30 Things to stop doing to yourself

I found this article on someone's Facebook staus today.  If you have a good solid five minutes take the time to read this.  It is so powerful and so very true. I have learned over the past few years how life is so very short. 

When you stop chasing the wrong things you give
the right things a chance to catch you.

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.
2. Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
3. Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
5. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
6. Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
7. Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
8. Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
9. Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
10. Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
11. Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
12. Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
13. Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
14. Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
15. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
16. Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
17. Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
18. Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
19. Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
20. Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
21. Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
22. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
23. Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.
24. Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
25. Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
26. Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
27. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
28. Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
29. Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
30. Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

What's on the Menu

Busy Busy Busy is all I have to say.  Trying to keep writing some posts but I am tired.  A lot of my menus will look the same because I am on Jenny Craig, Mr. Amazing had gastric bypass so he can't eat that much.  We try to make our very picky kids what they like but it's getting harder and harder.  The litttle Diva is now becoming Goldilocks!  One day she likes it they next day she doesn't.  I just can't win

Monday:  Chili and beans over rice

Tuesday:  Homeade chicken soup and grilled cheese

Wednesday:  Chicken cutlets with potato and veggies

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday:  Finger foods.....We are having our annual Christmas party at the house for Mr. Amazing & his crew from work.  It's usually lots and lots of cocktails with lots of finger foods

Saturday:  Pizza for the kids...Mr. Amazing and I will be at his work Christmas party

Sunday:  quick meatsauce and macaroni  or maybe breakfast for dinner (fingers crossed for breakfast! lol)  Mr. Amazing does most of the cooking around here

What's on the Menu

I am so sorry for neglecting my little blog.  I have been so busy lately that I don't know if I am coming or going!  I really gotta get my act together.  We just sold our house and waiting to go into contract.  So pretty soon I am going to have to start packing.  We will be moving to someplace temporary around here first and then to Florida next summer (after my son graduates 8th grade) Mr. Amazing is going to have to stay behimd a few months to finish out his last few months of work.  I don't know what we are going to do without him!  The kids and I will melt away to nothing!  Seriously!!    He does majority of the cooking.  So I am really going to make an effort to post my menu plan every week so I could use them next year when I have to do all the cooking!  Unless the kids start to like cereal night, sandwich night and meatball night..lol!

Monday:  Roasted chicken & potatoes with steamed carrots

Tuesday:  Chicken parmesean with pasta 

Wednesday:  Stuffed pork loin, yellow rice, and steamed broccoli

Thursday:    Homeade pizza and garlic knots

Friday:  Leftovers

Saturday:    I will be at my Bunco Xmas party so Mr. Amazing will probably take kids out to dinner

Sunday:  Homeade chicken noodle soup and grill cheese

Talking to our kids about Santa

I knew it was coming and today was the day.  My little Diva is 9.  She is in 4th grade and madle in love with Justin Beiber.  My husband and I were trying to hold off as long as we could telling her about Santa.  It was getting harder and harder.  The kids Is it for already knew the truth.  Whenever we were around other grown ups talking about Christmas and shopping someone would always slip and forget about the kids being around. 

As the Diva and I were getting ready to head out to the mall to get manicures she looked me deqad in the eyes and said "Is Santa real?"  I didn't want to lie so I just started asking her questions...How do you know and why do you think that....She stated that when she was with her friend yesterday shopping with her mother all her friend kept saying was " I want this and I want that f"or Christmas.  The mother just kept saying forget it and I am not spending that much"....So I told her just because your friends mother said that doesnt mean Santa isn't real.

When we got home from the mall I told Mr. Amazing about what she asked me.  We decided to tell her the truth.  We told her that there is no Santa, Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy that we were the ones who put the presents under the tree, leave money under the pillow (even though this year I forgot until 2 days later) and that we hid the easster eggs all over the house.  We told her that would never stop because we love to see the happiness and excitement  in her face.  Just because you can't see Santa doesnt mean you can't believe.  Believing in Santa is like believing in magic.  We also reminded her that just because she knows the truth she can't blab it out to everyone and she has to be mindful of smaller children.  It was heartbreaking because she got all teary eyed.  So then I asked her what made her ask this question today.  her reply "because I seen the toys r us box and it said Justin Bieber tour bus playset!"  SO it was all my fault.  I left my amazon box in the hallway and didnt realize it actually said that on the box.

The Loss of a family friend

Last week my brothers best friend Joe was tragically assaulted and killed last week.  He was only 31 years old. He leaves behind his 7 year old son, 3 brothers and a sister and many many friends and family members.  As tragic as it was the family decided to give the gift of life by donating his organs to help other families. From what I was told his pancreas already cured someone from type 1 diabetes.  I think what his family did was truely amazing and we all should consider organ donation.

   So if your reading this...please tell your loved ones(including your best friends) just how much you love them. Give them tighter hugs and extra kisses. Live like everyday is your last and enjoy every moment. 

I read this a long time ago and I thought I share:

HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR DASH?

 by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He told of the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears.
But said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that small line is worth.

