Buy One Get One Free Papa John's Coupon

Are you a fan of Papa John's Pizza?  I've never tried it before, but have heard lots of people rave about it.  Sign up to receive emails from Papa John's and they will send you an email containing a promo code for a FREE medium cheese pizza with a pizza purchased at regular menu price. 

So True

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Framed Flower Vase

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I am so in love with this idea, and just need to find a place for it in our home.  This is a great repurpose of a frame that has had the glass broken.  Instead of replacing the glass, they decided to turn the frame into a centerpiece for fresh flowers.  The peonies are in wall vases, available all around, including Pottery Barn and Target.  Choose which style works best for your home.  Brilliant!

For My Boys....

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....who do not agree that I sing like an angel!

HomeSav

Look at how cute these pet dishes are!  HomeSav is a fun site that features designer items at greatly discounted prices.  Thru Friday they are doing a sale on Wetnoz Snazzy Pet Accessories (LUV the name!).  Thru Saturday you can grab items from Chalkboard China.  I love this idea!  The vases are particularly cute.

Great Bento Article

I am sooooo excited!  There is a great article in today's Dallas Morning News on Bento lunches.  It's on the front and back of the Arts&Life section.  Check it out!  I was pleased to see that they featured the My Square Meal box and the Goodbyn box, which I use.  I could not recommend them more.

Also of note, I am working on adding an Amazon storefront to the blog, which would feature all my favorite bento-style lunchboxes and accessories.  If you are looking to get into packing fresher, healthier lunches, this storefront will point you in the right direction.  I hope to have that up by the end of this week. (fingers crossed!)

Is This What They Mean By Downward Dog?

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Look at that little stump of a tail!  He's just too dang cute!

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Be Present

Honestly, this is a concept that I struggle with every single day.  It's usually my New Year's resolution too.  I find that I get so caught up in the day-to-day task of keeping a busy family of five running smoothly (yeah, right!), that I forget to look around and really pay attention to what is going on.  Sometimes it seems that these kiddos are constantly chitty-chattering in the back seat, and I just nod and give some sort of non-commital response.  Many times, I don't even hear what they say.  I'm busy thinking of where I have to go next, what still needs to be done, what I need to pick up at the store.  I'm constantly making lists in my head.  Little "To Do's".  I really have to keep check on the amount of times I say "not right now" or "in a few minutes."  I struggle all.the.time just treading water to keep my head afloat that I'm not enjoying the swim.  Know what I mean?

YES! Vindication Is Mine!

You can't see me right now, but just know that I am currently fist pumpin' in the air!  Why?  I think I may have finally made some progress in helping my children see how lucky (and privileged) they are to have a mom who does not work (at least not outside the home - trust me, I do plenty of work!).  
You see, for several months last spring, my boys were asking (ok, begging) me to sign them up for after school care at their school.  Apparently, lots of their friends GET to go to after school care which is just all kinds of fun and excitement.  While they HAVE to have their mom pick them up from school and take them home (poor babies usually have to deal with some sort of homemade snack waiting for them too!).
At the beginning of summer, I happened upon a groupon-type deal for a weeks worth of "summer camp" (read day care) for a ridiculously low price.  When asked if they were interested, they gave a very enthusiastic thumbs up!
Yesterday was their first day of camp, and they were so excited they could hardly STAND IT.  When I asked them when they would like to be picked up, the little one's response was "as late as you possibly can."  Well, I got there at 4 and it didn't take long to see that camp was not exactly what they expected.  They looked mighty pitiful, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me just a little bit happy to see how miserable they were (evil, right?).
This morning, after breakfast, the little guy asked if I could come get them after two hours.  They regaled me with tales of how disgusting the lunch was, how measly the snack was (just 6 animal crackers - apparently they counted!), and how rude and wild all the kids were (now, if this is not the pot calling the kettle black).
Today I only made them stay a half day.  Considering it's only Tuesday I figured I better pace myself.  I suppose I could just chock this up to a lesson learned and let 'em hang out here at home with me for the rest of the week, but that ain't gonna happen.  You see, I'm REALLY enjoying my peace and quiet.  I have been entertaining, cooking, playing with, and breaking up fights all summer long.  And I'm tired.  Really.
So they will finish out the week at summer camp.  And I will have a few more days of quiet time.  And I'm figuring that there will be no more talk of  the after school program once school starts up in a few weeks!  Apparently, hanging with mom is not so bad.  :)

What's This Cord For? (no more!)

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Super simple idea to label your power cords so you know what's what.  Just use old bread tabs!  It is suggested that you put a tab on each end for complete organization (wait, what's that?).

You Know It's True!

