Have you hugged your tree today?

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The Autism Sisterhood by Michele C. Brooke

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Preface:

This book began as a thought: What if one of my good friends learned her child had autism? What would I say? How would I use my experience to help her navigate this new road? Thus, began my project of writing down words of encouragement and support and, best of all, real-life ideas and suggestions to help guide her [you] through this new journey.

 Between you and me, I am very thankful for what life has brought my way because it has made all the difference. I have two boys diagnosed with high functioning autism. When my oldest son was first diagnosed, I had no idea what autism really was. This, of course, is no longer the case.

 The Autism Sisterhood: A (Brief) Manual is designed to be a starting point. It's short because I know you don't have much free time to sit without interruption, and it's small because I hope that once you've read it, you'll place it in your purse or backpack and pass it along to another mom (or dad) who may need it.

 We're all in this together-learning, supporting, and laughing. So, should your son or daughter receive an autism diagnosis, please take a moment. Deep inhale. Slow exhale. Relax and know that autism is an incredible journey, and you all are going to be just fine.

My thoughts:

First off, I like the title.  It really says what the book meant to me when I was reading it.  Many of the areas that author Michele Brooke covers are things we have done.  So for me when I was reading the book it felt like I was chatting with another "been there, done that" type of Mom.  I found that I was in my head adding in things that I would talk about, and ways I had incorporated many of these concepts, or ways I could still incorporate them.  Like many parents, you may not agree with every little thing someone else says.  With this book you may not agree with every suggestion, or think it might not work for your child, but every child is different.  What it does do is gets you thinking.  It makes you think about things you may have done in the past, things you could work on now or even in the future.  It may give you just some little suggestions you may not have heard about before. 

I think this would definitely be nice for a parent of a child who is newly diagnosed, especially coming from another parent that can give even more examples of what Michele Brooke is writing about.  I like that the book is simple and doesnt have any difficult to understand concepts.  Sometimes you go to a specialist and you feel like your the one with autism and trying to figure out what this person is talking about.  You just dont make the connection like you can with other parents.  That is what is great, it is a way to connect not only with your child but by doing so with other parents.  The book to me is kind of like one of the topics that she covers "explore and elaborate".  I think this is such an important topic for the child, but while reading this book, that is what I found myself doing.  I could definitely see myself chatting with other parents and us figuring out many ways to "explore and elaborate" .

This book is not a long emotional tear inducing book or one of those "here's the cure to autism" type of book. It is short and simple.  Its not about finding cures, or having someone feel sorry for you or your child.  Its about making connections.  It gives some brief examples of some techniques that have worked for a parent(or many like the author) in simple to understand ways.  The reader then can take those and expand on them in ways that may help their child...or even just bring up the suggestion to another parent, therapist, teacher or specialist to get further information on how to work that technique into their lives. 

~You can purchase this for $9.99 on Amazon.

disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book to review(as a member of Mamabuzz), but will definitely be passing it on so another parent can join the sisterhood.

Bryan Adams BareBones CD review and giveaway

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Decca is pleased to announce its first CD release by Grammy-winning superstar, singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. The Canadian-born, Bryan Adams has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, garnered 21 top ten hits, earned nominations for three Academy Awards and five Golden Globes, received 18 Juno Awards, an American Music Award and five ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards for Most Performed Song from a Motion Picture (his music has appeared on more than 40 movie soundtracks).


Slated for release on November 16th, Bare Bones is an inspired collection of minimally arranged hits culled from Adams’ impressive body of work spanning three decades. Recorded in spring of 2010 during his "Bare Bones Tour," the disc captures a raw Adams, featuring only his distinctive voice and guitar, accompanied on select songs by keyboardist Gary Breit, lending a newfound appreciation and perspective to what many consider some of the most beloved songs in pop/rock music. Inspired by his experience recording “MTV’s Unplugged” in the 90’s, Adams decided to revisit performing his material pared down once again in 2008. With a consistently loyal following on the road, Adams continued playing live shows with these new spare arrangements in 2010, and as an experiment decided to start recording them for a possible record. Comments Adams, “as the tour rolled across the USA and Canada, many people were asking for a recording of the songs as they had just heard in the show. So in response to that, I decided to record a few shows to see if a recording was even interesting… I like the way the songs carry themselves warts and all, bare-boned, without the original arrangements of a full band or an orchestra.” He continues, “These recordings only have the voices and handclaps of the fans in the audience and the ambience of the room to lift them.”

What a great CD!  When I was given an opportunity to review this cd I had to definitely say yes.  I always loved Bryan Adams as a teen, and was surprised to find this cd just as great as his collections then.  I love listening to this cd like you are at a concert...listening to the fans cheer and the band talk and even be a little goofy in spots.  I forgot just how many songs I really liked by Bryan Adams...this is a great collection!  I will be listening to it a lot!  Cant help but sing along right now to "Summer of 69"!!!
 
Are you a fan too?  If so you will be happy to hear that I have an extra copy to give away to one of my lucky readers!!!  To enter:  Leave a comment telling me your favorite Bryan Adams song.
 
Extra entries:
Follow my blog with google friends connect
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
subscribe to my blog
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
 
This giveaway is open to the continental US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Dec. 15 and the winner will be chosen by random.org
 
disclosure:  I received two free copies of this cd to review/giveaway.

#Mamavation Monday and Fiber One "Help take the hunger out of dieting" giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
Congratulations Jingle!

This week I really wanted to include this great giveaway opportunity with all my Mamavation sistas, as we have been talking a lot about including fiber and challenging each other to get more fiber in our diets.  I know that adding fiber has been a great way for me to stay full longer and has helped me lose weight.  Now being pregnant it has been great for those lovely pregnancy symptoms you get like constipation and nausea.  I have used high fiber cereals for quite a while to lose weight and right now just to feel better.  This week I have really focused on only eating high fiber cereals for breakfast versus the less fiber/more sugary cereals.  I wasnt a huge fan of the original Fiber One cereal before, but realized it really isnt that bad.  I actually like it when I mix it with my other cereal.  I have really enjoyed it by doing a half bowl fiber one original and half bowl of honey nut cheerios.  Tastes really good and is more filling.

