I Am Beautiful

🎧 No Matter What They Say

Seriously, would you just look at me:

Such style. Such grace. Ooh, la, lahh. It appears I'm mildly better at online hockey than the real life version but I truly should hang my Canadian head in shame, eh? Surely we can all agree I look adorable doing it though and that's what really matters. 

Someone pointed out that it's less than sixty days until Christmas and I hit the panic wall like a block of cement. A long night writing seems to have put me in a bit of a spin as well. How do writers tap into real life experiences and then cope with all the emotions dredged up? There's got to be some magic trick to it that I haven't figured out yet. Suck it up and ride it out seems a poor solution but it's what we're going with.

There isn't even a Whiskers Wednesday pic to share so you should be fairly alarmed. Cat Lady forgot how to worship? Mon dieu!  Meemers senses my less than pretty mood and demands to do her catwork. She gives pretty good advice so we decided the best course of action is for me to turn off the electronic world for the rest of the day to snuggle up with a  good book and loving whisker owner who will provide a purring soundtrack. Before I do, here's a couple of things that might interest beauties and the people who shop for them. 

Well.ca is one of my favourite places to do online shopping and it's possible one person has been checked off on my Christmas list. They always have excellent customer service, prompt delivery, and a huge selection of everything imaginable and fantastic sales. It's a good day to save some money and the gift card win went farther thankyouverymuch. The beauty event caught my eye and ends tomorrow. When companies discontinue products that have a cult following my mind is boggled. Be that as it may, the people at NARS know what they're doing. Would it be rude to tell Santa I still want to find an orgasm under the tree? Even a little one would do. Oh, you know you're going to go look. May your day have a bit of time to read about ELLE's Beauty Prix 2022 Finalists. This is the 26th edition and their selections have always been on point. Pickies also have linkies so clickie on and have yourself a beautiful day! 

I'll Wait for the Green Ones

🎧 Crawling Down Memory Lane

Edited to add: Links to contest posts at the bottom and you can read my contesting advice such as it is HERE. 

Two conversations earlier in the week sparked this post. My contesting is something I have the luxury of time to participate in, like any hobby, and not everyone has that. Not everyone is interested, or sees the point of it, and there's a lot of scoffing. Should I pretend the air of smirking isn't stenchy? That kind of hurts. Which is probably why this is all over the place. 

When a one-entry contest came up for a $2500 prize and I know someone who will be making a large purchase in a related area, I mentioned it. Instead of saying, "Hey, thanks for thinking of me" and leaving it at that, it became a bit of a discussion that left me feeling like a joke. I'm sure that wasn't the intention. My thought was why not give it a try? Sure, it's a long-shot, but one that could be a plus to the budget and make a not insignificant upgrade if it paid off. 

What took a couple of days to process was that not everyone I know struggles financially. The true struggles that grind on and means going without more and more often. They don't know, or remember, what desperation feels like. For that, I am thrilled because trust me, poverty sucks. Hard. Disability is a bitch. Getting through the day with five of them can make a lot of days feel like a never-ending battle nobody understands because they don't feel the pain.

The absolute truth of the matter is, every week is hanging on by my fingernails while juggling to keep it all from collapsing. My love language is doing for others and gift giving. When I can't do that, it's crushing. Yes, it's the thought that counts, but let's be real here...nobody remembers a good thought after a day. I've been going so hard on the contesting lately to try to win Christmas presents because there simply isn't any money to buy them or supplies to make them. None. There aren't any corners left to cut. They've been ground into a glass-like sphere. Life in the round is brutal but I try to be positive and always stay aware of things I do have to be grateful for. This isn't a call for pity, but for compassion and a bit of kindness and understanding.

While chatting with Belle last night, I was again reminded how enthusiastic she is whenever I tell her about any win, no matter how small. Considering the income bracket she just moved into, it would be easy to feel quite pathetic, but she never fails to come up with a 'free stuff is good, mama' acknowledgement. I asked if she'll send me screenshots of her tags from McDonald's Coast to Coast Monopoly game. How she laughed - not in a condescending way, more an amusement of my resourcefulness. "Leave it to you to win prizes from McDicks!" 