Unfortunately, I'm Talented Too

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Dalton Ghetti

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Can you believe this?  Look again.  This is artwork by Dalton Ghetti. He sculpts the lead in a pencil!   HERE is a link if you'd like to know some additional information about this amazing artist.  I cannot imagine having the patience (or vision!) to do this.  It took him over two years to scult the alphabet collection.  Included in that link above is a photo of a piece he did that shows the tip and eraser of a pencil, and if you can believe it - he carved the lead in the middle into an actual chain.  You have to see it to believe it.  Bravo! I hope this post gave you a little extra inspiration to do whatever amazing things you have ahead of you today!  Go for it!

No Boring Apples Need Apply

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Here's an easy way to add personality to your after school snacks.  Just slice up some fresh apples and use a cookie cutter - any shape or theme - to remove the core.  Easy peasy!  I found this recipe for homemade caramel dipping sauce at HowDoesShe.com that looks DIVINE.  I am writing my grocery list now, and plan to serve the apples w/caramel sauce to the boys this afternoon when they get back from summer camp!  (If I don't eat 'em all up beforehand)

Is This Really Necessary?

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For someone who has every sort of kitchen gadget available!

Free 2012 Calendar

Click HERE to order your free 2012 Calendar from WomensHealth.gov.  They plan on shipping the calendars in December. I ordered one of these last year, and it's really nice quality.  You'll like it.  And hey, the price is right, right?

Sam's Club (and other warehouse clubs)

OK folks, let's have a frank discussion.  What's the deal with the popularity of Sam's Club and the like?  Full disclosure - I do not belong to a warehouse club.  I did shop at Sam's Club today, though, because they are having a Back To School Open House.  During this Open House they are allowing ANYONE to shop without the typical surcharge you'd pay for not being a member.
Granted, I am not your typical grocery shopper (I'll give you that).  I'm very educated on what a good price is, and know how to make a good price even better with coupons.  
I walked most of the aisles of Sam's Club and saw very few bargains.  The good prices were few and far between.  While the meat did look like really good quality - the prices were high.  Same with all the fruits and veggies.  Most of the items come in such large quantities that you'd think you're getting a great deal.  But if you think about it, and do the math - you can get a much better price (oz. per oz.) at the grocery store, and you don't have to buy in bulk to do it.
Of the few items I did buy, most of them were bought because I don't see them in the grocery store or because they were indeed a good price.  Usually it was because I can't get it anywhere else.
Do you belong to a warehouse club?  If so, what do you see as good buys?  Maybe I missed something.  I'm interested to hear your feedback.

These Are So Not OK

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Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!  LOL

D-I-Y Shrinky Dinks

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I've posted an update to the Craft tab - check out the D-I-Y Shrinky Dinks tutorial using old #6 plastic containers.  Don't throw them in the trash...repurpose them into art!

Homemade Breakfast Sandwiches

macheesmo.com has a terrific tutorial here for how to make homemade breakfast sandwiches just like McDonald's Egg McMuffin.  I don't think my kids would eat it on an english muffin, so I'm substituting toasted wheat bread.  Super easy!  You could also do this just to make a bunch of eggs.

Be Good

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RePurposing Old Gift Boxes

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Whoever thought of this is GENIUS!  Use an Xacto to cut X's in an old clothing gift box and transform it into a cupcake transporter.  You'll need the top and the bottom of the box to make it sturdy.  I love this.  Who'da thunk it?!  Super cool!

For Your Inner Graffiti Artist

This is fun.  Walls Notebook is a notebook / sketchbook that features 80 pictures of "clean" NYC walls instead of blank pages. Write, draw, paste, or doodle on these inspirational backdrops. You'll be one step closer to being the street artist you've always wanted to be … minus the jail time.  Click here to purchase.

For My Sam

Save $ On Gas

Looking for the cheapest fuel in your neighborhood?  Head to GasBuddy.com, enter your zip code and compare the prices at local pumps.  Also on the site, a trip cost calculator and fuel saving tips. 

I tend to buy my gas at Tom Thumb, because their Reward Points add up quickly if you have prescriptions filled there every month (just make sure they scan your reward card at checkout!).  I currently have a $0.30/gallon discount waiting for me!  I believe their normal gas prices (without any Reward Points discounts) are quite competitive, so when you add in the discount it can really make a difference in what you pay at the pump.  

Linen Storage

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I don't know about you, but my linen closet is always a MESS.  Here's a smart way to store your linens that MAY make things a little more organized.....put your sheets INSIDE the matching pillowcase (along with the other matching pillowcases).  Nice, neat and organized.  I'm going to start doing this - although my linen closet will NEVER be this pretty!

