tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330460816131800022024-03-13T23:00:53.836-05:00Reviews by Be Different...Act NormalReviews and Giveaways!Loriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01677588485104564266noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333046081613180002.post-24851563856982149772012-07-27T12:00:00.000-05:002012-08-02T13:03:51.905-05:00The Bagster Bag Winner [Waste Management]<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations to</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXaQFLb_kN70dgCKsA9Qa7l_a_0ba9NKRX4skEVg0cZe2A18St504Ew20fYZV6TalTXCXBzskoeVzJ8srESMQrtabTpBHprg6yGGpyDCYlb0GPMWod4s9o-Uf2YSNS6se-Csfn3RS_EE/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-02+at+1.01.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXaQFLb_kN70dgCKsA9Qa7l_a_0ba9NKRX4skEVg0cZe2A18St504Ew20fYZV6TalTXCXBzskoeVzJ8srESMQrtabTpBHprg6yGGpyDCYlb0GPMWod4s9o-Uf2YSNS6se-Csfn3RS_EE/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-08-02+at+1.01.55+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
the winner of the <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-with-bagster-100-amex-giveaway.html">$100 AmEx gift card giveaway</a> courtesy of Waste Management!!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF3-YUbcJHeI71wVD2LvpZMjzz9_2f5Grz3xLOmvcXl0W17mQeEP1MPIVnBZSmlSVQ3vfagqEg9aLNp6XOrZmCeE_tnkqm6OxE8_MypfpaOLTjKnnxRBoX3W3pBmhtYOQDf8NcWwhPa0/s1600/bagster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF3-YUbcJHeI71wVD2LvpZMjzz9_2f5Grz3xLOmvcXl0W17mQeEP1MPIVnBZSmlSVQ3vfagqEg9aLNp6XOrZmCeE_tnkqm6OxE8_MypfpaOLTjKnnxRBoX3W3pBmhtYOQDf8NcWwhPa0/s640/bagster.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I shared with you in my <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2012/07/bagster-my-secret-weapon.html">last post</a> that we have used <a href="http://www.thebagster.com/">the Bagster bag</a> the last two times we have moved. This durable woven bag is a super convenient choice for any DIY project, but for us it is also our go to solution for major de-cluttering. I mean it will hold up to 3,300 pounds of debris, and even I can't come up with that much stuff!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With this move, we used the Bagster bag to help clear out the backyard and garage, the last two areas that needed to be finished up before we were done with our move.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHN6jZ_RE8UecIP3ktDbFSfMam9Dg1F4eMOGm8zWjj2iDWyVCiM56MYMaNT7TNfYrFFgtEci57Ig8agwyUTuZ-OKco6EH1QAy_PFBk-YIxDtDUzptkVjxjrfO2sfr64cyRVxlfFvDTE-oS/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHN6jZ_RE8UecIP3ktDbFSfMam9Dg1F4eMOGm8zWjj2iDWyVCiM56MYMaNT7TNfYrFFgtEci57Ig8agwyUTuZ-OKco6EH1QAy_PFBk-YIxDtDUzptkVjxjrfO2sfr64cyRVxlfFvDTE-oS/s640/photo+1+(3).JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't even begin to tell you how easy the whole process is from start to finish. First, you head to your local home improvement store. You should be able to find them at Ace Hardware, True Value, Lowe's and Home Depot. I picked mine up at Home Depot, right outside the tool rental department for $29.95. (You can check online to see <a href="http://www.thebagster.com/products/find_price.aspx">what retailers close to you carry the Bagster Bag</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then the fun begins. You take it home, open it up, and start loading it with anything from construction debris to broken trampolines. That is an entire broken trampoline in there. I can't even tell you how nice it was not to have to take apart every little piece to get it to fit in a regular garbage can.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEDeoTrrGC_Ta6_XA4dpaCbOif1cZcbNy3JrYcj17g0uGJWCkQZz-UuiS5NUKj79Srehwnv-ytTIJP2kxMYGvv765aMampscuGds4lmLgU9s7rgOHkJn4ivTtN1mPCVs-u2EV5WcFpusg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEDeoTrrGC_Ta6_XA4dpaCbOif1cZcbNy3JrYcj17g0uGJWCkQZz-UuiS5NUKj79Srehwnv-ytTIJP2kxMYGvv765aMampscuGds4lmLgU9s7rgOHkJn4ivTtN1mPCVs-u2EV5WcFpusg/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Besides the sadly discarded trampoline, there is a broken 8 foot ladder, some old bricks, a few broken yard toys, all of the random stuff that got crammed in the garage during our 2 1/2 years of living in this rental house, and just about everything but the kitchen sink (although they would take that too. Did I mention you could even put yard waste in there! We have had some huge storms around these parts lately and a ton of fences and trees have been knocked down. One of the Bagster bags could make that clean up a hundred times easier!<br />
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You can tell from this picture that I could have fit more in the bag. A lot more! So this can handle some pretty big projects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWRXkQ8tOt5llFRfg3WAri3fmLovh5SNyo5UMxzOwswsj2sKoOxfB1rmHJ49ANuuigdf-UqlMvRih2OqeRlWmq8Hh4Jk02DJM50IrrDAoVul2iv5p-I5d9uVTym4pZo6jO3Ub_KXaJKho/s1600/photo+2+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWRXkQ8tOt5llFRfg3WAri3fmLovh5SNyo5UMxzOwswsj2sKoOxfB1rmHJ49ANuuigdf-UqlMvRih2OqeRlWmq8Hh4Jk02DJM50IrrDAoVul2iv5p-I5d9uVTym4pZo6jO3Ub_KXaJKho/s400/photo+2+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">because when I was done, this garage was empty (and a lot cleaner...of course it was dark outside and I couldn't get a picture of it!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf7I2iTRSiGV_kOdgQNAqtZBOyikUAY1Qr6lCVehS5oEgBd1x_Av0-LvsOVNxCbPJ2cXrqIj8-tCc0MYwc7P0X2SMMdDzNaaCVp56OU7CpgwbZiiM9OS9vapWLDqvMrTb5a3GOephMQwP/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf7I2iTRSiGV_kOdgQNAqtZBOyikUAY1Qr6lCVehS5oEgBd1x_Av0-LvsOVNxCbPJ2cXrqIj8-tCc0MYwc7P0X2SMMdDzNaaCVp56OU7CpgwbZiiM9OS9vapWLDqvMrTb5a3GOephMQwP/s200/photo+4+(1).JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eog5VjJrWfVAx2hmB0Z3JMCjOGLfGVCxVqoxvXJpVB76rYM6VWqPzY8nSOF_MLMXXAZBKbv0lOfZjuJHqFugcGZfLuBGGjr_C7H8KNpp9zKLDv618zUgPrk6QepA6Vh58S1aCCbkIQBm/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eog5VjJrWfVAx2hmB0Z3JMCjOGLfGVCxVqoxvXJpVB76rYM6VWqPzY8nSOF_MLMXXAZBKbv0lOfZjuJHqFugcGZfLuBGGjr_C7H8KNpp9zKLDv618zUgPrk6QepA6Vh58S1aCCbkIQBm/s200/photo+2+(3).JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13xIVjrMsupTyQQNtWI5ek3gJiJ3Mbxg6UUtK7fyy0HyY0v2O1w33mqIxTWZKPt0z2Fx0Esc8QB4w-fiREWF7QLsVuLDJkGIHUMsOlxqMIkl5PVFYulFtkkKVdUqrX5MaJvR8zoHN5wEn/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13xIVjrMsupTyQQNtWI5ek3gJiJ3Mbxg6UUtK7fyy0HyY0v2O1w33mqIxTWZKPt0z2Fx0Esc8QB4w-fiREWF7QLsVuLDJkGIHUMsOlxqMIkl5PVFYulFtkkKVdUqrX5MaJvR8zoHN5wEn/s200/photo+3+(3).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
I only had my bag for two days before I scheduled my pickup online, but you can keep it for as long as you need. Unlike a dumpster, there is no additional charge if you keep it a week, a month, or even more! The pickup charge ranges from $79 to $159. But again, unlike a dumpster, you aren't charged by the weight, so you can check online and see what your pickup charge will be before you even start your project, that way there won't be any surprises. My pickup charge was $119, but because I already had an account on<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thebagster.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thebagster.com</a> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">I had a coupon they emailed me that saved me $20.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Two days later I received an email letting me know that they would be picking up the next day and just like that it was gone from the driveway. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHAwURvBUalJPhqXgAoJHWvfjVncOL12ktmAh1RAKD8OFOjWGaAQ9-Pn8xFtwvLCd1u80YbNkDGKnVQErCvoak2FtleUEWuH7QxgKwZSwYE5ACmCxnnkrv5q3UJ1L7tw5gXGyrMWze58/s1600/bagster+bag+collection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHAwURvBUalJPhqXgAoJHWvfjVncOL12ktmAh1RAKD8OFOjWGaAQ9-Pn8xFtwvLCd1u80YbNkDGKnVQErCvoak2FtleUEWuH7QxgKwZSwYE5ACmCxnnkrv5q3UJ1L7tw5gXGyrMWze58/s400/bagster+bag+collection.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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And now, in our new house, we can actually park our cars in the garage.<br />
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Do you have a garage that needs to be cleaned out? A DIY project in the works? Why not check out the Bagster bag to make your project easier. I am giving away a $100 AmEx gift card, curtesy of Waste Management, to help one of you start your own DIY project. Just leave me a comment and let me know what project would be made easier with the help of the Bagster bag and you will be entered to win. <br />
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If you would like a second entry, head over to <a href="http://twitter.com/BagsterBag">Twitter</a> and follow <a href="http://bagsterbag/">@BagsterBag</a>. Then come back here and leave another comment.<br />
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Tweet about the giveaway using @BagsterBag and @lorieblogs and you will have yourself a third entry. Just leave a link to your tweet in the comment section.<br />
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Please make sure that your email address is attached to your profile or left in the comment section so I can contact you if you are the winner.<br />
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You have until midnight (CST) on July 23, 2012 to enter. One winner will be chosen at random. Winner has 48 hours to reply and claim their prize or another winner will be selected.<br />
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You can find out more about the Bagster Bag on their <a href="http://www.thebagster.com/">website</a>, or check them out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BagsterBag">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BagsterBag">Twitter</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Waste Management partnered with bloggers such as me to participate in its The Bagster® Bag Blogger Challenge. As part of this program, I received compensation to cover the cost of the Bagster bag and pick-up as well as my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products used for the The Bagster® Bag Blogger Challenge. Waste Management believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Waste Management’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><br /><br />***This giveaway has ended***<br /><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 627px;"><tbody>
</tbody></table>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF3-YUbcJHeI71wVD2LvpZMjzz9_2f5Grz3xLOmvcXl0W17mQeEP1MPIVnBZSmlSVQ3vfagqEg9aLNp6XOrZmCeE_tnkqm6OxE8_MypfpaOLTjKnnxRBoX3W3pBmhtYOQDf8NcWwhPa0/s1600/bagster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF3-YUbcJHeI71wVD2LvpZMjzz9_2f5Grz3xLOmvcXl0W17mQeEP1MPIVnBZSmlSVQ3vfagqEg9aLNp6XOrZmCeE_tnkqm6OxE8_MypfpaOLTjKnnxRBoX3W3pBmhtYOQDf8NcWwhPa0/s640/bagster.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
I first learned about The Bagster bag when we were making our big move to Texas. We were leaving a house we had lived in for over 5 years and in that time our garage had been the storage place for all sorts of unneeded, unwanted, and even un-working junk. You see, in AZ the rules of what you can and cannot put in the garbage can are strict and in Mesa where I lived there was zero curbside trash pick up. That means that anything outside of your normal kitchen and yard garbage had to be hauled to the dumb. Without a truck, that didn't happen very often.<br />
