Thanks!
Experiencing New Blog Make Over Moments
Please be patient as the blog undergoes it's great transformation by Lara!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Calling Entrepreneur Mom's for Advice
My sister makes the best cole slaw EVER! Her cole slaw is a hit everywhere we go and to be honest, I'd take it every year as my birthday present from her. Not joking!
Can anyone give me advice on how one starts selling and marketing something from home to sell at restaurants and other businesses?
Thanks!
Can anyone give me advice on how one starts selling and marketing something from home to sell at restaurants and other businesses?
Thanks!
Planning for Halloween 2009
How to Make Your Own Halloween Decorations
This year's costume pick: TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE & LADYBUG
As I stated in my other blogs, everything I do relative to gifts is spent with a lot of thought and care. This goes the same for parties and special holidays. Granted Halloween isn't really a "special" holiday for me but it is for my kids and I have great memories and more to come!
In preparation this year, I started looking for everything to have in order to hold an incredible, fun kid's party.
I will have the kids make some creepy creature sucker molds. They are inexpensive at $1.99 for two of the same molds. My daughters loved making these in the past and they are so easy to do.
Cupcakes are another fool proof way of making your party a hit with the kids if you have the patience for cleaning up the mess. You can choose from spooky rings or monster hand picks and then choose sprinkles that look like bones.
Either use traditional cupcake liners or try something new like a laser cut or wrap around paper to add a little more character to the cupcakes.
All of the above supplies can be found at ShopBakersNook.com.
Special Halloween Express offer to my readers:
Coupon Code 1: TAKE5 (All capital letters with the number 5 at the end). Take $5 off purchases of $50 or more exclusive of shipping and handling.
Coupon Code 2: TAKE10 (All capital letters with the number 10 at the end). Take $10 off purchases of $100 or more exclusive of shipping and handling.
Note that all coupon codes exclude the Tom Arma costume line, gift cards, special orders, closeouts, contact lenses and personalized items. One use per customer. Not valid on prior purchases. Coupons subject to our coupon policy which can be found here: http://www.halloweenexpress.com/coupon-policy.php
If you have big money to spend, they have a new giant spider that would probably make me cry if I saw it and didn't know it wasn't real. It's 3' long with adjustable legs and light up eyes.
They have tons of costumes and many new one's for 2009. I think I just found my little girl's costume. Yes, little girl who has boy tendencies about her. She will love to be the Transformers Bumblebee.
Who could ever resist this one?
I used to make my oldest costume's from her very first costume until she became old enough to know that I was embarrassing her with what I made. I'll have to post some of those photos!
Don't forget to check out what adorablebabyclothing.com has for costumes! They are running a special right now of $20 off of $100 purchase until 09/20/09.
This is the start of planning for Halloween so watch for more to come!
I admit, I'm an early shopper and can't contain my excitement for Halloween because I know how much my six year old loves it! I also learned last year that you don't wait until the last minute to go to your local costume shop as I had no idea how many people actually do dress up. My husband decided we should dress up and we got our costumes but again, I learned you don't wait to the last minute to shop.
My girl, who loves boy's toys, first wanted to be Boba Fett. She was Darth Vader one year and a Clone Trooper another year but when I found the Transformer's Bumblebee costume, she HAD to have it!
This morning, I did a search on all the popular costume shops and found the best deal at Costume Express.
Then I had to get the gloves and the new type of trick or treat bags that helps the kids get treats without having to try to open the bag.
Once I had her set, it was time to find the perfect costume for the two year old. I searched and searched and couldn't find anything that I really loved so I went with the ladybug costume:
At least that's one task out of the way!
Coupon Code: REK-993
Expires: 12/31/09
Invitation ideas are here.
Botox Special for Charlotte, North Carolina & California and Info on Botox Competitor Dysport
Ageless Remedies Medical Skincare and Apothocary out of Charlotte, NC is having a September Botox special.
