Tuesday's Tell All.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose." ~Dr. Seuss


There's just so much going on with the new year. Lots of really amazing things are sure to happen in 2010. One of which, I am sharing with you today.

I have made the (frightening, but exhilarating) decision to go back to school. Since graduating from UofL back in 2000 (yikes!) with a B.A., I have been searching for the right career. Searching...searching...searching. (I'm always searching, by the way.) I was not one of those people who knew from the time I was a senior in high school what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. I just didn't know. Truth be told, I was probably someone who could have benefited from some serious career counseling in the first year of college...to see what my strengths and interests really were.

I had been a Young Author's Award winner from first grade through fifth grade. I was a strong Language Arts student. I wrote stories that knocked the socks off my teachers all through middle and high school. My high school English teacher urged me to teach composition. People were paying me in college to proofread their essays. The choice was obvious - I would major in English. So, I did. And then...nothing. Sorry, but there aren't companies knocking down the doors of English majors. Sure, I was somewhat valued for having a Bachelor's degree, and I had a few opportunities to "teach" - but I didn't want to be a teacher then and I certainly don't want to be one now.

So, instead of immediately going to graduate school, I worked while William finished school. Then he began his career, and we had Liam shortly after. A ten year hiatus later, and I am more than ready to pursue a career for which I have pretty much always had a passion - sign language interpreting.

At the young age of 10 or 11, my cousin, Kristi, and I learned sign language by watching a soap opera where a lovely character was deaf. We watched it all summer long and learned as much as we could. We were quite good, to be honest. We were caught signing EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE. We would go under water at the pool and tell each other all kinds of interesting stories, we would sign at Otter Creek outside of our teepee when we were supposed to be doing something else, I'm sure. It drove our moms crazy, at times. But, there has, and always will be, a real compassion for the deaf and hard of hearing. It seems like the answer has been right there all along and I just couldn't see past the" clutter" to find it.

Going back to school right now seems almost crazy since I am 32...I mean, I should have already been in a career for over 10 years by now. But, had I been teaching for the last 10 years, I wouldn't have the passion I have right now for what I'm about to do. More important, I couldn't have had the time I've had with Liam the last few years. He has needed me more than I needed a career. He is healthier right now than we've seen him in the last 3 years, and in 2 more years, he'll start school. There is no better time than now.

As a follow-up to an older blog in which I mentioned that I thought I had lost Heather. Well, I have found her. She is back.

Thank you, Lord, for a Monday with sunshine.

FREE Oreo Cookies - starting at 3:00 today - to the first 150,000 people.

Go here to request yours!



Okay, this rebate deal is just too ridiculous not to do! Olay has a $20 rebate form on their website - when you purchase one of three different products by February 11, you send in the rebate form and you get $20 back. These products are around $20-25 in the stores, so you could end up actually coming out ahead depending on where you buy it.

They have a SECOND rebate of $15 when you purchase 2 Olay Regenerist Facial Moisturizers, Facial Treatments, and/or Facial Cleansers. I haven't researched the prices on these, but if you are an Olay user anyway, then you come out with $15 back either way.


Sephora in-store is offering a FREE Bare Escentuals Bareminerals Foundation! At the bottom it will say "Free in stores (no purchase required)" - click here.








Get a FREE SAMPLE OF EXUVIANCE VESPERA BIONIC SERUM.

Simply send an email to custsvc@neostrata.com with your name and U.S. mailing address.







Kashi is giving free samples again! I love this! Go here to request one of three different varieties.




Aveda is having a spectacular freebie and deal today! First of all, go here and print a coupon for a FREE Deluxe sample of Caribbean Therapy Body Creme. The coupon is at the bottom of the page. Secondly, they are offering FREE shipping on any online order today. Totally free shipping!



Einstein Bros. Bagels - FREE bagel and shmear! Print your coupon here. Good from 1/25 - 1/31. Enjoy!







FREE Loly Flower Shears! I love this freebie!!!

You should complete the form to request the free flower shears. All information will be used for mailing purposes only and will not be distributed to any outside organizations. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery.

One request per household. While supplies last.


Get a FREE Axe detailer by calling 1-877-329-3225 press 1, then press 2. This is an automated call.

Last full week of January...where did it go?!

Okay, with this first deal, you actually come out $1 ahead. It's crazy not to do this if you are near a Publix. I know, it's just a $1 profit, but a buck is a buck. Don't knock it :)

Publix is offering a sale through January 27th (Wednesday) on their BeneVia nutrition drinks. A 4 pack is on sale for $4 in their Green Advantage Flyer in the front of the store. But, you can also go here to print a $5 OFF coupon, so you come out $1 ahead.






