TGIF

Well, it's Friday again and I am only half way at work. Vacation starts at 5pm and my mind is already checked out. First, I left my thermos of coffee at home...thanks to my sweetie for making it this morning. Then I come to work and try to get coffee in an office that never has coffee...doesn't even have a coffee pot. I've officially checked out. And, of course, today being my last day before vacation, one of the backups started doing goofy things again, so I've got support looking into that. It's been a long week leading up to vacation. Just worked on two phone system problems. I guess if I stay really busy today, the day will get here quicker. Everyone have a great weekend!!

Thankful Thursday

This thankful Thursday, my letter would be "B". So, what am I thankful for today that starts with "B":

my Brother
Beginning our 10th year of marriage (celebrated 9 years yesterday)
Bowel movements (story behind it, don't think I'll share it right now)
Both my wife and son
rib Belt

So, what are you thankful for this week? It doesn't have to start with "B", but it'd be fun to see what you can come up with!

Blog Hop 7/28/09

I love this picture of me and my son. Some moments are just so precious! This was a couple years ago, but love the moment!

Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.

Old Orchard Brands, LLC, recently sent me coupons to try the new Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies. I wasn't sure how I would like them, but figured it would be worth a try. I tried three different flavors: Peach Mango, Mixed Berry, and Strawberry Banana. They also have one called Banana Colada, but I'm not able to get it at my local grocery store.
The smoothies are very easy to make, although my blender may be ready to bite the dust. All you have to do is empty the smoothie mix into the blender, add six ounces of water, and add two cans of ice. Blend on high until it is smooth and serve to your family and friends! The smoothies had a taste that was sweet, but not too sweet. It wasn't like smoothies I've had at smoothie stores at the mall, that are loaded with way too much syrup or sugar.

I shared the Peach Mango smoothies with my wife and three year old son. We all three downed the smoothies quickly and thought they tasted great! I think it says a lot when a three year old will drink something that is loaded with real fruit and ask for more! I shared the Mixed Berry and the Strawberry Banana with our small group from church. Everyone expressed that they really enjoyed the smoothies! I think the Peach Mango was my favorite, with the Strawberry Banana being my second favorite.

Now a little information about the Smoothies from Old Orchard/Chiquita:

The Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies are a brand new product we have launched. They come in the same type of can as our Old Orchard frozen juice concentrates, and just need to be blended with ice and water to make three 8oz servings of delicious fruit smoothie! Each serving contains at least 1/2 cup (1 serving) of fruit and 100% DV Vitamin C. The Smoothies are all natural and are dairy and gluten free. We currently produce four flavors: Strawberry Banana, Peach Mango, Banana Colada, and Mixed Berry. These are great products for summertime (or anytime!).

Chiquita is running a promotion to win a family vacation for four to Jamaica and other prizes! This promotion ends July 31, 2009, so be sure to go to the Chiquita Smoothies web site soon to get entered to win!

Also, check out the Chiquita Smoothie web site to get a coupon for a $1 off coupon.

And now, The Giveaway:

Old Orchard sent me enough extra coupons to do a giveaway. Each coupon is good for any one Free Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothie.

Five (5) winners will receive two (2) coupons each.

Main Entry
**Leave a separate comment for each entry. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you.**

Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies are a great source of fruit and a great summer treat. Leave me a comment telling me another way you help your family eat healthier (especially younger children) during the summer months.

Extra Entries

1. Follow my blog.
2. Subscribe to my blog by email OR my RSS feeds in a reader.
3. Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway (Leave a direct link to your tweet).

Contest ends August 16, 2009. I will choose a winner using random.org sometime on August 17, 2009 and contact the winner by email. You will have three days to respond by email with your contact information.

TGIF

I'm very happy for Friday again this week! One day closer to vacation. Only one more work week left!
It's been a long week with doctor's appointments and all. My one doctor has me all worried about something that is probably only a very minimal possibility. Sometimes I wish they'd keep things to themselves until they are ready to actually diagnose something. But, the Bible says, "Do not be anxious [do not worry] about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" in Philippians 4:6. So, I'm trying to leave it in God's hands, but the worry is still sitting in the back of my head a little. Guess I'll find out for sure within a few weeks what the doc thinks.
I'm looking forward to the weekend, hoping it doesn't rain tomorrow. I'd like to get some work done on the exterior of our house. Lots that needs to be done...just need to quit procrastinating!
Hope you all have a great Friday and a great weekend.

