Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Herecomesthestork - Learn to sell!!

Here Comes the Stork is a wonderful place and its under new management and transforming and growing!!

HCTS is a place to make friends, expand your business, find support to boost your business - You can learn tricks and new techniques to sell on ebay,etsy and more!

Be a Sahm with an INCOME!!

What's Inside the Site?

Answers to some of the most "secret" questions asked such as:

  • Where do you buy your merchandise from?
  • How do you get such low-cost inventory?
  • How much money can I make in a month?
  • When is the best time to start selling summer, fall, winter, spring items?
  • What price should I start my item at?
  • What direct sales businesses have the most profit?
  • How do you become a merchant on Amazon?
  • How much time do others spend working?
  • What items make the most money?
  • Should I charge a flat ship fee or actual ship fee?
  • How should I package items?
  • What shipping source should I use?
  • How can I profit from selling toys?
  • What is the best way to photograph items?
  • How can I earn top-dollar for each and every item?
  • Where else can I sell besides Ebay?
  • How do I start my own website?
  • How can I expand my business?

  • AND MANY, MANY MORE!!



  • They are having a huge sale on their membership... Check it out!! They are having a lifetime membership for $129 - that's a huge savings from t
    he yearly plan!!


    I really love it there - Over the years I sold on ebay I made a bit of money to help with getting Ambers next seasons clothes, extras for her, school, xmas... It was really worth the time to go on, bond with the other members and share ideas and learn from the members.
    I hope you really like HereComestheStork!!
    Here Comes The Stork-Your Guide to Selling Online!

    Tuesday, November 24, 2009

    Holly and Hall Moose Contest

    You have to check it out!! Prissymommy.com is having a contest for Holly and Hall Moose Movie Debuting tonight!!

    There will be TWO (2) winners:

    ONE (1) winner will receive Holly and Hall plush animals and ONE (1) reader will receive the dvd.

    Check out her site and enter the contest!!

    Tuesday, November 17, 2009

    Christmas Lights in all their glory!! CONTEST

    OK I know we all LOVE christmas lights. Even our nieghbors love glancing over and seeing what everyone else has done, driving down christmas lane and telling each other which ones we love the best. We used to have a great one in Kenosha WI where we heard carolers and it took 30-45 mins to get through all the christmas houses :)

    Now http://holidayspecs.com/ has brought you the best addition yet!! Make the lights dance the way you want! Put on either the Santa Claus, Northern Lights, Angels, Snowmen, Holiday Dreams and see much more than just lights!



    Amber had a blast (she wears glasses too so they fit right over them!) - she took one of each and just loved them. The Santa Claus ones you see who else but Santa in every light, The Northen Lights - you see the northern light shinning bright!, Angels - you see flying angels at every point of light, Snowmen!! I LOVE this one - see little snowmen everywhere, and of course the Holiday Dreams - sugarplums dancing in our head! - different holiday images are shown.

    Their inexpensive - Amber managed not to tear a single one so they hold up well and they do really work. Give them as a gift for the holiday season, grab a couple prs to drive down Christmas Lane and see all the lights differently this year or just enjoy your own christmas tree cuddled up on the couch :)

    Stop giggling at the video - but its a great way to give you the idea of how they work


    *Believe it or not the neighbors have christmas lights out already and we got the chance to go outside and really give them a good use!

    Enter to Win a set of 5 Glasses (1 of each kind) :

    • Go to the site http://holidayspecs.com/ and tell me what other glasses you'd love to have
    • Join my facebook page and post that you did
    • Follow my Blog and let me know that you did
    • Purchase glasses and post your order number below
    • Blog about the contest and put the link to your blog below!
    Drawing will be held Dec 1st!

    Saturday, November 14, 2009

    Operation Santa Claus

    We are now up to $530 and have boxes arriving weekly - we have tons of items and hoping to reach our goal of $1500 by Nov 23rd

    We just had a box arrive from Keiko Lynn! Tons of goodies inside!! Feels like christmas and I'm just excited!!


    Our local school Durand Jr High/High School - Go Bulldogs!! - Has stepped in to help out and are getting a real push this last week!

