Not Martha Just ME :)

Short Cut to view Heritage Makers Studio Art

2011-08-30T09:11:00.001-04:00

Ever wanted to see all the Heritage Makers Art in one convenient place?
Someone recently posted this awesome short cut to our studio art browser.

click here to browse the Studio Art Collections

here you can look at the thumbnails of all our art collections or click on the collection to open and view each piece individually. Type in keywords to search for a specific theme or embellishment. What a time saver to help plan out a project and get ideas.

I dont remember who posted this link on facebook but Thanks SO much!!!

Melissa

Heritage Makers Overview

2011-08-26T10:55:00.000-04:00

I just got back from celebrating the 5year anniversary of Heritage Makers. Most of you have heard of my passion for amazing company but just in case you wandered here from another blog I thought Id post a quick overview of what Heritage Makers is.

I hope you will check out this video (about 3 minutes) and that maybe I can help you or someone you know in preserving the important moments in your life.

We continue to lead the way in advancements for Digital Storybooking and yet we are still a ground floor opportunity. Consultants who come in now have the best of both worlds. We've been around long enough to get past growing pains and yet its still young enough that its not saturated.

Contact me if you or someone you know is interested in helping us with our mission.

Melissa

Best of Heritage- Before you were 5

2011-08-26T10:16:00.007-04:00

Every year my company Heritage Makers holds a Convention, but for us its called "Reunion". This is very fitting because we are like one giant family. I have friends all over the country and Canada, some I've never met and only know online, or through company conference calls and some i see once a year at these events. When we get together you meet new friends, old friends, and it truly is like a family reunion.

Every year they give out awards to some stories that exemplify why we do what we do. Each story is inspirational, moving and often results in heartfelt tears. This year was no different.

Being a mom of young children heres the one that got to me this year and reminded me of how priceless every moment is.

WARNING: You probably need tissues to watch this.

If you or someone you know has a story to tell or would like to help us with our mission please contact me. We need more moments, stories and lives preserved through story. They are just too precious to miss.

Melissa

2011-08-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

Another great feature we've added to Heritage Makers Studio is the advanced options for managing pages. While this can be done on most any project it is most obvious when making our decks of playing cards.

We used to be able to add or delete only one page at a time... This feature is used to copy pages or delete unwanted pages in bulk. YEAH!!!

Heres a quick tutorial about the Manage Pages Update:

Hope this helps you complete some of your projects more quickly.

Melissa

Sunday Dinner- Stuffed Turkey loaf

2011-08-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

One of my friends asked for this recipe and so it inspired me to post it here.

This is one of my favorites and my husband loves it too. When i was younger my parents had a friend that passed on this recipe and over the years i have altered it slightly to make it easier. Some people have time to Make their own marinara sauce I just open whatever jar is in my cabinet. :) I love short cuts.

So here is my adaptation. I dont have many measurements because everyone has different tastes of how much spice or cheese they like. This is something you just kind of have to play with until you get what you like. But heres the basics.

Stuffed Turkey Loaf

1-1.5 lbs. of ground turkey (its also great made with chicken)
1 package of frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
Shredded cheese blend (I use whatever i have but mozzarella, or an Italian blend works good)
about 1-2 cups of pasta sauce
Bread Crumbs
an egg (beaten)
Italian seasonings
salt to taste

1.) Preheat over to 375.

2.)Take turkey and add seasonings, a dash of salt, about 1/2 cup of bread crumbs and the egg. Mix thoroughly. You are making a meat loaf so you want to be able to shape into a loaf. If it seems too soggy add more bread crumbs. On occasion I will even throw in some Parmesan cheese (the powdery kind) to add thickness.

3.) Shape into a long loaf and place in an oven safe dish. Now carve a channel down the middle lengthwise. This is where you will put the stuffing. The more room you lake the more you can stuff. Basically you want your loaf to be a long "U" shape if you looked at the end of it with the sides fairly tall as this will be what you will fold over to cover the stuffing.

4.) Loosely spread the spinach evenly across the bottom of the channel. Then spread about 1/2 cup of cheese or more if you like it really cheesey. This is your preference.

5.) Now carefully fold over the sides of the turkey loaf to cover the stuffing and pinch on the top to seal. In the end you want it to just look like a loaf with no cheese or spinach showing.

6.) Now pour pasta sauce over the top and around the sides and place in oven about 40 minutes until turkey is done. I like to sprinkle some cheese on the top during the last few minutes.

When done you should be able to cut into about 8-10 slices. Serve with salad or even a small scoop of pasta on the side.

Alternatives:
*** The last time i made this I pureed a small onion, a half a green pepper, and some fresh basil from my garden and used that as the seasonings. It was wonderful and the flavor was blended perfect throughout. My husband said it was the best he remembered, and it snuck in some extra veges for the kids.

*** I have made mini personal sized loaves too and only put small amounts of spinach in my kids and added chopped pepperonis for a "pizza loaf". Everyone got their own loaf and they loved the kid friendly version.

*** Short on time? This recipe can be done tandem in the microwave and oven to save half the cooking time. Honestly this is how i cook it all the time. Just put it in a microwave & oven safe dish. Start in the microwave for about 15 minutes then move to the oven for about 7-10 minutes. This is great in the summer and keeps the house from getting hot.

My family loves this recipe I hope you find your own variations to make it special for your family.

Melissa

THE MAGIC BUTTON!!! How to change the size of ANY project.

2011-08-25T08:56:00.001-04:00

We just added the most amazing feature to our Heritage Maker Studio. I cant even imagine the programming that had to go into it but I am SO thankful.

You can now Import Pages from Different Projects with Heritage Makers. Basically this means if you see a project you love but its in a different size you can make it into any size you want. Change a 12x12 book into an 8x8. Turn a Canvas print into a greeting card. The possibilities are endless.

I am working on a post bound yearbook. Each month I make 2-6 pages celebrating events that month. Now I can take random pages out of books that are the theme I want and then add them to my yearbook. Example a Trip to Disney- well i can import a few pages from a Disney Album to commemorate our trip. How awesome is that.

Just remember to check the print quality. When going from large projects to smaller ones the quality should be ok but when going from small to large you need to be sure that everything has a green outline or it may print grainy.

THANKS SO MUCH HERITAGE MAKERS!!! You really are leading the way. love it.

Q&A about Extreme couponing

2011-06-16T11:22:00.001-04:00

I was at a meeting recently that was about introducing people to couponing. In all the questions a few kept being brought up lovingly AND teasingly. Although people were trying to tease the girl doing the presentation (who was a newbie herself) I thought maybe some people really did want to know the answers to these questions. so I thought i could help answer that here instead of individually. Maybe some other people could find it helpful.

1.) Not all people go as crazy as the show on tv "extreme couponing".

Most people dont have 200 bottles of mustard or stockpile diapers if they dont have kids. Yes couponers also consider these people hoarders and often get upset because it means less of the items on shelves for others to buy & use. We do however stockpile items that we will use in the next 3-6 months and depending on the space and item even a years worth. You stockpile what you have space for. I built an extra pantry for my overflow, and added extra shelving for toiletries. see this post here.

2.) You wont always get your grocery bill down to $6 if there is $500 in your cart...

those shows glorify and stock up on freebie coupons to get totals higher for dramatic effect. Remember store sales often get your total down 25% without even coupons and those $500 totals are retail priced not sale priced. I have seen a nearly $300 grocery bill come down to about $25 however i had tons of freebies and BOGO items in the order that day. usually I average about $20-65 a week on a retail value of $100-180. I eat lots of produce, eggs and meats which in my area dont seem to have coupons. But during the summer this total should go down due to my garden.

3.) Do couponers really buy things they wont ever use just because its free? YES!!!

I have a few answers to this. First if its free I buy them to give to other people or donate to shelters, or service men. I have always been one to give back so if I am shopping and its not costing me anything then it is a shame if i dont pick it up for someone else who will use it. Shelters and pantries ALWAYS need donations. I personally feel it would be irresponsible of me not to get it for someone who may not be able to afford it. AND If you understand how coupons work it also helps stimulate the economy because the store you bought it from sees higher sales and could even lower prices throughout the store due to increase in profits.

With that being said will i run out or make a special trip for a free item i wont use? It honestly depends on the item, if i know someone personally who will use it and how i feel. I HAVE passed up free items before to spend time with my family. :)

4.) Will you buy something you wont use because it is a "money maker"? YES. Almost always.

These are a high priority for me. Will i make a special trip? Most of the time; if its valuable enough. If I make $3 buying depends i will go to the store and buy depends... and I have on more then 1 occasion. If its only a $1 i will usually stop in during routine shopping or sometimes pass it up if i dont feel up to it. Thats a personal choice.

5.) Why should you buy "money maker" items even if you dont need them? I know for some this question may seem silly and obvious but i actually get it a lot. Its important to note that a money maker is an item that generates more rewards or rebates then it costs you to buy. For example if an item costs you $1 to buy but you get back $2 in rewards thats a $1 money maker.

Heres a quick example of why you should hop on these deals...

The other week at Walgreens splenda was on sale for $2.99

there was a $3 off coupon in the newspaper which means it was free. AWESOME. but it got better...

If you bought 2 of them you got a $3 reward.

Now whether you use splenda or not that meant you paid ZERO dollars and then they handed you $3 everytime you took 2 off the shelf...

If a store ad said "Stop by our store and we'll give you $11 worth of FREE products AND then give you a $3 voucher to spend." Would you do it? Does it really matter what it is thats free? What if it were a surprise grab bag?

Would you do it if it was $22 worth of free products and $6 free voucher?

What about $44 worth of Free stuff and $12 voucher? Do you get the idea.

This is a marketing strategy that works and has been around for years. Most people just dont think of a grocery/drugstore doing it....

A car dealer will offer free gift cards or even $50 cash for test driving a car, Time share companies give away $100 all the time just for looking at a place. I sat through many time share presentations with my parents and even a few with my husband just to get the money. Theres free money out there if you want it and you feel its worth your time.

So I bought 8 boxes of FREE splenda, spent $0 and received $12 free dollars to spend. I then turned around and spent my FREE $12 on items that i wanted.

Now of course my husband uses splenda but even if he didnt i bet for $12 free i could have found someone to use it.

In the end I came home with 8 boxes of splenda, 4 packages of maxi pads (another money maker), 10 packs of single serve butterfinger crunch candy (a free item), 4 packs of fixodent denture cleaners (a free item), 2 large bags of pretzels, 4 packs of instant popcorn, 2 packs of freeze pops, and 3 cans of tuna fish. AND i still have $8 left to spend another day on anything i wish... oh and remember i spent $0 out of pocket.

To me that was a great day. I have lots of stuff to donate to people who need it, i got some snacks for the kids and money i can use towards other things like diapers or ice cream.

I hope this Q&A helps answer some of your questions or concerns.. and i hope to add to it as i find more time.

Thanks Melissa

Coupons dont rule my life...

2011-06-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Read this post today and thought id share. I get a lot of stuff for free or very cheap and once in a while it hurts to pay full price. Like when we went on vacation and xander got sick I spent $25 on medicines I knew I had at home (and cost me $0). But we needed it and I bought the ones I had at home so I would know if we liked it.

however yesterday I refused to pay $.99 (after a $3 coupon) for body wash. Because in my mind body wash should be free and I had enough at home already. I actually laughed at myself for not wanting to pay for it. but then again I didn’t need it.

As I have couponed more and more I have actually found myself LESS worried with the cost of items. I splurge on things I might not otherwise buy. And when I do have to pay full price for something I shrug and say well its been free the last 10 times I bought it; so paying full price is nothing once in a while.

Check out the post on one of my favorite blogs that inspired me. And then share your thoughts. http://hip2save.com/2011/06/extreme-couponing-never-paying-full-price.html/comment-page-4#comments

Couponing is all about finding balance otherwise coupons will rule your life. Heres to everyone finding their balance.

Melissa

WOW- the Best Gift Ever

2011-05-11T13:54:00.000-04:00

Wow its Wednesday. Time to reflect and share things that wow or inspire me. This week i want to highlight my friend Heidi Arave's Blog. specifically a gift she made her husband for their anniversary.

Let me start by saying Marriage is HARD. If you aren't married you wont understand until you are.

BUT for those of us who found our Prince Charming soon realized that the fairy tales and even the view we had of our parents often skewed what married life would really be like. My husband and I have struggled through our own hardships like many married couples i know. You each bring in your own baggage, you think you understand it all but one day you realize the life you wanted for your family and the one you are living are not the same. For us I am happy we realized what was happening and began to change it before it drove us apart.

This is why I feel like highlighting Heidis blog today. A lot of marriages end in divorce after just a few years. Making it to any milestone like 10 years is just not as common as it used to be and I think its important to celebrate these milestone.

For their anniversary she just made a gift for her husband that i think every guy would like. Now not every guy would like a scrapbook (thats way too girly). But doesnt every guy read tons of magazines? I know my husband does. How cool to make a magazine about thier marriage, family and all the memories they have. I am WOWed by this and just cant wait to make my own. How special he must have felt to receive this.

Check it out here. Best Gift Ever

What an awesome idea for fathers day too. I am inspired to make a magazine called "Father of the Year". If you want to make a magazine like this set up a free account on my website www.DigitalStorybooks.com and you can get started today. Contact me and i can help guide you or even find a simple template to make your project go smoother and faster.

I know mothers day just ended but have you started to think about him. What ideas do you have? Please share what you plan to do to show him hes appreciated.

WOW- the Best Gift Ever

2011-05-11T13:52:00.000-04:00

Wow its Wednesday. Time to reflect and share things that wow or inspire me. This week i want to highlight my friend Heidi Arave's Blog. specifically a gift she made her husband for their anniversary.

Let me start by saying Marriage is HARD. If you aren't married you wont understand until you are.

BUT for those of us who found our Prince Charming soon realized that the fairy tales and even the view we had of our parents often skewed what married life would really be like. My husband and I have struggled through our own hardships like many married couples i know. You each bring in your own baggage, you think you understand it all but one day you realize the life you wanted for your family and the one you are living are not the same. For us I am happy we realized what was happening and began to change it before it drove us apart.

This is why I feel like highlighting Heidis blog today. A lot of marriages end in divorce after just a few years. Making it to any milestone like 10 years is just not as common as it used to be and I think its important to celebrate these milestone.

For their anniversary she just made a gift for her husband that i think every guy would like. Now not every guy would like a scrapbook (thats way too girly). But doesnt every guy read tons of magazines? I know my husband does. How cool to make a magazine about thier marriage, family and all the memories they have. I am WOWed by this and just cant wait to make my own. How special he must have felt to receive this.

Check it out here. Best Gift Ever

What an awesome idea for fathers day too. I am inspired to make a magazine called "Father of the Year". If you want to make a magazine like this set up a free account on t my website www.DigitalStorybooks.com and you can get started today. Contact me and i can help guide you or even find a simple template to make your project go smoother and faster.

I know mothers day just ended but have you started to think about him. What ideas do you have? Please share what you plan to do to show him hes appreciated.

