Monday, May 30, 2011

Flint Hills International Children's Festival

Attention all Minnesotans!

The Flint Hills International Children’s Festival’s family weekend is June 4th and 5th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Presented by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the world-class festival provides children and their families the opportunity to experience international puppetry, dance, music, drama, acrobatics and more. The festival, which is in its 11th year, is affordable; all outdoor activities are free, and shows inside the Ordway are $5. For more on the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Spread the word, Minnesotan's!

P.S. I Love You Letters

P.S. I Love You Letters are letters from you to those you leave behind when you pass.
"P.S. I Love You Letters are time preserved, hand-written letters that you compose on elegant stationary to share what you've always wanted to say to those close to you, but never did. Your letters are safeguarded with us and later delivered in accordance with your instructions on specified dates."
The kit is absolutely gorgeous. It provides everything you need to write letters to loved ones. So you write your letter, and seal it in the provided envelope, and send it to P.S. I Love You Letters to be stored until you request them to be delivered, usually after you pass away. There is a card in the kit that is sent to the company when you die (keep it with your will and other important documents, and a loved one will find it and send it in). Then your loved ones will receive the loving words you wrote to them. Imagine yourself receiving a letter like this from someone who has passed away! What a treasure that would be, right? I have not written my letters yet, but I plan to soon and send them off to be stored. I think about this all time - what if I die suddenly, will the boys know how much I loved them? They are so young now. Would they remember? Maybe a bit of a morbid thought, but it is reality, and what better way to ensure that your family knows you love them than to have a handwritten letter from you delivered once you pass away? I think this is an excellent service. To find out more, visit the website of P.S. I Love You Letters, and find them on Facebook.

I received a product from P.S. I Love You Letters in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day and it commemorates U.S. soldiers who have died while in the military service. Please take a moment during all the BBQ's and get-together's and thank a veteran, say a prayer thanking the deceased who died for our country, and remember we are free and live the way we live because of our soldiers.

I thank:
US Marine Cpl. George Decker - living grandfather
US Marine Sgt. James Erickson - living grandfather
US Army PFC James Young - living stepfather
US Air Force Tech Sgt. John Decker - living father
and
US Army Sergeant Jason Kolb - My Husband

Sunday, May 29, 2011

All Purpose Cleaner Review & *Giveaway*

Tropical Traditions brand Household Traditions All Purpose Cleaner is by far my new favorite go-to cleaner! "Safe & non-toxic, this solution is for all your household/commercial cleaning needs! Replace all of your harmful, toxic cleaners with Household Traditions All Purpose Cleaner! This environmentally safe botanical mixture contains no harmful detergents or solvents, no perfumes or dyes, and is easy to use! Household Traditions All Purpose Cleaner is an enzyme-based botanical formula that can cut through the toughest grease or dirt, and is completely non-toxic."

This stuff is bad-a**! Really! It cleaned my greasy stove top (I hate cleaning my stove!) like there was no tomorrow! It was fast and awesome! It is safe to use in the kitchen around food, and safe to use around the kiddos too. Not only can you use this in the kitchen, but everywhere else, even on your car! Also, for laundry stains! No joke! This is practically the only cleaner you will ever need again! I love it.

Want to win a bottle of Household Traditions All Purpose Cleaner? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC and the newsletter.
4. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends June 5th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck.

I received a product from Tropical Traditions in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Five Finger Tees

FiveFingerTees is a site that sells, well, duh, t-shirts! But they are really cool tees, with all kinds of graphics and funny stuff. You can find all kinds of different tees there, even hoodies! They have movie t-shirts, animal t-shirts, holiday shirts, political shirts. You name it. I got the tee pictured above, the Teller-Morrow Auto Repair shirt, in reference to Sons Of Anarchy TV show, which I love. The tee is great quality and the screen-print graphics are top notch! I love it! Some of my other fave tees from FiveFingerTees are:


You can follow FiveFingerTees on Twitter, and like them on Facebook. Check out all the great shirts at FiveFingerTees!

