Blackout Curtain Liner Sale

I've talked about this with a few different ladies in the complex and I thought maybe I should post this here just so I don't risk leaving anyone out.

JoAnn is having a sale on blackout curtain liner.

I personally love this stuff because it not only blocks out quite a bit of sunlight but it also helps with the heating and cooling bill (just a little).

Anyway, the sale starts on July 11th and it's a 60% off discount and if you are a student you can get an extra 15% off that entire purchase. You just have to show that you're a student with a student ID card.

I plan on going to get my blackout liner the Monday after the sale starts. If anyone needs help measuring I'd be happy to help.

I want to blackout line Kenzie's bedroom curtains to help her (hopefully) sleep-in later into the morning to give me time to get ready for work each day.

Let me know if you need my help!

Free Chair and Ottoman

We have this chair with a matching ottoman that have been in Grant's room and now we've decided we don't have room for them.  It is a glider type rocker and the ottoman rocks too.  It would be excellent for any of you with new babies, or anyone else for that matter. The first one to respond will be the lucky new owner and I would be extremely grateful to clear it out of his room so we can actually walk in there. Thanks!

Help

So I start my new job next week and need to start finding babysitters. Could any one help out on a regular basis? Next week it is Wed 10-5, Thur 11:30-5 and Fri 10:30-5. I am hoping to get set days but might just have to go week by week for now. Please let me know either post a comment or call/text me at 244-1660. Thanks a bunch!

Extra Money Anyone?

I know we are all like to have a little extra money. Who doesn't right. I was thinking about it this morning and I thought I would share one way I have earned $400 in the past year with no effort at all. Plus, it's not 'income' so it is not taxed! It's not a ton but it gives some room for fun things. Sorry it's a little long, but worth the read.

[PRE NOTE: I do not get anything from this. I am not trying to sell anyone a card by any means. I'm not just saying this because I work there either. I just truly love my card and have found a way for it to work for me. I don't want anyone to get into trouble. I figure we all have and know our limitations. I hope this helps though.]

Jason and I have a Discover Card that we use for all our purchases and pay it off every month. We earn 0.25% for the 1st $3000 spent in a year and 1% for everything over $3000. We also earn 5% throughout the year on different categories (like travel, restaurants/fast food, grocery stores, Rx, movies, department stores, etc.) throughout the year.
Some things we use it for include: gas, groceries, cell phone bill, cable, phone, internet, car and home maintenance items, kid things (diapers, clothes, etc.), and on. All the things we have to fork out dough for each month. I have even had some customers that I've worked with pay their utilities, mortgage, and other recurring monthly bills on their card to simple earn the Cashback Bonus.
The bonus is actual cash, but there are other options you can increase what you earn. For instance, I used $40 of my reward for Staples and got $50 in a gift card to there so I got an extra $10. There are so many different things I love about the card that I get for free I could go on, but I'll save you. If you want more you can always ask. :)
You can also go to www.discover.com for more information.
I was really shocked when I started doing this because I didn't realize how much money our family spent each month on everything. It really helped us to make sure we were spending money where we didn't need to.

TIPS THAT HAVE HELPED ME KEEP IN THE BLACK:
* Only use the card for things you would pay 'cash' for. (It adds up quickly)
- Stick to your budget!
* Track receipts just like a check book or debit card.
* Balance the statement to my register (aka receipts).
* Set up a direct payment so the full balance is paid every month on the same date and I know the money is already there.

Race Info, If you're interested

Here is the Website to sign up for the Marathon/10K/5K on July 24th during the Pioneer Parade. This is such a fun one if you would like to join!
http://www.deseretnews.com/run/

Marathon: $62
10K: $35
5K: $20

Registration Closing Date: July 18th

Starting times:
Marathon: 5:30 AM
10K: 6:00 AM
5K: 7:00 AM

I just signed up for the 10K and they charge a $3 service fee, so it ends up being about $38. You get a shirt and a bunch of coupons when you pick up your shirt and also lots of food and drinks at the end of the race. Anyway, this is a super fun race because of all of the people on the parade route.

Bountiful Baskets!

Hey Ladies! So, I was the guinea pig and thought I would try out this super cool co-op thing. I'm pretty sure that is the technical name for it. I didn't want to be greedy and keep such a good deal to myself, so I thought I'd share!

The purpose of Bountiful Baskets is to supply families with a variety of fruits and vegetables weekly, for only $15 bucks!!! They also have 9 grain bread, which I have tried and loved, for an additional cost. You get 5 loaves for $10 bucks, not too bad!

This was what I took home, for my $15. Not everything was ripe yet, which is really nice so it will last all week long. Each week is like Christmas! You never know what you are going to get! So, here's how it works. If you are interested, go to bountifulbaskets.org and click on Utah. You have to order your stuff between Monday at 4 pm and Tuesday morning, and pick the site you will pick it up at. Our closest site is just down the road at the Cultural Celebration Center, or whatever that place is. The pickup time for our place is 7:30 am Saturday morning. If you would like to volunteer to distribute the food, you show up at 6:15 am, and in return you get any extras. :) Since my baby to be hates letting me sleep, I will probably be volunteering a lot because the mornings get boring sitting up by myself. :) You do need to bring your own basket ( I brought a laundry basket, and it worked perfect). I know it sounds dumb, but it really was kind of fun, and I LOVE having fresh fruits and veggies in my house, without going to a store and getting distracted because my tummy baby is screaming for me to buy crap. :) If you want more details or want to volunteer with me let me know!!!
Rachael

Ideas & Suggestions Anyone?

I am turning to you all for some ideas and suggestions. Dallas is eating a lot more food and less milk as he's growing; and he's doing it extremely fast, as most of you have experienced with your own babes. I am trying to make sure he gets the nutients he needs, but I feel that I am at a loss some days.

What do you or have you feed your kids for the different meals of the day and even for snacks?

Those who don't have a 1 year old yet, I hope the responses help you too in the future. :-)