A Year of Blogging

     Hmm, my "blogerversary" just passed. I don't remember the exact day, but I know it was near the end of August 2011 when I sarted my blog. I never realized when I got started how much was actually involved in blogging. Epecially if you want it to be interesting to anyone except your own circle of family and friends.
     It's not the blogging itself that takes so much time (though obviously there is time involved in that too). It's the networking and actually doing (and taking pics of) the interesting things that you're going to write about, like crafts, recipes, etc. And of course product reviews. Oh how I love product reviews! I've gotten to try out so many neat things since I started blogging. Some of which I would never have heard of without blogging.
     Things I had never heard of before blogging? Alexa, Klout, Google Page Rank, Google Analytics and Rafflecopter. All important thngs to know about if you want to review products on your blog. By the way, you can finds links to all these things in my Blog Resources Page--a page just for new bloggers like I was a year ago. Things I wish I'd know to start with.
     And then of course there's the networking. Probably the most important part of the blogging experience. I've gotten to know (online) so many great, experienced bloggers happy to help with advice and other things, like facebook likes, comments, giveaways. The blogging community that I've gotten to be part of is so great. Other bloggers are not your competition. They're your friends. Always willing to help each other out.
     And to my readers. Whether you are a fellow blogger or not, I'm so happy you decided to visit. Without readers, why write? So I just wanna say thanks, everyone, for being so great and helping me through my first year. :-)

Catching Up

     I haven't been posting much the past week. We have had a lot going on and it's been difficult to keep up. I have hardly been able to keep up around the house, much less on my blog. I am still in the process of trying to catch up. We've been busy with doctor's appointments and "helping" a family that actually turned out to be scamming us.
     Over the course of a week, there was a guy that got all kinds of "freebies" from us. It's a long story. He claimed he was homeless and looking for a job and had 5 kids, including a 3 month old baby. The family was real. But they weren't really homeless and he is on disablilty, so not really looking for work. Appearantly this person has nothing better to do with his time but play on people's sympthies and seeing how much free stuff he can score.
     He was perfectly happy to accept boxes of groceries, both from us and some friends, and a tank of gas. He never actually asked for this stuff, but told us his problems and we got to see his kids in dirty clothes. He was very clever.
     He was exposed because he made the mistake of giving us his new "landlady's" phone number (because we and some friends were going to help with rent) before he got her to agree to play along. The "landlady" was actually a relative of his wife's who refused to go along with the scam and when we finally called her to verify, she was all too happy to expose him for being a scammer and a liar that kept his kids in rags so that people would give him money.
     So, a whole week of our life was sucked up with trying to get this guy things we thought his family needed, and doctor visits for my 6 month old. I haven't had much time to write on my blog or do things to write about. But hopefully I will get back on track soon. Thanks!

Checking In

     This is just a note to let you all know I am rather behind in everything right now and am trying to get everything in order to begin posting as normal. Just checking in, letting you know I'm still here, but haven't been able to post much. Will post more soon!

Weight Loss Wednesday: Wrist/Ankle Weights

     I didn't get a chance to write "Weight Loss Wednesday" last week. We had lots of stuff going on "in real life" plus my Mozilla, which is the browser I normally use, has been acting really messed up, so that was slowing me down in my normal online activites (including blogging." So now I'm on internet explorer and having to get used to a new system. Anyway, suffice it to say I "hovered" last week, and am really still hovering at 176--just a mere .2 lbs from when I last posted.
     That said, if I say so myself, I'm doing pretty good to even be staying in range. You can read previous posts about how I mix chia seed and kefir. But another thing I have been doing is using ankle/wrist weights.
     When I remember to do it, I wear ankle weights around so I burn a few extra calories just walking around the house. I tried using them on my wrists as well, but they keep bothering my hands when I'm trying to do other things, so I mainly stick with the ankle weights.

Tasty Tuesday: Mexican Lasagna

     This is a dish I call "Mexican Lasagna." I guess I called it this because it's layered like lasagna, but made with ingredients like tortillas and enchilada sauce. I didn't use a whole can of enchilada sauce, but I only made a 8x8 square dish.
     So, first you will want to layer the bottom with enchilada sauce. Perhaps you should be generous, since my tortillas ended up sticking anyway.
      Then, you cut some 8 inch tortillas in half and place the flat sides agianst the edges. Since I was using a square dish, I just needed two.