I received a product from FiveFingerTees in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Green Dragon Herbals Review & *Giveaway*

Green Dragon Herbals develops natural products to help improve your lifestyle and create healthy habits. They have lotions, balms, massage oils, and much more. I got to try out the Commando Men's Body Lotion for Jason. "Commando is a manly scented body lotion that will not only smell good to a man but women love to smell it on you! It's rough, it's tough, Go Commando!" I love the smell of it on Jason. He uses it after the shower at night and then smells all yummy in bed when he curls up with me. Mmmm hmmm, this is nice lotion. *winks*

Want to win a bottle of Commando Lotion for your man, just in time for Father's Day? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC and the newsletter.
2. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.
3. Tell me your favorite scent for a man.

Giveaway ends June 4th. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!

I received a product from Green Dragon Herbals in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat

Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

About The Book:
The bestselling author of Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On! returns with more helpful how-to's and keen observations from Dixie. Guided by principles from the ancient Belle Doctrine, the host of radio and television's All Things Southern offers down-home advice on everything from health and fitness-managing thy caloric calculations without going Straight Running Crazy and surviving the Raging Inferno Syndrome (aka hot flashes) - to the Southern art of handling your man (Bubba Whispering). Whether giving business tips or debunking the Big Boned Theory, making political observations or celebrating the inevitable resurgence of big hair, Shellie is an adviser women can relate to and laugh with regardless of their age or which side of the Mason-Dixon they call home.

My Thoughts:
I'm a proud Northern Gal, but even I found this book hilarious and relate-able. I love the way the book is laid out with the sprinkling of recipes and wisdom. I laughed out loud while reading this book a number of times, and found myself constantly agreeing with the author. I think women of all ages, races, and backgrounds will enjoy this book and get a kick out of it!

About The Author:
As an infant, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson had one of the earliest cases of appendicitis ever documented. Fifty-four doctors came to Natchez, MS to study her case. In retrospect, Shellie believes it may have been better had they studied her brain for she admits to hearing voices. After briefly considering medication Shellie chose a career in storytelling to give them all a chance to be heard. It's working out pretty well. Today this author, speaker, newspaper/magazine columnist, and Belle of All Things Southern entertains audiences on the radio, TV, and web, in a full out celebration of the South with a heavy emphasis on faith, friends, and family. Shellie's gift is mining the exquisite from the ordinary. A list of the radio affiliates airing Shellie's daily segments can be found at All Things Southern.com along with her weekly video porch chat. Shellie also produces and hosts All Things Southern LIVE each Monday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. CST on TALK 540 KMLB out of northeast LA. The show streams live and podcasts are archived so everyone can join Shellie's southern celebration. Whether sharing her love of story, interviewing radio guests, or interacting with readers thru Facebook and Twitter, Shellie's passion for life has proven to be highly contagious. Shellie's first Penguin Group USA release, "Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On" was chosen as a SIBA Nonfiction Book of the Year 2009 finalist.



I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Townley Girl


"Townley Inc.’s mission is to design and distribute safe, fun and high-quality licensed beauty products at affordable prices for children and preteen markets. Townley Inc. strives to be the category leader for both markets; offering relevant, compelling and innovative beauty products that inspire confidence and imagination. Products: Disney: Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Sonny With A Chance, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies. Nickelodeon: iCarly, Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, Ni-Hao Kai Lan. Sanrio: Hello Kitty."

