I hope everyone had a great time trick or treating tonight! My kids definitely racked up this year and Josiah's already snuck several pieces and was still asking for more after he brushed his teeth. Ack!
31.10.11
Thankful $250 Turkey Money Starts At Midnight - Get Ready To Enter
I hope everyone had a great time trick or treating tonight! My kids definitely racked up this year and Josiah's already snuck several pieces and was still asking for more after he brushed his teeth. Ack!
Puppies vs. Babies: Who is Really Cuter?
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
There are some questions mankind has pondered since the beginning of time- Why am I here, which came first: the chicken or the egg, and, most notably, which is cuter: babies or puppies? It's time we put the Puppies vs. Babies argument to rest! If you live in the U.S., you can now put in your own two cents! Cast your votes from now until November 23rd and tell America who you think is cuter: puppies or babies! Who will win?
What do I think? I, personally, say babies are much, much cuter! They can make the funniest expressions, laugh, smile, and talk. Puppies? Okay, they are cute, but some bark all day, poop on the floor, and they are too much work for something that doesn't even smile at you! What do you think? Take a look at the contest and check out all of the cute baby pictures. I'm sure you'll have to agree with me.
Not only do we get to vote for our favorites on the Puppies vs. Babies online contest, but the winning baby or puppy will receive $5,000! So, it's time to get those votes in and let the smack talking begin!
Who will you vote for? Leave me a comment below telling me who you think is cuter- puppies or babies!
30.10.11
Tiny Prints Has All Your Holiday Card Needs This Year
Stanley GrimeGuard Glass Cleaner Foaming Spray Review & Giveaway
Nothing annoys me more than dirty windows. Our new house has 10 windows on our main floor alone and, with two kids, you can imagine how many fingerprints are on there after one entire day. It's unbelievable! I never knew how much work windows could be, but now our doors are floor to ceiling windows, too. Cleaning them is quite a chore and I never look forward to it. However, I had a chance to review Stanley Home Products GrimeGuard Glass Cleaner Foaming Spray and couldn't wait to give it a try. I need all the help I can get!
Living up in the mountains, our windows get extremely dirty, especially in the fall when the wind picks up. The leaves are falling off of the trees and anything that hits the air also lands on our windows. It's amazing how quickly they get dirty. Not to mention, the two little monster boys dirtying the rest of the windows with their paws. This, of course, never fails to happen as soon as the windows are cleaned. I couldn't wait to give Stanley GrimGuard Glass Cleaner Foaming Spray a try. I remember Stanley products from when I was little and how much my mom liked them, too.
28.10.11
Marzetti Caramel Dips Review & Giveaway
There are certain foods I always associate with the fall season and one of my favorites just happens to be caramel apples. This year I had the opportunity to review Marzetti Caramel Dips and jumped at the chance!
- Marzetti Caramel Dips are a delicious complement for any occasion – whether it’s an easy addition to an entertaining platter or an indulgent afternoon treat
- Marzetti Caramel Dips offer the perfect accent or finishing touch to a variety of party favorites including apples, pears, pretzels and even pound cake
Last year, after buying a caramel apple at a fair for about $5, I thought it was completely ridiculous and decided to make my own from scratch with Josiah (my 4 year-old). I quickly realized why they cost so much- the whole process creates a sticky-icky mess... and, when the kids start eating them, there is an even bigger mess. This year, I thought Marzetti Caramel Dips would be a perfect alternative and it was a definite hit at our house.
27.10.11
Freschetta Proud To Support Pink Fundraiser & Giveaway
How many of you know someone who has had cancer? How many of you are survivors? It's an issue we should all take very seriously. Let's do our part to spread breast cancer awareness, just like Freschetta.
In addition to the promotion above to raise money, Freshetta will be giving away 50 pink iPod Shuffle players each week in October AND they will be donating another 50 iPod Shuffles to four cancer centers in the U.S.
Eversave Daily Deal Abe's Market Natural Products Gift Credit $17 for $50 HOT!
Every once and a while I see a good deal worth posting. Today I found one on Eversave for Abe's Market. They sell all-natural, organic and earth-friendly products at great prices. Today on Eversave you can get a $50 gift credit to Abe's Market for as low as $17!