It matters not how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know what time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way that people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

We could treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Will you be proud of the things they said
About how you spent your dash?

Just a wordless post

Helpful Hint for cleaning lampshades and curtains

I was just reading one of my many favorite magazines (I am a magazine addict!)  and I came across this hint I thought I would share with you......

Have you ever wondered how to clean your lampshades or dread the thought of having to take your curtains down to wash them because they were full of dust?  Well fret no more...just use a lint roller!  Who would have thought?

My little diva's poem was publshed in the newspaper

Two weeks ago my my little diva had an assignment at school to write a poem about reading.  The class was told that the teacher would pick one to be published in the paper.  She came home and within 5 minutes came up with a poem.  I don't think I could have ever thought of something so quick.  Usually we have to sign the homework.  She had told me not to sign it because I would ruin her beautiful paper as she wrote her neatest and was hoping to get picked for the paper. I am so proud of her!

Free $2.00 Extra Care Buck at CVS

This one is a no brainer!!  Head on over to the CVS website HERE and pledge not to be a money trasher.  You will need to enter your extra care card number and email address.  Within 24 hours Cvs will email you a $2.oo ECB coupon!!!  Offer is limited to the first 500,000

What is one of the hardest words to say

Why is it so hard to say the word I am sorry?  Admit that you were wrong and move on.  Especially over something so absolutely ridiculous.  Just sayin

Remembering 9/11

It's a day I will never forget. I have never written this down before but I figured my little blog can hold this memory for me.   It was a gorgeous sunny morning.  I was about 8 weeks pregnant (but no one knew except me and my husband)  and still coping with the loss of my dad at age 47 had succombed to lung cancer and passed away only a month before.  I contemplated if I should go to work because my 3 year old son wasn't feeling well.   I decided to go in since my in-laws were here from Florida and they were able to watch him.  I thought I would just go in for a half day and come home. I was just about to go over the Outerbridge Crossing on my way to work in New Jersey when the first plane struck the Towers.  I was stunned.  I tried calling my husband from my cell phone because I knew at that moment I probably wouldn't see him for a few days.  He is a New York City Police Officer.  He had worked the midnight shift and then had to appear at traffic court that morning for a case he had.  As soon as I got to work the 2nd plane had hit.  As I walked to my office everyone was glued to their radios and talking about what had just happened.  I sat at my desk in disbelief.  I stayed for about half hour and then stood up and announced  I have to go.  I rushed out of the building and started my way home back to Staten Island, NY.  When I got to the bridge...it was closed.  My heart sank.  How was I going to get home?  What do I do?  I haven't heard from my husband and my kid was home sick.  Thankfully my mom had lived in Laurence Harbor, NJ at the time.  Her house was on the water that overlooked the NYC skyline.   We sat there for hours just looking at the windows as the towers burned.

When my husband got home that morning from court around 10am he got called in right back to work.  He worked for 3 straight days.  He was stationed on the Verrazano bridge.  I finally was able to get back home the next day.  Day and night my eyes were glued to the news.  From September 11th until sometime in November my husband worked 16-18 hour shifts 7 days a week.  No days off or vacations were allowed.  I would wake up during the night just to talk to him for a few minutes and go over the days events with our son who had just started pre school, my pregnancy, and his days at work. 

As we remember today on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I just want to say to all the families and friends that lost a loved one....my heart goes out to you and may God hold you in the palm of his hand to comfort you always.  To my husband....I love you so much and am so very proud of how you serve and protect our city.  May you and all your co workers be safe today and everyday. 

My own personal challenge...40 bags in 40 days

Recently while reading my latest addiction PINTEREST...I came a cross a pin called 40 bags in 40 days.  It sounds simple but to me I think it's going to be a challenge.  It was devised to purge your clutter during the season of Lent.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am welllllll....a packrat!  Even though I hate to admit it.  Being that we have the house up for sale I really really need to get rid of the clutter.  So what do I have to lose by challenging myself to do this....junk I don't need!  Below you will see the example of how to start your own 40 bags in 40 day challenge

Back to school countdown...10 days!!! and some free party printables

The Back to School countdown has begun!! We are 10 days away.  It has been a very long summer.  Although I am very very grateful that my kids have been in Florida with their grandparents most of the month of August and will not be home until this coming Saturday. I am even more grateful that they weren't here for Hurricane Irene.  Despite them being gone I did have to babysit all day. 

