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A Better Breakfast

Thursday, March 31, 2011




As I snacked on some leftover pizza this morning, I thought to myself I really need to eat better. Clearly, pizza is great for dinner, but does not cut it when it comes to breakfast. I wish I could be more like my better half that sticks to his Cheerios with a banana or strawberries for his daily meal. I do not think I’ve ever seen him skip or eat an unhealthy breakfast, which never ceases to amaze me. Unfortunately, I never seem to find the time to sit down and enjoy breakfast. In an effort to eat better this week in Life Made Delicious Spark we’re talk breakfast. If given the time I think I could really enjoy everything breakfast has to offer from cereal to eggs to fresh fruit. I'm ready to try it all. What about you? What are your breakfast recipes like, and are you ready for a change? “Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Tommorow Is...April Fool's Day

There is nothing better than playing a practical joke on a friend, coworker or family member on the first of April. This fun holiday has been kicking off the month of April since 1392 or at least so it is thought. It is a nonreligious holiday that is celebrated in the western world. Some cultures believe jokes should only be played on others until noon and anyone that jokes after the 12 o’clock hour is considered an April fool. This fun day is widely accepted and enjoyed by anyone with a sense of humor. So,whether you are the joker or the one being fooled this April first remember it is all in good fun and hurtful pranks should always be avoided.



Learn about products "seen on tv" that are a "joke". Consumer Search gives the low down.

Infinity Dish Jobs In The Sunshine State

Wednesday, March 30, 2011



No one is really immune to the bad economic times that are affecting most people in the world these days. Whether it’s because of the current national affairs, lack of opportunity or even natural disasters, most individuals are seeking to rebuild their lives. That’s why I wanted to pass along any piece of information that can be beneficial to those struggling to find opportunities. It seems that more and more job seekers are relocating to Florida these days, according to business outlets. In recent years, businesses range from aircraft manufacturers to dish network retailers. With more companies setting up in this state, there is a multitude of job opportunities there. The latest company to join the influx of businesses into Florida is Infinity Dish. The most successful dish network retailer in the United States has just brought 450 jobs to the wonderful city of Boca Raton, Florida, and it announced that it will create another 200 within the next two years. This is certainly good news for those who are seeking employment in the Sunshine State. Job opportunities in Florida are not limited to white collar-jobs. A Brazilian aircraft manufacturing company called Embraer has also revealed that it will employ more people for its Jacksonville assembly plant. Embraer is one of the leading aircraft manufacturers in the world, and those who can secure employment with this company can be assured that they will receive excellent financial rewards and benefits. Infinity Dish and other companies are setting up new locations in Florida simply because the state is a great place to live. Happier employees will be more productive, and this can contribute positively to the companies’ success. If you are one of the many looking for employment, this region of the United States is a promising place to be in. For more information on Infinity Dish, check out their Infinity Dish Twitter Account. Keeping up with business trends is a great way to track where jobs are headed and this latest piece of news is definitely a positive one. I wanted to pass along this information to those who may benefit from it.

Wednesday-March 30




Well, another month has almost passed and I'm waiting for all the snow to be gone around here and for it to warm up more so I can start a daily, outdoor walking routine again.( Usually not till May in my neck of the woods).


I have been getting things together for our indoor sale- marking "stuff" inside, and stacking it in Erika's room , before she comes home on the first of May.I have all the boxes marked and just have to mark the bigger things that are outside in the car port.We'll be using the money for gas expenses when we go get Erika and bring her back from college.


She was quite excited yesterday. She won two tickets to the Alan Jackson concert. It as the last day to play in the radio contest and she got through as the 10th caller. Tonight she treats herself and a friend to a movie, after winning tickets online for an advance screening.Both girls follow in their mom's foot steps when it comes to entering contests.I recieved my $700 set of pots and pans by Paderno just last week that I had won in a mail in contest.Something I would NEVER afford to be able to buy for myself. I find it easier to win the mail in contests that are few and far between, but still exist here, than entering online contests.


Gerry is "renting" a cargo trailer from an acquaintance, when we go to pick up Erika and her furniture at the end of April.Should be able to get it for $75- as he said make him an offer.U Haul has them for $187 one way, so we're saving alot this way.


Our parts came in for our carpet cleaner, costing us $25. Cheaper than buying a new carpet cleaner for sure. It sure saves to think things through before spending.


I just found out today that tickets to the Ellen Show will only be available up until the 3rd week of May, and then she is on holidays till September.It was one of the reasons we were going to go to California in May, so we are waiting to see what will happen. No ticket dates are posted yet for that week on her site, so we'll just have to keep checking back. Your not even guaranteed tickets either. I believe everyone's name just gets put into a "draw"...so we'll wait and see.


Homemade pizza night tonight and I still have to get some exrcise bike time in before then, so I'm off ...



Have a great night everyone...




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Today's Winner!

Today's winner- dorcontest@gmail.com Who wins: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/03/review-and-giveawaymoney-and-law-of.html ** Winner has been contacted and has 7 days to reply bfore a new entry is selected. Thank you to all who entered!

A Home Away From Home With Best Western

Tuesday, March 29, 2011


Erika will be finishing up her first year of college next month and moving closer to home and we are quite happy about that! We will be travelling to Calgary, Alberta at that time and moving her back, at the end of April.


It's a bit of a drive for us- about 10-12 hours to be exact so we have chosen to break up the trip.


We'll take our first break after leaving home and travelling 6 hours south to Saskatoon, Sask., staying at the Best Western Plus Blairmore, Saskatoon. After our stop over there for the night, we'll drive another 6 hours to Calgary,Alberta.


In Calgary, we we will be welcoming another good night's stay at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Calgary.Best Western’s offer great value at a great price and are perfect for thrifty travellers like ourselves.


We also like the fact that it has on-site dining, complimentary breakfast, an exercise facility, an indoor heated pool with a waterslide, and cocktail lounge.Plus we'll have also have free parking- which is rare when your in the city.




