Adorable Expressions

Day 19 of Cycle 1

2012-02-14T08:18:00.000-06:00

Well this may be TMI (too much info lol) but my boobs will not stop hurting since CD 16. Its been a non stop rollercoaster of pain. From swollen and sore to right out if you even think of touching me I'll smack ya. Amber walked by and accidentally brushed me and OMG the pain! So its the hormones, the lovely pills enhanced the reactions of everything. I go tomorrow to get my blood drawn to double check and prove that I O'd. Then I just have to wait 8 days to see if my period decides to show up. The count down begins!

Day 15 Of Cycle 1

2012-02-11T14:21:00.000-06:00

I think I ovulated this week... the OPK tests are not working with me lol. But we'll see, this thursday I go for my day 21 testing and see if I did ovulate this cycle.

Small hold over as Friday I went into the ER for a ruptured internal kidney issue and small 2mm stone. Spent the night and they think the stone passed and the kidney will heal itself.

So back to my normal programming of trying to get pregnant lol. They did an ultrasound first thinking the drugs were causing issues but obviously they were not. But I did get a clear shot of my ovaries and uterus. They saw two small cysts on my right ovary... so either I had ovulated or I'm starting too. I think day15 would be late to 'start', normally by then they are ready to go. So we'll see, we're gonna have fun this week just encase :)

Can't wait for Thursday and I get a copy Monday of my ultrasound to look more closely at :)

Day 12 of Cycle 1

2012-02-07T08:03:00.000-06:00

I've been taking the OPK tests for the last 3 days and there's just a thin pink line lighter than the standard one. So no ovulation yet. I will say I'm still loosing weight, gotta love it! Keeping my exercise up and trying not to eat horribly - which means water and juice for drinks and no fast food. I was soo tempted yesterday lol. I did get the ovulation cramping again this morning but who knows how long that will last before it happens.

Day 10 of Cycle 1

2012-02-05T22:11:00.000-06:00

Wow these pills have just messed with my emotions... I'm crying at the drop of a hat over nothing. But I do think they worked... having ovulation pains today. I took my first OPK test today its shows a very very faint line. So hopefully by the end of the week :)

Day 4 of Cycle 1

2012-01-30T18:56:00.001-06:00

Well now that we are off the Megace - the lovely drug that Mike thinks makes me calm when the doctor warned us that I could turn into a raging lunatic lol. We've been cleared by the Oncologist at the University of Iowa ( from here on out called the U lol) to get pregnant and then go from there afterwards. Our first step was getting past the knock out surgeries. Then for my monthly to just begin... seriously forgot what they were like after being on the meds for almost a year. I couldn't wait for the dang thing to start and now that I'm on day 4 I can't wait for it to end lol. It took 3 weeks instead of the 1 the fertility doctor said it would, I was getting nervous and so was he, he ordered an ultrasound at the U and thankfully I got to make the call to cancel it.

So our first attempt will be with Femara. We did Clomid years ago and had no success. This isn't supposed to have as much side effects. Lets hope that's true. So days 3-7 I take 2 pills at 8am everyday. Then have fun and on day 21 go in for blood work to see if the pills made me ovulate. Meanwhile I take the ovulation kits and try using those... I swear they are the most difficult to figure out... its pink to begin with and then its supposed to get darker. We'll see if that works with me lol.

Then next month *cross your fingers!! We start IVF - we are just waiting on an apt and getting started on the program. Apparently its a month out for the intial apt. I'm faxing in the paperwork for it today. We found out that the insurance pays $15,000 towards IVF and we were just dumbfounded. The nurse even said it was like Christmas lol

Seems odd to think that in less than 2 months we could be pregnant. I'm not sure its sunk in yet. All these years (12) trying to get pregnant and now, we have a 95% chance between both cycles to get pregnant. It just blows my mind. I'm excited and nervous and trying not to get my hopes up too high. Well buying baby stuff isn't the greatest not to get your hopes up but dang it, they were a steal lol

Lets see how the next couple days go with the meds!

What a start to the new year!

2012-01-30T16:36:00.000-06:00

I know its been awhile since I posted. I would say a few things have happened since the beginning of the year...

My first thing was going to the ER after shopping all day at the mall thinking the minor cramps I had would go away. The nausea was the nail in my coffin... Mike wasn't gonna let me go home either (I tried blowing it off once we left the mall and got into the van) Nope... So all three of us took the jot over to the ER and waited. I sent Mike home with Amber and sat there bored off my toushy with what felt like a period cramp, thinking it was just a cyst and wow what waste of money this ER trip was going to be. Mike came back right before they took me upstairs.

After being admitted and getting the correct arm band (three times it took for them to get the right band to scan - the poor girl trying to draw blood was just frantic trying to make sure it got corrected) They sent me down to get a quick CT, easily done after I was told my head wasn't going into the machine (I'm just a tad claustrophobic and I think the look on my face when we entered the room made the girl explain how the machine worked).

After 10 mins the doctor showed back up in my room and told me, well its your appendix. Mike laughed, that was his bet and I lost a buck I think. Well more than that, cause the suckers took me into surgery in less than 2 hrs from that and by 7pm I was awake with my first surgery scars and one less organ.

All seemed good til week 2 of recovery, I couldn't keep much down and my right side started hurting severely. When I saw the surgeon for a check up, the lovely (she really was pretty for a doc) assistant pressed on my gallbladder and they both looked at each other - like some mental talk so I wouldn't know. Then he said if it got worse or anything else happened to call. He really wanted to make sure it wasn't from surgery - since it was my first I was like 'ok' and left. That night I was in so much pain I called the nurse hotline and then the surgeon on call. He didn't seem too happy to be answering a phone call at 9pm but too bad this girl was in pain she never felt before. He said to call in the morning and make an apt. So I did - for the next day, ughhh one more day to go through this pain.

Well it didn't go as planned... Amber was sick and had an apt with our regular doctor (who knew nothing of my problems or surgery yet) So another day, another apt with a doctor. Welllllll I had my first accident on the way there and turned around and came home to change. I told the nurse when we got there why we were late and she scheduled me to be scene as well. Amber got like 5 mins with the doc and the rest of the time he looked at me and it was determined with his phone calls to the surgeon that my gallbladder now had to come out.

So another day, another apt with a doctor. The surgeon walked in, said its my choice to have it out and by the way you do have gallstones (geez glad someone told me! he apparently saw them on the original CT scan and thought I knew). I made sure to tell him I only saw the doc yesterday because of Ambers scheduled apt and when they heard what was going on saw me. His attitude seemed to change (think he was upset I saw a doctor in between his apts??? Yeah I'm thinking so!) And so he scheduled my next surgery for the very next day. He didn't mention that he had to go BACK through my belly button again... found that out afterwards, damn that one hurt bad, the rest no so much.

So yep, surgery went well, 2 week appointment came and guess what, I have some weird pain... the assistant sees me this time and yeah she agrees I could possibly have a cracked rib. GREAT anything else you guys want to tell me while I'm here. She looks at the paper and tell me the appendix was so bad it was leaking and ready to go. The gallbladder was inflamed and enlarged and there was so many gallstones they didn't bother counting. Really... that many and no one thought to say anything. *shaking head*

So another day, another apt with a doctor. I saw my reg doc this time and he wanted another CT run. Rule out infection, abscess, and other things I had no idea about til later (they were looking to see if my pancreas was ok). I will say this was NOT like my other CT - I walked into a blunder of surprises and the nurse was wayyy pissed that I wasn't told that I had to drink not 1 but 2 barium bottles of fluid and have an IV. But since I was dehydrated and hadn't had anything to drink per docs office instructions they had a horrible time getting my IV in. Another upset moment by the nurse. I have a few marks before I asked for the ultrasound iv specialist (they come down with a little machine and located your veins). She hit it once and got it... love that girl!! 1 bottle down and the IV in and I was ready for the machine - I told her 2 bottles and it would be on the floor by her feet in seconds. :) CT turned out ok, I have a cracked rib. Nothing anyone can do for me.

So another day, another apt with a doctor. - Nooo just kidding... it was like grand central station just phone calls from offices on checking up on me. So 4 weeks - 2 surgeries and 1 cracked rib later I'm just trying to relax and wait the rib out. All the incisions are healed and itchy (ughhh) but it all looks good. We've also met our lovely 4500.00 deductible for the year so we can do or see anyone now and not worry LOL OYE!!

Beautiful Chaos - #3 Caster Chronicles

2012-01-05T10:14:00.000-06:00

I've gotten used to the male perspective that this book is written in. I've actually come to like it. But I'm not sure if it was me or the drugs from surgery but this book was all over the place - cemeteries, bokors, the far keep, sentencing for Marian, finding John and where they found him... did I mention Ridley seems to drop off the face of the earth in this book, she was there and then poof the author put her on the back burner lol. It was a good book, it kept my attention the entire time. But I think it was unsettling that the characters were out of alignment, specially Amma. Guess that's what the author wanted you to feel, hmmm

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?
For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.
Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

iCaughtSanta.com

2011-12-21T10:11:00.001-06:00

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa caught in the act in his or her very own home. iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

I'm a huge Santa fan which is why we instantly fell in LOVE with iCaughtSanta.com.

2011-12-12T15:14:00.002-06:00

Designers Nursery Blooming Babies Blooming Florettes Crib Bedding Set + $150 Giveaway

Designers Nursery is giving one of her readers a $150 Gift Certificate.

Visit Designers Nursery to view their full selection of baby bedding, baby shower favors, baby furniture, baby blankets, and much more!

Operation Santa Claus 2011

2011-12-09T13:24:00.001-06:00

THANK YOU to everyone who participated, shared our links, donated, sent letters and more!! We were able to get all the things below for the troops and for the kids this year. Lets hope they are all home for the holidays next year!!

AGAIN THANK YOU!!

GameStop and VideoGamesEtc came together for me and we were able to get... a 4G Xbox360Slim, 4 controllers, 6 games, 1 Wii system, 4 games, remote charger, wheel/accessories. With Build A Bears help - 25 Build A Bears to send back home to the kids on base!!

Build-A-Bear Workshop®

2011-12-09T13:19:00.000-06:00

This holiday season, Build-A-Bear Workshop® is inviting you and your family to get your wish on. With brand-new furry friends from the latest holiday movies, classic and celebrity characters, hi-tech Kinect enabled bears, gifts that give back, holiday traditions, customized presents and fun stocking stuffers, Build-A-Bear Workshop will be on everyone's wish list this year. From those searching for the perfect stuffed animal for that special someone to a child discovering the joy of creating a personalized furry friend, Build-A-Bear Workshop invites you to check out the array of gift options that are sure to bring smiles long after the season is over.

Here are some of our favorite things about Build-a-Bear Workshop this season:

One of the best things about Build-A-Bear Workshop is the opportunity to make or buy a unique gift, add a customized, signature sound or embroidered message and give it to someone special. From newlyweds to new parents, sports fans to foodies, tweens to tough guys, Build-A-Bear Workshop has something for everyone and every budget.
What could be more personal than LIVE elves, ready to talk to your child about his/her wishlist? Thanks to our friends at Build-A-Bear Workshop, your family has a direct line to Santa and his little helpers! By visiting http://play.buildabear.com/, your child can create their own wish list with one of Santa's elves and tell them what they want for Christmas! Parental agreement is needed for all children under 13.
Who doesn't love a great deal, especially during the holidays? Build-A-Bear Workshop knows Moms want to stretch our "bear bucks" as much as possible, which is why they're introducing a great promotion this season. Starting today through 12/18/11, you can purchase any animal PLUS any outfit for just $24.99 (USD). That's a great price for a friend that will last a lifetime!

I also want to say that Build-A-Bear donated bears to our troops kids back home AGAIN this year. We want to thank them... they are cherished each year we can work with them!! THANK YOU BAB!!

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place. All opinions are my own.

Karo Syrup Facebook Contest

2011-12-02T11:42:00.000-06:00

Holiday presents don't need to be store bought or expensive to be meaningful. Homemade gifts are perfect for gift-giving and spreading holiday cheer. This year, Karo has partnered with Chicago pastry chef and cookbook author Sarah Levy to create delicious treats that are the perfect gift to give this holiday season.

Karo Syrup wants to celebrate all holiday baking recipes! Consumers who share their favorite recipe to bake in Karo's Recipe Sweepstakes are entered to win a special New Year's Eve package in Chicago, including a two-night stay at the Wit Hotel, dinner at Mastro's Steakhouse and a chocolate tour. Visit the "Tis the Season" tab at www.Facebook.com/KaroSyrup to share your recipe, enter to win this fabulous trip and see some of Sarah Levy's favorite holiday recipes.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Karo Syrup prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place. All opinions are my own.

With all those Thanksgiving leftovers, now is the perfect time to take the Hellmann's Turkey Challenge!

2011-11-29T08:33:00.000-06:00

Thanks to our friends Hellmann's®* and Best Foods®, chicken recently got a makeover. If you participated in the first-ever Chicken Challenge, a series of head-to-head chicken dish challenges that helped moms diversify their weekly recipe repertoire, you know that Hellmann's® transforms chicken into a juicy, crispy, delicious meal. The reigning recipe champion, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, has been making an appearance on dinner tables across the country.

Now it's turkey's turn.

With the holidays right around the corner, Hellmann's® is continuing their mission against mealtime monotony by encouraging moms to re-think their main dish meals and leftovers. And this time, they've enlisted the help of an expert on all things food, Chef Bobby Flay! Together, they are offering easy, delicious recipes, such as Turkey Casserole, that are great for the busy holiday season.

Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle to join the Hellmann's® Turkey Challenge each week at Hellmanns.com* as Turkey Casserole goes head-to-head with other tasty, juicy turkey recipes, like Bobby Flay's "Stuffing" Crusted Turkey Cutlet. All you have to do is cast your vote for your favorite to be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four $250 grocery gift cards each week.** If there are more than 10,000 entries, the prize value doubles to a $500 grocery gift card! **

**No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Hellmann's Chicken Challenge is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 a.m. ET on 9/12/11 & ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/5/11. For official rules, visit Hellmanns.com.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Crest® and Oral-B®

2011-11-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

MommyParties™

Xbox 360/ Kinnect Palooza

2011-11-19T16:44:00.000-06:00

We have the xbox 360 and kinnect at home. We've had it for a year now and it gets used slightly. Why... cause there hasn't been any games out there that have interested Amber or myself. Until now. Just Dance 3 and Zumba!!

