Save and Earn Shopping with Bing!

Thank you to BING for sponsoring my writing today. To learn more about BING Shopping Rewards, click here. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Online shopping is the biggest help to my budget! I live in a rural
town, off the postal mail grid. With the current price of gas,
any shopping trip cost at least $25. in gasoline.
It would cost much more if I had to drive around bargain shopping.

Luckily I can find anything I need online by searching in Bing Shopping!
After I locate the item that I need, I search again for online coupons and
promo codes to apply to my purchase. Some codes even cover free shipping.

I have purchased all my large appliances this way.

Another tip is to add the word "refurbished" to your Bing shopping search.
You can find GREAT deals on computers and electronics this way.
Look at this deal I found on Bing:
Found on Bing Shopping: (search terms: refurbished laptop)

(Retail price: $699.00)

You save: 57%

$299.00

Oh and the news gets better! Bing has a rewards program!
About the Bing Rewards Preview Program: Shopping on a Search Engine’s Dime

Remember those old cartoons that depicted a character facing a dilemma with an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other? If you enjoy shopping, here’s how the dialogue goes for you: One tells us to spend less, save more; the other beckons us with promises of sales and free shipping. Of course, if you had a gift card to your favorite retailer, you could shut both voices up and shop guilt free, right?

The Bing Rewards Preview program gives you shopping free will by allowing you to earn credits for searching and exploring various features of Bing. Once credits begin to add up, you can go ahead and redeem them toward gift cards, buy merchandise, even give to charity.

There are two easy ways to start earning and tracking your credits:

Go the Bing Bar route. Just install the Bing Bar toolbar onto your browser and register, and you can watch the Rewards credit counter climb.
Head to Bing.com on the Web. Just complete the registration form and track your progress by checking the Rewards credit counter located on the top right of the Bing.com header.

And, upon signing up, you’ll automatically start with 250 credits.

Once you’ve accumulated a fair number of credits (to give you an idea, 1338 credits can get you a $10 Starbucks gift card!), head to the Redemption Center and start shopping. Beyond getting your caffeine fix, you can fuel your makeup obsession with a Sephora giftcard, and not feel bad about splurging on that pricey mascara you’ve been wanting. Or, you may choose to buy just about anything you want by choosing an Amazon.com giftcard. You can also cash in your credits for specific products like the Scrabble board game, a DVD player, and more.
Learn how to hit the virtual shopping aisles at http://www.bing.com/rewards/signup.

Learning to Read with Learning Disabilities

I have a child with "Learning Disabilities". I was told he would never read.
Boy were they wrong!

Many of you are home school teachers and I'm sure you face the same challenges.

I used a simple trick to teach my son to read. Comics!

My parents frowned on Madd Magazine as too racy for a child....so I
subscribed and saw that he was determined to read that "racy" magazine.

Marvel and DC Comics did the rest. He couldn't put them down!
To this day, he is an avid collector (and reader).

Comic books opened the door for him and now he can read anything.

If you are frustrated by your child's reading progress, remember to use
"The Power of Comics".

For those on a budget, you can get free comics here:
Listia - you get free credits at sign up, then you can auction off coupons, etc
for more credits. I have received 50 freebies there, lately lots of Comics!

smokeyxztx gives away lots of comics on Listia!

Free coloring books and comics here:

Kids--Free National Eye Institute Activity Books and Poster


Kids--Free Publications and "Buddy Brush" Coloring Book


Kids--Free "Kid's Helping Animals" Magazine, Comics, Stickers


Kids--Free "Teach Kind" DVDs, Comics, Stickers, Posters, Books


Kids--Free Magnifying Glass Keychain, Coloring Posters, Bookmark


Kids--Free "Energy Bears" Coloring Book from Maravilla Foundation


Kids--Free "WiggleWorks" Software Demo CD from Scholastic


Kids--Free "Get to Know Germany" Coloring Book and More


Kids--Free "Toby the Train" Coloring Book from Norfolk Southern


Kids--Free "The Get Going Gang" Coloring Book about Epilepsy


Kids--Free "J. Slice Watermelon" Coloring Books ( 2 )


