With the economy the way it is I know that my family and friends are all going out far less than we did just 6 months ago!
The problem? I absolutely love to go out!
The only way I can justify it is by being frugal...very frugal!
Being a small business owner myself I personally know the struggle and I support local business every chance I get! Here are some ideas of ways to still enjoy going out while spending far less and supporting local eateries!
Siano's Pizzeria in Deering Center is an outstanding neighborhood jaunt! I can't tell you much I love this place! It is warm and cozy. The wood fire smells so inviting and the food is...well, in three words...fan tas tic! The portions are enormous! In this economy that is a real plus! I love to eat in their dining room but on an evening when you just don't want to cook or you find Idol is coming on and you haven't even started dinner call Siano's and get dinner to go! 771-7878. We order the chicken parmesan and the lasagna with meatballs. They each come with the customary side salad. These two meals feed three of us dinner and there is at least enough left over for two lunches! It is not just the portions that Siano's provides that are appealing! The food is fresh, fulfilling and flavorful!
The Great Lost Bear. You all know and love this fantastic, Forest Avenue, locally owned gem, of that I am sure! But did you know that every Thursday night The Great Lost Bear showcases a brewery, a style of beer or hosts a battle between rivals?
They have annual seasonal beer introductions and Microbreweries debut their beers at the Bear! Thurs. nights they offer beer specials and give out fun prizes! Mondays and Tuesdays are short beer nights! They serve 23 ounce beers at pint prices!
The Bear's extensive menu offers mouthwatering burgers, tasty salads, wings, wraps and sandwiches all at reasonable prices. On a night when funds might be scarce go to The Great Lost Bear and order the nachos! They are the best I have ever had and will literally fill up you and your family, or several of your friends, all for under $12! Get there early if going on short beer or microbrew nights because they are usaully packed!
The staff and owners are all fun and terrific! Good times are in the air at Thee Great Lost Bear! http://www.greatlostbear.com/
Una Wine Bar, is on Fore Street in the Old Port, around the corner from Brian Boru. This is a nice place to go for a great drink. I know, what you're thinking! Everyone is always telling me that they are too expensive! But not if you know when to go! Every Monday through Saturday from 4:30pm – 7pm and all night Tuesday, úna hosts an unbeatable Happy Hour! There have special happy prices on everything! At 4:30 the martini menu has many offerings from the classic (with an olive or a twist) to exotic for just $4! Pretty impressive, right? During this happy time, they also have a number of wines by the glass on special for $4 each! Their chef offers Happy Hour favorites such as cheese plates, marinated olives, and fresh rosemary foccacia, in portions meant for sharing, all at special prices! Cosmo anyone? http://www.unawinebar.com/
The Dogfish Cafe. This darling little place on the corner of Congress and Saint John Street is one of our favorites! We love to go and sit at the bar and share an appetizer. Their Mozzarella is out of this world! This dish is fresh mozzarella breaded and topped with fresh parmesan cheese and marinara sauce. They serve it with a generous amount of fresh bread for $8.99. Their open faced quesadilla is topped with marinated chicken, diced bacon, tomatoes, scallions, black beans, cheddar cheese, topped with seasoned sour cream & fresh mango salsa ($9.99)If you happen to be at The Dogfish when they have beef stew DO get it! You will not be disappointed!(You can thank me later!) The bartenders and wait staff alike are all incredibly friendly and very entertaining! http://www.thedogfishcafe.com/menu.html
North Star Cafe up on the hill, Munjoy that is, is a rather exciting, eclectic place to go for a delightful sandwich, soup or salad! They offer local, fresh, organic and vegan ingredients! Their sandwiches come with, not fries or chips but with a small salad! I love that! You could easily cut the cost and share a sandwich with a friend and I am sure you would both be full and satisfied, only wanting more because of the taste not your tummy! They have live entertainment, open mic nights and even tango lessons! Fun to watch or learn! Here is a link to their calendar of events! http://pub14.bravenet.com/calendar/show.php?usernum=1135125992
You cannot beat White Heart for a great drink but have you ever eaten there? Holy Toledo! The food and prices are amazing at this cozy, but oddly spacious, bar at 55 Congress Street in downtown Portland! Let's start with the drinks! Monday nights, with a few exceptions, they offer half price bottles of wine! Wed. nights are $3 well drinks. Everynight they have what they call Happy White or Happy Red for $5 a glass! Saturday's drink special is $5 martinis and during Sunday Brunch they have $2 bloody Marys! That's bloody incredible, wouldn't you say? While I am on the subject of brunch theirs is one of my favorites! Delicious, fresh and well presented and again, reasonaly priced from $5-$9! Their breakfast dish called The White Heart is terrific! It is eggwhites, brie, tomato and fresh herbs along with homefries, bread or a muffin for $7. Now onto app's and dinner offerings! Their appetizer of 3 mini teriyaki burgers topped with grilled pineapple, red onion and chipotle catsup comes with homemade pesto tortellini salad for $9! White Heart's signature app. is Sweet Potato Cakes. These are outstanding! They are sautéed and topped with a garlic aioli ($6) For dinner you can get a roasted quarter of a chicken, mashed potato, veggies and homemade gravy for...drum roll please...$9!
