To Poke a Bit at Ocean Breeze's Jim

 For the last 6 days we have had near perfect weather.

  I am happy to hang out clothes to dry since, last months heating bill was $325. A huge increase -- 300%  from December due to cold weather.

YES Jim, Your eyes are not deceiving you; we are running about our dry South Texas farm in shorts.  :O)

Now this is our three year old lime tree.  It did not fare so well after the ice storm.  I will check to see if it is still viable once this next cold front moves in.  Can you believe; we may be experiencing temps dropping back in the 30s next week?  I am not sure I am ready after being spoiled.

I wanted to pass on to those who pass here some information.  Did you know you can buy items in bulk from Amazon?  No kidding, and if you have an Amazon Prime membership that means free shipping.  Since, I am a heavy coupon user I am always looking at purchasing our food items more wisely.  HEB price per Lipton Beef Stroganoff is $1.29 (without coupons) but, the Amazon price with coupon code 'UNILVR77' at check out unit price is .94 cents.   PLUS did I mention free shipping! LOL

I love these mixes because it is so easy to make in one pot with ground beef and a canned vegetable for a balanced meal.  I have even used beans when I didn't have meat thawed out.  I totally love Amazon; they have international foods section which are extremely hard to find in my area. 

I also wanted to pass on another website I found.  I was again looking for a site that was reasonable to order dried fruits, mixes, and other sundries in bulk.  So check it out, http://www.bulkhome.com/.  While some of the items are outrageous; others are not.  Just look at their vanilla beans or dried apples.  With free shipping for items over $25, some of their products are excellent bargins.



I tip my hat to Jim; who just happened to mention the bloggers he follows in a blog earlier this week.  I just love his method to get over his blog writer's block.  Go on over to his place; he takes the most gorgeous nature photos, EVER....

Just a side note: http://www.walletpop.com/2011/02/18/biggest-grocery-store-markups/

Shop wisely Ladies & Gents, this depression is not over yet.

Texas Powerful Smart Appliance Rebate Part 2

YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Seems the government is at it again with trying to stimulate the American consumer to spend monies this holiday. It is a good thing since, this program has many facets.


1. Appliances purchased will put less of a strain on an already struggling Texas power grid.

2. Appliance sales means someone has as a job in your community such as salesman or deliveryman, managers so on and such.

3. Lower electric bills for consumers.

4. Recycled appliances don't litter the roadways or landfills.


Applications are available online for Texas state residents with all the rules and policies. It is crucial to pay attention to the 2 page application with all the instructions. This program is available to all Texans. If you have participated in the April and want to participate in this round -- the total number of rebates which can be earned is TWO per house hold address.

This is a much better thought out process and does not require the much agonizing horror; I went through in April with the website and the phone in procedures. Nope --- you buy the correct appliance or/after the 20th of December, have the application filled out properly, have the installation completed, appropriate signatures, the recycling done by appliance seller, and mail in the application to the Austin address. First come, first rebate checks are mailed by date received until monies are distributed.
Here is the website:

http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/

Appliances approved for this program are:

air-source heat pumps, central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, room air conditioners, and water heaters.

I still love the lovely washing machine we purchased for $500 then with the rebate it cost us only $275.  I wash less loads now which is a huge blessing.

For those participating please pay extra close attention to the size or capacity of the item you wish to purchase.  It has to be Energy Star rated and be of a particular size for instance:

refrigerators need to be of at least 14.5 cubic feet 

washers need to be rated with Modified Energy Factor (MEF) 2.0 or greater in addition to Water Factor (WF) 6.0 or less.

For those bloggers not a Texas state resident; just check your state's comptroller general's web page.  This 'grant' was part of a federal program so, each state has its own similiar program.

Crosses feathers, this mother hen needs a new refrigerator since ours is about 10 years old.

Sharing the Wealth, Okay Just Info

I have been reading Jane's blog for almost two years.  This morning I saw her post on Facebook about Taylor Swift's new album, 'SPEAK NOW' on MP3 being available at Amazon for under $4.  Sweet deal right?  While, awaiting that download, I noticed another album that was offered for free download called AMERICANA which has some really cool songs.  So I snapped that one up as well.  If you like saving money Ms. Jane alerts bloggers following her on Facebook, Twitter, or Blogspot about deals like the one she posted today about Bath and Body products that are on sale for half off or Similac infant formula being free or greatly reduced with the coupon she posted on her page.  We all are watching pennies, I just find she is a great help.  

Off to explore Amazon some more; I may just download some more freebies for my Kindle! YEAH