Look, times is rough and a free cheeseburger and free coffee was already a meal for me. Snacks and beverages won from the convenience store are perks I would normally do without. So gratitude and all, but Christmas is coming, and Dear. Universe. I. Want. Cash. Please. 

Iced tea is my jam these days and Kitty will often treat me by picking one up on her way home from work.It's actually cheaper than buying it in the grocery store and we both say the bit from her childhood: "I'm the good child." From those treats and last night's Happy Meal, I also got three free months of Paramount+ which will give Kitty, Mancub and I nice options over the holiday season. So if you're reading this and you're not going to use them, email or text me the codes thankyouverymuch. Moi will gladly spend the 73 seconds it takes to enter them on Ronnie's little website.

Should you want to try to win something, I'll keep adding some quick and dirty contests and giveaways here and you can find this post later on the link "Try Your Luck" above. Good luck!

Are you addicted to your daily Starbucks? Do you order on your app? Are you playing Star Days for a chance to win some goodies? There's over 8000 various Star Prizes and a chance to win one of ten prizes of 5,000 Aeroplan points worth $150.  You can enter without a purchase by playing one of their online games, which they admit are completely random. You'll need to sign up for the free membership, which takes less time than you're spending reading this. 

Atlas Canada is offering up the chance to win a $100 Dining Card. Pick your favourite Halloween candy with a click and enter your info. It turns out I'm terribly common.  

I'm not sure how much easier it gets than the Kraft Add Joy contest -- pop a balloon each day for a chance to win one of 840 $50 Gift Cards.

Roots x Saje teamed up for the  Ultimate Holiday Giveaway -- $500 of Saje Bestsellers + $250 Roots Winter Essentials + a $250 Roots Gift Card. Yes, please. 

Royal Draw's latest up for grabs is a $50 Canadian Tire Gift Card. Little known fact, Canadian Tire is The Best Place to do last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve. Seriously, it's always dead quiet, there's something for absolutely anyone and they've already started slashing prices for Boxing Day so going in the morning is great. Sssh, don't tell anyone. I don't want it to get all peopley. Back to Royal Draw, you'll also find great printable coupons, sales, and have access to contests members share on their site. Becoming a member of RD is simple, there's no obligation, and they only send one email per day informing you of what the latest prize is. There are new draws every day for $50 - $100 Gift Cards. Available as I write this: Amex, App & iTunes Store, Best Buy,  MasterCard, Netflix, Starbucks,  Uber & UberEats, Visa, and a Wildcard Winner's Choice. One click, quick & dirty.

Circle K's Drink, Snack & Score Game is another one where I've had small wins of beverages, snacks and gas discounts. There are larger prizes to be won and I'm told it's easier to score goals playing on a phone than a laptop. Personally, I think it's just random and I sure wouldn't be able to beat a real goalie!

Linen Chest regularly puts on giveaways and is a good newsletter to subscribe to if you enjoy home furnishings -- they have a lot of other luxe products as well. This link is for the Braun Small Kithcen Appliances giveaway.

NEW: 

Winter tires are one of those expensive necessities in Canada. For a chance to win a set of Ice Blazer Tires, visit Sailun for a quick one-time roll of the dice for wheels.

Not green, but hello yellow! Take a chance on winning a $2000 Leon's Furniture Shopping Spree.

GOOD LUCK! 

RELATED CONTEST POSTS:

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/11/may-luck-be-with-you.html

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/11/thats-no-ugly-sweater.html

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-peak-air-bnb.html

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/11/nov-origins-dave-lackie.html

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/11/trivia-tuesday.html

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/10/black-panther-wakanda-forever.html

https://anscrming.blogspot.com/2022/10/london-drugs-becel-robin-hood-doing-good.html

Am I a Dealer Now?

All this and more is on it's way to me ~ THANK YOU My Supply Co. for the awesome giveaway! I've never tried micro-dosing but I'm in. This is a whopping win and I can't wait to try these. 