Botox will be 10.99 per unit (minumum of 20 units must be bought) for the entire month of September. Average costs of treatment is around $300-$400.
Botox works but leaves me doubtful of long term effects. I've had it done twice and after it wore off the second time, my eye had a permanent droop. It eventually subsided but I still feel that the upper areas were a little more saggy than they should have been.
The treatment is quick and relatively painfree, at least it is if you ever had a baby or a root canal! They will usually apply a cold press to the area and then the injections begin. It does take a week or more to see visible results and can last anywhere from three to six months. I was always ripped off as it barely lasted three months for me.
If you live in Orange County, California, there are more specials at the Dermatology and Laser Center.
Gold River, California has specials at the Accent Esthetics.
Don't forget to sign up at Allergan for their frequent wrinkle club discounts and specials!
There is a new alternative available called Dysport from loveleyskin.com. Dysport was initially known as Reloxin during it's run of years of clinical trials.
Dysport was found to affect an entire area with only a few injections, requires only three days to show improvement and lasts at a month longer (i.e. four months versus three minimally). It's also suppose to be cheaper than Botox.
I would love to hear from anyone who has tried Dysport.
Botox will be 10.99 per unit (minumum of 20 units must be bought) for the entire month of September. Average costs of treatment is around $300-$400.
Botox works but leaves me doubtful of long term effects. I've had it done twice and after it wore off the second time, my eye had a permanent droop. It eventually subsided but I still feel that the upper areas were a little more saggy than they should have been.
The treatment is quick and relatively painfree, at least it is if you ever had a baby or a root canal! They will usually apply a cold press to the area and then the injections begin. It does take a week or more to see visible results and can last anywhere from three to six months. I was always ripped off as it barely lasted three months for me.
If you live in Orange County, California, there are more specials at the Dermatology and Laser Center.
Gold River, California has specials at the Accent Esthetics.
Don't forget to sign up at Allergan for their frequent wrinkle club discounts and specials!
There is a new alternative available called Dysport from loveleyskin.com. Dysport was initially known as Reloxin during it's run of years of clinical trials.
Dysport was found to affect an entire area with only a few injections, requires only three days to show improvement and lasts at a month longer (i.e. four months versus three minimally). It's also suppose to be cheaper than Botox.
I would love to hear from anyone who has tried Dysport.
Lysol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Borders, Dell, Ugg & Country Bob's Coupons/Free
Lysol has $10 worth of coupons by clicking here.
Register for a Scrubbing Bubbles Fall Pack here.
Free Country Bob's Sauce here.
Borders 30% off of any one item using code BRT6505Y. Excludes electronics, periodicals and gift cards.
Wii remote for $27.00 at Dell - perfect for my Wii fit game giveaway!
Ugg Australia Ultimate Tas Short Boot for $112.90 at Nordstrom.
Dairy Queen has $1 off Blizzards for the month of September once you join the Blizzard Fan Club.
Military Families: Operation Purple
Military families can apply now for one of four Operation Purple® Family Retreats held this fall! Families come together in a national park setting at an Operation Purple Family Retreat, a free, four day getaway created to help families reconnect after deployment. With an emphasis on environmental education, military families will participate in fun, family-focused activities that will allow them to strengthen and renew relationships while exploring their natural surroundings. This fall’s Family Retreats are being held at national parks in Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, and Hawaii.
Tell a military family about this opportunity today, or visit www.militaryfamily.org/retreats for eligibility and to apply.
Dates and Locations:
October 9-11, 2009 Olympic Park Institute, Port Angeles, Washington (Deployment return dates: July 2008 - July 2009)
October 23-26, 2009 Poconos Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry, PA (Deployment return dates: July 2008 - July 2009)
November 6-9, 2009 Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks, Silver Bay, NY (Deployment return dates: August 2008 - August 2009)
December 18-21, 2009 YMCA of Honolulu Camp H. R. Erdman, Honolulu, HI (Deployment return dates: September 2008 - September 2009)
Hmmm.....my husband just returned from Iraq but I'm not sure New York is fair comparred to Hawaii!
