Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sample of Glad Forceflex With Febreze – Sam’s Club Members



Sam’s Club Membership is required. Offer is at bottom right corner of the page.
Do scented trash bags really help fight smelly garbage odors?  Now is our chance to find out because Sam’s Club is offering a Free sample of Glad ForceFlex trash bags with Febreze.

Free Full-Size Bottle of Suave Professionals

Hurry–first 200,000 will get a coupon by mail for a Free Sauve Professionals product.

Free Patterson Golden Chocolates

***Update this is an email direct as their site has been overloaded with requests for free chocolate.  You must email your name and full address and exactly how your heard about the offer (Tell them The Nikolai Nuthouse Blogspot) directly to :

ed@pattersonchocolates.com


You will find that in every truffle our golden chocolates will be a pure taste from our special family recipe. We encourage you to request your FREE Golden Chocolates, and experience the magic too.
Spread the word to your closest friends and family. Our secret must be kept safe with only the best of people.

Free Sample of Ningxia Red

Simply fill the form out and they will send you a free Ningxia Red Sample! Samples come in a 1 oz. Ningxia Red packet as seen in the picture noted.

Free Sample MuscleGel


Muscle Pharm is offering users a free sample of MuscleGel Protein On the Go. scroll down to the bottom of the page and complete the sample request form to secure your free MuscleGel sample.

Free Yoplait Yogurt

PediaSure or PediaSure Sidekicks

PediaSure or PediaSure Sidekicks - Free with Mail-in-Rebate

Pediasure will let you try a 6-pack of PediaSure or one 4-pack of PediaSure SideKicks for FREE after mail in rebate. Simply purchase the product you want and submit the rebate form that you get below to receive your entire purchase price back by mail. Maximum amount of rebate is $13.99!

Free with Rebate - Febreze NOTICEables Oil Warmer



Febreze wants you to try a Febreze NOTICEables oil warmer for free with rebate. Simply buy a single Febreze NOTICEables scented oil warmer, send in an envelope contaning your receipt with the Febreze purchase circled, the original UPC code, and a completed rebate form that you have downloaded from the site linked. Febreze will reimburse the full price you paid ($3.50) for your oil warmer including taxes and the cost of your stamp. This offer is valid for only one per household and expires June 30th 2012.

Iams Cat Food - Free Bag After Mail-In Rebate

Get a bag of Iams cat food for free after mail in rebate! Your purchase must be made between 02/01/2011 - 06/30/2011. Visit the linked page for your mail in form & for more details.

Free Iams Dog Food - Mail-In Rebate



Get a bag of Iams dog food for free after mail in rebate! Your purchase must be made between 02/01/2011 - 06/30/2011. Visit the linked page for your mail in form & for more details.

Free Fred's Diapers

Fred's is offering visitors the chance to receive 2 free samples of their diapers. Fill in the form on the right of the page and choose the size diaper needed. Then just submit the form to claim yours.

Free Sample of Flexitol


Free sample: Get a free sample of either Flexitol Heel Balm or Medicated Foot Cream (your choice).

How to get it: This free sample is being offered again! Just click on the "Receive Free Samples" link on the left side of the Laderma Web Site and fill out a short form to request your sample.

Free Parent's Choice Formula Sample

Free sample: Try a free sample of Parent's Choice Formula.

How to get it: Select which type of formula you would like to try (either Premium or Advantage™) and fill out a short form to request your sample.

Free HealthiDent Dog Treats Sample

Free sample: Get a free sample of HealthiDent Dog Treats.

How to get it: Click the "Get Your Sample" button and fill out a short form on the Walmart Web site.

Free Quaker Oatmeal Squares!

Free Quaker Oatmeal Squares

Free sample: Get a free sample box of Quaker Oatmeal Squares for up to 10 friends.

How to get it: This sample is being offerred again. Click the "Start sharing button" and fill out up to 10 friends' e-mail addresses (you can put in your own e-mail). Then, watch your inbox for an e-mail from Quaker; you'll be asked to fill out your mailing address for your free Quaker Oatmeal Squares sample. Please note: If you have recently requested this sample you may not be allowed to do so again.

