Cooper is turning out to be a great family dog... all be it a puppy, but puppies grow up. The kids love him and he has completed our little family. Happy Wednesday everyone.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wordless Wednesday - Catch
Cooper is turning out to be a great family dog... all be it a puppy, but puppies grow up. The kids love him and he has completed our little family. Happy Wednesday everyone.
Salute Our Nation's Troops with CardsDirect
CardsDirect is holding a special holiday event right now, they are going to put together a Texas Sized Holiday Card for our Troops. I think this is such a neat idea! They are asking for our help to spread the word and get people to submit messages and signatures online to decorate it. Participating is easy and free. To help them collect their goal of 10,000 signatures, go here. They will be printed on a huge holiday card that will be presented to the troops in December.
I do not currently have any family members or friends overseas, but I do feel strongly about supporting the men and women currently serving our country so nobly. When I lived abroad I missed friends and family, and can only imagine how hard it is for service men and women to be separated from their loved ones this holiday season. I already went over and left my message, now it is your turn.
Join me and CardsDirect in saluting our holiday heroes & add your message today.
*Disclaimer - I received no compensation, product or monetary for this post. This is just a press release posting. All opinions are mine alone.
Geek Out for Tech Shopping! (5 Tips)
I am married to a self-proclaimed tech geek. It is a badge he wears proudly! The problem with being married to someone like that is you have to keep up with all the technology constantly being brought into the house. It also means that I need to be up on all the latest and greatest doo-dads, gizmos and whatcha-ma-call-its. Do I sound kinda clueless? Well, here are my DH's tips to help me navigate Christmas shopping this year, maybe they can help you, too!
Hi. I'm the DH (which stands for Daring Husband, by the way). Here are my 5 tips:
1. Install a smartphone app for instant price comparison. Apps are available from many tech retailers and general online retailers. Using their apps to compare prices can save massive time, and might keep you from missing a super deal. The bonus is that some stores have price matching policies, and this can be a very quick way to get the local retailer to drop their price. The added bonus is that you can gain access to user reviews while holding the box. User reviews can be extremely valuable during a purchasing process.
2. Research features ahead of time. Whether it is a laptop, wireless router or digital camera, you need to be familiar with features and acronyms before you go. Do you know what gbps, cmos, ssd, asap, pdq, etc., all mean? Be sure to not get fooled by acronyms next to large numbers. For example, most point and shoot cameras don't have lens quality to take advantage of an 18 megapixel sensor. But, a retailer will gladly take your money for one.
3. Don't fall for uncomparable items. Some large retailers (think largest of large) have started carrying 'exclusive' items. These prevent easy price comparison, and oftentimes muddle the feature comparison game. In my experience, these have not been good deals. So, be very beware if a retailer states that you can't buy this particular item anywhere else. It is very likely that these are higher profit items for the retailer, and not the best deal for you.
4. Consider the upgrade cycle. Is this an item you'd like to buy once every year or 10 years? In every piece of tech, various price points exist. Are you better off buying a basic camera every two years, or shelling out for a expensive one ever 10? Will it last that long? Is the risk of damage during use high? What about your home router? What about that portable hard drive? Are components of said item repairable, like in a laptop, or not repairable, like in most consumer still/video cameras. This is a huge consideration to think about, sometimes buying the cheaper tech will allow you to use it more freely and not worry about damage, since it doesn't have to last 10 years.
5. Join the tech-geek-ride-along program. Especially if you don't want to do any of the above items, find your local friendly neighborhood tech geek and bribe him or her with cookies, doughnuts, threats or the possibility of moving out of mom's basement. We geeks are really nice if you approach us gently and smile a lot. Some of us even find great enjoyment in helping hook someone up with the perfect tech.
A big thank you to TwitterMoms and Staples for encouraging me to get a little geeked out for my Christmas shopping. Whether I understand it or not, I enjoy my technology as much as the next gal. Personally I might have to rely heavily on #5, but it would surprise and delight my DH if I could give the other 4 tips a go, too. Happy shopping everyone.
About Staples:
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston.
More info: www.staples.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/staplestweets
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/staples
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Hi. I'm the DH (which stands for Daring Husband, by the way). Here are my 5 tips:
1. Install a smartphone app for instant price comparison. Apps are available from many tech retailers and general online retailers. Using their apps to compare prices can save massive time, and might keep you from missing a super deal. The bonus is that some stores have price matching policies, and this can be a very quick way to get the local retailer to drop their price. The added bonus is that you can gain access to user reviews while holding the box. User reviews can be extremely valuable during a purchasing process.
2. Research features ahead of time. Whether it is a laptop, wireless router or digital camera, you need to be familiar with features and acronyms before you go. Do you know what gbps, cmos, ssd, asap, pdq, etc., all mean? Be sure to not get fooled by acronyms next to large numbers. For example, most point and shoot cameras don't have lens quality to take advantage of an 18 megapixel sensor. But, a retailer will gladly take your money for one.
3. Don't fall for uncomparable items. Some large retailers (think largest of large) have started carrying 'exclusive' items. These prevent easy price comparison, and oftentimes muddle the feature comparison game. In my experience, these have not been good deals. So, be very beware if a retailer states that you can't buy this particular item anywhere else. It is very likely that these are higher profit items for the retailer, and not the best deal for you.
4. Consider the upgrade cycle. Is this an item you'd like to buy once every year or 10 years? In every piece of tech, various price points exist. Are you better off buying a basic camera every two years, or shelling out for a expensive one ever 10? Will it last that long? Is the risk of damage during use high? What about your home router? What about that portable hard drive? Are components of said item repairable, like in a laptop, or not repairable, like in most consumer still/video cameras. This is a huge consideration to think about, sometimes buying the cheaper tech will allow you to use it more freely and not worry about damage, since it doesn't have to last 10 years.
5. Join the tech-geek-ride-along program. Especially if you don't want to do any of the above items, find your local friendly neighborhood tech geek and bribe him or her with cookies, doughnuts, threats or the possibility of moving out of mom's basement. We geeks are really nice if you approach us gently and smile a lot. Some of us even find great enjoyment in helping hook someone up with the perfect tech.