Store Coupon policies links

2011-05-10T16:48:00.000-04:00

Because every store has their own rules about couponing I just thought i would put these all together in one easy spot for people to find. I recommend printing them and keeping them with you so if you run into a situation you can pull out the policy to verify and show store employees if there is an issue. This post is just the coupon policies and not explanations of the reward programs.

Walgreen's coupon policy
Rite aids coupon policy (thank you www.hip2save.com for uploading)

CVS I havent found any link to an official policy for them so heres a brief run down. They take manufacturers coupons and internet printables. They dont take competitors coupons. You can use 1 CVS store coupon and pair it with a manufacturers coupons. On a BOGO sale you can use 1 coupon per item even the free one. You can pair a BOGO coupon with a BOGO sale and essentially get both items for free.

Target's coupon policy
Target's price matching policy
Walmart's Coupon Policy
Walmart's price matching policy

local MA grocery stores
BigY policy
Stop and Shop policies this brings you to their FAQ section scroll down to read about coupons and price guarantees

My mom taught me about coupons... And then I taught her

2011-05-10T15:51:00.000-04:00

Growing up my mom used to clip coupons at the kitchen table or in the middle of the living room floor with us. I have fond memories of my little sister leaving tons of clipped papers everywhere in the house. Over the years I was never embarrassed or ashamed to use a coupon but little did I know the secret world of EXTREME COUPONING.

Once i discovered this whole new world i immediately began teaching my family. and boy was my mom surprised about what i had stumbled upon...

It was about 6 months ago my mom called me and said "Thank you for teaching me this. The timing was perfect and your father and i couldnt have lived all this months without it."

You see my dad had been laid off and they were pretty much living on nothing and trying to stretch even that. I literally stumbled on this at the perfect time to help them live on pennies. Now their cabinets are full and they dont have to worry about food. Now if only we could figure out how to make coupons work for all the other bills in our lives.

My father just returned to work recently but its on a 6 month contract. they are both hooked on extreme couponing and excited that it will help them stock up while he is working to prepare for when he'll be out of work again.

It has felt so good to know i could help them out during this time and also teach them something that will be able to help them far into the future too.

How has couponing affected your life? Please share your story here.

Canvas Photo Prints even better deal!!!

2010-12-04T15:50:00.011-05:00

So I posted a great canvas deal the other day here and now its even better.

From now until Dec 11th you can publish a canvas and save 10% of the credits. PLUS There is a new holiday card sale that can be used to get canvas' at an unbelievable deal. Because Heritage Makers credits can be used towards any purchase you can buy "card credits" and then change your mind and use them toward a canvas project instead.

SO basically you can make your own sale.

$200= $340 points or 41% off

$235= $415 points or 43% off

$280= $505 points or 45% off

add on the 10% discount for publishing this week you can get a super deal on gifts so for $280 you can pick one of these packages

Mega Gift package (10 gifts)

4 16x20 canvas for $50 each

6 8x8 canvas for $16 each

Or get the take out 1 8x8 and get the

Procrastinators Dream (Look like you planned well even if it is last minute)

4 16x20

4 8x8

and about 35 5x7 flat double side cards upload your address book and we will ship these direct for you too.

This also equals 8 20x8 canvas’ if you publish this week using the 10% off discount.

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Think about all the people you spend about $15-50 on and this makes an awesome gift for EVERYONE. Even fits most yankee swaps. Makes quick work of your Christmas list.

I told you this was awesome!!! If there is something else you are interested in making this is can be used to make a great deal on anything. I can help figure out how to save you the most.

Contact me directly to get this special as it is not available online.

~Melissa

Melissa & Doug Toys cheap or even FREE

2010-12-02T10:51:00.000-05:00

I am always on the lookout for inexpensive toys or even free one. But sometimes they arent always the best.

TODAY on One Kings Lane you can get Melissa & Doug puzzles and wooden toys for very little cost or even free. I love Melissa & Doug stuff. its educational, role playing and quite sturdy.

One Kings Lane is a discount site that sells lots of top brand items for less. They usually have lots of vases, candles, home decor type items. they are discounted name brands but often still quite pricey. I have seen items ranging from $7 up to the $1000's.

When you sign up (or at least when I did) I got a $15 store credit to spend AND it can even apply to shipping. I hadnt really seen anything I wanted until NOW. Most people have been picking up a free vase, candle or small decorative bowl. I just kind of wanted to wait until i really loved something.

NOW I WANT IT ALL>

SO if you go to www.onekingslane.com and sign up now you may get that $15 credit and be able to snag a toy for free... and may see some others that you cant pass up too.

HUGE CANVAS SALE!!!

2010-11-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

Heritage Makers started carrying canvas' prints a while ago but now they come gallery wrapped for free so there is no frame needed. Over the last year they have greatly expanded the range of sizes. I swear you can get a canvas printed to fit anywhere in your home.

Plus they are so gorgeous!!!

What I am so excited about is that there is a huge sale going on that I just realized how completely awesome it is. Just like restaurants are offering a bonus $10 gift card when you buy a $50 one.

Heritage Makers Is offering a bonus with your purchase right now. I dont see an end date right now but I thought it was just for November so today might be the last day!

Its like a "Make Your Own Sale" sale.

You purchase $200 in credits but get an additional $110 bonus so for $200 you can pick out $310 worth in gifts (this does not include tax or shipping). This is equal to 3 16x20 canvas’ AND 2 8x8 canvas’.

But for just $80 more they will add another $100 bonus. So for $280 you can pick out $490 worth in gifts (that’s $210 free). This is equal to 4 16x20 canvas’ AND 4 8x8 canvas’.

This would give you 8 gifts and makes the large one $50 each and the small one only $20 each!!!

Think of people you would usually spend about $20 - $50 on… these would make an awesome gift! heres two beach themed ones... can you see I am thinking warm thoughts. :)

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This is just an unbelievable deal. I am already thinking of who I can cross off my Christmas list with these.

The great thing is you dont have to be ready to make the canvas' now you just prepay for them and then have up to 2 years to make them.

But if you are like me and planning out gifts you still have a few days to customize them and get them ordered for Christmas. Is just a great deal.

You must contact me to get this price. go to my website and click on contact me. If you email me your phone number I can call you and put your order in right away.

Just imagine thats 8 people checked off your Christmas list. YEAH!!!

~Melissa

Christmas Advents, Calendars, Countdowns and more...

2010-11-30T13:53:00.001-05:00

So tomorrow officially begins the countdown to Christmas. Do you have an advent yet? I have seen so many cute ideas and have been busy crafting a few of my own. Check them out maybe it will give you your own ideas. I dont have pictures of mine yet but will share the photos from one of my friends. Check out Heid'is blog for other great Heritage ideas.

The first is called Countdown Blocks. I absolutely love these and know my children are going to have a blast flipping their photos each day.

it was so easy to make. I designed a 12x12 scrapbook page on my website www.digitalstorybooks.com then when it came in the mail I cut it apart and glued the pieces to wood cubes. You can find 3x3 or 4x4 blocks in most craft stores but I cut my own from wood that was being discarded on the side of the road.

Since I have 2 children I made sure each block has all photos of my son and the other is all my daughter. I could just hear my oldest if i didnt... "why are both pictures Xander today... " insert winy noise here....

The pages cost $3.95 and about $1.50 for shipping if you only ship one sheet at a time.

heres another one I am planning to make. so what if it comes a little later. I still love it. Again it uses 12x12 pages; 2 stacked together and then you cut the windows with an exacto knife so the kids can open them later. Under each window you can put photos or little holiday traditions like watch a christmas movie, bake cookies, make a craft. what a fun way to make sure you are doing all the little family things that make the holidays so much fun. This will help to keep me from waiting until the last week to try to cram in all my favorite activities.

The next one would be great fun in a kitchen. I saw this exact thing in hallmark i am sure it was so much more then making it yourself. It uses a 12x12 glued to a cookie sheet found at the dollar store. then a second 12x12 page you cut out the presents attach to tiles found at a hardware store and glue magnets on the back. Heres a hint I found some self adhesive magnets at walmart and they were cheaper then ones you glue yourself.

*** It is important to note that these are not printed on photo paper. Photos would run if you tried to decoupage over them!!! You could laminate a photo to achieve similar results but mine come printed with a special coating on them to save you this step. Also all of the above are templates that my clients can use on my website so it would save you some work. You just drop your photo in pre-designed sheets. If you dont have one you can set up your own account at www.digitalstorybooks.com to start making your own heritage projects.

Send me photos of what you come up with.

~Melissa

Planning out your Christmas.

2010-11-30T11:14:00.000-05:00

So I have been very busy making, planning, and buying supplies for Christmas gifts... Yeah like most I usually bite off more then I can chew.

I always make at least a homemade ornament but this year I am quite determined to make a lot of my gifts at least for most people. One person in particular has asked for only one thing LOTS OF COFFEE!!! lol. You know who you are. Living in various areas of the country I too learned that there was really only one coffee i could drink without getting the shakes. and since I can understand the absolute necessity for drinkable coffee maybe I will have to get creative with its presentation.

To save some stress i always try to plan as much as I can ahead of time. Yes I realize the dreaded "BLACK FRIDAY" has come and gone and maybe some of this would have helped more before but in the last few years I have seen just as good deals closer to Christmas as there is black friday. In fact this year I didnt venture out to any of the big dept stores. So hopefully this will help you recollect and get organized after the chaos and remember what you got and what your plans were.

So here is what has worked for me in the past. I take a notebook and list out ALL the people I plan to buy gifts for and a dollar amount/value I wish to spend on their gifts. Some will have a whole page to themselves (Depending on who they are and the dollar amount) and sometimes I will list a whole family down the side of one page. For example my children, husband and I each have our own page, my extended family gets about a half a page each, and friends are listed with a few lines each.

You could do this in an email as well but I like having something tangible I can take shopping with me. This notebook becomes my ideas, brainstorms and eventual shopping list. I also use it to list prices I saw at various stores or websites.

Once I buy things I list it in the book with the $ value AND the amount spent if I got it on sale. this helps me stay on budget and also lets me know if I hit my limit for the person yet or if hit my VALUE even without hitting dollars spent (due to thrifty shopping).

I also put on their lists handcrafted ideas and use the back pages to help plan out shopping lists for those ideas.

This year I am planning to make some "Holiday Survival Kits" I am still not sure what will end up in them but a few ideas are pancakes in a jar (for Christmas morning breakfast), some cocoa (for after sledding), popcorn (for watching a holiday movie), coffee, maybe a decoration for the house, and possibly some adult beverages.
So this is all listed in my book and as I think of things I add it.

Does this mean everything in my book will be bought or made.... Absolutely not but it keeps me from forgetting those great ideas, or buying too much for one person and forgetting others.

I hope these ideas help you have a smoother holiday.

Please comment with your ideas for staying organized and on track this season.

~Melissa

Back again...

2010-11-30T10:34:00.000-05:00

SO you may have noticed I havent blogged in a while. thats an understatement.

I had some technical issues and well, got very frustrated. Then had some family issues too and it was just easier to let this project sit on the side for a while. But I have missed it and now am ready to take it on again. I hope you will join me as i celebrate my favorite time of the year. Christmas.

Ever since I was a little girl I have been making handmade gifts and this year is no different.

Make sure to click "become a follower" because you wont want to miss all the great ideas I have for easy holiday gifts that even you can make this holiday season.

~Melissa

I love CVS...

2010-03-19T10:12:00.001-04:00

I think I have told you before how much I love CVS... I was reminded again this past week why.

I have had issues with other stores cashiers being uneducated about their own rewards program, AND also how coupons work. Just because I am not paying for it doesnt mean the store loses money... duh, you get paid by the manufacturer.

Anyway. After some great sales at Rite aid the last few weeks I guess the cashiers/managers had seen too much of me and started giving me some trouble. They are now investigating EVERY coupon, gave me a hard time about B1G1 sales (I had to call customer support for back up), and basically did everything except accuse me of stealing. They have now decided that I can only use one total purchase coupon per DAY. Ironically its their company that pays redplum to put these out and allow us to print 2 per computer... even in their company policy it allows for multiples but it does give the store the right to "limit" daily use.

SO I almost gave up. Figured they decided they didnt want my business. Instead I found another rite aid nearby and figure I will start fresh and see if I can educate them on coupon use. I already taught them about the B1G1 free sales and they were much nicer about it. They were glad I had my store policy with me and thanked me....SO wish me luck that hopefully this new store wants my coupons/money.

Anyway after all the issues that day I had to stop in to CVS for a quick trip and to remind myself everything I do is OK. Not only did I feel better but I got a few rainchecks AND they gave me the ads for the next 2 weeks ahead of time!!!

I did complain a bit about rite aid to them and the guy working said "I dont understand they get paid either way. If its a coupon it just comes from the manufacturer instead of you."

Just a reminder that apparently CVS employees do understand what a coupon is and other stores just think its paper...

Happy shopping. :)

Got paid to buy diapers!!!

2010-03-12T08:57:00.002-05:00

My Rite Aid trip 3/11

Trans #1

Pampers $9.99

biore strips (2@ 5each) $10

SUBTOTAL $19.99

-$5/$20 coupon

-$7.99 off Biore (B1G1 coupon I noticed the cashier took off to much after i got home)

-1 off Biore video rewards

-1 off biore video rewards (my store lets me use more then one)

-$2 off Pampers

= $3 (should have been 5.99)

Trans #2

John Frieda (2) $10

Metamucil $9.99

SUBTOTAL $19.99

-$5/$20 coupon

-$3 off metamucil

-3 off John Freida

-2 off John Freida

-1 off John Freida video rewards

-1 off John Freida video rewards (my store lets me use more then one)

= $5.30 including tax

Trans #3

Pampers $9.99

Carefree (4 @ $.99each raincheck) $3.96

Travel Renu (3 @ $.99 each) $2.97

Skittles (4 B1G1) $2.98

SUBTOTAL $19.90

-$5/$20 coupon

-$2 off Pampers

-3.96 off carefree ($.99 off each)

-$2.97 off travel renu ($.99 off each)

-$2.20 off skittles ($1.10 off wyb2)

= $3.77 including tax

Trans #4

Planters 16oz peanuts (4 @ B1G1 $4.49 raincheck) $8.98

Cover Girl simply ageless (2@ B1G1) $15.99

SUBTOTAL $24.97

-$5/$25 coupon

-$2 off wyb2 Planters

-$1 off wyb2 planters

-$15.99 B1G1 coupon on CG

= $1.67 including tax

TOTALS

$13.74 OOP

$5 Biore/John freida SCR

$5 Metamucil SCR

$10 P&G gift card (I have to go buy one small item since I am 3 cents short)

$20 total coming back

Or +$6.24 (should have only been $3.27)

Plus I only need another Planters for $3 scr wyb $15 so my nuts will be free also

use P&G coupons = clean water

2010-03-12T08:57:00.001-05:00

Some times people tell me that I shouldnt use coupons or try to get things free because its a hard economy and corporations need the money too. I always say they want us to use their coupons.

