I was in second-grade the first time I ever saw a computer. Picture me in junior high and learning to type with a typewriter. I didn’t even know what the Internet was until I started college and received my first email address. But I caught up very quickly.

I’m Sarah, a new contributor to Blissfully Domestic. I blog daily at World’s Greatest Mommy? about the minute details of the life of a mother of five. Be warned…there are a lot of toddler conversations and bodily fluids over in my neck of the blogosphere.

At Blissfully Domestic, I’ll be scouting out the best giveaways, freebies, contests, and helpful links for you each week. Links that help you enjoy life just a little bit more.

You’re very welcome.

And without further ado…

Free Stuff

—Love the idea of photo-shopped images, but don’t love the cost of expensive programs? Try Gimp, a free program that has a huge range of editing options for your photos. And Karen, from Simply A Musing Blog walks you through a great tutorial that will allow you to customize and create your own blog header using this free program.

—Try a free sample of Tide TotalCare Laundry Detergent. I’m hoping this will help with the mountains of laundry I have during the summer. Question…how many outfits should one child go through in a single day?

—Jiffy Mixes is offering a free cookbook. That little blue box of cornbread mix was a staple in my home, but who knew it could make yummy Jalapeno Cornbread too? Add some fried potatoes and pinto beans…and I’ve got my comfort food.

Fun Stuff

—Visuwords- Love words? Type in any word and watch a cluster map appear on your screen. It’s like watching a living thesaurus right on your computer.

—Whatever you do, don’t push the red button. You’re going to push it…aren’t you?

In the Know

—4 Tips for College Kids and Sleep- I think these apply not just to college kids. Unfortunately, becoming a morning person is not looking good for me.

—10 Gadgets for Summer Fun- I want that rechargeable blender. I think everyone does.

—Encouraging More Blog Subscribers- Is there a magic formula to get more subscribers?  Maybe not, but there are tried and true tips that can help.

Know some exciting places that Blissfully Domestic readers should know about?  Email Sarah and let her know what you’d like to see Blissfully Linked.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, July 19th, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Tidbits from around the web:

Freebies and Samples:

• Box of FiberOne Caramel Delight Cereal {from WalMart}
• Sample of Frizz-Ease Weather Works or Overnight Repair Serum {from WalMart}
• Sample of Betty Crocker Warm Delight Minis

Giveaways:

• Lookit! I Spy is giving away a copy of the SATC Soundtrack and a $25 Fandango Movie Gift Certificate. Ends June 4th.

Helpful Stuff:

• Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer compiled a list of kid-friendly links submitted by her readers.
• Karen at Simply A Musing Blog had a Q&A with a group of oncologists (that’s a fancy word for a cancer doc) and compiled it all on her blog.

If you are having a giveaway or have something to announce on your blog, please email us and let us know so we can consider it for future Blissfully Linked posts.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 31st, 2008 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Another look at some good stuff around the web:

• Time Tube - Honestly, I am not quite sure what purpose this serves, but it is fun (not to mention addicting)

• Planning a get-together? Send invitations online. Don’t just send an email though - check out Pingg for fun, less-than-ordinary online invites. It’s FREE.

• Considering a last minute get-away with the family, this Memorial Day weekend? Review this list of happenings in several US cities.

• Looking for some background on Memorial Day? Find it here, at history.com.

• Ever wonder why your kids do exactly what you tell them not to do? Maybe it has something to do with the way you are phrasing it. [Parenting Squad]

• A quick review of some common grammar errors. (Is it all right or alright?)

Have a fabulous weekend!

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 24th, 2008 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Your weekly trip around the internet:

Fun Stuff:

:: Planning a baby shower? Check out this cool article on how to create a bling-ed out Baby Theme. So cute!
:: Want a makeover? You can do a virtual one at Taaz.

Helpful Stuff:

:: Are you new to Twitter? Have you heard of it, but don’t know what it is or how to use it? I’ve written a post on Twitter that will help explain some of the ins-and-outs of Twitter - what it is, how to use it and some cool tools to make it even more addicting.
:: Do you struggle with writing titles for your blog posts? This article will help take some of the pain out of it.
:: I hate automated phone answering systems. If you do too, head over to GetHuman.com  for a listing of how to reach a REAL LIVE HUMAN ~gasp~ at companies you may need to contact.
:: Want to know how to clean anything? How to Clean Anything has everything you need to know for doing well, just that!

Good Stuff:

:: The Smile Train - the transformation of these children is amazing. And this surgery makes such an impact on their lives.

[photo source]

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Your weekly trip around the internet:

You’ll notice that this is a short list this week. The reason is simple! Blissfully Domestic is launching a CafePress store on Monday.
Alli and Karla are working like crazy to put the finishing touches on
the store for it’s grand opening. You will be thrilled with the
designs. We will have more details on Monday. So get ready!

