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My Current Book “crack” Reading Recommendations
Seriously, its like a vacation every time I settle into a book. So, I thought I would share my book “crack” with all of you and hopefully you’ll return the favor and offer some of your favorite getaways as well. I should note that my current reading criteria is that it can’t have anything to do with my reality, meaning, I don’t want to read about dishes, laundry, dirty diapers, marriage conflicts, kids, traffic, world hunger, people dieing of cancer, political propaganda, financial woes, etc;
Twilight Series 4 total books - Great reads (most of you have already been there done that), totally sucks you in and at the end you are totally pining for Edward. …sad but true!
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charliane Harris - The HBO True Blood series is based on these books but let me just say the show is NOTHING like the books. The books are fun, sexy, usually murder mystery and fantasy. They are a bit naughty but I enjoy a bit of naughty….;) I have read books 1-10 AND loved them all.
- Dead Until Dark (May 2001) [2]
- Living Dead in Dallas (March 2002) [3]
- Club Dead (May 2003) [4]
- Dead to the World (May 2004) [5]
- “Fairy Dust” in Powers of Detection (October 2004) - Introduction of Claudine’s brother Claude, and posthumous introduction of their sister Claudette[6]
- “Dancers in the Dark” a novella in Night’s Edge (October 2004) - Indroduction of Sean and Layla, later seen briefly in All Together Dead.[7]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “Dracula Night” in Many Bloody Returns (September 2007) [8]
- Dead as a Doornail (May 2005) [9]
- “One Word Answer” in Bite (2005) - Introduction of Hadley’s death & Mr. Cataliades, Waldo, and Sophie-Anne Leclerq.[10]
- Definitely Dead (May 2006) [11]
- “Tacky” in My Big, Fat Supernatural Wedding (2006) - Introduction of vampires Dahlia and Taffy, and their ex-husbands Todd and Don. (Dahlia is later seen in All Together Dead and with Taffy in “Bacon”.)[12]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “Tacky” in My Big, Fat Supernatural Wedding (2006) - Introduction of vampires Dahlia and Taffy, and their ex-husbands Todd and Don. (Dahlia is later seen in All Together Dead and with Taffy in “Bacon”.)[12]
- All Together Dead (May 2007) [13]
- “Lucky” in Unusual Suspects (December 2008) [14]
- From Dead to Worse (May 2008) [15]
- “Gift Wrap” in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (October 2008) [16]
- Dead and Gone (May 2009) [17]
- “Bacon” in Strange Brew (July 2009) [17]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “The Britlingens Go To Hell” in Must Love Hellhounds (September 2009) - The Britlingens were previously introduced in All Together Dead. [17]
- (a Sookie-universe story without the character of Sookie Stackhouse)
- “Bacon” in Strange Brew (July 2009) [17]
- A Touch of Dead (October 2009) [17]
- (a compilation of some of the Sookie-universe short stories: “Fairy Dust,” “One Word Answer,” “Dracula Night,” “Lucky,” and “Giftwrap.”)
- Dead in the Family (May 2010) [17]
- Death’s Excellent Vacation (August 2010) [17]
Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon - Historical Fiction/Fantasy (7 books). - The first 2 books are a really fun, interesting and has characters you will really enjoy. She is kinda wordy but worth reading the 700-1000 pages. I really enjoy the historical tid bits and of course there was some naughty WHICH you know I like. :-) The first 2 books are must reads and once you’ve fallen in love with the beautiful Highlander you will go back for more.
