CSN stores $25 gift certificate giveaway

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from kids’ swing sets to stylish furniture to cute cookware! I was honored recently when I was given the opportunity to offer a giveaway on my blog for a $25 gift certificate good for any of the 200+ stores.

So what would like to get from CSN stores? I guarantee, you can look at their sites all day long and still not see everything that they have to offer. If you don't believe me then I challenge you to do so. I also promise that you can find some of everything in one of their many stores!

So, you want to win a gift certificate?? Of course you do. And here is how you can get one:

Main Entry: Go to CSN stores and tell me what item you would get with your $25.00.

Easy peasy, right?!? Of course, that is the way we do things around here! But you can also get additional entries as well!

Additional entries: Leave a seperate comment for each entry

• subscribe to my blog (2 extra entries)
• follow my blog with GFC (1 extra entry)
• follow me on twitter (1 extra entry)
• tweet this giveaway - include @shaeffermom and @CSNStores (can do this once daily) - leave link to your tweet in the comment section.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada and will end at 11:59 p.m. on January 31st. Make sure you leave your email address in your comment (to keep spam down you can do it like this: gerrie(dot)shaeffer(at)yahoo(dot)com. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is drawn.

Disclaimer: I was given a code worth $25 for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine and I was not compenstated in any way for this post.

Box Tops For Education $50,000,000 Flash Parade

Help schools in your area by saving box tops and sending them to the school. Our schools can earn part of the $50,000,000 that will be given out!!

Box Tops for Education was created by General Mills in 1996 as an easy way to help make a difference for kids and schools. Since then, schools have earned more than $375 million through the program to help get the things they need-from books and school supplies to playground equipment and computers. Help make a difference in schools by clipping Box Tops from more than 240 brands, including Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Hamburger Helper, Kleenex, Ziploc, Hefty, Juicy Juice, Avery, Welch´s, Land O´Lakes and Brita. Find out how much your school has earned and learn other ways to earn cash for your school at www.btfe.com.



Become a fan of Box Tops for Education on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BoxTopsforEducation


Follow Box Tops for Education on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BTFE

Your Teen Could Own a Micro Business - guest post

Carol Topp, CPA advises teenage business owners through her Micro Business for Teens book series. Carol’s day job is accountant to business owners, and she enjoys teaching teenagers to succeed beyond their dreams. Students appreciate how she shares what they need to know in clear and helpful lessons. Her website is microbusinessforteens.com


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Your Teen Can Own a Micro Business
How to Launch It in Ten Simple



“I want to walk dogs; what do I need to do to get started?” asked a teen boy. I had inspired him to think about starting a micro business and he was ready to get going!

I encourage teenagers to start very small businesses—micro businesses. A micro business is a one-person business that can be started easily, usually without any up-front cash, using what a teenager already owns. Micro businesses are usually home-based and very flexible so a busy student can keep up with homework, sports and a social life.

Teenagers can use their skills to develop businesses such as teaching guitar lessons, doing web design or caring for children. Other teenagers have started micro businesses by offering services such as house cleaning, pet care, and lawn mowing. One easy-to-start micro business is tutoring. Some students tutor math, Spanish or computer programs such as Photoshop.

After your teenager has an idea, he or she can launch a micro business in a short amount of time with very little start up money. Share these starting steps with your teen:

1. Conduct a mini market survey. Start by asking a few potential customers if they need your service and what price they are willing to pay.
   
2. Decide on a price. From the mini-market survey, you should be able to set a fair price. You may get your first customers by undercharging the competition. One teenager charged half what other piano teachers charged and quickly had eight students.
   
3. Volunteer a few jobs to practice your business skills and build a reputation. Use recommendations from these jobs in your future advertising. Sarah took senior pictures as a favor for a friend and received three other jobs from referrals.
   
4. Launch your first advertising campaign. Try to use free advertising such as emails, Facebook posts and handing out fliers to friends and neighbors.
   
5. Work your plan on a small scale. Start with one customer at first. Learn a lot from that experience and grow slowly.
   
6. Evaluate, adjust and change. As you grow in experience, you may be able to charge more. You will probably need to create a payment policy. Sarah discovered that she needed to be paid up front and have a cancellation policy when she scheduled photo shoots.
   
