Odds and Ends for the Last Day of February

Great news, I ordered the engine for my car this morning. It should be here by Monday or Tuesday they said. I also found a friend who I know is great with cars and he agreed to put it in for 350. I am so glad. God is so good. Thought I would post some of the stuff I did today online.

Facebook

Sample of Alma Legend Billion Hair Potion.  this is a Facebook Sample

Win an electric tiller-  I want to plant a garden this year so this would be great. Also a Facebook page

Canyon Casserole- This is one of my favorite cooking sites and this recipe sounds great. I plan to make it tomorrow night for dinner.

Final Hodgepodge for February

Its hard to believe its already the end of February. Today would have been my favorite cousin's birthday. He was killed in 1983. Hes been gone longer than he was here and yet he is still so vivid in my mind. I can still see him the last time I saw him alive. He was laying on the couch at his place with his daughter laying on his chest and he was watching Fall Guy. For years I wouldn't watch Fall Guy because it hurt to picture it. I think of all the things I would have said if I had known that time would be for all time. What words would you say to your loved ones today if  you knew this was the last time?  Ok on to the hodgepodge.

1. When were you last facing an ocean?  In ONE word describe how you felt when you faced that ocean.

I can't remember the exact year but I think it was probably 2000. My aunt, her husband and another aunt had went to Ocean Isle Beach in NC and I went with them. We stayed at the Islander Inn which I don't know about it today but years ago it was very nice. One of my favorite things was the heated indoor pool. It was actually March when we went so it was too cold to swim except in the heated pool.  I used to get up at sunrise to walk the beach and watch the sun come up over the ocean.   Awestruck is the one word that described how I felt. 

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?

Fingers on a blackboard sound, yelling as in arguing, constant droning of the tv.  

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for clothes do you try everything on in the store or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?

I know this isn't natural for women as they say but I hate to shop so I will almost always try on the clothes there just so I don't have to make another trip back. If its something I buy all the time and I am sure of  the size and look then I won't bother. 


4.  February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut?  Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?

I have never tried a pistachio. I used to be engaged to a man who's dad loved them and we would buy them for him all the time but I just never tried them. I have IBS so nuts aren't my friends. Years ago I tried pistachio pudding and it just didn't appeal to me so that probably figured into my not wanting to try pistachios. 

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone? Were you happy to reach a compromise or slightly irritated it came to that?

Honestly nothing comes to mind. 

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official?  Did you get a response?

Yes and yes. 

7.  We 'March' into a new month at the end of the week...what is something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?

March is my least favorite month now and I am actually dreading it but prior to last year, I would have said that just knowing the little bubs such as crocus or tulips bloom around here in March. And of course this year Easter is in March. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so ready for spring. I want to see some signs of spring soon. I am tired of winter. 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 82

 




I think its been 3 weeks since I last participated, it seems like once you miss you get lost for a while.  Its a cold rainy day here in southern WV.  The mail only brought a sample for some Pantene Age Defy shampoo and conditioner plus a coupon on the same. Who knew your hair suffered from aging too.

QUESTIONS 1. Is there a room in your home that you'd like to redecorate or remodel? 2. Did you watch the Oscars? 3. How many pair of blue jeans do you own? 4. What was your favorite toy as a child? 5. If you could visit a country in Europe, which would you choose?  

ANSWERS 

1. My whole house needs remodeled but I am waiting to start until I get it rewired., No sense putting in walls then having to cut around them to rewire. 

2. Nope, I don't really watch tv or movies much so not real big on the Oscars. I doubt I watched a single movie last year that was nominated for anything.

3.  Probably 10 or so. At one point I lived in blue jeans but sadly most jobs require business casual anymore. 

4. I really only had a couple of toys as a child and my favorite was a stuffed Winnie the Pooh. I still have him in my bedroom today. 

5. Ireland. I have always wanted to go there and see the green, the stones and hear the people. My ancestors are from there so that might explain the pull. But I would also like to do the whole back pack around Europe and see everywhere but if I can only go to one place then it would be Ireland.

