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Back to School with Go-GURT

I got an email today from Myblogspark about Go-Gurt and since my grandbabies love them, I decided to post on it.  I like them because they are healthy and not messy, the kids love them because they taste great. (I admit to sneaking a couple of them myself). I can put them in my granddaughter's lunch without worrying that they will spill over the rest of her lunch.

Celebrate “Back to School” time with everyone’s favorite yogurt in a tube, Go-GURT®!

Kids love Go-GURT® Yogurt! It’s fun to eat, and has great tasting flavors kids crave. And mom loves that Go-GURT is NOW made with natural colors and flavors, and contains no high-fructose corn syrup!

Not only is Go-GURT® a good source of calcium, but it is the perfect addition to any lunch because it’s made to freeze and thaw by lunchtime!

Learn more at yoplait.com/products/yoplait-go-gurt.

 My local Kroger has the 16 count value pack on sale for $2.99 as part of their Mega Saver deal. You can load a coupon from the Kroger site 75/2 digital coupon to your plus card or you can print one from the Coupons.com site for 75/2 printable coupon 

**I wrote this short review of yoplait Go-Gurt as a My Blog Spark member.  I received no free samples, coupons, or any other compensation for doing so.  

Another Week in Review

Last week wasn't that great for me healthwise . I started with back pain on my lower left side to the point I couldn't left my leg into the bed without my daughter helping me, then I guess because I was working the right side muscles so much, I started having terrible back and abdomen spasms on the right side by Tuesday. It got so bad I considered going to the E. R. I had to take to my bed because I couldn't even work my arm to type or use the mouse. I started taking some muscle relaxers I had at the house as much as I hate too.

I did really well frugally this past week also. I hit some great clearance sales and won a lot of wonderful prizes. I got a couple of bras on clearance for $3 each at Wal-Mart, I finally found some Purex detergent I had won coupons for but no one in town seem to carry that exact product but I found it at the Dollar General, the Dollar General was having a 90% sale on gardening seeds and I got a ton of seeds for 3 cents a pack, some 6 herb containers for 60 cents and also some seed starting pans for only 45 cents. I am set for next growing season. I got some snow cone flavorings for 50 cents a bottle, a really nice thermometer to go outside for just about $2.

My ex brother in law moved some furniture for us. The living room looks so much nicer now. I got rid of the old nasty couch that had been here since I moved and the rug on the living room floor. I put in the new rocking love seat and chair that I got from work and also the rug that one of the customers gave me.  It really matched well with the furniture.

Prizes I won this past week- I had a really great week and I sure do appreciate all the wonderful blog hosts who posted these blogs and the sponsors who offer the prizes.

Green Toys school bus from Abracadabra Momma   My grandson will love this.

Standing Up autographed DVD from Mon Cheri I really wanted to watch this movie about bullying with my grandkids.

3 books from Deal Sharing Aunt in the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Can't wait to get my books. I love to read but as much as I read, I can't afford to buy that many books. I usually visit 2-3 libraries a week.

Red Gold Tomato grilling kit from Amy at A Balancing Act

Noxicare from Rosey the Coupon Coach-  I have wanted to try this out for ages. I actually supposed won twice already but never got either prize, nor will the blog owners answer my emails.

Wedding Chapel DVD from Mommy's Block Party 

A coupon for a free bar of Fels Naptha soap from Precious 416

Another coupon for a free bar of Fels Naptha soap from Mike and Kim on a Budget- I am loving winning all this laundry making supplies. I am stocking up and saving them.

Review of Last Week

I am so bummed. I had my laptop in the shop but the man said it needs a new motherboard and would cost $300 to fix. Its only a year and a half old but now they are so cheap it just isn't worth buying a motherboard to fix it with. So I am going to have to save up for a new laptop. He did get my battery fully charged on it so I can save my files to a couple thumb drives though so that is a blessing.

We did have one of those great coupon revelation moments though. A couple of weeks ago, Kroger had a sale on Lysol Wipes. They were on sale for $1.99 but if you bought 5 you got $5 off so that made the sale price .99 for each roll. I had coupons for .50 off 2 so that made them be .50 a canister. Yesterday we were going through the store and the Lysol Wipes were back to their original price of $2.99. My oldest and I talked about how much nicer it was to only pay .50 and stock up so we didn't have to pay $2.99. There are only 5 in this picture but we really bought 6.

I also got a product sample in the mail to test out and then do a survey on. Its not a review but one of those anonymous survey things. I also got a really cool back to school lunch box kit called Kroger Lunchbox Heroes from Bzz to try out. Naturally the grandbabies were thrilled. We got a package of cheese flavored peanut butter filled pretzel bites and 4 coupons for free products plus a slew of coupons off the products to share with friends. I love Bzz and have gotten a lot of really great products from there to review and try out.

Here are the great prizes I won last week- I sure do appreciate all the wonderful blogs and their sponsors. Winning products makes my life so much better since it saves me money, and lets me try product that I otherwise wouldn't be able to.

A coupon for a box of Borax from Nikki Knack's Reviews- I love Borax and use it to make my detergent.

A children's book called The Ruby Red Slippers from Women's Intution- I think my oldest granddaughter will love to read this one with me.