Maybe summer just felt so long because financally we really couldn't do to much and being home with 6 kids all day can make you just a little nuts.  So in my spare time in the evenings while my kids were gone I scoured the internet for Back To School party ideas and printables.  I thought it would be nice if I could put together a little party for all the kids the day before school starts next week.  So here is what I came up with:

Back to School Countdown.  Found  this on Pinterest courtesy of craftyconfessions

I thought this would be easy and inexpensive to re create for my Back To School party.  I found it on Pinterest courtesy of 6dukes

I LOVE THIS TABLE!  I am definately going to try this.  Found on amyatlas  with a tutoral how to make the pencil cake

Save a copy of this free download from Clickable Party

I thought these would be cute for the lunchbox or on my party table.  I found these on isharepirntables courtesy of bethproudfoot

Bring on the Hurricane....I am ready (at least I think I am)

Bring it on Irene....I am ready for ya!  At least I think I am anyway. We survived the 5.6 Earthquake that lasted 20 seconds a few days ago and we will survive this too!  Before I was hunkered down for the weekend I went out for a mani & pedi.  (hey a girl has gotta look pretty if she have to be rescued, duh!) oh and I went to the mall to shop.  (Don' tell Mr. Amazing) it was only raining a little.  The roads were fine.

 It is now 5:50pm and here in Staten Island, NY it has been raining on and off all day.  We have enough food to feed an army and enough water to last a few days. Last night Mr. Amazing got the call that he had to report for duty at 9am to protect and serve our community.  When he got into work he was told that he will be staying on duty until at least 4pm tomorrow.  So that means it's just me and my fur baby Oreo weathering the hurricane tonight.

Thank god my kids are safe.  They have been with their grandparents in Florida the past few weeks and they are due to come home next weekend.  I was so worried for them earlier this week because we thought they were gong to be hit with the hurricane.  They didnt even get any rain.  Now it's headed straight for us instead.  This is something New York hasn't seen in over 25 years. For the first time in history NYC has shut down all mass transit at 12:00 pm today.  My kids have been calling me every day to tell me what I need to do.  They are so worried for us.  Bless their little hearts.  Be safe everyone on the East Coast. 

Free sample of Crest Complete

                   Head on over to Walmart.com  to snag a  FREE Crest Complete sample here  while supplies last.  Your sample should arrive in 4-6 weeks.

Awesome money making Dove deal at Walgreens

*sorry Dove deal no longer available*

Hurry on over to Walgreens...because who knows how long this is going to last.  If you buy 3 single bars of dove soap for .99 with the in store coupon you will pay $3.03 and get $6.00 in register rewards!!  I just went an hour ago and it worked.  I then rolled the $6.00 register reward from the Dove into the Rice Krispy treat and Cheez it deal.  Buy 4 for $10.00 and get $5.00 register rewards.  So I only paid $4.00 for 4 boxes of snacks. 

Thanks Living Rich with Coupons for alerting us on the Dove deal...You rock!

Here is a fun fact about me.....I LOVE LUCY!!!

I figured today was a good day to let you all know that I am a huge fan of I Love Lucy....I can watch that show over and over again.  For those of you who don't know, today would have been her 100th birthday.  Happy Birthday Lucy!!!  I came across these facts today on the internet about her:

1. After two decades spent trying to become a movie superstar, Lucille Ball was 40 years old when she finally became a Hollywood player with the debut of 'I Love Lucy' in 1951.

2. Lucy was not only a genius performer, but a smart, innovative businesswoman: she and husband/co-star Desi Arnaz introduced the idea of syndicating TV shows, and she was the first woman to own her own film studio (Desilu).

3. Among the other TV series produced by Desilu: 'Star Trek,' 'The Untouchables' and 'Mission: Impossible.'

4. She attended acting school in New York City ... with Bette Davis.

5. Like most other actresses in Hollywood, Lucy auditioned for the role of Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone With the Wind.' But on her way to audition for producer David O. Selznick, she got caught in a rainstorm, was drenched, and had to audition wearing nothing but a long sweater she'd borrowed from Selznick's assistant.

6. Lucy was not only the Chesterfield cigarette girl, but also a Ziegfield Girl and Goldwyn Girl.

7. One of the most beloved episodes of 'I Love Lucy' -- 'Harpo Marx' -- guest-starred Harpo Marx and found Lucy and Harpo re-creating the Marx Brothers' famous mirror scene from 'Duck Soup.' Earlier in her career, Ball had starred with the Marxes in the big-screen comedy 'Room Service,' and with another famous comedy group, the Three Stooges, in the comedy short 'Three Little Pigskins.'

8. The birth of Little Ricky on 'I Love Lucy' -- and of Desi Arnaz Jr. in real life -- was featured on the very first TV Guide cover in 1953.

9. Desi Jr. dated the offspring of another Hollywood diva: Judy Garland's daughter Liza Minnelli.

10. Lucy was a big fan of the sitcom 'Three's Company.' She even hosted a clip show special of the series in 1982.

11. In 1986, Lucy attempted a comeback with the dismal Aaron Spelling-produced ABC sitcom 'Life With Lucy' in 1986. The show, which found Lucy playing Lucy Barker, a widowed grandma who helped run her late husband's hardware store, also featured her 'The Lucy Show' and 'Here's Lucy' co-star Gale Gordon, but the rest of the cast was so forgettable that the comedy only aired for eight episodes before plummeting ratings led to its cancelation.