    Thanks to all who have helped out with OSC, sent letters to soldiers, said a prayer for a military family or just taken a moment to think about a soldier overseas!!

    K'nex Toy Review - Win $1000 worth!!

    K'nex 400 Pc Tub Review and Contest!!

    What I received:
    1 Tub
    400 Pieces
    20 Building Ideas

    I gotta say I love the container - lol as a mom who likes to be organized, its great with a solid lid. Inside was baggies separating all the parts. No breaking pieces off a sheet (you the kind where its all attached plastic!) - they are tough little suckers no matter how hard Amber shoved them into place lol. Lots of parts so kids can build & rebuild over and over again; endless hrs of building, playing - not a toy they will get tired of.


    It even came with a booklet that had tons of ideas and step by step instructions on how to build them. We picked one and tried it ourselves :) Course afterwards my husband destroyed it and is building his own creation lol

    I think my husband had more fun than Amber or myself. Brought him back to his childhood :) I think it turned out nice !! The video actually shows that it works LOL - There is alot of movement in the models - wheels on cars, propeller on airplanes, our ferris wheel and there's a merry go round!!



    • Neat things - it works with Legos - so you can expand your Lego sets and add on with the K'nex!
    • The storage set (you know I Love it!) has TONS of room for more sets to be thrown in there with it.
    • MADE IN THE USA!!!
    • Inexpensive - goes for around $20.99 - at Target, Wal-mart and Toys'R'Us
    • Age range is 7 and up
    Now to get Creative!! K'nex is having a Video Contest!
    Win $1,000 worth of K'nex Building Sets and be featured on the KNEX.com website!

    All you have to do is make a video that showcases your child's K'nex building skills and features your child building with the select K'nex Products. Be creative and use your imagination - construct your own story - as long as the video features building with K'nex the possibilities are endless!!

    Contest Date: Nov 4th - Dec 7th 2009
    Simply post a video on your own blog or website and submit the link along with a completed entry form, including your name, age, email address and phone number to knexvideocontest@knex.com
    (No website or blog - no problem!! - send a dvd/vhs with entry form to :
    Make a K'nex Video Contest, K'nex Brand, L.P., PO Box 700, Hatfield, PA 19440)

    Video - must be atleast 30 seconds long but no longer than 3 minutes and includes one or more of these sets:
    • K'nex 400 pc tub
    • K'nex Sesame Street Building Sets
    Remember the deadline is December 7th, 2009! (Video submitted by mail but be received by this date) The 10 finalist will be showcased on KNEX.com and the K'nex Facebook Fan Page and then K'nex fans will vote for their favorite "Make a K'nexion" Video. 1 Grand Prize Winner will receive $1000 K'nex products and have their video featured on the KNEX.com website. The 9 finalist videos will also be featured on the KNEX.com website.

    Please go to the KNEX.com website to see the complete rules and regulations of the contest!

    Wednesday, October 28, 2009

    Toy Guide...

    For those wanting to make a little extra money this holiday, don't forget to order the toy guide!!

    If you order by Thursday, November 5th, you will be able to take full advantage of the Gold package and get all 8 weekly reports that are included.

    You can order it here:
    http://www.holidaytoyguide.com/

    *all proceeds from this are going to the Operation Santa Clause :)

    WINNER!!

    Craftmom - Wins - Magnificent Manicure Kit !!!

    Keep an eye out for more contests!!

    Monday, October 26, 2009

    Pumpkins, Facepaint and Invites for the Spookfest...

    Sunday we drove to Kenosha Wisconsin to see my MIL and hang out - it was supposed to be Halloween day out there (the Sunday before Halloween - from 3-6 - been that way for YEARS) NOPE NOT THIS YEAR! It has to fall on Halloween lol ... Amber was upset but we made it up by going to Smith Pumpkin Farm out there and getting her face painted, some nice hot apple cider, walking around picking up small mini pumpkins and Grandma spoiling her rotten with a candy covered apple that has sprinkles... ohh I can't wait to be asked to cut that up and have her eat it - can we say sugar high??