Heres proof. For each coupon redeemed from the 3/7 insert P&G will donate 1 day of clean water to a child in need. How awesome is that. I really want to do my part and spend my coupons.

http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/givepurwater/index.jsp?edstempseg=YF&utm_source=YF&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=March10Newsletter

I also saw a post recently about the % of coupons printed vs. redeemed. I cant find where I read it now (if I do I will post here). but it said the national statistics showed that in 2009 there was an increase in coupon usage but that ONLY .7% of coupons printed were redeemed!!! not even 1%. plus halfway through the year when companies saw an increase in usage they actually stepped up how many they printed and printed more then ever.

SO if you're afraid of companies going belly up over coupon usage dont be... our savings are not even denting their advertising budget.

FREE Dunkin Donuts sample

2010-03-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

AS I sit here enjoying my Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla coffee I think of all those who dont live near a DD. when we lived in other states it was very hard to find DD. Boy am i glad to be back in New England. If you dont live near one the next best things is brewing at home. Click below and DD will mail you a free sample.

Enjoy...

FREE Robeez arrived today!!!

2010-02-23T21:47:00.001-05:00

If you remember back around Christmastime I said I was pretty sure I was getting free Robeez for a post about giving back this season.. They came today.

Cute brown ones with little cement mixers on the top. I immediately put them on Xander to see what he thought... He was very interested in the truck. :) They seemed to help him slip less when standing. I thought I had asked for the 18-24 size but got the 12-18 size. which do seem small for him so make sure to have your store clerk check sizing.

AND in the box with it was a $50 Gift Card to stride right. yeah now I can get some shoes for me!!! Believe me I NEED SHOES. why is mom always last. hmmm.

We loved these with Allie and paid for the top line shoes but they were worth it. When I had a chance to get them FREE I jumped. scroll through the boys shoes here... am I the only one who thinks the dragons are adorable???

They are having a 50% off sale at www.robeez.com right now and its not all winter. Check it out you may find something cute for a great price...

Want to see more contests for you to win free stuff too??? become a follower of this blog and also subscribe to my email feed. The more people I have listed as followers the more pull I have to get contests and giveaways so I can give you free things too.

let me know if you have things youd like to see me cover in my posts... I am always open to ideas. Thanks for reading.

WOW... TROPICANA ... Awesome rewards program sign up now

2010-02-23T20:34:00.001-05:00

Tropicana is jumping on the "customer reward" band wagon. I give it TWO THUMBS UP (and toes, feet, actually I am jumping up and down about what I saw so far)!!! This really is a JUICY reward program. so much so I chose this to be my WOW its Wednesday feature this week.

It seems every time we turn around another company is trying to create a program to "reward" us for using their product. I checked out the rewards and am quite impressed. They have discounts to use at parks, fairs, the circus, sporting events, bowling... the rewards seem to promote healthy family fun activities!!! I love it. and they didnt seem to need as many purchases to achieve as most reward programs do.

One thing I saw was a B1G1 admission to use at Cocokeys indoor waterpark in Fitchburg, MA!!! I noticed this because we have been talking about going there. I already have 4 pts and this reward only needed 1pt! 1 pt to save me $30wow!!! So join in and see what activities it might save you money on.

Heres 3 codes to help get you started.
LA73E CL9W4
SAVVY-AUNTI
YAHOO-34765

Take the survey at sign up and you'll earn a 4th pt too. Reports have it if you sign up your grocery card it gives you another one but I put bigy as my grocery store and it never asked for my store id#. Try Stop and shop or another store card and see if it works for you.

I am glad I can share things like this with you. Have you seen a great deal that needs sharing? contact me.

Heres where I heard about it this reward program... http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/02/tropicana-juicy-rewards/#disqus_thread

How to use coupon "overage" to pay for another item

2010-02-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

I used to only clip coupons for the products I loved and used regularly... then I learned how to use coupons for items I dont need or want to buy things I did want. Now I save every coupon. Heres a brief overview of how it works using some of my recent transactions to explian.

At CVS a powerbar gel blast was on sale for $1.50 and gave back $1.50 in ECB's making it FREE

BUT there was $1 off coupon so..... That means if you use the coupon at checkout you will get $1.50 ECB and only pay out $.50 meaning a profit of $1

This means you can pick ANY $1 item from the store, add it to your order and purchase it for free

Palmolive is on sale for $.99 and there was a buy 2 get $1 off coupon.

SO if you bought

powerbar gel blast $1.50

and 2 palmolive $.99

sub total $3.48

use 1off power blast -1

use 1 off palmolive wyb2 -1

= $3.48- 2coupons = $1.48total cast AND get back $1.50 ECB... means both items were FREE

In effect you used the $1 off coupon to help pay for the palmolive.

Happy saving....

How to "ROLL" CVS ECB's: my shopping this week

2010-02-21T00:58:00.001-05:00

Often people dont quite understand how things end up being free. Even my husband sometimes says "Well, you paid for something in order to get the extra care bucks.(ECB).." Its true at some point money has come out of my pocket. So how can I say it was all free? keep reading...

For example this past week toothpaste was $3.50 and you got a $3.50 ECB back. If I actually paid the $3.50 in cash I still consider this FREE because I still have $3.50 in ECB's to spend another day. now if I spend the $3.50 on items that dont produce an ECB those are the ones in my mind I have paid for. I hope this makes sense.

With that said here's an example on how you can "ROLL" your ECB's. This is when you use ECB's to buy items that produce more ECB's; getting more free items without any more oop expense.

I went in twice this week and did a few transactions. I hope you can follow below.

I started the week with 3,3,3,2 in ECB's (total of $11). I looked at the ad and there were a few "FREE" items producing a $2 ECB. since I had a $2ECB in my wallet this looked like a great place to start.

Transaction #1

Aussie shampoo $2.99

(2) sobe lifewater $1.69 (B1G1 FREE sale)

Gold Emblum Chocolate Almonds $.99

sub total: $5.67

coupons used:

aussie -$1 off

sobe lifewater -$1.69 (B1G1 coupon)

Gold Emblum $1 off any almond product

Total: $1.98 Get $2 ECB for the shampoo = FREE

I used last weeks $2ECB to pay for this order so the only cash I paid was $.05 tax. this is "rolling". because I paid with an ECB and got an ECB back.

Transaction #2

colgate toothpaste $2.99

(2) sobe lifewaters $1.69 (B1G1 FREE sale)

Gold Emblum Chocolate Almonds $.99

sub total: $5.67

coupons used:

colgate -$1 off

sobe lifewater -$1.69 (B1G1 coupon)

Gold Emblum $1 off any almond product

Total: $1.98 Get $2 ECB for the colgate = FREE pay with the $2 ECB from Trans #1 and paid $.02 OOP for tax

Transaction #3

Gillette mach3 razor $6.49

(2) crest pro white toothpaste $3.50 each

Gold Emblum Chocolate Almonds $.99

sub total: $14.48

coupons used:

mach3 -2 off

crest -1 off wyb2

Gold Emblum $1 off any almond product

Total: $10.48 Get 7 for the crest and 2 for the razor = cost $1.48 The cashier misquoted me and told me it was $11.48 so I overpaid paid with the total $11 ECB's I had.

I called CVS the next day and the manager told me he'd issue me a $.52 ECB on my next visit. :) I love CVS. SO much easier and nicer then Wags. SO on my next visit I went to get my credit and the computer adjusted up and instead I got $1ECB. woohoo.

I had some palmolive coupons expiring so I checked the price and found they were going on sale tomorrow which means at my CVS you can buy it on Sat night. so i got next weeks price but used the coupon expiring today. What luck.

I bought 6 palmolive $.99 each

and a powerbar gel blast $1.50

Sub total: $7.44 + $.06 tax

-1 off powerbar blast

(3 coupons) -1 off palmolive wyb2

total $3.50 used $2 ECB from the other day AND the $1 they gave me today = $.50 oop

I got $1.50 ECB for the powerbar
AND $1 for my green tag = $2.50 ECB left

total cost today was $1. (.50 cash and $.50 ECB)

Retail value $51.41

OOP expense was ONLY $.57

I started the week with $11 in ECB's and ended with $9.50 = cost of $1.50 ECBS

or total cost for the week $2.07 (1.50ECB+ .57cash)

or if you look back everything was free
except I paid $1 for 6 palmolive($.17 each)
and that leaves $1.05 for the razor (which came with $15 worth of coupons inside the package)

I know this was long but hope you were able to follow it and maybe it will help you to start planning your CVS shopping trips.

My stockpile photos

2010-02-19T15:42:00.001-05:00

I keep saying we are well stocked up... Just wanted to show you what ONLY a few months of couponing has done for us here...

heres the stockpile "pantry" we built in the basement. Notice the wall isnt quite finished. I couldnt wait and hung shelving anyway. lol lots of pasta, juice, soup, soy joy bars :), crackers...

heres the bottom half of the basement "pantry". Cereal, paper towels, soda & chips (for our memorial party), some cleaning products, maple syrup etc...

and heres a peak at some of our toiletries... I dont have a photo of the kids bathroom shelf yet. I also have a bunch I havent organized yet and will end up in an overflow bin in the basement. Right now theres a bunch of Dove mens body wash just lined up on the floor and our big soaker tub is full of stayfree and kotex. lol...

I found some pantry racks at home depot. They are about 12" wide and 4 " deep: 2 shelves each. we bought 3 for each closet. It works great inside the door. The reason we chose the 2 shelf kind was because we could vary the heights by how we hung them. In order to fit tall bottles on the top shelf we measured how tall a bottle was and hung the next shelf that far apart. for example in the photo the nexxus shampoo is a top shelf and the toothpaste is the bottom shelf on the same rack. We have pretty deep closets with lots of wasted space. On the floor I have a big Rubbermaid bin.

In the basement pantry I used the same kind of rack but it was wider and 6 feet tall. It has all short fixed shelves but works great for shorter items like mayo, soup, pasta, and helps to keep these within easy reach.

How do you organize your stockpile???

LOTS FREE AT BIG Y 2/10

2010-02-17T23:09:00.000-05:00

I havent had time to post every trip lately its been busy around here. But I can tell you my pantry and overflow is WAY stocked up now. I actually have to refrain from buying even when dirt cheap since i have no where to put it. I have had to start bringing things to giveaway to my MOPs group. Which makes me feel awesome that I can help others save too by passing on some of my good bargains.

Heres what I picked up at Big Y grocery last week. I did not take a photo of all the freezer items. Its just too hard with the kids and I didnt want melted ice Cream. Although then I would have had an excuse to eat it. :) So this is about half of it.

Dairy
2 Breakstone sour cream 2/$3 used 55 off (doubled to $1.10)= $.40each
Egglands best $3.49 used $.35 coupon (doubled to $.70) = $2.79

Gallon of Milk 3.99 used FREE Milk coupon with $100 worth of groceries

half gallon of Chocolate milk $3.89 (used free up to $3 when you buy with a gallon of milk) or $.89

Deli
3 Sabra Hummus on sale $3.48 (our favorite) $1 off coupon = $2.48 each
5 Margherita Pepperoni $4.19 B2G3 free (I have tons of pepperoni since I went in for this on superbowl too) - 2 $.75 coupons doubled and 1 $1 off 2 = $ .88 each

Frozen Foods
6 Birds Eye Steamfresh Meals $8.49 B1G1 FREE and 5 $1.50 coupons and 1 $1= $2.83 each (great in a hurry meals and cheaper then pizza)
4 Edys Slow churned Ice cream $5.49 B1G1 and 4 $1 off coupons = 1.75 each
18 Green Giant Veges $2.09 B1G1 Free and 6 $1 off 3 coupons = $.71 each

Groceries
1 jar of parm cheese AND 3 things of bread crumbs. Bread Crumbs were B1G2 free used a $1 off 2 Wheat crumbs AND a buy parm cheese get bread crumbs free. So all the bread crumbs were free and then even got the $1 off so $3.39 for all 4 or $.85 each for 4C parm cheese and bread crumbs!!! Awesome deal
2 Cheddar Chex mix B1G1 $2.50 used 2 $.50 off coupons doubled = $.25 each !!!
2 loaves of Freihoffer bread $3.39 B1G1 = $1.70 each
8 packs of toilet paper that allie says feels like "wrapper" but now loves because its nice to trees. but I will probably donate to a boy scout food drive soon. on sale for $1 and had $1 off coupons= FREE
2 packs of solo cups $4.65 B1G1 used 2 $.75 off coupon doubled = $.83 each
3 Spot Shot carpet cleaner $4.53 B1G2 Free used 3 $1 off coupons = $.51 each
9 cans of peanuts on sale B1G2 free used $1 off coupons on all of them (even the free ones)= $.19/3 or 6 cents each. I was going to get 3 and then a raincheck for honey roasted but the manager pulled more out of nowhere so.... we have tons of nuts... Cant complain about the price though. lol.

Produce
2 cukes $.79
Mango $1.50 (was marked $.99 on shelf?)
sunflower seeds $2.50

Total value before sale and coupons $188.70
Coupon total $65.89
OOP $69.02

I have to say this was one of my best trips. I was so excited when it was over. I dont expect to see big trips like this for a while.

My Husband just told me tonight he's added up what I spent this month and figures I spent about $200 less then usual and thats including all my drug store trips. We arent sure where that money is but I didnt spend it on groceries. :) We discussed putting a set amount in an account so we can really see the amount saved at the end of the month and use it for something.

How are you doing on your groceries?

Rite Aid week of 2/14- Cheap or FREE Lysol Healthy touch Hand Soap Kit

2010-02-16T17:39:00.000-05:00

SO theres lots of deals over at rite aid this week. If you havent done any deals at Rite aid they are easy. They offer an easy online rebate system called Single Check Rebates (SCR). You have to sign up but then all you do is enter a few numbers off the reciept and the computer figures out the rest. I have always had good luck with these and sometimes they find a rebate that I didnt know about. :)

I have a few favorites this week. Make sure you read all the way through to find out how to get your own Lysol healthy hands for FREE...

FREEBIES

Olay Skin and Bath care 3/$18

$1 off coupons in the paper I believe it was this past week but cut mine out already and dont rememeber.

Use 3 coupons and pay the $15 but then go to www.olay.com to print a rebate for for $15 when you buy 3

= FREE after rebate

Motrin $2.99
$1 off Coupon in 1/3 RP insert
submit for $2 SCR online
= FREE after rebate

GE 4 pack Extra soft white light bulbs 2/$4
less in ad coupon -$3 = 2/$1

Dove, degree or speed stick 2/$3
1/31 RP had coupons for $1 off Dove
$.75 off Degree in 1/31 RP
and $1off 2 speed stick.
OR if you bought the Reinventing you magazine from CVS the other week during the soft soap deal there are coupons for $1 off one speed stick
use one coupon per deodorant and these come to $.50 each

Clairol Loving Care hair color 2/$10
$5 off 2 in 2/14 insert
= $2.50 each

*** Clearance alert Glade plug in warmers marked down to $1.59 there was a $1.50 coupon off a while back if you still have it that makes these ONLY $.09 These make a great add on item to bring your total to $20 and use a $5 off $20 coupon from ad perks watch ad perks and earn coupons off products at rite aid!!! Get 20 pts and get a $5 off $20 coupon. These can only be printed one time but you can select how many times it prints so print more than one. I usually print about 10 so I have them all month.

