Last year I bought some plants that had been infested with little black
fly eggs. Little did I know that they were to plague me all summer. I began an online search to get rid of these pests and found yellow
sticky boards that trapped and killed these unwanted guests. As
effective as this product was it nevertheless left a sticky fly covered messed on
anything it came in contact with. I tried scrubbing it with every solvent, solution, and abrasive I thought would help but with no luck.
That is until I was sent two Soft Scrub cleaning products.
Welcome to my blog, where I will write about crafts, saving money, product reviews, and any information I come across. Sometimes I will post about random things I am interested in. What fun is life without the occasional diverging path?
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Smart Bunch Educational E-Book Series Review and Giveaway
When I was a child, I loved moments where I learned something new while having fun. As an adult I hope my children are able to have many of these same feelings and more. I firmly believe learning should be enjoyable for maximum retention of skills. A short time ago, I was asked to review an animated educational digital book created by Dr. Stephen Jones, a series geared toward teaching children in grade levels K - 5 important topics is Science Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). I read the first book in the series, an episode explaining what electricity is, and the many sources of electricity.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway $200 Paypal Cash and More!

Wayman Publishing is hosting a Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway during the week of Labor Day to honor Melynda Fleury's recovery from a close call from diabetes that almost cost her her eyesight. ALL ENTRANTS will have unlimited access to download any of Wayman Publishing's Top 10 Books during the following dates: September 2 through September 4. The direct link will be provided to all entrants September 1st.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Chorba (Soup)
It is time for another recipe from Tunisia! This time it is Chorba, soup. I tend to cook without using any measuring instruments, so I suggest adjusting the recipe to whatever suits you.
Friday, August 24, 2012
National Shopping Service--Get Paid to Shop!
If you live in any of the following areas, National Shopping Service (NSS) is looking for you! Get paid to try and rate restaurants, high-end makeup and jewelry stores, and more! Check this list to see if you live in one of the areas where shoppers are needed, and click here to go to National Shopping Service to sign up. I have personal experience with this company, and am happy to report that they are legitimate.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Arctic Zero Frozen Desserts Review and Giveaway! Ends 9/15
I
try to look for ways to eat healthy when possible, but there are just
some times when I want a snack I can indulge in without consuming too
many calories, or too much processing. Arctic Zero is a company that has
developed a line of ice cream varieties to satisfy all who seek to
satisfy their sweet cravings without making sacrifices to their health.
Health facts from the company:
Health facts from the company:
- “Less than 150 Calories Per Pint
- Gluten Free
- Fat Free
- Suitable for Lactose Intolerants
- Contains Only Natural or Organic Ingredients
- Low Glycemic & Suitable for Type 2 Diabetics
- 14 Grams of Whey Protein Per Pint
- Kosher
- Non-GMO
- 8 Grams of Fiber Per Pint
- Great for Kids (No Sugar Alcohols)”
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
COVERGIRL & Olay Review #BzzAgent

When I was asked to review COVERGIRL & Olay 2-in-1 Foundation and Pressed Powder, I became very excited. Usually, I prefer to stay behind the scenes when it comes to makeup tips and the like, but trying these high-quality products was just too good an offer to pass up!
Here are some quick facts about COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation:
- "One pump instantly covers discolorations, lines and wrinkles while one bottle hydrates to help improve skin tone over time
- Clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of discolorations over time by hydrating the skin
- Available at all major retailers, with a suggested retail price of $13.99
- Online at covergirl.com - visit the site to get shade matched, discover tips and looks, and learn more"
- "Gold pearls, yellow iron oxide, and silk mica work together to help provide natural looking skin with an energized appearance and a healthy radiance
- Instantly helps brighten skin tone while softening the look of imperfections
- The formula, with a built-in-smooth-glide serum, provides a touch of brightness without feeling heavy or cakey"
This is not too bad for a rainy day, but I couldn't wait to go home and try the new makeup! Here are the results:
I am pretty satisfied with the results. If I had included eye shadow, blush, or lipstick in my little project, it would have been better. The foundation is reported to improve the tone of your skin after using the whole bottle, and I can't wait to see what the pictures look like after going though it. For the COVERGIRL & Olay 2-in-1 Foundation, I chose Tawny, and for the pressed powder, Medium/Dark. Classic tan would have been more complimentary foundation color for my skin, accompanied by the Medium/Dark foundation, and this is what I will get next time I'm out shopping for makeup. Still, there are 14 beautiful shades of the foundation to choose from, and 6 of the pressed powder to go with it. My overall opinion of this makeup is very high. The foundation was smooth, easy to apply and remove, and the pressed powder didn't look cakey on my skin. It helped to brighten my complexion, a real mood booster!
