Sunday, October 31, 2010

Free samples

Here are the latest samples I have been able to find from doing searches for freebies. Just click and then fill out the form and the samples will be on their way. Some of the samples may make great stocking stuffers.
It really is better to create a separate e-mail address for freebie requests so, your main e-mail doesn't get flooded with spam. Happy freebie hunting.
Free coffee sample : http://www.thomascoffee.com/request

Free Deigo/Dora potty training kit from pampers (includes coupon)
http://www.pampers.com/en_US/potty-kit-request?utm_source=ggl&utm_term=pampers&utm_campaign=Easy%2BUps%2BEngagement&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=pg1079942s

Free adult multi-vitamins: http://www.naturesbounty.com/pages/gummiessample.aspx?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.naturesbounty.com%2fpages%2fgummiessample.aspx&utm_campaign=Get+Your+Free+Adult+Gummies+Sample+Today!

Free sun cyrstals sweetener sample:
https://www.suncrystals.com/shop/free-sun-crystals/

Free foot/leg pain patch:
http://www.nerubiotech.com/index.php?main_page=pages&name=freesample

Free calcium sample:
http://www.calcia.com/usa/request.asp

Free Breathe right strips:
http://www.breatheright.com/

Free Atkins bars:
http://community.atkins.com/security/register.jsp?rc=FreeBars&MCID=OnlineBannersJan09&utm_source=Glam_CustomChannel&utm_medium=CreativeTheme2_728x90&utm_campaign=Atkins2010

Free playtex sport tampon samples:
http://playtexsport.com/demand-it.aspx

Free children's toothpaste/toothbrush
http://origin.www.colgate.com/app/BrightSmilesBrightFutures/US/EN/Login/Parents.srv

Free car air freshener:
http://tampagpcarwash.com/free_airwick_car_freshener.html

Free sweetener samples:
http://www.freeidealsweet.com/

I can see the children's toothpaste & toothbrush and the car air freshener making great stocking stuffers. I will post more samples as I run across them....so stay tuned.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Free pumpkin carving templates

I found a wonderful resource for pumpkin templates I wanted to share. Here's the link:
http://www.rd.com/home-garden/12-free-printable-pumpkin-carving-stencils/article100924.html

Here's the jack-o-lantern my husband made with my son.

Home made Halloween Makeup

It's the day before Halloween and your children have no costumes and you don't know what to do. Well, this post is for you.
If you are still wondering how you are going to come up with costumes for your children or yourself, here is a reposting of the link to the no sew costumes.
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/nosewcostumes/NoSew_Costumes.htm
Here are 2 links to recipes for home made Halloween makeup.
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/halloween/makeup.htm
http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/makeup_halloween.shtml
With a little creativity, you can salvage Halloween, give your children some fun and a way to get (hopefully) a lot of candy. Now, getting them to share the candy....that's another story.
Please be safe out there.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

How to find a food pantry

If you are in need of food and need a food pantry here are some links for you:
http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx
http://www.foodpantries.org/
211 is the number to know. In most states, you can call that number and they will be able to refer you to almost any kind of help you need. If you are not sure if 211 works where you are, go to this link and it will tell you the number to call based on your location.
http://www.211.org/

You can also do an Internet search for a food pantry by typing in your city, state + food pantry. Sometimes food pantries can be hard to find so, these links are a great start in your search. It doesn't matter if you receive food stamps, especially if the amount you receive doesn't even cover you for half the month.
Food pantries are nothing to be ashamed about. They are here to help and right now with the economy the way it is, there are people having to go for help that have never had to do so before.  It is a good idea to call the pantry before going to find out if you need to bring any information with you for verification. It is a shame that people are starving in America. When you are back on your feet, maybe you can give back to the pantries that helped you in your times of need.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Weatherization Assistance Programs & LIHEAP

If you are low income, you may qualify for weatherization asistance from your state. They will come and analyze the energy usage in your home and help lower the usage. This may involve insulating your home or maybe replacing your heating system. To find the contact information for your state, go to this website:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/project_map/projects_by_type.aspx?ptype=5

I would love to receive some comments on how this program has helped you.

Most states will be taking applications for LIHEAP in early November. They go on your income in October and money is usually sent out in February. This is a federally funded progam to help low income housholds with their energy bills.
To find out more information for your state LIHEAP program go here:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/grantees/states.html

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A Make Shift Grill to Cook With Wood

I thought I'd share a great idea my husband had. He wanted to grill some chicken but, we had no gas in the grill and no charcoal either. He made a grill from concrete blocks to burn wood. He had 2 metal rods he put imbetween some of the blocks so, he could lay the rack from our grill on them. He then found some wood (read sticks, old branches...etc) and cooked our dinner. I thought this sure will come in handy if we have another hurricane or don't have any power.



The chicken was good and I was quite proud of my hubby.













Monday, October 25, 2010

Free Toy Story Christmas

Have a child that loves Toy Story? I know I do. We did a Toy Story birthday party and I wanted to share a great resource that can be used for Christmas. Go to this website:
http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-character-fun/pkg-disney-pixar-toy-story/
You will be able to print and make a 3-D Buzz light year, a 3-D octopus, a whole Toy Story 3 character play set with the nursery background, and a marionette Woody puppet. There are many other items as well. You can also print out coloring pages and make a Toy Story coloring book, which would be great as a stocking stuffer. If you want more coloring pages, just do a search for printable Toy Story coloring pages, and you will be surprised by what's out there. This is the Disney website so, there are printables and games for other characters as well. My son loved playing with the character set at his birthday. I know your child will love it too.