    It was fun, nice to get out and it was really a nice day weather wise, so it all worked out. Some pictures

    Click here to view these pictures larger



    But in all the excitement I FORGOT to make her invitations for the party Saturday... I had to quickly make invites this morning - found a neat template online Click HERE

    Then I whipped out the cardstock, some old ribbon, my glue gun and poof! I've got an invite that's not horrible lol Let me tell ya, I had 2 hrs and a kid calling from school asking if there were done yet and could I add pjs to the list since its pjs day and we didn't know. Ughh... Its definitely Monday!!

    Closed and Open



    Close Up on the inside

    Thursday, October 22, 2009

    Christmas is 63 days away... Crazy isn't it!

    Christmas is 63 days away... Crazy isn't it!

    I'm done planning Halloween - just getting ready to enjoy it. I've gotten almost everything I need for the thankgiving dinner except the big ol' turkey. lol so now... now I concentrate on getting christmas gifts and trying to get good ones that she'll enjoy. Mike's a little harder, he wants big big gifts that even grandma can't afford to help get lol.

    So what do you get a 12yr old preteen??

    BAB - (Build a Bear) - we've done this since she was 3. Mike came home from North Carolina (I think that was the state lol) and he had this little white teddy bear and she slept with teddy all the time. He was gone for weeks at a time for training so this was great, she still had a little piece of him :) So we continued the tradition years later adding onto her collection of bears, bunnies, dogs, kitties.. etc. And the collection of clothes for these guys - did you know that the bunny has a sun umbrella (I don't even have one lol) - Just don't know when to end the tradition, what age is appropriate to say, lets pass on your bears and bunnies to someone that really needs a hug? Of course Teddy has to stay. No questions asked about that one!

    DS (Or DSi) - Nintendo, I love you!! lol On rainy days, on long car drives, when your sick in bed or just bored silly from weary days - you can have the kids play their DS. Tons of fun games, educational, training games (the pet vet ones makes her take care of animals or they get sick and get taken away from her). Our Nintendo is on the way back to them since its broken and we are still under the one year warranty. - Now what games do I get her that are girly and she'll like? We just got Wizards of Waverly place for halloween - she bought it :) She turned in her old games and was able to pay 1.45 for the new game. Teaches her responsibility too! Also do we upgrade her to the DSi? I don't allow internet access too much with her. She's got her sites she can go to, but we don't do facebook or anything like that. So is the DSi appropriate?

    Clothes - I learned along time ago that she loves shopping and clothes just as much as me but she doesn't want them as presents lol. UNLESS its a warm fuzzy sweater she can cuddle up in or pjs that are fleece bottoms. Everything else just gets that stare of, 'come on mom - what were you thinking' lol

    Dress up - yes we just got out of the dress up stage with the dresses and shoes but she's into the other preteen stage - MAKEUP! they want makeup, earrings, necklaces, bracelets - and they need to be 'cool'. I've stuck with the Avril Lavigne line and did Claire's for the earrings. But the makeup I haven't done yet. Lipgloss yeah. But not the other. She breaks out alot from things so What brand do I get?? What do I get?? I know Twilight items this year are a must so I'll be on the look out for the necklaces and bracelets from that :)

    Cooking - my moms and mother in law have always sent Amber holiday baskets (full of junkfood) and toys. They started putting in the muffin mixes that you can get for like .89 cents and she can just add water. I hate the stupid Easy Bake Ovens. So this was a nice turn for us and we all enjoyed it. (The wild berry ones are her favorite!) Last year my gf got her a cute apron to wear. She loves to cook!! So what should we get her this year? She has a couple cookbooks. This is her favorite hobby and loves making dinner with dad, so I need to include something for it with christmas.

    Books BOOKS books! - I can't stress enough how much both Amber LOVES to read. She can suck down a book and just not let go of it at bedtime. But I want her to finish the books completely before going onto another one. Yeah at her age she should be able to do this, but we are a little behind maturity wise for her to keep up. Would buying her a little journal to put notes in about the book, too 'schooly'? Do I buy her a couple sets of books or just keep it to one?


    What I already have for Amber? umm not alot lol. Normally I'm stacked to the cieling with gifts hidden in the basement. This year, not so much. I have a dolphin bank that was handmade that she can put in her room. Help her learn money and earning it better. And I have a vampire book collection - My Sister is a Vampire. We had to get them off Ebay since they don't make the #2 one anymore in the states. But that's about it... I've got alot of shopping to do Lucy!!