     Next, add some cooked chicken breast and cumin. You can mix the cumin with the chicken ahead of time, but I just sprinkled a layer on the chicken.

     Then add a layer of enchilada sauce.

     Then sprinkle on some cheddar cheese. Be as generous, or as stingy as you like. :-) But remember, there's another layer!

     Which brings me to the next step. Repeat! Do all the layers once more. Then cook at 350 degrees about 20-30 minutes, until the cheese starts to brown. Serve with sour cream and salsa (optional). It's a great use for those leftover "fresh" tortillas!

Always & Tampax Always Radiant Collection

This review has been moved. You can now view it HERE.

Food Waste Friday: Not Much

     I haven't been keeping up with 'Food Waste Friday" lately, and i don't really have that much to show for this week, but here it is:
     2 hard boiled eggs that have been in the fridge several weeks
     1 Zuchini that is getting soft and mushy on the outside. We had been given a big bag of it, lout of which I got 3 batches of zuchini bread and a stir fry meal or two. This was the "survivor."
     1 partial bag of spinach. I did manage to salvage some for the freezer though.

     How did you do with your food waste this week?

SBTV Now Featuring Swagbucks Orginal Videos

     Don't forget--every Friday is a chance to win more Swagbucks to use for prizes you love! So if you've been putting off those searches you've been needing to do, now's the time to do it! Come on, you know you've been wondering about the meaning of "absquatulate" and "epeolatry" mean, so why not look them up, using Swagbaucks? :-P
     Not a member yet? No problem. You can sigu up here! Not sure if it's your thing? Don't worry, I was reluctant at first too. I'm not just saying that! I thought Swagbucks was one of those sites who only give you "points" to sign up for credit cards and insurance quotes. But there are other ways to earn on Swagbucks, much more palateable to me. No, you won't make huge amounts of money--just a $5 gift card her and there--but hey, every little bit helps, right? For simple ways to earn, you can see my post here.
     On another note, Swagbucks original videos are now going to be part of SBTV (Swag Bucks TV). SBTV is one of those simple ways to earn I mentioned in the aforementioned post. So here is a whole new set of videos for your earning enjoyment. And below is a preview of what you can expect.





     So don't miss out on the fun any longer. If you're not a Swaggernaut, sign up now! And if you are, search away, it's Friday!

Baby Party #Giveaway Event

Are you expecting, have a new little one, or know someone who is? If so, make sure to enter this awesome giveaway hosted by Pregnancy Forum and Joys Of Life!

Joys Of Life has teamed up with many of her amazing blogger friends to bring you three fabulous prizes! The prizes are:

Clear Blue Digital Ovulation Tests

Britax B-Agile Baby Stroller

Bedding 10 Piece Crib Set

     Please read: This event is open world-wide. You must be 18+ to enter the giveaway. Once the event is over, a winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be contacted via email and will be asked to follow all the instructions required as well as to the mandatory requirement to comment on the winner announcement post to confirm they have been shipped the prize and they can comment back once their prizes have arrived. Failing to follow the instructions may cause the delay of prize. The winner is required to answer the email within 48 hours - no reply from the winner then another winner will be chosen at random. So, keep out an eye on your emails and check your spam too once the event is over.

Allow the rafflecopter below to load. Make sure you complete all the entries to maximize your chances to win! 

Good luck everyone !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. An Ordinary Housewife is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Easy Ham, Cheddar and Broccoli Pie

     Sorry, I forgot to take a "finished" picture! But this Ham, cheese and broccoli pie was yummy! And super simple to make. In the bottom of a greased pie dish, layer: 

     1 cup cooked ham, cut up

     1 cup frozen broccoli (thawed) 

     1/4 cup chopped onion

     Then, mix together: 

     1/2 cup Bisquick (or homemade baking mix)

     1 cup milk

     1 cup shredded cheddar

     2 eggs

     salt and pepper to taste

     Pour mixture even over ham and broccoli in pie pan. 

     Bake at 400 degrees 30-40 minutes, until a knife inserted comes out clean. Let cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

R Baby Foundation is on a Mission

Please wait just a few secs while you are redirected to the new blog. Thanks so much for your patience and support!