Disclosure: As a BuzzAgent, I was given a product to sample and review. All opinions here are my own.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Moms Day Off Giveaway and Event Hop!
“Welcome To "Moms Day Off" For A Great
Giveaway”
✣"Event Hop To Add Your Own Events"✣
Moms Day Off
Is being Hosted By;
Debs Sit-n-Shop | MommiesPoint of View |
Live Laugh Love To Shop | Oh! My Heartsie |
Enter to win great prizes for Mom, add your own giveaway events, or both!
Live Laugh Love To Shop | Oh! My Heartsie |
Enter to win great prizes for Mom, add your own giveaway events, or both!
✣The event will start August 20th and run until August 27th
Saturday, August 18, 2012
$50 CASH Giveaway 8/31
This AWESOME Cash giveaway is brought to you by A Little Bit of Everything and Shoes, Fashion, and Fitness
Our Memorial Day cash event was such a hit I decided to bring it back for Labor Day. What a PERFECT way to end the summer--with an extra $50!!
Memorial Day was a huge success with just ONE winner. Well, how does TWO winners sound? I think that sounds like a LOT more fun!
So enter today for your chance to win! Don't forget to come back daily and get those daily entries in. Be on the lookout for other giveaways posted as well. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
a Rafflecopter giveawayDISCLAIMER: I did NOT receive compensation for this post. This post in in conjunction with other blogs for a giveaway.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Free Kindle Books 8/17/2012
It's time for some more free Kindle books to add to your collection! Remember, as of this list, these publications were free. However, the publishers or authors may choose to start charging again at any time. If you don't have Kindle, there are still other ways to enjoy them by downloading free apps here.
Green and Clean: Natural Cleaning in Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Clever Low Carb Breakfasts - low carb ways to start your days (Clever Low Carb Cooking)
Decluttering: A 15 Minute Guide to Reclaim Your Home, Your Mind and Your Life
Hello, Bento! - A Collection of Simple Japanese Bento Recipes
Healthy Skin Care Secrets ... Naturally. How to have clear, beautiful, younger looking skin by eating the right foods, using essential oils and making organic skin care products.
Mail Call! 8/17/2012
Woolite Extra Dark Care, ScotchGard clear shoe guard water repellent, a vanilla bean from Cook Flavoring Company, a coupon for a free Oscar Meyer item, two sample packets of Delicious Greens 8000, TriCalm steroid free hydrogel, Dark and Lovely anti-reversion cream serum, two free Goodnights training pants, and one sample pack of Depend Silhouette underwear for women.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Clipboard--Saving and Sharing Parts of the Web
Join Clipboard to keep up to date with all of your discoveries on the Internet! Simply point, click, and save your favorite parts of web pages!
Combat Ant Gel and Source Kill Max Review and Giveaway
Ants can be a problem for everyone no matter where they live. It seems that every year I am fighting off a colony of ants that has decided that my home would be a great place to look for food and shelter. However, I often find myself reaching for a spray bottle, which gives off noxious fumes that irritate everyone in the house for hours.
When I was selected to try Combat Ant Gel and Combat Source Kill Max, I was happy that there was a way for me to manage this problem without using sprays. Initially, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of these products. However, after just a few days I noticed one or two dead ants that had taken the bait. I'm sure the rest had gone straight to the colony, where the formula will keep working to control the problem.
Here are some quick facts about Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel:
To add to the fun, Combat is holding a $1,000 sweepstakes that one lucky winner will receive to hold their own backyard bash! The winner will receive a special kit full of Combat products that will keep the ants from spoiling the fun.