Heres my plan for the week. (as long as they have everything when I go in)

Transaction #1
Olay lotion 3/$18
Motrin $2.99
Total = $20.99

Coupons to use
$5 off $20 coupon from adperks
(3) $1 off olay lotion
$1 off Motrin
OOP = $11.99

get $2 SCR for Motrin
Submit for $15 rebate from Olay
= $17 back in rebates...$5 more then I paid... I will actually make money buying these!!!

Transaction #2
Lysol Healthy Touch 12.99
GE Extra Soft White light bulbs 2/$4
Dove, or speed stick (depends whats in stock) 2/$3
= $19.99 (I may need a small item to get over $20, I will look for valentines clearance)

Coupons to use
$5 off $20
$5 off Lysol in ad coupon
$3 off lysol from paper
$1 off lysol Rite aid coupon from ad perks (you can use both a manufacturers and store)
use (2) $1 off Dove or Speed Stick coupons
$3 off light bulbs in ad coupon
= $.99 OOP
Get back $1 in SCR from the lysol making it ALL FREE after rebate

Olay Quench rebate send out reminder

2010-02-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to send out a reminder. If you bought the Olay Quench before January 29th you must send your rebate from in by today Feb 12th. I got buried in cleaning up xmas and still hadn't got mine out. I dug through papers today to find the form and receipts so I can go to the post office tomorrow... I had a real busy day too so I am glad I remembered.

Last week I sent out $50 for rebates...

Another $32 going out on this Olay deal.

I bought 2 Olay quench lotions $7.99 each
get 2 Olay shower lotion Free (4.99 value)
used $2 off Quench
1 off Shower lotion
I filled in with Edys ice cream $2.99 on sale just to make sure my total stayed high
paid OOP $16.58 and should get back $15.98 meaning once the rebate comes back my ice cream was only 28 cents each... Now thats a great deal.

also pictured is the special K 2/$5 bars for the $10 jean rebate (I bought the 5th one at Rite Aid for 2.50) and pert plus and razors. I believe these were both free but right now dont have the receipt in front of me.

Hope your finding some good bargains out there.

Pop Chips- YUMMY and great customer service.

2010-02-10T18:34:00.001-05:00

a few weeks ago I found a link on some blog (sorry I dont remember who) to try a new type of chip; called "Popchips". They aren't fried or baked instead they apply heat and pressure and the potatoes "POP" into a chip.

I signed up for a free trial but later got an email saying the link was a mistake and instead got a coupon that expired within 3 days. They are sold in target and several grocery stores in the west. I was disappointed since the chances of me making it to Target in 3 days was slim. but instead of just complaining to everyone else I wrote back to them and explained how I felt and that I was very interested in their product.

They emailed me back an apology and sent me a care package!!! It arrived yesterday and my daughter and I could hardly wait to dig in and try them. Inside the box was not just one sample but SIX different flavors!!! We were excited. which to try first?

Sour cream and onion. and those of you who know me I checked the ingredients first...no bat poop (guano) YEAH!!!

I have to say they were AMAZING. I love them. they were light and fluffy and kind of reminded me of munchos (which i used to love) but these are even tastier. I could have eaten all of the bags in one sitting but had to restrain myself. I cant wait to devour I mean try the other flavors. Unfortunately I now find out that no store around me sells them. ARGG. but they can be ordered online.

If you find these in a store near you they are definitely worth trying. I just want to thank the people over at "popchips" for their great product and great customer service. Even my daughter gives them a thumbs up...

Now I will have to put a request in to Big Y and stop and shop to start carrying these. I cant wait until these are available locally.

FREE Dove Mens Body Wash at Wags and Rite Aid

2010-02-10T02:43:00.000-05:00

Dove has a new body wash out made Just for men. My hubby hasn’t tried it yet. (he’s still trying the suave one I got free a month ago)so I cant give you a guys view yet. But I think it smells quite nice and picked up 2 free last week at CVS. This week you can get it free at rite aid and at walgreens. Both stores are giving you your money back for buying this through their store loyalty programs. In fact if you have coupons like me you can actually get PAID to try it!!!

You could create a nice masculine gift basket for your hubby with this wash, maybe put in your favorite bath soap, a scrubby and maybe a handwritten note saying I’ll scrub your back if you scrub mine….J

There were coupons in the Red Plum coupon insert in the paper on 1/31 for $1.25 off. Do you have them??? If not there is a link to print a coupon for $1.50 off. And you should be able to print it twice per computer if you hit the back button after it prints.

Also if you're a mom...Theraflu or Triaminic are on sale 2/$10 and you get $5 RR back using coupons they come to $1 or less each

So heres a great plan for getting them all free at Walgreens. And a few candy bars too.

First gather or print these coupons. hit the back button and print 2 just in case you want to do this twice...

Super Poligrip Denture Adhesive, .75 oz, $2.00 ($2 RR)
-$1.50/1 Printable HERE (Join Policare) (Pay $.50/1)
-$1/1 from 1/3 RP (Pay $1/1)
Final Price $1-1.50 Money Maker!!

Dove Men's Body Wash, 13.5 oz, $5.99 ($6 RR)
-$1.50/1 Printable HERE (Pay $4.49/1)
-$1.25/1 from 1/31 RP (Pay $4.74/1)
-$1/1 Printable HERE (Pay $4.99/1)
Final Price $1-1.50 Money Maker!!

Triaminic 14-pk Thin Strips, Liquid 4 oz, Nasal Spray .67 oz or Theraflu 6 pkts or Liquid 8.3 oz, 2/$10 ($5 RR wyb 2)
-$2/1 Printable HERE Theraflu (Pay $6/2)
Final Price $1/2
-$1.50/1 from 2/7 SS Theraflu (Pay $7/2)
Final Price $2/2
-$1.50/1 Printable HERE Triaminic Thin Strips (Pay $7/2)
-$1.50/1 from 2/7 SS Triaminic (Pay $7/2)
Final Price $2/2

I know it may seem odd but you have to buy poligrip to get everything else free... it’s the only way it works… If you don’t know someone who can use it you can find somewhere to donate it.

Buy the Poligrip on sale for $2

-$1.50 coupon

OOP $.50

Get $2 RR(register rewards)

Buy Dove Mens Body Wash $5.99

ramen noodles $.33 (not sure this is our local price) or Something small like a candy bar on sale for $.49 or alum foil $.59 mac n chees .$69

-$1.50 coupon

Use $2 RR to pay for it and

OOP $2.82 cash

Get $6 RR

Buy (2) Theraflu 2/$10

ramen noodles $.33 (not sure this is our local price) or Something small like a candy bar on sale for $.49 or alum foil $.59 mac n chees .$69

- (2) $2 off coupons (most stores have $1.50 coupons on the shelf too)

Use $6 RR

OOP $.33 (or what ever your small item is)

Get $5 RR

Buy another Dove Mens Body Wash $5.99

Buy 4 3musketeers crisp bars at register $1.96 ($.49 each this is an upsell at the cashier)

-$1.50 coupon

Use $5 RR

OOP 1.45

Get $6 RR for Dove AND $1.50 for 3 musketeers

Total OOP cost is $5.10 and you still have $7.50 to spend. Meaning you got paid $2.40 and went home with 2 theraflu/triaminic, 2 mens body wash, a few candy bars, and ramen noodles (another great thing to donate to a food pantry)

Save these RR for another week or spend them on some sale items to maximize your savings. and if you want to repeat the sale again.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

2010-02-04T12:04:00.000-05:00

SO I was doing some shopping at Big Y last night to pick up some cheap deals. and at the register they had Blockbuster Express coupons for a FREE night rental. Thats right a FREE night. Its not a rent one get one free or a rent and get the second night free.

Just a plain old FREE rental!!! YEAH.

Simply enter code GT9SA when prompted at the kiosk. this code expires 02/28/2010

I know what we're doing this weekend. FREE Family movie night.

Whats even better is this is one of the rewards for Allies "Getting caught" cards. SO Alie thinks shes getting a special reward and our wallets get a break. :)

Now just to figure out what movie we want... let me know what movie you watch this weekend.

Chores, Manners and Rewards for Preschoolers

2010-02-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

I thought I had posted about this already but couldnt find it... Maybe i just posted it on my facebook. ANyway...

We were having issues with manners and getting ready for school on time (and sometimes still do).

I had a "chore" chart I made in my MOPs group. Its a poster with velcro images that were meant to help preschoolers get ready for their day. We moved her picture under the items she had done like get dressed, brush teeth, eat breakfast... something simple she could follow and when she reached the end she was ready to go. That worked for a little while but then she just ignored it.

I found us giving lots of time outs and seemed like we were always focusing on negative behavior and not rewarding her for positive things. SO I decided we needed a new system.

My sister was using a deck of cards to reward her sons and it gave me this idea. I made a deck of cards each one with positive traits/manners that I wanted her to learn printed on it. I made them all cute with her favorite colors and photos on them. And then half of the deck I printed rewards I thought she would enjoy. Things like a family movie night, getting her nails painted, computer time... etc.

Heres what I came up with.

 

If you cant see the project above try clicking here.

Oh and the card that looks a little goofed up is the one Allie made. :) She likes to work on the computer.

If you want to make a deck of your own set up your own free account on my my website www.DigitalStorybooks.com then start a new project or look through the thousands of ideas in our template gallery. Do you wish yours looked like mine? Just contact me and I can give you a template of the one I made for Allie. You just swap out the photos and change the wording for your family/child and then publish. Its that easy.

I hope this helps give you some ideas. It definitely has helped us recognize the good things she is doing even on the days we may have a few battles. We can see at the end of the day that it wasnt ALL bad... :)

2010-02-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to pass on some info to you thrifty people out there. If you dont get the home made simple coupon books you're in luck I found a link to 5 places to sign up for it.

What is Home made simple? I have been getting these coupons in the mail since I was with Tupperware. I think it was part of a promo we had for consultants. The booklet is full of great coupons for cascade, swiffer, dawn, fabreeze, etc... lots of HIGH value coupons for name brand products. and then they send out email newsletters with tips for things.

I am not sure where I saw it but this is where the blog hopping took me. This blog has 5 different links and rumor has it you can sign up at each one and end up with 5 booklets.

http://proverbs31gal.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/deals-worth-discussing-12/

I signed up again myself and am crossing my fingers because free coupons are awesome. Plus this means if nothing else FREE Dawn soap. since its always on sale and this book had $1 off coupons!!!! We have a tons of soap under our sink. :) Now you can too. ~Melissa

Memorial Day on $0?

2010-01-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

Ok so Every year we host a Huge Memorial weekend party. people come from all over and camp out in our yard. Its a blast and we have between 45-60 people coming and going the whole day. Its usually a big expense for us and every year we make a big trip to BJs to buy the stuff and spend about $500 once all is said and done.

My goal this year now that I am couponing is to do it for as little as possible by planning early. I know I cant really do it for $0 but if I can plan it so our only real cost is the meat from the local butcher that would be amazing. If you want to see how I am doing I am tagging everything that I get for the party as Memorial Day Prep. So far I have tons of soda and chips from this weeks pepsi deal... When the week is up I will tally it but it should come out pretty much free. maybe a buck or two.

Check back soon or start planning your own party following my lead.

CVS for $0!!! 01/26 I had to share.

2010-01-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

I went to a different CVS today and had the best experience. Its off the beaten path but I was out that way already and decided to stop in for a quick peak. Its a small store and I have never been in it. Boy am I glad stopped in. There was hardly anyone in there and although I had a bit of a time locating things due to the strange layout the good new is they had almost everything all the other stores were sold out of.

YEAH!!! I finally got my soy joy bars. I wonder if I will even like them now that I found them. We'll see. They were free to try.

SO heres what I picked up for FREE. Thats right ZERO DOLLARS TODAY. I was super excited.

4 Glade Air and Fabric freshener sprays
3 boxes of Soy Joy 6 bars each box
3 Ivory soap 3bars per pack
2 Thermacare heat wraps (raincheck)
and a little baby hand... lol Xander was trying to move my stuff so this photo had to be quick. He likes to play demolition derby by smashing a toy against another... see it in his hand going for the soap.... lol.

I will break this up per transaction so you can see how it was all free

Transaction #1
2 therma care wraps $2.49
- $2 ($1 off coupon each)
Used $2 ECB (from last week)
Total OOP $1.04 recieved $6 ECB back (yup it rounded up and I got an extra $1)

Transaction #2
1 box of Soy Joy Bars $6
3 packs of soap $.99 each
- $2.98 ($1 off each bar of soap adjusted to fit price)
Total was $6 used $6 ECB from above transaction

Transaction #3 and #4
Soy joy box $6
Used $6 ECB from the transaction before to pay for it

Transaction #5
2 glade sprays $3.99 each
Used $6 ECB and $1 ECB reward for using my own bags/green tag
Total $1.04 (with tax) received $6 ECB

Transaction #6
2 glade sprays $3.99 each
used $6 ECB from above
total $2.08 received $6 ECB

Total OOP $4.16 I started with $2 ECB so thats $6.16 but I ended with $6 ECB
Total COST is $.16

OK so thats not FREE but come on its just the tax. :) a great start to the week but I probably cant keep it up as theres some double packs I have my eye on... Check back often to see how I am doing.

Rite Aid- my recap 01/23

2010-01-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

Heres my Rite Aid recap for the week:

This was done in 3 transactions but I am not going to break it up.
Total OOP expense was $33.65 and I used a $20 Gift certificate so $53.65 total cost.
I am receiving a $2 rebate on the light bulbs, and another $2 on always maxis. plus working towards the P&G rebate to get $35 back. I also was stocking up on some staple items that were on sale.

Not my best trip but the prices were really good.
Light bulbs will be free after rebate
stayfree maxis were free after B1G1 sale and B1G1 coupon
Quakes $1.50 -$.75 coupon = $.75 a bag ( I goofed up these were a better deal at walgreens only $.25 after coupon)
Cheese its $2.50 a box -$1coupon = $1.50
Always Infinity $6.99 on sale and coupon B1G1 small box free and $2 rebate = 11.98 for 92 pads total
Mustard $1.25 - $.50 coupon = $.75
tuna $1.49 B1G1 = $.75 each (the sign on shelf said $1.29 a can and I haven't gone in to argue it yet)
Chunk chicken $.99 a can
Lindsey Olives $1.25 - $1/2 cans = $.75 each
Planters NUTrician on sale $3.99 - $1 coupon = $2.99 (these were labeled $6.99)
Pampers Boxes $19.99 - 2 coupon and rebates = $6 a box see post here for how to utalize the P&G rebate to get your diapers this cheap.

Also these prices dont take into account that I use $5 off $25 purchase coupons so my totals came out even less than above. dividing up the $5 across so many items though is a bit of a headache.

How did you do at Rite Aid this week

CHEAP PAMPERS AT RITE AID!!!