12. Lucy's last public appearance was in March 1989, at the 61st Oscar ceremony. She died the next month.

13. Lucy is in the National Women's Hall of Fame, which includes just one other TV star: Oprah Winfrey.
14. Lucy was a big fan of Betty White and 'The Golden Girls,' and appeared with White on various versions of the game show 'Password.' Lucy's mother, DeDe, was a close friend of Betty White's mother, Tess.

15. Lucy was an uncredited producer on the 1983 Tom Cruise football drama 'All the Right Moves.' Her second husband, Gary Morton, had co-produced the film via Lucy's Lucille Ball Productions.

A quick read regarding Stress Management

I received this short little story in my personal email from a friend I play Bunco with.  I just had to share because I feel it is so true.  I need to work on some of these things because Lord knows I am stressed out.  I think I am almost at capacity.

The True Meaning of Stress

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'..... she fooled them all... "How heavy is this glass of water?", she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on.."

As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... pick them up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax, pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker...

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7* It may be that the sole purpose of your life is to serve as a warning to others

8 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

9 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

10 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

11 * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

12 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

13 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

14 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

15 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.....
20 * It was me, your friend!

*Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!

In Memory of my Dad

We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore;
We did our best to the end, 'Til we could do no more.
In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away;
And though our hearts were breaking,
We knew you could not stay. You left behind some aching hearts,
That loved you most sincere; We never shall and never will
Forget you Daddy dear.

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago today we lost you.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you or speak your name.  All I have left are memories and pictures of you in a frame. Thomas remembers you a little and Kaitlyn wishes she met you.  I love you you and miss you very much.  xoxo

Free lotion at Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works has a new in-store freebie! You can snag a FREE (my favorite word!) 2oz. bottle of ther newest lotion Paris Amour, a $3.50 value. Print coupon here and take it to any Bath & Body Works location! You can even show the coupon on your phone to redeem. This coupon is valid this weekend only and expires on July 31st

My CVS shopping trip

OMG!!  CVS paid me $1.75 to take this out of their store!  Can you believe that?  I am a newbie at trying to become an extreme couponer.  I wish I could do this all the time but it can be a bit time consuming and I just don't get all the coupons like the rest of you seem to get.  I would also like to thank Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons for always posting deal scenarios, coupon match ups, and where to print coupons.  Her blog is a must read several times a day for me.  If it weren't for her I wouldn't be able to save as much money. 

So here is how I got paid to walk out of CVS wth all these products:

(2) Pretzel M&M                             2 for $6.oo

(2) Colgate toothpaste                      2 for $5.00

(2) Duralcell 8pk batteries                2 for $10.00

(2) Herbal Essence Stylers                2 for $5.00

(2) Herbal Essence shampoo/cond.   2 for $5.00

(1) Herbal Essence hairspray             1.19    (was on clearance)

Coupons used:

$5.00 off $25.00 purchase (magic coupon scanner)

$10.00 ECB from Schick deal

(2) $3.00 Herbal Essence styler wyp shampoo/condtioner

(3) $1.00 Hebal Essence shampoo/conditioner

(2) $1.oo Pretzel M&M

(2) $1.oo Duracell Batteries

(1) $1.00 off any 2 Colgate toothpaste

Total OOP  $8.25

and I received $10.00 gas card for purchasing these items.

What do you normally tip the paperboy and the mancurist

So I am sitting here pondering the thought of how much should I be tipping my paperboy and manicurist. LIKE I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO THINK ABOUT OR DO.  Should I be tipping 20% that is custom when dining out?  Now you have to remember I live in New York and everything here is expensive. To have the paper delivered everyday it costs $4.95 per week.  Usually when the paperboy comes to collect his pay we are not home or I don't hear the doorbell.  So when he does collect I owe like 6 weeks!  YIKES!!  so I usually will give him $45.00. I really want to give him less because he pisses me off.   On Sunday mornings he doesn't deliver my beloved Sunday morning news until 10:00am.  10:00 AM PEOPLE..... I will pace at the front door just waiting like a shark.   Do you think I am tipping him enough or am I being cheap?

When I get my nails done and eyebrows waxed...which is not that often anymore (that was one of my expenses that got the axe) it usually costs me $17.00 for a pedicure, $6.00 for a manicure, and $7.00 for eyebrows.  I usually get 3 different ladies to do all these things for me.  How much do you tip?  I give the eyebrow lady $2.00, the pedicure lady $5.00 since that takes the longest, and $3.00 for the manicurist.  

Leave me a comment and let me know what you tip for services

I will go broke just trying to keep the kids busy

I dont't know about you BUT I need to find another way to make money just to pay for summer actvities! How on earth can I keep these kids entertained since school is out?  There is only so much pool time they could take.  I feel terrible because I just can't do alot this summer and all I keep hearing is can we go here and can we go there.  I try to explain to them if we do A then we can't do B.  I hate seeing their looks of dissappointment.  So far this summer we went to Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags. I had tickets from last year that didn't get used and I had them renewed by customer service.  Even though the tickets were already paid for I still had to pay for parking and buy lunch.  So that was $100 day.  We went away to Hershey Park for a few days.  That was our 1st vacation in 2 years.  That was a bundle but we really had a good time.