A big thank you to TwitterMoms and Staples for encouraging me to get a little geeked out for my Christmas shopping. Whether I understand it or not, I enjoy my technology as much as the next gal. Personally I might have to rely heavily on #5, but it would surprise and delight my DH if I could give the other 4 tips a go, too. Happy shopping everyone.
About Staples:
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston.
More info: www.staples.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/staplestweets
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/staples
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Have You Heard Of "Transient Synovitis"?
There is nothing worse as a Mother than not being able to help my child. I have many giveaways and reviews to post here, plus winners to draw, but my life slowed down when my son started acting odd.
My 3 year old can run around and jump all day! He oozes extra energy and always has a smile on his face. Last week he stated limping... on Thanksgiving he had started to pull his knee up and not walk. Today was day 6 of him not walking. Due to the holiday and the weekend, this was the first real chance we had to take my son to the pediatrician. She believes he has Transient Synovitis. Never heard of it? Neither had I.
As you can see, it has been a painful condition for my son. He hasn't slept well because of the pain, and I hated seeing him crawl or just sit because his hip hurt.
So what is it? According to Google Health,
My 3 year old can run around and jump all day! He oozes extra energy and always has a smile on his face. Last week he stated limping... on Thanksgiving he had started to pull his knee up and not walk. Today was day 6 of him not walking. Due to the holiday and the weekend, this was the first real chance we had to take my son to the pediatrician. She believes he has Transient Synovitis. Never heard of it? Neither had I.
As you can see, it has been a painful condition for my son. He hasn't slept well because of the pain, and I hated seeing him crawl or just sit because his hip hurt.
So what is it? According to Google Health,
"Toxic synovitis is a condition affecting children that causes hip pain and limping." Or in my son's case it kept him from being mobil. It usually hits children before puberty and is much more common in boys than girls. The child will not appear sick, but will have some distinct symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
Today my son moved around more than he has been. I can't wait till the stiff leg and limp go away fully. I am constantly amazed with how wonderful our bodies our and how much can go wrong. Though, I am thankful this wasn't as bad as I had feared.
Symptoms may include:
- Hip pain (on one side only)
- Limp
- Thigh pain, in front and toward the middle of the thigh
- Knee pain
- Low-grade fever, less than 101° Fahrenheit
Today my son moved around more than he has been. I can't wait till the stiff leg and limp go away fully. I am constantly amazed with how wonderful our bodies our and how much can go wrong. Though, I am thankful this wasn't as bad as I had feared.
Introducing Chloe.... our bed kitty
I grew up with cats, so I knew I eventually wanted to have a cat for our family. Of course, I waited till we lived somewhere appropriate to have a kitty. Our last apartment would never have worked! We didn't have a yard, and the place was too small for 4 people, let alone 4 plus a cat.
In our new home, we had a need for a good mouser, so I put the request out for a cat. How? Oh, I posted here, on facebook and twitter. Luckily, one friend sent me a message that she had a cat for me. Fast forward a few weeks and Chloe, a 6 year old female, joined our growing family. She has given us a few surprises! First off? Well, my "mouser" loves to sleep all day in our back room... and then comes out to snuggle while we are in bed. She is affectionately called the bed kitty.
On rare occasion, she will come out and help me in the evening. This night we were folding laundry. After 4 months she is still adjusting to our home.
Ultimately I am happy that we decided not to adopt a kitten. A mature cat has proven to be more predictable when around my toddlers. Chloe came from a home with a toddler, so she knows what to expect. With my hands full of children, I just didn't have the time required of a playful little kitten. Chloe is more interested in being petted and given her space. That works well for me.
So, besides letting everyone see our new family member, not brand new... but, she wasn't out during the day for photos earlier, I wanted to remind everyone how great a adopting a mature pet can be. Often overlooked in shelters, mature pets can be a great fit for families not wanting to go through the puppy or kitten period. So, if you think your family is ready to expand, why not take a look at the adults at your local shelter... or just ask around to your friends.
In our new home, we had a need for a good mouser, so I put the request out for a cat. How? Oh, I posted here, on facebook and twitter. Luckily, one friend sent me a message that she had a cat for me. Fast forward a few weeks and Chloe, a 6 year old female, joined our growing family. She has given us a few surprises! First off? Well, my "mouser" loves to sleep all day in our back room... and then comes out to snuggle while we are in bed. She is affectionately called the bed kitty.
On rare occasion, she will come out and help me in the evening. This night we were folding laundry. After 4 months she is still adjusting to our home.
Ultimately I am happy that we decided not to adopt a kitten. A mature cat has proven to be more predictable when around my toddlers. Chloe came from a home with a toddler, so she knows what to expect. With my hands full of children, I just didn't have the time required of a playful little kitten. Chloe is more interested in being petted and given her space. That works well for me.
So, besides letting everyone see our new family member, not brand new... but, she wasn't out during the day for photos earlier, I wanted to remind everyone how great a adopting a mature pet can be. Often overlooked in shelters, mature pets can be a great fit for families not wanting to go through the puppy or kitten period. So, if you think your family is ready to expand, why not take a look at the adults at your local shelter... or just ask around to your friends.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Book Review - Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern
Sometimes finding the perfect gift for a child is as simple as finding not what they want, but what they need. Some of the best gifts I ever received were things I didn't know I would use. This book is a perfect example of that. If you know a child in your life who is adopted, this would make a lovely gift to remind them about acceptance, understanding and empowerment.
November 20th was National Adoption Day, and in honor of that, with the help of the One2One Network, I want to spread the word about this cute, informational children's book. The summer before 3rd grade, my parents told me that my father adopted me. I remember being upset, surprised and ashamed of the discovery. Even though I still was with my birth Mother and she had remarried shortly after I was born, I can understand some feelings adopted children have. This would have been a great story for me when my parents told me.
The story is about Ed, a little boy learning that he was adopted and also learning how to deal with being different. In fact, with the help of his loving adoptive parents, Ed learns to celebrate it. "I'm adopted. I'm special!" He proclaims. It closes with a listing of famous adopted people. The straight forward and simple rhymes can be enjoyed by children age 9-12. The graphics are simple and cute, but the message about tolerance and personal acceptance are clear.
The author, Darren Maddern, was himself adopted and told about it at a young age. He eventually tracked down his biological parents as an adult and has helped many other adoptees as well as adopting parents. This is his first book, with a second titled Tall Moll, a story about growth spurts, due out early 2011.
