Woolzies Dryer Balls Review and Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to try out Woolzie Dryer Balls.  I have to admit laundry has never been one of my favorite things to do, and with two teens and a preteen in the house the job is never ending. I had never heard of a dryer ball before trying this product.  When I received a long package on my porch, I really had no idea on what to expect.  

I have been using the dryer balls for about 6 to 8 weeks, now, and in that time I have grown to really love them. The balls have held up, and work just as well today as they did when I first got them. 

I have noticed that my clothes dry much faster, and there has been very little static.  They contain no chemicals like dryer sheets do, which is good for those in my family  with sensitive skin. I thought they would be noisy bouncing around in the dryer, but I rarely hear anything.  

The only complaint I had at first was the dryer balls would hide out in my clothes, and escape the dryer.  Now that I have been using them for awhile, I find that this only happens occasionally. I guess I had to get used to them being in the dryer, and now know how to remove only the clothes and not the dryer balls.  

There are some other facts about Woolzie Dryer Balls that I really like.   

They are handmade
They are eco friendly
They are hypo allergenic
They last for at least 1000 loads.
Even when you do as much laundry as I do, 1000 loads is a long time!  

Woolzie Dryer Balls can be bought through their website, and on Amazon.  They are around  $35 for a set of 6, but last a very long time so they are economical.   Woolzies has graciously offered to give a set of dryer balls to one of my readers.  If you would like a set of your own,  please enter the giveaway below.  Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Making Gluten Free Bread

As many of you know, I am trying to cut back on the gluten in my diet.  I have been diagnosed with a couple of autoimmune disorders, and I have been reading up on the subject. Time and time again, I have read  that I might have  a sensitivity to gluten.  Many people with autoimmune disorders do.  Remember last fall when I shared about chronic hives?  During some trial and error, I have found out that my hives are much worse on days when I eat a lot of gluten.  I am able to eat a small amount of gluten without too much of a problem, but I have been feeling better when I try to avoid it. 

My Adventures in Baking Gluten Free Bread 

Free 8 x 10 or $50 off Any Size Canvas

This post contains affiliate links.  Please read my disclosure policy here.

I just came across this offer, and saw that it expires tomorrow night so I wanted to share it here.   I love Canvas People and have ordered several items through them.  

Here are two of my favorites that I have made though Canvas People.  Upload your favorite picture on the site, and a short time later you receive your photo canvas.  I am adding mine to a gallery wall.   With this offer you can get a free 8 x 10, (just pay shipping) or get $50 off of any size canvas. They have several  sizes to choose from. The size in my pictures is the 11 x 14.  This sale runs through midnight on Feb 28. 

Irish Cream Rainbow Cupcake - Feature of the Day

When I saw the yummy cupcakes that Linda from With a Blast shared this week, I know they would make a fun Dare to Share Feature of the Day. Her Irish Cream Rainbow cupcakes with a  free topper printable is a perfect St. Patrick's Day treat.  You can see her full recipe and print her Feeling Lucky topppers on her blog here.  Thank you so much for linking up Linda! 

Chicken and Cheese Taquitos

There are several taquito recipes online. I found one that had the most ingredients that my family likes, and then altered it to our tastes. 

Ingredients I used

shredded chicken
shredded cheese
a brick of cream cheese
green salsa
tortillas
garlic powder
onion powder

I started by shredding the chicken, and adding the shredded cheese in a mixing bowl.  I did not measure the cheese, but added about 2/3 of a bag. We like things cheesy at my house. 

I then put together the cream cheese mixture in another bowl.  I softened the brick of cream cheese in the microwave. I then mixed  in 1/3 cup green salsa, and about 1 to 2 TBSPs of garlic powder and onion powder.  I didn't measure the garlic and onion, I just eyeballed it to our preference. 

Once the cream cheese mixture is mixed together, stir it into the chicken and cheese. 

Probably the hardest part of this recipe, is rolling the taquitos.  You are to roll them tightly around the mixture. There is a knack to that, that I have not mastered yet.  If the tortillas are not very flexible, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds and they should be easier to roll.  

chicken and cheese taquitos 

Line them on a cookie sheet, and bake them for about 15 minutes at 425 degrees. Mine were a bit crispy on the edges at 15 minutes, so I would start checking on them about at about 12 minutes.  

If you over stuff them like I did, some of the cheese might try to escape. It doesn't get very far though. :)   

These photos do not really do them justice. I had to hurry and take some pictures, because they were disappearing fast.  I did get the best compliment though. my girls both  thought  they taste better than boxed taquitos. I thought so too, so we will definitely  be making this recipe again.  

