64Co8SSPE4BM5cA9BJbLFS4j75IEIU2HiR3UVToZlrwoXfvCZGHre3iGYx0Wo5xu5lUI6NjareX53LV/s320/IMG_5788.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Want to know about the promo? Here is the scoop!</span></span></span> General Mills explains:<br /></div><span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">Every year 24 million parents and children join in clipping Box Tops to support their local schools. As a result, SuperValu shoppers helped participating schools earn more than $10 million in the 2008-09 school year alone!<br /><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">To make it even easier to participate in the program, the SuperValu family of stores (ACME, Albertsons, Cub, Farm Fresh and Jewel-Osco) joined Box Tops for Education in creating a website that not only tracks your Box Tops contribution and the school´s redemption, but also offers recipes, coupons, store promotions and more.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.myblogspark.com/s/6261/images/supervalu_logo.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: pointer" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.myblogspark.com/s/6261/images/supervalu_logo.gif" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">From now through May 31, SuperValu stores and Box Tops for Education are giving you a chance to win 50,000 bonus box tops for your school. That´s a $5,000 value! All you have to do is register at </span><a style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)" onclick="onClickUnsafeLink(event);" href="http://www.growinglocallearning.com/" target="_blank">http://www.growinglocallearning.com/</a><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,0)">, </span>and click the link to the 50,000 bonus box tops sweepstakes*. You will automatically receive 5 Bonus Box Tops just for signing up!<br /><br /></span><i>*Please note that the sweepstakes is void in some states.<br />Visit <a onclick="onClickUnsafeLink(event);" href="http://www.growinglocallearning.com/" target="_blank">http://www.growinglocallearning.com/</a> and view the sweepstakes´ official rules<br />for more details.</i><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">After you´ve entered the sweepstakes, be sure to stick around and browse the website where you´ll find a variety of great offers on your favorite General Mills brands including Betty Crocker®, Old El Paso®, Totino´s® Pizza Rolls® and Pillsbury®. Once you register you can also find recipes that will earn you even more Box Tops and you can access coupons for the latest deals at your local SuperValu store! </span></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Are you ready to go shopping?</span><br /></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Because MyBlogSpark and SuperValu are giving away a $25 American Express gift card to one of YOU!</span> </span><br /><br />Then you can go shopping and load up on box tops labels and hopefully win some money for your school! <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">(and don't forget to take your coupons with you when you go shopping!)</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">All you have to do it leave a comment on this post telling me how many box tops you think you can accumulate in your shopping trip if you win.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">HURRY! This giveaway ends Saturday May 8, 2010 at 6pm EST.</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Thanks to General Mills, SuperValu and <a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark</a> for this opportunity!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-6071387762648915172010-04-16T13:58:00.005-06:002010-04-16T14:00:16.765-06:00Guest Post: Stockpiling Tips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://beprepared.com/images/art/blogbutton2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 165px;" src="http://beprepared.com/images/art/blogbutton2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I am being featured over at <a href="http://preparednesspantry.blogspot.com/2010/04/stockpiling-tips.html">The Preparedness Pantry</a> today! Check out my post on <a href="http://preparednesspantry.blogspot.com/2010/04/stockpiling-tips.html">stockpiling tips.</a><br /><br />Have a good weekend!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-34147695920122598802010-04-01T21:29:00.002-06:002010-04-01T21:31:48.537-06:00Printable Lunch Box Notes<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">How cute is this?<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5503379c688340112790a405628a4-800wi"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 567px;" src="http://freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5503379c688340112790a405628a4-800wi" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com/fresh_picked_whimsy/2009/02/love-notes.html">Printable lunch box notes.</a> Put some love in your child's lunch!<br /><br />See you after spring break! Have a good Easter everyone!<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-27954689600251693412010-03-26T19:25:00.004-06:002010-03-26T19:29:10.654-06:00Thank You CampaignMy FABULOUS friends at <a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2010/03/the-thank-you-campaign.html">Fabulessly Frugal </a>have put together a Thank You campaign. Brilliant gals!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2010/03/the-thank-you-campaign.