7. Pick a name and register it. Usually, you can use your own name, such as Cathy Smith's Babysitting Service, without needing a name registration. If you do want a business name, learn what your state or local government requires. This website is a good place to start: www.business.gov/register/business-name/dba.html
8. Open a checking account. Accountants usually recommend a separate business checking account to keep from mixing personal and business expenses. A teenager can usually get by with one checking account, if you keep good records. Usually a parent must agree to be a co-signer on a checking account for minors.
   
9. Read up on taxes. You’ll need to file your own tax return, may owe federal or state income tax, and may be subject to self-employment tax also. Self-employment tax is Social Security and Medicare taxes for self-employed people.
   
10. Learn about customer service, marketing and record keeping. Become a student of business and seek to be continually learning more. Read books, take a business class, find a mentor and ask a lot of questions.

TABASCO(R) Original Red

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

How much do you love Tabasco Original Red sauce? The Original Red was the first sauce introduced by the McIlhenny family back in 1868 and continues to be their most popular sauce of 6 total sauces. This sauce is good on anything...according to my husband anyway! He loves his sauce on pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, spaghetti and even the occasional egg. I am not that much into the spicy and hot sauces, but he has taught our children to love it as well.

There is one recipe that he tried once that I fell in love with. We love to eat pizza at one of our local pizza places in town and they have this great pizza called Spicy Buffalo Chicken pizza. It is great!! All you have to do is:

chop up some chicken into pieces and soak them in some Tabasco original red sauce for a few minutes. You can also put a thin layer of Tabasco original red sauce on the pizza crust. Top the pizza with the chicken and cheeses (we love cheese so we smother our pizza with cheese). Then bake and enjoy! It is great!!!

So, do you have a favorite recipe with TABASCO® Original Red sauce? Please share in the comments if you do! Also, check out Game-Day Party Menu to get some other great recipes to add to your collection as well. Anytime you have a game day party (think Super Bowl), you can use these recipes and you will the hero of the party. Also look at Pizza Perfected and find some ways to doctor up your delivery pizza.

It is not about being hot with this sauce, but it is all about enhancing your food!

New Year, New Vacation Spot

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Experience all that Branson has to offer with a weekend getaway at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

Situated within the electrifying entertainment capital of the Midwest in Branson, Missouri, the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel offer guests access to shops, boutiques, restaurants, a river walk and other attractions. Both hotels are within easy driving distance of Branson’s championship golf courses, lakes, museums, theme parks and 49 live entertainment theaters. Enjoy being in the midst of all the action by booking your stay at either hotel today!

A while ago I did a post on Christmas at Branson, Missouri and now we are back with a new year and a great place to make a new vacation spot.  With all the many attractions at both the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, it is hard to decide on what a family should do.  The view from these rooms are so amazing that if I was staying in one, I would be content to just stay in the room. They even make first class accommodations for your dog. "Our hospitality goes beyond humans. We'll supply dog beds, bowls and water, treats, lanyards identifying rooms with pets, a staff trained to handle animals and more. We can accommodate pets up to 75 lbs." Wow...sounds like they will baby our dogs just like we do!

On my vacation we will:

Stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing in one their suites. We will arrive on Monday and that day will be spent resting and lounging. We will enjoy the indoor pool, and take advantage of some great food at the Level 2 steakhouse.

Tuesday, we will visit the Castle of Chaos. This is an adrenaline rush type of show .. This is an adrenaline rush type of show that I am sure my family would love! While there we will also check out the Hollywood Wax Museum . Take some pictures and see how many people we can trick into thinking we met famous people!

 

Wednesday, we will enjoy some miniature golf at Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf. .  . .  . 

 

Thursday, we will shop til we drop at the Tanger Mall. With 250 places to shop, there will be plenty of shopping for all of us!

On Friday, we will be packing up and getting ready to head back home, so we will enjoy the pool in the hotel until check out time. On the way out of town we will stop at the Barbara Fairchild's Diner...      . . 