Tell a military family about this opportunity today, or visit www.militaryfamily.org/retreats for eligibility and to apply.
Dates and Locations:
October 9-11, 2009 Olympic Park Institute, Port Angeles, Washington (Deployment return dates: July 2008 - July 2009)
October 23-26, 2009 Poconos Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry, PA (Deployment return dates: July 2008 - July 2009)
November 6-9, 2009 Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks, Silver Bay, NY (Deployment return dates: August 2008 - August 2009)
December 18-21, 2009 YMCA of Honolulu Camp H. R. Erdman, Honolulu, HI (Deployment return dates: September 2008 - September 2009)
Hmmm.....my husband just returned from Iraq but I'm not sure New York is fair comparred to Hawaii!
How Do You Get Your Child to Open Eyes for Photos?
I think my two year old has learned that it's fun to annoy mom already by not cooperating with pictures. It never fails, she closes her eyes and/or looks up high so you can see up her CPAP altered nose (compliments of respiratory problems at birth). I try everything to get her to open them and the more I try, the more she thinks it's a game. The middle picture is an almost win on my side as you can see she started to open them but she had to stay in control!
I was trying to duplicate a picture pose and outfit that I have of my now six year old when she was two.
I love to take pictures and I had to buy an extra hard drive to keep the over 10,000 digital one's I have. I'm sure it's more than that but I lost track. My house is also full of them and it's a good thing that I have a lot of wall space.
Anyone have any special tricks to get them to smile AND keep their eyes open?
Freeze 24*7 Sale & Cosmedicine
(Cosmedicine at the bottom of post)
If you have ever tried Freeze 24*7 products, you will most likely agree that you like them. Their products, specifically Freeze 24*7 Instant Wrinkle, provides instant effects on crows feet and other wrinkles.
I've tried both the lip plumper and the Instant Wrinkle Treatment and loved them. They go on light and what I found with the Instant Wrinkle Treatment is you have to close the lid tight and not leave it around or it will dry up.
The first time I ordered from a company that sold it, they didn't include the right product and they provided the correct one right away.
They are on the costly side but Rue La La has a great special running for the next 23 hours:
http://www.ruelala.com/invite/youthfultips
Here are some of the manufacturers features of their products:
•Experience a 50-90% reduction in the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within minutes of application; results for 100% of respondents for an independent clinical study
•10-gram Freeze 24-7® Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment
•Freeze 24-7® Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment is not a moisturizer; it is a targeted wrinkle treatment that is used directly on fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, furrows, laugh lines, enlarged pores and lip lines
•Freeze 24-7® Age-Less Technology™ works to diminish the appearance of forehead creases, droopy brows, crow's feet, furrows, laugh lines, feathered lips, and more
•Reduces the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, rosacea, and enlarged pores
•A safe alternative to Botox® and other synthetic products which produce results, not side effects
•Gives skin a plumper, more youthful appearance
•Usage details: Cleanse and dry your face thoroughly; apply a small amount (pea size) of Freeze 24-7® Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment on the target area to be treated (line or wrinkle) before applying a moisturizer or foundation
•Pat and smooth Freeze 24-7® Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment into the line, wrinkle or other target area; wait 1-2 minutes until Freeze 24-7® Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment is fully absorbed into the skin
•Repeat the application a second or third time for deep lines or as needed; once absorbed, follow with IceCream Double Scoop™ Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer and continue with your normal skincare routine
•Not tested on animals and contains no animal by-products, dermatologist tested, allergy tested, clinically tested, hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating
•Free Plumplips™ Lip Plumper
•Revolutionary lip plumper and gloss that delivers full, pouty, buttery lips in minutes with new technology to increase circulation on the lip surface, and eliminate the drying, burning and irritation associated with most lip plumpers
•Mature lips appear more youthful with Age-Less Technology, and thin lips appear fuller and more sensual, even enhancing the natural color of your lips, appearing to look like you are wearing lip color, but it's clear
•Hydrates, smoothes and soothes
•Usage details: Apply PlumpLips™ to clean, dry lip surface and massage in with wand applicator until fully absorbed; may be reapplied as often as required or desired
•Not tested on animals and contains no animal by-products
•All products in this package are for external use only
•Please note: Purchaser will receive one Plumplips™ Lip Plumper per order.