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Thank-You-Campaign-small.png" /></a></center><br /><br />Don't we all have a favorite store cashier, manager, or clerk? I know I do! Let's take the time this week to THANK them for all they do for us couponers! Call and find out the information for your local store that you shop at and THANK them!<br /><br />Read the full post on <a href="http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2010/03/the-thank-you-campaign.html">The Thank You Campaign</a> for all the details.<br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-75362492171446617042010-03-26T11:26:00.004-06:002010-03-26T12:12:27.738-06:00Frugal Living Friday: Excel Money Tracker<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Welcome to Frugal Living Friday! Each week I will feature a tip that can help us stretch our budget and live more frugally! If you have a tip that you want shared on Frugal Living Friday, let me know and you could become a guest blogger for a day.</span><br /><br />We all know that budgeting and keeping track of your money is very important when it comes to being frugal. I am so excited to share with you something I found that will help you in this endeavor! A few weeks ago I ran across this <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >incredible</span> spending and saving tracker online at <a href="http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2010/01/free-downloadable-2010-savings-tracker.html">The Coupon Project</a>. <span style="font-style: italic;">(I love talented people like this!)</span><br /><br />She has made a <a href="http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2010/01/free-downloadable-2010-savings-tracker.html">spreadsheet in Excel </a>where we can see everything at a glance...most importantly our savings! LOVE IT! Now I don't have to keep track of it all separately...which took a long time and was a pain.<br /><br />I downloaded the spreadsheet a few weeks ago and here is an example of the last few weeks of receipts I have entered:<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > (click image for a larger view)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZcupjTMt-P1Oz2bsc_huOvJuXzNqEYTVeje6bM-arrk_LJX4_SIHX896isbZTy9q_S4vnJugx71q7bN-XCo9hco84z0rypVUXW2V3Ljt8ALNxq35HjgmG35veYa8yIRiAy5JSqSthERH/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZcupjTMt-P1Oz2bsc_huOvJuXzNqEYTVeje6bM-arrk_LJX4_SIHX896isbZTy9q_S4vnJugx71q7bN-XCo9hco84z0rypVUXW2V3Ljt8ALNxq35HjgmG35veYa8yIRiAy5JSqSthERH/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453005277692186850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Isn't this awesome? </span>I love seeing at a glance what I spent, how many coupons I used, and how much I saved. Now I can print this off and show people exactly how good using coupons can be! <span style="font-style: italic;">(I still have lots of skeptics talk to me.)</span><br /><br />Here is what she says <a href="http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2010/01/free-downloadable-2010-savings-tracker.html">the spreadsheet </a>can do:<br /><span></span><span><ul><li>Easily imput your monthly and yearly goals </li><li>Enter data from your reciepts and let my preset formulas tally your spending, savings, actual-to-budget, and more </li><li>Track and manage your rebates (NEW!) </li><li>Determine how much you saved with coupons, store sales, and rebates </li><li>Have your monthly and year-to-date savings ratio update instantly </li></ul></span><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong></strong></span><span></span>I have only played with it for a few weeks and haven't explored everything it can do yet. But I am already loving it. So will you! Head on over to <a href="http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2010/01/free-downloadable-2010-savings-tracker.html">The Coupon Project</a> and download your spreadsheet today! Start keeping track of your savings!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-82586471295913631792010-03-22T12:55:00.002-06:002010-03-22T12:58:42.465-06:00Rite Aid Deals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YjvQYnSLoET_FwwL0zj_9-1xUxIAwrwLKZmBYgKI2pPUlXog0CsqFL76b-RMW_MFUUJ7_TsIRqQNi1tuZauxjoMfjpT81NL-fOEofIF5vhB1F2hG89gWjtikT1CCvCoipLRnXWXaxii0/s1600-h/CIMG2232.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YjvQYnSLoET_FwwL0zj_9-1xUxIAwrwLKZmBYgKI2pPUlXog0CsqFL76b-RMW_MFUUJ7_TsIRqQNi1tuZauxjoMfjpT81NL-fOEofIF5vhB1F2hG89gWjtikT1CCvCoipLRnXWXaxii0/s400/CIMG2232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451533907346323906" border="0" /></a>This morning I paid only $5.97 for all this at Rite Aid, plus I will get back another $1 in rebates. So my total will be $4.97. Awesome!<br /><br />There are some SWEET deals this week at Rite Aid on Huggies diapers, Pull-Ups, and Little Swimmers! <a href="http://www.utahshoppingsecrets.com/2010/03/rite-aid-321-327.html">GO HERE</a> to see how to do it.<br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-15052910918947533612010-03-22T12:01:00.003-06:002010-03-22T12:03:20.457-06:00Free Olay Quench AND in-shower body lotion at Walgreens!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://futurederm.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/103007-olay-quench.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 275px;" src="http://futurederm.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/103007-olay-quench.