We Got Rid Of Our Cable/Satilite TV For Good, You Can Too #cutthecord #nomorecable

Cutting the cord! It feels so nice to be free of a monthly cable bill now...how did we do it......well I am gonna tell you. It was very easy to do!

We had cable TV for years, then switched to a satellite TV provider for a few years, then tired from paying out the wazoo for nothing we made the break free! Woot...... so glad we did!
After doing a little bit of research, my hubby and I bought an HD antenna that allows us to get around 20-25 channels free, yes free!
We have a regular HDTV, so we had to purchase a indoor antenna like this one. 

The antenna was very easy to hook up, directions where included. Ours reaches up to 50-60 miles and we can pick up all the local stations.You do have to have an antenna for each TV, or at least we did.

We also purchased a "Roku" stick for one TV so we can stream movies, YouTube + services like Hulu and Netflix too.  There are several options for a streaming service: Apple TV, Amazon fire stick, Roku and others.
One of our TV's is connected to our Xbox One and thus can stream services already. 

Set yourselves free now from paying those high cable bills, high satellite TV bills and save your money for other things. You will have to purchase a couple of things but it is totally worth the price of not having a monthly bill anymore.

Now when we are wandering thru Walmart or Best Buy and the little dish TV salesman asks me "how much are you paying for TV ma'am? I promptly tell him "Zero" , can you beat that price dude?? No, I didn't  think so...it feels so good! The look on his face is priceless as I walk away......

Good luck with your new found freedom!

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY DAY

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day – January 3

Recognized by the National Confectioners Association and celebrated by millions of people across the country, January 3rd is National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day.

It is almost impossible to eat just one of these chocolate covered cherry candies that have combined two favorite flavors into one delicious treat. The candy often times is made with a sweet liquid center and in some cases has a liquor filling center.

Known to many as a “mid winter pick-me-up” chocolate covered cherries, also called chocolate cordials, can be either store-bought or homemade. There are also many recipes that mimic the flavor of the long known and well loved candy.

In the 1700′s in England, cherries were enclosed in chocolate with a little kirsch (cordial) liqueur. After finding their way to America, they were well accepted with the little bit of alcoholic cordial surrounding the fruit that had been dipped in chocolate. Although originally made with the liqueur, cordials/chocolate covered cherries are more commonly made with a sugar syrup flavored with cherries. The pitted cherries that are used have been cooked in sugar syrup and jarred.

Enjoy your day sharing some chocolate covered cherries with your friends and try one of the following “tried and true” recipes:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-covered-cherries

http://www.food.com/recipe/chocolate-covered-cherry-cake-69460

http://www.food.com/recipe/chocolate-covered-cherry-fudge-148285

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-covered-cherry-cookies

I can recall eating these yummy treats at Christmas when I was a child, can't wait to make them myself. I really never thought about making them at home, just bought them at the store. The cookie recipe looks divine, I might try that first.....mmmmmm.

Going to order many of my baking supplies from Soap.com, have you ever tried them?
Here is a coupon for you.
Save 15% Off Your First Order at Soap.com. Enter Code: SOAPAFF15 (Max Discount $15)

Code: SOAPAFF15

National Play-Doh Day-- Happy Squishy Learning Fun #learning #play #homeschooling

Yes, that's right Play-Doh has it's own National Day of the year, I have to admit that I never knew this and had to do some research for myself first.
Play Doh has been one of our favorite play and educational tools for years, from early in our children's lives they have been exposed to the squishy, moldable fun stuff.  I myself will confess joy and laughter to the delightful smell when you open that little yellow container ...lol, there is just something magical about the stuff.

Here are some historical points to share with your homeschoolers: 

National Play Doh Day is observed on September 16, 2014. Play-Doh is a modeling compound used by young children for art and craft projects at home and in school. Composed of flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil, the product was first manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s.