Dragonfly in Amber (1992) Voyager (1994) Drums of Autumn (1997) The Fiery Cross (2001) A Breath of Snow and Ashes (2005) An Echo in the Bone (2009) — released in many countries (including Canada, Australia and New Zealand) in September 2009; UK release date January 7, 2010
- Guilty Pleasures (1993) ISBN 0-515-13449-X
- The Laughing Corpse (1994) ISBN 0-425-19200-8
- Circus of the Damned (1995) ISBN 0-515-13448-1
- The Lunatic Cafe (1996) ISBN 0-425-20137-6
- Bloody Bones (1996) ISBN 0-425-20567-3
- The Killing Dance (1997) ISBN 0-425-20906-7
- Burnt Offerings (1998) ISBN 0-515-13447-3
- Blue Moon (1998) ISBN 0-515-13445-7
- Obsidian Butterfly (2000) ISBN 0-515-13450-3
- Narcissus in Chains (2001) ISBN 5-558-61270-3
- Cerulean Sins (2003) ISBN 0-515-13681-6
- Incubus Dreams (2004) ISBN 0-425-19824-3
- Micah (February 2006) ISBN 0-515-14087-2
- Danse Macabre (June 2006) ISBN 0-425-20797-8
- The Harlequin (2007) ISBN 978-0-425-21724-5
- Blood Noir (2008) ISBN 978-0-425-22219-5
- Skin Trade (2009) ISBN 978-0-425-22772-5
- Flirt (February 2010)
- Bullet (June 2010)
- Halfway to the Grave (October 30, 2007, ISBN 0061245089)
- One Foot in the Grave (April 29, 2008, ISBN 0061245097)
- At Grave’s End (December 30, 2008, ISBN 0061583073)
- Destined for an Early Grave (July 28, 2009, ISBN 0061583219)
The Night Huntress World Series
- First Drop of Crimson (February 9, 2010, ISBN 0061583227)
- Eternal Kiss of Darkness (July 27, 2010, ISBN 0061783161)
2. Kissing Sin (2007)
3. Tempting Evil (2007)
4. Dangerous Games (2007)
5. Embraced by Darkness (2007)
6. The Darkest Kiss (2008)
7. Deadly Desires (2009)
8. Bound to Shadows (Oct 2009)
9. Moon Sworn (May 2010)
- “The Warlord Wants Forever” in Playing Easy To Get (anthology with Sherrilyn Kenyon and Jaid Black)
- A Hunger Like No Other
- No Rest for the Wicked
- Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
- Dark Needs at Night’s Edge
- Dark Desires After Dusk
- Kiss of a Demon King
- “Untouchable” in Deep Kiss of Winter (Duology with Gena Showalter
- Pleasure of a Dark Prince - Available February 16, 2010
- Undead and Unwed (Berkley, 2004)
- Undead and Unemployed (Berkley, 2004)
- Undead and Unappreciated (Berkley, 2005)
- Undead and Unreturnable (Berkley, 2005)
- Undead and Unpopular (Berkley, 2006)
- Undead and Uneasy (Berkley, 2007)
- Undead and Unworthy (Berkley, 2008)
- Undead and Unwelcome (Berkley, 2009)
Short stories:
- “Dead Girls Don’t Dance” in Cravings (Jove, 2004)
- “Biting in Plain Sight” in Bite (Jove, 2004)
- “A Fiend in Need” in Dead and Loving It (Berkley, 2006)
- “Undead and Wed: A Honeymoon Story” in Dead Over Heels (Berkley, 2008)
Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase
Making Homes Affordable - First Hand Experience Part IV
After many phone calls and emails I was finally able to knock some heads and get some straight answers about how Wells Fargo is allowed to report our mortgage status to the credit bureaus. The bottom line is that they CAN report to the credit agency’s that our mortgage is being modified which will impact our credit rating by a few points. They CAN NOT report our mortgage as delinquent as long as we are current on our payments and adhere to the terms of the trial period.
What did I have to do to make sure Wells Fargo was abiding by the rules setup by the government?
I called my US Congressman Walt Minnick (ID) 208-888-3188 and talked with his representative Beverly Bean. I explained our situation and faxed the documentation provided by Wells Fargo to her so that she could do some leg work for us. In addition to calling Wells Fargo she also contacted the US Department of the Treasury, Malloy Evans 202-422-8135. Turns out that Wells Fargo was NOT abiding by the rules set forth by the government and now my US Congressman and the Department of the Treasury are making sure they are in fact playing by the rules.
