The Travels of Jamie

Washington DC, Jan 2011

2011-03-29T20:05:00.004-04:00

My buddy Libby. This was on the way back, time for CHINESE FOR DINNER... yum!

Korean Memorial

It was absolutely beautiful and Erie. I didn't get to see the Vietnam Memorial, but I was a big fan of the the Korean Memorial. It was beautiful.

Oh yeah baby!!

Lincoln Monument

I never realized how BIG the monument was. I mean, I knew it was massive - but standing in front of it is sobering!

Libby conquered and braved the cold so I could take in the sites of DC!

The girls were sitting on a a box of tea in the Boston Tea Party exhibit. I came to DC only to be surrounded of things that reminded me of home! There was even a section of on Ipswich, MA - where my grandfather grew up!!

Sweet little Mal Mal, two seconds before she ran off from us.

The girls being goofy on the ride up to DC.

What I have I been up to lately?

2011-03-29T19:39:00.003-04:00

There is even more to this. Each set of grandparents has their kids, and grandkids .... I think I 80+ people on here :)

I met someone on ancestry.com that has a mutual relative of mine. His grandmother was a third half cousin of my great grandmother (my mom's (Grammy McCauley - her maiden name was Eva Truchon). Well, we were able to connect our families. He got stuck with the living family down in the states, and I was stuck with trying to figure out all the French documents.

That being said, the Truchon's were originally from the Nantes region in France. We are talking a relative born in 1615. It absolutely blows my mind!! Cool! That's just my great grandmother's family. Can't wait to find out the rest!

I am such a slacker!

2011-01-04T10:50:00.004-05:00

I am a total slacker. I have not been blogging, couponing, running, or doing any crafty projects in general? What in the world have I been doing? The answer, working too much! I haven't been feeling well these past few months, but enough's enough!

Here are some of my goals for 2011 - no resolutions - just goals that I have no reason not to accomplish!

Read through my Bible in a year (something my church is doing and something I have desired to do as well)

Finish creating a tutorial to help teach my friends how to be couponista's (and better stewards of the money God has blessed us with - even in these tough economic times)

Get back on track with exercising and running - staying healthy so I can run the Tufts 10k this year and not let those pesky shin splits kick my butt!

Create a clutter free life. In the next few months I plan on getting rid of a lot of things I haven't wanted to part with.

Find a new job - whether it is here in NH or else where.

These are pretty big for me. I don't like change. If you know me well, you know this. These are all good changes though ... so I better get moving! :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Fur Baby Giveaways

2010-11-12T08:48:00.002-05:00

Check it out!

http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways

I was voting for a friends dog photo at Modern Dog Magazine and I noticed some cool giveaways ... so I thought I would share!

Enjoy!!

Jamie

Freebies 10/11/10

2010-10-11T13:07:00.002-04:00

Got2B

http://www.allyou.com/static/promo/freesamples/Got2B/contactinfo.html

Dove

http://www.dove.us/#/haircare/free_sample.aspx

Portland Head Light & Cape Elizabeth

2010-10-11T10:38:00.005-04:00

These were taken back in April. It was a fun day trip with Tiffany, Abby and Debbie!

I am a little behind on blogging - obviously!

Fall in NH

2010-10-02T21:36:00.003-04:00

My new bag :)

2010-08-21T23:25:00.001-04:00

Mine is black with a blue ruffle print. Anna Street Studio was having a summer sale, and I got it for a steal of a deal! :) Love that store!

Free Samples - Week of 6/13/10

2010-06-14T11:09:00.001-04:00

I just signed up for these today - get 'em while their hot!

Aveeno
http://www.aveeno.com/1005/haircare-free-sample

Head and Shoulders
Copy and paste this - that # sign is also a part of the address, not sure why it won't link!
http://www.teenfx.com/hs_registration.cfm#

Free Pool Test Kit
http://healthypools.org/order-pool-kit-form/

Nivea for Men
http://www.niveaformen.co.uk/nivea_for_men_england_cooperation/nivea-football.html#/EssentialKit

Free Samples

2010-06-11T15:27:00.004-04:00

I decided to start posting all the freebies I come across. These are not super secret or anything, just ones that I see on different blogs, or get in e-mails. There are a million different places you can look to find these. I only sign up for free samples from companies I know like Dove or Kraft. I wouldn't recommend signing up through a third party. Some companies are owned by larger companies. I get free samples through Right at Home and Home Made Simple and a few other ones that send out a booklet of manufacturers coupons.

Some people have a separate e-mail address they use strictly for buying items online, and free samples. I have Gmail and I their spam filter works AMAZINGLY . . . so I don't bother with multiple e-mail address. Just another password I have to remember! ARGH. I have enough of those are work!

I get loads of free samples in the mail every week. Some items are great travel sized goodies to take on vacation. Some are great for my desk at work, or back up emergency helpers. . . like toilet paper or conditioner! The things you take for granted!! :)

So here is what I have signed up for over the past few weeks:

I always check out Free Samples at Walmart.com

Kotex Free Sample Pack

Nivea Body Lotion (From walmart.com if the link doesn't work go to the walmart website and look at the in stores tab)

ALL Laundry Detergent

Cottonelle (another walmart one)

Playtex (yet another walmart.com freebie)

Home Made Simple (Manufater's coupons)

Windex Starter Kit (From Home Made Simple)

These are just a few to get you started. If you want me to keep on doing this . . . leave me some love so I know this is helpful to you!

Jamie

Running

2010-02-18T20:22:00.003-05:00

Today I was going to the gym. HOWEVER, I decided to spend some time outside with Mizzou. I went jogging in Litchfield. I can't run near my house.... the roads are to crazy. I grabbed my little training coach and hit the road!

We have to work on a few things... like me getting in shape and her not weaving in front of me. Once we got the "run by my side" thing down we did pretty well!

I decided to do a jog/speed walk regiment.... 3.2 miles! YEAH YEAH! :)

It was getting dark so I decided to call it a night. I love my pup and I love it was warm(er) today!