Kids--Free "SunWise" Posters, Activity Books and Publications


Kids--Free Safety Rangers Trading Cards ( ComEd and PECO area )


Kids--Free "Sprinklerman" Coloring Book from USA Sprinkler Fitters


Kids--Free "Planet Protectors Club Kit" - Member Card, Activity Books


Kids--Free "Dr. Seuss" Lorax Activity Book and More


Kids--Free Space Camp CD and Poster from SpaceCamp.com


Kids--Free "Louie the Lightning Bug" Safety Booklet


Kids--Free "Wild About Healthy Vision" Activity Books ( ages 9-12 )


Kids--Free Comic Books from the Federal Reserve Bank


Kids--Free "The Adventures of Julia and Robbie" from FEMA

Twitter Party with Teflon - win prizes! May 9

This Monday May 9 I have a really exciting Twitter party for you all to enjoy, we are partying with Teflon® and we are tackling a topic near and dear to my heart… Cooking Eggs. At my house we eat eggs for breakfast every morning, my kids love them, but cooking an egg well can be a challenge. May is National Egg Month so we will be discussing eggs and how Teflon® non-stick coating makes cooking eggs so much easier. So come armed with your best egg tips, recipes and questions and join me as well as cooking expert Gail Greco,editor of DuPont’s Carefree Cooking Magazine, for a fun filled party with great prizes. Feast your eyes on these fabulous prizes.

1 winner: 8 inch Professional Farberware Skillet with Teflon® Platinum Nonstick Coating Value: $25.00

1 winner: 10 inch Professional Farberware Skillet with Teflon® Platinum Nonstick Coating Value: $34.00

1 winner: 8 Inch Professional Farberware Skillet with Teflon® Platinum Nonstick Coating, Omelet Spatula and Regular Spatula Value: $38.90

1 winner: 10 Inch Professional Farberware Skillet with Teflon® Platinum Nonstick Coating, Omelet Spatula and Regular Spatula Value: $47.90

1 winner: 10 Inch Professional Farberware Skillet with Teflon® Platinum Nonstick Coating, Omelet Spatula, Regular Spatula, Silicon Whisk, Egg Separator and Apron Value: $68.75

I hope you will join us tonight be sure to RSVP HERE so you are prize eligible.

Sincerely,

Ellen @ThriftyChicMom

Can you build a "Green" House with Straw Bales? Photos

We have decided to build our new home using straw bale construction.
It's a way to use farmers waste products to build a very large,
well insulated home with combined electric and heating bills of
around $20 per month. (see the video)

20 Factory Jobs with benefits, Lisbon ND - real jobs!

I know that many of you are looking for jobs. North Dakota is booming.
My family moved here to survive
the recession and we have actually thrived here. It's safe here. Kids
graduate here with a future. Our economy is stable. Large homes
are available here, cheaper than rent. Need I say more?

Now here is a hot tip on a job you can get right now. They will hire your wife, too. 3 pay raises a year,
health insurance, retirement, flexible schedules and LOTS of hours if ya want em!
HURRY!
Fargo Assembly Company
1301 Main Street
Lisbon, ND 58054-4428 map

Phone:(701) 683-5141
Website: www.facnd.com



Fun Facts:

• North Dakota has recently been ranked the friendliest state in the U.S., according to Cambridge University.
• A vacation here is called the most affordable of any state by AAA.
• North Dakota ranks #1 as the safest state to live in.
• North Dakota ranks #1 for high school completion rates.
• ND produces enough soybeans to make 212 billion crayons each year.

ND produces enough sugarbeets that produce enough sugar to sweeten 27 billion gallons of Kool-Aid. The world's largest french fry feed is held every year in Grand Forks, during Potato Bowl USA. In 2006, a new worlds record was set with 4,620 pounds of french fries that were served at the French Fry Frenzy. Around 10,000 people were served. About 113 gallons of ketchup were used as well.

