Create a custom canvas bag from Artscow for $7.99

Artscow is a great place to design custom items from dog tags to photo books.

I ordered a custom 2-sided canvas tote bag today for $9.99 with free shipping. I chose two sides so I could put my granddaughter on one side and grandsons on the other side.

The one-sided tote bags are only $7.99 with free shipping.

If you hurry you can still get in on the deal, but today is the last day, and only the first 200 orders will be accepted.

The original price starts at $22.98 for the tough durable treated canvas bags.

If you want the one sided tote click Classic Tote Bag.

For the bag with two sides click Custom Classic Tote 2-sided.

The coupon code is TOTEBAG799FS for both bags.
If you are new to Artscow and use my referral link we both get freebies. You will enjoy 1200 free prints credits & 3 8"x8" photo books & other great photo gifts credits.

There are some terms and conditions for free prints.
Details of free print credits:
Please use the credits between the start time and expire time
If you have free print credits in your account already, the new prints credits will be added after them.
No more than 100 free 4x6 and 50 free 5x7 print credits can be used per month.

Shipping fees are not included
Promotion details may change at any time without notice
Valid on orders placed and shipped within the globe only
All credits issued will not be deleted except repeated registrants
ArtsCow.com reserves the right to terminate this offer at any time without notice.

Artscow new member offer for free photobook

Due to upgrading their photo printers coloring software to one of the highest industry standard Xerox iGen4™ systems, ArtsCow is giving a free 8 by 8, 20 page photobook to new members.
The new system means your prints and photo books will be developed and printed even closer to true color.

To take advanage of this offer, simply go here and follow the instructions below.

1. Register/log into your account
2. Enter the "My Account" section
3. Click into "Credit & Discount"
4. Input the Gift Certificate Code and click on the "Validate" button gift certificate code: 8X8PB20P
It expires: 8/31/2009

2 free Tacos coupon to use August 4 at Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box coupon

5 Minutes for Mom sisters celebrate their birthday

Happy 36th birthday Janice and Susan 5 Minutes for Mom. Thanks for asking me to co-host the party and for
sharing your gifts.

Susan interviewed Ameeda C., founder of SnazL.




The girls said it will be a real-time party experience with SnazL. Hope to see you there - or here.

Spread Christmas cheer year 'round for our troops

There are angels among us. And I have found one.

Angela Roy, 28, is the director of Mommy P.R. , a Web site that specializes in reviews and giveaways. She is also a work at home mom "to two spoiled princess's."

The Roy family is also in the military.

"Our daddy is currently deployed to Iraq and will return to us in 2010," Roy says on her blog. "I attend Capella University for a BS in Marketing Specialization. I love to shop and blog...and shop."

One would think she has a full plate. However, she still finds time to do charity work. Her newest endeavor is to make sure our troops get what they need every day of the year, not just for Christmas.

"We are taking in donations of pretty much anything for our troops," Roy said on her Facebook page. "We can and are able to ship immediately."

Roy said you can ship direct or to her for the, "12 Months Of Christmas for the Troops."

Requests and ideas include:baby wipes, jerky, solar powered items, batteries (AAA & AA), phone cards, soap, towels (white prefered), postage stamps, prepaid mail packaging, games, paper, razors, music, game systems, portable power (backpack generators-solar power), USB sticks, portable hard drives, hand and body lotion, sunscreen, bug guard, food, snacks, candy, laundry, soap, toiletpaper, boot insoles, socks, undergarments (men and women), sports bras, pads and tampons, deodorant (men and women), magazines, books, newspapers, remote control toys, dart boards, horseshoes, games, water balloons, waterguns, cards, letters, drawings, kids, thank you letters and cameras.

"Think fun stuff to make these guys happy," said Roy.

The list could go on. Roy said if you are unsure about something just ask.
Items that are excluded include: adult items, smoking products, liquor, fruit, hazardous, chemicals, and some foods.

Roy said to think about the heat and the time it takes to arrive. Chocolate won't survive the 114 degree heat.
Companies looking to make a large donation can email Roy right away for directions. However, Roy stressed, no donation is too small.

