Hang With The Pros!

Take a peek behind any picture on my wall and you will discover extensive track marks. When I hang a picture, I have the hardest time guessing where to put the hangers. Sometimes I scrape a picture against the wall, leaving marks from the hangers behind. It should be easy from there, but it isn't. I take my first nail and try to put it in the center of the hanger mark. Next, I take my level and draw a line to where the other mark was made. Pounding the next nail into the wall, my hit is usually hard and the nail goes a little too far, disappearing between the wall. When I finally manage to get it right, I make an attempt to hang my picture. Either too far or not far enough. I dig out my first nail and the guessing game continues. by the time it really is right, I have made a connect-the-dots worthy of an advanced grade school workbook. I was given a great product to try and my days of guessing are over. The 12" Torpedo Level with Keyhole Locators has made my life easier! It extends to 16" for standard stud locating and it features 3 360 degree vials - plumb, level & 45 degree! My favorite and most needed feature? The 4 keyhole locators! Now I can "hang" with the pros!

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

I am a Ghost Hunter junkie, which led to being a Ghost Hunters International junkie. I never, under any circumstances, miss a show. I've since added to my DVR schedule the crazy team from Ghost Adventures. And yes, they are crazy, and that's an understatement, but I like them! You should see the things they do! I guess that's why I watch them. I would love to go on a ghost hunt, but I am a self proclaimed chicken. I think I could hold it together, unless of course, something grabbed me or jumped out at me. I am fascinated with it all. The EVP's give me the creeps. It would be after the investigation, while going through evidence, that a finding might cause me to run away screaming and never look back. I would stay in a haunted hotel, and I might consider planning a trip just to go to one! Curious I am. When you have a book of haunts, with all the contact information you need, the only question is, "Should I stay or should I go?" I am considering a few! Road trip anyone? This Halloween, go to bed with Jeff Belanger, one of the world's leading paranormal investigators. The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places is the perfect ending to the day. It is filled with ghostly locales and eyewitness accounts that may not scare you out of your wits, but it will have you wondering if you are really alone. Canada, Oh Canada. Land of many things that go bump in the night. Paranormal Investigators and Researchers take you into the world beyond with their hair raising encounters. You will learn the history of places like The Vogue Theatre and The Hermitage Ruins. Interesting places with interesting activity. America, land of the free! However, there are some souls that aren't so free. You certainly have your share of fantastic haunts. A few that I am familiar with, and some that I am not. At least not yet! The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places shares sinister tales of Eastern State Penitentiary and Fort Delaware. Travel south and stay at Myrtles Plantation where you may catch a glimpse of a former slave, or wake the dead at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah! Travel west and find shelter at the infamous Stanley Hotel. Go beyond our borders and hear horrifying tales of Leap Castle and it's elemental force of evil. Or, venture into Romania and seek out Bran Castle. Just watch out for Vlad. He still has a hold on his victims. Listen closely and you may hear the moans of a tortured past. You may not even need an electronic voice recorder! You will hear tales of residuals and intelligent haunts for each destination. Some investigative findings are also shared. Contact information for each locale is listed, so aspiring ghost hunters or those simply curious can seek their own answers. I loved this book. It isn't filled with your usual scary stories that have been embellished beyond the point of being believable. It is a great collection of stories from various paranormal investigators compiled and edited by Jeff Belanger, founder of Ghostvilliage.com! Have a ghost story of your own! I'd love to hear! This guide included a section just for you! It will tell you exactly what to look for in a paranormal investigator! Order your book before the big day and relax to the tales of the supernatural. Maybe you will have your own story to add soon!

A CHRISTMAS TRADITION CONTINUES!

Free Annual Event Kicks off with Santa’s Arrival November 8th!!!

Popular outdoor retailer, Bass Pro Shops will present their “Santa’s Wonderland—A Gift for the Entire Family”—an event quickly becoming a new family Christmas tradition. This year, return again to the special magic that is Christmas at Bass Pro Shops “Santa’s Wonderland—an over 3,500-square foot magical village chocked full of fun games, activities and crafts for the whole family.
"It reminds you of the old times, like in the movies; everyone is interacting and having a good time...it gets you in the spirit!" says Barry Martin of Springfield, Missouri after visiting the Santa’s Wonderland event last year at the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield.
Angela Ferguson, a customer at the store in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma said regarding her visit “Definitely tell people to come see Santa's Wonderland ‘cause there's a lot of stuff for the kids to do, and they love it a lot and it's free!"
Comprised of both animated and live elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and more, the village offers a Lionel® old-time model train area, remote control cars, a Red Ryder® laser arcade, a Nerf® soft gun range and slot car racing. Kids will love the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts every weekend--all absolutely free. Of course, Santa will be in residence there throughout the season.
Always a family tradition, customers can get a free 4x6 photo with Santa and his reindeer from 5pm to 9pm Monday through Friday, Saturday’s 10am to 9pm and Sunday’s noon to 5 pm. Photo and gift packages will also be available. If the line is long, they can just grab a Bass Pass and their appointment with Santa is set.
Every weekend from 12 to 5 pm beginning November 8th through December 20th at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland, shoppers can introduce their children to time-honored traditions of making crafts and holiday ornaments. Kids will have fun decorating stockings, making Santa bobbers, reindeer hats, moose ornaments, candy cane reindeer and Christmas cookies. Again, it’s all free! A complete schedule of activities and times will be available at Santa’s Wonderland or visit www.basspro.com/santamedia and click on your local store.
And, since the most important part of Christmas is the lesson of giving, Sunday December 13th from 7pm to 9pm, Bass Pro Shops will feature a special night for “Local Heroes” that will offer local firefighters, policeman, paramedics, military personnel and others and their families the chance to shop with extra discounts and enjoy free activities.
Bass Pro Shops stores will kick off the Christmas season with a special Preview Night Sunday, November 8th (Foxborough, MA Saturday Nov. 7th) from 3 pm to 8 pm. Local children’s groups will be singing Christmas carols in front of the store and customers will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies. Santa arrives in a Tracker® boat pulled by a Toyota Tundra truck or Cub Cadet ATV. Kids will be invited to help Santa, through a little magic, light up the outside of the store, a big Christmas tree in the main entrance and then on into the store for the unveiling of Santa’s Wonderland.
Bass Pro Shops also has big plans for Black Friday. The 3rd Annual Great Turkey Campout begins at 5pmThanksgiving Day. Customers are invited to bring their tents and camp out all night on the parking lot so they can be one of the first in line to enter the store the next morning. They can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and smores from 5 pm – 8 pm around the fire pits and there will be special drawings for prizes.
Return to the Christmases you remember as a kid, return to “Santa’s Wonderland” at Bass Pro Shops and begin your own family tradition you are sure to remember for a lifetime. For more information go to www.basspro.com.