We will have to get Erika all packed up and then leave on another 6 hour drive back to Saskatoon. A clean and comfortable place is what we're looking for, so we'll bed back down at the Best Western Plus Blairmore.


This hotel is close to Walmart and offers many conveniences for their guests such as coin operated laundry machines in the laundry room,free continental breakfast and a salt water pool with waterslide and hot tub. The fitness facility offers a treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical and weight machine.No one is going to be bored here. All guest rooms have wireless Internet access which is always a plus for me and my family, as we always have our netbooks or lap tops with us. Each room also provides a 37-inch flat screen television, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee station, iron, ironing board, and hair dryer.


A home away from home!

Today's Winners

Monday, March 28, 2011

Today's 2 winners: smiller36@gmail.com wins: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/03/review-and-giveaway-canada-only-betty.html theluckyladybug@gmail.com wins: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/03/review-and-giveaway-usa-only-bosco.html ** Winners have been contacted and have 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected. Thank you to all who entered.

Jody's Popcorn Discount Code and Fundraiser



Jody's Popcorn would like to offer you 15% off the entire order when shopping on their website. Just enter the promo code REV15 in the promo code field at checkout to redeem the promotion!

Find them on Facebook at Jody's Popcorn, Confections and Gifts! Plus, if your religious, educational or charitable group wants to sell popcorn, fudge or other treats as a fundraiser, Jody wants to help you do it. Please contact anne.walsh@jodyspopcorn.com

Review and Giveaway: Garden Botanika's Sweet Mint Foot Treatment


I love pampering my skin- and my feet are no exception, but I find that my heels are always cracking, an I have to be very diligent on using something for them, daily.

I am currently using Garden Botanika's Sweet Mint AHA Foot Treatment.

When I use a product,smell is a big thing for me...it should smell good, and I love peppermint so I knew that would be a plus for this product.Gerry said it reminded him of smelling After Eight chocolates. I just like opening the jar just to smell the product!

The rich lotion is a real treat for tired feet! Revitalizing peppermint leaf extract and apple-derived AHA’s increase cell turnover, and shea and cacao seed butters provide superior moisture to instantly relieve dry, cracked skin. My feet are in for a treat! Garden Botanika also has a Garden Club where you can recieve 15% off your orders by joining for $15. Membership has advantages. They have a wide range of beauty products and even some great sales - and we all love a great sale! Garden Botanika would love to give away one of these foot lotions to one lucky winner from Canada or the USA. A random draw will be held on April 8,2011 by Random.org from all entries recieved. To Enter: Send us your email Extra Entries: Add my button to your blog hop Add my Writing Service button to your site Follow me on Twitter:oneincome Tweet this giveaway Add this giveaway to your Linky Grab my site button Follow as a Google Friend Follow as an email subscriber Good luck to all!

Sunday's Frugal Web Crawl

Saturday, March 26, 2011


More great sites around the web this week to visit:












Save Up To 80% On Ink Cartridges

Friday, March 25, 2011


I don't know about you but I hate the high cost of computer ink.I think it's unreal what they charge. I'd love to know their mark ups. I don't even print alot because I'm worried I'll use up my ink and have to buy more of those overpriced cartridges.

You can ask my girls.If they start using the printer, I'm like;" How much are you printing?" "Is it color or black ink only?"

Wel,, I came across a site that offers up to 80% off their eco-friendly printer ink cartridges .Castle Ink stands behind what they sell with a 100% money back guarantee and offers free shipping on all orders of $39 and more.Plus I found some discount codes on their site as well to use, for extra savings.

Print freely with low cost ink cartridges from Castle Ink!
Select your printer brand, choose either inkjet or laser toner,
then the printer model and let them do the rest. Savings on
Epson, HP, Canon, Lexmark, Apple, and Dell
printer supplies.

How To Raise Capital For Your Business


Credit markets are tight.
During The Global Credit Crisis of 2008, credit markets literally froze,
as banks refused to lend money, even to each other, as contagion swept
through the markets and Fortune 100 financial institutions teetered on the
brink of collapse. With the exception of Bear Stearns and a few other
companies, the worst was largely avoided, as financial institutions were
falsely propped up by emergency stimulus measures from the U.S.
government.

This riveting madness that hit the markets in 2008 caused banks to tighten
lending standards considerably, and one of the hardest hit sectors of
borrowers was small businesses. Throughout the second half of 2008 and all
of 2009, small business lending was down considerably, and many existing
companies who had been accessing bank credit regularly for years, all of a
sudden could not tap any credit. If this was the case with existing small
businesses with established lines of credit and strong credit histories,
how do you think it was for new small business start-ups? Of course, it
was nearly impossible. In today’s economic climate, it is still very,
very difficult for a small business start-up to access traditional bank
lending.

However, just because credit is not available does not mean Americans have
stopped dreaming and creating entrepreneurial ventures. The primary
problem facing many new small start-ups is, where do you turn for cash in
the early stages of business development? In this article, we are going to
discuss a few ways a new business can raise investment capital to bring a
product to market and establish a new business.

Friends and Family
This is the most traditional way to raise money for a business
idea—simply borrow it from Mom and Dad, other relatives, or close
friends. There are definitely pros and cons to doing this. The pros are
that your family will most likely be very excited for you and want to see
you succeed. Also, in many cases they will simply loan you the money, and
they may not want any interest in return, or if they do, it will often be
negligible. Most of the time, family members and close friends are not
going to try to position themselves for an equity stake in the company,
which means you will not have to sell a portion of the company in exchange
for the investment capital.

The obvious drawback is, what happens if the business fails and you are
not able to repay the loan? Is this going to sour a personal relationship?
Remember, it is never worth it to let money come between you and a loved
one. The best way to handle this dynamic is to be fully communicative with
the lender and talk through the possibility of losing the investment
capital. How would the lender respond in that scenario? Would you repay
the loan out of your own pocket in the future, etc? Have a definite plan
in place.