To make sure everyone stays chill and enjoys the holiday season I'll also be gifting some gummies at Christmas. The prize included a $200 gift card and when I placed my order today, I added a tincture for pets which is supposed to help with aches, pains and seizures. Darling Bella had a few scary seizures a couple of months ago and after an emergency (expensive) check-up and bloodwork at the vet, it appears to be due to aging. I'll get it into the mail right away. When my mom was suffering so much pain and anxiety CBD oil really helped so we'll give the kitty the same in a pumpkin-flavoured paste. My rheumatoid arthritis has been nasty this week and I got the Cool Release Pain Relieving CBD Balm. Hopefully it will bring some relief because I hate taking pain pills just to function, only to end up lethargic.

After placing my order I realized there were so many other items available, including beauty products, so future shopping is certain. Check the website out and if you are interested in buying from them use the referral code GOLDUNFASTEN at checkout -- you'll receive $20 off your first order of $50 or more. 

London Drugs, Becel & Robin Hood Doing Good

It's no secret I love entering contests. The hobby/habit that costs absolutely nothing provides enough hope of possibly winning something and at times, allows a way of giving back to worthwhile causes or making me aware of ways to do so with nothing more than a few minutes of participation. Two that I'm currently entering daily are run by London Drugs and Smucker's, who are the parent company of Becel and Robin Hood. 

London Drugs Fantastic Finds contest has both an in-store component with scratch tickets available and the online entry I've linked to. Having the chance to win $10 000 is a pretty good incentive, but there are also weekly prizes available. When filling out the online entry you're asked to choose which charity will receive $5 000 if you are the grand prize winner. All are reputable and worthwhile Canadian charities: BC Children's Hospital, Kid's Help Phone, Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, Orange Shirt Society and the University of Alberta Hospital. 

Becel's Bake A Difference contest has an assortment of prizes available, and after entry into the bi-weekly and grand prize pool, they offer an additional encouragement to purchase their products this holiday season: Becel and Robin Hood Flour will make in-kind donations of these kitchen staples to food banks across Canada. That's enough encouragement for this penny-pincher to spend a little bit extra on these name brand products rather than the store brands I usually toss in the cart. 

The contest runs until December 31, 2022. You can also gain entries on Instagram and/or TikTok, tripling your chances of winning. The three entry methods have different requirements and limitations on how many times you can enter on each platform. Read it: The Rules & Regulations. As with all contests, sweepstakes and giveaways, if you're hoping to win a prize the last thing you want to do is accidentally disqualify yourself. Good luck!

Prizes Won Today

Finding congratulations notifications in my email is such a kick. $350 in prizes today. I can't share too many details as some of my them are going to be Christmas gifts, but I've won something at least once a week for the past five weeks, and today I'm AHAHAHHing for the number three, including a $100 Gift Card to Well.ca - me so happy.

Weekend Roundup

McHeaty gave me permission to use this pic of furgrandbaby, Phoebe, in a contest I'd be absolutely tickled pink to win. Even camping in the wilderness she's dressed to put her best paw forward. What a lady! It was taken during their recent holiday to Muncho Lake, which sounds dreamy and looked gorgeous in the videos he sent me. He's been put on notice that now he'll have to book some time to take me there whenever my visit happens. I'm so happy they enjoyed themselves - he said it was the best vacation he's ever had and considering some of the places he's traveled, that's pretty impressive.

Kitty is struggling to juggle all the new school commitments with work and being a Mom. These are the times my being able to do grandma support are the most important. I can't do the hard work of providing for her and her child or getting the education to better their future, but at least she doesn't have the stress over of the most important person in her life being a latch-key kid. She can focus on what she has to do knowing his needs are being met and that I'll throw a flag anytime he needs extra attention from her. Watching her last night trying to set up a group meeting with the first-year students she has to mentor was a shitshow. They seem particularly stupid. Even the 13 year old was rolling his eyes and snorting. I've always tried to stress to her that she's teaching him valuable lessons about hard work, dedication and overcoming obstacles. He has a huge amount of respect for, and faith in, his Mom. As do I. 