Before you make your plans for your 2011 vacation, make sure you check out Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and see how much fun you could have in Branson, MO with your family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bright Beginnings

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Bright Beginnings offers a variety of FDA-regulated infant formulas that are nutritionally equivalent to the big national brands - at prices that will fit your family's budget.  Their products include:

Premium Milk-Based Formula
Gentle Milk-Based Formula
Organic Infant Formula
Soy Infant Formula
Soy Pediatric Drink

It costs so much to have children, so it is great that there are options out there to save money! We do not have to purchase the big named brands anymore because there is an equivalent in a generic form. And they all have to meet the same FDA requirements. Check out Bright Beginnings on Facebook. Make sure to "like" them so that you can keep up-to-date on specials and other things going on with Bright Beginnings.

You can also buy on diapers.com now too. And diapers.com has a 2 great offers right on the top of their page. You can get 30% cash back on your diapers purchase, or 10% cash back on everything else. Plus, you can get free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

So what are you waiting  for? Go to the Bright Beginnings on Facebook and "like" them and next time you need formula, buy on diapers.com.

If Children Are Cheaper By The Dozen...can I get a discount on six? ~~Book review

Have you ever thought that you could write a book about your life that other people would enjoy reading? I know I could write a book but I do not know that anyone else would enjoy it at all. But I found a book that as I read it I was so glad that this lady decided to share her life with us in a book. The book is titled If Children Are Cheaper By The Dozen...can i get a discount on six?

From the Book:

A mass exodus to the ER for a child to regurgitate possibly swallowed pills, blow-drying a half-naked toddler's pants in a museum restroom, hauling several youngsters up and down hills after a stroller collapses - these are the everyday experiences of a mother of six. In her quirky, lighthearted memoir, If Children Are Cheaper By The Dozen, Can I Get a Discount on Six? Elizabeth Kathleen shares the mayhem of mothering a busy household.
Embracing the pressures of a crowded household, Elizabeth maintains positivity to meet each challenge. From clothing mishaps to outlandish pets, this family has seen it all. Things as simple as washing a dog turn into a comedy event when there are half a dozen extra minds in the mix. Follow the fun-filled account of raising six children born within seven years, Shiloh, Abigail, Josiah, Elijah, and twins Isaiah and Loru, and experience a glimpse of family life that would leave you asking, If Children Are Cheaper By The Dozen...Can I Get a Discount on Six?

About the Author:

Elizabeth Kathleen has spent the last twenty-two years of her life in research for this book. She has studied the eating, sleeping, playing, and educational habits of the average American child, hers. She and her family reside in rural Ohio.

My Thoughts:

I don't know that I have ever laughed so hard when reading a book in my life! The different situations that this family finds themselves in on a regular basis is just too funny. I am sure they were not funny to them at the time, but I am glad that she was willing to share these moments for the rest of us to laugh at (and with) them now. She starts out with the funniest story ever at the doctor's office when she first found out she was pregnant. The nurse sent her in the restroom with a 32 oz container for her to get a urine sample in. Elizabeth "thought" she had to fill up this container, so she was in the bathroom for over an hour. Finally the nurse offers her some water, in which she gladly accepts, and proudly walks out of the bathroom with her cup almost running over! Thank goodness I was not pregnant, or did not have to use the bathroom, as I was reading this because I would have surely wet myself.

This is just one of the MANY funny stories that Elizabeth shares in her book If Children Are Cheaper By The Dozen...Can I Get a Discount on Six? If you have had some funny (and maybe embarassing) situations with your family, or if you have not began your family yet, you will love reading this book. Get your book today from Tate Publishing http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61663-762-0 or Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Children-Cheaper-Dozen-Discount-ebook/dp/B004EPYM1U

I promise you that you will laugh often while reading this book.

Disclaimer: I recieved this book for the purpose of a review. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine!

Charter Moms

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a mom that would love to voice your opinion? If so, I would like to share Charter Moms with you. Charter Communications, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company and the fourth-largest cable operator in the US.  They have developed a facebook page for moms to share their opinions. Here is what they have to say...

Moms... It is YOUR turn. We want to hear from you. Join the brand new Charter Mom's Panel Facebook Page ( http://www.facebook.com/#!/CharterMoms) to tell us what you love and what we could do to make you happy. We're always looking for new and better ways to connect with you and naturally, to entertain you and your families. You'll be the first to know about new services and programming and we hope you'll help to guide us as we look to make Charter stronger than ever.

