Top 10 Companies That Offer Baby Freebies

By the time you find out you’re pregnant (pregnancy test $15) to the time junior blows out the candles on his first birthday cake (cake $20), parents can expect to spend upwards of $18,000. And that’s on baby’s first year alone. By the time junior reaches 18, the average middle-income family will spend $160,140, according to recent government calculations. That doesn’t even touch college tuition. Ouch! 

Children are priceless, but raising them is probably the most expensive thing a parent will ever do. 

But there’s good news. One of the few times companies are eager to hand out free things is when someone is having a baby! 

When author, Sue Hannah found out that she was expecting twins, she couldn’t wait for their arrival. But feeling the financial strain that goes along with being a new parent (times two), she was definitely a little nervous. 

Desperate to find extra help for her expanding family, she contacted almost every company that manufactured baby items. She scoured through parenting magazines, searched the Internet and made phone calls until her husband thought she was suffering a pregnancy-induced craze. He claimed she couldn’t get something for nothing. Boy, was he wrong!

She was surprised to find out that many companies offered free stuff to new and expecting parents–and with no obligation to buy anything! She received hundreds of dollars worth of fabulous freebies for herself and her babies, including free diapers, baby wipes, baby food, baby bibs, bottles, free gift packs, parenting starter kits, free parenting videos and software, coupons, parenting books and magazines, and tons of free samples in the mail, all from well-known companies like Huggies, Gerber, Heinz, Nestl

Quote of the Day January 23

How To Choose A Storage Shed

If you own a house, at some point the need for extra storage space soon becomes evident. Arguably the most common solution is to purchase a storage shed. There are hundreds of styles and options available, but taking the time review these 5 key steps will enable you to make a smarter decision. 

1. What is the primary function of the shed? In most cases, storage space is the key requirement, so figure out how much space is needed. A small 4′ x 8′ lean-to style provides sufficient space for small tools, but larger items do require more space. I strongly recommend choosing the largest size that you can afford, which still blends in with your landscape. Remember that most municipalities require building permits for any building over 100 sq. ft. 

2. Is the shed going to play a prominent role in your day to day activities? If so, make sure that you choose a style and options that give you good access and provide adequate lighting. Windows and skylights provide plenty of natural light, but it is common to run electricity to the shed. For easy access, make sure that the doors are at least 34″ wide, as most lawn mowers will easily pass through.

3. How important is the look of the shed to my property. Remember that anything you erect will either add or impair on your property value. Metal and vinyl are the least expensive options, but these tend to look ordinary. Wood and pre-finished sidings normally add character and value, but are usually more expensive.

4. Consider the grade and accessibility of the location. A level site is the starting point for all shed construction The greater the grade, the more work needs to be done. Typically a grade of 6″ or less over the dimension of the shed can be compensated for by using patio stones, especially for smaller units. In areas faced with frost upheaval or poor drainage, it is recommend that at least 6″ of topsoil be removed and filled with screening stone (1/2″ or smaller gravel is also acceptable).

5. Be considerate to your neighbors! Don’t put up something that belongs in a junkyard beside your neighbor’s manicured backyard. Most municipalities require that storage sheds be 2 ft from the fence or property line, so be sure to check ahead of time to avoid any aggravation. Talk to your neighbors about your intentions – 99% of the time they will appreciate your concern and be very supportive of your project.

The internet is an excellent source for information on the hundreds of suppliers and styles available. If ordering online be sure to read the warranty and returns information carefully as often goods of this nature cannot be returned. Just because a company has a fancy website it does not mean it stands behind its product – try searching for articles or information on the particular company. Most companies offer either pre-cut or pre-fabricated kits delivered to your residence. If choosing a fully installed product, deal with a local company with a fixed location (avoid the ones that set-up at seasonal locations), and again be prudent with your research. I strongly recommend avoiding companies that require more than a 30% deposit – you’ll end up waiting longer than you should. A storage shed is an important purchase – a little research will go a long way in helping making the right decision.

Coffee Products And How To Buy Them Easily

The subject of coffee is one that covers a large number of products such as wholesale coffee beans, specialty coffees and also coffee makers, as with a variety of other topics food and drink data is best obtained from a specialist. A coffee expert will supply anyone with much better knowledge than say a general food and drink website, specialists know coffee products inside out will be able to offer you first hand info on merchandise like stainless steel coffee pots or even insulated coffee mugs.