About Bass Pro Shops Group:Bass Pro Shops -56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 26 locations. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Twitter @ bass_pro_shops.
Tracker Marine Group – Manufactures and sells Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly, Fisher, Pro Craft, Kenner, Mako, and SeaCraft boats through Bass Pro Shops retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide. Visit www.trackerboats.com
Resort Group – Big Cedar Lodge and other resort properties including restaurants and golf course. Visit www.bigcedar.com for more information.

Younger Looking Skin Is Only A Brushstroke Away!

I have been using mineral makeup for more than four years. I love it and I don't think I will ever go back to using liquid or cream foundations. I was pretty happy with my usual brand, but I like trying new products too! This was my first time using Dimitri James SKiNN mineral makeup. I have tried several of his products and I have been pleased with the results. A favorite is SKiNN's Orchid Gel! I was excited to receive SKiNN's Youth Veil Airbrush FX in exchange for this review. I hate opening mineral pots. The clear tab that covers the sifter is nearly impossible to remove. I kid you not, I have made several half an hour long attempts in my past which has resulted in raiding my husband's tools for pliers when I couldn't find my tweezers. As soon as I removed the lid on my Youth Veil, I was more than pleasantly surprised to see a long enough tab that enabled me to remove it the very first try. I swirled the minerals over my forehead and cheeks and I used a small amount around my nose. I used it under my eyes. I could not believe the difference! I suffer from dark circles. Anything that hides them is worth it's weight in gold! Youth veil did not let me down! Youth Veil Airbrush FX will help erase redness, shadows and dullness while lifting and plumping the appearance of facial contours. I cannot attest to the lifting and replumping because my face seems to be pretty firm (unlike other areas)! It's loaded with soothing and calming botanicals, and it doubles as an anti-aging treatment to offset the look of aging. The talc-free powder is extremely fine to re-create the soft, smooth, pore-free look of a professional airbrush machine. It doesn't sit on your face, it seems to become one with your face! I always use a primer before applying my minerals. I find that my makeup always goes on better and it lasts longer. The only thing I don't like about using minerals is the mess! Minerals are messier than liquids and creams, but well worth it. My skin is in much better condition and my complexion is bright and even! Try SKiNN. It is less expensive than other brands because they focus on the product, not the packaging!

Tip: I haven't tried this, but some mineral make-up users have reported fewer messes by reusing egg cartons! Simply tap some of your minerals in a carton (six pack is ideal) and swirl your brush inside. Tap off excess. Less mess on counters!

I'm Late!

No, not that!

I have a giveaway winner to announce!

Danielle a.k.a Yellie said...
I follow your blog!
October 3, 2009 6:15 PM

Danielle is the winner of the $50 SlimPerfect E-Gift Certificate!
Check your inbox!

A Hint At What's To Come

For those of you following my story, it does have a happy ending. At least it's looking that way! During November and December I am going to talk about home. I will be doing reviews and showing videos, featuring products that make a home. I have some awesome sponsors lined up!


Have you ever wanted to redesign your front porch? Think graceful columns. I will show you how it's done!

Curious about granite composite sinks? How about high end faucets? Are they worth the extra money? You'll find out!

Need a new entry door lock set or a cool new electronic door lock? I'll give you all the details and show you how easy it is to make a few changes!

Are organic paints durable and how well do they cover? I've always been curious.


This is only a peak. There's so much more to come! Stay tuned for details!!

I'll Be Home For Christmas!

My Love Of Scrubs

I love scrubs. When I worked as a nurse, I owned lots of different brands. One thing that I learned was that all scrubs were not created equally. My favorites were the soft cotton scrubs that were as comfortable as a pair of pajamas. You have to be careful though. Some scrubs look like you wore them to bed, even when you didn't. Professional looking scrubs made of stiff fabrics are not always comfortable. They can be scratchy and instead of feeling comfortable on my feet, I dread moving around. When Blue Sky Scrubs contacted me to do this review, I was so happy! I ordered three different bottoms because I usually wear white tees with mine. I ordered the gorgeous gray, black, and navy. The colors are more beautiful (and rich!) in person! When my package arrived, I was pleased to see that everything was packaged inside a lovely white box, complete with logo. Tissue paper protected everything inside! Nice!!! Normally when you order nursing scrubs, they are crammed inside an envelope or box, with packing slips rubbing ink off onto your scrubs before you have a chance to wear them. You also need to wash and iron them before you wear them. Blue Sky Scrubs were packed so neatly that nobody would know (except you) if you wore them straight from the box! They even sent a matching plaid hat, which will be perfect for my husband when he goes through clinicals. I ordered my bottoms big. I like them roomy, and I can wear them just like pajama bottoms if I want. The fabric is crisp, but it is comfortable! And it gets softer with time! These medical scrubs wash well and as long as you remove them from the dryer promptly, no ironing is needed. Which is a good thing because I threw mine out over a year ago! Visit Blue Sky Scrubs and greet your patients in style! They are perfect for doctors, dentists, nurses, and assistants, and techs!