Buy It on Amazon
Gift this to a special and loved adoptee this year for Christmas. Let them know they are wanted and loved.
*Disclaimer - I was sent a courtesy copy of Adopted Ed and am part of the One2One Network campaign to review the book. I was entered into a drawing for a $25 Gift Card. All opinions are my own.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Cyber Monday - Giveaways? Yes!
I am so excited about Cyber Monday. No, not because I hope to snag a good deal. Really, my Christmas shopping is almost finished and I plan on sticking to our budget. I am excited because there are some great Cyber Monday Giveaways going on.
This fun little event will begin tonight at midnight, and only run for 24 hours. So, no sleeping in! Just head over to Girl Gone Mom, and also at Fabulous Won, Mama Must Have It, This Mama Rocks and many other blogs to get in on the fun. Good luck!
This fun little event will begin tonight at midnight, and only run for 24 hours. So, no sleeping in! Just head over to Girl Gone Mom, and also at Fabulous Won, Mama Must Have It, This Mama Rocks and many other blogs to get in on the fun. Good luck!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Daring Bakers' November Challenge - Crostata
This is my first month as part of the daring baker group, and I was so excited to kick it off with a fabulous Italian tart, the Crostata.
I bet I have your attention, right? This month’s hostess is Simona from briciole. She invited us to make a crostata as she remembers from her childhood. The base of a crostata is pasta frolla (or pastafrolla), sweet short crust pastry (or sweet tart dough) made of flour, sugar, butter and eggs. Different from a pie crust which is flour, a fat and cold water. She suggested trying the pasta frolla with either fruit preserves for a traditional treat, or pastry cream which I decided on. I was excited to dig right in and try this recipe out.
The pasta frolla was surprisingly easy…
So, how did it turn out? Really delicious!
The pasta frolla was surprisingly easy…
- 1/2 c. minus 1 tablespoon [105 ml, 100 g, 3 ½ oz] superfine sugar (see Note 1) or a scant 3/4 cup [180ml, 90g, 3 oz] of powdered sugar
- 1 and 3/4 cup [420 ml, 235 g, 8 1/4 oz.] unbleached all-purpose flour
- a pinch of salt
- 1 stick [8 tablespoons / 4 oz. / 115 g] cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- grated zest of half a lemon (you could also use vanilla sugar as an option, see Note 2)
- 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten in a small bowl
While I waited for the dough to chill, I started to work on my pastry cream. This was my first attempt, but found it to be simple and delicious! I had large lemon peel slices in my milk (500 ml) & sugar (1/3 cup). I used 1 whole egg with 3 egg yolks and 3 Tbsp. pastry flour. As soon as the milk came to a simmer, I tempered the eggs and then brought the whole mixture up to a simmer for about 6 minutes. It thickened nicely and cooled it off in an ice bath.
I rolled out my pastry and did a 5 minute blind bake at 350 degrees to start with. Then I added the pastry cream, added the lattice work to the top, brushed with egg white and finished baking it for 30 minutes. After cooling I topped it with some frozen blueberries and dusted the top with powdered sugar.
So, how did it turn out? Really delicious!
I think the tart went over quite well with my taste tester. In fact, I was told that I could make a crostata anytime! I am looking forward to next month’s challenge already.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Aloha Friday #40
Okay, has everyone recovered from all that turkey? I think it knocked me out last night and I didn't get my Aloha Friday post up as usual. ... with all the cooking I forgot to schedule the post, too. But, any-who, Aloha Everyone! In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend.Friday used to be my friend, but today it signals the end of another week... that went by too quickly! But, I survived the week, so to celebrate! Let's sit back, relax and enjoy a little blog hop. No heavy mental lifting today... just one simple little question...
What was Your Favorite Thanksgiving Food?
I, being the carb crazy girl I am, should say the mashed potatoes or stuffing... but, I actually look forward to the turkey. Mainly because we never eat turkey. My DH is not much of a fan and never wants to try new recipes. It has been relegated to turkey day.
If you are looking for more Aloha Friday fun, go to An Island Life and check out the other posts on the Linky. Have a great weekend!
We Came. We Left With Leftovers Aplenty.
I hope everyone had a fabulous turkey day! We celebrated at my in-laws with a huge spread of fabulous food... that we barely made a dent in. You can see from the counter wrapped around to the stove and all available surfaces between were plates, platters and bowls of various foods.
I will be making our own family "Thanksgiving meal" at home this weekend, since I didn't take my favorite family dishes. The holidays are kinda my In-laws thing. So different from my childhood where all family members contributed dishes for the meal. But, I did get to make a little spread for the kiddos...
I made a great low-pro bread recipe from Cook For Love's site, which I used for both their bread and bread stuffing. I also made the orange cranberry sauce again... a recipe I will share soon, and have fallen in love with. Then they had mashed potatoes and fruit salad. I also attempted a faux dream pie for them, and that recipe will still need some tweaking. I thought all the low-pro options were yummy...
...but the kiddos were more interested in hamming it up!
They stayed true to the picky toddler reputation. I was proud of their spread and hope to get a few more recipes under my belt before Christmas.
So, how was the holiday at your house?
I will be making our own family "Thanksgiving meal" at home this weekend, since I didn't take my favorite family dishes. The holidays are kinda my In-laws thing. So different from my childhood where all family members contributed dishes for the meal. But, I did get to make a little spread for the kiddos...
I made a great low-pro bread recipe from Cook For Love's site, which I used for both their bread and bread stuffing. I also made the orange cranberry sauce again... a recipe I will share soon, and have fallen in love with. Then they had mashed potatoes and fruit salad. I also attempted a faux dream pie for them, and that recipe will still need some tweaking. I thought all the low-pro options were yummy...
...but the kiddos were more interested in hamming it up!
They stayed true to the picky toddler reputation. I was proud of their spread and hope to get a few more recipes under my belt before Christmas.
So, how was the holiday at your house?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Enjoy Yourself Turkey Day!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I plan on spending my morning getting some last minute food prep done. I will be taking special low-pro foods for my children as well as a frozen cranberry dish to share with everyone. I look forward to relaxing the rest of the afternoon with my children. I hope all my readers and friends have a great holiday and stay safe on the roads.