**Sweepstakes ends September 14th, at 3pm PST**
How would you like a chance to win a box of Combat Ant Gel? Samples*Freebies*Fun is giving away a FREE box of Combat Source Kill Ant Gel to one lucky reader! Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Combat provided free samples for me to review. All opinions written here are my own.
When I was selected to try Combat Ant Gel and Combat Source Kill Max, I was happy that there was a way for me to manage this problem without using sprays. Initially, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of these products. However, after just a few days I noticed one or two dead ants that had taken the bait. I'm sure the rest had gone straight to the colony, where the formula will keep working to control the problem.
Here are some quick facts about Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel:
- First specially formulated ant gel
- Preferred food form for ants
- Fast killing formula
- Works within hours and up to 1 month
- Kills ants and the colony
- Kills ants without messy residue and without insecticide odors
- Quick kill formula
- Destroys the queen and the entire colony
- Provides long lasting and killing power
- Child-resistant
To add to the fun, Combat is holding a $1,000 sweepstakes that one lucky winner will receive to hold their own backyard bash! The winner will receive a special kit full of Combat products that will keep the ants from spoiling the fun.
**Sweepstakes ends September 14th, at 3pm PST**
How would you like a chance to win a box of Combat Ant Gel? Samples*Freebies*Fun is giving away a FREE box of Combat Source Kill Ant Gel to one lucky reader! Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Combat provided free samples for me to review. All opinions written here are my own.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Free Braille Alphabet Card
Click here to fill out a short form and receive a free Braille alphabet from the American Foundation for the Blind. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for your card to arrive.
Free Food Storage Sample
This is being offered by Daily Bread 25-year worry-free food storage. Fill out the form here to submit your request for a free sample.
Ghirardelli Nominate a Friend Sweepstakes
There is still time to win a free bag of Ghirardelli chocolates. Click here to go to Facebook and nominate a friend today! Ends 10/1.
PrintRunner Sticker Set Giveaway!
Welcome to the PrintRunner Sticker Set Giveaway
Hosted by Giveaway Promote.
Sponsored by PrintRunner.
PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later they have become one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. They are committed to providing the best value and high quality full color printing at an affordable price.
Three entrants will win a set of 250 custom standard-sized (2" x 3.5") stickers from PrintRunner.
You can customize your own design in full-color (4 color process) or in black and white. Stickers will be printed on a premium sticker stock and are ready to be shipped in 3 business days.
This giveaway is open in the United States.
It will end at 11:59pm EST on August 26th, 2012.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Bloggers, join a group giveaway event like this one! Sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Giveaway Promote.
If you'd like to hear about all group giveaway and hop events open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Free Kindle Books 8/12
You don't need a Kindle to read free Kindle books! Click here to download free applications that will allow you to read for free from almost anywhere. Although books listed here were free at the time I listed them, the publishers or authors could change their minds at any time, so hurry and download while they're available!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Lemon Cupcakes
It has been a long time since I baked or decorated any kind of cake. Lately, however, I have been feeling the urge to start again. Decorating cakes is enjoyable for me, I like to see my efforts being enjoyed by others. I had been preparing for this during the past few months, carefully calculating my purchases in my mind and determining which recipe would be best for a comeback. Well readers, here is the finished product!
The batter is a basic lemon cupcake. I like to add extra vanilla to make it interesting.
The icing is lemon-flavored buttercream icing I made myself.
I started to get fancy, and made one or two with a full rose. Here is one, I gave the other to Little Guy!
For the remainder of the cupcakes, I chose to decorate them with simple rosebuds and leaves. Keep following for my next adventure in cake making and decorating!
Enter the Backyard Bash Sweepstakes from Combat!
Enter to win $1,000 courtesy of Combat! Watch the video, and wait for the "Sign Up" button to light up. I once lived in a place that had a terrible insect problem, and Combat products wiped them out. It is really great that they are offering us a chance to win some money too!
Friday, August 10, 2012
New Link--Free Sample of Escada
Click here to get this offer at Facebook. Click on the "Which Girl are You", allow the application, answer seven question, then click to get your free sample.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Freebies in the Mail 8/9/2012
Here's what came today! One heart-shaped suspender buckle, a multipurpose cleaning pad from Libman, a clutch from U by Kotex, Garnier Fructis Fall Right samples, and two samples of Nescafe Memento coffee beverage.