"Every bit helps," Roy said. "Please message anyone at Mommy PR for any contact information you need. We cannot post any address on here due to OPSEC security, and please do not post any soldiers info here. E-mail one of us. If you know any soldier in need we will try to fulfill your request."

Cash donations are accepted but not being requested. Anyone who wants to send money to help with shipping or to purchase donations should email Mommy PR.

Roy said Mommy PR will be hosting another event soon. The next time it will be for military children.

Information reprinted with the permission of Angela Roy and Mommy PR

Win a $300, 10-piece Rachel Ray cookware set

Margaret at Nanny Goats in Panties is having her first giveaway, and you can win a set of Rachel Ray's cookware.

She said this giveaway ends on Sunday, August 2, at 6pm, Pacific time.
The winner will be selected by random drawing on Sunday at 7 pm, and notified by email. Once the winner is verified, they will be announced on Nanny Goats in Panties.

Another winner will be drawn if the winner doesn't respond within 24 hours.

Due to shipping, the giveaway is restricted to the U.S.

Blog Hop: My grandchildren are gifts from God

Tyler and Dylan show off their catch of the day to their dad and grandfather. They're so proud to catch them, then they throw them back in the lake.


Kristen, 2, is learning how to brush her teeth.

"One Lovely Blog Award" is my very first blog award

It isn't everyday I awake to the news that I have won an award. Especially an award for my blog.

But, today was my lucky day. I was given the most bloggy love since I started my blog in April.

And as with everything, there are rules. The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are to:
accept the award, which I did, and was honored to do so.

Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who granted the award and her blog link. I have posted the award and I am proud to say my very first award was presented to me by silverhartgirl at Silver's Heart. Thank you for the bloggy love.

Anyone who hasn't visited Silver's Heart and her other blog Helping mommys win, should stop by and take a look, especially if you like giveaways.

The rules say to pass the award on to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered and contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for the award.

I am working on my list, which I take very seriously, and will post them as I make my decisions.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Royal giveaway for kids

My Life As A Trailer Park Mom is having a great toy giveaway sponsored by All Childrens Furniture.com who carries everything from toys to bunk beds.

Stop by My Life As A Trailer Park Mom before midnight (eastern time) on July 30.

The winner will be announced on July 31.

This contest is open to US and Canadian residents.

Free Brainy Baby DVDs

The Brainy Baby® series is turning 15 and giving you the presents.

The educational DVDs for children ages 9 months to 5 years old, are 45 minutes long and retail for $17.99.

You get to choose one out of four popular, awarding-winning DVDs. They include ABCs; Music; Laugh & Learn; and Shapes & Colors.

This promotion is limited to one free DVD per household and you must pay the shipping cost of $6.95. Delivery takes four to six weeks.

The offer is only good in the United States.

Thanks to Cassandra at Aubut Life for the tip about such a great offer.

Blog Hop '09 - I'm Barbara, and this is my hubby Henry

Hello, and welcome to my home. Forgive me for the mess, I'm still cleaning house as I learn where things go. I do hope you'll take a look around and leave me a comment about what I can do to organize my problem areas. Otherwise it may take me a while longer to figure it out.

BlogHer at home sounds like fun. Thanks to Robin at PENSIEVE and Princess Jenn for being the hostess with the mostess.

Well, what to tell you about myself. I'm 50, and disabled due to a disc replacement in my back and a hip replacement, which have not helped make the pain go away.

I have been married 37 years, and was a Mrs. First Sergeant for 24 years while my husband served in the Army.

I love ice cream.

My grandchildren are my life. But I guess that's easy to see from my blog.

Juicy Juice: Your Kids Did What? $7,000 Contest

We all think our kids are special. Now we can cash in on them by video taping them doing something amazing, talented, or funny.

Wouldn't it be great to win a grand prize $5,000 gift card from Amazon.com and $2,000 cash prize? Or how about one of nine first prizes of $1,000 Amazon.com gift cards and a $500 cash prize?