    Monday, October 19, 2009

    Toy Review! Magnificent Manicure Kit - WIN ONE!

    Hi ladies - told you I'd have a couple more coming :)

    Magnificent Manicure Kit - by Elmers

    Scientific Explorer partnered with UC Berkeley's Great Exploration in Math and Science (GEMS) program to create fun educational science kits like the Magnificent Manicure Kit.

    I know Amber loves interactive toys - ones that she can make things with and we've gotten past the stage of playdoh and the easy bake oven. This was a fantastic idea for her... age appropriate and she could definitely handle the concept :)

    It's has also been picked as the Creative Child Magazines 2009 Toy of the Year Award in the Educational Toys category!!

    You get everything you need to turn your house into a nail spa for the day:

    • Crystal mud
    • Bath salt
    • Lavender mist fragrance
    • Cucumber melon fragrance
    • Soaking tray
    • Measuring spoon
    • Mixing spoon
    • Pipette
    • Lotion base
    • Dye
    • Glitter
    • Nail buffer
    • Toe separators
    • Pumice stone

    We invited a bunch of girls over (ages 11-14) and bought a couple extra toe spacers at target at the $1 section to keep it sanitary :) They had a ball!! They made their own crystal mud and sea salt scrub - their hands were really soft afterwards. And they did their own manicures. All the kids loved adding the stuff together and measuring it all. I'm allergic to a lot of things but didn't have a problem with these items at all :)
    (waiting for permission from parents before posting pictures)


    Available at Toys "R" Us and www.toysrus.com - Age range 8+ ... retail price $19.99

    BUT Get your chance to win one here!!
    1. Go to Elmers Science Fair and tell me what your project would be!

    2. Subscribe to my Facebook

    3. Subscribe to my Blog above

    4. Subscribe to my Gymbohaven Newsletter

    Contest Ends Oct 26th!

    Sunday, October 18, 2009

    Breast Cancer Awareness Special

    BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME AND SUPPORT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH.


    October is Breast Cancer Awareness month - 10% of all orders placed through Independent Demonstrator Amy Serpe during the month of October will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Browse my website, www.AdorableExpressions.com then call me or email me with your order. It’s that simple, that’s all you have to do to help support Breast Cancer Research. If you do not have internet access, don’t worry, you can still help. Give me a call and I’ll bring our Idea Book to you!


    This is close to my heart - with my Aunt Ellen and my sister Heather having breast cancer, the reality hits home hard. I've already scheduled my first appt to get a mammogram due to my family history. Check yourself regularly and tell the doctor of any little bump - don't worry, they will check it with out question. Knowing early increases your chances of survival!!


    Know the statistics
    Your chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years:
    •Age 20, 1 in 1,837;
    •Age 30, 1 in 234;
    •Age 40, 1 in 70;
    •Age 50, 1 in 50;
    •Age 60, 1 in 28;
    •Age 70, 1 in 26.

    A few facts about Breast Cancer.

    Although the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased since the early 1990s, the overall death rate from breast cancer has dropped.

    It’s estimated that approximately $8.1 billion is spent in the United States each year on breast cancer treatment.

    Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in American women, following heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses.

    Barring a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the next 25 years. More than 1 million could die.

    On average, mammography will detect about 80%-90% of breast cancers in women without symptoms.

    About 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors for it at all.


    As an added bonus…
    Orders placed between 5:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday, October 26, 2009, will receive a 10% discount! Mention this coupon to receive discount.

    Saturday, October 17, 2009

    Jenni Hunts Holiday Toy Guide - It's Here!

    Hi Ladies,

    Thank you for letting me share with you the free reports and the Holiday Toy Guide. I know everyone has their own way to research, plan and act for the holiday season but this one always seems to fit me best. It's all done for me and I'm ready to roll. What could be easier??

    The 2009 Holiday Toy Guide is ready...

    They have jam packed the Holiday Toy Guide package this year... but, you'll have to act quickly because there is only a limited number of memberships.

    There has been some concern of eBay getting saturated - so they are doing their part by limiting the number of people who get their hands on the 2009 Holiday Toy Guide...