I am a winner

I love love love winning giveaways. I started entering giveaways again and I already won something. :)  I won a ProgressOh! Gift pack from Stephani that contains

• 2 cans of Progresso® soup
◊ Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese ( I know I will just love this one, its got cheese and bacon)
◊ Light Chicken Pot Pie Style (I have been wanting to try this flavor)
• Cosmetic Bag
• Compact Mirror and Brush

 I can't wait to get my gift pack. Thanks so much to Stephani for having the giveaway and I am so glad I won. I feel bad for her though because her giveaway got overlooked and no one else entered so that made me win by default but I feel good for me to win regardless :)

Campbell's Slow Cooker Soup Review and coupon offer

I got a container of  Campbell's Tuscan-Style Chicken & White Bean with Asiago Cheese, Thyme slow cooker soup along with a pair of the ugliest socks ever. Odd thing was they were so soft and comfortable :). They go all the way up to the knees. Its been years since I wore knee socks. I loved wearing them even though I am still not sure about the pattern :).  The soup was very good and didn't taste like cheap canned soup at all. There was lots of herb pieces and the beans were divine.  Thyme is a healing herb so during this time of everyone getting sick I would recommend you try this out.  I am big on the healing power of herbs. I plan to buy several of these and put in my 72 hour emergency kit. I want to try some of the other varieties to see if they are as good. I love these grown up soups.  I always derive comfort from hot soups (guess all those Campbell's commercials as a child) and think during any emergency these would be great to eat.  If you click here you can get a $1.00 off coupon to try these soups yourself. Here is a picture I took of the soup on a bowl. See all those lovely herbs.

• For more information about Campbell’s Slow Kettle Style Soups click here
• Follow Campbell’s Slow KettleStyle Soups on Twitter here @SlowKettle

**Disclosure: Information and products provided by Campbell's Slow Kettle Soups and Smiley 360. I received products described above, including a few coupons for product too. All opinions are my own.
 If you want to join and get your own products to sample and review, sign up here. 

Kellogg's Friends and Family

I try to join as many reward programs as possible so we can save every dime possible. Here is one I joined  a few months ago. So far I only redeem points for coupons but they offer some great coupons. The only thing that annoys me about this is that when I go to the page they already show my name and how many points I have but I can't enter new codes until I log in.

Kellogg's Family Rewards is a fun and easy way to earn rewards from the brands you already enjoy and love..

How does it work?
1) Look for 16-digit codes printed inside specially marked Kellogg’s® cereals, Eggo® products, Pop-Tarts® toaster pastries, Cheez-It® crackers and Keebler® cookies and crackers.
2) Enter codes and earn points at KelloggsFamilyRewards.com. If you’re not a Kellogg's Family Rewards member, it’s free and easy to sign up.
3) Collect and redeem points for fun items in our rewards catalog.

And to sweeten the deal – Each time you enter a code, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win $200 in free groceries from Kellogg. One winner is selected daily.*
What’s in the Rewards Catalog?
From children’s books and digital downloads to sporting equipment and sweepstakes entries, there’s something for everyone in the Rewards Catalog:
• Coupons, Discounts and Gift Cards
• Sweepstakes and Instant Wins
• Books, Music and Magazines
• Electronics, Toys and Games
• Housewares and Kitchen Gadgets
• Apparel and Gear
• Donations and Charity Support (Beginning April 2013)


How do I earn extra points?
Bonus points are a fun way to earn rewards faster. Kellogg’s Family Rewards™ members can enter special bonus codes and participate in promotions that allow them to earn additional points or rewards for entering codes from Kellogg’s® products.

Bonus Codes: Answering polls or questions within Kellogg’s Family Rewards™ emails or performing special actions (such as liking certain Facebook pages or commenting on recipes)  examples of ways to earn bonus codes. But hurry – bonus codes are valid for a limited time and have varying expiration dates.

TO GET STARTED: Members who’ve read the "How It Works" page will discover this free bonus code HOWITWORKS20PNTS.


Promotions and Bonus Points: The Kellogg’s Family Rewards™ program supports many other Kellogg code-based programs and promotions, allowing consumers additional ways to earn
rewards or points for purchasing special products.


What are some other benefits?

•  SAVINGS! Kellogg’s Family Rewards™ members receive weekly emails with coupons, product news and promotion updates. Members can also log in at KelloggsFamilyRewards.com and print exclusive coupons for Kellogg’s® products and other brands/goods at any time.
•   Promotions: Members are the first to know about promotions and sweepstakes. Here are some great promotions happening now:
•   Get a collector’s wristband & share breakfast with kids in need
•   Kellogg’s™ Share Your Breakfast Coupon Savings
•   Recipes: Find delicious new ways to serve up family-favorite products.