This weeks Mamavation goals:
1.Continue to include lots of high fiber foods, and make the switch back to more whole grains vs white.
2. No soda
3. Get lots of rest as I have just a couple weeks left to go!!! 

Fiber One Original cereal also can be a great way to incorporate fiber into mealtime recipes. For ideas, Hungry Girl is providing tips for the Fiber One Original cereal “Help Take the Hunger out of Dieting” mini microsite. My first 15 readers will be able to sign up to receive a free box of cereal through the microsite.




Fiber helps satisfy your hunger so it’s easier to eat less and lose weight without feeling as hungry.

~One serving of Fiber One Original cereal provides more than half (57%) of the Daily Value of fiber.
~Fiber One Original cereal is a tasty way to start your morning on the right track with 0 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fiber, 60 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving.
~For more information or additional tips, please visit http://www.fiberone.com/.


Thanks to Fiber One and Myblogspark I received a Fiber One “Help Take the Hunger out of Dieting” prize pack that includes Fiber One Original cereal, a cereal-on-the-go container, food scale, water bottle and notepad for tracking what you eat.   I love the cereal on the go container and the water bottle.  We need to remember to drink lots of water, especially if we are increasing our fiber!  The cereal on the go container is going to be great for me to bring when I have to go to Kennedys all day appointments.  I have tried bringing cereal and milk before and my milk has leaked all over.  Cant wait to give this one a try!  It even has a built in ice ring to keep the milk nice and cold!  One thing I have looked at before while dieting is a diet scale, but have actually never gotten one.  So this will be nice to have when I start up again next month.  Although I really do not know how to use one....What am I measuring and how much should the stuff weigh.  I have always just cut back and never been that thorough.  Any ideas would be great.

 
Giveaway:
One lucky reader can win the Fiber one "Help take the hunger out of dieting" prize pack also!!!!  To enter:  Leave a comment related to fiber, dieting, motivation, or anything related.  (If you would like to leave a Mamavation comment, but do not want to enter giveaway just let me know in your comment)
 
Extra entries:
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
Follow my blog with google friends connect
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  The giveaway will end on Dec. 13 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:   The products, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me from Fiber One through MyBlogSpark.

Dont forget to check out the online sales at csnstores.com

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I have been doing lots of shopping online this holiday season.  Being 9 months pregnant I was not about to go out to the crazy stores.  Why not stay home, and shop in my pjs!  With over 200 csnstores you can find gifts for everyone from cookware for Mom,  a new briefcase for Dad, a neon bar light for your hubby, or maybe even some new pjs to shop from home in! I know they had picked out some special black friday sales, so dont forget to check out csnstores.com while you are doing your Cyber Monday shopping! 

disclosure:  As a csnstores preferred blogger I receive gift codes to feature them on my blog free of charge to me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

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and here is a similar oldie, that I just love of Kennedy...

Dont ya wanna just gobble up these cuties!

I could use a new crib...found this giveaway contest going on

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Your chance to win a free handcrafted baby crib, from Erik Organic Furniture.

Udderly Smooth review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Hity88!

 

Made in the USA for over thirty years, Udderly Smooth® products contain rich moisturizing ingredients. Not your average moisturizing lotion- Udderly Smooth® can be used on Dry Skin, Cracked Skin, for Diabetes Foot Care, as a Facial Moisturizer, as a General Moisturizing Lotion and many other uses. They are ideal for winter dry skin.

Check out Udderly Smooth this holiday season, they would make a perfect stocking stuffer.  I received a selection of Udderly Smooth products to try out.  I really like them.  I love how the udder cream and the moisturizing lotion leave your skin soft, but not oily feeling.  My husband prefers a lotion that leaves him a little more oily but he pretty much uses lotion just on his leg where he has skin graphs.  I like it for my hands a lot and like not having slippery hands after putting on lotion.  I also received the shea butter foot cream, which is great!  I LOVE the smell.  So many foot creams are minty smelling, and this one has the great shea butter scent.  This one does leave your skin a little oily afterwards, but is definitely great for those over worked feet.  It helps soften those dry cracked heels.  Their prices are pretty good, and are comparable to name brand, average priced body lotions in many discount stores. 

Win it!
One lucky reader can win an assortment of Udderly Smooth products!  To enter visit Udderly Smooth and tell me which product you would like the.

Extra entries:
follow udderly smooth on twitter http://twitter.com/udderlysmooth
follow udderly smooth on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Udderly-SMoothR/81066345893
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (one entry daily)
follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
subscribe to my blog
follow my blog with google friends connect

Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway is open to US only.  The giveaway will end on Dec.  8 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

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

36 wks

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So here I am for those of you that just need to see how huge I have gotten....yeah Mom now you can see lol!  Man I really need a new hairdo!  I should go pamper myself this weekend and get my hair cut and a pedicure while everyone else is crazy shopping.  None for me...I do not have the patience to be out in the crazy stores this weekend! 

Anyways.....today was my 36 week appointment.  Baby was a bit lower this time and my doctor thinks she is head down, so that is good.  Otherwise nothing at all is happening yet.  So guess this turkey still needs some cooking!  I am still measuring 1 week ahead, so I am hoping that means I will be in labor before Christmas week.  I came home today and got the car seat all ready to go, and packed an outfit for the baby to wear home....a girl and boy one just in case! I think I have everything needed except that I need to pick up some formula.  I need to go next week and get Kennedys meds, and then we will be good for those for the next month too...and her feeding supplies come tomorrow.  I am trying to make sure everything is situated for me not being home for a couple days.  I like to be organized. 

Preggers by Therafirm review and giveaway

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Preggers is a unique line of maternity support hose and compression products developed by future moms for future moms. We invited moms-to-be to try our products and provide opinions on styles, colors, and fit. Our “Preggers Mommas” team was an integral part of our product and brand development to ensure a full line of healthy products that will benefit you during and post-preggers. With Preggers there is no more stigma of the old, “yucky” compression that is available in only a few styles, off-trend colors, is uncomfortable, hard to get on, and expensive. We believe you can wear compression and get the benefits it provides and still be fashionable. We want to you to feel AND look great! A light compression helps to energize tired and achy legs and what busy mom couldn’t use a little extra energy, improved circulation, and shaping support?