When a classroom of children began using the wallpaper cleaner as a modeling compound, the product was reworked and marketed to Cincinnati schools in the mid-1950s. Play-Doh was demonstrated at an educational convention in 1956 and prominent department stores opened retail accounts.


Advertisements promoting Play-Doh on influential children's television shows in 1957 furthered the product's sales. Since its launch on the toy market in the mid-1950s, Play-Doh has generated a considerable amount of ancillary merchandise such as The Fun Factory. In 2003, the Toy Industry Association named Play-Doh in its "Century of Toys List". (With material from: Wikipedia)

You can make your own Play Dough , many recipes are online in all types of scents and colors. 

The basic recipe I like uses baby oil to make the dough super soft and pliable, here is that recipe I found on another blog - www.notjustcute.com who posted this awesome card on Pinterest. 

If you are looking for flavors, scents and added colors-- Koolaid and Jello powders make great additives that are washable. Pumpkin spice is awesome! 

Here is another site with some fantastic links to tons of Play Doh recipes http://nurturestore.co.uk/play-dough-recipe-flavours 

What can you do with Play-Doh ? Just put your kids at the table and let them play....well yes, but there are so many more educational options for the moldable creations. Challenge your kids to do these fun ideas.....

Homeschooling Ideas to Challenge Kids with Play-Doh 

• Mold ABC's out of dough
• Mold their name, their sibling's names, pets names etc.
• Make funny faces with hair
• Make a clock with the hands set the the correct time (use a paper plate)
• Using printable Play- Doh mats, create fun ( many printable mats free online- just search)
• Make their favorite animal
• Mold and count out balls in 5's and 10's ,25's 50's 100's 
• Make pattern kabobs with different colors 
• Molding and making basic shapes out of dough
• Shape first letter of the color of the dough used
• Create farm animals , jungle animals etc and talk about habitats
• Create emotions on white paper plates and talk about feelings
• Mold models of Earth and other planets
• Mold phases of the moon
• Create a healthy meal example (on a paper plate)
• Make a volcano 
• Make an addition equation with dough molded out (then check with subtraction)
• Use playdoh to make a Plant and Flower, label the parts of both
• Make a skeletal form and label the bones
• Roll out dough and imprint with objects found around the house, see if sibling can guess the object.
• Make a brain out of Play doh
• Make other body parts or organs out of dough (be creative)
• Make gourmet foods, sushi etc 

There is so much more you can come up with to spark your homeschoolers minds, using Play doh with Lego's is another way to teach subjects. Adding some extra zing to your lessons helps to bring the love of learning and fire for more into your child's heart. Praying for you today! 

Find some great Play doh deals on Amazon via widget above (clicking helps to support our blog and family-thank you in advance)

What is Garcinia Cambogia and Does It Work? #wtloss #garginiacambogia #ad

I heard about this weight loss product and thought I would try it out when asked to review it. My bottle comes from Sonora Nutrition via Amazon . Yes, I was an actual guinea pig...oink oink.

Garcinia cambogia is a plant, also known as Garcinia gummi-gutta.
The fruit of the plant looks like a small, green pumpkin and is used in many traditional Asian dishes for its sour flavor.
In the skin of the fruit, there is a large amount of a natural substance called Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA).
This is the active ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia extract… that is, the substance that produces the weight loss effects.

I will have to report that I was pleasantly surprised with the results, I did loose approx 10 pound in the last month while taking 2 capsules before I ate my meals the last month. I have been also eating healthy and walking at least 3 times a week. I really did not notice any side effects, no jitteriness or inability to sleep, no nausea , no stomach upsets etc. , the capsules don't taste bad. 

I did have some new found energy, most likely from the exercise, but who knows....lol. 

So all in all I would recommend them to my readers if you are looking for a supplement and your doctor says this is an option for you. 

I do have to say that this supplement has not had any long term studies done on it yet. It has not been approved by the FDA of course, if you have any kind of medical conditions you must ask your doctor first before just taking any kind of herbal supplements. 