Razzberry Sandwich

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I love how this sandwich is sticking his tongue out!

Have A Fabulous Weekend

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Grocery iQ app

This one is for Christine!  Christine (one of my earliest readers!) emailed me last week to ask if I knew of a coupon website that would allow her to basically cross reference her grocery list with any available coupons.  I was not aware of any, and (being the smartypants that I am) told her that was a great idea and that she should "get right on that!"  Well, apparently there ARE no new ideas, and someone has already gotten on that.  :)
There is an app called Grocery iQ which has the following features:

•  Build a list from a database of millions of items. 
• Auto Suggest - start typing and Grocery iQ will suggest grocery items you can quickly select.
• Scan a barcode at the store and build your list from scanned barcodes of items you typically buy.  You can then send this list to your husband and he can see a photo of what he should buy - no more bringing home the wrong item!
• Share your list with others via email.  Send it to your hubby and ask him to pick up the items on his way home.  :)
• Sort your list by aisle, so you can quickly navigate the store.
• Multiple stores and lists.
• Integrate coupons into your list.   

I have not been able to test this app myself, as I don't have an iPhone or Android device (I know it's sad, right?).  But from the research I've done on their website it looks pretty interesting.  It would probably be a pain at the onset as you scan barcodes or type in your initial list.  But ultimately this could end up being really useful.  If you're an iPhone or Android user and check this app out, please let me know your thoughts!

New Recipe & Craft

I've posted new updates to the RECIPE and CRAFT sections, so be sure to check 'em out!

  

Homemade Trail Mix

We've been snack-alizing all morning on homemade trail mix.  Last night before bed I sliced up some bananas, apples and strawberries and put them in the dehydrator all night.  This morning I added some chocolate chips (yes!), raisins and maple-pecan granola, and it makes for a really yummy (and healthy) snack.  I crammed it all in an old pickle jar I was saving, and it looks so pretty!  You should definitely make some.  The kids have assured me that if I put this in their school lunch they WILL definitely eat it.  Not if Mommy eats it all first!  I am soooooo loving my new dehyrator.  And yes, the beef jerky I made is already gone.

Cuddles Are Important

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As Opposed To Your Big Girl Panties

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I've got mine on, what about you?

3 Photo Cosmetics Bags SHIPPED for $8!

This is an amazing deal!  Artscow  is offering 3 photo cosmetic bags (mix and match any size!) for just $8 TOTAL.  Shipping is FREE!  Click HERE and start creating your cosmetic bags. Enter code 8BUCKS43 during checkout and your total will drop to only $8 with FREE shipping! This coupon code is valid through 8/17/11. Please note you can choose any size cosmetic bag and they can be individually designed. There is also NO quantity limit.  
Think Christmas and birthday gifts.  This makes for an inexpensive yet creative gift!  I'm even thinking you could customize these without the "girlie" templates for boys to keep their art supplies or Pokemon cards in.  Hmmmmmmmmmm.....now to head to Artscow and get creative!  (The small one would even make a cute gift card or money holder)

Pac Mania!

Zachary LOVES Pac Man!  Hope this helps inspire you to make more creative lunches this school year.  This one is really simple.

It's Funny Because It's True

Beef Jerky From My Dehydrator

I'm continuing to play with my new food dehydrator - this time making beef jerky.  After researching recipes online, I made a quick run to Target to pick up some angus flank steak and onion powder.  I already had the other marinade materials on hand.

It was surprisingly easy.  I trimmed as much fat off the steak as I could, then sliced into thin pieces (they recommend freezing the meat for 2 hours prior to cutting to simplify trimming into thin, uniform pieces but I couldn't wait).  It takes just a few moments to fix up the marinade in a ziploc bag and toss the thin pieces in.  Refrigerate for 3 hours.  Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.  Layer onto your dehydrator trays and you're off to the races.  I set this to go right before bed, and figured it would be done when I woke up.  The recipe said it would take 12 hours.  Mine went about 10 hours and was definitely done.  Perhaps a little too done, but still very tasty.  

Next time I'll adjust the marinade to half the recommended pepper (it's a little spicy!), and dehydrate during the day so I can monitor it better.  Other than that I would say this was a success.

Here's my math:

1.65 pounds angus flank steak - $11.53

marinade materials - estimated at $1.50

Jack Links beef jerky is typically $3.99 for a 3.25 oz. bag.

Next time I'll buy the meat when it's on sale, so it's an even better savings.  I definitely plan to do this again.  It's yummy, and really easy to do.  Plus I know that I'm using very good quality, lean meat.

I'm Sure You Can Relate

;)

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Need Some Positive Energy?

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