    You can learn all about it here:
    http://www.holidaytoyguide.com

    Enjoy,


    PS. There are only 468 memberships left right now... so if you want one, you should get it here today.

    Http://www.holidaytoyguide.com



    *Please note that any and all commission earned on this will be used for our upcoming Operation Santa Claus program.

    Friday, October 16, 2009

    Jenni Hunts Holiday Toy Guide - Free Info Day 3

    How To Get Those Visitors Bidding

    Well, so many people wrote in after yesterday’s report that Jenni put up another one today.

    This report explains 6 quick tips for listing during the holidays and you can get it here:
    http://www.holidaytoyguide.com

    In today’s report, you’ll learn how to get your visitors bidding by:


    1.Making yourself stand out
    2.Using your store to test your market
    3.Not completing with yourself
    4.Watching those listing fees
    5.Following up

    I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy sharing it with you ;-)


    PS. If you feel like it, you can leave your opinion on today’s report in the comment’s section! I’d love to hear from you.



    *Please note that any and all commission earned on this will be used for our upcoming Operation Santa Claus program.

    Thursday, October 15, 2009

    Jenni Hunts Holiday Toy Guide - FREE info Day 2

    How To Research For Toys That Are Selling

    Here is another report that was just put up on the Holiday Toy Guide website:

    http://www.holidaytoyguide.com

    In it, you’ll learn 5 keys to researching eBay for hot items… even toys that aren’t toys.

    You can get it right now by going here and downloading it:

    http://www.holidaytoyguide.com

    Let me know how you like it :-)

    PS. I’ve gotten so many nice notes from people who really enjoyed the last report. Thanks so much for your kind words.



    *Please note that any and all commission earned on this will be used for our upcoming Operation Santa Claus program.

    Wednesday, October 14, 2009

    Jenni Hunts Holiday Toy Guide - Free Info Day 1

    2009 toy trends for the holiday selling season

    Jenni from the Holiday Toy Guide just put a new report on her website and I think you’ll like it.

    You can see it here:
    http://www.holidaytoyguide.com/

    You’ll like it because it shows you an easy way to know what some of the most popular toys are expected to be this holiday season.

    Enjoy!

    *Please note that any and all commission earned on this will be used for our upcoming Operation Santa Claus program.

    Tuesday, October 13, 2009

    Operation Santa Claus


    OSC - begins its 4th year!

    We collect donations, stockings, dvds and more - than ship them overseas to soldiers away from thier families for the holidays. We also send packages home to the families to give them a little extra treat while their loved ones are away.

    Last year blew me out of the water with all the stockings and donations sent to the soldiers and families back home! We truly appreciate all efforts to make this a success and look forward to this years Operation Santa Claus.

    You can send anything on the suggested list, FULL stockings with a note inside from you, Buildabear gift certificate, BuildaBear items, Letters of encouragement, letters/picture from the little ones (let me know if you have a classroom that would love to do this!)… Email me for my mailing address if you would like to send your donations by snailmail - aserpe@mchsi.com

    We are working with BuildaBear this year to send bears to the kids at home waiting for their loves ones to come home safely. *More information to come

    Everything will be shipped out November 23rd so that it arrives in time!


    Our Troop this year!

    Captain Steve Pressley - 7th Engineer Battalion

    70 soldiers over in Iraq

    Pictures Coming Soon!


    We want to thank you so much for every little thing you do! We couldnt' do this each year with out you and your support. The list below shows all the families that have supported us this year:

    Mike, Amy and Amber


    To see the items needed or to make a paypal donation go to

    http://www.gymbohaven.com/operationsantaclaus2009.htm

    Monday, October 12, 2009

    CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST!




    Carrie from Emily’s Little Treasures is offering a special just for you ladies AND a chance to win her Minnie Mouse Custom Peasant Dress, which will also include a matching headband for the winner…



    Specials

    The Peasant Dresses she has listed on Etsy are available for our readers for just $16!