Angel Investors
Angel investors are venture capitalists who aim to fund new start-up
companies in exchange for an equity position in the company. Angel
investors come in many different shapes and sizes. Some like to invest in
companies that are still in the ideation phase, which means the
entrepreneur has an idea for a product and thoughts on how to market it,
but needs the capital to get the product created or manufactured. Other
angel investors like to invest in companies that have already manufactured
product and have a certain level of sales and revenue figures in place.
Most angel investors are not interested in giving you money for stock
trading or the forex trading; instead, they are looking for companies with
competent management and a strong product. These types of investors like
to come in to later rounds of seeding, bring in a fresh injection of cash,
and bring the company to a much higher level.

Angel investors can be found through networking with personal contacts or
through an online search for angel investors in your area. Whichever route
you choose to go, be confident and don’t give up until you have secured
the necessary capital to make your business idea a reality.

Review and Giveaway:Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-Cups

Thursday, March 24, 2011




As a great lover of coffee and his coffee maker that uses K-cups, Gerry really enjoyed the Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-cups.A robust coffee but one that is still gentle on the palate,this European coffee brings a great taste to your cup.

Bold and complex, yet perfectly balanced, each cup reflects the consummate artistry and handcrafted care that only the most skilled baristas can deliver. Barista Prima™ is a collection of coffees their skilled professionals, and you, can be proud to serve to family and friends.

In addition to the Barista Prima Coffeehouse site, you can find more information on Barista Prima Coffeehouse at http://greenmountaincoffee.com, where the coffee’s available in a 24-count box of K-Cups® for $19.45.


(I have been approached by this company to participate in a taste test involving Barista Prima Coffeehouse . The above post is a reflection of my own personal thoughts and ideas and do not represent those of the named brand.)


Green Mountain Coffee would love to give away a 24-count box of K-Cups® of ONE of their varieties to one lucky winner from Canada or the USA. A random draw will be held by Random.org on April 1,2011 from all entries recieved.



To Enter:

Please leave your email address.


Extra Entries:

Add my button to your blog hop
Add my Writing Service button to your site
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow as an email subscriber

Good luck to all!

Spring Home/Yard Improvements

Wednesday, March 23, 2011



Spring is a great time to consider improving your home. With everything full of life and color, your home, lawn and garden should be feeling the same. The great news is you can improve your home without breaking the budget.

Here are a few ways to update without splurging. Consider changing the hardware on your cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen. Or, try changing the light fixtures in any room for a new look, a ceiling fan would make a great addition to your living space as the weather warms up. Also, consider some fresh coats of paint. White paint is boring and can leave you feeling less than excited about a room in your home, but by adding a splash of color to your walls you will be able to boost your mood year round. If being stuck indoors this spring is not an option for you, you may want to consider making some improvements outside. Consider planting a garden, which can save you money on produce at the grocery store. You may also want to try a fresh coat of paint on your shutters, purchasing some new house numbers or even a new mail box. These simple tasks enhance the look of your home from the outside, and allow you to be outdoors.


Please visit our sponsers who have great products and ideas for indoor and outdoor projects:

HANDy Paint Tray- painting just got a whole lot easier!

-GreenView with GreenSmart- New drought resistant fertilizer (promotes deeper roots too)

-Epsom Salt Council-great tips to improve your garden

Review: HeatShift Netbook Cooler


Spending alot of time on her lap top for home and college related work, my daughter Erika was really finding that her lap top was heating up alot underneath. So, she was quite happy to have the opportunity to review the ThermaPAK HeatShift Netbook Cooler. She really liked it and it has made quite a difference. Now her friends want one too!


ThermaPAK’s patented HeatShift Technology begins working once the gadget is placed on the pad. Grooved channels optimize airflow while eco-friendly salt crystals absorb the heat from a laptop or iPad™, for example, and dissipate the heat to cooler areas of the pad by melting into a gel. When the device is cooled or no longer in use, the gel automatically converts back to a solid form.

She really likes the nice color it comes in too- making it quite "fashionable" for teens!


ThermaPAK HeatShift Netbook Cooler is the most advanced, convenient, and stylish solution against netbook heat. The HeatShift Netbook Cooler can sit right on your lap or on a table and begin to cool down your netbook better than any noisy, dusty, fan based USB cooling devices. It uses ThermaPAK's patented HeatShift Technology to cool quickly and effectively so that you prolong the life of your netbook and prevent your arms and legs from getting burned. It is made of safe eco-friendly cooling crystals that have been proven to lower netbook temperatures by more than 10 degrees. The award winning HeatShift Netbook Cooler cools the entire netbook while promoting air flow through the intricate grooved design. It requires no power, no refrigeration, and generates no noise. Quite the product!

Today's Quick Tip

Tuesday, March 22, 2011


When buying your fruits and vegetables at the grocery store, choose ones from the back. More often than not, the older stuff is at the front and the newer is at the back.
By choosing from the back,you will have produce that will last longer.

Review and Giveaway ( Canada only):Money, and the Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks



I've always enjoyed reading about the laws of attraction and how our thoughts can bring us better health, happiness and even wealth and good luck.

Esther ad Jerry Hicks have written a very interesting book on the subject, called: "Money, and the Law of Attraction." I found this book very interesting in what I have read so far, and continue to read though it, trying to apply some of what they say in the book, to my own way of thinking.This book is more like a guide to help you to be positive in your thinking to achieve more good health, happiness and wealth into your life.



Money, and the Law of Attraction is formatted in five, vibrant essays:

Part I – Processing of Pivoting and Positive Aspects

Part II – Attracting Money and Manifesting Abundance

Part III – Maintaining Your Physical Well-Being

Part IV – Perspectives of Health, Weight, and Mind

Part V – Careers, as Profitable Sources of Pleasure


I personally think anyone would benefit and find this book very eye opening.



Raincoast Books would love to give away a copy of one of these books to one lucky winner from Canada , in a random draw that will be held on March 30, 2011 by Random.org.


To Enter:

Tell me why you'd like to win this book.