This is what the games look like

Now Zumba was HARD - no doubt about it, it will take me some time to get there. There was a learning stage for all the moves, that goes fast too. Then the play zumba stage and there's a 4min warm up... that's as far as I got LMAO. Now Melissa and Ann both kept going, along with Amber. They were a movin'. Melissa felt like she got a good workout and wants to keep doing it each day. I'd like to learn the moves more and practice before starting the dancing.

If you could slow the moves down with a motion of your hand so the tempo slowed and sped up as you liked that would be great - Melissa's comment

Learning the moves - seemed ok at first

And the moves just got faster...

And then the fun started... a 4min warm up... now no laughin

FINALLY the dance started...

That was it for Zumba... wow a workout learning the moves and the warmup - the dancing was hard.

WOW - LOVED this!! Just Dance 3 was awesome. The moves are not hard, its funny if you mess up. The screen shows you the moves - there's a bar on either side to show you how each player is doing with their moves (good, excellent will show up) and on the top left you can see yourselfs in solid color to see if your in the screen sensor area.

They did three songs from this. Ann was wiped out, so that left Melissa and Amber. Wanna watch?

The first dance

So you can see the screen too

They had this cool Halloween dance on there lol

Party Rock Anthem!

OK all in all - Dance 3 was the best!! It'll take me a bit to get Zumba down but I'm gonna keep tryin'. The trees will be down too so we'll have more room LOL

Thanks to House Party for sending us the games!!

Hex Hall - new series by Rachel Hawkins

2011-11-13T08:38:00.000-06:00

Ok so Amber picked this up the other day. She wanted to read it, but I'm old fashion, I read them first. Sorry I don't want her reading things she really doesn't need to be exposed to.

This one has them all - fairies, vampires, werewolves, witches and warlocks. Its a mix of other books I've read - it has the school they all attend, the groundskeeper, the headmistress, the single human mom and the missing warlock dad - one large secret to keep figuring out AND a love triangel lol. Its all basic witch book stuff.

The author does skip ahead in the middle of the book - which i guess I'm thankful for and you dont loose anything for it. It just makes the book keep moving faster. Most authors don't do it, they drag it on lol.

I was expecting from the info on the back cover that we were going to go through her finding out she's a witch - instead we jump right in with both feet and she knows she's a witch, shes trying out her powers and wow what a mess.

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I like it for Amber... and yes now that I've read it, I'm onto book two - Demonglass - hmm maybe that should have been the title for the last book!

Hellmann's® Turkey Challenge

2011-11-08T09:25:00.001-06:00

Now it's turkey's turn.

*Or Best Foods® depending on geographical location of media market.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Passion - Fallen Series

2011-11-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

I just finished Passion from the Fallen series. WOW its the best book yet! I love how Luce goes through time, through the announcers, and relives her past lives. There are several and each one is unique, the get more and more involved each time, learning more about herself and her love with Daniel. Its more about what happens between them then the kiss. I was surprised at the twist, loved it... but of course the ending really makes you wonder what is going to happen in the next book. Don't they all - but they only have 9 days.

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .
Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.
Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.
Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Fyrflyz - We Own the Night

2011-10-29T22:06:00.001-05:00

Ok so what do teens do at a halloween party after their costumes come off?? Play with all my toys!! I was sent Fyrflyz. These neat toys that light up and you can do tricks. We've been trying for ages with the young ones to get them to do the tricks... this one just picked it up and went at it lol

These are the things your able to do with it :)

You can get them at Toys R Us for 8.99 - perfect for halloween night OR for xmas stockings!!

Illusions Book 3 in the Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike

2011-10-23T17:09:00.000-05:00

I know its been A LONG TIME since I read Wings (book 1) and Spells (book 2) - but I grabbed this while at the university waiting for my ride. Not a bad read and I was able to finally jump back into it, I had forgotten the entire story line lol.

There's a love triangle - Laurel (a faerie) David (a human) and Tamani (another faerie from Avalon) - Laurel has to choose 1 or the other, or neither for her own saniti and theirs.

The author introduces another character Yuki - Japanese exchange student - well we all know she's not, we know she's a faerie - but we don't know if she's innocent or evil, a spring or winter faerie. Tamani takes the time to get to know her and track her to try and find out... you wait til the end of the book to get any idea AND UMM I'm PISSED how it stopped... seriously... I kept going back and trying to see if I missed a page or two lol. Just smacks you in the face and it ends.

Good book though. Now that I'm back into it, can't wait for the next one! Destined is due out 4/28/12

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

Soul Thief - Demon Trappers Daughter Series

2011-10-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

Soul Thief is the second in the series by Jana Oliver.

Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad. With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.

But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever…

My Review:

Riley is in a love triangle (sorta) when we leave the first book. In this one she looses one and really falls for another. Leaving the third totally twisting in the end (but we all know we want them together!!). I was really surprised at Ori - the level the author took it too with their relationship. WOW - shows you what men can really be like.

Not a lot of killing per say in this book - more of the story line laying out and getting all the facts and other characters introduced. From the witches, necromancers and the auction... I'd be a little twisted up with emotions and that's what gets Riley going in this book.

I held on and didn't let go til it was over and I want the next book :)

It's coming - Prom!!

2011-10-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

Promgirl.net is the perfect place to go - not only for prom but any any dress. They offer a wide selection of prom dresses, formal gowns and accessories; and have been in business online since 1999.

Take a peek at Amber in one of their dresses. This one is from their Short Prom Dresses selection.

LOL don't mind the miss matched socks, she was so eager to try it on. We even got a smile!

I'm impressed, not easily done with a prom dress. We've gone to Debs, Department stores and so on. The zippers break, the sequins falls off... they are SEE THROUGH!! OMG I won't go on.

Promgirl.net has high quality items! There is almost 6 layers under that skirt!! Tons of tulle that has a finished edge, a colored skirt, a white skirt... She never once complained that it itched. LOL The stitching is great... did I mention her dress from the other night has already started to tear! Not this one, its got tons of comfort lining and its sewn beautifully.

The straps to hold the dress up are even nice lol.

Ok enough about me going on and on about the dress... follow the links and check out the dresses!!

Their selection of prom dresses are fabulous... Love them.

Amber favorite is the High Low Dress with the sweetheart neckline

Amber also loved this one from their Formal Dresses comes in black too!

AND Promgirl.net is having a Free Dress Giveway once a month on their facebook page!

DONT FORGET to register for the free giveaway.

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary dress.

HEXBUG Nano Halloween - Coming soon to you!!

2011-10-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

HEXBUG Nano Halloween - This is what arrived for our halloween party AHHAHAHAH (evil laugh) - I'll post pictures of the kids once we have it!

We have Hexbug Nano Glows in the Dark Micro Robotic Creatures

Halloween Zombie Nano

Hexbug Nano Larva

Hexbug Nano Glows in the Habitat Set

Hexbug Nano Glows in the Dark Elevation Habitat Set

LIFE Foundation sponsors Life Insurance Awareness Month

2011-09-27T16:50:00.000-05:00

As moms, we do everything we can to provide our children with a good life, filled with happiness and lots of opportunities. But when was the last time you stopped to think about how your family would manage without you? It's not a pleasant thought to ponder, but if your family depends on you, it's a topic you can't afford to ignore.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to think about protecting the most important people in our lives. The nonprofit LIFE Foundation sponsors Life Insurance Awareness Month in response to the growing problem of too many families not having adequate life insurance protection. According to the industry research group LIMRA, 11 million U.S. households with children under age 18 have no coverage. Those families are just one illness or accident away from a financial crisis, and something needs to be done about it. That's why LIFE has created the "Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic" in support of Life Insurance Awareness Month.

The "Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic" is designed to recognize and celebrate those who have made the responsible decision to protect their loved ones by owning life insurance, while also introducing them to a larger community of others who have made the same choice. People are encouraged to upload up to 20 photos of their loved ones, whose financial future has been safeguarded by their decision to purchase life insurance.

By adding your photos to the mosaic, you will also be helping out a great cause. For each photo uploaded, $1 will be donated to the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to students who have lost a parent and are struggling to achieve their dream of a college education.

Go do it today!! And post yours on facebook!!

*Discloser - I received a gift card as part of a promotional program with the LIFE Foundation and MomSelect

Betty Crocker Fun Da-Middles

2011-09-24T17:58:00.000-05:00

Ok this was too cute! I love this and it was easy to do too. They sent a muffin pan, mitt, cupcake holders, notecards and three of their new fun da-middles mixes. We made one and gave the other two away.

Step 1 - make the mix like normal and you see the frosting packet on the left side.

Pour a little batter...

Add a little frosting...

Pour a little more batter... and really even if its not even and perfect, they love them!

And I had to quickly take pictures before they were all gone... they were fantastic!! Less messy too :)

Chef Boyardee House Party!!

2011-09-24T17:54:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to cook with all the free cans of Chef Boyardee - they also sent notepads, a cooler bag and some more coupons :)

Cheeseburger-Roni

Ravioli Lasagna

Made some texas toast and we had a ball - we got eating and talking that I totally forgot to take pictures of us all!!

Christine Steendahl "The Menu Mom" - Fall Bundle Special!!

2011-09-22T20:04:00.000-05:00

Straight from Christine Steendahl "The Menu Mom" ... Just for you!!

" Special Fall Ebook Bundle"

Fall is here - my favorite season! Because I appreciate you, I wanted to
work on something extra special for you!

I created a special Fall Product Bundle that I know you are going to love!
(I promise you'll love the price too!) Included are TWELVE great products.
I have set up this bundle to help you enjoy the fall season with your
family!

http://www.menuplanningcentral.com/fallbundle.html
Included in the bundle are the following:

- All About Apples (Valued at $5.97)
Who doesn't love a fresh crisp apple this time of year! This e-book walks
you through the various apples and their uses, the best way to buy apples,
what to do if you end up with a ton of apples, delicious yummy apple
recipes and much more.

- All About Pumpkins (Valued at $5.97)
Pumpkins are great for both decorating and eating! Learn how to choose and
store pumpkins, fun uses for pumpkins and of course delicious pumpkin
recipes!

- Delicious Fall Recipes (Valued at $8.97)
This resource includes 29 super fun and creative fall & Halloween recipes
the whole family is sure to love - everything from Halloween Party Fondue,
to Vampire Bat Stew, to Ghosts on a stick.

- Eat Whole Foods - For the Health of It (Valued at 12.97)
Our family is working on cutting out a lot of processed foods. In this
ebook I share what whole foods are, why they are important, info. on
organics, how to eat whole foods on a budget and much more. If you are
interested in learning more about whole foods - this is a great guide!

- Halloween Week Menu (Valued at $6.97)
Halloween is often one of kids favorite holidays! How about making the
entire week super fun! We have created a Halloween week dinner menu (with
a grocery shopping list of course) to make it a fun food week your kids
will never forget! (Don't worry - these are super easy recipes that the
entire family will enjoy!)

- Halloween Fun Recipes & Party Games (Valued at $5.97)
Even more Halloween recipes and some great games to play at your Halloween
Party. With this bundle you certainly won't be at a loss for creative
Halloween ideas!

- School Lunches Made Easy (Valued at $8.97)
If you have school lunches to pack each day, this guide will be your new
best friend! We'll share quick easy lunch ideas, organization tips, and
even printable charts to help you out!

- It's Sleepover Party Time (Valued at $6.97)
Sleepovers - so much fun for the kids, but sometimes a lot of work for the
parents! This illustrated recipe resource takes you through a few of our
very favorite sleepover recipes - step by step! Now feeding all those kids
is taken care of!

- Slow Cooker Recipe Book (Valued at $14.97)
I absolutely love using my slow cooker in the fall - the aroma of dinner
drifts through the house all day, and feeding the family is a cinch come
supper time! I have gathered up 54 pages of my favorite slow cooker
recipes to share with you.

- Spooky & Fun Halloween Recipes (Valued at $5.97)
Okay, maybe I went a little overboard on the Halloween Recipes - what can I
say! There are so many yummy ideas!

- Seven Simple Steps to a Super Halloween Party (Valued at $7.97)
Would you like to host a simple Halloween Party but you're just not sure
where to start? We've got you covered! We'll walk you through 7 easy
steps - Invitations, Decorations, Music, Food, Games & Activities, Crafts &
Goodie Bags. With this resource the Halloween Party Stress will be gone!

- Thanksgiving Planned for You (Valued at $12.97)
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? If so, we've done the work for
you! We have prepared the menu, the shopping list, and the to-do list.
Take a deep breath, follow our guide and know that this year you can
actually enjoy the holiday!

Total Value: $104.64
How does 90% off sound?

Everything listed above is included in the Fall Bundle for one low price of
$10.00!

This offer will only be available through Oct. 3rd. You can grab it here:

http://www.menuplanningcentral.com/fallbundle.html

ZhuZhu Pets® movie: the Quest for Zhu™ is COMING!!

2011-09-20T16:43:00.000-05:00

It's the final Trailer Tuesday before the grand debut of the ZhuZhu Pets® movie: the Quest for Zhu™. We have got a spectacular surprise for Zhu: A sneak peak of the adorable music video, "No Place Like Here™." Watch as Jilly the cheerleader sings this catchy song and gives you a sneak peek of scenes from the movie. Not only do the ZhuZhu Pets show off their incredible musical talents, but you get a firsthand glimpse of our loveable cast and the land of Zhu!

Don't forget to check out the Quest for Zhu when it hits shelves this September 27th. You won't want to miss this lively tale full of adventure, humor, and song where Pipsqueak learns that sometimes all you've ever dreamed of is simply waiting for you at home!

Disclosure: thanks to Zhu-niverse™ and MomSelect for letting me share this and enter a contest.

The Real Mayonnaise!! Hellmann's®

2011-09-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

For so many moms, back-to-school season means back to the same old dinner routines. We have a handful of go-to recipes and we rely on them to carry us through, week-in and week-out. Well, things are about to change... Hellmann's® is on a mission to help break you out of your dinner menu monotony!

To help you spice-up your dinner routine, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® mayonnaise are launching the first-ever Chicken Challenge, a series of head-to-head chicken dish challenges that will help moms diversify their weekly recipe repertoire. Each week on Hellmanns.com, two chicken dish "challenger" recipes from Chipotle Lime Crusted Chicken to Baked Buffalo Chicken will go up against one of the most popular recipes on

Hellmanns.com*, Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Try one of the featured Hellmann's® chicken recipes each week and cast your vote for your favorite.

