2013

This has been such a wonderful year. I started my blog only 7 months ago, yet it has grown by leaps and bounds and I love each and every one of you on here :)

I promised lots of good things to come in 2013 and I intend to keep those promises.  I hope to be able to teach you, in real words and actions, how to save money and so much more. 


I want you all to know I appreciate you all, and how much I enjoy talking with you and seeing you on the page. So let's bring in 2013 the right way and help each other out !

The Great UGLee Pen Review & Giveaway

The UGLee Pen is simply awesome!

Easy to use and even easier to hold and grip without discomfort. I am the person you see who always has a notebook handy and in my office you will find several notebooks filled with coupon list, grocery list, school projects, business stuff and more. I do eventually transfer everything over to my computer but I simply love the feel of putting a pen to paper and seeing my words come to life.

I frequently get finger and hand cramps when I write a lot, which is pretty much on a daily basis. Today, I tried the UGLee Pen knowing that I had a lot of writing to do. I always write my Blog post out before typing them so I have a "hard" copy should anything ever get lost and I have to re write all my work.

I love the feel and grip on the UGlee Pen, and not once the entire day did my hands cramp up. I let my 16 year old Daughter use an UGLee pen herself and she really liked it and ask if she could take it and use it when she goes back to school.

The ink really glides on the paper as well and I did not have to worry about smear like I do with normal gel Pens.

This pen is specially designed with a cool gel like grip that was designed by a Doctor. it is very light weight and come sin many different colors as well.

The UGLee Pen really is very comfortable and you will love it as well.

UGLee pen is offering one of my readers a chance to win an UGLee Pen for themselves!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soda Sparkle Review & Giveaway

Wouldn't it be great if you could make a single serving of sparkling water or soda just for you?

Soda Sparkle can do just that!

Soda Sparkle was very simple to set up and use. You can make enough for one cup or more and everyone can have their very own flavor. I love the fact that it comes with 2 re-useable bottles so even if you have several people to make a drink for, you can do it in one simple step.

The Soda Sparkle comes with 5 Co2 cartridges to start off with and several single serve flavors for you to try.

The first one we tried was the Cola Lemon, and my daughter said it was really good. My favorite was the apple because it tasted like apple juice , which I love.

We had no problems at all following the simple instructions to get our soda within 5 minutes from taking it out of the box.

If you love Sparkling water but hate spending all that money, then this is the perfect thing for you, while at the same time keeping all of those plastic bottles out of  the landfill.

the Soda Sparkle does not need electricity or batteries and simply work with the bottle and a single C02 cartridge. Another great thing about Soda Sparkle is that you never have to worry about over carbonating because the special technology creates just the right amount of carbonation for you easily.

You can currently choose from several flavors they have such as:

Lemon

Cola-Lemon

Pineapple

Apple

Tonic

Lychee

This is so easy that even your kids can use it and make their own Sparkling Drinks!

SodaSparkle is giving one of my readers a chance to win their very own Soda Sparkle!

Simple rafflecopter entry below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Year, New You : Change is coming

The New Year is fast approaching and I know we are all looking for New ways to be Healthy, happy, save money and over all just be a new us.

I am currently putting together a series of post called New Year, new You which will focus on many different aspects of change.

 Things you will see are ways to be a better you by saving more money, New Healthy options for you and your family, New Menu Planning ideas, New exercise and weight loss and so much more.

I have several goals for myself and my family this year, including savings lots more money on the small things so I can afford the bigger, better things I really would like to have. i plan to do a challenge each week and run it as a contest as well for whomever can challenge themselves and the may the best man or woman win!

So get ready.....change is coming!

$10 Amazon Flash Giveaway for Christmas

Who wants to win $10 Amazon cash just because?

Since today is Christmas, I have decided to give you a present as well.

This giveaway will end tomorrow at noon and the winner will be contacted via email  within 4 hours and will have 24 hours to claim their prize.

Simple Rafflecopter Entry

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Year, New You, New ways to save

I know everyone gets so stressed out this time of year with the Holidays and such.