My two-year-old granddaughter has had me laughing a lot this week. Like when she decided she needed to blow her nose. She got a tissue from the box and put it to her nose and made a blowing sound. Then she balled it up and stuffed it back into the tissue box. I was laughing so hard it was hard for me to get it back out.


Then at lunch time, I gave her a fork to eat with. She wasn't happy with my choice of utensils. So back to the kitchen she went with it. I followed behind her when I realized where she had gone and checked the trash, because she has been known to throw silverware away. She was getting her new fork and heading back to eat and I couldn't find the first one she had until I went to get myself a fork. Yep, now she puts dirty forks back in the drawer when she gets a new one. And I had to empty a lot of silverware into the dishwasher after lunch.

I guess getting them on tape is the hardest part.

And then there are the rules.

Entries must be received by, and contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, Aug. 21. Entrants must have a YouTube account and a valid e-mail address. Entries must be original and in English. They must not exceed a file size larger than 100MB or two minutes in length. No copyright violations will be accepted.

Judges will pick 10 finalists. Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: 50% originality, 25% humor, and 25% creativity. In the event of a tie, the entry with the highest score in the originality category will be deemed the winning finalist.

The videos will then be on YouTube and members will vote for their favorite until Sept. 25. Good luck.

For more information go to http://www.juicyjuice.com/Special-Offers/Your-Kids-Did-What.aspx.

My granddaughter, Kristen, shows off her polished nails

Photo caption winner of Kristen eating ice cream

Barbara's Mexican Lasagna

1 jar of cheese Ragu
1 package corn tortillas
2 cans Rotel
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 bag of Mexican shredded cheese
2 cans of chicken

Spray a 9x13 glass baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix cheese sauce, cans of Rotel, 2 cans of chicken, can of soup, together. Spread some on bottom of pan to cover. Lay one layer of tortillas in baking dish . Spread mixture on top of tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers topping with shredded cheese.
Bake until cheese is melted and slightly brown.
Serve topped with shredded lettuce, diced onions, sour cream, taco sauce, and tomatoes.
I also serve refried beans on the side.
I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as we do. Please let me know if you do.

Free pastry with drink at Starbucks until 10:30 a.m.

Join the MckLinky fun and give ice-cream cone eating Kristen a caption, please

Help me give my granddaughter, Kristen, a picture caption.
I'll choose a winner and the winner(s) will be listed and given to all of the bloggers who entered.
Use the MckLinky below to leave your caption suggestion.

Behind every good woman is a good man pushing her

My nominee is my best friend, my husband, Henry. He has inspired and empowered me.

After 37 years, he knows me well. At times, he knows me better than I know myself. He has stood behind me, pushing me when I need it, because he believes in me.

While Henry was an Army First Sergeant in Germany, I was worried about my Mrs. First Sergeant duties. With his encouragement it didn't take long for me to step into volunteer shoes. I taught Army Family Team Building in our community; took care of the less fortunate; became the post newspaper editor; and won some volunteer awards. I couldn't have done it without him.

When we returned to "the real world" I was afraid to go to a real newspaper for a job. He pushed me into it and I was hired. I had the best job in the world taking pictures and going to news stories. I loved it. Then it was time to retire and return to civilian life. Upon returning "home" to North Carolina, I was again unsure of myself. I wouldn't apply for jobs because I didn't think they would hire me.

Henry went to the local newspaper and talked to them about me and set up an appointment. I filled out the application and again, I got the job. This time I was behind a desk as a copy editor.

Working at a newspaper was the only job I wanted while I was a freelance photojournalist moving around the globe with Henry. And he helped me fulfill my dream.

Please go vote for my story here:
http://www.chainofconfidence.com/index.php?page=essay-display&essayid=44

A list of blogging moms with technorati authority

The Technorati List

It's time to repost our list.If you want to join, follow these simple steps.

~Copy and paste this blog post into a new blog post on your site.~

Come back here and leave a comment with a full link address to direct us to your post.~

Your link will then be added to the list. When the list ends in late June, come back and update your list with all of the members.

