Pleasant Dreams Event: Review only:CSN - Bedroom Furniture.com

You may have read my post back on August 11th. I was to recieve some flannel sheets from CSN's, Bedroom Furniture.com.
Well, that didn't quite work out to get the flannel sheets, but I did instead recieve their Simple Luxury 300 Thread Count Solid Sheet Set.

I chose the taupe ones as they go with the earth tones of my bedroom. They are very nice. I actually have never seen or felt 300 count sheets before.Almost satiny.They seem soft and very comfortable.

Definately a product I would recommend.Would make a nice gift as well.

Review and Giveaway! Big Skinny

 

If you could choose a wallet that was lighter, thinner and smaller than most regular wallets, would you?

I recieved for review,  The Executive.

Mine came in a dark purple color.Gerry said I won't miss it in my purse because of the color- and how true!

 I was amazed that what I had in my thicker bulky wallet, all fit in the new Big Skinny.

Big Skinny wallets are designed with one single purpose—to make wallet carrying more

comfortable—by making your wallet thinner, smaller,and  lighter.

      

                                                                 

Gerry loved his wallet as well. He recieved the The Multi Pocket bi-fold wallet.His normal leather wallet was big and bulky as well, once it was filled.The Big Skinny made it quite small, compact and light. He said he had never not had a leather wallet.
As well, he loved the sleek feeling of it in his back pocket instead of this big bump!

5 Major problems solved by the Big Skinny Wallets


1) World's Thinnest Wallet--everyone hates a thick wallet especially back to school folks that can't be burdened or slowed down or limited by an old-school thick heavy leather wallet. Their Big Skinny wallets are 5-7 thinner than regular wallets so ultimately your final wallet size can be reduced by 50-75%.



2) World's Lightest Wallets: not only thinner by 7 times lighter than leather wallets their sports wallets weigh under an ounce so all you feel is just what you put in them. The combo of thinner and lighter increases comfort levels and is better for your back and posture when they are sitting in school all day. Especially their specially designed super skinny model see http://www.bigskinny.net/thin-wallet--healthy-back.html .



3) Extra-wide pockets-- old school wallets have too narrow pockets making it hard to fit cards and even harder to get them out--a problem solved for any age by our wallets.



4) Slipperyness of the interior--old school wallets have a slick interior so your stuff falls out easily especially since leather stretches out easily and quickly. Their Big Skinny wallets are lined with a rubbery coating so it's harder to lose your goods to gravity--see pics of their wallets being shaken upside down on our website. Less loss of money and important stuff--pretty vital anyone who can't afford to lose their stuff. Pretty good economic angle plus the fact that their prices are very affordable ranging from $7.95 to $29.95,they  have a size and style & color for everyone. The perfect gift for men or women.



5) Versatility---Water resistant and tough enough to machine wash regularly makes them the perfect performance sport wallet. Perfect for the active lifestyle. Plus everyone loves the name: Big Skinny.



Big Skinny would like to like to give away to one lucky reader from Canada or the USA, a wallet of their choice from anything they carry.
A draw will be made by the folks at Big Skinny on or after  Sept. 2,2010.


To Enter:

Big Skinny would like to add people to their quarterly newsletter mailings and have requested your email address for entry. This will be the main requirement for this giveaway.


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Good luck to all!

Food Prices on the Rise: What You Need to Know

If you are like most people who want to save money on the grocery bill, you have probably already embraced several useful tactics to accomplish that end, from cutting coupons to buying generic to waiting for sales on meats and other expensive items. However, the fact that you are already doing a lot to cut spending only makes it harder for you to find new ways to save when food costs increase, as has happened this year. In fact, many food items that you find in the grocery store are prone to experience price fluctuations due to a number of factors, including growing conditions (or supply of crops), shipping costs, consumer demand, and retailer markup. And although most stores are reluctant to pass on rising wholesale costs to consumers during a recession (when people are unwilling or unable to absorb the hike in prices), you will almost certainly find that it reaches you in other ways.