The last couple weeks I have been able to try out a pair of Preggers Maternity trouser socks and have to say I absolutely love these socks!  They are the light compression, and seem perfect for my legs.  I have some slight swelling near the ankles.  What I love the most is that I typically go around the house without socks because my feet get so hot that I can not stand wearing anything.  I have found that with wearing the preggers socks my feet do not get too warm and I love the little hug it gives your calf muscles.  I have a feeling I will be wearing these long after being pregnant.  Out of any trouser socks I have, these are the most comfortable and have the best fit.  Many of my trouser socks end up falling down and just bunched up around my ankles.  These stay in place, without being too tight.  The band around the top does not cut into my leg either.  I may have to just adjust the toes a little, as the foot part does not have the compression like the leg part.  I think if you are having problems with swelling and the doctor recommends some compression hose, then definitely check out Preggers! They wash really well and so far I have not had any issues with them stretching out, wearing out, getting runs in them, or anything.  They still seem brand new. 

Maternity Trouser Socks

~10-15mmHg* Gradient Compression
~True gradient compression delivers a controlled amount of pressure greatest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top of the
stocking to promote better blood flow.
~Soft comfort band is non-restrictive while staying in place all day.
~Super soft material is breathable and provides support to energize legs.
~Comfort heel and toe.
~Micro-Cool® process creates a wicking effect so moisture evaporates from the skin quickly providing a comfortable coolness.



For more information about Preggers, please visit  http://www.rupreggers.com/.


Win it!

One lucky reader can also win a pair! The winner will get one Preggers product of their choice!  To enter: Visit Preggers and tell me which item you would choose. 

Extra entries:
Follow my blog on facebook ( 3extra entries)
Follow me with google friends connect
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)
Subscribe to my blog.

This giveaway is for US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Dec. 6 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

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

#Mamavation Monday

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This weeks Mamavation topic is "Move it with the kids" about how to get your children more involved in moving!  Well that is exactly what we did all weekend!  My kids have always loved getting active with me doing the exergames for the Wii.  Sometimes they are the ones in control, like this weekend.  Othertimes I am and they are just following along side of me.  Zach loves "running with the puppies", or following along and cheering me on when I do other activities on the Wii fit or Wii active. 

I have started up posting on my Wii related blog again, as I get prepared to start fresh this New Years.  Come check out the fun we had this weekend playing the Just Dance 2 and Just Dance Kids games.  It was a blast. 

Another way they get involved in the house is by doing some exercise dvd's with me....or even ones for the kids themselves.  We got to check out Storyland Yoga dvd which is so cute!  If you have some young kids you should check it out.  You can click here to see our review and  I have a giveaway for a copy too!  Comment here on my Mamavation post, and then enter the giveaway and get 2 extra entries....just leave me 2 comments(on giveaway post) saying you commented on Mamavation post.

For my goals this week...well I am still trying to limit the soda, which is going good.  I have had a couple but that is still way down.  I didnt do a lot of the dancing on the Wii this weekend as I was sore and tired ....trying to sleep these days has been so fun (not).  I also have had a cold which has made me more tired.  I did however do some of the Just Dance Kids game earlier in the week and got my heart rate up.  I will try to get in a bit of exercise this week.

 According to my due date I have just 30 days left, and according to my ultrasound just 20 days left!  Can't believe it has flown by so quickly!  It seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant.  I know I have enjoyed my food way too much during this pregnancy...but I am looking forward to getting back into shape and making that a commitment!  That is why I have started writing on my Wii blog again as I know the Wii will be my main source of exercise, as getting out of the house is so difficult for me.  : This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored byhttp://www.subwayfreshbuzz.com/. One winner of the blogging carnival wins $100 towards the fitness goal of their choice.  I would love to win this so that I can get the new EAsports Active 2 game for my Wii.  The active games have been a big part of my routine in the past that was very successful in helping me lose weight and tone up.  I would love to get this!

Storyland Yoga DVD review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Gretablau!

Storyland Yoga dvd is an interactive, family-friendly, yoga DVD with a 'green' twist. The stories contain messages about treating the planet with respect and are even in a  100% recycled packaging for the product itself.

In Storyland Yoga, children follow two unique stories (Save the Whale and Condor Trek,) and learn yoga poses by imitating animals and story elements, while receiving the aforementioned earth-friendly messages. Since it’s release in March, 2010, they have been awarded the Parent's Choice Award, the Dr. Toy's ""Best Green Product"" and “Preferred Choice” by Creative Child Magazine as the sole winner in the ""Environmentally Friendly"" category. It is also getting overwhelming praise from families, teachers and health professionals.  They were just featured in Yoga Journal (October,) and will be in Our Favorite Things section in Disney Family Fun in November.

This dvd is geared towards kids ages 3-8 and retails for $14.99.  A portion of the proceeds from each dvd are donated to "Save the Whales" and "Kids vs. Global Warming" foundations. 

You can find more information at http://www.playfulplanet.com/

We received a copy of this dvd to try out at home.  Last year Zach took a yoga class after school and loved it, so thought this would be a great way to do some more at home.  This was such a cute dvd.  Not only are the children doing some exercise by practicing their yoga but they are using their imaginations all along the way.  I love the way the children have to act out all the different animals or actions, like rowing a boat or being a bear!  Zach was  a bit goofy doing this, and didnt quite do the yoga moves but he did enjoy it a lot.  He had a friend over while watching and she loved it and did such a great job doing the yoga moves by following along.  I would definitely recommend this dvd for kids 3-8!  I cant wait to share this with more of Zach's friends and to be able to do it along side him to have some fun! 

Do you have a child that likes yoga?  One lucky reader can win a copy of this dvd!  To enter:  Leave a comment telling me who this would be for.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog on facebook ( 3 extra entries)
Follow me with google friends connect.
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
Subscribe to my blog

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Dec. 6 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  I received a free copy of this dvd to review.