How would you like to go in to this same season next year and not have to worry so much about bills and groceries and gifts?

My goal was to save $7500 this year and I surpassed that goal by 32 % and the year is not quiet over yet.

I want to be able to teach you all and help you to achieve the same results. I want to do it realistically. I want my blog to be a place where we can all share tips and tricks, menu planning, recipes and things we find that we just love.

Saving Money is fun, and addicting, but at the same time, it also allows you to be able to do the things you need to and even buy the things you thought you never could.

So my New Year, New You series coming up will not only focus on our resolutions, but on becoming a New you by Saving money.

Every week ( yes, i shop every week, I have a very large family) I plan my menu's based on what is on sale at the store. I use the Old fashioned notebook to keep track of meals I have made that my family likes and the ingredients needed for those meals. I have filled a few notebooks with those ideas. 

My biggest personal goal this year is to become more organized. I gave up my large office so one of the Older boys could have their own bedroom, so I have a very small work space now, which has become a mess. It contains not only my Blogging stuff, but my business stuff, my kids school stuff, and our personal papers and such. I have to find the best way to organize it all.

So....let's get this party started and together we can all teach each other a few things. I will start out by posting a few Budget Friendly meals ideas this week ( you may need to cut the recipe in half for your family)

$20 Paypal flash Giveaway

It's time to have a little fun....and win $20 Paypal!

This is how this will work.....make as many comments as you want about New Year's and resolutions...as soon as this post reaches 500 comments I will close it and start the process of picking a winner. Winner will be announced on the blog and you will have 24 hours to claim your $$ or an alternative winner will be chosen....

So, have fun and get ready to win~!

Flash Giveaway Winners ( 3 Winners)

The winners of the Flash Giveaway with 3 winners are listed below. Please email me with your address and email address by Wednesday Dec 26th so I can send your prize out.

Please keep in mind, if you have won a prize in the past 3 days the prizes will be mailed out on Thursday Dec 27th

$5 paypal or your choice : Elizabeth Wellington

International Delight Free Coupon: Jane Ritz

Box Of Goodies : Sue Pinks

Eden Fantasys

 

New Year's Eve is right around the corner and I don't know about you, but I love getting all dolled up even if I am staying in. 

I am loving Eden Fantasys Bath and Beauty products and can't wait to try them out on New Year's Eve. Eden Fantasys has this amazing Dolce dreams body lotion – body moisturizer that looks awesome and I really want to try.

Another item I found interesting was the Dona- Plumping Lip Balm, I have such skinny lips that this may just be what I need to get the desired Lip look I have always wanted. The Flirty Body Mist is also right up my alley, as I love trying new scents.

I have found so many awesome products on their site, and the makeup sets look great as well. If New Year's Eve isn't your thing, it's not too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day which is right around the corner.

                                  

The Brown sugar Scrub is another product on my must have list. I love body scrubs and the Brown Sugar Scrub just sounds yummy! This scrub also comes in two other scents as well if Brown Sugar is not your thing.

You can find some really great products at Eden Fantasys, they even have Shave Cream and other products for Men as well.

Are you a Candle Lover? They have a very nice collection of Candles, and the Massage Candles have the most amazing scent, I could burn them all day and feel relaxed just from the smell. They are great to burn while taking a bath then using as a moisturizer when you finish your bath. Perfect for this dry Winter  weather when you want to keep your skin moisturized.

When thinking about taking care of your skin and making a statement , Eden Fantasys is a great place to shop for those special moments!

Use Code :Santa20 for 20 % Off your order anytime before Dec 28th!

ICaught Santa Winners

The winners for the Icaughtsanta.com photo are listed below, please message me your email address so you can get your code and get your picture done this weekend before christmas.

Debra Rogers

Becky 

Melissa M.

Cathy Knox

Melanie

Due to the time crunch, I need to hear from everyone within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen in your place.