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Want to get FREE in shower body lotion AND free Quench lotion? I just noticed this deal as I was looking at the Walgreens at this week! Awesome!<br /><br />Here is how it works:<br /><br />Buy:<br />1 Olay Quench, 20.2 oz, $7.99<br />1 Olay in shower body lotion, 8.4 oz, ($4.99 value free when you buy the lotion)<br /><br />Use:<br />Olay Quench Hands and Body Lotion, any excluding trial size $1/1 (4-30-10) PG-3/7<br /><br />Pay $6.99 out of pocket for both.<br /><br />THEN submit for the <a href="http://www.olay.com/Club_Olay/march2010/images/Quench_Form_olayhome.pdf">free Quench lotion rebate from Olay! </a>You will get back the $7.99 purchase price from the lotion to make this deal a moneymaker!<br /><br />Nothing like Olay freebies to make your Monday better, right?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">THANKS <a href="http://www.utahshoppingsecrets.com">PYP!</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-67315592539880504172010-03-19T12:58:00.004-06:002010-03-19T13:23:39.366-06:00Frugal Living Friday: Discipline<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Welcome to Frugal Living Friday! Each week I will feature a tip that can help us stretch our budget and live more frugally! If you have a tip that you want shared on Frugal Living Friday, let me know and you could become a guest blogger for a day.</span><br /><br />Something has been on my mind a lot lately. Discipline. We need discipline in many ways in our lives: children, food, exercise, cleaning, education, and goals just to name a few.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.deaner/files/discipline.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 288px;" src="http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.deaner/files/discipline.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But the one area where EVERYONE needs discipline is with money. We all need to be better at not spending our hard earned cash on things we won't want next week. Or only buying what food we will eat. Or not giving in to the begging child at the store just to keep him quiet.<br /><br />Discipline is hard. Really hard. No matter what you need it with. But it can even be more difficult with money and budgeting. Just like I am an emotional eater, I know emotional spenders. Spending money can make you feel better, just for that moment, or just for that afternoon. Then you come home and say to yourself, "Why did I waste my money on <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>?"<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://geniustypes.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/197.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 275px;" src="http://geniustypes.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/197.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Let's stop the spending!</span></span><br /><br />Set up a plan for yourself, and a small goal. A goal that <span style="font-style: italic;">WILL</span> be attainable. You need to be able to reach it so you can move forward. And keep your promise to yourself. If you decide you will save $50 every month then do it! Don't cave in. It will become a habit before you know it.<br /><br />Here are some things to remember that I have found helpful in my life as I have worked with my husband to reach our financial goals. Maybe they will be helpful to you as well. Just remember, everyone is in a different place in their life with finances, debt, and obligations. So don't compare yourself to others. Just start where you are and move forward!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">1. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Objects won't buy happiness.</span> No matter what you think, that certain toy or that certain pair of shoes will not make you happy. I promise!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">2.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pick a day once a week to go over your budget together</span>. Decide how much you will spend and don't go over it. Period. This way you can both know where you are and if changes need to happen you can discuss it.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">3. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pay yourself first.</span> Before you spend any money you must pay yourself. Decide how much money you will put into savings, IRA's or whatever and do that...THEN you may spend.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">4.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Only buy what you really will use.</span> This includes food storage and other items for emergencies. Not only does this help with the budget, but keeps clutter down.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">5.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't use your credit card for purchases unless you know you can pay for it in full the next month.</span> I have really strong opinions about this. Your life will be so much better if you don't get into debt with credit cards! If you don't have the money for it, don't buy it. Period.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">6. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plan for big purchases or expenses ahead of time. </span>Not only do we save ahead for vacations or other large expenses, I also save ahead for dental, auto insurance and emergencies. We don't have dental insurance so I figured how much we spend per year, divided by 12, and I save that amount every month. When we go to the dentist every 6 months it is already paid for. It is such a nice feeling!