My husbands' favorite is an oh-so-tender 6 oz. flank steak with a teriyaki sauce and wasabi mashed potato for $10! (yum!)
Although their dessert selection is limited they all sound divine and are each only $5! I don't believe children are allowed at White Heart morning, noon, or night so get a sitter! http://www.thewhiteheart.com/menus.html
The Empire Dine and Dance, also on Congress, not only has fabulous live music and entertainment BUT their entire menu from soup to entrees is $4-$12! You can support the arts and a local eatery at the same time! Need I say more? For a list of artists and event prices go to http://portlandempire.ning.com/
I know that it is just so darn nice for your mind and spirit to get out from time to time and mingle with friends and family even when money is tight! So pick that one thing you long for, be it a martini or a dessert and just get that one thing! Or share or split something! Not only will it help our waist lines, it will help our wallets, too! Some restaurants allow you to split an entree for a minimal fee. If looking for a healthier option, soups, chili and house salads are offered virtually everywhere and are often inexpensive. Sometimes I will get a salad and my husband the soup and we share! Also, getting your favorite meals to go is a great idea anytime! You won't have that temptation to order those appealing drinks, or fattening appetizers or desserts! Remember, tap water is free and good for you! I know that the restaurants would prefer that we drink sodas, beer and wine, too, but my theory is better some business than no business at all!
If you frequent a locally owned eatery with great food or drinks at fair prices, or know of a great Happy hour tell us about it! We want to know!
And please don't forget about this fantistic event! http://www.restaurantweekme.com/index.htm
RestaurantWeekME™ is a ten-day dining event -- Sunday, March 1, through Tuesday, March 10, 2009. The idea is really very simple. During the event, chefs will be serving specially priced, three-course meals. Everyone is invited to take advantage of this opportunity to sample new restaurants or visit their favorite spots.
Looking for a great gift for someone or a sweet treat for yourself? Go to www.jennifersmells.com I would love to make a product for you!
e-mail is jen@jennifersmells.com
Join my facebook group Jennifersmells has the best smelling stuff...ever!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Fun things to do for the whole family!
Well I am a Mom and a person who likes to have things to do...by "things" I mean anything other than housework!
Here is a list of free or almost free things that you and your kids or grand kids can do this snowy winter in Maine, or in any snowy state!
Many are not new ideas at all! Just reminders!
Call your talented friends! Ask them to teach you their craft whether it is knitting, baking, making jewelry or sewing!
If you have 'em, cross country ski in a park, golf course or cemetary
(or in your neighborhood if it's safe to!)
Let your kids give you a manicure or makover!
Have a game or a movie night (or simply give the kids the remote!)
and don't forget the popcorn!
Speaking of games, look through the ones you have!
I bet you will find a few that you forgot about!
(I plan on playing Careers and Clue this week!)
Invite your friends over and have a re-gifting yankee swap!
Seriously, we all got at least one gift that we just cannot use or already have. Am I right? Ya know, If you got a sweater that is the wrong size and you have no idea where to return it or your child has braces and got candy and gum that they can't eat! This is the perfect way to trade it in! Great way to have free fun and recycle!
Or
Host a yankee swap where everyone must bring something that they made! Who knows, a kids painting could wind up being the most sought after gift and how proud would they be???
Bake cookies!
Go to the library and take out that book you have been meaning to read
for a dogs age or re-red a favorite from your youth!
I can't take credit for this but either my friend George or Elaine came up with this fun idea that we vow to finally do in "09!"
Host an Iron Chef sort of party! Pick a food item like tomato, squash, apples, potato...anything, really and have each family make something out of that food! Everyone gets one vote of what dish they think is the best or you have a panel of judges! Prizes can be as simple as homemade ribbons that the kids can make (a great activity for them at the party!)
I have a neat fun way, that I learned from my Mom, of making ribbons if anyone wants to learn!
Cut out photo's and sayings from magazines and put them in a folder!
Your kids will enjoy seeing what they liked in "09 years from now!
Have a snowball fight.
Write a letter to someone you miss.
Look through those recipe books for some new recipe's to make.
Make a time capsule.
Go to your local community center to walk safely inside or for a minimal fee swim or relax in the Jacuzzi!
Host an old fashioned pot roast or a bean suppah and assign each family to bring something specific so all the bases are covered! (app's, entree, sides, bread & butter, comdiments, dessert etc...)That way it isn't a big expense for anyone!
Look through craft books and make something!
Use that pasta, bread or ice cream maker that has never been taken out of the box!
Write a story with illustrations.