Magnets on the Cheap: Product Review

My husband owns a business that requires him to travel, and he had been talking to me recently about ways to advertise one new aspect of
his business. I was very pleased when I
was contacted by Signs on the Cheap,
and I learned that not only do they offer high quality products, but
very inexpensively too. While I was
visiting their site, I discovered they offer other ways to get the word out
about your business or event in addition to cheap signs: magnets and banners! I decided that a 12” x 24” heavy-duty vehicle
magnet was the most convenient option for my husband, as it would allow him to
quickly apply and remove the magnet wherever he decided to go.
I used the easy online design
tool to create the right magnet for our cars. One of the things I loved about using the
design tool is it gives you the option of adding your own logos and
graphics! Ordering was quick and simple,
and the magnet arrived at our house very fast. It was very carefully packaged, and I could
tell this company has very high customer service standards. The magnet was easy to put on our vehicle, and looked
great! The text was very easy to
read, and we knew no one would have problems seeing it as we passed by.
For some time we had been trying to
find ways to let other people know about other parts of the family business, and the
magnet was an ideal solution for this. We love about our new vehicle magnet because it can be swapped between either our car or van. Whether you
are planning a company event, advertising your business, planning a part, or
any event, there are countless possibilities for creating the perfect design!
Disclosure: I was provided with the product mentioned in the post free of charge in exchange for my honest opinions. all photographs are my own.
Disclosure: I was provided with the product mentioned in the post free of charge in exchange for my honest opinions. all photographs are my own.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Free Kindle Books 8/7
Here is the new free Kindle book list! Remember that while these publications may be free now, the publisher or author may decide to begin charging for them again at any time. Another great thing to know: you don't need a Kindle to read Kindle books! Just click here to download any of the free Kindle reading apps in your internet browser, on your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Free PSORENT Topical Solution for Psoriasis!
Click on the picture of Psorent above to go to the request page. Press "click here", and make sure to check the Psorent check box when you get to the next page.
Free Sample of Biotrue
This product is a contact lens solution that incorporates the naturally occurring lubricant in your eyes. Click here to request your sample!
Free Sample of Purex UltraPacks
Go to this website, watch the video, then press the "sign up" button, and fill out the form to request your sample.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Recipe: Brik, a Dish from Tunisia
One of the national dishes of Tunisia is brik, a crisp fried pastry
filled with egg, parsley and meat or tuna. The traditional pastry
sheets are known as malsuqa, a thin, crispy bread that tastes
wonderful. However, since it is not readily available in my area, I use spring roll pastry to substitute. It still tastes great! There are many
ways to form the briks, as well as numerous fillings to use. Even sweet
brik can be made using chopped dates, almond flour and confectioner's
sugar.
Ingredients:
2 potatoes, chopped and boiled
1 bunch of Italian flat-leaf parsley, with the stems removed and chopped finely
2 or 3 green onions, chopped finely
1 can of tuna preserved in olive oil
Eggs, one for each brik you will be making
salt and pepper
spring roll pastry
Cooking:
First, place the green onions and the parsley in a small pan to wilt. Then, mix with potatoes and add salt and pepper to taste. On a sheet of spring roll pastry, arrange a small golf-ball sized amount of the potato mixture to form a small well. After doing this, put the egg into the potato well that was made, then add some of the tuna and a few capers.
Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan to deep fry the briks. It should be very hot to achieve a crisp golden brown, and thoroughly cook the egg. Pick up the package and fold it in half, being careful not to lose any of the egg white and immediately place in the hot oil. With a spoon, splash oil over the edges to seal the pastry. This also help the egg to cook all the way through. Once the brik has reached a golden brown, remove with a spatula or slotted spoon (allow the oil to drain). If preferred, place the brik on paper towels to get a bit more of the oil off. These should be served immediately, with a little lemon juice squeezed on top. They are to be eaten with your hands, filled side first.
