Modest Fashion Week

modest fashion week
The every so lovely Joy over at Stay-at-Home Missionary is having a Modest Fashion Week beginning today.
I have not always been an exemplary example of modesty.
But as I grow and learn with my daughter, it just seems so important.
Have you seen the offerings at many reasonably priced stores? The clothing that is made for young girls is startling. I know, I sound like a fuddy duddy. And I know that this is going to get harder as my girl grows and wants more and more of those undesirable offerings.
So I am looking forward to reading Joy's perspective on this topic. Plus, she having some really great giveaways.
I hope you'll hop on over there, too!

Retote

I think I saw this at Money Saving Mom. Or Rocks in my Dryer.

Either way, it's really cool.
Send them five plastic Target bags and they'll send you a coupon for a Retote (reusable grocery bag) that you can use in January.

Check it out here.

Fireproof

Upon the suggestion of our pastor, who waited to start a new sermon series just to talk about this movie and the sanctity of marriage, DH and I went and saw Fireproof last night. Please. Go see this movie. No matter where you are in your marriage. No matter what is going on in your lives. No matter how happy/sad/stressed/blissful you are, it is worth taking the time to go see this movie. I was a little surprised when DH said he wanted to go see it, and even more surprised when he walked out saying how much he liked it. He also said that it makes you realize how bad other movies are when you see a good one. This is a good one. Go see this movie. It is well worth the money and the time.

fireproofbanner

Vista Print

Vista Print has a vast selection of note cards, return address labels, personalized sticky notes, letterhead, pens, t-shirts and more.

Their prices are good, and once you sign up they send you lots of free offers where you only pay for shipping. It's a really great deal and it's fun to have personalized stuff for you, your family and to give as gifts.

A friend made her own "business card" into a very cute personalized birthday gift tag. It's so cute and such a great idea. The possiblities are endless. Go check them out!

no!no!

There is this very expensive product called no!no!. It's a hair removal system that promises to give you less hair if you use it for a long period of time. I personally get lots of ingrown hairs so I was mainly interested in reducing the amount of hair I have that is prone to cause ugly and sometimes painful bumps.

I've had it for a couple (few?) weeks now and although I would like to be more consistent with it, I am not. I try to use it on one area at least every day. Usually it's every other day. You are supposed to use it every other day on every area you want to treat. This product is supposed to be similar to laser removal only less expensive and out of the office.

It does leave a little stubble, and you have to have a little stubble for it to work. I really like that after I used it for only a week or so I shaved my legs and didn't have to again for three days! I have not had that luck each time, but I think it depends on the growth cycle of the hair. I am hoping that after several months that will be the norm.

Bottom line: I have heard that it works if you really use it consitently. It can reduce your hair to half of what you started with. I will keep at it and update you later with more conclusive results!

Bar Keepers Friend

I am surprised at myself for not sharing Bar Keepers Friend with you yet. I LOVE this stuff! It cleans EVERYTHING! I can't get stuck on food off my smooth top stove with anything else but Bar Keepers Friend. It's great at cleaning sinks, countertops and even baths and showers. It looks like Comet, but works so much better. Bar Keepers Friend is my friend, and if you try it, it'll be your friend, too!

C.O. Bigelow

Click here to print a coupon for on free C.O. Bigelow product (up to a $16.00 value) free with any $15.00 purchase and Bath and Body Works. Expires 06/01/08

Tide with Dawn Stain Scrubbers

Get a free sample of Tide with Dawn Stain Scrubbers. I haven't tried this version of Tide yet, but samples are free and great to get!

Focus on the Family

Want another (obvious) good thing? The free Focus on the Family magazine. I love the articles. I have a hard time throwing out this little magazine because there is always at least one article that touches my heart in some way. Go sign up for yourself!

Hometooling

I saw an article/ad for these guides in the free Focus on the Family monthly magazine. They have points of interest, questions and activities that you can do with children to apply the lessons of each book of the Bible. The guide for Genesis, for example, is nine days long. Take a look for yourself and see if you might like to use them. I think they'd make a good supplement for a homeschooler or for summertime activities. Plus, they're free.

TGI Friday's Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

This one actually isn't so good. I had a Bad Stuff Blog at one point, but I didn't keep up with this one much, and I had less Bad Stuff than Good Stuff. Anyway, I wanted to share with all you peanut butter/chocolate lovers that the pie wasn't so great. I saw it on the menu and asked my hubby if we could take some home. I was really excited and looking forward to having this pie. It turned out pretty disappointing. The peanut butter mousse wasn't so peanut buttery and in general it just didn't taste like that great peanut butter and chocolate combination. Save your calories for something else.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
-John 3:16

Money Saving Mom

Crystal over at Money Saving Mom is pretty amazing. She treats saving money like a fun game and generously shares her tips and fabulous finds with others. Go check her out and save yourself a little (or a lot of) money!

