Tuesday, November 30, 2010

SOS For Teachers Review & Giveaway



I recently got the opportunity to review Magic Wands from SOS For Teachers. SOS For Teachers is  partnership that was created to give teachers the tools that they need to provide innovative, interactive learning strategies for their students. The company was founded by Judy Knight and Sue Price, and offers educational products and services.

The Magic Wands are perfect for waving over a student as a form of praise or as an "attention getter". I used it on Callan to get his attention, and to praise him for something well done. I've also started to use it as a reward for when he goes potty on the toilet. Great incentive!

Check out SOS For Teachers for all their great products and ideas HERE.

Sue is generously offering my readers a special deal on the wizard magic wands. If you order a wizard or princess wand (pictured on the website) it will be $5.00 plus $2.95 in shipping and handling. That's a savings of $1 on the wand and $2 on the shipping/handling! You can print out the order form and enter a promo code: CALLAN.

One lucky reader will win a blue magic wizard wand! Here's how:

1. Follow my blog.
2. Follow SOS For Teachers on Facebook

Good luck. Open to US residents only, sorry. Giveaway ends December 8th.

BBB DAY THIRTY


Today is the last day of the BBB. Did you have fun? Hope so. Thank to the few who participated. For one last shot at the Big Birthday Box Giveaway, tell me what you would most like to see in the box? That's it! Check back tomorrow to see who the lucky winner is! 

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Monday, November 29, 2010

BBB DAY TWENTY-NINE




BBB Day 29! I have something fun for the almost last day before the big giveaway. Dali Wall Decals are so cool, and we were lucky enough to be able to review them. The hardest part was deciding which ones I wanted to review. There are so many cool wall decals to choose from, even some you can personalize. But we chose the Space Theme for the boys room. It was super easy to put on (for Jason to put on) the walls. And Callan loved it. I think it really adds something to their room too. A fun cool play atmosphere for them. I love it, and they love it! For BBB participation, please tell me your most favorite decal from the Dali Decals website.

For my readers, Dali Decals is generously offering 5% off any order, with no minimum purchase required! The check out code is: Hanging5Off

Also, one lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to the Dali Decals website! Woo hoo! Here's how you can win!

1. Follow my blog.
2. Like Dali Decals on Facebook!

Giveaway ends December 6th! Good luck!

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Kidtoons Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas Giveaway

George and The Man with The Yellow Hat are having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There's only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. The Man is having trouble reading George's wish list and George doesn't have a clue about what to get for The Man who has everything. Will they be able to find the answers before Christmas morning?

Check out Kidtoons HERE to find out about this and other great shows!

Kidtoons is generously offering one of my readers the chance to win a Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas prize pack which includes:

* 1 Curious George Book
* 1 Curious George DVD
* 1 Curious George poster 

Here's how to enter:
1. Follow my blog.
2. Follow Kidstoons on Facebook.
3. Follow Kidstoons on Twitter.

Giveaway ends December 5th! Good luck!

Christmas Printables Pack




Python Printable Christmas Games Pack is a massive value! It's their biggest-ever bundle, with over 70 printables. There's something for everybody, from word games to tons of trivia, gift exchange and left-right to scavenger hunts, Christian, office party games...This pack has everything, even a printable Letter From Santa and Thank-You notes. I love it. And it is so cool because this year Callan kind of "gets it" more so than other years, so I can play these games with him, and do the crafts with him, and make lovely memories!

Get the Mega Christmas Pack from Python Printables for only $19.95!

Here is some FREE printables from Python Printables: HERE.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

BBB DAY TWENTY-EIGHT


Almost to the end of the BBB. It did not go as well as I hoped, but for one of the lucky few who participated, there will be a nice nice nice Big Birthday Box for you. Maybe I will include something from Amy Adele! I was lucky enough to get to review some labels from her, and I love them. As you can see from the pic, I have used most of Mason's and put them on his new toys he recently got for his first birthday. The labels are high quality, waterproof, and just amazing graphics. I love all of the stuff from Amy Adele, actually, and will be a repeat customer!

