PENSIEVE

On-line shopping money-saving tip ~ Revised with even MORE reader-recommended $$$-saving links!

Check out the links at the bottom of this post, y'all!!  Thanks to readers who "know" these things :).

Remember when Paula Deen hijacked my blog and offered y'all 20% off everything in her online store?

As a result of that, I learned something valuable:  EVERY time you're planning to make an on-line purchase anywhere...google the name of the retailer and the words "promotion code".  Frequently, people land at my blog because they're specifically looking for Paula Deen promotion codes (too bad mine's expired).  I made mental note of this.

The other night, my husband was ordering a few shirts from Eddie Bauer; he asked me if I had any [snail mail] coupons and because I didn't, I searched for "June 2008 Eddie Bauer promotion codes".  I found one for 20% off!  He entered it, and sure enough, it was legitimate! 

Maybe everyone on the planet already knows this trick, but in case you were hiding under neighboring rocks to my own, I thought I'd share my good fortune.  You might not find one every time, but it's certainly worth trying!

I'd love to know YOUR success if you've done this; how much money have you saved??

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Links that might just save ya enough money to buy 1/2 a tank of gas!  Lemme know if you know of some not listed, and I'll upload the link with a hat tip to you! :)

retailmenot.com (HT Phil-the-webmaster Peterman)
Mamanista's Coupon Code Page (HT Mamaluxe from Mamanista)
couponcode.com (HT Megs)

Photo credit:  Allposters.com

Cancer, the next best thing to Satan

It is rare for me to use the word "hate" and mean it, but I HATE cancer and I mean it.

Cancer robbed me of knowing my mom beyond childhood; it deprived my children from knowing their "other" grandmother; it cruelly took my paternal grandmother away just months after taking Mama; and I'm so thankful to say, while my sister had cancer, it didn't have her*--she's a 10+ year survivor.

Because May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Karen at Simply Amusing Blog has been asked by a group of local oncologists to write about prevention; they're using a Q & A format, and she's asking readers for questions for the physicians to answer.  Summer's almost upon us, the sun will be blazing guns in no time, so her goal is to get readers to think about better choices before any damage is done.

If you have ANY question about melanoma or would like any area discussed, would you please follow the link to Karen and let her know?  You can always leave a comment here, too, and I'll compile any I receive and pass them along via email.   Thanks!

Kudos to Karen for initiating this conversation...it's "good" bloggin', y'all :). 

BTW, I bet she wouldn't mind a bit if you wanted to pick up the graphic above and ask YOUR readers to submit questions (if you do, be sure to let me know and I'll come visit and make sure Karen knows!!).

(attributed to my Survivor-friend, Kathy, aka Swampwitch)

 

YOU tell ME what's going on...

Pepper and Pippin are fighting like cats and dogs, except it's bunny vs. bunny....

When I checked on them just now, piles of fur were dotted all over their hutch....

Pepper hasn't let us hold her in days (she hasn't always been so elusive)...

Several weeks ago I "caught" them in some serious monkey business (but who knows how long they'd been foolin' around???).

But, based on the date of that post...it's "too soon".

Because Pioneer Woman "needs" my "help"

Ree asked for kitchen advice, so instead of a thousand words, I'm posting a few pictures just for her.  If anyone else finds this "hidden" post, can you see me **waving and smiling**?  :)

For perspective--

• Click here for before kitchen renovation.
• Click HERE during (I actually never posted the pictures from the "during"...entirely too discombobulated).
• Click HERE for a kitchen feature that gives me the warm tinglies :).

And below are some shots taken VERY QUICKLY just now, to share with my favorite Ranch Diva, you know, because she "asked" ;).

I included this shot because a) it shows the adjacent keeping room which has buttery walls and a red ceiling; plus, I lurve the red pendant lights separating the rooms.

I took this angle to show our mixed-use countertops--
black granite for the raised bar, the rest solid surface.

Last, here's a closer view of the distressed cabinet doors; our painter provided samples with more sanding/distressing, we opted for the "more is less" option.  And never-you-mind the smudges and fingerprints--I toldja I took these quickly!!(And mercy knows, you gotta keep it r.e.a.l....R I G H T??)

Ree, if you "need" any more decorating advice, you know where to find me (on the other side of Bloglines ;) ).

The most delicious deal in town. Really.

Are you one of the lucky ducks who has a Fresh Market in your area?  If so, I hopehopeHOPE you're taking advantage of the free cooking demonstrations many locations offer.  A la Rachael Ray, in just 30 minutes you'll learn how to prepare a gourmet meal.  The best part?  Actually, there are two best parts: 

• You get to see in advance what you're aiming for
• At the end of the demo, you get to taste a sample

Later today I'll learn how to make Seared Scallops & Asparagus with Herbed Butter Sauce.  MMMmmmmm, just the thought of it sends me to a Happy Place.

