Follow Friday!

For those on Twitter, you know all about Follow Friday (#FF).  I thought I would post a list of great blogs that I follow daily, so you could check them out too! 

Nola Girl-She just had her 1st Blog Birthday with a week full of giveaways! 

Pluff Mudd Studio-This is a blog that I just started following.  She has wonderful party ideas and is super crafty. 

Pretty in Pink Megan-She is always posting on the latest styles and fashion.  I look at her blog to know what I am wearing is out of style or not.  Many of the new trends she post, I could not pull off, but I try to modify and keep the new trends in mind!

Blue Eyed Bride-She started her blog when she was getting married.  Now she has a son.  She blogs about anything and everything!  Fun read!!

Do you have a great blog you would like to share?  If so, comment and tell us why you enjoy reading!!  Happy Friday everyone!  You'll have to take a look on Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry sometime this weekend since we find out the sex of the baby TODAY!

FREE ICE CREAM!

FREE low fat ice cream + a FREE flavor shot at Carvel TODAY, April 29th! To find a Carvel near you, click here.

Here are the two South Carolina Stores!

CARVEL STORE #2808 Mount Pleasant
1113-C Market Center Boulevard
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 216-3399


CARVEL STORE #1172 (Inside Schlotzsky's)
5166 Sunset Blvd.
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 359-2869

Wordless Wednesday

For my birthday, I got a humming bird feeder from the Mr.'s auntie! I researched how to make the food (not hard...1 cup sugar to 3-4 water) and hung the feeder. Not sure when we will see humming birds, but this is my view from the kitchen sink (see the small blue feeder?)!

Craigslist 101

I'm having a bit of a "no brain day!"  Just can't think of anything to post.  I was emailed last night about Craigslist.  I do love Craigslist, and since the Mr. forbids me to have garage sales at the house, I have used this as my source to make some extra cash with our junk (hopefully, someone else's treasure).

Here is the email I got last night:
"OK, I've never bought off of Craigslist, but have looked and contacted people - I guess things just didn't work out or I was too late. Now I need to sell something, possibly a few things. What do I need to know? It's free isn't it? Or do they get a percentage like ebay? I know you said to meet in a neutral place - and I'll accept cash only. Anything else that you can think of? "

Answers and steps to Craigslist 101:
-It is free to post (no commission is paid as with eBay)

-Price item a little higher than you want to get...people tend to barter

-If item doesn't sell, consider saying "negotiable price or OBO" when stating the price

-State cash only on your post (*you are selling to strangers, you want "cash money" only!!)

-Pictures are a must on your listing (allows 4 pictures). People are more likely to have interest and contact you if they can see everything. You can also take tons of pictures and put the in a Picasa (picture program through google and gmail) slide show then put the picture link to the album on the post.

-Reposted every week to refresh posting and have it appear at the top of the listing category.

-Craiglist only allows you to post an item once. When you repost it, you'll delete the post that is "old/currently up." Once deleted, you can repost your item. It will appear at the top of the list.

-State on the post where you can meet (ie mall, Lowe's, etc).  I would strongly encourage you not to have people come to your home unless it is a huge item.  You never know who it will be.  If you do have them come to your home, contact me.  There are ways of researching people to know if they are sketchy or not.

-If posting multiple items, say that on all post. Think of a unique code to put on each of your post and state "search '5586' to see all my current listings. Willing to negotiate with multiple purchases."

-Once you post things to Craigslist, put a link on your facebook page or Twitter accont. Someone you know might purchase from you, and you don't have to deal with meeting people you don't know.
 
-One last thing, you will get spam mail from the post. If they are saying "weird" things or only refer to the item as "the item," then beware. Not to scare you from using it, but you can tell. I have replied to a few of these, but nothing ever happened. If it is a weird name or email, then it is likely a spam message.

Clemsongirl got us a deal on Stephen Bonannos

Clemsongirl and the Coach is a blog that I've followed since the beginning of my blog lurking time!  If you haven't read her blog, check it out!  She is super funny.