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">7. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't buy something just because it is on sale. </span>There will always be another sale. Believe me. Unless you need that item immediately.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">8.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't tempt yourself.</span> If you find yourself spending money when you go out, stay home! Find free activities to do in your area. Take the kids to the park, or on a bike ride. You don't have to spend money to have fun!<br /><br />What are your tips for having more discipline with money?<br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-74532851287110407722010-03-18T12:47:00.005-06:002010-03-23T09:14:55.988-06:00Website Review: Repair PalAre you looking to get some <a href="http://www.repairpal.com/">comparisons, advice, and review on auto repair?</a> Repair Pal is the site you are looking for! Plus, it is FREE! <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(and we know how I like free.)</span> </span>There is lots of great information on Repair Pal. I am excited to know about it.<br /><br />Let's say you live in Dallas, TX. And you are wanting to find a place for <a href="http://repairpal.com/dallas-auto-repair">Dallas auto repair</a>. When you do a search, you will find:<br /><ul><li>top rated repair shops in Dallas</li><li>customer reviews of those shops</li><li>maps, addresses, and phone numbers</li><li>what the repair shops specialize in</li></ul>You can also look up automobiles individually, by model and year. For example, if you have a<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://repairpal.com/chevrolet-silverado_1500-2005">Chevrolet Silverado.</a> You can find out:<br /><ul><li>ratings and reviews </li><li>common problems, questions, and answers</li><li>recall information & TSB's <span style="font-size:85%;">(technical service bulletins)</span><br /></li></ul>I looked up my van, a Dodge Grand Caravan. It said that a common problem is the power window motors commonly fail. I can vouch for this. We had to replace the driver's side a few years ago. Even if you are looking to buy a certain vehicle I would think this would be a good thing to do.<br /><br />What if you are needing information for a specific repair, like a <a href="http://repairpal.com/brake-rotor-replacement">brake job?</a> You can read about where the specific brake problem is located, recommended repair, how to do it, and why it even happens in the first place. Then you can take it one step farther and find shops in your area for the brake job and get estimates. And, you can even ask a question and have it answered. Awesome!<br /><br />You can also register on Repair Pal and have all your car records in one place. How is that for organization?<br /><br />Additionally, Repair Pal can give you generalized information in their<a href="http://repairpal.com/encyclopedia"> auto repair encyclopedia.</a> Things like common problems with cars, answers to common questions, and what your car repair should really cost. They even tell you how to save money on your auto insurance. Who doesn't want an unbiased opinion?<br /><br />Check out Repair Pal. They just might have <a href="http://www.repairpal.com/">all the information</a> you need!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-83313232183869604982010-03-05T13:08:00.001-07:002010-03-05T13:12:15.439-07:00What can you buy for $29?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCFN3PZxta9hnsACmUrk5fsQplfXdpb9tJYYkzjA0f97eh233y7vx76IKFfQ-OC5VjTGiHSQC3cKk1DBJfs-ui1z0KPIqHJ8HLli3FNgr78KJWosimpTtmMgU4UIWVSFsNi2KxeHZR1p-/s1600-h/IMG_0824.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCFN3PZxta9hnsACmUrk5fsQplfXdpb9tJYYkzjA0f97eh233y7vx76IKFfQ-OC5VjTGiHSQC3cKk1DBJfs-ui1z0KPIqHJ8HLli3FNgr78KJWosimpTtmMgU4UIWVSFsNi2KxeHZR1p-/s400/IMG_0824.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445244835325004018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">ALL THIS!<br /><br /></span></div><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-79517693675152527092010-03-04T13:35:00.006-07:002010-03-06T21:36:44.155-07:00Rite Aid How-to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vanguardequities.com/projects/images/riteaid3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.vanguardequities.com/projects/images/riteaid3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Want to get going shopping at Rite Aid and using their rebate program? Don't know where to start? Check out my posts on how to shop at Rite Aid!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.utahshoppingsecrets.com/2010/03/navigating-rite-aid-1-basics.html">Post #1: The Basics</a><br /><a href="http://www.utahshoppingsecrets.com/2010/03/navigating-rite-aid-2-get-started.html">Post #2: Getting Started</a><br /><a href="http://www.dealseekingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Rite-Aid-Official-Corporate-Coupon-Policy.pdf">Post #3: Coupon Policy</a><br /><a href="http://www.utahshoppingsecrets.com/2010/03/navigating-rite-aid-4-results.html">Post #4: Results!