If you are looking for some great giveaways to enter I have several going on. Note the blanketID ends tonight, and a new giveaway, the Coobie bra, was just posted yesterday. Be sure to check them out.
I plan on spending my morning getting some last minute food prep done. I will be taking special low-pro foods for my children as well as a frozen cranberry dish to share with everyone. I look forward to relaxing the rest of the afternoon with my children. I hope all my readers and friends have a great holiday and stay safe on the roads.
If you are looking for some great giveaways to enter I have several going on. Note the blanketID ends tonight, and a new giveaway, the Coobie bra, was just posted yesterday. Be sure to check them out.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Giveaways on Other Blogs! - More Christmas Gift Greats
I know! There are so many great giveaways going around the blogisphere right now, it is hard for me to post them all. Right now I have only been blogging about the best of the best. This one on Cool Baby Kid would be one of those.
I just love the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater. I bet my little ones would be mesmerized by a puppet show and as they get older would put on their own performances for us. I have had my eye on this item for a while now, so this giveaway is even more exciting. Just head over to the Cool Baby Kid to enter. This giveaway ends 12/7.
I just love the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater. I bet my little ones would be mesmerized by a puppet show and as they get older would put on their own performances for us. I have had my eye on this item for a while now, so this giveaway is even more exciting. Just head over to the Cool Baby Kid to enter. This giveaway ends 12/7.
Giveaway - Coobie Bra from Baby Store Plus (2 Winners!)
Last year I was fortunate enough to win a Coobie Bra on a The Baby Store Plus blog giveaway. Have you ever heard of the Coobie? Well, I had not. But I know how difficult it is to find a good bra. I don't usually enter to win bras... but, the store owner was very adamant that this was an amazing one size bra. I was curious. It is recommended for size 32A- 36D, but this mama went through a pregnancy, nursing and beyond... all in the same bra! I popped up to DD, and still was in love with my hot pink scoopneck bra. How often can you say that about a typical bra?
I was contacted by the store owner to do a review after wearing my first bra for nearly a year. So this review is a long time coming. Now there are many new vibrant and fun colors added to the store, as well as a choice between the Scoopneck Bra, V-Neck with Lace Bra, or Bandeau. I selected a lovely olive green v-neck with lace.
Now, I was a little worried about photographing my old used bra, but really after a year of wear and tear It was still looking good. I wish all bras held up that well! I would say this bra has range of size, comfort and durability on it's side. Really it is a revolutionary type of bra. I love that it hugs my body more than a sports bra for added support, but can transition from day to night .... or a mixture of both in my Mommy-hood haze!... I could never do that with a traditional underwire.
Okay, so it would be safe to say, this bra rocks! But what about The Baby Store Plus? Well, the owner, Anna, is nothing but helpful, and all orders ship within 1 business day or less. My orders have always arrived quickly and accurately. I highly recommend shopping at this site.
Be sure to stop by the online store to browse her wide selection of items ranging from Mom to Baby and beyond. I love her toy selection, and have many of her Olivia items on a wishlist for my daughter. She is also currently running a great variety of Christmas Giveaways for toys. Check out The Baby Store Plus blog for more details.
BUY IT: So, I know you want one, and I have some great deals to pass on to you,
* Now through Christmas if your total purchase is over $50 your order Ships for FREE* {*Free shipping within the lower 48 states only, just select Flat-Rate Shipping at check out}.
* Orders can be shipped directly to gift recipents, just mention it is a gift and leave a gift message in the comment box upon checkout.
* Save $1.00 on every Coobie Bra you order now through Christmas Day at midnight, by entering Coupon Code: "Adventures-Coobie" (and if their order is over $50, they will of course also qualify for Free shipping (as mentioned above for our Christmas offer).
*Don't miss the Black Friday through Cyber Monday deal on Coobie bras. Buy any 4 Coobie Bras and receive a 5th free! Add "Give Me 1 FREE" in the Comment Box with your order.
GIVEAWAY!
2 lucky US readers will win a Coobie bra in their choice of style and color from available stock on hand.
- Mandatory Entry Subscribe by email via Feedburner (right hand side) You need to confirm your subscription in your email for this to work.
For extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:
- Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
- Subscribe to The Baby Store Plus Blog via email (1 entry)
- Follow Baby Store Plus on twitter (@BabyStorePlus) (1 entry)
- Blog about this giveaway with a link to my site and The Baby Store Plus Blog (5 entries)
- Enter any other current giveaway (1 entry each) See my right side bar for a list.
- Enter this on a Giveaway Linky & leave a link (5 entries for each Linky!)
- Follow me on Twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (3x per day at least 2 hrs apart) Feel free to use: " #Win a Coobie Bra @babystoreplus (2 WINNERS!) @notimeMom http://bit.ly/e28xy3 :: ends 12/7 #giveaway Pls RT!" Please include the URL (1 entry per tweet)
- Is there another product you would like to try? (The Baby Store Plus online store)
- Comment on any of my other blog posts. Just let me know where you commented (1 entry per comment)
Open to the US. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on December 7th at 11:59 pm PST. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. and will be emailed. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
*The Baby Store Plus provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Fiber Filled Fa-la-la-la-la!
Mmm... Bran muffins! Don't laugh... these little beauties have been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. With the holidays fast approaching I know that fitting essential fiber into my diet will take a bit more planning, but it is completely doable. How will these mini bran delights help? Well, they are one little trick out of 5 I have up my sleeve to ensure my family is fiber filled for the season.
The Bran muffins are a great no fuss idea for simple fiber delivery. Make up your muffin batter and store it in the fridge. In the morning all you need to do is bake up a batch and you are good to go. I love that after making up a batch, my breakfasts are done for a week or longer. My favorite part of muffins is they are very portable and easy to grab and go. Did you think fiber could be that easy?
Don't forget you can throw in a bit of wheat flour when baking. It is another simple way to "sneak" in the good stuff. Substitute half the AP flour with whole wheat and enjoy. Use it in your roll recipe, cookies and bread. If you are going to be eating these, you might as well up the fiber content.
