Making a little extra money for Christmas

I was talking to a few good folks about earning a little extra cash for Christmas. They didn't think it would be possible with just a few weeks left to go. I have them started on Swagbucks. At Swagbucks.com you do small tasks, surveys,shop,and more easy things to earn gift cards,and PayPal. Very simple. Just click here and sign up. 

Welcome to the NEW Truly Happy Living and Review blog.

The name "Truly Happy Living and Reviews" is a name I really had to think of. And to be honest it is one I am proud of. It says who I am in so many ways.
I hope I can explain it as beautifully as it sounds when I think about it.
First. Totally Happy Living. This means something that some will never understand. I know what I enjoy in life, and I know what it means to make the most out of it.  The little things sure they get to me from time to time. But for the most part my skin is thick and I don't normally let these things bug me.
In Truly Happy Living I hope you can see the things that make me happy, and I hope that it rubs off and gives you a bit of pleasure as well.  From food, to just crafty fun things I love to make things from the heart for the people I love.  If I  see it in a magazine, a store, online where ever I can normally replicate it.
Some of the recipes I will share are to help not just stretch a dollar when money is lean or when you just want a simple meal. Which I love to see how much flavor and happiness comes from a good meal that I make. The DIY things are the same way. Again they can be so simple. Like the Potato Soup I posted the other day. Its just simple, frugal, practical, great in an emergency and can just be served as a well today we are having some good potato soup. So fun!
I will also be showing things I have done to save money from the last 20 yrs. as an adult, wife and mother.
I try to add a frugal touch to everything. Between you and I its not because I hate parting with money. Which I do but it is more a challenge. What can I do with this money, and if I can do that what can I do with half of it. A fun challenge it is.
I added reviews. Why did I do this? Well I have been doing product reviews for a few years. I know some I have given 1, 2 and some 3 stars. But for the most part I have gotten 4 and 5 star items. I love to share with people those reviews. My husband and I always sit and say when reviewing products that we are so glad we found this product. We would of never of known about it if and fill in the blank. I want to be that person that bring you products that you can see the result, or it being used before you buy. We are a nation that buys it all over the internet. I hope I can help make that better.
I have always wanted a way to share with people nutrition, frugal living, natural way of life, crafts and more. I am being given the chance of a lifetime. I hope you come with me for this trip and you have as much fun as I do. Please comment often, follow me, and visit often.
Thank you for reading, SEE YOU SOON
Sarah

Election day meanies.



Today is election Day! This has been a hard campaign for everyone. I have seen the nastiest part of people with this election. A bunch of people who would normally get along are suddenly calling each other idiots, and just being nasty.
People, this is an election in AMERICA. We are FREE to make these choices of who we want as our president. Then we have the freedom to vote for the people we want. Ok you don't like one but someone who you say is a friend wants another. Instead of being nasty and ugly instead discuss it like adults.
I don't mean to be rude, but we are on the last day before the election. I am still seeing hatred. I am still seeing that dirty little monsters that come out in us when we want to be right.
Instead I have an idea discuss your thoughts and feelings. Maybe  just maybe try to sway the other person to your side. that will never be done with attitude and a meanness that we normally show to our enemies. Instead tell your side and see what theres is. Rational thinking and discussing. After the conversation is over even if no one was swayed you at least see there side.
I enjoy hearing others opinions. I always say I have tough skin. But in this instance tough skin shouldn't be a issue. We need to understand and respect the others opinion even if we don't agree. Just remember the world wont come to an end. the skies wont turn grey, and the seas and oceans wont turn red.Here is what is going to happen you are gonna have a new president. This president will serve his or her term. The only difference is you will either love or you will have one you hate. At the end it is only a few yrs. Then we do it all over again.
So come on get out there and vote. No matter who it is for. That is our job and our rights as fee people in a free country.
Hopefully if you can't make it you did early voting or absentee. If not hopefully you head to your local voting hall and vote!
Interested to see who comes out ahead.
#2016presidentialvoting #begoodtoeachother

ooey gooey crock pot mac and cheese. oh so good!

Macaroni and cheese

4c dry macaroni (I've used ziti elbow, rotini, bow tie and so on.I've used regular, low carb and gluten free.
8tbsp butter
5-7 cups shredded sharp cheese
1-1/4c sour cream. Regular not lite
2 cans cheddar cheese soup
2 c milk I use whole
1 tap salt
1 tap dry mustard or turmeric
1tsp black paper
3cloves minced garlic

Turn crackpot onto high
Add all at once milk, sour cream, cheese soup, mustard, pepper, garlic, and salt all into cooker.

In separate pan bring water to boil.
Cook macaroni till  just barely aldente. Just want to start the cooking process.
Drain pasta and add to crackpot.
Put pan back on stove melt butter, and cheese together. Its gonna be dense as it melts and mixes together.