Belle did a quick trip to her new city, signed a lease on the most adorable apartment, toured her new workplace and met co-workers, and is now in the push to pack it all up for the move. Also, as I called, she bought herself a car. It's four years old but the newest car my girl has ever owned and she's already tricked it out with accessories. The car's name is Lilian, in honour of: "The spicy Brazilian I work with right now. She's the grandma of the office, has a Sonata and recommended it to me." Welcome to the family, Lilian, and thanks to the OG Lilian! There's no replacement for the wisdom of mature women.

Cleo tells Moi that Retro Prints are Trending Right Now! Such excitement. How de rigueur. After taking a peek at their current offerings let me say I've worn a worse version of every single item at some point in the past. The fresh take on the vibe really works and deserves the time to shine. Also, kindly note the term 'retro' really is preferable to old lady style and appreciated.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it's time to find ways to make a dollar travel farther. I love points programs and belong to several. In the past, I've saved my Optimum points all year and then used them to buy Christmas gifts when they're on sale at Shopper's Drug Mart. Adding in coupons made my purchasing power soar and the merging of PC and Optimum means my groceries are also contributing to the tally. This weekend would be a good one to get a free card and start saving on items you buy anyway. 

See what's featured this weekend and start collecting points.

• Earn 20 x the points when you spend $90 on almost anything in the store
• Earn 40 x the points shopping online
• Receive a $20.00 Gift Card when you spend $90.00 or more. 
• Over 2000 products in the Beauty Event 

One of my faves on Twitter is beauty editor and CityLine expert Dave Lackie. He regularly shares concise beauty tips, product giveaways, and is quick to interact with his followers. If you love skincare and all things beauty, head over to his blog for the details on The October Origins at Sephora.ca Giveaway and enter for your chance to win.  How gorgeous is this pic of the prize pack? Delicious.

Until October 2nd, use the McDonald's App or your MyMcDs code at checkout  when you purchase any McCafe hot beverage and you're automatically entered for a chance to win one of 100 prizes of free coffee for a year. Head over to Save a Loonie for more details and then go get your cuppa joe.

Aaaand, yep, I won another contest during the week. It's going to be a Christmas gift so details are hush for now. This is what feeds the contesting bug and turns some into a beast. Rawr. 

I Need A Title Now?

Some days, I feel like a kid whose parents have parted ways and made new homes, while the wee ones have to get used to a semi-regular back and forth, and adjust. Mancub spends a week with his Mom, then on Fridays after school, he goes to his Dad's for a week. The kid has two homes, sometimes takes the school bus and sometimes gets picked up; has rules for one place, then switcheroos on a dime so what was okay there is not okay here, and he's even got two sets of pets. Yes, cats. Why do you ask?

While it's the best arrangement to ensure equal time with both sides of his family, I empathize. Luckily, everyone lives in the same small town, but it's an arrangement that takes work on all fronts. How do parents who couldn't live together provide a seamless, similar environment for their child? They try, but it's impossible. One home has dad, a loving stepmom, and a little brother to contend with; the other is headed by an adoring single mom who works two jobs, attends college full time, and has a weekly assist from Grandma Moi. Fridays are my shuffle day too. 

Twice a month I bounce back to my own apartment, 45 minutes away, when Mancub heads to his other home. How bewildering it must be for children...I often think of his little brother, coming into the world and then trying to understand why his big bro disappears regularly. (He once joyfully called me by the nickname Mancub uses for me -- not Grandma -- because that's what he figured my name must be. What was a three year old supposed to think? It went over like a lead balloon. Snerk.) He's a precious kid and trust me when I say we worried as much about him during The Thing That Shook Us as we did about Mancub. Word is he's a little terror, exactly like his dad was, and I'll not be hypocritical and say the tales don't amuse the hell out of me.

In any case, we have to find the giggle in each day, because that is just What We Do. It's been a heartbreaking journey for our Mancub, and really, for everyone who loves him. I've often said the best thing my former son-in-law did was picking my daughter to be his first child's Mom and the boy they made together, followed closely by his choice for the next woman he made a family with. She is an excellent influence in my grandson's life and I'm eternally grateful for that, as is Kitten. 