Her latest post, she is passing along a great deal to her readers-$20.00 off Stephen Bonannos!  This is an unheard of deal!  If you enjoy these sandals, it is time to stock up!!  Make sure to use the code "clemsongirl" when you purchase!  This deal is good through May 2nd!

You're Invited!

Save the date, May 20th at 6PM for a private shopping party event at Colleton's Fine Clothing.

Click Here!  for more details!

Hope to see everyone there!

Happy Friday!

Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!  I must admit I'm not the "greenest" person on the planet, but there are a few things that I try to conserve.  One of those being is paper towels.  I could truly live without them.  I grew up using dish towels and dish rags to wipe, wash, dry, etc. 
If you are a paper towel user, try using a towel which is washable.  If you just can't use a towel, use a sponge.  A quick trick with a sponge is to heat it in the microwave (I think it needs to be wet) for 30 seconds. This will kill the bacteria in the sponge, and you can reuse it multiple times.

On a random note, I "recycled" some tunes on the morning drive.  I listened to the oldies station!  I actually found myself getting really excited to hear this song come on the radio (I wasn't even born when this song came out).  While it was on and between singing, I kept thinking, "man, I feel old," and"I am acting old by enjoying this song?"  Today, I have an excuse, its Earth Day!  Lets all do our part to recycle, reduce, and reuse!

I'm a Nola Girl-GIVEAWAY!

I'm a Nola Girl is a blog that I follow.  This week is her blog birthday week!  She is hosting a SUPER cute giveawy from the children's line, Nola Tots.  If you are an auntie, mommy, or have little kids in your world, you should head over and put your name the hat for this cute give away.

Check it out here!  Let me know if you are the lucky winner!  I promise I will be very jealous if you win because this giveaway is too cute!

World Market Coupon (Possible Competitor Coupon at Limited Publix)

Click Here for a $10 off a $30 purchase at World Market.  This coupon is good through May 16th. 

Happy Shopping!!

PS Limited Publix Stores will take World Market coupons.  You'll need to ask at the customer service desk before shopping (don't wait until you are in line). I think it would be worth the drive if you found one Publix that did, as it is 1/3 off your purchase!

Dairy Queen: Buy One Blizzard, Get Another for 25 Cents!

As part of the 25th birthday of the Blizzard, participating Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill locations nationwide will celebrate a Customer Appreciation Week from April 19th-25th when customers can purchase one Blizzard and get the second for only 25 cents!


Two locations in the Tri-County:
DAIRY QUEEN LTD BRAZIER
1525 OLD TROLLEY RD
SUMMERVILLE
SC 29485-8928
 
DAIRY QUEEN/ORANGE JULIUS TREAT CTR
NORTHWOODS MALL
NORTH CHARLESTON
SC 29406-4050

Search for another location-Click Here

Thanks Hip2Save for the Dairy Queen Deal!

In this wonderful life GIVEAWAY

In this wonderful life is on my daily read blog list.  She has been hosting a give away, and today is the last day.  Head over here to get your name in the hat for a pretty piece of jewelry from http://www.juliethefish.etsy.com/.

Planning a Soirée?

If so, head over to Party City with this great coupon (Click Here)!  The coupon is good through April 18th, and will save you $10 on any purchase of $30 or more. This coupon does exclude clearance items, but does not exclude items on sale.

Even if you don't have a party soon, it is always great to stock up now while there is a coupon!

Tax Day = Free Food Day!

Many resturants are feeling sorry for us on Tax Day (4/15/10), so they are offering a few deals!

Bring your own mug to Starbucks, and get a free cup of coffee.

Free Appetizer at Smokey Bones (Click Here for coupon)

Taco Del Mar Offering a Free Taco (Click Here)

Free sample of Ice Cream Pizza at MaggieMoo’s from 3-7PM (Click Here)

Two Free cupcake bites at Cinnabon from 6-8pm (Click Here)

Kids Eat Free at IHOP today and through the end of the month from 4 to 10 p.m. with a purchase of one adult meal.