    And any of the Peasant Tops for $12 (these can be done in any of the fabrics shown for the dresses). Just email Carrie before purchasing at cmcraver@rochester.rr.com




    Minnie Mouse Custom Peasant Dress - The dress is available in 12-18m, 2T, 3T/4T, 5/6, and 7/8. There is an option to have a long sleeve or a short sleeve. All the seams are completely finished and top-stitched for a nice finished look. *I really do take care in the items I make and I love to share what I do with others.


    Love the dress? I knew you would! Below are several ways to enter the contest to win the Minnie Mouse custom Peasant Dress and matching headband.


    1. Join Carries Facebook page or fan page and post below that you’ve done so!

    2. Post your favorite item from her Etsy page

    3. Subscribe to my Facebook

    4. Subscribe to my Blog above

    5. Subscribe to my Gymbohaven Newsletter


    Friday, October 9, 2009

    Halloweens of the past...

    I was reading my BigCrumbs newsletter and couldn't stop giggling... they were talking about the old costumes where you had a huge mask and it had a rubber band on the back to hold it on, you know that once that night you were going to have to tie it back together and then the rest of the night when the other side of the band broke you were walking around holding it up on your face. LMAO - I turned to my husband whose two yrs older than me and asked if her remembered those. I remember being Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Bright. He remembers GI Joe and one I can't recall (bad memory lol). It was the kind you picked up by looking through a thin plastic cover on a box and all you saw was the mask inside, the plastic costume (which really wasn't all that badly made) was underneath. You wore your clothes and threw it over. I even had to wear my COAT one year underneath! (NY weather lol) I think they cost like 5.99 - 9.99 depending on the character and size.

    What happened to the quality, ease and familiarity of the costume you were getting??

    Now... ohhhhhh my golly gosh... last yr we took an afternoon of going to costume stores trying to find one that fit my daughter that wasn't snug, too low, cut off at the wrong places... and ended up getting it at Spirit Halloween store. It was in the womens section of Leg Avenue costumes. It was a vampire velvet completely covered costume... the killer was the price tag. I think it was $49.99. My husband died on the spot but knew we couldn't get any of the kids ones to fit her. She's not fat, she's not short, she's average! She wore it for school and the zipper broke. That night we pinned it and made it more goth looking to wear it again for trick or treating. I swore that wasn't going to happen again!

    So this year, I made sure there was no hassle, no store shopping and the darn thing was going to be cheap, last the nights she needed it and still have it after wards. I'm sewing my little fingers out (actually pinning them to death right now!) making her costume from scratch. My gf asked why I didn't just spend $9.99 at walmart... I laughed and said I need it to last her Halloween Dance, TrickorTreating in WI for my MIL, Her school parade AND Halloween night here! I would have had to get a new one each night by the time we were done.

    Did you know my little monster ain't so little anymore?? I had to adjust the costume already. We went to the doctors and she got weighed and measured. My mom gasped (love it) since Amber was taller than her! She's 5' 1" and 123 pounds. Not bad for almost 13. Solid little sucker... made me go up a size on the pattern lol, thankfully I hadn't cut it yet when I found out. I was going off old measurements from back to school shopping this summer.

    I do wish Disney costumes were cheaper - I LOVE those and actually got Mike dressed up one year as Tigger. Now those suckers hold up and keep you warm!! Wanna See??
    OK enough halloween talk... off to do some housekeeping before the real spiderwebs take over here lol

    Wednesday, September 30, 2009

    A couple toy reviews...

    The season is coming and I'm already trying to find toys for my daughter, niece and nephews. We all want to be able to see toys, handle them and really play with them before the kids to see if its worth our money but 99% of the time we have to rely on others and thier experience with them. So I'm hoping this helps...

    First review is of the new Zhu Zhu Pets... They are cute, adorable little creatures that give us the chance to give a pet that moves and acts like a pet with out having to feed it, bath it or take it out to potty lol. Yes the connector sets are cool - there are several to choose from and tons of accessories for grandparents to help build up their stash BUT there are a couple downfalls...

    The bad points...