We are atttempting to limit this list to 100 blog links.

SitedandBlogged
The Contest Hub
I am Harriet
Lifes Perfect Pictures
Diana Rambles
Insanity and Bliss
Lolas Diner
Life is Sweet
Happy Healthy Families
Five Monkeys
http://www.mftawk.com/2009/05/technorati-list.html http://www.ilikeitfrantic.net/2009/06/technorati-list.html http://theredheadriter.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html http://yesiknowwhatcausesthat.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://apocketfullofbuttons.blogspot.com/
http://outnumbered3-1.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://twoprettylittleskirts.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://valeriegail.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://mainfo.blogspot.com/
http://anniekelleher.blogspot.com/
http://eclecticschooling.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati.html
http://atticgirl.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://iheartfrutopia.blogspot.com/
http://frugalcreativity.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://supermommytotherescue.com/technorati
http://pennypinchingpenguin.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://aaensons-lifewithatoddler.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://www.ahappyhippymom.com/2009/06/technorati-linky-love.html
http://flyinggigglesandlollipops.blogspot.com/2009/06/its-time-to-repost-our-list.html
http://canwestopthis.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://happilyblended.com/2009/06/sited-and-blogged-the-technorati-list/ http://www.fairyblogmotherblog.com/2009/06/technorati-list.html
http://psychicmamaindigochild.blogspot.com/2009/06/sited-and-blogged-technorati-list.html
http://snipsandsnailsboutique.blogspot.com/2009/06/technorati-list-at-sited-and-blogged.html
http://thedivinemissmommy.com/2009/06/05/sited-and-blogged-technorati-list/
http://www.josieswindow.info/http://alittleoftheother.blogspot.com/2009/06/site-blogged-technorati-list.html
Confessions of a Moody Mommy
http://www.ageorgiaangel.com/blog/?p=1092
Penelope's Oasis

My three dirty little secrets

There are things I am sure I never thought about telling you about me. Blogging provides a mystery and to tell all would give that away.

But, I have to give up three secrets about myself, so I guess I will begin with I stay up all night and sleep during the day.

I know, I heard all of you. But it works for me. I can work on the computer next to my bed while hubby sleeps. Then after I feed him and he goes to work I can have the whole bed to myself. I have chronic back pain that prevents me from being able to rest if I can't have enough room.

As for another secret. I do what I can around the house, but I don't clean like I use to. I can't. When we are having company I still put myself through excess bodily pain to the point I am down for days. So the dirt doesn't bother me anymore.

And, number three is, I am so sad it's pitiful, because I can't figure out how to get more people to follow me or how to get higher numbers so I can get giveaways.

It seems like an evil little circle. The haves, and have nots. I beat my head against a wall every night and cry to the blogosphere for help. But, no one hears me. So I will continue to search out the answers I seek until I am worthy.

Win 1000 Bonus Entries & $50 Gift Card blog hopping

Let's go blog hopping and meet some new friends. I hope you join the fun and try to win the prizes, but you have to follow a few rules.

The first thing you need to do is visit Mommy PR and Sophies Chic Boutique for the mandatory requirements. After that the extras are up to you.

The winner gets 1000 bonus entries and can use them on any of the blogger sites who join the contest. However, the rules are to be determined by each blogger, and the entries will only be good for 90 days.

Sophies Chic Boutique will electronically deliver the $50 gift card to the winner within 48 hours of the winner's response.

Bloggers who wish to have their blogs or buttons added to the approved list, or who would like to sponsor a prize, should email Angela@MommyPR.com, subject-Blog Hop. Angela said another blog hop is being planned.

This contest ends on July 17.

What's for lunch?

Kristen takes time to smell the flowers and share them

Photo taken by Kristen's big brother Dylan

After picking flowers in grandma's yard, Kristen likes to share them with others. She's so proud to give a flower to her mom.

Contest: As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?

Dylan and Tyler a couple of years ago when they were playing on the Braves team.