For many years coffee reviews have been published all over the web and the subject of beverages is now easier than ever for buyerss to research, imagine you were searching for a food and drink review on a kenyan coffee powder, such a thing may appear on one of the many specialist coffee directories.

Whilst shopping for a coffee you should think about this, if you buy a stainless coffee blender but were not happy with the item would the coffee vendor part exchange the merchandise for a barista coffee maker or some other item? you should to choose a coffee seller you have some confidence in or a coffee site that looks reliable.

When you first start looking into coffee products make sure you make a note of the merchandise you are actually interested in buying, for instance coffee grinders, gourmet coffee beans, blended coffee packs, be precise as this will be particularly useful later on, when you have done this you should evaluate these items on some of the many coffee websites, by making the list in the first place you will save a mass of time because you can easily get lost in a whole heap of food and drink and coffee connected guidess and articles.

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Make Sure Your Ice Is Safe And Clean

You may think that all ice is the same, but if you have contaminated ice, you and your family could be risking your health.

As the weather begins to heat up, so does ice consumption to keep beverages and food cold and fresh. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic at the park or a daily glass of iced tea, people need safe, clean ice.

Recent news reports have shown that some ice in fast-food restaurants is dirtier than toilet water. Whether processed and packaged from a moldy ice machine, mishandled through the use of dirty buckets or even hand-scooped by dirty hands, it is difficult to know exactly what you’re buying and consuming. 

Here are a few tips for purchasing clean, safe ice:

• Ice should be clear in color as well as odorless and tasteless.

• The bag should be properly closed and secure.

• The bag should have the manufacturer’s name, address and phone number.

• The bag should be free of any foreign objects.

• The bag should have a product code.

According to a recent study conducted by Michigan State University, there is a heightened concern with safety of foods among consumers. In fact, 63 percent of the consumers interviewed are very or fairly concerned about the safety of the foods they eat and almost half of the respondents said they do not buy foods that are likely to be unsafe.

This summer, the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) wants you to know that all ice is not created equal and that ice shoppers need to be selective. When buying packaged ice, look for a product that has been packaged by a certified IPIA member and carries the IPIA seal.

The seal means that the packaged ice consumers are buying meets the association’s strict quality and safety policy. The stringent Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards (PIQCS) are mandated for all IPIA members to ensure safe and quality ice. The standards regulate employees’ personal hygiene, sanitary operations of the facilities, equipment and utensils used in making ice, quality of the water source and continuous microbiological testing of the finished product.

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Here S The Sweet Scoop On Throwing An Ice Cream Block Party

Good fences may make good neighbors, but it may take great ice cream for neighbors to get to know each other better and strengthen neighborhood bonds. 

To help neighbors find a sweet excuse to socialize, the second annual Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow Churned Neighborhood Salutesm will reward 1,500 neighborhoods across America with an old-fashioned ice cream social.

A recent survey found that when it comes to neighborly relations, people tend to fall into one of three distinct groups: 

Most Americans (47 percent) identify themselves as “Happy Nesters” who enjoy privacy and appreciate a quiet day in the comfort of their own home; only 36 percent are “Fun Finders” who are socially motivated, active and excited to join the fun; the rest are “Activity Seekers” who enjoy socializing, but generally don’t plan activities. 

Almost half of today’s neighbors feel they do not know each other as well as their parents knew their neighbors. 

One way to encourage togetherness is to nominate your neighborhood for a chance to win a doorstep delivery of 12 cartons of Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow Churned. The secret behind this great-tasting ice cream is that it’s made using the same quality ingredients, but with a process that takes more time, making each spoonful incredibly rich and creamy. With half the fat and 30 percent fewer calories than regular ice cream, there are even more reasons to celebrate. 

The party comes complete with a “Party in a Box,” filled with supplies for hosting a friendly gathering for up to 100 neighbors. Official contest rules and entry forms are available at www.IceCream.com.

Ice Cream Sandwich Dips

(12 sandwiches)

For a fun block party activity, make the ice cream sandwiches in advance, then let your neighbors dip and decorate their own.