For today's BBB participation, please visit Amy Adele's website, and tell me which are your most favorite products, and how you would personalize them, what you would use them for, etc.

Also check out Amy's blog HERE.

For more BBB info go HERE.

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

BBB DAY TWENTY-SEVEN - EXTENDED


Like this t-shirt? Jason wore it for Halloween this year. ZETH - Zombies For The Ethical Treatment Of Humans. We were able to review it from Costume Squad! It is a high quality made shirt, with great color and graphics. Jason said it was comfortable to wear. And I plan on stealing this shirt from him and making it mine. Ha ha ha!

Costume Squad has tons of stuff on their site. Of course they have costumes for Halloween, or if you're looking for a costume for another occasion. They even have costumes for your dog! Of course, there is obviously t-shirts! They have the best 80's t-shirts! I want them all! They have a ton of stuff, and I am willing to bet you won't be able to go on this site without wanting to buy something! Check them out HERE.

Costume Squad is offering one lucky winner a Mystery Tee! Who knows what you will get? But it will be fun to find out! To enter (and if you enter, this counts as your BBB participation):
1. Follow this blog.
2. Become a fan of Costume Squad (owned by Crazy Dog) on Facebook (Optional for extra entry)
3. Post a comment on the Facebook page telling us what your favorite tee is, or ask a question about the shirts (Optional for extra entry)
4. "Like" or "Share" one of the products on their website. The buttons for these are on all product detail pages, above the main image.(Optional for extra entry)

Giveaway open to US residents only, sorry. Ends December 11th! Good luck!

More on the BBB HERE.

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Blog Question

Can anyone help me figure out how to make my header bigger, or even at least centered?

Anyone wanna make me a cool header? ;)

Winners On This Holiday Weekend

Nature's Notebook - ASHLEY

Cradle Rock - ALISSA

Lipo In A Box - MISSRENEER

$5 Amazon Giftcard - LIBBY





BBB DAY TWENTY-SIX


Have you heard of the 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind? I only recently heard of them myself. For today's BBB participation, answer these questions on your blog, link back to this post, and leave a comment.

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?

12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?

18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

22. Why are you, you?

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

25. What are you most grateful for?

26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?

29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?

31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

32. If not now, then when?

33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? 

I will answer these questions myself in a later post.

More about the BBB HERE.

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving 2010


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!! Have a great day!

My Family Thanksgiving by Kathy *Guest Blogger*

My Family Thanksgiving
By Kathy Thomas

As I approach my true nature, now a woman of 50, I sit in wonder that my family is intact and that we care about one another. I remember the insanity of trying to cook a meal for 20, while working full time, going to college and single parenting. Now that my children are grown and have families of their own I am sensitive to the work involved in a big get together. Thanksgiving is always our meal time holiday, probably because we have learned to adapt.

Did I mention I was a single parent through all the holidays but a few? Does anyone else remember the baking until 2:00 a.m., the Turkey glazing that started at 5:00 a.m. the next day…the potatoes that were skinned and mashed, the sweet potatoes, the marshmellows I forgot, the ginger I needed a little less of, the oven that never turned on…oh and remember when the dog dumped the entire dinner on the floor getting tangled up in the table cloth?

Yep! Family holidays. And the best part is getting up the next day after a “day off” to go to work. That meant a lot of clean-up Thanksgiving evening.

Things have changed. The biggest being that we all do holidays together. Four kids, spouses, extended family and friends all pitch in. Because there are so many spousal and extra households to partake in, my four kids and I get together and have the now famous Thanksgiving Breakfast, where everyone wears jammies, just like when they were little.

Now we start with coffee, maybe some coffee cake. My grandkids run around silly and the grown-ups all crowd with them around a big wooden table to have pancakes and fruit salad, homemade waffles, bacon and sausage, omelets by our omelet chef: my daughters husband, and we sit back laughing and relaxed. We all do the dishes. We hug each other. We go off to all the other places we are destined to visit in this one very special day.

