The Christmas Star..

Ever wonder if the star of Christmas really existed?  Check out this VERY interesting documentary about astronomy and and the Christmas Star!

Merry Christmas!

Free Christmas Printables

I love this free printable vintage bird Christmas card with money gift envelope!  This may come in handy if you forgot to buy a gift and you don't feel like shopping on Christmas Eve!  Or, like I ordered a few things on-line that promised to be here by Christmas...and are STILL waiting!  Find more printable cards here.

Merry Christmas!!

Want to earn $$$ just for doing your every day web surfing?

Sound too good to be true?  Have you tried Swagbucks yet?!  I was extremely skeptical about this program at first... A friend talked me into trying it, and now...I LOVE it!  Swagbucks is a free search engine powered by google that allows you to earn "swagbucks"  which you can then redeem for gift cards, prizes, music, etc...  So far, I have earned $25 worth of Amazon gift cards in just a few weeks!  This came in very handy when shopping for Christmas gifts!

Want to try it with me?  Here's how to earn the most with Swagbucks:

1. Sign up for Swagbucks here and get $3 Swagbucks just for starting up!

2. Make sure you download the Swagbucks tool bar.  (click on "tool bars" on the main page)This will remind you to search in Swagbucks, and also sends you messages when there are free Swag codes available.  Once you start searching, you will automatically start winning at random searches.  I usually win at least 2-3 times per day.  You can get anywhere from 1-100 bucks at any time.  I have mostly won 1's but have occasionally won bigger bucks for a single search.  If you have just gotten a swagbuck, chances are it will be a few more hours or searches till you earn another one.

3. Watch the Swag blog and your tool bar for Swag code alerts.  When a code is available, go to the swagbucks page and type it into "Enter a Swag Code"...and your account will be credited.

4.  Fridays are Mega Swagbucks days when you can win extra!

It's really that easy!  When you've saved up enough points, go to the Swag Store on the Swagbucks website, and exchange your swagbucks for a gift card or prize of your choice! Click here to start earning...

Snapfish Coupon

I love great photo deals!  Create a new account with Snapfish before Dec. 31st and receive a FREE photo mug, free photo cards and 50 free prints (pay only shipping)!  Click here to use this coupon.   .

Check out this great Uppercase Living deal!

Want to cozy-up your home or office and add some simple do it yourself decorating? These Amazing Specials won't last long...so order right away!

The holidays are almost here and Uppercase Living has the perfect gift for you!  Two exciting new promotions are being offered to help you save big this month. Until January 4 at 11:59 p.m. (midnight) MT, all 200 designs featured in the 2009 Fall/Winter Online Transition List can be purchased at 40% off!  In addition to this, your order over $50. will not be charged for shipping!

$5 Hallmark Coupon!

Click here to print this $5 off $5 or more coupon at Halmark! (Expires 12/24/09)
Thanks Dealightfully Frugal!

Christmas Fun-Getting to Know You

I was tagged by Dealightfully Frugal and also by Jen at JaelCustomDesigns.com to participate in this Christmas Meme. Stop by and check out their blogs!

1.) Have you started your Christmas shopping? Yes
 
2.) Tell me about one of your special traditions.  We like making Christmas crafts and ornaments, reading Christmas stories, eating yummy appetizers and cookies, and a birthday cake for Jesus, helping with our church city Christmas Celebration and dinner, spending time with family.
 
3.) When do you put up your Tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.
 
4.) Are you a Black Friday shopper? Only if it's a REALLY good deal!

5.) Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home? A little of both.

6.) What is your funniest Christmas memory?  Nothing specific comes to mind, but probably my first Christmas I was with Jeff (my hubby)..he is so much fun, and always keeps me laughing! :)
 
7.) What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time? Oh my...too many favorites! Charlie Brown Christmas, and Christmas Vacation are two..
 
8.)Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat? Some... we love making muffins, cookies, and my hubby always makes rice crispy treats.
 
9.) Fake or Real Tree? Real..we like to go to a local tree farm with our kiddos and choose our own.
 
10.) What day (as a Mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? Most of December, although I'm trying to remain calm.. :)
11.) Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? No matter how much I try to plan ahead, I usually am.
12.) What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? Watching kids open presents, relaxing and playing together.
13.) What Christmas craft do you like the best? Crafts with little hand-prints and footprints or pictures. :)
 
14.) Christmas music. Yes or No, and if yes What is your favorite song? Yes, I love singing and listening to my dad play Christmas music on his guitar. Favorite songs include almost anything on my Amy Grant Christmas CD's... I especially like listening to my kids sing!
 
15.) When do you plan to finish all your shopping? Hopefully this week!