Charter wants us moms to tell them what we think about programming, entertainment, what our kids watch or don't watch, and what they want to watch.  If you have read my blog at all, you will see that I love family friendly movies and family night movies. We own over 300 DVD's and we watch a LOT of movies together, so I really enjoy the ones that I don't have to screech at when they use language that is inappropriate for all ages. In fact, a lot of movies are ruined by the language, so I like it when they come out on TV and have to be censored!

I am excited about being able to share ideas with this company and I hope you will join in with them and do the same.  It is amazing to me at how many companies are FINALLY realizing that a mom's opinion is worth so much!

Family movie night coming back January 8th on Fox

Walmart and P&G present Family Movie Night. Don't miss Change of Plans starring Brooke White, Joe Flanigan and Phylicia Rashad, Saturday, January 8th on FOX at 8/7c

About the movie:
Sally Danville is a free-spirited musician on her way to the top. Her husband Jason is fighter pilot who doesn’t want to be tied down. Together, they live life on the go, free of domestic responsibilities. But when they get a phone call from Child & Family Services, they quickly learn that things don’t always go according to plan. Named legal guardians of four kids – three of them from third-world countries, they now must learn to parent this instant family. The story is both humorous and heartwarming, revealing how fulfilling life can be when you look beyond your own plans and invest in the lives of others.

My thoughts:
I was given the opportunity to see this movie before it comes out on television and I absolutely loved it!! How would you feel if all of a sudden your life was completely turned upside down because of an accident? What if you were asked to raise 4 kids that are basically strangers to you? What if you had to put your dreams and plans on hold because there was suddenly someone else that depended on you?
That is the situation that Sally and Jason find themselves in. They have careers nad they are both very much free spirited, so when Sally finds out that her best friend has been killed in an accident, their world is completely turned upside down! They go from a free spirit to a family.
This is a movie about love, sacrifice and courage. I recommend that every family make plans to watch this on Fox on January 8, 2011. You will be touched and even inspired by this family and the choices they make. Watch the preview and then make family movie night plans with your family!

:30 Change of Plans from Moms4FamilyTV.com on Vimeo.

Check out the Family movie night website: http://www.familymovienight.com/change-of-plans/

And on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight

Psst… want to save up to $46?

Hey! I just learned a clean little secret about Lowe’s. They have quite the selection of cleaning products plus air and water filters to help keep your home spic and span inside and out. And they’re sending out up to $46 in savings so you can really clean up. Get your coupons before they’re gone! Go to vocalpoint.com/Lowes.

Keep Christ in CHRISTmas with H&S candies~review & giveaway

Well Christmas is upon us once again and I have to say that I am excited! I love this time of year; it seems that people are in a better mood and they seem to be nicer to each other. But I like to reflect on this time of year and remember the true meaning of the season...it is not about a man that wears a red suit and passes out toys on Christmas Eve, but it is about a baby that was born over 2000 years ago. The birth of Jesus reflected a lot about how His life would turn out...He was rejected in the beginning when there was no room for Him in the inn. So He was born in a stable and His crib was a feeding trough. But what is sad is how He is treated even today. This king left His throne in Heaven and came down to earth to live as a human so that He could understand all that we go through, then He was beaten and killed...but the greatest part is He is alive today!! Jesus' birthday should be a special time for you to reflect on how great He has been in your life and I pray that this year you will do just that with your family.

I found a poem that I wanted to share with you:

Don't Forget Jesus
Christmas is a special time
To reflect on Jesus Christ
The wonder of His lowly birth
Brings meaning to our lives

There really is no other reason
We celebrate this day
The birth of God’s precious son
And the life He willingly gave

But so much seems to distract us
In the busy-ness of our lives
We lose our focus in all the happenings
Not knowing, we leave out Christ

We lose sight of the true meaning
As we endlessly rush about
Trying to find that perfect gift
Seems to cloud our Saviour out

We need to stop and reflect awhile
Remembering our precious Lord
His birth, His life and sacrifice
And all that He stands for

For though the world may celebrate
It seems though for other reasons
Let’s keep in mind that Jesus Christ
Is the true meaning of the season.