On Hellmanns.com, you can also enter into a weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four $250 grocery gift cards.** And if Hellmann's® receives more than 10,000 entries, the value of the grocery gift cards will double to $500!**

Hellmann's®* transforms chicken into a juicier, crispier, more delicious meal.*** With so many delicious recipes to try out at Hellmanns.com, you're sure to find dishes the whole family will love.

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place. All opinions are my own."

Heely's - Have you tried them??

2011-09-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

I was offered the chance to get Amber a pair of Heely's for her to try and review. I thought AWESOME!! She'd love this. Well it ended up being the best and funniest review I've ever had the chance to do.

We ended up getting the Heely Wave - If you’ve been looking for the perfect wave, you’re in luck. Catch a pair of these and ride them clear into the winter season.

Moc toe court styling with contrast trim

Raised Heelys logo

Synthetic nubuck and synthetic leather upper

Gum rubber Ninja Star outsole

FATS low profile wheels with ABEC 1 bearings

Amber loved them! So did Melissa down the street - it will take a little getting used to but I thought they did good. These videos should make you laugh out loud. This is their first day learning... I'll post another video once their skills kick in :)

Amber is talking to Melissa to walk her threw it - Yes I'm the one cackeling in the background.

Then it was Ambers turn and wow - you'd think she'd never been on wheels before lol - even mellissa did the assisted 'heely' lol

AND Melissa assisted!

These would awesome Christmas presents and b-day presents. We had the best time and can't wait to see them master it!

JustKidCostumes.com

2011-09-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Halloween is just around the corner! If you'd like to get more creative than cutting some holes out of a white sheet and calling your child a ghost, then we have the perfect website for you - and a fun contest too!

JustKidCostumes.com offers the largest selection of children's costumes online at great prices. With over 3,000 costumes and accessories to choose from including superheroes and Disney Princesses, you can shop with your children for a variety of great costumes without the fear of seeing costumes that may be inappropriate for youngsters, like sexy kittens and bloody ghouls.

One of the fun features on JustKidCostumes.com is their Dress-Up Room app. Just upload your child's photo to the app and see what they would look like dressed up in their favorite costume. You can even easily share their photos with your friends on Facebook!

JustKidCostumes.com has one more special offer for you to use - a special 10% off coupon code* - The coupon code is BLOGGER10. Get ahead of the Halloween crowds and get your child's costume tonight!

For all of the latest news on JustKidCostumes.com you can follow them on Facebook.

*All products are eligible for this discount. Coupon is good through Sunday, October 16th at 11:59pm PST. Merchandise total of $8.95 must be after any coupons have been applied. Discount does not apply to shipping, or sales taxes (CA only.) Coupon will be reflected as a 10% discount on the merchandise subtotal on the checkout page. Coupon cannot be combined with other coupon offers. Coupon is non-negotiable. Not valid for prior purchases. JustKidCostumes.com reserves the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered, or ineligible use of a discount.

Tons of Halloween Costumes!!

2011-09-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

One site with tons of costumes IN STOCK while others don't seem to have them... go to http://www.halloweencostumes4u.com/

Sassy Little Pumpkin Costume Infant or Toddler 26.13

Cowboy Childrens Halloween Costumes 19.95

New Sink - Before and After

2011-09-03T06:44:00.000-05:00

Before the remodel lol - the old sink and old wallpaper backsplash

Afterwards with the new granite sink :)

($285 at Lowes, price matched for $175 - the faucet was our 4th choice (we couldn't decide lol) and it was only $177)

Bathroom vanity makeover

2011-08-16T20:36:00.000-05:00

My Before and After of the bathroom vanity... I saw this http://generallycreative.blogspot.com/2010/03/master-bathroom-vanity-redo.html and just had to give it a try in the bathroom - I'm loving it but it took 3 coats today (thankfully its a small vanity lol)

Before shot... all nice and blonde

Added beadboard WALLPAPER - yes I said wallpaper!! Lowes for $19 a huge roll. Then painted it all black.

the true black color without the flash

After shots...

Movin cabinets around...

2011-08-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

Before....

After... love this cabinet!

Kitchen backsplash makeover

2011-08-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

Our final tile choice and the before of the awful wallpaper backsplash before it came tumbling down lol

The tile before the grout - I bought the appoxy glue, the spreader, the grout, the grout spreader and the tile... less than a $100! You can see in the pictures below I had to add blue boxes inside the outlets to make the faceplates for the outlets to sit on top of the tile or they were going to have huge spaces and too long a screw to buy to get them to stay on lol

The final kitchen look - all nice and shiny :)

Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses)

2011-08-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

OK this is definitely turning into a preteen series lol - the one where there's no real action for moms to worry about. 3/4 of the way through the book I finished it with the thought, not going to continue reading, Ambers fine reading these on her own and she'll love them. That's what I do, pre read her books to make sure they are ok. Sorry I don't need her reading about sex or urges or drugs or nothing. I'd like to keep my innocent kid - shes informed but only by us and we are blunt enough that the books don't need to follow through with anything else lol.

Anyways - its a great series and I know another one will be coming out soon - so for pre teens - they will LOVE it! I also like the fact that in this book she finally gets to share her secrets :)

From the Author:
The morbidly monotonous Dullsville has finally become the most exciting place on earth now that Raven is madly in love with her hot vampire boyfriend Alexander, and a crew of vampires has taken residence in Dullsville's old mill. Raven discovers Jagger's plan to open a new club, The Crypt, right here in Dullsville. But is it her dream come true, or her worst nightmare? Raven and Alexander have to figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for Dullsville's teen and vampire population. Can Raven convince Jagger to listen to her plans to make the Crypt the morbidly magnificent dance club it could be? Will it be safe for mortals and vampires alike?

And as Sebastian and Luna's relationship heats up, Raven wonders about her own amorous fate: Will Alexander ever turn her? Does he crave her and does he want to spend eternity together? And what does she really want?

With cryptic secrets and cravings, this eighth installment in the Vampire Kisses series is a romantic and mysterious thrill ride.

Hellmann's® Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes

2011-08-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

School's out and sandwiches are in! From beach-side picnics to backyard BBQs, summer is the perfect season to savor sandwiches made the way you like them. When it comes to sandwiches, the bread is your canvas. In fact, a recent Hellmann's® Sandwich Survey reveals nearly six in ten Americans (59%) believe that making a sandwich is an art that gives them an opportunity to get creative, rather than a science that simply requires slapping the right ingredients together.** No matter how you choose to build your sandwiches this summer, Hellmann's®* is the key ingredient that makes any sandwich even more delicious!

Chef Bobby Flay teamed up with Hellmann's^®to encourage sandwich lovers everywhere to share their passionate preferences for sandwich-making techniques. They want to know how you create your sandwich masterpieces... Do you spread your Hellmann's^® Mayonnaise on one slice or both? Is the crust a must or does it get the cut?

All you have to do is go to Facebook.com/hellmanns to share your sandwich-making tips, tricks, techniques and secrets. You'll also have the opportunity to build your perfect sandwich and enter the Hellmann's^® Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes including a kitchen essentials bundle, grocery gift cards, and Hellmann's^®products.***

Nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of moms with sandwich-loving kids say they serve their families the favorites they ate growing up!** Hellmann's® wants to help you pass your favorites along and inspire the next generation of sandwich lovers.

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place."

Harry Potter BOGO

2011-06-27T18:44:00.002-05:00

In just a few short weeks, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two hits theaters and will wrap up the 8-movie series. Millions of fans are already buzzing about the final battle, and to help share in the excitement, we are offering three exclusive Photo Prints™ of the movie’s heroes: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Now you can add larger-than-life décor to their Potter Parties, and on the bedroom walls of the littlest fans in the house. These prints will only be available from June 20 at noon until August 31 at 11:59 p.m., so don’t wait!

Ready for more? We are also excited to announce that each of these prints is eligible to be used as part of our Summer Splash Buy Two Get One Free offer, so you could by two prints and get the third FREE! Here’s a look at each Photo Print™:

Item # 700121 – Harry Potter

Size: 47"x13.5"

Price: $49.95

Item #700122 – Ron Weasley

Size: 47"x15.5"

Price: $49.95

Item #700123 – Hermione Granger

Size: 47"x11"

Price: $49.95

Have questions? Email me or call me aserpe@mchsi.com or 319-550-1040

http://amy.uppercaseliving.net

Contact me at aserpe@mchsi.com or 319-550-1040 with any questions.

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

2011-05-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

This is what I was waiting for - the conclusion of the series - how was Seth now a fairy going to live in both fairy land and in the real world with Aislinn. How was she going to rule and make a life with Seth if she's the queen to Keenan.... Not to mention Donia and all the others. I like how she wrapped it all up and put a pretty bow on it. You can't say anything without giving it all away... great read - fast too!

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The Gathering by Kelly Armstrong

2011-05-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

The Author split this series into three mini series - all the characters have special unique powers and there's an outside interference as to why.

I like to tone of the book - not bad for teens, it read quickly and kept my attention the entire time.

Maya discovers slowly after almost passing out and having a stranger call her a witch that she's got something unique in her genes that allows her to commune with animals on different levels. Its neat to watch it unfold. Meanwhile - there seems to be a love triangle (of course) with the new guy Rafe and her old standby 'friend thats a boy' Daniel. What gets even weirder is how everyone seems to have something 'odd' about them in this town and just what they are. The book does quicken at the end a little to fast but I get the fact that things are life altering at the end and happening really really fast.

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

Afterlife (Evernight series)

2011-05-19T21:55:00.001-05:00

The fourth book in this electrifying vampire series has all the romance, suspense, and page-turning drama that have made Claudia Gray’s Evernight books runaway successes.

Having become what they feared most, Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They must return to Evernight Academy, Lucas as a vampire and Bianca as a wraith. But Lucas is haunted by demons, both personal and supernatural. Bianca must help him fight the evil inside him, combat the forces determined to drive them apart—and find the power to claim her destiny at last.

Readers have fallen in love with Bianca and Lucas, and they will be thrilled to read this exciting conclusion to their romantic adventure.

I liked this one! She's a ghost (a wraith) and shes still in love with her boyfriend now vampire. If that's not a twist, I don't know one lol. She's able to come back and be physically alive by some weird techniques that throws me for a loop lol - she hasn't told her family that she's 'alive' or really still here.

Her friends are still there with her, dealing with her 'condition' and they head back to Evernight where alot of stuff comes out and the whole places is in chaos again. This time it has a better outcome than before. Kind of a let down on the ending though.

Good - but alot of touchy stuff (sex stuff) between Bianca and Lucas - mature teen only.

Afterlife is the conclusion of the Evernight series proper. However, there's a spinoff book, Balthazar, all about our favorite hot vampire's life, death and subsequent adventures. That's coming in March 2012!

The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver

2011-05-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

Demon Trapper Riley Blackthorne ust needs a chance to prove herself and that’s exactly what Lucifer is counting on…

It’s the year 2018, and with human society seriously disrupted by the economic upheavals of the previous decade, Lucifer has increased the number of demons in all major cities. Atlanta is no exception. Fortunately, humans are protected by Demon Trappers, who work to keep homes and streets safe from the things that go bump in the night. Seventeen-year-old Riley, only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing attraction to fellow Trapper apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving citizens from Grade One Hellspawn. Business as usual, really, for a demon-trapping teen. When a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood, she realizes that she’s caught in the middle of a battle between Heaven and Hell.

Ok I thought I'd try it since I bought it for Amber. Its not bad. Held my attention the entire book, couple love triangles and friendship quarrels like in teen years lol nothing inappropriate, I got a kick out of the fact her school was in an old grocery store and it smelled like cheese. I'll have to pay attention the next time I go into one and see if it does. Of course her next school is an old starbucks - any teens dream school, right? lol

Tons of twists I wasn't expecting and it was a smooth ride through the book and this one gives you a chapter of the next one due out in August

Support the 'Faces of the Future' Campaign From Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Microsoft and Comcast

2011-05-10T14:28:00.002-05:00

As social media savvy moms, we all know firsthand the benefits of technology. In most cases, our love for using technology to connect and create has trickled down to our children. I think we'd all agree that in today's increasingly digital world, there is no better time to develop these skills to prepare our children for their future. We just learned that there is a great organization, in partnership with fantastic brands, who is setting out to do just that and we couldn't wait to tell you about it!

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), in partnership with Microsoft and Comcast, has launched the Faces of the Future campaign (www.facesofthefuture.org), designed to raise awareness about the importance of digital literacy. The campaign features youth from across America who have been positively impacted by the Club Tech program and shows how technology can transform lives.

Historically, Boys & Girls Clubs have been known as safe, affordable places where parents could send their kids to play sports, swim and get help with their homework. But now they are much more than that. The Club Tech program helps prepare young people through technology, tapping into the potential of future journalists, graphic designers, engineers and photographers.

Boys & Girls Club members, age 6-18, learn various skills from word processing and presentations to music production and filmmaking. Nearly 1 million kids and teens participate in the Club Tech program at more than 3,600 Boys & Girls Clubs around the world. Research has shown that participants not only learned the fundamentals of computers, but they also discovered how to harness technology in a way that made them more literate in current affairs and other topics that spill over from school and home.

Throughout the campaign, the Faces of the Future Showcase will feature artwork, music and films created by youth using the Club Tech digital arts curriculum. People all over the world will have the opportunity to see what young people can accomplish through technology when given access to the right tools and opportunities!

Speaking of accomplishments, Boys & Girls Clubs of America needs your help in reaching an important milestone--35,000 fans on Facebook! For every 10 likes they get, a Club member will receive Microsoft Office 2010. By clicking the "like" button, you're not only showing your support for an amazing cause, but you're literally putting tools in the hands of children who need them most.

SO LETS HELP THEM!! Easy as 1,2,3... just go like their facebook page!

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place."

DaGeDar - the new game this summer!

2011-05-06T11:22:00.002-05:00

Cepia, the brand behind the popular ZhuZhu Pets, is coming out with an awesome new toy. It’s called DaGeDar and its unlike any other toys or games on the market! From the moment a child picks up a DaGeDar ball, they will know it’s something different. Drop the ball down the track and swoosh – you are hooked. This simple game of speed and skill is innovative and addicting!

DaGeDar will be available nationwide later this summer, but for now, we have a great sneak peek sizzle reel that really showcases the uniqueness of the games.