Wii had lots of fun with Just Dance 2 and Just Dance Kids

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I have started posting again on my other blog focusing on using the Wii with my family and to get fit.  Stop on by to check out my review of Just Dance 2 and Just Dance Kids by clicking here.  LOVED THEM!!!

I was so happy to have a break from doctors appointments

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Last week Kennedy had her last scheduled doctors appointment until February!  Yes...no driving back and forth to the hospital for part of the winter!  I felt bad about feeling like it was a good thing because her dietician was retiring and last week was her last.  :(

We loved her.  When we first started dealing with doctors and nurses it felt like we really had to do everything they said and sometimes I swear they just didnt listen.  Then we had her, and she actually listened to any concern we had.  What I loved the most is she worked with us on ways to help her and the family and never seemed to judge us at all.  (Sometimes when you have a child who doesnt gain weight or has issues that get worse you get looks like you arent following through or something). 

Anyways...She will be missed, and now I am nervous for our next appointment that we just wont have as thoughtful and understanding replacement.

Corel Home Suite Review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

congratulations shanna!

Corel® Home Suite is a new collection of applications for running efficient households and sparking creativity in families.  With Corel Home Suite, families will be able to accomplish a wide range of everyday computing tasks with tools to help manage household finances, create newsletters or flyers, touch up photos and create beautiful scrapbooks, calendars and photo albums for showcasing precious memories. Included in the affordable PC bundle is Corel® Write for word processing, Corel® Calculate for spreadsheets, Corel® Show for presentations, Corel® Photo Album™ Deluxe for photo-editing, and Corel® Paint it!™ for turning photos into amazing paintings.

Corel Home Suite includes key tools to help families stay organized while encouraging creativity in the household:

Corel® Write: Easily create great-looking documents, term papers, professional-looking resumes, letters and just about any other document imaginable.

Corel® Calculate: Quickly create spreadsheets, charts and graphs for managing household numbers and finances.

Corel® Show: Easily create slideshows from scratch with photos or charts to showcase family projects.

Corel® Photo Album Deluxe: Quickly edit and share your photos and videos and automatically back up your files online to keep your memories safe.

Corel® Paint it!™: Quickly transform digital photos into unique, hand-painted works of art in three simple steps with Parent Tested Parent Approved photo-painting software.

I was lucky enough to get to try out this new Corel bundle that I think would be great for a home office.  I really do not have a high need for the Corel calculate or Corel Show just because I do not do too much office type stuff on my computer, being a stay at home mom I do not need to use it much.  I did however use the Corel Write for word processing just the other day to make up a nice sheet with all Kennedy's meds and feeding schedules.  This was pretty easy to use, especially once you play around some with all the different functions.  We know I love the Corel Paint it! as I have done a seperate review for this and still love this product !  You can see my review for that by clicking here.  The last part the Corel Photo Album Deluxe I did not install on my computer.  It says on the packaging that it was not designed for windows 7 and we recently got a new Windows 7 computer.  It is compatible with Windows xp and vista.  All the other programs in the Corel Home suite are compatible with windows xp, vista, and 7. 

I think the price is pretty good too....the suggested retail price is $69.99, which is what the Corel Home office is priced at by itself.  It is like you are getting the other two for free! 

You can find more information or can purchase Corel Home Suite by visiting  www.corel.com/homesuite

One lucky reader can win a copy!  To enter:  Tell me which of the programs you would use the most.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
Follow me with google friends connect
Subscribe to my blog
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 daily entry)

Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway is open to US only and will end on Dec. 1.  The winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  I received a free copy of this to review. 

PetCakes review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
congratulations TJ and Amy!

Well Made™ Toy Manufacturing Corporation (http://www.wellmadetoy.com/), introduces PetCakes™ (http://www.petcakestoys.com/), a new collectible plush pet line that will be a sweet treat for children ages 3 & up. Each PetCakes animal features a “frosting” hat, comes nestled in its own cupcake wrapper and has its own whimsical backstory. At first look, children will see a delicious cupcake but will then be surprised by the pet they find snuggled inside! Combining sweet faces and cuddly plush with a clever cupcake theme, PetCakes are collectible and provide hours of open-ended imaginative play. PetCakes make perfect gifts for a special friend and for pet lovers. They are ideal for birthday party favors, stocking stuffers and as rewards for good grades. Most of all, PetCakes deliver the kind of fun kids eat up!

The PetCakes line debuts this fall with four collectible puppies. Soft and huggable, PetCakes come with everything included, even an animal bed shaped like a cupcake holder! Look for PetCakes in specialty toy and gift stores. More than six additional generations of PetCakes will begin debuting in 2011 featuring new puppies, kittens, bears, rabbits, raccoons and other furry friends.

PetCakes Series 1 features these cozy collectibles puppies, for ages 3 and up. They are sold individually; each has a suggested retail price of $13.99. PetCakes are available at www.toysrus.com (online only, not in stores), www.etoys.com, www.amazon.com and specialty stores.

I received these cute PetCakes puppies and thought they were so cute all the kids would want to "eat them up"!  They are so adorable!  I like that they have different puppies in different color cupcakes, so they are good for both boys and girls. When my son first saw them his first words were "mmm cupcakes", then he saw the cute puppy peaking out and thought they were cute.  I think they definitely would make great birthday gifts for children, or even those puppy loving adults!  I can see lots of women having these cuties sitting at their desks, or even for birthday centerpieces at home!  Besides birthday gifts these would be great anytime of the year and bet many kiddos would love to see them under the tree or in their stockings this Christmas!

 

Here is Zach trying to eat his petcake...he kept pretending saying "yum yum yum".  He enjoys playing with his puppy and cupcake! 

(dont mind the pic...he was home from school sick)

 

They offer the following four puppies in Series 1:
 

Randy Candy™ is a lovable mutt, scampering around playfully and taking long naps in his cupcake wrapper. Randy Candy is topped with tasty frosting and a cherry.
Blueberry Buddy™ is a Shar Pei who acts tough for his size but is a loving push over who’s as sweet as the blueberry frosting on his head. When sleepy, Blueberry Buddy cozies up in his own cupcake wrapper.