 You can message me on facebook or at: briesbottomline@gmail.com

If you use the contact me button on here I may not get it in time as it sometimes takes a while to get to me

Old Navy Super Deal!

Still need some last minute gifts?

Head on over to Old Navy's facebook page and print the $10 off $50 Purchase ( In-store only) HERE, Then when you get in store from Today until Monday Dec 24th, you get $20 Super Cash for every $25 you spend ( $60 Super cash limit per transaction)

which means, in the long run, FREE stuff :)

I have finished my shopping but I may head over that way and stock up on some cozy fleece or something today for myself ( I am the only one without presents under the tree, so I may shop for myself lol)

Flash Giveaway- 3 Winners

I really wish I had something nice to giveaway to each and every one of you. I always feel guilty when I can only give 1 prize out to one person.

Today's Flash Giveaway will have 3 winners. The prizes are not huge but they are fun.

Prize #1 - $5.00 Paypal or Amazon ( or basically whatever you choose, as long as I can send it to you online)

Prize #2- A Coupon for a free half Gallon of International Delight Iced Coffee

Prize #3- A Priority Flat rate Small box filled with goodies.

Now, I want to make this real clear. I hear a lot of people on other blogs saying how the same people always win so I want to state something right off hand. I do have a lot of the same people winning, and the reason being I have a lot of the same people who take the time to enter and do all the entries plus the bonus entries. I am very fair about it, I put every single name in to random.org when i use comment system for entering. I let random.org pick. I do the same thing over again if winners do not respond. 

If it is a giveaway tools or rafflecopter entry, I let them randomly choose and I verify the entries, the only way I choose a new winner is if someone lied about doing a task or if the winners do not respond.

Now that is out of the way let's get this show on the road.

To enter today's flash Giveaway:

I want to know what you, as readers, want to see on the page in the new year. Coupon stratagies, deals, product reviews & Giveaways, recipes, whatever you think you may enjoy. You can comment as much as you want and I will end the giveaway tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. ( est)

Flash Giveaway Winners

I wanted to do a quick Blog posting to announce the Winner's of the flash giveaway's. One has been contacted and has replied, I have no email for the other so I am posting here in hopes that she will see this. winner's only have 24 hours to contact me to claim a prize from a flash giveaway ( 48 with other giveaways)

The Flash Giveaway for the Text Bands winner was : Tamie Tarbox 

CraveBox Coffee Lovers Giveaway: Gina H. ( Please message me via facebook or email me @ briesbottomline@gmail.com)

Never fear if you didn't win because I have yet another Cravebox to giveaway  and I am about to post a new flash giveaway as well.

Whirl-a-Style Review & Giveaway

I love wearing my hair in different styles and am always experimenting with different ways to wear my hair up instead of always wearing it in a ponytail.

Whirl-a-Style to the rescue!

My hair is about halfway down my hair and very thick so I always find that unless i use 10 or more bobby pins, I just can't get a style to stay the way it should. With the whirl-a-Style, I did not even need to use one bobby pin and my up-do lasted all day.

It did take a minute or two to get it all figured out but once I did it was very simple. ( It was actually very simple anyway but I seemed to make it more difficult) 

This is my first attempt and it was actually quiet funny, I debated on if I was going to use the picture but you have to admit, it will give you a good laugh.

Whirl-a-Style is actually very simple in the fact it has a opening in the middle that you pull your hair through and you then whirl it up in a bun or twist. You can also connect the whirl-a-Style with other smaller or larger Klicinz to get the perfect size for your hair. 

The Whirl-a-Style is made from a synthetic material in which the stylers can actually grip your hair without pulling or breaking it. They also carry a special line of Poppi Hair elastics which contain the same clasp as the Whirl-a-Style which is great especially if you use hair extensions ( I do not) but it does not require pulling the elastic out of your hair, you just unpop the clip and you are done. You can also add some bling to your hair as well with the Poppi Hair Jewelry that cab be snapped right in to your Whirl-a-Style.

After a couple of tries I actually had some really cute styles going on with my hair and I loved the fact that this was something I could do myself without any help.