I received assurances by my Congressman and the Dept of Treasury that my mortgage Would NOT be reported as delinquent as long as I made our payments in full and on time. In addition, I received a phone call and apology from Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac indicating their Making Homes Affordable documentation will be updated appropriately.
Again, I think to myself (and to all of you) that this process is made too complicated and overwhelming so that people won’t be able to take advantage of something that is bought and paid for with tax dollars. However, we are going forward and taking that next step into the Making Homes Affordable Program.
What is next on the list?
- Make our first trial period payment.
- Trial period documentation signed and sent in.
- Hardship Affidavit *This is similar to previous hardship letter sent in to Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac.
- Signed and dated copy of IRS Form 4506-T
- Copy of all income statements (pay stub, social security, disability, pension, public assistance, unemployment, alimony/child support, etc)
- Counseling session with HUD-approved housing counseling agency *This is FREE
- www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/
- HOPE Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE
- I chose this option because I could just call and it only took 45 minutes. They gave me some good information and I thought it would be beneficial to share with you.
FREE Help with Medical Expenses
1-573-996-3333 *I don’t know the details of this service but its worth checking out if you have medical expenses you can’t afford.
Angel Food Ministries 1-877-366-3646 www.angelfoodministries.com
They sell food at discounted prices.
This is going to hurt me, more than its going to hurt you. Making Homes Affordable Program Part III
Making Homes Affordable Program: First Hand Experience
How To Get 2% Interest Rate on 30 Year Mortgage
http://www.financialstability.gov/
Continuing Education in Your Love Life
When we first start falling in love with someone, whether we realize it or not, we become a student of that person. You try to learn as much as you can about that person, you memorize the way they look, smell, talk, and act. Becoming an expert on that certain someone becomes a priority and its intoxicatingly fun. At some point you start to feel like you know that person like the back of your hand. You know all there is to know and its a comfortable place to be. As soon as we stop becoming a student of our relationships that is when the trap is set.
We are quick to admit that we are not the person we were yesterday and we will inevitably be different tomorrow but we expect everyone around us to stay the same. Our tastes change, we grow, we learn and continue to evolve into a new self. So why is it so hard to think that the person we met oh so many years ago wouldn’t be the same?
Here is where I admit that I have continued to be student of the human condition but haven’t been a diligent student of my husband. I have a thousand excuses why this is; work, children, responsibilities, life, etc but it all boils down to the fact that I just thought I knew everything about him already. Stupid and arrogant on my part (I know) but I’m being honest here.
If you are like me and if you are ready to begin your continuing education but have forgotten how to be a student of your relationship here are a few pointers that helped me re-learn how to be a student of my love.
- Start asking questions. Find a quiet moment when you are both relaxed and ask the kind of things you would have asked in the beginning of your relationship. Keeping the questions lite and fun will make the process more enjoyable for both of you. ie What were you like as a kid? Who was your best friend? What kind of trouble did you get into? Who was your first kiss? **This isn’t a game of jeopardy so don’t get carried away with asking questions. The purpose to get reacquainted, to remember what attracted you to this person in the first place and have a conversation about each other, with each other.
- Try this worksheet http://static.oprah.com/pdf/lybl_sexlife_foreplaymap.pdf. I’ll be honest, I found this a bit embarrassing and there was a lot of laughter involved however if you are interested in working toward your masters degree with your love this is a great way to continue your education. This worksheet and instructions provided by Dr. Laura Berman is very well done and if you are willing to let your inhibitions down it can make a huge difference in your love life.
I definitely find this topic a little out of my comfort zone but after talking with several of my close friends I felt compelled to share. I don’t mind having my failures be a source of your education. I guess its just my way of contributing and sharing the love.
Coupons For Dummies
This may come as a surprise to some of you but I just recently started using coupons. I always liked the idea of coupons but they also seemed a little too complex and quite frankly a pain to deal with. Given the times I decided to give it a try and see if they are worth all the hassle.