Go through those old photo's! Put them in an album or make magnets or coasters out of your favorites!
Paint (even if the kid's are young finger painting is a blast!)
Make home made soup and share it with a neighbor!
Put some music on and dance!
Go to an open houses! It's free and you get see some suprising and wonderful uses of different spaces, paint in colors you love but might not have ever thought to use and often a great new awareness and love of the home you already live in!
Go ice skating or sledding.
Make painted pasta necklaces and wear them!
Bring those old unused clothes and toys that are piling up to Goodwill or Salvation Army. (finally!)
Make Cd's of your favorite songs to give as gifts throughout the year!
Have your kids show you those things you don't know but wish you did on the computer! You will learn something new AND your kids will be thrilled to have taught you something! (Like Facebook for instance, I have a facebook page but I don't understand how to use it! Nope...I just don't get it!)
Make a snowman or woman.
Pick up an old or forgotten hobby whether it is playing an instrument, calligraphy or knitting!
Gather together all of your favorite recipes, make copies of them, and create your own recipe book to give as gifts! Use a photo or have your kids draw a picture for the cover!
Visit local Art galleries! They are often free or inexpensive!
You never know what inspiration you might find and artists welcome the company!
Do a puzzle! Put in a place that anyone passing by won't be able to resist tyring to place a piece or two!
Have an ice cream sundae buffet! Toppings and ice cream are really inexpensive and swhat fun you will have! (and yes you can eat ice cream in the winter!)
Use your phones and cameras and take a walk after it has snowed, or even while it is snowing, and take pictures! The trees are breath-taking covered in the glistening new fallen snow! Print out the favorites and make cards out them by simply adhearing one with a glue stick to a folded over piece of card stock! (who knows, you might unleash a budding future artist or photographer!)
And for those chores that you just have to do, make them into a fun contest!
See if you can empty the dishwasher in 5 minutes.
See who can fold their pile of laundry first, or who can pick up their room the quickest! The prize can be as simple as a cup of hot chocolate!
Lastly, as my mother might say, be sure to feed the birds and squirrels your stale bread, nuts or over ripe fruit! They surely appreciate every scrap they get this time of year!
If you have any ideas of things that your family likes to do, or if you should happen to do something from this list and enjoy it by all means tell us about it! Just hit "comments" below!
If you go through my old blogs I surely have other ideas, too!
Like this blog or past ones??? Forward it to your friends and family!
For anyone in need of a great Valentine's gift, Birthday present or a treat for yourself all of my jennifersmells product's are 20% now through February 25th!
If you live in the greater Portland area we will deliver your products to you and save you the shipping! e-mail or call me to place an order! jen@jennifersmells.com or 879-1369!Happy Valentine's Day! and Happy School Vacation one and all!
Here is a list of free or almost free things that you and your kids or grand kids can do this snowy winter in Maine, or in any snowy state!
Many are not new ideas at all! Just reminders!
Call your talented friends! Ask them to teach you their craft whether it is knitting, baking, making jewelry or sewing!
If you have 'em, cross country ski in a park, golf course or cemetary
(or in your neighborhood if it's safe to!)
Let your kids give you a manicure or makover!
Have a game or a movie night (or simply give the kids the remote!)
and don't forget the popcorn!
Speaking of games, look through the ones you have!
I bet you will find a few that you forgot about!
(I plan on playing Careers and Clue this week!)
Invite your friends over and have a re-gifting yankee swap!
Seriously, we all got at least one gift that we just cannot use or already have. Am I right? Ya know, If you got a sweater that is the wrong size and you have no idea where to return it or your child has braces and got candy and gum that they can't eat! This is the perfect way to trade it in! Great way to have free fun and recycle!
Or
Host a yankee swap where everyone must bring something that they made! Who knows, a kids painting could wind up being the most sought after gift and how proud would they be???
Bake cookies!
Go to the library and take out that book you have been meaning to read
for a dogs age or re-red a favorite from your youth!
I can't take credit for this but either my friend George or Elaine came up with this fun idea that we vow to finally do in "09!"
Host an Iron Chef sort of party! Pick a food item like tomato, squash, apples, potato...anything, really and have each family make something out of that food! Everyone gets one vote of what dish they think is the best or you have a panel of judges! Prizes can be as simple as homemade ribbons that the kids can make (a great activity for them at the party!)
I have a neat fun way, that I learned from my Mom, of making ribbons if anyone wants to learn!
Cut out photo's and sayings from magazines and put them in a folder!
Your kids will enjoy seeing what they liked in "09 years from now!
Have a snowball fight.
Write a letter to someone you miss.
Look through those recipe books for some new recipe's to make.
Make a time capsule.
Go to your local community center to walk safely inside or for a minimal fee swim or relax in the Jacuzzi!
Host an old fashioned pot roast or a bean suppah and assign each family to bring something specific so all the bases are covered! (app's, entree, sides, bread & butter, comdiments, dessert etc...)That way it isn't a big expense for anyone!