For years, it's all been a little deja vu. I see the similarities between him and his Dad, butting heads like the young, male deer with their fathers, and my own now-grown young buck, McSteamy, with the wasband. (he doesn't get a capital because I can be a Bitter Betty and I don't wanna.) Once, I came home from work to  two hysterical girls, who had run to the neighbours after the menfolk got physical, and I threw them both out. The dudes. Not the cute little girls. I am not a monster. The wasband never forgave me, but the image of Belle throwing a Coke on their heads after someone's noggin went through a wall was, and is, 100% Worth It. Lordty help me, it's a miracle they all turned into highly functioning members of society. 

I'd like to think I can take some of the credit for that, and the young man the baby-boy no-more is growing into, despite my own flaws. Selfless is not the angle here -- I have benefited from the sacrifices more than anyone. The mileage my glued-to-the-driver's seat butt has seen, however, is astronomical. We've made it work because stability for him is paramount and I have the ability to spend two weeks a month with them. I treasure that time. As I said, we're lucky. Now he's transitioned into the teen years, and he's been expressing how very much he wants to live with Mom full time, and only go to his Dad's when he wants to spend time with them. It's normal teenage stuff, but dreaded, and the anticipation of old wounds sprouting up in fear or resentment is stressful. We keep encouraging him to make the best of the time he has with all his family. We remind him that in a few short years, he'll be able to make that decision for himself, and why we feel it's important to maintain those steady connections. There aren't enough words to express how much he doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. That child was born with a heart and soul a mile wide and empathy to spare. It's also very important to us that he doesn't make any decisions he'll regret later. Isn't that the ultimate puzzle everyone who loves a child has faced?

Co-parenting is a challenge under the best circumstances and I whole-heartedly encourage every parent blessed with a child to put their own crap on mute to do what's best for the wee one. If only I could go back and do it all better for my own kids, but none of us has that luxury. We can only do the best we can at any given time. Looking back, I'd sweat a lot of useless stuff less if that was an option. Trust me, time with them is finite. As they say, the days are long, but the years are short. 

Which is what this post was supposed to be, but ramble on... 

This past week was extra long. Kitten has a girl's getaway next weekend and they juggled schedules a bit. This morning, I dropped him off at school after enjoying extra weekend days with him, but won't see them again until the following weekend. I haz the blues. But then, when I came home tonight, propped in front of my door...a package did doth appear!

Another prize, another contest win. I cackled. Bring me ALL.THE.BOOKS!! Note to anyone entering contests, read your emails carefully. I didn't even know I'd won and had to backtrack. It's a good problem to have. 

P.S. Nope, not doing a title. Good night, Muffins. xox

She Lives!

 The following was previously published on another site. 

Hey friends,

Yep, she lives! It's been a grind and I've missed you all. I hope you're doing well and coping the best you can each day with all the chaos thrown at us in this seemingly parallel universe we've fallen into. Or were we pushed? Hmmm. Losing mum hit me harder and longer than I expected - grief is so weird - so I took a solid breather from social media. Never doubt that you and yours have truly been in my thoughts each day. Thanks to my kids, I've gotten updates on some of your life events, but quite a few of you have BIG things going on -- WOW! I'm going to do my best to reach out privately in the next little while and I'll still be using my regular FB profile to do that.

So, update: "OMG, WHY does she have another Facebook and IG profile?!? Should I be worried???" Nope. I've got something in the works, codeword: book, and I'm trying to build my socials. To start that, and hopefully win some fun stuff, I've gotten back into contesting. (I'm sure you've guessed that by now.) Let me tell you, giveaways are an enormous thing. Huge. (Did you repeat that in Julia Roberts' voice?) It would be nice if you decide to enter one I've shared and win something. It's quite a giggle when you do!

My personal SM remains the same, but here's where I ask for a favour: I'd really appreciate it if you can follow me on any social media you have & ask all your people to do the same. Links are at the bottom, and if I do it right, on the top of the page. Sssh,, even burner accounts will do. That's it! Look at you putting good out into the universe. I need follower numbers, not for the rush, but as a step towards fulfilling dreams and that super secret codeword thing I mentioned.

