Aegis Wing

Recently, I have been playing Aegis Wing, an arcade game, on XBOX 360 Live. This game is addicting and FREE! I have beat the game on both levels, the insane and normal levels, but I still keep playing the game. There are four players who are able to play and you are a space ship flying around shooting things which are shooting like crazy at you. The fun thing is you meet different people who are online playing the game with you so it makes it interesting and fun.

Free flossers, GLADE refill, dog treats, and more

• DenTek Flossers
• Disinfectant and deodorizer kit
• GLADE refill
•  Yummy Chummies Dog Treats

Completed Knitting Projects

Earlier this year, many people asked to see pictures of my knitting projects... well I have taken some pictures of some scarves and a purse I knit. Please let me know what you think.

This scarf is K2 Rows, P2 Rows.

The yarn for this scarf is Lion Brand Homespun. I will find the pattern for this one and post it. I also made a small coin clutch to match; however, the person I gave it to, used it as a cell phone case.

This scarf is K2 Rows, P2 Rows.

This scarf is straight knit.

Another scarf straight knit.

I knit this bag and felted it. I will find the pattern and post it.

Caramel-Toffee Apples

This is another recipe from The Costco Connection from December 2007.

15 minutes to make and makes 10 servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 bags (14 ounces each) caramel candies, unwrapped
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 bags (14 ounces each) sliced green apples
• 2 bags (8 ounces each) toffee bits

1. Place unwrapped caramels, apple juice and pumpkin pie spice in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.
2. Pour toffee bits onto a rimmed baking sheet. Insert a fork into a apple slice. Dip, skin only, into caramel, then roll in toffee bits until well coated.
3. Lay on parchment paper to cool. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Haricots Verts with Shaved Parmesan

This is another recipe from The Costco Connection from December 2007.

10 minutes to make. Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound ready-to-cook haricots verts
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. Place haricots verts (French green beans) in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and cook on high for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and drain, if necessary. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and lemon juice. Pour over haricots verts and toss to coat.
2. Serve immediately with shaved Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Maple Sweet Potatoes

This is another recipe from The Costco Connection from December 2007.

10 minutes to make and Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (29 ounces) cut sweet potatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped toasted pecans
• Additional pure maple syrup

1. Place drained sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat in microwave on high for 5 minutes.
2. Drain and discard any liquid from bowl. Add butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a fork and mash to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans and drizzle with additional maple syrup.

Herb Pork Roast & Cranberry-Pine Nut Chutney

I found this recipe in The Costco Connection December 2007. If you want to see how it looks check out this link.

For Pork Roast:

• 2 1/2 pounds boneless pork loin roast, rinsed and patted dry
• Salt and Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons herbes de Provence
• 1 Teaspoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon crushed garlic
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

For Chutney:

• 1 Can (16 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
• 1 Teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 Teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 1/4 Teaspoon crushed garlic

1. Preheat oven to 450 F
2. Season pork roast with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the herbes de Provence, onion powder, garlic and lemon juice. Rub over pork roast and place roast in shallow roasting pan.
4. Place roast in oven and reduce heat to 325 F. Roast for 30 minutes per pound or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. (Roast will continue to cook up to 170 F out of the oven.) Let the pork rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
5. To make the chutney, combine all chutney ingredients and stir thoroughly. Serve chutney at room temperature over pork roast. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Notes: Herbes de Provence is a blend of dry herbs most commonly used in southern France. It usually contains basil, fennel seeds, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage, summer savory, and thyme.

New Year Resolutions

The New Year is drawing near and it is time for us to think about our resolutions! I have brainstormed a few common resolutions that apply to most people to get the ball rolling:

• Lose weight
• Adopt better eating habits
• Learn something new
• Walk for 30 minutes a day
• Consider a new career
• Quit drinking soft drinks
• Organize the house and garage
• Stop smoking or drinking
• Spend more time with family
• Improve time management
• Volunteer
• Attend church
• Knit a Ferrari

I would love to hear your resolution ideas.

Preventative Care for our Animals

I receive e-mail newsletters from PetPlace.com with great information pertaining to our pets. On December 18th, the e-mail included great daily preventative care to use with our pets.