Look through craft books and make something!
Use that pasta, bread or ice cream maker that has never been taken out of the box!
Write a story with illustrations.
Go through those old photo's! Put them in an album or make magnets or coasters out of your favorites!
Paint (even if the kid's are young finger painting is a blast!)
Make home made soup and share it with a neighbor!
Put some music on and dance!
Go to an open houses! It's free and you get see some suprising and wonderful uses of different spaces, paint in colors you love but might not have ever thought to use and often a great new awareness and love of the home you already live in!
Go ice skating or sledding.
Make painted pasta necklaces and wear them!
Bring those old unused clothes and toys that are piling up to Goodwill or Salvation Army. (finally!)
Make Cd's of your favorite songs to give as gifts throughout the year!
Have your kids show you those things you don't know but wish you did on the computer! You will learn something new AND your kids will be thrilled to have taught you something! (Like Facebook for instance, I have a facebook page but I don't understand how to use it! Nope...I just don't get it!)
Make a snowman or woman.
Pick up an old or forgotten hobby whether it is playing an instrument, calligraphy or knitting!
Gather together all of your favorite recipes, make copies of them, and create your own recipe book to give as gifts! Use a photo or have your kids draw a picture for the cover!
Visit local Art galleries! They are often free or inexpensive!
You never know what inspiration you might find and artists welcome the company!
Do a puzzle! Put in a place that anyone passing by won't be able to resist tyring to place a piece or two!
Have an ice cream sundae buffet! Toppings and ice cream are really inexpensive and swhat fun you will have! (and yes you can eat ice cream in the winter!)
Use your phones and cameras and take a walk after it has snowed, or even while it is snowing, and take pictures! The trees are breath-taking covered in the glistening new fallen snow! Print out the favorites and make cards out them by simply adhearing one with a glue stick to a folded over piece of card stock! (who knows, you might unleash a budding future artist or photographer!)
And for those chores that you just have to do, make them into a fun contest!
See if you can empty the dishwasher in 5 minutes.
See who can fold their pile of laundry first, or who can pick up their room the quickest! The prize can be as simple as a cup of hot chocolate!
Lastly, as my mother might say, be sure to feed the birds and squirrels your stale bread, nuts or over ripe fruit! They surely appreciate every scrap they get this time of year!
If you have any ideas of things that your family likes to do, or if you should happen to do something from this list and enjoy it by all means tell us about it! Just hit "comments" below!
If you go through my old blogs I surely have other ideas, too!
Like this blog or past ones??? Forward it to your friends and family!
For anyone in need of a great Valentine's gift, Birthday present or a treat for yourself all of my jennifersmells product's are 20% now through February 25th!
If you live in the greater Portland area we will deliver your products to you and save you the shipping! e-mail or call me to place an order! jen@jennifersmells.com or 879-1369!Happy Valentine's Day! and Happy School Vacation one and all!
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Great Gift Idea To Give or Receive!
If you are anything like me I am always scrambling just before a Birthday party or other special occasion to get the gift wrapped, or more commonly, "bagged"! And I seldom have thought ahead to get a card! I love giving cards! I think a card can mean more than the gift itself so the fact that I often don't think to buy one aggravates me!
I can't tell you how many times I have watched as the guest of honor opens their cards and laughs out loud in delight or cries and hugs the thoughtful card giver as they pass the greeting around for all to see! There I sit waiting, embarrassed and annoyed with myself, in anticipation to announce, when they are handed my gift, that
the cardless present is from me and that I "forgot" the card at home!
Anyone with me on this?
So many times I have hung my head low when I see someone that I sincerely MEANT to send a card to when they suffered the loss of someone near and dear to them, or had a special happening in their lives that seemingly went unnoticed by me!
Well, my Mom saved the day and gave me this Hallmark software kit for my Birthday and I love it! I love it so much that I just have to tell you about it! I know that we are all trying to be careful about spending our money on useful things and I think this Hallmark program is a great gift to receive or a fantastic gift to give! (No I don't work for Hallmark!)
I have used this countless number of times! Even my daughter makes her own cards for her friends and teachers! It is super easy to use! It provides hundreds of cards for every occasion! I can change the dialog in any of the cards, add a joke, and a persons name or nick name to personalize it and then print it out! And best of all I can let those who are celebrating, mourning, recuperating, those I want to thank, that I miss, that I love, or are thinking about know that I care about them!
Is there any gift better than that???
Here is a link to it!
http://www.hallmarksoftware.com/products/Card_Studio_2009/main.aspx
You can still find the 2008 edition, which is the one I have for about $20
(The site may try to sell you their paper but any regular computer paper, or card stock, will do!)
Oh, and Thanks Mom! Great gift! Yikes...I hope I remembered to send you a Thank you card!!!
Tip: a nice addition to this Hallmark software would be some colorful envelopes and some stamps!
