Overwhelmed...

Do you ever get to the point where you are feeling so overwhelmed that you just lose all motivation?  I do, its been happening more often lately I've noticed too.  I mean I get overwhelmed with my couponing to the point where I avoid going grocery shopping.  I still have all of Sunday's coupons to cut, and sort in my book.  Then I have my blog, and all of the blogs that I follow.  Last I checked I was at about 400+ that I'm following, and I like to keep up on them.  Not to mention, my overflowing email that takes me a few hours to get through sometimes.  I also need to go through both girls rooms, and clear them out, my garage needs to be cleaned (AGAIN), laundry needs to be done, and everyday cleaning needs to happen as well.  Sometimes it gets to the point where I literally just want to get rid of everything and start over.  It just gets so overwhelming and then I don't do it.  I don't know why I get this way when I'm feeling overwhelmed, but I do...
I've always hated going to restaurants with a HUGE menu.  I get overwhelmed and usually end up picking something that I really wish I wouldn't have.  I think part of it came from when I was in Germany.  When we were stationed there, we pretty much had one or two places that we could shop, and most places only had a few choices.  It wasn't like going into walmart and seeing all of the new and interesting things.  It was the same old choices day after day.  I guess I got used to it.  I didn't like it much, but I did get used to it.  When we came back to the states, we went shopping, and that first shopping trip was awful on our bank account.  We just bought anything and everything we thought looked cool.  Seriously.
I still get overwhelmed.  Our housing wasn't big in Germany, we didn't have a lot of upkeep, and I have to say that we had two awesome women in our stairwell that really knew how to spruce a place up.  We always had some beautiful flowers planted, and our stairwell had plants throughout that were gorgeous as well.  In our house right now.  The lawn needs to be mowed, we have to find a part for our sprinkler (because it broke in the last freeze), and the outside of our house desperately needs some landscaping done to it.  Not to mention the porches need to be swept, probably pressure washed, oh and we need to caulk around the windows.
All of these things, I am willing to do.  I just get super overwhelmed sometimes.  Then I don't end up doing much of anything.  Lame right?  It doesn't help that I ask my husband, and he's a procrastinator with the best of them, so things don't get done sometimes.  I HATE procrastinating.  I would rather get things done now when I'm thinking about it, than put it off, because then...as I've said, I get OVERWHELMED....

Sigh...

Oh, and did I mention that not only am I still feeling a little icky today, but I now have to go shopping tomorrow for April Fools day on Friday, Paul's platoon party on Saturday, and somehow manage to clean the house, organize the garage, and make this house presentable??  I know Paul...he's going to want to show people our house, that means Stephanie gets to go into clean demon mode.  Fun.

This all leaves me with one conclusion.  I need some sort of drug that gives me MAJOR motivation, manages to keep me awake all night so that I can get all of this done, oh and I need access to an unlimited amount of money please!  =)  Then maybe, MAYBE, I can manage all of this, lol....if I end up in the loony bin...this will be why!

Under the weather...

If things couldn't get more annoying, I have been under the weather today.  =(  I have been very nauseated and just plain ill.  I won't go into detail, but lets just say that when I went to grab the kids from school today, I had to stop at the gas station for the restroom...ick!

I hope its just a 24 hour bug, but we'll see. 

Paul looked at my computer, he has to call Dell and do the trouble shooting with them, then they will probably send someone out here, yada yada yada, I've been through all of this before with my desktop, so I'm prepared.  Other than that, not much went on today, I've been resting, oh and organizing my coupons so I guess being sick has been a slight advantage, I just wish I didn't feel so yucky!
With any luck, tomorrow, we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming!!  =)

Having some computer problems...thredUp, and paperbackswap tips and reviews

My laptop is broken.  At least for me it is.  The screen is blacked out, but if you put a flashlight up to it, it faintly shows you what is going on on the screen.  Paul said he will look at it later, and it is still under warranty, so hopefully I won't be without my laptop for too long.
We did just buy a netbook about a week ago.  I was trying it out to see if I could get used to it, this issue is pretty much forcing me to get more used to it.  I was planning on just letting the girls use the netbook, and using it for myself as a backup to my laptop.  Or when I'm traveling to and from my parents house and what not.  My 17' laptop is HUGE, and heavy, so its not easily manageable when I'm traveling.  The netbook makes things easier.
Anyway, what this means for my blog is that I may not be able to put on very many giveaways, or update as readily.  I don't want to upload a bunch of pictures onto the netbook because of the small amount of space on it.  So that is where I am at.  Oh fun times.  I'm just very grateful that Paul is still around and not deployed.  He's the computer guy, and hates it when something happens and he's not around to fix it for me, so better that its happening now huh?!