Hautelook has Cosmedicine on sale at GREAT prices!
It ends in 38 hours and has a variety of great products from cleansers to exfoliates to oil control treatments and many more. Prices are 50% off.
Anyone try Cosmedicine products?
Book Review: Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
I received and read the book Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs compliments of Thomas Nelson.
Book Details:
- Hardcover: 324 pages
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 7, 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1591451876
- ISBN-13: 978-1591451877
Dr. Eggerich was the senior pastor of East Lansing Trinity Church before deciding to launch his full time mission in helping people achieve healthy marriages.
Dr. Eggerich has a M.A. in communications, a Master's of Divinity and a Ph.D. in child and family ecology. He and his wife, who joins in the conferences and marital help, reside in Michigan and they have three adult children. He is the president of Love and Respect Ministeries.
The Review:
The book takes a biblical approach when teaching men and women to understand how a husband and a wife fit together in a marriage. At first, I had the sense that this was a book that emphasized a need of the wife to succumb to the husband's wishes and commands. As I kept reading through the different chapters and tests, it became so amazingly clear where he was coming from and how it applied to every marriage.
Dr. Eggerich has a keen ability to understand the differences in men and women by using such phrases as "blue glasses" and "pink glasses" or "blue hearing aids" and "pink hearing aids." It was nice reading the excerpts he provided from real couples to see that I wasn't alone in the struggle of making it all fit together and work. The excerpts validated what he was teaching and showed that the exercises/tests he provides each to do, in fact work.
I ended up taking the principles and used some of the tests and have found that it truly is effective. I am a believer in this book for anyone. Whether you are in a relationship or not, the book teaches invaluables aspects of what men and women, in general, crave and need while discussing how you can give to the other while receiving what you need.
The whole concept of love and respect are fully discussed and thoughtfully introduced in a way that opens ones eyes and will lead to a better relationship.
The one thing I would have liked to have seen, is a more of an emphasis of how to handle marriages when there is a breakdown on fairness of household chores/children. He noted a good example of a wife not wanting to break from doing a chore to sit and watch TV with her husband due to the "to do list" she still has to do. I think that a lot of marital discord evolves around not only money but how the wife tends to work full time and still tends to the house and children full time. Perhaps if the "Crazy Cycle" is broken and the wife gives the husband his needed respect, the husband will come around to help more because he will be willing to show more of his love.
All in all, I highly recommend this book!
Amazon readers, 313 in all, gave this book 4.5 stars!
That's a Wrap: Creative Wrap
I tend to focus a lot of this blog on things that make gifts more special and unique and as I have mentioned previously, I always try to make each gift come from the heart. I search over and over for the perfect presentation to show how much I love and care for the person I'm honoring.
That's a Wrap has the most incredible display of beautiful ways to wrap that special gift because after all, if you go to the trouble to make the gift heartfelt, you might as well make it beautiful upon giving.
The products range from everything you need to wrap your special gifts. I'm really amazed at the volume of products they have and how they coordinate them into Gift Kits or you can individually select what you want.
They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
They have many different containers as well. Boxes, purses, take out boxes and many other types to choose from. They also have all the fillers and bows you could ever dream of from tulle to tissue paper and so much more.
On their site, they offer how to's which is great for those that are not Martha Stewart!
Since Christmas really is fast approaching, check out their great supplies. They range from cookie and wine boxes to bevel gourmet boxes to cello rolls, stockings and all the other gift wrap coordinates.