Mr. Amazing wanted to take the kids to Coney Island for Nathans Hotdogs and to ride the Cyclone roller coaster tonight.  BUT when I looked up the cost.....THATS out.  $8.oo a person to take 1 ride on the roller coaster!  $13 bridge toll, food, and how do you go to an amusement park and not ride other rides or play games?.  That is insane.  I couldn't sleep last night just thinking of all the things coming up.  My son's birthday is next week, I have family visiting us this coming weekend from Texas, and then I am taking the kids to Florida to visit my mom.  I am only staying a few days but they will stay the rest of the summer at camp Grandma.  YAY!!!  OY VEY!!  I guess I am going to have to start Ebaying again. 

What's on the Menu

I been a little lazy wth posting my menu....I do find it very helpful and huge money saver when we do have a menu.  So here is what we are eating this week

Tuesday 6/28:   Chicken parmesean with pasta

Wednesday:  Hamburgers, corn on the cob, broccoli

Thursday:  Grilled chicken thighs, orzo w/onions, green beans

Friday:  leftovers

Saturday:  Steak, mac & cheese, broccoli

Sunday:  Chicken fajita kabobs, rice, beans

Monday (4th of July): Hotdogs, hamburgers, chili, corn on the cob, salads

Tuesday:  Homeade pizza

Wednesday:  BBQ chcken, rice a roni, green beans

Thursday:  Marinated London broil, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Staples coupons

You better hurry up and print these bd boys.  Staples has some really hot coupons on their own brand post its, binder clips, pens, copy paper  etc.  They expire on July 2nd
Go Here to print out the coupons

Thanks Frugal Living and Having fun for finding these coupons

Free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios with coupon

Who doesn't love Cheerios?  Head on over HERE to snag your free sample.  This freebie will go fast.  Thanks Couponing to Disney for posting this awesome freebie.

Today we celebrate 16 years of marriage

Today Mr. Amazing and I celebrate 16 years of marriage. I married the love of my life and my best friend.  Time is really flying by and I can't wait to see what the next 16 years has in store for us.  There are not enough words or ways I can express my love for him.  He truly amazes me in so many ways.

Sometimes I feel guilty because he does so much for me and our two beautiful kids.  There are many days he works long hours and loses sleep just to spend time with us. He cooks, cleans, always lends a hand to friends that need his help, makes me laugh, lifts me up when I am down and constantly tells me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me every single day (even with bed head and bad breath!).  What more can I ask for.

So Terry if your reading this I LOVE YOU!  More than all the stars in the sky and beyond.  You will always be my Endless Love. There may not be any gifts or fancy vacations but I don't care as long as we have each other.  I am so very thankful that your mine!   xoxox

How do you save your coupon savings

Saving money is hard!  Saving account....Rainy Day Fund....What the heck are those? Unfortunately we don't have any savings for emergencies and lately that is really really bothering me and keeping me awake at night. I am sick and tired of living paycheck to paycheck and doing a clown balancing act to pay the bills.   I have tried yard sales but I don't make that much (I guess my junk isn't good enough), I tried ebay(but that is tedious and time consumng), even getting rid of my old crappy jewelry.  I can say that I have become better at using coupons.  I probably have cut our grocery bill by at least 40%.  Thats a huge help.  Never fails though...when I have extra money something in the house breaks down or one of our cars needs a repair. Everytime a little "murphy" pops up as Dave Ramsey calls it...we hit up the credit cards(whch are busting at the seams).  So far the easiest way I have found to save money is breaking the bills and keeping the change. Mr. Amazing and I have done this since we started dating.  At first it was just for gas money to drive down to Florida and over the years it has evolved into payng for most of our vacation or plane tickets for my son to visit his grandparents.  .  A few times that jar was well over $1000.  That was when I had a job.  I use to do the coffee run for the ladies in my office.  I would take their change and pay with my bills. 

Now I am thinking of possibly putting all the money I save wth coupons into a separate checking account.  For example....Yesterday I purchased $10.00 worth of items at the store yesterday.  I had four $1.00 off coupons.  So I only paid $6.00.  I would have spent that money anyway with or without the coupon.  I am thinking of writing a check from one checking account for $4.00 and putting into my coupon savings acct.  If the store doubles that coupon (which they didn't but on rare occasions they do) do I double the check I write?  I am asking all my lovely followers of this blog to let me know how you save your coupon savings.  f you have any other ideas to save money that would be great also.  We need to get that emergency fund started. 