Here is a new code to help you get started : 2013KFRBonusCode- Points: 50

What's good today

Its a beautiful sunny day here in southern West Virginia. It is supposed to get to the mid 40's. Yesterday it was in the lower 50s. I hope this warmer weather is here to stay and its the end of winter. I love the snow on the trees but hate being cold.  I have prayerfully found an engine for my car. Its at a junkyard about 2 hours from here so I submitted a request to see how much shipping would be to my house. Hopefully it will all work out and I can have it be Friday and can get it put in my car. I am so tired of not having a car. Then I am going to the local temp agency and see if they can find me some work. I need some sort of income.

OFFERS
Game Giveaway of the day is called Rolling Spells- This offer ends at midnight on Feb 24th 2013. I downloaded it and activated it but haven't played yet.


My Favorite Ebooks of the Day (these were all still free at Noon)
The Cat Manual- saw this ebook offer and had to get it since we have 3 cats. Its a book of humor.

Smitten at First Sight- this is a Christian contemporary romance book.

Adventures in Funeral Crashing- this book is geared towards YA but I read it and really enjoyed it. It was well written and I liked the characters a lot.

12 Types of Chickens that Lay Lots of Eggs- I always dream of homesteading so enjoy books related to. My favorite chickens are the Buff Orpingtons because they have the feathers on their legs like little boots.

Fancy Gap- this is probably more intense than I normally read because its a thriller and I am a coward but I got it because I have driven through the Fancy Gap VA area so many times. Its a horrible section on Interstate 77 if its foggy. I have seen traffic tied up for hours there. There are always multiple car pile ups because you can't see a foot in front of you sometimes.

Courageous -I can't wait to read this one. I still haven't gotten to see the movie but the movie was created by the same folks as Fireproof. This is a Christian book about men who are heroes and dads. Speaking of heroes, my exhusband became a hero this week. His neighbor's house caught on fire about midnight and he was the person who woke them up otherwise they would have died. The house was already pretty engulfed. Please pray for them as they are elderly, the man has cancer and it was a total loss. It is hard to reconcile my image of my ex to him being anyone's hero though.

Couple of recipes

Since I have so much free time not being on Facebook, I have been wasting time on Pinterest :). I have been trying some of the recipes and just collecting information. So I thought I would share my results. One recipe is edible and one is a toiletry item. I have been trying to use more natural products around the house for cleaning and personal care. I just got paid for a survey I did and used my earnings to order me some more lavender eo and oregano oil online.


Crock Pot Lasagna - I wish I would have gotten to take pictures but I made the lasagna, it got done and I tried a little bowl and then went to bed. I woke up and my daughter and her boyfriend (mostly him) had eaten the entire crock pot full so I would so this was a good recipe :).

20 0z spaghetti sauce ( I semi homemade make my own)
9-12 noodles
32 0z cottage cheese
1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese

I already had the sauce made and in the freezer so I just thawed it. I mixed the cheeses in a bowl. I broke the noodles up into about 2 inch squares. I layered sauce, noodles, cheese finishing with noodles on top then poured some sauce on it to cook in. I cooked it on low and it was done in a just about 3 hours. It wasn't as pretty with the layers as oven lasagna but it tasted the same. We currently have no oven due to remodeling the kitchen and so this was a good substitute but honestly if I had an oven I would prefer it in the oven so it would be better layered.



Home made deodorant- background story is that about 15 yrs ago I had a horrible reaction to store bought deodorant. Up till that time I just used whatever I had a coupon for. I don't know what caused it, if it was the deodorant, or something else in my life but all the skin on my arm pits became a painful raw mess. It was summer and sweat was horrible. It took months to heal, I had to walk around with my arms up most of the time. I had no insurance so couldn't go to a dr. When it finally healed I used those crystal deodorants but they didn't help with odor. Finally I tried Dove simply because it was hypoallergenic. And for all these years thats all I would use. I was afraid to try anything else. Trust me not a repeatable experience. I have been seeing all sorts of recipes on pinterest on how to make your own. All the recipes are basically alike so here is what I finally mixed together. I have used this for a week now and its awesome, no underarm odor even the next day. No sweating problems. Not sure how it will be this summer but so far loving it and best of all no reaction.


1/4 c baking soda
1/4 c cornstarch (next time I plan to try arrowroot because its even better for your skin but I had cornstarch in the house)
4 tbsp coconut oil
5 drops lavender oil (this is one of my favorite healing herbs)

I mixed the baking soda and the cornstarch until it looked blended, then I used a fork to mix in the coconut oil. Finally I added the lavender oil and mixed it all up. Mine ended up about like a salve consistency. Its solid but when you run your fingers in it there is an oil feel but you can also feel the dryness of the powder ingredients. I just get a little bit on the fingers and use it that way. Like I said, I have had complete coverage so far. No odor by nightfall or the next morning nor a sweating problem. I really like it and plan to make again. My next batch is going to also include a few drops of oregano oil.