Here are some tips from the newsletter:

• Use flea control products to prevent fleas.
• Feed a good quality dog food. Make sure it is AAFCO Approved.
• If you live in a heartworm endemic area, make sure your dog is on heartworm prevention! This is an easy disease to prevent and a difficult one to treat.
• Keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced in yard. This will help to prevent many bite wounds, toxin ingestion and accidents commonly seen in veterinary emergency clinics.
• Observe for problems every day - make sure your dog is eating, drinking and eliminating normally. Early diagnosis and help prevent more severe problems.
• Use you hands to touch/feel and look at your dog every day - notice any abnormal growth or tumors as well as signs of weight loss.
• Dedicate 10 to 20 minutes to exercise time with your dog every day. He will be both happier and healthier.

Free 2D Drafting Software Download

If you are interested in 2D drafting software, you will definitely want to take advantage of the latest offer from Siemens a free Solid Edge 2D download! This software is great for both architectural and mechanical drawings.

Free Gaming Magazine and Petpick-up Mitts

Petpick-ups Mitts

Free Subscription of Electronic Gaming Monthly

 

 

 

Free Body Scrub, face scrub, and wipes

• Sugarelle Whipped Body Scrub
• Clean & Clear Facial Scrub
• Cottonelle Wipes

Free dog food and cat food

• Blue Buffalo Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Cat Food

Free plush doll, detergent, coffee, and more...

1. Angelina Ballerina Plush Doll
2. Advil PM
3. Biz Laundry Detergent
4. Personal Cleansing Cloths
5. Dunkin' Donuts Coffee
6. OB Tampons
7. Kidzooka Wrist Bands for the kids
8. Vegetarian Starter Kit
9. Math Made Easy CD
10. XBOX 360 game, Beowulf, only $19.99 at Gamestop Use code XB2D for free 2-day shipping.

Free breakfast coupon and shampoo

• 1.  McDonald's Breakfast Coupon (expires December 24, 2007)
• 2.  Dove Shampoo

"The Almost Moon"

In a recent PEOPLE magazine I read a blurb on the book, "The Almost Moon" by Alice Sebold, which sounds really great. I want to remember I may want to read this book in the near future.

Tiramisu Bowl

The PEOPLE magazine I receive has great sounding recipes I want to share and want to remember.

20 minutes Prep Time plus refrigeration Makes 16 servings

• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) of PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 3 cups cold milk
• 2 pkg (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
• 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
• 48 NILLA Wafers
• 1/2 cup brewed MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee, cooled, divided
• 2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, coarsely grated
• 1 cup fresh raspberries

BEAT cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mixes; mix well. Stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping.

LINE bottom and sides of 2 1/2 qt. bowl with half of the wafers; drizzle with half of the coffee. Layer half of the pudding mixture over wafers, and then top with half of the grated chocolate. Repeat all layers starting with the wafers and coffee. Top with remaining whipped topping and raspberries.

REFRIGERATE at least 2 hours. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Reference: www.jello.com

Free shampoo, greeting card, and more...

1. LOREAL Shampoo
2. Slim Fast Protein Chews
3. Bausch & Lomb Wear & Care Program Kit
4. Dog Posters
5. Hallmark Greeting Card
6. Piggies n Biscuits

Free Ziploc Bags, diet bar, and more...

1. Ziploc  Zip 'n Steam Bags
2. Wal-Mart Samples
3. Fiber 35 Diet Bar
4. 4-in-1 Screwdriver/Flashlight
5. GOODNITES Sleep Pants

Solution to Yarn Storage Dilemma

I was having a yarn storage dilemma for a while, but I have found a 3-tiered plastic drawer thing for the time being. However, I have found what I would love to have someday:

Check out the following link to see this great idea in more detail!! I just love how neat and organized this looks! Maybe one day I can get something like this.

Free Cat Food

Naturals Cat food

I tried one of the recipes...

Tonight I made the Philly Cheesy Chili Dip, as mentioned in a previous post, and it was really good. We used the Taco flavored Doritos Chips for dipping and it was great. The dip may be easier to eat with Tostitos Scoops.

