Christmas is Coming, the goose is getting fat...(contest continues)

Well, we don't eat Goose around here, but a great big turkey will do the trick. The Christmas Season is fast approaching (only 86 days) so there are a few things I've decided to start doing. At the beginning of the year I started saving for my "Freebie Christmas" And I have done quite well, though I know of others (on Frugal) who are doing wonderful. I have over $300 is giftcards and free Items that I have received to put towards my freebie Christmas. Unfortunately, that's not quite enough. My "Freebie Christmas" can be tracked on Our Family Christmas Blog. Throughout the season I will be posting many crafts that I come upon over there as well.

I have started a cross stitch Christmas Stocking for my son, It has is picture on it. Yesterday I picked up The Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas magazine and it has a lot of great Ideas for crafting through the holidays and wonderful gift Ideas too. You can sign up for "100 days of holidays" From Better Homes and Gardens and get daily emails of great crafts and recipes for all the upcoming holidays. As I do some of these crafts, I will post them on Our Family Christmas Blog, so make sure to go over and check them out. (If I do them well, I may be able to give a few away as well.)

I also went to our local used book store and purchased a bunch of Martha Stewart Christmas magazines from the past. I do have to admit, Martha Magazines are timeless. There isn't a Tacky thing in those and some of them are 12 years old.

I have started my Christmas Card List, as well as my Christmas Gift list. These get longer every day. I am always on the hunt for unique gifts and cards to send out to family and friends. So if you come across something please direct me there.

Keep watching "Our Family Christmas" for Great Recipe and Crafting Idea's for all the upcoming holidays"

Remember that any comments will be added into the draw for the free mani/peti from the Herbal Essences promotion.

Sunday Freebie Recap and Contest Continues and a Hurricane

What did your mailman bring you this week??

This week was ok, not great, but ok. We received an OB tampon sample with a cute little case. A $10 Kent Giftcard from MooseHead Premium Dry and a Five Star 1 Subject notebook from Mead Money Maddness.



Right now Hurricane Kyle is just starting to hit us here in Nova Scotia. I'm not sure how much online time I'll get tonight as their is a huge chance of the power going out. To everyone in the storms path, please stay safe.

Contest continues for the Free Mani/Peti voucher from the Herbal Essences Promotion. Any comments posted will be entered into a draw. Contest Closes on October 5th @ 9pm Atlantic Time. Good Luck Everyone.

Give Away Saturday.... (contest continues)

Well, it's Saturday... Once again.

Now, I don't have a give away myself (besides the ongoing one for the mani/peti) , but I have found a few I'd like to pass on to you.

First of all, while browsing the blogs I enjoy reading I came upon a great give away. You can find it over at Everything Up Close. The Give Away is to Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Michelle Christina Online store. Michelle Christina offers many beautiful wall decals and Laptop Skins. Below is one of my favorites. (This is one contest I would love to win)
The Giveaway ends on Oct 1st and the Winner gets to pick any one thing from the Michelle Christina Store Valued @ $25.00 or less. Good Luck to All!! Check out all the details at Everything Up Close.

The Second Giveaway I've come to find is over at Posh Point of View. Seventh Generation is giving away a set of their Green Products. All you have to do to enter is go over to Posh Point of View and comment on their blog about which product you'd like to try. Go Check it out at Posh Point of View.

Remember that all comments will be entered into a draw for a free mani/peti voucher from the Herbal Essences Promotion.

TOYS!!! (Contest Continues)

With the pending Holiday/Toy Season quickly approaching I decided it was time to go through the toys that belong to my dear Ben. Well, for an only child, he has enough toys to run a daycare. I have bought many, as well as family and then the hand me downs. I just don't know what to do with them all. Ben is 3, He has the Lego from when I was a kid (Lots, I loved the stuff). But he's really too young to put it to good use. But, at least once a week, it all gets dumped over the floor and mommy is left to pick it all up. Ben has 2 Little People sets that are very lonely as he isn't even remotely interested in them. He/I have a Thomas Train Set (Huge) that I've been buying since he was born. I love train sets, and he is just starting to get interested in this. Ben has so many books that I think it's time to donate some. Ben is a puzzle freak, he loves them. He has 5 or 6 different puzzles that are all mixed up. Ben has a basket full of play food, but no kitchen to play with it in, a basket full of dinky cars, a basket full of play tools (for being like daddy) and a basket full of McDonalds toys and figurines. (Ben just walked out of his room, talking on a play phone and told me that Santa was bringing him presents for Christmas time) Some of Ben's Favorite toys are:(1) LeapFrog Click Start, He got this one last year for Christmas and he still loves it. I'll have to add a new Click Start Game to his Christmas List.
(2) Backyardagains Ghettoblaster with microphone. (He's very musical and loves to sing) His Webkinz (He has 8 or 9).