We would love for any blogger to participate in this meme, even if you haven’t been tagged yet. Heather will go back and add your blog link to the list if you wanna play along. Just simply copy and paste the questions into your blog, and then answer them. Then tag 5 or more of your favorite blogs, and leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged.
When you post your blog, please spread some Christmas cheer, and leave a link back to Heather's Top Ten Christmas Blog, and the blog that you were tagged by.

Happy Christmas! :)

Christmas books we LOVE!!!

Looking for a meaningful and extra special Christmas book for your little one that is bound to be a favorite for years to come?  Here are just a few of our favorites this year...


Mortimer's Christmas Manger, by Karma Wilson, and Jane Chapman, is an absolutely adorable book about the Christmas story from a mouse's perspective.  My kids love this one!

Humphrey's First Christmas, by Carol Heyer is a beautiful story with with wonderful illustrations and funny camel expressions...you will absolutely love this one!

Alabaster's Song is a beautiful, imaginative story about an angel written by Max Lucado. This one has been a favorite in our house for a few years now.  There is also a DVD of this story and also board book version.

Does your family have a favorite Christmas story?  Post it here, we'd love to find more favorites! :)

Christmas Shopping

One of the things we love to do every year before Christmas is order from the World Vision Christmas catalog. It's kind of fun to go shopping for anything from sheep, goats, and chickens to garden tools or medical supplies for a needy family. World Vision sends you a gift card with a picture and description of your "purchase" which makes this a great "stuff free" Christmas gift for the person who has everything!

When my son was two years old, he said he really wanted to buy the little girl on the cover of the catalog holding a goat! He was so disappointed when I told him only the goat was for sale!

The kids have been having lots of fun poring over the catalog deciding what they want to buy this year. K  would like to get musical instruments for school children, and also clean water. J really has her heart set on buying a hippopotamus for someone, but she just can't find it in the catalog! :) Maybe she'll have to settle for a chicken!

If you would like a free World Vision Christmas catalog, or to view it online, click here

Silhouette Gifts...

I love making gifts for friends and family! Here's one of my favorite frugal holiday gift ideas that is relatively easy to make and will be cherished for years to come!

1. Take a clear side view picture of your subject...Make sure that it is a perfect side view and that they are looking straight ahead and not down.  For very little ones, I've found it's sometimes easier to get a good profile picture while they are watching TV!

2. Size your photo down to the size you want and then print it out.

3. Choose paper that is the right size and color for your project.  (I chose black to make them look like traditional vintage silhouettes)  Paper that is slightly thinner is easier to cut accurately and sometimes makes a prettier image.

4. Place the printed picture on top of the colored paper, and staple (not too close) around the outside of the profile just to hold it securely in place.  Sometimes it's easier if you carefully trace the profile with a contrasting colored pen or pencil before you cut.

5. Carefully and SLOWLY cut out the image. (small sharp scissors work best)

6. To finish your gift, mat your silhouettes on a contrasting color paper and frame it!

These also make great note cards (scan and print them), scrapbook pages, and if you cut them out of fabric instead...you can make beautiful pillows, tote bags, and t-shirts with your sweet children's faces on them!  Also, try doing a full body silhouette of your little one.  Enjoy!

Want more visitors on your blog?

Want to advertise your blog and increase your blog traffic for free?  Entrecard allows you to earn credits by visiting other blogs, allowing others to advertise on your blog, and by publishing new posts! Click here to sign up and install a free entrecard widget on your blog.

And The Winner Is....

YAAAY!!!  We have a winner of the Walls That Welcome giveaway!  The winner is..."Mommy Kennedy"!  Congratulations Mommy Kennedy, and be sure to check your email!  Thanks everyone that entered!

Today is the LAST day!!! Get your entries in soon!

Just a reminder...The Walls That Welcome giveaway ends today November 30th at 12pm PST, so be sure to get your entries in!  Click here to go directly to the giveaway.

Thoughts on making Christmas more meaningful...

I found this video clip recently and love what it has to say!

Change My Christmas from MZM Cornerstone on Vimeo.

Free Holiday Planner

Having trouble getting yourself organized for the holidays?  Download this great free printable Holiday Control Journal from Flylady and start planning!  Also, if you're planning to travel this holiday season, check out this great packing list!

Finally a button!

Be Blessed finally has a button! :)  Feel free to take one from my side bar if you'd like!

Thanksgiving activities for kids...

Just brainstorming ideas for a few fun things to do with my kids Thanksgiving week and thought I'd share...

1. Thankfulness List  Ask kids (even very little ones) what they are thankful for...and write it down.  Have bigger kids write them all by themselves.  (I just LOVE notes in kid handwriting!) Make sure to put the year on them and save them in a scrapbook or keepsake box.  They are so much fun to look back on!  You could also make a video clip of your kids talking about what they are thankful for.