Knitting for a Cause

There is a new V for Victory scarf pattern online; this pattern will benefit Veterans of the National World War II. The National World War II Museum is accepting the scarves to give to Veterans from WWII. I like the pattern and think it is a great gift idea for any veterans you may know. The pattern doesn't seem too difficult. The site gives you the address to mail the scarf to when you are finished. 

(FYI: The site includes a pattern for knit and crochet.)

Philly Cheesy Chili Dip

Prep: 5 minutes

Microwave: 1 minute

• 1 pkg (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz.) Chili
• 1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro (optional)

SPREAD cream cheese onto bottom of microwaveable pie plate; top with chili and cheddar cheese.

MICROWAVE on High 45 seconds to 1 minute or until cheddar cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro.

SERVE with RITZ Crackers.

Makes 24 (2 Tbsp.) servings

Reference:

PHILADELPHIA web site

Philadelphia Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cheesecake

Another recipe I found in my PEOPLE magazine that sound so good:

Prep Time: 15 minutes plus refrigeration

Bake: 40 minutes

• 20 OREO chocolate Sandwich Cookies, crushed (about 2 cups)
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 6 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted, cooled

PREHEAT oven to 325F. Line 13X9 inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Mix cookie crumbs & butter; press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 min.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar & vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Remove 1 cup of the batter, set aside. Stir melted chocolate into remaining batter in large bowl; pour over crust. Top with spoonfuls of remaining 1 cup plain butter; cut through batters with knife several times for swirling effect.

BAKE 40 min. or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Use foil handles to lift cheesecake from pan before cutting to serve. Store any leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

Makes 16 servings, one piece each.

Reference:

PHILADELPHIA web site

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

I found this recipe in one of my People magazines and wanted to share it so I don't forget it. It sounds really good.

• Prep time: 15 minutes plus refrigeration

 

• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel topping, divided
• 1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Pecan Pieces, divided
• 1 cup cold milk
• 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding  & Pie Filling
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 tub (8 oz) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

POUR 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans.

BEAT milk, dry pudding mix, pumpkin & spices with whisk until blended. Stir in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread into crust. Top with remaining whipped topping.

REFRIGERATE 1 hour. Top with pecans and drizzle remaining caramel with fork. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

MAKES 10 servings, one slice each.

Reference:

JELL-O web site

Free formula, wipes, and more...

1. Stop Pain Sample
2. Cottonelle Wipes
3. GoodNites Sleep Shorts
4. Parent's Choice Milk Infant Formula
5. Freebies from WalMart

Need a product review?

So you just bought a new electronic device or you are thinking about buying one... Well, I found a neat web site where you can get research on the product before you buy it. Zinju provides product news, product reviews and videos to help people research, compare and shop for electronics.

For instance, if you were wondering about the XBOX 360 Arcade, read about it on here! It is pretty interesting..

A Dog's Soul Poem

A Dog's Soul by Unknown Author:

Every dog must have a soul Somewhere deep inside
Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.
Where he decides the good and bad, the wrong way from the right,
And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.
A dog must have a secret place where every thought abides,
A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.
And when accused unjustly for himself, He cannot speak,
Rebuked, He finds within his soul the comfort he must seek.
He'll love, tho' he is unloved, and he'll serve tho' badly used,
And one kind word will wipe away the times when he's abused.
Altho' his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole,
Because God gave to every dog an understanding Soul!

This is not my poem, but I saw it on the site referenced and loved it! I receive their daily newsletter and this was in the October 9th, 2007, email. I am sure all of us dog lovers will enjoy this.

Reference:

Free hair care sample and more...

1. Hair Strengthening Sample
2. Glucerna Cereal for Diabetics (JOURNAL is the promo code)
3. Dog food Sample

Unfortunately my "un-vacation" continues...

I was anticipating returning to work tomorrow; however, when I went to see the doctor today he said my feet have not healed sufficiently and that I will need to stay home for a little while longer. The main issue is the amount of pressure that it takes to press the gas and brake pedals while driving to and from work. Most people would be happy to have additional "time off" work, but I was really looking forward to returning. Looks like my "un-vacation" continues...