Young minds are like little sponges, they soak up everything they can - the good, bad and everything in between. And you never know what they will retain so it's better to stay positive in front of a child.
As a parent, or grandparent, it is up to us to shape, encourage and reinforce the positive aspects in their lives. One way to do that is through sports.

My grandsons, Tyler and Dylan, have been active in a variety of sports since they were toddlers. That's why I decided to participate in this contest sponsored by TwitterMoms, a mom's network, and ResponsibleSports, Liberty Mutual's Responsible Sports™ a program that supports volunteer youth
sports, coaches and parents who help our children succeed on and off the field.

My grandson's parents, my husband and I, have made sure Tyler and Dylan always have the proper equipment they need to play safely. If they are playing baseball they have the proper fitted glove to catch the ball, a catchers mask to protect their face, and a helmet to protect their head. If they're playing soccer they have fitted cleats to run the ball down the field. And if they play basketball they have a hoop set at the correct height.

But even the best protective measures don't keep the boys from getting hurt. So we always carry an ice pack and first aid kit to all the games for minor emergencies.

Tyler and Dylan have excelled in every sport they play. It has helped them mature faster than their peers and it shows in their school work.

They have both been very fortunate to have mostly excellent coaches. When they played for the YMCA, Coach Doug and their dad volunteered as their coaches. They were lucky enough to have their father coach several of the teams they have played on.

My daughter, although the loudest cheerleader for the team - hit, miss, or foul - always has the drinks on ice to prevent dehydration, and lotion to stop the sunburn. She also keeps an eye out for anyone who may reach the point of exhaustion and need to sit one out.

We encourage the boys to have fun - win or lose. Being a team player, good sport and playing to the best of their ability makes everyone a winner.

As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?

I hope you can leave a comment since that is part of the contest. I appreciate it. Thank you very much.

