Oh my gosh! My first Amazon Echo review.

I got picked by Amazon to be able to purchase an Echo. (you have to request an invite to buy).

I am an Amazon Prime member, so I got a discount on it, it is the coolest toy ever. I will have to post an in depth review with videos of me playing with it when I have a bit more time.

It is basically a pretty decent speaker (has to be plugged into the wall though) that you talk to and it performs a variety of functions, it "learns" and will have more capabilities later on. I am hoping for different voices and wake words. It's wake word is Alexa, after the library of Alexandria. If you have Amazon prime you have access to millions of songs for free (and can play your playlists) if not, you can set up iheart radio to it, you can set iheart radio to it even if you do have Amazon prime though.

So far I have had it; play me music, tell me the news (from NPR!!), give me the weather, add items to my shopping list, spell words, do math problems, define words, tell me facts, set an alarm, and tell me jokes. Oh and I discovered if you say, "Alexa who let the dogs out?" it replies, "who who who who." cracked me up! It also responds when you ask it what the fox says!

Oh and if Echo can't answer a question it will send you a link to a bing search to your companion app. Evan asked it a lot of random things, so I have been getting quite a few links sent to me.

Low Entry Giveaways for December

Not seeing an end date on this one but comment here on your favorite holiday tradition for a chance to win a red velvet cake recipe book!

Prepping for the Holidays

I started working at my retail job right before Christmas last year, so I just caught the end of the nuthouse that working retail at the holidays is. It is helpful because having to work so much (and fill in at other stores) means more money for bills, presents, and increased power usage due to the cold weather. It unfortunately also means less time with your family, a messy house, and exhaustion.

I got promoted at work to part time lead sales associate and it will most likely be full time fairly soon. That will be good. My husband is probably going to get a new and better job soon, which is rather fortuitous as I will need to work more closing shifts and having him home at nights will be extremely helpful. My boss is understanding and works with my on my schedule, but it'd be nice for her not to have to make exceptions. More money will be great too.

Lavender essential oil Epsom salts have become my BFF.

What I am thankful for

With Thanksgiving coming up, it makes you begin to think of what you are thankful for. I think it is great Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday season. I think it helps keeps things in perspective. It also gives another excuse to get together with family and friends, and eat too much.

What I am currently most thankful for is that I found a job and I am advancing in it. I am also thankful for my son, he is so great, I have even got calls from the school letting me know. He is smart, compassionate, and polite. I have heard he helps out the other kids and cheers up any one if they are feeling bad. So wonderful. He isn't quite as good at home, but it's great to hear that he uses his manners when he is out in the world.

What are you thankful for?

Stalking lightning deals.

Every year before Christmas, when I am not working, cleaning, or doing sweepstakes and hunting freebies, I stalk Amazon and their lightning deals. I have found that there is no need to kick myself if I miss one as they usually repeat, and sometimes and even better deal is to be had.




Shop Amazon - Countdown to Black Friday
(affiliate link)

My favorite amazon deal of the day, today.

On sale for $34.99, today only!

Later today a DC batman Vrum is unlocking. I love the amazon deals and lightning deals, it's one of my favorite parts of the holidays. Now to just have more money to BUY ALL THE THINGS.

If you love books (freebies/giveaways)

If you love books and reading, you should join good reads, they are a great site that you can link to your facebook account and see what books your friends have read and reviewed. The best feature though is their giveaways  they have lots of books that they giveaway everyday. There is an algorithm at play, so honestly rate lots of books, tell them what you read and want to read and do a few reviews and your odds will increase. I used to enter a bunch every day but won so many I stopped awhile, I went through the list the other day and already received 3 emails telling me I was chosen. I am super excited for the book about cats!  So if you love books and reading, this is a great way to get free ones and maybe discover some books you wouldn't have other wise.

Low entry giveaways for November ongoing

Cleaning





For The Kids


Frozen in Time DVD (2 winners) 108 entries as of 11/5/14 ends 11/19/14 Enter Here

Crayola Virtual Design Pro winner chooses fashion or car 5 entries as of 11/5/14 ends 11/18/14 

Enter Here

 Noah A wordless Picture Book 8 entries as of 11/12/14 ends 11/23/14 Enter Here 

 Begin again toy giveaway 62 entries as of 11/16/14 ends 11/28/14 Enter Here 

Misc.

Firmoo giveaway Eyeglasses of your choice. 48 entries as of 11/5/14 ends 11/17/14 Enter Here 

$25 Giftcard to Family Christian Stores 45 entries as of 11/12/14 ends 11/19/14 Enter Here

SOL REPUBLIC Relays (headphones) 9 entries as of 11/12/14 ends 11/21/14 Enter Here  

SOL Republic Punk Speaker 7 entries as of 11/12/14 ends 11/29/14 Enter Here

$75 giftcard to Minted 42 total entries as of 11/16/14 ends 12/14/14 Enter Here

Freebies and deals for Vets on Veteran's Day (11/11/14)

Every year we say thanks to our Vets for the sacrifices they have made for their country. There are multiple businesses that also give thanks. I am just posting some links here, this will be ongoing and updated as I find more.