Twinkle Sprinkles™ is a playful, loving, and mischievous Beagle, whose colorful pink sprinkled frosting top looks good enough to eat! Twinkle Sprinkles likes to yelp when happy and sleep in her cupcake wrapper where her nose stays nice and toasty.

Coco-Coconut™ is a fluffy poodle with a loving side that is as sweet as a frosted cupcake. Cuddle Coco-Coconut and keep her cozy in her cupcake wrapper.

 
For more information about PetCakes go to http://www.petcakestoys.com/

I cant wait to see the other PetCakes animals that will be coming out next year!  Until then one lucky reader can win 2 of the puppy PetCakes(which the company will randomly select).  To enter:  Tell me which of the PetCakes you would most like. 

Extra entries:
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
Follow me with google friends connect
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway ( 1 entry daily)
Subscribe to my blog.

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Dec. 1 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  I received the PetCakes for free to review.

Special Exposure Wednesday

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Money & Making Change dvd review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
congratulations Sylvia!



Penny and Bill know how to shake things up when it comes to counting money and making change. Cool songs and games provide plenty of practice with real-world skills. Learn about coins and how they relate to one another, strategies for counting cash, "skip counting," expressing money in written terms, how to make change, and more. You’ll have lots of fun as you gain valuable skills you can bank on.




For ages 6 & up. Approx. 57 minutes.

 
 
 
Money & Making Change (for ages 6 & up) teaches kids how to count money and make change. Cool songs and games give kids plenty of practice with real-world skills.  We received a copy of this to check out at home.  Zach(6 yrs old) loves counting and has been interested in money for a couple years.  This was a great dvd for him. He really loved counting the coins and seeing all the different coins.  I liked how they explained all the coins and their variations that are available.  For the counting section it was really good.  I thought the area where they counted different coins together went just a little fast for beginners who might need time to recognize the coins first, but overall was good.  For Zach the making change part was new for him, but he was really interested.  I definitely think this is a great resource for helping children learn about what money is, its value and the mathmatics of using money. 


You can purchase this dvd for the suggested retail $19.99 by visiting Rock 'N Learn, http://www.rocknlearn.com/  where you can also see all the educational dvds they offer. 

When placing an order through http://www.rocknlearn.com/, customers can use the code SSA25 at checkout to receive a 25% discount. The coupon code will be good through December 5.

One lucky reader can win a copy of Money & Making Change!  To enter:  Visit Rock N Learn and tell me another dvd that would be good for your child.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)
follow me with google friends connect
subscribe to my blog

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Dec. 1 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

Rock N' Learn is also having an ultimate giveaway going on right now!
They’re giving away their ENTIRE DVD collection to one lucky winner.

To enter visit  http://rocknlearn.com/html/UltimateGiveaway.htm


disclosure:  I receieved a free copy of this dvd to review.

#Mamavation Monday

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Well another weeks gone by.  For me I just keep getting bigger.  I have been looking into dusting off the wii balance board and thinking of ways to incorporate my Wii into getting back into shape after having this baby.  I know I can do it, and for me the Wii is my most successful tool.  Before getting pregnant I had lost over 50 lbs with the combination of using the Wii, walking, some dvds and eating healthy.  Last week I said I just wasnt ready to commit right now to trying too hard.  So I have been just trying to get in touch with more women using the wii and keep up here. 

My goal last week was to cut out the soda...I did fairly well.  I did drink 3 sodas this past week, but that is better than 1 or 2 a day. 

I got in some exercise again by cleaning.  We had a windstorm a couple weeks ago, so I took advantage of the warm weather early in the week and went around the yard collecting tree branches, and then putting away the last of the outdoors stuff.  Wow didnt realize how out of breath I would get dragging a wagon around, especially through our backyard that is slightly uphill. 

This week the weather has turned cold.  I am hosting a Just Dance 2 houseparty this weekend, so I am sure I this will get my heart rate up trying out this new game.  I personally am more excited as I will also be getting the Just Dance Kids game also, and think this will be a big hit at our house.  I cant wait to be able to get Kennedy in her chair and even try this out with her.

I also just want to say congrats to both Janice and Amanda on the delivery of their new babies!  I am sure I will be looking at them a lot as they start to work out more.  They were both so good during their pregnancies.  I really should have listened to them more.  I guess I am just like so many people and lose my motivation....but that doesnt mean I have to stay that way!  New years here I come!

Big G Cereals "Family Flick Night" review and giveaway

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giveaway closed.

Congratulations shawn!

Dim the lights and butter the popcorn because this fall a night out at the movies can be as easy as enjoying the General Mills Big G cereals that you already know and love!


Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of Big G cereals including Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Trix® (14.8 oz) and Reese´s Puffs® cereal (18 oz.).

After purchasing two participating cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theatres). To find a participating theater in your area, log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.


I received an awesome "Family Flick Night" gift pack which included two boxes of the participating Big G cereals and four Movie Cash certificates. I thought this was awesome as I love General Mills cereals, and love going to the movies.  It is very easy to use the Movie Cash certificates and so many theatres accept them.  To redeem the emovie cash certificates that are found in participating boxes it is so simple to just go online, put in your two codes, and then print out your certificate.  I had found the online sites said that our local theater accepted the emovie cash certificates, but couldnt find them on the regular movie cash site (they were actually different).  I called my theater and they said they do accept both.  So that was great! You know what else is great....One of my lucky readers gets to win a "Family Flick Night" gift pack also!!!  You could use these now, or the movie cash certificates would make great stocking stuffers! 

Giveaway Prize:
Two boxes of the participating Big G cereals and four Movie Cash certificates. To enter:  Tell me which Big G cereal is your favorite and what movie you would love to go see.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog with google friends connect.
Subscribe to my blog
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra)
Follow me on twitter an tweet this giveaway. (1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Nov. 29 and the winner will be chosen by random.org


disclosure:  the information and giveaway are provided for free by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Balloonatiks: The Collector's DVD review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

congratulations slb3334!