Be sure to make friends with your oats. I love oatmeal, but know not everyone enjoys it as much as I do. Besides digging into a warm and comforting bowl, you can also use it in cooking and baking. My Mother-in-Law gave me a great recipe for peanut butter, chocolate chip & oatmeal cookies. It doesn't use flour, and just one small cookie will fill you up. I also put oatmeal into my famous meatloaf recipe. The oatmeal helps to hold my loaf together as well as up the nutrition content. And you can always throw your dry oatmeal in the blender and make fresh oat flour to try in your baking also.
Always have the veggie plate out. This is a big tradition with my DH's family, well... it probably should be since they are a family of farmers. We enjoy cutting up and munching on carrots, green peppers, radishes, broccoli and others. Served raw, they take minimal prep and can satisfy the peckish and health conscious at the same time. Pair them with a low fat dip and you have a party.
My last favorite fiber packed food is the lovely bean. They don't have to be your grandmother's beans, either. Try some of the creamy favorites like canellini beans in soup, or on toast for a bruschetta. Or enjoy some garbanzo beans (chick peas) in a delicious hummus dip or served over pasta for a hearty dinner. Plan on serving a hearty bean soup to family members visiting. The soup can be made ahead of time, and available for your guests as they want it.
So, how do you plan to get more fiber this holiday season? I would love to hear any other suggestions that I could incorporate into my family's plans. Happy noshing all!
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Coach's Oats Fiber blogging program, making me eligible to win a $50 American Express gift card and free product. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Stay Merry & Be Well This Holiday Season
Okay, I have posted about it before, but it is so important to have a game plan for the holidays. Call it, a plan of attack, if you will. But, I for one, need a way to navigate the stress, food and family that comes with the holidays. Since joining the Mamavation Sistahood I have met some fabulous gals and have chatted and learned a lot about successful strategies for stressful situations just like this. BookieBoo and Earth Footwear have asked for my top 5 tips for staying merry and being well this holiday season.
1. Sleep - I am guilty of shorting myself all too often in the sleep department. Unfortunately, the holidays are especially stressful and tiring for me, so I make a conscious effort to get a good night's sleep. If I am well rested I am more productive and am more likely to stay healthy. Does Christmas bring colds to your household? Well, all those out of town friends and family can bring germs along with their presents. Getting enough sleep can help the immune system handle the onslaught of new invaders looking to hit you at your weakest. So, I try to hit the sheets with the rest of my family. The dishes will wait till tomorrow.
2. Enjoy but don't Overindulge - Something about saying, "I'm not going to have any dessert this year" sends me running straight for the pie! This year I don't plan on saying, "no"... just go easy on the whip cream. A few bites or a thin slice of pumpkin pie will let me get a taste, but go a little easier on my overall calorie count. I love food and the holidays serve up a wonderful assortment of my favorite comfort foods. Since I look forward to turkey day, why would I run away from the things I love? I will try to enjoy my meal and stay away from second helpings and unbuttoning my pants. Keeping things simple helps me to not only feel better physically, but feel better about myself. That will keep the smile on my face this holiday season.
3. Take a Family Walk - This is one of my favorite activities all year round. Not as simple as it sounds though, since Oregon is notorious for wet and miserable weather this time of year. Bundled up, we should be fine, and this will get us out of the house. It is much easier to avoid mindless snacking if I take myself out of the house. Also getting us all moving will keep us in a merrier mood with those lovely endorphins and blood pumping.
4. Schedule in "Me Time" - This is my personal sanity saver! This mama feels her best when she has a chance to recharge the batteries. With two small kiddos underfoot, that can be mighty hard to do. I try to grab a little time to myself after the kiddos are in bed, or during nap time. And if I am really lucky, my DH will take the kids out for an hour or so. Just do what you need to feel your best, and be sure to ask for help when you need it.
5. Cherish each Moment - I think with all the preparation and planning, I am guilty of not always living in the moment. My son is currently 3, and my daughter is 1. I want to remember the holidays with them and all the funny or sweet moments we share over the course of the day. Of course, I don't want them to remember me stressed out, or too busy to sip a cup of hot cocoa with them. I am sure many Moms would agree that spending time with small children is good for the soul. I plan on reaping every benefit of this family time I possibly can. I worry they will be gone too fast.
Do you have any tips for staying merry and well this holiday season? I would love to hear about them. Just leave me a comment.
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Earth Footwear "All's Well That Ends Well" blogging program, making me eligible to win a pair of Earth Footwear boots. For more information on how you can participate, click here .
1. Sleep - I am guilty of shorting myself all too often in the sleep department. Unfortunately, the holidays are especially stressful and tiring for me, so I make a conscious effort to get a good night's sleep. If I am well rested I am more productive and am more likely to stay healthy. Does Christmas bring colds to your household? Well, all those out of town friends and family can bring germs along with their presents. Getting enough sleep can help the immune system handle the onslaught of new invaders looking to hit you at your weakest. So, I try to hit the sheets with the rest of my family. The dishes will wait till tomorrow.
2. Enjoy but don't Overindulge - Something about saying, "I'm not going to have any dessert this year" sends me running straight for the pie! This year I don't plan on saying, "no"... just go easy on the whip cream. A few bites or a thin slice of pumpkin pie will let me get a taste, but go a little easier on my overall calorie count. I love food and the holidays serve up a wonderful assortment of my favorite comfort foods. Since I look forward to turkey day, why would I run away from the things I love? I will try to enjoy my meal and stay away from second helpings and unbuttoning my pants. Keeping things simple helps me to not only feel better physically, but feel better about myself. That will keep the smile on my face this holiday season.
3. Take a Family Walk - This is one of my favorite activities all year round. Not as simple as it sounds though, since Oregon is notorious for wet and miserable weather this time of year. Bundled up, we should be fine, and this will get us out of the house. It is much easier to avoid mindless snacking if I take myself out of the house. Also getting us all moving will keep us in a merrier mood with those lovely endorphins and blood pumping.
4. Schedule in "Me Time" - This is my personal sanity saver! This mama feels her best when she has a chance to recharge the batteries. With two small kiddos underfoot, that can be mighty hard to do. I try to grab a little time to myself after the kiddos are in bed, or during nap time. And if I am really lucky, my DH will take the kids out for an hour or so. Just do what you need to feel your best, and be sure to ask for help when you need it.