First one is a list of Restaurants offering free meals, some are just for appetizers or specific items, but other's offer a lot more. Make sure you find your military I.D. ahead of time. My best friend's parents go for their date night every year for Veteran's Day as they are on a tight budget, I think it is lovely that they at least get some rewards for their service. 

My personal favorites are

Breakfast time; Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery. Participating restaurants are offering current servicemembers and veterans a free Magnificent Seven meal which includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links. Beverage not included. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.

Lunch and Dinner times; Chili's-Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service.

Friendly’s,. Free breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Breakfast offering is free a Big Two Do breakfast, which includes a coffee and the choice between French toast, buttermilk pancakes, or regular toast along with bacon or sausage links, and some eggs. Lunch or dinner includes an All-American Burger served with fries and a beverage. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only.

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 17, 2014 (5pm – 9pm): The 14th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Monday dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Sizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2014. Free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Valid with proof of military service. Dine-in only, not valid for salad bar or gratuity.

Uno Chicago Grill, Nov. 11, 2014. Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required. Don’t forget to tell the staff you are there that day to support Fisher House, and a portion of your party’s check will go to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, an awesome military charity.

Team Dole

Here is a super easy way to earn some neat goodies. I joined Team Dole  and connected my accounts (twitter,facebook,instagram0and shared a few items, I share 1 at the moment and then schedule a few and do it every other day or so, trying not to spam my friends and family too much. I put my contact information and address in and within a month I got a cool freezer tote bag, lidded cup with a straw, penguin magnet, 2 free product coupons (dole dippers and dole shakers) and $1 off coupons for the dippers and shakers, also a cute mini recipe booklet. My son spread all the items all over the place before I got a chance to take a picture, so I am using one my friend posted. You can earn other rewards and they regularly have contests too. Super easy and fun, also some of the articles are educational and inspiring.

Netflix users

I have basic cable and pay for Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. We do most of our tv viewing through streaming sites. I love the convenience and variety it offers. It's also nice to be able to hit pause. The best way to watch a show is binge watch it too.

Awhile ago though I was thinking of getting rid of Netflix, it seemed like there was never anything new. I then discovered the site Instant Watcher it is brilliant. It shows you the newest shows added, what is currently new and trending. They also used to show what is upcoming and being pulled soon, but they removed those features. So when I get bored, I check instant watcher for what is new. I wouldn't have known Django Unchained was now on Netflix if it wasn't for Instant Watcher. I also wouldn't have discovered the very creepy show Dark Net last night if it wasn't for this site. So if you feel yourself bored by the options on Netflix, check out Instant Watcher and see what you are missing out on.

Evan's fantastic 8th Birthday at Omni Hilton Head

A few years ago I won two night's stay at any Omni Hotel or Resort. I chose the resort in Hilton Head SC as it is the closest to me and looked amazing. It is right on the beach. I took my son, and my best friend's mother and sister. My best friend had passed away before Christmas the previous year in a drunk driving accident. It was very cathartic. My friend's mom told me that before she felt like she was drowning, but the water had moved from her eyebrows to below her neck from our vacation. It was amazing and fun for everyone. It also made a fantastic 6th birthday present for Evan.

So when I received a $600 gift card from Omni as a part of another prize package, I knew exactly which chain I would be staying at. This time my husband was able to get off of work and come with. We rented a car and headed down. The first night we were there it was very nice and warm and the water was perfect. The next day it was chilly, but my son still had a blast in the pool and we all had fun in the ocean, which was 75 degrees. They have chalkboards leading up to the beach letting you know the sunset/sunrise low/high tide times and the high/low temps for the day and the temp of the water, which is pretty cool.

They had done quite a few renovations since my last visit too. The first time we came, it was nice. When we returned, it was fanfreakingtastic. They changed out the pool area, before there was a tiny kiddy pool, a family pool, and an adult's only pool (which I never checked out.) They upgraded to a zero-entry pool, a kiddy pool,  a splash zone, and still have an adult's only pool. One thing I loved is that all the pools and one of the hot tubs now have a special chair so that handicapped people can get in and out of the water. Having a father with MS that is wheelchair-bound it makes me feel good knowing that people like him can have fun with their families on vacation and not be stuck to the sidelines.  Also, before they had one firepit, that was ok, nothing special, just a big metal thing. They upgraded to 2 very nice gas firepits. Perfect for making s'mores, having a drink, listening to music by, or just enjoying some peace and warmth. I also loved the giant chess board they had put in. I loved the one at Dreams in the Dominican Republic, so it was good to see another one.