Lol, I am so overwhelmed with toys right now, I don't want to even think about what Christmas is going to be like. I think what ever loot he gets I will only bring out a few things until we move and have our own space again. When he has his own room, It wont feel like quite so much.


#1 - Put Lego away until Ben is older
#2 - Take Little People sets to Baby Consignment Shop
#3 - Make room for Thomas Train Set.
#4 - Sort Books and Donate/Sell them
#5 - Sort out Puzzles, discard (recycle) any that are missing pieces.
#6 - Add new ClickStart Game to Ben's Christmas List.

Remember that all comments will be entered into a draw for a free mani/peti voucher from the Herbal Essences Promotion.

When to stop. Christmas Crafts, Freebies received.

I've decided that I'm going to steer away from the website I was building. I just don't have time. There are a lot of things I enjoy doing, Including the building of the website. But I need to pick my priorities. (I wonder if hosting companies give refunds?) I'll have to call them. Since I'm working way too many hours per week, and missing my boy way too much. The website is something I'm going to give up.

I've started a new project... I'm making Ben a Christmas Stocking. I searched for days looking for the perfect pattern. With no luck. With a little help from JodyB, I've come up with my own pattern using a program I purchased online. It's called PCStitch7, and it allows you to take any picture and turn it into a cross stitch pattern. I decided to use a picture of Ben that we had done at Walmart. It can be seen on my Family Christmas Blog.

I have to say it was a slow week for Freebies. This week I received White Board Markers and a two gift cards, $10 Starbucks & $10 Walmart. Hoping for some great ones this week.

Don't forget, any comments get entered into a draw for a free mani/peti.

Oh!! and as for my list of things to do on my day off {previous entry} I was able to accomplish most of the cooking. But the housework didn't get finished. Actually it's still sitting there waiting for me. I don't have time once again to finish it as I have to leave for the Bus Stop in an hour, and we're all still in our PJ's.

Have a great one!

And Finally, A Day Off ...What's For Supper

I am so happy to finally have a day off. I have a lot I want to accomplish, so I thought I might try to plan my day out here.

I want to make at least 3 different suppers and freeze them, with Mommy and Daddy working 90+ hours a week between us, Ben has not had the healthiest of meals. (And neither have we) So, I am going to attempt have suppers cooked so the nights that I works wont be so rotten for Ben.

I plan to make...

Beef Stew (Nanny's Recipe)
Stewing Beef (brown with onion then let boil to make a broth)
1 Large Onion
Carrots
Parsnips
Turnip
Potatoes
Cabbage

Sheppards Pie
Ground Beef & Gravy
1 Onion
1 Can Mushrooms
Potatoes
Peas
Carrots
Sour Cream
Cheddar Cheese

I haven't decided on the third, Possibly Scalloped Potatoes, Goulash, or Chicken Casserole.

If anyone has any great freeze ahead recipes, I'd love to hear them.

I do need to purchase some containers for storing all the extra food, and a labeling system. But I am confident that this shouldn't be an issue.

So my plan for tomorrow is

Up at 8am (it's 1:20am now)
Morning Routines - Drive Daddy to work for 9am
Go to ACA country store (Utility Turkey on for 1.29lb) I haven't been there, gonna check out a few other things too!
Go to Averys Farm Market and Check for reduced Produce
Take Ben to the park for an hour. Play and Garbage Clean Up
Pick up paycheck and go to bank.
Go to SuperStore for some sale Items and reduced Produce
Go to Dollarama for food containers and aluminum foil (I cant forget this) oh, and labels too.
Have Lunch @ Pizza Hut.
Go home and start cooking/cleaning.
Laundry
Beds
Floors
Fridge
Dishes (I did do them tonight so I wouldn't have to start the day off behind tomorrow)
Pick Daddy up at 6
Home for Supper
After Supper Clean up (dishes, tables, floors)
Bath time for Ben
Story Time
Bed Time (Ben)
Finish Laundry
General Clean Up
Shower
Bed