My grandkids can be picky eaters, but no one is ever picky at breakfast. Ever notice that? Breakfast is just wonderful comfort food and what better way to start the day than with the household of children I raised. Give Thanks you say? I just never know quite where to start, however I always know where to sit. Right there, in the bosom of my family.

I hope your Thanksgiving gives you back those precious memories that make us who we are - that it is filled with peace and laughter and wonder.

Happy Flippin Pancakes! Thanksgiving breakfast ROCKS!

Kathy Thomas is a Native of Florida, living a quiet simple life in a small town on the east coast. After wandering around in an RV for a while as a Park volunteer the muse kicked in. Kathy is a musician, songwriter, Reike Master, Poet, and a grandmother of 5 which leaves her wide open to life. Check out her blog at https://sposdtabe.wordpress.com


BBB DAY TWENTY-FIVE (Happy Thanksgiving!)


Day 25 of the BBB and it just so happens to be Thanksgiving Day here in the USA. So for today's participation, I would like to hear what you all think Thanksgiving means. What does it mean to you personally, to your family, etc. What are you most thankful for? Leave your answers in the comments here, or feel free to make a post on it.

Of course my number one answer is my kids. And my second answer....after the last 7 years, my health.

Want the details of the BBB? Go HERE.

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

I Have A Confession by Marci *Guest Blogger*

My name is Marci Loehner and I operate CincinnatiCoupons.net, “Where $aving Money is an Addiction”. Today, I have a new confession…{drum roll please}

We don’t have Turkey for Thanksgiving! {GASP!, I know, right?!?}

Years ago {when my Mommy made Thanksgiving dinner} we would all sit around the traditional turkey, cranberry sauce, corn, homemade stuffing and masher taters and rolls. Then two hours later, after everyone was good and full, she would break out the pies {oh my!} We were miserable!

Then a few years ago {when my Mom moved away!} I was in control of taking over Thanksgiving. Being a new mom and cooking all day just wasn't in my plans. I asked my three brothers and hubby {then boyfriend!} what they wanted for Thanksgiving dinner. All four of them were quick to reply “Honey Baked Ham”! So that’s what I made {or heated up!}.

Of course, I made the homemade taters and stuffing along with a side of cinnamon apples {so delish!!!} and my infamous Garlic Potatoes & Green Beans. I also had cheesecake, pumpkin pie and a Kentucky Bourbon Pie for dessert. I must say, it was all delicious and we haven't looked back since!

For my husband's side of the family, it's a little harder. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are vegetarians. My mother-in-law actually doesn't even like the smell of meat. So, cooking a turkey {and inviting her into our home} is not even an option. I came up with the idea of lasagna, a meat and a veggie, three years ago at Christmas time. It was a huge hit with the kiddies and my mother-in -law {we all know how hard it is to impress her!}. So, every holiday, I make lasagna, salad and bruschetta. It's quick and easy!

By not having to baste a turkey every hour, I'm able to surf the internet for the best deals on Thanksgiving and get a jump on my holiday shopping.

What non traditional ways do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

BBB DAY TWENTY-FOUR



Day 24! Almost there! I recently got the chance to review some hair accessories from The Resort Collection. So beautifully made and stylish. I loved them! I love all the products! My new favorites are the skull headbands from the Fall Collection! Awesome!

For today's participation, go to the website HERE and tell me what items you like best. Who knows, you just might get lucky and find something from The Resort Collection in the Big Birthday Box!

To get the details of the BBB go HERE.

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Adopted Ed

I loved reading this book to Callan. It not only teaches about adoption, but about the differences in all of us. The illustrations are amazing, and the wording is perfect. A really great book!

Product Description:
www.AdoptedEd.com - This simple and beautifully illustrated story is about an adopted little boy and his journey through his early years. Sensitive and likable, little Eddie is just like every other kid, eating ice cream and playing ball. At school when he is teased by bullies about being adopted, his mom coaches him through the situation, which ultimately sets the course of his life with personal empowerment. Over time, Eddie feels a strong "void" and becomes curious about his biological parents, which ultimately leads him to find out more. ADOPTED ED concludes with a section of famous people who were adopted.