Leprechaun Cookies - Feature of the Day

Can you believe that in less than a week, it will already be March?!  St. Patrick's Day will be here before we know it.  I love these leprechaun cookies shared by Phaedra's Adventures on this week's Dare to Share. They are quick and easy to make, but look so festive.  You can see how Phaedra made these lucky leprechauns on her blog HERE.

Thanks for linking up another great idea  Phaedra! 

Our First Trip to Aldi

This week a new store opened in our town.  I have known about Aldi's for many years, but had not been to one before.   Now that I have,  I know I will be going back often. 

There are many ways that Aldi is able to offer  such low prices. One is by having their customers "rent' their shopping carts. If you want to use a cart, you put in a quarter to unlock it.  Once you are finished shopping and put it back where it belongs,  the red box gives you  your quarter back.  

The main reason why I wanted to shop at Aldi's is their amazing produce prices.  They had a very nice selection of produce  

Here are some of the items where I was  very happily surprised by the price.. 

Bananas were  only .18 a pound.   2.5 pounds were only .44!  At other stores in my area, a pound of bananas are .54. 

Cucumbers were only .17 each. 

A 3 pound bag of Clementines was only $1.59.  A 3 lb bag at other stores in my area is usually $3.99-$4.99. 

A whole pineapple was only $1.49

I knew that Aldi stores only take cash or debit cards, but I didn't realize that did not have grocery bags! Not bagging your groceries is another why they save money. Luckily I had my cloth bags in the car, so bringing all of these groceries home was not a problem.  Though it would have made a funny story if I did not have bags in the car.  

The total for all of the items on my table (most of it produce) was only $34.76.  It would have been even cheaper if I had remembered to bring my Grand Opening coupon.  (I will use it next time as it is still good through the week) 

It will be interesting to see  how shopping at Aldi's will affect my monthly grocery budget.  I will keep you posted! 

  

Dare to Share #47 and Giveaway Winner

This week was quite hectic around here.   As many of you know I decided to take on a massive project last weekend.  You can see the before pictures of my scary, scary craft room here.  On Saturday when I had craft stuff spread throughout several rooms in the house, we  found out that we were going to have an appraisal on Wednesday, because we are hoping to refinance. Since I had to clean the rest of the house, I had to put the craft room organization on hold.  I am happy to say, that I made tremendous progress,  and the craft room looked halfway decent when I needed it to. 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Game - Feature of the Day

If you have young kids, you know that there are times when you need to keep them entertained. Connie from Family Home and Life shared a fun and easy to make game, that will do just that.  She gives the instructions on how to make the PB & J  game, and how to play it on her blog HERE. It looks like a lot of fun.  Thanks for linking up for Dare to Share Connie! 

WWII Tips and Tricks - Feature of the Day

Have the sickness germs invaded your house too?  As I write this, my 3rd child is sick. Just as Kara was getting better, her older sister was becoming ill.   I wish I had seen Fluster Buster's VapoRub tips and tricks 10 days ago.  After reading all of the great things that VapoRub can do, I am definitely going to pick up a jar for the next time someone in my family becomes sick.  Be sure to stop by Robin's blog and learn about this miracle in a jar HERE.  Thanks so much for linking up! I am definitely going to try some of the tips you have listed. 

Leprechaun Marshmallow Pops

Since I have a bit of a hectic schedule this week, I thought it would be fun to reshare an oldie, but goodie.  I really love my little leprechaun pops, and I know they are new to many of my new followers. 

Recycled Hanger Chip Clip - Feature of the Day

I am always looking for practical tips that reuse something made for another purpose, and the recycled hanger tip by The Pin Junkie fit the bill.  Considering I just cleaned out Kara's room and found a ton of hangers that are too small for her to use anymore, that timing of her tip is perfect.  We are always looking for our chip clips, and now by making a few of our own out of old hangers, we will always have one when we need one. To see this tip and many others, be sure to stop by The Pin Junkie HERE. Thanks so much for linking up on Dare to Share! 

Dare to Share #46

It is that time of the week already..  Time to Dare to Share.    Our week started out well.  Kara went to  the Daddy Daughter dance with her dad, and looked beautiful in her dress we found on clearance from Kohls.  

After that, the week did not go quite as well..  As Kara was dancing the night away, her brother was not feeling well.  It turns out he most likely had the flu. We don't know for sure, because we could not go to the Dr.  Dh just started a new job, and the new insurance does not kick in for 2 more weeks.  We had a day off school on Monday for ice, we gave him an extra day to rest. By Wednesday, Kara started not feeling well, and had the same symptoms as her brother. Just as Kyle was feeling well enough to go to school, Kara had to stay home.  