Gone With the Wind

Today I watched "Gone with the Wind" for the first time! Yes, I know, I should have watched this classic movie a long time ago. I have always wanted to see this movie, but for some reason I never found the time. It was a beautiful story and the characters had gorgeous outfits. I would have loved to live in that era just to be able to wear the outfits. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable were great together. I will definitely be adding this movie to my list of favorites. Keep in mind Gone with the Wind is four hours long, so reserve an evening and watch this classic movie.

Goodfellow Dolls

I recently made an outfit for a Goodfellow Doll, with the help of my boyfriend's mom. This was my first sewing experience since I was probably in middle school. I was so proud of the outfit and how it turned out because it is super cute! I know you can't really tell from the picture, but the skirt has small imprints of dogs. The little girl who receives this doll is going to be so happy!

Needle Felting

The other day my boyfriend's mom and I needle felted; let me tell you, needle felting is a lot of fun! The picture to the left is a few of the many items we created. We plan to attach some of these to our felted bags, making magnets, and a beaded necklace (with the round beads). There is actually a variety of things you can do with needle felting, but this is what we did for a couple of hours. I really enjoyed this craft and it is very calming.  

Polymer Clay

I recently experimented with polymer clay and made beads and stitch markers. This was really fun and an interesting craft. However, I left many of my beads (prior to baking) on the kitchen table and my cat chewed up some of them. I can't wait to make more things using polymer clay. I was looking at some books on this subject and there are many of things you can make. I recommend polymer clay for anyone looking for a fun and creative craft project.

Free soap, pasta, and more...

1. Always Pads
2. Basis Soap
3. Nature’s Recipe® Devoted Dog Parent Kit
4. Bible
5. Dreamfield Pasta Box
6. Animal Poster

Free Cottonelle wipes and more...

1. Cottonelle Wipes (from Sam's; however, you do not need a member #)
2. Kotex
3. 5-Sheet Self-Stick Wall Pad

Free dog treats, coffee, and more

1. Garden Harvest Toasted Chips
2. Snausages Treats for your dog
3. GoodNites® Sleep Boxers coupon
4. Folger's Gourmet Coffee
5. Dry Cleaner's Secret
6. Buy.com has 12-month X-box Live Gold Halo 3 Edition card with 1 free month for $38.77. New Google Checkout users can save an extra $10 making it $28.77
7. The Milk Matters campaign offers free publications and materials about the importance of calcium for children and teens.
8. Potty Training Guide
9. Tide Pure Essentials
10. LEGO Magazine

Midna

Since I have been on my "un-vacation", I have come to realize how much cats sleep. Midna sleeps almost all day. She some how pulls the covers down on the spare bed and curls up and sleeps! She has been known to venture out if she wants to fetch her little bear. Yes, I said fetch! She fetches for as long as you will throw it for her. I have never heard of a fetching cat, but I suppose she watched Cinnamon and learned from her.

I took a cute picture of her today under the coffee table laying with Cinnamon. I stuck my camera under the table, while sitting on the couch and took the picture.

"Hot in Here"

I saw this great video of a remake of Nelly's song, "Hot in Here". It is really different and the outfits in the video are funny. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Free Greenies, Tide, and more!

1. Greenies for your dog or cat
2. Can of new Mighty Dog Select Menu Seared Filets
3. Tide Laundry Detergent (have to scroll down)
4. Hamburger Helper

Green Beans

As we all know, the winter months are creeping among us and our dogs (and us) are not excited about the bulge we may get because lack of exercise, so I have been looking for ways to help Cinnamon loose a little weight because she is definitely showing a little bulge.

PetPlace.com shared an article about how green beans are a great diet for dogs showing signs of being overweight. I have heard about this before, but just never thought about using it. I will be trying this for sure!!

Gourmet Dog Snacks

I received this recipe for dog snack off of PetPlace.com and wanted to share it with everyone. This could be tasty for the dogs; however, I am not sure if they are healthy are the rice cakes I posted about earlier. If you make these, let me know how they turn out and if your dog likes them.