Happy Birthday America

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, as an official way to declare the United States independent from Great Britain.
Today The Fourth of July is celebrated with fun, fireworks, cookouts, parades, patriotic colors, baseball games, friends and family.
Food
Rice Krispie Treats
Fourth of July Cakes
Fruit Flag
Strawberry Rose Shortcake
Summer treats
Edy's ice cream
Martha Stewart patriotic cupcakes
Ruby Tuesday free Entree
Celebrate freedom with a free Entree at Ruby Tuesday with a coupon good today only.
Crafts
Disney printables
Fourth crafts and recipes
A special reminder
What better way to call attention to your summer event than to get a reminder from a celebrity on the 4th of July? Sign up yourself, a friend or a family member, and receive a voicemail reminder that’s almost as special as the parade, picnic or fireworks show itself.
Bank of America celebrity call
Events
Fort Bragg celebration
The annual Fourth of July celebration at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, activities include live bands, patriotic music, carnival rides, Julianne Hough, the Golden Knights Parachute Team, a flag ceremony, food, beverages and fireworks. It's free and open to the public.
Fish free for a day in N.C.
Fish for free in any public water in North Carolina today from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Anyone, including residents and non-residents, can fish in any public water in North Carolina, including coastal waters, without the purchase of a fishing license or trout privilege license for the Fourth of July.
Fireworks
Tweetsie fireworks
Carowinds Fourth celebration
Carowinds remembers our Heroes and celebrates with a big Independence Day celebration including, a salute to our heroes during the National Anthem, special country music performances, a swimsuit contest, and a live DJ music.
The evening ends with a Night of Fire Celebration. Fireworks begin at 10p.m.
Prices are specially priced for a patriotic meal and admission. A one-day admission ticket includes an all-you-can eat patriotic meal from 12p.m. to 3p.m., which includes BBQ chicken, pulled pork, roasted corn on the cob, BBQ baked beans, coleslaw, and baby green garden salad.
Tickets are $39.99 for a regular admission for ages 3 to 61 and 48" or taller in shoes and $29.99 for a Jr/Sr admission ages 3 to 61 and under 48" tall or ages 62 and older. That's less than a full-price admission, plus it includes the all-you can eat meal.
Season passholders can purchase a meal only ticket for $15.50 each.
Red, White and Boom in Charlotte, N.C.
Red, White & Boom! presented by Lance Fireworks Show
Spend your Fourth of July with friends and family in Center City Charlotte for Red, White & Boom! presented by Lance.
Find a viewing area, grab a blanket and claim a spot for the fireworks show beginning at 9:30p.m., weather permitting, with music track simulcast on WKKT 96.9 Kat Country.
For the best viewing and a good time, check out the US Airways Family Fun Festival which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. There will be games, food, music, and prizes for children of all ages.
Parking is $5 at Memorial Stadium and admission is free.
Broadway at the beach, a star-spangled celebration
Beach music, concert, and fireworks at 10pm.
This is a kid friendly event at 1325 Celebrity Circle.
Call 843-444-3200 for more information.
Battleship Blast
On the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship from 9p.m.to 9:30 p.m.
At 9:05pm the Battleship hosts the 13th Annual "Battleship Blast” fireworks spectacular in Wilmington, N.C.
Call 910-251-5797 for more information.
Hickory, N.C.: Fireworks will follow the 7 p.m. Hickory Crawdads baseball game against the Hagerstown Suns at L.P. Frans Stadium on Clement Boulevard NW, in Hickory.
Fireworks on Lake Norman
Queen's Landing has a lot to offer. Enjoy breakfast at Jack's Lakeside Grill then experience one of three sightseeing and lunch cruises on the Catawba Queen. There's also a Pirate Land Miniature Golf Course to enjoy.
At sunsets you can enjoy a beautiful fireworks show from the top of Lake Norman's only Floating Dock Bar or aboard the Lady of the Lake or Catawba Queen as they cruise Lake Norman for the fireworks display.
Catawba Queen Fireworks Cruise boards at 7:30, departs at 8 p.m. and returns at 10:30p.m. Cost is $45 per ticket.
While cruising the lake enjoy a menu of: sliced turkey, sliced ham, sliced roast beef, sliced cheese, with croissants and potato salad and fruit, vegetable and cheese trays, buffalo wings, meatballs and steamed shrimp with all the sauces. This buffet includes coffee, tea or water for all the guests as well as a full service cash bar and entertainment by Tim Johnson's Mobile DJ Service.
Lady of the Lake Fireworks Cruise boards at 7 p.m., departs at 7:30 p.m. and returns at 10:30 p.m. Cost is $75.00 per ticket.
While cruising the lake guests will enjoy an upscale buffet as well as a full service cash bar and entertainment by DJ Darin Henley .
Please call the Queen's Landing office for reservations, 704-663-2628.

Welcome to my first MckLinky Blog Hop

Welcome to my Blog Hop. I hope you decide to join in the fun and a chance to win $100.

This is a first for me as most things are since I started my blog in April. I am trying to learn at warp speed everything I need to know about social networking, because I've learned you need the rest to support your blog. I started barbaras beat to participate in giveaways being offered by other bloggers. Then I found it was a great way to share God's greatest gift - my grandchildren, and help others at the same time, Rainy Day Sand Play Indoors, a story about bringing the sandbox indoors when it's raining outdoors. I also informed about Free Fisher Price DVD and Fisher-Price gives away Precious Places DVD. There's still time to plan for Father's Day on Sunday listed free treats for dad and One-stop couponing listed my favorite sites to get free coupons. If you would like to learn more about me please look at my full profile. Thanks for visiting, I would love to visit you, too.

Fill‘er up at KFC

KFC tops off gas tanks and stomachs to introduce the new $5 Fill-Up Box.

KFC will open entries at a randomly determined time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time today for your chance to win. The sweepstakes will end after the final drawing of 200 people on July 5.

If you enroll in a free Colonel's email club you will receive periodic communication from KFC to alert you of upcoming promotions, coupons and recipes.

Grandsons fish in the lake

Grandpa takes his two favorite fishing buddies, his grandsons, Tyler and Dylan, to the lake, even though they catch more than he does.