So what else is going on in the land of Stephanie?  Have I told you about thredUp yet?  Its this new site that basically you can get gently used kids clothes to buy for only 5 bucks a box *the shipping is 10.95 though.  You can get some really great deals on the daily deals sites if you are a NEW member.  I recently bought a pro membership with a free box of clothes from Deal Plum and come to find out, it was for new members only.  Since I had already purchased my first box, I was no longer a new member.  It wasn't clearly stated in the ad, so make sure you look out for that.  I am disappointed about the whole thing.  I asked if I could just give up my box and just get the pro membership.  Apparently not.  Its pretty LAME.  I've also seen quite a few bad reviews online for it.  The ONE box that I got was great, it had a few pairs of pants for my younger daughter, and nothing was stained, or ripped, or torn.  I have also shipped two boxes of clothing, describing them as best as I could.  I got great star reports.  But again, I've seen bad reviews, and that does worry me.  I would hate to buy a box, get it and realize that everything in it was not wearable for my kids.  So I've decided to stick with what I know.  I may still send boxes out, but the clothes I'm getting rid of are very nice name brand clothing that I potentially sell on ebay or craigslist for much more than the $20 that I will never see.  So its up to you.
I think its something to try out at least once and see if you like it.  I think I'm just going to stick with what I know, and feel a little more secure with.  I'm not so good with change.  I definitely wanted to make this work with the company, but seeing as I had an issue with the "deal" that I got, then I started hearing the horror stories, I am just very wary.  Plus the second box I ordered was just cancelled.  The person that I was ordering it from didn't or couldn't ship it, which is just lame beyond anything else.  I mean HELLOOOO!!!

ThredUp is similar to my paperbackswap.com place that I do enjoy using.  But I've also run into issues with them as well.  One issue is that I can't get the newer books normally.  It takes a while for people to put them up I guess.  I CAN easily get older books, but some of the books that I'd like to get that are a little newer aren't readily available.  I've also had issues with cookbooks, and biographies (like Julie Haden's book, or Ali Vincent's book *both biggest losers).  It takes a long time for them to become available.  Another issue I've come across is people have different versions of what is acceptable.  Most of the books come to me just fine, I've had an issue with two.  One person said I could send it back.  I would have, but I still want to read the book, I just won't be able to re-post the book.  Another one was a book that I sent.  It didn't have anything wrong with it when I sent it.  It did get some water damage in transit apparently, and I refunded the credit.  I guess I'm just an honest person, and when I have "customers" I want to make sure that they are treated well.  Because of this reason, I sometimes get "walked" all over, or taken advantage of.
I guess its just who I am.  Needless to say, I've become more wary of both sites because of these things.  I am still going to get some of my books from paperbackswap, I will also buy some of my books from goodwill, or half priced books, or amazon.  I will also still use my kindle for other books.  For now, its working out for me, and a few little tricks I've found are to request the hardcover edition of the book if available.  I've also learned to ask for books from a non smoking home, and if its hardcover, I want to make sure it has the dust jacket.  I don't know why, but I don't like hardcover books without their dust cover, maybe its just a pet peeve.
I think I will also give thredUp another chance and get another box of clothing if I can find it in the size that I need, I'm just not sure that it will be a long term solution for me.  We'll see, and I'll keep ya posted!

30 days of giveaways- day 26

Good Saturday morning.  I am in dire need of coffee, but other than that, it should be a fun day.  We are going to meet up with Paul's Aunt Kathy, and go out to dinner with her, and hopefully do some fun stuff while we are down near Austin.
So while I don't have a ton of time to post all the giveaways, I definitely wanted to tell you about this one that I came across.
Do you want to win a Serta Presidential Mattress?

I know I would...so follow the link above and be entered to win!  Good luck!!  I'll post more giveaways below later!  =)

30 days of giveaways- day 25

Another busy day around here.  I did a little shopping at goodwill today.  My girls left the house this afternoon wearing LONG sleeve shorter (than they should be) dresses...so I decided it was time to get the girls some new clothes.  I am buying them at goodwill because while 20 bucks for a dress isn't horrible...its more than 3.99 at goodwill.  Plus I got some cute things, different things, and paid just a fraction of the price.  WE are military and therefore on a budget, so I am not ashamed.  Besides, my girls probably won't let me do this for forever, lol.

Now lets get to some great giveaways!

