But Wait! There's More....

I have a confession to make. I have a weakness for infomercials. I'm not sure if they have infomercials in other countries like the U.S. has them. Hopefully they don't. I know I am not alone. I would like for you to fess up if you have ever purchased something from an informercial. I know there are other gullible people out there; those that call within the next 10 minutes.... Boy, I'm glad I made that call look what I've got:

Here is a picture of some of the items that I have purchased from infomercials over the years or purchased at a store from the "As Seen On TV" aisle.

In the picture above you will see:

A Bravetti Deep Fryer. It claims to fry food so fast the grease doesn't have time to soak in. I have used it. It does a nice job with deep frying. It's just a pain to clean.

The Turbo Cooker. It promised to take food from frozen to fabulously cooked in 15 minutes and make it healthy too. I used it quite a bit for a while. You can cook your meat on the bottom and your veggies on the rack all at the same time and cleanup is a snap. I just pulled it out of a cabinet. I forgot I had it. oops

Hip Hop Abs dvd's.... hahhhahhhaaaaahhhhhaaaaahhaaaa. Ohhhh, my abs hurt from laughing so hard at myself. I'm sure they would work, if I would do them.

The Listen Up. I did not buy this item. Buster thought it would be funny to buy this for me. No, I don't listen in on people's conversation at the park or over the fence. But if I ever need it I know I have one. I'm mad because now they came out with one that hooks on the ear and looks like a headset from a cell phone. I want that one!

The Scunci Steamer. It promises to steam all the germs, gunk, mildew and stains from your belongings and home. I've used it a few times. It's OK. I'll give it that.

The Ped Egg. This is the only one I wish I hadn't bought. It will take your feet from Bad to Worse in no time. I'm not a fan of this product. Use with caution and have a tourniquet handy.

The Swivel Sweeper. With little effort you can sweep under furniture and between hard to reach places. Those rotating blades do all the work for you. It has a rechargeable battery. This was purchased for me as well. My Mom has one and liked hers so she got me one. I like it and use it all the time.

So you can see I loves me some infomercials. But, I'm living more frugally this year. So I'll keep surfing on to the next channel when I see an infomercial, but that Shamwow is really looking tempting.

A Blurb from the Burbs - IV

It's 2009 and I don't know about you, but I'm looking for ways I can be more frugal this year.
I've checked out several books from the library (reading the frugal way - no buying - just borrowing).
These are the books I've checked out and mostly read/skimmed/glanced over....

Living Rich for Less by Ellie Kay

Frugal Luxuries by Tracy McBride

The Frugal Woman's Guide to a Rich Life. Edited by Stacia Ragolia

The one I found the most helpful is The Frugal Woman's Guide to a Rich Life.
I read this idea and have used it now for a couple of weeks. It works. So I'm sharing it with you...
* Purchase a small bottle of generic liquid fabric softener.
* Put one cup of the softener in a container
with one cup of water.
* Place the lid back on and give it a little shake.
* Cut a 4x6" sponge into four squares.
* Soak the sponge(s) in the mixture.
* Throw an unsqueezed sponge in the dryer
with your clothes.
* Placed the dried sponge back in the mixture.

I realize this is such inspiring photography. Sponges floating in fabric softener sitting on top of my dryer. Sorry, I just like having a picture with my post. Breaks up all those words. [and for the visual learners among us....I need pictures. :)]

I know I've posted about fabric softener before, but I read this and like this idea so much better than the vinegar one.

Check out my other Blurbs:

How to save on your electric bill:
Blurb from the Burbs III

How to save on lunch meat:
Blurb from the Burbs II

If you have a frugal idea, let me know. I'd love to read it.

Miss America

Meet Amanda Tapley. Amanda is the current Miss Alabama. Right now she is in Las Vegas, NV competing in the Miss America pageant.

When we lived in Alabama, Amanda's Aunt Karen was my neighbor. I got to know and admire this family and treasure their friendship.
Amanda is truly a beautiful young woman inside and out. I wish you all could meet her.

Tomorrow night on TLC (Friday 1/23/09) the final show of Countdown to the Crown is airing. During this show America will be able to help vote in 15 finalist into the Miss America Pageant. The Pageant is on Saturday Night.
Amanda did her talent competition yesterday and came in 2nd place. You should hear her play the piano. She has also been selected in the top 3 for a community service award.

If you will, I would appreciate you voting for Amanda tomorrow night. If you can take one minute and do that. I know this post is targeted at bloggers here in the states. But if you live in another country, please say a prayer for Amanda and I know God has big plans for her life no matter what happens on Saturday.

Go Amanda!

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Another Happy Pig Award

Yesterday Betty at Keeper of the Skies posted a recipe for Lumpia. I have never heard of Lumpia, much less made it. I decided to give it a try for our dinner last night.

My little family loved it. Leah helped me roll them. They are full of chopped vegetables. My kids did not even notice the veggies!!! You can probably put any kind of veggie you want in there. Buster won't eat onions so I didn't put those in and I didn't put the spouts in mine. I put green bell pepper and cabbage in along with the other ingredients Betty had listed. Go to Betty's blog. She has step-by-step pictures posted along with the recipe for Lumpia.


So Betty I'm awarding you this Happy Pig Award for your Lumpia Recipe.


I would also like to award the Happy Pig to TracyP for leading us all into temptation during Christmas. Her Christmas Cookie Exchange was lots of fun. I tried a couple of the recipes listed on there. We loved them and my neighbors did too.





Thanks Betty and TracyP.

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Scripture to Memorize #2 of 24 & Geography Quiz

Ok... This is the scripture I'm working on for the last half of January. I think I have my other one memorized pretty good. Thanks to a song I made up in my head. Don't worry I'll spare you the vocals.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 (NIV)

How are you with World Geography? I just did this drag and drop map of the Middle East to see if I could place the countries in the correct place. Let's just say....I need to study before I take this one again. It doesn't keep score, but I figured out pretty quick how unknowledgeable (dumb) I am in trying to place some of these countries.

Go check it out and let me know how you did.

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.html


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