Thankful Thursday - "A"

So, I've been seeing several blogs I'm following do Thankful Thursday with the alphabet. I'm going to try that!

I'm thankful for:
All my friends and family
Alluring wife (yes, I used a thesaurus for that one)
Adorable son
A job

Ok, I might have cheated a little, but it was harder than I thought, and besides, it's my blog...ha ha I'll see if I can think of others and add them later. What are you thankful for that starts with "A"?

Wednesday Quiz

1. What was the highlight of your week?
$1 Big Macs at McDonalds
2. Whose car were you in last?
Mine
3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?
This evening
4. What color shirt are you wearing?
Green, White, Blue
5. How long is your hair?
1/16 of an inch
6. Are you good looking?
Some might say so
7. Last movie you watched?
Short Circuit
8. Who were you with?
Myself
9. Last thing you ate?
PopTart
10. Last thing you drank?
Coffee
11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?
A long time ago I think.
12. Who came over last?
Probably the small group from church
13. Are you happy right now?
Mostly
14. What did you say last?
I'm not a big fan of cucumbers
15. Where is your phone?
on my hip<
16. What color are your eyes?
blue green
17. Are you left-handed?
no
18. Spell your name without vowels:
Mtthw
19. Do you have any pets?
Yes
20. Favorite Vacation?
North Carolina Beaches...Mali, West Africa in close second
21. What do you dislike currently?
having to wait for vacation
22. What are you listening to?
radio
23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
A big Fudruckers burger.
24. What is your favorite scent?
Vanilla
25. Who makes you happiest?
My wife
26. What were you doing at midnight last night?
sleeping...soundly
27. When is your birthday?
October
28. Who has the same phone as you?
don't know anyone that does
29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?
last year on vacation I think
30. Do you read your horoscope?
no
31. Where was the last place you bought something?
Old Navy
32. How do you feel about your hair right now?
what hair...ha ha ha
33. Do you bite your nails?
no
34. Do you have any expensive jewelery?
class ring and wedding ring
35. Do you have any expensive jewelery?
same question as 34...ha ha ha
36. Myspace or facebook?
Facebook
37. How fast have you driven a car?
very near 100MPH
38. Have you ever smoked?
no
39. What was or is your favorite subject in school?
Girls
40. Do you have Verizon?
Yes
41. What type of boy or girl do you usually fall for?
Smart and attractive
42. Do you have any hidden talents?
can play trumpet
43. Favorite Song?
too many to list
44. Do you like to sing at all?
Yes
45. Dream Job?
Chef of a 5 star restaurant
46. Where does most of your family live?
Ohio
47. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
2 siblings
48. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled?
no
49. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
oh no, I didn't hear my alarm
50. Do you drink?
a little
51. Know any other languages?
very little Spanish and a few words in Bambara
52. Ever write a coded message?
don't think so
53. Have you ever been IN a wedding?
yes, mine
54. Do you have any children?
yes
55. Did you take a nap today?
no
56. Who has the same birthday as you?
don't know
57. Ever met anyone famous before?
no
58. Do you want to be famous one day?
no
59. Any Pet Peeves?
impatient drivers
60. Are you multitasking right now?
of course!
61. Do you like Britany Spears?
no, but like a few of her songs
62. What is your least favorite chore?
dishes
63. Last place you drove your car?
to work
64. Ever been out of the country?
yes
65. Where were you born?
Ohio
66. Could you handle being in the military?
no
67. What is your average cell phone bill?
50
68. Who are you thinking about right now?
Sarah
69. When was the last time you laughed REALLY hard?
earlier this morning
70. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
3 that I wear all the time and several for yard work
71. Are your toes always painted?
no
72. How many piercings do you have?
none
73. What are you doing today?
Working
74. Have you ever been gambling?
yes
75. When is the last time you updated your page?
today
76. Do you like rollercoasters?
YES!
77. Have you ever been to disneyland or world?
no
78. Do you have a favorite cartoon character?
Taz
79. Last thing you cooked?
Gumbo/Jambalaya
80. How's the weather?
rainy...finally!
81. Do you e-mail?
yes
82. What's the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?
don't think I've done anything stupid with my cell phone
83. Last time you were sick?
don't remember
84. What states have you lived in?
Ohio
85. Do you wish you could move?
sometimes
86. What is your dream car?
Dodge Ram Mega Cab
87. Have you ever wanted someone you cant have?
no
88. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?
Mali, West Africa
89. Are you happy with your life?
Generally, yes

7/20 MckLinky Blog Hop

One of my favorite recipes is a goto in a pinch. I created the recipe as part of my Quick Meals project in 4-H several years ago. It's easy to throw together and can be changed according to what you have in the pantry.