Extra Entries:

Add my button to your blog hop
Add my Writing Service button to your site
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow as an email subscriber

Good luck to all!

Dream Destinations

It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the movies. The hair, makeup and clothes make us lust for a new look or wardrobe. Even more so the locations of our favorite films allow us to dream of visiting far off destinations. A movie set can be most fascinating for a viewer as it not only highlights the locations best attractions, but also allows the city to come to life despite the viewer being seated on the couch. The best part is there is a movie location for everyone. Movies can take place in a big city, the countryside or a secluded island. So, whatever your dream destination your bound to find it in the movies.

If you have recently thought about taking a vacation and are a movie lover Oscars-inspired travel destinations may be able to help you decide where you will be headed next. Some of the greatest movies of all time were set in some of the greatest locations to visit. For example former Oscar winner The Sound of Music was set in the hills of Austria , which is a great vacation destination for skiing, hiking and an overall cultural experience. One of this year’s winners The King’s Speech took place in London , which is an extremely popular vacation destination for travelers from around the world.

If you are lucky enough to take a vacation this year, consider using the movies as your guide. Romance does not only have to exist on set, but rather can take place in a little café in Paris , France on your dream vacation. In addition to giving great destination ideas the internet can also help you book your dream vacation, visit All-travel.com and other travel sites to find the best deals for your next vacation.

Reducing Speed Limits to Reduce Energy


In Spain, the government has announced that is lowering the national speed limit, in reaction to oil scarcity caused by upheaval in oil producing countries. The drop in the national speed limit from 120kph to 110kph may not seem like a large decrease, but a large number of cars reducing their fuel usage by a small amount could have a significant impact on the amount of fuel consumed in total.

As oil prices rise, and as we all become more aware of the necessity of limiting road travel, governments globally are looking for new initiatives to save fuel energy. Fuel economy is important to national governments and to individuals, especially people who have a vehicle which costs just to own.

Insuring a classic car, for example, as well as keeping it roadworthy, can be a significant cost.

The Spanish government is planning to support this tactic with fare reductions on public transport, which may increase the amount of people who choose to use busses and trains as an alternative to travelling by car. Public transport is a more energy efficient mode of travelling, as many people can commute under the power of one engine, as opposed to each in their individual automobiles.

It will be interesting to see if more governments choose to reduce national speed limits in order to reduce the amount of oil and oil derivatives which they need to import. There are a number of other fuel-efficiency initiatives that are talked about when people discuss automobiles. Car pooling is one of these. By sharing your private vehicle with other people who need to complete the same journey – usually co-workers who need to make a similar commute to a shared place of employment – you can use a lower net amount of fuel than you would if you all travelled individually. In order to make the system fair, the vehicle used is usually rotated, or the other car pooling partners provide money towards fuel. This can be particularly useful for younger drivers, as it can help to offset the cost of young drivers insurance.

There has been much discussion about what impact the Spanish government’s plan will have; as with everything of this nature, some people are for it and others are against it. We won’t know until a period of time has passed and there us enough data to be of statistical use. But if it is successful, other national governments may consider it as a potential method for easing the problems of oil dependency.

10 Canary Island Excursions Gramma Would Love




As one of the best destinations to holiday with your elderly relatives, the Canary Islands boast a subtle blend of all things associated with the perfect holiday. Whether for you that’s lying on the beach or getting out and about, you can be sure there’s something for everyone. Here are ten excursions that grandma will love on your holiday to the Canary Islands:

Trip to the beach
It may sound simple but there truly is nothing better than a day out at the beach. If you’re staying in Fuerteventura you can explore a new one everyday or if you’re enjoying your spending a lot of time in the resort why not have a change of pace and visit a city beach like Las Canteras in Gran Canaria?

Mount Teide
For those holidaying in Tenerife you simply cannot miss Mount Teide. The spectacular mountain dominates the island meaning a trip to the top is a must. Don’t worry elderly relatives won’t have to trek to the top they can enjoy the cable car ride. Once at the summit the whole family will marvel at the sumptuous views.


Spa Treatments
You can be sure grandma will want to pamper herself a little while on holiday so be sure to take her to one of the many spas found in numerous resorts in the region.

Garachico
A once thriving hub of activity the town of La Gomera in Tenerife was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. It now lives on as a living museum and is an intriguing place to visit.

Excursions out to sea
The beauty of the Canary Islands can be fully appreciated when out at sea so ensure at least one day of your holiday is spent enjoying the relaxing nature of a boat trip. The scenery will amaze and the sun will shine made all the more exciting by the possibility of dolphins swimming alongside your boat!

Submarine Safari
Your grandma may not feel too comfortable venturing below the surface of the ocean with diving equipment so enabling her to view the wonders of the sea on board a submarine may well leave a lasting impression.

Antigua
If you’re holidaying in Fuerteventura make sure you visit the quant village of Antigua and visit the famous church dedicated to the “Virgen de la Antigua”.
Palmitos Park
An enjoyable day trip for the entire family, not only is Palmitos Park home to a variety of exotic animals, the wonderful array of plant life makes for a relaxing excursion.
American Star
Why not make the trip to view the sunken American Star as it slowly slips into the sea?
Santa Maria de Guia
Such a charming town in Gran Canaria, days can be spent meandering through tight cobbled streets, marveling at the Canarian architecture and relaxing in a quaint café.

5 Energy Sapping Appliances


We all know that energy costs are going up all the time. Saving electricity is not only better for the environment but saves money too! Did you know that some of the biggest electricity users are in your kitchen? Here are some of the worst culprits, and ways you can save energy with each of them!

Washers Washers can use up to 500 Watts of electricity when they are running, and the warmer the wash, the more they use. Try washing in cooler water; modern detergents are designed to work in cool water, so heating all that water is a waste! Also, try to do a full load each time; although washers usually have a small load setting, doing one large load uses less energy than doing two small ones.