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When we moved we looked into renting a small dumpster from the city. Besides the 6 month waiting list, there was a charge for drop off, you could only have the dumpster for a short time, and then you were charged by weight when they picked it up. It was absolutely not cost effective for our situation. While on a trip to Home Depot I spotted <a href="http://www.thebagster.com/">The Bagster bag</a>. For $29.95 I could buy a highly durable, woven bag that was designed for disposing as much as 3,300 pounds of debris. The bag is big enough to hold large construction debris like a full sheet of plywood or even a bathtub. It was light enough for my young child to put in the cart, I could start using it immediately, and I could keep it as long as I needed it. All of these reasons make it the most convenient choice for any moving, de-cluttering, or home improvement project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiPHnl4-VDNVj882lzh05RfQBvwjBKOG6iMDtxI1rDZpTJiD_mPQLCBcrNqr_9H5UhwE8DLYqMWvcNtS07bN9eWf3yl4QWHA-Pv7-OBjgMU44C2Dct383Zel3Th7PxXgjFnTnne9B_8k/s1600/bagster2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiPHnl4-VDNVj882lzh05RfQBvwjBKOG6iMDtxI1rDZpTJiD_mPQLCBcrNqr_9H5UhwE8DLYqMWvcNtS07bN9eWf3yl4QWHA-Pv7-OBjgMU44C2Dct383Zel3Th7PxXgjFnTnne9B_8k/s640/bagster2.JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
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And scheduling the pick up is just as convenient. You go online to www.thebagster.com or call 1-877-789-2247 and pick your collection day. Waste Management will collect the bag within three business days of that date.<br />
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You can check out The Bagster bag on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BagsterBag">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/BagsterBag">Twitter</a> and make sure to check back next<span style="background-color: white;"> week when I will be sharing more about moving and how we utilized the Bagster bag. you will be able to enter my giveaway for a $100 AmEx gift card compliments of Waste Management.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Disclosure Statement</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Waste Management partnered with bloggers such as me to participate in its The Bagster® Bag Blogger Challenge. As part of this program, I received compensation to cover the cost of the Bagster bag and pick-up as well as my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products used for the The Bagster® Bag Blogger Challenge. Waste Management believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Waste Management’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and voucher fulfillment will be handled by a third party.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Loriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01677588485104564266noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333046081613180002.post-10153926632453772112011-12-22T18:00:00.000-06:002011-12-22T21:55:06.311-06:00Christmas Shopping with American Express and $250 Giveaway WinnerSo Christmas is like two seconds away and I am finally finished with my Christmas shopping. I haven't started wrapping or even figuring out where I have stashed things over the last week, but I do know that it is all purchased and tucked away somewhere.<br />
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I finally finished using the <a href="http://bit.ly/GkVEu">American Express</a> gift card and <a href="http://bit.ly/bF3oS5">American Express Rewards Points</a>. <br />
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On Small Business Saturday I headed out shopping and ended up buying the only present I purchased before the month of December, a gift card to The Alamo Draft House. The Alamo is a fun little theater where you can eat dinner while watching a movie. It is a great date destination, so I picked up a gift card for my Hubby's stocking. If you used your Amex to make a purchase from a small business on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday">Small Business Saturday</a>, American Express gave you a $20 credit on your statement. So $20 of my gift card was basically free to me.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHCkWUgw2EQ/TvO1lAQUO2I/AAAAAAAAOts/mWd023izxo0/s1600/alamo+draft+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHCkWUgw2EQ/TvO1lAQUO2I/AAAAAAAAOts/mWd023izxo0/s1600/alamo+draft+house.jpg" /></a></div>
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In college I never started Christmas shopping until finals were over, around the middle of December. I have continued to carry on that tradition even though I graduated from college in 2000. I didn't have a lot of time to have items shipped, so I used the rewards points to purchase eGift Cards. The eGIft Cards are in your email box within three hours of ordering them. You print them out and head to a local store to shop away. I used some points to purchase a Barnes & Noble eGift Card. <br />
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Magazines are a traditional stocking stuffer in my husbands family, so I headed over to the closest Barnes and Noble store and ended up with a stack of magazines for everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsGlF2V80GWReoYogSSfiPtMFwtlqeMTWZE7KfU8KWOSNCV2LqKK9mF1cDGowBtI5bXbcKBA7P2_nYVhGWnVpx6G90uuAf4dhFaJ75eMP6fQNgxYpuIBM9v57mXkjhyphenhyphenwxNd8m32bBqws_/s1600/photo-776299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="375" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689147085198658242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsGlF2V80GWReoYogSSfiPtMFwtlqeMTWZE7KfU8KWOSNCV2LqKK9mF1cDGowBtI5bXbcKBA7P2_nYVhGWnVpx6G90uuAf4dhFaJ75eMP6fQNgxYpuIBM9v57mXkjhyphenhyphenwxNd8m32bBqws_/s640/photo-776299.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(please excuse the picture I took while hiding from my children in the laundry room)</span></div>
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I also picked up a Blu-Ray box set:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJR-AwVdaPg/TvPvdFZmUxI/AAAAAAAAOvA/U9Nb8M0P5RQ/s1600/lotr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJR-AwVdaPg/TvPvdFZmUxI/AAAAAAAAOvA/U9Nb8M0P5RQ/s1600/lotr.JPG" /></a></div>
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And the new Guinness World Records book for 2012. My son gets one every year for Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BR_8HfSzJoE/TvPvk4vgHyI/AAAAAAAAOvM/LF60M1Kp0P0/s1600/2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BR_8HfSzJoE/TvPvk4vgHyI/AAAAAAAAOvM/LF60M1Kp0P0/s320/2012.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
I picked up another eGift Card on the American Express Rewards site. This Banana Republic gift card is actually going to someone as a gift.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNZM9NdCGj4/TvO8faQTRkI/AAAAAAAAOuo/CRLM17RVUPQ/s1600/bananal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNZM9NdCGj4/TvO8faQTRkI/AAAAAAAAOuo/CRLM17RVUPQ/s1600/bananal.jpg" /></a></div>
I used part of the $250 American Express gift card to purchase some items that we shared with people we don't know. One of those items was an iPod shuffle. There are a few ways I could have picked up this iPod shuffle with American Express. I could have used points to order it directly from the <a href="http://bit.ly/bF3oS5">American Express Rewards site</a>, I could have used the points to purchase the item on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FA1NW8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bedifactnor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001FA1NW8">Amazon</a>, but because of the last minute nature I used the American Express gift card to pick it up at Target.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tST7qo2LX_U/TvP1kiz_IUI/AAAAAAAAOvg/y0woq1BZQUQ/s1600/ipod+shuffle+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tST7qo2LX_U/TvP1kiz_IUI/AAAAAAAAOvg/y0woq1BZQUQ/s1600/ipod+shuffle+orange.jpg" /></a></div>
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There were plenty of points left over for me to purchase some board games from Amazon that won't show up until after Christmas, but since my birthday is at the beginning of January I will just count them as birthday gifts to myself.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNjW64JqzYE/TvP2BfVPptI/AAAAAAAAOvs/GH1O80lAbD4/s1600/ticket+to+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNjW64JqzYE/TvP2BfVPptI/AAAAAAAAOvs/GH1O80lAbD4/s1600/ticket+to+ride.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWaZOqNkvzk/TvP2ERRrmpI/AAAAAAAAOv4/aQQHK1Brz5M/s1600/settlers+of+catan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWaZOqNkvzk/TvP2ERRrmpI/AAAAAAAAOv4/aQQHK1Brz5M/s1600/settlers+of+catan.jpg" /></a></div>
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There are a ton of fun ways to spend your <a href="http://bit.ly/bF3oS5">American Express Rewards points</a>. I could have easily done all of my Christmas shopping that way. I typically save all of my points for one large purchase. We purchased a television from Amazon with out points last Christmas and our refrigerator using Home Depot gift cards when we moved to Austin. But it is great for smaller purchases too. I might use some of our accumulated points to pick up a couple of magazine subscriptions for next year too. </div>
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That is enough of my fun shopping adventures. Now it is time for one of you to win a $250 Gift Card and do some shopping of your own. The lucky winner is Susan from Poca Cosas. Congratulations Susan and Happy Shopping!!!</div>
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I hope you all have a Very Happy Holiday!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">***Disclaimer***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was given a $250 American Express Gift Card and 40,000 American Express Rewards points to purchase gifts this holiday season.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77YdR-w-fAVzw9L5NDilJe2550uWSeM1JiOns0EHPSpr277gCjarybJ4aUhiPFHw4DSlk9iMOj3LvOhUI8RnRMEjlpwgpG3ozN7j7qrM2uLf0emYaKf5NHvJN9PT-DD2oKdF6Q5gZQ0q2/s1600/american+express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77YdR-w-fAVzw9L5NDilJe2550uWSeM1JiOns0EHPSpr277gCjarybJ4aUhiPFHw4DSlk9iMOj3LvOhUI8RnRMEjlpwgpG3ozN7j7qrM2uLf0emYaKf5NHvJN9PT-DD2oKdF6Q5gZQ0q2/s200/american+express.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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One thing that I find essential is to have a list, a real list written out on paper, that has the name of each person I am purchasing a gift for, the budgeted amount of money for that individual, and ideas of what present to purchase for them. In the perfect world I would already know exactly what I was going to purchase and would have found the cheapest place to buy it, but I am never that ahead of the game. The list helps me keep track of what I have purchased and helps me to stay within my budget.<br />
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Another trick to staying within my budget is saving money ahead of time. Nothing squashes the joy of a holiday like getting your credit card statement afterwards. It is a lot less painful when I have planned ahead and have the money waiting to pay off the bill when it arrives. It is sometimes hard not to spend the extra money that is sitting around, so a trick I have picked up is to purchase gift cards to my favorite retailers throughout the year. Plus, if I only have the gift cards with me, I can't go over budget.<br />