Dove Shampoo and Conditioner

I have really been impressed with Dove Haircare. Most specifically, the color treated shampoo and conditioner. This line truly keeps the color in and keeps it from fading. I have never tried anything better. Even some really expensive brands stripped the color out over time. Get a free sample and try it. I think there is even a coupon that comes with the sample, which is why I bought a bottle.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

I have been using this scrub for years. You don't need expensive sugar scrubs. This is the original and the best. I don't even use it on my face! I use it on all my dry places. It is inexpensive and makes my legs super smooth when I use it after I shave. I get the big tub because it's the best value and lasts a really long time. They have recently changed the scent, which I don't like, but it's still a great product. You should try it!
St. Ives Facial-Invigorating-Scrub

Corn Huskers Lotion

Corn Huskers Lotion is a miracle cure for eczema. I know many people who have tried it and seen results. The word has spread just by recommendation from one friend to another. Use it every day on the effected area for about two weeks and you'll start to see a difference.

A friend of mine had gone to the dermatologist several times looking for something to heal her red, inflamed hands. He gave up and finally told her to stop using baby wipes. She had twin babies at the time. She laughed at him and told him that wasn't possible. She had enough laundry, thankyouverymuch. A friend of hers then told her about Corn Huskers. She used it every day and was amazed. The patches on her hands never returned.

I (used to) get patches of eczema behind my knees, inside my elbows and around my eyes every winter. Usually by spring it would go away, but one year it just wouldn't. I tried prescriptions and was asking my friend (above) if she knew a good dermatologist so that I could try something else. When I told her what was going on, she told me to use Corn Huskers Lotion first. I was amazed that it worked. I now use it every winter and haven't had any eczema since!

I have passed this great information on to lots of friends since then, one who had (at the time) a 15 month old who was very sensitive to certain foods. Even when they eliminated those foods, his eczema was all over his body. She used Corn Huskers Lotion on her baby after every bath and couldn't believe how well it worked. When they switched to another lotion, the eczema returned, so they're just sticking with Corn Huskers Lotion.

I don't know how it works, but it really does. The best part? It's really inexpensive! So give it a try and you just may be hooked like the rest of us.

Venus Breeze

I have been looking for a razor that I really liked for a long time. I have tried many and thrown many away. Then I tried the Venus Breeze. I love it! The bars are a little messy at first, but they are so smooth that there really is no need for shave cream/gel. What kind of razor do you use?

I have found that the new Venus Embrace is even better than the Venus Breeze. It isn't messy and it makes my legs so soft and smooth. Have you tried it yet?

Cascade 2in1 Action Pacs

Cascade 2in1 Action Pacs are so good on many levels.
My friend read a blog about receiving a sample of the new Cascade and how great it worked for her. Then my friend got a sample and said she thought it was great, too. Now I am on the bandwagon. I have been waiting for just the right load of dishes to try it out. I wanted some really grimey dishes to test the Cascade 2in1 Action Pac's strength. To my amazement, it really, really worked. Better than I expected. I really hate that grime that gets left in the water on top of some dishes, so I always pre-rinse my dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. But not this time. Not for the test. And you know what's coming. When I didn't pre-rinse and I used my Cascade Action Pac, there was NO GRIME! Plus, it's so nice to have it all neatly packaged and pre-measured. No messy powder or gel to deal with. I have always preferred Cascade, because I always thought it worked better than the cheaper brands. But this is top of the line Cascade, and it's worth the price.

Clorox® Anywhere Hard Surface™

Anything that kills yucky bacteria that is also safe to use around food, pets and children is great. Something that does all that and comes in a convenient spray bottle is even better. You don't even have to wipe it off? Sold! Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface Spray

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood series is great! The books are so fun and make you feel nostalgic (if your no longer a teenager) and the movie was really good, too. A fourth (and it looks to be final) book is coming out in January 2007. Read the books. They are so fun and heartwarming.

Check out the Author's Bio here:
http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=3116

Melissa and Doug Toys

Melissa & Doug toys are so great. I love all their wooden stuff. If your child isn't too rough, the band in a box is great. Usually parents aren't fired up about giving their child loud instruments, but this was so much fun. Our daughter learned about all the instruments, about rhythm, sharing and taking turns while playing. We often had parades around the entire house. The box is also great for putting it all away when your done. We have lots of their puzzles and some books. The next on my list are those cool dress up dolls they have. Or the US Map puzzle. Or the abacus. Or the...Well, you get the idea.

Cable, DSL, Internet Services

Just like the sites for cell phones, only for cable, dsl and high speed internet.

BuyTelco

Cell Phone Plans

Compare different cell phone plans and find the one that's best for you and/or your family.

Wireless Phone Service

Also check out http://www.myrateplan.com/

Dim 'n Bright Auto Sensor Night Light

Safety1st has this great night light that not only has a light sensor that turns it on only when the room is dark but is also equipped with a dimmer, so you can decide how bright you want your bathroom, child's room or hallway.

Praise Baby

Check out these DVD's and CD's by Praise Baby. Their website alone makes me want them. These Christian music and video discs are similar to Baby Einstein. The music is so soothing that it relaxes me, and is sure to put your sweet baby at ease.

Homemade Gourmet

A friend of mine began selling Homemade Gourmet a while back. I went to a party, more to support her than out of any true desire to try out their stuff. I honestly didn't understand why I needed to buy these pre-packaged spices that cost so much more than the grocery store pre-packaged spices. I don't even buy the pre-packaged spice mixes at the store!

