Monday, November 30, 2009

Lots of good things happening online this week

It seems every blog out there is updating about the Monday Cyber deals going on today.
Honestly I just don't have time for that today but I did want to highlight a few really great ongoing deals/specials.

Dave Ramsey is hosting an online sweepstakes through December. Today is a chance to win a $1000 to start your emergency fund or help others. Stop by his Christmas giveaway page to enter.

Freebies for Mom has a post up on your chance to receive great prizes from Photoworks. The first 25,000 who register at American Greetings on Tuesday (12/1/09) will receive a free photo clutch book, 25 holiday cards, or an 11,x8 calendar.
Stop by her Photoworks post here


Money Saving Methods has the scoop on how to get a free photo canvas (you pay $15 shipping). I so want to get in on this but can't find a picture I want to blow up. Anyway if you have a great picture you'd like turned into a canvas stop by Her post here

Have you found any great deals this week and want to share? Feel free to send me an email or leave them in the comments section.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Dave Barry Turns 50 - Book Review

Dave Barry Turns 50 is a comical look back to the first decades of the baby boomers and ends with a few pieces of advice from Barry himself.


I was in the mood for a funny read after a few stressful weeks and this book hit the spot even if I couldn't relate with everything.

Dave Barry turns 50 is a funny book but might be better suited for the actual target audience, a baby boomer.


Books Read in 2009: 29

Books to Read in 2009: 21


Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Cheap Menards Candles

As it gets closer to the holidays it seems more and more stores are having some great sales.

I seem to be on a candle buying spree right now but I wanted to tell you about some super cheap soy candles from Menards.

Sorry about the image quality - I'm not quite sure what happened.

Right now Menards has their Langley Home soy candles on sale for $4.99 with a $4 rebate.

That's a great 13 oz candle for $.99

They also still have their Glade candles for $1.97 which after the $1.50 off coupons found inside makes them $.47 plus remember you can buy three items and send away for the $5 rebate.

Read the following post for more information.

Menards also has their 8 pack AA batteries for $.99 this week. Remember to stock up before Christmas.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

We've Moved!

So this weekend Matt and I moved into our new house.
I wanted to put up a few pictures of our move and give some moving tips for everyone out there.
We all know it is important to plan ahead and do the best you can to make your move as easy as possible so follow along with my tips to a successful move.


First make sure to keep your new place as clean as possible when moving in. You don't want trash laying around while you are trying to set up spaces. Never just throw things around - you have to pick up after yourself. As you can see from the picture below Matt and I kept everything spotless during our move. It was very helpful and I know I won't be spending the next week picking up trash.



Just like above never just leave trash and other things in odd places. If you have a shelf you know you'll be using for bathroom supplies make sure to put them in immediately. Creating a mess in a location will only make unpacking that much harder. Things like Glass Cleaner, work gloves and appliance owner manuals should always be put in their proper places. Also make sure to eat healthy while you are moving. No McDonalds or other fast food restaurants, it will only create more clean up later.


I always make sure to unpack and decorate a room right away. The last thing you want is to be living in a room that isn't fully decorated, especially a master bedroom. It's important to get those things up right away.




Organization is very important, again if you have items to put in a room make sure to put them away immediately. What ever you do don't just take a tub of items and throw them in a room. This will undoubtedly cause you to rifle through the box later for those important items like a toothbrush or shampoo.


And lastly as you'll see below, make sure to set up the important spaces first. Things you will most need; bathrooms or a kitchen would make the most sense. Never waste time on your first day by setting up an office to make sure the internet works. Also what ever you do - DO NOT plug in and turn on a TV it will only halter your speed. Matt and I wait until we are fully moved in before becoming distracted by these electronics.



As you can see Matt and I followed all the following tips which is why we had a smooth and stress free move. Our house is fully decorated, things are put in their places, and we're ready to welcome guests. It also means we won't still be unpacking for years to come... or does it.



Post Translation: In reality our house is a mess, stuff is everywhere, I think we've run of out garbage bags for all the trash, and I can't see the kitchen counters. I'll be unpacking boxes for at least the next five years and the cats are scared to death of the hardwood floors.
Yet, we are here so mission accomplished right?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

What the Dead Know - Book Review

During my absence I also finished “What the Dead Know” by Laura Lippman.

It is a fictional mystery about two sisters who end up missing and how the lives of those connected unfold over time. “What the Dead Know” is a great story with an amazing twist; unfortunately the authors writing style prevents readers from really immersing themselves in the story.

The narrative skips characters and time on a random basis with no real warning besides the start of a new chapter. Once you get the characters figured out and a good handle on the time jumping the story is a good read. It holds your interest and keeps you guessing all the way through – just like a murder mystery should.

Book Read in 2009: 28
Books to Read in 2009: 22

Monday, November 9, 2009

I think I've finally returned...

Where oh where have I been?
I honestly wish I knew – I didn’t even realize it had been so long until Matt made a comment to me the other day. What can I say – life got in the way. Being sick for a few days really set me behind and I’ve been struggling to catch back up. I also woke up this morning not feeling 100% again and have only gotten worse as the day goes on. I really cannot afford to get sick again.

I think I just need to get back in my routine. I haven’t even opened my google reader since my last post and I had over a 1000 post waiting for me when I looked tonight. I’m sure I missed out on some good deals along the way.

The good news is Matt and I are officially moving into our new house this Friday. I am so excited to share before and after pictures with you. I’m also getting excited to start decorating for Christmas and get started on some of those projects I’ve been waiting to try.

Plus I’ve talked most of the families into another no gift Christmas this year so I need to get gift crafting. I’ve got some tasty treats planned – I’ll make sure share them with you as well. I also did lots of reading while I was laid up on the couch so expect some reviews soon.