My first baby step into using coupons was to subscribe to a friends website http://stretchingyourdollarsnewsletter.com/. Its geared for Southern Idaho but it still made the whole process easier. She goes through the local stores sales, all coupons available and tells you what you should buy, where and how much you’ll pay. She spends hours doing this so you don’t have too. There are several sites like this but I use this one.
Here are a few tips for those of you that are wanting to join the couponing adventure:
1. Collect your coupons in a small organizer so you can carry it with you and you know what you have.
2. The Sunday paper is a great place to see all the local stores sales and get coupons. You can also print them online:
www.smartsource.com
www.coupon.com
www.couponbug.com
www.redplum.com
3. Some stores will double the value of your coupon. - Albertson’s has “doubler” coupons in their ad (you can pick them up at the front of the store). Use the doubler coupon to double the value of your manufacturer coupon up to $1. You can get a lot of items free this way.
4. Some stores will honor other stores sales ads. - Rite-aid will match competitors prices if you bring the ad. Walmart will also match prices. *This is nice because you don’t have to drive all over town for sale items.
5. Don’t be suckered into buying something just because you have a coupon. - The only time I buy something not on my list is if the items is really cheap or its free.
6. Sign up for the stores rewards card. Fred Meyers, Albertsons, ect. - You get extra saving and coupons. *Since I buy lots of diapers, wipes, baby food and formula I will get special coupons for those type of items. Last week I got a $10 off coupon for formula!
7. If you are making a trip to a store for just a few items make a trip out of it. - About once a week I meet my sister for coffee at Fred Meyer. We do this because they have “Freddies Play Land” which is FREE childcare for 1 hour. We drop off the kids, get a coffee and pick up the items that are on sale. We save money and its fun for moms and kids!
8. Don’t be afraid to ask. - If the store is out of a sale item don’t be afraid to ask if they will give you a rain check. Ask if they will take competitors coupons or price match.
9. Shop during off hours. - If you have a lot of coupons or if you may need help it’s better to shop when the store isn’t busy. The store staff will be a lot more accommodating and you won’t hold up the lines when checking out.
Yes, couponing can be a hassle but bottom line is that if you do a little home work before you go to the store including getting your coupons organized you can save a lot of money. I save about 30% per grocery trip just by doing this.
I’m still learning about coupons and saving money at the grocery store so if you have advice for a novice please email angela@momsfirststop.com or post to the group. Helping others save money is a great way to share the love!
Another Great Read:
8 Cheap to Free Childcare Options When You Need a Little “me time”
FREE Skin Cancer Screening
May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and I am living proof that it is very important to get your yearly skin cancer screening. Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), have joined together to invite you and your girlfriends to get a free skin cancer screening. Visit http://www.skincancertakesfriends.org/ to find a participating dermatologist and get more information on skin cancer and prevention.
Want to hear my story? Say Goodbye to My Little Friend
http://momsfirststop.com/2008/05/21/say-goodbye-to-my-little-friend/
Kid’s Eat Free
MONDAY
Cafe Ole
210 N. Milwaukee
Boise , ID
(208)322-0222
Comments: For every (1) regular dinner entree purchased. 2 meals from the children’s menu are free. Enjoy a piñata bust for the kids! 4pm to closed.
Fiesta Guadalajara
3552 S. Findley Ave
Kids Eat for $1 with purchase of an adult combo meal.
American Cafe
All Day - 1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
Applebee’s
All day, get one free kids meal with the purchase of one adult entree. Additional kids eat for only $1.00! Kids also get a free sundae upon request only.
Backyard Burgers
Buy one adult combo meal and get a kids meal free for kids 12 and under from 4 p.m. to close.
Buffalo Wild Wings
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Children ages 12 and under eat for 99¢ from the kid’s menu.
Chartroose Caboose
Kids eat free 5 p.m. to close
Cinzetti’s
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Children ages 12 and under eat dinner free.
Fuddruckers
4 p.m. - 9 p.m Children ages 12 and under eat for 99¢ from the kid’s menu (Drink is included).
IHOP
4:00pm - 8:00pm - Kids ages 12 & under eat free- 1 FREE Kids’ Menu item per Adult entree purchase (Drink NOT included).