About the Author:
Darren Maddern is just one of the many millions of adopted people throughout the world today. Born in England, Darren was adopted when he was only 10 days old by Don and Dolly Maddern, an American military couple who were stationed at an American Air Force base just outside of Oxford. After spending three years in England, the Madderns were transferred to Tehran, Iran where they settled for the next five years and where Darren attended first and second grades. When Darren completed second grade, the Madderns were transferred again, this time to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, Darren was naturalized as an American citizen. Three years later, the Madderns moved one last time to Colorado, where Darren spent the rest of his formative years. The Madderns made the decision to tell Darren he was adopted at an early age. Like many adoptees, Darren became curious about his birth parents. Sympathetic to the feelings of his adoptive parents, when Darren turned 18, he secretly hired a private investigator to learn the address of his biological grandparents, who were still living in the Oxford area of England. He contacted them through a letter and enclosed a separate letter with the request that it be passed along to his biological mother. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call, and knew immediately who it was from the accent on the other end. This was the first contact with his birth mother. During the emotional phone call, a plan for a reunion was discussed. However, after giving it serious thought Darren just felt he wasn't emotionally ready. It would be another four years before Darren would make his fateful trip overseas. A 22 year old more emotionally mature Darren flew back to England to meet both his biological mother and grandparents. The reunion was everything he could have wished for. At 26, Darren found his biological father and went back again to England to meet him. During this visit he discovered he has two half-brothers. To this day, Darren still enjoys a close relationship with his British family. He also had an extremely close relationship with his adoptive parents, who always encouraged his journey through life. Throughout his life Maddern has been asked about being adopted. Through candidly sharing his story, he's helped many adoptees, parents of adopted children and parents considering adoption. ADOPTED ED is dedicated to both his adopted and biological parents with a special dedication to his mom, Dolly Maddern who passed away in 2000 and his pops, Don Maddern who joined her in 2009. It's also dedicated to every adopted man, woman and child to remind them that they too are indeed - SPECIAL.

BUY the book on Amazon HERE.


I received a complimentary review copy of this book from One2One Network and the author.

Twinlab Marine Friends Review & Giveaway




I've been trying to find easy ways to get more vitamins and nutritious things in the kiddos. Especially Callan. He is the pickiest eater I know. So when I got to try Twinlab Marine Friends, I was relieved! He does not even know I put this in his food and drinks, and it is easy, and simple, and gosh, any little things helps!

"Twinlab Marine Friends Children’s Omega-3 Powder is a versatile, light tasting powder that blends almost invisibly into everyday foods and drinks like orange juice, yogurt, applesauce, baby food and fruit smoothies. Our formula contains a naturally sourced combination of DHA and EPA that is molecularly distilled for purity and provides 127mg of Omega-3s per serving, with no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or sweeteners added. Packaged in convenient, super portable stick packs, Marine Friends makes it easy for kids and moms to get their Omega-3s at home or on the go."

Want to win a package of your own? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Tell me your child's worst food enemy.

Good luck! Giveaway ends December 1st.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Skillet Bacon Jam





Ok, so I have to admit, I was a little freaked out when I got the chance to review Bacon Jam. I know, you are like Bacon what? Bacon Jam, my friends. Here is the description from the website:

…..what the heck is bacon jam?....

About 3 years ago, we started a street food company called skillet street food. We focused on creating chef driven food, out of an airstream trailer. One of our signature items was our burger, which was grass fed beef, arugula, brioche, cambozola cheese and Bacon Jam. People started asking us if we sold it, and after a brief period of time we started to sell it on our street food trailer …….

and then martha stewart called and it was bananas after that...

…….we take a big bunch of really really good bacon, and render it down...add a bunch of spices..onions, etc..and let it simmer for about 6 hours…give it a quick puree, blast chill it…and you have bacon jam..