Some of my all-time favorite dishes are from these demos: Pan-seared halibut, Pork Tenderloin Paillards w/Dijon-Tarragon Wine Sauce, Pecan Bronzed Mahi Mahi, Tuscan Balsamic Chicken & Peppers (I've only made that once, but it's the fanciest inexpensive meal EVAH).  See?  Aren't you curious?  DON'T THEY SOUND DIVINE?  Come to me, luvah, I must have you NOW!   

If you don't have a Fresh Market nearby, don't fret--you can get to an Almost Happy Place by clicking this recipe link which includes a cooking video!

I borrowed this picture from Desert Candy, but hopefully I'll post a revision with Chef Melanie action shots a bit later.  Stay tuned...:)

The secret to great looking, natural fingernails

Years ago, I was sitting in a Bible study when I noticed my friend Sheila's hands; I commented on her beautiful nails but her response wasn't what I expected.

"I work at it."

Work at it?  I always thought you were either born with them or bought artificial (Lee Press Ons?  acrylic?  does it matter?); it had never before occurred to me to work at it.  It was motivating.

My first attempt at "working at it" was to go acrylic.  I found out quickly that wasn't what she meant by "work at it" and it definitely wasn't for me; my nails looked fake and I just didn't like their feel.  Factor in the cost and upkeep, and I was done almost as soon as I began.

Then I heard about a little product that changed my life (or at least the "life" of my fingernails):  Nailtiques

My nails were severely damaged following removal of the acrylics; a friend suggested "Nailtiques After Artificial Treatment".  At $20, it was a bit pricey for what looked like clear polish, but I took her word for it.  While it didn't repair them overnight, in a few weeks I was blown away by the improvement.  Over time, I graduated to "Formula 2" and they continued to heal...and grow...ON THEIR OWN!

Initially, I think I brushed a coat on daily; now, once a week is sufficient.  If I go more than a few weeks without taking care of my nails, they start breaking; if I go back to somewhat regular use of Nailtiques, they start growing again.

Invest in a bottle--I'm certain you'll see a difference, even if you've never had long nails before (and at a fraction of the cost and time required for acrylics).

Don't fall into the trap of thinking it's too much trouble or requires inordinate time!   While I'm watching "American Idol", mani's are a part of my routine; Nailtiques application takes maybe 10 minutes to brush on and dry.  It's a v e r y favorable Pavlovian connection.  Which is kinda weird, but not.

Organization 101

 For me to suggest organizing tips, imagine Donald Trump speaking on humility or Britney Spears offering parenting advice.  The thought is outrageously funny. 

Almost two years ago, I attended Youniquely Woman, promoted as an adult finishing school.  Led by Precept Ministries Executive VP, Kay Arthur, Homemakers by Choice founder, Donna Otto, and author and speaker, Emilie Barnes, it was an amazing week of these women investing in the lives of the participants.  Very hands on, they mentored us in everything from becoming a woman of excellence to sexing up your husband (I'm not kidding).  Practical advice was offered and there's little doubt the conference made a lasting impression on those able to attend.

Two of the tips that made it home with me, one suggested by Emilie, the other by Donna, are still around two years later.

Organizing Paper Clutter

If you're like me, you can almost drown in the tsunami of papers that find their way into your home.  I'm not talking about junk mail you just toss--bills, school papers, letters that require response--legitimate papers you need to keep.

Donna offered a simple solution that actually works when you use it!  As soon as papers cross the threshold of your house, DO something with them right.then.  Toss them, act on them or file them in a convenient place immediately.  As pictured here, I have a little file system that "lives" in our laundry room--strategically placed in a spot near our back door.   

The files I made were for kids' school papers, medical/dental receipts for insurance filing, restaurant coupons and menus, a file for things I needed to respond to later, a "to read" file, one for our church and Bible Fellowship (we're one of our class's lead couples), and one for papers that needed to be filed in our permanent filing cabinet (upstairs, not conveniently located).

The key is convenience; the pay-off, theoretically, is no more ceiling-high stacks of papers sitting around all over the place.

Purse Organization

Emilie, the sweetest, most organized person on the planet, shared a tip for keeping your pocketbook under control.  Because I affectionately refer to my pocketbook as The Abyss and it takes me forever to find anything, when I follow her advice, it makes a difference.  I don't always follow it.

She suggested keeping all purse items in mini bags inside your purse, rather than simply having a dumping ground inside.  Here's a before and after of my purse last night:

I group like items together for each pouch; pictured above, there's one for make-up; receipts; mints, gum and candy; and "personal items".  This way, when you change pocketbooks, rather than having a mess on your hands, you can just transfer the little bags.  Oh...and you can find what you're looking for MUCH easier :).

Visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for more "Works for Me Wednesday tips.  Lysa of Proverbs 31 Ministries also hosted a recent carnival for  organizing suggestions; if you have any yourself, please share in comments!  If you devote an entire post to it, be sure to visit the "Swap and Hop" and link your suggestions.

Do SOMETHING...Because "something" is better than nothing...!

A mantra I mentally shout when I feel like whatever it is I'm doing isn't enough--"DO SOMETHING--because something is better than nothing!"--has become one of my life philosophies.  I don't even know if I've ever said it out loud, but it's right "there", reverberating in the chambers of my mind.  I hear it often, echoing back when doubt begins its lethal advance. 

