Free Stuff: $25 Bonus from ING Direct

Fresh new self-serve referral links for both the Saving and Checking accounts at ING Direct. Not having a checkbook has not been an issue for me and I enjoy the ability for ING to mail my rent check for me!
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Use the self-serve referral, below, and score some bonus bucks! Details below.

Orange Saving Account has 3.00% ARP:
Orange Saving Account self-serve referral
Orange Saving Account self-serve referral
Orange Saving Account self-serve referral

Electric Orange Checking Account
1.75% APY on balances up to $50,000
3.20% APY on the entire balance if it's between $50,000 and $100,000
3.40% APY on the entire balance if it’s $100,000 or more:
Electric Orange Checking Account self-serve referral
Electric Orange Checking Account self-serve referral
Electric Orange Checking Account self-serve referral

Referral details:

1) An opening deposit of $250 is required for you to receive your $25 bonus deposit. Initial deposit does not include bonus.
2) You are comfortable with me earning $10 referral bonus based on you receiving your $25 bonus (I scratch your back, you scratch mine, right?!)
3) Use the self-serve links or email me at UDANDI at GMAIL dot COM with your name and email address and I can send you a referral (privacy reasons, ING is not able to disclose the friends who have opened an account or the initial deposit amount)
4) Verify that there isn't a note on page two of the referral link stating, "the link you've used to open a new Account has either expired or has already been used. This is no longer a valid referral link." If so, come back and try another link!
ING Direct self-serve referral (click for an example of a USED referral)

The Orange Savings Account...

• Great rate - no minimum balance required. Everyone earns the same high yield.
• No fees - every penny you deposit goes to work for you.
• No changing banks - the Orange Savings Account is linked to your checking account.
• 24-hour access to your account - you're always ready for opportunities.
• FDIC-insured - your money is safe and secure.

Electric Orange delivers the access and convenience of checking with the earning power of savings:

• Earn high interest
• Free ATM access at more than 32,000 locations nationwide
• A MasterCard® Debit Card for purchases
• Free Bill Pay and automatic overdraft protection

Direct link to ING for those looking for the the web site, but not planning to meet the requirements of the referral.

Free Stuff: Cone Day @ Ben & Jerry's

It is April 19th so it is time for Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's! Find a participating Scoop Shop near you.

Make it: dry erase board

dry erase board
Originally uploaded by udandi

I saw this dry erase board but didn't have the plastic envelope she had to make her board. I dug through my stash and came up with a thick and sturdy piece of cardboard kept from my job where people would mail in photography for a contest and and a transparency sheet. I liked the idea of a dry erase board for playing BINGO!

After stamping the cardboard so it wouldn't be plain when I do not have a BINGO sheet in it, I laid the transparency on top. Then, I ran a ribbon through my Xyron 150 and used it seal the edges. I punched a half circle at the top so I can easily slip the paper in and out. I added a piece of leftover ribbon at the top because I did not want to waste it.

The dry erase marker is leftover from a board I no longer have and my stamp cleaner proves to be great for cleaning the transparency sheet.

Make it: A Good Day!

Smoothie Thursday
Originally uploaded by udandi

Thursday, I went to work with my strawberry smoothie in a plastic Hawaiian flower cup (from Target's summer collection a few years back) and instead of my usual plain straw, I used a festive umbrella straw that my friend, MG, got for me before I went to grad school. I only use them on special days, like when I have company over or days when I just *know* it is going to be a good day and I want to add a little flair!

It is the little things that perk me up!

Make It: Rock Star birthday card

Rock Star birthday card
Originally uploaded by udandi

I don't have many 6 year old boy craft-making supplies so I went with a rock star-theme for my nephew's birthday card. I recall my brother sharing a cute story that my nephew was very taken with the disco ball at the roller skating rink so I hope he likes the silver guitars. Inside I wrote: wishing you a rocking 6th birthday!

I did not make additional cards like this so I need to go back and make more to keep on hand for any rockin' occasion!

Target Clipless Coupons!