Do you like this gift idea or do you have a neat gift idea to share?
click on "Comments" just below and tell me your thoughts!
Also, a reminder about Ladies Night!
Treat yourself to a night of pampering and do a little shopping, too! Join me at Jonathans Salon and Spa on Fore Street in Portland this Thursday night, Dec. 4th from 4-9 for Ladies Night! $25 will get you your choice of 4 services at the salon, wine, cheese, door prizes and discounts on nearly everything! I will be there selling my jennifersmells products! Call 871-8942 for more info. And to make a reservation! Space is limited!
Hope to see you there! Jen!
I can't tell you how many times I have watched as the guest of honor opens their cards and laughs out loud in delight or cries and hugs the thoughtful card giver as they pass the greeting around for all to see! There I sit waiting, embarrassed and annoyed with myself, in anticipation to announce, when they are handed my gift, that
the cardless present is from me and that I "forgot" the card at home!
Anyone with me on this?
So many times I have hung my head low when I see someone that I sincerely MEANT to send a card to when they suffered the loss of someone near and dear to them, or had a special happening in their lives that seemingly went unnoticed by me!
Well, my Mom saved the day and gave me this Hallmark software kit for my Birthday and I love it! I love it so much that I just have to tell you about it! I know that we are all trying to be careful about spending our money on useful things and I think this Hallmark program is a great gift to receive or a fantastic gift to give! (No I don't work for Hallmark!)
I have used this countless number of times! Even my daughter makes her own cards for her friends and teachers! It is super easy to use! It provides hundreds of cards for every occasion! I can change the dialog in any of the cards, add a joke, and a persons name or nick name to personalize it and then print it out! And best of all I can let those who are celebrating, mourning, recuperating, those I want to thank, that I miss, that I love, or are thinking about know that I care about them!
Is there any gift better than that???
Here is a link to it!
http://www.hallmarksoftware.com/products/Card_Studio_2009/main.aspx
You can still find the 2008 edition, which is the one I have for about $20
(The site may try to sell you their paper but any regular computer paper, or card stock, will do!)
Oh, and Thanks Mom! Great gift! Yikes...I hope I remembered to send you a Thank you card!!!
Tip: a nice addition to this Hallmark software would be some colorful envelopes and some stamps!
Do you like this gift idea or do you have a neat gift idea to share?
click on "Comments" just below and tell me your thoughts!
Also, a reminder about Ladies Night!
Treat yourself to a night of pampering and do a little shopping, too! Join me at Jonathans Salon and Spa on Fore Street in Portland this Thursday night, Dec. 4th from 4-9 for Ladies Night! $25 will get you your choice of 4 services at the salon, wine, cheese, door prizes and discounts on nearly everything! I will be there selling my jennifersmells products! Call 871-8942 for more info. And to make a reservation! Space is limited!
Hope to see you there! Jen!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Turn Your Trash into Cash!
You know those receipts that we get from the grocery store that end up in our cars, or crumpled up in our pockets, purse or trash???
I just have to tell you about an easy, productive use for them!
My friend and neighbor, Elaine Picinni, is active in many community organizations but one that she feels very passionate about is Project FEED.
Her wonderful husband, Pat O'Halleran, passed away last March after a battle with Cancer. During the last year of his life Pat became the 'Super Shopper' for Project FEED, a food pantry serving the Portland area. Pat hunted for bargains, coupons and rebates but his major accomplishment was starting a SHAW'S Rewards program turning receipts into cash for the pantry. This continues as his legacy to his friends, family and to Project FEED.
SHAW'S Supermarket will give $1 for every $100 worth of groceries bought (with some exclusion)to the project!
This used to require collection receipt bur it has just recently changed!
In order to participate, here's what you do:
Go online to www.shaws.com/neighborhoodrewards and link your Shaws card to Project FEED by putting in FEED's identification number. That number is 49001018456.
(If you don't have a Shaw's Rewards card, you can get one at the Service Desk at your favorite Shaw's. However, you still must do the online registration in order to participate.)
You can link up to 4 organizations to your card if you want.
You must re-register annually. I have no idea how or if Shaw's will remind you to re-register.
If you have family or friends with no computer access of their own, you can register their cards to be linked with FEED. You just need the Rewards Card number.
Project FEED will receive quarterly checks from Shaw's for 1% of the total of your qualifying purchases made on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays (tobacco, lottery tix, stamps, alcohol, etc. don't qualify).
What is Project Feed? Project FEED (Food Emergency Exchange Depot) is an emergency food depot located in the basement of Woodfords Congregational Church. It was founded in 1975 by a group of clergy and lay-people concerned with the growing number of Portland residents who were without a reliable source of food and items in emergencies. Project FEED is unique because they not only provide food, parishable AND non-perishable, they also provide personal health, hygeine and other non-food items for 1-7 days per person in the household to take home for individuals and families in crisis. Usually this is the bridge people need to their next source of income. Project FEED is supported by many churches and synagogues in the Greater Portland area and is staffed completely by volunteers!