5. Cherish each Moment - I think with all the preparation and planning, I am guilty of not always living in the moment. My son is currently 3, and my daughter is 1. I want to remember the holidays with them and all the funny or sweet moments we share over the course of the day. Of course, I don't want them to remember me stressed out, or too busy to sip a cup of hot cocoa with them. I am sure many Moms would agree that spending time with small children is good for the soul. I plan on reaping every benefit of this family time I possibly can. I worry they will be gone too fast.
Do you have any tips for staying merry and well this holiday season? I would love to hear about them. Just leave me a comment.
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Earth Footwear "All's Well That Ends Well" blogging program, making me eligible to win a pair of Earth Footwear boots. For more information on how you can participate, click here .
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wordless Wednesday - Boxed In
Check out my current giveaways on the right-hand side.
Memory Lane: My Favorite Road Trip
Did you take road trips as a child? My son has no idea how good he has it traveling. With all the great portable DVD players, electronic book readers and portable gaming devices, there is no way my little man can get bored. When I was a child it was so different. I keep thinking that with the airline situation right now, epic road trips will be making a come back. Since our family lives nearby, we will be staying close to home this holiday season. That doesn't mean I don't have some fabulous memories of my child hood trips. Of course our trips were usually taken during the warmer summer months, but they were still memorable.
While I was growing up, we traveled to Utah every summer to meet up with family. We lived out on the West Coast while my Mom's family lived in Indiana. My grandparents had the idea to find somewhere we could all meet... they chose Utah because it was roughly half way in between for everyone. When I was little, we all drove there. It took everyone at least 2 days of driving each way and became half of our vacation adventure. It was just about the destination. The journey there is still a big part of my memories. I can clearly remember the giant (or it seemed so at the time) mustard yellow Matador that my father drove. I could stretch all the way across the seat without touching. Before mandatory seat belt laws the back seat was my play room. I passed the time playing and watching the scenery roll by.
One particular year we had just horrible car trouble. The Mazda we planned on driving died before we even left town. I was probably 7 at the time so I can't tell you what exactly was wrong, but it was not a quick repair so we transferred back over to the Matador. That car was a tank on wheels. As an only child, what I took along had to help me stay occupied for the long drive. I remember I took along a Bobbsey Twins book and Cindi Lauper's True Colors was popular on the radio. To this day, hearing that song reminds of the trip. Going through Eastern Oregon, which is high desert, we encountered many "pot guts" a rather prolific rodent seen everywhere along the eastern border. More often than not, we spied them as "flat guts" along the road. That was a term we coined on that trip and chuckled about for years after.
Not long after that, we encountered more car trouble and ended up staying overnight in a tiny little spot along the border of Idaho and Oregon. There was one restaurant and of course one mechanic to help us out. As a child I thought it was a great adventure. I can only imagine what my parents thought of our detour.
Don't worry, we made it to our destination. A little late, but we made it. That was one year the journey is all I remember. I am sure I had a great time seeing my cousins and being spoiled by my grandparents, but what sticks with me today was that road trip. We saw so much and just getting away from home became the real vacation. After that year, I was a very careful packer and even today I tend to over pack things to keep my family busy. You never know when you might get stuck along the way.
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season this year. If you are embarking on your own road trip, be safe and be smart about it. I want to thank Discount Tire & TwitterMoms for the great topic and opportunity to blog about one of my fondest trip memories. I wish I had some photos to share with you all, but alas, I don't have many photos from my childhood.
Winter Safety Tips
Winter Tires are designed to deliver safety and control in snow, ice, and cold weather conditions. Many people think that all-season tires can deliver this same performance, but this is not true. The superior traction that winter tires deliver, as much as a 25 to 50 percent increase over all-season tires, can very well be the margin you need to stop in time or turn to avoid trouble.
More info: http://discounttire.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DiscountTire
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DiscountTire
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here
DIY - 5 tips for editing and creating beautiful digital photo projects.
I am not a professional photographer... by any means! I do love to add photos to my blog and even more I love taking pics of our crazy life! I mean, some days I just need proof. I have a simple digital camera, a little Cannon PowerShot, that I wouldn't want to be without! I still have so much to learn about taking better photos, but here are 5 of my favorite tips for newbies like myself.
1. Play Around. Even a simple point and shoot has various options available. My little digital camera is simple, it isn't as intimidating as my DH's hulking Cannon, but there are still some simple settings I can play with to achieve better results. Though I am tempted to leave the setting on "Auto"... switching to Macro for showing off details can be a huge help. Here is the difference,
The before shot is on auto and the second shot is on macro. See the difference?
2. Cover Up. Have you ever taken a pic of an item, or in my case it would be a product, and the package or container has too much glare? Usually this comes from the light reflected back from the flash. This is one tip my DH taught me that is so simple and slick. In my camera case I have a business card, but a sticky note or small scrap of paper will work as well. Don't cover your flash completely, but hold the paper at an angle near the base of the flash. This will let some light out near the top, but diffuse it quite a bit. This is great for reducing the glare from dishes in food shots.
Yes, there is still some glare, but much easier to tell what the product is a picture of. Play around with this one. I haven't mastered it yet, but my DH is a pro.
3. Auto Balance or Saturation. Depending on if I am using Adobe, Picasa or other editing programs check to see if there is an auto balance option. Sometimes all you need to do is click on it to boost the colors perfectly. When I was a graphic artist (before being a SAHM) I would often adjust saturation to touch up photos. Color is so key to a great shot! If you are not sure how to adjust the color balance in your particular program, do a quick Google search on the topic. You will be able to find specific instructions for your particular situation.
4. Clever Cropping. An artistic eye for the perfect shot would be nice, but many photographers enhance this vision by clever cropping afterward. Of course there is a limit, but focusing on the subject of your photo instead of just presenting a wide shot will convey your message more clearly. Do your subject justice. Of course photos with kids can often be saved from the digital trash if you crop out hands or legs. Focus on their facial expressions, or crop out the stack of dishes in the background.
5. Greyscale Save. This is the last dirty trick a newbie needs to keep up their sleeve. Sometimes a slightly blurry photo or a photo you aren't as happy with will turn out great when put in black and white. Greyscale makes everything look more dramatic and classy, IMHO. Go beyond this by adding color to just certain key items in your photo or leave it in good ole' black and white.
