Monday, December 18, 2017

MIX IT UP MONDAY



Every year the Hallmark Channel uploads A Very Happy Yule Log, but you can also find various other burning fireplaces streaming online, usually for a 3 hour period.  It's ridiculous how hypnotized I get with a simple fire that's burning on television with Happy the Cat or Happy the Dog running around, but I can't seem to help myself. (lol)    Something about it is just soothing and addictive.

Ro's coupons inside the binder  all neat & organized
I've been couponing since 2010, but in 2015 it became a serious hobby.  Most friends feel that it's too time consuming, but the money to be saved is pretty phenomenal,
FREE Cottonelle Tissue and La Brea Cranberry Bread
and I can't tell you how often I get things for FREE.  Some items I stockpile, but others I give away to shelters or friends.



RO's Coupon Binder - Love purple
Once I get the coupons clipped and put in the binder as shown in the pictures listed, it looks very organized, but the things that aren't clipped end up in giant unruly stacks, which can sometimes drive me bonkers.  I've figured out a fairly good system, sort of (lol), but still think I need a partner to maintain my sanity!
YIKES! Before it gets to the binder.  RO's disaster.(lol)
LucasFilms/Disney
STAR WARS MANIA
Are you a Star Wars fan?  If you saw The Last Jedi this weekend, you contributed to the over $220 million opening this weekend!

I used to watch Star Wars as a kid, and they're still good movies, but these days, I'm a little more into Star Trek.

RO's Planner
PLANNERS
Another fun passion is working on my Planner.  Artsy people are really good at it, and draw a lot of the things that go inside, but I stick with washi tape and stickers to decorate.  


You can never have too much washi tape.
Some of these items can be expensive, so I get them on sale at yard sales, thrift stores, or Michaels when they're marked down. Michaels and AC Moore & Crafts also offer military discounts year round.

If you're thinking about starting a Planner, https://www.iheartplanners.com/blog/ is a great blog to visit.  In addition to great tips, she also offers FREE printables.

RO's Planner
RO's Planner
RO's Planner


TINY EATS
I watch the Food Network a lot, and they previewed a new show that focuses on Teeny Tiny food.   
At first glance, everything looks totally fake but Jay Baron, who also has a program on Youtube, prepares real food that can really be eaten. It just happens to be in miniature form.  Watching him as he looks for alternative ways to make dinner, is truly amazing.

CHEESEBURGER LOVE
If you've been reading this blog, you already know that I adore cheeseburgers, so when possible, I find a way to sneak in a tidbit. (lol)  Wendy's the fast food restaurant opened for business in 1969 in Ohio.  Everyone knows that the pigtailed logo is based on Dave Thomas' daughter.  But did you know her name isn't really Wendy?  It's actually Melinda Lou!  As a kid, it was rough for her to pronounce certain letters, so she referred to herself as Wendy or Wenda, and eventually it stuck.

UNUSUAL ORNAMENTS
Some people have traditions which include using the same ornaments each year, and others prefer to stretch the depths of their imagination or offer up a really good laugh.













MORE TO READ
I read books...a lot, and my TBR pile is huge.  Here's a couple books next up on my list to read for the start of 2018.


One of things that always makes me happy is hearing about or seeing random acts of kindness, so this is something I couldn't help sharing.  

Secretly, 200 Walmart layaways totalling a little more than $40,000 in Everett Pennsylvania were
paid off this year.  Santa B, as this gentleman is called, did the same thing last year, and continues to remain anonymous. 


70 comments:

  1. WHat an amazing post. First, I love the planner you use. You put my daily calendar to shame, because I don't have all the beautiful stickers you have. And I never think to use washi tape, since I have so little of it, anyway.

    I admit I've also watched the yule log, dog, and cat on occasion, too. It can be most mesmerizing. And a time waster, too.

    I like the Star Trek tree ornaments, but never liked the original series, which was on before I knew what a tv was (grin). TNT had a binge watch of the six Star Wars movies over the weekend. Now I know why.

    How sweet of the Santa B. What a generous person.

    I used to clip coupons, but there is only ONE store that accepts them here (Kroger/Dillons). And I try not to shop there because their prices are so much higher than where I shop, even with coupons. It's nice to have your choice of places to redeem the coupons, especially if you live in a metro area. It's so amazing when I wrote that, because Wichita is the largest city in KS.

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    1. What in the world? Only Kroger accepts coupons in Wichita? That's a shocker! I can't remember where I used to shop in Overland Park, but I wasn't into the coupons the way I am these days. Star Trek sure has been around for a long time, right? I thought Santa B has been super kind, and can you imagine how shocked those people were? True, (lol), it is a time waster for sure. I should be using that time to straighten up all my coupons. Thanks for the kudos. I actually thought of you yesterday, and found something I think you'll like. Shhh...it's a secret. (lol) Hugs...and Happy Tuesday!

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  2. The teeny tiny food/kitchen always fascinates me. I remember the Yule log being on a UHF channel when I was a kid...lol I am a planner, but all digital with colors and everything. I think it's great that you donate some of the items you get for free with your mad couponing skills. Have a wonderful week Ro {{Hugs}}

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    1. As busy as you are, I totally get why you would go digital with your planner, and I like that it has cool colors too. While I was watching this guy, I couldn't get over how creatively he worked to make that tiny food edible. Amazing. I think watching what the animals do makes it even more fun to watch that fire. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  3. I can see how mesmerising those TV fires must be. I don’t seem to be able to get started with couponing. I want to do it but can never find the coupons. I’ve even looked online a few times but with only limited success. I must try harder in 2018 – well look at that I’ve started a list of New Year resolutions already.
    If I don’t get back to see you before I Christmas I hope you have a wonderful time and a Very Happy New Year.

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    1. I sometimes get them from newspapers, but I'm so determined that I actually send requests to food distributors for things I like. So I get a lot of them in the mail. I also print some from Coupons.com, etc. I also have friends who know I coupon, and give me their inserts. Hence the HUGE pile of mess above.(lol) Merry Christmas! Hugs...RO

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    2. You've inspired me to try harder RO, thank you! Have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year. xx

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  4. I would get mesmerized by the fire in the fireplace, too. I do it here at home for a real one. ;)
    Cool mini food.
    I do a planner, but haven't gotten around to the stickers and fun drawings. Love yours.
    Couponing is my thing, too. I love the binder idea. I use a mini file to hold them by category, but love how you can flip pages and see them more easily.

    Now, those are some odd ornaments, but fun.

    Wow, a great secret santa man.

    Merry Christmas, Ro!

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    1. Isn't it great to hang out in front of the fireplace to read? When I tried using a planner to keep track of things without the stickers, I ended up throwing that thing to the side, girl(lol) Now that I bling it up a little, I stay on track much better. Yay, you use coupons too! Isn't it great to get those bargains? Merry Christmas right back! Hugs...RO

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  5. Our local news station shows the yule log burning on Christmas as opposed to their normal newscast, we let it burn because it's a great backdrop to the day and also gives the news crew time to spend with their own families, and yes it is mesmerizing.

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    1. You get it, right Jimmy?lol It just reels you in. I love that the news crews can get some time to relax too. Hugs...RO

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  6. I love fireplaces, so warm and cozy.
    Kudos to secret Santa B. It's good to know there are really good folk out there.
    That first Santa ornament would definitely not find its way onto my tree...but my mom would have loved it:)
    Have a holly, jolly week, Rockin Ro.
    Hugs

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    1. I had one when I lived in Overland Park, KS. It was so cozy, and I loved curling up to read in front of it. Now, I smile over the antics of the cat and dog to see what they'll do next. (lol) As you know, I love a good joke, so I may have put that naughty Santa on my tree a few years back. Sounds like your mom may have had that same type of humor. (lol) Hope your week is going well during this heat wave, Super Sandra! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  7. I had to laugh at your comment about those soaps making their way to Etsy, I bet Anthropologie would be "thrilled" to read that, since I fussy cut the spread from their winter catalog!

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  8. Srsly! Watching a fire burn?...huh

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    1. I know, right? (lol) What in the heck is wrong with me?! Hugs...RO

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  9. We don't have coupons here. Or not much. There are some on the back of supermarket dockets but they are (usually) not worth a lot.
    Planner? I muddle along.
    Love the ornaments and the act of kindness was a truly incredible gesture. Hooray for Secret Santa.

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    1. That's really interesting that coupons don't make their way to other countries. It's a great way to promote products for them, and for shoppers to save money. I thought that Secret Santa was just so kind to do that, and those who received it were truly blessed. Hugs...RO

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  10. We used to always watch the digital yule log, because we never had a fireplace.. now, we have a fireplace, but we still watch it, haha. Old habits die hard? - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  11. I love hearing about random acts of kindness! It's just really sweet. I hope you have a great 2018 when it comes to books and reading! :)

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. It's just a great reminder that there is plenty of goodness in the world, Lauren. Hope you get to do lots of fun stuff too! Hugs...RO

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  12. Oddly in Macys, NYC, we were given a coupon discount without having a coupon. Ohh, I just checked its website and a pop up said, Now shipping to Australia. Tempting!

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    1. I just heard on the news that if you walk into a store, we should ask for coupons or deals, and 90% of the time, the sales rep will go with it. Very cool about Australia! Hugs...RO

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  13. Ha ha ha...I laughed so hard at the Bigfoot Santa "footage" hee hee...we have a fireplace, but since it just saps up our heating bill, we keep it all sealed up for most of the winter, and I always have a yule log on my computer burning lol...funny huh? WHERE do you get your coupons??? Seriously, I would love to be a coupon clipper, but I don't get magazines and there are no newspapers in this area anymore. I've read that people print them out, but alas...printer ink is so expensive!

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    1. People will tell you that I'm a bargain hunter, so I get some coupons from printing them from Coupons.com(I go to the library so they can use of their ink-lol), but mostly, people give me stacks because I use coupons so much. I don't know if you shop in town on Sundays, but that may be a way to see if they have them. The more you do it, you'll find that people will start giving them to you, as well. Glad I have someone laughing with me Rain! (lol) p.s. - I don't blame you one bit for saving money by watching that fire on your computer. Hugs...RO

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    2. I've found some online coupons that can be scanned through the smart phone, so that's a good beginning! I need to look out for more of those. Thanks for the suggestion because I definitely need to save more money!! :)

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  14. Ok, maybe you can explain...what is the appeal of the televised fires? Like, I LOVE having fires but I've never wanted a televised ones. There's no heat. There's no light. There's no smell. It's just the TV. Perhaps there's something I'm missing? (I'm not trying to be mean/fight, it's just something I've never understood)

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    1. LOL! I totally agree Robert, and can't explain why in the heck I watch it every year! I think it's interesting to see what the cat and dog will do at any given moment for some reason. All I know is that I just can't help myself. (lol) So thrilled that you stopped by to say hello Robert and Merry Christmas. HUGE Hugs...RO

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  15. Worldwide it made about the same, which brings it up to double. Disney certainly was going to make their money back from George Lucas

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    1. You got that right, Adam. Definitely needed to earn that cash. What in the world would have happened had it gone the other way?(lol)

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  16. Back on the subject of Christmas cards. Heh heh.....
    I now have four:) 2 from family. 2 from animal rescue:)
    Have a jolly day, Rockin Ro.

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    1. I think I may have been the 5th whole person Super Sandra, but I couldn't find you. (lol) So far I'm up to 11, but with the mail taking longer than usual, I fear I may not get a good portion of them until January! (lol) Someone I sent a card to in Wilson, NC didn't receive her card until 9 days after I mailed it, and we were both shocked. I could have driven to her house a little faster to get it to her, right? By the way, since we're talking local stuff, Ann Bailey from Cary won the 25th Annual Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville on November 20. If you get a chance, check out what she made online. Or if you want to see her actual process, I think it may be on Food Network On Demand, or to stream it. Her skills are amazing. Hugs and hope your Tuesday is great. We both know we can put away our faux fur coats for the rest of December. (lol) It's super warm here in Fuquay Varina today.

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  17. Like you, RO, I enjoy the Yule Log. It's often on in the background while I'm reading. Christmas music, a fireplace, hot chocolate and a book -- very relaxing. Best wishes for the holiday season.

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    1. On my way to make some hot chocolate right now before heading to the post office, Angela. Yay to the Yule Log! Hugs...RO

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  18. Couponing is great fun. We don't have it here but I always take advantage of them when I visit family in the US.

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    1. I don't understand why coupons aren't in every country, but I'm glad you can take advantage when visiting. It is fun, and a rush for me. Hugs...RO

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  19. I need to get better at couponing, we really need it right now! Lol. It helps that we`re a small family that only does one or two gifts but yeah groceries can get expensive. I`m not really a planner person because I lack the discipline and orginization. I will check out the link though because I am trying to do my version of a meal planner to help minimize the stress around here.

    I never got into Star Wars, I keep trying but nada. I do like Star Trek more though, especially the movies. If we`re choosing favorite sci-fi shows though I have to say Stargate SG-1 hands down.

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    1. I can't tell you how much money I save, because I'm on a tight budget. Groceries can be high especially when trying to eat healthy. That's a great idea to do a meal planner, and I may have to incorporate that in mine. I love my Star Trek too! Hugs...RO

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  20. Oh wow, you’re very creative, Ro. I’m starting a planner next year. I’m planning to make it myself. Yours is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing, Ro. 😁❤️

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    1. Yay! That's very cool that you're starting a planner next year, and hope you share some pics on your blog. Thanks for the kind words and Happy Friday to you! Hugs...RO

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  21. coupons - I wish I have the patience for them. I used to cup them out and use them but now I don't even bother. plus, there's these membership to the stores that is like a coupon without cutting.

    I also used to like star wars and now more into star trek, I guess I kind of outgrew star wars

    planners are nice. I see them everywhere but I don't use them. probably because I don't have much to plan. do you also plan your dinners in advance? so many things now are digital that I'm surprise people still use actual paper to plan their day.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. As artist that's as fabulous as you would make a lovely planner, and I imagine your ideas would be endless. I pretty much get up in the morning and decide what I'll cook, but I really need to plan it out in advance. Maybe that can be my resolution for 2018. Yay to Star Trek! The good thing about coupons is that I can use my reward cards for the store sales, and still use my coupons making many items FREE or close to it. Hope your Friday is fabulous Lissa! Hugs...RO

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  22. That's a really sweet story about Santa B. I can't believe I haven't heard about it on the news. As for couponing, I used to do it a handful of years ago. I got a zip up binder, put in baseball card protectors, and would place my clipped coupons in those so that I could easily look at them all. I even organized them by food, beauty, cleaning supplies, etc. Now, I don't really coupon at all. Most of the stuff I buy isn't a coupon. So I end up purchasing things I wouldn't normally purchase just because I could save 25 cents. LoL

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    1. I use those baseball card protectors too and try to keep mine separated(lol) It's definitely time consuming for sure. Maybe you'll get back into it one day soon. I like the idea of a zip up binder, too. Santa B is surely blessed 100 times over for his kind acts. Hugs...and Happy Friday! RO

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  23. Good for you on the coupon clipping. I fall under the too time consuming, but I admire folks that do. You can save a ton of money which in turn ups your income. Kudos, Rockin Ro.
    Have a jolly day.
    Hugs,

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    1. There have been days when I think about giving it up, but then I hear about a good deal, and remember the overall savings. You're definitely right that those savings really add up. Now I just need a genie to magically clip my coupons, and put them in my binder.(lol) Happy Friday Super Sandra!

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  24. Wow! Awesome job with the coupon clipping. You save a lot of money and you pass it on sometimes too (items to charity). Yeah!

    I love random acts of kindness! Wonderful to see people spreading good cheer and happiness. :)

    ~Jess

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    1. Hey Jess, like you I just adore when someone does a random act of kindness that makes a difference in someone's life. Sure hope your Friday is fabulous! Hugs...RO

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  25. Planners and coupons. You know I'm on board with those! Happy Thursday!

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    1. Now I just need a magic genie to clip them all and put them in my binder.(lol) Hugs...RO

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  26. I love that about Santa B. What a wonderful thing to do! Thanks for sharing the planning blog. I'm fascinated by the idea of them but haven't actually made it happen. I love the Hallmark fire!

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    1. Isn't that Hallmark Yule Log so amazing? I thought that was super kind of Santa B, and that he's done it 2 years in a row is so generous. Mine is pretty lame in comparison to some I've seen in Planner groups on Facebook. Some people spend hundreds of dollars on the books, and even more to keep them up. It does help me to write it all down though. Sure hope your Friday will be wonderful! Hugs...RO

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  27. um no to the Santa in the thong yes to the Trekkie ornaments
    I coupon and rebate and ebate and itbotta too gotta save $$$
    Thank RO

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    1. That Santa is really out there isn't it Debbie?(lol) Yay, I didn't know you couponed! Isn't it great to see all those savings and deals? Hope your Friday is amazing! Hugs...RO

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  28. Yes, there is something hypnotic about fires isn't there!

    There are many kind folks around who spread their smiles and help every day, they often go in-noticed and for many it's what they prefer. I always think that if each of us does just one act of kindness then our corner of the world may be smiling that little bit more ...
    Have a wonderful Christmas Season

    All the best Jan

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    1. Jan, I so agree with you. One act of kindness by one person per street, and around the world would make things so much better. Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

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  29. Here we don't have couponing, but it always amazes me when I hear how much money you can save with it. Although it does sound like it takes some time.

    I haven't seen the newest Star Wars movie yet. I will eventually watch it tough. I also like Star Trek.

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    1. That's the thing Lola, it really can be time consuming. The really big people who coupon have helpers, so that can make it easier. But I'm obsessed with deals. I don't understand why every country doesn't offer them. Very strange. Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

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  30. I know what you mean, my TBR for 2018 is going crazy as well :) I think I will be reading way more backlist books next year though!

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    1. There are so many book challenges in the beginning of the year, but I never even get the chance to get on board. But I definitely need a way to conquer this task to read what I have, and NOT add on more. (lol) Happy New Year Evelina! Hugs...RO

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  31. Love this post and I had to laugh at the Hallmark Yule log. I saw this year for the first time and I couldn't believe how long I actually did watch it. Glad I wasn't the only one.

    I have a dollhouse with miniature food on the table. Not eatable, so it was fun to see your photos here.

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    1. Every time someone jumps on board with watching that Yule Log Jean, I get so happy, and don't feel alone. (lol) I used to have a dollhouse with miniature furniture and ended up selling it on eBay years ago. I'll bet yours is pretty amazing! Happy New Year! Hugs...RO

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