You can help to fight hunger in our community one receipt at a time!
Thanks for your willingness to jump through a few hoops to support Project FEED! Register your card today!!
Do you have a comment or know of other simple things that we can do to help a local organization? Click on "comments" just below and tell us about it!
Ya know what? I just decided something! I will donate $1 to Project FEED from the purchase of any of my seasonal Gingerbread products! In other words, purchase a Gingerbread Scrub, Cologne or Powder Room Courtesy Spray and I will donate $1 from each product sold to Project FEED! Where can you smell or see my products, you ask? Visit Hair Artistry Salon and Day Spa in Falmouth right next door to Dunkin' Donuts in the West Falmouth Crossing Shopping Center, or go to jennifersmells.com!
Questions? e-mail me @ jen@jennifersmells.com!
I just have to tell you about an easy, productive use for them!
My friend and neighbor, Elaine Picinni, is active in many community organizations but one that she feels very passionate about is Project FEED.
Her wonderful husband, Pat O'Halleran, passed away last March after a battle with Cancer. During the last year of his life Pat became the 'Super Shopper' for Project FEED, a food pantry serving the Portland area. Pat hunted for bargains, coupons and rebates but his major accomplishment was starting a SHAW'S Rewards program turning receipts into cash for the pantry. This continues as his legacy to his friends, family and to Project FEED.
SHAW'S Supermarket will give $1 for every $100 worth of groceries bought (with some exclusion)to the project!
This used to require collection receipt bur it has just recently changed!
In order to participate, here's what you do:
Go online to www.shaws.com/neighborhoodrewards and link your Shaws card to Project FEED by putting in FEED's identification number. That number is 49001018456.
(If you don't have a Shaw's Rewards card, you can get one at the Service Desk at your favorite Shaw's. However, you still must do the online registration in order to participate.)
You can link up to 4 organizations to your card if you want.
You must re-register annually. I have no idea how or if Shaw's will remind you to re-register.
If you have family or friends with no computer access of their own, you can register their cards to be linked with FEED. You just need the Rewards Card number.
Project FEED will receive quarterly checks from Shaw's for 1% of the total of your qualifying purchases made on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays (tobacco, lottery tix, stamps, alcohol, etc. don't qualify).
What is Project Feed? Project FEED (Food Emergency Exchange Depot) is an emergency food depot located in the basement of Woodfords Congregational Church. It was founded in 1975 by a group of clergy and lay-people concerned with the growing number of Portland residents who were without a reliable source of food and items in emergencies. Project FEED is unique because they not only provide food, parishable AND non-perishable, they also provide personal health, hygeine and other non-food items for 1-7 days per person in the household to take home for individuals and families in crisis. Usually this is the bridge people need to their next source of income. Project FEED is supported by many churches and synagogues in the Greater Portland area and is staffed completely by volunteers!
You can help to fight hunger in our community one receipt at a time!
Thanks for your willingness to jump through a few hoops to support Project FEED! Register your card today!!
Do you have a comment or know of other simple things that we can do to help a local organization? Click on "comments" just below and tell us about it!
Ya know what? I just decided something! I will donate $1 to Project FEED from the purchase of any of my seasonal Gingerbread products! In other words, purchase a Gingerbread Scrub, Cologne or Powder Room Courtesy Spray and I will donate $1 from each product sold to Project FEED! Where can you smell or see my products, you ask? Visit Hair Artistry Salon and Day Spa in Falmouth right next door to Dunkin' Donuts in the West Falmouth Crossing Shopping Center, or go to jennifersmells.com!
Questions? e-mail me @ jen@jennifersmells.com!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Good Friends & Elizabeth Gilbert
Our book club, like many others, just read Eat, Pray, Love.
How lucky for us that the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, was at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland recently! I was thrilled when I found out that she was coming before I started reading the book and a little bit disenchanted about spending $30 for a ticket midway through the book. I found, at times, it to be somewhat wordy, redundant, and personally, somewhat difficult to relate to.
I finished the book at 3:26 the afternoon of the lecture. In the end I did grow to understand and appreciate Elizabeth. I was emotional several times during her journey and was rather pleased with the book afterall. Although, much to my dismay, I didn't LOVE it. I really wanted to LOVE it! I will have to settle for I liked it. What I did love, though, was Elizabeth herself! She was funny, quirky and inspiring!
Six of my girlfriends and I carpooled downtown to see her. We all enjoyed hearing her speak whether we loved the book, liked the book or didn't even finish the book! She was captivating, humorous and enjoyable. We left the Merrill Auditorium and gathered at a local restaurant and conversed about both the book and the lecture. We had a great, fun evening out, which none of us get much of a chance to do; sharing conversation, our thoughts, laughter and our points of view as we ate interesting food and drank a tasty beverage or two.