This is how it ended up looking, I used an old butter bowl to store it in ;)

Another thing I tried this past week was the detox bath. Everyone keeps talking about how wonderful they are. I have had a terrible backache for 2 weeks now, not sure whats causing it as the pain comes and goes. I do know its a muscle pain though and not my kidneys. So anyway I thought I would give this a try. It was awesome. I was able to get out the tub and sleep for the first time in ages. Before I was in so much pain I couldn't sleep because every time I moved I cried.

2 cups epsom salts
2 cups baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger


I added everything to a tub of hot water, I also dipped a really thin towel in the tub and put in my back like a super hero cape :). Then I just soaked for about 20-30 minutes. Honestly I don't know how detoxed I was but I felt pretty good so thats all that counted. I will be repeating this at least once a week.

Friday with no memes

This is the second week I haven't participated in any memes. I have been going through some things in my mind and just haven't felt like answering questions. Quick background, one of my former sister in law's sent me a message on Facebook wanting to know why I had a picture of her son on there. I told her my youngest wanted some picts of the family since shes currently in Texas and doesn't have any of family pictures. My sister in law responds back that as a I know her ex hadn't had any contact with the kids in over 28 yrs and they didn't want me posting pics. At first I was very very hurt. One because the picture was one from when they were together so if he wanted it he would have it, the boy is now full grown and she, the son and her daughter from another marriage all post pics of the boy and their pages aren't private so anyone that wanted could see them so it was like it was just me they didn't want to post. I had for the past 29 yrs thought of this woman as a friend, not a close friend but a friend none the less. I deleted the picture, blocked her from me on Facebook then I realized that I was tired of two faced people who aren't really friends. I have over 240 Facebook friends. Now some of them are actually friends obviously but some are people I only casually know and to be honest if we passed on the street we probably wouldn't speak to me. So I deactivated my Facebook. After a couple of days I felt way better. I didn't see it at the time but I was on overload. I don't really care what every has for dinner, when they are going shopping, cleaning house, etc. Facebook was great for catching up with people but honestly there is just too much sharing. I don't want to be in the drama of everyone's lives. I have people that are forever hinting this or that but never say who or what they mean. Now I don't miss it at all. I do miss the savings blogs but consider it a small price to pay for being free of the cycle.
Part 2 of the photo drama, - I was thinking in my mind how pathetic it was that my sister in law still has this drama going considering that my ex brother in law has moved on and honestly could care less. He isn't trying to get pictures of the kids, he isn't keeping up with what she does. Shes hanging on to a man that has already moved on. Then God used that to show me that I was guilty of the same thing. My ex boyfriend broke up with me over 2 years ago but I still have been holding on. No one wants to be the pathetic person so once I finally saw the light I knew it was time to let it all go. Yes, I still love him and probably always will. Its hard to stop loving someone when the only flaw you can think of is that they didn't love you. Its easier when you can look at how they didn't fit. But regardless, he didn't love me and now I am just letting go and letting God as they say :). I love how if we just let Him, God can use everything in our lives to help us out. There is a line in Genesis 50:20 that basically says "you meant it to hurt me, but God used it for good." My sister in law hurt my feelings but God used it for my own good. I may someday go back to Facebook but right now I can't really see it. I feel so much better emotionally without dealing with everyone's stuff.

Year of the Snake

This is the year of the Snake according to the Chinese. I don't follow any form of astrology but I just like the Chinese New Year celebrations :) I read an interesting tidbit in Family Circle magazine that said if a snake is in the house means your family will not starve. I'm sorry but I would prefer to starve. I am absolutely terrified of snakes. I freeze if I even think one is near by. I just don't understand the people who want them as pets. I know when the Bible refers to snakes it is referring to the devil but as far as I am concerned head crushed under the heel is great for all snakes.
We love an excuse to party and any new year is a fresh start as far as I am concerned. So we will be having a party. I thought I would share some links I found with you. The Chinese festival lasts for 15 days.