Around the Blogosphere Blog Hop

Welcome to Around the Blogosphere, hosted by Karma Media!

<a href="http://www.niftymom.com/" style="border: none;"><img alt="Around the Blogosphere" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g375/LenaBlair/Around-the-Blogoshpere3.png" style="width: 129px; height: 129px;"/></a> The purpose of this hop is to help promote each others:

• Giveaways
• Blogger Opps
• Reviews
• Affiliate Links
• Blogger Groups
• Book Tours
• Other Hops/Linkies

All submissions must be family friendly and cannot promote intolerance or hate. Enter your links below, there is no limit to how many you can submit. All we ask for in return is to share or promote this hop, hey it helps you too, remember!!

Giveaways Blogger Opps Reviews Affiliate Links Blogger Groups Book Tours Hops/Linkies

Back to School with Famous Footwear

This post brought to you by Famous Footwear. All opinions are 100% mine.

     For many families, the time is fast approaching for "back to school." Shopping must be done, and you've got to find the best deals on school supplies, clothes...and shoes!

     Famous Footwear has some nice sales going on right now to help you save money on those new shoes. And when you're shopping for the kids, you just might find a pair you've gotta have yourself. ;-) Famous Footwear has a huge variety of shoes for all members of the family. After all, shoes are their specialty.

     Right now Famous Footwear is having a sale where you buy one pair of shoes and you get the second pair half off. In addition, you can print this BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon to use in-store with your purchase. This coupon is available though 8/18/12.

     But that's not all. You can also join their rewards program. It is free to join, and as a member, you will receive a point for every $1 you spend at Famous Footwear, whether in-store or online. You accumulate these reward points to earn certificates, up to $100 a year. You also get "bonus" points for certain things, like spending a certain amount, providing your email address and choosing to receive your certificates via email. You also get a special discount just for signing up. By the way, the 15% coupon mentioned above becomes a 20% coupon if you are a Rewards member.

     Famous Footwear is dedicated to making your shopping experience quick and easy. Their stores are easy to shop in and their stores are not overwhelming, even though they have a large variety of shoes. They will make a quick stop for your back to school shopping. If they don't have it in stock, they offer shipping to your home, or free shipping for store pickup. And if your prefer online shopping, you can do that too. The coupons will work there as well. So visit their store or check out their website, and shop away!

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

This review has been moved. You can now view it HERE.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen

This review has been moved. You can now view it HERE.

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken Salad

     This chicken salad is on the "sweet" side. I came up with this while trying to replicate the chicken salad I got at a restaurant back in Florida. I don't think it's exactly the same, but pretty close. And it is pretty easy. You need to mix together:

     1 can (12-13 oz) shredded chicken breast

     1/2 stalk celery, finely chopped

     1 hardboiled egg

     1/4 Miracle Whip

     2 TBSP mayonaise

     1/4 tsp sugar

     1 TBSP sweet relish

     salt and pepper to taste

     I think next time I will try 3 TBSP of mayo and 3 TBSP Miracle Whip. If chopped apples, grapes

and nuts are something you like, this would be a good chicken salad to put them in. Not really my thing though!

Infotone Hydrating Mist #Giveaway

Mommy and Baby Reviews, Emptynester Reviews, Mom Does Reviews and Powered By Mom have teamed up with InfoTone to bring our readers an amazing chance to win one of 10 bottles of InfoTone Hydrating Mist to our readers!! That's right we are going to have 10 winners!

What is Infotone Hydrating Mist?

Who would have thought that spraying water on skin could clear blemishes, fade wrinkles, and even skin tone? Now it can with Infotone Hydrating Mist. Each mister contains a ceramic bead infused with AquaLiv's patented BioT™ technology. BioT™ allows simple spring water to activate skin's natural healing ability resulting in clear, youthful, and glowing skin. Infotone Hydrating Mist is also refillable for a full year making it one of the most economical and sustainable skincare products available today. 100% natural and hypoallergenic. No parabens, additives, chemicals, GMOs, fragrances or artificial ingredients.

"My top 5 beauty picks for summer." - Paige Padgett, Green Beauty Expert

Spray Infotone Hydrating Mist on your face and body after cleansing. Lightly mist right over makeup throughout the day to refresh and rejuvenate tired skin.