</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-65989385371422292932010-03-03T20:13:00.002-07:002010-03-03T20:25:14.101-07:00Blog Makeover Winner!The winner of the blog makeover giveaway from <a href="http://zipzogzoom.blogspot.com/">Zip. Zog. Zoom.</a> is commenter number 5!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmqmLU1NwP3LV7oMyb41Ohqce96H6EVaKmvHSbSOXNnF11TGwqB-rW6Wkfr9n5cQAQrLJhWB2v7VmUTlNv7VlRHbPdKdsFUXjH6ZsK3qcr4fCryZypGPASDkp-Q3cV-dFlVPstsCPOoWE/s1600-h/Untitled-1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmqmLU1NwP3LV7oMyb41Ohqce96H6EVaKmvHSbSOXNnF11TGwqB-rW6Wkfr9n5cQAQrLJhWB2v7VmUTlNv7VlRHbPdKdsFUXjH6ZsK3qcr4fCryZypGPASDkp-Q3cV-dFlVPstsCPOoWE/s400/Untitled-1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444611933322290050" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span dir="ltr">The Miller Family</span> said...</span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I've been SOOOOOO bad at blogging regularly lately. I'm certain a blog-lift would be just the motivation I'd need to pick it back up again!<br /><br />Thanks for the giveaway!!!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">CONGRATS The Miller Family! </span>Watch your email inbox!<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to all who entered. Even if you didn't win, head on over to<a href="http://zipzogzoom.blogspot.com/"> Zip. Zog. Zoom</a>. You can still have Julie do a custom design just for you!<br /></p><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-41745528465962023372010-03-01T13:01:00.003-07:002010-03-01T13:13:01.201-07:00Make it Monday: Country Pasta with Mozzarella<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_0eeL9ELRox8BG_4FXN_JcVItjBZGQk1OPWf3TWMohEBmk3XTXHd4JTD1VquZPDI3Uz2Z4ad6mkfB9XOLBlDanlt9mjG7VfzBlCqQB4GtziRIcws6NTa0ZR7wQAgl-ZEKFSAQ6XG1-zm/s1600-h/IMG_0677+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_0eeL9ELRox8BG_4FXN_JcVItjBZGQk1OPWf3TWMohEBmk3XTXHd4JTD1VquZPDI3Uz2Z4ad6mkfB9XOLBlDanlt9mjG7VfzBlCqQB4GtziRIcws6NTa0ZR7wQAgl-ZEKFSAQ6XG1-zm/s320/IMG_0677+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443758307857236290" border="0" /></a><br />8 oz. uncooked rigatoni <span style="font-style: italic;">(I used penne and it was wonderful)</span><br />8 slices bacon, cut in 1 inch pieces <span style="font-style: italic;">(I used real bacon pieces from Costco)</span><br />2 c. broccoli flowerets<br />1/2 tsp. minced garlic<br />2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese<br />1/4 c. Parmesan cheese <span style="font-style: italic;">(I used real Parmesean)</span><br />pinch of cayenne pepper<br />1/4 c. chopped parsley <span style="font-style: italic;">(I used much less)</span><br /><br />Cook rigatoni according to package directions, drain. Meanwhile, in 10 inch skillet, cook bacon over medium high heat until brown. Reduce heat to medium. Add broccoli and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is crispy-tender.<br /><br />Add rigatoni and remaining ingredients, except parsley. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Notes:</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Since I used bacon pieces I just cooked my pasta, and while it was cooking I steamed my broccoli. When they were both done I added everything together. Really easy and delicious!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-25888985195766946022010-03-01T11:01:00.003-07:002010-03-01T11:23:19.751-07:00Clipping Coupons: What is it worth?If you are a coupon clipper, you might wonder sometimes if that time is worth the savings. If you are a reader of my blog you know that just clipping a coupon for $.35 cents here and $.50 cents there is not how to maximize your savings. It's when you combine coupons with sales, rebates, and clearance items where you get ahead. Not to mention doubling coupons! <span style="font-size:85%;">(I just did that this morning!)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/clipping_coupons.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 178px;" src="http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/clipping_coupons.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jared emailed me this morning with this article from the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704820904575055392244583592.html?KEYWORDS=brett+arends#">Wall Street Journal.</a> The math figures are sure interesting! Make sure you read the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704820904575055392244583592.html?KEYWORDS=brett+arends#">entire article </a>to get the entire picture.<br /><ul><li>Average saving per coupon: just $1.44, according to the Inmar report.</li><li>Figuring it takes one minute to clip a coupon, saving $1.44 a minute is the equivalent of saving $14.40 for 10 minutes.</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">That averages to an hourly rate of $86.40.</span><br /><br />Does that change your mind about clipping coupons? Of course, you still don't need to spend hours a week. I spend about 45 minutes (or less) each week putting my 6 sets of coupon inserts into my coupon binder for the week. I don't <a href="http://wantitall4free.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-i-clip-my-coupons.html">clip my coupons</a>, either.