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And my third favorite holiday shopping tip is taking advantage of rewards cards! I am a huge fan of reward credit cards. We have used them to pay for vacations, buy gift cards, and I have a television and a refrigerator that were purchased with my <a href="http://bit.ly/bF3oS5">American Express Rewards</a> points. And using your American Express card can save you money in other ways, like providing an <a href="http://bit.ly/tF6op7">extended warranty</a> on eligible purchases so you don't have to purchase one.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/GkVEu">American Express</a> is letting me put some of my tips to good use for my own holiday shopping. They have given me a $250 gift card and 40,000 <a href="http://bit.ly/bF3oS5">American Express Membership Rewards Points Rewards</a> to use towards my holiday shopping. Next week I will be sharing my fun purchases with you. One of which will be purchased from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Common-Thread/128821316729">The Common Thread</a> to celebrate <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday">Small Business Saturday</a>. On Saturday, November 26, you can support the small movement by making a purchase from a local small business. And to show their support, American Express will give you $25 of your small business purchase back. You need to register your card to be eligible, so you can check out all of the details on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday">Small Business Saturday Facebook page</a>. You can also use the Facebook page to find local small businesses. That is another $25 you can add to your holiday shopping budget!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_FF4sRGtxQ7Cn8P9FRilm1csHAUKqGqImxdfYE7HEUf4lWcoQ0SKvbTVje_kkZ5wnpTlkFEs0i_uO6xXXKnE_NsmkGJRRoCYXQWHseuuePj-Ae0WccHLRI_X8y8oSuwwfV6WRgHA9Gn4/s320/small+business+saturday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, and there is one more thing!! American Express is giving away a $250 gift card to one of my readers. Leave a comment on this post letting me know how you stay within your holiday budget and you will be entered to win! For a prize this great, one chance to win just isn't enough, so you can share another tip on Facebook and one on Twitter too. That is three chances to win. Make sure to link to this post in your Facebook status or Tweet. Then come back here and leave another comment (one for each entry) that includes a link to your tip. (Please leave a link to your status update or your tweet). <br />
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You have until Wednesday, November 30th at midnight (CST) to enter. One winner will be chosen at random from all entries and contacted via email. Please make sure you leave a valid contact email with your entry.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">***The entry period for this giveaway has ended***</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">***Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post from American Express. All opinions expressed in the post are my own.***</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script>
I have seen the OnStar commercials a hundred times. There is an accident and the friendly OnStar voice lets you know that help is on the way. Even my 10 year old son thinks it is pretty cool that they call 911 for you. But I didn't drive a GM car, so it wasn't an option for me.<br />
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Or so I thought.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">About a month ago I learned about OnStar FMV. You can now purchase a rearview mirror that contains the core safety, security and connectivity features of OnStar</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> for just about any vehicle.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqpqJs19I0hyphenhyphenGMBIgBskFp_8Bob2OblRda7vfwoe56PdHkw2ej617vfZ_-iJnrxW59HdBAtLeJVj6_lx9jFzAY_gsxeVcqeG8fcbueTr2YJQh4alRzSb1-ZocdQrMywPgpkIXF6_VEaRm/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqpqJs19I0hyphenhyphenGMBIgBskFp_8Bob2OblRda7vfwoe56PdHkw2ej617vfZ_-iJnrxW59HdBAtLeJVj6_lx9jFzAY_gsxeVcqeG8fcbueTr2YJQh4alRzSb1-ZocdQrMywPgpkIXF6_VEaRm/s320/mirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Their
<a href="http://goo.gl/MQwwA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> had a tool I used to find out that it was available for my car and it also had all of the information I wanted to know about their available services.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg070xq6Jhoeng0ZrEqFRUU4J1kK1rb9i46AT0NKF036JjRhro_cXt2fyqKeTeHrZnP4Hpcp84MfH5BWN8roukY2Wqe42e3TwGkhmFvHM1JgRt4hgXV6q7rGsfuo0AMuUhyJqNuysVjNL9f/s1600/onstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg070xq6Jhoeng0ZrEqFRUU4J1kK1rb9i46AT0NKF036JjRhro_cXt2fyqKeTeHrZnP4Hpcp84MfH5BWN8roukY2Wqe42e3TwGkhmFvHM1JgRt4hgXV6q7rGsfuo0AMuUhyJqNuysVjNL9f/s400/onstar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I had it installed in my car (it took 36 minutes from start to finish, so simple) and this is why.<br />
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Like most moms, I spend a lot of time in the car with my kids and no other adult. I love knowing that if anything happens, help will come even if I can't ask for it. I also like that asking for help is as easy as pushing a button. If something were to happen and my kids needed to ask for help, they would be able to push that little blue button and talk to a real live person.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aF0IGt6q0mCZhlh55bS_vTp8q4vTiXXYeqyw9aEk1B9NXx9NPQ-Xd78Fw_5gzY9EQWWMK8VkDVCW2UAa2dTAxJaT2mIPkGYqsvULSlAbh1UJdUcg4svMkUILBLZ9RyEsobZk-yNdq-9s/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-09+at+11.39.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aF0IGt6q0mCZhlh55bS_vTp8q4vTiXXYeqyw9aEk1B9NXx9NPQ-Xd78Fw_5gzY9EQWWMK8VkDVCW2UAa2dTAxJaT2mIPkGYqsvULSlAbh1UJdUcg4svMkUILBLZ9RyEsobZk-yNdq-9s/s400/Screen+shot+2011-08-09+at+11.39.00+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I feel like they deserve a real live person in that situation. In addition to emergency services they also provide roadside assistance. And I don't even need to know where I am! They use GPS technology to send help to you.<br />
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In the car I use my cell phone for directions and making calls. Sometimes I forget my cell phone at home. Sometimes I put my purse on the floor when I am buckling my daughter in her car seat and forget to move it to the front seat. Sometimes I don't have service on my cell phone at all. This happened a lot more than I was comfortable with on our last road trip and even happens around the corner from my house. Not to mention that looking down at my phone, even just for a second, isn't the safest option. The OnStar mirror offers turn by turn directions and handsfree calling options. Both require absolutely no eye contact. <br />
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It is some pretty cool technology. The speaker is clear and the volume actually adjusts to levels that a human ear can hear. I can't say either about my husbands GPS or his bluetooth speaker he uses in his car. I can look up directions on my computer at home and send them to my car in a matter of seconds, another thing my hubby's GPS can't do. And my favorite part...real live people. Nice people. Friendly people. They call me Mrs. Albright and they find the nearest Chick-fil-A when we are on our way home from the swimming hole.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJa0CyLQmXBxsMpcMy1nUcHvQPL2xbW3hzAuUcs_6UZdBPDJjvAfL4F9vu0Y2M12emZ25EjhxO_Bk7O5MXT_Pr6PEOoEaVFmxoO5eAo16V0lYurrv7UlbMbfFMAWPD_FK062Tqd7R0nQq/s1600/IMG_2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJa0CyLQmXBxsMpcMy1nUcHvQPL2xbW3hzAuUcs_6UZdBPDJjvAfL4F9vu0Y2M12emZ25EjhxO_Bk7O5MXT_Pr6PEOoEaVFmxoO5eAo16V0lYurrv7UlbMbfFMAWPD_FK062Tqd7R0nQq/s640/IMG_2866.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The swimming hole and the polite real live people on the phone both sort of feel like they are from the 50s, but both actually exist in my 2011 life.<br />
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Check out the
<a href="http://goo.gl/MQwwA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">OnStar Facebook page</a> to learn more about OnStar FMV or check them out at your local Best Buy. You can also check out what other bloggers think about OnStar over on <a href="http://goo.gl/wUksf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogHer</a> and if you want to know more about the swimming hole, you will have to come visit me in Austin.<br />
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Before heading home I picked up a few extra toppings for my brat burgers. I had originally planned on using just the standard lettuce and tomato, but after reading some of the serving suggestions on the Johnsonville site I thought I would try out a couple of our favorite combinations.<br />
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First off was a combination that we often use on hot dogs. Mayonnaise, avocado, and tomato. My husband brought this idea home with him from Chile and it is one of my favorite; although, the mayo in Chile is yummier. Use your favorite brand of mayo, add a little salt and pepper, then top it off with lots of yummy avocado and tomato:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQkNJbs0IKtmzy0osTTOj6sWLE4AK2BqiAJ7q-wwXTHZQ_QOn0mXqLI6V-7XEiHqbt313AmvWnlVkaw39jn1AMz19zvm06-PS1LCwFoWeLszU_lec25a9ZbUh3HduISaRur3feDlVQeI/s1600/bratburger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQkNJbs0IKtmzy0osTTOj6sWLE4AK2BqiAJ7q-wwXTHZQ_QOn0mXqLI6V-7XEiHqbt313AmvWnlVkaw39jn1AMz19zvm06-PS1LCwFoWeLszU_lec25a9ZbUh3HduISaRur3feDlVQeI/s1600/bratburger1.jpg" /></a></div>
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This one is super easy to make and perfect for any summer barbecue. The brat burgers taste exactly like my favorite brats, but are easier to dress up with my favorite ingredients. Trying to keep diced tomatoes and avocado on a brat bun is not fun.<br />
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The second combination is one that we use for grilled chicken sandwiches and I thought might be fun with a brat. The Hawaiian Teriyaki Brat Burger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpyJE-7MsZWBYmWtlXF4jHRhs1X8tsjNt3t3b5RMo2u_dXJztTDX4tLROLOKd4tAYj_mYI5nZrqf5LkX_3hXbPMPGEeuJlD4430-gccLse3e-V0d8btkpqHIDseZZSi4NCqhhSXw6xC0/s1600/bratburger2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpyJE-7MsZWBYmWtlXF4jHRhs1X8tsjNt3t3b5RMo2u_dXJztTDX4tLROLOKd4tAYj_mYI5nZrqf5LkX_3hXbPMPGEeuJlD4430-gccLse3e-V0d8btkpqHIDseZZSi4NCqhhSXw6xC0/s1600/bratburger2.jpg" /></a></div>
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For this guy you grill up your brat burger and then coat it in a nice thick layer of teriyaki sauce. You can make your own sauce, but I have a store bought version that I love. Make sure it is thick and sticky so that it doesn't just run off the brat burger. I put a slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of the bun, then the brat burger, slather some teriyaki sauce on top and then add a nice slice of grilled pineapple.<br />
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Sadly I had already turned off the grill before I remembered to grill the pineapple, so I put a fresh piece on top. Don't make my mistake. Grill the pineapple!!<br />
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If you love Johnsonville Brats than you will be equally as pleased with their brat burgers. I was impressed with the size of the patties. They are probably twice as big as the typical frozen hamburgers we buy and they kept their size and shape after cooking, something I can't say about hamburgers.<br />
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They are a great way to get the flavor you enjoy from a brat!<br />
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Want to try them out for yourself? <a href="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2011/08/johnsonville-brat-burgers-giveaway.html">Enter to win one of 5 sets of coupons so you can bring home Johnsonville Brat Burgers for free.</a> You can also learn more about how to enter your favorite brat burger recipe for a chance to <a href="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2011/08/johnsonville-brat-burgers-giveaway.html">win free groceries for a year!! </a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I received compensation in the form of products to prepare and review Johnsonville Brat Burgers. All opinions expressed are truthful and based upon my opinion.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="http://www.johnsonville.com/recipes/af/brat-burger.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIfClDWaxVkmywLMLYnUrajm4jGPFFLxJU_nI6tpoKTwW2L34C20_6NrlGEwui-QDsPYNgoMHmgaqp2Dd47Ol9nzKtyjEBvwNx53-gDCxXfx1_3L3dWChP5JyJbvh1p9RKJ7j2NsGsw0/s1600/brat+burger.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brat Burger from <a href="http://www.johnsonville.com/recipes/af/brat-burger.html">Johnsonville</a></div>