I am happy that I finally read Eat, Pray, Love. Happy that I got the chance to hear and see Elizabeth Gilbert in person. And so happy to have such fantastic, enjoyable friends to share it with!
I look forward to the prospect of other authors coming to Portland to share their stories in person with us as well!
Oh, an added bonus was that the proceeds from the event will go directly to support the work of The Telling Room,
How lucky for us that the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, was at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland recently! I was thrilled when I found out that she was coming before I started reading the book and a little bit disenchanted about spending $30 for a ticket midway through the book. I found, at times, it to be somewhat wordy, redundant, and personally, somewhat difficult to relate to.
I finished the book at 3:26 the afternoon of the lecture. In the end I did grow to understand and appreciate Elizabeth. I was emotional several times during her journey and was rather pleased with the book afterall. Although, much to my dismay, I didn't LOVE it. I really wanted to LOVE it! I will have to settle for I liked it. What I did love, though, was Elizabeth herself! She was funny, quirky and inspiring!
Six of my girlfriends and I carpooled downtown to see her. We all enjoyed hearing her speak whether we loved the book, liked the book or didn't even finish the book! She was captivating, humorous and enjoyable. We left the Merrill Auditorium and gathered at a local restaurant and conversed about both the book and the lecture. We had a great, fun evening out, which none of us get much of a chance to do; sharing conversation, our thoughts, laughter and our points of view as we ate interesting food and drank a tasty beverage or two.
I am happy that I finally read Eat, Pray, Love. Happy that I got the chance to hear and see Elizabeth Gilbert in person. And so happy to have such fantastic, enjoyable friends to share it with!
I look forward to the prospect of other authors coming to Portland to share their stories in person with us as well!
Oh, an added bonus was that the proceeds from the event will go directly to support the work of The Telling Room,
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Picnic like no other!
Well, I must tell you all about this event that I was part of this past weekend.
It was...in three words...fan tas tic! It was called Picnic Music & Art's Festival. Lincoln Park on Congress Street in downtown Portland was full of activity and excitement, the likes of which, I have never seen before!
Canopies were pitched and all sorts of interesting people set up shop!
You could find prints, artwork, incredible bags, jewelry, bird houses, antiques, clothing, pottery, baby bibs, bath and body products, fun plush stuffed animals, and even tarot card readings! What a talented, eclectic group!
It was well planned out and well organized. Their attention to detail was obvious!The posters were whimsical, fun and eye catching (and everywhere!) They even had the Picnic logo on their table umbrellas! The music was great and entertaining! They left large grassy spaces for people to lay a blanket and have a picnic! How neat is that?
Whether you were selling your goods or services, shopping, were in a band or listening to the music it was a great time to be had by all!
I would find it hard to believe that if you live in the greater Portland area that you didn't see a poster on a telephone pole, in an area shop, restaurant, business, or see an ad in the newspaper for this well publicized event!
If you, somehow, didn't know about it, or if you just couldn't make it, don't fret! Simply Go to www.picnicportland.wordpress.com and click on vendors. The list is there of all who participated and with one click you can be at many of these crafters web sites! Be sure to shop with these hard working, talented, local folks! You are likely to get fantastic, personal, customer service and a great deal of gratitude!
I use this word often but it fits so I will use it again, BRAVO to all of you who spent your valuable time to present Portland with such an exciting, cultural venue!
My vote is to have the Picnic Music & Art's Festival once a month from June-Sept.! Is that asking too much???
Oh, I must give a big THANKS & shout out to Mother Nature for providing us with a foggy at times, yet relatively warm, sunny and, most importantly, rain-free day!
The sales person in me must tell you that if you were at Picnic and didn't purchase something from me but wish you had you can reach me at www.jennifersmells.com! If you live nearby I would be happy to meet you with your order and save you the delivery cost! I also sell my products At Hair Artistry Salon and Day Spa in the Hannaford Plaza at 65 Gray Road in Falmouth!
Have a super day!
Jen!
It was...in three words...fan tas tic! It was called Picnic Music & Art's Festival. Lincoln Park on Congress Street in downtown Portland was full of activity and excitement, the likes of which, I have never seen before!
Canopies were pitched and all sorts of interesting people set up shop!
You could find prints, artwork, incredible bags, jewelry, bird houses, antiques, clothing, pottery, baby bibs, bath and body products, fun plush stuffed animals, and even tarot card readings! What a talented, eclectic group!
It was well planned out and well organized. Their attention to detail was obvious!The posters were whimsical, fun and eye catching (and everywhere!) They even had the Picnic logo on their table umbrellas! The music was great and entertaining! They left large grassy spaces for people to lay a blanket and have a picnic! How neat is that?
Whether you were selling your goods or services, shopping, were in a band or listening to the music it was a great time to be had by all!
I would find it hard to believe that if you live in the greater Portland area that you didn't see a poster on a telephone pole, in an area shop, restaurant, business, or see an ad in the newspaper for this well publicized event!