A coupon for a bar of Fels Naptha soap from Looking forward to becoming more frugal

Blog Giveaways I have won

My laptop has been out of commission since the beginning of April, so that has really slowed me down on entering giveaways. I am having to use an older model desktop and it is just superslow. All video's cause this desktop to hang so I do a lot of plugin-container.exe closing :). I finally have my laptop in the shop so now just waiting on it to get fixed. I am slowly entering a few giveaways have again though. I have won a few so far but not as frequently as I was winning. I am not entering like I was because of this desktop but its all good and will work out in the end. I am going to be super busy this week. I got a call Thursday from a marketing group who had seen my profile on NARMS and wants me to help with a grocery reset this week at one of my local stores. I was thrilled to get the call since I really could use the extra money. I need to get my oldest a set of glasses and we haven't been able to afford the exam.


Last week I won the following prizes- I guess I can watch the DVD while doing all that laundry :)

Coupon for a free bar of Fels-Naptha laundry soap from Now a Mom of 3

Another Coupon for a free bar of Fels-Naptha laundry soap from Urban Times in Michigan

Purex Fabric Softener Sheets from the Wood Elves

Heart of the Country DVD from Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Book Quotes

I found some really inspiring quotes in the book I was reading last Friday.  I enjoyed the book very much. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite writers. Both of these quotes spoke to me.
1. "It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere." Agnes Repplier-  I see so many people chasing happiness, first doing this and then doing that, being involved with one person after another trying to find someone who makes them happy. If you aren't happy in yourself, then there isn't anything that anyone else can do to make you happy. You have to find the cure inside of you for your unhappiness before you can be happy with others. So many relationships end because instead of working on their own selves people want others to fix their lives.

2. " The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." - Martha Washington. How often do you see someone who has everything you want and yet they aren't happy. I have seen people who had basically nothing, yet they are happy as can be. Happiness doesn't come from stuff but from within. As Paul says in Philippians 4:11 basically we must be content  no matter whats going on in our lives. We can be as content in the midst of a raging storm as we are on a calm sunny day. Everything passes, we just have to hang on.

5 Things I am Grateful for Today

1. Nice customers- I had a man come in yesterday and ask me if I wanted some copy paper. He gave me 2 packs of copy paper. I use a lot at my house printing coupons and various items so I thought that was super nice.
2. My best friend Debbie and her husband- Debbie is always there when I need anything. Yesterday she brought me some gas drops for my youngest granddaughter because I said something about buying some when I got paid this week coming. She has had my back more times than I can count. Also her husband helps out a lot. He made me a stand to hang my bird feeder on a couple months back.
3. Birds- I just love to watch all the colorful birds at the feeder. I have all kinds of birds coming. I have to fill it up about once a week. I like to use the black oil sunflower seeds best of all. I have cardinals, blue jays, wrens, yellow finches, plus a lot that I don't know. I am going to start trying to figure out what they all are.
4. Extra hours at work- This week I am getting 40 hours again. I am planning to get some stuff done with these extra checks. I want to try to get some Christmas stuff done up ahead of time.
5. Tomatoes- I noticed yesterday that 2 of the tomatoes on my tomato plant were starting to get red. I can't wait to taste the fresh tomatoes.

Job Hunting and Gratitude.

I have been applying for some jobs lately. I love love love my current job but it is only 20 hrs a week and I am expected to be on call in case something happens (which did this week so I got 40 hrs and next week will be getting 40 also) but normally I am not called in. So I can't really get another job although I am thinking of trying for a home aide. Basically you go in an elderly person's home and check on them, light cleaning and cooking and take them to dr's appts. I can do that a couple days a week assuming those days aren't wrote in stone.  But I have also applying for 4 full time jobs. 3 are with the state since they have such awesome benefits. I have only heard back from one of them so far and have an appointment on Monday. I am leaving it in God's hands and if I get it then I know its what He wants for me right now.
If you are job hunting I recommend Indeed you can create email alerts and they will email you every day with the new postings for your area. I like them because they pull from a wide variety of sources so you don't have to go to all the different job boards.

I am currently reading a book by Debbie Macomber called Thursdays at Eight and I saw something on a page that gave me an inspiration. I think I am going to try to remember every time I post to put 5 things I am grateful for. That way I can look back and remember my blessings and hopefully it will encourage me to express more gratitude in life.

1.  Being able to work more hours this week and next. I need the extra money right now.
2.  Water- will blog about this one day and share my experience.
3.  The car continuing to run. - I am so paranoid about this now.
4.  Grace- I am so thankful that I can experience God's Grace on a daily basis.
5. 3 lbs lost-. I have been trying real hard this week to exercise more by walking a bit each hour.  

