Today's Winner

Today's winner of the following:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/02/review-and-giveaway-usa-only-raising.html
is : ccrlund@gmail.com

Winner has been contacted- and all winners have 7 days to send me their info, before a new winner is redrawn.

Thank you to all who entered!

Reviews for your Handmades!

If you have an Etsy store, make a handmade product or sell family friendly products then I would love to talk to you. If you are interested in having me review your product and then putting you on the spotlight here then please email me at: oneincomedollar@yahoo.ca

How to Save Money in this Economy: Dry Cleaning. Just say No!

A friend of mine recently was talking about how her husband has to get all of his shirts pressed at the dry cleaner.


The truth is it’s expensive, bad for the environment and easily avoided. I don’t go to the dry cleaner any more.

For pressing creases I do use an iron, but I bought a semi-professional steamer with a hanging rack from Rowenta, to get out wrinkles. It works very well on thinner materials, like blouses, rayon, synthetics and cotton shirts, but denim takes too long.

Also, I take things out of the dryer and shake them out immediately. For clothes that I would normally take to the dry cleaner I use my Dryel kit. I get dry cleaning results without the high costs. With the kit you get a bag to put your dry-cleaning in and dry cleaning sheets including a spot remover. You put the clothes and one sheet in the bag. Toss it in the dryer on medium heat for 30 minutes and then voila! You have beautiful, fresh wrinkle free clothes! I get great results.

If something, like a shirt, is very wrinkled, spray it with water and shake it out befor putting it in the bag. That should do the trick. Let’s fill up our piggy banks with savings and get some holiday beer. Oops, did I mean cheer?
 
 
Jessica Schanberg, is a graphic designer, illustrator, writer and blogger based in Chicago, Illinois. She has a background in the fine arts, travel writing and a passion for graphic design. She grew up in Manhattan and was inspired by the graffiti and street art that surrounded her as a teenager in the 1980's. You can see more of her illustrations and writing at her blog http://www.lemonstollamas.com
 and her graphic design work is shown here at http://www.pixelpeony.com
 

Today's Ramblings and Sale on My Book

I realized I haven't rambled for a while.I have been doing alot more product reviews and giveaways since I started the site that that in itself takes up my writing time.I have also started Spring cleaning- I love this time of year when I can open the windows, let some fresh air in and everything gets a fresh smell! Some of you may live in areas where you have nice weather year round- lucky you- but we have cold more than nice, so are super glad to see the sun when it shines!
I have filled some of of my posts as well with guest posts, which isn't too bad- it gives a perspective on different topics from different angles.I feel anyhow.Although I have been feeling guilty lately for not being more "personal".
I have reduced the price on the book to $9.99 plus shipping. Please note: this was the cost that I paid to have my book printed so it is a great deal for anyone....I am trying to pay down my debt incurred with this so if you can help out, please buy a book- it's great reading!
On another note-I quit my term job I had started 2 months ago. The money was great.. and I really only had to stay with it till the end of May, but it really wasn't what I wanted to do, was not happy with doing, and I was having some of my health issues that I mention in my book, get in the way.
I am looking for another job-but if I find one, I do, and if not, we are back to the one income family we were before.
Gerry is getting a good tax refund this year so that is a help towards reducing some debt, and towards renos on the bathroom and back entrance way.He will also be getting a company bonus this Spring too, so it will help with some things we want to plan, and keep our heads above water.
On another note- grad for Erika will be in June- and we've already had the added expense of photos and her dress. We have tried to teach her that not all should be handed to you though, and she has helped towards her dress. We hope to sell it on Ebay later and recoupe some of that as well.
Money, money , money.
Back  re-reading my frugal and penny pinching books again...it's good for me to stay reminded to stay focused on being careful with what we do have.We still enjoy life but are always careful with choices we make.
With the nice weather though will come reduced power and heat bills so that will be nice. The new furnace we had installed in the Fall was a big money saver as well so we should have a nice sized credit coming back come June- as we are on equal billing with our propane heat.
Well, enough rambling for now-must get back to my ironing I started.
Hope you all have a great weekend!

Looking for Personal Finance and Cook Books to Review

I am always searching for great books to read on personal finance:
penny pinching, frugal, early retirement planning, and the simple life.As well, good cookbooks- simple and easy recipes.
If you have written a book or are a publishing company, I would love to hear from you- and do a book review for your book.
Please contact: oneincomedollar@yahoo.ca

Learn How To Track Your Spending

You have just realized that you need to start living within a budget. You sit down and begin to prepare to setup a budget but have not quite figured out how to completely track your spending. Since getting an accurate budget is critical to solving your debt issues and possibly your credit problems, learning how to track your spending is the first logical step in the process. If you know exactly where every dime is going, and then working on your budget will become easy. But if you guess and don't accurately plan your spending, your budget will be a guess and probably not an accurate assessment in solving your credit issues. Here are some tips to help you get the accurate information that you need.
 
1. First start by writing down what your beginning balance is going to be. This may be what you are planning on spending each day or it may be what you hope not to spend more than. Keeping this number written down and "unreachable" will be the most important start to the process.
 