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I love burgers and I love brats, so I was very interested to find out if the new <a href="http://www.johnsonville.com/burgers">Johnsonville Brat Burgers</a> lived up to both. I will be sharing my families brat burger building recipes later today, but wanted to give you a chance to try them for free! Leave a comment on this post and I will select five winners that will each receive two full value coupons to try Johnsonville Brat Burgers. (That way you can try both the original brautwurst patties and the Italian sausage patties.)<br />
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You have until midnight, Thursday August 4th to enter and make sure to leave your contact information because I will need to get in touch of you by Friday the 5th!<br />
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If you would like another entry (or three) you can share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, on your own blog. Just leave a separate comment on this post with a link to each entry.<br />
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Also, you can enter YOUR brat burger recipe in the <a href="http://www.johnsonville.com/news/build-a-better-burger-contest.html">No Ordinary Burger Contest</a> for a chance to win groceries for a year!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.midanmarketing.com/Walmart_Brat_Burger_Contest/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgsoaXvt86B9KJCmydx09aLZNSjlxHbTK_lfXO340WEkr-IoO0lMPVrmef8YFonFza6OSNmj4S-FrsH74iqkBAQGdO-OYVQuNcfNLeaPhqHXZOLqrWUF0BnWdeU5ztG1qF71uCXsaY6g/s1600/no+ordinary+burger+contest.jpg" /></a></div>
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And you can check out all of the great recipes that have been submitted and <a href="http://www.midanmarketing.com/Walmart_Brat_Burger_Contest/?pg=recipes">vote for your favorites HERE</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The winner of the <a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/products/tools/epic-6-tool-letterpress-combo.html">Epic Letterpress and Die Cut</a> Giveway from <a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/">Lifestyle Crafts</a> is</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(drumrollllllllllllllllllllllllllllll)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyWR9TyS2YuH3wdkVCktNQ0-dVA4es_7dRzZ4l-9lOi0kcrvkhZcjDxBTyg6eBgCmurUQDDF61fPQpls6h_kC3321wBegESoGQ2sj0XMZBYOLaSR6FmtQy94zuvccvWalRCIoPYCIgco/s1600/brittany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyWR9TyS2YuH3wdkVCktNQ0-dVA4es_7dRzZ4l-9lOi0kcrvkhZcjDxBTyg6eBgCmurUQDDF61fPQpls6h_kC3321wBegESoGQ2sj0XMZBYOLaSR6FmtQy94zuvccvWalRCIoPYCIgco/s1600/brittany.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brittany!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please email me at lorieblogs (at) gmail (dot) com with your contact information!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks to everyone that entered and to the people at <a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/">Lifestyle Crafts</a> for this fun giveaway! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjA_H2Vii-OVosHLthO9gEEiWMFtmh-Vs1r6MlVBiGSGnsLCezHvnUJnvwFBm1rdGSDlOto5kGVPD0TH2J9nvq6aiy7q5XqyliQkyWaf_Ow7TjXs-E7tPksCE-rmsYT5gBFsiEoHv6J8/s1600/epic1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjA_H2Vii-OVosHLthO9gEEiWMFtmh-Vs1r6MlVBiGSGnsLCezHvnUJnvwFBm1rdGSDlOto5kGVPD0TH2J9nvq6aiy7q5XqyliQkyWaf_Ow7TjXs-E7tPksCE-rmsYT5gBFsiEoHv6J8/s400/epic1.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The first is that I love the look of letterpress cards and projects and wanted to try my hand at them. I mean what is not to love about these cute letterpress cupcake flags <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2011/03/epic-letterpress-tool-review-giveaway.html">Danyelle</a> made using the Epic: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay5OP54jfKmu73YDY1UdBCZ8NvvsqbdrLnWQb_FGuRZ04WMoHFaMsYRzfz5b-XI5PQVWpauFr8zfdIevPDbFiBX73T4RNXWEQlhCyAJMydKSRL0tMYxNFU0plcBOIcyIlDZ45J009FQc/s1600/epic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay5OP54jfKmu73YDY1UdBCZ8NvvsqbdrLnWQb_FGuRZ04WMoHFaMsYRzfz5b-XI5PQVWpauFr8zfdIevPDbFiBX73T4RNXWEQlhCyAJMydKSRL0tMYxNFU0plcBOIcyIlDZ45J009FQc/s400/epic3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The second is that I love tools that multi-task. This not only allows you to create letterpress cards, but also create die cut shapes. And that includes any of the existing <a href="http://www.quickutz.com/qk2/">Quickutz </a>shapes, which I happen to have a few of from my scrapbooking days. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs98BSIjGbhMMVvZE7sDXuNZ9qHum0NgzIiuo0tf1WxyL-OM7GOv44OXzNv0HqqNqAVuumF7D4M6tPr2n4pB8gjd9JJk863AxBmJLtQxD09BK6AMHle_J148f638Wlm9o-n-1s_yLFjo/s1600/babyclothes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs98BSIjGbhMMVvZE7sDXuNZ9qHum0NgzIiuo0tf1WxyL-OM7GOv44OXzNv0HqqNqAVuumF7D4M6tPr2n4pB8gjd9JJk863AxBmJLtQxD09BK6AMHle_J148f638Wlm9o-n-1s_yLFjo/s400/babyclothes.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And the third reason is that I am a true blue lover of buying crafting tools. It is in my blood to want the newest, funnest, coolest. And I know there are a lot of people out there like me. So I wanted to try it out and really tell you if it is worth your dollars.<br />
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So my son's teacher was having a birthday and I thought we could make her a letterpress birthday card together. She loves orange and I loved these fun circle flowers, so we went to work.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6ma-eZHZoB5D2NFYMd7U9h8d3XWVl5LMgFvSP5SdLo-zZadGbsG2S-390IIYJXsRId6DEXYjcUGhHOtUlrC2_X-QcNj8UNtTVXCkNGFjiqEMGaqR7y7ljIgTxQzI_IY94T1eqXyzP4Q/s1600/print2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6ma-eZHZoB5D2NFYMd7U9h8d3XWVl5LMgFvSP5SdLo-zZadGbsG2S-390IIYJXsRId6DEXYjcUGhHOtUlrC2_X-QcNj8UNtTVXCkNGFjiqEMGaqR7y7ljIgTxQzI_IY94T1eqXyzP4Q/s400/print2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have to say the quality of the ink and the paper that they sell is amazing. The cards and envelopes truely beautiful and something that you would be proud to send a wedding invitation on. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kI-j540ApDSjk67EvY7x-tLy_sH3qgTE9KV0BMKemLGHYsq2RGURHz8HqER1uv-LIPuaPxBpGEdygnrEsjvBt-EfyQx1PzfizHgvWZVV_NCZuykvPjUVg52_Pit7PRM3uizkuO-t_z0/s1600/print1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kI-j540ApDSjk67EvY7x-tLy_sH3qgTE9KV0BMKemLGHYsq2RGURHz8HqER1uv-LIPuaPxBpGEdygnrEsjvBt-EfyQx1PzfizHgvWZVV_NCZuykvPjUVg52_Pit7PRM3uizkuO-t_z0/s400/print1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So what did I think? <br />
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If you are someone that loves to make your own cards, either for holidays or parties, than this machine is definitely the perfect tool for you. The combination of letterpress and die cutting capability gives you an endless combination of cards. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72tfbUIY1FiZK_1Rvag0uSm4iIuBMtxjI_JMmj2CpQbulilhRF0IEx9VhjiNsyww6lCzFQWoSs4V4A6Eg6xawOJCd_QmeS25ksmCEDB3G_6pQkqGGkLw64-sgiv69xJUPyyaOYENmKpM/s1600/kerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72tfbUIY1FiZK_1Rvag0uSm4iIuBMtxjI_JMmj2CpQbulilhRF0IEx9VhjiNsyww6lCzFQWoSs4V4A6Eg6xawOJCd_QmeS25ksmCEDB3G_6pQkqGGkLw64-sgiv69xJUPyyaOYENmKpM/s400/kerry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">image from </span><a href="http://www.kerryspapercrafts.com/?p=2505"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Kerry's Craft Blog</span></a></div><br />
If you love making personalized favors for parties, this is also for you! I personally think the machine lives up to its full potential when you are creating multiple identical images. A lot of time goes into the set up, so printing 100 invitations wouldn't take much more time than printing 1. The machine has great guides and tools for making it easy to line up the paper for repeat prints.<br />
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The machine and the materials are all great quality. The only thing that I didn't like was the adhesive sheets that you use to attach the printing plates. You have to cut around the shapes, and the shapes I love the most are very intricate which means lots of time cutting. BUT I also happened to have some removable adhesive tape from my scrapbooking days and it worked perfectly with no cutting.<br />
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So although it is a little time consuming to make just one birthday card for your son's teacher, it is a great product for those of you that love to throw parties or make your own cards and on a regular basis. You will really love the end product.<br />
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Do you want an <a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/products/tools/epic-6-tool-letterpress-combo.html">Epic Combo Kit</a> and an assortment of goodies to try out for yourself? <br />
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To enter to win, just leave a comment letting me know what you would use your Epic Letterpress and Die Cut Machine to create.<br />
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Want a few more entries?<br />
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You can post about this giveaway on your blog, twitter, or your facebook page. Just leave an additional comment with a link to your post or tweet for an additional entry. (One additional entry)<br />
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Head over the the <a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/blog/">Lifestyle Crafts blog</a> and leave a comment, letting them know I sent you. Leave a comment here and let me know you stopped over to say hello and you will get an additional entry.<br />
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<blockquote>You have until Sunday, April 3, 2011 at midnight (CST) to enter. A winner will be chosen at random from all entries and announced the week of April 4th. Winner has 48 hours to contact me. If they fail to do so, they forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected.</blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you already own an Epic machine and want to pick up a few accessories, or if you just don't want to wait to pick up one of your own, make sure to enter the code <b>BLOGBEDIFFERENT</b> at check out you will get <b>20% your entire order</b> at</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">lifestylecrafts.com</a>. Valid </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">through April 3.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***Lifestyle Crafts provided me with an Epic Combo Kit and accessories for the purpose of the review. They are also providing an Epic Combo Kit and accessories as a prize to the winner of this giveaway. All opinions are my own and are based on my use of the machine.***</span></span></i></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
It is time to announce the winner of the Our Best Bites cookbook! There were over 600 entries for the Our Best Bites cookbook! You ladies must know how great this book is!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>So who is the lucky winner?</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr-SZfVeSoBKEdZWfstyhiDQGBKLd79pBpqHqyWVyXVfDncocbv4KqQ9SrcgOzNqUJjBMdtAtewy5w_Sdf38VgA2wdaYLdevEUgXsktOiyKCvnw2sG6DG3655maF7WtN3SC6xYLIf9pE/s1600/winner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr-SZfVeSoBKEdZWfstyhiDQGBKLd79pBpqHqyWVyXVfDncocbv4KqQ9SrcgOzNqUJjBMdtAtewy5w_Sdf38VgA2wdaYLdevEUgXsktOiyKCvnw2sG6DG3655maF7WtN3SC6xYLIf9pE/s1600/winner1.jpg" /></a></div><div>Kathie from Just A Happy Housewife</div><div><br />
</div><div>Congratulations Kathie! Please email me at lorieblogs (at) gmail (dot) com with your contact information so we can get the cookbook out to you ASAP!</div><div><br />
