Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Startsampling.com

I have been visiting startsampling.com for years now. They have contests, samples, coupons, recipes, household tips and more.

I have tried a few of their recipes and they have all been great. I have received multiple samples from them..and the samples always come!

Go check them out by clicking here.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Diet

I'm having a hard time keeping to a healthy diet lately, so I decided to try something new. I am only going to eat dessert every other day. I love sugar, but I eat way too much of it. So far I have only done sugar-free days twice, but it actually wasn't that hard. I craved sugar less when I hadn't had any all day.

Does anyone have any other "easy" ideas?

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Etsy shop owned by anniepoo

I recently entered a contest where the prize was soap from the etsy shop owned by anniepoo. She makes tons of cute soap in many different shapes. Some of my favorites are the 4th of July soapsicles, Fleur de Lis in black tea, pumpkin soap and maple leaf soaps. The soaps are all very reasonably priced.

To visit her shop, click here.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Campbell's Microwavable Soups

I love Campbell's new microwavable soups. I have tried the "chicken noodle" and "homestyle chicken noodle" flavors. Both are delicious!

I love how easy they are to make. You don't have to add any water. You just pull out the metal thingie and microwave it.

I have to admit though, since I try to buy everything on sale, I only buy these when they are on sale for $1 each.

To see all the varieties, go to Campbell's website by clicking here.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Day off

I'm out of ideas for my blog. I want to have a theme each day and I can't think of one for today so I am taking a "day off". Please leave comments with ideas!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cool contest - win a webkinz pug

I entered a cool contest today to win a webkinz pug stuffed animal. I love stuffed animals and pugs so I would love to win this, but I also want to tell people about it. To enter, go to http://www.halloween-coloring.com/contest/ and fill out the form.

Good luck!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Hash Brown Casserole

One of my favorite things to make and eat is hash brown casserole. It is basically cheesy potato goodness. Everyone who tries it loves it. The recipe is:

2 pound bag of frozen hash brown potatoes
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 pint sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese
1 stick of butter, melted
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a 9x12 baking dish. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until tender and golden brown.

Note: substitute cream of broccoli soup for the mushroom soup for a different flavor

Note 2: substitute low/non fat sour cream and/or cheese for a healthier version

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Online-sweepstakes.com

A few years ago, someone told me about a website with contests to enter. I checked it out and started entering contests sometimes.

A few months ago, someone told me you could buy a paid membership on this site to get more contest listings. By this time I was entering contests every day. I decided that I would try it for one year and figured that the worst that could happen would be "throwing away" $30.

It turned out to be a great investment. My best prize from a premium contest was a trip to New Orleans. They paid our airfare, hotel, one dinner out, concert tickets, facials and massages, and our transportation to and from the airport. I have also won movie posters, shirts and more.

If you ever want to enter some contest, go to www.online-sweepstakes.com and look around.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Exercising

As some of you know, I have been exercising and trying to eat healthy (which is harder than exercising). I have lost weight which is good, but I have more to go. Our exercise routine has gotten really boring, as we do a day of machines, a day of cardio, and then back to machines.

I have done three things to change things up:

1) I have switched my cardio from the elliptical to this machine that is a treadmill with two sides that both move separately. It burns more calories and it's nice to be on a new machine.

2) Instead of doing 3 sets on a machine and then going to the next machine, I am now doing what I think is called "circuit training". As soon as I am done on one machine I go to the next machine. I do 3 complete rotations of the machines.

3) I tried a step class on Saturday morning. It kicked my butt! It was really challenging (there were a few moves I couldn't get down) but also really fun.

Hopefully these new things will help me to get into even better shape!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Etsy shops

I recently had my first two buying experiences on etsy. Both shop owners were great and all the products I received were great.

One of the shop owners is Ruthie. She has tons of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. I ordered a bracelet and 2 pairs of earrings from her. They arrived promptly and Ruthie was great to work with. I will definitely order from her in the future.

Angelica and Heather own the other shop. They sell jewelry, pouches, pins and more. I ordered 2 pairs of earrings from them. They arrived very quickly and were gorgeous. I will order from them again for sure.

To go to Ruthie's shop, click here

To go to Angelica and Heather's shop, click here

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Bar

I just tried the Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Bar I received in the mail this week. It tastes even better than it smells! I'm a chocolate lover so the chocolate chunks in the middle and chocolate drizzle on top are great. It even has 35% of your daily fiber needs. This bar was delicious and I would definitely buy it.

Click here to go to their web page.