T.G.I. Friday's is offering $5 Bonus Bites gift cards for food and beverage purchases of $15 to $25. Plus patrons can get a free $10 gift card on any purchase above $25. (Click Here)

Grape Salad = Yummy!!

I picked up the ingredients yesterday to make Grape Salad this week!  I have had it several times at family functions, but have never made it myself.  After this weekend's trip to visit family in Baxley, GA, I am craving it! 

Here's the recipe!  It is great for a summer time get together or as a nice health desert or side dish!

Ingredients
2 lbs green seedless grapes
2 lbs red seedless grapes
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to taste

Topping Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar, packed, to taste
1 cup crushed pecans, to taste
 
Directions
1-Mix sour cream, cream cheese, white sugar and vanilla by hand until blended.
2-Stir grapes into mixture, and pour in large serving bowl.
3-For topping: Combine brown sugar, and crushed pecans.
4-Sprinkle over top of grapes to cover completely.
5-Chill until ready to serve!

Show Some Puppy (kitty) Love!

Click Here to get some coupons for the furry friend(s) in your life!

And the winners are.......

Drum Roll Please (here are the names in a drawing to show it was fair!)......

Whitney-I have totally already done all of these! Pick me pick me!

Ali-I'm a daily follower of both blogs!! Yummy Oak Steakhouse sounds good right about now :)

GIVE AWAY and more about Restaurant.com

Don't forget about the blog giveaway ending today!  Sign up to win a $25 gift certificate to Oak Steakhouse!!  Sign up here.

Restaurant.com is a great place to find gift certificates at a discount price to many restaurants.  The website has a promotion going on right now.  If you enter the promo code TREAT, you'll save 60% off the gift certificate value (get a $25 certificate for only $4), and you'll receive a free $10 Restaurant.com gift certificate with every order! 

Click here to join in on the savings!

GIVE AWAY:Oak Steakhouse $25 Gift Certificate

As promised, I am hosting the first Soirées & Shenanigans give away.  I am giving away TWO Oak Steakhouse $25 Restuarant.com gift certificates (expire 9/9/10).

Here's how to enter to WIN!
(I'm not going to check; I'm going to take your word for it!  Make sure to do each thing to get as many entries possible. Remember, if you do any of these task, remember to tell me by commenting.)

1 entry-Leave a comment about anything!

1 entry-become a follower of Soirées & Shenanigans (leave another comment on this post stating you are or have become a follower)

1 entry-head over to my other blog, Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry, and become a follower (leave a comment on this post stating that you have done this)

1 entry-spread the word about Soirées & Shenanigans by emailing this post to a friend (click the envelope at the end of the post), post to your blog, Facebook or Tweet this post (leave a comment on this post stating which or all that you have done...an entry for each).

The winner will be announced Tuesday AM (winner, please send contact info when you're announced)! I will use a random number generator to pick the winner! Good luck to each of you!

Honk! If You Love an Agronomist!

One day I will find a bumper sticker that says that!  For those who have been reading my blog since I started it, know I made mention of my husband being a graduate of Purdue, but he's not an Astronaut, rather an Agronomist! (Click Here)

The Mr. uses his "mad agronomy skill" and writes for The Island Connection News (newspaper for Kiawah and Seabrook Islands) regarding various landscaping, plant, and irrigation topics. 

In his latest article, he is offering a deal!  That is where you come in! 

Quoting from his latest article, "to kick off the spring and to continue our efforts to make irrigation systems more efficient, Sunburst Landscaping is offering the new Rain Bird wireless rain gauge for 30% off normal retail price to the first 100 clients. Rain gauges provide an efficient way to adapt to the current weather. Not only do they prevent unnecessary watering (thus saving on your water bill), but they also reduce extra wear and tear on the entire irrigation system." Click Here to View Full Article 

This would make a great gift for the someone who loves a pretty yard!  We plan to get one for parents, as they are always wanting to get the prefect setting for their irrigation system.  The Mr's mom is getting one too!