I received a Wizards Of Waverly Place The World At Your Fingertips Nail Art Kit that comes with the press on nails, flower decals and little gems, and a clear coat polish. I also got a Sonny With A Chance Randomlicious Lip Swirl Set which came with 2 lip gloss tubes, a shimmer lip gloss with a wand, a lip gloss ring. Also, a Wizards Of Waverly Place Abraca-Drama set with 2 nail polishes, 3 lip balms, and a little bag to hold them all. Very cool looking stuff, and needless to say, my niece was thrilled and I am her all time favorite auntie. *Smile*
 

Townley's products can be found in select retailers near you, including: Wal-Mart, Target, Kohls, Claires, Toys'R'Us, Justice, Ross Stores, Dillards, Fred Meyer, Kroger, TJ Maxx, HEB, Disney Theme Parks, Disney Stores, ShopKo, and Dollar General. For the ultimate girls only beauty site to find how-to beauty tips, fashion must-haves, celebrity beauty news and more! Visit www.townleygirl.com.




I received products from Townley Girl in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hello Weekend!

We decided last minute to take off for the Memorial Day Weekend. We are going all the way Up North to Jason's dads place - 5 hour drive. But Jason's brother and his family will be there as well. So the boys will have fun! Everyone have a safe fun weekend!

Foto Find Friday 5/27





Thursday, May 26, 2011

Zipz Shoes Review & *Giveaway*


"Change your shoes, change yourself, change your world! Zip open your mind to the revolution that is Zipz Shoes! Zipz Shoes are the world’s first and only interchangeable shoes! Our inventive and worldwide patented technology in both utility and design provides our customers the ability to interchange shoe components as they see fit. Whether it's fashion, function, or fun, Zipz Shoes have it covered."

These are by far the coolest thing I have seen in a long time! I got the pair above, and they come with plain black covers as well, in case I want to change them up. Once you have the base of the shoe, you can buy any cover you want on the website. They have mens, womens, and kids shoes too! They are comfy, and stylish, and have I said yet that they are the coolest thing? They come in more styles than the slip-ons. They also have regular tennis shoes (lo-tops) and they have hi-tops too! Very cool! Check them out at Zipz Shoes!

Want to win a pair of your choosing? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC and my newsletter.
4. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends June 2nd. Open to US only, sorry. Good luck!


I received a product from Zipz Shoes in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I Heart Me Some Reese's


I love Reese's...all of them. The cup, the bits, the candy bars. All of them, so yummy. But they do not make and sell my number one favorite of all time anymore. It was the Reese's Inside Out. Peanut butter on the outside and the chocolate in the middle. Anyone remember those? To die for!!! I think I am going to write the company as ask if I can place a special order just for me. Hee hee. No...seriously. I am.

Wat-Aah!

Wat-Aah is bottled water geared towards kids. It has nothing bad or sugary in it. Purified, fortified, and simply wonderful. Callan loved the design of the bottles and wanted a drink "right now!". The water is very good and clean and thirst quenching. I enjoyed it, and Callan and Mason just went ga-ga for it. Callan even asked for it over juice!!!! That is amazing! I highly recommend this bottled water for your kiddos, and even for yourself!

Wat-Aah! has a viral contest running on Facebook called, WAT-AAH-Face!, (What A Face!), which is a nationwide photo contest where kids, and any kids at heart, are asked to wear a WAT-AAH! tattoo on their faces, are instructed to "pose, pout, amuse and/or shock" in front of a camera and submit their photo onto WAT-AAH!'s Facebook page. The contest was inspired by thousands of kids who willingly and naturally posed and put out memorable and amusing faces after wearing a WAT-AAH! neon-colored tattoo, featuring the brand's screaming boy logo. WAT-AAH!'s Facebook fans will be asked to vote for their favorite photo and the winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500. Kids who entered on behalf of their schools will have a chance to win for themselves and also have their prize be matched and donated back into their schools. How cool is that?

Check out Wat-Aah online and see where you can get some of your own!

I received products from Wat-Aah! in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jollys Garden Clogs Review & *Giveaway*

"Garden Clogs and Gardening Shoes by Jollys are for anyone working in the garden, around the house, or in the garage. Jollys garden clogs are great easy-on, easy off house shoes too. Gardening shoes are invaluable during the early spring, the mud just rinses off. Jollys garden clogs are convenient and totally comfortable for both men’s garden clogs and women’s gardening shoes. Garden clogs offer the durability of work boots with the ease of slippers."