The people at H&S (Heart & Soul) candies also want you to keep Christ in CHRISTmas this year as well. From The Heart to The Soul...


About Us

Heart and Soul Candies was founded on the premise that any pursuit that pushes the ceiling of excellence will earn the right to be heard. That is why Heart and Soul founder, Bill McGee, has been intent on developing a chocolate that rivals the various gourmet brands on the market, while also, intent on taking a unique position of delivering this excellent chocolate in creative packaging that conveys a scripture-based message worthy of being heard by all.

Since its inception in mid-2005, Heart and Soul Candies has grown into several markets including Christian bookstores with its everyday piece candies, large drugstore and mass retail chains with its seasonal products, independent wholesalers, and most recently, a growing presence on the internet.

Heart and Soul continues to grow by developing new chocolate products and creative packaging. More products other than chocolate are also being introduced on the website. We search long and hard for these products as they must meet the same quality standards that are established for our chocolates. All said and done, developing excellent products for our customers is our welcomed challenge...conveying a message from God's word is our passion.

Our products can be found in Walmart, Ingles Markets , Family Christian Stores, Berean Christian Stores, and LifeWay Christian Stores nationwide. To find out if a store near you carries these candies, go to heart and soul candies.


The Vision & Mission:

The Vision: Heart & Soul Candies Vision is to give cheerfully and generously to good works around the world by providing scripture based high-quality chocolate and candy products that bless the hearts and souls of people everywhere.
2 Corinthians 9: 7, 8: Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
The Mission: Heart & Soul Candies Mission is simply to love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength as a growing inspirational confections company focused on building long term loving relationships, offering exceptional products, and serving our customers with uncompromised compassion.
Mark 12:30: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength

Chocolate with a word of God...it doesn't get any sweeter than that!!

Now for the SWEET part...I have a box of H&S chocolate candy to give away to a North Carolina Momma reader. To enter all you have to do is share a Christmas story, tradition, recipe, or anything else CHRISTmas that you would like to share. The person with the most comments will win so comment away! This giveaway will end on December 31st at midnight. The winner will be notified via email (so make sure you leave me your email address in your comment!!) and will have 48 hours to respond. Open to residents of the US only.

Disclaimer: I received a sample of H&S candies in order to try for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine and I was not compensated in any other way.

Christmas from Branson, Missouri

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hilton Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

So, if I could get my family in on a new tradition at Christmas, we would start making a family trip to Bransonm, Missouri.  There are so many exciting things going on this time of year and it is beauiful. If you are in the area, or you want a place to go and start a new tradition, check out the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and also the  Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.  The Hilton BCC Hotel and the Hilton Prmenade are both  just minutes from 49 live theatres, Branson golf courses, Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City, outlet malls, Titanic Museums and many more Branson Attractions.

Celebrate the holiday season with a full array of festivities for the whole family at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves fall from the trees, enjoy the warmth and comfort of the holiday season with the Hiltons of Branson that await you and your family!

So don’t forget bring your camera and your list, because Santa is coming to Branson and staying at the Hilton. Beginning November 27 and running every Saturday and Sunday morning in Level 2 Steakhouse, Santa will visit children in the dining room and be available for pictures. Hours are from 9-11am, ending on December 19th, so Santa can go back to the North Pole and finish up making the toys for the good little girls and boys. He will also be available in the lobby of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel for family portraits each day beginning December 12th though December 24th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to have your picture taken in front of the Christmas tree and email it back to family and friends!
And don’t forget about Story Time with Mrs. Claus. Becoming a Holiday tradition at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, Mrs. Claus reads stories each Friday and Saturday afternoon beside the Christmas tree in the hotel lobby. Story time runs from 5 pm to 7 pm starting November 26th and ends on December 18th. Story time is free and open to the public.
With so much to experience, the Hiltons of Branson are the perfect place to spend the holidays. Special Room rates with savings of up to 50% off in-season room rates are available from December 12 to 30 at both the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

Make a new holiday tradition with your family and travel to Branson, then stay in luxury at either the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. And have a Merry Christmas!