2010-01-27T02:11:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid cheap Pampers this month.. Heres how.

There is a P&G rebate spend $25 get a $5 visa card, spend $50 get $15, spend $100 get $35.

Last time they did something similar I didnt realize until the last day that it included diapers... I had to run out to buy diapers just before the store closed. This time I am ready ahead of time and wanted to let you know about it too.

If you buy 5 packs of diapers during the rebate period it would only cost you $6 per pack. Interested? heres how it works.

If you ONLY bought diapers it would be 5 LARGE BOXES $19.99 each and a small P&G item since you will be pennies shy of $100.

break it up into orders of $25 by adding in other items you need or other rebates. And use this coupon $5 off $25 purchase coupon no print limit.

each order should be about $25

a pack of diapers $19.95 and a $5 item (make sure at least one order has a small P&G item)
use $5 off $25 coupon
use $2 off pampers from the paper a few weeks ago
any coupons for other items

cost for the 5 boxes of diapers
$100
- $25 (5 off 25 coupons x 5 orders)
- $10 (2 off pampers coupons x 5)
= $65 OOP
- $35 P&G visa card (comes in the mail to spend on something else later)
= $30 for 5 BIG BOXES of Pampers or $6 per box!!!

*** don’t have the $2 off coupon? It still comes to only $8 a box without the coupon!!!

OR do 4 orders of $25 worth of P&G
a pack of diapers and a $5+ item (always maxis were on sale last week were great for this and I had B1G1 coupons. Which helped me rack up to $65 quickly. This week i only need 2 packs of diapers and I am at $100….Perhaps you bought these also and are part way to there already).

But any way you do it thats cheap diapers.

What looks good this week for add ins? I like to look for items that overlap rebates to maximize the savings… I got a $2 rebate for the always I bought. This week Old spice and Gillette are on sale and have rebates. Bounty, cascade and dawn are also included in the list and are on sale this week.

And I know I have coupons for ALL OF THESE YEAH!!! Hope this helps you get excited. check out my other posts on how to save money shopping with coupons.

What can you get for $5 at CVS???

2010-01-25T15:58:00.001-05:00

What can you get for $5 at CVS?

CVS had some good sales this week and I started stocking up for our big Memorial Weekend Party already. Between their sales, coupons and some rebates I spent under $5….

Heres a list of EVERYTHING I got. Sorry i dont have photos I redid my stockpile and was excited and put it all away. The break down per transaction is at the bottom...

4 bottles of Pepsi & Diet

4 Bottles of Mountain dew & Diet

4 bags of Stacys pita chips (Yummy)

2 bags of True North Pistaccio chips

2 bags of tostitos

2 jars of Tostitos salsa

1 GE energy Smart Light Bulb (raincheck)

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet cleaner twin pack

A 3 pack of scotch brite kitchen sponges (not on sale but we needed it)

1 Therma care neck/arm Wrap (raincheck)

CVS Electrolyte twin pack

Infant tylonol (not on sale but Xander was sick)

1 Crave nx Spray

2 Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansers

2 dove chocolate bars

All that for $4.64 and it could have been even less but I misplaced a $5 off $20 coupon and another $2 coupon didnt come off the reciept.

Want to see the breakdown on how I did this?

Transaction #1

3x Stacys pita chips $3

2x Tostitos chips 3.5

2x Tostitos salsa 2.99

Ge energy smart bulbs 2.99 (raincheck)

Thermacare wrap 2.49 (raincheck)

Sub Total: 27.46

Subtract coupons

5 off total of $20 or more

$3 off stacys chips (3 coupons worth $1 each)

$2 off Tostitos (2 coupons worth $1 each)

1 off lightbulb

1 off thermacare

New total: $15.46

Used $15 in ECB’s

OOP: $.49 received $10 ECB for chips, $2 and $3 for light bulbs and thermacare (should have been 2 and 2.49 but I think the cashier got confused.)

Transaction #2

Crave nx $7.99

Total: $8.11

Used $6 ECBs

OOP $2.11 Received $8ECB =FREE (only cost is 11 cents tax)

Transaction #3

2x Olay Daily regenerist Facial cleanser on sale 6.99 (I will send for a $15 rebate wyb 2)

CVS electrolyte twin pack $7.98

Sub Total: 21.96

Subtract coupons

$6 off olay (2 coupons worth $3 each)

New total: $15.96

Used $10 ECB (from chips above)

OOP $6.15 (tax adds in at the very end) received $3 ECB for buying electrolytes

(I had a $5 off 20 but couldn’t find it or this order would have been 1.15. I later found it and gave it to another mom shopping.)

The only photo I have is from the second trip to the store.

Transaction #4

4 bottles of pepsi $5

4 bottles of Mountain dew $5

+ .40 for deposits

Stacys chips 3

2 bags of True north Pistaccio chips @ $3

2 Dove chocolate bars .89 (B1G1)

Sub total: $20.29

Subtract coupons

$5 off $20 purchase coupon

1 off stacyes chips

2 off True north pistaccio chips (2 coupons 1 each)

new total: $12.29

used 11 ECBS (8 from cravenx and 3 from Thermacare)

OOP: 1.29 received $10 ECB from pepsi

Transaction $5

Scotch brite sponges 3.99

Scrubbing bubbles twin pack 6.99

Infant Tylonol 10.29

Sub total: 21.27

Subtract coupons

$5 off 20 purchase

1 off scrubbing bubbles

(I had a $2 tylonol but see now it didn’t come off)

New total: 15.27

used 10 ECB from pepsi

OOP 5.60 (again the tax added at the end) received 2 ECB from scrubbing bubbles

Total OOP at CVS this week was $15.64

I started the week with $16 in ECB’s ended with only $2 ECBs Cost $14 in ECBs

Will be sending away for $15 back from olay

AND the Pepsi/coors rebate right now I am lined up for at least $10 back. This rebate includes condiments AND paper products so I may be able to find more that can apply towards this!!!

SO $15.64 OOP $14 in ECBs = 29.64 cost

But at least $25 back in rebates

SO total cost is $4.64 for all that!!!

Oh and remember I said the tylonol coupon didn’t come off the reciept?

Had the coupon come off it would have been only $2.64

$4.64- 2 coupon = $2.64.

Insert laughter here…. lolololololololol

I'd call that a super successful week. How was your week? Comment here and let me know what your best buy of the week was.

Want to save like I do? Follow my blog and Subscribe to get email alerts. It wont take long before you see a dent in your grocery and drugstore expenses.

Saving Money 101: Coupon Rules?

2010-01-21T23:34:00.001-05:00

Welcome back. I am sure you have used a coupon here or there before but what do you really know about the rules... Did you know there are rules?

Each store has their own rules on coupons. It’s a good idea to check out their policies. Some stores allow you to “stack” coupons. If they have a coupon and the manufacturer has a coupon you can use both and save extra. Others will accept competitors coupons. Its good to know the corporate policy because sometimes even the cashiers dont know it...

Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, and Target all allow this type of stacking as longs as 1 is manufacturer and 1 is a store coupon.

Heres a quick link to targets policy... this is one I recommend you carry with you as Target seems to be a store thats not very informed although the corporate policy is spelled out very nicely. It is one I have heard and experienced problems with

Target http://www.target.com/b/ref=br_bx_4/192-8675570-7665569?ie=UTF8&node=2223357011

Even when items are on sale YOU CAN USE COUPONS!!! In most stores If an item is on a B1G1 free sale you can use a coupon for both items even the free one. Example: Lets say eyeshadow which normally costs $4 goes on sale for B1G1. you have a coupon for $2. You buy 2 eyeshadows ($8) B1G1 your cost is only $4. You use 2 $2 coupons (1 coupon for each eyeshadow). $4 cost - $4 coupons= Now they were both FREE!!!

Some stores will allow you to use coupons for the same brand even if its not exactly the same product. Example: Using a womens body wash coupon to purchase a mens body wash item. This is at the store level and will even vary by day. Just ask. it never hurts.

I hope you have enjoyed this second issue of Saving money 101. Check back often for more tips.

Walgreens trip 01/20/2010 Cheap lotion +free stuff

2010-01-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

I havent downloaded the photos yet but wanted to show you what I picked up at Walgreens yesterday.

2 jergens lotions $ .29 each (the smaller 12 oz size is 4.29 bought 2 used a $3off 2 and get back $5)

4 Kraft mac n cheese $.50 each (we stock up when its on sale) J

4 cans of tuna $.69 each (Justins request)

2 wet wipes FREE

1 can of enfimil colic formula FREE ($5 clearance used $5 coupon) I plan to give away at my monthly moms group

Total: $11.34 used $10 RR and $1.34 cash and got back $6 RR

My total actual cost was $5.34 (because I used 4 more RR then got back)

Overall A pretty successful trip.

Saving Money 101: Coupons where to find them...

2010-01-21T11:33:00.001-05:00

Several people have asked how I find such good deals... Heres a quick overview about where to find coupons to help you get started on your New Years Resolution to save more money.

First I buy the Sunday paper and I buy multiple copies 2-3 papers works for me. I heard it recommended you buy 1 for each member of your family who eats. Some weeks I think 3 is too many and then I hit a good bargain and am glad I have 3 times the coupons for it. so its up to you but at least buy 2 copies. ALSO not all Sunday papers are created equal. I find the Hartford Current has more coupons then the Sunday Republican. Although sometimes the coupons in the republican have a higher $$$ amount on them. Example: a coupon for colgate in the Hartford current was for $.75 off in the republican it was $1 off. I usually buy 2 hartford papers and 1 local. ***Always look through the paper before buying to make sure your coupons are in them!

Second: I subscribe to www.sundaycouponpreview.com each week it tells me what coupons to expect in the paper and whether there is actually a coupon insert. I don’t want to waste my money if there isn’t any coupons that week.

I also print them off the computer. Heres a few places to find coupons to print at home. Also most companies have them on their websites and you can find extras on the big box store websites.

Check when you are shopping and pick up and coupons hanging on shelves. EVEN IF YOU AREN'T BUYING THAT ITEM!!! sometimes they are good for months and you might want it later. Ask at the pharmacy. They often have coupons or coupon books behind the counter.

LOOK EVERYWHERE. I find great ones at the pediatrician for kids items. and I take a whole bunch. dont feel bad they usually have tons and most get thrown away. I like to get these and share with friends.

Just keep your eyes open you never know where you'll find them. sometimes its in very strange places youd never expect.

'tis the season for giving back...

2009-12-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

Everyone this season is in the mood for giving back but this year we are also pinching pennies. As I have been telling you about sales this season I have also mentioned a few times about my donation plans. In case you missed some of the posts heres my plan and I will reccomend you try to find a way you can give back too.

Every year we give away extra toys allie hasnt used. Youd be surprised how many unopened toys you can gather. But this year I have been watching sales and picking up extra toys at HUGE discounts. I feel extremely fortunate that I thought of this early and came up with a plan. I am so happy to be able to help children since I think this year has been extremely tough on everyone.

WE also have been looking at trying to give back locally. Some places this year are sponsoring local families and we have been looking for these to bring our toys and extra food items to. Check around because our grocery store actually had a list of about 10 chilcren they were helping and my daughters daycare is sponsoring a nearby apartment complex that has been hit by hard times.

In the spirit of giving Robeez is being very generous. Robeez will donate a pair of soft sole shoes to K.I.D.S. with every soft sole purchased through December 23rd http://www.robeez.com/EN-US/seasonofgiving.htm

Never heard of robeez? They are awesome soft sole shoes for kids just learning to walk. They arent stiff and restrictive so they can move easier and yet protects thier feet and gets them used to shoes. Every MOM should have robeez.

Check out these cute boots from Robeez. Allie had a pair when she was little and everyone used to comment on them. Now its time for Xander to get his first pair of robeez.

http://www.robeez.com/Robeez-Boardin-Bear-espresso-Robeez-baby-shoes/product.aspx?ProductID=1017&deptid=230&PriceCat=2&Lang=EN-US&RefID=20091123_us_sog

So if you are in the market for new shoes for your toddler check them out and be happy knowing another child will recieve a free pair of shoes thanks to your purchase.

http://www.robeez.com/
Robeez will donate a pair of soft sole shoes to K.I.D.S. with every soft sole purchased through December 23rd http://www.robeez.com/EN-US/seasonofgiving.htm

Thanks twiter moms and robeez for getting me talking about this.
Check out how others are giving back.http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/tell-us-how-you-plan-to-give

From the Heart - Cranberry Wreath

2009-12-04T07:30:00.009-05:00

It wouldnt be fair for me not to share this gorgeous wreath with you. Ive seen versions of it in many magazines over the years but i beleive I saw it first on TV when Martha made it one year. Its one of the few things I make that I actually have to say I saw her do first.

Its very simple but time consuming. I have also done topiaries with this and they are gorgeous too.

You need:
1 foam wreath shape or cone/topiary- from a craft store or dollar store
ribbon
floral wire
wood toothpicks I buy the cheapest flat ones I can
1-2 bags of cranberries depending on the size of wreath you make. I usually can get away with 1 bag and make about a 15" wreath.

Cut or break toothpicks in half and poke one end into the wreath and the other end into the cranberry. I like to make a row of cranberries and the next row goes in between the first row. SO they are very close together. you just keep alternating like that around the wreath.

You only have to cover the front of the wreath so just eyeball what you can see. Once covered you may decide to add a second layer on top. Its a prefernce if you like to fill in the holes. Then wrap a ribbon around it, add a wire to hang and your done.

This has become a tradition for me since the first one i made. The natural colors of the cranberries are perfect for the holiday and give an old world feel. Juts be on the lookout for falling cranberries as the season goes on. they wont start dropping off but you'll have a few.

Send me in the photos of your wreaths.

Melissa

Tips for getting kids to bed.

2009-12-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

I was just recently discussing this topic with a friend of mine online. Shes having issues with her daughter and needed help. I too have gone through spurts with Allie when I think "FINALLY, we're over that hurdle" and then a week or so and again we have another battle...

Although there is no magic answer that works 100% of the time for ALL kids there are some things that can help.

Top 5 tips
1.) Keep a schedule/routine - I know you've heard this before everyone says it but its hard to do. Create a routine and stick to it. This will help even if you are out of town. Children like routines. If you start one when they are small it will become second nature for them.

2.) Storytime - This is part of our routine that my daughter looks forward to. Its daddys one on one time with her. It helps her wind down from the day and I believe gives her something to go to sleep dreaming about. Kids need something to help them wind down from the day and this is also great to promote reading skills later.

3.) MUSIC or soft white noise - when my daughter was young we figure out that she was listening to EVERY noise to keep herself awake. She was and still is VERY nosey. SO we started playing classical music to give her a distraction. This soothed her and blocked out all other things going on. Today when she hears classical she still calls it sleepy music AND it usually starts her yawning.

4.) Get rid of EXCUSES- this is easier said then done. to try to minimixe Allie goes to the bathroom AFTER her story. She used to go before her story BUT for a while there she insisted on getting up a second time when the story was over so we just switched the order. We also have let her have a very small cup of water so if she feels the need to get up and get a drink she knows its there. After a few days when she realized that we were treating her like a big girl she didnt get up as much to drink it.