Sanuk Sandals

Provide Commerce Gifts 

30 days of giveaways- Day 24

Good morning Thursday!  I'm glad its Thursday, just for the simple fact that Friday is tomorrow, and then the weekend starts, lol.  This week has dragged a bit for me.  No reasons why, it just has.  Todays plans are to conquer more cleaning in the house, and hopefully getting more giveaways posted, lately I've been too busy to post all the ones I'm coming across, and I've noticed I come across a LOT!  Oh and I have to work on my coupon book.  Sorting coupons has to be one of the most arduous tasks ever.  Especially when you have about a three weeks to a months worth of coupons, you should SEE how many I have to sort and put away.  THEN, I can go back to the grocery store with confidence.  Since I really started couponing, I can't NOT go without my big guns (the coupon book).  We went up to my Mom's house this past weekend, and bought some things for St. Patricks day.  I was so upset with myself when I found about 10 coupons I could have used.  I could have potentially saved money!  I know, I'm a little obsessive, but hey, its who I am!  Now onto the giveaways!!

Simply Fido Nap Mat and Toy

Gourmet Gift Baskets Snack Basket

$50 CSN GC

30 days of giveaways- day 23

So I may not have posted an amazing amount of giveaways yesterday, but I did get a lot done.  Laundry galore from my wonderful girls, lol.  And cleaned up the house a bit.  Also I got more coupons cut, I just have a few more to cut, then I get the daunting task of SORTING.  ={
Still playing catch up today, but here is a few that I'm coming across in my daily email/dashboard look through!  Enjoy, and good luck!



Headchefs

Scentsy

30 days of giveaways- day 22

I big fat failed yesterday.  I had so much to do, and didn't really feel all that great, so did I do much of it, nope...
I am super behind on just about everything in the house, trying to catch up on emails, laundry, clean the kitchen (since my husband likes to brew, and then leave a HUGE mess for me.  Thanks hon.), vacuum, clip coupons, go through the coupons, and sort.  Meanwhile, I am also trying to catch up on my blogger dashboard, and the amazing amount of giveaways coming around.  It could stress a person out.
Luckily, I actually like being busy.  So off I go, to be busy for the rest of the day!  If you don't hear from me, its probably because I'm buried under the pile of laundry...no worries, hubby will pull me out when he comes home from work!  =)

anyway- here are a few giveaways that I've come across!

Licorice International

Insane Chicken Hot Sauces

Swansons Chicken

Lands End Mens Polo Shirt

30 days of giveaways- day 21

Sorry about the lack of giveaways yesterday, it was a very long weekend, but a fun one!  We were able to spend some time with my parents before my husband deploys soon, it was the last time he'll see them until he comes back from deployment, so he had a good time as well.  The girls had a blast, oh AND I got to see my precious little niece!  I will post some pics soon!

Lets get this party started, shall we?

*PS*  If you ever see me post twice about a giveaway, those are two different links that I'm posting.  Sometimes the giveaway blogs have some of the same giveaways, so then you get more chances to win!

Kelly Moore bag

More Days of givesaways!- day 18-20

Here we go peeps!!!

Schick/Rock Band giveaway

30 days of giveaways- day 17

I'm hanging at my Mom's house right now.  I am SO spoiled by her.  LOL.  I woke up this morning to excited doggies, and I immediately let them out...well, they had already been let out, they'd already been fed and watered, the kids had already been fed, oh and she made me some coffee.  Yup, spoiled.
Anywho~ the hubs is sleeping off his late night, so I have a little time before we head out to go do something.  =)


BTW- Happy St. Patrick's Day!  We aren't Irish, but we love a good party, so we always celebrate!  Tonight I'm making a Irish Shepherds Pie, Traditional Irish Soda Bread, and some Guinness Cupcakes with Baileys Frosting!  YUM!