Show Your Love And Hugg-A-Planet!

Have you ever held the world gently in your hands, while admiring the ancient seas and wondrous lands? Have you ever tossed a star back to the sky, while watching your little one wave bye-bye? Or admired the mystical glow of Mars? It's almost better than seeing stars! Have you snuggled with America under your head, while laying peacefully in your bed? I have, and so can you! Let me tell you about it. You'll want Hugg-A-Planet too!The Hugg-A-Planet Product line was aboard the very first Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) rocket to the International Space Station (ISS)! The Sept. 11 launch and Sept. 18th docking was flawless. Hugg-A-Planet's award-winning line is fun and educational. Hugg-A-Planets are for everyone, big and small! They are a great educational resource for teachers, homeschooling families like ours, and for others just for a simple embrace. Hugg-A-Planet® Earth, Hugg-A-Moon™ and Hugg-A-Planet® Mars will circle the Earth for many years to come. They will make a full orbit around the Earth every 90 minutes on the Space Station! They will stay there for as long as the space station remains active, at least till 2016, and will orbit the Earth 5860 times every year! NASA chose the Hugg-A-Planet globes peacetoys.com as a space-based teaching tool because of their geographic accuracy and soft construction. They also can be tossed around like a ball or used as a pillow. Over 600 locations are labeled on the Hugg-A-Planet, including the world's smallest nation ( Niue ). And they can be hugged! We received this wonderful trio which included the Earth, Moon, and Mars. Earth features a Velcro pocket which holds the Moon or other treasures! We do not have a traditional globe in the house. If you are looking for an inexpensive substitute, this is it! This plush, detailed Earth will work well in our homeschooling adventures! The Moon quickly became a favorite of Sam, my youngest. He immediately picked it up an ran, tucking it under his arm to stake his claim! I have used the Earth as a pillow and I have been unable to flatten it out. I could not believe the detailed markings on the Moon and Mars. All areas are labelled, so you know exactly what you are looking at. I am impressed. The next time I grab my telescope and head outdoors, I will be taking my little Moon with me! Visit PeaceToys.com and Hugg-A-Planet soon!

The King And I!

I've been naughty. Really, really naughty. I have been cheating on my husband with chocolate! Why is that such a big deal? Because we (yes, WE) are on a diet. A very strict diet. But while my man's away, the kiddies will play. I never said I was a grown up! Logan is my little budding baker and I can never refuse him when he wants to mix something up, or in our case, stir up some trouble for me! King Arthur Flour was to blame. My little boy looked at that bag of Brownie Mix with puppy dog eyes, pleading with me to give in. Throwing in the towel, at least temporarily, I laid out our ingredients and began to measure. Ordinary Brownie Mixes are a one box-one pan wonder. Not King Arthur Flour! This Basic Brownie Mix resembles a sack of flour. Only we know it is filled with cocoa delight! Each bag is enough to make several delicious batches! We tasted them right out of the oven. They were moist and simple. The flavor was rich and it satisfied my intense chocolate cravings. For the moment at least! After baking my first batch of brownies, I began to think up other variations. I mean, If I am going to cheat, I might as well go all the way. Guilty is guilty if you ask me. So I searched my bare pantry and found a typical yellow cake mix. I baked it straight away. Next, I heated up some butter and milk, and I added the brownie mix, stirring over a gentle flame until slightly thickened. When hot and bubbly, I poured it over my cooled cake and about thirty minutes later, I sat it in the fridge! When my parents made it home, I took the evidence to their house, where I cut generous slices and heated them until the "frosting" was warm. Ohhh, so good! Similar to hot fudge cake, but it's also great cold! A few weeks later, I made another batch of brownies. Before popping the pan in the oven, I covered the top with walnuts, gently pushing some of them down into the batter. After baking, I cut the brownies and sprinkled them with vanilla sugar and I drizzled fudge sauce all over the top. These brownies were even better!

King Arthur Flour also sent an amazing Cookie Press with frosting tips! I love making cakes and I love making homemade buttercream frosting. I hate those irritating pastry bags and little tips that never seem to go on just right. Problem solved. Simply load your barrel and screw on the tip you wish to use. Pull the trigger and decorating has never been easier! You can use this to frost cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more! Fill pastries with ease. Seriously, if you haven't used one and you like to bake, you are missing out. But this clever little gadget does so much more! Make gorgeous spritz cookies with ease. Fun tips allow you to create beautiful designs. Plus, it all arrives in a case for easy storage! When was the last time you spent an afternoon with the King? Visit King Arthur Flour and pencil yourself in. Better hurry, I might not let him go next time!

To disclose, this is not a paid review. I was sent a cookie press and Basic Brownie Mix for this review, and my opinion!

Next To Breast, Enfamil Is Best!