Wow I didn't think it was that long. Wish me good luck. Like I say in my profile, ask me tomorrow if I got everything done today. :-)

Well, maybe since I shared my plan, I will stick to it a little better than normal

My Trip to the Dentist (Contest Continues)

Well, as some of you know, I went to the dentist yesterday for the first time in 17 years. I know, that's horrible of me, considering we've had a decent dental plan for at least the last 2 years, if not a little longer. So my first visit included counting of my teeth, an x-ray on each side, and a counting of cavities. LOL, I'm ashamed to say that I have 7 cavities. And they say I'll need at least 3 cleanings. Thank goodness for the plan. EVERYTHING is covered!!! They quoted me $685.00 for the fillings I will need. Plus the cleanings. Yesterdays Appointment was $72.00 - again covered.

Now, we pay out of our bums for this plan, $160/month. But, right now, it is completely worth it. Now, I just have to try and get as many of these appointments in this year as possible, That way Jan 1, I get to start over again. YeAh!!!

So, wish me luck, and hopefully it will be painless. LoL

Remember, all comments get entered into the draw for the Free mani/peti.

What a busy weekend Mixing a few posts into one! Contest winner, and a new contest!!

I have to say, I have not been so tired as I am right now in a long time. As some of you know, I have recently taken over my step fathers Billiards Club. My working hours have more than doubled, and I am tired. I have to ask, how do people who work full time with young kids do it?? My space is a mess. My laundry pile has gone from my knees to my waist. I've made 1 home cooked meal in the last week. (And boy was it yummy) And most of all, I miss Ben. For the last year and a half I've worked 3 days a week, though 12 hour days. Now I'm working 6 days a week, with at least one of those days being 12 hours. With a lack of child care, it isn't easy. Ben has been coming to work with me in the afternoons, and going home with Daddy when he gets off work. I do have a babysitter when she gets off school and weekends. And I pay her well, or I think I do. ($5 per hour and she's 14) (which means I'm working for $3.50 an hour when she's watching him) Daddy is dead set against daycare because we had a bad encounter about 6 months ago. On Ben's second day, he got out of the school and into the yard. The school was located on a busy street. When they couldn't find him did they call me?? NO. They found him and got mad at him for getting out. I had prewarned them that he is extremely cleaver, and that at first he would need to be watched. I also said if they couldn't handle that to let me know and I wouldn't leave him there. So anyway. When I went to pick him up, he was crying. (to be expected, it was only his second day) Do you think they told me about him escaping when I picked him up?? NO, Ben told us later that night. He said "The teacher was mad at me" we said "Why" He said "Because I went outside by myself" we said "WHAT!!" (Reminding him that he wasn't to go outside alone) The next day I called the daycare, and confronted them on the situation. They had nothing to say. I asked why I wasn't told, and they really couldn't give me an answer. So, that's why daycare isn't an option right now. Not only is Ben still scared from the encounter, Daddy isn't to keen on trying again either.

Sorry for the long rant!!!

Corey and I did complete a task last night. We got the dart boards up at the Club. We used 2 sheets of plywood, and covered them with carpet. Attached them to the wall and hung the dart boards. It came out really well!! I also had enough carpet left over for a runner at the front door.

Ok, so the winner of last weeks contest is....Andrea2u
Andrea, you have won your choice of a $10 e.l.f. ecard, or e.l.f. lipgloss in the pic ---->

Please email me at abusymommyonthego[at]gmail[dot]com

Please note if you choose the e.l.f. ecard, shipping to Canada is $14.95.

Ouch, I know. I didn't realize this at first.


OK, and last of all, Freebie Recap for last week, and a new contest. I know, I'm a day late.

I didn't get a whole lot of goodies last week, but I did get some coffee. Buzz Agent offered a great campaign this time. 2 cans of Nabob Coffee, Breakfast Blend and Full City. I myself would have to say the Full City is way to strong for me, but I found the Breakfast Blend to be quite nice. I don't dring a lot of coffee, more of a Red Rose girl myself, but I have to say, I did enjoy the Breakfast Blend, and will keep it in my cupboard for myself and company. Included in the package was seven $2 off coupons for Nabob Coffee and 3 Plantable Cards. I think I may plant them in the coffee containers when they're empty.

If anyone would like one of the $2 coupons, Please email me at abusymommyonthego[at]gmail[dot]com I have 7 looking for homes. The only thing I ask for in return is for you to let me know how you liked it!!

