Showing posts with label Favorite Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favorite Things. Show all posts

Saturday, May 8, 2010

A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Companies that Do Not Leave Adoptive Families Out of the Fun!


This week while I was perusing the blogs, I came across a reminder for all of the fun stuff you get when you are pregnant. You know, cans of formula and coupons sent to your door by companies who hope that they can entice you to use their brand for that huge investment. Or, samples of the latest and greatest diapers along with high-value coupons. And, the pinnacle, the diaper bag full of goodies from the hospital.

I don't know, maybe I'm a little weird...but you KNOW how much I LOVE a freebie! Why pay for it when someone out there is willing to give it to you for free...right?

Well, it got me to thinking (like that grammar, don't ya?), "I won't be going to the hospital for our newest bundle of joy...I'll be taking and umpteen hour plane ride. I wonder if these companies have offers for adoptive families as well?" So, I started hitting websites for all of the diaper, formula, and baby food companies that I could think of. I sent emails all over the place posing my question.

On Wednesday I spoke with a nice lady from Nestle/Gerber (who have merged, I guess?) She asked me a few questions about Grace, and then informed me that she had no distribution system in place for the same package given at the hospital. But, she would like to send a different gift to me. Sure! I told her that I would love that.

Yesterday (2 days later!), my nice UPS guy delivered the gift. Inside I found a much nicer diaper bag than I received at the hospital with either of my boys. (This is probably the one I will take to China.) There were also some promotional materials, AND a coupon for a FREE can of formula...of my choice. This includes Soy, which we expect to be using with Grace. WOW! I am very impressed by Gerber's response to my query. And, you can bet that I will remember that when I am shopping for Grace's needs in the future.

If you know anyone who is adopting a young child, be sure to let them know what is available for them!

You know my mantra...There is stuff all around us that is "free for the asking".

Saturday, February 20, 2010

A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Coffee Can Hardware Stockpile


I have learned much from my grandparents over the years. I was blessed to have both sets of my grandparents for my entire childhood and early marriage, only losing my dad's parents about 10 years ago. Some of the things that my grandparents taught me were intentional. Ma Ma Grace taught me all about plants, trees and birds. We went for walks every day that we were together, I learned much about the world around me as we followed that familiar path around her house.

Some things they taught me by example. Many of my penny-pinching ways were inherited through observation of careful frugality in both grandparent's households. Ma Ma Betty taught me to never throw anything useful away. Granted, I struggle with when something has lost its usefulness, sometimes (Hi, My name is Amy....and I am a packrat). But, this practice has often served me well.

For as long as I can remember, Ma Ma Betty had a coffee can full of nuts, bolts, washers and screws in her laundry room. As a child I spent hours digging around in that can, sorting and stacking the treasures inside. I still remember a few of the specific things that were always there...a roll of soldering wire, a rubber-tipped doorstop, those plastic clips that are used to hang un-framed mirrors on the wall...

When I started housekeeping, I went to the grocery store and bought a can of coffee...not for the coffee, but for the can. (I was 20, I didn't really like coffee back then...what was I thinking?) I don't remember what I did with the coffee, but I washed out the can and started throwing in the leftover hardware from various projects...extra nails from hanging curtain rods, extra screws from a ceiling fan kit, extra cup-hooks from my curtain tie-backs.

After over 15 years, the can has gotten pretty doggone full. I cannot tell you how many times I have fixed something, hung something, or finished a project by digging through that can. I sincerely believe it has saved me hundreds of dollars in last-minute trips to the store. I cannot remember the last time that I needed a piece of hardware and didn't find just the thing in my coffee can...it is one of my favorite things!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Fruit and Maple Oatmeal....We Have an Answer!

Eureka....we have it! The dietary fiber in McDonald's Fruit and Maple is...5 grams.
Now we can enjoy it all the more!

**Update**

I just received an email with even more info. Here we go:
280 Calories
40 Calories from Fat
4g Total Fat
1.5g Saturated Fat
0g Trans Fat
5mg Cholesterol
135mg Sodium
57g Carb
5g Dietary Fiber
31g Sugar
5g Protein

These figures are for the container as it is presented for purchase.

****This is an update as of May 15, 2011. I've had lots of questions about how differing variations on the oatmeal affect the nutritional value. Please understand that the original post on this was written over a year and a half ago while this product was being tested in my area for potential national coverage. I am personally glad that they decided to keep the oatmeal. But...they've tweaked it some since this post was written. I doubt that the nutritional facts here will mirror what you can find on the company website. For nutrition facts on the current product, please check out the McDonald's website. Thanks! ~Amy****

Saturday, January 9, 2010

A Few of My Favorite Things~Clorox Toilet Wand $5 Coupon!


I purchased a couple of Clorox Toilet Wands many moons ago. (I'm thinking two years?) Oh, how I love cleaning a toilet from a distance! I've never been a fan of toilet brushes...they are just icky! So, before the Toilet Wand my previous toilet cleaning efforts led to encounters that were way too close for comfort.