Basic Gourmet Dog Snack:
 
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup water or broth (chicken or beef broth avoid bouillon with onion)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix together all ingredients.
3. Gently roll out to ¼ inch thickness.
4. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutter.
5. Bake 30 – 40 minutes
6. Allow to cool and store in a tightly sealed container.

Yummy-Sounding Recipe

In my PEOPLE magazine there was a recipe from Campbell's and it sounds yummy and easy to make!

Campbell’s Hearty Chicken & Noodle Casserole:

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min. Makes: 4 Servings

• 1 can (10 ¾ oz.) Campbell’s™ Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 2 cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Stir soup, milk, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, vegetables, chicken, and noodles in 1 ½ qt. casserole.
2. Bake at 400° F. for 25 min. or until hot. Stir.
3. Top with the Cheddar Cheese.

• Note: To make it crunchy: omit the cheese and use ½ cup of French’s ™French fried onions. Give it a twist: Use 2 cups cooked corkscrew-shaped pasta for noodles.

Free diapers and safety pack

1. Diapers from Wal-Mart
2. Pet Safety Pack

Great Home Remedy Hints

I have not used many of these remedies, so I am not saying they work, but they are worth a try. I read this in an email sent to me and I think these are great tips, if they work. Our products at home can be used for other uses:

Eliminate ear mites with a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear, then massage it in, and clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Did You Know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately?

Clear your sinuses before you head to the drugstore by chewing on a couple of strong Altoids peppermints.

Sore throat? Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. Vinegar kills bacteria.

Honey is a remedy for skin blemishes! Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. The honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, speeds healing, and works overnight.

Listerine therapy, a powerful antiseptic, for toenail fungus! Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again. OR use as Balm for broken blisters: To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine.

Easy eyeglass protection to prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening: before tightening the screws, apply a small drop of Clear nail polish to the threads.

If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly!

Need a cure for boils? Just cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress and the acids from the tomatoes will soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Use vinegar to heal bruises! Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blue color and speeds up the healing process.

Yarn Storage Dilemma!!!

We all know I have started knitting a couple months ago and I am already addicted and addicted to YARN. There seems to be a small problem...I need some type of cute, neat, and/or contemporary, storage I can place in my spare room. I have looked and looked but ended up with no luck at all. All the yarn storage containers are basically "totes", for a project in the works- I do not need that. I do not want a storage bin--those are best in a closet, attic, or basement. I do not want a canvas bag; at the moment my yarn is already in canvas bags. I want to be able to see what yarn I have when I need to decide on my next project. I need something that is not too pricey. Can't you all see I have a dilemma! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am a little agitated because I have been searching the net for the past hour trying to find something.

Again, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If you are currently a knitter, what do you use??? 

Healthy Dog Treats

Looking for a way to save money on dog treats, a way to help your dog loose weight or eat healthy? Well I found a way, not my idea, but through an article I read at PetPlace.com (you should really subscribe to their newsletter because they have some great tips). Let me get to the point, the article talks about rice cakes being a great dog treat. Rice cakes are suppose to be healthier for your dog because they are low in fat, sodium and calories, not to mention, cheaper than doggie treats. I am going to have to try this for my dog, Cinnamon!

Prisonbreak Reminder...

Don't forget about the third season of Prisonbreak airing this Monday, September 17th on FOX!!!! From the previews, there seems to be a couple of new cast members. Most of all, I can't wait to see Wentworth Miller in action!

Nintendo Wii Console

Has anyone ever played the Nintendo Wii? I would love to hear comments about the game and if you like it or not. I have never played this game and I'm eager to know. My boyfriend wanted this gaming system, but I heard better reviews on the XBOX 360 and bought the XBOX. In the meantime, for those of us who do no have the Wii, Sears has a great deal for only $249.99, compared to $325.00 at Amazon. And again, don't forget it is time to think about the holiday season right around the corner...