Spongebob Cream of Wheat - FREE SAMPLE!!


I bet your kids will be super excited to have Spongebob oatmeal! You can always add some mix-ins to make it extra tasty!


Go here to request your free sample - several flavors to choose from! (And not all of them are Spongebob!)





I really miss Big Lots! I could find some crazy deals in there when I wanted to. Here's a 20% off coupon to use...so pick something really awesome and cheap and save even more!


Bruegger's Bagels - FREE bagel - they will e-mail you the coupon.

Click here for locations.

TGIF.

Ozzy T-Shirts Shop is giving away a FREE Serenity candle. Gets yours here!







FREE Benn Bully's Pet Treats - just click here to request your freebie.








$1 e.l.f. makeup on sale!!!! (All EYE cosmetics are $1 - and then much of their other makeup is also only $1.) Best of all to get FREE SHIPPING, enter the code NEWSHIP at check out. I'm SUPER excited about this!


See Here has an awesome freebie - add 25 4x8 photo cards to your cart and enter "newbaby" at checkout. Shipping is FREE!!!



FREE sample of Mariani Pitted Dried Plums!

Click here and enter code "SUPERFRUIT" in the box.






3 Day Blinds is giving away free child safety kits. You can even request the number of vertical and horizontal blind kits you need.

Totally free. Don't pass up this opportunity!







Free Clorox Greenworks Cleaner of your choice!!!

Go here to request yours.

It's Hump Day (woo hoo!)

I LOVE this freebie. In fact, we used it today!

Get a FREE hamburger kids meal at Burger King when you present this printable coupon.

When you click “print coupons” it will say you have reached your print limit. Put your email in the "refer a friend" box and you will be sent a link to print the coupon. Apparently, the coupon can be printed up to ten times, but I was only able to print it once. The other strange thing was, I never received the email that I sent to myself, but luckily I had entered William's address, so we actually printed it from his e-mail he received. Good luck and enjoy!




FREE 8 x 10 Collage Print! Must order TODAY, January 13.

Order online using code FANFREE and pick up at your local Walgreen's Store (Store Locator). If you have never ordered from Walgreen's Photo Department, you will need to register.

Only one coupon code per order.
*Coupon code FANFREE valid for one use per account only by January 13, 2010. Code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Photo cart must include your 8x10 collage print at time of checkout to qualify. Discount does not apply to taxes or shipping charges. Order must be placed by logged-in customer by January 13, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to qualify. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock. Offer valid online only.



Got another great deal from Taco Bell!!! Get a FREE Fresco Taco when you purchase a large fountain drink. I don't know about you, but I always have to get a large drink when I go to Taco Bell. When you click to print, let it print (don't hit any keys or click anything) and then when it's done, hit your "back" button and it will print a second time! So, you will have 2 free lunches! Woo hoo!


There are only 1 million coupons available and it says they are good for 7 days after the download. Valid at participating locations. See coupon for details.


FREE Healthy Choice dinners at Kroger!

Kroger has Healthy Choice frozen dinners on sale this week for $1.99. Click here to log into Kroger’s website and enter your Kroger Card number. You can then print the $5/5 Kroger coupon and stack that with the $5/5 manufacturer coupon to get these for free.


Send a FAX for free!

Click here to do it.





Get a free Little Tree car air freshener!

Click here to request yours!

It's Tuesday and it feels like Friday.

For some reason, this week is NOT moving very fast, yet the feeling of exhaustion you have when Friday comes, is already here! So...what better way to overcome that than some fabulous freebies.







Crosstex is giving away a load of freebies. You can choose up to 10 samples from the list! These are ideal for those in the dental field, but there are plenty of things you can use at home - sanitizing gel, gloves, masks, etc.! Get them while you can!

Click here to choose yours.


Taco Bell has a coupon for a FREE Fresco Taco - it expires January 18, so use it before you forget about it!

It says you can only print once, but I was able to print twice.

It's what's for dinner! And it's healthier than most fast food options!



At 12 noon today, Uni Ball is giving away free Super Ink pens.

These will go FAST so be there at noon.




A new Bath and Body Works printable coupon.

Get it here!

Free Signature Collection Travel Size Item with any purchase.

Monday, Monday

What a frigid day it is here in Georgia. I have my toes and nails painted for spring/summer hoping for ANY relief from this winter. (It's not looking good.)