Feeling out of control of my life

Its been over a month since I blogged. I just can't seem to get a handle on life lately. I am so frustrated since my daughter and her children moved in. I don't see a way she is ever going to be able to afford a place of her own to get out my house but they are driving me insane. I love my grandchildren dearly but I can honestly say I have never seen worse behaved children. They don't follow rules at all and will open defy you. No matter how many times you tell them not to do something, they still do it. Most of that results from my daughter's inconsistencies. Sometimes she whips them, sometimes she yells but she doesn't constantly enforce a rule. You have to every single time punish a child for breaking the rules not every other time. Plus she is bad for saying "you keep it up and no tv or whatever punishment" but she never follows through so that teaches the children that they can do whatever and there are no consequences. I have watched and taken care of a lot of children in my life and never have I seen the likes. There is no structure to their lives. No set meal times, bedtimes, etc so they just act all harem scarem. Its to the point now, that I just don't want to be around them at all because of how they act and I never thought I would feel that way about my grandchildren.  Between my daughter and the children they have trashed our home. They value nothing that belongs to us. There is no respect for people or things.  No one cleans up messes. Food in the floor, dishes never washed, toys to trip over, trash left wherever they get done with it. No one throws anything away. They have spilled stuff on every blanket, the pillows, the furniture. They walk on the furniture and no matter how much you yell, punish, or whip they still do it.  Every single thing in the house is treated as their belongings, they never ask to use anything regardless of what it is. I am sick to death of the television being on 24 hours a day.  It doesn't matter what it is, my daughter just hands the baby whatever she wants to play with just to shut her up. Children should be taught they can't have everything.  I want them out of my house but I can't see it happening since they have no where else to go and I can't let them live on the street but at this rate I will be living in the asylum.  I feel bad for my daughter being homeless but these are life choices she keeps making. She is the one who keeps getting pregnant. I am tired all the time from the constant aggravation, the constant noise and the filth at the house. Its all just too much for me. I have prayed for patience, strength, a solution for the housing and nothing has worked. I have yelled at the kids and my daughter and all of them just ignore whatever I say. I just feel like walking away from my life and leaving no forwarding address.

Frankie and the Voice

I am loving the grandbabies being at the house. They are always saying funny stuff. Here is the cutest little story about something that happened with my grandson. 

Here is a funny story about my 4 yr old grandson. One night I sent him to bed. He comes back and tells me there was a voice that told him to shhhhhhhhhhhh. I told him there wasn't anyone in the room and he must have imagined it. He came back in a minute to say it happened again. I offered various suggestions and he discounted each one. Finally I told him that maybe it was God talking to him. He tells me that God doesn't talk to little boys. I tell him the story of Samuel from the Bible (1 Samuel 3) and then I suggest again that maybe the voice was God. Frankie shakes his head nope and says it doesn't sound like God.  I just laughed and laughed. He was so serious.

Grandbabies

I haven't blogged in a few weeks because my youngest just moved back from Texas with her family and they have been staying here until they find jobs and a place to live. I love having the grandbabies here. I hadn't seen the 2 oldest in almost 3 years and the baby is only 9 months old so I had never seen her. We have had a blast going to the park and playing, reading and watching tv.

Spread the Love with Private Selection Upside Down Cakes

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Private Selection for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was raised to believe the family should eat dinner together. Its how I raised my children and grandchildren. And in our upbringing dinner just isn't complete unless there is a dessert with it. I love to cook and collect a variety of recipes but sometimes there just isn't time to make everything from scratch what with work, ball games and dance practice. So for those times I want something that still tastes as good or better than what I would have made. Thankfully a quick and easy dessert is always just around the corner at your local Kroger. Their  cakes can make even the most basic meals seem gourmet.   I like to keep a couple in the freezer in case I have drop in guests or even better for when the kids forget to tell you until 9:00 pm that you are signed up to bring a cake for the cakewalk at school tomorrow.  I will admit that sometimes when we are having a dinner at church, I just don't feel up to cooking but I hate taking the easy way. Some folks just go to a drive thru and bring stuff. I try to bring something that is delicious and quick.  Private Selection Upside Down Cakes fit that description.  I don't lie but I don't share the fact I didn't make the cake and so far no one has guessed any different :).

I like to stretch my dollars as far as possible so thats why I like the Private Selection brand at my Krogers. *Private Selection Upside Down Cakes are easy – just warm, flip and serve.
*The Private Selection brand is a premium private label brand carried exclusively at the Kroger Family of Stores and affiliated stores including: Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fry’s, Gerbes, Pay Less, QFC, JayC, King Soopers, Owen’s, Ralphs, Smith’s and Fred Meyer.

Private Selection Upside Down Cakes are premium quality without the premium price.
- Private Selection Upside Down Cakes come in 3 distinct flavors, so there is a cake for any taste.  German Chocolate Fudge – with the classically irresistible combination of gooey caramel, pecans and coconut; Double Chocolate Molten – prepared with real butter, eggs, milk, and the finest semi-sweet chocolate; and Amber Honey Apple Spice – topped with apple slices drenched in a sweet amber honey glaze.
- Private Selection Upside Down Cakes taste like homemade, thanks to only using the best ingredients. To find out where to buy one of these delicious cakes visit http://www.privateselection.com/store-locator/

Right now there is a Private Selection Upside Down Cakes couponPrivate Selection Upside Down Cakes on FacebookPrivate Selection Upside Down Cakes on Pinterest. Even better you don't have to print this coupon so you don't have to pay for paper, ink or lose the coupon. You just load this coupon directly on your store card. The coupon starts at $1.00 off coupon. but you can share the coupon via Facebook to receive a higher value, $2.00 off coupon.