For starters, you may, in fact, notice that the cost of some goods has gone up. Earlier in the year, Florida experienced an early cold snap that significantly reduced the output of some of their major crops (mainly tomatoes and other vegetables). While other states also supply some of these items, the fact that other farms didn’t plan to cover such a gap may leave a shortage that bumps up the cost for consumers. However, most vegetable crops grow fairly quickly, so you might not see any indication that this incident has affected the market. But even if you don’t notice the price of fresh veggies soaring, you may feel the squeeze in other ways. In some cases, a severe shortage of a particular crop can mean that the items you want simply aren’t available. Remember the horrible El Niño year in the late ‘90s that affected lettuce crops in California? It was months before romaine lettuce was available to a large portion of the country.

In addition, producers, manufacturers, and retailers may pass the cost on to you in other, more insidious ways. For example, you may buy a box of cereal for the same cost you always pay only to discover that it is now sold in a smaller box. In other words, there has been a significant reduction in the contents. Or they may sell it in the exact same box but put less cereal in. In either case, they are attempting to dupe the public into essentially paying more for less. But what can you do to combat these trends in rising food costs?

The best course of action is to keep doing what you’re already doing, which is shopping sales and utilizing coupons. However, if you find the fluctuating prices of fresh produce a bit unsettling, there are other ways to get what you want for less money. You can visit your local farmer’s market throughout the summer months, buy in bulk for better prices, and freeze or can the extra fruits and veggies for use throughout the winter. Or if you’re handy in the garden, simply plant your own. There’s no better and cheaper way to enjoy plenty of fresh produce at a fraction of the cost. As for items that you can’t produce on your own, consider filing a complaint so that companies realize that consumers are disgruntled. Or consider asking for free samples of certain items to counteract the added cost (or reduced weight).





Dana Livingston is a writer for a culinary institute website where you can browse schools and the latest trends in the culinary arena.

Pleasant Dreams Event: Review and Giveaway: Protect-A-Bed

I was quite happy to see my plush mattress protector arrive from Protect-A-Bed.

Although bed change day isn't till Sunday, I quickly opened up the package and proceeded to strip the bed and change the cover.

I already had a cloth mattress protector on it, but this one was undoubtedly, a better quality. Now my niece can have my other one for her bed.

Their plush mattress protector,  is 100% polyester with a luxurious velour topside, offering all the allergy-free benefits of their premium mattress protector. It is so nice.It even felt different sleeping on it. Much thicker than my old one, and let me tell you, I had a good night's sleep.

See as well what others have to say about Protect-A-Bed.

Every mattress needs protection from allergens, irritants, liquids and stains; protection that a typical mattress covers may not provide. Protect-A-Bed® mattress protectors keep your mattress clean, promote excellent hygiene and help create a dry, allergy-free sleep environment for people of all ages.

All Protect-A-Bed® Mattress protectors are…


•Waterproof yet air vapor porous and act in the same way as human skin.

•Effective in preventing bacteria and dust mites – a major cause of asthma, eczema and rhinitis – from breeding in your mattress.

•Absorbent.

•Especially helpful in cases of incontinence.

•Fitted-sheet style.

•Easy to maintain

•Expandable skirt ensures mattress protector fits any depth of mattress, from 8” to 20”.

•Can be used on all visco elastic, inner spring and latex mattresses.

•Protects mattress from accidental stains – spills, perspiration, bodily fluids. Don't settle for typical mattress covers. Protect-A-Bed® offers a wide range of mattress protectors to suit your needs and mattress size…
 
 
You can shop online or locate a store near you by seeing their store locator.
 
 
Or you can try your luck, as one winner from Canada or the USA will win their own plush mattress protector with 2 premium pillow protectors.
A random drawing will be made by Random.org from all entries received- draw to be held September 8,2010.
 
 
To Enter:
Tell me if you are currently using a mattress or pillow protector.
 
 
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Best of luck to all!


 

Today's Winner

karasceviour at hotmail dot com
is today's winner of:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2010/08/review-and-giveaway-anniversary-rose.html

Winner has 7 days to contact me before a new winner is chosen.

***Thank you to all who entered!

Keeping Cool For Less

We pay for heat in the winter and then we pay for air conditioning in the summer. If only there was a way to bottle up the opposite temperature so that we could use it later in the year.



As the summer heat picks up people are looking for ways to keep cool without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips:

Programmable thermostats


Using air conditioning when no one is home or at night, when the temperature drops, is a poor financial decision. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust your air conditioner’s settings automatically so that you get a nice cool down when you wake up and when you get home from work.