2 cartons Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream (any flavor)

12 graham crackers

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate baking chips

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cookie decorating sprinkles

Line a 10 x 15 x 1/2-inch-deep, rimmed cookie sheet with plastic wrap. Remove ice cream from freezer and let soften slightly. Spread each half gallon ice cream into a rectangle approx. 5 x 10 inches and 1/2 inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap. Freeze until firm. 

Cut or break graham crackers into squares. When ice cream is firm, cut into squares the size of the graham crackers. Working quickly, slide a spatula under the ice cream squares and place between two graham crackers. Put into a sealed container and return to freezer.

Place semi-sweet chips and white chips in separate microwave-safe bowls. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to each bowl. Heat one bowl at a time in microwave oven on medium power (50 percent) for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir well until melted and smooth, and bowl no longer feels warm. Repeat with the other bowl of chips. 

Dip each ice cream sandwich into melted chocolate. Immediately decorate with sprinkles before chocolate hardens. Return to freezer in a sealed container. Can be made up to two days ahead.

An ice cream sandwich can be just the right icebreaker to help neighbors get acquainted.

Last year’s neighborhood block party-goers had a “cool” time enjoying a favorite treat.

Quote of the Day January 22

Daily Horoscope

General

Wednesday, Jan 22nd, 2014

• YESTERDAY
• TODAY
• TOMORROW

How we handle our emotions today directly influences our current circumstances and helps to shed new light on them. The social Libra Moon reflects this message, reminding us that our feelings are interconnected with those around us. Meanwhile, an inventive Mercury-Uranus alignment inspires us to imagine radical solutions to old problems. Although we're motivated to explore the possibilities, it may take longer to reach satisfaction than we wish.

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• GENERAL
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• AriesMar 21 – Apr 19
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• CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19
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Coconut Cookies

STEP ONE: THE COOKIES
1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

up to 2 tablespoons milk

MAKE THE TOPPING AND PLACE ON COOKIES WHILE CHOCOLATE IS STILL WET.

3 cups shredded sweetened coconut

12 oz. caramels

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cream

See full recipe here: http://www.hugsandcookiesxoxo.com/2012/11/coconutcookies.html

Light Turkey (or Chicken) & Corn Chowder

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/168040629820170326/

How to Make 7 Slow Cooker Freezer Meals in 1 Hour

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/163888873913717641/

20 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Drink a shot of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water every morning. It is not tasty but I LOVE the health benefits. Make sure you buy the kind with the "mother". (Bragg's is the brand I use.)


Clean Eating Online

Personal Liberty Digest - PM Edition

Brush up on the day’s headlines with Personal Liberty’s P.M. Edition news links.
		Democrats Poised To Run From, Not On, Obamacare Judging from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee website, it looks like vulnerable Democrats in the Nation’s upper Congressional chamber are hoping to put distance between themselves and President Barack Obama’s problematic healthcare overhaul. Read More… Could Southern States Benefit From Cuomo’s Hatred Of Conservatives? New York’s Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo said during a radio spot last week that “extreme conservatives, who are right-to-life, pro-assault weapon, anti-gay… have no place in the state of New York.” The Governor complains that his comment was about politicians, not residents, and is being taken out of context— but some New York conservatives are already expressing that they don’t want to live in a State so unwelcoming to their values. Read More…
		— Sponsor — FEMA Panicked When This Video Leaked Click to see the video that reveals a threat so SHOCKING most will refuse to believe it. VIDEO >>
		The Only Video Of Ignorant Liberal Statist Nancy Grace That You Ever Need To See Legal commentator Nancy Grace is a loathsome scaremonger who makes her living seeking to undermine the American justice system by offering opinions about ongoing court cases in the most shrill and clownish fashion possible. But a video recently posted by a Reddit user illustrates just how ridiculously stupid it is for Americans to listen to anything that comes out of Grace’s mouth. Watch… Glitch Exposes Veterans’ Data On Government Site Veterans who logged in to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs eBenefits site were able to see other former service members’ information, including their names, dates of birth, disabilities, how much they had been paid and the Social Security numbers, FedScoop reported Monday. Read More… Facebook Fans: Be Sure Facebook Doesn’t Hide Our Content From You! A recent rule change made by Facebook restricts the amount of content our fans — and the fans of various other independent publishers — see on their timelines. This means that readers who want to be sure not to miss our Facebook posts must make changes to their profile settings. Here’s How…