However, after tasting some of the food prepared with Homemade Gourmet, and buying some (in support of my friend), I now understand. Granted, I haven't made much, but EVERYTHING I have made from Homemade Gourmet my husband has LIKED. This is huge. He is really picky. He doesn't especially care for chicken and tends to scrunch his nose at casseroles. I made him the chicken and dumplings with Grandmother's Roast Seasoning and he actually enjoyed it! He liked it so much that he ate too much. I was shocked and so pleased.

All the seasoning mixes come with at least one recipe. If you buy a pantry staple, you get a storage container, a measuring spoon and a whole bunch of different recipes. They also have cookbooks as well as recipes online, so you are never short for choices with just one type of seasoning/mix.

I was truly surprised and impressed. Check it out.

Soilove

I read in a magazine that this is the best stain remover. If you've tried it, let me know!
http://www.soapsgonebuy.com/Soilove_p/afp1001.htm

Travel Deals

Compare all the travel sites and specials in one place. Just go to Booking Buddy at http://www.bookingbuddy.com/

Hollygood Film Rental

Rent movies on a setup like Netflix, only the movies have all been edited so that you can watch them in front of your children without fear of what they will see and hear. Now if only Hollywood would follow this example and not have so much crap in almost every movie. Hmm. Until then, check out Hollygood.

Read the comment and note that http://www.familyediteddvds.com/ is a not a rental service. You buy the edited version. Probably good for historical movies or movies for kids that have some objectionable content.

eHealth Insurance

I looked this up for us and found several good deals. The only reason we decided against it is because a couple of us see specialists and they don't offer a healthcare spending account which we love for those special prescriptions. However, if you don't have "special" issues, look into this. It just may be what you need to save some money and still have good coverage. eHealthInsurance.com Health Insurance, Medical Insurance, Individual Health Insurance Quotes

Price Compare

Looking for something to buy? Want to find the best deal? Check out these sites to find the best prices on the things you want.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/

http://www.shopping.com/

Smart Strip Power Strip

This looks pretty cool. It's says it's a good way to save money every month. I'm ready to try it. http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Hardware-Cable/Item/LCG1/

The Best of The Best

The best of the best is Jesus and the sacrifice he made for you and me on the cross. Celebrate! The Lord is Risen!

Luke 24:34

Preschool Arts & Crafts

This is a great resource for all sorts of print outs for preschoolers. I got lost in looking at everything theses pages have to offer. Kidzone - Fun Facts for Kids!

CouponMom

Save yourself some time and money with The Coupon Mom. She also shows you how to buy lots for food banks without breaking your bank.

FlyLady

Get yourself de-cluttered and organized with FlyLady.net: Your personal online coach to help you gain control of your house and home. She worked better for me when she was new because she was to the point in every email, very encouraging and not selling so much stuff. Try her out anyway. She still may be just what you need.

Swiffer

Swiffer is awesome. I started with the sweeper, b/c I have never been a very efficient broom sweeper. I would end up sweeping and then vacuuming because I could never get all the dirt off the floor, no matter what kind of broom I tried. I love the dry swiffer so much that I thought I'd try the wet swiffer. I really like it, too. It doesn't replace a really good mopping, but it's great for when you feel you should mop but don't have the time or energy to get down and dirty. One day when buying some more dry cloths, the boxes had samples of the duster. It's great, too. I like to use them on blinds and on high up places that I don't dust as often. I usually only buy those when I have a coupon. With the sweeper and wet cloths, basically any brand works on the actual swiffer, but the swiffer brand fits the best.

The Dustbuster

It's so nice and convenient! I've never had one but many friends of mine do. I asked and received one for Christmas and I love it! I love being able to go around picking up little messes, or zooming around the baseboards without having to pull out my big vacuum and the attachments. I have this one - Black & Decker. I really like the filters on it, because they trap a lot of dust.

Suggestions Are Welcome!

I often think of things that I want to say here, but then forget what I want to say by the time I have sat down to write. I will try to do better. I started this blog because I love personal references. I am much more comfortable buying something or going somewhere that some else suggests. Even if that someone else is a stranger. So if you have any hints or suggestions, please let me know and I will happily post them here. The blog is called Random Hints, so it can be about anything!

Nursing Pads

Gerber and Lansinoh are your best bets. The Gerber pads are more readily available and I think they are a little less expensive. The Lansinoh looked best under clothing. I think they are available at Target. The washable, reusable ones are worthless. Don't bother with them.

Airborne is Good Stuff

I have been using Airborne ever since Oprah talked about it on her show a year or two ago. I have told many friends how great it works. When you start to feel a cold coming on, start yourself on some Airborne. Within the next day or two you'll realize that you never actually got that cold! It's fabulous.

Magic Eraser Rocks

I love the Magic Eraser by the bald guy. They clean everything, and so far haven't scratched any surfaces. They are a dollar a piece and worth every penny. It the only thing that can get my refrigerator door handles clean, and it's great for getting stains off countertops. You should try it!