This look above is a great look for those casual yet flirty hair styles that many people love to sport.

You can also do a more traditional bun as well like I have done below.

Whirl-a-style also offers video Tutorials on YouTube so that you can find the right way to do the styles you want to try.

One of my lucky readers will have the chance to win a whirl-a-Style for themselves as well.

How to enter:

Follow Whirl-a-Style on Twitter HERE.

( Make a comment here that you did, this will be verified)

Bonus entries:

Tell me what style you would like to try to do your hair in

Each comment counts as 1 entry

I received a free Whirl-a-Style in exchange for this review, no other compensation was exchanged and all opinions are my own.

Fake Bake Review & Giveaway

Who wouldn't like to have a glorious tan year around?

I recently had the opportunity to try Fake Bake Airbrush and Mistifier Duo and I have to say, I am impressed. This past summer I didn't spend a lot of time outdoors like I normally do in the summer, so what tan I had vanished quickly.

I simply love the Fake Bake Airbrush Self tanning spray. I was able to get a beautiful tan which actually last longer than any other self tanner I have ever used before. This Airbrish Spray contains high percentages of two tanning agents, DHA and Erythrulose, that bond with your skin's pigment, and the best part is it does not amplify itself in your pores.

The best part about Fake Bake Self tanning Airbrush System is that you actually get a very even and consistent tan and you can use it in those places that normal spray on self tanner never can fully get to.

The Mistifier is also pretty awesome. It makes my skin look so soft and healthy and I have not experienced the normal dryness that I usually get this time of year in Tennessee.

I love being Able to put on a skirt and show off my tan year around, and with FakeBake I can surely do that. My favorite in the Fall and Winter id to put on my Tennessee Vols Jersey, my skirt and a pair of cowgirl boots during Football season and I was worried that this year because my tan faded so quickly I would not be able to pull it off, but I did because I used my Fake Bake Airbrush System.

One of my lucky readers is going to win a Bottle of Fake Bake of their very own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Caught Santa Review & Giveaway

As my children get older, I find they start questioning if Santa is real a lot more often. I really want to keep the magic going for as long as I possibly can.

Christmas is such a magical time of year and I love the fact that my Daughter's still believe, but this year they sure are asking a lot more if Santa is really daddy. 

How cool would it be if you could not only tell your children that Santa came but to show them proof that he was at your house?

ICaughtSanta is a magical way to prove to your children that Santa is real if only you believe.

You can upload a personal photo and then customize it by adding Santa in to the photo. They have several different poses of Santa you can choose from and they have even added Santa as Hispanic or African American as well.

I took a picture of our tree, making sure to get background in the picture so my kids could see this really was our home. 

I know my kids will be super happy when I show them this picture on Christmas day and it makes my heart happy to know that I can keep the Magic alive for yet another Year.

They also have Rudolph, The Easter Bunny and The Tooth Fairy as well. So you can be a hero to your children year around.

ICaughtSanta is offering my readers a discount from their normal price of $9.99 for only $7.50 if you use this link HERE ( Any other link would be full price)

Think about how you can keep the Magic alive for your children. Once you upload your photo and place your order, the picture is approved and a link is emailed to you right away. You can choose which size to download it on to your computer or even order prints. 

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

Now, for the best part.....ICaughtSanta is offering 5......yes5 of my lucky readers a chance to win a free custom photo of their own to have right in time to show your kids the Magic of Santa.

This Giveaway will run until 5 p.m. Thursday Dec 20th . Winners will then be announced on the Blog as well as emailed, you will have 24 hours to respond back or a new winner will be chosen in your place.

To enter :

Like ICaughtSanta on Facebook HERE ( will be verified)

Make a comment telling me your favorite Christmas Memory

Bonus entry:

Make as many comments as you like about the ICaughtSanta website, who you would give the picture too or anything at all about Christmas.

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

White Lightening Review & Giveaway

 Welcome to the Whitening Lightning Giveaway Event!