How Sweet It Is Cupcake

Simple Green

JAWS cleaning system

Lucky Leprauchan giveaway

Socks4Life

Purse Hook and Bangle

Kidorable

Old Time Candy

Happy Easter Store $50

Mr. Coffee Brewing System

Kinderglo

Custard Shop

Dr. Sears Essentials

Gracie May

Handstamped Giveaway

Tom Design Giveaway

CSN Giveaway

Gorton's Seafood giveaway

Vegan Lotions

Old Time Candy

Big G cereals

Kranichs Jewelry

Beanies

Old Time Candy

Arthur and the Invisibles

Rio Game

Necklace Pearl

Yoga Toes

SkyeJuice Giveaway

Bowl Giveaway

Earrings

30 days of giveaways- day 16

This should be an interesting weekend.  My husband has a four day (for Civi's it means that he gets Thursday, Friday, and the weekend off from work).  They've been working hard preparing for the deployment, so they all deserve it.  We are going to head up to Dallas, and visit with my Mom, then see my Dad and Stepmom as well.  Its been a while.  Hopefully see my gorgeous niece, and my little sister and her boyfriend.  So I may not have time to come back and update the giveaways and what not.
So I took all four kids to the movies, they were all very good.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  I wish we had dollar movies around here though.  Other than the cost for all 5 of us to go, it was a great time.  I really wish I could take them all more often.  We also went to McDonalds, they were doing a 1.99 Happy Meal, so we got four Happy Meals and then came home!  Overall it was a good fun day.
I hope you all are enjoying the giveaway links, and I hope everyone wins something!  Who doesn't love winning?  Especially when all it takes is a little comment love!  Let me know if you like the giveaway links, or don't like them!

Plastic Jungle $25 GC

Cupcake fun

Purex with Zout giveaway

30 days of giveaways- day 15

Phew, that was a lot of giveaways I posted for you yesterday huh?  I hope you were able to enter the ones you wanted.  I also hope that makes up for my lack of being here.  To be honest, it was a lot easier for me to just post all the links than to go through and do my normal list.  So I'll stick with doing it that way.  I'll even post the ones that I don't enter because some of you may want to.
Today will be a busy day too, but it will be fun.  I'm taking all the kids to go see Gnomeo and Juliet, and we are going to go to McD's for lunch too!  Fun times huh?  When I come home I have to clean up the kitchen, and finish the dishes for my husband, he stayed up really late doing the dishes last night, and I feel bad because he's super tired today because of it.  So I'm going to finish them, and try to keep the dishes to a minimum.  I also need to clean up around the house, and prime the nightstand I'm working on.  Then I can come back here and look at all of the fun things online.  I hope you have a great day!

Hanes Giveaway

Playskool Wheel Pals

21 Day Weight Loss Kick Start Book

$75 GC to Zutano

Big G Cereals Weight Management

Johnson's Natural Baby Line Giveaway

Zooble Spin Master

Raku Sun and Moon Earrings

Clutch Giveaway

Savvy Rest Shredded Laytex Pillow

Bundt Cake Giveaway

Fleur De Sel Giveaway

Jaws Cleaner Giveaway

30 days of giveaways- day 11, 12, 13, and 14

I'm so sorry, its been a busy week.  Friday night I had a Philly Dinnertime party, it was a lot of fun, and I had a few people show up...more than expected even, so that was nice.  I was able to give out a bunch of items, more than one to everyone, and overall it was a great experience.  I hope to have another party in the near future.
Saturday, Paul and I had errands to run, then our good friends came over and we ate fajita's, yum!  Sunday, we lounged a bit, but I think I may be fighting off a sickness, been very tired, and really achy since yesterday.  Today, I have four kids since its the start of spring break (I have my own two, and their friends, that I watch).  So I'm really hoping to get them out of the house and to do SOMETHING sometime today.  Its Spring Break for crying out loud, lol!  Maybe I'll take them to a park, or a movie or something.  First I have to attempt to get rid of my headache, and take a shower.  Oh and the fence guys are here this morning, so I can't leave yet anyway. =(  So its been a busy few days.
I will post ALL of the giveaways I come across today to make up for not being around the last few days.  But not in my usual form, I'm just going to post the links for them today.  Enjoy, and good luck!!  =)

Popsecret Prize Pack Giveaway

First Monday Giveaway

My Wooby & Me Giveaway

Essance Giveaway (click on this link to be taken to giveaway)

Eden Fantasies Giveaway

Little Boys Bowtie Giveaway

SDH Craft Studio Giveaway

Secret Message Necklace

Elegant Girl Giveaway

Agoo Bamboo Leggings Giveaway

Bunny Hat Giveaway

Crocheted Dish Cloths Giveaway

Hand Painted Travel Mug

General Mills Cereal, Target GC

Milk Nursingwear Giveaway

I Love Bacon Cookbook

Schick Rock Band

Hiya luv GC

Alexa's Angels Bracelet

Sweet Designs Typography Art

La Posh Shop $25 GC

Simple Stencil Giveaway

Eye Buy Direct Prescription Glasses Giveaway

Crystal Falls Soap

Haven Book Giveaway

$25 GC to Publix

Dinosaur Train Giveaway

$10 off Baby Store at Amazon.com

Baby Bond Nursing Shirts

Perfect Stride Game Giveaway

5th Quarter Movie Giveaway

Whimsical Printable Parties

Wrap It Up Cricut Cartridge

Eden Fantasy

FuzziBunz Pocket Diaper Giveaway

 Juicy Gems Giveaway

Grandkid Rock CD

Barnyard Floor Puzzle

Pretty Neat Book Giveaway

21 Day Weight Loss Kickstart Book Giveaway

Killeen area people??