Breast is best, but when you can't, there's Enfamil. My oldest grew up on Enfamil. I didn't even try to breastfeed back then. It was more than a little intimidating. Enfamil earned my trust long ago when I decided to use it exclusively. They stay up-to-date on research and develop the best formulas based on that knowledge, always ahead of the competition. When Logan used Enfamil, I was excited to give him infant formula with DHA and ARA. Now, that's old news. Everyone has followed in their footsteps and it's almost impossible to find a formula without it. Enfamil offers other healthy formulas and even a great bedtime formula! Enfamil Restfull is designed to help babies feel full longer. The formula thickens gently in your baby's tummy. I remember eventually giving in to my mom and grandmother and adding a little cereal to Logan's bottle. I waited four months, but eventually gave in to the peer pressure. Instead of giving your baby cereal in their bottle (long before your pediatrician tells you to) give Restfull and you and your baby can sleep a little longer. Did you know that Enfamil isn't just for babies? They have supplements for toddlers and moms! See for yourself at Enfamil.com!

To disclose, I was under no obligation to complete this review. I received 2 cans of formula in a Swag Bag, but a review was not required.

I'm Seeing Things Differently

Have you ever bought eyeglasses online? I have heard about people doing it, but I wasn't too sure about it. When I was given the opportunity to review a pair of prescription eyeglasses in exchange for this review, I was excited to see how it all worked. It would give me the chance to see if it was really worth it. Usually, you get what you pay for. These deep discounts scared me a little, to be completely honest.

Since I had recently bought two pair from my eye doctor (and I spent almost $200 after insurance paid!) I asked my brother to join in! My brother had his annual eye exam and brought home a copy of his prescription. We visited GlassesUSA.com and began browsing their extensive selection! This was the easy part. You can browse by material, gender, style (rimless, classic, retro, ect) or bifocal or single vision. My brother had an idea of what he wanted. His last frames were a little too small for his face. Because of this, the lens did not completely cover his eyes. This can be dangerous when you have poor vision!

We searched until he finally settled on Water, a smart looking frame that appeared to fit all of my brother's needs. Polished lens edges and titanium frames. They were a steal at only $75, including lens! If that price is too steep for you, never fear. GlassesUSA.com has something for every budget! You can pick up a pair for around $25!!! That's almost too good to be true! Water eyeglass frames are simple, full rimmed titanium frames with a square lens great for every day wear! Once you click on your desired frame, you can add all the details, including your prescription information, to the bottom of the page!

The glasses were shipped with care and they arrived in a very nice case and included cleaning cloth. They fit my brother almost perfectly. He had to make a very slight adjustment to the nose piece. I was surprised. Normally when I am fitted for glasses, the techs can spend half an hour fidgeting with my classes trying to get them right. GlassesUSA.com is no nonsense. Just the way I like it. My brother loves his new glasses and if he didn't, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. He has worn them often since he received them and has no complaints. Visit GlassesUSA.com after your next eye exam. All you need is a prescription. You'll save even more when you use coupon code MOMMY5 at checkout!!! Yes, you get what you pay for. Only this time, I am not paying for techs who spend half an hour on adjustments, or a fancy, air conditioned building filled with display cases and mirrors. I call it like I see it.

Christmas Club Gift Card Giveaway Announcement!

Oh, I had fun with this one! I enjoyed reading your wish lists! I wish that I had more of these wonderful cards to go around! The card in my possession has been taken, by none other than.....




Kidazy said...
I Stumbled you! (kidazy) entry 1
October 18, 2009 7:26 PM

Congratulations!!! I hope you can record your cross country move in style!!!
Check Your Inbox!

Save The Date!

"Aqua Vino provides guests an open door to Sip, Savor and Sea the wonders of the ocean, against the beautiful backdrop of the Oceans Ballroom and the Aquarium’s five galleries. Exclusively for one night, enjoy more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from Atlanta’s best restaurants and two amazing auctions. All proceeds from Aqua Vino support the Aquarium’s Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health. " Don't miss this opportunity to dress up and mingle for a great cause! Sip and Save!!!

Information Courtesy of Georgia Aquarium!

It's Hip To Have Squares!

I have been living with two FLORs and I love them both! My original FLOR, the Sea Grass Stripe Rug Kit, has taken a beating with my two kids. It has held up to monster trucks and ride-ons, fruit pouches, milk, and juice. It's easy to clean. I simply lift a tile, take it to the sink, apply soap with a brush, and use my sink sprayer to rinse. Afterwards, I let it dry. Couldn't be easier and it beats taking out that monster carpet cleaning machine each time! My most recent FLOR is made of wool!!! The Best Of Both Wools in Suffolk Stripe is pictured above. I love natural fibers and when I was given the opportunity to receive one in exchange for this review, I jumped on it! This rug is being pampered and hasn't seen as much traffic. The great neutral colors go with most decors! It has proven itself by being easy to clean, and on one occasion, I was able to blot a juice spill before it set in. It's ultra comfy on my toes and the unique design has received many compliments! If you put it in a room and want a different look later on, reuse it in any room! The squares are easy to move. You can make a runner or smaller rug if needed! That's the beauty of FLOR tiles! Visit FLOR and dress up your rooms!

Nuttin' But The Good Stuff!