Infotone Hydrating Mist Benefits

• Eliminates Demodex folliculorum and brevis—skin mites found on 50% of all adults!
• Refreshes and rejuvenates tired skin
• Clears blemishes and fights acne
• Evens skin tone
• Reduces the effects of oxidation
• Fades wrinkles

ONE BOTTLE OF INFOTONE HYDRATING MIST MAKES AN UNLIMITED ONE-YEAR SUPPLY!

To Learn more about InfoTone or to purchase your own bottle please visit INFOTONE ONLINE HERE!

Are you excited yet? Are you ready for your chance to be one of 10 winners?? Enter below on the easy Rafflecopter below. But hurry because the giveaway ends August 20, 2012 at 11:59 pm est.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Thank you to Infotone for providing our readers the chance to win. Winners will be selected on August 22, 2012 and contacted by email on how to claim their prize. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize and MUST be a fan of Infotone at the time the winners are drawn. After entries have been verified and prizes have been claimed please allow 6-8 for INFOTONE to ship the winners their prizes.An Ordinary Housewife is not responsible for shipping of prizes.

Farm Rich Pinterest Contest

     Farm Rich has joined Pinterest and to celebrate they're having a giveaway! The prizes are a new digital camera or a professional photo shoot for your family. Entry period is until September 3rd.

     To enter, you'll need to follow Farm Rich on Pinterest, create a board called "Life's Funny Family Moments" and upload photos of your family's funny moments. Include the hashtag #farmrichfamilyfunny and a short caption of the photo. Go here to view full rules and details. 

     And if you haven't already, check out my Farm Rich review! And you can follow me on Pinterest too!

Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar

This review has been moved. You can now view it HERE.

Mega Bucks Friday and Collector's Bills

     It's Friday, and that means it's Mega Swag Bucks day at Swagbucks. So, if you're already a member, you have opportunities to win extra SwagBucks today. And if you're not a member yet, you can sign up here and use the code SBISONTHEGO for 60 extra swag Bucks for a total on 90 Swag Bucks. Today is the LAST DAY for the code, so you better use it if you're gonna! 

    Also, Swag Bucks is passing out sports collector's bills, only available through search. But that's ok. Web searches are one of my favorite ways to earn Swag Bucks. And one of the easiest. Get points for what you do anyway! Collect all 9 through August 12 and get an extra 15 Swag Bucks. So if you haven't already, this is a great time to sign up and get searching!

Mark Online Beauty Bash

     Hi everyone! Jenn at Mark. is hosting a very special Online Beauty Bash. The Beauty Bash will run from August 1st - August 20th. She will be making a Personal Donation of 30% of her earnings from this Online Beauty Bash to the Wounded Warrior Project in the hopes of bringing more attention to this wonderful organization. Please join her at the party Shop the Party

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with and this is not endorsed by The Wounded Warrior Project. This will be an individual, personal donation made in my name to the organization.

Overview of the Wounded Warrior Project:

Their Mission:

To honor & empower wounded warriors.

Their Vision:

To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

Their Purpose:

To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.

To help injured service members aid and assist each other.

To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

Programs offered:

Mind:

Combat Stress Recovery

Project Odyssey

Restore Warriors

Family Support

Family Support Retreats

Body:

Physical health & Wellness

Soldier Ride

WWP Packs

Economic Empowerment:

Campus Services

TRACK

Transition Training Academy

Warriors at Work

Engagement:

Alumni

Connect

Benefits Service

International SupportI

Peer Mentoring

Policy & Government Affairs

WWP Resource Center

The WWP has helped numerous soldiers and I encourage you to visit Wounded Warrior Project to see for yourself the difference they are making.

 I would like to personally send out a message to the brave men & women of the Armed Forces both past and present. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made for us. We Salute you. God Bless.

A personal thank you to the following blogs for sharing this post:
Made.By.Jess , I Don't Get Sundays , Southern Stay at Home Momma , Picking Up The Pennies , Everyday Ramblings Of My Life , Giveaway Maven , My Devotional Thoughts , Coupon Blessings Now , Tegan's Library , Southern Belle , Divas Fashion Vault , The Ordinary Housewife & Sassy Pants Momma