Don't get carried away with AC, otherwise the energy bills at the end of the month will get your blood boiling.


Ceiling fans


This one appliance alone can make a room in your home feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler.


The initial investment might be slightly more than a floor fan but if you plan to live in your home for a while it can save you a lot of money.


Use your air conditioning properly


If you are going to use air conditioning then you should use it in an efficient manner. If you put televisions, lamps, and other appliances (that generate heat) near to your air conditioner's thermostat you can expect it be working inefficiently.


You'll also be defeating the purpose of cooling your house if your appliances are competing against each other for temperature levels... so turn off those bulky lamps and open the windows!


A little shade


Stop being a wuss and get outside. For some people, this can be one of the tougher solutions but it is an important one to mention.


Instead of hiding in the house all day, get outside and find a nice tree to sit under. If you have to do some mowing or garden work then make sure you do it in the morning or in the evening.

These chores can be tough in the middle of the hot afternoon but sometimes you don't have the choice.


Don't let the cold air escape


In hotter climates it is hard to avoid using an air conditioner. You're probably paying a lot to have these great creature comforts so don't let that cool air just float away from your home.


Make sure that your weather stripping and caulking is done properly. You can also check for holes in your air conditioning ducts. If need be, you should add extra insulation around the ducts that are in crawl spaces, attics, and in your garage.


Those are just a few ways to cool down and save money on air conditioning costs - it might take a bit more effort but you can keep cool without spending a lot.





Kerry Foster is a freelance writer. He contributes to a number of websites with articles about frugal living and financial topics. One of the websites he writes for is RRSP Calculator

Last-Minute Summer Fun for Kids

I won’t lie to you, I’ve started my countdown for the first day of school and I’m already planning my own personal celebration for that day. At the same time, I’m aware that summer is rapidly coming to an end, and there are a few fun summer activities that we haven’t yet completed as a family.


If you also feel some pressure to achieve last-minute memories of summer fun, here are some ideas to help!


Head to the Library


If your kids participated in summer reading, it's time to turn in those calendars for prizes! Usually when kids turn in a completed summer reading calendar, they get to choose a free book and they receive a packet of prizes that include coupons to local businesses – a sample of ours is a coupon for a free ice cream cone at McDonald’s, a coupon for free admission to the local aquatic park, and a free lunch at a pizza place in town.


Once you dig through the prizes, schedule when you’ll go out and use them during the last couple of weeks of summer for some free fun with your kids!

Host a Play Date


We haven’t had nearly the amount of play dates that I had intended when the summer started. Take these last few weeks and schedule a couple with friends and their kids. The parents can use the adult conversation while the kids burn off their energy!


Get Wet at a Splash Park

There’s a reason why these last days of summer are called “the dog days” – it’s hot! You may want to take your play date out on the town to one of your local splash parks. Schedule the time and place with friends and take a picnic full of snacks and water. Many times there are play structures nearby that the kids can also play on, alternating between heating up and cooling down. Don’t forget to bring a comfortable chair for lounging in the shade.


Shop for Christmas Ideas



Hanging out in a nearby store is a nice air-conditioned break from the heat. Explain to your kids that you're not going to buy anything AT ALL, and this is an opportunity to shop for fun. Have them bring along notebook paper to write their Christmas lists, and take your own notes of what your kids like along with prices of each item. Use that list to start your Christmas shopping, hunting for the best deals!


Head to the Fair

In our little corner of the world, we still have a county fair as well as the State Fair before school starts. This might cost a bit of money, but it’s probably a fun break that you all need. Search around for discount admission tickets, and plan on packing food and water for the day.


Go Camping


Reservations for camping at State Parks are made months in advance, but often have to be let go for a variety of reasons. This means last-minute open camping spots! If you want to go camping, keep a daily tab on the State Parks you’re interested in, and nab an open spot as it becomes available. Your kids can play, ride bikes, hike and participate in the activities sponsored by the park while you relax with a good book. Pack plenty of food and water, and you’re good to go for less than $20 a night.