Visit south Georgia in late August and you will see farmers on their tractors turning peanuts over to dry. Peanuts are a big part of southern life. We have peanut candy, peanut festivals, and peanut queens, and juicy boiled peanuts are sold on many rural highway intersections and numerous roadside stands in between. I remember going to school and passing a peanut company that would grind/roast peanuts daily. The entire town smelled like peanut butter! I love peanut butter. I usually hate natural and organic peanut butter. Why? Have you ever noticed that thick layer of oil sitting on top? That turns me off before I can think about stirring it all together. After I do dig in and begin to stir, the consistency is still terrible. Lumpy goo, some spoonfuls are over saturated with oil while others could really stand at least another stir. A while back, I was sent a jar of Earth Balance Crunchy Peanut Butter. Opening the jar, I noticed that the peanut butter wasn't hidden under a layer of oil. The peanut butter seemed to be even in consistency. I dipped my spoon into the container and pulled out enough to taste. The peanut butter was creamy and rich, a little salty, with a good amount of crunchy peanuts. I loved the sweet and saltiness of it and I began thinking that it would be a great center for those holiday peanut butter balls that my family loves! Peanut butter balls are dipped into rich milk/dark chocolate! They are divine! Next, I scooped out a bit and slathered onto a piece of bread. It spreads easily! Earth Balance Peanut Butter is a Vegan delight! After they roast and grind the peanuts, they blend in their own expeller-pressed oils to add extra nutritional value and natural stability to the peanut butter, so there's no need to stir. With flaxseed for ALA Omega 3's and natural agave syrup as a delicious, light (and low glycemic!) sweetener, the result is a deliciously fresh-tasting, convenient, and nutritionally superior peanut butter you're sure to love. It is available in both creamy and crunchy styles. Try Earth Balance Peanut Butter, and check out their other great products too!

Pulse Yoga 1 Basic Giveaway!!!

What is Pulse Yoga?? Pulse Yoga accomplishes much more than other yoga styles. It's Yoga with weights incorporated into the routines to build strength and muscle definition. It helps to tone trouble spots without using machines in the gym. In addition to the free weights, Pulse Yoga teaches micro movements that primarily target areas such as the gluteus muscles, abdominals, upper arms and lower back. These micro movements within the yoga postures are highly effective with results that are noticeable immediately.

You can win your very own Pulse Yoga 1 Basic DVD! This DVD is a basic yoga routine that introduces the Pulse concept of micro movements within a posture.
Key areas such as abdominal, lower back and gluteous muscles are targeted.
Alternating right/left pulse movements with free weights define and sculpt the upper body.
Apply the use of free weights in novel ways to basic yoga postures
Strengthen and tone key areas such as the abdominals, lower back upper arms and gluteus
Teach core awareness
Stretch chronically tight areas such as the hamstrings and hip flexors
60 Minutes

To win, tell me why you need this! Leave your answer in a comment. Follow me for an additional entry! If you follow me with Networked Blogs, leave two additional comments. Add me to your Technorati Faves, Digg, and/or Stumble this post for two additional entries! Blog about this giveaway and link to this post for five extra entries! Be sure to leave the link in each additional comment! Giveaway ends midnight November 5, 2009. Winner will have three days to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen immediately. US residents only! Good Luck!

My Compliments To The Chef!

Have you ever tried that questionable substance that companies try to pass off as baby food? I have, and I don't like it. Cute little jars line grocery store shelves with attractive labels covering unrecognizable mush. This mush is made with the sole intent and purpose to nourish your baby. Yuck. My baby could eat this curious concoction with ignorant bliss, but I won't let him. For a while now, I have been making my own organic baby food. It started off great but pretty soon I was running out of ideas and I didn't have enough time to make enough meals for the week. A couple of months ago, I visited Yummy In My Tummy online and browsed their selections. I could not believe my eyes! Chili for baby? Beef Stew? All organic??? How wonderful! I imagined that it would be good for my baby, but after I received my shipment, I was not prepared for the intense flavors packed into each little cup. I am going to write about each one that I received so be sure to check back often!
Beef Stew. One word. Yummmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
As the temperature dips and the leaves begin to change, I love to curl up with a great big bowl of well seasoned Beef Stew. If I enjoy it so much, wouldn't my baby? I don't like to feed my baby table food because it usually has more sodium and I don't always use organic ingredients. I believe in giving babies organic foods because I think it gives them the healthiest start. Yummy In My Tummy's Beef Stew is filled with wholesome goodness. After my first taste, I could not believe that it wasn't available in grocery stores worldwide. It should be. I could eat a bowl of this and want more! First they take the freshest, leanest organic ground beef that they can find and slow cook it over a low flame. They add carrots, celery, tomatoes, thyme, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. The ingredients are slowly simmered to ensure a rich and hearty flavor. Bite after bite, little and big tummies were pleased! The beef and vegetables melt in your mouth. The carrots retained their beautiful orange color and the potatoes were not cooked until they fell apart. If you want your baby to have mashed potatoes, you will give your baby mashed potatoes. This stew was cooked to perfection and it tastes like it was made using an old family recipe that was passed down for generations. It's that good! In fact, it's the best that I've ever had! If you want some yummy in your (or your little one's) tummy, check them out! Affordable gourmet baby food that looks like mom and dad's food. Don't be surprised if it tastes better too! Enter coupon code 2gb15 at checkout to save an extra 15%!!!

The following is used in this feature courtesy of Yummy In My Tummy:

"You can always count on Yummy meals to be:
Comprised of the freshest, most nutritious and tasty USDA certified organic produce
Always fresh, never frozen
Made for baby Stages 1-3 with seasonal specials throughout the year
Specials are available in each of the three stages and change each week, with a focus on seasonality and local produce availability;
Convenient and shipped to your door through our delivery service

Our Process
In our spotless, immaculate production facility we prepare, manufacture and package every container of organic baby food personally to ensure it’s consistent with the Yummy In My Tummy Safety-Ensured System and compliant with our HACCP Program (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point).

The Yummy In My Tummy Safety-Ensured System is achieved by first using the most pristine organic produce available, Yummy In My Tummy roasts, bakes and simmers all products to prevent any loss of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals in the cooking process.
The food is then packaged in BPA-free, phthalate-free, BHT-free, and BHA-free barrier containers and made available for in-store pick-up or convenient delivery service. To ensure safety and freshness, our products are also sent to a food lab for microbiological testing and shelf life analysis, so your Little Tummy always gets the best organic baby food possible!"