I am having a Philadelphia Dinnertime Dilemma house party tomorrow night.  Basically you come over for a dinner party, chat, get free things, get some free coupons, and you can leave.  Leave your checkbooks at home, this is NOT a "come to my house to buy things" party.  I will have food ready, and I would love to meet some new people in the area.  Feel free to bring some friends as well.  Kids are always welcome, and my husband will be around here somewhere, but he will be banished to his "man cave," ha ha!

I really hope people show...this is our first actual party in the Killeen area, and I'm one of those people that LOVES to entertain, so I hope that it is a success!  =)  Just comment here if you want to come, and I'll email you my addy!

30 days of giveaways- day 10

I have to be honest.  I cannot post ALL of the giveaways I've been entering.  Some of them take a very long time to enter, and by the time I'm done, I click the x button, and I'll be lucky if I find it again.  Not only that, but if I don't get extra entries for blogging, or just plain don't feel like it...then I won't.  So I am sorry.  There are really just so many giveaways out there, and I enter a lot of them, so when it comes time to write it all out on my blog...it can get long.  Plus it takes a while for me to write out about the giveaways I'm entering as well.  I am going to try to post 5 per day though.  I am going to pretty much keep it the same, but omit how many entries I'm doing.  I think it will at least take some of the time away that way.
Thanks for sticking around!  I appreciate all of my lovely followers!

1.) Crunchy Beach Mama: Cutie Poops giveaway (cloth diapers) (I did not personally enter this, but I know a lot of you have babies in the house, so I figured I'd post this in case any of you were interested!)
2.) Sippy Cup Mom: Kalorik Stand Mixer (again, I did not enter this one, as I already have a kitchenaid, but thought that some of you might be interested!)
3.)

30 days of giveaways- day 9

The gutter guys are here today, putting in our rain gutters.  Its been a LONG time coming it seems like.  Next week, we should get our fence finished, and I couldn't be happier...now if I could only get my husband to mow the lawn...lol!


1.) Mom of All Trades: Scare Me Not (11 entries) end 3/22

30 days of giveaways- day 8

I have a tendency to start things and never finish them.  I didn't used to be like this.  Not at all sure what happened, but lately I've really noticed it.  I even wanted to stop my lil 30 days of giveaways.  But I want to be able to stick with SOMETHING!
In other news, I have been doing a little spring cleaning around the house.  This past weekend, Paul had to fix the brakes on my car, so him and our friend Joe worked on it, and got it all taken care of.  Saturday we just had a lot of shopping to do, Paul wanted to go to Austin to get some brewing supplies, and we explored a bit, went to a farmers market, and ran over to Central Market as well.  I love Austin, and strongly feel that I should live there, lol.
Okay, now ON to the giveaways.  I AM going to do this, and stop trying to not succeed.  Anyone can do something for 30 days right?

1.) To Sew With Love: Choice of Earrings (11 entries) ends 3/15
2.) Tulip and Turnip: AOS Leather Bracelet (3 entries) ends 3/14
3.)  Jaebumfangirl: Icklady Bag (6 entries) ends 3/15

30 days of giveaways- day 7

I got on the treadmill this morning....10 minutes later, my back was aching, my calves were burning...and I thought, "WOW, I am OUT of shape!"  Time to start working on my health and working out again.  I suppose 10 minutes is better than nothing though right?  Now to have a little bit of fun before the fence guys get here...oh did I not say anything before?  We are FINALLY going to get our fence finished.  We moved into our house in July, and we had to wait until we had our tax money, but its going to finally get done.  I'm so excited to be able to just let the dogs out to do their business and not have to hook them up to the leash, or watch them like a hawk.  It will be really nice to just let them go outside whenever they want, and then they can run around and get some more exercise!!  Fences are AWESOME!  =)

1.) Shining to Save: The Body Shop, New Dreams Collection (9 entries) ends 3/27
2.) Family Fashion and Facts: OC Styles (8 entries) ends 3/23
3.) My Silly Monkeys: Kelly Moore Bag (16+ entries) ends 3/27

30 days of giveaways- day 6

Today is all about catching up!  That's the way Sundays usually are in this house.  So I'm going to catch up on the giveaways, and catch up on things around the house.  I've already steam cleaned my little ones room, and about to do the big girls room next!  For now I'm going to update a few giveaways!