5.) START EARLY - We have found this is VERY important. when it gets later She fights it more. If we eat early and get ready early we can usually get through the night without a struggle.

I know I said top 5 but heres what to do if all else fails....

FALL ASLEEP NEXT TO HER. LOL Not sure its on purpose but thats what my husband does and it usually works when nothing else does.

Thanks to twitter moms and http://www.dramau.net/ for getting me to post about this topic.

Black friday savings

2009-12-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

Ok so I know its been a while but with thanksgiving, blakc friday and then my daughetrs birthday its been quite a week. I just wanted to report some of my great finds on black friday.

since some are gifts i wont post photos or list everything just the best of the best.

TOYS R US
got about $230 worth of toys for just over $100. I had a $10 off when you speant over $100.
the best deal was Hasbro card games Buy 1 Get 1 free (B1G1). AND since I had a coupon for B1g1 as well that meant 4 free card games!!! Found those coupons in USA weekend inside the newspaper. Wish I had more of those.

It even impressed the girl ringing me out. She wants me to email her where to find coupons. lol

Ive been finding coupons in odd places lately. Parade magazine, in random mailers, at the DR.s I just keep checking everywhere to pick up more.

Walmart I got a new Kodak Printed for $99 (saved $50). We had actually been looking at it already online so it was cool for it to be on sale. a new coat for allie on sale $7.

Michaels had an item for $40 but price matched kmart for me to $18.99!!! YEAH I didnt know they would but asked. Since I used to work as a teacher there the girl was very nice and didnt even make me show her the ad. Also I got 25% off my total order so it came out even less. I bought a bunch of $1 items. They have great $1 bins right now. Check them out. LOTS of Disney stuff.

I did good at Walgreens and CVS but dont have the stuff right handy to give you exact amounts. I will post later.

CYBER MONDAY SALE AND FREE GIFT

2009-11-30T10:40:00.003-05:00

I know many of us are pinching pennies this season. I wanted to let you know about an amazing sale going on that will allow you to do just that but still give your family the gift of heritage. Here is our cyber Monday special. Let me know if anything interests you.

Heritage Makers Cyber Monday SALE!

During our Sale you can order your Calendar credits, Swatch Book credits, and Recipe Book credits at ALL TIME LOWS! (see below for details).

did you find me through another blog? Dont forget to tell me when you order. ALL orders today will get a FREE family fold. $5 value your choice between 3, 5, and 7 fold. these make wonderful holiday gifts for grandparents.

Ever thought of starting your own Heritage Makers Business? From now until Monday at Noon, receive over $100 worth of publishing credits free when you sign up with a Business Kit!

click here for Custom Calendars

Celebrate your memories all year round with your own keepsake calendar. Choose from the popular

11x8.5 calendar ~ ONLY $19.95

11X16 calendar ~ONLY $25.95

ADD ON BONUS

For a limited time you can add 3 months

of premier membership for $44.95

(that’s $14.95 a month or 40% off)

click here for ***Recipe/Spiral Bound Books

Only $74.95 (5 pack)

Wire-bound books make fantastic gifts! We're thinking family cookbooks, planners for the new year, notebooks, journals, and more!

That's $14.95/each! At this price, you can buy one for grandma, Uncle Ted, your crazy cousin in Wisconsin, your favorite neighbor, and even keep one for yourself! CLICK HERE for the details!

***EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. Call before 1pm on Monday

click here You'd Better "Swatch Out!"

Swatch Book (5 pack) ~ ONLY $49.95

That’s $9.95 each or half price.

These sturdy little Swatch Books are great to toss into a purse, briefcase, backpack - even a back pocket!

Gift ideas...

~ A Brag Book chock full of your latest family photos

~ A set of favorite recipes

~ A book of inspirational quotes and photos

~ Check out our Template Gallery for 40 more ideas!

$100 worth of Free Credits

Start your Heritage Makers Business during Cyber Monday and receive over

$100 in Free credits

CLICK HERE to learn more about becoming an HM Personal Publishing Consultant!

NEED HELP?
The "big guy" might be a tad busy right now, but I am here to help you!

If you want to get your projects started and completed quickly, simply CLICK HERE to download a Getting Started Tutorial.

You Still Have Time!
You still have plenty of time to get your Heritage Makers projects completed and back by the Holidays!

Shipping Deadlines:

Storybooks:

December 2 (Ground and Priority)

December 7 (Two-day)

December 10 (Next day)

All Other products:

December 11 (Ground and Priority)

December 14 (Direct Ship Cards/Two-day)

December 16 (Next day)

Contact Me!
Contact me on Cyber Monday before 8pm to order your credits!
***if ordering the early bird recipe book call me before noon.
To start your own Heritage Makers business simply visit my website @ http://www.digitlalstorybooks.com/
and click on "Sign Up" to become a Heritage Makers Consultant!

for more ideas and a list of other products visit my website http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/

Happy storybooking.
Melissa
603-493-2431

Tuesdays Tips & Tricks - Hand tinting?

2009-11-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

For my reader who use Heritage Makers Studio for thier digital storybooking heres an easy way to create a fun effect. Photo Tinting.

To have the whole photo look hand tinted: turn the photo black and white. Then lock in place. Copy and paste in place (now you have 2 layers of the same photo). Turn the top layer back to color (no filter). Now fade it by adjusting the transparency to desired effect.

If you want to color just a portion like I did to the topleft photo in the page above. you have to crop the top layer photo to show only the portion you want colored. When you fade it the line between the color and black and white photos kind of fades away too.

Depending on the shape/size of the area you want to have colored you may have to do some creative cropping. For allies I cropped around her whole body and then rounded until it was an oval. Then I added more layers using paste in place and made these top layers black and white again but cropped so it was only a small bit of grass here, part of the stone wall.

To break it down by layer
I had a bottom photo black and white.
Then a colored oval of just her but transparent probably about 80% or more Then black and white cropped of just stones More cropped of B&W grass More cropped of B&W background

Basically the top layers I was trying to cut around her feet or arms so that the back ground stayed as much black and white as possible. But because of the photo being in color you need to trick the eye by glueing the black and white pieces back on top like a collage. This photo though looks like it was before all my tweaking.

Let me know if you try this technique and let me know how it comes out for you. Post links to photos of your work with these techniques.

~Melissa

Christmas traditions with Children

2009-11-24T11:37:00.004-05:00

Growing up I had many holiday traditions that I plan to continue with my children and some new ones we've added. Here are 5 to get you started...

1.)Have some kind of countdown or advent calendar. I find it helps with the excitement.
Young children dont really understand the concept of time. SO this helps them to see how long it will be. You can include a small treat each day to help remind them to be good until christmas. Last year we got a cute my little pony one. Instead of getting chocolate everyday she gat a small toy. It was a more then I usually spend ($14) but better then candy and she still plays with all the ponies!!! it was like an extra christmas gift. This year I found a pattern to make a countdown at home, and each day she will see different photos of our family. Check it out in my gifts under $25 post.

2.)Decorate the tree together.
We've decided that there will be an adult tree and a kids tree in the basement play area. Make sure to get your children involved. I know it may sound cliche' but kids love stringing popcorn, cranberries, foil candy wrappers, beads whatever you can find. Make an afternoon of it with Hot cocoa. ***I like to put a candy cane "stirrer" in mine. My daughter gets so excited when do this.

I also will use this as an opportunity to remind them what the holiday is about. I have a christmas nail ornament that has a story about Jesus included in the package. I gave it to my Nana and when she passed it was one of the things I was able to get back. Now every christmas I sit with my daughter and read her the story. I named her after my nana so I have let her hang the nail every year on the tree.

3.) Make Homemade wreaths. check out my post here to see how.
My daughter loves to collect the greens for this. and it usually turns into a 2 day event for her. she'll be 4 this year and her attention span is short. We collect the greens one day and the next make a door swag. or let them make thier own. a quick project is to take a foam wreath (at any craft store) and just glue things to it... Kids love candy and it will make a cute wreath. buy a few bags of star mints and just start glueing. Another inexpensive option is to use a paper plate as the wreath form. Keep the things light though.

4.) Make Cookies or a ginger bread house. check here for a favorite oreo truffles.
We do these 2 as one activity. why not make a big mess all at once? Baking is magical to kids. at least my daughter. She loves to see how putting multiple things together can make something else entirely. She even plays "cooking" all the time bringing me her fake food. it is usually playing cards as bread with stickers, paper, and some other secret ingredients that she wants me to eat... I love the pride she shows when we go to a party and she can tell people that she and mommy made the cookies.

5.) Home made or handcrafted gifts
I have been making homemade ornament since i was 5... now we do it together. if you arent crafty check out your local craft store. they make kits for easy ornaments. everything is all contained and you could even wrap it up and let your child open it like an early christmas gift.

Check back here as i will be posting several of my favorite ones in the next few weeks in a "Home for the Holidays Coutdown" series. Each day I will post a different idea of something you can make at home. Use them yourself or give them as gifts.

Thanks twittermoms and Nickolodeon for getting me thinking about this post. Id love to hear your favorite holiday activities; post a comment here.

Watch Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure Dec. 6 on NickelodeonFavorite Holiday Activities with Kids

Sunday Dinner- Easy MICROWAVE lasagna

2009-11-23T10:01:00.000-05:00

I missed sending this out yesterday. It was mostly written but I got busy and just couldnt get back to it. Sorry its coming out late.

Heres a favorite of mine from when I was a Tupperware consultant. and yes you read in right MICROWAVE lasgna. I never knew how easy lasagna was until I started making it in the microwave. I hope it becomes a favorite of yours too.

Ingredients:
1 box of NO BAKE lasagna noodles. (these exist I promise. I buy Barilla but theres probably others out there)
1 small container of cottage cheese (I use low fat)
1 bag of shredded cheese
and any chopped veges you want in it, onions, pepers, broccoli, spinach ect... (i like to use left overs)
1 lbs of ground meat: beef, turkey, chicken (I have been using turkey and chicken a lot lately)
1 jar of favorite pasta sauce
1 microwave container I use a med deep Rock n serve from Tupperware. if you need one let me know and I can help you find a rep. or I may have extras left in my basement form when I sold it.

Directions:
1. First brown the ground beef and drain excess fat
2. In your microwave dish add enough sauce to just cover the bottom then layer noodles over it. You may have to cut/trim noodles to fit depending on the size of your container.
3. Now add a spoon ful of cottage cheese and a handfull of shredded cheese then add another layer of noodles.
4. Next cover noodles with a small spoonful of sauce and then some of the ground beef and some veges. and cover with noodles.
5. Continue with layering cheese noddles sauce and beef/veges until your container is full. The amount of each will vary depending on your container.
6. I always finish the top with a layer of noodles lightly covered with sauce and sprinkled with cheese. My husband likes the top a bit crunchy

Cook on high in the microwave for 20-30 mintues (depends on microwave wattage) you may want to cover the top for most of that time to prevent sauce from spattering.

***If you have used a microwave AND oven safe container you may put it in the oven at 350 for the last 5 minutes to brown the top. I have an old tupperware called overworks that does this. I wish they still made it as I coo in it ALL the time.

Serve with a light salad and you've got a great healthy meal. Let me know how it comes out for you.

Melissa

Mondays Make & Take

2009-11-23T01:13:00.004-05:00

My friends are always asking me "How did you do that?" check back every Monday as I share how to do some of my favorite crafts and projects.

Sunday Dinner

2009-11-22T01:15:00.002-05:00

Check back here to find favorite easy recipes of mine or new recipes I might be trying.

contest FREE LENOX GLASSES

2009-11-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Lenox and twittermoms drinks of the season. see my post here for gluwien.

In am recieving a FREE set of four O2xygen wine glasses - (click here to view). The best part is they are also giving me a second set to give away FREE to one of my readers...

Heres how you can win.

First to enter you must subscribe to my blog and then write a comment here saying you subscribed. mandatory first entry.

Bonus entries
become a facebook fan and add a comment here saying you became a fan
follow me on twitter and add a comment here
visit my website http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/ and set up a FREE client account, comment here what your favorite product is, already a client just comment here
share my contest and link on your website, blog, facebook and/or twitter 1 entry for each, add comment for each one here with the link to your post
Comment on any other article in my blog (cant be a contest) and put the link to your comment here.
Refer me to friends and when they enter you get an extra entry, make sure to tell them to make a "referred by..." entry. 1 extra entry per referral (no limit on referrals). if this entry wins i will provide a gift for your friend from my business.

Any qeustions must be addressesed before contest closes december 7th.

Thanks Twitter Moms and Lenox for this opportunity.

contest WIN a FREE 20 x 20 Canvas poster credit

2009-11-21T12:08:00.003-05:00

I love our canvas posters. they come gallerey wrapped so you dont need a frame unless you want. i have done several now and they are always gorgeous. it amazes me how clear the pictures come out i would expect them to be slightly pixelated due to the canvas texture but they just aren't. i get lots of comments on them.

heres one i have in my livingroom. this is the preview from my online studio. the red border is the part wrapped around the sides. you can wrap the design around or stop at the red so the sides of the canvas come out white. how great to design it anyway you want and not have to do only one full bleed photo.

heres a way to win one free in a new size 20x20 squeare!!!

visit my website http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/ and set up a free client account.

Then enter to win a FREE Heritage Makes 20 x 20 canvas credit just by becoming a fan of Heritage Makers. By becoming a fan between now and November 29, 2009, you automatically enter the drawing to receive this great addition to your home décor. On Cyber Monday (November 30), we'll post the winner on our fan page. Don't miss this chance.

Become a fan today by following this link http://bit.ly/4mwI9e
make sure to leave a comment and tell them who your consultant is "Melissa Bruere"

now that you have a client account why not upload some pictures and start creating a one of a kind poster. that way if you win you'll have it all ready to order for a holiday gift...

good luck. melissa

From the Heart - Custom Photo Gifts Under $25

2009-11-20T10:02:00.007-05:00

My mom taught me that making Gifts from the heart was like giving a piece of yourself with it. It was a very personal gift from the heart... Unique, one of a kind and seemed to touch the hearts of everyone.

About 8 years ago I started making crafts with peoples home photos and fell in love with it.

I recently heard someone say how impersonal they though photo gifts/cards were... and I can see what they mean. At most retailers you plop your photos in something created by a person you've never met. Make one and send to everybody you know. That is definately not the value my Mother was trying to instill in me about gifts from the heart...

Gifts from the Heart should be Personal, Unique, and Special. Thats why I love Heritage Makers. Easy, Fun photo gifts, BUT each one can be personalized as much or as little as you want. Not something you can do at any photo gift retailer. Even the cards can be personalized for EVERY person you send it to. I make sure to write something special just to them, have thier name printed in it, change photos around. Something to make sure they know I really spent time thinking about them specifically. Every card becomes one of a kind even if I've started with a template.

Here are some great gifts from the heart for under $25.