To learn more, visit Yummy In My Tummy!

Is Your Bump Hiding Under The Big Top?

When I was pregnant, I searched high and low, looking for a fashionable maternity wardrobe. Maternity stores are virtually nonexistent where I live so if I couldn't find anything at Target and JCPenny, I was out of luck. Those few separates that I managed to find at those stores cost more than wanted to spend. Come on! $50 for a top or a pair of pants that I will only wear about 5 months??? That's about $100 per outfit. It's ridiculous if you think about it. I wasn't looking for designer labels, just something stylish and comfortable. If I only knew then what I know now! I can have stylish and comfortable designer maternity fashion for a fraction of the price. That is, if I ever need it again!

Milan Maternity will drape your ever changing body in luxurious fabrics that hug your body in the most beautiful way. Unlike other maternity tops, Milan Maternity realizes that less is more. You won't be hiding under yards of fabric designed to cover your bump. Instead, your bump will be flattered with soft feminine style that can be worn day or night. Milan Maternity features tops in colors that will only enhance your pregnancy glow and leave you radiant and feeling more confident.

I received the Emilia in exchange for this review. I inspected this top thoroughly after it arrived. It is made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The cool slate color is perfect for fall! The top is soft and it is very comfortable. It is has room for your nine month tummy and it would make a perfect transition top after baby arrives. If you are looking for a maternity wardrobe that doesn't hide the new you, look no further. With many tops under $25 and basics $12 and under, what are you waiting for? Visit Milan Maternity and save!

Awaken The Baker In You!

I want to be a superstar, at least in the eyes of my children. I always pictured myself in an apron (yes, I do wear one!) timing to perfection the arrival of my kids and delicious cookies still warm from the oven. The sweet and irresistible scent of cookies drifting beyond my doors and open windows, calling my children home. My intentions are good, but sometimes life gets in the way. I am lucky to have dinner ready most nights! When the inspiration to bake something spectacular hits, I often fall a few ingredients short. Lucky for me, I found The Lazy Baker! When I contacted them, I asked to try either the Double Chocolate Chip Mix or their Chocolate Chip Mix. Good ol' chocolate chip has always been my favorite, and very rarely do I like double chocolate chip. Let me explain. Double chocolate chip cookies are usually dry, to sweet, or not sweet enough. It's fairly easy to make a good chocolate chip cookie. I hoped The Lazy Baker was up to the challenge. The mix arrived in a tube with almost everything tucked neatly inside. I found a rich mix topped with another bag containing semisweet chocolate chips. I mixed all of the ingredients together and added a few of my own. Butter, an egg, and vanilla. Pretty simple! Stirring this decadent mix, I had to taste. Mmmmm. So far, so good. This looked promising indeed! Next, I rolled the dough forming small balls and I placed them on a cookie sheet. Sliding the pan into the oven, I paced the floor, anxiously awaiting that first batch! It seemed like forever, and I stopped my oven timer with glee a few seconds early. The smells from the oven were driving me mad! Patience. Okay, not really. I slid a cookie from the pan and prayed I would not cause serious damage to my mouth. I could not wait! Biting down on that cookie, followed by quick intakes of air to cool my palate, I experienced the most incredible flavor. Melting chocolate chips, soft warm (very warm) cookie. No, surprisingly my tastebuds were not burned, so my taste was not impaired. I could not believe my mouth. Finally a Double Chocolate Chip Cookie mix that got it right! Just the right amount of this and that, and the texture of the cookie was superb. I am loving The Lazy Baker! My next batch came from the oven just as my little Cub Scout walked through the door! I was greeted with a hug and a cheerful smile. After the first bite, my little cookie monster agreed. The cookie was just right. My only complaint? They did not last long enough! Now, I must get my hands on some of that Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. I can only imagine how great that will be!

All Work And No Play!

We have been working hard at the house and I will have new pictures soon! Most of our drywall is up and I have ceilings and walls! But more on that later! Watch for new reviews to be posted soon! I will be featuring the goodness of Yummy In My Tummy, The Lazy Baker, King Arthur Flour and a peanut butter that will make your tastebuds sing, followed by awesome products from Fisher Price and other great companies! After that, you will learn about some great products for your pets! Stay tuned!!!

Beaux Cheveux Avec Votre Vu!

I'm brushing up on my French! I have been inspired by Votre Vu and their collection of exquisite products, including a tempting sorbet and scrub of gentle pearls! Je suis dans l'amour! Recently, I was given an opportunity to try a luxurious shampoo from Votre Vu. CHEVEUX HEUREUX Shampoo Riche, HAPPY HAIR, which is a SLS Free, nutrient rich shampoo. I have held giveaways in the past, awarding random winners the chance to try products from Votre Vu, but I could only pass on information taken directly from their site. I had never experienced Votre Vu for myself! I couldn't tell you it how great it would make you feel, or how rich the lather was. I couldn't tell you about how much body your hair would have after pampering your tresses with this amazing product! Now I can! After using it for a few weeks, my hair is shiny and there is no build up. It so soft and silky. Normally I pour on the conditioner after washing. The thicker the better. I can go through a lot of conditioner! I have a lot of hair, it's just fine and it knots and tangles easily. When I began using this product, I wanted to know how well it really performed on it's own. In order to really test it, I stopped using conditioner at least three weeks ago. My hair doesn't realize it! My hair feels conditioned and very healthy. It looks healthy too. My hair doesn't smell like fruits or candy, flowers, or weird perfumes which always clash with whatever I am wearing. This luxury in a bottle doesn't rely on scent to sell. It works, and when you find a product that works so well, you stay with it! This shampoo smells fresh and clean. The thick formula is filled with little flecks of goodness that nourish your scalp and roots and give your ends a little extra attention. No, it doesn't make your scalp tingle or regrow hair. It doesn't make your hair thicker or something it's not. CHEVEUX HEUREUX Shampoo Riche uses power ingredients to give you the best results. Simple and sweet and already a favorite. It's a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it. Check out the entire line from Votre Vu! I already have a few products on my wish list!