I really love this shop due to the creativity, the variety and their help in making sure your gift truly is special.
Star Wars Birthday Idea
I decided to go back and post all the different birthday themes I threw over the last 20 years of my girls. This one was a special one to me as everyone in the house, five kids and two adults, like Star Wars and some even LOVE Star Wars. Not only does my family like it, my brother and his daughters are avid fans as well. So when we decided to merge birthdays, it only made sense to have a Star Wars theme.
I'm almost embarrassed to list my handmade invitations given the caliber of the one's that others make out there now but these are what I did a few year's ago. I also bought matching sucker molds as part of the favors and made chocolate figures with matching thank you cards attached to each one.
The birthday cake was easy as I just bought one from Walmart. I'm not that creative YET. I have bought the cake decorating books as I venture into it in my spare time. Being an Army wife keeps me busy on top of the kids and working full time.
The final addition to the theme was a cut out stand up of Obi Wan. The kids loved it and so did my oldest who laid claim to it for her bedroom as everyone knows what a looker he is (younger version of course)!
After playing some games, opening presents and eating cake, I took turns taking pictures of the kids next to Ben for a memory to take home.
Here are some other great party favors from Amazon merchants:
I wished they had a book like this when I was planning my party. Amazon allows you to look at some of the pages and it's GREAT!
Amazingmoms has great ideas for party games.
STAR WARS PARTY GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
Star Wars Badges
Get your guests in the spirit of the latest Star Wars saga with this
fun craft project. Before the party, cut out badges from construction paper. Provide the kids with Star Wars stickers, extra paper, glue,
scissors, glitter, markers, crayons, magazine pictures, etc., and encourage creative expression. During the party, hand out extra badges as favors while playing games. When giving out the badges, honor the kids with special awards, i.e., Best Yoda Impression, Best Team Player, Most Infectious Giggle, or Biggest Smile.
Asteroid Hunt
Purchase small treats or gifts and wrap them in aluminum foil.
Hide them in a sandbox, around the house or in the yard.
At the party, let the children dig in the sand, or search throughout
your “planet” to find their “moon rocks.” The kids will love the excitement of opening their rocks and finding treasures!
Light Saber Training Course
Before the party make some light sabers with foam pipe insulation or
skinny swimming "noodles". Wrap 4-6 inches from the end with colored electrical tape to make a handle. One red, one black, blue etc.
To play, divide the kids into teams to go through a challenge course.
Each team will get one "Light Saber". Create tasks for each potential
Jedi to accomplish (not too hard) with the light saber in hand.
For example:
Hit ping pong balls with the light saber
Crawl under a chair tunnel, go down a slide,
Roll under a tarp
Pop bubbles with the light saber -- you get the idea.
Alien Face Painting
Purchase a set of face paints and give each guest a unique alien “look.”
Let each child make up an alien name for himself or create a few of your own and let the kids draw names randomly. Use movie names or your own, such as “Zork,” “Murblap,” or “Gondar.”
For previous posts on birthday themes, see:
Monkey Theme Birthday Party
Ratatouille Theme Birthday Party
Football Theme Party
Horse Riding Lessons
My middle child loves horses and I wanted to give her an opportunity to try out something new and fun. Although she has epilepsy, I always worry that one of the seizures might occur without warning but I still allow her the chance to pursue her dreams. I was told not to hinder her experiences due to the condition rather guard and protect her.
Watching her on the horse was in incredible experience as I saw this shy, timid girl open up and take directions from her teacher and handle this horse with such control and maturity.
Even her little sister loved what she saw!If you ever want to try something a little out of the ordinary, try horse riding lessons as it teaches so many different lessons and it's a fun and wonderful experience. If your child has some sort of a disability, there are many programs that cater for special needs children.
Your child can learn either in English or Western style. The extra bonus is they learn how to care for horses as well.