This supplement does have it's pros and cons, so make your own educated decisions. Get yours here on Amazon.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

All Day Energy?... Don't We All Want More?....... Try This!

I know that I need all the energy boosting I can get every single day, as a busy mom, nurse, blogger and all the other jobs I have. I am one tired momma at the end of the day, not to mention working night shift every weekend. When I was asked to review this Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder at first I thought, ewww, its green....but then I tried it and I have really liked it! It is a pleasure to review a product that does a momma good. I love this stuff, it is good and has given me the energy that it says it would.....kudos to you KissMe Organics! 

I mix it with my hot green tea every morning, put it in my smoothies and have even made muffins with the powder added in. The free recipe book is awesome! As a mom that is trying to get healthier, stopped drinking soda all together and is trying to encourage her family to do the same, I can do nothing but sing the praises of Matcha powder.

As a night nurse, it is amazing antioxidant stuff! keeping me awake on those night shifts, keeps me focused so I can deliver the care to my patients they deserve.  

 Get your energy booster in the green, organic green that is! 

Discover Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder!

Just what can Matcha Green Tea Powder do for you?

• All day energy with increased focus
• Metabolism boost
• 137 x the antioxidants of brewed green tea
• Improved skin health- protects from uv rays 
• Calorie burner
• EGCG has been proven effective in the fight against many forms of cancer, HIV, heart disease and a host of other illnesses and diseases
• Provides a more "clean energy" without the crash of sugar or to much caffeine 
• Contains amino acid L-theanine that helps with anxiety and insomnia, to effectively calm you.
• Easy to add to recipes, mixes easily 

What can you use Matcha Green Tea Powder for?

• Hot Tea
• Smoothies
• Baking
• Drinks
• Cocktails
• Waffles
• Muffins
• Pancakes
• Frosting's
• Brownies
• Truffles
• Cookies
• Sorbets
• Cheesecakes
• Biscuits
• Dips
• Cornbread

Included with your order via the Amazon link HERE is a fabulous recipe e-book 

KissMe Matcha Green Tea Latte

Ingredients

1 tsp. Matcha powder

¾ cup almond milk (or soy or cow or goat milk)

¼ cup boiling water

1 tsp. agave syrup

Instructions

1. Place matcha in the bottom of a coffee mug or other heat-proof cup.

2. Bring almond milk to a simmer in a small pot.

3. Whisk boiling water slowly with the matcha powder in the mug, then pour in almond milk.

Tip the cup to up the foam factor.

4. Sweeten with agave syrup if desired. (sometimes I use honey or stevia instead)

Enjoy your latte....yummy! 

Sign up for email and coupons via the KissMe Organics site  

Check out other deals via Amazon also. 

        

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
#review #affiliates

An Awesome Oil, Coconut Oil, Mother Nature's Masterpiece #natural

Did you know that you can actually give your pets coconut oil? Both by mouth and topically. I have noticed a huge difference in my fur-babies skin, coats, digestion and over all energy levels. My 2 pugs love the taste and almost beg for coconut oil.
I can say that I have noticed an improvement in my own energy level by taking a teaspoon daily and my skin is much improved since using the coconut oil on my face and body as a moisturizer daily.
This amazing list from The Wellness Mama site has many other uses for this amazing oil that I myself use daily now. I buy a container for my kitchen and one for the medicine cabinet now.