I was amazed at how comfy these really are. I wear mine without socks, and have no issues at all. I am in love! They have cork insoles that are replaceable if or when they wear out. They are not only comfortable, but they are cute too. There are many different styles and colors to choose from. I plan on wearing mine all summer, whether I am working in the yard or not - I love them so much! Hee hee.

Want to win a pair of garden clogs of your choice? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Check out Jollys Garden Clogs website and tell me which shoes you like.
3. Tweet or Facebook post about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends June 1st. Good luck!


I received a product from Jollys Garden Clogs in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Certain Dri 100 Days Of Summer Giveaway

Beat the heat every day this summer with Certain Dri! In celebration of summer, Certain Dri is giving away one Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant every day for 100 days! One random entrant will be chosen to receive a Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant (roll-on or solid) each day from 5/27/11-9/3/11. Every Friday at noon E.T. all seven winners from that week will be announced.

Check out more about the contest and enter once you "like" them on Facebook. Click on the 100 Days of Summer on the left side once you get to the page! Good luck!

Jem & The Holograms On The Hub

Yes, I am a child of the 80's, and so I am super excited to tell you that Jem And The Holograms will be coming to The Hub on Saturday, May 28th at 2:00pm EST (Jem And The Holograms Marathon) and then Tuesday, May 31st at 7:00pm EST (Jem And The Holograms regular time slot). Wooo hooo! If you are a girl of the 80's, you know what I am talking about. If not, watch it! With your daughter's of course, hee hee. But me, alas, I have boys. But....I am gonna DVR it! Oh my gosh! I loved this show! I had the magic star earrings and the sparkly finger gloves. Oh man! I wanted to be in the band. Yeah, looooved this show! I am so excited!

Photobin

PhotoBin is a really cool photo storage site, where they can store your photos online. You also can send in photos and they scan them and make them available digitally through a CD you can upload to your computer. So, say you got some really old family snap shots, or photos from before there was ever digital cameras (gasp!), you can get them scanned and they will go online for you! Here is the package I got:

"Easy Starter Kit: This kit includes everything you need to send us up to 500 photos for scanning. The Value Kit 500 box holds photographs sized as large as 5x7. After purchasing, you will be sent a box with everything you need to transport your memories to us safely including a shipping label with postage included in your standard shipping costs (3 way shipping only $14.95, valid for the contiguous US states only). The specially trained Scan Technicians at PhotoBin’s San Diego facility provide white glove service and treat your photos with care.
  • 1-500 photos scanned
  • Shipping box, packing materials and return shipping label included in kit
  • Your choice of photos stored on a free CD or DVD
  • Free trial of PhotoBin's online photo storage and sharing account."
It took about 2 weeks to get my photos back, maybe not even that long. And they were all in the same shape I sent them in, and I was easily able to access them online and share them on Facebook, etc. You can even order photo gifts from the photos. It is all really very cool and convenient, especially if you have older photos you want to have online. Check out all the great services from PhotoBin!

I received a product from PhotoBin in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Last Letter

The Last Letter by Kathleen Shoop

About The Book:
For any daughter who thinks she knows her mother’s story…Katherine Arthur’s mother arrives on her doorstep, dying, forcing her to relive a past she wanted to forget. When Katherine was young, the Arthur family had been affluent city dwellers until shame sent them running for the prairie, into the unknown. Taking her family, including young Katherine, to live off the land was the last thing Jeanie Arthur had wanted, but she did her best to make a go of it on a domain of natural disasters, temptation, hatred, even death. Ten-year-old Katherine had loved her mother fiercely, put her trust in her completely, but when there was no other choice, and Jeanie resorted to extreme measures on the prairie to save her family, she tore Katherine’s world apart. Now, seventeen years later, and far from the prairie, Katherine has found the truth – she has discovered the last letter.

