*Gum*

So...it's not mouthwash, it's not toothpaste, it's not mouth spray....it's...it's...Cobalt 5 gum!! This is some of the longest lasting breath freshener there is!! Go ahead, buy a pack when you go through the Wal*Mart checkout and experience it for yourself!

*Cute Blog Template Sites*

If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for websites that carry cute blog templates! When I first began blogging I used a site that had several different backgrounds to choose from. However, I quit using them and soon utilized another site's designs. Below are just some of the good ones that I have found that I like. If there are any others that you could recommend - please leave a comment and let me know!

The Cutest Blog on the Block ~ They have a large variety of blogger backgrounds, banners, fun gadgets and even a "Blog Secrets" section where you can get information to help you with your blog. At present they are in the process of designing templates for Blogger and Wordpress. (I'm not really sure what the difference is between a background and a template...so, you're on your own there!) Also, they carry designs for Twitter! One other nice feature is that they are pretty decent about updating their site with *new* backgrounds. Enjoy!

Aqua Poppy Designs ~ This site has a TON of templates!! If you are patient with the site you'll be able to find some fun designs. The reason I mention patience is because they have so many designs listed on one page, so they may take awhile to show up. (It can also depend on your Internet connection!)

Hot Bliggity Blog ~ If you look up in the upper left hand corner of my other blog, Lacey's Corner, you'll notice that I'm presntly using one of their wallpapers! I do have to warn you, though, because sometimes they don't look quite as good on a full screen as the sample shows. So, you just may have to test it out and see. But, they do have some fun designs!

Shabby Blogs ~ Before I start typing my write-up, I do have to say that I've never actually used one of their templates. I just haven't chosen one of them. Plus, it looks like they're set up a little differently than the above mentioned sites. If you decide to use them you'll have to leave a comment and let me know what you thought. I have used one of their blinkies on my other blog and it was totally easy to use! One of the features I like about Shabby Blogs is that they offer free banners, too!

As I said before, if there are any other good, clean, pretty, and safe blogging background websites you've discovered, please let me know!

*Magazine*

Here is a treat for you! My mom just purchased this magazine last week and we both liked it. Besides recipes, there are also some cute and inexpensive decorating ideas. Sandra Lee incorporates half prepared and half scratch ingredients in her cooking, hence the name "semi-homemade". Check it out sometime!

*Fashion*

Oh...I have another little gem for you. Have you ever heard of J. Marco? I first came across their site a few years ago. But, although they had cute clothing, their prices were a little high. However, they are having a great sale on their website right now. Even though I haven't ever purchased any clothes or accessories from them, (so I can't tell you how they fit or what the quality is like), they have some cute stuff! They can be pricey, so it's a great time to take advantage of their sales.

Happy shopping!

*Desserts*

Okay, if you're a fan of chocolate like I am, then I have something sweet to tell you about. Hershey's. Yeah, yeah, yeah, who hasn't heard about them? BUT, I receive their e-mails regularly, filled with some tasty looking recipes. It's totally free to get their recipes, so check it out and get some new treat ideas delivered right to your inbox!

*Cleaner*

Not only is this baking staple perfect for all your little goodies and volcanoes, but it's also good for something else...stains! That's right! If, while wiping down your kitchen counter and discover a stain that just won't budge with your sponge, use baking soda. All you do is put a little water on the stain, sprinkle a little baking soda on top, and slowly rub the stain. If it doesn't disappear right away, keep rubbing. I won't claim that it takes away every stain, but it does work great for most counter stains! Give it a try sometime!

*Picture Development*

Recently, our family got a lot of pictures developed, including our family snapshot for the Christmas newsletter this year. So, we sent our pictures to an online store called MyPhotoPipe for development. Within a very short time, our order was processed and shipped to our door! We were very pleased with the quality and so I am recommending them to you. I am not certain as to the pricing. We had ordered a few bigger sizes--which always adds! But, if you would like to develop pictures from the comfort of your own home, then I would recommend going to PhotoPipe.

*Internet*

Wow, it's been quite a long time since I've showcased any gems from my treasure box! But, I'm finally here and displaying a certain treasure you may never have seen.

Have you ever just come in on a radio program and wanted to go back and listen to the entire broadcast? Maybe you enjoy listening to Adventures In Odyssey while you work on the computer. Well, OnePlace.com has that--and more! Oneplace.com is a Christian owned company dedicated to bringing you programs and devotionals, as well as supplying you with MP3's for download. (They even have select MP3's for free!) Check it out sometime!

*Fireproof*

It's the newly-released film so many people are talking about. A great movie! My family and I viewed this film over the weekend and I must say that Fireproof is excellent!!! A perfect movie for the entire family. We really enjoyed this and I can truly recommend it!

*Daily Devotionals*

I've known about this treasure for at least two years and have really enjoyed it! You may have heard of Dr. Woodrow Kroll and his ministry Back to the Bible. He has a daily radio program which our family has listened to for years. If you go to their website, www.backtothebible.com, you can sign up to receive daily devotionals directly to your e-mail. Right now, we receive, "Early in the Morning" by Dr. Kroll, "Streams in the Desert" by Mrs. Charles Cowman (highly recommended!), and Elisabeth Elliot's devotionals from some of her books. There are some others as well, but these are just the ones that we receive. I particularly enjoy "Streams in the Desert" and have often posted their "food" on my other blog.

It's totally free and you can unsubscribe at any time.