So, this weeks prize will be a little different, we're going to run this contest for 3 weeks, (it's a good prize) Starts today and ends on Sunday October 5th. This prize is....----> A free mani or peti.

I received this from the Herbal Essences Promotion (this promo is still going) but the closest place to me to get it done is a longer drive than it's worth (for me).

You can enter once per day, all you have to do is leave a comment on my blog. You can earn an extra entry per week by blogging about this contest on your own blog. Easy Peasy!!

Good luck to all.

New Winner for last weeks contest( And this weeks contest continues).

Due to a lack of response from last weeks Freebie Recap Contest, a new winner has been drawn from the remaining contestants. Ben has picked imanoptimisticbeauty to be the winner. Congratulations Jamie. Do you have a Lush close to you?? The contest was for a $10 Lush e/giftcard. Might I suggest the gift card as I just received an order from lush and HOLY OVER PACKAGING. I tiny little box came inside a box twice the size of a shoe box. I'm going to make it a little better. You can choose the lush prize which was offered, or the same prize I have offered for this weeks draw. A $10 E.L.F. E-card, or the LipGloss prize. Let me know which prize you'd like and I'll get it sent right out.

Please contact me at abusymommyonthego@gmail.com

Busy

My space is a mess!! I have been working or running for too many days straight, I need a day just for housework. My laundry is up to my knees, my bed goes unmade, the floor needs to be cleaned. LOL. Working this much SUCKS. I want to be home more. I think I need some organizational help.

I've just finished blogging on CleanCanada about my Green Pick of the Week, Bohemian Bubbles. A locally made Goats Milk Soap that I have fallen in love with. There is also a chance to win a sample of their goats milk soap and a lip balm. Check it out!

Today was Ben's first trip to the dentist. I have to say I couldn't be prouder. He opened up wide, and didn't fight too much. He did cry the whole time she was cleaning his teeth and through the flouride treatment. But he cried with an open mouth. When he walked out he said "Mommy, I never want to come here again." But, he was alright with not coming back for 6 months. I have to go on Monday. First time in too many years. I'm sure my trip wont go so easily. Wish me luck!!

Keeping it short and sweet! Don't forget to add your comments for a chance to win the ELF prize or Ecard. A New Prize every week, A New Winner every Sunday.

**Still waiting to hear from Headly for last weeks draw.**

Pretty Flowers, a rainy night and a gift from a stranger

This is a picture of Mum's that I purchased yesterday. I love to take pictures of flowers. They are so perfect!
Last night was a very rainy night. It poured for hours. Both the above and below picture were taken with maximum flash and the camera facing upwards. The flash reflected off the rain drops allowing me to photograph them. I love it!!

And finally a gift from a stranger. Yesterday a gentleman came into my place of work. He was waiting for a regular patron. He told me he was a stone cutter. This peaked my interest because I have always loved stones, their beauty and their healing effects. We spoke on the topic for a while, until his friend came in. Well, today they came back, and he had a gift for me. A Tiger's Eye that he picked up off the beach at Scott's Bay. I was very grateful, and I couldn't wait to post about it. I need to have it attached to a gold chain so I can wear it regularly.


http://www.wonderfulstones.com/pietre/detail/codice_pietra=1.pie
Healing propertiesTiger's eye quartz contains the gentle grounding energy of Earth. It is stabilizing, enduring, and can help build confidence and increase one's sense of security. Tiger's Eye can help us to recognize our personal resources and use our abilities to attain our dreams because it is an excellent stone for developing and encouraging discipline and concentration, especially in children. This stone may bring abundance, prosperity, and financial independence to the wearer. Keeps children safe. Brings awareness of the needs of self and others. Helps settle disputes. Attracts good luck. Aids during periods of transition. Encourages clear perception, grounding, centering and insight. Provides calming effect. Brings greater joy. Stimulates astral travel. Contains slight masculine energy. Benefits digestive organs, spleen, colon, pancreas, and infections. It also helps in meditating, releases from exitations and gives an aid in taking impostant decisions. Tiger’s eye is analgesic and calming, attenuating stress’effects onto nervous system. It has to be worn or used with a golden (or gilt) string.

Sunday Freebie Recap and A new Contest

Well, today is Sunday, Recap day. It wasn't the greatest week for receiving freebies. But I did manage to squeeze out a few. The first is a voucher for a free manicure or peticure from Herbal Essences. For more details, check it out here.