</div><div>For the rest of you, you can check out a ton of great recipes on the <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites</a> blog and pick up a copy of your own. It is a steal on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606419315?ie=UTF8&tag=bedifactnor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1606419315">Amazon</a> right now!</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606419315?ie=UTF8&tag=bedifactnor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1606419315"><img alt="Our Best Bites" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaBLBXe7ttn42NrVQQH5XiwKfcJ4eI4hXPKQboRoWg1JqHi0bmwiT8EAZ3WE5gSc5Grk8Shu0CZ4EaWcr5n8PuGaSs1AlF8jis8__6IYaptWoGXwh-5mz8LyjDoHkiUwUAfzxrX9Az7Xd/s200/Our+Best+Bites+Cover.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; height: 150px; width: 150px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div>The sweet ladies behind <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites</a> sent me a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606419315?ie=UTF8&tag=bedifactnor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1606419315">their new cookbook</a> to review. Before the book ever arrived at my house I knew I would love it. I think I have shared about 20 of their posts with you on my blog in the past year and I have loved every single recipe that I have tried. LOVED!<br />
<br />
Remember the <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/02/chocolate-chip-cookie-pie/">chocolate chip cookie pie</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXlGCF4lbZIUm-ZFgvojWXIdamnelZSOOxWnO1Y8wIgJvX9zwCTsUjh3lmy5Nz_1_5oVUimXlC14P9MA-w3j9tMIf4k2I3voTLy5s_Ka0kGj-Gdt7NfBHvX2faN4whbocx6C99m43deP9/s1600/chocolate+chip+cookie+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXlGCF4lbZIUm-ZFgvojWXIdamnelZSOOxWnO1Y8wIgJvX9zwCTsUjh3lmy5Nz_1_5oVUimXlC14P9MA-w3j9tMIf4k2I3voTLy5s_Ka0kGj-Gdt7NfBHvX2faN4whbocx6C99m43deP9/s1600/chocolate+chip+cookie+pie.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
I mean what is not to love!<br />
<br />
For every recipe that I have tried, my sister-in-law has tried ten. My favorite that she recommended to me was <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/06/spicy-honey-chicken/">Spicy Honey Chicken</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_DkTND72aL30Pq7D-uJh74vChmQMd0Pl_l2xyjvZpBoJ2JER7WhkSl6yaLdCFs9dGcUlgJ36Fow51Qmv8QNTFkZpd73SvCvzgBiHUn3INCnjTZvF-W0_B-jJ-Xmz-i0BuPlN5ZsGHZM/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_DkTND72aL30Pq7D-uJh74vChmQMd0Pl_l2xyjvZpBoJ2JER7WhkSl6yaLdCFs9dGcUlgJ36Fow51Qmv8QNTFkZpd73SvCvzgBiHUn3INCnjTZvF-W0_B-jJ-Xmz-i0BuPlN5ZsGHZM/s1600/chicken.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Which you have for dinner and make extra so that you can have <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/05/spicy-honey-chicken-salad/">this salad</a> the next day for lunch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV-WXzD7UpDn_SeHwkS5WvatebLvDHH5pKqYEBCTCr0G6qWkD6v1-O7eoDYH5k0_p6YS9dX2P2t0k5N9H5YF-xcRMQuiDgdXTJM7huF0vx3sBmoggBB3v9oC-PaBZnZkAsyAMnfogfiw/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV-WXzD7UpDn_SeHwkS5WvatebLvDHH5pKqYEBCTCr0G6qWkD6v1-O7eoDYH5k0_p6YS9dX2P2t0k5N9H5YF-xcRMQuiDgdXTJM7huF0vx3sBmoggBB3v9oC-PaBZnZkAsyAMnfogfiw/s1600/salad.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The first recipe I tried out from the new cookbook was the Vegetarian Black Bean Taquitos. <br />
<br />
<div class="mobile-photo"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYCc8cHfklgMmUyvxEhgkdq7wUzj6f42TAzwNt8PXUZU3Om9am6h4yXLPWS424d2GFg7W79eLygwboeQZsTGxve5lBqby5CewXqyPUfWM_G-Qjq9Cfixm3KNl0rMpPX_fRdSWiHzWZnk7/s1600/photo-779265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582116950936458274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYCc8cHfklgMmUyvxEhgkdq7wUzj6f42TAzwNt8PXUZU3Om9am6h4yXLPWS424d2GFg7W79eLygwboeQZsTGxve5lBqby5CewXqyPUfWM_G-Qjq9Cfixm3KNl0rMpPX_fRdSWiHzWZnk7/s320/photo-779265.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I had some cilantro lime ranch dressing left over from dinner the night before and thought this would be the perfect way to use them up. And I was right. I will be sharing this recipe with you later this week.<br />
<br />
Recipes are obviously the most important piece of a great cookbook, but next to that the Rollover Ingredients Index has to be my favorite part. These girls have listed all of the ingredients that you will have left over from a recipe and give you a list of other recipes in their cookbook that will use them up! Now you won't have to throw out the rest of that fresh basil or dump buttermilk down the drain. It is the perfect way to help you save money and a great way to plan your grocery list.<br />
<br />
And I won't even tell you how much I love the bookmark, because I am probably the only person that unintentionally closes my cookbook a dozen times while trying to make dinner.<br />
<br />
Honestly, the only thing I think I would change about the cookbook is the cover. It is super cute, but every time I pull it out to use is my 3-year-old thinks we are making cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606419315?ie=UTF8&tag=bedifactnor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1606419315"><img alt="Our Best Bites" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaBLBXe7ttn42NrVQQH5XiwKfcJ4eI4hXPKQboRoWg1JqHi0bmwiT8EAZ3WE5gSc5Grk8Shu0CZ4EaWcr5n8PuGaSs1AlF8jis8__6IYaptWoGXwh-5mz8LyjDoHkiUwUAfzxrX9Az7Xd/s200/Our+Best+Bites+Cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="200" /></a></div><br />
So, now to the fun part! You can win a copy of your very own!! Just leave a comment letting me know which recipe from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites</a> is your favorite. If you don't have a favorite yet, head over to their blog and let me know which one you want to try.<br />
<br />
Want more entries? Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or twitter and then leave a comment here with a link. (one entry for each, please leave each link in a separate comment).<br />
<br />
And for even more chances to win, you can subscribe to <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites</a> blog, follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/ourbestbites">Twitter</a>, and like their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Best-Bites/54209502594">Facebook Page</a>. <br />
<br />
So that is seven lucky chances to enter!!<br />
<br />
Good luck! You have until Midnight (CST) March 20, 2011 to enter. A winner will be chosen at random from all entries. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 21 and will need to respond within 48 hours.<br />
<br />
Our Best Bites provided me with a copy of their cookbook to review and a copy to giveaway to one of my readers. All opinions are my own.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
The winner of the $30 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.thepleatedpoppy.bigcartel.com/">The Pleated Poppy</a> is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://inreallifefaith.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoTHguuyEuwrWJh19iMetczBvt7H-CTpdv24DV4meWpZ4os4EgBGnTcFbYgGj4mANd5Led-6UPhA8WEPrzimB3WD3bZum64rJHVuCDV6_x-Um76BZrJC26DucyKC-K8jl0X4cNl5fXl0/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-08+at+1.07.22+PM.png" /></a></div><br />
Congratulations Ruth! Please send me your contact information to lorieblogs (at) gmail (dot) com so that I can send it over to Lindsey.<br />
<br />
If you didn't win and want to place an order over at her shop, she is offering free shipping on orders over $50 right now! So head over to <a href="http://shop.thepleatedpoppy.com/">The Pleated Poppy</a> and see what she has in stock! Or you can use the code DIFFERENT for 15% off of your order.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Today I get to give away a $30 shop credit to <a href="http://shop.thepleatedpoppy.com/">The Pleated Poppy</a>. I met Lindsey at Blissdom and got to see her cute wares in person, so I jumped at the chance to offer you guys a gift certificate.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNhbuTQHQVKil4Lrf-hV7k5Fhb5w8mJwp3wiS15gDQnlTTKa_keLdSIZMMHCwqscK4qXIdoSftYYtX5SBrgwoaeHOcc0tZ4L96BMlZd26h9AINpOueFJSURkohny_pWhsixwiYxp2Mm0/s1600/pp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNhbuTQHQVKil4Lrf-hV7k5Fhb5w8mJwp3wiS15gDQnlTTKa_keLdSIZMMHCwqscK4qXIdoSftYYtX5SBrgwoaeHOcc0tZ4L96BMlZd26h9AINpOueFJSURkohny_pWhsixwiYxp2Mm0/s400/pp5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
She sells all sorts of handmade beauties from petal pushers to checkbook covers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R7ter8mx1RGxPup4WP2RhMJ-EvavW7HN7GgpssGxJP1jDCDTromtogH9BXp4xncDnX4LiZaO7lXdC4grQGtNGmm6JoJX8UejlZcpx6xdQzynW_sd-fzneU8Z8HHNrjwpNWr2pT8Hat4/s1600/pp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R7ter8mx1RGxPup4WP2RhMJ-EvavW7HN7GgpssGxJP1jDCDTromtogH9BXp4xncDnX4LiZaO7lXdC4grQGtNGmm6JoJX8UejlZcpx6xdQzynW_sd-fzneU8Z8HHNrjwpNWr2pT8Hat4/s400/pp4.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is pretty enough that I might actually want to write more checks just so I could show it off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of her items come in a ton of fun patterns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNdFbcXcrU0W30VmM0oMV0-7_89pwCWh0FKoJw9Ji8N2XuD8wG6fzgpAwyey8MC2dl9DBbKsybClZFt-eP6iKXPY2o3fR7gBuxwXuroy9Ssd0sa7tFghhhZ9A09zJJ6Zk3HZN2oO5egk/s1600/pp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNdFbcXcrU0W30VmM0oMV0-7_89pwCWh0FKoJw9Ji8N2XuD8wG6fzgpAwyey8MC2dl9DBbKsybClZFt-eP6iKXPY2o3fR7gBuxwXuroy9Ssd0sa7tFghhhZ9A09zJJ6Zk3HZN2oO5egk/s400/pp3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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And great colors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBvBFAGBWPT15e8Qx5Nh6SIBGF2LNpRdkdyRQYOGohXQB_IQF9Tc1MD_dhmgecvjFY4piJQziyj2cK_zh1PJATwUwdN1_FK8738AOAWycW3nD4X0VogeXaPQchOqSURGKTwt8HcVT9sI/s1600/petal+pushers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBvBFAGBWPT15e8Qx5Nh6SIBGF2LNpRdkdyRQYOGohXQB_IQF9Tc1MD_dhmgecvjFY4piJQziyj2cK_zh1PJATwUwdN1_FK8738AOAWycW3nD4X0VogeXaPQchOqSURGKTwt8HcVT9sI/s400/petal+pushers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if you can keep them away from your teenage daughter long enough, these cute zippered pouches would make a cute make up bag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf_Yc1zqcS6NK8UjksSYgBRFwGYH42aiEotyV3YSY_QQ53RCnSFYbR92eQT3AxsUee6OhZvoe0OhWypJNOnRbAe3EFKVJ65Ku_tbrdikHRHoONdbh_EqymY-u59BtLV298VxcuBas0XE/s1600/pp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf_Yc1zqcS6NK8UjksSYgBRFwGYH42aiEotyV3YSY_QQ53RCnSFYbR92eQT3AxsUee6OhZvoe0OhWypJNOnRbAe3EFKVJ65Ku_tbrdikHRHoONdbh_EqymY-u59BtLV298VxcuBas0XE/s400/pp7.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But after you put your make up in them they will be even more attractive to your teenage daughter. If you have a teenage daughter, you might want to pick up two of these.<br />
<br />
So do you want to win a $30 gift certificate? Head over to <a href="http://shop.thepleatedpoppy.com/">The Pleated Poppy</a> and check out all of the cute items she sells. Then come back and tell me how you would use your gift certificate. <br />
<br />
For a second entry, head over to <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog">The Pleated Poppy Blog</a> and say hello. Leave her a comment and make sure to leave one here too so I know to give you a second entry.<br />
<br />
For another entry, you can blog about the giveaway or post about it on twitter. Heck, you can do both if you like. Then leave a comment (one for each) with a link back to your post or tweet. Just make sure to link back to this page. <br />
<br />
Here is a shortened url that you can use for your tweet: http://bit.ly/gVz5kg<br />
<br />
Good luck! I can promise you that once you check out Lindsey's shop you will want some of these goodies for your own! If you can't wait, then make sure to use the code <b>DIFFERENT </b>at checkout and you will get 15% off of your order.<br />
<br />