FREE copy paper through Sunday at STAPLES!

Click Here to print coupon. UPDATE: You'll receive "free" paper after the mail in rebate. 

I'm Six...It's time to PARTY!

In case you forgot what it was to be like when you were six, check out our nephew all dressed up for his 6th Birthday dinner at the Japanesse Steakhouse.  He picked out his own outfit, and insisted on dressing up for this formal occasion!  Kids are Cute!

*The blurred face is to protect the innocent!

Spanx, by Sara Blakely, Product Testing

So, I have been wanting to be a Spanx product tester for a while.  I heard about this opportunity from another blogger.  She simply told us how to get invovled, but she was unable to tell the details of the product testing.  Here is an email I got after expressing interest in being a product tester.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a product tester for Spanx. Your participation on our panel and the feedback you provide allows us insight into the minds of our consumers. Please follow the link below to provide your consumer information.
The end of the survey will take you to our website, http://www.spanx.com/. This will allow you to poke around and see what we are all about, if you are not familiar with our brands. If you are an Assets fan, you can log on to http://www.loveassets.com/. To see what Haute Contour has to offer you follow a link on the Spanx site to view that collection.
Product testing is an on-going process. It is done throughout the year, but we cannot guarantee what products you will receive or if you will be selected for all tests. Therefore, it is very important that we have updated information; shipping and sizing. Please remember to email us if your address, email or size changes. The information you provide will be for SPANX product testing use only and will NOT be disclosed. Additionally, all product information and opinions are to remain confidential and are not to be discussed on blogs, internet sites, etc.

Aveda--I do love!

I simply love Aveda products.  I use their products for my hair, skin, and lips! 

Today Aveda online has free shipping if you use the code SPRING410 (click here for details).

I also go to an Aveda Concept Salon, Verbena Salon, to get my hair "did."  It is on the corner of St Philip and Cannon Streets.  Kady is my "hair lady."  When I went last, they were offering new clients 50% all services and product on the first visit.  If you are looking for a new place to get your hair done, I highly recomend Kady!  Also when you are there, stock up on every product possible.  At 50%, you can't beat that deal!!

You can tell Kady that her crazy blogging client that always complains about parking (which has gotten much better), Meredith, referred you!!  I have referred a few people (some of my blog readers even) to Katy, and they all LOVE her! 

VERBENA SALON
KADY
189 SAINT PHILIP ST
CHARLESTON SC 29403-7429
843-722-8887
http://www.verbenasalon.com/
 

Here are the Aveda products I use daily!  I have tried many other, but these are my staples!

 

My sis just got me this for my Birthday!

Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash

PhomollientTM Styling Foam

Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Lip Tint SPF 15-Apricot 250

Easter Dress Shopping

In case you have ventured out to do your Easter dress shopping, below are a few store coupons and promotions to help you find your Easter Finest!

Ann Taylor- 40% entire purchase and free shipping for orders $150 or more. Online purchases use code SAVE40 at checkout. (click here for details)

Belk- Coupons for $10 off $50, $20 off $100, and $30 off $150. (click here for details)

Banana Republic Factory Store-20% off $100 (click here for details).

Ann Taylor Loft-25% off all full-price styles and free shipping for orders $125 or more. Online purchases use code STYLE25 at checkout. (click here for details)

Total Money Makeover LIVE! $9.99 tickets for the next 72hrs!!

I wish I could tell you that I was bringing you an exclusive Soirees & Shenanigans discount, but it's a hot deal either way you look at it!

My friend and great blog follower, Julie, sent this discount along!

"If you’ve been waiting to invite your friends and family to the Total Money Makeover LIVE! next week, there couldn’t be a better time! For the next 72 hours, we’re giving our attendees an exclusive deal: Use the coupon code 72hour and get $9.99 tickets (today through Sunday)."

Register Now-Click Here
Learn More-Click Here

Hosting a Give Away

Head on over to Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry for my first ever give away!