Another Gilt Special: Children's Superga & Children's Alpha Industries Until 9/1
Great deals on Children's Alpha Industries at 50% off until September 1, 2009.
Great deal on Superga shoes for kids at 50% off until September 1, 2009.Hurry as quantities are limited and they are already sold out on a cute reversible jacket I wanted!
Sprout Organic Baby Food Review
I got on a health kick about a year ago as I was hearing more and more about how bad processed foods were for us. Namely, processed flour and refined sugars. They seem to be a culprit in so many health woes to include obesity. Coupled with that are all the concerns with preservatives and colorings and how they had possible long term implications. Once I started educating myself on the benefits of organic food, I became interested in organic baby food. I was also concerned given the alarming number of news events surrounding various baby products.
At my local Publix, they did have organic baby food much to my surprise. My little one loved it but it was not so convenient as it's frozen. It's nice that they did offer divided portions in little sections but it's hard to try to cut them apart to thaw out. I had little options until now.
I was given the opportunity on The Product Review Place, to try Sprout Organic Baby Food in five different varieties:
- Roasted Bananas & Mango - my daughter loved this and the aroma was appealing. The texture was consistent with other baby foods but tasted much better. The mixture of different foods enhances the appeal.
- Peas - I can't really judge this as neither one of us like peas.
- Sweet Baby Carrots, Apples & Mango - she loves this one and again, the taste and smell was amazing. I had to try it too :)
- Oatmeal with Roasted Cinnamon Applesauce - I'm an oatmeal fan along with cinnamon applesauce so this was another winner with both of us. I'm very pleased how Sprout takes a number of ingredients to make one great, healthy dish.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes - again, great! She loved it.
Sprout was co-created by chef and father, Tyler Florence. With his culinary experiences and knowledge, he was able to create recipes that included multiple ingredients to offer a delicious complimentary combination.
What I like more about Sprout, is they set their standards based on Healthy Child Healthy World:
Products must:
- Not be chronically toxic – including not carcinogenic, not reproductive toxic, not endocrine disrupting, not neurotoxic, and not teratogenic
- Not contain toxic dyes
- Not contain health compromising chemicals - including alkylphenols, polyurethane, petroleum distillates, phosphates, chlorine, chlorinated or brominated solvents, petroleum-derived or petrochemical fragrances, parabens, sulfur oxides, organohalides, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (Perc), dioxins and furans, hexavalent chromium, organophosphate pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), 2,4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4, D).
- Not contain sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances, synthetic preservatives, petroleum-based ingredients, formaldehyde donors.
- Not contain PVC.
- Not contain bisphenol-A (BPA), PFCs, PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers)
- Not contain heavy metals – including lead, mercury, cobalt, chromium, nickel, beryllium, arsenic, and cadmium
- Not tested on animals
- Not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
"Most people want to consider the health and environmental effects of the products they buy, but lack the time to research high-quality, non-toxic options." Healthy Child Healthy World
Pro's:
- Great tasting and healthy.
- Convenient packaging as they are in pouches that allows you to serve what you need and place it in the refrigerator for later.
- Catered to children 6 months and older.
- Not frozen so readily available to use.
- Pouches that are environmentally friendly (less waste) and less costs to produce.
- Free shipping on orders of $75 or more.
- Free Sprout Club membership where the more you buy, the more you save by automatic shipments.
- Many products are available on Sprout such as food, baby products, books and items for moms.
- A nice breakdown of common chemicals found in baby products are listed on their website.
- Created based on year's of research and development.
Con's:
- Limited availability in stores (select H.E.B., Publix and Central Market) but they are expanding and you can purchase online.
- A little costly but most organic foods are since you are ensuring your children are digesting healthier, chemical/pesticide free products ($16.65 for 12 pouches).
- Not available for toddlers.
In summary, I definitely prefer this over any other baby food. I would love to see foods at the toddler stage.