Free Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner

Free sample: Free Sample of Dove® Daily Treatment Conditioner in either Intensive Repair or Daily Moisture formula (your choice).

How to get it: Dove® is offering this sample again! Just select which sample you would like to receive and fill out a short form on the Dove® site to request your sample.

Free Cheese Fondue at The Melting Pot - April 11th - 14th


The Melting Pot restaurants are offering free cheese fondue to guests April 11th - 14th in celebration of National Cheese Fondue Day. The cheese fondue course (serves two people) is valued around $14 per selection (prices vary per location). Reservations are required and limited, but no purchase is necessary to participate in this event. NOTE: You must make a reservation for your free fondue. Click the 'Reservation' tab at the top of the page.

April 22nd - Free Starbucks Drink When You Bring a Reusable Cup

On April 22nd to celebrate Earth Day Starbucks is offering a free coffee or tea when you bring in your reusable mug. They've offered this freebie for quite a few years now and it's a great incentive to reuse your mug. This is in Canada....not sure if US will be offering or not, check into it!

Click here to check availability

Free Beech-Nut Starter Kit

Free sample: Get a free Starter Kit from Beech-Nut®, which includes 2 free jars of baby food and a coupon for a free box of cereal.

How to get it: To request your Starter Kit, sign up for the Beech-Nut® monthly eNewsletter by filling out a short form on the Beech-Nut® site.

* Request your free Starter Kit from Beech-Nut® while supplies last!

Free Victoria's Secret Bombshell Perfume


Free Sample of Victoria's Secret Bombshell Perfume.

Up to $4.75 off Finish Products

Free Taster's Choice Sample

Carefree Sample or Coupon




Sign up to get a free sample of Carefree products or a coupon.  You choose, both come via mail.

Free Sample of Dove Ultimate Deodorant

Free Sample of Dove Moisturizer

Free Sample of Dove Moisturizer with Self Tanner.   Once you’ve completed the form you should see a pop up that says “Gracias por participar” - which means thank you for participating (and your sample is on its way!)

Free Sample of Miracle Whip

Sign up for free samples of Miracle Whip on You Tube. Yes, that’s right. You Tube.

Free Sample of Cream of Nature Shampoo

Get a Free sample of Cream of Nature Shampoo (Sunflower and Coconut) on Facebook.

Free Eucerin Sample (Facebook offer)

"Like" Eucerin on their Facebook page and receive a free sample of  Daily Skin Balance Lotion

Free Poise Sample Kit


You can request a FREE sample kit from Poise that includes a Poise Liner, a Poise Long Liner, an Ultra Thin Pad and a high value coupon.

Free Sample Arm & Hammer Toothpaste

Click on the link below
Try Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste for FREE   You will receive an email from them to verify your address, if you do not verify it, they will not send the sample.

FREE SAMPLE* of Vaseline® Intensive Rescue

Join the Dry Skin Rescue Mission! Banish skin that itches, flakes or feels rough with Vaseline® Intensive Rescue®. Complete the form to receive a free sample* of Vaseline® Intensive Rescue®.

Walmart Free Samples

Did you know Walmart offers free samples from their suppliers through their website?  Bookmark and Check this link periodically to find the latest offers from Walmart Suppliers.

Free Sample of Kotex Tampons/Pads

Just fill out a Marketing Survey and receive a free sample of Kotex Tampons/Pads

Hurry Free Mascara Offer expires 4/7/11

Free Sample of Purex Complete with Zout Detergent

Request your Free Sample Purex Complete With Zout Detergent. Or, instead you can print an instant $1.50 coupon if you wish.

Free Sample of Shout Color Catcher (Facebook offer)

Head over to Facebook and “Like” the Shout Facebook Page and you’ll be able to sign up for a free sample of Shout Color Catcher.

Free Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice!

Head over to sign up to receive a FREE full-sized pouch of Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice. Just look for the Uncle Ben’s coupon offer and click on it.

Free Zantac Offer

Request your FREE Maximum Strength Zanta 150 sample pack.


Sunday, March 13, 2011

We've Come a LONG Way Baby!

From a 1950's high school home economics textbook, teaching girls how to prepare for married life. 
1. Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time.