Do you LOVE Ben & Jerry's? I know I do! One of my favorite flavors is Marsha, Marsha, Marshmallow! Yummy!!! Go here to become a Chunk Spelunker and you'll get an e-mail for a free ice cream cone.




Gardens Alive! Free $25 gift coupon.

Just go here to request your free catalog and the coupon will come with the catalog!

Get yourself ready for the summer harvest!






Great Gallon Give! The first 125,000 entries can print two coupons to "Get a Free Half-Gallon of Chocolate Milk when you buy 2 Gallons of White Milk" (any brand, maximum value $3.00). Your coupon expires in one month, so don't forget to use it!

Also, you can print it twice, so be sure to do that!

Click here to enter...and watch after you enter your information as your family's last name drops down on the map :) Pretty cool!


The Bug Store is giving away 2 free mouse traps.

Not really a pleasant thought, but if you have mice, you know how badly you need traps!!!

Go here to request yours.

Super Sunday!

Starting at 3 p.m. (set the alarm on your phone to remind you!), Sea Cuisine is giving away a FREE product coupon to the first 5,000 people! The offer is available only for these states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VA, WA, WI.




Free Sample of Gourmet Candy Apple by Ivan Mog!

Oh my goodness, these look yummy...and you can even select the flavor of topping you want!

Go here to request yours!









Free 20 oz. coffee at Kum & Go! (Expires January 13, so hurry!)

Find a store near you!






Free "Biggest Loser" music download!

As we speak, mine is downloading to my computer...I can't wait! We all need some great workout tunes for the New Year routine :)




Tracks Include:
1. Bleeding Love- Leona Lewis
2. American Boy- Estelle
3. Umbrella- Rihanna
4. Stronger- Kanye West
5. 4 Minutes- Madonna
6. Love Story- Taylor Swift
7. No Surprise- Daughtry
8. Sugar- Flo Rida
9. Paparazzi- Lady GaGa
10. When I Grow Up- The Pussycat Dolls
11. Second Chance- Shinedown
12. Damaged Danity-Kane



Free Pedigree Dog Food for a month if you adopted in 2009!

Go here to get yours!








Breakfast & Brunch recipe book by Gooseberry Patch.

They are really good about sending their book - I already received the free one I requested back in the fall!

Go here to request this one!

Happy (Belated) New Year!

Wow - what a busy November and December it was here in the Lally home! I made so many cupcakes in those two months, that when it was time to make that drive to Kentucky, I was happy for the break.












We all had an amazing Christmas and New Year, full of wonderful memories with family and good friends. I know it's a hustle-bustle time, but I really didn't want the season to end. For us, it was great time of reflection on the many blessings we have...time that we should take all year and don't. Instead of running here and there, we made a real effort to relax and enjoy each day we were home. Sometimes that means we don't get to see everyone or do everything, but it was certainly time well spent. I think my mom really enjoyed having us home, but I am CERTAIN she was ready for a day to herself when we headed back home!
















Liam turned 4 years old just before Christmas, and what a special birthday this was! Gifts and parties aside, I realized how lucky I am to have such a sweet, beautiful, healthy boy. November and December were 2 of his healthiest months in a really long time (minus the week that we discovered he was allergic to our real Christmas tree, which we removed!). We were very thankful for good health during these unusually cold months in Georgia.


William returned to work after having almost 2 weeks off, and despite enjoying the time off, I think he was anxious to jump back in. He really loves his job! We can add that to our long list of blessings!



I am back to making cupcakes, although January is typically slow for baked goods. New resolutions = a lot of dieters! Cupcakes aren't really on ANYONE'S diet. However, I am making some adorable snowmen and polar bears, and one of my very loyal shops is still selling them this month. I look forward to February, as I know no one will be able to turn down chocolate cupcakes with adorable Valentine's Day decorations.



Liam returned to preschool this week and had a great first week back. This week's learning consisted of snowmen, things that melt, and he finished the week with his first official "snow day" on Friday. North Georgia, including Atlanta, got hit with snow and some pretty messy, icy roads. We saw a few flurries down here, but it was still enough to warrant the closing of schools :) We didn't complain, and Liam was happy to have a day off to play with all of his new toys and games.

What is your goal for 2010? Is it to stop smoking, lose weight, spend more time with loved ones?

My goal this year is to simplify but glorify. If I can find ways to make the most of my time and energy, without feeling like I'm spinning my wheels, I will have accomplished what I set out to do. I am in the brainstorming stages of something exciting for the year. Prayer will lead me to where I need to be.

Peace and Joy,

Heather

P.S. Freebies are coming back!