Once it is melted add to the crock pot.

 I always add a cup or so cheese or so to the pot while cooking.

 stir stir stir
Cover till done.

Takes 2 hours if that. Occasionally stir it till noodles are done.

Turn  CROCKPOT TO WARM. KEEPS WARM NICELY FOR DINNER

This does not freeze well

#homemademacandcheese #foodlover #cooking  

Watching the Cubs make history HAPPY HUMP DAY

I have not been around much lately and for that I am sorry. We had Halloween AND I have been watching the Cubs during my blogging and reviewing time. Who thought that they would make it this far. My husband that is who haha. Me I was the skeptic. But they have surprised me.
Onto Game #7 tomorrow. But I will post some things tomorrow here. I have a great mac and cheese recipe I am getting ready to post. Oh my gosh it is the best - cheesy  - gooey macaroni and cheese. ugh makes my mouth water.
And I have some awesome reviews to show. Some to get to you so you can run out and get them for Christmas for loved ones.
I just didn't want to wait another day to say something to those that are following me and my blog.
Have a wonderful Hump Day everyone!

PERFECT 4oz Paper Espresso Cups (50ct) Bundled with Andaman® Coaster

It is very rare that I find paper cups that are worth even talking about. If I get anything disposable, normally I get plastic. I wanted a cup that worked for ease in the mornings with Brady as my eyes were fighting to stay open. These are perfect for my extremely strong espresso coffee.
These were exactly what I was looking for. The paper is sturdy. As your HOT coffee sits in the paper cup on some of the others Ive tried the cup gets very weak. This stayed sturdy and didn't transfer the heat to my hands. Hmmmm who knew you could get a paper product that would hold up so well.
This did beautifully. In fact I refilled it 3 or 4 times in 1 cup. Seriously held its own.
I cant beat that. I wish that I knew there were these a long time ago.
When I was done and cleaning Brady's stuff up all I had to do was throw my cup away and kept my sink free of dishes for another minute or 2. This doesn't happen often but when it does I am histatic!
I have to say these were completely worth using in fact I am in the process of buying another pkg and the larger ones too.
These come in a Ziploc style baggie so you can store them without getting dusty, and keeping them dirt, dust and bug free.
I recieved this with a discount in exchange for a honest, and unbiased review. I Reviewed this on my own, and have never received any form of compensation for the review I have left.
These cups are extremely affordable. $7.79 plus free shipping ( for Amazon Prime Members)
These are just the right size, and the right price that is a win win in my book!
 As always the link is right here for you to go get your own. Have a great coffee day!
#Review #40paperespressocups #coffee
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGBJBAC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1




This is with the first cup of coffee

This is after the 3rd cup.

I never take money or gifts for positive reviews. I review honestly. For the most part the items I've received have been great with a few exceptions but I am always honest with every review. I never review an Item in it's package. It is always taken out and used. If not by me someone who I trust and I am always there. I never give false reviews, Period.

CucinaPro Hot Dog on a Stick Maker - Makes Perfect Corn Dogs, Cheese on a Stick, Cake Pops and More

The CucinaPro Hot Dog on a Stick Maker - Makes Perfect Corn Dogs, Cheese on a Stick, Cake Pops and More - Includes Skewers and Recipes is awesome. I don't drink much, I don't do drugs,or smoke. But I have a horrible addiction. Kitchen and household appliances. When I get them. I use them over and over. This awesome little appliance is no exception. Every time I use it I think of something new. Here is what I've done so far. Pancakes with sausage in the middle, pigs in a blanket, corndogs, cake, muffins,fried cheese and Twinkies. 
These were so easy to do. With all of them there was NO pre greasing. Everything that went in was cooked and done quickly.Something I feel the need to mention nothing was dried out.
With the says and pancake as well as the corndogs. I put a bit of batter into the well, then the skewered meat and a bit more batter on top. Close the lid. After 3-4min when I went to turn them with my handy spatula before putting them faced down I put a bit more batter into the well. I closed the top again cooked for another 3 min and they are done. It takes a bit of trial and error but you realize what needs to get done quick..
Here is a tip for when your doing something like pancake and sausage or corn dogs. Even if your going to serve them without. Put the meat through the stick let it cook. When done I pulled the skewer out. 
 The clean up was easy breazy. Firstly you just used a rag to clean it with a little soap and water. Then rinse the rag and wipe down again. Dry and put away. 
The hot dog on a stick maker comes wit a recipe for corn dogs and 50 bamboo skewers.
I received this on a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H0L558S/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I never take money or gifts for positive reviews. I review honestly. For the most part the items I've received have been great with a few exceptions but I am always honest with every review. I never review an. Item in it's package. It is always taken out and used. If not by me someone who I trust and I am always there. I never give false reviews