Craft a Week #4: Tagxedo Word Picture

Man, I am on a roll this week!  I found this great site that allows you to upload pictures AND words, which then makes the words become the picture. So very cool.  The site is Tagxedo.  The program pretty easy to use and self explanatory. 

I think the greatest challenge is finding the right picture to use. My first one was a picture of Jasmine.  I used this photo:

I used this picture because it was a head shot and I thought it would work best.  First I uploaded the picture.  (Go to "Options" and click on "Shapes". Once there, either use a shape they already provide or upload a picture under the "Add Image" on the bottom right. 

Then I went into Word and typed in as many words as I could think of that made me think of her. I used words like amazing, funny, smart, creative, beautiful, daughter, sister, granddaughter, (her name), etc. When I got stuck I highlighted a word I already used and looked up synonyms.  Once I had a bunch of words, I saved it as a "txt" document so I could upload on the Tagxedo site.  To do this, go to the "Words" tab, and click "Load". Once there, click on the "File Browse" tab and upload your word file there.

And voila! your word picture is created. You may have to play around with some of the settings (under the "Word Layout" tab).  Once done, make sure to save your final document.   Maybe there's a way, but I could only figure out how to save a thumbnail on my computer.  The larger word picture does save on the Tagxedo site but I wanted to be able to save and play with it as a picture on my C drive. 

Here's my final product:

I don't like this Polly Pocket version because you can't see the actual shading of her face that compliments the photo (and really helps define it).  It does print out okay though. I think I'm going to work on these for the grandkids: print, frame, and hang in the spare bedroom. That way when they come to spend the night, they can see how their Gam really feels about them (lots and lots of love). 

You can also chose a shape, link a website, and create a word picture. Here's my RBG Word Picture:

I think this is a very cool site and worth playing with. Who wouldn't love a gift of a word picture that lets people know how much you love them?! And it allows me to do two of my favorite things at once: writing and crafting!

Happy Crafting

Popcorn Recipe Book

In Sunday's paper there was an ad for The Popcorn Factory. We don't have a retailer here (I only remember one years ago at the Glendale Galleria). I thought about sending a tin of popcorn to the grandkids for a gift. When I looked on the site, I found their prices are pretty high ($39.99 + $9 for shipping).

A quick search online led me to the Popcorn.org website. It seems to be the definative site for all things popcorn!  They provide a free pdf popcorn recipe book, found here: Popcorn Recipes.  Who knew you could do so many things with popcorn?! Some of them seem a little out there (creme brulee with popcorn topping; popcorn and mushroom crusted tilapia; coconut popcorn crunch pie) but others sound yummy (caramel almond popcorn clusters; bacon and cheese popcorn; easy carmel corn).

Later I'm going to try the Cinnamon Sugar Kettle Corn. (I'll post pictures and details).  I also think I will make Timothy some Brown Sugar Lollipops for his birthday.

Freebies, Coupons, and Coupon Code Websites

I LOVE to get stuff for free! I troll sites for free samples because I like trying out new products. I get samples that I use for my travel bag (shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste, body wash) or I use to stock a basket of supplies in my guest room.  There's alot of places on the internet that list these but here's a few of my favorites:

Wal Mart Free Samples: These change pretty often so check back frequently.
Buxr Freebies: This is a great site! They not only have lots of freebies but also have fantastic deals (under the coupons tab).
Absurdly Cool: Lists lots of freebies and good deals.

I NEVER pay full price when I buy online!  There are so many sites that list coupons and codes. Here's some of my favorites:

Deal News: I look under the "Editor's Choice" tab. They too list freebies but also coupon codes and fantastic sales. I found the code on here for my Droid that enabled me to get it for free when the Verizon site was charging $200 for it!
Pinching Your Pennies: This site offers some freebie links too but lists alot of sales and coupon codes.
Crazy About Deals: Another site that lists freebies, coupons and sales.
Mommy Saves Big: More freebies, coupons and sales.
Coupon Dork: First, love the name!  This site starts with a pull down menu that you select the store you are looking for (for example, Target) and it lists coupons and free shipping codes.
Just Rebates: A big list of current rebate offers.
All You: The magazine All You lists a wide array of coupons and free samples.
Coupon Cravings: Does what it says! Coupons!
Retail Me Not: Coupons and codes. This is definately one of my "go to" sites when I find something I want online. They usually have a code that enables discounts and/or free shipping.