Doubt can be crippling but when faced with this mind-weapon I've created, it becomes a motivator.  Why?  Because something is better than nothing--don't even try to tell me otherwise.

I think I'll take a few posts to tell ya about some of my "somethings"...and encourage YOU to pursue your somethings.  I hope you'll share your stories with me :).

Recycling

Over a year ago now, I admitted my guilt over not recycling; we don't have curbside pick up and "Convenience Centers" are not so convenient.  One of my blogging friends felt the same way, and together we determined we were going to improve in that area (we even attempted to motivate others to join our Green Party, but that effort never really took off...).  I just re-read that linked post myself and was reminded we actually had a goal: 

Our goal is ...lifestyle change, to become more aware of our action AND inaction, and to understand how both affect others...".

In part I saw this as a creation stewardship issue, believing the first two chapters in Genesis addressed it.  Not recycling, per se, but taking care of the world around me; it just seemed wrong to be apathetic.

The thing about recycling is, once you begin a) you realize how much TRASH you (and your family) generate; b)  you consider how much more you could be doing; and c) you find yourself noticing EVERYWHERE you go how many recyclable items are thrown away only to end up in a landfill as opposed to being...well...recycled.   

We started small, rescuing aluminum cans and plastics--literally, the first items we saved were only drink cans and water bottles or soft drink two liters.  From there I began noticing the numbered symbols on...everything (i.e., on plastics, inside the recycling logo numbers range from 1-7 and each number identifies the type material used). 

Now, we've graduated to all plastics that I can clean before storing, aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass (sometimes) ....and, I've invested in canvas grocery bags instead of using paper or plastic bags (Bi-lo actually gives you a nickel back every time you use one of their bags--after 20 visits they'll pay for themselves.  Considering I go to the grocery store monthly  weekly  daily  often, I'll recover the original cost in no time.).

So.....if you haven't jumped on the recycling bandwagon because it seems overwhelming or like it won't make a difference, please.......think about this: 

Something is better than nothing.

Over the next week or two, I'll share my "somethings" relative to exercise, faith, service and relationships....  Stay tuned :).

Thanks to Despair Inc. for the poster and to Zen for the photo.

A fabulous "40th" birthday gift

Re-submitted for today's (4/2/08) "Greatest Hits" edition of Works for Me Wednesday, this is a post that Googler's reach almost daily (which prompted me to use it for today).  I'd love to hear YOUR ideas for great "milestone" birthday gifts...so if you're dropping in, please...let me know you did! :)

It's not surprising that if my favorite gift of all time to have received is one of "words", my favorite gift of all time given would also be. 

My husband hit the Big Four Oh a few years ago, and because I love him and completely understand and respect his aversion to surprises and parties...I managed to pull one on him, anyway.

A few weeks before his birthday, I sent out this letter that explains the gift:

I made it as easy as possible, including an 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock piece of paper and a pre-addressed large manila envelope with each letter. 

Completed pages began coming back in days, and although this was a gift for Tad, people were blowing my mind and blessing my socks off with their "word gifts".  Each page amazingly, perfectly radiated the personality of the sender AND reflected his/her relationship with my hubby. 

I'll share a few of my favorites (some I can't share because they give too much personal info--mainly our family :/)--

Mine:

Apparently Tad was born the same year as several notorious notable athletes (Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens, Jerry Rice....).  This was the actual "Sports Illustrated" cover a few weeks before his birthday; as soon as I saw it, I KNEW what I was going to do for my page.

My children's pages were precious to us.  At the time, they were 10, 8 & 5 and this is their work, not mine (well, Stephen's I helped more with, but it was his words).

I'd upload more pages, but you get the idea (and TypePad is slow right now); suffice it to say, it's a treasure made of paper.  More than words on a page, it reflects life lived with those he loves, those who know him best. 

So...if you're looking for a great milestone gift idea, something special to commemorate an important birthday or anniversary, you're welcome to take this idea and make it your own!

Marital advice that'll leave you speechless...or cheering

A fun little blast from the past sent via email to me by my husband this morning (if this is any kind of a hint--which I'm sure it's NOT--see how quickly my fingers stick in my ears while I close my eyes and sing-song "La la la...I can't hear you!"). 

You've GOT to embiggen this to fully appreciate it.

"Be a little gay and more interesting to him"????  Ummm, what a difference 50 years makes in interpretation....  For the record, he didn't make the notes....

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On a different but related note, during morning drive time, I heard about this challenge on the radio.  I didn't believe it was true.  After a bit of web-surfing......... it looks like it's legit. 

Anybody signing up?

I tell ya, between that challenge and my WW post, there sure are some whacky Christians out there (then again, I've always confessed to being a freak myself ;) ). 

(and if you didn't click the challenge link (and you'd like some good great stimulating provocative imaginative marriage advice) this is one time you need to go back and do so...you won't believe it!)