    1. the wheels on the pets - when they com in contact with a hand, face, HAIR the wheels start moving. Meaning hair gets caught up inside and needs to be carefully removed or CUT OUT! Not fun. AND this includes blankets, carpet edges (those fancy threads on the sides)... yeah those like to get wrapped up inside too.
    2. Everything is plastic and expensive - the Funhouse set with Hamsters is 118!! alone its 41.00 - not really sure I want a large portion of our christmas budget to go to this.
    3. I'm a lazy parent lol and just want to be entertained by our christmas gifts so when something takes 10 mins to set up each time for the kids to play with I do the normal 'sigh' and shake my head and wish I never bought it lol (Hope I'm not alone on this!)
    The good points...

    Beside what I mentioned before - cute, adorable, NO poop! lol they do run on their tracks and turn around in their cage, the car works well and the ball is cute for the kids to chase after when the hamsters are running inside it.

    So what do I think - Thumbs up for the Kids - Thumbs down for the parents.
    Take a peek for yourself (thanks to YouTube!)




    My second review is for the Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Railway- I like this one, the colors are awesome, couple accessories you can purchase to add on - that are cheaply priced!, Easy to assemble for both the kids and parents, The kids are able to take the trains off the track and put them back on with out having to really align them on the track - what I love the most is the MOVABLE TRACK! if the kids bump the track (running the train into it like they all do) and it bends the track stays together and the train still runs on it - why haven't they made this before!! No more wooden non moving tracks that are hard to put together!
    Comes with:
    • motorized engine train - with auto shut off! take 4 triple A batteries has on off button and master on off button!
    • Diego figure
    • two more train cars - one with a lift attachment
    • three cute animals - wolf, monkey and I lol don't know what to call the other but its cute!
    • Big mountain with a side ladder
    • 8.5 feet of track
    I give this Thumbs UP all around!!

    Thursday, September 10, 2009

    What do kids eat when no one is looking?

    It's back to school time!! And we all know what that means... bagged lunches!

    We all remember swapping what mom packed in our lunch box for something tastier (and decidedly less nutritious) than snacking even more upon arriving home from school. Now there are alternatives that encourage kids to eat better -for-you foods.

    Safeway and Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes have teamed up to create Eating Right Kids(tm) to bring you meals, snacks, cereals and drinks your kids will love - and you'll feel good about. Eating Right Kids is a full line of foods that are not only tasty, but better for children; It has been formulated to standards based on the most recent dietary recommendations and regulations from several federal and state agencies.



    Better yet - they feature the beloved Looney Tunes - something I know every child sees and knows - My favorite is Taz!!

    The product line features more than 60 items from breakfast, produce, portable meals, dairy, snacks, beverages and frozen entrees. All available at more than 1700 Safeway locations across the US and Canada.

    I got a sample in the mail: Eating Right Kids - Lunch Bag, Pasta, Juice and Chewy Bar.


    Now I know Amber's 12 so we brought Amaya over from next door - she's 4 yrs old and had her try it out!

    Amaya's thoughts - She loved every bit of it except the cherries in the fruit bowl - but her little sister (1 yr old) loved them. (her moms thoughts - lunchbag was too cute, was surprised they made the raviolis - couldn't wait to try it and loved it afterwards )

    Tips on making foods a quicker and easier solution for mom -

    I make a list of items I know Amber eats and put them on a list on the fridge - I have her pick them out the night before or two days before if its the weekend. You could even make it a spinning wheel and have it be a game - where the hand lands, is what she has for lunch.

    I make things finger size or portable size. The presliced apple or fruit cup, the snack size bag of pretzels, granola bar etc...

    Add something fun and a twist - like the apples - send the little caramel cups for them to dip them in or a purple spoon to eat her fruit with.

    I always put a napkin in that has a note from me... Hint: make a few ahead of time occording to your schedule (Mon - Love you, Tues - I know you'll be great in Dance class tonight, Friday - you'll do great on your test)

    Hope this helps!!

    Now for the fun part - CONTEST!! CONTEST!!
    Win the same lunch you see here and try it for FREE!!

    1. Join my facebook and let me know by posting below
    2. Follow my blog and let me know by posting below
    3. Go check out Safeway and let me know which product you like the best

    Post seperate entries for each one and have fun!!

    Friday, September 4, 2009

    Ideas...


    Some Great Ideas on displaying the Monthly Customer and Hostess (Earn them FREE with your orders!!)