KC Masterpiece
4 p.m. - close Children ages 12 and under eat free from the kid’s menu.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.
Quaker Steak and Lube
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM FREE Kid meals (one per paying adult), FREE video games. $.25 wings 3-6!! Adult Specials- $6 PBR Pithcers $14.99 Coors Light Lube Tube (that’s 100 oz of beer!).
Rio Wraps Free kids meal w/ the purchase of any Rio Classic, Deli, Unwrapped or Low-Cal sandwich. Dine in Only - 12 and under. Spinnakers
Kids eat free all day.
Villa Rosa Italian Restaurant
Kids eat free.
Zaxby’s
3pm - 10pm Kids 10 and under - Kids menu items available for $.99 - Includes a drink (Up to 3 children per adult meal purchase).
The Lonestar Steak House
8799 W. Franklin Road
Boise, ID 83709
208-377-5565
Two kids eat free off Kids’ Menu with the purchase of any entree.
American Cafe
All Day - 1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
Backyard Burgers
Buy one adult combo meal and get a kids meal free for kids 12 and under from 4 p.m. to close.
Beef O’ Brady’s
4 - 8pm kids 12 and under eat free with adult entree purchase.
Black Eyed Pea
After 5pm kids 12 and under receive a free kids meal w/ every adult meal purchased.
Cafe Mi Aroma
After 5:00 pm - 1 child ages 11 & under per adult entree purchased-Up to $5.79 Value (Does NOT include drink).
Champps
ALL kids eat free, no limit per one adult entree.
Chick fil A
1 free kids meal with each combo meal purchased. (Remember to check your location to see if they Participate).
Cinzetti’s
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Children ages 12 and under eat dinner free.
Denny’s
4 - 10pm kids eat free up to two entrees per adult meal purchased.
Fazoli’s
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Children ages 12 and under eat off the kid’s menu for 99¢.
Fuddruckers
4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Children ages 12 and under eat for 99¢ from the kid’s menu. (Drink is included).
Godfather’s Pizza
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 8 pm Children ages 10 and under eat from the buffet for free.
Golden Corral
Kids eat for $1.99 (3 and under are free).
IHOP
4:00pm - 8:00pm - Kids ages 12 & under eat free- 1 FREE Kids’ Menu item per Adult entree purchase (Drink NOT included).
KC Masterpiece
4 p.m. - close Children ages 12 and under eat free from the kid’s menu.
Lonestar Steakhouse
2 kids eat free with each adult entree.
Perkins Restaurants
Kids eat free All Day.
Pizza Street
4 p.m. - 8 p.m Children ages 9 and under purchase a child’s drink and child eats free.
Planet Sub
4 p.m. - close Children ages 11 and under receive a free kid’s meal.
Ponderosa Steak House
4 p.m. - close Kids eat free.
Salty Iguana Mexican Restaurant
Kids eat free All Day - Children ages 12 and under eat free off the kid’s menu.
Tony Roma’s
Kids 12 and under get a choice of six entrees, an appetizer, dessert and drink.
American Cafe
All Day - 1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
Damon’s
1 free kids meal w/ each adult entrée
IHOP
4:00pm - 8:00pm - Kids ages 12 & under eat free- 1 FREE Kids’ Menu item per Adult entree purchase (Drink NOT included).
KC Masterpiece
4 p.m. - close Children ages 12 and under eat free from the kid’s menu.
Luby’s
Kids eat free w/ adult purchase after 4:30pm.
Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ
Two free kids’ meals per adult entree for ages 12 and under.
Rainforest Cafe
Kids eat free 5 p.m. - close.
Zarda Bar-B-Q
Kids eat free All Day.
American Cafe
All Day - 1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
Captain D’S
2 children’s meals may be purchased for $.99 each per adult dinner purchased.
IHOP
4:00pm - 8:00pm - Kids ages 12 & under eat free- 1 FREE Kids’ Menu item per Adult entree purchase (Drink NOT included).