We like to put it on our burger, serve it on crostini, perhaps on a grilled cheese, maybe a substitute for bacon on a BLT, maybe the base for a vinaigrette...well you get the picture...

Sounds yummy. And it is. We put it on burgers, and it added a special zing. It was great! Check it out for yourself!

EMAIL: eat@skilletstreetfood.com


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

SoftLips Review & Giveaway


I am a lip balm-a-holic, I do not go anywhere without some sort of lip balm. And when I got to review the new holiday flavors of SoftLips, I was so excited! I have always loved the SoftLips brand, and these new holiday flavors are so yummy!

Packaged in a festive, blue sachet, the new Softlips limited edition winter flavor gift pack is affordable, makes for the perfect stocking stuffer, a final touch on a gift attached to a ribbon or even a gift for yourself! Each irresistibly, delicious flavor is reminiscent of the holidays, helping to protect lips with SPF 20 and great moisturizing properties.

Now through out the holiday/winter season, the Holidays 5-Pack – Sugar & Spice, Winter Mint, Sugar Cookie, Sugar Plum Berry, and Mint with a Hint of Vanilla – will be available exclusively in the new Softlips online store, www.softlips.com, for $9.99.

FREE Shipping from Softlips – Starting 11/26 through 12/10! It’s the holiday season and Softlips is excited to offer FREE shipping on all orders placed in the Softlips online store at www.softlips.com during 11/26/10 -12/10/10.

Hurry and get yours for holiday gifts, or just for yourself! Want a chance to win your own holiday pack? Here's how:

1. Follow my blog.
2. Tell me your favorite flavor of SoftLips.

Giveaway ends November 30th. Open to US and Canada only, sorry. Good luck!

Holiday Pix 2010



I Love The 80's Free CD


Free CD download from Amazon for I Love The 80's. Go HERE.

Thanksgiving Gone Wild by Deepak *Guest Blogger*

Thanksgiving Gone Wild

When I was 14, my father had to take an international trip for about 2 weeks and unfortunately over Thanksgiving. He pretty much laid down the law if any of my older cousins tried to manipulate my brother and me.

So my mother and brother and I traveled from San Francisco to another large city on our own to spend Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house. She was always good about taking care of us. She had three kids, two of which were married and with their own in-laws and the youngest one was visiting home from CAL during the break.

As soon as we arrived, my nutty cousin tried to make us slaves by doing yard work! What a way to treat your guests . . . .

Later that day around 4pm, I did not see a turkey or ham around the house so I politely asked my aunt if I could help cook the turkey. She then told me, "Your cousin has turned vegetarian and does not allow meat in the home."

I can’t describe what I was thinking inside at that moment. Back then I was 14 and was not in my own immediate family’s home so I had to stay tight lipped. That cousin started to give me a lecture about why eating meat is not right, when it’s perfectly okay at Berkeley for students to smoke joints, walk around campus nude, and the ladies do not shave themselves.

They offered pizza on a Boboli crust and boycotted eating that night in protest. Ever since that day, anytime someone invites me over for Thanksgiving, I run them through a rigorous process worse than the CIA. I even know what places are open in that zip code as back up.

In fact, when I was single, one of my screening questions to potential mates was how their family celebrates Thanksgiving as an open ended question. If I did not hear turkey, cranberry, ham or football, I never called back for a second date.

Now I am grown, married and have in-laws that are traditional. As for my cousin, he continues to alienate people but I am much bigger than him in height and biceps!


BBB DAY TWENTY-THREE


Day 22! You're all doing so well. Thanks! Today is something simple and fun. Today you get the chance to ask me the craziest question(s) you can think of. You can leave your questions in the comments. Try to come up with some doozies! The crazier, the better! Have fun!

To learn more about the BBB go HERE.

Coming in December - The Book Giveaway Extravaganza!

Awesome Hair Finds

Esha Natural line from Esha Girl - Unruly hair and frizz don’t stand a chance when indulging in this terrific collection. It’s a one-stop s...