You have until midnight (CST) Monday, March 7, 2011 to enter. A winner will be chosen at random from all entries. I will post the winner on Tuesday March 8, 2011 and the winner will have 48 hours to contact me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39qBfgcZkde3qiOnGQrenK1kMyQarT-k2I20-d2pLpCmYgK2KytrGR1gzOPqp_dQG1BqPOyqIy0jqXcxSxzJQWZSbNNGIdt4qx52mTGYsMmc2uf2wAQHeD4a3aXG7DkKtxwCsknShTdE/s1600/kneeling+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39qBfgcZkde3qiOnGQrenK1kMyQarT-k2I20-d2pLpCmYgK2KytrGR1gzOPqp_dQG1BqPOyqIy0jqXcxSxzJQWZSbNNGIdt4qx52mTGYsMmc2uf2wAQHeD4a3aXG7DkKtxwCsknShTdE/s1600/kneeling+santa.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Make sure to follow the Say It On The Wall on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/sayitonthewall">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sayitonthewall">Facebook</a>, or their <a href="http://sayitonthewall.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> so that you will know about these deals when they become available!<br />
<br />
Now for the winners! (****drumroll****)<br />
<br />
The first winner is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13489140367998070626">Andrea</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBZ2Zp5bK2gxtcrf-2EkcbkEm0Ev1S4iOSeMH7JN732XD9oZZa0bSAXr0afbt8Xvc9k1n1ymvbeEexZ3LpD0ApgobD6g2JKITyJvrZQ8GenAa45_DvryD3mAVAvSh-w0yxef4_pzh98c/s1600/siotwwinner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBZ2Zp5bK2gxtcrf-2EkcbkEm0Ev1S4iOSeMH7JN732XD9oZZa0bSAXr0afbt8Xvc9k1n1ymvbeEexZ3LpD0ApgobD6g2JKITyJvrZQ8GenAa45_DvryD3mAVAvSh-w0yxef4_pzh98c/s1600/siotwwinner1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And winner number two is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17606112329017695679">Kelly</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTy0ULndcCIIw7L8WHPb7oDrs-DS3KgYBnBxEMSul4an6mX1fEagPwM5tdI9m2-xUyOG06e-tm3xJb5BQFqIUGOy6j901MIa3GxOWw_4-o3kdQNM0ku0IZipenpxSjRrpGAU0aqwlC7s/s1600/siotwwinner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTy0ULndcCIIw7L8WHPb7oDrs-DS3KgYBnBxEMSul4an6mX1fEagPwM5tdI9m2-xUyOG06e-tm3xJb5BQFqIUGOy6j901MIa3GxOWw_4-o3kdQNM0ku0IZipenpxSjRrpGAU0aqwlC7s/s1600/siotwwinner2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Congratulations ladies! I need both of you to email me at lorieblogs (at) gmail (dot) com so that I can forward your information to Say It On The Wall.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A big, HUGE Congratulations goes to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05768718119206497104">Suesan</a> of <a href="http://froufrugal.blogspot.com/">Fru Fru Gal</a>!!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWipykKnl8qttFG35bNaxm17qm_CF2haz-FurXa-_UsdP0ZMseyfZFmziev8ossD6tjldyXZyEiE8Z9fN7-IadtZfjHoEsAH46QpU90rrPQtJSM6DeFIJAahPKYCgtvBkkQiSmZhXPy3s/s1600/suesan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWipykKnl8qttFG35bNaxm17qm_CF2haz-FurXa-_UsdP0ZMseyfZFmziev8ossD6tjldyXZyEiE8Z9fN7-IadtZfjHoEsAH46QpU90rrPQtJSM6DeFIJAahPKYCgtvBkkQiSmZhXPy3s/s1600/suesan.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Suesan, you are the winner of the Silhouette SD Digital Cutter! Please email me with your contact information ASAP so that I can get that over to the people at Silhouette America!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=BDa55bhviuxdnfetkaslrktu982hh5hs30989y89777" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silhouette Electronic Cutting Tool" src="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/blog/Silhouette125x125.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; height: 125px; width: 125px;" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I wish I could give one away to all of you, but at least I can offer you this great discount! Today is the last day to use the code <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bedifferent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">to get $100 off of the Silhouette SD AND to get the Home Decor CD, Vinyl, and Vinyl Transfer Paper for FREE! You don't even have to put those in your cart! Once you enter the code, the free goodies will magically appear in your shopping cart! So for $199 you will get almost $400 worth of goodies!! So head over to <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/default.aspx?mid=BDa55bhviuxdnfetkaslrktu982hh5hs30989y89777">Silhouette</a> and take advantage of this deal before it is gone!</span></b></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
I did sneak in a few things before I left town. I used some of the shapes that come free with the Silhouette and a font I already had on my computer to print out some labels:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS_KLIvk1KRpBGge-nrov25f2br2YHmSUb53F5Z1WFEr7liXXQEhQNHnR61tDznMnv-HGIv9YH_Sypd9GdWFbQmDQ4KgFE1nXX-LTRzUF_pe6tITcVOxFTrDgIVOG0b-O5St1CIJHoJk/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS_KLIvk1KRpBGge-nrov25f2br2YHmSUb53F5Z1WFEr7liXXQEhQNHnR61tDznMnv-HGIv9YH_Sypd9GdWFbQmDQ4KgFE1nXX-LTRzUF_pe6tITcVOxFTrDgIVOG0b-O5St1CIJHoJk/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" /></a></div><br />
They couldn't have been easier to make. I chose one of the shapes that came with my Silhouette:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b0ZKbVEWxhg3zPjnSegVOYyrlOobLWCRXNWC375ny_Wxqa4oJsgMtCQsqHWYJWTJfN8hGMWzC3asId06iaRfQ8BTiCw-OnTSdgxRSRy92IDUPLvpaTGj2xN2Byliix6SKxcuNzaCBAc/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.29.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b0ZKbVEWxhg3zPjnSegVOYyrlOobLWCRXNWC375ny_Wxqa4oJsgMtCQsqHWYJWTJfN8hGMWzC3asId06iaRfQ8BTiCw-OnTSdgxRSRy92IDUPLvpaTGj2xN2Byliix6SKxcuNzaCBAc/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.29.10+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And with a simple double click it appears on the work area:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggegWTRUO6b2j4jEMZxpfLP6VmI7hLNWk4Hb_NTKbdJUraUC3MsrCytD5FUY53R8leQO6ZNXpI7sfR5Dd3a0ONfzLiefw4hixyolmZyn42IFE2SJbA1_aCC9cxVoxhEbXFGM_gpF0LClY/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.29.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggegWTRUO6b2j4jEMZxpfLP6VmI7hLNWk4Hb_NTKbdJUraUC3MsrCytD5FUY53R8leQO6ZNXpI7sfR5Dd3a0ONfzLiefw4hixyolmZyn42IFE2SJbA1_aCC9cxVoxhEbXFGM_gpF0LClY/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.29.28+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
With another double click I can resize and move the image:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec1BigNsCOFoF_JZ3yv1axCvKzI-qJweUdTw0efBm_DQH7pSA40eA4BWoQyrpk69sDHbTesQ8_QMwKqkEbp7iHgAzvG-U-84zHkjaC7kq2tGYzazCv0etolN_jvLruNl7XH6lBSp_HUg/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.29.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec1BigNsCOFoF_JZ3yv1axCvKzI-qJweUdTw0efBm_DQH7pSA40eA4BWoQyrpk69sDHbTesQ8_QMwKqkEbp7iHgAzvG-U-84zHkjaC7kq2tGYzazCv0etolN_jvLruNl7XH6lBSp_HUg/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.29.44+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I make it a little smaller and move it to the top left so that it doesn't waste vinyl when it is time to cut:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIvmK13jTwkL2y7XVcHRUV2CGjlKwASLNvqxZNvsac7rxlYiB5uiN2ZAOvmvmEWRclUrH6t2QIt6EH7_ofhtSUyeQAof6sSA4duC7Pfht8bsxxKzQvfBNpAY9_wbKKE7hyphenhyphenI9mEM3pCc0/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.30.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIvmK13jTwkL2y7XVcHRUV2CGjlKwASLNvqxZNvsac7rxlYiB5uiN2ZAOvmvmEWRclUrH6t2QIt6EH7_ofhtSUyeQAof6sSA4duC7Pfht8bsxxKzQvfBNpAY9_wbKKE7hyphenhyphenI9mEM3pCc0/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.30.10+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Next I select the Text too (hard to see on this image, but it is the A that is grey):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX96PiZ5t2ip6jKIgnL9cgTwzL6XSf4zPXwumqhU_RD662QlTo7_ZsAByCa20m0c_hqYiMi7_W1J172I-JRkSUEU26emyP02Hr_1oK3si2hgU-dJGfda6Pj28y6yf3EU2eV7Z1LHjmYzE/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.30.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX96PiZ5t2ip6jKIgnL9cgTwzL6XSf4zPXwumqhU_RD662QlTo7_ZsAByCa20m0c_hqYiMi7_W1J172I-JRkSUEU26emyP02Hr_1oK3si2hgU-dJGfda6Pj28y6yf3EU2eV7Z1LHjmYzE/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.30.43+PM.png" width="116" /></a></div><br />
And then click on the work area and start typing:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92tGdRLVKfaP081M_-CF7p-3npxJojxxVOIuIPVAerSuE_JEgb57yT8gFc56UF5mXD-BBSCHTL2OkTYtXlRxGtawW3hWcleLaChi19nqKwWle4TCZgvtFpNGBp51YLxady_oxBwt8jQ0/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.34.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92tGdRLVKfaP081M_-CF7p-3npxJojxxVOIuIPVAerSuE_JEgb57yT8gFc56UF5mXD-BBSCHTL2OkTYtXlRxGtawW3hWcleLaChi19nqKwWle4TCZgvtFpNGBp51YLxady_oxBwt8jQ0/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-27+at+11.34.26+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You can manipulate the size and shape just like you would in Photoshop or even a word document. When you have it the way you want it you send it to your Silhouette the same way you would send it to your printer.<br />
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Easy Peasy!<br />
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And I have some video I will be showing you in the coming weeks that will show you just how easy it all is!<br />
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Stay tune, and if you haven't entered to win the Silhouette SD that I am giving away, you can do that over on the <a href="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2010/11/silhouette-sd-review-and-giveaway.html">Silhouette Giveaway Post</a>. You have until tomorrow morning to enter!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaPR1reXRDneVt6Mc5AOhIH8lUhTlVfJkImg4TWdus1Qtiu32yYTxDn7Rc9s2eOeNt_ew-TzPs4RVQogphv4BZofDxsD1ErrILApsugdkdHhlkKCA9idWNyzfh-5SKFOnN_Qsga_H0eA/s1600/silhouette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaPR1reXRDneVt6Mc5AOhIH8lUhTlVfJkImg4TWdus1Qtiu32yYTxDn7Rc9s2eOeNt_ew-TzPs4RVQogphv4BZofDxsD1ErrILApsugdkdHhlkKCA9idWNyzfh-5SKFOnN_Qsga_H0eA/s320/silhouette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One of you will be getting this pretty little cutter and all of the fun that comes in the box with it! I just got mine yesterday and I have not stopped playing with it since it showed up at my door. There are paper turkeys lying all over my house and a million projects swimming around in my head. <br />
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I should be getting ready for Thanksgiving, but instead I have been playing with some of my fun <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=BDa55bhviuxdnfetkaslrktu982hh5hs30989y89777">Silhouette products</a>. I used some vinyl and changed my pantry labels from this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQURPh541r1cFb0gaVJd559VUQ9WQrBOItRbUx3C3lSRNbpEyv6PRV6_80WdAhV9VqpoEiX_qRo2VpXNwku6URKVfYy96ux0TELTBbQsJTyZVRpkg_w2PnxHDDZ3lIStjbbyLD3e6KDI/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQURPh541r1cFb0gaVJd559VUQ9WQrBOItRbUx3C3lSRNbpEyv6PRV6_80WdAhV9VqpoEiX_qRo2VpXNwku6URKVfYy96ux0TELTBbQsJTyZVRpkg_w2PnxHDDZ3lIStjbbyLD3e6KDI/s320/IMG_0220.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
to this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS_KLIvk1KRpBGge-nrov25f2br2YHmSUb53F5Z1WFEr7liXXQEhQNHnR61tDznMnv-HGIv9YH_Sypd9GdWFbQmDQ4KgFE1nXX-LTRzUF_pe6tITcVOxFTrDgIVOG0b-O5St1CIJHoJk/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS_KLIvk1KRpBGge-nrov25f2br2YHmSUb53F5Z1WFEr7liXXQEhQNHnR61tDznMnv-HGIv9YH_Sypd9GdWFbQmDQ4KgFE1nXX-LTRzUF_pe6tITcVOxFTrDgIVOG0b-O5St1CIJHoJk/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And turned one of Ruby's plain red shirts into this cute white flocked Christmas tree shirt:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLFYONDR7eabvn_bY_KaIrUAq2G1HMVIWIQA45ARp78I25p0RPCcg7h5t7H9bXxMr900vyjbVkpp_OHPpN0u_qR6WUQYbAueX1rN88oP7h1jMjfO7FogzkNbkC5P-yBAKqRDh-iNoVsw/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLFYONDR7eabvn_bY_KaIrUAq2G1HMVIWIQA45ARp78I25p0RPCcg7h5t7H9bXxMr900vyjbVkpp_OHPpN0u_qR6WUQYbAueX1rN88oP7h1jMjfO7FogzkNbkC5P-yBAKqRDh-iNoVsw/s400/IMG_0237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I still have so many fun products to play with and I can't wait to share some tutorials with you (I might even throw in a VIDEO or two!<br />