Are you looking for a different superhero/villain cartoon for your child?  Check out Balloonatiks.  They are five ordinary teens mysteriously transformed into rubbery, shape-stretching super heroes who take on any of the evil-does that dare to threaten Hot Air city. 

My 6 year old son really doesnt watch too much of the older kids cartoons yet, but I am guessing he is ready.  He sat through the whole Balloonatiks dvd and seemed to enjoy it.  He didnt get overly excited, but he did watch the whole thing and said he liked it after it was over.  In the dvd there are two episodes approximately 10 minutes each.  Your kids can watch the Balloonatiks-Flator, Squeeker, Airbrain, Sparky, Bouncer and Leaky- star in their very first dvd. 
Check out http://www.balloonatiks.com/  to find a variety of entertaining features -- and also be able to purchase "Balloonatiks: The Collector's DVD," as well as other merchandise on the site's store.

One lucky reader can win a copy of Balloonatiks: The Collector's DVD.  To enter:  Visit the Balloonatiks website and tell me which character your child would most like.

Extra entries:
Follow me and Balloonatiks on twitter  and tweet this giveaway. ( 1 entry daily)
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow my blog with google friends connect
Follow my blog on facebook ( 3 extra entries)
Follow Balloonatiks on facebook

This giveaway is open to US residents.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Nov. 26 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  I received a free dvd to review.

wow cant believe how fast the days are going

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Looking at my sidebar here and seeing that I have only 40 days left ....and hopefully that will be a little less, until our baby girl arrives!  Went to the doctors yesterday and finding while finding her heartbeat the doctor thought she might still be breach, as he heartbeat was higher up.  She said we would check by ultrasound after next appointment if she thinks she might still be that way.  I see in my sidebar ticker that it says you may feel the baby dropping.  Yeah not me!  I swear right now she is trying to work her way up instead of down.  Hopefully I am feeling her little booty up there...but definitely can feel tons of movement way up high and the heartburn has still been terrible.  I feel movement everywhere I guess.  She definitely seems the busiest out of all three.  I am getting excited...and sore so wouldnt mind her coming a bit early.  Not yet though that is a little too early...and Bob is not ready.  I think he is getting nervous thinking of having a baby in the house again.  It s been a while, and can understand.  I am not sure if I am ready for the up at night and crying...but what do you do. 

Whirl A Style review

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Are you trying to find a new way to create some stylish updos for your hair?  Check out Whirl a Style and the products they offer.  You can get the Whirl a Style in several sizes depending on your hair length.  I received a large Whirl a Style to try out for myself. 

When I first tried the Whirl a Style I had some issues getting it to roll up into my hair without my hair falling out.  I wasnt quite sure on the directions from the package if I was supposed to pull my hair through most of the way or just part of the way.  I was trying it most of the way.  I then watched the online video of ways to use it and was much more successful only pulling my hair halfway through it before rolling it up.  Once I did this it was actually fairly easy to use.  You simply put your hair through the loops, roll it up and click it closed.  You can then move your hair around to completely cover the Whirl a Style, and tuck in any loose pieces.  It was fairly comfortable and didnt pull my hair (unlike another product I have at home to create buns).  I think this would be a great item to keep in your bag or purse for times you would like a quick updo.

You can use the Whirl a Style by itself to create buns or french twists, or pair it up with some of the other products or sizes from Whirl a Style.  I am simple so I would most likely just use it by itself, but for all those that are creative and like styling their hair they have other items like Klicinz and Poppi that you can also use to create some fashionable styles. 

You can find all these products online at http://www.whirlastyle.com/ .  You can also purchase these at Claire's nationwide.

disclosure:  I received a free Whirl a Style to review.

"The Family Dinner" by Laurie David (Review and giveaway)

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Rhonda!

The producer of An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David's new mission is to help America's overwhelmed families sit down to a Family Dinner, and she provides all the reasons, recipes and fun tools to do so.

Laurie David speaks from her own experience confronting the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.

Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engaged; ways to express gratitude; the family dinner after divorce (hint: keep eating together) and much more. Filled with moving memories and advice from the country's experts and teachers, this book will get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading this book.  When I first was skimming through the book, I thought it would mostly just be the recipes that I would be interested in.  Unlike a regular cookbook this book has some great stories and ways to enjoy the "family dinner".  It has really made me think of ways to get my family back to the table.  My favorite parts were all the stories and tips they added in from celebrities.  I loved reading all these little sections.  I know many will like the ideas on going green and how to incorporate that in the family dinner scheme.  I think it is a great book....cause it isnt just a cookbook.  Yes it has many many recipes, yet it has so many stories and ideas to go along with these recipes.  It is very well organized, easy and fun to read.

Win it:
One lucky reader can win a copy!  To enter:  Tell me a way you make your family dinner special.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog with google friends connect
Subscribe to my blog
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway ( 1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents, (no po boxes).  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Nov. 26 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  The review and giveaway copy are provided for free by Hatchette publishing.

Flip Along Fun Giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
Congratulations theyyyguy!






This is a great book!  We had the pleasure of reviewing it quite a while back, and I love pulling it out and having the kids match up the characters/numbers.  Zach loves his numbers so this is a great one for either matching, number/color recognition and addition.  Kennedy loves the silly characters and the rhyming.

You can purchase a copy at http://www.flipalongfun.com/ for $17.95 plus shipping.
Save:  purchase a copy from the website and receive a  discount of $5 off the regular price! All you have to do is use the coupon code “$5” (without the quotation marks). Good through Dec. 15.

Win it:  The author, Michael J. Dowling is once again offering one of my lucky readers a chance to win a copy!  This would be a great gift for under the tree!  To enter:  Visit the site and tell me  a concept the book teaches.

For extra entries:
Subscribe to my blog
Follow my blog with google friends connect
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway ( 1 entry daily)
Purchase a copy of this book through their website (5 extra entries)
Blog about this giveaway linking back to here and the flip along fun website (5extra entries)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Nov. 26 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  I received a free copy in the past to review.  I was not compensated for this current giveaway opportunity.

BabyCenter giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Laura!