Matt's Casserole

Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef, browned
2 Cups Mafalda pasta
1 Large can mixed vegetables
1 can mushroom soup
1 can cheese soup or cheese sauce
French Fried Onions (I prefer French's)

Combine all ingredients except for the cheese sauce and onions. Place in a large casserole dish. Top with cheese sauce and onions. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

It's simple, but it is very yummy. It's also very easy to change it up if you don't like an ingredient or just want something a little different.

$25 BP Gift Card Giveaway - CLOSED

In today's economy, couldn't we all use a little something to help out with monthly budgets?

My wife and I have been working for a few years on the second step of Dave Ramsey's plan to get out of debt. It's called snowballing debt. The plan is to pay off the debts with the smallest balance first. Then each time one debt is paid off, you add the payment you were making on that to the next lowest debt. As you go, the payment on your debts gets so large that it pays off quicker and quicker.

So, as the biggest part of the plan, we are living on a monthly budget (think of it more as a way to tell your money where to go). Sometimes, we have a tough time fitting everything we need or want into the budget. Our family lives about an hour away, so we have limited the number of times we visit to keep fuel and vehicle expenses down. We've been getting BP gift cards as part of a rewards program every couple months. This really helps keep the budget under control.

We just got a couple BP gift cards in the mail today and I thought it would be a good opportunity to do a giveaway on my blog to help you with your monthly budgets. This is my first blog giveaway!!

Please be sure to check to see where your nearest BP is located with BP's station finder!

Main Entry
**Leave a separate comment for each entry. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you.**

Leave a comment telling me one of your best budget tips. Anything you do to stay within a budget will work! You must complete this entry before getting any extra entries.

Extra Entries

1. Follow my blog.
2. Subscribe to my blog by email OR my RSS feeds in a reader.
3. Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway (Leave a direct link to your tweet).

Contest ends August 9, 2009. I'll draw a winner using random.org sometime on August 10, 2009 and contact the winner by email. You will have 3 days to respond to the email.


Stay tuned for a Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies giveaway coming soon!

Smile Monday

Happy Monday everyone! I hope this finds you starting out the week with a smile on your face and a great outlook for the rest of the week!
I've been fighting back pain for a few weeks now. Last week, I had three chiropractor appointments. The first appointment helped a little, the second made it worse, and the third has left me with just a few achy muscles. I go back this morning for one more check-up. I don't think I'll need any more, but I leave that up to the doctor. I'm just glad to be feeling a little better! This may be a busy week, as will next week, because the lady who is my "backup" at work is off on vacation for two weeks. That's ok with me because when I'm busy, the time flies by quicker.
So anyway. I hope you all have a week filled with blessings you would have never imagined! And, hey, why not be a blessing to someone else while you are going about your day to day life this week. If we all can bring a smile to someone's face, it might be contagious and everyone will have a better week!

TGIF

Well, this has been quite a week.

Monday, I decided to go to the chiropractor because my back has been bothering me for a while now. He said I was out of whack and sent me through therapy and then adjusted it. He asked me to come back on Wednesday. On Wednesday, they did therapy and he adjusted me. Now it feels like a rib may be out of place or something. I have this strong ache/cramping feeling in the left side of my mid back. I go back again today to see him. I'm hoping he can fix it!!

Monday night we went out for dinner/breakfast at IHOP and then went to Old Navy to use our $65 off $100 coupon. That was a lot of fun. This morning, I just got an email from Melissa at From Melissa's Desk that I won a $50 of $100 coupon! AWESOME!

Tuesday, my Omaha Steaks package came in. I haven't even had a chance to grill any of it because my back's been bugging me. I got steaks, hot dogs, chicken breasts, pork chops, hamburgers, stuffed sole, and potatoes. Sounds so yummy. I can't wait to be able to try it all!

So any way, Thank Goodness it's Friday! I just feel like laying around tomorrow and resting my back. I'm sure I'll do plenty of laying around. Sorry, babe. Then tomorrow night, we have a dinner with some of the missionaries I was working with last October. This will be great to connect with them since I won't be going back until at least 2010.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thankful Thursday

Well, it's Thursday again. These weeks just seem to fly by!