Just need to vent a little

I feel lately that I am living in a black hole.  Nothing makes me happy, I don't feel like doing ANYTHING at all and I would rather be left alone to stare at the four walls.   We are in the process of selling our house... so trying to keep it neat and clean at all times seems impossible especially since I can't muster up the energy to want to clean.  Lately one of the little ones I babysit finds a need to color everything in site.  My walls, floors and even the glass on the wall unit.  I can't leave the room for a second without her getting into trouble.  I have been researching school possibilities for my son (we are moving to FLorida next summer) and the area we want to live in does not have any appealing high school with good stats. 

The kids are fresh, the finances are keeping me awake at night and I feel super guilty for even feeling the way I do.  It just seems like things will never get better.  I just want tot cry all the time.  The icing on the cake was yesterday.  I asked my kids to help me straighten up afterschool because we had people coming to look at the house.  They instantly gave me the rolling of the eyes and the huffs and puffs.  I asked the 10 year old boy I babysit to keep an eye on his 2 year old sister (the mad crayon artist) and the other 3 year old I babysit so I can straighten up for a few minutes.  It took about 2 minutes before my name was being called to say JENNNN  there is a spill on the floor.  PURPLE V8 JUICE ALL OVER THE KITCHEN FLOOR!!  Just what I needed to do...wash the floors right before these people come to look at the house.  I just wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, flip the kitchen table and throw all the chairs.  But  I didn't...because then I would have to clean some more!!!! It took all restraint for me not to open the floodgate of tears that were welling up.  Lately I HATE MY LIFE....When the hell will it get better?  Just needed to vent  uuuuggghhhh

Sounds like me

A friend of mine on Facebook had this as her status:

The girl who seemed unbreakable, BROKE. The girl who always laughed, CRIED. The girl who never gave up, finally QUIT and said "I can't do this anymore"

It sounds just like me....There is only so much one can take

Lean Pockets BOGO coupon on Facebook

 Who doesn't love Lean Pockets?  I think they are a great quickie lunch.  Lean pockets is giving away a Buy 1 get 1 free Lean pockets coupon on their Facebook page.  All you have to do is "like" them and click the orange button.  It's a bricks coupon so you can hit your back browser and print out a second one!!

Great coupons and freeebies today

I am on a mission to become an extreme couponer!!!  There a few good coupons today on Facebook.  Head on over to  Little Debbie to get a coupon for .75 off their new cloud cakes.  Its a brick coupon so hit your back browser to print 2.


  What kid doesn't love smiley fries??  My kids love them so like them on Facebook $1.00/1 McCain Potato product

Do you or your children like carnation instant breakfast?  They can be expensive.  Well go to their facebook page and "Like" them to get $1.50 off coupon HERE  

 Swiffer is giving away 25,000 free 360 Dusters Starter Kits every week in May. Go  HERE and become a Swiffer fan to get your free kt today!!

   

Crystal Light coupon

You better hurry before they are all gone....Head on over to the Crystal Light Facebook page HERE and print out a very rare and high value $1.oo off coupon

Confirmation party help needed!!!

I can't believe that my 3lb preemie baby boy will be making his Confirmation next week.  It only seems like yesterday I gave birth to him.  Now he is taller than me which ain't sayin much since I am only five feet tall!  We are so very proud of him.  I want to make him a nice Confirmation party although money is tight (when is it ever not?).  It's going to be held in my yard because it works out to be half the price of going to a nice restaurant. Hopefully the weather wll hold out.  I am looking for a Confirmation theme.  Should I go with a Memorial Day theme being it will be memorial day weekend or a more religious theme???

Anyway, I have been searching the internet like crazy for DIY Confirmation party printables.  Napkin rings, cupcake/gift tags, banners, etc.  but there really isn't much of a selection out there in cyber space unless you want to pay for it.  So if any of my bloggy friends have ideas or free printables I could use...I would greatly apprecate it.  If not then I will just have to wing it.  Stay tuned next week for my party pictures.

What's on the Menu

  It's official....our house is on the market now.  We are a step closer to Florida.  So now I have been working extra hard at keeping this house as neat as a pin.  It's hard work!  Kids running around all day leaving a trail of toys and fingerprints.  On another note I have been really trying to create a nice little stockpile to help us save even more money.  We will need it for moving expenses and hopefully some new furniture.  My grocery store offered triple coupons the past 2 weeks and I was on a coupon high.   Anyway here is my menu for the week.

Sunday:  Leftover make your own fajitas with rice and beans

Monday:  Meatballs and spaghetti

Tuesday:  Homeade chicken soup and sandwiches

Wednesday:  Chicken cutlets with yellow rice and green beans

Thursday:  Chili with white rice

Friday:  Homeade pizza

Saturday:  Roasted chicken, potato and broccoli

Cheap and Free things to do this summer

Just only yesterday it was winter and now before we know it the summer will be fast approaching.  With the sluggish economy that is still dragging and the high cost of gas....what can we do to entertan our kids that won't cost an arm and a leg?  There is only so much pool or playground they could take before we start  hearing "Mom I'm bored".  So to help you out I am trying to compile a list of free or cheap things to do this summer. 