FREE BROCHURES - CLICK HERE

BlogFriendlyPR - Bloggers Needed to connect with brands

From BlogFriendlyPR:

Check out what we have to offer bloggers:

If you are an influential blogger that enjoys building relationships with great brands and PR consider the options below (click the links to learn more):

Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter & Review Network

Join “The Pitch List”

Get “Listed” on Blog Friendly PR

I need 5 bloggers for each category.
Please let me know your first 2 choices.

-Trunki you can request 1 Suitcase, 1 Saddlebag, and 1 set of stickers Smiley http://www.gummylump.com/c/Trunki/543

-Play Food- any 2 of these:
http://www.gummylump.com/c/FreePlayFoodOffer/545

-Kids Art Supplies Review of 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011 as well as:

EITHER:
Art Easel with Easel Companion Set (winner will receive the same)
OR
up to $50 worth of Kid of Art Supplies or Kids Craft Kits
(these 2 can be combined up to $50. Winner can choose up to $50 combined in Kids Art Supplies and Kids Craft Kits)
REQUIREMENTS: PR3 - Facebook 1K , Twitter 3K
Email blogfriendlypr@gmail.com to apply -
MUST SEND ME: Your Page Rank, # of Twitter Followers & # of Facebook Fans
Thanks,
Shasta

EcoSmart Organic Pesticides Giveaway:
We can giveaway an EcoSmart value bundle worth $20-$30.
We can also give away a value bundle if bloggers add a link to their blogroll.
Bloggers must have a PR 3+ and
should contact Jeffrey at ecosmart@brandingbrand.com

Shopbop $100 Giftcard Giveaway:
We are able to giveaway a $100 giftcard to a winner of a giveaway.
Bloggers must have PR of 4+ and MUST discuss fashion on their blog.

Bloggers whom are interested should contact Jeffrey
at shopbop@brandingbrand.com
-----------
Looking for bloggers from LA to review Spa Services
Contact Shasta @ blogfriendlypr@gmail.com

Celebrate Spring With A Healthy Berry Mocktail

The Berry Patch Mocktail uses fresh berries
and is one that the kids are sure to love.
You can serve it in the glass of your choice,
keeping in mind that this recipe will fill
2 cocktail glasses, 2 old-fashioned glasses
or 1 collins glass.

You'll Need:
* 2 oz fresh blueberries
* 2 oz fresh raspberries
* 2 oz fresh strawberries
* 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk

Make It:
1. In a blender combine the ice cream, berries and milk.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a chilled collins glass.
4. Garnish with fresh berries on top.

Substitutions:
any type berries you have on hand will work
frozen yogurt can be used instead of ice cream
replace whole milk with skim or fat free milk,
soy or almond milk

Indulge Yourself with Chocolate Home Spa Beauty Treatments

Beautiful Uses for Chocolate
Save money on expensive beauty products.
Create your own home spa treatments
with Chocolate.






What Chocolate can do for you:

Skin Softener
Skin softening properties of chocolate comes directly from its major content, cocoa butter. Chocolate is extremely rejuvenating for your skin and refreshes the skin. It has turned out to be an excellent beauty ingredient and is being heavily used in beauty care treatments for its skin softening ingredients. It is an exceptional natural moisturizer which makes your skin soft and supple.

Smooths Wrinkles
The anti-oxidants also known as anti-aging allies in dark chocolate helps to avoid and prevents the free radicals from damaging the skin’s elastin, collagen and various other proteins. Therefore, chocolate is used in various beauty treatments to smooth out wrinkles.

Reduces Scars and Stretch Marks
The fat content in cocoa butter is made of high quality linoleic acid which gives chocolates the ability to diminish fine lines, and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Chocolate treatments help the skin to gradually regain its lost elasticity and aids in getting back one's youthful glow. Chocolate cures also protect the skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure and pollution.

Exfoliates and Nourishes
Application of chocolate has amazing results. It nourishes the skin while sloughing off dead skin cells. Chocolate based beauty cures help to revitalize the skin.