Menu

Pomegranate Fizz Mocktail
Egg Drop Soup- My daughter wants egg drop soup
Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice- I love shrimp fried rice but this year we are going to try ham and pineapple fried rice. Pineapples are for prosperity.
Cream Cheese Egg Rolls
Orange Chicken with Sesame Noodles
Clemetine Cake Going to substitute mandarins for the clementines.
I am going to cheat and buy fortune cookies. :)

Activities

Asian Folding Fan-  I loved making paper fans when I was a child, as a matter of fact I have a bunch of folding fans now. One in my purse, one in my desk and one by my bed. I always feel like a southern belle when I carry one :).
Red Envelopes- going to put in a few lucky coins
Goldfish Kites- I love kites and I know goldfish are good luck symbols in China
Lanterns- You can't have New Year's without lanterns.
Snake Craft you can't have a year of the snake without a snake

Odds and Ends

Traditions and Superstitions

A traditional Chinese Song



And another chinese song

Superbowl Review

Well the Superbowl is over and it was a wild ride in the second half. We had a new record set 109 yard touchdown and then the power outage. I swear they used to the power outage to sneak the 49er's in the game because the team that played after the outage was not the same team that was in the game before. I totally hated the half time show. Everyone talked about what a great dancer Beyonce was but my issue is she is a singer not a dancer. She didn't sing, if she would have had a live mike and clapped her hands there would have been noise. I feel the singing was pre-recorded.  My favorite part as always was the commercials and here are my favorites. Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens, great game.


Most Touching




Funniest was a tie for me. I loved the Taco Bell retirement home but the Tide stain commercial was too good.






Best Tribute.




Best Music- this was my favorite song back in the day.



Best Use of a Former Superbowl Winner



LOL Moment



Worst Commercial of the entire show




And not to forget Twitter

Most Ironic Tweet of the Game

But you know living in WV I have to put my own spin on the power outage

SuperBowl Sunday

My team didn't make it to the Superbowl this year. I live in hope. Go Cowboys. So when my team isn't playing I watch for the commercials and for the half time show which is going to be Beyonce this year. I am not really a fan of hers though. Some of my favorite commercials are by Budweiser even though I don't drink. They prereleased one of their commercials this year. I loved it even though it made me cry because it was so sweet.  




Menu

Cocktail Weiners
Ham Rollups - we make ours with just cream cheese and ham.
Boneless Hot Wings - I don't eat wings but I do eat the chicken nuggets from Applebees
Fruit with Cream Cheese Marshmallow dip- You just blend one brick of cream cheese with 8oz of marshmallow fluff and serve with fruit
Cheese Ball and crackers
Ham and Cheese Mini Sandwiches
Football Deviled Eggs- these are super cute, made to look like footballs.

Groundhogs Day

Today is Groundhog's Day. I remember thinking how much fun it was as a child but now I barely pay attention. I found this cute little video and wanted to share it. Still missing Amy from Then Sings My Soul. I sent her an email but never heard back. I sure do hope everything is ok with her and her family.  Another one of the bloggers missed the meme so much she created one to fill in the gap. I tried to put both linkups on one line but it didn't work out for me :).  My offering for this week is under the groundhog video.

I was privileged a couple years ago to hear this duo in person. Love that its a father and son group. The father used to sing with Gold City.

Friday Memes

This Sunday is Superbowl Sunday and Cathy has chosen funny commercials from past superbowls as the theme.

 
the babies are so cute in this one


This one makes me laugh everytime.







1. What is your favorite book to read with your kids?
My girls are grown now but we loved The Poky Little Puppy, One Fish Two Fish,  The Monster at the end of the Book, and Horton Hears a Who. 

2. After having kids, what body part has changed the most?
Everything. I only gained 5lbs the whole time I was pregnant either time but within six weeks of giving birth I had gained 50 lbs. I don't know what that was about. 

3. Would you ever go back to college? What would you study?
Right now I have no desire to go back but if I did I would study something impractical like archeaology. 

4. How do you close a phone call? Bye, bye bye or other?
   Bye or I'll talk to you later.

5. What is the one food that will always be your "cheat food" on a diet?
its not a food but Coke. I don't care what horror stories they tell about what all is in it, I grew up on Coke and when I feel bad nothing beats a ice cold Coke.


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1. I was probably the only kid in the world who thought little people lived under the porch I used to put doll furniture and stuff out all the time for the littles. 

2.  Concord grape juice is my favorite juice

3. I never thought I would be about to change a diaper until I had my own kids
 
4. I have always wanted to travel the US in an RV  and see every state but I can't afford it.