Even if you just ignore the contests you can really help me out this way and it will be so appreciated. These are my public accounts and anyone who is willing to come along on the ride is welcome. I won't auto tag anyone without permission so make sure to DM me if you want to be tagged in #contests & #giveaways for chances to win too! I mainly go for #beauty #books #clothing #giftcards #gaming #haircare #jewelry #kidsstuff #kindle #shoes #skincare #sportstuff #vacations and the odd ones that intrigue me. Many thanks and good juju is on it's way to you.

Stay tuned if you're interested and follow me here on the journey. I'll also be blogging soon about the random things that make me think, laugh, cry anscrm. I've been quiet long enough. Time to start sharing where I'm at in this crazy world we find ourselves. Hope you'll join me. Keeping you and yours warmly in my heart and sending much love...

~ Moi

P.S. How many of you figured out my Anscrming profile is an anagram of the peeps I adore? *Narrarator: She threw her head back and howled with laughter when she said it out loud.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anscrming

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anscrming

Get Off My Road

 The following was previously published on another site. 

Remember those intriguing contests I mentioned? Babees, THIS one hits hard and all my fantasy happy spots are shivering. To say I love driving would be a gross understatement and wouldn't surprise anyone who knows me. It took a while, and was under duress, but I mastered driving stick with no small thanks to my "Clutch, Mother!" coach. I was 29. He was 11. It's in the mitochondrial DNA.

My dad once said I drove his Ford Tempo like it was a Ferrari. My mom always said she felt nothing but safe and relaxed with me at the wheel. (Except for that one time, when I was 16, and Phil Collins called to my soul because there was something In The Air. Because, c'mon.)

Last weekend, I texted my oldest and youngest: "Your sister drives like a maniac." Safe to say I have done my part to keep the smartass gene alive and well:

This girl was born to say, "Vroomm, vrooomm, out of my way mofos, I've got low flying to do!" You wouldn't be wrong if you think this almost made me weep:

If it would be a dream come true for you too, make sure to read the rules carefully and shoot your shot. Someone has to win. Good luck!

Insomniacrazed

The following was previously published on another site.

Slowly building new socials, with my long term goal in mind, may seem random to others but it's part of a plan. Or a grand delusion. Whatever. It keeps me off the street as my Ma used to say. Doing this requires a lot of screen time and actually a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully, I've stumbled across things that made me laugh way too hard. Granted, insomnia may have something to do with it. Why did I wake up? Whyyy can't I go back to sleep? Am I a lunatic? Probably.

TikTok has been a revelation. On so many levels. One that comes to mind is that I had no concept of how many people would spend their precious time, watching other people, on a little screen, just...cleaning. Is this fun? I. Think. Not.

I don't care what anyone says. Twitter on #Caturday is the most splendid place evah. Bar none. Last weekend I tweeted: "I'm FINE. Why do you ask?" In the replies, a work of minimalist art appeared, just like magic. There are no words to express how much I LOVE THIS!!! It gets funnier the more I look at it and think somebody, somewhere, took the time to do that.

Copywriting and TMing the whole thing up thar. Tag, tag, no erasies.

On the Canadian news front:

No judgment here, Luke. Some people dig casinos, fantasy sport leagues, or a night at The Bingo. I'm enjoying contesting. My advice to anyone thinking about doing it is to take the time to open a dedicated email account first. The volume of emails can get out of control. My Gmail got a little Grated. Yes, I know 'grated' is a real word. Yes, I know I'm using it improperly. I do that. You know where I was going, right?

Dear Expedia Cruises,

Maybe have Bob in PR check how an automatic email reply for a contest submission appears? Just a thought...

Umm, you're welcome? Can I have the free cruise now? (They wouldn't be the first to say no.) Someone on Twitter posted their favourite Greek philosopher. I concur.

This needs a catchy sign off but I haven't created one yet. It's a journey. Something, something, hidden clues. I'll get there.