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I will be posting a full review later this week, but I couldn't be happier with this machine! It is SUPER light way, easy to set up, and I honestly had cut out a paper turkey within 2 minutes of setting it up. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGFJCXfOa0A_zHBkHSgYBxyKh37NYsUnyBq3WYOz54s_bPTDSnFbwJdkifJile4fpAmM5SNwgbk68emZSLqt27-p_X0vChX7Q3gGZYKwRJz8x623J9qC9yr7mBFHBHy4f98EtwpQK56Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-23+at+4.56.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGFJCXfOa0A_zHBkHSgYBxyKh37NYsUnyBq3WYOz54s_bPTDSnFbwJdkifJile4fpAmM5SNwgbk68emZSLqt27-p_X0vChX7Q3gGZYKwRJz8x623J9qC9yr7mBFHBHy4f98EtwpQK56Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-23+at+4.56.27+PM.png" /></a></div><br />
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So now to the fun part!!! <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote>To enter to win, leave me a comment below and let me know why you would like to win the Silhouette SD.</blockquote><blockquote>Want some additional entries?</blockquote><blockquote>Head over to <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=BDa55bhviuxdnfetkaslrktu982hh5hs30989y89777"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Silhouette</span></a> and tell me which products you would like to try with your new Silhouette SD!</blockquote><blockquote>Stop by the Silhouette Blog and leave a comment letting them know that Lorie from Be Different, Act Normal sent you or become a follower of their blog. Either one gets you another entry. Just leave a comment letting me know. </blockquote><blockquote>Post about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"></span>Then leave a link in the comment section of this post. You can even do all three and earn three different entries. </blockquote><blockquote>You can use this tweet if you like: </blockquote><blockquote>@<a class=" twitter-atreply" data-screen-name="milliemux" href="http://twitter.com/milliemux" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">milliemux</span></a> is giving away a <a class=" twitter-hashtag" href="http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23silhouette" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="#silhouette"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">#silhouette</span></a> <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2010/11/silhouette-sd-review-and-giveaway.html/" href="http://bit.ly/dLCESs" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" target="_blank" title="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2010/11/silhouette-sd-review-and-giveaway.html/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">http://bit.ly/dLCESs</span></a></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"></span></blockquote><blockquote>And last but not least become a subscriber or Follower to <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Be Different, Act Normal</span></a>. Leave me a comment and let me know if you are a long time follower, or brand new to <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">my blog</span></a>.</blockquote><blockquote>That should just about cover it!</blockquote><br />
You have until 10:00 AM MST on Monday November 29, 2010 to enter. A winner will be randomly chosen from all entries and announced within the hour. Why so quickly? Because if you don't win, you will still have a chance to use the AMAZING discount code that <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/default.aspx?mid=BDa55bhviuxdnfetkaslrktu982hh5hs30989y89777">Silhouette</a> has offered to my readers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/landing.aspx?mid=BDa55bhviuxdnfetkaslrktu982hh5hs30989y89777"><img alt="Silhouette Electronic Cutting Tool" src="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/blog/Silhouette125x125.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; height: 125px; width: 125px;" /></a></div><br />
You have until November 29th to use the code <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bedifferent</span></b> to receive $100 off the purchase of a Silhouette SD. You will get the machine for $199! And to make the deal even sweeter Silhouette has thrown in a roll of vinyl, a roll of transfer paper, and their Home Decor CD for FREE!<br />
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Your shopping cart will look like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKIqhX3Y0VwS6nLuvyG92PflCyC2QSyZpEb-7ai_8QXoSYWh6kq1Cd4_KUIs2BPEZJ0FDbf9DFUep3HjuC_w9Z7dC9th9mv2uStTJdT-hhofJ5LrqDLoO1Vn0CczfJqK2DdlOuBMyHGw/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-23+at+5.26.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKIqhX3Y0VwS6nLuvyG92PflCyC2QSyZpEb-7ai_8QXoSYWh6kq1Cd4_KUIs2BPEZJ0FDbf9DFUep3HjuC_w9Z7dC9th9mv2uStTJdT-hhofJ5LrqDLoO1Vn0CczfJqK2DdlOuBMyHGw/s400/Screen+shot+2010-11-23+at+5.26.19+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Free is so fun!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/p/disclaimer.html">Disclosure</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Silhouette America provided me with a Silhouette SD to use and review along with a second machine to give away to my readers. All opinions shared regarding the machine and use of the machine are my own.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Silhouette America currently only ships within the United States. The contest is open to anyone with a shipping address within the US.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">***This giveaway has ended***</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZX1Uk97ARuAz7xH2ng5yI-I65-RCSXPzTLrwCAz8Bl1Hnm_W_F3YBP4qsDh7h5SRlY7hC5IgPc_3vlu4qTONE2jZA71dJli3MHebylU-gc_FcYG3N7rXTb2kVkimYshlMDemK0PaBs/s400/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZX1Uk97ARuAz7xH2ng5yI-I65-RCSXPzTLrwCAz8Bl1Hnm_W_F3YBP4qsDh7h5SRlY7hC5IgPc_3vlu4qTONE2jZA71dJli3MHebylU-gc_FcYG3N7rXTb2kVkimYshlMDemK0PaBs/s400/Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They were from <a href="http://www.sayitonthewall.com/products/view/97/Glass_Block_Nativity-Vinyl_Only">Say It On The Wall</a> and I <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2008/09/christmas-blocks.html">immediately wrote a post</a> about them, even though it was only September. To this day they are still my favorite Christmas find.<br />
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Every week through Christmas, Laura adds a new item of the week to her blog. And the best thing about the item of the week is that they are 40% off! This week, her item is a <a href="http://www.sayitonthewall.com/products/category/109/Wise_Men_Still_Seek_Him">new take on the glass blocks that I love</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2GhPaJwqZCBu4bk6yONN2rPsk_bUfPGIAkASc7m4ZsGCagohcHUe4tqtUgpiAakV4MJY9i0oBirWc1VnBomkiwGKf1SstDc39L7W4RB1qmyUq2izDXF4KOBgx5yAF5W7aQxxZVNTw5k/s1600/wisemen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2GhPaJwqZCBu4bk6yONN2rPsk_bUfPGIAkASc7m4ZsGCagohcHUe4tqtUgpiAakV4MJY9i0oBirWc1VnBomkiwGKf1SstDc39L7W4RB1qmyUq2izDXF4KOBgx5yAF5W7aQxxZVNTw5k/s400/wisemen1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And you can get it for 40% off using the code </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">WISEMEN40. And the same design comes in two other styles that you can see </span></span><a href="http://www.sayitonthewall.com/products/category/109/Wise_Men_Still_Seek_Him"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">HERE</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. And ALL THREE are 40% off with the same code!</span><br />
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And as if that deal wasn't sweet enough, Laura has offered to give away a $20 gift certificate to TWO of my readers!! It is the perfect time to pick up one of these nativity sets to add to your Christmas decorations or even give one to a friend as a Christmas gift. Or you can spend it on some of her other amazing pieces. She has vinyl for just about everything and amazing projects to demonstrate ways you can use it. <br />
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If you would like to enter to win one of the $20 gift certificates, please head over to the <a href="http://sayitonthewall.blogspot.com/">Say It On The Wall blog</a> and become a follower. Then head back here and leave me a message letting me know.<br />
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For a second entry, head over to Facebook and become a fan of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sayitonthewall">Say It On The Wall</a>, then leave me another comment here.<br />
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And last but not least, <a href="http://www.sayitonthewall.com/affiliates/">Say It On The Wall</a> has a really great <a href="http://www.sayitonthewall.com/affiliates/">affiliate program</a>. If you sign up to be an affiliate, you get to earn money from all sales that you refer and you get an extra entry for this contest. Just leave me a comment letting me know you signed up!<br />
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You have until midnight (PST) Sunday November 28th to enter. A winner will be selected at random from all entries and will be announced here on or after Monday, November 29th.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
is comment #31:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cheerios.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fItmW2hj1Ez_y7F8mR_oJ_6s8ndoPbXO6bb0MIWeSmyH-dEg0oqetyM7i4xUZ3EW8ZQe_d5pDuMl7z6frsXZo1-9BZ_dgktS5n1fXpDgfzTeUzgDU02CN7ZVWZARpA21twhzHcbp2JM/s1600/cheerios.gif" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DWPkVDAKlja_L_6genO6HPUpmh-qg5qDwOoE1J8OcRNj-qr-vi95esH-c5z5474WTX-LWwmpvRlT7WCgkKSuV_krKslirXvUiANw_Gg0rRqvPDIQCrxMR53SMax1wJyaVpfP-xTPA90/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-18+at+12.47.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DWPkVDAKlja_L_6genO6HPUpmh-qg5qDwOoE1J8OcRNj-qr-vi95esH-c5z5474WTX-LWwmpvRlT7WCgkKSuV_krKslirXvUiANw_Gg0rRqvPDIQCrxMR53SMax1wJyaVpfP-xTPA90/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-18+at+12.47.04+PM.png" /></a></div><br />
Congrats to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10898717517169332868">rickimoo</a>! Her profile says she is a babysitting grandma, so I am sure she will get a lot of use out of these 5 books and the box of yummy Cheerios! Not to mention the gift card from Barnes & Noble!<br />
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Rickimoo, please email me with your contact information.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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As a mom there are some simple pleasures in life. A good cereal that your kids actually want to eat without dumping an entire bowl of sugar on it. When said cereal has a good book inside as a prize instead of a plastic toy that I am going to want to throw the first time the kids aren't looking. When said book is easy to get out of the box without having to dig through the cereal.<br />
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Cheerios has always been one of our favorite cereals, with or without milk, and right now with Cheerios <a href="http://pages.simonandschuster.com/spoonfulsofstories/">Spoon Full of Stories Initiative</a> you get one of five great children's books in each specially marked box and they will make a $300,000 financial donation to <a href="http://www.firstbook.org/site/c.lwKYJ8NVJvF/b.674095/k.CCA8/First_Book_Homepage.htm">First Book</a>, an award-winning national nonprofit that helps get books into the hands of children in need.<br />
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Good cereal, good books, and a good cause. You can't really beat that for breakfast in the morning!<br />