Get Real With Snikiddy!

When was the last time you tasted a real chocolate chip cookie? I don't mean that secret stash of chocolate chip cookies made with artificial fillers and other ingredients you can't pronounce. I mean real, home baked greatness that would bring a smile to grandma's lips. I was given the opportunity to devour a package of All Natural Chocolate Chip Bites from Snikiddy Snacks. In my search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, this one almost scores a perfect 10. The only reason it doesn't is because they are bite-sized. I was aware of this as I opened the package, but I was naive in thinking it was no big deal. Guess what?! It is!!!!! These cookies are the perfect consistency, with the perfect flavor. Not to crisp, and definitely not chewy. Melt in your mouth chocolate chips tempt your taste buds and send dangerous messages to your brain that a feeding frenzy is inevitable. Before you know it, the package is empty and you are searching for more. Try this must have snack that allows you to feel good about what you are missing. Namely, those long words that sound like they belong in a high school Chemistry textbook. Visit Snikiddy Snacks and learn more about their impressive assortment of natural and organic snacks!

Crave It And Win It!

I crave chocolate all the time. It's worse during holidays. Those festive little packages scream my name, especially at Halloween! We have established (in a previous post) that Bon Vivant Baskets is my favorite site for edible gifts. Because I love them so much, I want to share this giveaway with you! You can win your very own Halloween Goblet! To enter, become a fan of Bon Vivant Baskets on Facebook! Scroll down and find the post featuring this adorable goblet filled with Halloween Treats! Comment about the goblet under that Facebook post before October 25, 2009 for your chance to win! US residents only! Comments left under this post will not be used as entries for this giveaway. Once you are a fan, look for monthly giveaways and special announcements from Bon Vivant Baskets. If you are not a member of Facebook, it's easy to sign up! And well worth it!!! Good Luck!!!

Safe And Natural

Long ago, moms used natural medicine derived from plants. You couldn't run to the store for Infant Tylenol or Orajel for those teething nightmares. Moms ground, extracted, steeped, and combined a little of this and that to create exactly what was needed. A few are still using the same techniques today. Hyland's has taken the guesswork out of preparing those compounds to make your life easier and worry-free! When Sam was a month old, I leaned on Hyland's to help me through the long days and endless nights. I first used their Colic Tablets to help soothe Sam's tummy. When I noticed they were tablets, I popped one in my mouth to see how fast it actually dissolved. Within seconds, the tablet melted leaving behind a very mild and pleasant taste. The Colic Tablets worked. I am not sure if it was the soothing Chamomilla or one of the other gentle ingredients, but it did the trick. When Sam began teething, we used Hyland's Teething Gel and Teething Tablets. The Teething Gel worked some, but I was much happier with the Teething Tablets. I keep them in his room and if he shows discomfort through the night, I give him a couple and he calms right down, mostly pain free-or so it seems. Since Hyland's worked so well, I decided to stock my medicine cabinet with Hyland's. I use their products for backaches, headaches, insomnia, and colds. After reading the ingredients, I felt better about using these homeopathic medicines. The products are gentle and they don't irritate my stomach. So far, I have been very happy with the results! Hyland's has a long and successful history of making safe and natural homeopathic medicines. Give them a try!

A Little Cash For Your Pockets! $50 Christmas Club Card Giveaway!

Cash, plastic. Some mistakenly consider it the same thing. This is one piece of plastic that you won't mind using! See, this plastic won't cost you a penny later on! Plan ahead and get the most out of your shopping at Kmart and Sears! The Christmas Club card allows you to save ahead for your holiday purchases at Sears and Kmart months before hitting the stores or shopping online. Between now and November 14, 2009 shop Kmart and/or Sears to add value to this unique gift card and receive a very special reward! Activate the card between now and October 31, and Christmas Club card users will earn a three percent reward – up to a maximum of $100 – based upon the value they have on their Christmas Club cards on November 14. To activate cards or add additional value at any time, you can visit any Sears or Kmart store location, or online at www.sears.com/christmasclub or www.kmart.com/christmasclub. That's free money!!! One winner will get a head start. A $50 Christmas Club Card, with the opportunity to add to it each time you shop at Sears or Kmart! As with all Sears and Kmart gift cards, there are no fees associated with the Christmas Club card, and the value on the card will not expire. Cash or credit refunds are not allowed except where required by law. Gift cards can be redeemed at Sears, Kmart and Lands’ End store locations, as well as online at www.sears.com, www.kmart.com, www.mygofer.com, and www.landsend.com. Open to US residents! To enter, tell me what you want (from one of the stores above) for Christmas! Leave your answer in a comment. Follow me for an additional entry! If you follow me with Networked Blogs, leave two additional comments. Add me to your Technorati Faves, Digg, and/or Stumble this post for two additional entries! Blog about this giveaway and link to this post for five extra entries! Be sure to leave the link in each additional comment! Giveaway ends midnight October 19, 2009. Winner will have three days to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen immediately. Good Luck!

Uncle Sam Winner!

The winner of the Uncle Sam Cereal Giveaway is...


Camfire, who said...
I want to try the Instant Oatmeal. Sounds AWESOME and healthy!
October 4, 2009 5:10 PM

Congratulations! Check your inbox!!!