Ingredients:
2 potatoes, chopped and boiled
1 bunch of Italian flat-leaf parsley, with the stems removed and chopped finely
2 or 3 green onions, chopped finely
1 can of tuna preserved in olive oil
Eggs, one for each brik you will be making
salt and pepper
spring roll pastry
Cooking:
First, place the green onions and the parsley in a small pan to wilt. Then, mix with potatoes and add salt and pepper to taste. On a sheet of spring roll pastry, arrange a small golf-ball sized amount of the potato mixture to form a small well. After doing this, put the egg into the potato well that was made, then add some of the tuna and a few capers.
Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan to deep fry the briks. It should be very hot to achieve a crisp golden brown, and thoroughly cook the egg. Pick up the package and fold it in half, being careful not to lose any of the egg white and immediately place in the hot oil. With a spoon, splash oil over the edges to seal the pastry. This also help the egg to cook all the way through. Once the brik has reached a golden brown, remove with a spatula or slotted spoon (allow the oil to drain). If preferred, place the brik on paper towels to get a bit more of the oil off. These should be served immediately, with a little lemon juice squeezed on top. They are to be eaten with your hands, filled side first.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Little Guy is Standing By Himself
It just so happens that I have a keen interest in childhood development, and I am trying to record as much of my son's development as time, resources, and skills allow. Little Guy will be nine months old soon, and he has begun to pull himself up to stand. I noticed him trying to pull his whole body up without support while he was crawling on the floor a few times, which delighted his father and I. Here is a short movie clip that I made recording this stage in Little Guy's development. As I am sure that as I keep filming our adventures, my skills will
improve. I have a new camera, and I am still testing it to see what its
limitations are. The last two pictures are the end result of his efforts, mommy didn't help! I love that last picture of him beaming at the camera, look at how happy he is!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Feed Your Hunger Giveaway!
Mom Powered Media, connecting with bloggers the super mom way!
Hunger Games Synopsis
Once a year in the ruins of former North America, one teenage boy and girl from one of Panem's twelve districts is forced to compete in the Hunger Games. To punish past uprisings and to continue government intimidation tactics, the Hunger Games are a televised national event in which "Tributes" must fight to the death until only one survives. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, horrified that her younger sister was chosen as a Tribute, volunteers to take her place in the games. She must rely on her sharp instincts and her unlikely mentor Haymitch Abernathy when she faces eleven other Tributes who have been rigorously training for the Games their entire lives.
Big thank you to Mom Powered Media owners: Mom to Bed by 8, Powered By Mom and Real Mom Reviews for organizing this exciting, entertainment event.

Thursday, August 2, 2012
Chicken Casserole
This recipe might have been called a strata, if it weren't for the fact that I intentionally left out the eggs. Recipes like this are favorites in our home, and they can be made to conform to low-fat diets.
Ingredients:
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup white onion, diced
1 Anaheim pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
3 cups of bread cubes, or enough to construct two layers
1 cup of cream cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups of milk, or enough to suit your preferred consistency
1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle pieces of chicken breast with salt and pepper, then rub in olive oil. Let sear for two minutes, then add chopped white and green onion, and Anaheim pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes or until vegetables are slightly tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small saucepan, blend cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk until it reaches a smooth consistency. Flavor with salt and pepper. When it is finished remove from heat.
Brush a 13 X 9 inch baking dish with olive oil. (1) Then, add a layer of bread crumbs. (2) Top with a layer of chicken and vegetables. (3) Next, add the cheese sauce. (4) Finally, arrange half of the chopped parsley on top. Complete these four steps once more, reserving a small amount of parsley at the end for garnish.
Cover casserole with foil, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes to cool. Garnish with the last bit of parsley. Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Milk Matters--14 Page Free Coloring Book!
Click here to get your free copy of Milk Matters with Buddy Brush! Press the "Order Now" button, and you're done!
Ticketamerica.com-- the Place to Get Your Sporting Event Tickets!
Ticketamerica.com has exclusive seating and tickets for the Washington State Cougars Tickets and west Virginia Mountaineers Tickets in addition to most Western Carolina Catamounts tickets games. Feed your sports passion, experience the excitement!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
