Instead of working on a craft this week,  I decided to take on a massive project. This is our unusable craft room, that has been turned into the room where everything goes.  I finally had enough when I had to step over all of Kara's creations that she had spread all over the family room floor.  I knew it was time to make this room a room we could use.    You can read more about it, and see more pictures HERE.  I hope to have some after pictures soon.  

Have you had a chance to enter or A Crafters Dream giveaway yet this week?  I paired up with Moxie and Mischief once again.  This time we are giving away a pair of matching charm bracelets that are beautifully made by Jessica and a $25 gift card to either Michaels Craft Store or JoAnn Fabrics. If you would like to enter, you can do so HERE.

Did have a chance to see this week's wonderful Features of the Day?    Here is a second chance if you missed them. 

Heart Cheese Pies by Viva La Vida

Free Smore Chalkboard Printable by The Thriftiness Miss

Red Velvet Berry Fudge by  The Velvet Moon Baker

Sesame Street 3rd Birthday by Mellywood's Mansion

Now onto this week's party.  I don't require that you become a follower to link up, but I would sure love it if you would.  If you are chosen as the Feature of the Day, your post will be promoted on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and G+

Link up and HAVE FUN! 

My Scary, Scary, Craft Room

You may be wondering where I have been this week.  In addition to having 2 sick kids, I have taken on a massive project. One that has been put off for many years, and just got to the point that I could not take it anymore.   That nice empty spot in the picture above..  

... used to look like this.  I got tired of my daughter taking all of her crafting supplies into the family room  and crafting on the floor.  I got tired of having to clean off  the kitchen table whenever  we wanted to eat.   Unfortunately that corner  was not the only scary spot.. 

.. do you remember the picture of the two desks piled high with craft stuff that I posted at the beginning of the year?   That has improved some..  I moved one of the desks to the empty corner, that is now going to be Kara's design and crafting spot.    

I took this picture before I spent several hours working in the room yesterday. That large pile in front of the white  dresser has been sorted, and is not longer there..  You may be wondering how in the world did my craft room become a giant pile of stuff.  Well as you can tell I am a craft supply hoarder.  (It is not that bad in other rooms, this is the messiest room in the house!) There are also a lot of the kids projects in there, not just supplies.  It has never been organized since we moved in There was always a reason.. I was too busy, I was too tired, it was too overwhelming etc..  When new things were brought in, it could not put it away so  it went on the top of the pile.  It is now time!!.. It WILL be sorted, put away, thrown out etc.. We will be able to use our craft room and find things once again.  I hope to post some after pictures soon!   Are there any other craft hoarders out there?  

Sesame Street 3rd Birthday - Feature of the Day

I love a good children's party.  I have thrown many themed parties  over the years.  Mel from Mellywood's Mansion recently threw a 3rd birthday party for her daughter.  What I love about her Sesame Street party was that she kept it real.  She had to put it together on short notice.  There wasn't picture perfect treats photographed by a professional.  There were just cute ideas made by Mel for her little girl's big day. The birthday girl loved it, and that is what really counts!  T Ernie's rubber ducky jello in the picture would also be really cute idea for a baby shower.   You can see the rest of Mel's party ideas HERE. Thanks so much for linking up Mel! 

Red Velvet Berry Fudge- Feature of the Day

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?  Well if you are not, Tash from The Velvet Moon Baker, has you covered.  How about some last minute Red Velvet Berry Fudge. It is  simple to make, and a perfect treat for your Valentine.  Stop by and see Tash's sweet recipe HERE.  Thank you so much  for linking this recipe up on Dare to Share! 

I love Paczkis!

Do you celebrate Fat Tuesday? I am not Catholic, so I don't do ashes on Ash Wednesday.  I also do not really give up anything for Lent. The one tradition I do participate in, is the eating of the Paczki.

If you are not lucky enough to live in an area where Paczki's are prevalent, they are very fattening, but very delicious Polish filled doughnuts. 

The tradition of the Paczki started a very long time ago.  The day before Ash Wednesday, people would want to use up all the lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in their homes, because they were forbidden to eat during Lent.  

Now it is a tradition to eat 1 or two,  okay maybe even more than that, just because it is  Fat Tuesday.  They are only available in stores and bakeries for a couple of days so if you do not get one, you have to wait an entire year for them to be available again.  

This year I bought a box of Strawberry, and a box of Cream Cheese.  I can never remember which one of my kids want one or the other, so sometimes it is easier just to buy both.   

I admit it.  I had one of each.. 

I consider them to be my lunch.  

Oh how I love you Pacski, I look foward to seeing you again next year!