See how easy that was? Yeah, I have so much more to learn. If you have a great tip to share, please leave a comment. I enjoyed writing this, and want to thank TwitterMoms & Adobe Photoshop for this great topic!
About Adobe Photoshop Elements:
Get a complete solution for photos. With Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, you can make your photos look extraordinary with easy-to-use editing options. Share your stories in beautiful, personalized print creations and Online Albums. And easily organize all your photos and video clips from one convenient place.
More info: http://www.adobe.com/digitalimag/explore/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AdobeElements
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PhotoshopElements
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Adobe blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
1. Play Around. Even a simple point and shoot has various options available. My little digital camera is simple, it isn't as intimidating as my DH's hulking Cannon, but there are still some simple settings I can play with to achieve better results. Though I am tempted to leave the setting on "Auto"... switching to Macro for showing off details can be a huge help. Here is the difference,
2. Cover Up. Have you ever taken a pic of an item, or in my case it would be a product, and the package or container has too much glare? Usually this comes from the light reflected back from the flash. This is one tip my DH taught me that is so simple and slick. In my camera case I have a business card, but a sticky note or small scrap of paper will work as well. Don't cover your flash completely, but hold the paper at an angle near the base of the flash. This will let some light out near the top, but diffuse it quite a bit. This is great for reducing the glare from dishes in food shots.
Yes, there is still some glare, but much easier to tell what the product is a picture of. Play around with this one. I haven't mastered it yet, but my DH is a pro.
3. Auto Balance or Saturation. Depending on if I am using Adobe, Picasa or other editing programs check to see if there is an auto balance option. Sometimes all you need to do is click on it to boost the colors perfectly. When I was a graphic artist (before being a SAHM) I would often adjust saturation to touch up photos. Color is so key to a great shot! If you are not sure how to adjust the color balance in your particular program, do a quick Google search on the topic. You will be able to find specific instructions for your particular situation.
4. Clever Cropping. An artistic eye for the perfect shot would be nice, but many photographers enhance this vision by clever cropping afterward. Of course there is a limit, but focusing on the subject of your photo instead of just presenting a wide shot will convey your message more clearly. Do your subject justice. Of course photos with kids can often be saved from the digital trash if you crop out hands or legs. Focus on their facial expressions, or crop out the stack of dishes in the background.
5. Greyscale Save. This is the last dirty trick a newbie needs to keep up their sleeve. Sometimes a slightly blurry photo or a photo you aren't as happy with will turn out great when put in black and white. Greyscale makes everything look more dramatic and classy, IMHO. Go beyond this by adding color to just certain key items in your photo or leave it in good ole' black and white.
See how easy that was? Yeah, I have so much more to learn. If you have a great tip to share, please leave a comment. I enjoyed writing this, and want to thank TwitterMoms & Adobe Photoshop for this great topic!
About Adobe Photoshop Elements:
Get a complete solution for photos. With Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, you can make your photos look extraordinary with easy-to-use editing options. Share your stories in beautiful, personalized print creations and Online Albums. And easily organize all your photos and video clips from one convenient place.
More info: http://www.adobe.com/digitalimag/explore/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AdobeElements
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PhotoshopElements
*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Adobe blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Giveaways on Other Blogs! - The Baby Store Plus X-mas Giveaways
I am currently wearing and loving my second Coobie bra from The Baby Store Plus. It is an online shop with everything you would want to have or give for babies and children in your life. Besides baby supplies, they also have a selection of bras and items for Moms. I can't wait to share all the details with you, including a very generous giveaway so you can win one for yourself, or gift one to someone else.
As I catch up from a fun Sunday with the family, I wanted to let you all know about a couple fabulous giveaways on the blog right now. The owner is running a bunch of great Christmas Giveaways right now.
If you are still looking for some child-focused gift ideas, check out The Baby Store Plus and their blog.
First off, they are giving away an adorable Olivia Musical Tin Tea Set.
Both of my children love watching Olivia on Sprout TV. This Christmas I am putting together a collection of Olivia items for my daughter. I know we would have hours of fun with this set. You can ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 12/6.
Okay, if you need something for a little girl, have you seen the Groovy Girls Dolls? I have one for my daughter and love them. Not only are they soft, but adorable, well made and small enough to tote around anywhere. The have beautiful faces and soft yarn hair. I would love to collect them all. This giveaway is for a Groovy Girls Princess Serephina Doll from Manhattan Toys. Perfect for any little princess!
Isn't she beautiful? You can ENTER HERE. This giveaway will end 12/13.
The last giveaway I want to highlight was just posted today, it is for a 3-1 Zoobies. It is a plush pal, pillow and soft blanket all in one! Not only are they adorable, but I heard through the twitter-vine that they are amazingly soft. You might want to give it to a special child in your life, but you might sneak a touch any chance you get. There are so many adorable options, but I am rather Olivia obsessed right now....
This is Zoobies all unfolded. The stuffed friend is still visible, and the blanket comes out. Just stuff the blanket back in for a pillow or to play with the soft friend. Isn't this a great idea? Okay, ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 12/17.
Not bad, huh? Well, good luck. Be sure to check out the rest of the great gift ideas for Mommy, Baby or Child at The Baby Store Plus... and stay tuned for my Coobie bra review and giveaway. I am so excited to share it with you!
As I catch up from a fun Sunday with the family, I wanted to let you all know about a couple fabulous giveaways on the blog right now. The owner is running a bunch of great Christmas Giveaways right now.
If you are still looking for some child-focused gift ideas, check out The Baby Store Plus and their blog.
First off, they are giving away an adorable Olivia Musical Tin Tea Set.
Both of my children love watching Olivia on Sprout TV. This Christmas I am putting together a collection of Olivia items for my daughter. I know we would have hours of fun with this set. You can ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 12/6.
Okay, if you need something for a little girl, have you seen the Groovy Girls Dolls? I have one for my daughter and love them. Not only are they soft, but adorable, well made and small enough to tote around anywhere. The have beautiful faces and soft yarn hair. I would love to collect them all. This giveaway is for a Groovy Girls Princess Serephina Doll from Manhattan Toys. Perfect for any little princess!
The last giveaway I want to highlight was just posted today, it is for a 3-1 Zoobies. It is a plush pal, pillow and soft blanket all in one! Not only are they adorable, but I heard through the twitter-vine that they are amazingly soft. You might want to give it to a special child in your life, but you might sneak a touch any chance you get. There are so many adorable options, but I am rather Olivia obsessed right now....