Whether you´re trying to conceive or are looking for nutritious snack ideas for your preschooler, BabyCenter.com, the Web's #1 global interactive parenting network, is the place to be. Last year, 7 in 10 babies born in the United States were BabyCenter babies and more than 8 million moms in the United States turn to BabyCenter each month for information, advice and guidance.

As the world´s partner in parenting, BabyCenter offers moms trusted advice from hundreds of experts around the globe, medical advisory board-approved information, friendship with other moms, and support at every stage of your child´s development. In an effort to be there for mom during her pregnancy and parenting journey, wherever and whenever she needs it most, BabyCenter continually strives to offer valuable parenting tools. Among the latest and greatest include:
BabyCenter My Pregnancy Today App

This new, free application for the iPhone and iTouch, guides expectant moms through their pregnancy journey, offering award- winning, medically reviewed health content; advice from obstetricians, midwives, nutritionists, and other experts; daily activities and reminders; and conversation and connection with other moms-to-be in BabyCenter´s community.

BabyCenter "Preparing for Labor and Birth" Online Class

The BabyCenter Class is a convenient, at-home option for moms who can´t attend hospital childbirth classes due to hectic work schedules or being put on bed rest. And the price is right, too! For only $39.99, the all-new 2-hour instructional course lets you hear from doctors, ask your questions, and build confidence for your big day. Preparing for Labor and Birth includes: An explanation of the signs and stages of labor; What to expect during labor; Labor and birth stories from new moms; An overview of your pain-management options; A tour of a delivery room; Suggestions for creating your birth plan; A checklist to help you prepare for the big day and more.

BabyCenter Parenting Books (BabyCenter® Pregnancy and BabyCenter® Baby)

These two new practical and reassuring books provide pregna nt women and new mothers with all of the information and support they need during this exciting new time in their lives, with a blend of expert advice and true "mom wisdom." Both are great, highly visual, reference books to keep on the nightstand for that nagging question or concern that inevitably pops up in the middle of the night.


Mom Answers

This new interactive tool gives BabyCenter moms an emotionally supportive environment where they can ask questions and get answers straight from other moms who´ve had similar life experiences. It´s like having access to 8 million best girlfriends 24/7.


Milestones


The new Milestones tool provides BabyCenter moms the ability to quickly and easily record important pregnancy and childhood milestones and share them with friends and family via e-mail, Facebook, and the BabyCenter Community. It´s a fun way to create an online "baby book."

I have been checking out BabyCenter just about daily through out this pregnancy.  I love Mom Answers section and the birth club forums/groups.  It is a great way to get answers or just chat with others going through similar experiences.  Even though this is my third child I still get anxious and have questions.  I didnt even realize they had the milestones section, but will be checking that out soon!  I love all the videos they offer on different topics too.I will soon be able to try the all-new BabyCenter online class for free thanks to BabyCenter and myblogspark.  Like I said this is my third, but I never took child birth classes, as my first was induced the day I was supposed to start classes.  So I am interested to see what the class offers.  My second was also induced...so sometimes I do stress about getting contractions at home and not knowing when to go to the hospital.  I will post about the online class after I have the chance to check it out. 

You can check out BabyCenter on Facebook and Twitter today! Visit BabyCenter on Facebook and on Twitter @babycenter to "Like" or "Follow" the brand and keep up with the latest news.

Giveaway

One lucky reader can win the two new BabyCenter parenting books (BabyCenter^® Pregnancy and BabyCenter^® Baby), a package of Seventh Generation diapers, a gift card from BabyCenter partner, Shutterfly and a BabyCenter bib!  To enter:  Check out BabyCenter and leave a comment telling me something you like about it and who this prize pack would be for.

Extra entries:
Follow BabyCenter on facebook.
Follow BabyCenter on twitter.
Follow my blog on facebook(3 extra entries)
Follow my blog with google friends connect.
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Nov 19 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  The prize packs and information are provided for free by BabyCenter.com through myblogspark.

Hamburger Helper "Show Your Helping Hand" twitter party and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
Congrats to Ape2016!


GNO Twitter Party tonight

Tuesday, November 9 from 9-11pm EST, Hamburger Helper® is sponsoring a special "Girls Night Out" Twitter Party, a social gathering featuring an engaging discussion about giving back during the holiday season and raising awareness about hunger in America.

Hamburger Helper has teamed up with MomItForward.com, the creator of "Girls Night Out" (GNO), to bring moms together to help inspire holiday philanthropy and for the chance to win great prizes. Come tweet the night away and get inspired about how you can help those less fortunate this holiday season!

Party Details

o What: Hamburger Helper Girls´ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party Click here learn more about #gno!

o When: Tuesday, November 9 from 9-11 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
o Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtags #gno and #HamburgerHelper)
o Topic: Holiday giving

o Who: Brand Panelists: @PamB_GM on behalf of Hamburger Helper and @emileelee1 on behalf of Feeding America; Community Panelists: @carissarogers @craftymamaof4 @plussizemommy @SeeryusMama Moderator(s): @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee and @MomItForward

o Party Favors: Click here to enter for a chance to win a Hamburger Helper Prize Pack
o RSVP: Click here to RSVP
o As a tip, it helps if you post or reply via Twitter and use Tweetgrid to follow along and read

Show Your Helping Hand™

To raise awareness about the national issue of hunger, Hamburger Helper® is partnering with GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor Tim McGraw to help Feeding America deliver millions of meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign. McGraw will lend his voice to the campaign through a public service announcement which will be distributed nationwide.  According to Feeding America, approximately 5.7 million different people receive emergency food assistance from the organization in any given week.

Support the campaign by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at http://www.showyourhelpinghand.com/ or by logging on to make a donation directly to Feeding America. In this year’s campaign, Hamburger Helper has already donated more than half a million dollars - and will contribute up to an additional $100,000 to Feeding America through this program this year. Don’t think one code will make a difference? The 17 cents Hamburger Helper donates per code is enough for Feeding America to deliver one meal to a local food bank.