Keep an eye out - we'll be testing it soon!! Thanks to MomSelect!

Hellmann's® Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes

2011-04-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there's no denying it: America is a sandwich-loving nation! According to the new "Hellmann's^® State of the Sandwich" survey, a majority of American sandwich eaters (84%) believe that how a sandwich is made is just as important as the ingredients used to make it.** Something else many of America's sandwich fans agree on: If there's a must-have sandwich ingredient, it's Hellmann's^®* mayonnaise!

To help celebrate America's passionate preferences for building the perfect sandwich, Hellmann's^® and Best Foods^® are partnering with Chef Bobby Flay to show families how to make real, simple, delicious sandwiches, and to uncover unique and personal sandwich-making techniques. They want to know how you slice it, spread it, stack it or serve it ... Do you spread your Hellmann's^® Mayonnaise on one slice or both? Is the cheese on the top or in the center of the sandwich?

Did you know that 33 percent of Americans who eat sandwiches credit their mom with teaching them how to make a great sandwich? And nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of moms with sandwich-loving kids say they serve their families the favorites they ate growing up!**

*Or Best Foods^® depending on geographical location of media market

** ABOUT THE SURVEY: The Hellmann's^® Sandwich Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between March 21st and March 28th, 2011 using an email invitation and an online survey of 1,373 Americans ages 18 and older, with oversampling in specific geographic regions and women with children under 18 living in the household. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 2.6 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with All persons in the universe represented by the sample.

***No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 p.m. ET 4/11/11 and ends 11:59 a.m. ET on 8/15/11. For rules, got to http://www.Hellmanns.com.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

The Night Star - Immortal series

2011-04-26T10:15:00.000-05:00

I normally don't give book a bad review - either its slow or its something I tear through... BUT OMG I couldn't wait for this book to end - I actually read several other books in between cause I just couldn't finish it. It dragged on and on and I just couldn't get into it. She has one more book out and I'm waiting for a lull lol to get it and FINISH the series. I'm told its much better than the last.

Secrets are supposed to be in the book but umm it tells YOU them all while the characters don't have a clue. I needed more suspense. Someone always dies in the book and yes I expected it to be the one it was but it just took to the end of the book to get there. Sorry... I hope the next and last one is better - with a wonderful ending!!

After fighting for centuries to be together, Ever and Damen’s future hinges on one final showdown that will leave readers gasping for breath. Don’t miss this explosive new installment of the #1 bestselling series that’s enchanted millions across the world!

Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever’s tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she’s determined to take Ever down…and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart—and she has just the ammunition to do it.

Hidden in one of Ever’s past lives is a terrible secret about Damen—a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that’s so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she’s thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.

Now it’ll take everything she’s got—and bring out powers she never knew she had—to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen’s past hold the key to their future?

Last Sacrifice - Vampire Academy

2011-04-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

This had to be my favorite book so far this spring - it really had me going and it was on the move, i could keep up, it kept me wanting more and for 610 pages - I ate it up in two days! It has you guessing who killed the Queen and who is going to replace her. I had idea through the book but I NEVER would have guessed the true killer or who was going to be Queen. I love that!!

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

OF COURSE you want more but this is the last book in this series - Last Sacrifice will be the last book about Rose, but it'll be followed by a spin-off series still set in the Vampire Academy world. Side characters we know from the current series will now be our main characters, and there'll be a whole new storyline (not the last one told from a different perspective). It is scheduled for release in August 2011 and is called Bloodlines.

Sweep series - reading lately... tons lol

2011-04-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

The first set of books I tore through and am waiting on the rest to arrive is the Sweep series - I'm in love with it and really love the fact that they are republishing them in 3book volumes to make it cheaper to read. I've gone through all 1,2 and 3 volumes the 4th is due out this summer but I couldn't wait so I bought books 10,11,12 - now I'm waiting for the last books 13,14,15 - I could eat them up instantly they are soo good... here are the ones I just read.

Dark Magic, Volume 4

Morgan is unsure of what to do and who to trust in Dark Magic. The secret of Hunter may bring Cal and herself together but it is making it harder to trust anyone. But when Morgan finds out Hunters alive strange things start happening. At the end of the book Morgan chooses not to join Cal's mothers coven and is then dragged down to his house and is locked in his dark magical room and is stuck there. Cal's mother is after Morgans tools but since Morgan bound the tools to herself Morgan is the only one she can use them on. Cal then by "solving" the problem sets the place Morgan is inside on fire. Morgan is trapped and willed to face the same death of her mother. Or until Morgan's friends Robbie and Bree crash through the door saving Morgan.

Awakening, Volume 5

In Dark Magick Morgan was betrayed by the first boy she ever loved (Cal). Now Morgan must attempt to get on with her life. Morgan begins to study with Hunter, and slowly begins to realize her feelings for him. But dark magick seems to be surrounding them and someone close is to blame. Hunter and Morgan slowly start to get closer throughout the book. Hunter suspects that the dark magick is being used by David Redstone, owner of Practical Magick, and Morgan's friend. Morgan does everything she can to try and prove it wasn't him, but in the end, Hunter is right. The day before David gets stripped of his powers, Morgan and Hunter share a passionate kiss, and after Hunter strips David of his powers, he gives Morgan the stone Morganite, and it shows that Morgan is the thing/person that Hunter desires most in his heart.

Spellbound, Volume 6

Kithic and Cirrus merge and Morgan becomes aware of her feelings for Hunter. Throughout the book Morgan and Hunter's relationship develop with an occasional mishap. The two later find out that the severed brake lines and the sawed posts were the workings of Cal when he admits it upon their meeting at the old Methodist cemetery. Hunter and Cal at the cemetery prepare to fight when Morgan binds them with a spell. Keeping the binding spell on the two of them, she forces Hunter into her car and drives to Hunter's house where she releases him. If things couldn't get worse, Mary K., Morgan's sister is kidnapped by Selene. Morgan and Hunter go to Selene's and Cal's old house to battle it out with her. Just as Selene's magic was about to hit Morgan, Cal appears and steps in front of the dark magick, sacrificing himself for Morgan and ultimately proving to her that he had indeed renounced his mother's beliefs and that he really did love her. Selene falls to the ground, grieving over her son's dead body. While her guard is down, Hunter attempts to put the braigh around her wrists, but she is automatically enveloped by the darkness within her, causing the braigh to corrode. Just when all seems lost, the darkness exits her body, and the physical strain kills Selene. They leave the house, along with Mary K., who doesn't seem to recall any of the events that just occurred. Sky and another person, seemingly a member of the International Council of Witches, then arrive at the house and took Cal and Selene's body away. Morgan didn't know what she felt for Hunter.

The Calling, Volume 7

Morgan has a dream about a ritual sacrifice. The Witches Council thinks that it is a vision of the future. They suspect that the it is a vision of an illegal sacrifice by a Woodbane coven, Amyranth to obtain power. It is suspected that the sacrifice may in fact be a child of one of Amyranth's members. The council sends Hunter to New York, the place where the coven is suspected to operate, to investigate. Morgan goes with Hunter, however she also wished to discover more about her birth parents, something which can only be done in New York. At the invitation of Bree, they stay at the apartment of Bree's father. Robbie, Sky and Raven come along for the ride. At a New York disco they meet Killian who turns out to be Ciaran's son. It is then believed that Killian is the target of the Amyranth sacrifice. Ciaran meets Morgan in the same disco and he decides to sacrifice her. He sets a trap for her, but when he finds out Morgan is his daughter he helps Hunter to stop the ritual before it's too late. During the time that the ritual is taking place, Morgan realizes that Hunter is her "mùirn beatha dàn"(soul mate). In the end of the book, Morgan breaks up with Hunter because she finds out that she is Ciaran's daughter, one of the most evil witches of the age, and also her mother's "mùirn beatha dàn", but he killed her, so Morgan believes that she's like poison, and being around Hunter is going to get him killed.

Changeling, Volume 8

Morgan has broken up with Hunter and has found out that Ciaran is her true birth father, making Killian her half-brother. The council of witches sends Eoife, an elderly witch, to Morgan to ask her for her assistance for the rescue of the Starlocket coven, which the International Council of Witches thinks the mysterious dark wave will strike next. Morgan has to get close to Killian to get closer to Ciaran so she called Killian to Widow's Vale and asked him to contact Ciaran. She feels apprehensive and hesitant about facing Ciaran, but at the same time, has a strange urge to hug him since she has finally found her true father. She refuses to hug the same man that killed her mother Maeve Riordan and Angus, her lover, however. Morgan is faced with a choice between the people she loves and the powerful and seemingly dark magick her father can teach her.

Strife, Volume 9

Morgan gets back together with Hunter, and during a family dinner with Hunter, Mary K finally finds out the truth about what Selene had done to her, and how Selene and Cal died. To make things worse, strange occurrences begin to happen in Morgan's presence. Books begin flying and light bulbs explode, and no one seems to know the cause - thus attributing the blame to Morgan. Morgan's school grades begin to slip and she finds herself having difficulty finding a balance between her school work and a life of Wicca.

Seeker, Volume 10

The tenth book in the Sweep series is not from Morgan's point of view. Instead the book is in Hunter's point of view. Hunter was in a search for his parents who have been missing since Hunter was a child. Hunter receives information about the whereabouts of his parents, which inevitably lead him to Canada. There he finds his father, Daniel Naill, and discovers that his mother died just before Yule, when he was training Morgan. Hunter soon discovers that his father is talking to his mother (who is dead) via the use of what is considered to be a form of dark magick, against the wishes of Hunter's mother. Hunter must attempt to stop his father from doing this, while investigating a witch by the name of Justine Courceau,a witch collecting the true names of other witches, on the order of the International Council of Witches. He ends up kissing her, and then is faced with the fact that he has to tell Morgan about it.

Origins, Volume 11

Hunter and Morgan read the memoir of Rose MacEwan's which Hunter acquired while in Canada. Rose MacEwan is a Woodbane ancestor of Morgan and is the first person to have created a Dark Wave (a powerful piece of dark magick which can destroy entire covens). The story is written from Rose's point of view and follows her story as she falls in love, has her heart broken, and turns to dark magic as a means of revenge eventually creating the first Dark Wave, not actually realising what she is doing at the time!

Eclipse, Volume 12

This book switches perspectives between Morgan and Alisa Soto, who discovers that she is a half-witch with significant power. Morgan, Hunter, Daniel Niall and Alisa join forces to combat a Dark Wave which is heading for them and will destroy themselves and their friends and families. Daniel discovers a way to counteract the dark wave, however any full witch would die in the process. Alisa soon discovers that her half-witch abilities may be the key to defeating the Dark Wave and saving everyone who she knows.

Need Series - Entice

2011-04-26T09:53:00.001-05:00

What else have I been reading... well the Need series caught my eye and I finished the third book Entice - all about fairies and were's (werewolf's) - it really drags you into the book and I can picture it all. Nick is dead, Zara's been pixie kissed, meaning she's now entirely pixie and she's out to save Nick but at the cost of how many souls is she willing to do it. Book 4 doesn't come out to 2012!

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever.
But that's not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead.
Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned...she's Astley's queen.

HEXBUG™ Nano Bunny

2011-04-21T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hexbug has invaded my house again!! This time just for Easter :) They come in several colors - inside an egg - with little easter bunny ears.

"HEXBUG Nano bugs were the hit of the holiday season and now they are back, with a seasonal twist! Everyone's favorite micro robotic bug now comes packaged in a cute Easter egg and comes fully decked out with a pair of little bunny ears. This limited edition HEXBUG Nano is available at select Radio Shacks, RadioShack.com and specialty stores for only $4.99."

Hide them around outside - the kids have a ball finding them and popping them open to play with! Great easter hunt toy or easter basket addition.

We gave away a starter kit too! The Hexbug Nano Spiral Starter Pack - this is a neat starter kit! The kids will love it.

Give your Hexbug Nano two levels to explore
Easy connect stand-off for multi-level fun
Includes extremely rare Nano mutation and new spiral curve piece
Register and track your nano collection online

Reconfigurable set lets you create a variety of Nano homes. Go buggy with Hexbug Nano the micro-robotic creature that acts like a real bug! Configure the pieces any way you like, then turn your Nanos loose to play! Real fun with real science. Nanos may look like bugs, but they are actually very cool little robots that use the physics of vibration to propel themselves along and explore their environment. Learn about the science of micro-robotics as you watch them run and skitter, flip over and pop back on their feet all in their own special habitat, custom-made by you! 1+"-long Nanos include batteries. Nanos use 1 AG13 button cell battery each (sold separately for $3). Warning: Choking hazard small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Thanks to MomSelect and Maria Bailey for allowing us to test these out and have a great easter! All opinions are of my own.

Something Borrowed

2011-03-25T20:09:00.002-05:00

Love and friendships can sometimes get complicated, and we can all use help figuring out how to manage both!

Who better to give some professional advice on relationships, than Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker! Patti will be answering YOUR questions about love and friendship in addition to dishing out relationship advice to the characters of the new movie, Something Borrowed, based off of Emily Griffin’s bestselling novel in a featured video on AlloyTV.

In the movie Something Borrowed, Rachel and Darcy’s lifelong friendship collides with true love, when perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she’s had a crush on since law school, Dex…who just happens to be Darcy’s fiancé! This leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations in all of their relationships….

Like Rachel and Darcy, we all have difficulties when it comes to love and friendship and could sometimes use a little help!

Share YOUR relationship questions by submiting them below in the comments or via Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/somethingborrowed?sk=wall) and Twitter for a chance to have Patti answer them in our video!

I can't wait for this movie!! I love all the actors and I think its going to be a blast - or more like a giggle fest!

Big ol' Party happened here - Check it out!!

2011-03-11T09:41:00.000-06:00

First we had the Nutella party - you can see Melissa diggin it already ;) The ladies loved it - we got samples for everyone to try and of course a big ol jar to keep ourselves. Along with goodie bags fill of recipes (on a bread roll up with strawberries!) and insulated mugs that said Nutella on it. Gotta love those!!

Enter to win a CASE of Nutella online! Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 a.m. E.T. on September 1, 2010 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. E.T. on August 31, 2011.

Don't forget to grab the coupon for $1 off online too!!

Nutella has been a favorite of Europeans for decades, and when used in moderation with complementary foods, Nutella® is a quick and easy tool to encourage kids to eat whole grains, such as whole wheat toast, English muffins, toaster waffles and bagels.