Disclaimer:  Coupon ends 6/2/13. Official Rules. In order to load these coupons to your card, you will need to sign into your Kroger account or set up a Kroger account and enter your card number. Limit one use per digital coupon. Digital offers are not eligible on Manager's Specials, cannot be combined with manufacturer paper coupons on the purchase of a single item, and do not double. Not all items are available in all stores. A limit of 150 coupons can be loaded per household at one time.

Private Selections can be found on Facebook. and on Pinterest. I suggest following Private Selections on both sites so you can have access to recipe and entertaining ideas.

What are your quick and easy go to dessert ideas?

A winner announced

The giveaway on my site for a set of Woolzie balls has ended and the winner is Michelle K.  Michelle has 48 hours to get back with me with her mailing details or I will draw another winner.  I was pleased with the results of this giveaway. I had 61 entries for the giveaway. The first giveaway I had only had about 2 people enter.  Please check back in a couple weeks when I will have another giveaway for a new product on my blog.

Entry-Form

To Be Loved by Michael Buble

  I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Everyone's favorite Canadian crooner is back again, finding his harmony while making his way through the American songbook (and looking oh-so dapper in a suit)!

     I have been seeing a lot of commercials for Michael Buble lately and then I got an offer to review his latest album. To Be Loved, out now, finds the Grammy winner covering songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, and more. In the mix of golden standards are four original songs co-written by Bublé, dipping into his personal life for inspiration.
     Michael's music reminds me of Harry Connick Jr's with a jazzy, big band sound of music from the Rat Pack era. My daughter absolutely loved Michael's music. He is her new favorite. I thought he had a very nice sounding voice and I liked the songs even though this isn't my style of music. I was surprised to discover this is Michael's 7th cd and I have only just heard of him. Amanda has played this cd so much I am surprised she hasn't worn it out.  My favorite song was "To Love Somebody" and Amanda loved every single one so she can't pick a favorite. She now wants all of his cds.
     These are good times for the singer, who is about to become a first-time dad. He sounds like a man in love with life. "I wrote Close Your Eyes about my wife and about the power of all the women in my life—my sisters, my mom, my grandma and all women in general. Let’s face it, where would we be without them? I Got It Easy, another original, is basically a song where I count my blessings and is a reminder to me and everyone to appreciate all the good parts of life. I’m a very lucky guy and I never want to forget it."

     If you are looking for some happy, feel good music, then this is the CD for you!  Michael's happiness with his life comes through loud and clear on this album.  If you are still looking for a special gift to give your mom, why not consider picking up "To Be Loved" on CD from Michael Bublé today? I know my own mother would love this cd.  I can't wait to hear more of his music myself.

"I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," Michael says. "The album swings big time: it rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."

To Be Loved Track Listing:
1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"
2. "It's a Beautiful Day"
3. "To Love Somebody"
4. "Who's Lovin You"
5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)
6. "Come Dance with Me"
7. "Close Your Eyes"
8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)
9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)
10. "To Be Loved"
11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"
12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)
13. "I Got It Easy"
14. "Young at Heart"

To Be Loved is available now on iTunes and Amazon instant download. Also, in retail stores where CDs are sold.

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Johnsonville Kielbasa

Thanks to Bzz I was able to try out Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa for the first time. My daughter was already a fan but I just didn't think it was something I would like so I hadn't tried it. I got a coupon for a free package so me being me, I can't turn down free so I bought some to try. I also got some coupons for $1 off that I passed out to some friends so they could try out Johnsonville's Dinner Sausages on their own.

I wasn't sure how exactly to fix dinner sausage so I went to Pinterest to find some good recipes. The recipe I choose to make with a few modifications was Grandpa's Sauerkraut and Kielbasa. It reminded me of a dish we used to make all the time growing up. I cut the kielbasa into smaller pieces than the recipe called for. I liked it fixed this way. Mandi wanted to try it out in some macaroni and cheese so we fixed some of that the next day. I can't decide which way I preferred it since both were so good. For me, both sauerkraut and macaroni and cheese are comfort foods because they are foods I had growing up. I did like it quite a bit with the creamy macaroni and cheese so I am declaring it a tie. I am thankfully to Johnsonville for giving me the opportunity to try out the kielbasa and I am glad I am a Bzzagent so I can try out new products for free to see if I like them.

Johnsonville is a hit at our house and will be on the menu again. Its a quick and easy meal for those times when I am busy. Its faster than takeout and certainly cheaper and better for my family so I like that a lot.

Review and Giveaway Woolzie Balls

Day 1- Blog Winning Etiquette

Day 2- Where to find blog giveaways

Day 3-Means of entry

Day 4- My list of pet peeves about giveaways

Day 5- Review and Giveaway of my own.

Review

 I have wanted to try the Woolzie balls for at least 4 years now. I wasn't ever able to win them, no matter how many contests I entered. Thankfully I was given the opportunity to review them on my blog.

As soon as I got the Woolzie balls, I started doing laundry. One of the things I really wanted to test was the claims of reduced drying time. Everyone kept bragging about this but I am always inclined to not believe it unless I try it myself. Well they didn't lie. I washed a load of towels and put them in the dryer for 20 minutes less time. When the dryer kicked off the towels were dry and soft and fluffy.  That will help out on the electric, which is great since the electric company just got a raise. My daughter really liked the towels because she said they actually smelled fresh and clean as if they had been line dried.