1.) Bluegrass Etsy: Verdant Spiral Necklace and Earrings (2 entries) ends 3/31
2.) Jaebumfangirl: Adventure Book (5 entries) ends 3/14
3.) Real Mom Reviews: Scentsicks (17 entries) ends 3/21
4.) Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms: Fabulous Freezer Meals Cookbook (6 entries) ends 3/13
5.) Five Monkeys: Big G and Hotwheels (6 entries) ends 3/20

WON today: -
Won Total: 3 

30 days of giveaways day 4 & 5.

Yesterday was a busy day, so I didn't really get to any giveaways, so today I am going to combine the days.  We've had a busy morning and afternoon, but we are home for the night now, and I have to get my giveaway on!!  LOL.

1.) Trying To Stay Calm: Luxor Linens (20 entries) ends 4/5
2.) Girl Gone Mom: Wholly Guacamole (11 entries) ends 3/18

Purex Crystals...

I don't think I've mentioned that I am now a new Purex Insider.  I got my box a few days ago.  It came with the Purex Crystals sample, and a coupon for free full size Purex Crystals...have you heard about them??

These things are AWESOME!  But don't take my word for it!!  Go check them out here:

Purex Crystals

Right now, they are running a contest to see who can get the most traffic to their site.  My blog isn't as HUGE as others, so I have no notions that I will win 1st place.  However, they have 1-100 prizes, and I could potentially win SOMETHING.  Wanna help me?  Just click on their website and check out the new Crystals.

If I win a prize, I will give away something special to everyone who lets me know that they clicked on the site above in the comments section...but its a surprise, so my lips are sealed!  =)

New things...

I have a few new things that I'm trying out on my blog.  Sometimes it can be hard to navigate my blog, so I added some tabs at the top, and most of them are "under construction."  However, I did manage to update my recipes page with all of the recipes posted on my blog, yay!  Now it will be easier to find them if you want!!  I'll be working on my blog more later this week!

30 days of giveaways- day 3

Good morning!  Starting off a little earlier than normal today, I have places to go, and things to do, and I NEED my coffee IV please!  =)  Be sure to keep checking back, I will update as I go through the day, sometimes I only have time to update a few times, but I will have them all up before I go to bed!

1.) Mommy D's Kitchen: Pure Pearls Pendant (8 entries) ends 3/5
2.) Aubut Life: Umi Shoes (8 entries) ends 3/30
3.) Rachel's Reviews and Giveaways: Intemperantia Truffles (10 entries) ends 3/14
4.) Book Giveaways: Fix, Freeze, Feast Giveaway (15 entries) ends 3/29
5.) Copper Llama Studio: Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup Giveaway (15 entries) ends 3/3
6.) Copper Llama Studio: Little Pink Tools (17 entries) ends 3/4


 WON: Pinkalicious Book and $10 Walmart GC
TOTAL: 3

30 days of giveaways-day 2

Lets talk about how to enter giveaways.  First off, you want to make sure you are reading exactly how to enter.  There is usually a mandatory entry that you have to finish before anything else.  So make sure you finish that mandatory entry.  Sometimes, you can enter more than just the mandatory entry, those are the extra entries, and you need to make sure that you make a separate comment for each entry usually.  I've only come across one blog that asked that I enter all of my extras on one comment.  So I wold say that is a rare occasion.  Then you need to just make sure that you are following the directions, if it says to "like" them on facebook, do that, and leave your comment that you've done so.  I hope this clears up any confusion some people may have about giveaways that I am posting!!  Oh and good LUCK!!!

1.) Mama B: $55 CSN giveaway (4 entries) ends 3/15
2.) Free & Frugal Mommy of One: Colette's $25 GC (3 entries) ends 3/9
3.) Sweep Tight: $100 from Ebates (15 entries) ends 3/2
4.) Sampler Village: Rub Dub Scrub (6 entries) ends 3/10
 5.) Puppy Tales: Chloe's Collars (1 mandatory entry) ends 3/20
6.) Around Beads: Handmade Pendant and Earrings (3 entries) ends 3/9
7.) Menopausal New Mom: Sibu Beauty (4 entries) ends 3/17