A Day Trip


No matter where you live, there are summertime hot spots to hit before school starts. For us, it's the beach and the lake. We generally aren’t able to afford an overnight stay in a hotel, so we leave fairly early in the morning and take a fun day trip. With enough food, my kids will go anywhere. Don’t forget the sand and water toys, towels, a blanket and – most important – your camera to capture these last-minute summer memories!







Kelly Wilson is an editor for Teaching Resource Center, a Teacher Store providing families and classrooms with high-quality, low-cost Teacher Supplies.

Pleasant Dreams Event: Review and Giveaway: Sleep Scentsations

I'm not a sound sleeper. I hear every noise, but I love my bed and getting a good a night's sleep  is important to me.

I was happy to recieve the Sleep Scentsation scented pillow liners for our Pleasant Dreams Event.

Both my daughter,Gerry,me and my mom used them in our pillows last night.

Ria said "They are a great alternative to linen sprays, smell was kinda strong at first but not unpleasant. I couldn't feel the liner through the pillowcase and it's nice that they come in so many scents. I like falling asleep to scents ."

Mom said they helped with her sinuses.

Gerry used the Snore Rx and I never heard a peep from him last night.

I tried the aromotherapy lavendar and at first thought it was strong, but it didn't take long to mellow itself out, and I slept great.

They come in a variety of scents and last 4-7 days.

Gone are the days of messy linen sprays that diminish quickly, bulky sachets or perfume oils that can stain your linens. Now you can indulge your senses with Sleep Scentsations aromatherapy pillow liners.

Sleep Scentsations is an amazing new product that was created to provide a sleep experience like no other.


Their aromatherapy products are thin, soft liners infused with essential oils and fragrance oils that will not stain your bed linens. When placed on your pillow, underneath the pillowcase, you will enjoy a relaxing scent that will lull you to sleep.



Sleep Scentsations would love to offer one lucky winner from Canada or the US to a great night's sleep with the  Pleasant Dreams Collection (valued at $24.99).
A random draw will be made by Random.org on Sept.8,2010 from all entries recieved.


To Enter:

Visit Sleep Scentsations and let me know which would be your favorite sleep scent to try.


Extra Entries:

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Best of Luck!

Pleasant Dreams Event: Review and Giveaway: Canada Only: Burts Bees Naturally Ageless

Who is Burt's Bees? Burt's Bees is an "Earth Friendly, Natural Personal Care Company." They create natural, Earth-friendly personal care products formulated to help you maximize your well-being and that of the world around you.

They are a what you see is what you get. To them, the word "natural" means only one thing. It means "harvested from nature."

I love any Burt's Bees products and have tried a few. I recently saw the story on t.v of the making of the Burt's Bees company, created by a simple women, just getting by, and her meeting with Burt and his honey business.It was a very interesting story.

Burt's Bees is now introducing the power of pomegranate, and it's Naturally Ageless line of skin care.I thought this would be perfect for our Pleasant Dreams Event, as alot of us have a nightly skin care routine.

I recieved their Naturally Ageless eye cream and love it.It smells nice, blends nicely and feels nice on my skin.It will revitalise your eyes  and  help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for naturally ageless eyes. And who doesn't want that??

I love using Burt's Bees!

Be sure to check out their complete line  up of Naturally Ageless.

Burt's Bees would love to give away to one lucky Canadian winner, the full set of Naturally Ageless:

Naturally Ageless Skin Firming Night Crème

Naturally Ageless Line Smoothing Eye Crème

 Naturally Ageless Intense Repair Serum
 
 Naturally Ageless Line Diminishing Day Lotion ,( when you wake up in the morning)
 
 
A random draw will be made on Sept.8,2010 from all entries recieved, by Random.org.
 
 
To Enter:
 
Tell me if you have a nightly skin care regimen.
 
 
Extra Entries:


Follow me on Twitter: oneincome


Grab my Build a Cheap Vacation button

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Best of luck!

And the Walls Come Tumblin' Down

Gerry had to take the gazebo down today.. too many rips and tears in the roof. This year when  he put it up he had to do some mending of the side panels.Then we had some heavy rains, that ended up tearing the roof. Add to that some very windy days in the last few days, and those holes just ripped more.
A new roof could have costed us as much as half the gazebo.
He will salvage what he can from it, but the rest will go to the dump I guess. We did have a few years of use with it, but they aren't the most practical things for the weather we had.