 I don't normally use fabric softener because I have read about all the chemicals in them. I am trying to become greener in our daily lives. Woolzie balls are 100% natural wool, no chemicals and they are made by hand.  If you want to add some scent you can add a couple of drops of essential oil to one or 2 of the balls. Then if you get tired of the scent you just leave those balls out. Some people have said these are noiseless but I found that to not be true. You can't hear them thumping from all the rooms but if you are close by you can hear them bouncing around in the dryer. It wasn't loud enough to be annoying though.

I have learned that I have to make sure the balls are not trapped in the clothes when I get them out of the dryer. The first time I didn't, I dropped one and my dog Maxine was off and running with it :). To her it was the same as one of the balls we buy her. We were able to retrieve it unharmed. I was really relieved that there were no chemicals in the balls to harm Maxine though.

WOOLZIES are guaranteed to last for 1,000 loads or your money back. Each box of WOOLZIES contains 6 handmade woolen dryer balls. The cost per box is $34.95 with FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii.  This works out to less than .04 cents per use. I have read of people having these for 3 yrs or more. That's a long time to not have to buy and store fabric softeners. After using them for a week, I can honestly say, I love Woolzie balls and am so glad I got to try them. I will be using them from now on.

GIVEAWAY

The makers of Woolzie Balls have generously offered to provide one reader of Butterfly Acres with a box of 6 Woolzies of their own ($35 value). Giveaway opens on May 3rd 2013 and will end on May 10th 2013 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address. If the winner does not respond I will choose another winner. Giveaway is open to US only.

To enter simply fill out the entry form below!

Entry-Form

Disclosure:

The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency.The product(s) offered for the giveaway are free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and not by any means influenced by any other part. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"  

My Pet Peeves with Blog Hosts

Day 1- Blog Winning Etiquette

Day 2- Where to find blog giveaways

Day 3-Means of entry

Day 4- My list of pet peeves about giveaways

Day 5- Review and Giveaway of my own.

My Pet Peeves with Blog Hosts

I realize I am getting something from the host but they are also getting something from me. They need the numbers that the contest entry brings. I try not to complain too much but these are just some things that annoy me and I think are inconsiderate of the hosts. Some hosts are super nice and are just a dream to enter their giveaways and some are pains. I don't go back to the sites of the pains. 

1. Mandatory entries- I really hate these. I mean if the person wants the prize they are obviously going to enter as many ways they can.  I really really hate when the mandatory entry is email follow. I get so much email now, that I am going to tell you I delete all emails from blogs usually. I just don't have the time considering the volume. I do however go through and try to read the blog entries from bloglovin. So if an email follow is required then I just don't enter. I don't need junk cluttering my email up. Plus I am not going to read it so why require it. I just don't do well when I am forced to do something. I can see offering lots of ways to get entries, but don't make them mandatory. Let's face it, if you make the mandatory entry a Facebook like and the person doesn't have an account and sets one up just because of your giveaway, their live has changed forever because they get sucked into the void :>

2. Blog owners that think their time is more valuable than mine. It annoys me the blog owners that won't email you to say you have won. They only post it on their site and if you miss it, oh well. I'm sorry but I have a life also and I can't always make it back to your blog every single day to know if I won or not. Plus I enter an easy 100 giveaways a day. Yes I do go back and read a lot of blogs but some days I just don't get to it or am not in the mood. So you expect me to come back to read your blog but your time is so precious you can't take 1 minute to email a winner? 

3. Captcha- I think some days I might become a serial killer and go around killing folks who require captcha :). My eyes aren't what they used to be so those things are so hard for me to read. I usually have to refresh over and over just to find one that I can read. I normally won't comment on any blog that has them. I have to really want the prize and then I will usually only enter once. Plus with my fibro all that extra typing hurts.  Oh and don't get me started on the ones that have captchas and still moderate. OMG can you tell I really really hate captchas.

4.  I know some folks only have a giveaway once in a blue moon so this really isn't towards them. But if you have a lot of giveaways, why are you still requiring a comment for each and every entry. Example would be to comment you follow on Facebook, comment you follow on Twitter, comment you tweeted, etc... Do you know how much typing that is on fingers that already hurt. It is so much easier to click a button and enter. Please consider using a giveaway form for your next giveaway.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PEEVES ABOUT GIVEAWAYS?

Blog Giveaways- Means of Entry

Day 1- Blog Winning Etiquette

Day 2- Where to find blog giveaways

Day 3-Means of entry

Day 4- My list of pet peeves about giveaways

Day 5- Review and Giveaway of my own.

Today I am going to talk about various entries into the blog giveaways. Right off I am going to tell you my favorite giveaways use either Rafflecopter or Giveaway Tools. I have Fibromyalgia and some days typing is hard for me. I like the click a button to enter forms. Below are the most common entry means.

1. Comments- some blogs require a comment and some don't. Usually the comment involves visiting the sponsor's site and looking around. Considering you want something from them, it isn't a lot to ask. 