KC Masterpiece
4 p.m. - close Children ages 12 and under eat free from the kid’s menu.
Piccadilly
All Day Kid’s Meals are 99¢ and Kid’s Big Meals are $1.99.
American Cafe
All Day - 1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
American Cafe
1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
Denny’s
4-10 p.m. Kids eat free up to two entrees per adult meal purchased.
Lonestar Steakhouse
11am - 4pm 2 kids eat free with each adult entree.
Luby’s
Kids eat free w/ adult purchase all day (excluding lunch).
Piccadilly
All Day Kid’s Meals are 99¢ and Kid’s Big Meals are $1.99 (11am-4pm).
Dicky’s BBQ Pit
2845 E Overland Rd
kids under 12 eat free (one child per paying adult) on Sundays at Dickey’s.
American Cafe
All Day - 1 child ages 10 & under per adult entree purchased - Item from Kid’s Menu (Does NOT include drink).
Arriba Mexican Grill
Kids eat free - One kids meal per adult entree.
Chartroose Caboose
All Day.
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
Kids’ Special! $1.49 kid’s meal w/ purchase of adult entree.
Hooter’s
Kid’s eat free 11am - 11pm.
Jose Pepper’s Authentic Mexican Food
Kids eat free All Day.
La Mesa Mexican Restaurant
All Day Children ages 12 and under eat for 1 penny from the from kid’s menu.
Planet Sub
Get a free kids meal with each adult meal purchased.
The River Styx Grille
Kids eat for $.99 w/ purchase of adult entree 11am - 7pm. Limit 2 kids per adult entree.
Salsaritas
Kids Meal is free w/ purchase of adult entree.
Sunset Grill
Kids eat free All Day.
Villa Rosa Italian Restaurant
Kids eat free.
Zebb’s Deluxe Bar & Grill
Bring the kids, up to 10 years of age, anytime and for each adult meal, choose a free kids meal (a value of up to $3.99).
More
February “Things To Do”
Momsfirststop.com is looking for fun cheap to free things to do. If you would like to share a community event or a great idea that our readers would appreciate please send email me, angela@momsfirststop.com
February 2009
Since February is the month dedicated to love I came up with some fun cheap to free things to do with the ones you love. Making time for your spouse and friends is hard enough as it is and to compound the outing with the expense it is nearly impossible to get out the door. Here are a few fun ideas that are easy on your wallet and fun for you.
1. Be a patron of the arts.
A trip to the local theater, ballet, museum or symphony can be an inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening. Look for shows or events at your community theater, a performance school or a local university. Some events even may be free! FREE Photographic Arts Collective Student Exhibition
FREE Boise Philharmonic Backstage with the Artist
2. Play board games.
No time to plan? Have a game night! Play cards or another favorite game that adults love. To get out of the house, find a local restaurant or bar that has a weekly trivia night. Better yet, kick out the guys and kids and host a poker night for all of your girlfriends.
3. Take a cooking class.
Sign up for a cooking class with your friends. Learn something new and catch up with the girls. Margie Davies (davies5009@aol.com), owner of “Thyme on your hands” has a special Valentines Day offering if you would like to avoid the crowded noisy restaurant scene. There are also great classes offered by the local parks and recreation that include cooking, dancing, and other fun classes. Boise Parks and Rec Activity Guide
4. Hold a clothing swap.
At the start of a new season, ask your friends in advance to bring any of their unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories to your party. Let everyone sort through and pick out the items she wants. Donate any unwanted clothes to charity. It’s a fun, free way to update your wardrobe.
5. Go for dessert.
Get your girlfriends to dress up and go out to a restaurant just for dessert. You’ll avoid paying for an expensive dinner but still have a special night on the town.
Murphy’s has the best “mile high” Mud Pie and an awesome happy hour (2 for 1 drinks and apps) 4-7pm M-F noon-7pm Saturday. Sign up for their newsletter MVP Club, and receive special offers.
6. Host a spa night. Nothing says girls’ night like a spa party.
Give manicures, pedicures and facials. Serve fun, healthy drinks and turn on some chick flicks. If you want to go all out, hire a masseuse to give massages. A spa night is a great way to get pampered and spend time with the girls.