If you, somehow, didn't know about it, or if you just couldn't make it, don't fret! Simply Go to www.picnicportland.wordpress.com and click on vendors. The list is there of all who participated and with one click you can be at many of these crafters web sites! Be sure to shop with these hard working, talented, local folks! You are likely to get fantastic, personal, customer service and a great deal of gratitude!
I use this word often but it fits so I will use it again, BRAVO to all of you who spent your valuable time to present Portland with such an exciting, cultural venue!
My vote is to have the Picnic Music & Art's Festival once a month from June-Sept.! Is that asking too much???
Oh, I must give a big THANKS & shout out to Mother Nature for providing us with a foggy at times, yet relatively warm, sunny and, most importantly, rain-free day!
The sales person in me must tell you that if you were at Picnic and didn't purchase something from me but wish you had you can reach me at www.jennifersmells.com! If you live nearby I would be happy to meet you with your order and save you the delivery cost! I also sell my products At Hair Artistry Salon and Day Spa in the Hannaford Plaza at 65 Gray Road in Falmouth!
Have a super day!
Jen!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Three Cheers!
My family and I just had an amazing, inexpensive evening out!
We packed up our cooler with tasty treats, some crudités, fried chicken, potato salad, and soft drinks. We gathered our binoculars, sweatshirts, books, playing cards and lawn chairs. We knew our wait would be lengthy so we were prepared!
If you live here in Maine you are likely to know where we were heading! Surely you have heard about the FREE concerts that L.L. Bean in Freeport provides for us in the summer months! The place fills up quickly with lawn chairs and blankets. Folks that live nearby stake out their space early in the day, or even the night before, to ensure that they will have a prime location for these events! (Note to self... must find a friend that lives in Freeport by next summer!) We got there nearly 3 hours before the concert was to begin and were hard pressed to find a spot but we did and we had a great view!
We went to see an amazing blues performer named Keb Mo. I was not familiar with him but my husband and daughter were. He was terrific! His band was fabulous! Certainly worth the wait!
After listening to several songs I noticed a person in the far corner of the stage signing for the hearing impaired. My heart sank, at first, to think of the people that could not hear the sounds of this soulful music but, on second thought, I was glad and so grateful that through this person signing for them they could actually feel and hear the music! Wow! Talk about a gift and a talent! I got out my binoculars to get a closer look at this intriguing person giving the hearing impaired something that we often take for granted to find that she was our friend and neighbor Meryl Troop! I knew that she signed but had never seen her in action! She was amazing! I actually couldn't decide who to watch! Keb Mo or Meryl! She was such a delight! Keb Mo even thanked her personally and told her that she was beautiful! I am sure that he was also thoroughly impressed, as were we, by how well she knew his music!
Three cheers and a great big THANK YOU to L.L. Bean for providing these free, clean, fun family events, to the band for their incredible music and to Meryl Troop for her fantastic voice and ability to "sing" with the likes of Keb Mo. Bravo!
To Post a comment click on comment just below! Have a super day!
We packed up our cooler with tasty treats, some crudités, fried chicken, potato salad, and soft drinks. We gathered our binoculars, sweatshirts, books, playing cards and lawn chairs. We knew our wait would be lengthy so we were prepared!
If you live here in Maine you are likely to know where we were heading! Surely you have heard about the FREE concerts that L.L. Bean in Freeport provides for us in the summer months! The place fills up quickly with lawn chairs and blankets. Folks that live nearby stake out their space early in the day, or even the night before, to ensure that they will have a prime location for these events! (Note to self... must find a friend that lives in Freeport by next summer!) We got there nearly 3 hours before the concert was to begin and were hard pressed to find a spot but we did and we had a great view!
We went to see an amazing blues performer named Keb Mo. I was not familiar with him but my husband and daughter were. He was terrific! His band was fabulous! Certainly worth the wait!
After listening to several songs I noticed a person in the far corner of the stage signing for the hearing impaired. My heart sank, at first, to think of the people that could not hear the sounds of this soulful music but, on second thought, I was glad and so grateful that through this person signing for them they could actually feel and hear the music! Wow! Talk about a gift and a talent! I got out my binoculars to get a closer look at this intriguing person giving the hearing impaired something that we often take for granted to find that she was our friend and neighbor Meryl Troop! I knew that she signed but had never seen her in action! She was amazing! I actually couldn't decide who to watch! Keb Mo or Meryl! She was such a delight! Keb Mo even thanked her personally and told her that she was beautiful! I am sure that he was also thoroughly impressed, as were we, by how well she knew his music!
Three cheers and a great big THANK YOU to L.L. Bean for providing these free, clean, fun family events, to the band for their incredible music and to Meryl Troop for her fantastic voice and ability to "sing" with the likes of Keb Mo. Bravo!
To Post a comment click on comment just below! Have a super day!
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