:From Women’s Day: Ten lucky winners will receive $25 in cash cards redeemable at all Subway restaurants. Approximate retail value: $25. Go here to enter.

:Also: Jared Fogle (famous for losing 245 pounds eating Subway sandwiches)
is setting out on the “Tour de Pants” across the country this year to
help spread the word about childhood obesity. Fogle will announce that
he is officially retiring his famous size-60 pants—but only after
taking them on a year-long fundraising effort to raise $2 million for
The Jared Foundation, an organization dedicated to the elimination of
childhood obesity. To find out how to get involved in Jared’s cause,
visit subwayfreshbuzz.com

:Who wouldn’t want to win this: Good Housekeeping is giving away $250,000 for a home renovation. Fill in the form to be entered to win.

:Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you needed the
instructions manual for your telephone, television, washer, etc. and
couldn’t find it? At InstructionManuals.com you can find the manual in your own language, and if you can’t find it send them an email and they will try to find it for you.

As always, if you know of something fun, useful or exciting going on around the web, email Karla and let her know so she can share it here.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Happy Saturday! Enjoy these things found around the web.

Free Stuff:

~ Nom Nom Nom ~ who loves coffee? Download a FREE Starbucks Coffee E-book here.

~ Want to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card? Head to Start Sampling and fill in this form. For every sample you tell them about you will be entered to win a $50
Amazon.com gift certificate. They are giving away one $50 Amazon gift
certificate every week.

~ Hurry for this one, because supplies are limited. Try a free sample of L’oreal Skin Genesis.

Fun Stuff:

~
I’m sure you have absolutely nothing to do today. So stay occupied by playing this game. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the day flies by!

Helpful Stuff:

~ When I was a teacher, I loved the little notes and coffee cups that
arrived for me each day during Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you
notes are always appreciated! But if you are looking for some wonderful creative ideas for giving to your child’s teacher, peruse this post at Skip to My Lou. Her ideas always make me shake my head in awe. A list of other ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week can be found here.

~ Sick of junk mail? Sign up for ProQuo.
It’s free and it allows you to choose the type of junk mail you want
stopped. Everything but magazines? sure… All of it? sure…

~ I’ve been in love with this site since its inception last year. Do you need help getting organized and remembering things? Sign up for your free personal assistant, Sandy. Your reminders will be emailed straight into your inbox.

Do you know of something fun, useful or exciting going on around the web? Email Karla and let her know so she can share it here.

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This entry was posted on Saturday, April 26th, 2008 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Hey you Internets! Here are some links of interest:

Fun Stuff

Sometimes you just gotta take a break from blogging. Try something different online by working some jigsaw puzzles at JigZone.com.

• Something that Jan Brett has known for years, Hedgehogs make good pets and are becoming popular. Seeing how cute they are, it’s understandable.

• Speaking of Jan Brett; she has some of the best activity pages for children. Lots and lots of printables and the cutest drawings.

Useful Stuff

• Need some ideas of what to ask for or give this Mother’s Day? Check out this Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Coupon Codes are included on each item.

• 
  Check out GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas prices around your area. (US and Canada) You can even sign up to be a Cheap Gas Spotter. Or to compare findings, check out MSN Auto’s Gas Price Listing.

• Do you want more information on how to live green? A great place to start is at Ecologue. Great tips, articles and resources.

Free/Contesty-y Stuff

• Women’s Day has some awesome April Giveaways.
  WallPops, Michael McDonald (from Doobie Brothers) CD, Frownies, and a
  Hidden Meadow Ranch Getaway are just some of the giveaways this month.

Random Stuff

• Wanna dress green for Earth Day? Find some chic outfits here. Though I must say - it’s not cheap dressing green. $180.00 blouse? It’ll cost you all of the money you saved from turning out your lights.

Do you know of something fun, useful or exciting going on around the web? Email Karla and let her know so she can share it here.

(Hedgie image source: Jan Brett)

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This entry was posted on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 6:00 pm and is filed under Blissfully Linked.

Your weekly list of random links:

~ Did you come of age in the 80’s? Then you’ll love this site. It’s full of pop culture from that era. You’ll spend the afternoon traveling down memory lane. (photo source: The Breakfast Club- Photofest)

~ Want to know what lachanophobia is the fear of? Then check out Strange But True, a site dedicated to strange facts, weird trivia and useless information.

~ Your kids will be outside playing all day, soon. Keep some Poison Ivy Soap on hand in case they come home itching. Excellent excellent soap.

~ You’ve probably heard many many times not to end a sentence with a preposition. Is this a real Grammar Rule? Find out at Grammar Girl’s Top Ten Grammar Myths.

~ Although it hasn’t been updated since February, I love reading Literally, a Web Log, a blog tracking the abuse of the word literally.

Do you know of something fun, useful or exciting going on around the web? Email Karla and let her know so she can share it here.