2. Get receipts for everything including the dime that you spent on gum at the local drugstore. Receipts will not allow you to cheat your numbers. Store the receipts all together in a case or pockets that will you will not be able to lose them. If you use a credit card or a debit card, then it will be easier to track that information online.
 
 3. Keep track of errands that you run to see if they add additional expenditures while you are out. For example, if you run to the store do you make a stop at other places that you would not normally stop at? Getting fuel for the car, do you stop and get a coffee and/or a donut as well? These extra stops often become habit and are not really part of the errand that you need to run.
 
4. Most people will spend less if they use cash only. If you pay your bills by check or credit card and everything else is in cash, soon you will find yourself spending less since you don't want to spend cash. This really works, try it. Additionally, if you teach yourself that when the money is spent there is no more, you will find that your cash goes much further.
 
 5. There are many software programs out there to assist you in tracking your spending. Spreadsheets are generally the least expensive way to gather that information but there are more detailed programs like Microsoft Money or Quicken to help with the day to day spending. Keep track of your spending very accurately for the first 30 days or so. This will help you to understand where your money is going on a daily basis. By tracking your spending you will be able to realize that controlling your spending is very important.
 
 
6. Honesty is your best friend. If you want the information and benefits to be good, then putting good information into the system is the best way to see good results. Remember garbage in, garbage out. Once you have done this for several months (I personally recommend no less than 90 days to get an accurate picture). You can then work to resolve any problems or issues you have with your budget. Setting a budget and following it will help you resolve any money issues you may have. Then once you have control of your spending and are following a budget, you can start working on any credit problems that you have. Credit Repair is best begun when you have control of your spending and are following a budget. Bad credit is a result of someone who has no control over their spending or following their budget.



 
Author: Mel Jensen

Review and Free for Postage- First 25 Entrants! Gud Fud Candy

GÜDFÜD is a global brand made up of fun stuff that brightens up our everyday lives. The collection of products include snacks, apparel and accessories. They are completely committed to serving up a smile and manufacturing the best quality possible.

Our family had the opportunity to sample their chocolate and fruit filled marshmallows.Yummy!

Please feel free to look through their online store-lots of goodies!

GÜDFÜD would love to offer either the chocolate or the fruit filled marshmallows to the first 25 respondants for the cost of shipping only! The offer will be valid thru May 1, 2010.

Please email oneincomedollar@yahoo.ca

to get your online code.

Remember.. this is a first come first served offer to the first 25 respondants!

Thank you!

Review-Lush's Beat the Winter Blues!

I truly cannot get enough of the wonderful products that Lush has to offer.

I love my baths and my showers, like most do- and love smelling good and feeling relaxed when I'm in there.

Lush really hits it home with their great feeling and scented products.

I had the opportunity to be spoiled again with products to Beat the Winter Blues:

Up You Gets Emotibomb Smacks your scent detectors and wakes up your brain -

I loved this bomb because it made my skin feel smooth and it smelled like lemon lime! It was so nice that I didn't wanna get out of the tub!

Happy 4 SAD Shower Gel C'mon get happy in the shower with a dose of liquid sunshine

My skin thanks me after showers with the fruity scent of this shower gel. And as an added bonus,my bathroom smells wonderful!

Thank you LUSH

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! ANNOUNCES TORONTO SHOWS TO TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 16th & 17th -Ticket Giveaway!

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! ANNOUNCES TORONTO SHOWS TO TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 16th & 17th

Toronto, ON - On the heels of the sold out YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! tour in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Dallas in late 2009,W!ldbrain, The Magic Store and tour producer S2BN Entertainment are bringing YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to Toronto, ON on March 16th & 17th at 11AM & 3PM at the Elgin Theatre.



In addition to the Toronto performances, YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! will be appearing in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Fort Wayne, Cincinnati and St. Louis as a part of the 2010 tour.


This state-of-the-art production featuring music, singing, dancing and animation is an interactive experience offering audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life with the magic words, “Yo Gabba Gabba!.” Also joining DJ Lance and the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach the kids how to beat box with Biz’s Beat of the Day as well as special guests The Aquabats, whose front man Christian Jacobs (aka the Bat Commander) is the co-creator of Yo Gabba Gabba!, for the Super Music Friends Show.
Toronto:



Tuesday, March 16 – 11AM & 3PM



Wednesday, March 17 – 11AM & 3PM



Elgin Theatre



Tickets are $35.00







Gold Gabba Party Packages are available for $99.00, which includes premium seats, a meet and greet with the Yo Gabba Gabba! characters, a special entrance to theater, and much more. They will be available for purchase through Yogabbagabbalive.com or Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre Box Office, 189 Yonge Street, just north of Queen Street, opposite the Eaton Centre. Box Office hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm, closed Sunday and Monday. To order by phone call Ticketmaster at 416-872-5555.There will be a $5.00 off discount for groups of 10 or more. Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap.







YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is the live touring show for the hit children’s program, which was created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and is produced by The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN. The live-action U.S. stage production, directed by Glenn Orsher, is inspired by the award-winning television series, and has a broad appeal among preschoolers, parents, teens and adults. Mike Luba is the Executive Producer. DJ Lance Rock and everyone’s favorite cast of characters – Brobee (the little green one), Foofa (the pink flower bubble), Muno (the red Cyclops), Plex (the magic robot) and Toodee (the blue cat-dragon) rock out to their favorite songs from the groundbreaking series while special guests show off their “dancey dance” moves.





About Yo Gabba Gabba!

Yo Gabba Gabba! premiered in the U.S. on Nickelodeon in August, 2007 and currently ranks as one of the most popular children series on television. Yo Gabba Gabba!, was voted as one of the best new shows on television by TIME magazine, won a BAFTA Award in 2008, was awarded the “Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Television” Award by the Television Critics Association, and is a two-time Emmy nominee. The series airs three times a day, seven days a week on Nick Jr. and in several major international territories, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Latin America, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.K.



Yo Gabba Gabba! infuses retro-style and beat-driven music to teach simple life lessons through music. Today’s most popular names in movies, television, music and sports flock to guest star in the groundbreaking show, including Jack Black, Rachel Dratch, Melora Hardin, Tony Hawk, Biz Markie, Jack McBrayer, MGMT, Mark Mothersbaugh, The Roots, Andy Samberg, Amy Sedaris, The Shins, Amare Stoudemire, The Ting Tings, Jimmy Eat World and Elijah Wood, among others. Yo Gabba Gabba! toys, apparel and other merchandise are sold in stores nationwide in the U.S. and Canada and have skyrocketed in popularity. Yo Gabba Gabba! is recommended as a trusted program for preschoolers by The Smart Television Alliance, a non-profit organization comprised of leading non-profit children’s media organizations including Common Sense Media, Parents’ Choice Foundation, Parents Television Council and Coalition for Quality children’s Media: KIDS FIRST!. Visit www.yogabbagabba.com.







About W!LDBRAIN

W!ldbrain is an award-winning entertainment company and one of the world’s foremost producers of animation. The studio develops and produces television, motion pictures, short-form programming, commercial content and licensed merchandise. W!ldbrain has produced an exceptional slate of programming, including the critically acclaimed television series Yo Gabba Gabba! (Nick Jr.) and the live touring show Yo Gabba Gabba!: There’s A Party in My City!; The Ricky Gervais Show (HBO) and the hit Disney series, Higglytown Heroes. Some upcoming television and short-form projects include Bubble Guppies, an animated series for Nick Jr., The Hard Times of RJ Berger, an animated series for MTV and Team Smithereen, the short-form stunt puppet show from Dan Clark. W!ldbrain and its creative team have won top industry awards. In film, the studio won an Annie for its computer graphics short film, Hubert’s Brain. W!ldbrain has received Clios, Addys, BDA Awards and Annies for their commercial work, reinvigorating classic brands for leading companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Honda, Kraft and Nike and has gained national attention for their animation work on behalf of Esurance, Ubisoft and Virgin America. W!ldbrain’s sister company, Kidrobot, creates limited edition toys, clothing, artwork and books, with stores in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami. W!ldbrain is based in Los Angeles, CA. www.wildbrain.com.



About S2BN Entertainment




S2BN Entertainment is a diversified international family show and event entertainment company specializing in the acquisition, development and production of high caliber touring exhibitions, unique live music tours and events, theatrical performances, and consumer and multimedia product offerings. Our experienced management team executes activities across all types of global venues – from stadiums to theaters. S2BN Entertainment provides extraordinary experiences for our clients and our customers.







For additional information, please see below:


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Yo-Gabba-Gabba/42220833615?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/yogabbagabba


Giveaway: 4 tickets for March 16th show at 3pm- all 4 tickets will be awarded to one family.
Canada only-Toronto Show...
Random.org will make the selection on March 10,2010.

To enter: Please send your email -it's that easy!

Good luck to all!

Review and Giveaway:Mama's House Oh So Good Home Cooking

I love to cook and bake, but I don't like hard recipes or recipes that call for alot of fancy ingrediants. I like simple recipes.Well "Mama's House-Oh So Good Cooking " is just that.I love this cookbook and can't wait to see her next one, as she is already working on her second cookbook!

Some of the recipes included in the cookbook are: "Good Old Fashioned Flour Biscuits","Stuffed Fresh Mushrooms","Great Taco Salad", and more!

This book is about some of the wonderful dishes  author , Brenda Kay and her sisters had at home when they were growing up. Simple and on the table fast. Her mother and grandmother were wonderful cooks , and she's tried to show some easy and good dishes that you will be proud to serve . Just good old fashion cooking.

This great "back to basics" cookbook is available through the publisher at Author House .
This book may also be available at your local retailer.

I truly give this cookbook a thumbs up.

If you would like to win your own copy, the author and publisher are giving one copy away to one lucky reader in Canada or the USA.
Random.org will select a winner from all entries recieved by March 9th,2010

To Enter:
Send us your email -it's that easy!

For Extra Entries:
-Follow me in Twitter
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-Grab my button
-Add this giveaway to your site
-Sign up as an email subscriber


Good luck to all!