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Cheerios sent me a prize pack that included a box of Cheerios, <a href="http://pages.simonandschuster.com/spoonfulsofstories/">all five of the books</a> you will find in the specially marked Cheerios boxes and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble. They want to send you a prize pack too! <br />
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To enter to win, leave a comment on this post telling me about your favorite book to read to children. <br />
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Want a second entry? Check out the books offered through the <a href="http://pages.simonandschuster.com/spoonfulsofstories/">Cheerios Spoon Full of Stories</a> and let me know which one you think will be your favorite.<br />
<br />
(Ruby's favorite is Chaucer's First Winter by Stephen Krensky),<br />
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You have until 11:59 PM (CST) on Wednesday November 17, 2010 to enter to win. Winner will be chosen at random from all entries and announced on Thursday November 18th.<br />
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<i>Cheerios, through My Blog Spark, sent me information about the Spoon Full of Stories Initiative and the prize pack mentioned in this post</i><br />
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<span id="goog_1423074116"></span><span id="goog_1423074117"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqUSVRZgyo3x89gvkKMTEz1KFaXXFO4snkhEnopt-cCryocunrS0USa85pGBN-lVx3cRsBCh5hyphenhyphen8sX9pTmu0dSJnI08J4UZSxrP9e9kFpDtlf7xdUcUypAqdMcL4PuRJHVAG1Cpo2I2U/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqUSVRZgyo3x89gvkKMTEz1KFaXXFO4snkhEnopt-cCryocunrS0USa85pGBN-lVx3cRsBCh5hyphenhyphen8sX9pTmu0dSJnI08J4UZSxrP9e9kFpDtlf7xdUcUypAqdMcL4PuRJHVAG1Cpo2I2U/s1600/winner.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02181835406763007399">ReimFam</a>, is going to have a good time using them!<br />
<br />
Congratulations to our winner! Please email me your contact information so that we can get you prize package out to you ASAP!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.howdoesshe.com/wp-content/uploads/Silhouette-Button-3.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
And if you think THIS giveaway was fun, you are going to love what I am giving away the day after Thanksgiving. Make sure to mark your calendars to come back on November 26th!<br />
<br />
Also! you still have tine to get 25% off all Silhouette accessories by using the code <b>NORMAL</b> at check out! That offer is good until the 13th at midnight!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.howdoesshe.com/wp-content/uploads/Silhouette-Button-3.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You have just over 24 hours to enter to win the $50 Silhouette Product Bundle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enter to win <a href="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2010/11/silhouette-bundle-review-and-giveaway.html">HERE</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/">Silhouette</a> and <a href="http://howdoesshe.com/">How Does She</a> contacted me about reviewing some Silhouette products. They sent heat transfers, tattoo paper, and magnet paper for me to try out. I do not own a silhouette machine, so I thought it would be interesting to see what you could do with these products with just a printer and a pair of scissors.<br />
<br />
Silhouette has a fun print and cut feature that will let you print out images on your inkjet printer and then the silhouette is able to cut out the same shapes. This can make for some pretty fun tattoos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/K1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/K1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This product is probably the item that I enjoyed the most. You can get almost identical results without the Silhouette and it is easy to use. Silhouette recommends that you use an inkjet printer for the best results, but I wanted to see how it would perform with my laser printer. I didn't have any problems with smearing or the image transferring with my laser printer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can personalize them to match a party theme, add them as an accessory to a costume, or just let the kids play with different designs. I will be keeping some on hand to make tattoos with my contact information any time that we go to a theme park. If we get separated, my youngest who is too little to remember our phone numbers will have our information. It works for trick or treating too:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixEJobFWxGsQaFWrEictLqhyphenhyphenmMWRbuz6TBK2E-Gwt6cL2ZUUdS9ad_9jXmG5JokGU0ixQgLlWzfCI5ddVNd6ha-0dXQQAbeHz6qiDAe3hSUWKackAl2PNOk_MhM_0ogbCpxTHi6PdVnw/s1600/silh11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixEJobFWxGsQaFWrEictLqhyphenhyphenmMWRbuz6TBK2E-Gwt6cL2ZUUdS9ad_9jXmG5JokGU0ixQgLlWzfCI5ddVNd6ha-0dXQQAbeHz6qiDAe3hSUWKackAl2PNOk_MhM_0ogbCpxTHi6PdVnw/s400/silh11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFcnXcX5h4s0IDKudJ0KGuoQqXexBtuZ2WliN84luaoZnqjFWDhnY2u2WB0I6rhAjWr9FANqwF2xqH96irwSgWfAMfvOlR6-fOklUYTwLg_hDJLgUDEh_FZ3P4mMMHWVfcZhagpSLGGQ/s1600/silh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFcnXcX5h4s0IDKudJ0KGuoQqXexBtuZ2WliN84luaoZnqjFWDhnY2u2WB0I6rhAjWr9FANqwF2xqH96irwSgWfAMfvOlR6-fOklUYTwLg_hDJLgUDEh_FZ3P4mMMHWVfcZhagpSLGGQ/s400/silh1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next item I received was heat transfer material. With the machine, you could make some pretty great designs for shirts, hats, shoes, or even curtains and pillows:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/PinkShirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/PinkShirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But without a personal cutter you can still cut out any shape that you are talented enough to create with scissors. I personally would stick to basic shapes and letters without the machine:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/waltonShirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/waltonShirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They do offer Printable Heat Transfer Material that would allow you a lot more options with just your printer and scissors:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/PCflowerShirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/img/projects/new/PCflowerShirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final item that I was sent to review was their magnetic paper. Before I received the product I was concerned about the thickness. I was worried about my printer and how easy it would be to cut with just scissors. I was pleasantly surprised by how thin and light weight it was, but it was still strong enough to hold a picture on my fridge. There is nothing worse than a magnet that doesn't work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used it again for contact information. This time to keep the important info on the fridge for babysitters:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLyHiKiL7lruUis9K_Axeb3tzNsX-aNxBQoQezmdV4DssYNA9jmLxm0jzHO0f8LTlQVBLj_eFv1PO9s9GgFGVr1nWn01fv5XlIywouQ-l9y9de6TQcQV39oQJjpTYAuC1iN-GTRKpVGE/s1600/silh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLyHiKiL7lruUis9K_Axeb3tzNsX-aNxBQoQezmdV4DssYNA9jmLxm0jzHO0f8LTlQVBLj_eFv1PO9s9GgFGVr1nWn01fv5XlIywouQ-l9y9de6TQcQV39oQJjpTYAuC1iN-GTRKpVGE/s400/silh2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made two versions, one with my real info and this one with generic info to photograph, but when I went to switch them out I made a discovery. They stick to each other really well, but they are also really easy to separate. So for my next project I am going to take my daughters <a href="http://bedifferentactnormal2.blogspot.com/2010/06/mini-me-paper-dolls-by-lily-and-thistle.html">printable paper dolls</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6bGoG2fk79HeyZJVbwbuv76tSks99F6Jdga-2r-kQ5JfUefad87tRxMGzRVuMSUgcrg8x-S3jyTq8LoYg7_UWdlRtdJaHaJMu87GTfgISR0QzViS0HxBSGH86OYis4uxxgaKCUUcrYw/s320/doll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6bGoG2fk79HeyZJVbwbuv76tSks99F6Jdga-2r-kQ5JfUefad87tRxMGzRVuMSUgcrg8x-S3jyTq8LoYg7_UWdlRtdJaHaJMu87GTfgISR0QzViS0HxBSGH86OYis4uxxgaKCUUcrYw/s320/doll2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and print them out on the magnet paper to make her a magnetic dress up set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would love to hear what you would do with these products. Silhouette is giving away a $50 Bundle that includes 2 Heat Transfer Rolls (Yellow and White Smooth), 1 Tattoo Pack and 1 Magnet Sheet Pack to one of my readers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To enter to win, head over to <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/">Silhouette</a> and check out some other great projects you can make with these products. Then leave a comment letting me know what you would create with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want a second entry, head over to the <a href="http://silhouettemachine.blogspot.com/">Silhouette Blog</a> and become a Follower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>You have until midnight (EST) November 9th to enter. One winner will be selected at random and announced on November 10th</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Silhouette products can only be sent to a winner living in the states and a winner may only win once, even if it’s from a different host.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>In addition to the giveaway, Silhouette is offering a discount for my readers. From now until November 13th at midnight, you can use the code </i><b><i>NORMAL</i></b><i> to receive 25% off on all their accessories. </i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was given a $50 Silhouette Bundle to review by Silhouette and How Does She. Although the product was provided free of charge, I was not compensated monetarily for this post and the opinions are my own. If they didn't work or I didn't like them I could and would have sent them back and not offered the product as a giveaway.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Loriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01677588485104564266noreply@blogger.com166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333046081613180002.post-88693048186476147022010-10-17T19:23:00.003-05:002010-10-19T15:44:29.022-05:00Scribblish WinnerCongratulations to:<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsDtL5I5D52E9vXjrrdyBEO5buCrFcUmkp3rFQ1TQCaQ9R_wTSSqwEKsYlYKhQCN27LgeXmEjIRm5wyv9cD1pyc51n3-KVoBWSw20CMylA2RXI7bgn5iRCf-Yhca2qW3DQ_fzYcCKCPQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-17+at+7.22.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsDtL5I5D52E9vXjrrdyBEO5buCrFcUmkp3rFQ1TQCaQ9R_wTSSqwEKsYlYKhQCN27LgeXmEjIRm5wyv9cD1pyc51n3-KVoBWSw20CMylA2RXI7bgn5iRCf-Yhca2qW3DQ_fzYcCKCPQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-17+at+7.22.40+PM.png" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>for being the winner of this:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvLUPHwTyxqAvWstEs59To4ohyphenhyphenz_34uoURvK6xZ-zl7IwRRENnRZGVgS33A2ALwslqQFwbH7KAhy_pBipWUwgddDRVhK_AvLqW_3WNZqrXd_XrBqcWBdlLFPRYUEEnUuvmZzcprNJy_Y/s320/scribblish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvLUPHwTyxqAvWstEs59To4ohyphenhyphenz_34uoURvK6xZ-zl7IwRRENnRZGVgS33A2ALwslqQFwbH7KAhy_pBipWUwgddDRVhK_AvLqW_3WNZqrXd_XrBqcWBdlLFPRYUEEnUuvmZzcprNJy_Y/s320/scribblish.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Email me with your contact information by Thursday (October 21, 2010) at midnight. If I have not heard from the winner by then, another winner will be drawn Friday morning.</div><div><br />
If you are not the winner and you would like to get a coupon for $2 off Scribblish, you can find one on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Cranium?v=app_125779510806407&ref=ts">Cranium's Facebook Page</a>.<br />
<br />
</div><div>Thanks to everyone that entered!! <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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