Back when I purchased mine, they came with these little plastic hooks that stuck (sort of) to the toilet tank so that the wand would be close at hand. Now, Clorox has designed a nifty holder that sits on the floor. It has a place to store the wand, as well as storage for the cleaning heads. I upgraded this week, because I came across a printable coupon for $5 off of this cleaning system. (wand, stand, and 6 cleaning heads) My Walmart has these for $9.72, so the coupon makes them less than half-price. Print out up to 2 copies of the coupon HERE. (Use your browser's back button for the second one.) I used 2, because I have two bathrooms.

I know there are cheaper ways to clean my toilets. Let's just say that I allow myself a few splurges for being so froogle with other purchases.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Few of My Favorite Things~McDonald's Oatmeal *UPDATE*


About a week ago I wrote about McDonalds' new oatmeal HERE, which I am in love with. Today, I recevied a message from McDonalds' public relations department. They had run across my post, noticed that I had not been able to come up with nutrition information and kindly provided it for us.

"Since you asked about the nutritional information, I thought I would send it along to you and your readers. One complete serving of the product contains 260 calories and 4 grams of fat."

Not bad...at all.

I'm thrilled to find out that this item is as healthy as I thought it was. :)
Thanks for the info, Jaime (and, thanks for the offer for a free cup of oatmeal!)

So, when you are sick of cake, pie, cookies and fudge after the holiday binge...run out to McDonalds and get something healthy...Fruit and Maple Oatmeal.

****This is an update as of May 15, 2011. I've had lots of questions about how differing variations on the oatmeal affect the nutritional value. Please understand that the original post on this was written over a year and a half ago while this product was being tested in my area for potential national coverage. I am personally glad that they decided to keep the oatmeal. But...they've tweaked it some since this post was written. I doubt that the nutritional facts here will mirror what you can find on the company website. For nutrition facts on the current product, please check out the McDonald's website. Thanks! ~Amy****

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A Few of My Favorite Things~McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal


I really cannot believe that I am posting a McDonald's menu item as one of my favorite things. Usually this is a place that I give-in and go to once in a while for the kiddos. It is seldom that I go there for myself.

We had a road trip to take Thanksgiving weekend, and on our rush out the door that morning, I forgot to eat breakfast. Since Mickey D's is practically at the end of my driveway, that was my breakfast option. I noticed a sign for the new Fruit and Maple Oatmeal and decided to give it a try. Wow! I received a reasonably-sized portion of freshly made oatmeal with loads of freshly chopped apples, raisins, golden raisins, and dried cranberries. It smelled and tasted wonderful. There was fruit in every bite. I have ordered this three times since Thanksgiving to see if they were going to get skimpy with the fruit. I have consistently gotten hot, fresh oatmeal with lots of fruit.

Kudos to McDonald's for bringing healthy food to breakfast (or any time, I just ordered the oatmeal pictured at 5:30 PM). After the McGriddle, I had almost written them off, blech! (Come on...bacon, eggs and cheese sandwiched between two syrup-infused pancakes?) I wanted to give you the nutrition information, but it appears to be MIA. I looked on their website and asked at the store, but neither had it for this item. Based on my knowledge of sweetened instant oatmeal packets and the dried fruit, I'm going to guess it to be around 220 calories which is not bad. So, the next time your kids sweet-talk you into a Happy Meal, give the oatmeal a shot! Oh...and did I mention that it costs $1.99? Cheap food makes me happy :)

****This is an update as of May 15, 2011. I've had lots of questions about how differing variations on the oatmeal affect the nutritional value. Please understand that the original post on this was written over a year and a half ago while this product was being tested in my area for potential national coverage. I am personally glad that they decided to keep the oatmeal. But...they've tweaked it some since this post was written. I doubt that the nutritional facts here will mirror what you can find on the company website. For nutrition facts on the current product, please check out the McDonald's website. Thanks! ~Amy****

Saturday, December 5, 2009

A Few of My Favorite Things-Books That Give A New Perspective to Christmas

There are a couple of small books that I pull from my bookshelf every year at this time. Each one is a very fast read, but so packed full of meaning! I thought I would share them with you.


The first is Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado. Written with Lucado's characteristic flair, it is the fictionalized rendition of the spiritual warfare that must have surrounded the first Christmas. This would be a fun book to read with boys, at your discretion of course. (Minor parental editing may be needed as you read to them based on the age and maturity level of your kiddos.) Angels are portrayed as the warriors and protectors that they are. I plan to read this with my 9 year old this year, with the explanation that it is fictional. This is the nativity story like you have never heard it before. Find it in THIS compilation at Amazon.