Regal Cinemas just released their new Summer Movie Express.  I guess they no longer can continue letting us watch the movies for free (blame the economy) but they are only going to charge $1.00 to see a G or PG rated movie on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  These movies have already been released on Dvd.   Who cares!  What's better than beng in air conditioning on a hot summer day.  Please keep in mind that some daycares and summer camps bus their kids in sooooo you might want to get there a little early

Click HERE to find a theatre near you and a list of the movies that will be shown

Kids bowl free everyday this summer!!  From May 1st thru September 5th  your kids can bowl 2 games per day (shoe rental not included)   You can also sign up 4 adults for $24.95 to also bowl 2 free games everyday for the whole summer.  Now that is a great deal.  Also another air conditioned outing!  Click Here  for an alley near you.



Extreme Coupon wannabe

This past year or maybe longer it is really hitting home how bad the economy is and I feel like I can't control anything.  The cost of everyday staples keep going up but our paychecks are still the same.  I was never one to make a budget or follow one let alone have an allowance.  I was never taught that nor do I like that.  BUT......lately I feel this strong urge that we need one.  How?  Where do I start?  Since becoming a blogger I think that I have saved money especially at the food and drug stores since many of my fellow bloggers are nice enough to post where to find coupons and deals.

In an effort to save money and pay bills I have been learning to create a little stockpile and to use coupons, register rewards and extracare bucks more to my advantage.  I would let those things expire before I could use them and now I have learned to split my orders and use them right away. 

Now I am addicted to watching Extreme Couponing on TLC and I am a wannabe! I don't want to be that extreme.  Who the heck needs a 40 year supply of toilet paper or 200 tubes of toothpaste?  I sure would like to try to get my groceries for next to nothing.  Groceries are the only thing that I can control with the proper meal planning and shopping.  I am on my way to be becoming a semi-extreme couponer...last week our grocery store had a triple coupon event (rarely ever does that happen) and this past weekend they had a double up to $2.00 coupon event.  I probably spent about 4+hours organizing and writing down by aisle what I wanted to buy.  It paid off.  I had more than $200 worth of groceries and paid less than $100.  WOOHOOOO!!!!

Holey Donuts 3 box Giveaway!!

Who out there doesn't love donuts??  They are so hard to resist especially when you are on a diet.  About a year ago I heard about this little company called Holey Donuts  that carries lowfat and low cal donuts.  I thought t was to good to be true.  Since I can't resist a tasty treat, I placed an order for an assortment.  To my surprise they were outrageously delicious.  The donuts were normal size and I think they tasted just as good as Dunkin Donuts if not better. Seriously that is how delicious they are. These yummy donuts are delivered to you frozen and take about 20 minutes to thaw at room temperature or you can pop them in the microwave.  They always taste as if they were just made. 

They have such a large assortment I just want them all!!  But I dont have the room in my freezer.  Not only do they carry donuts but they also  have cinnamon buns and donut holes!!!   For the next few days they are runnng a super easy contest.  All you have to do is send them an email to holeydonutsceo@yahoo.com with your State in the subject line.  Easy Peasy right?  If your are chosen you will receive 3 boxes of heaven donuts

Free Cottonelle wipes

Head on over to the Cottonelle site HERE and grab a free tub of Conttonelle Fresh wipes with the Give one Get one campaign.  All you have to do is fill out the form and give one email address of a friend and you both will receive a coupon by snail mail for a free tub.  Your coupon should arrive in 4-6 weeks.  Hurry....I am sure this offer won't last long

What's on the Menu

I know I know...it's been months since I posted my menu plan.  What can I say?  I am just a plain unorganized mess!!  Better late than never right?  I was speaking to my cousin this weekend who lives in Texas and I was ranting about my excitement over triple coupons this week.  We started talking about saving money and planning menues and it reminded to post up my menu.  She likes to glance at it and sometimes make the same things for her family.   I will start from last night.....So here it is:


Tuesday:  Chicken and cheese Quesadilla, yellow rice, beans (I LOVE Bush's beans Texas Ranchero or black bean fiesta)

Wednesday:  Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans

Thursday:    Oven roasted chcken and potatoes with spinich

Friday:  Fried chicken cutlets, white rice, broccoli

Saturday:  We have a party to attend....so dinner will be there

Sunday:  Hamburgers, hotdogs, homeade macaroni and cheese

Teacher Appreciation gift ideas

If you don't already know Teacher Appreciation weeks starts on May 3rd.  As alot of you already know....I am a crafting idiot.   I am great at copy catting!!!  Since I have been bogging I have come across some really nice ideas and free printables for most all occasions. Now that I am a stay at home mom, I have been trying to do things for my kids that I always wanted to do...like make cupcakes for school instead of buying them, sending in cute handmade gifts for the teachers instead of buying them.  One would hope that my kids appreciate all the time I spend doing theses things just to put smiles on their faces.