Nutella^® hazelnut spread is a terrific option for individuals with peanut allergies. The spread does not contain peanuts or peanut ingredients, nor does the product come in contact with peanuts during manufacturing. Nutella^® is comparable to other popular breakfast spreads and is the perfect alternative for all those finicky eaters in your household.

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Then we hit the Pull-Ups^® Potty Dance Day House Party - they sent us Potty Training Sucess DVD

Get your own online!! Liam (Elisabeth's son) couldn't take his eyes off of it and guess what!!! After listening and dancing to it 4 times - he did his own dance and tried the potty!! YEAH LIAM!!

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Are you searching for a healthier alternative to candy? The National Raisin Company has come up with the answer with Raisels. Raisels are the first 100% real fruit snack that actually tastes like candy. 100% Vitamin C, real dried fruit golden raisins, less added sugar than sweetened dried cranberries! – make Raisels a great alternative to cookies, candy and sugary fruit snacks.

Raisels are:

100% US RDA for Vitamin C
Rich in Antioxidants
Fat Free
Cholesterol Free
No High Fructose Corn Syrup or Artificial Sweeteners
No Sodium
Kosher Certified by the Orthodox Union

They sent us the following flavors - Sour Lemon Blast, Sour Peach Pucker, Sour Apple TKO and Sour Orange Burst - EVERYONE loved the Sour Orange Burst - seemed to be the favorite of the day!

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Then for the moms to relax while the kids ate their raisels and danced to the dvd - we had COVERGIRL Lip Perfection(TM) BzzCampaign
Bright, gorgeous color that can transform your day and your lips. Enriched with Silk Therapy Complex, our formula helps sustain moisture levels and helps create soft, smooth, beautiful lips in just 7 days.

The ladies got to try Fervor and Soulmate - the sent us two colors - I sent one home with Elisabeth and she's been wearing her 'soulmate' all week and loves the color.

It was fun! I can't wait to do it again!! Next time I'll try not to have so much fun and remember to take more pictures lol!! Thanks to everyone that came and to BuzzAgent, Team Mom, MommyParties™ and HouseParty!!

Of course all thoughts are my own and we did receive free samples/products to try out.

Sweep Series Vol 1 by Cate Tiernan

2011-03-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Volume 1 of Sweeps is HUGE - almost wanted to get a Kindle cause I couldn't hold it up half the time lol. But I couldn't put it down. Morgan goes from a normal teen going to school having a close family to being a bloodwitch and loosing her best friend. Yeah she gained more friends with her coven, she has a cool boyfriend, shes getting closer to her sister but she's really still missing something - her biological mom and dads information. She slowly learns about herself and her witch family but she also learns about Cal's witch family and that is even more shocking. I loved it :)

Not a teen book - the first chapters or two talk about swimming naked - sexual tension.

Book of Shadows

Morgan thinks witchcraft is laughable when her best friend Bree drags her to a meeting of the Cirrus Coven. But during a cermony led by Cal, Morgan's long-time crush, Morgan feels a shock. Suddenly everything looks brighter, clearer. Morgan doesn't want to get involved with witchcraft-but she feels like witchcraft is choosing her.

The Coven

Cal, now Morgan's boyfriend, helps her accept the truth: Wicca is in Morgan's blood. As Morgan learns more about Wicca, she realizes that she needs to find out more about her parentage. The answers are there, but she doesn't know how to find them.

Blood Witch

This is the third book in a groundbreaking and suspenseful new series for teens. Sixteen-year-old Morgan has never heard of Wicca-modern witchcraft - until she meets Cal. Then everything changes - almost overnight.

Morgan knows that witchcraft can be dangerous and that her birth parents died because of their involvement. But witchcraft is a part of Morgan in a way she can't ignore, and now that she's practicing Wicca, her powers are increasing. Her boyfriend Cal is a witch, too. He believes that they are muirn beatha dans, witches who are meant to be together, to love one another. But the sudden appearance of Hunter, a stranger who claims to be Cal's brother, threatens to ruin everything. Hunter says that Cal is practicing dark magic. And Morgan feels unsure. Could it be true?

Entice by Carrie Jones

2011-03-07T08:37:00.018-06:00

Finished the third book in the series Need by Carrie Jones... now i'm patiently wiating for the 4th book that comes out next yr lol

One I'm surprised at the speed in the book - she seems to be getting better with each book :) But I'm also surprised at how many people we are loosing in this one. I'm really unsure of Zara's complete trust in Astley - seems like the author has gone from making her a warrior to almost putting a hole in the character with her naivety. This book revolves around Nick being gone and how much Zara is willing to risk to get him back - how many people she'll put at risk for her own want... so she's become naive and greedy - but everyone just puts this aside for 'true love' but for who Astley or Nick? If your a Nick fan - gets your gloves on, your gonna want to beat Astley up at every corner - maybe that's why I can't understand her flat out trust for him, cause I don't lol. Great book to the series!

Sunday Special - Sign up and get over $200 worth free!!

2011-03-06T08:34:00.001-06:00

Sunday Special !!

For anyone that signs up today for Uppercase Living* they will get a free frameworks inset of their choice from me personally and from the company they get what's pictured below totally FREE in addition to their kit!! - this means starting up for parties, is easier, you have all your displays at hand and you can start earning that summer vacation quicker!! Did I mention we earn cruises??

This works for our Our *Essentials Plus Kit ($199) ONLY - you get $100 free product of your choice, everything pictured ($100 worth of product) AND a free frameworks insert to get your started... your kit is already paying for itself :)

What's inside the extra's??

• Foundations™ Glass Charger Project
Glass Charger with Easel (#300159) & Welcome
expression (#16021) in Whipped Crème

• Foundations™ Vintage Embossed Metal
Board Project
Navy Vintage Embossed Metal Board
(#300195) & The laundry room, loads of fun
expression (#12578) in Bright White

• Frameworks™ Frame Project
Black Frameworks™ Frame—Rectangle
(#300108); Family (#18422) expression in Herb
Garden; Decorative Easel (#30014)

Have questions? Email me or call me - take a peek online http://amy.uppercaseliving.net/JoinMyTeam.m at the kit and some more information about starting up - Ive been with the company almost 3 yrs and made it to Director on my 1 yr anniversary, I love the company who is growing and expanding each yr and really listens to the demonstrators on what we need and what our customers wants :)

http://amy.uppercaseliving.net
Contact me at aserpe@mchsi.com or 319-550-1040 with any questions.

Amazone Deal on ToyStory3 Toys

2011-02-20T19:01:00.000-06:00

We reviewed these before (take a peek here) and they were great!

Amazon has a nice sale on this Toy Story 3 Action Links Sunnyside Breakout Stunt Set for only $10. It is normally $24.99 (60% savings), plus it will ship FREE with Amazon Prime or a minimum $25 purchase.

Spark Energy in Chicago

2011-02-18T11:50:00.000-06:00

Chicago-area residents now have the opportunity to CHOOSE an energy provider! Spark Energy is a multi-state provider of low-cost electric service offering significant long-term savings to current ComEd customers. Learn more at http://www.sparkenergy.com/.

To Celebrate, Spark Energy in Chicago Offers a FREE Session of Jumping Fun at Pump It Up!

This President’s Day – Monday, February 21^st – many children will be off of school and moms will be searching for kid-friendly activities. Spark Energy in Chicago will be offering a downloadable coupon for a FREE session of jumping fun atdesignated Chicago-area Pump It Up locations.

How to download the coupon – available beginning at 5:00 p.m. CST on 2/19:

· Like Spark Energy in Chicago on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/SparkEnergyChicago

· Click on the Offers tab to download and print the Pump It Up coupon for ONE free session of jumping fun for Monday, February 21^st – one coupon per adult – while supplies last!

· Present the original printed coupon to one of the designated Pump It Up locations (see coupon for locations) and receive one free session of jumping fun.

“I occasionally receive compensation in the form of gift cards and products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own.”

2011-02-10T08:29:00.004-06:00

There's a new catalog out and all kinds of freebies for you!!

With a $50 order you could come out with $100 of product!!!

FREE EXPRESSION from our Inspiring line of decorative home décor with every $50 purchase. (purchase $150 and get three of your choice and color)

(click on them to make them larger)

(Choose any color from our color chart!! )

Customers may select one free expression from above for orders totaling $50 – $99.99.
Orders from $100 – $149.99 qualify for two free items,
and orders over $150 qualify for three.

Limit of three free expressions per order.

AND!!!

Monthly incentives... You get these free with purchase in the month of February.

$50 purchase - One (1) Customer Gift Expression
$75 purchase - Two (2) Customer Gift Expressions
$100+ purchase - Three (3) Customer Gift Expressions

(Choose any color from our color chart!! )

Order directly online, get it shipped to your house and enjoy your newly decorated home/office. Don't forget with June wedding we do beautiful decor for church doors, reception halls and more!!

WIN $100 hostess rewards - our new Inspiration party is up - when checking out onling, choose the party and you'll be entered in to the win the hostess rewards. Our last winner was Mary!! She was able to choose up to $100 in products and 3 half off items!

http://amy.uppercaseliving.net

Contact me at aserpe@mchsi.com or 815-218-3708 with any questions.

Capitivate by Carrie Jones

2011-02-07T21:36:00.000-06:00

OK NOW this has gotten interesting... so much better than the first book and its broken away from the twilight kind of references and taken on a life of its own. Zara is really coming into her own, realizing everything around her depends on her, not Nick (the were') who wants to protect her. There's Pixies, Weres, Valkyries and (really?? I didn't see this one coming) Elves. There's an end all war that they think is going to happen, where all the warriors are getting ready for battle. Meanwhile she's dealing with her Pixie dad, more kings coming into the territory and hefty decision to stop being blue or not... GREAT book! Now to read Entice!

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.

The Primrose Family Dance-off is Back

2011-02-01T14:05:00.000-06:00

Shine your dancing shoes and break out your best moves because the Primrose Family Dance-off is back! Those of you who participated last year know just how much fun it was to kick up your heels and dance your hearts out with your family. Our friends at Primrose Schools® can't wait to crown another round of Family Dance-off champions- and we can't wait to tell you about it!

With their second annual Family Dance-off, Primrose Schools, the leader in educational child care, is helping to fight the childhood obesity epidemic. They are partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices and quality family time, things all Moms can get behind!

Here's how you and your family can enter the Primrose Family Dance-off competition:

1. Record a 30-second video of your family's best dance moves. Don't be afraid to let loose and be silly!

2. Visit The Family Dance-off site and upload your best take by March 19.

3. Share your video with your friends via email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

4. View and vote daily (you can place five votes per day) for your favorite family dance video!

What would a competition be without prizes? Primrose Schools is providing prizes that aren't only great for your family but for your whole community, with $65,000 in donations to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals:

· Grand Prize: $5,000 and Primrose will make a $30,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

· 2nd Prize: $3,000 and Primrose will make a $20,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

· 3rd Prize: $1,500 and Primrose will make a $15,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital

· All 14 Finalists will also receive a FLIP camcorder

Ladies I want to see your entries - make a comment below with a link to your video on youtube!!

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean Campaign

2011-02-01T07:37:00.000-06:00

We know it, you know it: women love celebrity dirt. This Valentine’s Day, a new mobile campaign from Clorox^® Regular-Bleach helps women clean up their own dirt while they enjoy their Hollywood news.

Clorox is sharing quick clean-up tips on how to keep fashionable winter whites white, keep flowers fresh longer and host a Hollywood-style party. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, a girl can use some help. Tips like…

* Nothing says “I love you” like roses. Want to enjoy those flowers longer than a celebrity romance? Just add ¼ teaspoon of Clorox^® Regular-Bleach to each quart of cold water you put in the vase.

* Got a stain from a heart-shaped chocolate on your favorite whites? It’ll come out in a snap once you add ¾ cup Clorox^® Regular-Bleach to the hot water and detergent in your washing machine.

To get more tips from Clorox^® Regular-Bleach and extend the Valentine’s Day romance, readers can enter the Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for 2 Hollywood, CA! To enter and view official rules, visit www.Clorox.com/GetTheDirt.

Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean Sweepstakes Details

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 US (D.C.) 18+ who did not purchase any special equipment for the purposes of entering this sweepstakes. Void where prohibited. Enter by 3/11/11. Message & data rates may apply. Text entries will receive 1 text response per entry. Texting may not be available through all wireless carriers and everywhere. Not responsible for misdirected, garbled, lost or late returns. Other restrictions may apply. For terms & conditions, visit http://www.jagtag.com/t&c. For Rules, prizes, & odds, visit http://www.clorox.com/getthedirt. Sponsor: The Clorox Company, 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.

I received information from The Clorox Company at no cost to me.
The Clorox Company sent me information about the Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean program not intended to solicit product claims.

Sucked into a new book lol

2011-01-29T09:02:00.000-06:00

So I went to the book store with Amber - which is never a good idea to do lol since we can spend hundreds in a sec on books lol. But we picked up a couple that had come out and I grabbed a new one. I knew I shouldn't have but I just loved the enticement of a new book series and the description was cool.

It's called Need by Carrie Jones. I gotta say I liked the cover art too. It's almost a twist on the Twilight series. But this one involves Pixies... which are not as nice as some of use like to think. I've read pixie books before, some nice, some not ... but this one describes them completely evil. I'm already half way through the first book and I LIKE it not in love though. I heard the next two books get even better - so I hope so :) But hey I like adventures and new things so I thought I'd try the series out :)

Need -

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

A week after Soap.com

2011-01-27T13:20:00.005-06:00

Can you be in love with a website?? Seriously this is as bad as Gymboree but its saving me money LOL

use code ASER4231

Not valid for existing Diapers.com, Soap.com or BeautyBar.com customers. Some restrictions apply.

I found Soap.com through a friend. I ordered my first stuff and fell in love. They reshipped damaged items with no hesitation and they even accept manufaturer coupons by mailing them in (they send you coupon envelopes with your first order) I mean they are helping you save money in so many ways. And yes each time someones uses my code I get credits to get more stuff. Who doesn't love that!!

**I had to add this in - its important to some of the ladies :) - shipping - they bag all the spillable containers - my mouse and hairspray, my dish detergent all came in separate huge baggies inside the box and my Tide had a big tape wrapped around the lid to keep it from separating - it didn't leave any sticky after I removed it either.**

So what have I ordered latley...

