Dining On A Dime GiveAway!! (this giveaway is over)

WOW!!! Guess What??? Tawra from Living On A Dime has over purchased on books and now needs to get rid of some inventory so they are having a 50% off sale on all their books and 63% off if you buy all 3.  Dining On A Dime has never been on sale for more than 25% off, so this is a great deal. The sale is going to be from January 1 to January 7. Sorry for such short notice but I just found out about this great deal yesterday. You can check this BIG SALE out HERE!!!

Here’s another Great Deal. Tawra has agreed to mail you a FREE COPY of “Dining On A Dime” via snail mail, on the house, if you are the first person to find the needle in the Hay Stack. You can download the Needle in a Haystack QP HERE.

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So here’s the rules:

1. Download the Quick Page.

2. Upzip it.

3. Look for a Needle in the pyramid haystack.

4. Email me at squeakyscraps@gmail.com.

5. Put “Found It” in the subject line.

6. Tell me where the needle is.

7. Leave me your name and snail mail address.

8. I will forward the email to Tawra and in return;

9. She will mail you a FREE Copy of “Dining on a Dime“.

How To Create A Genealogy Blog!!

Complimentary to my e-book “Setting Up a Genealogy Tool Box with Google“, Robert Ragan from Treasure Maps Genealogy Newsletter, has written an article “How to Create Your Own Genealogy Blog in Less than 5 Minutes (and so much more…)“.  This article is in 3 different parts. You can find Part 1 Here, Part 2 Here and Part 3 Here.  In case you missed it, I also have an article on the blog here about “How to Create a Map in Google Maps“.

10 Easy Ways to Get Organized

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!  It’s the beginning of a new year so what better way than to start getting organized in 10 Easy Steps!! Here from Jill Cooper of Living On A Dime are 10 Easy Ways to Get Organized.

10 Easy Ways to Get Organized
by Jill Cooper
Living On A Dime

. Hang up your keys. (Preferably by the door.)

. Find a place for your purse, coat, gloves and other frequently used items and always keep them there.

. Make your bed each day as soon as you crawl out of it.

. Get dressed. Even if you are a stay at home mom or your job is at home, get dressed. Clothes really do make the man or woman. You’ll be just as productive as you are dressed which means if you are dressed for sleep (pajamas, sweats or a robe) then you will get about as much work done as you would when you are sleeping. That may be stretching it, but you get my point.

. Wash the dishes and wipe the counters after each meal. No matter how large or small the meal or how tired and in a hurry you are, do the dishes. Even if you are hurried or late in the morning you wouldn’t dream of leaving the house half dressed. Make leaving your kitchen clean as important a priority as getting dressed for work. This may seem impossible at first but once you are on top of things it should only take five or ten minutes to clean your kitchen.

. Get rid of trash. About 50% of what unorganized people have in their homes is trash or stuff they will never use again. Stop wasting time taking care of it, moving it or stepping over it. As you walk through the house, pick up garbage and toss it.

. Control your laundry. Don’t let it control you. Follow these simple steps to help keep your laundry from taking over your home and you.

        Place a hamper or basket for dirty clothes in each bedroom and/or bath. Make sure that everyone’s dirty clothes are put in the hamper before bed and in the morning.

       The laundry isn’t done until it is put away. Get out of the mind set that if it is washed and dried it is done. Folding and putting it away is equally as important.

       Some of us think that if we get the laundry washed and dried that’s all we need to do and it’s okay for the family to just pull stuff out of a pile. That makes as much sense as cooking a meal and expecting everyone to stand at the stove and take turns scooping the food out of the pan and eating it one spoonful at a time. You wouldn’t dream of doing that. Yes the food is cooked, but the meal is not complete until the table is set and the food is put on plates. Do the same for your laundry. Put it away.

. Pick up continually. This may seem like a pain to do at first but if you stick with it, it will become a habit. I didn’t realize how much of a habit it had become for me until I was visiting my daughter’s the other day. As I was walking into the kitchen, I picked up empty glasses and odds and ends on my way. Then when I walked from the kitchen to the bedroom I picked up toys as I went in there. It wasn’t even my house but I had seen something out of place and out of habit picked it up. Every sock or glass that you walk past is a spore waiting to flourish into a vortex of debris. Catch it while it is small! _

. Read and dispose of newspapers and magazines. There are usually two reasons people have stacks of newspapers and magazines piled around:

       They want to save an article in it. If that is the case then cut the article out as you are reading the magazine and file it. Trust me, you not only won’t cut that article out at a later time, but you probably won’t remember what or where it is.

     They don’t have time to read them. If you aren’t going to read them the why are you subscribing to them? Stop your subscriptions. This doesn’t have to be an all or nothing thing. If you can’t keep up with the daily newspaper then just get the Sunday paper. Most people usually have more leisure time Sunday to read it. Pick out one or two of your favorite magazines and stop subscribing to the rest.

With any item, if it is broken or you don’t use it anymore get rid of it. That includes clothes, toys, furniture, decorations, dishes and exercise equipment. If it’s not important enough to fix right now, you don’t need it!
Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the editors of Living On A Dime. As a single mother of two, Jill Cooper started her own business without any capital and paid off $35,000 debt in 5 years on $1,000 a month income. Tawra and her husband paid off $20,000 debt in 5 years on $22,000 a year income.