Target stamping blocks
Originally uploaded by udandi

Guess who loves me again? TARGET! Last time I got their coupons was 2006 and the flip book of savings (which my niece still loves to play with) but the other week I got the clipless coupon so I bet I'm on an every other year rotation or at least what I am telling myself. I had the Target Team Member scan it before he rang up my items so I could watch the discounted price ring up - it's just my little thing. I picked up laundry supplies for my parents since they let me use their facilities :)

Also, I wanted to check out the $15 Merona cargo jean skirt to see if it would be a worthy addition to my summer skirts collection. The goal for the last couple of years is a jean skirt with front AND back pockets (even if they're small), not a skort, not a mini and without a frayed hem - pretty much something that looked like jeans, but a skirt with a decent length and hemmed edge. You wouldn't think it would be so hard, but the last time I found it, was over five years ago at Old Navy and I wear that skirt non-stop in the summer (just ask my family and friends)! They only had the denim and print skirts at my store, but online they have an orange-ish, khaki and olive.

Also, I got some clear stamping blocks from the Dollar Spot (PharmaSis if you need one let me know since I bought the three I could find).

I try to remember to post photos of my Target finds in my Target set on Flickr, but I forgot to post the $4.24 work cardigans and tops I recently got. I kid my coworkers saying, "This entire ensemble could be yours, if you shop the price is right at Target!" because often I am wearing head to shoe Target finds.

Kroger offers bonus groceries for tax refund

I wonder if other companies are offering similar programs?

The grocer said Wednesday that it will offer customers an incentive to exchange their economic stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service for a Kroger gift card. A customer with a $300 check will get a gift card for $330, two $330 gift cards for $600; and four $330 gift cards for $1,200.

Customers can exchange their checks for gift cards in the customer service center of any of the chain's stores between May 2 and July 31, Kroger said. A Kroger "customer loyalty card" is also required. The program is limited to one per household, with a limit of $1,200.

Free Stuff: Reusable Kroger bag

While I was checking the weekly ad online, I noticed a contest that included a freebie!

Get a free Kroger® reusable shopping bag when you submit a design.* You could win $500 from Kroger—and see your bag in stores!

* You must enter your Shopper's Card number to receive your free Kroger reusable shopping bag.

The Ordeal of Free Meals

Twice in the last two weeks, I have gotten free meals, but they still came with a price. One experience was at a tavern named after a fancy neighborhood in Cincinnati and the other at a Mexican grill, chain restaurant in Kentucky overlooking the Ohio River. Each time the restaurant was selected for its outdoor seating and then menu without any question of the lack of customer service we might encounter.

Both times the server forgot to put our order in and we were left waiting while others around came, sat, ordered and left before we received our food. Then there were the lame excuses that flew out of the servers' mouths prior to finding out what really happened: the bar is busy with drinks, the kitchen is backed up, the oven isn't working, etc. I understand busy, but I don't understand how others are being served from the broken oven and we aren't!

But it was not just that they dropped the ball on putting in the order and failing to own up to their mistake, it was that when the long-awaited food arrived it was terrible. I'm talking hair in the sandwich, a so-called grilled cheese sandwich that was 3 slices of cheese (and I know that because it wasn't melted) and cold food unnecessarily delivered with a potholder.

In the first case, the manager listened to our situation and acted on it, comping the meal, which he needed to do because we did not eat the food. In the second case, the manager told us what happened, said our meal was put in and then asked us what we would like, more drinks? (um yeah, pepper upset women with more drinks so they cannot drive home - seems responsible). We waited another 25 minutes, got cold food so the friend sitting closest to the manager who was dealing with another upset table walked over and got his attention, again, and he finally agreed to let us walk out without seeing a bill. But throughout it all, we had to contend with our server who became increasingly annoying in wanting to explain to us why she was having a bad day, what she was going to do to make it better (honey, it's 8pm, at this point hang it up and try again tomorrow), more excuses and apparently no communication with her manager or she would know that I mentioned we were annoyed with having to listen to her excuses!

Needless to say, we will not be eating at either place again...

National Library Workers Day: That's How I Rove

That's How I Rove
Originally uploaded by udandi

My coworkers and I decided to attend the staff lunch in coordinating "That's How I Rove" t-shirts but as we walked in the room, they seemed to receive a frosty reception. Then, we remembered 40- and 50-somethings are not exactly up on the hip-hop lingo when translated into library-speak. Plus, I think it was hard for them to figure out what call numbers we had on our backs and why we had them - we picked them based on our interests. I returned my tee to my locked and later pulled it out to show our teen and college-age coworkers who chuckled. They got it!