We made it!!!! :)

A Winter Walk

2010-02-15T01:23:00.003-05:00

Felt the Love

2010-02-04T21:35:00.007-05:00

I wanted to blog about my friend Janessa's creations! She makes incredible items out of felt! She made me an iPod case and key chain. I LOVE THEM. I have Felt the Love that's for sure!

Check out Jenny's site. I know you will love it! Here is a link to become a fan of Felt the Love and follow what's new in her shop!!

Coupon Book version 3.0

2010-02-04T14:09:00.005-05:00

Ok, I lost my coupon book. I know, it is a travesty! How could I be so irresponsible! ARGH

I haven't been CVS'ing in weeks and weeks, and I finally broke down and shelled out the cash to make a new one.

I couldn't find a replacement binder. My old binder was a clearance (of course) find from Staples. I bought a TON of them. I gave most of them away when I made my friends and family make coupon binders too. Oh well. I opted for plain white.

New feature: version 3.0 has a bungee thingy to help keep it closed! Saaaweeeeet! I will post more improvements later.

Oh yeah, this one is so fat it stands up by itself! LOL

January Recap

2010-02-04T13:55:00.003-05:00

I have been terrible at blogging lately. I will blame it on working too much, with a pinch of laziness! I have been doing tons of things too! I think I am just in my mid winter rut. It all happens to us!

I went to Boston a few times.

I went to Richmond Virginia.

I made it home in time from Richmond to see Scott Brown elected as MA's new Senator.

I am helping plan a wedding

Did I mention I have been working a lot? :)

Here are some pictures from the past month or so. I promise I will be a better bloggin' Chicky poo!

I went to Boston a few times.

I went to Richmond Virginia.

I made it home in time from Richmond to see Scott Brown elected as MA's new Senator.

I am helping plan a wedding

Did I mention I have been working a lot? :)

Here are some pictures from the past month or so. I promise I will be a better bloggin' Chicky poo!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T15:51:00.005-05:00

The Nut Cracker

2009-12-14T09:47:00.003-05:00

Wow, I have not been blogging at all! What a slacker!!!

I went to the Nutcracker with Tracey and Abby. One of Tracey's dear friends has a daughter who does ballet! She was one of the toy soldier!

We went to the Palace Theater in Manchester. What a great place to catch a show! This is also where I brought my mom to see CATS for her birthday.

Here are some pictures.... Enjoy!

CATS!!!

2009-10-29T20:03:00.003-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while.. a long while that is! So I thought I would talk about how EXCITED I am to go see CATS! Yes that's right... I am going to see CATS! The show is coming to the Palace Theater in Manchester! I am taking my mom for her birthday and we are going to have a fabulous time!

check out the costumes and make up! AMAZING! Can't wait!!!!

I seriously can't wait! SHUT UP!!!!

An Afternoon at the Flea Market

2009-10-26T14:52:00.003-04:00

On Sunday Krista and I went to the Londonderry Flea Market to look at some purses. ;)

We did a little Christmas shopping, looked at all the junk, and enjoyed some junk food. We both had the stomach flu last week and after a few days of eating only saltines and soup - WE WANTED SOME REAL FOOD! I had some kettle corn - fresh home made! YEAH! Krista had a hankering for some fried dough. They made it fresh. It wasn't that stuff you get at a sporting event that is hard as a rock from sitting under a heating lamp. This was real deal fried dough.

too excited.

The aftermath of Krista's ferocious hunger!

For some reason I always can make Krista act like a fool on camera. Enjoy the pictures! :p

God Bless America - Kelly Clarkson 8/28/09

2009-08-29T16:38:00.003-04:00

Red Sox game

Sox v. Jays

we won! YEAH YEAH YEAH

Red Sox Game! 8/28/09

2009-08-29T16:22:00.005-04:00

Red Sox Game!

The quotable Abby Morris:

- "Wow, she is going to be a piece of work"

- "Jamie, have you ever fell asleep in your clothes, I know that is akward." (asked randomly when the car was quiet)

- "My feet are strong, I don't need to hold on" (As the T lurches forward and she goes flying)

- "Those girls are trying to make themselves drunk!" (the girls behind us were "pretending to be drunk... to impress a boy)

"Jamie, that man sitting next to you is trying to read your text messages. That is not cool. You should send a text that says, 'the creep next to me is reading my text messages!' " (I did... and it worked!)

These were my favorite picks... Just wanted to share!

Another Town Hall Health Care Forum ... I mean closed door forum.

2009-08-29T16:10:00.003-04:00

I was disappointed to hear that Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta was not permitted to attend Rep. Carol Shea Porters Health Care Forum today in the Norris Cotton Federal Building.

I have some issues with this. For one, the federal building is FAR to small to hold a large amount of people in one place. There is not a large room or auditorium. Another issue I have is that I think the Mayor should be allowed to attend! I also was concerned that there were over 100 people in that building without security clearances.

I am looking forward to Mayor Guinta's Forum in Exeter on Monday. Hopefully I will be able to make it out there early enough to find parking and a seat... or standing room!

Another Freebie

2009-08-29T16:03:00.002-04:00

So its raining cats and dogs.... so I am going to look for freebies and digi scrap tonight!

This one is from Sunshine Studio Scraps ... check it out here

Digi Scrap freebie

2009-08-25T20:15:00.002-04:00

You know I love free stuff! I have not been digital scrapbooking this summer. Shame on me! Time to jump back into things!! Here is an awesome freebie from Peppermint Creative website. It's one of my favorites! Click here.

Lots of Boston....... Where Else would I be?

2009-08-22T21:15:00.004-04:00

On the Way to Simi Valley and the Ride Home

2009-08-22T20:58:00.005-04:00

I really enjoyed the ride up to Simi Valley. Alisa and I got to talk.. and man oh man can we talk. I also loved the scenery! I know I am a dork... but I was in California! C'mon I had a blast.

Camp Pendleton for all my Marines.

We caught some hot air balloons on our way back into San Diego... what a cool end to an awesome day!

Reagan Library

2009-08-22T20:38:00.004-04:00

Wow I have not been blogging at all! I need to catch up on my summer and vacation adventures... then I will dive into the political scene. There is so much going on!!

Del Mar

2009-07-25T19:08:00.006-04:00

The Second race we watched was on the turf track. The horse I licked the best was named Gretsky! What a great name! He was in last place... then has he came around the last turn he pulled into the top 5.... then right before the finish he pulled into first place! You really can't go wrong with a hockey name! This first picture is of Gretsky after he won! :)

The Pacific Ocean

2009-07-25T18:59:00.003-04:00

On friday we went to the ocean! I know, I know.... I love the ocean. this is the PACIFIC ocean. How cool is that? The water was sooooooo warm. People were walking around in hoodies because it was windy that day. I was sweating like a pig! I still can't get over how warm the water was! Alisa was telling how sometimes you can see dolphins swimming off the shore. Like 20 minutes later we saw dolphins! CRAZY!

San Diego Zoo

2009-07-24T13:01:00.004-04:00

California Fire

2009-07-24T12:04:00.002-04:00

We were driving to the zoo and we notice smoke rising up from the highway. When we got closer we noticed that it was from the bushes along the left hand side of the highway. When we drove by you could see the smoke becoming more intense and the flames were becoming out of control. We must have just made it though, because a few minutes later the radio said that part of the highway was closed down! YIKES. It looked like it was from a cigarette butt or something. Who knows.

San Diego 1st Night

2009-07-23T11:55:00.007-04:00

I finally made it!

I was very stressed this plane ride. I do not know why. I have been on longer flights before. I got dropped off early so I could get through security... which was a breeze! I think the past two or three times it has taken longer to get through security in other cities. Boston is really doing an awesome job! When I made it to my gate I got a coffee and decided to work on some digital scrap booking... so I did! Here are some pictures I was editing before I put them in a Lay out.

was minding my own business when I see this Asian family walking towards me. Then one of their girls puked everywhere! I mean she puked a lot. I was thinking FABULOUS.... I am going to get the swine flu! The sister brought the one who was throwing up to the bathroom, and the mom and dad stood there for a few minutes looking at it, then they walked away and left it without telling anyone! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I have to stop writing about it, because it makes me feel sick. YUCK!

The plane ride was interesting. Jet Blue has tv's on the back of each seat.. so I got to watch the Sox game! How awesome is that?? We hit some nasty turbulence over Colorado, but other than that my trip was great and the pilot had a nice smooth landing... thank goodness! After my landing in Boston from Minneapolis last October I was slightly stressed to fly. I am back to normal now.....I think. Let's see how I do on the red eye home Monday night.

San Diego's Airport is nice! I liked it. Alisa met me at the bottom of the escalator and we had our little reunion. hehehe. THEN I almost grabbed the wrong suit case! Leave it to Jamie to grab the wrong suit case. It was the same olive greenish brown color as mine! It was way beat up though. I pulled it off of the baggage claim and I was starring at it. I was like what happened to my suit case! I looked at the bag and it was NOT MINE. Then I had a moment of terror run over my body.... what if this dude took my suit case! AHHHHHHH. Luckily he didn't, and mine came flying out of the chute a few moments later. ***Phew*** Close call!

For dinner, Alisa brought me to the Studio Diner! You know me and how much I love diners! I even went to the Airport Diner for Brunch before I went to Logan to catch my plane. ;)

This obviously isn't my picutre because I went there at night. I found this one, so you can get a look at it!

I guess it was built next to a studio, the only studio in San Diego. We got a Cobb Salad and a Boob Sandwich to split. Yes I said a Boob sandwich. Naturally that is the one we wanted! It was a grilled piece of chicken with bacon, avocado ( I AM IN HEAVEN HERE... AVOCADO'S EVERYWHERE) and some other fixin's. Then we went back to her house. I got settled in and finally fell asleep. I think it must have been 3am Eastern Time. I couldn't sleep in this morning. Every time I did fall back to sleep I would wake up. Oh well! Silly 3 hour time difference!!!!

Ok, that is it for now. Today I am going to the pool, as soon as I get moving. THEN we are going to the San Diego Zoo! You know I will be taking a million pictures! I will post more tonight or tomorrow morning!

xoxoxo

Tall Ships 2009

2009-07-14T22:23:00.003-04:00

Very Slick CVS Deals

2009-07-08T22:53:00.003-04:00

I brought Abby to CVS with me before church. She helped me keep my coupons straight. She even helped me frantically look for Febreze products when I thought they were all sold out! They were mixed in all over the place with other brands! We found almost everything I wanted to get! All this for $14.... I know SHUT UP! Retail about $80ish. Love it!

4th of July with my Favorites!

2009-07-06T21:02:00.003-04:00

These are just a few pictures from my 4th of July weekend. We were all over the place... but my camera is out of commission for now, so these are pictures I stole from Krista ;)

Video from Red Sox Rolling Rally 2007

2009-07-02T18:26:00.004-04:00

I just transferred this to my laptop from the house computer. LOVE IT.

Enjoy

And I apologize that I turned it sideways... I was too excited the rolling rally stopped every few minutes right in front of us. Then we got to see Pap and Timlin dancing around with their brooms. It was one of the coolest days of my life. The entire city was happy!

A Babysitting Extraveganza!

2009-06-30T19:40:00.002-04:00

Wallis Sands June 2009

2009-06-20T08:10:00.004-04:00

CVS and Walgreens. Oh yeah.

2009-06-19T20:40:00.002-04:00

Pictured below:

1 Fusion Shave Gel *Free*

1 St. Ives Body Wash *Free*

8 Bottles of VO5 Shampoo/Conditioner *1.77 for all 8 bottles*

2 Right Guard Deodorants *.99 ea*

Fusion Razor * .99 after rebates and coupons*

Sally Hanson Nail Polishes *I think I paid .50 for both!*

Quatro Razors *BOGO Free, coupon... I paid $3.99 for both of them*

Glade Essential Oils refill Packs *2/$5 and I had a Buy two get one free, and another coupon $2 for all three*

I paid a little over $10 for all of this. I wanted some of these items, and the deals were so good, I did not mind paying out of pocket.

I had my flip flops on, so Mizzou thought I was leaving after being gone most of the week. Isn't she so cute?

Quick CVS Deal

2009-06-18T13:53:00.003-04:00

So this CVS Deal is not a money maker. I had to buy candy for the office. I was dreading it because it is so expensive! I decided to run into CVS really quick before work. When I got there I scanned my card and got some awesome coupons! SCORE!!! After getting distracted, I finally made it to the candy isle. They were having a sale! Lucky me! I was spending a co-workers money, so I wanted to get some good candy. Hershey bagged candy was marked 2/$6 or 2/$5! SCORE! WAIT! It gets SOOO much better.

If you spend $15 on certain candy products you get $5 ecb's! There are also a few other brands!

Happy Shopping!

Jamie

Group Photo from the Conference

2009-06-05T17:55:00.001-04:00

Michael in Digi Scrap!

2009-05-29T20:24:00.003-04:00

Holocaust Memorial

2009-05-27T20:38:00.008-04:00

In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Martin Niemoller

"Look at these towers, passerby, and try to imagine what they really mean - what they symbolize - what they evoke. They evoke an era of incommensurate darkness, an era in history when civilization lost its humanity and humanity its soul . . ."

"We must look at these towers of memory and say to ourselves, No one should ever deprive a human being of his or her right to dignity. No one should ever deprive anyone of his or her right to be a sovereign human being. No one should ever speak again about racial superiority... We cannot give evil another chance."

- Elie Wiesel

Boston Summer 2009

2009-05-26T09:20:00.009-04:00

I know what me and the boys are looking at, but what is Abigail doing? :)

My fro made it in this picture!

We were pretending to be in jail with a pirate. This is the new pirate smiley face p)

Jay chilling in his "Short Shorts". I saw a little more of his thigh then I even care to see again.

I always stop and look at this quote. I think it is so powerful. I have a better picture I will post separately.

Pirates have great balance.. did you know that?

I just love this city!

I love the "Gahden"!

Those shorts were killing us all day. He did match his shirt to his sneakers though!

Pirates make me laugh.

This is Abby's picture... p.s. she didn't get all three of us in the photo as you can see.

The brothers

The goof troop - Abby is making a Pirate face so Peter does not feel left out.

Ha ha caught her off guard

Abby trying to be the Statue of Liberty

They make their own instruments. Kinda neat.

Te ugliness of this building just knocks me over every time.

Cute. A little sisterly love.

Coupons

2009-05-19T13:25:00.004-04:00

Hello to everyone! I have not really been blogging.. at all! I'm sorry. Life has been a little crazy and I have not really been to CVS at all. Everyone get such a kick out of the pictures I post and how much I save/spend ... I thought I would share my little tricks!

I like to check out some blogs to get different ideas on what are the best money making deals for the week. This works for CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens... you name it! I prefer CVS. However, Walgreens and Rite Aid are really coming out with some great -- if not better --- deals. So I like to mix it up! I LOVE the Money Saving Mom website. She has great tutorials, shopping list ideas, and other ideas on how to really save some money.

I have always loved the thrill of a good bargain, those of you who know me well are laughing right now! I do not have a family to shop for, but I do enjoy shopping for my parents and sister. We have a stash FULL of name brand items that I got for next to nothing! We are talking Panteen Pro V, Loreal.. all of these products for free! Insane I know!

So most of you already know I do this... but my mom wants me to tackle grocery shopping with her! I was like eeeeeeek! I love a good challenge so we are organizing ourselves and planning a head for the next week. My mom would love to try and get a grocery bill for the four of us for at least $50 and under a week. We have four dogs between all of us, and their food is something we will not go cheap on. No name dog food, or poor quality is something that will cause health problems down the road and ultimately causing us to spend more money at the vet.

Some of my friends at work know that I am couponing so they give me all of their coupon inserts from the Sunday newspaper!!! I have like 3 people who hook me up every week! In return they come to me if they need help or are looking for a specific coupon. It is really funny. If I can help my parents save some money on groceries I am there! They are letting me live at home while I pay down my student loans, the very least I can do is help save some money! :)

I will post some pictures of my coupon binder and our game plan for shopping!

New Foggy Goggles!

2009-05-02T17:47:00.004-04:00

I didn't pick any of the ones I originally liked! I found these ones and fell in love. They were the third pair I tried on!

I need help picking out new frames

2009-04-27T23:07:00.003-04:00

Here are the options ... not necessarily in the colors shown. They have a few colors in each style.

Little Pleasures in Life

2009-04-27T10:18:00.004-04:00

I got to talk to an older woman on the phone today. She has MS and her husband is a veteran with Alzheimer's. They both are declining rapidly. She had the best attitude! She was happy and laughing... even after being on the phone all morning trying to find OUR phone number!

She was such a doll!

She invited me to go to the lake she lives on and check out the beach they have rights to! She was such a nice surprise. Usually at the end of the month everyone is cranky!

I just wanted to share. She was my little hidden gem of the day... and I told her that too! :)

Take care!

Love,
Jamie

NH and Maine

2009-04-26T16:17:00.004-04:00

Nancy's Bridal Shower

2009-04-21T19:17:00.002-04:00

NH Tea Party - Tomorrow - BE THERE

2009-04-14T09:48:00.002-04:00

Here is an e-mail I received... I wanted to post it to my blog - so all of you know how to get there and what to expect!

See you Wednesday at 5:30pm!

From the e-mail I received:
Hello Tea Partiers!

It's hard to believe that our NH event is only 48 hrs away! That's right in a little less than two days we will all be meeting at Victory Park in Manchester, NH. Directions A slight correction from the last directions given.

The street you are turning left on from Granite St, is Pine St, not Chestnut. The park is close to a square and is surrounded by Concord, Chestnut, Amherst, and Pine sts. I just always assumed I was driving on Chestnut when I went to the library. Oops!! We will still be able to park in the same garage, and/or on the street. T-Shirts: We still have some of our limited edition T-Shirts available, but they are going fast. Large - XXL are still left. Feel free to email me, or call the 800# on the flier, and facebook to pre-order yours. IF you want to pick yours up before the Tea Party, they will be available by noon tomorrow. Just call the phone number, and we can make arrangements. They are $10 each, and the cost is going to defray the tea party event's costs. Updates in the program I can now let you know that none other than WGIR radio host Charlie Sherman will be our Emcee for the evening! It's going to be an amazing evening. Also, practice a 30 second "rant", or speech as to why you are upset about high taxes for the Granite Grok Rant cam. GrantieGrok will have a video booth to tape your remarks to place them on the Internet. If after the GranitGrok guys review the videos yours is deemed the best rant, you will receive a $50 gift certificate to a fine local restaurant. Also, a suggestion for those of you chomping at the bit to become involved in the sponsor organizations - bring a dozen or two of your address labels you use for snail mail. This will make it very quick and easy for you to sign up for any of the sponsor groups' mailing lists, or membership lists that you want. Keep inviting folks!!!See you on Wednesday,

More CVS Fun

2009-04-13T21:45:00.002-04:00

All for free! And I earned $10 in extra bucks... gotta love it!

Just working on a few things

2009-04-12T21:50:00.001-04:00

Blogging on a Rainy Day

2009-04-11T18:01:00.003-04:00

RAIN = GOOFY TESSIER GIRLS

p.s. I have no makeup on ... enter at your own risk... he he he

Krista and I get goofy when it rains out....

Newest CVS deals

2009-04-11T17:47:00.003-04:00

I did not see ANYTHING I wanted a CVS this week. I was kinda sad. For some reason I got inspired Saturday afternoon.

I found some stuff that was super on sale. I only earned $2 ecb's this week.

Soooooo I got all of this stuff ($18.77) for FREE... I had $8 in ecb's and a ton of coupons..... YEHAW!

Oh yeah we found a dollar bill on the ground as well. So I made $3 off of this excursion!

Krista Making Pizza

2009-04-11T17:25:00.002-04:00

Krista requested that I made a new post to announce that she was making her very own pizza at home today. Just wanted to let all of you know.

I HEART CVS

2009-04-11T14:56:00.002-04:00

I Heart CVS

This is a very cool blog. Now this is hard core. Check out these ideas for clipping your coupons. I have a small expandable little portfolio that I just keep in my bag. I find I get frustrated when I am looking for things in the store. Check it out! Click here to see the page

How does everyone else keep themselves organized?

Opening Day

2009-04-06T10:47:00.003-04:00

So, I am sad that opening day has been postponed until tomorrow. I have mandatory training session in Concord ALL DAY. Now I will not be able to listen to the game! UGH

I will need text message updates!

OK I am done whining ... for now... let me read the news ... I will add some more later! :)

NH's Tea Party

2009-04-02T20:03:00.004-04:00

http://www.thenhadvantage.com/

We only have less than two weeks to make sure as many people know about NH's Tea Party as we can. Please get the word out: 5:30pm Victory Park in Manchester, NH. Please come, and please register today if you have not already done so. THANKS SO MUCH FOR CARING ABOUT OUR NATION, AND ABOUT NH!! TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! :)

I will add more a little later. Please consider coming to this event. I know a lot of us go to church on Wednesday night... however.... it starts at 5:30. We can sign in and leave when we need to so we can get to church on time. Please prayerfully consider coming for a little while and show your support!

I Choose Not to Participate in the Recession!

2009-04-01T14:58:00.002-04:00

Did you miss me? I have not been blogging my rants and raves on our current political and economic situation. I have been focusing on my artsy fartsy and bargain hunting endeavours.....

Here it goes!

So, the other day I went to lunch with my boss. We went to Ruby Tuesday's in the mall. Wouldn't you just be astonished that there was not ONE parking space near that building.. or any entrance for that matter.

I thought we were in a recession?

Apparently, New Hampshire didn't get that memo! And it gets better! A few weeks ago I ATTEMPTED to go to the Olive Garden in Tyngsboro, MA on a week night (and p.s. people we are not talking Thursday-Saturday either!). There was over an hour wait! For the Olive Garden on a Tuesday night... are you kidding me?

Why are sales up 11% for lia sophia since last winter...? Apparently none of our customers got that memo either (which I do not mind one bit!). :)

I am choosing not to participate in the recession. I have been blessed with a stable job, great health care, and plenty of hours.

Let me move to my next thought.

This new stimulus package is killing me. Why is it that we can give money for Bumble Bee protection, condoms, and other various things.... but I am being forced to get more money back in my pay check every week. I have more than one job. From what I have surmised thus far (please please please tell me if I am wrong about this!) I may be in big trouble come April of 2010! I have more than one job, meaning I will be getting extra back in each pay check. If that amount at the end of the year exceeds $400 for a single person like myself, I will owe Uncle Sam money. I don't want that money! They can take it out of my paycheck!! I have no control over this... it comes right out whether I like it or not. I am so mad... I don't know what to do. I am just keeping that extra money each week and putting into my savings until I can figure out what is going on. No one I have talked to has a good grip on exactly what this will mean for us. UGH!

I will add more later. I wanted to get this going. These are scary times. I pray our President can pull us out of the economic downfall. I do not wish President Obama to fail, however I will not support any liberal policies or agendas! So for anyone who will say you just do not want him to succeed... of course I want our country to prosper! I do not have to love the President, but I will respect and obey the laws the govern this incredible country we live in!

Sunshine Studios Week 3

2009-03-21T22:26:00.004-04:00

Romanza Bundle

2009-03-17T19:47:00.002-04:00

Check out this beauty! I am hoping to win this... it is awesome. I love the colors and design scheme. LOVE IT! Check it out here .

Enjoy! :)

CVS

2009-03-16T22:58:00.005-04:00

I got the grumpy girl! Figures! She messed up my coupon piles - which got me VERY stressed out. I worked so hard to keep them organized. Next time they are all being separated per transaction with butterfly clips! SO all in all I spent approx $25 on over $100 worth of products! YYEEHAWW! Somethings I needed that had lackluster deals or coupons on... but I got a TON of stuff!

p.s. not pictured, two boxes of L'Oreal Preference hair color!

Pictured:

2 Glade Essential Oils candle holder (comes with holder and two candles)

2 boxes of Crest toothpaste

1 Colagte toothpaste

2 Dove deodorants

1 Right Guard Deodorants

1 Irish Springs body wash

1 Panteen Pro V shampoo

1 Panteen Pro V conditioner

2 bottles of Ajax liquid dish soap

2 Glade candles

1 Dove conditioner

1 Dove shampoo

1 Satin shave gel

2 Glade air freshener sprays

2 Glade Essential Oil refill packs (3 candles per pack)

4 Covergirl Eye shadows

1 L'Oreal Eye shadow

not pictured: 2 boxes of L'Oreal hair color!

Sunshine Studios Week 2

2009-03-10T23:38:00.002-04:00

CVS Deal....I mean Steal!

2009-03-10T22:16:00.004-04:00

I had a rough day today. My dentist saga continues, work is kinda rough AND I had a very good but deep conversation with a friend. It was a long day!

I decided to cheer up my night I would go to CVS and get some deals. I have been building up my coupon stash. I clipped a few more and got out my handy dandy CVS flyer! I circled a few things I needed, things that had ecb's, things my mom needed, and things I just had coupons for!

When I arrived at CVS I became inspired! Here is what I got:

3 Bottles of Garnier Fructise for Dry Hair (buy 3 for $10. I had 3 $1 off coupons. Also earned 5 3 ecb's for spending $10 on any Garnier product)

1 Loreal Vive Pro for Dry or Colored Hair (On Sale for $2.99 and I had a $1off coupon)

1 Secret Flawless Antiperspirant ($3.99, 1 ecb back and a $1.50 off Coupon)

1 Shick Quattro (reg $8.99 and I got 5 ecb's. I did not have any coupons, but I love this razor!)

2 Palmolive 10 oz. Dish Soap's ($1.49 ea. and I earned 2 ecb's)

2 Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (Conditioner and Shampoo) (On sale for $2.88 ea. and I had a $3 off coupon)

1 Crest 4.2 oz Pro Health toothpaste. (Sale $2.99, I had $1.00 off coupon and I earned 2 ecb

1 Crest Pro Heath 8.4 oz. Mouth Wash. (Sale 2.99, I had a $1.00 coupon and I earned 2 ecb)

I had 14 ecb's

I earned 17 ecb's

I had $10 in coupons

I saved $37.99 today! Can you believe it!!??!!??!!??

You do the math, I eared a few dollar tonight! I really love CVS!

More digi scrap!

2009-03-08T22:20:00.005-04:00

Granite Dog Gallery

2009-03-05T16:38:00.004-05:00

When I first got Mizzou, I took an obedience class at All Dogs Gym where I worked full time. I was in a class with Molly Poole and her sweet little Carin Terrier named Cricket. Mizzou loved Cricket. Cricket also went to doggie day care with Mizzou.

Molly is an incredible artist. If you are a dog lover looking for a portrait OR just love her art work check out her website! It is awesome. I love it! Check out her website at http://www.granitedog.com/ .

Enjoy!

Mine Sweeper

2009-03-01T23:54:00.005-05:00

Last Christmas we requested my grandfather discharge documents from National Archives. I wish I would have paid better attention to where he got stationed in the Navy during WWII. However, I was able to gather this much info from his discharge papers.... Here is the ship he served on! YMS-138 . I grew up knowing he served on a mine sweeper. I also know that he spent time in California and in the Panama Canal... but to

actually find a picture of the ship..... Crazy huh? I guess my mad crazy historian skills paid off for something! We had pictures of him during his military service ....but a family member has those. Long story and I won't bother you with details.

Needless to say it was a real blessing for us to be able to find this info on the Internet. It was a little piece of my grandfather that my Mom was able to enjoy! And I hope you will also!

The Adventures of Wally

2009-03-01T23:52:00.002-05:00

The Certain Girls LOVE Jamie's Cell Phone!

2009-02-23T22:13:00.003-05:00

I know these are old pictures...

2009-02-23T18:47:00.004-05:00

I know these are old pictures, but I have so many of them I need to use them! And they are all great memories for both of us, so I don't want to waste all of the Fenway/Red Sox pics I have.

I originally had these in lay outs using a digital scrap booking software. Needless to say using PSE is way more fun and well... you can be far more creative. Plus, there are so many talented designers out there, why would you want to pay big bucks for over priced lay outs and elements that are not all the great - not to mention ones you can not make your own!!!!!!

You can support people who love what they do and sell their designs are great prices... and don't even get me started on how awesome blog trains are! I can't wait for my next one! :) I am probably hooked on digital scrap booking for life!

Swag Bucks

2009-02-23T09:55:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Tovah revealed yet ANOTHER freebie deal. There is a new search engine called Swag Bucks.

As a thank you for using their site (powered by Google) you earn free Internet "swag bucks". If you refer someone and they sign up you earn swag bucks. Randomly when doing a search you can get a swag buck or two! And the person who referred you also earns swag bucks whenever you do! So I have been using Swagbucks as my search engine. The results come up very similar to google.

You can earn all kinds of cool things such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Barnes and Noble gift cards.

If you are interested please let me know. If I refer you I will get swag bucks and Tovah will as well!!

Enjoy :)

Are You Ready?

2009-02-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

I am so ready for the Sox season to start... are you? ;)

Check it out!

2009-02-21T09:35:00.002-05:00

Nicole is featrued on freebie blog! Check it out! Click here

TV Ad's

2009-02-17T08:05:00.004-05:00

Ok are you ready for me to rant...here it comes... brace yourself........ and you bet it is about the liberal media!

I was watching some Red Sox pre training camp footage on NESN last night. THEN this commercial came on. There are these two girl trying on some clothes. One friend keeps saying "oh that is so gay". They kept on repeating it over and over again. Then Hilary Duff walks into the frame and goes off on them about how hurtful it is to say something is gay (referring to it as it is a word that means something that is bad).

OK so if we are going to be sensitive about not saying the word gay...which means happy mind you, in its true sense. Let's stop using the Lord's name in vain on TV , lets have these young girls stop dressing inappropriately on TV, lets stop swearing all together on television, lets stop saying retarded, and wicked. Let's stop having Americans of African decent calling themselves the "n" word, OR women referring to their friends in derogatory terms (in their sick and twisted "loving: way.

These things bother MANY American Citizen's.. not just me. That commercial has pushed me over the edge.

I have a problem with all of this, but especially since teenie boppers are being activists for a word like "Gay" when they themselves are helping with the moral degradation of our society. The dress like little tramps, their TV shows focus on their own wants and needs, AND they are poor role models for girls their age and younger.

It is sad when TV channels like Disney and Nickelodeon use to have good shows on for children to watch. Now I know many of my friends and family members with children can not let their kids have free reign of these shows. They are jam packed with teenage dating show with self centered agenda's.

PATHETIC!

We need to stop saying other more offensive words before the little ones disappear from our vocabulary.

This is not eloquant, or grammaticly correct. I am too annoyed to make it pretty!

A few more

2009-02-16T22:34:00.006-05:00

I've been busy tonight.....

2009-02-14T00:46:00.001-05:00

Coming soon.....

2009-02-11T11:07:00.002-05:00

I am working n a few lay outs. One is of my grandparents and the ship my grandfather served on during WWII. Then I am working on a layout of Tera and Mallory (my friend's daughters). They are the cutest ever!

In the works: Some type of baseball layout(s) for all of the games I have been to/tours of Fenway, Boston, and my trip to Italy during the summer of 2004.

I am pretty excited to be planning a trip D.C. in March or April. My friend Carolyn just moved down there. She is working for a pilot program using service dogs to work with veterans and wounded soldiers that have PTSD. I believe it is a spin off from the Assistant Dog Institute. I will have to get back on that one. I will be posting some websites and that sort of things. I am very interested in this program, because I work with veterans and I have seen how PTSD and TBI effects their lives. They are put on strong medications, and have to jump back into civilian life on top of seeking treatment. It is not an easy task for someone who is healthy. I can't imagine what it is life for them to go through that.

Stay tuned!
Jamie

My newest creations

2009-02-10T21:15:00.002-05:00

OK... so I have discovered drop shadowing in the elements palate on PSE. WOW it rocks my world! It just makes everything more realistic! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

I Like This One.......

2009-02-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken at Wallis Sands State Park in Rye, NH. I love this beach. It is very small. If you drive past Ordion Point and follow the shoreline you will come across Wallis Sands. If you sneeze you will miss it! This is from the Summer of 2007. Krista and I brought Abby for a day at the beach. It was fabulous!

I LOVE to Digi scrap!

2009-01-30T17:29:00.003-05:00

Here is a little something I threw together. I don't think I am done with it just yet. We will see what happens. This is my Mom's beagle Shalo aka Shay. We rescued him from a Brazilian family who live in a condo in Nashua. He barked too much and their condo association was getting uber mad. SO we got him for free! If you know Shalo you would say they should have paid us to take him. He can be a pill, but he is so cute it is hard to stay mad at him.

Birthday Pics

2009-01-30T08:02:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures of the purse Krista got me for my birthday. It is a BIG one! It is a green Nine West big signs purse. I LOVE NINE WEST. I have been very sad lately because I have not been able to find the small signs print for a while. Kritty came across this and I love it! In true Jamie fashion I needed to wear it like a hat. If you know me, you know this is something I do frequently. I like to put things on my head.... :)

I will post some more pics later on. I need to get them off of Krista's camera!

Jamie Jowdy Gerbil!!

2009-01-30T07:51:00.005-05:00

So I had to work at All Dog's last night. And Ann, our crazy cat lady comes in and says, "guess what?? Today is Jamie Jowdy Gerbil's birthday!!". I said SHUT UP, no way.

(Jamie Jowdy Gerbil is Ann's gerbil who she rescued and named in honor of my!)

Ann was trying not to laugh, so I kept saying, WOW! I can' believe we have the same birthday! How crazy is that! My name sake was born on the same exact day in January! Poor Lisa was laughing so hard in the office I think she stopped breathing. I then proceeded to smack Ann in the arm. It was so funny though. I needed a good laugh after my long and miserable day. The customers in the lobby got a kick out of it as well.

She is an old gal, about 3 or 4 which is ancient in gerbil years. She even looks old. Poor thing! I mad her come out of her nice warn tunnel for a photo shoot!

Ciao!

My 26th Year

2009-01-29T11:19:00.005-05:00

So I must say, my 26th year of life has not been plesant thus far. After getting about 8 inches of snow we had about 2 inches of rain... yes more ice! Here is where my car ended up this morning. Waahooo. Happy Birthday to me! The second picture is taken from Krista's car as she was hauling my sorry butt to work. And yes my car is pointing up the hill. It originally was headed in the correct direction! At least I got it off the side so everyone can get by today! Sorry Dad!

Drum Roll Please.........

2009-01-28T23:44:00.005-05:00

This first page of Mizzou I did tonight. The Christmas layout was my very first page. I am not in love with it, but I am still learning.... :) I got the dog themed paper and elements from Digital Art Cafe. they have fabulous deals and some awesome freebies! I think this pack was only a dollar and it was jam packed with all kinda of awesome papers and cute elemets. I love the texture on the papers.

Crazy Hair

2009-01-27T09:20:00.002-05:00

People always ask Krista and I where we get out curly hair from. Please scroll down until you see the pictures of my mom's parents (Donald and Jeanne Viera). As you can see they both had a LOT of hair. Especially Grampy. He didn't start going grey- or loosing hair until he was in his 70's. I don't think he ever really lost a lot of hair. Grampy is Portuguese.. aka TONS OF HAIR! Check out those eye brows. HUBBA HUBBA. I have a picture of the Mine Sweeper he served on in WWII. I will post a pic later. And I need to see if I can get my hands on a picture of him on his ship. Long story, but I will get my hands on those pictures!

I think it is eerie how much I look like my Nana. I even wear my hair the way she does - not on purpose either. She was stylin' what can I say? Grampy was a good lookin' dude as well! Hehehee. I was much close to my Mom's parents than my Dad's. I loved them just the same though. We just spent a lot more time with Nana and Grampy. They also took us everywhere with them. Car rides in my Grampy's old Buick, Canobie Lake Park, or just trips to the ocean for seafood. They would load Krista, Aaron and I in the car and off we would go! They were awesome grandparents and I miss them dearly.

Tim Joined the Air National Guard!!

2009-01-26T21:29:00.005-05:00

Tim officially joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard on Friday. We are all so proud of him. Joining the military is something he has wanted to do for a long time. There are so many benefits to enlisting, and above all he looks forward to serving his country. That's our patriotic Tim!!

American Girls

2009-01-26T21:21:00.003-05:00

For Abby's birthday we went to The American Girl store in Natick and the Cheese Cake Factory. The store is much smaller than the ones in NYC and Chicago. We still had a blast! We actually went a few weeks before Abby's birthday - so we could go with Tiff before she went back to school. The birthday cake pictures are actually from her real birthday.

Oldies but Goodies

2009-01-20T21:36:00.003-05:00

At Krista's baby dedication - Windham Bibel Chaple 1985

At Nana and Grampy's. I do believe this was after my Thanksgiving feast at Bethel Baptist.. later known as Bethel

At Nana and Grampy's. Check out those mops... I mean hair. We had bad hair as children. No one knew what to do with it! We were the only ones with the onset of curly hair.

Grandparents

2009-01-20T21:10:00.003-05:00

The Tessier's

Rose and Henry

Meme joined the army during WWII, much to her families dismay

My dad's parents are from the Nashua/Manchester area. They pretty much lived in Hudson for most of my dad's life, and my life for that matter.

The Viera's

Jeanne and Donald

My Nana was from Billerica, MA and Grampy was from Ipswich, MA. They lived in Lowell for a while and then built a house over the border in Pelham, NH.

2009-01-16T10:05:00.003-05:00

It has been waaaay too long since I have posted anything. Work has been busy, my car has been working on and off, and well the weather has been crazy. I will add some pictures AND I will post some digital scrapbook layouts I have been working on. They are a little rough, but I am really enjoying playing with PSE and all the different papers and embelishments. Thankfully Nicole has been able to give me pointers.... all the way from Korea! Check out her page to see some of the awesome pages she has done - and to see her new Yorkie Meg. http://nicoleandtim.blogspot.com/ Meg's full name is Megatron, and she is way too cute! She had a rough start when Nicole and Tim got her. They nursed her back to health and now she is a spunky terrier!

Much love,

I Love That Dirty Water

2008-12-29T18:26:00.011-05:00

The Old Granery Graveyard. Final Resting place of the Franklin family (minus Benjamin), Paul Revere, John Hancock, Mother Goose, and the victims of the Boston Massacre.

Faniuel Hall & Quincy Market. Ryan looks very worried. It was so packed, but we all scored seats on some benches upstairs.

The Water front and The New England Aquarium

The North End

What a beautiful view of the financial district... canolies in hand we press onward!! A little shopping and back on the T to go home.

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T10:00:00.008-05:00

Check out the Frodo feet!

Abby honestly has not shame what so ever.

Doing her signature dance

Still doing her dance, and not staying still for a photo op with Jay.

Still not standing still. Too much sugar, and not enough sleep!

ENJOY THE MOVIE!

Abby had these leggings on. They were very cute, but better suited for being worn underneath a dress. Well she came down stairs with her pink sweater and gray sneakers. Her legs looked so skinny, and her feet looked so big, that I laughed so hard I was crying. Abby is hitting a real growth spurt, and she is getting so tall. At the same time her feel are growing as well. I think she takes a size 6 in woman's sneakers at the moment. Two more sizes and I will be able to share shoes with her! She looked like she was straight from the 80's. The best part was she didn't care and loved the attention. Gotta love this child!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T09:50:00.006-05:00

As usual we went over the Morris/Hayden/Neff abode for Christmas Eve. And as usual we had awesome food, good fellowship, and lots of laughs.

Abby wearing her new pajama's as a hat after I pointed out that it would be a fabulous idea. :)

What a ham

Jay had enough fun for one night.

A little Hayden brotherly love... reunited and it feels so good!

Dan and Tiff ... awwww shucks!

Wearing Abby's new pj's as a hat. And I was poking Petey Pablo in the eye, but he didn't seem to notice.

Ryan's iPod Touch was in high demand. Peter wasll business about this game.... don't mess with the Petey Pablo!

A Christmas Photo Shoot With Wally!

2008-12-21T20:09:00.004-05:00

So when we lost power, we were lucky enough to be able to use the shower at my mom's work (Barclay Chiropratic in Hudson). Dr. B + fam were kind enough to let all of us, poor stinky people who did not have generato hook ups to our hot water, use the shower. When we first got there Patty and John were just finishing up. While I was waiting for my mom to finish, I decided to take some holiday pics at Dr. B's log cabin.

ENJOY!

These are pictures from the ice storm... Wally is one brave soul!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-17T12:33:00.002-05:00

In a world where everyone gets offended over saying Merry Christmas this is my thought on the subject. Maybe you offend me by not wanting to to celebrate my holiday. Maybe we should take the commercialism out of Christmas and celebrate the birth of Christ... Just a thought! Do we flip out at people who want to celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanza.. no just Christmas. GIVE ME A BREAK!

I will not say Happy Holidays... I will say Merry Christmas. I will not be offensive, but it is what I choose to say. This is a free country right?

My dear friend Jen sent me this in an e-mail. I just died laughing . . . ENJOY!

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Michael Cyr is Here!!! - Finally!

2008-12-16T15:25:00.003-05:00

Before:

After:

What a cutie pie!

Ice Storm 2008

2008-12-15T08:56:00.005-05:00

All I can say that was the most miserable storm. GIVE ME SNOW ANY DAY! I just heard on the news from PSNH that some people may not have power back till Christmas. I feel thankful our power came back on last night. Here are some pics Krista and I have been taking. It was down right scary... especially being on a private driveway, there was no telling when they would be able to get to us. I Guess because we had so many wires down and tress hanging over our driveway they made us a priority... and we were next on the grid. We truly were blessed.

Party Time!

2008-12-10T21:03:00.004-05:00

Mallory's Birthday

2008-12-10T08:13:00.006-05:00

I will add more pictures later :) And movies too!