HANDY DANDY TIPS

I got this in an email and thought it was worth sharing. It has some really good tips in it, especially for this winter.

 

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze.  [This would probably work on your windshield too if your auto is out in the open. I haven’t tried it yet.]   
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To remove old wax from a glass candle holder – Put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
============ ========= =======         Crayon marks on walls? This works wonderfully! Use a damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little    
effort (elbow grease, that is!).
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) – Put rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever you purchase a box of S.O.S pads, immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into half.  
It is more economical. A box of S.O.S pads will last indefinitely! In fact, the scissors get “sharpened” that way!
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Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off  every drop of blood. Works every time! 
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Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. Then you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don’t wash windows on a sunny day.. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. 
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Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
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To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
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To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan. Bring to a boil on stove top.
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces.. No stains.
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Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, ants everywhere . Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march.. See for yourself.
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine. 
==============================
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
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Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer….. … Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous china.
== ========= ========= ========= 
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
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Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
===================== ========= 
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
==============================  
Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then run the hot water.

==============================  
Burn your fingers?  
Pour soy sauce over it and the burning sensation will immediately stop (and you have a good chance  of not blistering, too.) I don’t know why, but it just works.  
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Do your friends a favor. Pass this timely information on to a friend!  I just did.

How to Create a Map in Google Maps

In my pdf book “Setting Up a Free Genealogy Tool Box with Google“, I mention adding maps to your Genealogy tool box and making your own maps to cemeteries, libraries, etc.. Here is a video that I found on YouTube giving you directions on how to make those maps by inserting photos, videos, etc.  Check it out and see what you think.

Recycle your old electronics and Get Paid Instantly

Hi everyone.  I happened to stumble upon this site from Electronic Express on the internet and thought I would share with everyone. You can trade in your old electronics for cash on the spot at Electronic Express or over the internet. Check out Cexchange to find out how. It’s all free.

Merry Christmas to One and to All!!

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. And then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa.
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, What’s your name?”
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry”!
JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa’s little helpers make toys.
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but,
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It’s obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May The Lord Bless & Watch Over You & Your Loved Ones This Christmas 2008

And May He Prosper & Bless The Work Of Your Hands In The New Year

GOD BLESS

This was shared with me from my cousin through email and thought I would share it with you!!

Left Overs from the DigitatArts Cafe’ Blog Party

As promised I am posting all my left overs today from trying to make something for my blog this past week for the DAC Blog Party.  Things I learned this week with my Photoshop 7:  1) How to make a Quick Page the correct way (and easier way);  2) How to use some of  the Layer Tool correctly;  3) How to use the Blending Option – Woo Hoo;  4) Which resulted in learning how to fix overlays correctly.  Since I learned all that, finally, I got sort of carried away with Quick Pages and background papers. Now, to learn how to make all those pretty elements!! I still have so much to learn and so little a brain left to learn with.  Here are the previews of all my left overs and to get all the goodies the link is at the bottom.

Papers 1 - 7 Large Snow Flake Papers

Papers 1 - 7 Large Snow Flake Papers

Papers 2 - 7 Small Snow Flake Papers

Papers 2 - 7 Small Snow Flake Papers

Papers 3 - 4 Grunge Papers

Papers 3 - 4 Grunge Papers

Papers 4 - 7 Decorated Papers

Papers 4 - 7 Decorated Papers

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As I said, I got a little carried away making papers and Quick Pages so you can download what you want with the links below.

Papers 1

Papers 2

Papers 3

Papers 4

Quick Page 7

Quick Page 8

Day 7 Digital Arts Cafe’ Blog Party

At last it’s December 07 and the last day of our DAC Blog Party.  I hope you all have had fun following the train and snaggin’ up all the goodies all these great ladies have made for you.  If you haven’t took time to thank them because of all the fun, try to take a few moments to go back and thank each one of them because they have worked really hard to make you happy!! 🙂   I wanted to make a big ole kit for all of you but, since I’m still learning, I wasn’t able to do that this time.  Maybe next time. I hope you liked what I did leave for you thou.  Today I have another QP to leave you and you can snag that up here and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year where ever you are!!

P.S. This would make a good cover on your Christmas Scrapbook and also I may post some left overs today or tomorrow, so check back later!!

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Here’s a peak at today’s QP out of the package!

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Day 6 Digital Arts Cafe’ Blog Party

It’s Day 6 of the DAC Blog Party  and today I’m not posting a Quick Page but four (4) tags that I’ve made.  I am downloading them seperate so you can download which one or ones that you want. Each tag has a different TOU in it as do all the QP’s so please be sure you read them. So today you can get my freebies by clicking Tag 1, Tag 2, Tag 3 and Tag 4.   You can also print these tags out on card stock and use them on your Christmas presents or on the tree.

The link for Tag 4 has been fixed. Sorry about that.

Check my other posts below for more freebies or click on Freebies on the left side bar and before you leave be sure to click here and check out the other designers blogs because there are more designers listed there than on the first post of this party and some designers are posting more than one day!!

Tag 1

Tag 1

Tag 2

Tag 2

Tag 3

Tag 3

Tag 4

Tag 4