2. Turkey Hand Prints I even like making these with babies!  Paint the palm and thumb brown, and the fingers bright fall colors..  and stamp the handprint in the middle of a piece of paper.  Add an orange beak on the thumbprint, add an eye, a gobble, and turkey legs and feet.

3. "I'm so thankful for you" cards  These would be fun to make and mail to grandparents, friends, or someone special on your list.

4.  Pilgrim and Indian Hats to wear to Thanksgiving dinner...and make sure you take pictures! Click here for a pilgrim boy hat, and here for a pilgrim girl

5.  Invite someone over to dinner that may not have a family to go home to.  You can also check with your local colleges that often have international students that would love to spend the day with your family! 

Do you have any fun Thanksgiving ideas that make the day more meaningful for your family?  I would LOVE to hear about them! :)

Walls That Welcome Giveaway!

I am SOOO excited about this giveaway!  Have you heard of Uppercase Living yet?  It is beautiful decorative rub-on lettering and designs for walls, windows, doors, or almost any surface!

Choose from a huge assortment of pre-made expressions, or completely design and customize your own with the MyDesign Suite creator on this site!  You choose the colors and size for the space you are planning to decorate!  Also, I'd like to let you know that it can stay up and look beautiful for many years, and when you are ready to take it off, it is COMPLETELY removable, and will not damage your wall!  This makes it great for dorm rooms, apartments and renters!  I love how cozy and welcoming it makes your home feel without adding extra clutter.  And more good news...it's simple to put on yourself, and it's a very cost effective way of decorating! (Think how much it would cost to have someone paint customized lettering on your walls!)

Walls That Welcome is giving away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky winner!  Entries will be accepted until November 30th at Midnight PST, and the winner will be announced on December 1st.

How to enter:
First and *mandatory* entry number 1. Go to the Walls That Welcome Uppercase Living site, look around and leave a comment about your favorite product and how you would like to use it in your home.  Be sure to post your email address for each entry so I can contact you!

Entry #2. Post this giveaway and link on your blog, facebook, or twitter. (post and enter up to once per day day)

Entry #3. Visit AND follow the Walls That Welcome blog publicly and let me know that you did.

Entry #4.  Follow this blog publicly.

Entry #5.  Click here to join Decorating with Uppercase Living group on facebook and then let me know that you did.

Bonus Entry: Visit the application instructions and watch how easy it is to put expressions on your wall and tell me what you think.  (If I can do it you can! :)

 Happy Entering!

Mega Swag Bucks Day Today!

Today is Mega Swag Bucks Day, which means that Swag bucks gives you extra chances to win on Fridays!  Click here to sign up and earn 3 swag bucks now just for joining!  If you're not familiar with Swag bucks, it's an awesome way of earning money, prizes and gift cards while doing your usual everyday web searches and it's powered by google!

Heartfelt Award

Be blessed was "blessed" with a heartfelt blog award today! :)  Thank you to Delightfully Frugal for the pretty award!  Check out her lovely blog for great deals and thoughts on life and being a mom! 

The rules of the award are :

* Display the award logo.
* Nominate up to 9 blogs that make you feel comfy or warm inside.
* Link to your nominees.
* Let them know they have been nominated by commenting.
* Link to the person from whom you received the award.

My choices are:

Little Miss Heirlooms
Walls That Welcome
Lunchbox Limbo
Coolest Kid Reviews
Boutique Stitches
Kiddie Treasures
Namisms
Under The Golden Apple Tree

Congratulations! :)

Pretzel Perks

Mmmm......We love Auntie Anne's pretzels!  Sign up for Auntie Anne's monthly Pretzel Perks and get coupons, special offers, and pretzel news!  This month there is a coupon for a FREE pretzel when you purchase three.  Click here to sign up.

Do you have a winning recipe?

Submit a family favorite recipe to Gooseberry Patch, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a $70 Gooseberry Patch surprise box.  Enter more recipes for more chances to win.  If your recipe is featured in the next cookbook, you will recieve that cookbook for free!  Enter here before midnight EST on Nov. 5th.

Printable Cookie Exchange Party Invitation

Pin It

Want to plan a fun cookie exchange party with friends?  Click here to download and print this cute cookie fairy invitation for free from The Boulie Blog.  Thanks Chichiboulie! :)

Stay tuned to this blog for more thrifty holiday and gift ideas and be sure to CLICK on the picture in the right sidebar to enter my current giveaways!

Kodak Gallery Giveaway!

Looking forward to using this one!  The Kodak Gallery will be giving away $15 gift codes to be used on their site.  In order to qualify, you must register and and agree to recieve future mailings from the Kodak Gallery.  Learn more, and sign up here.

Thanks Dealightfully Frugal!

Perfect Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
3 1/2 cups flour (I use half white whole wheat)

Add:
4 eggs
1 stick of butter
1 lg can of pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
optional:*These taste soooo good by themselves, but they are also great with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, or apples!