Free Cereal, gaming magazine, and more

• Fiber One Cereal (Enter Pin number: 10128-793932 and sign-up for the Eat Better America newsletter to receive a FREE sample pouch of General Mills Fiber One cereal!) 
• Old El Paso Taco Seasoning (Enter pin: 11005-194063 to get a FREE sample and a recipe booklet when you sign up for their Dinner Made Easy email newsletter!)
• Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine
• Call of Duty 4: Free Beta Token
• Always Pads

Transformers

Did you see Transformers, the movie, when it was released? This movie was awesome and action-packed; I really enjoyed it. I ran across this great deal at Amazon for pre-ordering the movie, which is being released in October: Amazon: Pre-order Transformers on 2-disc special edition DVD for $22.99. The holiday season is right around the corner, so I am trying to think ahead and share ideas with you.

Boye Needlemaster

I know I have been neglecting my blog and my fellow friends who may enjoy my articles, but I have been on my un-vacation and not "up-to-par" for typing a lot. I did splurge and buy a great needle set, the Boye Needlemaster! I feel like I got a great deal, which is important to me. I searched all over and Page Additions had the best price. I can’t believe the bargain on this needle set; it retails for $95.00 and I got it for only $47.99!!! Gotta love a bargain! I have to say this is a must have set and recommend it to any beginner or intermediate knitter!! I have already completed 2 scarves using these needles.

Free Coffee, snacks, and more

1. Johnson & Johnson Stress Challenge
2. 7 Day Supply of Coffee Mate
3. Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser and Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
4. Sunsweet Fruit Snacks

Free Cat food, magazine, music downloads, and much more!

1. Biz Laundry Detergent
2. Friskies Cat Food
3. CARNATION Family Favorites Recipe Booklet
4. 25 Free Music Downloads on emusic.com
5. Travel 50 & Beyond Magazine (they will send you a free issue, no risk and no obligation to buy)
6. For your children or people you may know: The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE creates and distributes valuable and informative resources dealing with the issue of education of homeless children and youth.
7. 2 Nutella samples (for Canadian residents only)
8. KraftMaid Cabinetry Idea Book
9. Cozi Central for busy parents

Make You Think

· Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

· How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

· Why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

· Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

· What disease did cured ham actually have?

· How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

· Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

· If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

· Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

· Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

· Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

· Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

· Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

· Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?

· If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

· Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

· If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

· If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

· If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

· Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

· Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Today's Doggy Tip

I receive email newsletters and information from PetPlace.com and they sent me a great article I wanted to share. The article gave tips on traveling with your dogs or other animals. They suggested having extra name tags for your dog when you are visiting family or friends away from home. It is a good idea to write their phone number, your cell number, and address on the tag, just in case. I felt this was a great tip and hope you find it useful, too. The photo I have displayed is actual inexpensive tags I found online. You can write your pet's information on this tag, put it in the oven, and watch it shrink to a lightweight, waterproof tag. Aren't they just darling?

Doggy Tip

Recently, I read an article about dogs and rainy days and thought it would be a great tip to share with everyone. Usually when it rains I wipe Cinnamon down with a towel, but the article said to wipe your dog down with a fabric softener sheet. This is suppose to help your dog smell nice. I can't believe I never thought of this. Next time it rains I know I will try this...hope it works....

Free cereal, coffee, and more...

1. Honey Bunches of Oats cereal
2. Enter to win the National Stamping Month Contest!! Fill out the contest entry form for Close to My Heart Scrapbooking.
3. L'Oreal Skin Genesis (upper right hand corner to request a sample)
4. Dry Cleaner's Secret
5. Carrageenan Lubricant
6. If you or your child have asthma:
• Receive this DVD with interactive games, music, and  important information that will help you understand your child's asthma.
7. Dunkin' Donuts Coffee (They are mailing a free coffee coupon to you!)
8. Playtex tampons

Good Neighbor Day

The 13th Annual FTD® Good Neighbor Day® is on Wednesday, September 5, 2007. This is a day to build relationships, make new friends, show kindness and appreciation to your neighbors. Many florists across the U.S. are distributing free floral bouquets. Locate a participating FTD Good Neighbor Day florist.

Finished Project

Today, I finished another project using Lion Brand yarn (see the picture to the left). I made a clutch, which is a small purse, and it turned out great. The Jiffy, Thick, and Quick is such a great yarn for beginners to work with. I have also knit two scarves using this type of yarn.