Try a chocolate face scrub at home and learn how chocolate can soften your skin firsthand.

Chocolate Honey Scrub
Chocolate Honey Scrub softens dry skin instantly.

Take 10 grams of pure cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of honey, 5 grams of sugar and 2 tablespoons of Almond oil. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until you get a smooth paste. Apply this mix to your face and neck and lightly massage with your finger tips for 1 to 2 minutes. In the end rinse with warm water, the result is soft, smooth and supple skin just in one application.

Easy Chocolate Beauty Recipes
Try these fun chocolate beauty recipes to round out your chocolate home spa experience.

Chocolate Facial Recipe
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 Tablespoons heavy cream
3 teaspoons cottage cheese
3 teaspoons ripe avocado
1/4 cup honey
3 Tablespoons oatmeal powder

Mix all ingredients together. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Dampen with warm, moist wash cloth to remove, then apply moisturizer.

Chocolate Facial Recipe
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 Tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons cottage cheese
1/4 cup honey
3 teaspoons oatmeal powder

Mix all ingredients together. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Dampen with warm, moist wash cloth to remove, then apply moisturizer.

Chocolate Shampoo Recipe
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup castile soap
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
5 drops of chocolate fragrance oil

Mix all ingredients. Pour shampoo into container and let stand for a few hours to thicken. Use as you would your regular shampoo.

Chocolate Body Scrub Recipe
1/4 cup cocoa butter (optional - will make a thicker gel)
3/4 cup liquid castille soap
1/8 cup coarse wheat bran or finely ground almonds
1/4 cup apricot kernel meal
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 Tablespoon jojoba oil
1/2 Tablespoon vitamin E oil
1 1/2 teaspoon chocolate fragrance oil

Melt the cocoa butter over low heat (or at half power in the microwave) until melted. Remove from heat. Add the castille soap and mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients, breaking up any brown sugar clumps. Pour into airtight container and let thicken for a day or two. For added freshness, store in refrigerator.

Chocolate Bath Gel Recipe
1/2 cup water
1 package unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup gentle, unscented shampoo
5-10 drops chocolate fragrance oil

Heat water to boiling, add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, then add the shampoo a little at a time until well mixed. Add fragrance. Pour into a clean container and refrigerate between uses. Consider adding cocoa powder for scent and extra exfoliation.

Chocolate beauty recipes are easy to make and fun to give!

Say It with Chocolate - new Valentines Recipes from All Recipes

Photo by: Dianne

• Raspberry Fudge Brownies
• Classic Tiramisu
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
• Tips for Chocolate Desserts
• More Chocolate Recipes

New Recipes from allrecipes.com. All recipes is a great place
to research recipes.

When words just aren’t enough.

Beautiful Uses for Honey - Mini Beauty Treatments

Save money by replacing expensive beauty products with natural
Honey!

Honey can replace seven expensive Beauty Products.



Seven Mini Beauty Treatments:

1. Cleansing Scrub: Honey mixed with ground almonds makes an excellent facial cleansing scrub.

2. Skin Firming Mask: A tablespoon of honey whisked together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4 cup of flour makes an excellent firming mask. Smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

3. Skin Moisturizer: Honey also makes a great moisturizing pack. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat, and let it do its job for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish splashing with cold water.

4. Lotion for Dry Patches: Honey also makes a great lotion for dry patches of skin on hands, elbows, or other parts. Just mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to hands, elbows, heels of your foot, etc., and wash off after 15 minutes. Fast relief!

5. Cure for Chapped Lips and Acne: Honey works well on chapped lips and for acne because it has antibacterial properties.

6. Conditioner for Dull Hair: To give your hair lustrous shine, mix 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse. And if you're a blond, add the juice of 1 lemon, too.

7. Antibacterial Mouthwash: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with a cup of warm water. Use it as a mouthwash. Honey cleans teeth and dentures, and kills germs in the mouth.

Natural beauty treatments save you money and are a great way
to Go Green!