To make things easier for those of you who may or may not be crafty, I put together a few blogs you can creep to get some ideas.

  Go here  Bake at 350 to find a detailed tutorial on how to make these adorable popcorn box cookies.  If you are short on time then you can even use the free printable HERE from Domesticated Lady and just put an envelope of microwave popcorn

click  Anything but Perfect for a free printable candy bar wrapper (Aren't these so cute)

The ladies over at eighteen25 are very crafty...They also have a few other Teacher appreciation/Back to school ideas

Earth Day Freebies 4/22/11

Celebrate Earth Day this Friday 4/22/11 by recycling 5 plastic shopping bags at the Disney store.  For doing your part the Disney store will give you a free Mickey re-useable tote bag.

On 4/23/11 Lowes stores will be celebrating Earth day by giving away a million trees.  Head on over to your local store to get your tree

Celebrate Earth Day at Starbucks with free coffee or tea

Attention all Starbucks lovers.....Head on over there on April 22 (Earth Day) with a re-useable mug and get a free fill of coffee or tea. 

Sorry for not posting...Gastric Bypass, babysitting, cleaning the clutter

I am so sorry my fellow bloggers for not posting lately.  There has been alot going on.  Mr. Amazing had Gastric Bypass surgery a few weeks ago and he had some complications that kept him in the hospital for a week.   He was home for not even 24hrs and suffered a near fatal allergic reaction that landed him in ICU for a few days.  So I have been a little stressed out.  Now I am trying to get back into the swing of things and get this house in order so the for sale sign can go up (hopefully in a week or so) I have so many closets, cabinets, and drawers to clean out I don't know if I am coming or going.  On top of the regular trials and tribulations of everyday life,  I also  been babysitting (gotta pay those bills) and I am just extremely exhausted.  I have not been sleeping good and it's really starting to effect me.  I just lack motivation to do anything and all I seem to do is worry about every little burp or fart Mr. Amazing makes. 

Hopefully I will back to posting regularly soon

The season of Lent.....To abstain or not abstain

I am a believer in god but I am a bad catholic and don't practice my religion like I should. I have always followed the season of Lent, gone to church occasionally, and  even was a teachers helper in religion class.   The question I have is this.....Can you have what you gave up for Lent on Sundays or not?  Lately I have been hearing on the radio, on my friends facebook pages, and this even came up at a conversation in my Bunco group.  Apparently people are saying that you can have the item you gave up for Lent on Sundays.  I also heard that instead of giving up a food item you can volunteer to do charity work or just say a few extra prayers.  Never in my life have I ever heard of such a thing......until I just googled it!  My great internet search revealed that in 1966 Pope Paul VI wrote in his apostolic constituton that fasting and abstinence can be replaced with works of charity and prayer.  WELL I"LL BE A MONKEY"S UNCLE!!!! 

I gave my kids such grief and guilt how Jesus gave up his life for us and the least they can do is give up soda (which was their choice) for forty days.  I nearly brought them to tears because I was not giving in to having soda.  Anyway...How do all my bloggy friends follow lent? 

25% off entire order at TGI Fridays

I love going to Fridays.  They have the best green bean fries.  Click  HERE to print your coupon for 25% off your order.  This coupon will expire 3/21

Weight Watchers Ice Cream Party from House Party

If you are a member of House Party there is a new yummy party to apply for.  If your not a member it only
takes a few minutes to apply.   I hope I get picked!!  I just joined Weight Watchers last week in my never endng effort to win the battle of the bulge.   Below you will find the details to the Weight Watchers House Party

Your Free Party Pack will include these goodies:



■Coupons for free Weight Watchers® Ice Cream

■Coupons for your guests to save on Weight Watchers® Ice Cream

■Blank mood boards

■Mood board stickers

■Serving tray

■Drink pitcher

■Apron

■ Strawberry  pens

more free St. Patricks Day printables

Okay maybe I am just a little obsessed with printable partyware!  I thought it would be nice if I shared all the places I have been finding these cute printables.  I also stalk follow these blogs and it would be nice if you would kindly take a ride over to their sites and maybe you too might like to follow them. 

My newest obsession.....  SUBWAY ART!!!  The totally awesome ladies at eighteen25 created this cute sign

Who doesn't love cupcakes?  Well how about dressing them up with these cute little cupcake wrappers.  You can find these free printables at   pennycandystudios                                    

                                                               

I am a crafting idiot but I am good at copying! Free St. Pat's Printable

I am not the most crafty person you ever met BUT I am a genius at being a copy cat!  Lately I have become obsessed with following party design blogs with easy DIY projects.  All I want to do is make party decorations, cupcake and bag toppers for every occasion I could think of.  As I was creeping these blogs I found this really cute free St. Patricks Day printables from it is what it is.  Stop on by her blog to check out all the amazing free printables she has. 

These printables would be really great for class parties or even little treats for dinner guests.  They can be used as cupcake toppers or bag toppers.  Enjoy

You're My Pot O'Gold

download HERE