* Aussie Aussome Volume Conditioner-13.5 oz
TOTAL - $3.69

* Aussie Aussome Volume Styling Mousse-6 oz
TOTAL - $0.00

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* 2 - Opti-Free RepleniSH Multi Purpose Disinfecting Solution
TOTAL - $24.90

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* 6 Ziploc Freezer Bag Value Pack, Gallon Size
TOTAL - $9.57

* CoverGirl Queen Collection Eyeliner
TOTAL - $3.99

Crest Crest Pro-Health For Me Fluoride Anticavity, Minty Breeze

TOTAL - $2.70

* Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
TOTAL - $0.19

* 2 Head & Shoulders Classic Clean 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo-33.9 oz.
TOTAL - $16.78

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* Kotex Long Super Maxi Pads 2 * original $3.71
USE CODE KotexJanuarySale
TOTAL - $4.18

* Listerine Antiseptic Gentle Rinse, Fresh Burst * original $5.15

TOTAL - $3.53

* Q-Tips Cotton Swabs * original $5.49

TOTAL - $4.67

* Tide ColdWater HE Liquid Detergent with Actilift, Fresh * original $12.99

TOTAL - $10.19

* Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant, Fresh * original $2.45

TOTAL $1.23

* Swiffer Dusters Refill, Unscented * original $12.39

TOTAL $10.11

* Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent * original $4.89

TOTAL $3.94

Yeah I think that's a total of 4 times in the last week and it all arrived next day in a nicely packed box. It beats traveling out in sleet/snow and in -12 degree weather to get the supplies too. I've even set up an account for my mother in law to get things sent to her - she's 74 and I don't need to worry about her hurting herself to get detergent. I've saved tons - each day they have a sale on their facebook page telling us what its is half off or discounted. I missed the hefty sale dang it lol

*UPDATE - ok I just placed my 5th order for Glad products - I got half off the pans I've been wanting. Amber wants to cook special things and these will be great for her to do it in! Use code FBGLAD to get it half off...up to $10 off so use it til it busts lol

* 2 Glad SimplyCooking OvenWare 9x12 Pans & Lids-2ct
o $6.18

* 2 Glad SimplyCooking OvenWare 8x8 Pans & Lids-3ct
o $6.18

* Tylenol Extra Strength Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer Caps
o $2.89

TIP - I do the special orders - half off Glad, Opti Free and such. Then I place a SEPARATE order for the rest of my goodies. All at no tax, no shipping and this way I can use codes and ecoupons :) Remember to check the ecoupons box when you see it before adding it into the cart too.
use code ASER4231 to get 15% off your first order :)

**I also use paypal to pay for my items :) - nice added bonus that they accept it*

My review is four thumbs up (I borrowed my husbands since he's loving it too).

Radiant Shadows

2011-01-26T18:47:00.000-06:00

Ohhh I think I'm done reading this series... its gotten a little weird and there's so many twists and turns to it. I was shocked and surprised by the book, read through it all in 2 days. But it really didn't do anything for me... the next one comes out in Feb and I think I'll wait to read the reviews to see if its worth it.

My favorite characters in the series weren't even the main characters of the book - I barely read anything about Aislinn and Seth. They never touched where Keenan ran off to or what happened to him. It was all about the hound Ani and her relationship to the faries. It was a real bore until the middle and then it sped up so fast that I was trying to keep track of what was happening. Not my favorite in the series.

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & M. Stohl

2011-01-22T14:38:00.001-06:00

I put this one aside since it was huge - 512 pages! But I couldn't let it sit for long. I was in love with Beautiful Creatures and I fell maddly in love with Beautiful Darkness. I laughed, cried, couldn't put it down, I read through it faster than I thought and when I finished it - yeah she left me hanging but not in a bad way, just wanting more and panting at the end of it. I really thought it was involved, describing things in detail, that I was able to play a movie in my head while reading it.. was able to follow along easily and love all the twists and turns. I never thought I'd like reading a book in a boys point of view but i do!!

Ethan is consumed by Lena as he was in the first book, wanting to know why she's brushing him off, turning/running away from him. She should be able to choose now. Be her own person but she's not. She's turning ... away. Ridley's back and Link is falling again. But who can help it, she's a Siren! Ethan starts having massive visions and they turn out to be wild and overwhelming this time. Ethans dads back in the story but he's just a bystander (wish they had included him more). Amma is back to her supernatural ways and superstitions - she shows up more with the three sisters (his great aunts) and really surprises me. So does that darn cat!

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

Soap.com

2011-01-20T15:46:00.000-06:00

*update before even going to post this I got a confirmation item with tracking that my order has SHIPPED!! WOW

Ok I just did it - I ordered from Soap.com - I got the following for $37 shipped to the house for free NOT TAX!!

use code ASER4231

Not valid for existing Diapers.com, Soap.com or BeautyBar.com customers. Some restrictions apply.

*
    * Kotex Long Super Maxi Pads 2     *   original $3.71
          USE CODE KotexJanuarySale
           TOTAL - $4.18

    * Listerine Antiseptic Gentle Rinse, Fresh Burst *   original $5.15

          TOTAL - $3.53

    * Q-Tips Cotton Swabs *   original $5.49

          TOTAL - $4.67

    * Tide ColdWater HE Liquid Detergent with Actilift, Fresh    *   original $12.99

          TOTAL - $10.19

    * Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant, Fresh *   original   $2.45

          TOTAL $1.23

    * Swiffer Dusters Refill, Unscented *   original   $12.39

         TOTAL $10.11

    * Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent *   original    $4.89

        TOTAL   $3.94

Go to http://www.soap.com/ and use code ASER4231 to get 15% off
The code works with the Kotex sale code but nothing else so far
Free shipping on all orders over $25

Torment by Lauren Kate

2011-01-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

Luce grows up in this one, instead of just agreeing, wondering aimlessly at this new school and doing as she's told or looking to Daniel for all the answers - she strikes out in her own way and fumbles on her own. What she does in the end, if you stop and think, you'd do the same thing, I know I would. The last 3 chapters rocked my world of what I thought was going to happen and it really makes you want the third book, dang it! lol I didn't want to put it down but I have like 50 pages marked where I had to stop to go potty, eat dinner or go in to the doc office after not wanting to be called in too quickly lol. It's a great second book to Fallen.

Hell on earth. That's what it's like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts - immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students -Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something - something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else? The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.

Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire

2011-01-13T16:07:00.000-06:00

Ok yeah its the classic vampire preteen novel, the cover doesn't do anythign for me but Amber wanted it so we picked it up and took it home. She has a dozen books she's reading at any given time so I snagged it and read it, in ONE DAY! It's a quick read, for 293 pages. But its great for a preteen. Then Still Sucks To Be Me came out and I continued to laugh my butt off in the next book. and again read it in one day... I really couldn't put it down.

The plot is great, it carries you along, make you laugh out loud and there's nothing in there that I wouldn't want my preteen (teen) to read. The character is a teen and her language through out definitely portrays that. You can see her rolling her eyes or stamping her feet.

I have to say the second book came at the best time - We were moving and so was Mina in the second book. Amber was able to relate to it and I actually think it helped her adjust :)

Sucks to Be Me

Mina Hamilton's parents want her dead. (Or undead to be precise.) They're vampires, and like it or not, Mina must decide whether to become a vampire herself. But Mina's more interested in hanging out with best friend Serena and trying to catch the eye of the too-hot-for-high-school Nathan Able than in the vampire training classes she's being forced to take. How's a girl supposed to find the perfect prom date and pass third-year French when her mom and dad are breathing down her neck—literally?

Still Sucks to Be Me

With vampire boyfriend George and best friend Serena by her side, Mina thought she had her whole life—or rather afterlife—ahead of her. But then Mina’s parents drop a bomb. They’re moving. To Louisiana. And not somewhere cool like New Orleans, but some teeny, tiny town where cheerleaders and jocks rule the school. Mina has to fake her death, change her name, and leave everything behind, including George and Serena. Not even the Vampire Council’s shape-shifting classes can cheer her up. Then Serena shows up on Mina’s doorstep with some news that sends Mina reeling. Mina may look a lot better with fangs, but her afterlife isn’t any less complicated!

In this eagerly awaited sequel to the popular Sucks to Be Me, Kimberly Pauley addresses many of her fans’ most pressing questions (Will Serena become a vampire? What happened to Raven? What’s next for Mina and George?) with signature humor and breezy bloodsucking style.

Babies 'R Us Sweepstakes

2011-01-13T14:31:00.000-06:00

If you're expecting a new baby, chances are that you're registered at the go-to spot for all things baby- Babies 'R Us. And even if you're registering days are long behind you, we have a feeling you know some moms who are expecting a new little bundle of joy. If you fall into either of these categories, you're definitely going to want to hear about the new Babies 'R Us sweepstakes, sponsored by Baby Brezza, the makers of The Baby Brezza™ One Step Baby Food Maker!

From January 13^th until February 13^th, you have the chance to win your entire Babies 'R Us registry*, just by adding the Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker to your registry. That's right, one lucky mom-to-be will win her entire wish-list, including the Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker! And trust us, this is one must-have that you'll want to add to your list anyway, since it's the only baby food maker that steams and blends in one simple step.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card and Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

It's BOGO time & Hostess Contest

2011-01-06T16:13:00.000-06:00

Our hostess contest - anytime you place an order online or through me and choose the open house New Years Contest, you have been entered into the contest. What can you win?? You win the hostess rewards of course! Anywhere from $50 - $100 or more!

Wouldn't you love to order something you've been wanting during our BOGO sale and have the chance to win the hostess rewards at the same time?? Me too!!

I love this sale!

Purchase any two items from January 4 at noon (MT) to January 31 at 11:59 p.m. (MT) and you’ll get an additional item of equal or lesser value absolutely FREE!

No Limit – One free for every 2 you buy!
Example Order:
Item #1 $49.95
Item #2 $39.95
......Item #3 $39.95 FREE
Item #4 $29.95
Item #5 $24.95
Item #6 $19.95 FREE

Choose from any item we offer, including expressions, embellishments, accessories, or even a MyDesign Suite custom expression. There’s no limit to the ways you can enhance your home or the FREE items you can get!

**Host your own online party and earn the rewards from your guests shopping during BOGO!! Contact me today to book your party online and do nothing, relax in your pj's and watch your party grow online!!**

Don’t miss your chance to Buy Two, Get One FREE. Contact me at

http://amy.uppercaseliving.net/

Contact me at aserpe@mchsi.com or 815-218-3708 and place your order for holiday clearance items today!

Kool-Aid Fun Fizz Review

2010-12-15T19:29:00.000-06:00

Kool-Aid Fun Fizz

OK - I thought, right, another drop in and just mix it up trick. Amber was excited and she jumped on it the moment she saw it. I was pleasantly surprised when she did hers that it worked. It danced and fizzed and was really moving and then when it hit the top it really fizzled and you could hear it. So then came the taste test. Was it going to taste odd, flat or sweet... nope it tasted good! It was really good lol. It had a tingle to it at first cause I think I didn't wait long enough for it to really disolve (which it tells you to do lol).

I will definitely recommend trying them, it does stain though, just like real kool-aid. My finger is still red lol.

The real good video (the commercial lol)

Right now at Walgreens - if you purchase them - you will get a print out for a coupon off your next kool-aid purchase of fun fizz

Available Nationwide at grocery stores
Flavors:Partin’ Punch, Gigglin’ Grape, and Laughin Lemonade.
8 drops per bag at a retail of $1.99

Christmas shopping... I don't think I can stop lol

2010-12-09T15:38:00.001-06:00

Please tell me I'm done with shopping lol - I've gotten Amber the following (but I'd still like to get a Wii game since we let her put the Wii in her room now, the latest Shrek, another CD she asked about, I'm dreaming when I say I want the kinnect lol) Stop me while I'm ahead! I can't help myself around Christmas and its hard for me to back off...

My parents and us got her a 22" TV for her room

We got:
New phone and a case
WWE 2011 xbox360
Scribble DS
Phineas Ferb Again DS
Twilight Eclipse DVD
Diary of a Wimpy Kid DVD
Kei$ha CD
Rhianna CD

Watch
Digital Camera
Silk Screen maker/extra ink
Foil Maker/extra ink
Jacket she wanted from WallyWorld
Two tops of Kohls
Matching jewelry for the tops
Slippers

Penelope Peapod PaperDolls Review

2010-12-09T12:13:00.001-06:00

Penelope Peapod- this one is in the paperdolls pattern, there are several to choose from. I LOVE them. They remind me when I was little had we had a little basket that turned into a purse. I just got my hands on one to review. Very sturdy, soft cloth - the doll is too cute, with a soft squishy bean body. Just large enough for a 3yrs old hand to hold and be able to carry around. I hate when its an overwhelming size and they have to struggle to balance it. Not in this case - the basket is a decent size too - just perfect. I would say up to age 8yrs for this too. The basket itself has two pockets inside and a hood that pops up that goes away when in purse form so it doesn't bother it. They've thought of everything with this, I highly recommend it!

Penelope Peapod is a one-of-a kind, carry along toy that combines fun, fantasy, and fashion. In one quick maneuver even the smallest hands transforms the stylish handbag into a bassinet.

Penelope is ready to play in an outfit made of the same beautiful fabric as her handbag/bassinet.

Each peapod includes the wicker basket with interior side pockets and drawstring closure and a 6" doll.

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Medal Award Winner
For ages 3 years and older

Note: was sent the item to review for free, all opinions are that of my own.

Roman Town Dig-it Games - Contest and Review

2010-12-07T05:56:00.001-06:00

I've seen the little trinkets at the museums where we can get the block the kids can dig out the dino bones or the rocks that melt in water and a surprise is inside. But this is the best I've seen yet to get the kids attention AND be educational at the same time. I recommend this for anyone age 7 and up - perfect for those who are inquisitive and anyone who has projects on Rome!

Roman Town - Dig-it Games

Graphics are a little simplistic but its very accurate, it gives them an idea of what life is like .

match the pieces together

tons of cool games

Dig your heart away and look what you can find!!