They also have a neat program called the Omni Kid's club, they don't seem to advertise it at the Hilton Head location, but if you ask you get a cool bag with some goodies for each kid with and they also get milk and cookies delivered the first night you stay.

Oh and make sure to remember to fill out your drink request for the next morning the night before and put the time, I got orange juice for Evan and coffee for us, delivered with cream. There is a nice coffee maker in the room, with wolfgang puck pods, but having a big pot and a big thing of cream delivered early in the morning is pretty nice, very luxurious.

As far as I can tell, the rooms were not upgraded, at least not the level rooms I got, but they are great. The smallest (and cheapest) are available in one King + pull out couch, or 2 Queen beds. They also come with a nice kitchenette with a mini fridge(with a tiny freezer), toaster, sink, coffee maker and microwave. They even give you dish soup and rags for washing and a few dishes and cutlery to use. I also discovered, rather guiltily, that if you leave your dirty dishes in the sink, housekeeping will wash and dry them, oops. You also get a table and chairs to sit at and eat. All rooms also include a balcony, which is very nice to sit on and enjoy the sites and smells. You can save quite a bit of money by doing grocery shopping and making your own meals. They have a Publix on the island, which is surprisingly very affordable. I highly reccomend buying some Pluff Mudd and Murphy's English Stout if you visit Publix. Shop the sales they have and you should come out ok.


If you stay at The Omni and are a member of AAA I highly recommend taking advantage of the special offers, you get a discounted rate, and this particular resort had a breakfast option. The 3 of us got a full breakfast buffet for an extra $30/night that would have cost us over $50 otherwise. It basically made our room cost the same as if we did not have AAA. I also recommend booking in advance as the rates do raise as you get closer. You can cancel as long as it is more than 2 days before your booking and rebook, so it's better to do it early on, if you see something lower before than, you can change it.

I was not asked to review this and did not receive any compensation, but I wanted to share the genuinely great time we had for Evan's birthday and hope to return for another, perhaps for his 10th!

Oh wow!

Life got so super busy. I have been working so much at my retail job. I recently got promoted, which is awesome. I was unemployed for such a long time, it is a blessing. It is not in my preferred field, but it helps create a work history and good recommendations. It is also nice that if I ever move I can transfer to another location.  Evan is now 8 and nearly 5 feet tall! Holy cow! I am only 5 feet tall, that is insane! I haven't been finding many freebies or deals lately, but have been posting quite a few of the low entry giveaways I have been finding on my facebook page. Yet another mommy savings blogger

We have been having some Halloween fun already at a church event and have a few more scheduled for this week. We are also now up to SEVEN inside cats! Wow!
We had to get creative with the Halloween costume as he is too big for traditional children's costume, so I got him some ninja weapons, put him in all black and slapped a bandana on him. I am not crafty and can't sew, so not anything too spectacular, but it made him happy, that is all that really matters.

My #disneyside party #1!!

I was so excited when I was picked to host the Disney Side party. I LOVE Disney and everything it stands for. The kit they sent me was so much more than I had ever expected too! So generous!! I shared it on my personal facebook page, but didn't really get a chance to do that here. Sorry, not sorry, my life is currently insanely busy.

So, I had originally planned on throwing my #disneyside party with my FAST (families and schools together) program, but it got cancelled because of a giant ice and snow storm we had. It was really bad, I live in the country, on the bottom of a big hill, I was literally trapped in my house for four days! The FAST program is currently on hiatus, so using my connections at the literacy council (I volunteer there, mainly doing taxes through the VITA program) I found another group of children. TWO actually. It was very quickly thrown together and as my work schedule is very random, kind of last minute. I did today's with an afterschool group ran by Ms. Barbara's church, next week I am doing another small one with another group of children.

The children came in, did their homework, ate a meal (with a few things added I provided, like salads). Then I handed out tickets and did a drawing for "big" prizes I had. One was a doc mcstuffins backpack I got half off from my work, the others were puzzles I got from Dollar Tree. I got tons of prizes and supplies from the Dollar Tree using a giftcard I won from another blogger.

Then we played a quick game of Bingo, using the bingo game and cut up construction paper, I let each child (that had not won a prize in the drawing) that won pick a prize out of the prize basket. It was very fun and kind of quick.

Then I pulled out my game of Eye Found it, which, again, I won from another blogger. The children had a TON of fun with that game. I cannot recommend it enough. You can see it here

I was super super busy, wrangling these children, my child, setting things up, even with help, so only got a few photos taken.

Oh! I also made strawberry and chocolate cupcakes and served them on the Mickey Mouse plates and napkins! I had some left over prizes and left them with the person who runs the program, to use in the future.

Party #2 is next week! Super excited to host it!