Dryers Depending on its size and the drying cycle you select, your dryer can use between 1800 and 5000 Watts! Don’t dry clothes for a longer time than is needed, and if your dryer has a humidity sensor, use it to turn off the dryer automatically when your clothes are dry. If it is a sunny day, why not dry some of laundry on a washing line; you will save energy and your clothes will smell wonderful!

Refrigerators Refrigerators do not use as much electricity as dryers, but they run all the time and the costs mount up. If you have an old refrigerator, you may want to get a new, energy efficient one, but there are many things you can do to save energy. Set the temperature to the right level to keep food fresh; the coldest setting is not necessary. Defrost the freezer regularly, as ice build-up increases energy consumption. Let hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator. And, check the door seals. There is no point of cooling all that air only to have it leak out again.

Dishwashers With an electricity consumption of between 1200 and 2400 Watts, dishwashers are no energy lightweight! Use the economy mode when you can, or even open the door to air-dry the dishes once they have been washed. Also think about washing your dishes overnight, as electricity rates can be cheaper then.

Kettles
It is hard to believe, but kettles are one of the biggest energy users. A typical electric kettle uses 2000 W, twice as much as your microwave! One great way of saving energy is only to boil as much water as you need, rather than filling your kettle to the top. Electric kettles are more efficient than ones you heat on the hob, though, so if you don’t have one, it is probably a good investment.

Today's Winner

ksceviour@hotmail.com

Winner today of the following giveaway:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/03/review-and-giveaway-affresh-by.html



** Winner has been contacted and has 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.
Thank you to all who entered!

March 21-Fragrance Day

Monday, March 21, 2011



Today our senses can celebrate all of the beautiful scents nature and beyond have to offer. The term fragrance almost always has positive connotations as our noses love to smell delightful scents. Men and Woman have been wearing cologne and perfume for centuries. However, both sexes preferring different scents for themselves. Women typically enjoy fruity or floral fragrances, while men usual sport spicier scents.

There are also a number of different fragrance products on the market today, including body mists, lotions, and the traditional perfumes. We should not forget about the home when it comes to celebrating the many fragrances available, because your home can don beautiful scents by the way of candles, plug-ins and sprays. So, be sure to treat yourself and your home to a special fragrance of your choice today.


Please visit our sponsers who also reconize today as Fragrance Day:

-Glade Limited Edition Spring Collection-Freshen Your Look and Home this Spring

-Marc Ecko- for MEN UNLTD - youthful hip edgy

- Paris Hilton PASSPORT - South Beach

Tommorow-March 20th Celebrates The First Day of Spring

Saturday, March 19, 2011


With the weather starting to get warmer in colder climate regions it is a great time to get outside and start enjoying the nicer weather...and tommorow is officially the first day of Spring.

Great things to do to celebrate Spring:

-Build a simple birdhouse
-Buy some flowers at the grocery store and bring Spring indoors
-Try some backyard activities with the kids
-60 Eco friendly Ways To Celebrate Spring

2 Great Book Reviews: Sewing and Quilting

Reviews by: Cynthia (my mom)

BabyWraps, Quick, Cuddly Quilts by Karla Alexander:





Blast Off! and Fly Away, Loose Arrows, Over the Moon, Hide'n'Seek, FlutterBy, and Baby's Patchwork . Ok, Ladies, it's time to make a baby quilt! If you love making baby quilts here is a neat little quilt book. The patterns are designed for the typical "all-boy", "all-girl", or by changing the colors, to unisex. These little quilts can be sewn in a weekend. These bright and spunky quilts bring life to a child's room. The patterns are easy, there is a good set of instruction, both written and visual for each quilt. I LOVE the pink and the blue patchwork quilts, it will be fun choosing a color theme.


There are eight adorable quilt patterns featuring Karla's easy-as-pie piecing techniques. This would be a good book to take on a quilting retreat, and would be a wonderful addition to any household library. I love to make baby quilts to have on hand for when someone has a new baby. Fabrics have never been nicer, so ladies, are you going to join me in making a baby quilt?




ReSew turn thrift-store finds into fabulous designs by Jenny Wilding Cardon:

Are you living on a shoe-string? Are you handy with a sewing machine? Yearning for a unique look---well, this book, "Resew", is for you.

After going through this book I will think twice about going out and buying something new. If you want to save money, thrift store shopping and your imagination can totally change clothes into garments that are truly unique.

I was surprised that something plain like a sweatshirt could be changed into a sleeveless V top with cool decorating. Not buying any extras but using what you have. You can go from boring to exciting just with a pair of scissors, and a sewing machine. My oldest granddaughter is very creative, she loves making her own style. There are pages of making awesome skirts from curtains, sheets or pants. No, they are not weird looking, on the contrary, very pretty.

This has me thinking, why didn't I think of that? Reading over history books, in the 1930s, kids' clothes would be remade from adults' outfits that had worn out, the good parts saved. We are a throw away society, and are prone to debt. It is too easy to buy something new. There is also a pattern for a paper clip rug, based on the "toothbrush" rug. The style is similar to a braided or crocheted rug but requires much less fabric. Old jeans are perfect for this project.

You can make anything by recycling, a four patch sheet quilt, mittens, matching hat and scarf from an old sweater. The possibilities are endless. Just think your garment won't look like one of the mass-produced, it will be unique, really you, hip, or cool. It will SAVE you money, and show your friends just how creative you are. I always look for plain t-shirts at Walmart, so much cheaper.....I then machine embroider on them, use appliques I have kicking around, tie dye them, in other words change them. These t-shirts make great gifts....if I can do it so can you. You will have something nobody else in your neighborhood has. This book leaves it up to your imagination.

Review and Giveaway( USA Only): Bosco Chocolate Bars and Chocolate Syrup




Gerry and I love chocolate and don't like to miss an opportunity to try any we haven't yet tried.


We heard about Bosco, and had never tried it before as we live in Canada and it is not avialable here, but was quite happy to have had the opportunity to.

This was a thick milk chocolate bar with a nice smooth texture. One of those bars that you have to savour and let melt in your mouth.