Roman Town: the premiere archaeology game!...an amazingly entertaining way to learn and a great way to spend quality time as a family. Bring History to life! Discover Roman Buildings, artifacts and priceless treasures. Immerse yourself in the ancient Roman world with 3D rendered graphics of authentic artifacts, Roman buildings and a realistic excavation site. Learn how to analyze valuable artifacts. Solve mysterious secrets about the lives of Roman kids! Unearth the town of Fossura destroyed in 79AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Roman Town gives you what books can't: a first hand, interactive look into Roman life. Walk through Roman buildings; bring artifacts to life in 3 dimensions; discover priceless treasures hidden in the dirt for centuries. Archaeology brings history to life in a way that entices kids to learn and discover. Roman Town is the first product to let you experience archaeology in a hands-on, interactive way. Roman Town takes archaeology out of the museum and brings it directly to you! Explore the 3D rendered town of Fossura, destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Roman Town is a real archaeological dig, and you get to be the archaeologist! Find artifacts-pottery, bones, coins, paintings-and play games that bring them to life. Solve mysteries from the past and discover the details of daily life centuries ago. Roman Town is portable, easy to use, and educational. And the best part is, it's fun!

Tillywig Toy Brain Child Award Winner; Winner National Parenting Publications NAPPA Honors; Winner of The National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval; Creative Child Magazine 2010 Game of The Year; Winner of Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products 2010; Winner 2010 Life Buzz Parent to Parent Award

(System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista)

20% off with coupon code BLOG20 valid through 1/31/11

Win a free game!

Required 1st Entry: Go to Dig-it Games and come back and tell me why you think it would be perfect for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew! Come back and post below (don't forget your email address!)

Optional Additional Entries:(Once you've done the required entry, you may do as many of these additional entries as you'd like!) Leave separate comments for each entry.

1 Entry - Post this Contest on your Blog - leave a link to your blog

1 Entry - Post this Contest on Twitter - leave a link to your twitter

1 Entry - Follow me on here and let me know that you did :)

Contest Ends December 13th

Note: thanks to MommyParties and MomSelect for sending me a free sample of the game and goodies for my guests.

ToyStory3 Action Links Stunt Sets Review!

2010-12-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

ToyStory3 Action Links Stunt Sets Review!

The mega-hit film Toy Story 3 won over the hearts of kids (and adults) everywhere! This fall, you can recapture the magic of the film all over again with Mattel's Toy Story 3 ACTION LINKS Stunt Sets.

Inspired by scenes from the film, the ACTION LINKS Stunt Sets allow kids to re-live their favorite Toy Story 3 moments while piquing their imaginations to create new adventures. Kids can build their very own "Toy Story" universe or recreate iconic scenes from the film. The five distinct stunt sets are a blast on their own or can be linked together for the ultimate interactive action adventure.

Thanks to MommyParties and MomSelect we received:

5 Action Link Stunt Sets, 1 of each variety. Each set comes with at least one buddy figure. The five stunt sets include: Evil Dr. Porkchop Attacks, Jessie to the Rescue, Buzz Saves the Train, Sunnyside Breakout Deluxe Playset, Junkyard Escape Stunt Set

PLUS each of our guests received Buddy Packs - 2 figurines for each pack.

I've shown you each one below and a video! There are no cons with this, for me its all pro's - they have to use their imagination, its not hard to set up for kids to do without parents, no batteries required!, very durable, and they can be used alone or connected together. If you want to add more figurines - the buddy packs are available in all kinds of sets to choose from. The kids played with those just as much as the playsets!

Evil Dr Porkchop (I love the piggy!!) - comes with Buzz (retail 14.99)

Jessie to the Rescue - comes with Jessie (retail 14.99)

Buzz Save the Train - comes with Buzz (retail 14.99)

Sunnyside Breakout Deluxe Playset - comes with Woody and Big Baby (retail 24.99)

Junkyard Escape Stunt Set (retail 39.99)

- I love flinging the bad bear off! This was also I thought the best value since it came with 3 characters.

Create wild adventures from the massive Disney/Pixar hit! Straight from the hit movie's big finish, get a firm grasp on stunts like "The Claw" or get carried away on 'The Conveyer Belt" stunt challenge. Action Links™ are linkable playsets that simply snap together to create an interactive, adventurous Toy Story world. Once connected, a simple push of a button sets off the fun, creating a chain reaction of events where characters fly through the air, zip line to safety and defend against evil villains, too!

Set up and conquer five different stunts
Combine with other Action Links™ sets for more chain reactions
Three Toy Story 3 Buddy figures included
Works with most Toy Story 3 Buddy figures

I LOVED the movie and for the toys to duplicate in the best way the stunt parts is fantastic!! I love flinging the bear and buzz chasing the train. The kids will love these toys... now to get you the best deals, see below - straight from Mattel!

There is a set that include ALL the action link playsets For just 66.46 right now

1 Toy Story 3 Action Links™ Jessie to the Rescue Stunt Set
1 Toy Story 3 Action Links™ Buzz Saves the Train Stunt Set
1 Toy Story 3 Action Links™ Dr. Porkchop Attacks Stunt Set
1 Toy Story 3 Action Links™ Sunnyside Breakout Deluxe Playset

Right now Mattel is having 15% off sitewide + free shipping on orders of $75 or more!

2010-12-03T20:15:00.001-06:00

Gerber Baby HouseParty!!

2010-11-21T10:51:00.000-06:00

We had our Gerber Baby HouseParty Sat and it was soo cool!!

Inside our boxes that arrived were:

1 GERBER® Probiotic & DHA Rice Cereal

1 GERBER® Probiotic & DHA Oatmeal Cereal

1 can of GERBER® GOOD START® GENTLE PLUS® formula

1 can of Graduates Puffs for Crawlers - Sweet Potato

1 box of Graduates for Preschoolers Healthy Meals - Cheesy Pasta, Chicken and Veg

For our Guests to try:
GERBER^® GRADUATES^® FOR PRESCHOOLERS CEREAL TWISTS

3-pack GRADUATES® SMART SIPS® dairy beverages

4-pack of Gerber Yogurt Blends in Simply Strawberry

4-pack Gerber Yogurt Blends Graduates in Mixed Berries

2-pack Gerber Organic Smart Nourish in Banana Raspberry Oatmeal

2-pack Gerber Organic Smart Nourish in Apples & Summer Peaches

Variety of product coupons
Gerber insulated lunch tote

GERBER bib
Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition Guide

The cereal treats were tested by all (even the 13yr old lol) and every was surprised that it was good, not too hard or squishy either.

The yogurt blends were fought over - everyone wanted to try and loved them! *The HouseParty Favorite!

The organics were a surprising treat - I've never done organic with Amber when she was growing up. It wasn't huge back then as it is now. They weren't bad - the kids seemed to like them. And its a great alternative - I know a lot of moms who have to have organic only foods.

I loved having this HouseParty - Can't wait to have more!! Keep an eye out!

Enter to Win Up to $1,000 on Blogger Challenge Sweepstakes!

2010-11-18T14:27:00.000-06:00

Coupons, Recipes, and More on Breakstone’s Sour Cream Holiday Destination for Moms

Breakstone’s, makers of all natural, triple churned sour cream, just launched Better with Breakstone’s for families to make the most of the holiday season! From party-pleasing recipes to organizational tips, Better with Breakstone’s is the ultimate resource for Moms this winter. The holiday destination features a Blogger Challenge where three food bloggers whip up their favorite family recipes with sour cream as the showcased ingredient! We need YOUR HELP voting for the best creations. Each time you vote, you’ll be entered for a chance to win up to $1,000!

Better with Breakstone’s is the brand new destination for all things seasonal. Print free coupons, check out party planning tips, discover new recipes, and watch featured videos to learn how to incorporate sour cream into your favorite holiday classics. Bet you didn’t know it’s perfect for keeping cakes and pastries wonderfully moist and fluffy – your relatives will never believe it!

To get in the spirit of sharing, three bloggers were asked to incorporate sour cream into their families tried-and-true classic holiday recipes. This season, Amanda’s Cookin’, My Baking Addiction, and Iowa Girl Eats took the challenge. Read each blogger’s bio to learn a little bit more about their skills, then check out the menus they’ve come up with and vote for your favorite. When you vote, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win BIG!

Voting starts November 15th and ends December 20th, with prizes awarded each week:

November 22nd - $250 gift card awarded to one winner
November 29th - $250 gift card awarded to one winner
December 6th - $250 gift card awarded to one winner
December 13th - $500 gift card awarded to one winner
December 20th - $1,000 gift card awarded to one grand prize winner

About Breakstone’s
Breakstone's brand is produced by Kraft Foods Incorporated. Breakstone's products include sour cream and cottage cheese, and are sold in the eastern, southeastern and midwestern United States. In the western United States, the products are sold under the brand name of Knudsen.

Note
The Blogger Challenge Sweepstakes is sponsored by Meredith Corporation, not Breakstone’s.

Learn to Give Back with Primrose Schools & Dr. Z

2010-11-17T16:29:00.000-06:00

We all want our children to grow up to be compassionate adults who want to help others. That's why we're always on the lookout for good ways to encourage character and development. Our good friends at Primrose Schools, the leader in educational childcare, recommend that parents make an effort to introduce volunteerism at a young age.

That's why Dr. Mary Zurn, Vice President of Education for Primrose, is offering parents the four easy steps outlined below to start their children on a path to meaningful volunteerism.

Here are 4 Steps to getting your family interested in volunteering:

Step 1: Clarify your personal goals and motives for wanting to include your child in volunteer activities. Volunteering is a wonderful way to a share your values with your child. Pick a cause that is meaningful to you and your family rather than one that is simply convenient.

Step 2: Explain the importance of volunteerism and the contribution volunteers can make. A child's favorite question is "why?" Keep your answers simple and concrete. For example, if you are going to volunteer at the food bank, tell your child that "The food bank has lots of food for people who need it, and it will be our job to sort the food so that people are able to find what they need."

Step 3: Choose volunteer activities to do with your children that are age-appropriate. Children as young as three can begin volunteering. At this age they begin to enjoy participation in group activities and are better able to follow directions. Remember that a preschooler's concept of the world is not very large and is usually limited primarily to their home, neighborhood and school; therefore, it is important to keep the activity within the realm of what they can imagine. A few examples:

Participate in "clean the park" activities. Be sure to have your child wear gloves.
Take recyclables to recycling collection centers.
Act as a companion to the elderly in retirement or assisted living homes. Simply listening to their stories and relieving their loneliness provides multiple benefits for the senior citizen and your child.
Participate in local races and walks that raise money for a charitable cause that you think is important; most races have a shorter race for children.
Sort food at a food bank. Be sure to confirm that children are welcome to volunteer and that it will be a safe environment.

Step 4: Find a child-friendly not-for-profit. Ask the following questions to help you select the volunteer opportunity that is right for your family:

Does the organization have experience with and a history of successfully working with children and families? Will the organization provide me with a reference from another family who has volunteered with them?
Will the organization staff welcome my child's participation?
Is there a specific job that my child can do successfully? Who will show my children what to do?
Are there special clothes or supplies needed for my child to volunteer with this organization?
Does the organization conduct appropriate background screenings on its staff? Does the organization have insurance if there is an accident while your family is volunteering?
Can the organization provide a concrete example that will help your child understand how his or her efforts benefit others?

Happy holidays to you and your family!

To find these and other great tips for parents, check out Dr. Zurn's blog at DrZandme.com. For more information on Primrose Schools, visit www.primroseschools.com. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place."

Karo - Cookie Exchange Application on Facebook!

2010-11-16T15:36:00.001-06:00

The holidays are a time for whipping up treasured recipes to share with our friends and family and indulging in all of our favorite confections. One treat is so synonymous with the happiest time of the year that it's even on Santa's wishlist! Whether you bond with your family over a batch of gingerbread men or gift all of your goodies, cookies are the sweetest way to ring in the season.

Our friends at Karo® know how much effort we put into our cookies. That's why they're giving baking enthusiasts everywhere the chance to share their best cookie and cookie bar recipes with their new Cookie Exchange Application on Facebook. The app allows you to submit your own recipe, let your friends know you've entered and vote and comment on your favorites. By participating, you create a "living cookbook" to encourage baking and cookie exchanging all year long. Plus, you could win amazing prizes from Cadco, KitchenAid®, Williams-Sonoma, Vollrath® and CookieCutter.com!

MY favorite cookie recipe isn't a cookie! Chocolate Peanutbutter Balls - my husband hates it when I make them cause I make a million at a time and freeze them (they are best frozen) and he finds himself in the freezer all winter LOL

Ingredients:

3 sticks butter (isn't anything with 3 sticks of butter good? I melt this)

2 lbs confectioner sugar (whole bag)

28 oz peanut butter (whole container Skippy Creamy)

1/4 cup Karo® Light or Dark or with Real Brown Sugar Corn Syrup

24 oz semi sweet chocolate (I use Hershey milk chocolate chips)

1 square paraffin wax (I use chocolate flavored bark squares)

Steps:

Mix butter and peanut butter together. Add Karo Syrup. Mix sugar with peanut butter mixture. Shape in balls. Refrigerate 2-3 hours (I stick it in the big outdoor freezer for 30 minutes...lol)

Melt wax/bark and chocolate on med heat until smooth with a double boiler. Dip balls in chocolate. Cool on wax paper.

HINT! I have done both…. Use toothpick to tip balls into chocolate mix. OR I use a skewer and another skewer to get it off lol. Then at the end I put just a little bit of chocolate on the top to cover the hole that was made.

The batch makes 200 good size ones or 400 small ones.

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win an ACH prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place."

Holiday Showcase!

2010-11-16T06:13:00.005-06:00

I just received my holiday showcase and I wanted to share it with you before all the moms come over and peek themselves!

MomSelect sent us Play-Doh Shape and Spin Elmo, Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory, Sneaky 3D Puzzle from Patch Products, The NEW Smallfrys from BuildaBear, Playmobils Child's First Day at School Kit - take a look below for ideas for the holidays season!

Play-Doh Shape and Spin Elmo

Who doesn't love Play-Doh!! Amber still gets it out every so often to play with it and make huge designs lol. This is cute, they get to learn their shapes, colors and more. Definitely worth it! Retails for $19.99

Discovering is fun with PLAY-DOH compound and Sesame Street! Elmo has two fun play modes. In mode 1, Elmo helps your child identify shapes and then counts them as your child makes them. In mode 2, Elmo prompts your child to make various shapes. Together, they'll have lots of fun creating PLAY-DOH triangles, circles and more.