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
2. Taken supplementally for daily energy
3. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
4. On the skin as a basic lotion
5. In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
6. In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
7. As an eye-makeup remover
8. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
9. In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
10. To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
11. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
12. To support healthy thyroid function
13. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
14. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
15. As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
16. In homemade lotion recipes
17. To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
18. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
19. As a delicious tropical massage oil
20. It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metaboism
21. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
22. As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
23. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
24. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
25. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
26. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
27. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
28. On feet to fight athlete’s foot or toe fungus
29. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
30. Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
31. There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
32. With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
33. In natural Homemade Sunscreen
34. In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
35. In a filling and energy boosting Brain Powder Smoothie
36. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
37. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
38. There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
39. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
40. Can help improve insulin levels
41. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
42. Can help improve cholesterol ratios
43. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
44. In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
45. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
46. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
47. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
48. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
49. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat
50. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
51. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
52. In natural homemade diaper cream
53. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
54. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
55. To season cast iron skillets
56. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
57. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
58. Can help resolve acne when used regularly
59. Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
60. I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
61. On split ends to de-frizz
62. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
63. By itself as a great tanning oil
64. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
65. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
66. Can help improve sleep when taken daily
67. Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
68. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
69. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
70. It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
71. Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
72. Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
73. By itself as a natural deodorant
74. By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
75. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
76. Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
77. In homemade vapor rub
78. As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
79. A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
80. Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
81. As a completely natural baby lotion
82. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
83. Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
84. Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush
85. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
86. Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
87. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
88. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
89. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
90. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
91. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
92. On cuticles to help nails grow
93. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
94. Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
95. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
96. In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
97. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
98. One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
99. Naturally clears up cold sores
100. Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
101. Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

Wow that is some list!! Coconut Oil is such an awesome oil, yes, my family is finding out just how awesome it is, we are going to the 5 gallon bucket size very soon. Check out the links below, the brand I like the most is listed for ease of ordering. 

Enjoy your new Awesome Oil!! 

            

Choose Your $50 Gift Card Giveaway! Live until 12/14 #giveaway

Welcome to the Choose Your $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Hosted By: Simply Southern Couponers

Co-Hosted By: Tales From A Southern Mom, Sweet Southern Lovin, My Silly Gang, An Exercise in Frugality, Romania and Missions, The Breezy Mama, Deliciously Savvy, Delightful Ideas, Fun Fierce Fab Beauty Over 50 and Love Me Some Coupons!

A special thanks to all of the bloggers participating and helping promote this event! This giveaway could not be possible without all of them, so be sure to stop by and send them a thank you.

One lucky winner will receive a $50 Gift Card of their choice.

(Old Navy, Target, Kohl's, Walmart, Toys R Us or Amazon)

Chips Off The Old Block blog is delighted to help promote this giveaway. Winning a gift card from any of the choice stores can help with your last minute gift buying, a stocking stuffer, secret Santa gift for someone special or you can use it to shop for you yourself! 
I am liking that Amazon gift card, my favorite spot the shop.....my couch..online.

Good Luck!! Let me know if you win, that would be so exciting. 

Event Details:

December 1st - December 14th

Open to US Residents only.

Must be 18+ to enter.

How to Enter:

Enter using the Entry Form below. By entering you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions listed on the Entry Form. All winning entries will be verified. Winner will receive an email from Jennifer at simplysoutherncouponers@gmail.com and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck and thanks for entering.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Chips On The Old Block blog  received no compensation for this post. Simply Southern Couponers is responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions please email Jennifer at simplysoutherncouponers@gmail.com.

   

Black Friday 2013 is here! No Waiting

   
This post does contain affiliate links 

I don't know about your area of the country, but here in North Carolina it is going to be a cool, I mean cold as a well diggers butt cold-- 20 some degrees tonight. This girl is not going out to the shopping madness in the cold to fight somebody over a TV. I am gonna sit right here on my hiney and shop online. Amazon is my favorite online shopping spot, and they have some fantastic deals right now.

 Black Friday 2013 is here! You won't have to wait until midnight or stand in a long line to get the best Black Friday deals because you can get them right here, right now. Amazon has been searching for the best Black Friday deals everywhere--including deals other stores have--so they can bring them to you even earlier. These limited-supply deals will go quickly, but they will add new ones now through Black Friday, so you can skip the long lines and still save a bundle.

Wow, just scanning thru the Black Friday page (click here) I see so much I want to buy, 40%, 50%, 60% and even 70% off. With my Amazon Prime membership the shipping will be free too!! Can't beat that! 

 Happy Savings and Shopping Day (or night)