Planet Beach is offering a FREE DAY AT THE SPA for you and a friend. Just click the link for your free spa pass!
MORE LINKS
“Things To Do” is being updated weekly so make sure you check it out
FREE Food at TGI Friday’s
Like most family’s we are looking to save money any way we can. One of the first things we cut is going out to eat. Well, thanks to TGI Friday’s date night is back. Share this coupon and use it over and over again.
*Special thanks to Shawnie for sharing this great deal!
For other great deals check out
Going Green: Before it was cool
Going Green: Stop Junk Mail and Save a Tree
Home Remedies for Sunburns
With the long 4th of July weekend behind us we are all reminiscing of the time we had and perhaps nursing some battle wounds from the long weekend. Of course, I’m talking in particular to sun burns. Sun burns are a sure sign that you had a good time and are now paying for it. Here a few home remedies to help ease the pain and promote healing of your rosy skin.
Milk - The milk should be at or close to room temperature. Take cotton gauze and dip it into the milk. Apply it to the sunburn and allow it to sit for 20 minutes or so. After this time, remove the milk compress and gently rinse your skin to remove any milk residue. If you do not rinse your skin, the milk residue will develop a sour odor and so will you.
Vegetables - a bag of frozen vegetables inside a clean towel and placing it gently upon the sunburned area can offer some minor and temporary relief to an individual. This home remedy helps to cool down the sunburn.
Thinly slice a raw cucumber, potato, or apple. Gently place the pieces on your sunburn. Not only is the coolness of the vegetables soothing to your skin, but also, it is possible that they will help to reduce any inflammation occurring from your sunburn.
Vitamin E - Eating foods that are rich in vitamin E can help to reduce the inflammation caused by sunburn.
Pain reliever – Tylenol or Advil will help relieve pain
Soak yourself in diluted vinegar - Pour one cup of white cider kitchen vinegar into a tub of tepid water and soak yourself in it. It’s very soothing to your skin and helps relieve the pain of sunburn.
Baking soda and cornstarch. - Another recipe for relief, also from the kitchen cabinet: Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of cornstarch into a tub of tepid water and soak yourself.
Oatmeal - If you find the smell of vinegar or milk too intense, you can wrap dry oatmeal in some gauze or cheesecloth and run cool water through it. Wring out the excess water and apply the cloth for 20 minutes every two to four hours.
Make a paste of one Bayer-type aspirin (crushed), aloe vera gel, and vitamin A & D cream from a tube. Mix it together crushing up the aspirin as much as possible to have the large pieces crushed into small grains, as smooth a paste as you can make. I use the back part of a spoon to crush and smooth paste. Place on sunburn and cover up with old clothing. It will make the blisters go down and absorb the redness and the pain goes away also.
Pure Aloe Vera Gel - Squirt some on your hand a rub into the burn. Takes away some of the pain and helps prevent skin cancer.
Noxema – cools skin and provides relief
Cheap Nutritional Treats for Summer
It seems like we are bombarded with sugar filled frozen treats during the summer and like most parents I am constantly trying to limit my children’s sugar intake. Here are a few cheap nutritional frozen treat options for you and your family.
Frozen Grapes: I buy grapes in bulk when I find them on sale ($.99 or less). I will wash them (fruit and veggie cleaner) and divide some up for eating fresh and the rest goes into the freezer. They freeze beautifully and taste like fruit sorbet. Everyone loves these! I cut them into little pieces for my 1 year old and this is a tasty snack that gives him some relief with teething.
Frozen Yogurt: I buy the lite fruit yogurt and freeze it. It makes a yummy after dinner treat. My 4 year old thinks she’s having ice-cream and provides some relief for my teething 1 year old.
Fruit Smoothies - Again, I buy whatever fruit is on sale in the bulk. What I don’t use immediately I freeze for later. I just blend fruit with yogurt and/or milk and ice.
For other bargains for your family check out: