Alright I have to go back to the Friday before's post. Another week has gone by! As I tuck my youngest into bed tonight, I stop to think wow take a minute longer and talk to him. He will only be this age for a small time. Before I blink my eyes I will be locked out of his room at night and he will want no part of me staying in is room so long! So once again, take a couple of minutes more when you put your kids to bed and talk to them about how there day went! They will only be this little for such a short time!

Recycling day is today. Remember all papers and catalogs are being collected at NeSmith Elementary to help raise money. Please take just those items up there for recycling.

Jeaneen Eli emailed me about a great idea. It has to do with everyone giving out one or two recipe(s). After we collect enough recipes from all different people that our here from all over the USA, we are going to have a cookbook made. The next plan we would like to do is try and sell these to maybe raise enough money to put a tornado alarm here in Lavon. This will cost quite a lot and so we are hoping to find someone that may know if we can get some money donated from the city or any other donation that may be available. And then we can raise the rest. If any of you know about donations of this type or where to start with seeing what steps need to be started to put in an alarm system please give us an email! We will keep you posted on our progress and hope you will all help in donating a recipe. It is FREE!

Money Savings Tip

Rent out unused space in your home. Do you have an extra bedroom that’s not being used? Rent it out. In our home, we could, if times were tough, rent out our entire basement - it has a “living room,” a bedroom, and a bathroom and has a stairwell right by the kitchen. If we found the right person, this would bring in a lot of extra money.

Freebies for the Day - Boards aren't full of anything new right now, sorry!

Well moms, sorry I have tried and will keep trying. So far no one wants to volunteer for odd and end babysitting jobs! Or maybe they just haven't read our site yet!

Freebie for the Day

Go ahead and ask for your free Diet Dr. Pepper! It's easy to sign-up for the coupon being offered directly from Dr. Pepper. You should receive your coupon by mail in 4 to 6 weeks.

Health Tip

Never eat out of the original container. How many times have you dipped into a pint of ice cream only to find yourself staring at the bottom of the container 15 minutes later?

Money Savings Tip

Master the ten second rule. Whenever you pick up an item in order to add it to your cart or to take it to the checkout, stop for ten seconds and ask yourself why you’re buying it and whether you actually need it or not. If you can’t find a good answer, put the item back. This keeps me from making impulse buys on a regular basis.

I know it is way early to be thinking about this, but when everyone waits until the last minute, things don't work out the right way. Does anyone know what day the National Night Out is this year? I have reserved a bounce house for the kids that evening, but need to know the date. Let's put our heads together this year and do a great National Night Out here in our neighborhood.

Next we need someone who can rent a big light for that evening. Any one have someone that could reserve that way ahead a time?

Crazy question, but does anyone have some large rubber bands that I can have? Please let me know if you do!

Recipe Tuesday

Ingredients:

People who have great recipes

Instructions:

Email Bently Farms email your recipes so that we can enjoy something new!

Great Coupons:

Save up to $6.50 with Arm & Hammer CouponsYou can print 8 different SmartSource coupons for Arm & Hammer products. You'll also get another baking soda coupon! My favorite coupon is for $1 off Arm & Hammer laundry detergent.

Save $0.75 on any Wish-Bone dressingA fabulous coupon because it's not restrictive of what type of Wish-Bone product you buy. Print it twice by clicking on this link a second time. Print in IE here. Print in Safari here.

Quote for the Day

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill

Money Savings Tip

Don’t go to stores or shopping centers for entertainment. Doing so is just an encouragement to spend money you don’t really have on stuff you don’t really need. Instead, find other places to entertain yourself - the park, the basketball court, a museum, a friend’s house, or even in your own home. Don’t substitute shopping for entertainment and you’ll be way better off.

Where did the weekend go? It was here and gone before we knew it! Oh well. Odds and ends are done, so that is all that matters.

There is a possibility of freezing rain tomorrow afternoon, so make sure you keep an eye out if you have to go anywhere.

Well now one is emailing so I just don't have any info to put on here today. Just the normal stuff. I hope you all are enjoying our site.