You can visit http://www.showyourhelpinghand.com/ to have a chance to win an autographed copy of Tim McGraw´s "Southern Voice" CD

Giveaway

 Also one of my lucky readers can win a prize pack that includes a box of Hamburger Helper skillet meals, a Hamburger Helper foam "Helping Hand" and a copy of Tim McGraw´s "Southern Voice" CD. Hamburger Helper will also make a $10 donation to the Show Your Helping HandTM campaign on your behalf. To enter to win this prize pack take the feeding america hunger quiz and leave a comment here telling me something you learned.

Extra entries:
~Follow my blog on facebook and share this giveaway with your followers. (3 extra entries)
~Follow me on twitter and share this giveaway or info about tonights twitter party (1 daily entry)
~Subscribe to my blog
~Follow my blog with google friends connect
~If you participate in tonights twitter party...leave a link to any of your tweets during the twitter party(1 extra per tweet during the twitter party)

Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway is open to US only.  This giveaway will end on Nov. 19 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclosure:  I will be receiving the same prize pack and Hamburger Helper will make a $10 donation to the Show Your Helping HandTM campaign on my behalf for participating.  All the information was provided by Hamburger Helper through Myblogspark.

A Christmas Carol Pop up book

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This beautiful re-imagining of Charles Dickens's timeless fable, A Christmas Carol: A Pop-Up Book features artist Chuck Fischer's richly painted depictions of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, brought to life in intricate pop-up scenes by paper engineer Bruce Foster. The entire text of A Christmas Carol is reproduced in five removable, illustrated, keepsake booklets. An introductory booklet provides a biography of Dickens and an illustrated feature on the enduring appeal of this beloved story

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most prolific authors of the nineteenth century. In his many short stories, plays, novellas, and novels, he created some of literature's most memorable characters.

Chuck Fischer's paintings hang in some of the finest residences in the world. His designs have been reproduced on holiday ornaments and home furnishings, including wallpaper and fabrics in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. He is the author of six previous pop-up books: The White House, Great American Houses and Gardens, Christmas in New York, Christmas Around the World, In the Beginning, and Angels: A Pop-Up Book. He lives in New York and Florida.

My thoughts:
This is such a beautiful book.  I love that you can share the story with the little pull out books yet enjoy the awesomely created popups.  This will make a great centerpiece for your coffee table during the Christmas season!  It is truly an awesome piece of artwork!  This would make a great gift item and a great Christmas decoration for years. 

disclosure:  I received a free book for review.

#Mamavation Monday

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Well I havent really posted anything in a few weeks, but I have been trying to read others posts and do some commenting.  I want to be supportive to the other Mamavation sistas, but at this point havent really been doing much myself.  Pretty much right now I am just trying to get through my last few weeks of pregnancy.  I have been tired and sore and know if I had worked more I probably would feel better.  Right now I just save my energy for cleaning up around the house and trying to get things done vs. exercising. Although I have done some extra stuff around the house, so at least that is a plus.  I wanted to clean my carpet so instead of using the shampooer, I got down on my hands and knees and scrubbed it by hand.  I also have had to do tons of laundry lately between trying to get all the baby stuff washed and my dumb dog that has decided to take up peeing on stuff having an attitude...errr!  My laundry is in the basement so I have been climbing stairs a lot. 

 I still have not been good with my eating either, but did tell my husband that I was no longer going to have any soda.  He told me "yeah right"...so now the challenge is on.  I also have been thinking about/getting myself motivated for New Years.  I started my weight loss challenge as a New years resolution and it went really well...so I figure that would be a great time to start up again, then I dont have to feel guilty for enjoying these last few weeks.  I have had others say why not start now, but you know sometimes you just "know" when it isnt going to work, and right now isnt going to work for me.  It will just make me feel guilty and bad about myself when I eat too much or dont get in some exercise...so that is why I am waiting it out.

One thing I have been doing right now is wearing my exerwalks by earth footwear.  I figure at least if I am out walking around (doing Christmas shopping or such) I could at least be getting a little extra help by wearing them!

So my goals for this week are to 1. wear my exerwalks whenever I leave the house 2. get in some workouts by doing housework. and 3. NO soda!

"Opposite Day" DVD releases Nov 16~ Win a copy here!

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Giveaway closed.

Congrats to The Freebie Junkie!

If you thought Friday was freaky, get ready for…Opposite Day!


When a child’s wish collides with a strange science experiment, adults and kids unwittingly swap places, resulting in a chaotic and comical world with no bedtimes, bullies or rules! The hysterical hi-jinks come to life in Opposite Day, a brand-new feature-length film directed by R. Michael Givens and produced by Steven Paul’s Crystal Sky Pictures, starring funnyman Pauly Shore and a top team of talent. Opposite Day (SRP: $26.98) “zaps” into retail stores nationwide from Anchor Bay Entertainment on November 16.


“We’re very excited to release Opposite Day on DVD and to treat kids and families to all of its zany, high-energy fun,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing for Anchor Bay Entertainment. “The film’s terrific cast along with its laugh-out-loud storyline and imaginative adventures make this the perfect release for entertaining ‘kids’ of all ages.”
In the side-splitting new comedy, 9-year-old Sammy (Billy Unger) and his 8-year-old sister Carla (Ariel Winter) go on vacation with their grandparents when their overworked parents are unable to take them. Feeling bitter about his mom and dad (Colleen Crabtree and Pauly Shore ) not being around, Sammy wishes kids ruled the world – but he soon learns to be careful what you wish for…! When a kooky experiment goes wildly wrong, making Sammy's dream a reality, the kids quickly learn that being in charge is not all child’s play!

Featuring a standout cast, including Dick Van Patten (“Eight Is Enough,” The Santa Trap), Dylan Cash (“General Hospital”), Rico Rodriguez (“Modern Family”), Emily Everhard (Jack and the Beanstalk), with Renee Taylor (“The Nanny”), and French Stewart (“3rd Rock From the Sun”), Opposite Day is a feel-good film that will have kids and parents alike appreciating their respective roles – and each other!

How would you like to win a copy?

One lucky reader can do just that!  To enter:  Follow my blog with google friends connect and tell me who you would like to win this for.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 daily entry)
subscribe to my blog

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway ends on Nov 17 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  I did not receive any product or compensation for hosting this giveaway.