<br /><br />When I can build up my family's food storage for less than half the cost why not do it? Seriously, people! Jump on board! Couponing is the new bling. Just in the past few weeks I have gotten many, <span style="font-style: italic;">many</span> great deals with my coupons. Here are a few:<br /><br />45 Chinet paper plates: FREE<br />4 bags Goldfish crackers: FREE<br />2 bottles Suave shampoo: FREE<br />7 packs Trident gum: FREE<br />8 boxes Ronzoni pasta: FREE<br />4 boxes Kelloggs cereal: $.38 cents each<br />Pampers diapers: $4.50<br /><br />I have literally saved <span style="font-style: italic;">thousands </span>of dollars every year! And on a regular basis I save about 65% when I go shopping, and up to 95% when I have double coupons at Albertson's. So those $1 coupon here and $.50 coupons there really do make a difference!<br /><br />What is your verdict? Are coupons worth it? They are to me!<br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-32158057753993003682010-02-26T08:22:00.000-07:002010-02-26T08:22:00.184-07:00Frugal Living Friday: Homemade Foam Soap<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Welcome to Frugal Living Friday! Each week I will feature a tip that can help us stretch our budget and live more frugally! If you have a tip that you want shared on Frugal Living Friday, let me know and you could become a guest blogger for a day.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">How many of us have had these empty foam bottles left over? Thrown them in the garbage? Or even in the recycle bin?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GDZdiXHC5Ypo78g10MvcFeG_YKcNgHV_MxV1DVgofdMWPwtbJ4LTZED2Vr7Ctry8LjA5ktCXRccFRfQGYoB7d1xBVc1_Y0mxILdKfYPXnbq98-iD5EHVM165jWO8s5t79lrc-I4vXd45/s1600-h/IMG_0682+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GDZdiXHC5Ypo78g10MvcFeG_YKcNgHV_MxV1DVgofdMWPwtbJ4LTZED2Vr7Ctry8LjA5ktCXRccFRfQGYoB7d1xBVc1_Y0mxILdKfYPXnbq98-iD5EHVM165jWO8s5t79lrc-I4vXd45/s400/IMG_0682+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442344407416625730" border="0" /></a>Well....no more! Save those foam soap pumps, because when the soap is gone you can refill it yourself...for a fraction of the cost!<br /><br />It is really easy. Just take your regular liquid soap, any scent, and fill it about an inch or so in your pump container, like so.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz5OuLd6ddEkP9AzlDT8X8VVfni3_uc7hSMh87efsMr2pFJLHGYSMu_zNTnpo2JKDkfQ_Kw-Bd955yoeIzde86azmKMmf0k_9BkCWZvDHrmU2cBcYACAz0xY4iHAyBSiOylE1CU1k5OxC/s1600-h/IMG_0684+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz5OuLd6ddEkP9AzlDT8X8VVfni3_uc7hSMh87efsMr2pFJLHGYSMu_zNTnpo2JKDkfQ_Kw-Bd955yoeIzde86azmKMmf0k_9BkCWZvDHrmU2cBcYACAz0xY4iHAyBSiOylE1CU1k5OxC/s400/IMG_0684+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442344194878813122" border="0" /></a>Then fill it up with warm water (slowly or it will foam up like crazy and go everywhere) until the container is full. Put the lid on and shake it up to mix the soap and water together. Warm water helps it mix together better.<br /><br />See how nicely it foams when all done?<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyKrqB6UgLY8q-IBbW2GoUywsozo9nsru5C08MixJvFn4Hviq7JUlzcM-pE9ETZNQ_pzVGFkUPZz9RHRkFvkz9bz6kCRLh-hQD6XAlE2zcUXy8_DqxeyJKrVOyeag8Eaao18XmGP5A4m5/s1600-h/IMG_0687+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyKrqB6UgLY8q-IBbW2GoUywsozo9nsru5C08MixJvFn4Hviq7JUlzcM-pE9ETZNQ_pzVGFkUPZz9RHRkFvkz9bz6kCRLh-hQD6XAlE2zcUXy8_DqxeyJKrVOyeag8Eaao18XmGP5A4m5/s400/IMG_0687+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442343812918616786" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I really like to use foaming soap with my kids. They don't waste so much soap this way. I have also done this with scented soap. Works great and it gives the soap color too.<br /><br />Have you tried this before?<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-67216816455937940612010-02-25T17:42:00.007-07:002010-03-03T19:31:52.390-07:00GIVEAWAY: Blog Makeover! CLOSED<div style="text-align: center;">I am sure you have all noticed my lovely blog makeover! Julie from <a href="http://zipzogzoom.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-zip.html">Zip. Zog. Zoom.</a> has decided she wants to give one of YOU a FREE blog makeover! YAY!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://zipzogzoom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/z3-button2-1.png" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />Maybe you want a fresh look for your blog. Or something funky. Or something colorful. Or something simple. Julie is your gal! Very talented. Have you noticed? I<span style="font-style: italic;"> love </span>my new blog look....and you will too!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Julie is offering a $50 credit towards any blog makeover</span>! She has different packages to choose from, so depending on which package you want will depend on whether your makeover is free or a $50 credit. Your choice!<br /><br />If you want to WIN a <span style="font-size:130%;">$50 blog makeover </span>from <a href="http://zipzogzoom.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-zip.html">Zip. Zog. Zoom.</a>, here is what you need to do! There are 4 possible ways to enter this giveaway.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Please</span> leave a separate comment for each entry. It makes it easier to tally.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">1. </span>Leave a comment on this post telling me why you want or need a blog makeover!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">2.</span> Start following my blog.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">3.</span> Subscribe to my blog.