So, today, my back is hurting after 2 visits to the chiropractor this week. I think it's worse today that it has been all week. Hopefully it will loosen up and he will be able to fix it at tomorrow's visit.

So, today, I'm thankful for:
My loving wife that is willing to do anything that might help me feel better.
My loving son who sat by the bed yesterday evening and did puzzles to keep me company.
My loving Savior, Jesus, who died on the cross many years ago that my sins might be forgiven.
Medical professionals that are able to treat my aches, pains, and illnesses.

What are you thankful for today?

Chiquita Smoothies and Current Promotions

Chiquita has introduced it's Frozen Fruit Smoothies. From the Chiquita Smoothies web site:

Chiquita Smoothies are made with real fruit, naturally yummy and rich in antioxidants. There's no easier, tastier way to get your full daily dose of Vitamin C for less than $1 per serving. Choose from our delicious flavors: Peach Mango, Mixed Berry, Banana Colada, and Strawberry Banana. Find them in the frozen food aisle. Just blend and serve up the fun.

There are many reasons to visit their web site. You can find recipes and where to buy them near you. Also, at the site, you can enter their current promotion to win a trip to Jamaica for four. You could also be a weekly winner of an Oster Fusion Reversing Motor Blender, Blend-N-Go Cup, and a one year supply of Chiquita Smoothies. Also, if you go to their site and click on Promotions, you can print off a $1 coupon for Chiquita Smoothies.

In addition to all of this, please stay tuned to my blog! I'll be trying the Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies soon and will share my family's opinion of them. And to make that even better, I'll be offering a giveaway along with the review, so that you can try them for yourself!

Three Things You Didn't Know About Me...Blog Hop

1. I love the poem Footprints in the Sand and love to find all kinds of things relating to the poem.
2. I get very talkative when I drink too much coffee!
3. I went to Mali, West Africa in October, 2008 on a missions trip. I am hoping God will provide for me to return in 2010! It's an amazing experience doing God's work in a country that hasn't hardly heard of Him!

Old Navy Coupon and Shopping Trip

Thanks to Michelle over at Lipstick to Crayons and Nicole over at M80/Old Navy Weekly, I received a coupon for $65 off of a $100 purchase! Tonight, my wife, son, and I went out for supper/breakfast at IHOP. After eating, we headed to our local Old Navy store. I was excited to get our 3 year old son some clothes for fall and for next summer. Between Old Navy's great sales and clearance prices, we ended up buying a lot more than I imagined we would. We ended up spending just over $40 after the coupon.
I've always been a huge fan of Old Navy's clearance racks because I'm a big time bargain hunter. So, to shop sales, clearance, AND get $65 off, it was an amazing shopping trip! I'll include pictures to show all that we purchased. Most of it was for our 3 year old, but I also got a pair of pants, and my wife got some flip flops.

Thanks again, Michelle and Nicole!!

Product Review Tips from the Experts

Reposted, with permission, from The Product Review Place.

The experts have spoken! The bloggers writing reviews at The Product Review Place were tasked with coming up with the most useful product review tips. These tips are designed to help those just starting out but can help even the most seasoned reviewers.

Read on to learn what the product review experts had to say:


I always try to get the company to realize the added exposure by offering a giveaway!

If a giveaway is tied into the review ask sponsor to direct ship. I HATE going to the post office and it takes me FOREVER to ship winners their things. Not only is it time consuming, but it can be VERY EXPENSIVE! I am going Saturday to the PO to send off things and I know it is going to cost me about $50! Two words: direct ship

Lisa from Mom of 2 Boys, Wife of 1


Be extremely organized. You need to keep track of items that come into your house and when you are going to post. I use outlook to keep everything organized. I organize all my e-mail into sub-folders and place everything I review on my calendar.

Louise from Momstart


Don't be afraid to ask! The worst they can do is tell you no, right?

Angie Knutson from My Four Monkeys


When I offer a giveaway along with the review, I always seem to get more hits on the post.

If your not organized you won't know what product goes where or find your notes of what you planned on saying. Take notes on the product you are trying to review. Note everything, even if you don't think its important..you can always weed out your notes later.

Ask the company if there is anything that they want the readers to know about the product..you never know what they might say.

Jo from Jo's Blog Spot


I think stats are important. They might want to know: how many people are viewing your blog? your google page rank or how many followers you have? Be prepared with this information.