The other Freebie we received was a SCOP (Scanning Code of Practice) Ben wanted this toy by Matchbox, which is really neat. It folds up into it's own carrying case for easy storage. Though I will warn you, the pieces are VERY SMALL. Not for the kiddo's who still put things in their mouths a lot.

Although it wasn't a great week for receiving Freebies, it was an awsome week for freebie offers. The folks over a FrugalShopper have done a wonderful job at finding all the best promotions out there. One for Listerine White Strips, One for Campbells soup, One for Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chips, (have to call for this one...Don't worry, it's automated) and One for OB Tampons.
I'll Link these up later, as there is an error on FS right now.

Well, I guess it's time to decide what our contest should be this week. We'll keep it simple and for this week we'll go similar to last. All you have to do is comment on this post, letting us know what freebies you received this week. This weeks prize will be...

Or a $10 e.l.f. e-card, winner gets to choose :-)

I'm going to add an extra step though. Anyone who shares this contest on Facebook, or Blogs about it with a link back to the site will get two entries into the contest. Good Luck to All

jeni

It's Sunday Again...Last Weeks Winner Is

Can you believe it's Sunday Again? OMGosh where does the time go?? I know, your all wondering who wins the Lush Gift card. Well, Ben drew a name out of a hat! And the winner is...iamanoptimisticbeauty

Jamie, you have until Saturday September 13th to claim your prize. In the event that the winner does not claim their prize in the given timeframe, a new winner will be drawn on Thursday September 11th. Please email me at saveyourcents@live.com with your address and your choice of a Lush Gift Card or a Lush E-Card.

Check out Lush here


And Yes, Since it is Sunday, We'll recap our Freebies for the past week and start a new contest!!
Check back later today !!

Vélodrome d'Hiver...Sarah's Key Contest

Vélodrome d'Hiver-Ever Heard of it? Neither have I.

When Jamie posted about the novel 'Sarah's Key' she peaked my interest. Written by Tatiana de Rosnay about the life of two girls. One living in today's Paris, the other in occupied France during the Second World War. Written about "Rafle du Vel' d'Hiv" or "Vel' d'Hiv round-up". A holding camp for Thousands of Jews durring the Second World War, in occupied France. If this peaks your interest as much as it has mine, check out Jamie's Contest for a chance to win a free copy of Sarah's Key.

Check it out!

Our Adventure

Ben and I decided to go for an Adventure today. We took a walk through the paths in the wooded area by our house. We were looking for Toadstools, Salamanders, Squirrels, Chipmunks, and Bears and Moose according to Ben. We spent about an hour out playing in the woods. It rained a little but we were well covered by trees. I love Trees. I'm teaching Ben to be a tree hugger, but I think I've told you that already.

So, we found some interesting things. No, we didn't see any Bears, actually, I didn't see any animals at all, but Ben said he saw a Chipmunk. Here are some pics from our "Adventure" Needless to say, we had a ball.




Did you get outside today??

Rainy Day

Well, Yesterday It rained. And rained, and rained. But for little boog's like mine, those are the best kind of days. Ben had a ball jumping and splashing in the puddles. I think he hit every puddle for 1.5Km. We had to walk from Mommy's work to Daddy's work, and we had a ball. We were even offered a ride, and turned it down, though it was appreciated. Check out some of Ben's Rainy Day Fun.

He went through 2 pairs of pants yesterday. But it was worth it. I truly believe that kids should be allowed to be kids. Puddle jumping, mud pies, catching tadpoles and coming home smelling like the swamp. :) Riding bikes, playing ball. OH, I wish I had more time in the day. I feel so bad about Ben not being outside enough. His swing set goes untouched for days on end. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to revert back to a life where you could let your kids play outside without fear of someone snatching them up when your back is turned. Children need to be able to explore on their own, without someone watching over their shoulders constantly. Bumps and Bruises, skinned knees and scrapes are OK!! I know that I had a great many of these growing up, I was allowed to run, told to run to be honest with you. That's how I was tired enough to go to bed at 7pm. Now, society has made us so overprotective that are kids are prevented from learning how to play. And they stay up later at night, because they've got all that energy locked up inside them. So, I have a challenge for myself and all the readers who have kids, ( or for themselves) ...Spend at least 30min to 1hour outdoors, everyday. Rain or shine, Snow or wind. Send in your pics, descriptions of what you've done or discovered. See how well your kids react to an outdoor adventure. And Most of all, Have some real fun.

More pics of Ben's rainy day.