My Thoughts:
A very nice debut novel for the author! The book was longer than I had anticipated, but the entire book, from cover to cover, keeps you reigned in. The characters are so alive and so real, and the time and place settings are so perfect, you can envision it all so clearly. You begin to think this story is about Katherine, but I think it is really about Jeanie. What an amazing strong character Jeanie is. I really hope Kathleen Shoop plans to publish more books, because this is a superb debut!

About The Author:
Kathleen Shoop is a Language Arts Coach with a PhD in Reading Education whose work has appeared in The Tribune Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent Magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. The Last Letter is her debut novel.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Book Sparks PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Minnesota Tornadoes




I'm sure most of you have heard the news about the severe storms and tornadoes that have ripped through the Midwest these past few days. I live in Minnesota, and am lucky enough to be safe and without damage. But the storms have ravaged our state, along with many other states here in the Heartland. Our first tornado of the season was on May 10th, and it hit Medina, MN with minimal damage. But then on Saturday, May 21st, it was the beginning of terrible storms for the next 48 hours. There was a tornado in Minnestrista, MN. Then on Sunday, there were four tornadoes, the worst being one that touched down for 6 minutes in North Minneapolis, which is the pictures you see above. Total devastation of at least 30 homes, and only one death, thankfully. And today, Monday, it is sunny and gorgeous. Mother Nature sure can be cruel. And this is only the beginning of tornado season here in Minnesota. I hope everyone all over stays safe this summer.

Here, Home, Hope

Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda

About The Book:
Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors' seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly's own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan. From page one, Kelly's witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan - she places Post-it notes all over her house and car - will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor. Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career. Here, Home, Hope will surely appeal to readers of chick lit and other women's fiction titles who are ready to transition into something new in their own life. 

My Thoughts:
From the get-go you are hooked on this book and want to take the journey along with Kelly. Although I found some of the conversation and the way people talk in the book unrealistic, I still enjoyed the plot of the story and the journey from beginning to end. As a full-time stay-at-home-mama I get the feeling of "cabin fever" myself, and wonder what things out in the "real" world am I missing out on. Sometimes you just gotta make a change, and the transformation Kelly goes through is amazing.

About The Author:
Kaira Rouda is the author of the novel - Here, Home, Hope and the short story, A Mother's Day. As creator of the Real Living Real Estate brand, Kaira is passionate about entrepreneurialism, marketing and the power of women in the workforce and beyond. Her first book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, is an Amazon bestseller and has received numerous awards since its publication. A published author, award-winning marketing executive and business owner, she built her career by working in marketing for national brands, large regional advertising agencies and writing for national and regional publications. Kaira's first national byline was for Brides magazine, a short piece based on her wedding and honeymoon. For 10 years, she was Central Ohio's Connections society columnist. While maintaining her own writing business, she became the vice president of marketing for an Inc. 100 national franchisor. In 2002, she launched the nationally award-winning Real Living brand. Kaira was recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Led Companies and received the distinguished Stevie Award for Entrepreneurs. Throughout her marketing career, she received numerous awards and honors, and was a WebAward Judge for the Web Marketing Association. Active in her community, she founded Central Ohio's first homeless shelter for families, served two terms on the board of the Mid-Ohio FoodBank, on the board of the YWCA and as an underwriter of The Women's Fund. She has received numerous awards for her civic service including the Ohio Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, Kiwanis Humanitarian Award, Northwest Rotary Woman of the Year and Columbus Board of Realtors Citizen of the Year. Kaira is a magna cum laude English major graduate of Vanderbilt University and the mother of four. Having lived in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, for most of her adult life, recently Kaira, her husband, kids and dog, Oreo, packed up and moved west to the beach where they've all easily adjusted to year-round sun, the bark of sea lions and amazing sunsets. For more about Kaira and her books, please visit www.KairaRouda.com.

BUY this book on Amazon HERE.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from One2One Network. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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...