Free Stuff: 15 Prints @ Walgreens

For one day only, April 15, type in TAXDAY and receive 15 free prints at Walgreens.com


Details:
Coupon code TAXDAY valid for one use per customer on April 15, 2008 only. Code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Does not apply toward taxes or shipping charges. Orders must be placed by 11:59 PM Central Time on April 15, 2008 to qualify. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock.

Link Dump: How To

Crafts in honor of National Library Week (April 13-19):
Recycle Book Cuffs

Make a dry erase board - perfect way to play Nightshift Library BINGO without generating wasteful paper

HOW TO:
I need to watch this video because I still have not busted out projects with my Print Gocco How To Gocco Printing

How to Design your own scrapbook paper

How to make a welcome mat - this is also in a craft book that I just look at or it is in Dollar Store Decor

How to make a recycled bath mat

How to make a vinyl pouch

How to make a fabric wall hanging - I just posted my wrapping paper wall art in which I covered canvases. Keep your eyes peeled during garage sale season for old canvases that you can recover with fabric or paper!

How to refashion an oversized t-shirt

How to make a charging station

How to make an Altoids watercolor tin

How to photograph food

Link Dump: Crafts

Fabric Eye Exam Art - this is a cool way to present a little message!

Paper CD Case

Recycled Album Fans

Sick Day Elephant - for my coworker who wants to make stuffies for baby/kid gifts

Super Sock Pig - this would be a cool gift for Cincinnatians and those running in the Flying Pig marathon!

Reversible Cut-out Handle Bag

Warhol-inspired Crochet Afghan

Green Cleaning Kit

DIY DVD Wedding Invitation Kit

Print your own temp tattoos

Adhesive Hold it Stripes - cool use of this product

Book Review: Sew Everything Workshop
- I recommended my library purchase the book so I can see if before I decide whether I want to buy it

Link Dump: Food & Cupcakes!

Chocolate Button Pretzels are like my Chocolate Peanut Pretzels

How to make a mini s'more grill

How to make whiskey peanut fudge

How to make Neapolitan cupcakes

Homestar Runner Birthday Cake

Mix and Match Cupcakes - so awesome!

Simpson Cupcakes

Cutest Cupcake Entries

Make It: Guacamole

Guacamole
Originally uploaded by udandi

2 ripe avocados
½ red onion, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1 chile, stems and seeds removed, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh lime
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
A dash of freshly grated black pepper
1/2 ripe tomato, seeds and pulp removed, chopped

Cut avocados in half. Remove seed. Scoop out avacado from the peel, put in a mixing bowl. Mash with fork.

Chop and add onion along with salt and pepper. Since the chili can vary in hotness add a little at a time. Mash more. Squeeze on the lime at the end.

Keep the tomatoes separate until ready to serve.

Serve with chips and enjoy!

Library: Denver PL goes crazy for comics

from USA Today's Pop Candy:

I just received an e-mail that made me grin from ear to ear. Pop reader Amber H. works as a librarian for the Denver Public Library, and she says a new display was inspired by Pop Candy's Comics Crash Course.

It's not so much that the Denver Library did a comic display (or graphic novels as we call them) it is that they have similar library furniture and with the table riser that caught my eye! See our furniture and displays in my library displays set on Flickr.

Make It: Birthday Tags

mini birthday tags
Originally uploaded by udandi

Babies Rockabilly and McCutie have turned one!

I did not need a reason to dig into my new clear stamps, but I enjoyed making non-cutesy birthday tags for their gifts. I got an alphabet set that has three frames so I can do punched and layered initials on cards. I found the swirl set at Target, which I did not realize was branching out into a few more craft supplies. My favorite new set is the birds galore set because that owl is so cute (even if I did put him on a little slanted).

Spring Cleaning!

in the wild
Originally uploaded by udandi

With my new love of clear acrylic stamps and having not used some of my Stampin' Up! sets for while, a long while, I decided it was time to partake in spring cleaning and list them on ebay.

As always, any time I sell something used the plan is to get rid of the item, not make money so I listed most for 99 cents in the hopes they will get some bids and liquidate my shelves! If you like Stampin' Up! stamps that have been well cared for, please take a look!

udandi's ebay auctions