2. Following on social media- you really should have a Facebook account, Twitter, Klout, Instagram, Pinterst, etc... as these are extra entries

A- Facebook likes- Giveaways are a form of advertising so the sponsor would appreciate a like as would the blog host. Remember the higher the numbers for the host, the more giveaways they are able to offer. It's all about the numbers, folks. If no one reads your blog, then no one is going to want to advertise with your blog.

B.  Twitter- A lot of giveaways want you to tweet about the giveaway for extra entries. This way your followers can see and hear about it also. Often they ask you to follow both the sponsor and the host site.

C. Klout- Some offer entries if you give them Klout. Klout is a site that helps you connect with sponsors. I haven't mastered this one yet even though I have a Klout account. 

D. Instagram- I do not have an Instagram site nor do I have plans to get one anytime soon so can't help you here.

E. Pinterst- this one is really growing right now. Some hosts want you to follow them and the sponsor. Some want you to pin the giveaway. 

3. Following on GFC and Bloglovin- Google Friends Connect is going away in a couple of months but a lot of giveaways still use it. I love Bloglovin personally. Its easy to use and keep up with. Once again its about the numbers. The higher the following on these, the better and more giveaways that can be offered. Plus if you follow the blog, you will know when they offer more giveaways.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY METHODS?

How to Find Blog Giveaways

 

Day 1- Blog Winning Etiquette

Day 2- Where to find blog giveaways

Day 3-Means of entry

Day 4- My list of pet peeves about giveaways

Day 5- Review and Giveaway of my own. 

   The most important is how to find the giveaways and there are so many ways to find them that I am devoting this post just on finding blog giveaways.

1. Search Engine- I personally use Swagbucks so I can earn points for giftcards but you can use any of them.

      A. you can search "blog giveaways" "blog contests" or similar words

      B. Once you have found a prize you know you want, you can search for blogs offering that prize. An example would be "Totinos Prize Pack giveaway" (I really wanted the salt and pepper shaker set) this would bring up a huge list of sites (not all of them blogs) that offered such a prize. I try to limit the results by putting in the current month and year such as "Totinos Prize Pack giveaway April 2013".  Most blog contests are only a month at the most so that helps filter it to more recent results. Obviously the more giveaways you enter for a specific prize increases your odds of winning that prize. (beware that if the prize comes from the sponsor they will only let you win once)

2. Facebook- I enter quite a few that I see posted by people I follow. Also you can go to the sponsor of a giveaway and sometimes you will find posts from other folks with a giveaway for that product.

3. Twitter- Once again I will search twitter for specific words such as "Totinos Prize Pack", thankfully Twitter will bring up the most recent tweets first. Once you search be sure to look on the top left hand side of the page and select tweets as opposed to people. Most blog giveaways offer an entry for tweeting so you can find tons of giveaways just from searching people's tweets.

4.  Blog- once you have found a few blogs that do giveaways you can get really creative on searching each individual blog. There are a number of ways to find other giveaways on a blog.

A. Giveaway Heading or Listing- If the blog offers frequent giveaways, then most likely they have a header button called giveaways or else they list all current giveaways on the side of the blog.

B. Comments- If the comment has a "comment luv" button to show the commenter's last blog post (assuming they blog) then read over those to see if their last post was a giveaway. I have found more than a few this way.

C. Blog rolls- Some bloggers have a blog roll of blogs they follow. Some of the blog rolls will show the most recent post for that blog. I read over those to see if any of them just listed a giveaway. Once again, I have found quite a few this way.

D. Blog hops- Some of the giveaways are hops. Hops are basically a group of bloggers posting about a particular topic or theme. Most of the time there is one blog that is the sponsor blog and they are offering the bigger prize but the follower blogs offer their own individual prizes that are smaller in value. Usually I will enter every blog listed on the hop in hopes of winning.

E. Giveaway linkies- A number of bloggers offer a giveaway linkie on their page. A linkie is a place that other bloggers can list their giveaways. So out of one post you can conceivably find hundreds of giveaways. Some linkies have huge listings and some have a few. Often you will find the giveaway listed on a bunch of different sites.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR FINDING GIVEAWAYS?

Winning Blog Giveaways

I have been winning so many wonderful prizes lately and everyone's reaction is how do you get all this stuff that I thought I would write a series on blog giveaways. I will end up on Friday with a review and giveaway of my own. Below is a picture of just a few of the prizes I have won.

This series is just about my experiences and won't guarantee you a win. I am going to let you know up front, right now I have no job and since I am not married or dating, I have a lot of free time so I spend hours (and I do mean hours) entering giveaways. You aren't going to win something every day or even every week if you only enter here or there. But don't be intimidated, you can still win. Every entry has just as much chance of winning as the next person's. 

The reason I enter blog giveaways is because they offer fun, unique prizes that I can't buy elsewhere or can't afford. Or I get to try new products as soon as they come out. 

Day 1- Blog Winning Etiquette

Day 2- Where to find blog giveaways

Day 3-Means of entry

Day 4- My list of pet peeves about giveaways

Day 5- Review and Giveaway of my own.

Some blog winning etiquette.  