Finally, Ebates!  Before I buy anything online, I check to see if they participate with Ebates. To use, set up an account with Ebates (for free: use my awanadalla@verizon.net as a referral and I get $5 credit for referring you). Then look for the online store you want to place your order. Click on the store and you will be transferred there through Ebates. Each store has a varying ebate (between 2% for Walmart, up to 26% for Magazines.com). Ebates will then send you a quarterly check for your rebates.  It my not seem like alot but it adds up. I've received $240 in rebates since I joined the site in 2008: Not going to get rich off it but it's still money!

I find Ebates the best for magazines subscriptions. Especially during the holidays, magazines go on sale. The sale, along with the rebate, allows me to get some great deals on magazines (like Cosmo for $9.00 a year subscription). Great gifts!

I know Shana has some favorite freebie and coupon sites as well. Shana, please feel free to share your links in the comments.

Happy Savings Time!

Free Games

Big Fish Games is offering two games for free. Use the following codes and get the full length games without spending a cent! Happy Gaming!

Free Fairway Solitaire Game. This game was voted #1 card/Marjong game of 2007. Use the coupon code FREEFAIRWAY at checkout for download of this game. http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/2427/fairway-solitaire/index.html

Free Hidden Expedition: Everest Game. This game was the First Runner-Up Best Hidden Object Game of 2007. Use the coupon code FREEEVEREST at checkout for free download of this game. http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/1658/hidden-expedition-everest/index.html?afcode=afcfa3267c69

Free NRA Membership

If you are like me and feel some concern about the erosion of your rights under the umbrella of "protection against terrorism", I encourage you to take advantage of this offer. The NRA (National Rifle Association) is offering a free, one-year membership. This is a $35 gift.

I am not a gun owner, however, I do support the right to bear arms (a Constitutional right). While sometimes I feel like Chicken Little ("The Sky is Falling" - "They are trying to take away our ability to protect ourselves"), I do feel it is important to protect and maintain our rights, one of which is gun rights.

The link is https://www.nrahq.org/nrabonus/accept-membership.asp

Free Video Download from Blockbuster

Blockbuster is offering a free video download of the film "Journey Into Amazing Caves". Here's the description:

Filmmaker Steve Judson, who received an Academy award nomination for his documentary Dolphins, explores another variety of inner space in this film, shot in the high-definition IMAX process. Dr. Hazel Barton and Nancy Aulenbach are scientists brought together by their interest in caves -- Aulenbach researches the life cycles of plants and animals that thrive in caves, while Barton believes study of the ecosystems of caves might provide valuable information on treating diseases in humans. Barton and Aulenbach are joined by veteran spelunker Janot Lamberton as they explore spectacular cave formations in Arizona, Mexico, and Greenland. Journey Into Amazing Caves is narrated by noted actor Liam Neeson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Sounds interesting. You can get it here: http://www.buxr.com/deal/free-download-journey-into-amazing-caves_21504

Free Downloads

There are alot of cool downloads available now. Some of the most interesting/useable are:

Amazon offering 756 free mp3 songs. I know I'm pretty sheltered so I don't know many of the artists listed but it is an opportunity to try out some new music. The link is here: http://www.amazon.com/Free-Songs-Music/b/ref=amb_link_83144631_11?&ie=UTF8&node=334897011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1H3KHRHXYY8NNRTZ649G&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=466465171&pf_rd_i=507846

Another music give away is "Smile, Smile, Smile" by Dan Zanes, formerly of the Del Fuegos. This is some cool kid-friendly music that even I can listen to! It can be downloaded here: http://www.amazon.com/Smile/dp/B001WAGLWI/ref=nosim

Free book download or hard copy of Retirement for Dummies Book. Especially in these difficult economic times where alot of people have lost a good portion of their life savings, this book may be helpful. The site is located here: http://www.realforme.com/register/

Amazon is offering a free game download: Big Kahuna Reef. Just add to your cart, checkout, download, and install. Looks like fun! The link is http://www.amazon.com/Big-Kahuna-Reef-Game-Download-PC/dp/B001K7HV3Q/ref=pd_sim_vg_4

Free U2 Album: "Get On Your Boots". Sign up and reply to your email and you get 7 songs. The link is http://www.nolineonthehorizon.com/mailers/signup.php

