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.