All new members receive a $3 credit to spend in their account. Plus, you can use code SPOOKY at checkout to receive an additional $5 off your order. This brings your total to only $17 for a $50 credit!! What an awesome deal! I just got mine. Click here to check out this great deal!
26.10.11
Planet Wise Wet/Dry Sport Bag Review & Giveaway
I am a huge Planet Wise fan and have been ever since I reviewed my Planet Wise Hanging Wet/Dry bag earlier this year. I'd heard about them for a while and, once I had a chance to see what all the fuss was about, I couldn't get enough! They are a wonderful company with some amazing eco-friendly products. This is why I jumped at a chance to review their newest addition to Planet Wise, the Wet/Dry Sport Bag!
About the Planet Wise Wet/Dry Sport Bag
- Simple, Hands-Free, Backpack Design for All Ages. The Uses Are Endless... pool, beach, gym, yoga, swim team, swim lessons, team sports, school locker, for extra set of clothes, child sleepovers, camping, picnics, mama bag, etc...
- One Bag for Wet & Dry items. Inner Bag offers 2 Separate Open Pouches: 1 Pouch for your Dry/Clean Stuff and 1 Pouch for your Wet/Dirty Stuff.
- Zippered front pouch that is perfect for your Small Personal Items. Carry your Cell Phone, Camera, MP3, Keys and Money with Ease. Stress-free next to your Wet Swimsuit!
Let's All Klout About It - New System Means Falling Scores For Many
This morning I checked my Klout score, a system that determines how influencial you are within the social media community. I've been around 52-54 for over a year, but today my score fell to 47. I thought this was bad, but many other bloggers report a falling of 10-20 points!
Why is this happening?
Klout has revamped their scoring model, which is supposed to now more accurately represent your social media influence. CEO Joe Fernandez wrote about the changes in a blog post written last week and notes that many scores will remain the same or even go up. For those who's scores went down, apparently the new Klout system has "the power to share specific actions that are helping or hurting your score. When your Klout score changes, you will be able to match it to the change in the subscores and understand why the change occurred."
My Thoughts
I take my scores and stats very seriously, so when my Klout score dropped so drastically, of course, I was concerned! Although Fernandez notes that most ratings should stay the same, I've spoken with many bloggers today and not one of them reports an increase. Most have say theirs fell at least 5 points and many up to 20 points! Is this just another website supporting the bigger, more powerful websites, favoring those and pushing out the smaller blogs? Are they misrepresenting the power blogging has on the social media community? I think so, but only time will tell!
Cuisinart's Annual Halloween Halloween Recipe Swap
25.10.11
Thankful $250 Turkey Money Sneak Peek
and we would love for you to win $250
Want to know who won our last giveaway? Click to see who won the $200 Fall into Cash Giveaway !
The Freebie Junkie
Retail Therapy Lounge
Two Kids and a Coupon
Rockin Deals 4 You
The Shopping Duck
JBM Thinks
Grandma Reviews
About a Mom
Traci66
Carla Daly Art For Children Review & &30 Gift Credit Giveaway
I love decorating my children's rooms with unique items and artwork. Josiah's room is an airplane theme and Liam's is trains and cars. When I was contacted my Carla Daly to review her artwork, I was so excited because she has the cutest prints and and wall plaques I've ever seen AND they are personalized to make them a wonderful keepsake.
Carla Daly is an children's illustrator who graduated from art college specializing in illustration. Carla's main interest has always been in illustration for children, though she has illustrated for the adult market as well. Her work is enjoyed by a young audience or the young at heart! She has enjoyed working for clients such as the BBC, Simon and Schuster Publisers, Rigbey Heinemann Publishers, UNICEF, Ritzenhoff the German glass manufacturer but she gets the biggest pleasure illustrating and producing her own products to sell to an international market.
Eversave $5 Code & Extra $3 Credit For New Members & 2 Personalized Disney Books For Only $13
Q100 Bert's Big Thank You- Send A Letter To Our Troops Overseas
Hi, everyone! I meant to write this earlier because I believe this is a wonderful idea. Q100, our local Atlanta radio station, has begun Bert's Big Thank You! They are trying to get 400,000 handwritten letters to send overseas to our hardworking troops. Many times our soldiers do not receive any mail on Thanksgiving, but this year, the Bert Show is trying to change this. They want each soldier to receive at least one piece of mail! They are still short about 200,000 and only have until Friday before they must be sent out!