Free download of Corel Paint Shop Pro X. This is a great program that allows you to turn your photos into professional looking pictures. The link is http://www.download3000.com/download-paint-shop-pro-count-reg-16532.html

Freebies You May Actually Use

I am an avid freebie seeker, however, I have to wade through alot of junk to find a few gems. I'll make a commitment to periodically post links to those I think will be of the most use or are the best deal. Here's some of my recent finds:

• I recently got a free sample of Kellogg's All Bran Fiber Pink Lemonade Drink Mix from Walmart and I love it! Each serving has an incredible 10g of dietary fiber. (We should all have 25-30g of fiber a day and most of use don't even come close to that). Kellogg's All Bran has a host of other fiber rich products. If you haven't tried them, here's even more incentive. For purchases made through 4/30, they are offering a complete rebate on any one product (up to $4.99). Details and the rebate form are located at http://www.all-bran.com/All_Bran_Rebate_Form.pdf


• Kraft Cheese is offering a product rebate on one package of KRAFT 2% Natural Cheddar Cheese (Shreds or Chunks). It is good on any one product purchased between 3/15/09 and 9/30/09. Rebate form is located here: http://brands.kraftfoods.com/purekraft/naturalcheese/pdfs/RefundOfferForm.pdf

Earth Day Freebies

Earth Day 2009 is April 22. In celebration of this day, numerous companies are giving away freebies. The following is what I've located so far:

• Reynold's Wrap has a new product that is made from 100% recycled aluminum. Go to http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/index.html and sign up for an email reminder to go to their site on 4/22 for the rebate form. They say quantities are limited.
• Disney Store is offering a free gift (word is it's a water bottle). Bring 3 plastic bottles to a Disney Store on 4/22 and you will receive your gift. Details are here: http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/Category_10002_10051_59503_-1_59503_____Disney-Store
• The Home Depot will be giving away 1 million CFL bulbs on April 19th. The offer is one per person. (http://www.buxr.com/deal/free-cfl-light-bulb-home-depot-april-19th_20505/type/freebie)
• Dunkin Donuts is offering small iced coffee for 50 cents on April 21. Portion of the proceeds to benefit Homes for Our Troops. The press release is located here (https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/press/PressRelease.aspx?viewtype=current&id=100139

Old Time Radio (OTR)

Before the days of television, video games and the internet, people used to sit in front of their radios and listen to shows, such as Sherlock Holmes, Superman, Father Knows Best, and Blondie. Once tv became popular in the 1950's most of these shows went off the air. Thanks to the internet, these shows can still be enjoyed today.

As much as I love tv, I find that I tend to use it as background noise rather than visual entertainment. Now I listen to OTR when I'm doing crafts, cleaning, and, most enjoyably, as my nightly bedtime story. Listening to OTR is fun and entertaining. I really like to listen to OTR with younger children. They enjoy havng someone tell them a story and it introduces them to entertainment of a time gone by.

There are a multitude of sites that offer free OTR. Some of my favorites are:

http://www.radiolovers.com/
http://www.oldtimeradiofans.com/
http://www.best-otr.com/
http://www.megaloradio.com/

Free Audiobook of Marley and Me

Get a free audio download of Marley and Me at http://www8.garmin.com/audible/. I spend a great deal of time in my car and regulary listen to audiobooks. I don't have a Garmen system but apparently you can get audiobooks sent directly to your GPS or a multitude of other mobile devices. You can load on your computer as well.

Just skimming their site, it seems like they are rather pricey. But, considering I borrow audiobooks from the library, I'm not sure what the standard rate for this kind of thing is. In any case, enjoy this freebie!

Free Kids Music Download

Mega Bloks is offereing free download of six children's cd's, each containing 20+ songs. These downloads include such classics as "The Wheels on the Bus", "Twinkle, Twinkle", and "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain". I know when my kids were little, they LOVED having their own music. The download can be located at http://www.megabrands.com/en/familyfun/music.php

Free Summer Bowling Pass for Kids

I know those of us with kids are always looking for something to keep them busy over the summer months. Check out www.kidsbowlfree.com . This site offers 2 free games of bowling a day all summer long. Further, they offer a deal for the family pass. This offer is only good at certain bowling alleys; the site provides a list of sites. The closest to us are in York but they suggest checking back often because they add sites frequently.