    Serve up some delicious treats on a Scalloped Charger that has been decorated adorably for Halloween. If you are looking for a color other than the traditional orange or black for the scariest time of year, the color purple is one that will be sure to add some fun to your décor. Worried about damaging the vinyl? Place a sheet of clear cellophane over the expression before placing food on the charger.

    Supplies
    · “Just treats please” expression: Sugared Plum (9008)
    · Scalloped Charger (300112)
    · Clear cellophane (optional)

    Create a fun fall display for your wall by super gluing ribbon to the back of a Square Charger. It’s a great way to uniquely display this simple, yet charming charger and expression.

    Supplies
    · “Pumpkin patch” expression: Terra Cotta (9083)
    · Square Charger (300139)
    · Medallion (300113)
    · Ribbon (300105)
    · Super glue

    Tips & Tricks: Vinyl Effects Spider Webs

    Gently squeeze the bottle of Vinyl Effects and draw the straight spokes of the spider web first. Next, without squeezing the bottle at all, take the tip and drag an arched line between each of the spokes. The Vinyl Effects will be clear when it is dry to the touch, after about an hour.


    Supplies
    · “Spooktacular” expression: Lemon Chiffon (9022)
    · MDF Board—Pre-Drilled (300132)
    · Metal Hooks (300133)
    · Toolbox Paint—Matte Black (300148)
    · Sponge Brushes (300156)
    · Vinyl Effects Dimensional Accent (300155)

    Tuesday, September 1, 2009

    Photo Prints Contest

    Submit your photo for our photo contest!


    Three categories: people, pets and places

    The winner gets 1) one complimentary 2' x 2' Photo Print 2) can purchase additional sizes for a 20% discount, 3) Winning pics will be showcased on my website... and newsletter.


    All applicants will receive a 10% discount on photo vinyl purchased made between September 15-25.


    1 Entry Per Person All photo submissions should be emailed and received no later than September 8th. (All photos should be a min of 300 dpi) to aserpe@mchsi.com



    Our idea of ours


    Have you ever wanted to cheer your child on,

    off the field? Show them that the time spent together means more than anything to you?

    Or just display your most cherished photos?

    Now you can, with

    UL Photo Prints™

    With our special packages you can turn a traditional picture and a bare wall into

    an eye catching work of art!


    Contour Cut

    Size

    Description

    Item No.

    Price

    2’ x 2’

    Contour Cut Photo Print

    90012

    $29.95

    4’ x 4’

    Contour Cut Photo Print

    90009

    $69.95


    with value pack

    90010

    $84.90

    5’ x 4’

    Contour Cut Photo Print

    90006

    $79.95


    With value pack

    90007

    $94.90

    6’ x 4’

    Contour Cut Photo Print

    90003

    $89.95


    with value pack

    90004

    $104.95

    8’ x 4’

    Contour Cut Photo Print

    90000

    $119.95


    with value pack

    90001

    $134.90


    Upgrade to a Value Pack

    When you purchase a 4’x 4’ or larger contour cut Photo Print, you can upgrade your order with a Value Pack of the same image for only $14.95

    The price includes:

    • Two 8” silhouesttes (black only)
    • One 10” color graphic
    • One 18 color graphic

    Give these extra graphics to grandparents, teachers, and friends and hange them on any surface – lockers, refrigerators, mirrors, binders, laptops and more!















    Full Photo (not available with value pack)

    Size

    Description

    Item No.

    Price

    2’ x 2’

    Full Photo Print

    90013

    $29.95

    4’ x 4’

    Full Photo Print

    90011

    $69.95

    5’ x 4’

    Full Photo Print

    90008

    $79.95

    6’ x 4’

    Full Photo Print

    90005

    $89.95

    8’ x 4’

    Full Photo Print

    90002

    $119.95



    On September 15th
    Design your own Photo Print visit:
    http://Amy.UppercaseLiving.net
    Use our MyDesign Suite to upload your image
    and start creating your own masterpiece,
    in just 4 simple steps!
    Easy to Remove and Re-Use









    Blog Credit:
    Graphics used on page are from digital scrapbooking kit Sugar Rush by Flergs and Ziska. Blog arranged by Designs by Sarah using her Blog Design Service.