Some even involve getting glue on your hands! :) I love the wood blocks and the clock comes out amazing! My next project... That countdown clock. What a great idea! Click on each page to see full screen.

AMAZING Greeting Card Special

2009-11-19T01:35:00.000-05:00

I have never seen prices this low!!!

Now is the time to get your greeting cards. With prices this low, you have no reason not to. http://hm.myvoffice.com/pdf/en/HolidayHits_cardsflyer.pdf

Check out the template gallery with so many gorgeous new templates you can get your holiday cards done in minutes. Get these done now.

and dont forget about direct shipping!!! Import your address list and when you are done designing your cards you can just check off who to send them too and Heritage Makers will do the rest. One less thing to stress about this holiday season.

Prepay for these now (at huge savings), create them in minutes this weekend and then after thanksgiving is over you can just go in to your account and send them. This year cards can be the first ones in everyones home and you'll save yourself so much time and stress.

I love this time saver. :) Melissa

10 Projects in 10 Minutes or Less

2009-11-18T01:13:00.001-05:00

Homemade gifts Arent just for Kids anymore... Today I want to show you how you can be creative too and create things people will love to recieve as a gift...

These are fun photo gifts you can make with the help of Heritage Makers. There is a whole article on thier blog "10 projects in under 10 minutes" but I just want to highlight my favorites for you and several were also in my post about gifts under $25

Heres my favorites this year...

6-photo Bracelet Time = 5 minutes

Take your loved with you everywhere you go with a stylish 6-photo bracelet. Time from start to finish? 5 minutes! The 6-photo bracelet makes a fabulous holiday gift.

This is by far my favorite. I get compliments on mine every time I wear it.

Set of Holiday Tiles Time = 1 minute

Holiday tiles are such a fun and simple gift and inexpensive too. Go to the Heritage Makers template gallery, search for 12×12 pages, and you’ll find an abundance of fabulous designs. You can use a whole page as one large 12x12 tile or find one of the deisgns that has multiple smaller tiles on it. There are some with 6x6 tile and 4x4 tiles. Simply load one of the “tile” templates into Studio, save, and print. or design your own. It’s that easy.

Once your page comes in the mail trim it to fit your tiles. It will depend on the project you made as to which size to trim. Go to the local hardware store and pick out your tiles (they can be as cheap as 20cents). Watch for clearance ones to save big. After you trim your scrapbook page, mod podge in place, and you’re done. If you want, you can even tie a ribbon around the tiles for a fun gift. Give one tile or a set of 4!

To see a preview of the tiles, go here.

Greeting Cards Time = 5 minutes

Personal cards mean so much. We all know people in our lives we'd like to give a bit more personal card to. Some people you want to send funny cards, some religious, others just need to know they are thought of this time of year. And since we print singles it means you can make each one special and unique or choose to make them all the same. Thats your choice to make not ours. AND with our template gallery you can do them quickly with just a few clicks. No kidding, you can make your greeting cards this year in only 5 minutes! Send a beautiful, customized greeting card AND let Heritage Makers ship it for you. Simply select “direct ship” and we’ll take care of the rest.

Want to see a beautiful card made with a FREE Basic account? Click here.

Gallery-wrapped Canvas Time = 4 minutes

Create a gorgeous gallery-wrapped canvas. Canvases, in three different sizes, look great on every wall on your home.

Dont forget about the contest to win yours free.

This beautiful 20×20 canvas was made with a FREE Basic account? See it here.

Deck of Playing Cards Time = 10 minutes

When you use Studio, a fun family game can be made in just 10 minutes! You’ll spend a lot of time with your family from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day…why not make that time fun with a unique game! Try Go Fish, “Scum,” or a unique family trivia game.

Here’s a fun “Go Fish” game for a child. Check it out here.

Clock Time = 4 minutes

This project is a simple twist on the traditional 12×12 scrap page. All you need is an inexpensive clock from Walmart or target and this darling template. This is really cute and one of my absolute favs. Where can you get a custom clock for under $10?
See the clock here.

HOME DECOR BLOCKS
Also in this photo you see custom wood blocks. This uses the 12x12 page again. Print your design and then cut apart. Get a 2x4 or other size wood from your local hardware store and cut down to size (depending on the project you are making.) You just use mod podge to glue the prints to the blocks. Create your own word decor blocks for any holiday. These make great gifts and you can customize to fit anyones decor. ***You can take photos of fabrics and use those as background for a perfect match. also check out construction sites often they will give you the scrap wood for free.

To see more fabulous templates, check out the Heritage Makers template gallery.

Now you’ve got all of your Heritage Makers gifts under control…without sacrificing your time! Take a few minutes to browse the Heritage Makers template gallery to find fantastic gifts for all of your holidays

I hope this has given you some unique ideas for the holidays. Personal can be inexpensive but doesnt have to mean CHEAP gifts.

Let me know what you create. Melissa

Win a FREE 20x24 Canvas

2009-11-18T01:12:00.000-05:00

Enter to win a FREE Heritage Makes 20 x 20 canvas credit just by becoming a fan of Heritage Makers. By becoming a fan between now and November 29, 2009, you automatically enter the drawing to receive this great addition to your home décor. On Cyber Monday (November 30), They’ll post the winner on the fan page. Don’t miss this chance. Become a fan today by following this link http://bit.ly/4mwI9e

Thsi would make a great holiday gift. make sure to visit my website http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/ to get your project started now. That way if you are selected you'll be all ready to publish before they even announce the winner.

Celebrate lifes little moments, melissa

WOW its Wednesday

2009-11-18T00:52:00.002-05:00

Each Wednesday I hope to bring you something that inspired me this week. Check back each week for stories of inspiration, amazing ideas, and things that just wow me.

WOW Today I want to highlight Heritage Makers. For those who dont know I love my what I do. I thank God everyday for finding such an amazing company and for my first WOW Wednesday I feel the need to highlight the amazing opportunity that has given so many women the opportunity to stay at home, have thier own business, and to help improve the world by helping others celebrate the heroe in thier lives.

Thank you Jennifer Knight and Hallie Redd for traveling a long way to MA 3 years ago to promote this amazing company and THANK YOU to Wendy McGee for helping to pave the way for everyone.

If you need extra income for the holidays, need to be inspired, want to be a part of something amazing helping to change the world, or just want to have fun... Check out this Business. You wont regret it.

:) Melissa

Tuesdays Tips & Tricks - RED EYE Quick Fix

2009-11-18T00:13:00.004-05:00

I am going to start a new thread called Tuesday Tips & Tricks. I hope you will check back each week to see what new tip or trick I have to share.

RED EYE- quick Fix
Todays tip is a real quickie. We all have photos with red eye. Even with cameras that have built in red eye removal somehow I still end up with red eyes in some photos. Mostly because my daughter has blue eyes and that always makes it worse.

Is you are a client of mine and use Heritage Makers Studio through my website http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/
you will love this quick fix. Have you ever uploaded your photos only to find one of them has red eyes? I have. and often I am just too lazy to go fix it and then upload again. You know you've been there too. Once i am in looking at all the 40,000 pieces of art I want to play. I dont want to stop and fix a photo. SO what to do?

I turn the photo filter to Black and White. In most cases once the photo is black and white you cant tell if the eyes are red or not. Instant fix and even gives your pages some nastalgia flare and makes you look like a pro designer. Try this in your next project and tell me you dont love the look...

Have a problem you need help with send it to me as a suggestion for tips and tricks. If I post yours I will send you a gift.

Celebrating lifes moments... :) Melissa

From the Heart - Hand made Door Swag

2009-11-13T12:25:00.002-05:00

Growing up in a very small town in NH I remember my mom taking us into the woods behind our home and collecting clippings of greenery, berries, pine cones, ect... anything we thought would make a nice wreath. We'd take everything back and bend some coat hangers, wrap some wire around things and in no time we'd have a wreath.

It sounds really simple and it is. You just have to have patience.

Making your own wreaths and swags are not only fun but can save you money. Mostly I use things I have already and free stuff found in nature. If you do have to buy stuff its usually inexpensive and pennies compared to the expense of buying a premade wreath.

Over the years I have started adapting things a bit and now I use my glue gun to add the accents. Its just faster then wire. Sometimes I even add some "snow" using white paint or the snow paste found in the craft stores. Depends on my mood.

Heres a simple door swag.
Clip a few branchs from a pine tree or a holly bush. Find ones that have several small branches forking off so you dont have to wire as many together to get a nice full look. These should be about 18 inches long but its all in your preference of how big you want your swag. you want them to have a tear drop shape. Full at the top but long and pointy at the bottom

you'll also need:
green floral wire- found at any craft store
glue gun & glue sticks
holiday ribbon a wide ribbon 3" and an accent ribbon about 5/8"
any other accents: pine cones, berries, nuts, cinnimon sticks, etc...the photo i used some prickly ball things i found on the ground. dont know what they're called but they looked great!

First strip the end of the branches bare and create a short handle about 4"-6". Then lay 2 or 3 branches on top of each other overlapping and fan out the bottoms a bit. Wrap with wire to hold together. You may want to go between a few branches as well for stability. You can adjust it a bit once wired together to create a shape you like.

Now your going to add your accents using the glue gun. Lay the swag on a table and just start placing your stuff on top to see what you like before you glue anything. I like tucking mine into and under the branches so they peek out and look like theyve grown that way. one thing to keep in mind is that odd numbers look better. you cant really see but i have 5 of those prickly balls, 3 cin stcks and 9 pieces of ribbon tucked in. *** for the ribbons i cut small strips about 5" and fold in half and glue just the ends together to make a loop. then glue those into the swag.

once you like what you see glue everything down. you may find when you pick up the swag into a hanging position that things shift. Use the glue gun to tack branches out of the way of your accents or add in small clippings to fill in bare areas. Let the glue gun be your friend and manipulate things where you want them to be.

Add a big Bow at the top using your wide ribbon (or you can buy a bow). and then using about 10" of floral wire create a loop on the back for a hanger by folding in half and poking the ends through the branches from the front to the back and twisting to secure. Add glitter or fake snow as desired and then hang up or give as a gift.

Thats it. You've now accomplished making your own swag. Just remember real branches shed so this is a great one for outside the house. Unless you dont mind sweeping up the needles everyday.

To save more money I recycle my ribbons from year to year. At the end of the season I pull the glued ribbons off and tuck any accents I can reuse into a ziplock bag. Put this in with my Holiday decorations and next year I can use them again.

Send me pictures of the wreaths and swags you make this holiday.

Melissa

From the Heart handcrafted gifts a personal touch.

2009-11-13T11:01:00.002-05:00

Ever since I was about 5 I have been making handcrafted gifts for my family and friends. It has become one of my favorite traditions at Christmas. Growing up my extended family even helped by finding ideas of things I could make. I've made lots of different ornaments, gift baskets, photo books, greeting cards, jewelry, centerpieces, wreaths, cookies, candies... You name it. Ive probably done it. and now I am going to share it with you.

From now until Christmas check back every Friday for my weekly post about Great Holiday gifts you can make or customize. Which I am going to call "From the Heart".

I hope you get inspired to make something for your loved ones this holiday season. From the heart.

Melissa

Donate toys for pennies!!!

2009-11-10T01:50:00.003-05:00

Most of my posts lately seem to be about saving money... I keep finding great deals. I will post some homemade how to's soon. but heres the latest steal of the week.

In the newest email from toys r us there is an awesome holiday deal on hasbro toys good until the 14th

When you spend $25 you get a $10 gift card. Some of the Hasbro games are on sale for $3.99 AND give a $2 rebate back. Its hard to tell from their website which games this includes but the photo has some favorites like candy land, chutes and ladders, Hi ho cheerio, memory, don’t break the ice, and ants in my pants.

When you buy 7 it comes out to $0.56 a game after the rebates and gift card whiah you can use toward something later. Think of it like a refund. you can only get the rebate once per game and request only one check per household. So all games have to be different to maximize your savings. There are some games with a higher rebate but they aren’t shown in the sale ad so check in the store for their price to see if they work out the same.

Heres the rebate form. But I believe you can pick it up in stores too.

http://www.hasbro.com/familygamenight/en_US/discover/upload/RevisedHasbroGameNightRebateForm.pdf

There are also some coupons for other Hasbro games linked on their website. http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=15014&zid=ru81&nid=20

I own most of these games already but it would make great gifts for friends with small children, or to stock up for future birthday presents.

I usually buy a few things to donate to toys for tots and this deal looks great for this. Imagine you could donate 7 games for under $4. you can only get the rebates once otherwise I’d be buying it several times to donate tons this year.

In this economy I imagine less people donating and MORE children needing gifts. Could be a hard year. I am going to see if I can get lots of people to run in for this and donate tons of gifts.

Hope this helps with your holiday shopping.

Melissa

still dont get it see comments where I show a break down (the math...) Also I found a coupon and it makes it free. see comments for that info.

Free makeup at walgreens

2009-11-06T16:45:00.001-05:00

i was at walgreens picking up something else when the cosmetic clerk grabbed me and told me of an unadvertised speial.

Almay makeup is ringing up as buy 1 get 1 free instead of buy 1 get 1 half price. she then told me that the foundation ($10) was giving 10register rewards. that means when you buy 2 you get your money back (towards a later purchase). so basically its free or tax only. how amazing.

i bought the foundation and eye makeup remover as my free (i needed some) and got my $10 reward. i plan to go back again tonight and do it a second time. just remember if you use the rewards towards the same item you wont get another one.

i plan to go buy some gillete stuff use the rewards towards that and then buy the almay on a seperate order so i get another 10 rewards.

for complete details on how walgreens rewards work or other savings check out www.frugalrimama.com her site explains things very easily and its one of the sites i refer to often.

Holiday Entertaining tips

2009-11-06T01:27:00.001-05:00

The holidays can be stressful for a lot of people. I recommend First plan ahead and ask for help. We still get together as a large extended family 25 or so people. Everyone brings a dish to share. This helps take a lot of pressure off everyone. Then just relax, and have fun creating new memories.

We've been doing it for so long that most people have a signiture dish they bring. I typically bring the green bean casserole with frenchs onions and then some desserts. Heres my favorites.

I like to make things that look difficult, fancy, and are delicious. I even recycle snacks. How do you recycle a snack. A few years ago I found a recipe i believe from Kraft magazine for Oreo truffles. Its the easiest thing to make and everyone always asks for the recipe.

Oreo Truffles
1 bag of oreo cookies (I have used store brand too)
1 package of cream cheese (I use the low fat version and have been told it tastes better)
Melting chocolate or chocolate chips (I use wilton melting chocolate. it melts so evenly)
Sprinkles or garnish
Peppermint extract (my secret ingredient)

Crush oreos in a food processor. Mix in cream cheese. I do this all in my food processor. Scoop out mixture into small balls. I like about 1/2 TBS size. They are the perfect size bite and you get tons out of the batter. put in freezer for at least an hour. I usually leave overnight.
Take balls out of freezer. Melt chocolate in microwave following directions on package. Dip truffles in melted chocolate and sprinkle with garnish.