Bosco is well known for making syrup for our milk and ice cream ,and now Bosco is available in this great tasting chocolate bar.

Bosco would like to give one lucky reader in the USA the opportunity to try their Bosco bars and syrup, and are giving away a package of 3 bars and 3 bottles of their syrup to one winner.

A random draw will be made by Random.org on March 28,2011 from all US entries recieved.



To Enter:

Tell me if you have tried Bosco syrup or their chocolate bars.


Extra Entries:
Add my button to your blog hop
Add my Writing Service button to your site
Follow me on Twitter:oneincome
Tweet this giveaway
Add this giveaway to your Linky
Grab my site button
Follow as a Google Friend
Follow as an email subscriber

Good luck to all!

Book Review: "Still Stripping - After 25 Years"!

Friday, March 18, 2011


Review by:Cynthia (my mom)


Quilt in a Day's "Still Stripping" After 25 years by Eleanor Burns:
"Still Stripping" after 25 years by Eleanor Burns is a must have book. This lady is so talented and her quilts are so beautiful! This book is a hard cover, packed with all kinds of quilting "goodies". Whether you have been quilting for years or are a beginner, this book is for you------it is so easy to follow, easy instructions, great illustrations, also yardages are given for all quilt sizes. I loved the personal photo history of Eleanor Burns throughout the book. She is one hard worker.

This book tells you how to press your fabric seams, how to use your rulers, what kind of thread to use. No stone is unturned! Lots and lots of useful information.

Did I mention that these quilts are made with 2 1/2" strips mostly, borders and binding vary in size. I can't wait to try some of these patterns. I would give this book a 10 out of 10. It is well worth the money. A great book to own.


Patterns include:Quarter Log Cabin, Love the Log Cabin, Four Sisters, Nine-Patch Party, Night Glow, Nine-Patch and Stripe, Road to Stardom, Stars and Four Patch, Gadabout, Cornerstone, Early Firecracker, Autograph, Candy Jar, Fabric Gal, Crossing Pathways, Don't Fence Me In, Pillow Sham

Agoo's Biggest Sale Ever! 70% Off End of Season Sale!



Agoo is having their biggest sale ever and they don't want you to miss out!
70% off *all their regular priced products! When you check out, you'll want to use coupon code: cleanup70.

*A few things though:
-shipping is not included
-the coupon code cannot be combined with any other codes or offers
-the coupon code cannot be combined with discount products
-the vouchers are not for resale or redeemable for cash

Now go out and grab this deal for best selection for your little ones!

Gold Coast Entertainment Guide




There’s so much happening year round on Queensland’s Gold Coast that holiday makers (all 10.5 million of them annually) are literally spoiled for choice when it comes to entertainment. And the action doesn’t let up around the clock!

The Gold Coast’s famous theme parks are on every visitor’s must-do list, from Dreamworld to Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Warner Bros Movie World and the heart-thumping Adrenaline Park. For a truly mind-boggling experience there’s the Infinity multi-dimensional maze.

Time a visit to the Gold Coast for one of the city’s many legendary festivals and sporting events. The Surfers Paradise Festival runs for four weeks through May and June or coincide your holiday with The Bin Short Film Festival, the Tastes of the Gold Coast food and wine festival or legendary sports events including the ARL Masters Carnival, National Wakeboard Championships, the Trans Tasman Vintage Cricket Carnival, the SuperGP or the Cooly Classic Coolangatta Ocean Swim.


In various precincts such as Broadbeach and Coolangatta-Tweed, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and live performances can be enjoyed until the wee hours. Real party animals, however, head for Surfers Paradise where nightclubs and bars sit cheek by jowl and there’s a huge choice of fun to be had. For a night out with a difference try the retro hip Strike Bowling Bar.

There’s excellent live music entertainment in venues around the Gold Coast. The Australian Outback Spectacular makes for a great night out or head for Conrad Jupiters to enjoy a Las Vegas style stage show then try your luck at the tables in the casino. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre also plays host to world class entertainment, sports events and concerts. For live theatre performances, comedy acts and movies, the Gold Coast Arts Centre at Bundall is the place to go.

There are plenty of Gold Coast hotels to use as your base while exploring all this vibrant region has to offer. So why not head to the Gold Coast soon and check out what’s on?

Today's winner

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Today's winner for this giveaway:

http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/03/review-and-giveaway-easy-quilt-projects.html

is:

nineteen19@blackfoot.net

** Winner has been contacted and has 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.
Thank you to all who entered!

Tools For Child Reading Development Success


Learning to read is a step-by-step process that should start at a young age. It is never too early for your child to be introduced to the wonderful world of reading. However, child reading development is a process that will take years to achieve. It is also important to keep in mind that every child learns at their own pace and should never be pushed to reading levels beyond their current capability. With that said there are several things to keep in mind when it comes time for your child to learn how to read.

Building FundamentalsYour child will need to be taught how to read, however most children learn by example. If you read to your child, then your child is much more likely to be successful when it comes time for them to learn how to read. By reading to your child they can hear the sounds of words and associate them with the scribbles on the page. Pictures also help your child associate words with tangible objects. It is important to read to your child continuously as this will build a strong foundation for a great reader.

Age GuidelinesIt is ever important to keep in mind that every child learns at their own pace, but the average child is able to read by first or second grade. Between ages 4 and 5 your child should be learning some pre-reading skills such as writing letters, recognizing and pronouncing simple words and learning rhyming patterns. Between ages 6 to 10 years old your child should be learning how to read, most of which will incur in first grade. By the time your child reaches third grade they should be able to read independently. However, learning how to read should not stop there. During the years of 11 to 13 your child should be learning how to read to learn, which means they should be able to fully comprehend what they read and be able to learn lessons or knowledge from it.

The Top FiveThere are five skills that ensures child’s reading development (see some interesting articles). The first of which is phonemic awareness, which is the realization that the English language is made up of various sounds.
Second, is phonemic decoding, which is the ability to associate a letter with its sound. The other three building blocks include vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills. Mastering these five skills will ensure the makeup of a successful reader.