The second book is The Innkeeper by John Piper. Although this is also a fictionalized account of events surrounding the first Christmas, as with all that comes from Piper's pen, it is rich with meaning. I have great respect for this man of God. This one brings me to tears every single year. I think any mom would understand this upon reading it. Have you ever thought about the true ramifications of the slaughter of all baby boys under the age of 2 that Herod commanded? Joseph was warned and Jesus was spared...many were not. This book is not a Christmas downer, on the contrary, it brings a depth to Christmas that is often forgotten. Find it HERE at Amazon.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A Few of My Favorite Things-Cavendar's Greek Seasoning


Have you ever had a recipe that needed "something" but you couldn't figure out what? Chances are, this would have been just the thing. I use Cavendar's Greek Seasoning in just about everything.

A few years ago I took green beans to a potluck. One lady tasted them and said. "With the way these taste, and knowing where you are from, they have to be made with fatback." I told her that I do not cook with fatback, and she didn't believe me. One secret to those yummy, canned (yes, canned) green beans is Cavendar's. On another day I will share that recipe (so super-easy).

Cavendar's is a spice blend containing pepper, sugar, onion powder, parsley and "other spices". Besides green beans, I use it in pinto beans, on poultry (even my Thanksgiving Turkey), on just about any vegetable, on baked fish, and in homemade soup. It is flavor, not heat and goes so well with a multitude of foods without making them taste all the same.

At this point, the only place that I can find Cavendar's locally is Super Wal-mart. In the past, Food Lion has carried it as well. I did find it several places online. The best deal I have come across is at AmericanSpice.com. There you can purchase three containers for about $5 each with shipping. I have not used their site before, but they are Better Business Bureau approved. You can also purchase it in bulk from Amazon. As you travel South, it becomes more readily available.

Cavendar's is a staple in my house. I would rather run out of salt and pepper than this wonderful seasoning, which definitely makes it on of my favorite things!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Few Of My Favorite Things-Gift Closets

About ten years ago a mentor recommended that I start a gift closet. Or more specifically, a designated space in my home where I would keep a stash of gifts. What a wonderful friend! I cannot tell you how many times this has saved me when I needed a last-minute hostess or birthday gift.

Basically, I just look for things on sale and stockpile when I find a great deal. (Also the way I buy most of my groceries.) Some of my favorite gift closet finds are bath products, scented candles, books, unique photo frames, cool mugs (tea, cocoa or coffee added at presentation time), gift cards, gender-neutral baby items, and toys in the age-range of my boys for birthday party invites.

As our family increases, I learn more and more how necessary it is to be prepared. Last-minute scrambles just make my blood pressure go up and my nerves shorten. I also tend to spend a lot more if I wait to the last minute. My gift closet gives me the time to hunt a bargain and allows me to be just a little more prepared.

I am very excited that our remodeling project is going to allow me to have an entire closet designated for this purpose...I am going to be SO organized >insert contented sigh here< once this little project is complete. I will be sure to post photos.

I also keep a gift binder that reminds me of the gifts that I have given in the past. I will blog about this on another day.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Few of My Favorite Things

I seldom make a splurge purchase without considering it for a while. By splurge I do not mean ultra expensive, just something that I feel I could live easily without. Last year I splurged on a "butter bell". I prefer using real butter for cooking and as a spread. A friend once told me, "If you leave margarine sitting outside, the bugs won't even eat it because it's not real food." That stuck with me. So, we use butter in our house. I had heard of butter bells years ago, but had never gone looking for one. I had a little birthday money and thought, why not?

Have you ever tried to spread cold butter on bread? Of course, we all have, it just doesn't work well. What is a butter lover to do? Enter the butter bell. It allows you to keep butter at room temperature without spoiling.

Room temperature butter spreads easily, and is so nice to have around. Yes, I know that you can soften it in the microwave, but I always overdo it. And, I'm not a fan of waiting for an hour or more for it to come to room temperature on it's own.

The Butter Bell comes in two pieces. The bottom is simply a jar that holds a couple of inches of cool water. The lid, when lifted, reveals an upside-down container that you pack the softened butter into. When the lid is placed on the jar, the water creates an airtight seal around the lip of the butter container, which keeps it from spoiling. I'm sure Alton Brown of "Good Eats" fame (I love that show!) could give you the scientific reasons for this. I can't, but I can tell you that butter kept this way will stay fresh on the counter for several weeks, as long as you change the water every few days. Here is information from the experts. This site also happens to have a special going right now, if you buy 2 they will send you a Christmas themed bell for free. Just a thought for any butter lovers on you Christmas list.

The Butter Bell can be elusive, although a Google search just revealed more sources than I found last year. Mine is hand-made, purchased from ebay. There are a lot of antique versions available, because these were common in kitchens before refrigeration became readily available. I guess that adds to the appeal for me. I love history, and this keeps a little piece of it alive in my every day life.

So, it was a splurge, yes. I had kept a relatively normal household for over 14 years sans butter bell. But, it is a purchase that I do not regret. In fact, it is one of my favorite things.
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