1. I never enter a blog giveaway for a prize that I don't want or can't use. That's not to say that I don't sometimes give my prize as a gift to a friend. I have seen bloggers who talk about someone winning a prize and then asking them if they can use their picture of the prize to sell it on Ebay or something similar. Personally I think thats wrong. If you can't use the item or don't want it, then don't enter the contest. That way someone who does want the prize will get it.  

2. Don't Cheat- I can't stress this enough. If a comment is mandatory before you can click the other ways to enter, then really comment. I see some giveaways where the first mandatory entry is a comment and it will have hundreds of entries and only about 5 comments. If you say you are following then really follow. Blog owners don't just offer these giveaways out of the goodness of their hearts. They get the giveaway offers based on number of followers and visitors. So if you want there to continue to be prizes and bigger and better prizes then follow the rules. 

3. When and if you win, thank the person hosting the giveaway. Even if the prize was sponsored, they still took their time to host it. Politeness won't kill you. I like to thank the person when I win and again once I receive the prize. 

4. When and if you win, give some form of shout out to the host. If you only win once in a blue moon then do a post with a link back to the host. I keep a giveaway listing on my site that shows what I have won with a link back to the site. 

5. Comment on the winning post. I try to always go back to the site and comment and say thanks. This lets them know that you have responded to their email also. You know sometimes mail gets lost in cyberspace. 

6. Email when you get the prize. I am sure many folks email complaining that it takes too long to get their prize and the likes. I try to email so the blog owner can know they are completely done with that contest. 

7. Wait- some prizes take a while to get to you and some come right away. I have gotten some as soon as 2 days later but most take longer. If its coming from the sponsor, they may have a set schedule for mailing out. I usually wait 30 days. If I haven't gotten the prize or an email from the blog host saying they had an issue then I will send an email to the blog host asking them to please check on the prize. Sometimes things do get lost in the mail. 

8. Save all your emails. The one from the host letting you know you won, the ones you sent them. Once I get the prize and have sent my final email then I delete but if there is a problem it helps to have the emails so you can reference them. 

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU CONSIDER TO BE BLOG WINNING ETIQUETTE?

RIP George Jones

My heart just broke this morning when I got up and saw that George Jones had passed away. I know he was 81 and had lived a hectic life but I just loved him. I grew up watching and listening to George Jones over the years. I love all the old country legends. Many many a time I have gotten through a breakup listening to George Jones. Once, my aunt told me if she had to hear "He stopped loving her today" then she would be forced to stab me.  I sure am going to miss the Ole Possum.


This is probably my favorite song by George. Its on about every cd that I own.




This song sums up how I feel about new country. Its ok but they have some big big shoes to fill. The heart of country music skipped a beat today April 26, 2013.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 90

I swear this year I can't seem to get it together long enough to get any of the memes done. Of course right now I am not online much since my laptop is still down. I am very frustrated with the company I ordered the replacement cord with. I get the cord and the connection where the 2 piece plug into the adapter doesn't fit right and its not charging my laptop at all so I email the company and tell them the piece that goes from the wall to the adapter doesn't fit right so they send a long email back basically saying they are sending me a replacement part. At this point in the I admit I did not notice they said they were sending a 2 plug cord for the adapter, I just see they are sending a replacement. I get the replacement and it doesn't fit at all. I needed a 3 prong replacement. The piece they sent would have fit my original laptop cord but it wasn't the part that was bad on my old cord so it did me no good. I email to tell them it doesn't fit and how I needed a 3 prong adapter. At which point they point out rather rudely that the email had said they were sending the 2 plug cord and if I want a replacement I have to pay shipping this time.  Naturally I get mad and tell them I am not paying shipping, its not my fault they have no clue what cord they sent me and that basically I just want to return all this crap and get my money back. So they shoot an email back going on about which of the different 3 prong cords do I need and don't mention shipping but honestly I am just tired of fooling with them and want to complain to Amazon about it.  Ok done ranting now :)

QUESTIONS

1. Do you prefer to drive or be driven?
2. What's your favorite kind of jam, jelly, or preserve?
3. Do you have any special plans for this spring or summer?
4. Lots of folks are becoming aware of issues with food. There are many articles, books, and movies on topics like allergies, GMO, pesticide use, bad or no labeling, over processed foods, foods from other countries that may not have high standards, and many more topics. What concerns you the most? If nothing concerns you, have a cookie and skip to the next question.
5. Do you use nail polish often? Finger nails, piggies, or both?

ANSWERS

 1. I like driving and I prefer to drive mostly because I have trust issues and don't like other peoples driving. My ex was an alcoholic who didn't allow me to have a license and I had no choice but to ride with him and he managed to wreck about every year we were married. 

2. I love strawberry jam, love blackberry jam but it has to have the seeds, I don't get why anyone wouldn't want the seeds, to me thats jelly not jam and I really like Concord grape jelly. 

3. Well today we are going morel hunting. And really my only big plan seems to be planting my tomato plants.

4. chemicals and all the additives. I wish I had the space and equip to grow all my own produce. I would grow what we can eat and can a lot so we wouldn't have to buy all that stuff that seems to keep being recalled. 

5. I love to paint my finger nails but can't manage to reach my toes due to some health issues. I like my toes planted but since I hate the shape of my toes it doesn't really matter. My fingernails I paint all the time as a matter of fact I won some beautiful polishes yesterday.

Friday's Free E-books plus a few samples

I am so frustrated without my laptop. I ordered a cord and it didn't work. The replacement cord is supposed to be on the USPS truck for delivery today so I am hoping and praying for the best. I feel lost without my laptop and my normal files.

Here are some things I found online this morning.

The Seasons on Henry's Farm: A Year of Food and Life on a Sustainable Farm- 

My dream is to own a farm and to get off the grid. I want to be self supporting and this book is right up my alley :).

The Four Week Financial Turnaround- Frugal is my middle name.

Bloodline: Ultimate Fifth Avenue Novels Box Set (The Fifth Avenue Series)

Ageless Beauty & Timeless Strength: A women's guide to building upper body strength without any special equipment

 Reckless Nights in Rome (A Ludlow Hall Story)

A Bride for Pastor Dan (Parkside Community Church)

 

Christianish: What If We're Not Really Following Jesus at All?

Here is a really good deal on All You magazine.  I love this magazine for the coupons alone but they have great money saving articles also. You can get a year for 400 points from Recyclebank. If you don't have an account already just join today and you can earn 300 points by clicking on all the timeline years 1970, 1980 and 1990 and they offer points all the time. Surf through ways to earn and you might come across a few more.  

Fancy Feast Friday- get a sample of Fancy Feast 

Olay Fresh Effects Cleanser sample.  

Thanking God for His mercy and grace

Today I woke up so grateful to God for His mercy and grace. I am thankful that even when we don't know what to specifically pray for, the Holy Spirit prays for us. When I got up yesterday morning, I did not know to pray that if a fertilizer plant were to blow up that my daughter and grandchildren would be safe but God knew the need was there. My daily prayer is for the safely of my family and yesterday God delivered that. My granddaughter has dance lessons just a few buildings below the site of the explosion. She missed dance class for church. I prayed all night because my daughter doesn't have a home phone, only a cell and it doesn't get signal in her house. Joy came in the morning with her call to let me know everyone was safe and sound. The explosion was a terrible thing but it could have been so much worse. Had it happened in the day time when the workers were there, when the children were in school next door, the casualty rate would be so much higher.

This has been a hard week for America first with the Boston Marathon bombing and now this explosion in West Texas. But in both cases it could have been so much worse than it was. I know that doesn't comfort those who did lose loved ones or who's lives have been forever changed. Sadly this world is full of evil and bad things happen daily. John 16:33 tells us “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”The only thing we can do is trust in the Word of God and live for the next world where He is in control and we live eternally in peace.

Things happen  in a split second sometimes and we don't have time to make things right with family, friends or God so thats why it pays to always been ready. Always be watching for the Lord's return, always leave things with family and friends so that you can live with it for all eternity if need be. Tell your babies you love them often, kiss your spouse good bye every morning and ask forgiveness throughout the day.

Win a Kindle Fire HD Giveaway

There is no doubt that Isabelle Thornton of Le Chateau des Fleurs is talented.  This French-girl-gone-Utah has a wildly popular blog full of interesting DIY posts, photography, giveaways, and great reviews.  Aside from being an awesome blogger, she also creates fun apps for phones.  Previously her "Make Me Skinny" or Bon Bon app has kept many entertained as they edited and adjusted photos on their iPhones, and now I'm excited to announce she's released an entirely new app!  This one is different, and for Android!





Let's face it, sometimes you spend more time with your smart phone than you do with your spouse, friends, coworkers, and family... You sleep with it, eat with it, and admit it-you take it to the bathroom with you!  With Smartphone DNA you are creating a new kind of experience with your Smartphone.


What is Smartphone DNA?  
Smartphone DNA is an app dedicated to Twitter users, and it allows you to collect your Twitter DNA via your Android phone, and then compare it against other twitter users to see how much you match!  This is a great way to locate new Twitter friends that have things in common with you! 


How it works:
Smartphone DNA shows you a list of apps you currently have installed.
You select the apps you want to share as part of your DNA
Smartphone DNA shows you how closely you match the DNA of other users.

Smartphone DNA is 100% secure and controlled by you.

Win a Kindle Fire HD

To celebrate the release of Smartphone DNA, Isabelle is offering one lucky newsletter subscriber  a brand new Kindle Fire HD!  Can you say wow?  This is the reader of all readers-with a 7" full color HD display, exclusive Dolby audio, and ultra-fast WiFi it's top of the line.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to have one for yourself!  Follow the break to enter the giveaway:

Prayers for Boston

Tragedy struck today near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. 2 possible bombs went off killing 2 people and injuring 28. I read they have found 2 more bombs so far and are dismantling them :(. I just don't know what this world is coming to. For many people being part of the Boston Marathon is a life goal and now for some awful horrible person or people to do such a thing. Vengance is mine saith the Lord and I hope he recompenses those evil people. Those people are cowards who hide behind bombs instead of coming forth to face their actions.   Praying for all those affected by this senseless tragedy.

BOSTON! For families call: 617-635-4500 and if you've seen anything please call: 1800-494 TIPS #boston #hotline