Organization Tips For Your Garage



Ziploc and the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) have quick and convenient storage and organization tips for your garage.


-Spray adhesive on one side of a 1-quart Freezer

Ziploc® Bag and stick on the side of a storage box.

Write the contents of the box on a card and slip into

the Ziploc® Bag.



-After opening large bags of pet food, cat litter, charcoal,

fertilizer, ice melt, etc. place them in the right sized

Ziploc® Big Bag and seal. No more spills and it’s

easily toted.



-Protect user manuals for the power tools by punching

hole just below the zipper in a Ziploc® Bag (1 gallon

freezer bag) and hang next to the tool.



- Or organize small hardware and craft pieces with small

Ziploc® Bags. Punch a hole just under the zipper and

hang. Everything you need is in full view.



- If you have to stop painting in the middle of a project

place the brush into a Ziploc® Bag, seal and freeze.

Tip: Remove the brush one hour before you start

painting again.



-Recycling made easy! Hang an opened Ziploc® Big Bag on

a garage wall. Toss in recyclable plastic bottles.

Debt Consolidation As A Personal Financial Strategy

Wednesday, March 16, 2011


Many people find their selves deeply indebted because of lack of good financial plan. If you find yourself in such a situation, you would surely need an effective debt management strategy. At this point, the best option to consider and take is debt consolidation. It could be your best way out if you are entangled in numerous uncontrollable and unmanageable debts.



Debt consolidation is ideal because it could be an effective technique to overcome the situation without being further harmed. In fact, it could keep you sane and confident. Debt consolidation brings about hope especially if you have gotten to a point when you think it would be too difficult if not impossible to be totally debt-free.
So how does debt consolidation work? In definition, it is the process when multiple debts are tied down or consolidated into one. The idea is mostly to make the debts more manageable so you would avoid possible defaults, which incur more penalties and fees. It is also logical that doing so could help you lower your interest payments by up to 50%.


One monthly bill
Who would not prefer to have just one monthly bill for all the debts? You would gain advantage from that. As mentioned, it would make your debts more manageable. Monitoring your debt could be more effective. Through debt consolidation, you could eliminate the need to deal with several other loan providers or banks throughout each month.
Have you tried summing up all the interest payments and other costs of keeping different loans or debts? You may be surprised at how much you are paying every month without reducing your total debt principal. Without debt consolidation, you may find yourself being indebted for many years, even decades.


Debt consolidation products
Not surprisingly, many loan providers get into this lending segment. They offer debt consolidation products that are aimed to be more competitive than all others. The result: borrowers like you end up with more options when it comes to debt consolidation products. There are debt consolidation loans that are especially and specifically for this purpose. Mortgages, personal loans, and other credit facilities could also be used for the same intention.
Even credit cards could be strategically used for debt consolidation. You could find and use one that offers balance transfers and imposes lower rates (if not 0%) on such transactions. You could repay all your other debts using a low-interest credit card. This way, you would deal with just one debt that you have to regularly repay.


Debt consolidation online
The Internet has become a great venue not just to find debt consolidation products and options but also to do such transactions. Going online for the purpose is not just convenient; it is also cost efficient and fast. It should not surprise you that many loan providers operate online to reach out to more borrowers and target customers.
Are you considering debt consolidation? It is time you inform yourself more about this sound financial option. It is actually a strategy that you could take to emerge out of any measly debt situation.

Tips on Sealing Air Leaks for a More Comfortable, Energy Efficient Home


Whether it’s keeping out the winter drafts or guarding against summer heat, most homeowners know the challenge of maintaining a comfortable living environment while watching their budget. Air leaks from drafty windows, gaps and cracks around the house can cause even a well-insulated home’s energy bills to soar. However, air sealing a home with Touch-n-Foam DIY insulating foam sealants is an easy and inexpensive way for homeowners to improve energy efficiency and home comfort year-round.

The first step in air sealing a home begins with locating the leaks.Then selecting the right foam to fill those voids.

Drafty windows and doors are a common culprit when it comes to soaring energy bills and compromising home comfort as well, and can also be sealed with a window and no warp door sealant.


The bulk of energy loss in a home comes from dozens of small holes, cracks and gaps inside and outside that allow air leakage. Sealing air leaks with insulating spray foam sealants is one of the most practical and economical ways to block heat loss in winter and gain extra savings for you.

Tommorow is :St. Patrick’s Day! A Healthy Shade of Green

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) by eating green—no food coloring necessary!

This year, you don’t have to eat corned beef and cabbage to bring out the Irish in you. Everyone can stay healthy with these fresh green appetizers from Del Monte and Starkist that’ll make you the hit of the party.

Check out the recipes below to find out how you can get 130% of your Vitamin C in one festive serving!


Creamy Spinach Dip






Ingredients

· 1 can (13-1/2 oz.) DEL MONTE® Whole Leaf or Chopped Spinach

· 2 cups light sour cream

· 1/4 cup light mayonnaise

· 1 pkg. (1.4 oz.) dry onion soup mix

· 1 cup chopped red pepper

Directions

1. Drain spinach well reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Chop spinach (if using Whole Leaf Spinach).

2. Combine reserved liquid, sour cream, mayonnaise and soup mix. Stir in spinach and red pepper.

3. Refrigerate several hours or overnight to blend flavors. Serve with vegetables, bread or crackers

Per Serving/% DAILY VALUE

Vitamin A - 60 %

Vitamin C - 130 %

Calcium - 20 %

Iron - 4 %



Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip
A flavorful twist to one of your favorite appetizers!





Created by: StarKist

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: Makes ~ 2 cups dip (~8 servings)



Ingredients:
· 1 pouch (6.4 oz.) StarKist® Chunk Light Tuna in Water

· 1 can (14 oz.) artichokes, drained and chopped

· ½ cup light mayonnaise

· ½ cup light sour cream

· 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

· Dash hot sauce

· 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed well

· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
· Preheat oven to 375°F.