Mix well.  Heat oven to 350.  Pour into Muffin tins (I use paper cupcake holders) Bake for 25-30min.  Makes 24 delicious Muffins! Serve by themselves, with butter, or cream cheese.

Free Sample from Burt's Bees!

Get a free sample or a coupon of Burt's Bees Acne Solutions natural spot treatment for answering 5 survey questions!  Become a fan of Burt's Bees on facebook, and get a heads up on new products, coupons and special offers.

Have you joined Swag Bucks yet?

Swag Bucks is a great search engine powered by google and ask.com.  Use it for your every day web searching, and earn "swag bucks" to redeem for gift cards, music, prizes and a multiude of other things! I added their tool bar about 3 weeks ago, have just used it to do normal searches and have earned $10 in Amazon gift cards! If you would be so kind as to use my referal link you will earn 3 swagbucks for signing up and I will earn a swag buck with you!  Give it a try and let me know what you think...

And The Bloggy Awards Go to...

Yay! Be Blessed's first bloggy award called "A strong cup of coffee" from Stina at Parents TLC , for having a blog "good enough to wake you up in the morning and keeping you going all day!"  Thanks so much Stina!
Be sure to check out her website  for all kinds of helpful parenting tips and advice! :)
Now I am to bestow this lovely award on different blogs that I am enjoying...

Walls That Welcome
Dealightfully Frugal
Diapers to Diplomas
Best Forever Family
Whimsy Wendy

And the second Award today was from: Midnite Sky at Shades of Green with all kinds of ideas on how to live a greener life ...Thanks so much! :)

HERE ARE THE BEST BLOG AWARD RULES:

1. To accept this award, copy and save the award then post it in your blog together with the name of the person who granted the award to you and of course with his/her blog link. Please do leave a comment.

2. Pass the award to other 15 bloggers of your choice. Remember to contact the blogger to notify them that they have been chosen for this award.
(Okay..I'm cheating and only posting 5 for now.  Maybe I'll come back and post more when I have the time!)

Soule Mama
The Crafty Crow
Girly do's with Jenn
Babes In Hairland
Sarah Jane Studios

Congratulations Everyone! :)

Free Lego Club Magazine

Sign up here for a free subscription to Lego Club Magazine.  My little lego builder loves it! :)  You'll also find kid games and lego creation ideas on their website.

Vocal Point

I joined vocal point a few months ago and have been very glad I did! So far they have sent tons of cereal coupons... 4 coupons for free boxes of cereal (Kashi Honey Sunshine, Kashi Go Lean, and Rice Crispies) as well as many $1.50-$3.00 off coupons. They have also sent samples of fabric softener, laundry detergent, deodorant, and protein bars to name a few.
Go to the vocal point website to join.

Free make-up sample at JCPenney's

Take this coupon to the Sephora counter at a JC Penneys near you and recieve a free sample of  Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer or Lorac Mini Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick.

I love Hannaford!

A couple great deals I found recently...
Get a Healthy Saver Plus card at the Hannaford pharmacy (for $7 a year) and recieve:

• A coupon book with over $100 worth of food and medicine coupons! 
• Featured oral antibiotics - FREE* (unfortunately, we've used this feature twice already!)
• Savings on vision care, hearing aids and select diabetic supplies
• Over 450 featured generic drugs available at a discount! ( 30 day supply $4.00* and  90 day supply $9.99*)

See the Hannaford Pharmacy website for more details.

Also, now through October 31, get a $1 coupon back for every 4 Hannaford brand items you purchase and save up to $10! Click here for details.

Have you seen any other great Hannaford deals?  Leave me a comment, I would love to hear about them!

Build And Grow

Register here for FREE Build And Grow projects for each of your kiddos at your local Lowes store!  If you're looking for some fun family time on a Saturday, and to aquire some hammering skills...this activity just may be for you.  Build And Grow projects are usually on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10-11am.  You child will recieve a free Lowes apron and safety goggles, a patch for their apron, a certificate with their name on it and will get to take home the project that they built!

Give Away Monday on The Crafty Crow!

Stop over at The Crafty Crow and enter to win a Dollhouse or Pirate Fortress from Calafant!  While your there, be sure to check out all her fun fall craft projects to do with kids!  She has just posted some great "Where The Wild Things Are" projects!

Saving $$$

This is really neat! I love this story that was on NPR recently... Do you have any amazing shopping stories?  I'd love to hear about them!  Leave me a comment..

Coupon Inspiration!

Need some good coupon inspiration?  Ever wonder if coupons are really worth the trouble?  Check out this  video clip about using coupons. 

Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from June 1, 2009

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

The owner(s) of this blog may be compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog may receive compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest. For questions about content on this blog, please email reviewmama(at)gmail(dot)com.

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