They need your help! Please tell everyone you know about this wonderful cause. Take a few minutes to write out your heartfelt letter and send it end. Just click HERE for all the details, rules, and regulations! Josiah's entire school participated and sent in their letters, so maybe your own child's school can do the same!
24.10.11
Friendly Debates with the Danielles Weekly Link-Up
2.) If you link up please leave a comment so we can visit you.
3.) This is a meme, so you MUST answer the question in a blog post.
4.) Link directly to the blog post in which you answer the question.
5.) Grab the button and place either in your post or on your blog.
(You can find the html code in my right side bar).
6.) At the end of your post leave a suggestion for the following weeks topic.
If we choose your suggestion you will be mentioned and linked to in the following weeks post.
As a Mama, I know most of the time I wouldn't be able to go to a wedding reception without my kids, so I'd just have to opt out. Babysitters are expensive, especially with more than one kid. Plus, I look back at our wedding and I can't imagine it without all the kids, my nieces, nephews and others, being there. Children love weddings- the dancing, cake, all the people! I remember being a child and getting to dress up in party dresses for weddings and I felt like a princess. Who would want to rob a child of something so special? Plus, I love watching all the children at weddings and the things they do. It's so hilarious to watch them dancing, sneaking foods, running around, and just being kids. I don't know if a wedding reception would be the same without kids.
Thirsties Duo Wrap & Stay-Dry Duo Insert Review & Giveaway
21.10.11
GlowCrazy Promo This Weekend Only! Get a Free Glow Glove w/ Purchase
20.10.11
BOSS Season Premiere Friday, October 21st On STARZ 10ET/PT
Scandalous Dirt
Starz also hosts the website Scandalous Dirt, which is an interesting interactive political and news website where you can sort through the latest political news across the U.S. You can also vote on subjects, tweet, and more. It's definitely worth checking out!
Proactiv 365 Review - Keeps Skin Clean, Beautiful & Acne Free
People ask me why I rarely wear make-up. It's not because I don't like wearing it, but because it always makes me break out. Yes, I've tried all of the all-natural, allergen-free make-ups, but it always ends up with the same result: a breakout! It's so embarrassing to be 31 years old with two children and still have acne like a teenager. I also have scars from past acne all over my face. In addition to acne and scarring, I have uneven skin tones. Some places on my face are pinkish while others are a normal white. This is something I've failed to get rid of with any moisturizers in the past.
With all of that said, I received the Proactiv 3-Step Starter Kit, which included the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and the Repairing Treatment. In addition, I received some samples of the Green Tea Moisturizer and a Refining Mask. The kit also included instructions and a catalog with all of the wonderful Proactiv products. I couldn't wait to get started. Each night, before bed, I took the time to go through all the steps. It doesn't take long at all and by the time I get in bed, my skin just feels clean and tingly. It's a nice feeling and makes me feel like I'm doing something nice for myself.
After about a week, I noticed my skin was beginning to get a little sensitive. I decreased the amount of each step because I think I was using a bit too much and all was well. Using the Proactiv 365 was a great service to have because anytime I had doubts or questions, their customer service was really there to help me through it. That's how I found out I was using too much and it really made a difference.
At first, I couldn't tell a difference by looking at my face, but it just felt better. After two weeks, my skin seemed brighter and healthier, for sure. At three weeks, my skin was acne-free, besides the few that were fading from before, and felt great. The Green Tea Moisturizer ended up being great for when I had some dry skin.
I forgot to take some before and after pictures, but I looked through regular pictures we'd taken over the past 2 months and, even from those, I can tell a difference.
Here's a before. I know you can't really see the acne, but it's there. You can see the redness in the corners, the scar on my forehead, several smaller ones across my face, and my huge one on the left cheek if you enlarge. There are also red spots on my chin from past acne that is trying to fade unsuccessfully.
Okay, now that I'm thoroughly embarrassed by that picture, here is a better one that was taken this weekend!
Even in these two pictures you can tell a difference in my skin tone. Proactiv has helped even out the dark redness and pink parts of my face. The acne scars seem faded more and easier to cover with make-up, too. Plus, my face just looks like it glows. Maybe it's in my head, but I feel like it's worked wonderfully and, in turn, it makes me feel better about myself.
I highly recommend giving Proactiv a try if you have acne, uneven skin tones and/or just generally sensitive skin. Their products can definitely improve the overall health of your skin and bring your smile back!
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Proactiv and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
36-Count Pop-Tarts For Only $6.52 on Amazon.com
19.10.11
Hot Wheels® Customs Car Review #MomSelect
If there's one thing I know about my boys it's that they love Hot Wheels cars! I'm pretty sure their toy boxes combined contain over 100 of them. So, when I heard about the new Hot Wheels Customs, I couldn't wait get one.
What is Hot Wheels Customs?
The online program allows you to make your very own customized Hot Wheels car! With a few button clicks, you are well on your way to your one of a kind Hot Wheels creation. You can choose between four different custom creations: Hiway Hauler, Dairy Delivery, Surfin' School Bus or Passion. Upload a photo that will show up on your car, add your own message and to top it off, you can choose a design for the actual car packaging. This is sure to please as a fun present for children and collectors alike!
My Thoughts
I made a Hot Wheels Customs car for Liam's 2nd birthday and gained first-hand experience on just how easy it is to customize your own car. I chose the Dairy Delivery truck, uploaded a cute picture of Liam and put my birthday message and chose the Happy Birthday packaging. You can also choose from two other packaging designs, Happy Holidays and Made Just For You.
Both of the kids were so amazed at this Hot Wheels. Even the parents were asking how I did it and said they wanted to try it out. Liam was so excited to see his very own picture on the Dairy Delivery truck and couldn't wait to play with it. The truck has been played with almost daily and has joined the ranks of the most beloved of Hot Wheels toys. Plus, this is something he can keep for many years to come. I will probably end up putting it away in a few years to save as a keepsake.
I think this is a perfect gift idea, especially for the upcoming holidays! At only $7.99 plus shipping, it's an affordable stocking stuffer that any Hot Wheels fan will love. I have a feeling I'll be buying Josiah one in the very near future, too. He's been asking for one with his picture on it, so maybe Santa will bring him one.
Take a look at the Hot Wheels Customs website, try out the design program and see how much fun it is. You don't have to even buy the car after it's created, but it's hard to resist.
This review was written for Hot Wheels in conjunction with MomSelect. I was provided a code for a free Hot Wheels Customs car for review purposes. All opinions written are 100% mine and only mine.
Hall-O-Win A Kindle & More Event Official Post
$25 Restaurant.com Gift Card, L'Oreal Youth Code Serum Intense, $25 Paypal Cash, $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card, Fully-Stocked Coupon Binder, Conair Purple 1" Curling Iron (new in box), Starbucks reusable tumbler and gift card, $25 Amazon.com gift card, Avon watch-Mother of Pearl face and "diamond" accents, $15 Target Gift Card, Cozy Comfort from Tastefully Simple, and 4 more of Angela Newsom's eBook: Coupon Quick Start Guide!!!!
As you can see, we have got some great prizes! Plus, many chances to win means pretty good odds for you! This giveaway will run from October 19th through 12:01am on October 31st. Good Luck to everyone! Make sure to do the mandatory entries first, then do all of the optional entries too for your chance to win one of these great prizes!
18.10.11
Baby Magic Patty Cake Dustless Baby Powder Review & Giveaway
I remember a day when Josiah was almost 2 years old. I was in the bedroom getting ready when the distinct smell of baby powder wafted into the room. Hmmm.... I went into the living room to find our furniture, rugs, and hardwood floor decorated white as snow with baby powder. I almost had a heart attack. After the initial shock wore off, I started cleaning and realized just how tough it is to get baby powder completely off of everything, including wooden floors. When we moved, I found some of his toys that still had baby powder in the crevices. It's nearly impossible to clean and, believe me, I NEVER made that mistake again. This is why I jumped on the opportunity to review the Baby Magic Patty Cake Dustless Baby Powder!
