Kathie
Search & Win

If you are frequent visitor here at Frugal, Fit and Fabulous then you know I mention Swagbucks every Friday. I really love the program. I earn, at least, 10 Swagbucks a day just by going to sites I visit daily. Just by doing that, I acquire enough Swagbucks to earn free stuff that I store away for Christmas gifts. You can also learn more about it from my post here. In the meantime, I am here to offer you some very exciting news!!!

Swagbucks (the best place on the web for free stuff) is turning 3!!! Can you believe it? The celebration they have planned for the 28th is going to be HUGE!  I'm talking a bunch of Swag Codes, a new look and feel of the Swagbucks Blog as well as the launch of two new features, one of which will redefine the way you use their search function. I don't  know about you but this gets me super excited. It also might be because I know that Swagbucks knows how to have a good time!! I am certain that their birthday celebration will be a blast, just as it has been last year and the year before that. Don’t worry!!! I will remind you on the 28th….just in case you miss this extremely exciting Swagbucks' birthday news or forgot to pen it into your day planners.

If you are new to Swagbucks NOW is the time to join in the fun. Use code 3rdBirthday157 to score an additional 50 points when you join.

Here is a few of Swagbucks highlights... It is a free rewards program that lets you earn points for web searches, taking polls, watching videos, and much more. Just a few searches a day can help you earn points quickly. What I like to do is type in the name of the site that I visit daily (ie hotmail sign in). More times than not, one of those very sites gets me some Swagbucks. Once I acquire some hefty Swagbucks, I then trade those points in for prizes like iPods, DVDs, and gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target. Who couldn’t use some Amazon gift cards? I know those are usually my "swagbucks prize of choice." Swagbucks is my favorite way to earn Christmas money online.

If you have not joined yet then what are you waiting for?!?! Join Swagbucks Today! Don’t forget your extra 50 points with code 3rdBirthday157.

Happy Swagging!!

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Kathie
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Monday - Stuffed French Toast, Turkey Bacon

Tuesday - Beef Stir Fry (DH Request)

Wednesday -  Pork Chops, Applesauce, Green Beans

Thursday -  Hamburger Helper

Friday -  Chicken Fingers, Mac and Cheese, Spinach

Saturday - Lasagna, Garden Salad (Didn't make this last week)

Sunday - Loving Leftovers. Spread out a buffet table of all the leftovers from the week’s meals. This means a day-off for the chef!

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm" An Organizing Junkie!

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Kathie
What a great way to end a Friday!!! Guess what came in the mail yesterday????

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Awwww Yeahhhh, baby!!!!!!! Come to Momma!!!!!!

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(Why is that picture so dark? =( Man, it looks pretty good on the camera. Pooters)

Even Little Bear was happy!!!

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Today, both the Little Bear and I are off to the produce market. Going to get the ingredients to try our first recipe, compliments of Gina's blog - 1 romain heart, 1 cucumber, 1 green apple, 1/2 lemon. Sure hope it tastes good! If ya'll have any juice combos you love...PLEASE SHARE!!!

Also on the agenda is finishing up the laundry (that I pro-actively started last night), run to Aldi's and Walmart and clean up the house a bit.  I also have to fit in the last 5k training workout in Week 5. Saturday's are usually a very busy, very productive day so that our Sunday's are restfull and filled with play time with our Little. So, on that note...please forgive me but I really must be going....lots to do....

Catch ya later! Have a great Saturday!

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Kathie
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Wahooo!!! Have you heard the great news?! Rue La La is offering a $10 credit when you join! Have you heard of Rue La La?! No? Well, allow me to tell you all about this WONDEROUS website.

It is another daily deal site, but it’s all about fashion! They have some FAB stuff - most of which are from our prestigeous designers.  What makes this site even better is that of their sales are pretty darn affordable - as far as designer prices go anyway! I am talking slashing prices of 50% off or more most times. 

Now through 3/2/2011 you will get a FREE $10 credit just for joining their site!  This is a special link just for our readers so you must use that link in order to get the credit.  The credit will appear in your account in 48 hours.

Hurry and head on over here to join!   Then come back and let us know what you scored!

Happy Shopping!
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Kathie
Happy Freebie Friday, everyone! Welcome to another installment of Freebie Friday. Below, please find all the freebies that i've come across via blogs, facebook, emails or the likes over the course of the week. I hope that you will find some of these useful.



Health and Beauty

Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner
Skin So Soft Trial Sizes

Food

SoyJoy Bar
Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom
Mission Chips

Entertainment

Online Games for Preschoolers

Home

Printable Tax Checklist

And then, of course, we cannot forget about this week’s Freebie Events...

February 25 –  March 3


26 - Target: Dr. Suess Storytime, 9 am – 11 am.

26 - Borders: Elmo’s Birthday Party, 2 pm.

26 - Michaels: My First Science Kit Demo, 10 am – 12 pm.

26 - Lowes: Build a Race Car, 10 am.

26 - Barnes and Noble: Take a guided tour of the new NOOK and get a free cup of coffee.

1- IHOP National Pancake Day: Free short stack of pancakes (donations encouraged for charity), 7am-10pm.

I'll see you here next Friday for another installment of Freebie Friday! Enjoy your weekend and your freebies!

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Kathie
Search & Win

What does this mean exactly? Well, every Friday the wonderful people at Swagbucks increase the rewards on your everyday searches! For today only you will have greater chance of earning larger SwagBucks! You could even win up to 500 SwagBucks! (Just now I earned 3 for searching Blogger to post this. Anything more than 1 or 2 SwagBucks just rocks my socks.). You can also learn more about it from my post here.

If you don't have a SwagBucks account, today would be a great day to sign up! You'll earn 3 SwagBucks just for signing up! But WAIT! It doesnt stop there!! Right now they bump up your sign on to 80 points for their birthday celebration extravaganza. To read more about it, go here

If you hit the 500 SwagBucks you'll have to let me know. I'd be so excited for you.

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Kathie
ABCs of Frugal, Fit and Fabulous

The last week, this little post as been making it's rounds around the bloggy world and I love it! I really enjoy learning more about bloggers and I figured I would give it a go on my blog this morning. Let’s get started!

A. Age: 32

B. Bed size: King. I love to have my room so I can stretch out. This hasnt been the case lately because the Little Bear has been making her way into our bed for the last week. Good thing we went King.

C. Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom. It makes me gag.

D. Dogs: Best animal ever. We last owned a german shepard/lab mix named Missy. I miss her. =(

E. Essential start to your day: Getting the Little Bear up - but not before getting my coffee first.

F. Favorite color: Blue and Purple

G. Gold or silver: Silver, though I look much better in gold.

H. Height: 5' 1/4" inch (Yes, I had to put that quarter inch)

I. Instruments you play: The flute..tho i'm probably a little rusty since I haven't tooted in awhile. Ha,Ha,Ha, I said "tooted"

J. Job title: Executive Administrative Assistant by Day, Super Mom by Night

K. Kids: Four Angels, One Miracle Baby (Little Bear) and hopefully more to come

L. Live: Southern New Jersey

M. Mom’s name: Marge - like Large Marge from Pee Wee Herman's movie. Ha!

N. Nicknames: Kath, Sunshine, Kitten (Family and long term friends)

O. Overnight hospital stays: August 2009 - Gallbladder removal

P. Pet peeve: When Hubby leaves the cabinet doors and drawers open after he uses them. Ugh! How hard is it to close them. I mean, really?!

Q. Quote from a movie: “Nobody likes a Mr. Sniffles!” (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)

R. Righty or Lefty: Righty.

S. Siblings: Two younger brothers, Two younger sisters.

T. Time you wake up: 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and around 7:00 a.m. on weekends.

U. Underwear: Big blue granny panties.

V. Vegetables you dislike: Canned carrots. They are just downright NASTY! Who eats these?! seriously.

W. What makes you run late: Hubby! I am very anal about being on time but no matter how early I notifiy him, he always has us leaving the house later than expected. The man takes longer to get ready than a female.

X. X-rays you’ve had: A bunch. Who keeps track of this?

Y. Yummy food you make: Cookies. Cake. Brownies. And Hubby loves my meatloaf! It only took me FIVE years to find the perfect recipe for my picky eatters!

Z. Zoo animal favorite: Dolphin. (Is that a zoo animal? No? Okay then I pick snow leapards and pandas )
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Kathie
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For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

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Kathie
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It's that time...the Weekly and Final Check In with the Sisterhood. Wow! So how did you do? Did you shrink? Establish healthy habits? Share all....I am interested in hearing about your progress!
  1. Wednesday through Tuesday I did consume my five servings of fruits and vegetables. I also logged my food every day in my "handy dandy notebook" like a good little girl. I did not exactly reach my 5 servings every single day goal but I did improve by 90%. That's progress!
  2. Wednesday through Tuesday I did consume my eight glasses of water. it started to get a lot better this week actually. Coincidence maybe?
  3. Wednesday through Tuesday I did get up and move!! The 5k training this week week is going really well. Ive managed to consistently workout three days a week. I need to improve this by adding three more days. However, that wasnt my goal for this challenge. It was to get up and  move and at the time, I was barely getting in one day and so I feel I improved in this area by 90%.
  4. Weigh In....I lost three pounds this week. Giving me a final total pounds loss of 4 pounds. Considering I was not in the challenge for weight loss (tho it would be an added bonus) this was great! Go me!!!
Not too shabby !!  How did your challenge shape up to be? Did you complete all the goals you set out to?

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Kathie
How was everyone's Presidents Day yesterday? Were you one of the lucky ones to have off of work? Not me. I had to report in. Pooters!!!

My day started on the right foot. I woke up 20 minutes early and was able to ease into my morning. This was extra nice because I was able to give more time and attention to Little Bear. That alone is enough to make me smile.  But then, it downward spiraled....

I went to pull out of my driveway and well, some van (we live on a cut through street) turns the corner, gets in the middle of the street and slams on the gas. Giving me no room to straighten out in the street to pull away. He almost hit me trying to go around me. Guess someone was a little hot that I dare try to get out of my driveway? Perhaps he was late to work. Not my problem. People can be so rude anymore!!

Then, to continue on the trend, I lost my keyfab coming back from the shipping office to my office. I had to go all the way back to get it. (No big deal, extra exercise but it's just ..well, are you seeing the trend yet?). Then, I got a paper cut from a green hanging file folder. Ouchie!! Then, I tripped over a chair. I gave up and just decided to be blind and stop counting these bad luck things that kept happening to me today because it just wasn't stopping.....Ever have one of those days?

Guess I should tell you about my eats yesterday. I mean, I haven't really done so in awhile and it was sortof different than normal. ;o)

M1: 1/2C dry quick oats, 2T chia seeds, 1tsp cinnamon, 1/2 banana, 1C coffee, 1T Fat Free Coffeemate creamer (I really need to remember to take pics of my morning brekkie)

OOPS: 10 Dunken Donut holes..(Hey! How'd they get in there?!)

M2: You've all seen this one before...

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M3: My first attempt at making chicken salad on a boston lettuce leaf, 1 Fuji apple and 1C Green Tea with Pomegranate. (In the chicken salad was: chicken, Kraft Olive Oil Mayo, Relish, Walnuts, Celery - it wasnt bad but next time I ease up on the mayo and maybe omit the relish and add some apple chunks) The boston lettuce was also my attempt at trying new produce. This week I bought two new produce items to try - boston lettuce and spaghetti squash. My thoughts on the boston lettuce - it's not too bad but I dont see how some of you can use it as a tortilla. I had a problem with chicken salad falling out or the lettuce breaking. Maybe I am doing something wrong?

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Lunch really filled me up. Yumm-o!

M4: Ants on a Log with dark chocolate dreams peanut butter ---yummo! (This is my attempt to get in more veggies and try to get out of the rut in trying different things. Yeah, i'm reminded why I dont eat celery like this. I just cannot stand those rope like strings. *shudders* Hey! I tried.) I also had 1scoop of CLICK (heated in the microwave) and munched on green peppers and baby carrots the rest of the afternoon before I had to leave work and head home.  (Forgot pics again. Sorry! I was too hungry and forgot!)

M5:  Cinnamon Waffle, sausage links. grilled bananas

Oh and the verdict on Little Bear trying out the Ants on a Log......NO DICE! She wouldnt even touch it. Le Sigh.....

Last night's workout was Week 5, Workout 1 of the Girls Gotta Move 5k training program. It was just a 30 minute workout with running for four and walking for two. A refreshing break after Saturday's 36 minute segment of run for four and walk for two. I made sure to refule with a half slice of whole wheat bread with a little less than a tablespoon of natural peanut butter. I thought this would help fuel me for a good run. For some reason, I had a terrible run!! It felt so hard for some reason. I had to drop the pace to a 5.0 - any higher and i'd feel like I was dying. I also was running short of breath more quickly (if I did raise the speed) and was sweating bullets. I know i'm not getting sick. I don't know what gives! I can usually run a 5.0 easily and have been taking the speed up to 5.5-6.0 with no problem. I am so confused and have to admit, it sort of messed with my mental game just a little....

Have you ever had a bad run or workout? How did you cope?
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Kathie
Yes, the weekend had finally arrived and as usual, we had a lot to be done...

It started off with Little Bear wanting to practice her artist side. While she was drawing (one picture I did not get. Ha!), the Hubster was on the laptop researching an upcoming online business of his and I was going on and on and on again about wanting a juicer. I, of course, told him about all my research and all about my bloogy pals and how i'm just going to start selling stuff around the house because i've been thinking about wanting this nonstop for weeks and I know I want it. I could easily validate the price, blah blah blah. Little did I know that as I was talking to him about it that he stopped what he was doing and was looking them up himself. (He must have gotten tired of hearing me talk about it. HAHA!) Well, next thing you know, he says "Ok, it's ordered. We can pay it off next week" WHAT?!?! Did he really just say what I think he said?! YUP!!! Sometime next week, I will be a proud owner of a Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain. I am one very happy Momma!!! This will probably be the longest week, week and a half of my life!! It better come quick!!

Shortly after this entire scenario played out, Little Bear was over her artist time. When I started over to her art desk to help her clean up what did I see? She somehow manged to look more like a painter and less of a drawer...

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Yeah, she was proud of her artwork...don't ya think?

After artsy fartsy time, I decided it was time for me to complete my Week 4, Workout 3. The last workout of Week 4 in my Girls Gotta Move 5k training program.  It was a tough workout! It was a 36 minute workout with a run of four and a walk of two (as usual). That one extra segment did me in. I don't know if it's because I decided to run at a 5.5 pace and one segement at 6.0 instead of my 5.2-5.4 i've been doing or what but it was TOUGH! As I was getting ready and telling Little Bear that I was going to go downstairs to run for a bit, she said she had to exercise too...

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I am a PROUD MOMMA!!! I am instilling such good habits with her. It amazes me (ok, and a bit scary) how much of an impact I really have on her.

After my workout, it was time to put Little Bear down for a nap. Isn't this the cutest?

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I know, I"m a bit biased but i'm allowed to be. I'm her Mommy! While she napped, I had to get a shower, gather the grocery list together and the paperwork for our taxes because while she and I ran out to do errands, the Hubster was working on the taxes...

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That poor man sat there for almost five hours but it's finally done. Wahoo!! Now, we just wait for the return to come in so we can, hopefully, get Little Bear a playgym for outside. =)

After all the running around was done and what have you, I decided to snack on a little something, something that I picked up at Aldi's earlier. I'm not one to normally snack but these looked intriguing (plus, I kinda sorta went food shopping a little hungry..Oopsie!)

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They tasted pretty good. Light and Airy and with a nice little crisp to them. They certainly did not taste like the traditional sour cream and onion you are used to in the potatoe chips. Actually, the onion flavoring wasnt too overly powerful and tasted more like a sweet onion. They were delish! A good choice.

We did not do much after that...whatever part of the day was left was spent vegged out on the couch catching up on our DVR'd shows and just relaxing. It was a good way to end our Saturday.

SUNDAY was pretty much the day of rest for Little Bear and I. The Hubster worked on my sister, Margie's, car and we visited with her and Hanna while he worked. It was such a nice visit!!!! Margie and I have really bonded since she had Hannah nine months ago. And being an awesome Aunt that I am, I brought down our Jumperoo from when Little Bear was little so she could try it out. She LOVED it!!!!

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Even tho she wont be in it for much long as she weighs 20 pounds and the limit is 25, we gave it to Margie so she could use it. She just enjoyed it too much and was in it for her whole visit (other than lunch). Every kid needs one of these. hee-hee!!!

Little Bear did fairly well with her also. She's a good cousin. I could see she will be a good Big Sister when/if that time comes.

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However, I also noticed that she'll need an adjustment period because she is used to getting all the attention and when it was shared she was a bit, well, different if you know what I mean. I had to make sure I was aware that I had to give Little Bear attention too so she did not feel left out. I can see that when/if Baby #2 ever comes that this will be a challenge that I will need to handle. I did well during the visit tho. Here's a few more pics from our visit with Margie and Hannah...

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See that?! The look she's giving me. Yeah, that's the look I was talking about earlier. Me thinks she was not too happy with Hannah stealing away some of her Mommy's attenion. Oh boy!

Margie and Hannah left about 2pm and I got to cooking dinner since it takes a bit of time...homemade mac and cheese. It was then I started the Sunday Rush Hour!! Clean up dinner, clean up kitchen, clean up toys, put away laundry, give the Little a Bath, take a shower and pack lunches for the morning. Speaking of lunches, check out what i'm trying on Little Bear today..

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Yup, Ants on a Log. I did not tell her that was what it was called tho. She wouldn't eat it if I did. Honestly, I don't know if she will eat this at all. Sure, she loves peanut butter and raisins but again, I have a heckofatime getting her to eat veggies. This is an attempt to try something new for lunch (bc right now it's the same ol, same ol) and get in some veggies. We'll see if it works..I tried to make it even more appealing by digging out a Santa dish. She is still loving Christmas and asks every night before bed "When is Santa coming?" so i'm hoping that intices her a bit to eat up. Wish me luck!

By the time all was said and done it was 7:00pm and we popped in a movie, Step Up 3, to watch before we had to retire Little Bear to bed...and to where I would, within 45 minutes, follow after.

How was your weekend? Do anything fun?
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Kathie
Happy Monday Bloggy Pals!! How was your weekend?! Sure hope it was as awesome as each and every one of you!

My weekend was pretty eventful so be prepared for a lengthy and photo filled post....have your drink of choice ready? Good, here we go....

FRIDAY was the usual type day in the office - busy and head spinning but my collegue (Kathy) and I managed to take our when-it's-nice-out lunchtime walk and it felt GREAT!!!! I was wrong, it is not one mile. It's actually a mile and a half. Sweet!!!!

I sooo could not wait for after work to end so that I could go home and play outside with Little Bear!!! To say I was a bit antsy at work would be an understatement. The time finally came and when I got home I realized the front door was locked..What the heck?! Oh, the back gate is open..lemme go back there...I go back there and this is what I see...


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Why "hello Mommy" (loving the face here, are you not? ha). I hurried inside the house to drop off my purse, tote and weekly produce that I grabbed from work and immediately went outside to share the time with the Hubster and Little Bear..

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She loves that slide!!! As you can see, I am sure. It's also an awesome water slide in the summer! It has a little sprinkler on the top side and it's awesome!!! She loves it and was actually asking for it at the time. I had to tell her the bad news that it was still way too cold for that just yet. Poor kid. She quickly forgot about it tho and continued onto her slide, run around, slide, run around, slide action playing. hee-hee! Gosh, I love her!

After our evening activities outdoors it was time for dinner. The menu called for Beef Stir Fry. A request from the Hubster. I make it with brown rice and since the store did not have stir fry meat we opted with beef stew cubes. 

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Here is my plate....or bowl as it turns out..

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And since the Little Bear has this thing where things cannot be combined (ie casseroles), here is her plate...

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She did not touch the green peppers. =( Im still having a very hard time getting her to eat her veggies. This is a girl that a year ago LOVED them and ate them all the time. Le Sigh...

After dinner clean up, I finally had a chance to go through Friday's mail. And what finally came in?! My replacement Philips Sonicare Toothbrush we orded Valentine's Day....

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Yup, both me and my teeth were quite happy to have it back. Wahoo!!! After I had finished going through the mail and getting my new toothbrush up and running (ie get all parts out, put together and on the charger), we heard a little rapping at the door. Who could that be?! Oh, that's right. My sister Margie, boyfriend, Dave and my niece, Hannah were stopping by to drop off some loot to the Hubster for car repairs to be done this week on her car.

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Who doesn't like a visit from a little bundle of joy with such cuteness as that?! Not me!! I LOVE IT!!!

This visit was an awesome way to cap off my Friday night and kick start my weekend. Wouldn't you agree?

Stay tuned...Part 2 to follow next....
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