This talking playset comes with a playmat, 3 stampers, instructions, and 3 three-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH Brand Modeling Compound. NOTICE PARENTS: Contains wheat. Nontoxic. Includes 2 "AAA" batteries. Ages 3 and Up

Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory

This one is soooo up Ambers alley!! She won't give it back! lol Retails for $29.99

Keep it moving and keep the fun coming with this awesome moving MEGA FUN FACTORY conveyor belt set! Load your PLAY-DOH compound in one end and turn on your conveyor belt to stamp out pretend toys or food from one of the two gear molds. Keep your conveyor belt running and you can stamp out tons and tons of fun creations -- it's non-stop imaginative action! Plus, when you're ready to "shut down" the "factory" for the day, you can even store up to six cans of PLAY-DOH modeling compound right in the set so they're all ready for the next time you turn it on.

MEGA FUN FACTORY conveyor belt set comes with two gears with 15+ molds, playmat and four three-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH modeling compound.Requires 2 "C" batteries (not included). Ages 3 and up.

Sneaky 3D Puzzle from Patch Products

Ok Amber wasn't into this, but the neighbor boys were! They loved it. Retails for $14.99

This 46-piece puzzle is full of surprises! Put together the colorful safari scene and then slip on the included 3D glasses for a magical experience! It looks like the animals are so big and lively. Then, notice that all the letters of the alphabet and numbers 0-9 hidden in the picture...sneaky, huh? Find them all! Finished floor puzzle is 2 x 3 feet - that's humongous! Ages 3 & Up

The NEW Smallfrys from BuildaBear

Right now these guys are 2 for $20 with the code 95510 (can't use more than one code per order)
There's also a $5 off $10 code too right now 95428

I LOVE THEM!! They are the cutest, softest things, BAB has come out with. And the fact that they are in a little fry box is adorable. Perfect for the little ones or a STOCKING STUFFER!! My favorite is the doggie in the ducky outfit lol

The limited edition collection includes eight pre-stuffed animals which are smaller versions of past and present Build-A-Bear Workshop favorite furry friends. They come packaged complete with their very own “nutritional friendship information” on back. Although they are small, each build-a-bear smallfrys furry friend has big personality.

Some accessoires for the little frys are: Plaid Shirt and Tie Jean set, Hoodie and Jean set, Fuchsia Ruffle Leggings set, Pink Dot Dress, Peace Pajamas, Blue Fairy outfit and more.

* Sassy Kitty
* Read Teddy ®
* Marble Monkey
* Endless Hugs Teddy
* Shaggy Pup
* Peace Bear
* Fabulous Frog
* Cinnamon Swirl Bunny

Big build-a-bear smallfrys fun is also available at buildabearville.com ^®, the company’s virtual world. Each of these furry friends comes with a code to receive free gifts at buildabearville.com. When Guests redeem their code online, they receive a virtual accessory bag themed to carry their build-a-bear smallfrys friend and a doll house style furniture item. When Guests click on the item, it opens up to a new smaller room, the perfect size for a build-a-bear smallfrys virtual furry friend.

And lastly Playmobils Child's First Day at School Kit - do you remember the cones our moms made for us, for our first day of school, with tons of goodies inside (ok I might be dating myself here lol) but it was a tradition when I was VERY young that the parents did this for our First Day of School - Retails for $3.29 Cute stocking stuffer!

I hoped you loved looking at the showcase and came up with some new ideas for christmas! One more thing to leave you with - if you having a holiday party - MomSelect gave me a great recipe for the kids and adults too!

Snowball Treats
*1 12 ounce bag of white chocolate chips
*4 cups of prepared popcorn
*2 cups of fruit flavored cerea, like fruit loops

Mix the popcorn and cereal together in a large bowl
Gently melt the chocolate chips by placing in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (do it in increments of 30 secs and stir each time)
Pour the chocolate over the cereal/popcorn mix and gently stir to combine
Pour the mixture (more like spoon it lol) into 12 cupcake liners and let it sit for 30 mins.

LOVED these!! I think you will too :)

Note: all opinions are my own, all products were given free to review.

Clic-It Review and “Gearing Up for Baby” Contest

2010-11-15T08:21:00.005-06:00

I was excited to review this new daiper bag! As soon as I heard that you could 'clic-it' and add accessories. I remember having a bulky bag, with a nursery theme on it (they didn't have 'cool' bags back then) and you dug for years to find the wipes, daiper, nippy... anything!

I was given the diaper bag, the organizer pouch and the bottle holder - And who wants this thing?? My daughter and my husband - he thought it was just a cool bag. So its definitely dad approved and he can use it without being caught out with a 'mom bag'.

What I loved is the long strap. What I was suprised to find is the the bags top zips off if you want it too, so that you could hang it over a stroller and not be having to flip the top bag, its just open and ready for you. See all the clip areas inside and outside the bag and you can see the colorful top has its own zipper.

Tons of room inside, tons of 'clic-its' to add on things and find them easily.

Watch the video below for yourself to see how cool Clic-It is :)

Now you can go to the Clic-It website and see more items they carry. This is a mom, dad and kid approved bag!!

DON'T FORGET!! Clic-It is kicking off the “Gearing Up for Baby” contest from November 15 – December 24. Log onto www.clicitbag.com for details on how to enter for a chance to win a prize pack including a new Clic-It diaper bag and accessory assortment (retail value: $117.00).

Join them online - “like” Clic-It on Facebook as well !!

Jump-start your career w/ a rewarding biz ownership opportunity-Open a Supercuts!

2010-10-29T01:30:00.002-05:00

For years moms have jumped on Homeparty businesses, like Avon, Tupperware, Uppercase Living... Moms all over are trying to come up with a way to help subsidize their families income. Supercuts wants to share with you why they would be ideal company to start up with and how you can still be a mom at home at the same time.

Opening a recession-proof business: a Supercuts salon! Most people don’t consider the hair care industry when looking to start a business, but hair care makes a lot of sense when you stop to think about it, especially when compared to long hours associated with food service and retail franchises.

The Supercuts business model is time-honored and built to maximize your income while giving you plenty of time to play with little ones! In fact, Supercuts knows how to instruct new franchisees on running a sound operation so well, that a potential franchisee can open a salon and keep their current occupation until the new business can support them full time.

Supercuts, one of the largest and most iconic salon brands in the country, has been ranked the number one hair-care franchise in the U.S. and the fifth best franchise opportunity overall in Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500" issue. The Regis Corporation, parent company of Supercuts, is the authority on franchise business ownership in the hair care industry and offers a time-tested business model for anyone looking to start building a business of their own - no prior business or hair-care experience necessary. Supercuts will train you to run the business, and how to hire the right professional stylists to perform the actual services. If you are a professional considering business ownership, inquire about opening a hair care franchise with Supercuts!

Why Choose the Hair Care Industry?
The success of any franchise is dependent on the nature of the business. Unlike food service franchises with perishable inventory, round the clock hours, and unskilled labor, hair care is an industry worthy of consideration because it:

Is fundamental service in any community and any economic climate.
Most people choose not to ‘do it themselves’
Resists technological obsolescence
Is staffed by professionals – employees are educated, certified and trained
Has low, non-perishable inventory requirements.
Cannot be outsourced
Is about making people look and feel good about themselves.

Hair care is a high-demand, high-repeat cash business that serves a fragmented and local market. Supercuts can take the guess work out of setting up a successful operation of your own; one where successful national advertising creates brand recognition and value for each salon.

Why Supercuts?
A strong relationship between franchiser and franchisee is imperative to the success of any franchise, as well as the capability of your franchisor -- their financial health and their ability to keep products, services, and marketing current and relevant. Supercuts is owned by Regis Corporation. Regis is the global leader in hair care service. They are a Fortune 1000 company with almost 13,000 salon locations among 60 brands in hair care services, products, and education. Supercuts is Regis Corporation’s flagship franchise brand. Since 1922, Regis’s success has stemmed from their continued ability to innovate according to demand. Even in 2009’s economic uncertainty, Supercuts provided franchisees with the knowledge and confidence to open eighty new Supercuts across the country, bringing the franchise to over 2,100 locations throughout North America.

To foster a symbiotic relationship with franchisees, Regis uses total transparency to provide learning opportunities and offer access to the latest information and best practices on financial performance, incremental revenue opportunities, operational improvements, marketing, hiring, retention and business growth strategies. Regis is equally as invested in the success of franchised salons as their franchisees are.

Gary Grace, president of the Supercuts Franchise Association and a multi-unit franchisee himself, attributes the salon brand's success to the excellent working relationship that franchisees have with Regis Corporation. "This franchise has a tremendous, built-in support system that is hard to create on your own," Grace said. "We have strong leadership, attend conferences, share best practices and even have an online community bulletin board where we post questions, help each other out, and offer advice. Overall, this recognition reflects how well we all work together – from each Supercuts stylist to our franchisee network to Regis Corporation and their support."

How Can I Franchise a Supercuts?
Just like any other business, a franchise business will take sufficient capital to run while you’re getting to profitability as well as a willingness to be part of team, tenacity, making sound decisions, leadership and execution.

A potential franchisee must have the following qualifications:

$150K net worth minimum
Some business experience
Willing to open multiple units (Minimum of 3)

Have questions about opening a Supercuts franchise or want to learn tips from current business owners? Visit http://www.RegisFranchise.com or contact Melissa Aquino at melissa@stjacques.com for more info about becoming a franchisee, Regis Corporation, and blogging opportunities.

Stay Connected

Twitter - follow @MySuperCuts, tweet (click here)
Facebook - check out the lineup at www.facebook.com/Supercuts

About Supercuts
Supercuts is part of the Regis Franchise family of brands. With over 2,100 locations across North America, Supercuts provides hair-care services to men, women and children at convenient locations with reasonable prices and no appointments necessary. Supercuts offers a broad selection of professional hair care products including Paul Mitchell, American Crew, Nioxin, Tigi, Redken, Biolage and more.

About Regis Corporation
For more information about Regis Corporation, visit www.regiscorp.com.

Note: I was given a free gift bag for posting about Supercuts, all opinions are of my own.

BACKYARD SAFARI™ OUTFITTERS

2010-10-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

Thanks to TeamMom and BACKYARD SAFARI™ OUTFITTERS - I was sent their Cargo Vest, Suction Bug Vacuum and their Land and Water Mega View Periscope to review... OMG The kids who tried this, including a 3, 6 and 13 yr old, LOVE it, so did I!

I had the best fun with the Bug Vacuum. How many times have you been cleaning your house and ooops there's a bug and you suck that bugger up in the vacuum. Well same concept but this time they get to see it full on... we did it with lightening bugs and it didn't splatter them inside :)

The vest is neat, makes them feel like they are really ready for an adventure. It's loose fitting, has a bunch of great slots to add your tools.

The periscope is neat!! It is heavy and large - see the video to really get the size of this thing. It arrives small (slid into each other) but then the kids just pull it out and start using it. Definitely older than 5 to hold it up, for the younger ones, mom/dad might need to help out. But in all it works and its cool to look out. The kids used it in their 'tent' to spy on each other and see what all the adults were doing.

These oh-so-cool products are fun for fall outdoor play or holiday gifts (stocking stuffers and more). Take a peek at all the videos below... there's more to Gear Up with too! They can be purchased online or in stores, including Toys “R” Us, Wal-Mart, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, and Target. Amber's asking for the Field Binocs :)

ARE YOU GEARED UP?
BACKYARD SAFARI™ OUTFITTERS is the outfitter for all your year-round outdoor adventures!
Our year-round ESSENTIAL FIELD GEAR is rugged, fully functional, and made for the field. Perfect for backyards, parks, campgrounds, beaches and lakes.
So, gear up and get in the field! Chase a storm or wrangle a bug. Track an animal or comb the beach. Dig up the past or gaze at the stars. The world is your backyard. Join us on safari!

THE ESSENTIAL FIELD GEAR CARGO VEST

It’s your most essential piece of field gear. It’s rugged, and tough enough for all your outdoor adventures. Plenty of cargo pockets means lots of space to load up. Six D-Rings and two shoulder epaulets let you clip and hang more essential gear. A large zipper pocket stores your trusty binocs and a clear-view chest pocket stores your Pop-Up Field Guides™. The back of the vest features a one-size-fits-all adjustable strap and two extra mesh pockets for storing extra gear. It’s the must-have for every BACKYARD SAFARI™ kid.

FEATURES:

* RUGGED POLY-TWILL FABRIC WITH REINFORCED DETAIL
* 4 CARGO POCKETS WITH VELCRO CLOSURES
* 1 TWO INCH DEEP ZIPPER POCKET WITH MESH-NET OUTER POCKET
* 6 D-RINGS
* CUSTOM ZIPPER PULLS
* CARGO SHOULDER EPAULETS WITH SNAP CLOSURES
* ADJUSTABLE REAR STRAP
* 2 OVER-SIZED MESH-NET CARGO POCKETS IN REAR
* PLUS CLEAR-VU FRONT POCKET CONTAINING ESSENTIAL FIELD POP-GUIDE

AGE: 5 & UP

THE BUG WRANGLER'S EXTREME SUCTION BUG VACUUM

SNEAK UP ON BUGS AND SUCK ‘EM UP!

There are THOUSANDS of crawling, flying, buzzing bugs in your backyard – catch them LIVE with your Bug Vac! Look at bugs UP-CLOSE with built-in magnifying Glass! CAPTURE CORE attaches to the Bug Habitat (sold separately) for easy transfer of your insects.

FEATURES:

* 2 CATCH & RELEASE CAPTURE CORES WITH BUILT IN MAGNIFYING GLASS
* PLUS: EXTRA NOSE CONE FOR THE REALLY BIG BUGS

AGE: 5 & Up

LAND AND WATER MEGA VIEW PERISCOPE

A VIEW TO A THRILL!

This full-view periscope allows stealth viewing over boulders, high bushes, backyard fences, and around corners. Three rugged, light-weight sections telescope for a reach over 4 feet high to let you see all those out-of-reach views.

EXCLUSIVE WATER FEATURE! Flip the Mega View Periscope upside down and a full 16 inches is submersible for underwater viewing—on docks, poolside, lakes or beaches. A fish eye view...but without all that water in your ears.

FEATURES:

* THREE NESTED SECTIONS EXTEND OVER 4 FEET
* WIDE-VIEW FACE PLATE FOR BINOCULAR VIEWING
* ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED HAND GRIPS FOR STEADY, VERTICAL HOLDING POSITION
* 16 INCH WATER-TIGHT SUBMERSIBLE SECTION FOR UNDERWATER VIEWING

AGE: 5 & Up

Note: I received all these items free from TeamMom and all opinions are that of my own.