What You See Is What You Get!

Ever wonder how that gift basket looked when it arrived at the recipient's house? You spend all that time searching for the perfect, sometimes costly basket, only to find that it wasn't exactly picture perfect after shipping. I have given and received many baskets. Never before have I received a completely intact basket. Usually something fell out or shifted, bows were crumpled or smashed, and on one occasion the "arrangement" was a jumbled mess. If you are sending something, you want to make sure the recipient is happy with the gift, not wondering how they will tell you not to order from that particular company again! The image above is a photo of one of the amazing creations pulled straight from the pages of my favorite gift basket site. Below are photos of actual baskets/gifts sent to me from this site, and these gifts were pulled straight from the box. I did not fluff or straighten, nor did I rearrange or shift. These gifts look almost identical to the professional images on the website. What you see is what you get!

Bon Vivant Baskets has a large variety of gifts for almost every occasion. If they don't have what you are looking for, they'll make it. Just in case you are curious, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, a bon vi-vant [bon vee-vahnt] is a person with refined taste, especially one who enjoys superb food and drink. But don't worry, if your taste isn't too refined, you will still appreciate these artistically created gifts that will warm the hearts of those you love and care about! What surprised me the most was the cost! Have you ever put a gift basket together? I have. Lots of them. In fact, I put baskets together last Christmas for many of our friends. They were filled with home baked goods (I love to bake!) but after tallying my total cost, I was overwhelmed! All the work, all the ingredients, and of course the baskets add up! I could have spent less, picked out something beautiful, and saved so much time. Time is something I don't have enough of lately! I gave these gifts a critical look. Most gift baskets that I have purchased have lots of inexpensive fillers and very few main attractions. Not these. Every side has a wow. My gifts were filled with high quality treats, not disappointing distractions that keep you from wondering where your money went. The Black Cat Halloween Gift Box - Halloween Treats Gift Basket pictured below is only $9.99, and the Yummy Mummy Potion, pictured above is only $37.99!

Organic, Gluten Free, Healthy, Gourmet, Sugar Free, Low Sodium, and my favorite, sinfully delicious (yes I made that one up!) are available options at Bon Vivant Baskets. The baskets are made to order using fresh products, and the packaging is environmentally friendly. The packaging is made from recycled or biodegradable materials and all gifts are shipped with extreme care and creativity! Yes, there is an art to shipping and I realized this as soon as I opened the box! Spend as little (the Happy Birthday Bouquet pictured below is only $12.99!) or as much as you like. They have something for every budget! Visit their site, and join them on Facebook for monthly drawings for beautiful gifts! Check back often. I have a lot to say about this amazing company!!!

Blogging For PEANUTS!

I am blogging for PEANUTS! The new PEANUTS Collection from New Balance, that is! Sam and Logan received their very own pair of New Balance Shoes celebrating It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown just in time for Halloween! Charlie Brown and his memorable gang have been a traditional part of families for years. As a child, I celebrated every Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with these lovable characters, marking my calendar by their television specials and appearances. With PEANUTS approaching their 60th anniversary in 2010, celebrate the occasion early with this adorable children's footwear!

Available October 2009 in infant, pre-school and grade school sizes, this collection brings some of PEANUTS’ most popular stories to life. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas are timeless classics, and New Balance captures the essence of each. Each shoe is constructed with premium materials for ultimate comfort and breathability and features EVA cushioning in the midsole and heel and a solid rubber outsole for support and durability. Fun PEANUTS character detailing elements include an extremely soft tongue lining, vibrant colors, eye-catching embroidery and embossing on the upper.

I wanted a perfect fit, so I downloaded a size chart. When the shoes arrived, they fit my children perfectly. Logan told me the shoes were very comfortable and he played in them all day without any later regrets. Dirt from his outside adventures brushed off with ease. Sam doesn't talk much, at least not yet, but he obviously loved his new shoes because they captured his attention for hours. It was his first experience with PEANUTS and New Balance. It won't be his last! Look for them soon online or in a store near you!

To disclose, I received these shoes in exchange for this review.

Picture Perfect Manicures and Pedicures At Home!

I hate painting my nails. I like for them to be done, I just hate doing it. First, I am always getting polish all over my nails and surrounding skin. Clumps here, and clumps there. When I am finished, I usually remove it all because it looked better before I attacked my fingers and toes with paint. I was sent a Rada Pro Nail Station in exchange for this review. I grabbed my favorite nail polish and sat down with great hope. I was sure this session would not end in defeat. The box includes hand/foot support stand, polish holder, accessory tray, pump bottle for polish remover and washable 100% cotton slip covers. First, fill the pump bottle with polish remover, place cotton, implements, base coat and polish bottles on the accessory tray and swivel it to the convenient position. I removed my old polish, enjoying this great little pump. Just place the cotton ball on top and push! I like simple! When my nails were dry, I placed my polish bottle into the polish holder, tilted it and moved it for easy reach. I placed my fingers on the hand rest covered by slip cover, and applied my polish with ease. The base of the unit is anti-skid, so no matter how hard I pushed, the station didn't budge. I had steady hands and great results. When I did my pedicure I placed the Nail Station on the floor. I followed the same procedure with near perfect results. My problem is flexibility. I have rods in my lower back and it is hard to paint my toes. The Rada Pro Nail Station lifted my toes just enough so that I could give them the attention they deserved. The Rada Pro Nail Station certainly made this task a lot easier for me. I think moms-to-be would also benefit! Have you ever tried to paint your toes while pregnant? It's not easy, and it's harder trying to convince your husband to do it for you! Check out the Rada Pro Nail Station and simplify your life. You'll save money doing your own nails and get professional results!