   Hosted by Priceless Product Reviews, Giveaways and Freebies 

Whitening Lightning Products Bring You a Brighter Smile!

 

Whitening Lightning offers products to consumers that promote a brighter, whiter smile. Whitening Lightning products include their Dial a Smile Professional Whitening Kit, Whitening Lightning Super Booster Teeth Whitening Pen, Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss, and their newest product to hit the market, the Brow Bar. Whitening Lightning has been featured in high profile magazines like In Style, Soap Opera Weekly, OK Magazine, US Weekly, and many more.

One lucky reader will receive a $588 Whitening Lightning product package consisting of a Dial a Smile Kit, a Whitening Lightning Super Booster Pen, a Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss, and their newest product, a Brow Bar to Go!

Giveaway ends January 1, 2012 at 11:59pm, open to US and Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Disclaimer*- I was not compensated for this giveaway post. Savings For Sanity is not responsible for prize shipment

Lugz Review & Giveaway

I will not say how many pair of boots I own personally, as you may say I am obsessive. I have a pair of Pink Lugz boots that I simply adore and cannot imagine ever getting rid of them.

That being said, I have teamed up with an awesome blogger to bring you this wonderful Lugz giveaway...keep reading and enter :)

As much as I love how stylish boots are, I equally despise uncomfortable shoes. That is often a huge problem for me when shopping for boots.

It's easy to find gorgeous boots and to find comfortable boots, but it is very rare that you can find BOTH.

That is why I love Lugz so much. All their styles are functional and fabulous. I just got the cutest pair ever, and I am so in love.

The Ladies Black/Cream Tambora Peacoat Boots are so beautiful. They are not comfortable boots that are cute, they are gorgeous boots that are comfortable. These are amazingly comfy.

I like it when I can feel like I am not wearing shoes, bit these actually feel better than bare feet(and I hate shoes). They are so plush inside it is like wearing slippers.

These are like a dream to wear. Warm, fuzzy and soft as a cloud. I could wear them all day which is saying a lot for me, because I am nearly always barefoot.

And of course equally important is the style aspect. These are perfect in that area too.

I can wear these all the time with any number outfits and no matter what, I(my outfit anyway) will look fantastic.

I have gotten so many compliments on these boots that I've lost count. My sister practically drooled on me when she saw them. My other sister already tried to "borrow" them. My Sister-In-Law hinted about her Christmas gift(being these boots) and all my neighbors have said how gorgeous they are. Not to mention random people in stores or just out and about.

And not only are these fashionable and comfortable, but they are extremely durable. These boots will take a beating and stay looking fabulous. You can wear them for work or play, and they will have you covered and then some.

I hate when you get a pair of boots(or shoes), and they just look and feel cheap. When you know that all it takes is one accidental toe stepping to ruin your boots, then you should really get better ones.

Everyone wants to get the most value for their money, and these boots deliver everything you could ask for and then some.

And of course the Tambora is not the only wonderful style that Lugz offers for women, and they even make them for Men and Children as well. Talk about awesome; getting quality, practical, super stylish shoes/boots for the whole family all in one place.

Lugz is a brand that I very much believe in and recommend at every opportunity. If you are looking for boots or shoes for anyone in your family, Lugz is the perfect place to get them.

And as an extra special holiday treat, Andrea's World and Lugz are hosting a giveaway for a pair of Ladies Black/Cream Tambora Boots. Just enter below for your chance to win. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Flash Giveaway: Coffee Lovers Cravebox

 

Today's flash Giveaway will be something you can enjoy after the Hustle and Bustle of Christmas 

( Because I cannot promise it will make it to you by Christmas)

Today I am giving away a Coffee Lover's Cravebox.

I could tell you what is in it but it would ruin the surprise. I can tell you that if you enjoy coffee then you will enjoy this box.

How to enter:

Make as many comments as you would like about Coffee, Christmas or my Blog.....I will input all entries in to random.org tomorrow morning and let them choose a winner. The more you comment, the more entries you get. Let's just make this fun :)