- First-ever patented pressed baby powder
- A talc-free powder
- Moisturizer, lubricant, and water repellent
- Prevents irritating friction on skin
- Dermatologist tested
- Precise application means less mess and more convenient
- Doctor recommended
- Available in .28oz. compact and carton with 10 disposable round cotton applicators.
Hall-O-Win A Kindle & More Event Begins At Midnight Announcement
Another fun event will begin tonight at midnight!! The Hall-O-Win Event will include a Grand Prize of a Kindle, a $20 Amazon.com gift card, and a keyboard which attaches to the Kindle. In addition, each of the 19 participating bloggers has included another giveaway prize worth at least $20. (Ours is a $25 amazon.com gc!) So, what does that mean for you? 20 chances to win! Your odds are increased drastically!
Check back at midnight or in the morning to go ahead and get your entries in! This will be a big one. I can't wait to see what all the other bloggers pitched in to give away!
eShakti Beautiful Customized Clothing For Women Review
It's really frustrating having a closet full of clothes that don't fit. I'm sure many of you ladies can relate to the pre-to-post-pregnancy body changes. I have a tough time finding clothing that fits my body in a flattering way. I may be back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my measurements are still different. This is why I was so excited to find out about eShakti, an online clothing store that specializes in customizing clothes to fit your measurements perfectly.
The dress is cinched at the waist with wide elastic, looking almost like a belt. The dress is made with a beautiful black floral lace. It has ruffles at the high collar, at the neck area and the bodice. For only $7.50 more, customers are able to customize the dress. I sent all of my measurements in and also chose to have the dress length longer so it falls below the knee. I also had the option of changing the sleeves, but I like the poofy look.
Needless to say, the dress fits like a charm. I love the way it feels, very form fitting, around my body. Because it fits so well, it's also fits in a very flattering way. There are no spots where it is too big or too tight. Every inch of it fits perfectly!
A close-up of the beautiful lacework! |
I cannot say enough about eShakti and my beautiful black dress! Take a look at their beautiful dress selection. There are many that would be absolutely perfect for upcoming holiday dinners and such! I know I'll be wearing mine!
The Impact of Reading
First, show interest in reading. Exaggerating expressions, words, and excitement about the book will help young children begin to develop a connection between sounds and meaning. It will also show them that you are excited about reading. Getting creative and making up a more personalized story will also make the story more interesting. Even reading your own books will help your children see that you enjoy reading, and may instill more enjoyment of reading in them as well.
Second, read with your children and not just to them. Make the story interactive by directing their attention to pictures. Ask questions that elicit age-appropriate responses, such as animal sounds and colors. Often, repetitive phrases that they can repeat will help them interact more and make them feel like they can read along with you. As children get older, they will ask questions and point to pictures themselves. They will retell stories in their own words and may even create brand new stories to go with the pictures. This illustrates their understanding that stories are communicated through books, and is an important stage in developing good readers.
Third, schedule time for reading, beginning in infancy. It is important to sit down every day and read with a child. Even though children will have reading time at preschool, leaving reading solely for school time will not help children develop into early and active readers. Connecting regularly with them over a book will develop their reading skills as well as your enjoyment in being together.
Fourth, choose an appropriate book. Consider the interests, reading level, and language development of your child. A preschooler needs lots of interesting pictures and language simple enough to understand. Think back to your own favorite books as a child and share them with your child. By choosing books you enjoy, you will be more willing to read them over and over, which every child will want to do. As children get older, ask teachers for recommendations, especially those related to topics being covered in class. Reading these books at home will help strengthen reading skills, and may also positively impact knowledge of other school subject matter.
Finally, make appropriate books readily available. Having a variety of different topics will appeal to many interests, especially when the books are age-appropriate. Keep a stash of books in the car. Children will be able to enjoy reading on the road, and a few books can easily be grabbed when a waiting period is expected at the doctor’s office or anywhere else. The local library is an excellent resource for finding books that your children will enjoy that are interesting, appealing, and appropriate.
By considering and acting on the tips above, parents can provide their children with the best possible path to becoming a good reader even before preschool. Helping develop reading skills can also strengthen language skills in general, and will provide a support system as children develop cognitively. Parental support of early reading not only provides your child with the tools for greater academic success later, but opens worlds for them that would be inaccessible without books.