WON: 3/2: Cahootie Fortune Game
TOTAL: 2

30 Days of Giveaways Challenge...day 1

I follow a blog called Texas Type A Mom, she did a giveaway challenge last month inspired by another blogger, but she inspired ME to do a challenge for myself.  I enter a LOT of giveaways, and I want to give my readers a chance at the cool giveaways that I find along the way, and introduce some blogs as well.  I am not a LUCKY person per say, but I have been lucky in winning a few blogs.  Plus it gives me something to do sometimes.
So starting TODAY I am going to keep track of which giveaways I enter, and which ones I win.  Like I said, I've won a few here and there, and entered a bunch, while I didn't keep track of ALL the ones I entered last week, or the week before, I am going to start now on my blog.  I'll add as I go through the day on this post, and tomorrow on the next post and so on.  If you see one you like, please by all means, enter away!  =)
I'm keeping track of which ones I enter this month, how many times I enter, and which ones I win, just for ONE month!  Lets see how I do!!  Also, there is no rhyme or reason to how I enter into giveaways, or how many times I enter.  It kind of depends on my mood, lol.


1.) Moms Reviews 4 You: Chico Reuseable Bag  (mandatory entry only) ends 3/11
2.) The Freebie Junkie: Kalorik Waffle Maker (early entries x11 to the spring fling bloghop ) ends 3/19
3.) I Am A Reader, Not A Writer: Moo Pie in the Moonlight  (3 entries) PJPublishing ends 3/28
4.) A Little Lovely: triple rose cluster headband (1 entry only) ends 3/4
5.) Snack Bar Reviews: Dream Play House (12 entries) ends ?? (if you enter, tell her that I sent ya, and I could get 4 extra entries!)
6.) Being Frugal and Making It Work: Cahootie Game (15 entries) ends 3/1 
7.) Sweep Tight: Exuviance (2 early entries) ends 3/25  




WON as of 3/1:  Tyler Candle
TOTAL: 1 

Birthday Festivities

When the world says "Give up," Hope whispers, "try it one more time."

I'm not sure who said this, but its a great quote!

It all began about two weeks ago.  The festivities of my birthday week began.  First, my birthday was in the back of my mind, I was only reminded by my Mom, when she mentioned that my birthday was in 3 days.  "WHAT?  No Way!   Ohhhhh yeah, I guess it is...huh."

Its funny how when you get older, your birthday just doesn't matter as much anymore.

So began the festivities.  The week prior my husband got me a fantastic beautiful pink Coach purse and matching wallet.  I feel like a very lucky girl.  Nobody has to know that it came from a thrift store, or that we got it at a great price.  It was brand new and on consignment at said thrift store, but still.  Its all me, the pink I love, and large enough for my uses.  

 Please excuse my messy car (oh and all pics were taken with my phone...so they aren't as pretty as they could be)

My awesome friend Michelle, took me out for a day of nothing but girls day, and I LOVED every minute of it.  No kids, no husbands.  Just girls.  We went to the outlet mall near Austin, we had lunch, we went to Ikea, World Market, and then back to her house to watch a movie. (Eat, Pray, Love(BTW-cute movie, the book dragged a little, but the movie was entertaining)).  It was awesome, and I felt like I could conquer the world after that.  Its always nice to get away from the norm sometimes.

 Gorgeous Coach purses...cheap!!

 Showing the hubs the cute purses...lol

 Guess how much I paid for this adorable coin purse!?  Originally 39.00, down to 13 bucks!  SWEET!  I mean hello, it IS a Coach, you expect to pay a lil more for quality right?

The restaurant we visited near Austin...review coming soon for this.

HOW super cute, I LOVE these, but I am convinced I can find them cheaper than 9.99.  Not sure if its a pipe dream or not, but I love them, and want to find some cheaper than these, still they are ADORABLE!

On Friday, my hubby and I went to Red Lobster, where I enjoyed some coconut shrimp, it was a lot greasier than I expected it to be, but it was yummy.  I was only able to eat half of it, which is NOT a bad thing.  Then we ran errands and just spent time together.  Saturday, we had many errands to run, and we got some food for our lil gathering of friends.  We played Last Word (very fun game btw), and watched some hilarious Wipeout.  Just plain celebrating my birthday.  Michelle also gave me some yummy Lindt chocolates, a gorgeous hot pink wine glass with the letter H (for my last name), a new cartridge (that is soooo super CUTE) for my cricut, some balloons, and some very pretty paper to use with my cricut as well.  I am so excited to start using it all, and she spoiled me, lol.

The girls each got me a gift as well.  Autumn chose an angel figurine...that I asked her to hold onto for me in her room, she loved that idea!  Sierra got me some faux roses, and Paul chose to put them in a lil vase with some clear rocks.  Very very sweet.  My parents both gave me checks to spend as I wanted.  I also received a golden necklace from my sis in law, and a dvd collection from my parent-in laws.  Overall, great Saturday, and then we moved onto Sunday...

Paul had to work on Sunday, so I took the girls out to IHop, then we went to Michael's, and Target and just shopped around.  Came home, watched Megamind, and ate junky, craptastic foods, lol.  

 There was a lady making balloons at Ihop for a charity...so the girls got some cute lil balloons

 Hard to tell that this is a butterfly

 My fun new flour, sugar and brown sugar jars.  Going to put some cute vinyl chalkboard things on them...wee!

Yesterday was a great day as well.  First my grandmother called me, that was a nice surprise.  Then I was able to talk to my stepmom, she is one of my best friends, so its always nice to chat with her.  I spoke with my Mom as well.  I also went to El Chico with Michelle, which was definitely fun.  After lunch, I made my way over to Cost Cutters, got my hair did, and I am LOVING it.  Its so much lighter now, and I don't feel the need to put it up at all times!  

 I decided that I looked too fat to post a pic from the front, and yes I was kind of driving, stopped at the Punishment light near our Walmart.  Love the back though, lol.

I also got a cupcake of flowers from another one of my awesome friends!!  =)

 The bottom was leaking a lil, so I put my cute towel I got from Target under it.  Aren't the flowers pretty though!!

There is something to be said of military wife friends.  Sometimes you make friends that will last a LIFETIME.  I have been extremely very blessed to have so many wonderful friends everywhere.  I am so grateful to them!

Overall, it was a fantastic birthday week... weeks.

I can't wait to see what this year holds for me!  I think this is going to be my year.  Things are going to look up from here on out.  Changes will be made, and everything will be for the best.

1.) One of the first things on my agenda...is to STOP PROCRASTINATING.  I NEVER used to procrastinate anything, and nowadays I find myself doing exactly that.  I need to get a move on, and stop it.

2.)  I really don't care when, or how, or anything, but I need to start my workout regime again.  I always feel so much better when I work out.  Even if its for only 10 minutes, its better than nothing.  I am really overweight right now, I hate the way I feel, and look, it just makes me want to be a homebody, and its hurting my relationships with other people because I don't want to get out as much.  I have a treadmill, and an array of workout dvds, so I need to work on this.

3.)  We as a family need to start eating better.  Since we came back to the states, we have thoroughly enjoyed picking our way through fast food, and restaurants out.  While its been fun, it needs to stop, or at least really slow down.  Eating out 2x a week is not conducive to us eating better, or to me losing weight...so two birds with one stone!!

4.)  I need to break Sierra of the babying habit that I have.  She is a DRAMA queen, and its starting to affect her school life.  She's also been bad at school lately.  I'm not sure why, I think it may have to do with the fact that Paul and I baby her a little too much.  She's sensitive, much more so than Autumn ever was, so when I'm hard on her, its nothing like I was on Autumn.  I was much harder on Autumn, but I think she's well behaved for that reason.  Not saying I am a mean Mom, I was just harder on Autumn than I have been on Sierra.  Sierra is a very good girl, social butterfly, and so sweet your teeth will rot, BUT lately...she hasn't been listening very well, she's been getting into trouble at school and at home for acting badly, and isn't doing her school work on time.  Autumn has ADD, I don't think Sierra is in the same boat, I think that we are starting to treat her more like we did Autumn, and she's acting out because of it.  Its the only thing I can think of that is happening.  Kids don't usually act out for nothing, and I think this may be IT for her.  I doubt she's feeling the stress of the impending deployment of Daddy, because we aren't even there yet.  I have mentioned it, but I don't feel that that is the cause of the drama.  It may be because he's not been at home a lot since he's in the field more, but again, I don't think that is the issue either.  I need to find out the root of what is causing her to act up though, so I can hopefully, remedy what I can.  She's not a baby anymore...=(

5.)  My dog, Lexi is FAT.  I'm not talking overweight...I mean HUGE.  For a dog her size, she is ginormous, she snores, she grunts, she walks around the block and as soon as she's in the house its naptime.  She's not even that old, but she's HUGE.  I would like to get to the point where I'm walking both of the dogs around the block twice a day.  I have the time, so I should be able to manage that.  If nothing else, one of Autumn's chores is going to be to walk Lexi around the block after school.  No big deal, its a small walk, but its at least SOME exercise.  Us humans aren't the only ones who need exercise, lol.

Those are my goals for the year.  I was born on the 28th of February, and I'm 28 this year...so this has to be the year that things change for the better.  =)

P.S.  If you got this far, thank you for reading, lol!