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">4. </span>Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Guidelines:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Giveaway goes from Fri. Feb 26, 2010-Wed. March 3, 2010 at 6PM MST. You MUST leave your email address or another way to contact you in your comments unless your email is already listed in your profile. No anonymous comments, please. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winners to be picked via random number generator.</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-53506324474034252010-02-20T10:32:00.002-07:002010-02-20T10:34:15.530-07:00Construction Zone!I'm sure you have noticed my new blog layout! Thanks to Julie at <a href="http://zipzogzoom.blogspot.com/">Zip Zog Zoom!</a><br /><br />Bear with us as the rest of the blog gets put back together. It has been quite a process!<br /><br /><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/?action=view&current=mclarkmlssig-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af248/kjules701/mclark/mclarkmlssig-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-55494007181301993892010-02-10T09:09:00.003-07:002010-02-10T09:12:45.214-07:00Free nursing cover, pay only S&H<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.uddercovers.com/images/products_new/14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 190px;" src="https://www.uddercovers.com/images/products_new/14.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Back in October <a href="http://wantitall4free.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-nursing-cover-pay-only-s.html">I posted</a> about how you could get a FREE nursing cover, pay only $8.95 shipping. And guess what....I tried the code just now and it STILL WORKS!!<br /><br />So head on over to <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=167144&u=197642&m=21569&urllink=&afftrack=">UdderCovers.com</a> and order yours today! Use code <span style="font-weight: bold;">cranberry2 </span>at checkout.<br /><br />These would make great gifts if you don't need one yourself.Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-21878914759762910942010-02-02T06:38:00.000-07:002010-02-02T06:38:00.714-07:00Two RAOK Gymboree 20% off codesI have TWO 20% off codes for your entire purchase at Gymboree that expire 2/28/10. The first two people to leave me a comment can each have one!Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-15267596893410166542010-01-29T10:02:00.001-07:002010-01-29T12:15:44.643-07:00General Mills Cereal<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.myblogspark.com/images/MBSWebButton.jpg" alt="Blog Search" border="0" width="149" height="70" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark </a>contacted me at the beginning of December and sent me coupons for 4 free boxes of General Mills cereal courtesy of General Mills. They also sent me this new information from General Mills.<br /><br />General Mills has announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereal marketed to kids ages 12 and under. They are also adding more whole grains, calcium, and Vitamin D to many of their cereals as well. It's also been proven that people who don't skip breakfast have a healthier weight and lower Body Mass Index.<a href="http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/health_wellness/cereal_health.aspx"> GO HERE</a> to read more on cereal health.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3unH4Dhaa9RR_6P3ucT5z_so1Fjoa6onddiq7Hr4t-uAdvdHfJLZOWzn9hI_Fy6uHQT_zgo13dzcRclcdZaDTe39J3vzwSRTt5Htc7MSx_DhHEh972dlwMrqQIu7q5ot_Ls7dL8NnEvNz/s1600-h/CIMG2017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3unH4Dhaa9RR_6P3ucT5z_so1Fjoa6onddiq7Hr4t-uAdvdHfJLZOWzn9hI_Fy6uHQT_zgo13dzcRclcdZaDTe39J3vzwSRTt5Htc7MSx_DhHEh972dlwMrqQIu7q5ot_Ls7dL8NnEvNz/s400/CIMG2017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431990563202330770" border="0" /></a>I have always been a breakfast eater. I am hungry in the morning, plus I know that eating breakfast kick-starts my metabolism for the day. Eating a healthy breakfast is important! And we <span style="font-style: italic;">love </span>cereal in this house. We eat cereal almost daily either for breakfast or a snack. Right now I have 60 boxes of cereal in my stockpile. And that is low for me! :)<br /><br />These are the cereals that I bought with my free coupons from <a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark</a>. Yes, I know that some of these cereals have more sugar in them than others, but I chose to get these kinds as a treat for my kids since I never buy these types of cereal. In fact, the Lucky Charms is what we are having for breakfast on St. Patrick's Day. I love to plan ahead!<br /><br />Anyway, back to breakfast....there are so many kinds of great cereals out there. And General Mills is taking a step in the right direction by lowering sugar content and adding whole grains and vitamins. According to General Mills, cereal eaters also consume more fiber and get more folic acid, while eating less calories for breakfast than non-cereal eaters. Start eating cereal for breakfast and see for yourself!<br /><br /><a href="http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qljheit24889505&bt=wi&o=60627&ci=1&c=GM&p=NY8LmWB2">Here is a link</a> to a printable coupon for $1/1 of four General Mills Cereal. Remember, you can print it twice!