Jaqueline from My Lil Guyz


Be detailed in your review. If your review is just 3 lines long with nothing more than general information in it, you're not helping your readers at all. Readers want to know more than what they can just read on the product's website. Plus, companies and PR folks will come back to you with other items in the future if they see you took the time to write a good review.

Also, don't be afraid to post a negative review. Make sure you mention that it's your opinion only, but don't be afraid to say why the product didn't live up to your standards. Moms want to know if it is really worth buying, or if it is just going to gather dust or be thrown away!

Storm from Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife


DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK. My first giveaways came from my persistence. I simply asked and I received.

Keonte from The Verdict: Parenting on Trial


When approaching a company, include why you're a good match for their company in your pitch. Include specific references to their company and products in your request so that it doesn't seem like a form letter.

Katie from Katie's Nesting Spot


Request a giveaway and explain that it improves visits to their site.

Ask what link(s) the company would like for me to direct my readers to visit. I am always sure to send a link to the company once my post is up.

I never, ever ship my giveaways unless I'm running them myself. I once did a week worth of them on my newest blog and let me tell you, I spent way too much money. The other issue I have now, but will soon be over, is that I don't have business cards. Sending items without them seemed so cheesy to me.

Connie of Brain Foggles


My best advice (and this may not be too popular with the PR people) is to be honest. If you didn't like the product, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do the review. Just give your open and honest opinion. Your readers are intelligent and can decide for themselves if they like it, especially if there is a giveaway attached.

Adrienne of Adrienne's House




Product Review Tips from the Experts courtesy of The Product Review Place. The Product Review Place connects bloggers and consumers with PR.

The Product Review Place *** The Search is Over *** Reviews. Defined. Refined.

Kraft Bagel-fuls TASTE-a-monial

Imaged borrowed from 5 Minutes for Mom


Several weeks ago, I found a blog called 5 Minutes for Mom and they were doing a Bagel-fuls Taste-a-monials contest. The first 100 bloggers to post would receive a voucher for a free package of Bagel-fuls to try out. Then they asked that we write a TASTE-a-monial once we had tried them.
My local store only carried 4 varieties of the Bagel-fuls, but I still had a difficult time choosing. My choices were Original, Strawberry, Cherry, or Cinnamon. According to the Bagel-fuls web site, they also have Blueberry, Chives, and Whole Grain options. So, I decided to try the Strawberry ones. I couldn't wait to try them for breakfast the next morning.
I love bagels with cream cheese, but hate the time it takes to toast it and then spread cream cheese on it, all the while burning my hand on the freshly toasted bagel. This is an amazing product! It's already filled with the cream cheese...and a fruit filling! All I had to do was pop it in the toaster at medium-high darkness, and I had a hot bagel with cream cheese and fruit filling for breakfast. It was perfectly crispy, sweet, and oh so yummy! The box of four Bagel-fuls did not last more than two days. I would definitely recommend Bagel-fuls to anyone looking great tasting and quick breakfast solution! If you love bagels, I think you will love Bagel-fuls. If you go to the Kraft Bagel-Fuls web site, you can print a coupon for $1 off of your own Bagel-fuls! Happy eating!

TGIF

Whether you think that means Thank God It's Friday or Thank God I'm Forgiven, I think it has meaning for us all! I'm definitely glad I'm forgiven through Jesus Christ's death! I can look forward to spending eternity in Heaven with him!
But, it's also Friday, and today, I'm a day closer to a new mattress. Our mattress is 10+ years old and we finally decided...after several restless nights and sore backs...that it's time for a new mattress. So, we found one we both liked at Elder Beerman that was on sale at a great price! It is to be delivered tomorrow!! We even bought new pillows to go with it! My wife held up my old pillow and told me the stuffing was so flat it looked like there was no stuffing in it. Ha ha.
We had thought about leaving this weekend for a week of vacation in Muskegon, MI at the Shoreline Inn & Suites. Then, I remembered that I had used a gift card I won on another blog to order Omaha Steaks to be delivered early next week. So, I guess we are going to wait until August to squeeze in a vacation.
What does TGIF mean to you today?

Test

Testing feedburner.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thinking I might try to make Thursday's - Thankful Thursday's here on my blog. After all, it's always good to give thanks to God!

Today, I'm thankful for:
My loving and understanding wife
My son (and his cousin Diego...ha ha ha ha)
A good job
Friends
Forgiveness through Jesus
My truck brake repairs being minor compared to what it could have been


What are you thankful for?