This is Zoobies all unfolded. The stuffed friend is still visible, and the blanket comes out. Just stuff the blanket back in for a pillow or to play with the soft friend. Isn't this a great idea? Okay, ENTER HERE. This giveaway ends 12/17.
Not bad, huh? Well, good luck. Be sure to check out the rest of the great gift ideas for Mommy, Baby or Child at The Baby Store Plus... and stay tuned for my Coobie bra review and giveaway. I am so excited to share it with you!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Mamavation Monday - Wonder Woman
...just don't put me in a bustier any time soon!
Back to 189! -1 lb from last week. Yippee!
I want to thank all the fabulous ladies who commented and showed their support on last week's post. I needed the encouragement to get back into the game. Since the post and Mamavation TV I have been thinking a lot about strong female heroes. Who do we have as women? Oddly enough, Wonder Woman jumped to my mind. Is that crazy? Have you seen the get-up that Lynda Carter had to squeeze into? Don't get me wrong. Her truth compelling lasso would work well for me with the kiddos... But, as I come down from a candy induced Halloween high I wonder who I would want to be. Wonder Woman would be out. At my size, that would be crazy! I would need at least 3 of her tops to cover me.
From my childhood nostalgia I remember Wonder Woman being strong and powerful...maybe just a touch glamorous? I don't even think I can remember the exact details but that is my personal goal. I want to be a strong and powerful female. Not only because I want to kick a little behind, but because I want my children to look up to me. Especially my daughter. Now that I have little girl I have a burning desire to lose the weight and be strong for her.
For the fabulous Blogging Carnival, going on over at Bookie Boo, my Commit to Fit Challenge will be to get ready to ski. Not since I found out I was pregnant with me son have I squeezed into my bibs and donned a parka for some skiing fun. I need to not only fit in the clothing, but also be able to enjoy the day. Our family enjoys both cross country as well as a bit of down hill. This year will the first time going out with both kiddos in the trailer, as well as letting my 3-year-old son try on skis. My challenge is not only to get out there, but to also enjoy the day without feeling too winded. I can totally do this! I am motivated! This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Subway (@subwayfreshbuzz). One winner of the blogging carnival wins $100 towards the fitness goal of their choice. I think this would pay for either some new ski gear, or I have been eyeing the EA Sports Active 2. *drool*
I do have one more thing to share ladies, here is how I am passing the mamavation on:
This was my little girl's first time manning the salad spinner! That night my son also had a good 2 bites of his salad. I was a pretty proud mama. Hot pants or not, I felt like a good role model that night.
Back to 189! -1 lb from last week. Yippee!
I want to thank all the fabulous ladies who commented and showed their support on last week's post. I needed the encouragement to get back into the game. Since the post and Mamavation TV I have been thinking a lot about strong female heroes. Who do we have as women? Oddly enough, Wonder Woman jumped to my mind. Is that crazy? Have you seen the get-up that Lynda Carter had to squeeze into? Don't get me wrong. Her truth compelling lasso would work well for me with the kiddos... But, as I come down from a candy induced Halloween high I wonder who I would want to be. Wonder Woman would be out. At my size, that would be crazy! I would need at least 3 of her tops to cover me.
From my childhood nostalgia I remember Wonder Woman being strong and powerful...maybe just a touch glamorous? I don't even think I can remember the exact details but that is my personal goal. I want to be a strong and powerful female. Not only because I want to kick a little behind, but because I want my children to look up to me. Especially my daughter. Now that I have little girl I have a burning desire to lose the weight and be strong for her.
For the fabulous Blogging Carnival, going on over at Bookie Boo, my Commit to Fit Challenge will be to get ready to ski. Not since I found out I was pregnant with me son have I squeezed into my bibs and donned a parka for some skiing fun. I need to not only fit in the clothing, but also be able to enjoy the day. Our family enjoys both cross country as well as a bit of down hill. This year will the first time going out with both kiddos in the trailer, as well as letting my 3-year-old son try on skis. My challenge is not only to get out there, but to also enjoy the day without feeling too winded. I can totally do this! I am motivated! This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Subway (@subwayfreshbuzz). One winner of the blogging carnival wins $100 towards the fitness goal of their choice. I think this would pay for either some new ski gear, or I have been eyeing the EA Sports Active 2. *drool*
MAMAVATION TV: Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV. Special guests are Sharon Catherine Blanks and Billy Blanks Jr.
SISTA OF THE WEEK: Yay for Heather (@notdiyheather)
So here are the week's goals:
1. Be good till turkey day (aka portion sizes and watch calorie intake)
2. Survive turkey day (aka don't be tempted to unbutton the top of my pants)
3. Feel good about myself after turkey day (be happy and able to live with my previous choices)
4. Keep Hydrated (I was so bad last week! I need a camel back.)
I do have one more thing to share ladies, here is how I am passing the mamavation on:
This was my little girl's first time manning the salad spinner! That night my son also had a good 2 bites of his salad. I was a pretty proud mama. Hot pants or not, I felt like a good role model that night.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Giveaways on Other Blogs! - Stuff My Kids Would Love
My son adores airplanes, helicopters, construction equipment, tractors, fire trucks, trains and garbage trucks. I guess you could say he is a typical little boy. So far I have been just amazed at the toys created to inspire creativity in our little guys. One company that never fails to excite my whole family is Lego.
I say the whole family, because I think right now my DH & I enjoy playing with the Lego sets even more than the kiddos. Currently there is an awesome giveaway going on at The Ethertons.
As part of their fabulous gift guide, they are giving one SUPER lucky reader a LEGO CITY AIRPORT set $99.99 RV.
Isn't that fabulous? I could see myself my son playing with it for hours! So I am sharing this with you in hopes that karma rewards my share with a little something extra special under our tree this Christmas. Enter Here. This giveaway ends 11/26.
I say the whole family, because I think right now my DH & I enjoy playing with the Lego sets even more than the kiddos. Currently there is an awesome giveaway going on at The Ethertons.
As part of their fabulous gift guide, they are giving one SUPER lucky reader a LEGO CITY AIRPORT set $99.99 RV.
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