<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark</a> & General Mills for sending me the coupons!Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-76795074527766660992010-01-28T09:26:00.003-07:002010-01-28T09:37:53.058-07:00I am alive!I'm sure it has been noticeable that I have not been blogging. :)<br /><br />Thanks for all your inquiries. I suppose I should let you know that everything is fine. We are not sick nor something bad happen. Just real life. Nothing special, I'm afraid. Only trying to keep up with the homework, scouts, piano lessons, sports, church callings, meals, chasing after a 8 month old, laundry, projects, house problems, occasional date nights, job issues, etc. etc. Sound familiar?<br /><br />Towards the end of November I knew I needed to make some sort of change. I was spending so much time on the computer that my family was paying the price. And I was getting frustrated because I was not having the time to get the basic things done or even things I wanted to get done.<br /><br />I love blogging and I especially love finding deals and sharing them. But through the past 6 weeks or so I have discovered that for me and my family, I need to back down a little. I am not closing down my blog, but I will be blogging less frequently. It is just the right thing to do for us.<br /><br />I will be making some blog posts in the next week of a product review and a few other things that I made prior commitments for. So watch for those.<br /><br />Thanks for understanding! I appreciate all the support I have gotten over the past 2 1/2 years here on Making Life Sweet! I'm not going away for good, though. I couldn't ever do that. Blogging is in my blood. :)Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-84715260353734599992009-12-23T14:00:00.002-07:002009-12-23T14:04:54.457-07:00Christmas Breakfast<div style="text-align: center;">Are you still trying to decide what to have for breakfast on Christmas Day? Try one of my favorite recipes. We always have this breakfast omelet on Christmas Day. I had this every year growing up and it isn't Christmas to me without it! We also have lots of fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and juice.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bulvi_GhfhKttt-lJs8V241FQp0QtGfcB3CcV90D4VFr3UliYNi7V_1nVFn687CmU7-EbqK25BjX5iyBpyIokdB__zuNYhvs1qBb47QIuHjotmPQWQW5q7rSiwdujNMVn8DH7u0EKQY/s400/omelet+recipe+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bulvi_GhfhKttt-lJs8V241FQp0QtGfcB3CcV90D4VFr3UliYNi7V_1nVFn687CmU7-EbqK25BjX5iyBpyIokdB__zuNYhvs1qBb47QIuHjotmPQWQW5q7rSiwdujNMVn8DH7u0EKQY/s400/omelet+recipe+copy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you all have a <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >MERRY CHRISTMAS!</span><br /></div>Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2641176596814317636.post-40704271265853204952009-12-21T08:40:00.003-07:002009-12-21T08:56:33.426-07:00$5 magazine sale at Amazon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B001ZZI5RY.01._SL160_PE92_OU01_SCLZZZZZZZ_V209670884_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 176px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/B001ZZI5RY.01._SL160_PE92_OU01_SCLZZZZZZZ_V209670884_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Are you still needing some Christmas gifts? Amazon is having a $5 magazine sale on some great publications! Magazine subscriptions are a great filler item too as they qualify for free shipping! Here are the magazines that are on sale for $5. The sale is this week only!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ZZI5RY?ie=UTF8&tag=frommypers00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ZZI5RY">Southern Living (1-year)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=frommypers00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001ZZI5RY" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005R8BL?ie=UTF8&tag=frommypers00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005R8BL">This Old House (1-year)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=frommypers00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005R8BL" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EGCIW8?ie=UTF8&tag=frommypers00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000EGCIW8">Coastal Living (1-year)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=frommypers00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EGCIW8" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005N7QE?ie=UTF8&tag=frommypers00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005N7QE">Golf Magazine (1-year)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=frommypers00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005N7QE" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005NIOW?ie=UTF8&tag=frommypers00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005NIOW">Sunset (1-year)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=frommypers00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005NIOW" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007AX0S?ie=UTF8&tag=frommypers00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00007AX0S">Essence (1-year)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=frommypers00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00007AX0S" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" width="1" height="1" />Marnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510374117604167816noreply@blogger.com0