This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
(I admit 4 out of 5 days a week I still do make dinner)
2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking.
He has just been with a lot of work- weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
(if I was anymore gay or interesting when my husband came home from work....he might not come home!)

3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables.
Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
(rest and order...in this house??? Hahahhahahahahaha...I work, remember???)
4. Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes.
They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
(Prepare the children??? PUHLEASE!!)
5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.
(Sorry, this is the noisiest time of the day at my house!  I have things that need to get done!)
6. Things to avoid: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner.
Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.
(pshhhh, I'm hitting him with my best shot when I hear that door open!)
7. Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.
Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.
(offer to take off his shoes??? He should have taken them off BEFORE he walked in the house!)
8. Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.  (hahahahahaha....no chance in hell that is gonna happen!!!)
9. Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
(his world of strain and pressure??? Hmmmm I'm going out with the girls and leaving him with the kids!)10. The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.
(oh please, he get's plenty of time in his recliner, with the TV...which by the way he can still seem to tune us all out with)
 
 

Daylight Saving Time

Did you remember to Spring Ahead?  Just thought I'd share a little info about "Why" we have Daylight Saving time.

During late Winter we move our clocks one hour ahead and "lose" an hour during the night and each Fall we move our clocks back one hour and "gain" an extra hour. But Daylight Saving Time (and not Daylight Savings Time with an "s") wasn't just created to confuse our schedules.

The change to Daylight Saving Time allows us to use less energy in lighting our homes by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours. During the eight-month period of Daylight Saving Time, the names of time in each of the time zones in the U.S. (map) change as well. Eastern Standard Time (EST) becomes Eastern Daylight Time, Central Standard Time (CST) becomes Central Daylight Time (CDT), Mountain Standard Time (MST) becomes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), Pacific Standard Time becomes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), and so forth.





YearSpring ForwardFall Back
20042 a.m. April 42 a.m. Oct. 31
20052 a.m. April 32 a.m. Oct. 30
20062 a.m. April 22 a.m. Oct. 29
20072.a.m. March 112 a.m. Nov. 4
20082 a.m. March 92 a.m. Nov. 2
20092 a.m. March 82 a.m. Nov. 1
20102 a.m. March 142 a.m. Nov 7
20112 a.m. March 132 a.m. Nov. 6
20122 a.m. March 112 a.m. Nov. 4
20132 a.m. March 102 a.m. Nov. 3
20142 a.m. March 92 a.m. Nov. 2
20152 a.m. March 82 a.m. Nov. 1
20162 a.m. March 132 a.m. Nov. 6


History of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. During World War II the federal government again required the states to observe the time change. Between the wars and after World War II, states and communities chose whether or not to observe Daylight Saving Time. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the length of Daylight Saving Time.
Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer since 2007 due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005. The Act extended Daylight Saving Time by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, with the hope that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours. Unfortunately, it is exceedingly difficult to determine energy savings from Daylight Saving Time and based on a variety of factors, it is possible that little or no energy is saved by Daylight Saving Time.
Arizona (except some Indian Reservations), Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have chosen not to observe Daylight Saving Time. This choice does make sense for the areas closer to the equator because the days are more consistent in length throughout the year.

Jeromy's 6 !!!

It's hard to believe our little Jer bear has already turned 6!  This year he decided that he didn't want a big party, he just wanted to hang out, go bowling, and have dinner out with the family.  Oh, and don't forget the Ice Cream Cake!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

I Love you Jim Nikolai! :)

Jim and Charlene
I wanted to take the time to write to you and tell you just how much you mean to me and how very much I love you. It is very seldom that I have extra time to think about how wonderful you are, so while I was enjoying the quiet of the morning I thought I should share.

You have amazing qualities that all women look for.

You believe in truth. I feel that you do what is right, not for reward or acknowledgment, but for purpose. You are, as they say, "a stand up kind of guy". I can trust what you say and do because I know that you have strong convictions and your word is binding. Our kids do benefit greatly from you in this regard. You do set a wonderful example for them.

Your humor never ceases to amaze me. I have never met a person so willing to find humor in almost everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!!) I laugh when I'm with you and I smile when I think about you. I miss that when you are not home. You give me a reason to enjoy life everyday and I thank you for that.