I did rent my first DVD from Redbox there in Walmart. I was surprised at how many they had and even better was it only cost $1. Wow!

Health Tip

Eat regular meals. Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating. When you're very hungry, it's also tempting to forget about good nutrition. Snacking between meals can help curb hunger, but don't eat so much that your snack becomes an entire meal.

Money Savings Tip

Go for reliability and fuel efficiency when buying a car. A reliable and fuel efficient car will save you thousands over the long haul. Let’s say you drive a vehicle for 80,000 miles. If you choose a 25 miles per gallon car over a 15 miles per gallon car, you save 2,133 gallons of gas. At $3 a gallon, that’s $6,400 in savings right there. Reliability can pay the same dividends. Do the research - it will pay off for you.

Alright you guys' turn! Who did what that was fun this weekend?

Who has local interesting/important news to pass along?

Any birthdays or anniversaries this week?

Any new blogs you would like to add?

Anything special you would like to see added to our blog?

Any babysitters available?

We need some recipes to add to our recipe file!

Any health tips?

Any freebies from local retailers you have recently recieved?

CYA Baseball sign ups are today from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 pm at the McClendon Elementary School today. If your son is interested and wants to play baseball today is the day! This year is going to be a better year than previous years, so come out and join CYA.

The weather today is going to be much cooler, so bundle up outside!

Anyone know of anything fun going on this weekend that you would like to share?

Couponers, do any of you have Huggies or Pamper coupons that you would like to give to me? Please email!

Awesome Coupons

Buy a dozen donuts at Krispy Kreme by February 14 and get 12 free Valentine’s Day cards as part of Krispy Kreme’s “Share the Love” promotion. Okay, free cards are nice on their own, but there’s a free donut coupon on the back of each card. Nice! Here’s a list of participating stores.



The McDonald’s coupon booklets are back just in time for Valentine’s Day. For just $1 get 12 coupons. From what I’ve read, these are for 3 free hamburgers, 3 free small cones, 3 free apple dippers or small fries, and 3 free apple juices or milk jugs. I can’t wait to pick at least one of these booklets up this weekend!

Money Savings Tip

Switch to term life insurance. Repeat after me: insurance is not an investment. Switch to term insurance instead and use that difference in cost to get yourself out of debt and start building some wealth. Universal and whole policies are much more expensive and offer a sub par investment opportunity - you’re much better off getting yourself free of a debt burden than spending extra on such things.

Advertising

Please check out last Saturday's post for advertising. There's some neat services and items!

Let me know if you would like to add to the list!

Well our babysitting list still has no names! There has got to be some teens in our neighborhood that would love some extra cash. Or maybe even a mom that could help her family in this tuff time with some extra cash.

Family Blogs? I know some of us in this neighborhood have family blogs, would you like to share?

Freebie for the Day

Get a free sample of Chocolate Turtle Chex mix when you sign-up for the Betty Crocker email newsletter. This is a brand new free sample offer from Betty Crocker! If you aren't sure if you've already signed-up, then just try filling out the form (they'll tell you). They are limiting this sample offer to one per household and you should receive it within 6 to 8 weeks.

A lot of free samples require sign-up to a free email, and I always do them if they are from a major company (this one is from General Mills) that I know will let me easily unsubscribe from their email at any time. The Betty Crocker email is great to get if you print coupons because you will find out about new coupons first. You'll also enjoy exclusive offers that they extend to some of their members, like the free Betty Crocker calendar.

Want a coupon for a decadent Chex Mix product? Print a coupon to Save $1 on one box of Chex Mix bars at the General Mills Family Cents website. And if you wanted to try this new cereal, they've got a good coupon to Save 75 cents on Banana Nut Cheerios cereal.

Health Tip

Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. This is a basic thing we all probably already know; however, we all need to be reminded!

Money Savings Tip

Prepare some meals at home. Get an accessible and easy-to-use cookbook (here's a favorite “beginner” cookbook, it is Mark Bittman’s excellent How to Cook Everything) and try making some of the dishes inside. You’ll find that cooking at home is much easier than you think - and way cheaper and healthier than take-out or dining out. Even better, you can easily prepare meals in advance - even handy fast food type meals.

Can you believe our weather! What a beautiful day it was today and tomorrow is even supposed to be nicer! Make sure and open your windows. It helps air out your house and leave it fresh smelling. Not to mention, it helps get some of the germs out. It's peaceful to hear the chirping of the birds and the laughs of the neighborhood kiddos out playing!

Does anyone know of a little boy around the age of 3 1/2 to 5 years old that is in need of a forever family? A family here in our neighborhood would like to adopt a little one around that age and any help would be wonderful! Please email Bentlyfarms if you may have any information.

Any other news around our neighborhood? I noticed that we are accumulating quite a few homes here in our neighborhood that are up to sale and some that are empty. If you live near one of these homes, can you keep watch out for any abnomal things going on around them if you're not already!

There is still a missing dog sign up on the lamp post. Has this dog been found yet? If not, please let me know or the sign will be removed tomorrow. Thanks!

Freebies for Wednesday

Get a free sample of Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal from Walmart. Another great sample from the best source of free samples! Check out the other Walmart free samples to see if there is anything else you want to request. Speaking of Crest, you can also request coupons by mail.

Sign-up for a SeeHere.com account and get 50 FREE PRINTS! Enter coupon code prints-6 after you add 50 4x6 prints to your cart. You do have to pay shipping, but it looks pretty reasonable ($3.19 to my house). The 50 prints would normally cost you $6.00 but you get them for FREE with this offer. Signing-up for new photo sites is a great way to get your prints for less! This offer expires March 31, 2009.

"The Biggest Looser"

This season of the biggest looser is the first season to have so many very over weight people. Let's make this spring be the spring that we all are proud of. Get out and take a walk or go for a run! If you don't like to do it alone, grab your neighbor. Make it a group walk! Just thinking out loud, maybe we should have a neighborhood competition and see who can get out and walk the most! There would be a prize! What do you think, let me know!

Money Savings Tip

Try generic brands of items you buy regularly. Instead of just picking up the ordinary brand of an item you buy, try out the store brand or generic version of the item. Likely, you’ll save a few cents now, but you’ll also likely discover that the store brand is just as good as the name brand - the only difference between the two, often, is the marketing. Once you’re on board the generic train, you’ll find your regular grocery bill getting smaller and smaller.

Inauguration Day

So I am going to blame the inauguration for this being late, no not really. So we now have a new President. I am sure some of you may be upset that Mr. Obama is now President; however, I am sure that things with our economy are going to be improving. Let's all have a positive outlook on this!

And that is on that subject. I am sure you all have heard enough of this on the news today!

Recipe Tuesday - Still need your recipes!

BBQ Meatballs

Ingredients:

Ground Beef 2 pounds
Crackers
Onions - finely chopped
2 eggs
Beef Base
Pepper

Combine ingredients with ground beef and form into balls. Place on cookie sheet and bake until browned.

Next comes the sauce

1/4 tsp vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp worcheshire sauce
A-1 Sauce to taste
Salt/Pepper to taste

Mix in bowl. Take meatballs out of oven and put in baking dish with lid. Pour sauce over meatballs and place in the oven and bake for just under an hour. You can even place onion rings over top to bake.

Pet Freebie

Hill's Science Diet ($5 coupon & pet care kit after entering 3 UPCs)

Quote for the Day

There's lots of people in this world who spend so much time watching their health that they haven't the time to enjoy it.

Money Saving Tip

Buy Fewer Pieces of Clothing"Let’s face it: most of our closets are overstuffed the way it is. Wear out what you have, and when you do purchase something get it at the end of the season when it’s marked down by 50-75%. The best time to be purchasing warm weather clothing is in August; cool-weather clothing in January. Let the Mommysavers.com What’s In Store forum clue you in to markdowns and where to find the best deals. Most people are so wrapped up in the idea of image; but the truth is other people don’t pay as much attention to what you wear as you think they do. In fact, one woman in Canada wore the same thing to the office for a month and only a few people noticed.

Oops I was busy and didn't put anything on her yesterday. Saturday we went to Billy Bob's and saw Tracey Lawrence. That was the first time we have been there. I don't know if I would like to go back or not. We had a great seat, right next to the stage. Tracey Lawrence put on a great show. There is just to many people, beer, and smoking for me. However for $25, we couldn't beat that!

Anyone else do anything fun this past weekend you would like to share?

I hope all the little ones who have been sick over the last month are feeling better! I know it is hard for moms and dads when the babies are not feeling well.

Freebie for the Day

Get a free multipack of BOOST Kids Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink (up to $14.99) with a coupon. This high-value coupon is being offered to the first 25,000 people who request it and sign-up to receive additional information. Nestle says they'll mail you your coupon within 48 hours or requesting.



Save $0.50 on Wacky Mac I am wacky for Wacky Mac! It's a colorful dry pasta that comes in two varieties: Spirals and Shapes. I love pasta because it's so versatile - just put your favorite sauce on top! Or you can make a nice cold pasta salad by adding some veggies and Italian dressing. Wacky Mac is on sale at Kroger for $1.49. My Kroger store doubles my $0.50 coupon making the final price $0.49 (a total savings of 69% off of the full price of $1.59). Don't forget that you should be able to print this coupon twice!

Health Tip

Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that's right for you depends on many factors including your sex, height, age and heredity. Excess body fat increases your chances for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other illnesses. But being too thin can increase your risk for osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and other health problems. If you're constantly losing and regaining weight, a registered dietitian can help you develop sensible eating habits for successful weight management. Regular exercise is also important to maintaining a healthy weight.

Money Savings Tip

Reevaluate the stuff in the rooms in your house. Go into a room and go through every single item in it. Do you really need that item? Are you happy that it’s there, or would you be just fine if it were not? If you can find stuff to get rid of, get rid of it - it just creates clutter and it might have some value to others. You also improve the perceived value of your house - and you’re likely to get a lot of cleaning done in the process. It’s a frugal win-win-win.

Alright my son Steven is wanting to go hunting this weekend. We desperately need to know if any of you know where there is some land that can be hunted on this weekend. He is very upset that we haven't been able to find anything about hunting out this weekend! Please help.

Alright still waiting for any exciting news to post such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc to post. There were a number of birthdays that I am aware of December thru this week that no one offered to post!

Free Give Aways for the Day

Win a Free Photo Album from CVS! The Photo Albums from CVS make fantastic Valentine's Day gifts! 1 Winner

Bob the Builder: Race to the Finish! 3 Winners!

Elmo Loves You! Take a listen to the Elmo interview here! 2 Copies!

Money Savings Tip

Join up with a volunteer program. It’s a great way to meet new people, get some exercise, and involve yourself in a positive project that can lift your spirit. It also comes without a cost to you and can provide a lot of entertainment and a fulfilling day when you’re in the right mindset.

Advertising


I now have Diaper Cakes available to special order. Here is a picture of just one of the many that can be made. Contact me at our Bently Farms email address if you would like to order one!









Mindy Roberts is making the cutest little girls hairbows and tutu's. Here is just one picture of many that she has available. Click on her logo to the right. "Always Serendipity"

Need a storage shed call Tom at 214-687-7802

In the market for a new vehicle. Contact Mr. Cooper at Tomes ford in McKinney.

If you need a realtor to list your home contact Norma Martin.

If anyone else has a small business they would like us to advertise, please forward it on to our web email.

I can't believe it is Friday already! Where do the weeks go? Time flies by so fast. One day our baby is taking his/her first steps, the next day they are dating and growing hair in other places! We as adults often stop to wonder where our lives are headed and if we're on track. Especially now with the economy the way it is. I guess where I am going with this is, each day you have to take a few minutes to enjoy your life and your kids, you have to enjoy what you have and not worry about what you don't have, and make the most of what you have made for yourself. But keep in mind, you can always make a change! Life is to short not to make the most of it.

Recycling day is tomorrow. Remember all papers and catalogs are being collected at NeSmith elementary to help raise money. Please take just those items up there for recycling.

Gardening Thursday

Spring “to-do” list: Spring Garden Maintenance

Every season brings a different set of chores in the garden. Spring is an exciting time for gardeners as preparations are made for the bounty and beauty of the garden as it awakes from winter hibernation. It can also, however, be a bit overwhelming to know how to prioritize your gardening time at this time of year. Here is a helpful list of chores that should be tended to in the spring.

Money Savings Tip

Do holiday shopping right after the holidays. Most people use this technique for Christmas, but it works for every holiday. Wait until about two days after a holiday, then go out shopping for items you need that are themed for that day. Get a Mother’s Day card for next year the day after Mother’s Day. Get Easter egg decorating kits the day after Easter. Get wrapping paper and cards and such the day after Christmas. The discounts are tremendous, and you can just put this stuff in the closet until next year, saving you a bundle.

Friday Frugalness

75% off Target Clearance Toys Starting Thursday, Jan.15Tonight at my Target store the cashier told me they were changing the prices at that moment to 75% off all clearance marked toys. Some stores may have already gone 75% off, but I think that most stores are making the change on Thursday, January 15. Thanks to Suzanne for emailing me the tip about the timing on this clearance, she got lucky because her store went 75% a day early! Time to stock-up the gift closet for next year.

Free Krispy Kreme Donut on Tuesday, January 20

I put a post out last Thursday regarding babysitters here in our neighborhood. I received a few messages from moms who are in need of a babysitter for their little ones on special occasions or for mom/dad time without the little ones. So please if you're interested in being added on our blog to be given a call to babysit please forward me your name. I then can add it to your babysitter list. Great extra money, plus you can pick and choose when you want to work!

Freebie for the Day

Get a free coupon booklet by mail from EatBetter America. All you have to do is sign-up to receive their email newsletter. If you don't like getting their newsletter it is easy to unsubscribe anytime. I love the printable coupons they offer, so I know I'll love the coupon booklet they will mail me in 6 to 8 weeks.

Health Tip "Immunization for 11 and 12 year olds"

We all know the shots that our babies are supposed to get; however, when our children get older, we seem to forget some of these shots need to be repeated. Also, if your child has had the Varicella shot and never had chicken pox, this shot should be repeated.

11–12 years

HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls, given as 3 shots over 6 months. Also recommended for girls ages 13 to 18 years if they have not yet been vaccinated.
Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster
MCV4: Meningitis vaccine; also recommended for younger children from certain high-risk groups, as well as 13- to 18-year-olds who have not yet been vaccinated.

Money Savings Tip

Give a gift of a service instead of an item. For new parents, give an evening of babysitting as a gift. If you know pet owners, offer to take care of their pets when they travel. Offer up some lawn care as a gift to a new homeowner. These are always spectacular gifts for anyone - I know that, as a parent of a toddler and an infant, I love receiving a babysitting gift, probably more than any “stuff” I might receive.

A new years call to those who have not submitted their personal information for our neighborhood directory. This info will only be used in case of an emergency or other important event by block captains. Please submit your phone number, home address, and email address if available.

Wednesday Freebie

Create a free 16x20" calendar poster when you enter the code FREECALENDAR. The calendar poster normally costs $19.99. You do need to pay shipping & handling and don't have the option to pick it up in-store. This offer expires Sunday, January 18.

Save $1.10 on Romano's Macaroni Grill Dinner Kit A better coupon than you'll find in the Sunday paper coupon inserts! This is a dinner kit that includes what you need to make pasta and sauce - you just add chicken, oil, water and butter. My family loves the Chicken Marsala with Linguine - I love that this dinner kit is so quick to prepare! Yes, this is definitely a convenience product but ends up being a lot cheaper than actually going out to eat at Macaroni Grill. I won't buy this product unless it's on sale and I have a coupon. It's on sale at Kroger for $4.69. When I use my coupon for $1.10 off that makes the final price $3.59 (a total savings of 28% off of full price). Don't forget that you should be able to print this coupon twice!

Click here to get a free bottle of Suave shampoo. Offer only good today!

"The Biggest Looser"

Wow, I just heard on the show that while working out you need to sing your favorite songs. It's supposed to help your workout along! Go figure. If you find yourself wanting to grab something sweet, grab a stick of sugarless gum. This will sway you away from wanting that sweet treat.

No one commented on last Wednesday's neighborhood weight challenge.

Money Savings Tip

* Keep all your restaurant and fast food coupons with you in the car so that if you do need to eat out, you've got your coupons available to use. The Entertainment Book is a great source of coupons for local restaurants.
* Don't get take-out, instead plan a quick and easy meal to prepare at home. There are tons of new products that allow you to prepare "made from scratch" meals quickly by offering you ingredients that come ready-to-cook in meal kits. Look for sales, coupons, and markdowns on these convenience products at the grocery store.
* Plan ahead so you don't get caught needing to pick-up a meal while you are out and about. Pack a snack or a lunch to save you money!

I am still very happy that I started this blog! I feel that it is a wonderful way to get to know our neighbors. I also feel it's a great way to network and get news out to everyone when in need or for fun. I would love for everyone to comment here or there when ever needed. There are some interesting things such as advertising for babysitters or trying to put some recipes together that I would love to hear back on. I know everyone is busy with their days, but this would just take a moment!

As on every post on Tuesday I remind you all it is trash day and please make sure to put your trash cans away as soon as you can to prevent them from being in the road.

Also I hope who ever lost their little dog has found him/her. If I could ask that you take your signs off the lamp post up front. After awhile they begin to fall apart and look yucky!

Recipe Tuesday

Who's the first person to send me a recipe? This could make for a wonderful book that we could put together. To get a variety though, I need for everyone to volunteer a recipe. Come on and help us with this one! Once again, here is a recipe that I am volunteering.

"Country Cheese Biscuits

2 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 c milk

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the cheese and milk. Mix with a fork until the dough comes together and forms a ball.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead 5 - 6 times. Roll the dough out to a 1 inch thickness. Cut with a 2 inch biscuit cutter.

Bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until they are a light brown.

Optional: Brush the tops of the biscuits with 2 T. melted butter after removing from the oven.

Mix 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 cup melted butter, brush over warm biscuits

Pet Freebie

Hill's Science Diet ($5 coupon & pet care kit after entering 3 UPCs)

Health Quote

Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?

Money Savings Tip

Remove your credit card numbers from your online accounts. It’s easy to spend online when you have your card information stored in an account - just click and buy. The best way to break this habit is to simply delete your card from the account. That way, when you’re tempted to spend, you’ll be forced to spend the time to dig out your card - and really think about why you’re spending this money.

Well it's been a week since I have been back. That is hard to believe! It's amazing how being gone for three weeks can have such a huge impact on life. It's taken me a week to play catch up and another week to really be back on top. Christmas stuff is put away and the weather is beautiful. Hard to believe it is still winter and even harder to imagine that Christmas was less than a month ago. Watch out, with a blink of an eye Christmas will be back upon us!

Thanks to the drivers who have slowed their speed down. Our chilren and pets greatly appreciate it!

Freebie for the Day

Free 8 X 10 photo from Walgreens

Code: Click here to claim Discount:
Free 8x10 Print When You Pick Up At Walgreens, coupon code: WALLFREE

Health Tip

Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that's right for you depends on many factors including your sex, height, age and heredity. Excess body fat increases your chances for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other illnesses. But being too thin can increase your risk for osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and other health problems. If you're constantly losing and regaining weight, a registered dietitian can help you develop sensible eating habits for successful weight management. Regular exercise is also important to maintaining a healthy weight.

Money Savings Tip

Keep your hands clean. This one’s simple - just wash your hands thoroughly each time you use the bathroom or handle raw foods. You’ll keep yourself from acquiring all kinds of viruses and bacteria, saving you on medical bills and medicine costs and lost productivity. That’s not to say you shouldn’t explore the world and get your hands dirty sometimes - that’s good for you, too - but basic sanitation does help keep the medical bills away.

Wow! We went and saw "Marly and Me" this evening. When a great movie it is. We read the book first and loved it. Lots of time, the movie is never as good as the book; however, this time the movie was just as good. The movie was about a labrador and how much of a pain they are when they are young and then how wonderful of a dog they are once they are a few years old. They are our best friends.

This is such a great movie to watch since we also have a yellow lab and a brown lab. It is so true of what they can do to you, and how much you can love them and also hate them. Labs are the best dog you can have! This movie will make you laugh and make you cry, but if you haven't seen it, go see it. You will really see how much labs can make you happy!

Any other movie reviews? We would love to hear them!

Freebies for your Birthday

Subway - free meal w/purchase

Schlotzky's - free sandwich

Kids Freebie for their birthday

Applebee's - free meal for child, fill out postcard at restaurant

Mr. and Mrs. Cline were the winners of the gift card for donating a toy for our toy swap. They picked an Olive Garden gift card.

There is a new family to our neighborhood who purchased one of the two story homes in our neighborhood. We welcome them to our neighborhood and would like to let them know if they should need something please let us know.

Any birthdays or anniversaries this month? I know my birthday is the 15th, any one else's?

Freebies for the Day

Clark Color Labs Get 40 free prints when you sign-up for a new account and place your first order. Prints are 8 cents each after that.

SeeHere by Fujifilm Get 50 free prints when you sign-up for a new account.

dotPhoto Get 50 free prints when you sign-up for a new account.

Shutterfly Get a free 12 month calendar when you enter the coupon code CALENDAR12 that expires Jan. 12. Update: Sounds like you can only use this coupon code if you got an email about it from Shutterfly!

Money Savings Tip

When shopping for standard items (clothes, sports equipment, older games, etc.), start by shopping used. Quite often, you can find the exact item you want with a bit of clever shopping at used equipment stores, used game stores, consignment shops, and so on. Just make these shops a part of your normal routine - go there first when looking for potential items and you will save money.

Does any one know why there is broken glass throughout a couple of our streets here in the neighborhood? Kids were outside today stating that there is glass all over.

Recycling day is tomorrow. Remember all papers and catalogs are being collected at NeSmith elementary to help raise money. Please take just those items up there for recycling. I saw on the news yesterday that recycling has taken a big hit because of the economy. Let's cross our fingers that things improve. I would hate to start having to throw everything in the garbage can!

No one has commented on any blog entries lately. Please comment if you would to let me know that I actually have some readers!

Gardening Thursday!

When would any of you suggest planting strawberries or flowers. The package says during the months of January and February, when the ground reaches 50 degrees. Since I am not much of an outdoors person, would you say that the ground temperature is that right now? Any help with this would be appreciated!

Money Savings Tip

Cancel unused club memberships. Are you paying dues at a club that you never use? Like, for instance, a gym membership or a country club membership? Cancel these club memberships, even if you think you might use them again someday - you can always renew the membership at a later date if it turns out that you actually do miss it

Freebies for the Day

Get a free sample of Cream of Wheat cereal from B&G Foods, the company that makes it. You even get to select one of 4 flavors: Maple Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Swirl, Apples & Cinnamon, or Strawberries & Cream. Another great cereal sample to start off the New Year!

Get a free sample of SOYJOY offered by Walmart, the best source of free samples. You can also print a coupon to Save $1 on 5 SOYJOY bars.

Babysitter Hunt!

There are families here in our neighborhood that have little ones that may need to be watched here and there. I would like to start a list to add to our blog of available teens or maybe even adults who would be interested in being added as a babysitter. Please forward me your name, age if teen, and phone number.

Restaurant Freebies for the Day

Fazoli's Free Spaghetti with Drink Purchase

Julie and Melissa told me you can print a coupon for a free small spaghetti with meat or marinara sause when you purchase any drink. Just submit your first name and email address to access the printable coupon. The coupon expires Jan. 19, find your nearest location here. Sounds like a cheap dinner out! There isn't one that close to us here, but if you are going away on business or leisure you may stumble across one!

Captain D's Free Fish & Fries

Just sign-up for the Captain D's Club, says Barb, and they'll email you a coupon for free fish & fries or free chicken & fries. The closest is in Dallas!

Health Tip

Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Surveys show most Americans don't eat enough of these foods. Do you eat 6-11 servings from the bread, rice, cereal and pasta group, 3 of which should be whole grains? Do you eat 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables? If you don't enjoy some of these at first, give them another chance. Look through cookbooks for tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar foods.

Money Savings Tip

Cancel unused club memberships. Are you paying dues at a club that you never use? Like, for instance, a gym membership or a country club membership? Cancel these club memberships, even if you think you might use them again someday - you can always renew the membership at a later date if it turns out that you actually do miss it.

Congratulations to Helen Cline!

She is the winner of the restaurant gift card for donating a toy for our neighborhood toy drive! Thanks so very much. We will be doing this toy drive next year also, so if you find a great deal on a toy this time of year, pick it up for our toy drive this next Christmas!

Trash Favor

I noticed today that the trash man left a lot of messes in the road. If you have a mess at the end of your drive way, can you grab a broom and sweep it up. This will keep our neighborhood looking fresh.

Also, I see someone has posted a lost dog sign. If you are the person, remember you can send that info to Bently Farms email address to also have it added to our blog!

Wednesday Freebies

Total cranberry crunch cereal: free sample of Total Cranberry Crunch Cereal

Another great gift pack offer from SC Johnson's Right@Home website: Back to Basics Gift Pack.

"The Biggest Looser"

This season of the biggest looser is the first season to have so many very over weight people. Let's make this spring be the spring that we all are proud of. Get out and take a walk or go for a run! If you don't like to do it alone, grab your neighbor. Make it a group walk! Just thinking out loud, maybe we should have a neighborhood competition and see who can get out and walk the most! There would be a prize! What do you think, let me know!

Money Savings Tip

Do a “maintenance run” on your appliances. Check them to make sure there isn’t any dust clogging them and that they’re fairly clean. Look behind the appliances, and use your vacuum to gently clear away dust. Check all of the vents, especially on refrigerators, dryers, and heating and cooling units. The less dust you have blocking the mechanics of these devices, the more efficiently they’ll run (saving you on your energy bill) and the longer they’ll last (saving you on replacement costs).

First of all, I didn't get to the drawing today for the toy drive. I was busy doing past do work! However, I will do it tomorrow.

Tomorrow is trash day, so make sure and pull your cans in after the trashman goes!

Recipe Tuesday

If you have a recipe you would like to share please forward it to Bently Farms email!

This first recipe is for Monster cookies! I had these for the first time at Christmas time and boy are they good!

Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

Health Freebie for the Day!

Free 14-day sample of Nature Made (choose one of six vitamins you want to sample)

Health Quote

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."

Money Savings Tip

Talk to your loved ones about what your dreams are. This seems like an odd way to save money, but think about it. If you spend time with the people you love the most and come to some consensus about your dreams, it becomes easy for you all to plan for it.

Happy New Year!!!

Sorry it has been awhile that the blog hasn't been updated! I just returned from being in Michigan for the holidays and my father passing away. Anyway, I am back!

Any new news that you would like to share the beginning of this New Year?

Also a reminder, drivers need to slow down in our neighborhood. I seen alot of people flying past my home the last two days. We have lots of little ones that play in the road and that cross the road to get to friends, as well as animals, that we don't want hit!

I will be drawing for the winner of the toy drive tomorrow!

First Freebie of the New Year!

Gold Bond Ultimate Soothing Lotion from Walmart

Health Tip

This tip is directed towards cholesterol. My dad died from all arteries being hardened from cholesterol, thus him having a heart attack.

Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers.

This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:

Total cholesterol
LDL (bad) cholesterol--the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
HDL (good) cholesterol--helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries
Triglycerides--another form of fat in your blood

Money Savings Tip

Don’t spend money just to de-stress. Quite often, I used to spend money just to wind down from a stressful day at work. Instead, I’ve found that I quite often feel much better by going home and taking some quiet time just to stretch and then meditate. I end up feeling much more together, happy, and ready to face an evening with the kids in the right mindset than I ever would by just blowing some cash after work. Instead of spending to de-stress, try some basic meditation techniques, stretching, or yoga and see how you feel.