· Mix artichokes, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard and hot sauce in a medium bowl until well blended.

· Add tuna, spinach and cheese. Mix until well blended.

· Place in small casserole dish (2 cup size) and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

· Serve in dish or in hollowed out bread bowl.

Tips:
For a flavorful twist, use 2 pouches (4.5 oz.) StarKist Tuna Creations®, Zesty Lemon Pepper in place of Chunk Light Tuna

Per Serving/% DAILY VALUE

Vitamin A - 50 %

Vitamin C - 4 %

Calcium - 12 %

Iron - 4 %

Protein: 10 g

Cutting Costs On Home Expenses



With the Great Recession rounding the corner on another year, nearly everyone is now looking for ways to tighten the belt. Even those who have managed to hang onto their jobs are probably feeling the effects of the poor economy, and anyone who has suffered a layoff certainly can’t afford to spend money like they did a few short years ago. And of course, one of the most effective ways to reduce your budget and spend less is to cut back on your monthly bills. In other words, you need to sift through your home expenses to find ways that you can slash costs in order to come out even (or ahead, for a change). Here are just a few ways you can get started with saving and put yourself on track for less expense when it comes to home costs.


Refinance and consolidate debt. With interest rates remaining low, now is a great time to refinance if you can manage it (although many banks are reticent to do so). If you can roll other debt into your 30-year fixed home loan, so much the better. Just about any current debt, from car loans to credit cards, can be greatly reduced through consolidation and refinancing. The best part is, you’ll not only cut back on what you pay in the long run, but you can probably decrease your monthly payments, as well.


Sub Hulu for cable. Forget about paying $100 a month for a thousand channels only to find that there’s never anything on. Instead, pay $20-30 for a DSL or cable modem connection, plus eight bucks a month for the Hulu plus package online (more TV shows than you can shake a stick at). You could even throw in a basic Netflix account and still save about half over your cable bill. Home entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to look.


Conserve. Water and electricity are two utilities that you can really save on through conservation practices. Turn off lights when you leave the house, install energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, wear a sweater in the winter to keep the temperature lower, set the thermostat on a timer, and think about getting low-flow toilets. All of these things can save you a lot on your utility bills in the long run, drastically cutting the costs of supporting a household (and some of them come with rebates or tax breaks attached).


Recycle. Okay, this isn’t actually a way to cut costs, per se. But instead of sending bottles and cans to the landfill, where they will only take up space until the apocalypse, why not use them to bolster your bottom line? By taking these items to the recycling center, you could actually earn some cash on what could have been trash. And that’s nothing to sniff at when you’re trying to create a workable budget and cut spending.


Host potlucks
. The cost of food can get pretty high, but by hosting a weekly potluck you are only responsible for a portion of the meal, which means you could end up with a whole lot of food and a variety of leftovers at minimal cost.



Kyle Simpson writes for PO Factoring. With purchase order financing you can grow your business and pave the way for more.

Refinance More Than Just Your Home



Regardless of your monthly income, everyone wants to try to save money. However, it is more often the case that most of us are not rich and we need to save money not just want to. The possibilities and ways to save money are far greater than you think. As well informed budgeters we know the common ways to save money such as thrifty shopping and recycling and reusing, but you may not know that auto refinance is just another way to save money.

Most people know that they can save a bunch of money by refinancing their home with a lower interest rate, but what they may not know is they can do the same for their vehicle. That’s right; you can save money by refinancing your vehicle. This may be surprising to many as they did not know auto refinancing was even available.

However, there auto refinancing requirements to consider before you start the refinancing process. Several factors that might come in to play are the year of the vehicle, type of vehicle, your credit, and your monthly income. As far as your vehicle goes most companies will only refinance newer vehicles and most types are accepted. As for yourself you will have to be in good standing credit and have a sufficient monthly income. If your vehicle and you meet the requirements to refinance then you will have found one more way to save some cash.

This money saving strategy is not for everyone, but it does not hurt to do some research to find out if it is right for you. As hard working consumers we are driven to save money, regardless of our financial situation, so it is always helpful to find new ways to save. However, nothing is a quick fix for money problems. The best thing you can do for yourself is become knowledgeable in every area of your own finances.

Review:Rotsina Creations

Tuesday, March 15, 2011


Review by: Cynthia (my mom)


Wow! This cat locket is one of a kind, I LOVE it! It comes from Rotsina Creations, which sells epoxy enamel artwork online. They have beautiful pieces in their shop as well as do custom orders.
I will have a hard time picking out which one of my cats' photos to put inside the locket. Or you can put your grandkids or other loved one.
I thought the cat on the necklace has well defined features, it is set into the circle quite secure
so it won't fall off. The chain is strong. This type of jewelry would suit all age groups, from a teen to a grandma, like myself. If you like something different, and unique this is it.....I'm a cat person, and that is why it appealed to me. The necklaces are done in fine craftsmanship. Would I recommend this jewelry to others, definitely! Very nicely done. Even the box that the locket came in is very pretty....these lockets would make beautiful gifts for that someone special, birthday, Christmas or just because. There is a wide variety of designs to suit anyone's tastes, and the work is beautiful.

March is National Craft Month



It was decided in 1994 by the Craft and Hobby Association that the month of March would celebrate the art of crafts. It is no wonder a whole month has been dedicated to this inexpensive past time, as it is fun activity for the entire family and a great way to decorate your home. There is truly something for everyone when it comes to making and designing crafts. Kids enjoy making toys, jewelry and books. While women may be inspired to create crafts geared towards decorating the home such as a wreath or table centerpiece. Men can even enjoy crafting, especially crafts that involve power tools. The possibilities of what you can create while crafting are endless, so grab a hot glue and some scissors and get crafting.

Won't you take a moment to visit our sponsers:


-Crafter's Projects from Elmers plus a great creative thinking contest

-Rowenta-debuting three new irons that are sure to help with the crafting creation process.
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