I like mine minty like a girl scout cookie. If you like that too add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate before dipping. Get creative for the garnishes I have chopped up left over peppermints, used crushed cookies, chopped nuts, drizzles white chocolate over the tops. Just make sure you do it when the chocolate is still wet so the garnish sticks...

Another recycled treat...
Not quite homemade Designer Cookies
take inexpensive butter cookies and dip them in chocolate, garnish and then serve or package in decorative containers for gifts. For a designer look I like to mix up the way they are dipped and use several different garnishes. Its easier then you think.

Try these ideas
Dont dip the whole cookie instead hold it like you would if you were dipping it in a cup of tea. Dip only half of the cookie in chocolate. Dip some in white chocolate.
Drizzle the chocolate in stripes over the top (i like this on the pretzel shaped ones).
Garnish with chopped peppermints, nuts, sprinkles, I use whatever I can find in the pantry.
Dip some in chocolate and then drizzle the white over the top
do some the opposite way, white chocolate with dark on top

Find fun containers at the dollar store. I like to put mine in mini muffin wrappers. You can find those in the grocery store or at a craft/cake decorators supply store. Wilton melting chocolate is in craft stores/cake decorating supply stores

I hope you enjoy these fun tips. I will share more as the weeks go on.

Remember you dont have to be martha to make your friends think you are.

Melissa :)

www.FrugalRImama.com and Scott Common sense community are having a $100 visa card giveaway and it inspired me to share this tip. Go on over and see how you can win...

Frugal Holiday Gifts

2009-11-06T00:08:00.005-05:00

Looking for inexpensive gifts this holiday season. Check out this website. Right now you can enter for a chance to win a free cookie basket. They look super delicious and also very decorative. Reminds me of the gift baskets I make. If you dont have the time or energy why not pick up one. Check out the other ideas for frugal gifts by clicking below.

Memories of Gluwein....

2009-11-02T09:48:00.007-05:00

The holidays are fast aproaching and as the weather turns cold fond memories come flooding back of when I was in Germany for the Christmas season. I was 18 and traveling with Up With people... I have always had a strange fascination with Germany, its language, its history, its culture. Sometimes I wonder about reincarnation...

It was beautiful there with the open air markets, the craftsmanship of all the items being sold was just amazing. Its hard to find such passion as the sellers had for thier craft. Being a crafter I can apreciate all the hard work they put into each piece.

It was cold though... And I dont like the cold. BUT there was a silver lining or rather a red one...

GLUWEIN.

Absolutely amazing. warm spiced red wine. (I am not normally a red wine drinker). But walking through those markets with a warm glass of spiced wine was a wonderful experience. And I do mean glass. A real glass and it was FULL, with a long cinimon stick leaning on the edge of the glass. The smell of cinimon and cloves wofting out of the cup. Maybe the experience was as much about the smell you carried with you as you strolled along. Cinimmon and cloves are just so commonly associated with the holidays.

I have yet to try to make it myself. My sister once bought me spice bags to make it and wow that was great. they were like a tea bag you just dropped in the pot of hot wine. SO now when I come acrossed those packettes at craft fairs I pick them up.

I did find this recipe online and plan to try to make it myself this year... I wonder if my sister is up for this...Rina what do you say?

If youd like to try to catch a glimpse of this German tradition try this recipe or if you have a favorite family one send it to me.

Anyway. I hope you enjoy. Heres to a happy holiday season. Cheers.

Melissa

Hot Mulled Wine (Glühwein, "glow wine")

Ingredients (serves 2-3 persons)

•1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
•one lemon
•2 sticks of cinnamon
•3 cloves
•3 tablespoons of sugar
•some cardamom (or ginger)
Directions
Heat the red wine in a pot (don't boil). Cut the lemon into slices and add to the wine. Then add the cinnamon, cloves, sugar and a little cardamom (to taste). Heat everything for about 5 minutes - do not boil - and let stand for about an hour. Before serving, reheat and strain. Serve in prewarmed glasses or mugs.

Lenox & TwitterMoms Drinks of the Season More Drinks of the Season Recipes

Lenox & Twittermoms - Winter Drinksgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Holiday Gift ideas

2009-10-29T23:02:00.010-04:00

The holidays are just around the corner... Is it sneaking up on you too. get a jump on your holiday gifts by making a few of these simple one of a kind gifts that will have everyone talking. Visit the template gallery for more ideas.

Create your own home decor using our scrapbook pages and a little creativity... Its easy, inexpensive and one of a kind. Wall hangings, ceramic tiles, coasters, wall clocks, mini books, Heritage Blcks... The ideas keep coming. Heres a few of my favorites. You can also visit my friend Heidis blog for more creative ideas.

FREE Halloween Candy

2009-10-25T13:33:00.009-04:00

Thats right I said free.

I will briefly state that I have recently begun clipping coupons again and found that the world of coupons has eveloved. I am no longer clipping to save a few dollars here and there but learning the art of getting things for free... and yes its legal.

I am having so much fun finding deals everywhere that you will probably see me post a few here when its just too good not to share. I might even start a whole new blog about it. we'll see.

SO to the FREE CANDY. This is at Walmart. And is so simple its amazing.

Go to www.coupons.com (it has coupons you print at home)
There is a coupon for $2 off a bag of willy wonka candy. Walmart sells bags of nerds, laffy taffy, or pixy stix for $2 a bag (2/$4). BINGO FREE CANDY.

There is also a coupon for $2 off a bag of nestle brand candy. At walmart this sells for $2.50 a bag. So this will cost you 50 cents. Still an amazing deal.

You have to look through the coupons on the website to find them, there are usually 20 pages to sort through but you may find other coupons you can use too. Heres the thing you can go back and print this coupon 2-3 times PER computer.

I printed 3 coupons for Willy wonka, and 3 for nestle. Went to Walmart yesterday and found the kind I wanted. You might be tempted to get the bigger bags and use it as a discount off but why bother?

In the end I got six bags for only $1.50.

Nestle is also 2/$4 at stop and shop this week so it will work the same there too.

Hope you enjoy. Happy Halloween.

Melissa

2009-10-19T09:27:00.001-04:00

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

Breast Cancer Fundraiser

2009-10-12T16:44:00.006-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month

I recently reconnected with an old friend on Facebook, Emilie. Its so fun to see what everyone has become now that we are "grown up". Emilie was one of those people you just wanted to be around, who's smile was always beaming. She was like me, just happy and positive. Not surprising she is now an amazing wedding photographer. A romantic at heart her photography shows every emotion.

She has also kept her positive, "I can change the world" attitude. Bravo, its hard to do in this world. She began a non profit called pink inititive which is a group of wedding industry professionals who raise money for breast cancer research. This month they are stepping up the efforts with a goal of $10,000.

Inspired by Emilie I have created a few projects through my Heritage Makers business http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/ . The projects are posted below and I will be donating the profits from any orders back to this amazing organization.

If you would like to order, donate or help in some way please contact me via email celebratefamily@digitalstorybooks.com or my cell 603-493-2431

please forward my blog to everyone you know so we can reach out to more people and make the $10,000 goal a reality.

.

Breast Cancer Playing Cards

2009-10-12T12:41:00.018-04:00

One thing always comes to mind...how this disease attacks the very essense of being a woman. I am always amazed at the strength and courage that women show when battling this disease. How they attempt to hold thier families together, most hide thier own fears so they can continue to hold up everyone else. I am creating a deck of playing cards to celebrate these women of strength.

The back of the deck will read "Your strength Inspires me". The front sides I am asking for your help. I would like to fill each card with a photo of someone who has battled this disease or been instrumental in helping someone who has battled this disease. In the end I would like to have photos celebrating 52 courageous women..

Sponsor someone you love and show them how they have inspired you. I am asking $40 to sponsor someone. For the $40 you get to put a photo and/or message on a playing card.

When the deck is completed I will mail you a deck. You may keep for yourself or give it as a gift. (maybe to the person who inspires you.)

If you wish to sponsor more then one person or cannot afford the $40 but really wish to sponsor someone please contact me and I may be able to work out a discount.

But please remember all profits will be going to help fund research.
Extra copies of the deck can be purchase for $30+ s&H.

Breast Cancer Jewelry

2009-10-12T12:33:00.014-04:00

I have also created some jewelry to celebrate those close to you affected by this disease. Not only are these stunning pieces which celebrate these personal heroes but they are certain to get attention everywhere you go. Inevitably you will be spreading awareness and be able to direct people back to me to purchase thier own which means more money will be donated back to pink inititive.

This is a new product and I dont have a fisnished one with the design to show you but heres the stock photo I have of a finished bracelet with other photos.

Its quite stunning in person and gets lots of attention. Photos dont do it justice. You can see the computer mock up of my deisgn here. please remember this is a computer version and it appears blurry. The finished one wont be.

This one says "Once you choose HOPE anythings possible." but I also have a version saying "Your strength Inspires me" . When ordering please specify which wording you prefer. These are $39.95 +s&h

Pendants and necklaces are also available. Pendants have a photo on one side and saying on the other. Some have related them to a locket that you dont have to open. You can order a single pendant without a necklace for $14.95* or a 1 pendant necklace $34.95* or 3 pendant necklace $54.95*. Please specify which wording you prefer. s&h are added to total.

Breast Cancer Digital Artwork

2009-10-12T12:03:00.003-04:00

All the artwork in these projects has been created by me personally, except for the white flowers on the playing card deck. (i will have to find the name of the designer). If you like my artwork and wish to use it for your own projects I have created a whole digi collection called Think Pink which you may recieve by making a seperate donation. I am not going to set an amount as I feel everyone should be able to donate what they can afford. I am hoping for between $5-15+. these can then be downloaded to your computer for personal use in any digital project.

MY TEMPLATES IN THE GALLERY!!!

2009-10-03T10:19:00.005-04:00

I submitted a bunch of templates to the gallery again. I checked this morning and found 2 of them have been added. my Halloween matchbook favors which I already showed you in the last post... I told you how excited I was obviously they impressed someone else too.

The other one was an early reader I made Allie about our trip to the Farm. Check it out.

I tried embedding the preview screen but it kept having an error. Maybe I will figure it out sometime. see you don't have to be a technical guru to be able to use computers. :)

From Farm to Gallery

2009-10-03T09:51:00.016-04:00

Well, over the summer I took Allie to McCrays Farm in S. Hadley, Ma (sorry I didnt find a website for them). They have all kinds of animals to feed and hommade ice cream. The real kind of ice cream, with amazing prices. Allies cone was only $1.50!!! Sometimes you go to an ice cream stand to find them serving out of big tubs of Hood or bryers... This they made themselves!!!

I wrote a quick book for her. Not my typical designer books I do but very simple and kid friendly. Shes started learning to read and I wanted her to be able to enjoy this book even if I couldnt sit with her to read it. I am qauite proud of it even in its simplicity and today found out it was accepted to the gallery.

Now everyone can make an early reader for thier child about a trip to the farm/petting zoo.
How exciting. If you would like to make your own check out the preview above and click on make one or visit my website http://www.digitalstorybooks.com/ and browse the thousands of templates we have available.

I hope you have a day worth celebrating. :)
Melissa

Halloween Favors

2009-10-02T01:28:00.009-04:00

I am so excited. I just got done making these Halloween favors in my Heritage Makers studio.

Once printed I will cut them apart and fold them like matchbook covers and staple a piece of wrapped candy inside. how super cute are these. I cant wait to give these out to my friends. I love all the different things you can do with Heritage Makers.

How my blog got its name

2009-09-29T10:28:00.002-04:00

SO as I said I am quite the crafty person. My mom got me started when I was very young. We owned a little convenience store in our small NH town. In fact it was attached to the front of our 100+ year old house. Somehow she started selling rubber stamps on the counter. They were PSX (personal Stamp Exchange) long before anyone knew who they were or what the stamping industry would become.

My mom would let us pick out a few and we would sit in our kitchen with scrap computer paper making "art" (if you can call it that). I was about 5 years old. (Yes we had a computer when I was 5 but thats another story). SO just imagine what it looked like. There would be black and red rainbows, this way and that an occassional teddy bear with a xmas saying add a unicorn, some smudges of ink and maybe evev some of lunch on it. and it was beautiful.. Then we'd fold it up and call it a card. lol... my mom still has those stamps and its fun sometimes to use them for real stamping now. Wow how far stamping has come.

SO that was my early years. we became obsessed with stamping. THANKS MOM> and other crafts filled our home too. I begn making holiday crafts as gifts and it became a tradition. Eventually my natural craft talent became apparent.

SO after all the years of crafting my friends started teasing me. when I would show them something i did... "OK MARTHA". or "who do you think you are?" I never claimed to be martha. Sometimes Id be smart and amswer by saying "Im better then martha. " :) mostly id just think im not martha just me.

Crafing is just in me. If you dont like it blame my mom. I do.
Thanks mom lol ;)

History Heros DVD and BOOK set

2009-09-29T00:05:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the break I got interupted. My other favorite is our new line of HISTORY HEROS DVD and BOOKS-

This is a great addition even though its a bit out of our normal line. The are animated films highligting the life of historical heros such as Ben Franklin, Pocahontas, Hariet Tubman... each video features a hero and a value they exhibited. It is meant to encourage your children to learn the historical story while relating to them personally through the addition of the book "the hero in me".

What a great building block for kids to build self esteem and encourage the values you feel are important. We watched the movie and my daughter really liked reading the book that went with it and it was about someone else... OH YEAH I GOT THOSE FREE TOO!!!

I cant wait to make a book that actually features her and see her reaction.

I am so excited to be part of a company that is on the cutting edge of technology,trends, and yet still focus' on family and important values.

Way to go Heritage Makers... holding true to the mission of strengthening families through the power of story.

New Products AMAZING

2009-09-28T23:25:00.000-04:00

I am so excited. I just attended our company reunion in Las Vegas and WOW. There was so many new exciting things I cant contain myself. The new products are AMAZING.

My friend Jenn made this awesome video showing the newest products from Heritage Makers.

Great job Jenn.

Reunion is what Heritage Makers calls the annual company convention. We are like one giant family and reunion is so much more fitting. I got to see old friends, meet new ones (connect faces with names), there was great training by some of the top leaders and the unveiling of the new products which is my highlight today.

I wont list them all since they are on Jenns vdeo but I have two new favorites... Those following me on facebook probably saw already that my favorite is our keepsake line.

Thats right jewelery: a necklace and bracelet to show off your photos. I have worn this everyday since I recieved it... Oh I got it for FREE just for attending reunion. You should have heard the room full of (mostly) women when they told us we got one to take home. WOW. women and thier jewelry. and I am already getting compliments. These are sure to be popular this holiday season. My other friend called it the Holiday easy button. lol :)

Finally a Blog...

2009-09-26T16:17:00.000-04:00

So here i am... Its taken me a bit to finally get a blog going. I have recieved so many requests of people wanting to see my projects, keep track of my events, and just looking for tips that I knew it was about time..

Keep checking in to see my latest Digital Storybooks, scrapbook and hybrid pages as well as any creative ideas that strike my fancy.

Thanks for visiting. I hope something inspires you.

Melissa