Nathan, Hunter, Brittany and Jeromy
 Your endless knowledge. I never thought I would find a man smarter than I that I could stand to be around. LOL!! I learn form you even when you're not trying to teach me. You are always so patient, much, much more patient than I will ever be. This quality makes you invaluable as a father and a friend.
Your unending calm. I find that even when I'm panicking about even the smallest thing, you are there to soothe my fears and worries. You are a great comfort to me. You see the logical side of a problem and know how to explain it to me with out being belittling.

Your faith in my abilities. When I falter in my faith in myself, you're there to help me see the good in me. You're my rock when I really need it. You help me to see how much I can accomplish even when all I can think about is failure. I thank you for that.

Your dignity. You are proud of who you are and what you do. You refuse to lower you own expectations in order to raise the level of what you expect from others. You are proud without being prideful.

Your sensitive nature. You have compassion for all and you are truly affected by injustice and wrong-doing. You will do anything for anyone, listen to me complain, are always the first one to apologize even when it wasn't your fault, and you never let me down.

Your good looks. I find you more attractive now than the first day we met at the lake...oh so many years ago (it's probably that whole beard thing.) I am proud to call you my husband for the reasons stated above and because you're just damn "hot" baby! You have the most beautiful features and that helps to make beautiful babies.

You are a spectacular person, husband and father. I only wish that I could convey how much I love and respect you in a more meaningful way. I don't take for granted that not only am I lucky, but also blessed to have you as my husband and friend. You are my heart, Jim. I want to spend every day of the rest of our lives showing you the love that I have for you. We will look back and be able to see how our relationship has grown and evolved. You make me want to be a better person just being around you.

Love,
Char

Charlene's "Secret" Banana Bread Recipe

1 C Sugar
1 Stick of Butter -room temperature
2 eggs - room temperature
4 REALLY ripe Bananas
2 Medium ripe Bananas
1 2/3- 2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 ENTIRE package of chocolate chips
NO NUTS

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs until blended.  Add your REALLY ripe bananas and mix until it is all liquified.  Add your two ripe bananas in chunks and beat a minute...you WANT small chunks in the batter.   Stir in remaining dry ingredients until moistened.  Add chocolate chips and bake in 2 loaf pans at 350 for about an hour.  Toothpick test works best. 

Italian Sausage Soup


1 lb ground Italian sausage
1½ tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced onion
4-5 strips of cooked bacon chopped in pieces
2 tsp garlic chopped fine
10 cups chicken stock
1-2 carrots, chopped
1-2 stalks celery, chopped
3-5 large potatoes, cubed
¼ of a bunch of kale (we use a full bunch of cilantro in place of Kale, but both are good, just make sure you chop into small pieces ...this can also be ommitted entirely)

Saute onions, celery and carrot, until onion is just turning translucent.  Add sausage, garlic and crushed red pepper and chop up as it is cooking (like you would hamburger for tacos) cook until browned.  Add bacon pieces, chicken stock, Kale (or cilantro) and potatoes.  Simmer until potatoes are tender.   Serves 4-6

Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas


1 pkg of burrito sized flour tortillas
2 - 28 oz cans of  Enchilada sauce (I use the Red La Victoria-Mild)
4-5 chicken breasts
Garlic powder
1 pkg (12 oz) Mexican blend shredded cheese
1 lb Mozzerella shredded cheese (reserve 1/2 for top of enchiladas)
Chopped Cilantro

Sprinkle garlic powder over top and bottom of chicken breasts and cook in non-stick skillet until done.  Let cool so you can handle them and cut into long strips like fajitas.

Coat the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish (I prefer glass versus metal) with enchilada sauce about 1/4" deep...so they won't stick.

Enchilada assembly.  Take tortilla and sauce it like a pizza on one size with enchilada sauce.  On one end, add generous amounts of chicken and cheeses and chopped cilantro, roll up and put seam side DOWN in pan.  Repeat making enchiladas until the pan is full. It is best to squish them in the pan.  Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over all of the enchiladas, and sprinkle your reserved mozzerella over the top.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 350 for about 45 minutes until heated through and all the cheese is melted.