Super Excited for Christmas!!

I can't wait until the kids get their gifts this year.I have been working so hard trying to get what they wanted and if they complain one little bit,I might just explode!.I will be the first to admit the kids are a little spoiled.They are used to mom being glued to the computer and being able to find what they want,every time.With items like a guitar,drums,Pillow Pets,Fushigi,Hex Bugs,Zhu Zhu Pets and more on their lists,I have been one busy mom! I am happy to say that I found all the things I really wanted to find and a whole lot more too!

Only 2 more days until I celebrate with my step children.We will be opening their gifts on Christmas Eve this year because they have to go to their moms for Christmas.Of course I have to work that day so we will not be doing this until about 7 pm and then off they go just a couple hours later.My mom is supposed to come spend the night though,so it should prove to be a very long day!

Once the kids get up and open gifts we will be heading to my sisters for Christmas with them and my cousins.This is the closest group in the family and we always stay in close contact so needless to say,I have tons of gifts to transport too.We will have dinner there and then return home .By this point I will be more then ready to relax before I go back to work Sunday! Oh by the way..my 3rd anniversary is Tuesday..what a week!

I am all done shopping!

Finally I am finished shopping for Christmas.I have gotten everything I wanted to get for everyone on my list.I even managed to find a few items I had not planned on because they were such great deals.The best surprise I found were comic books for my son.He has been asking for them but I wasn't sure I wanted to pay 3 or 4 dollars per book for him to read once and never touch again.I was browsing a local discount store when I came upon bundles of comics with 10 in each bundle for only $5! I was thrilled.Some of these books are from as early as 1978 and feature characters like Spiderman,Batman,Wolverine and more! I can't wait to see his face when he opens the boxes to find tons of new comics for him to read and hopefully save a few of them too!

What about you? Are you finished with your shopping?

Make Your Own Personal Gift Wrap with My Wrap

I recently received the cutest item for review.I was sent 2 different wrapping paper kits from My Wrap!

When I was first offered this opportunity,I though it was a cute idea.After having a chance to try them out though,I am even more pleased then I thought I would be.

There are 4 different kits to choose from,2 of them even have special holiday designs.We received a Gingerbread kit and a Dog kit to review.Each set has 2 full sheets of paper 31x 23 for a total of 10 sq. feet per set.Each kit comes with gift tags,stickers,stencils,crayons and a pencil to assist in personalizing the wrap.There are preprinted designs on it as well for easy coloring.I gave these to the kids to try out.All 3 of them enjoyed the project and found a sheet that they liked.With boys ages 7 and 9 and a 4 year old princess,it is hard to purchase something they all enjoy,so this was a BIG plus.

They even offer bows and ribbons to complete the look! We used the sheet my daughter designed to wrap a couple of gifts for my husband.I was able to wrap both a shirt and an AXE gift set with the sheet.I probably could have gotten 1 or 2 more small gifts wrapped with it as well,but I was cutting around her designs to keep them intact.

Each kit is $19.99 and will be sure to delight the recipient.You can buy this as a gift for that special little one or design it yourself to wrap your gifts in too.My youngest son even mentioned keeping his to hang on the wall or maybe give to my mom as a present from him.All  in all, this is a super cute idea and I hope they add even more designs soon!

*I was sent the kits to try to assist in my review.No other compensation was received and the opinions are my own.

My Gallery Collection Winner is LyndaT

I have drawn the winner for the gift bag ensemble from The Gallery Collection.Thanks to everyone for entering and congrats to-
Lynda T for being the winner! I am sending you an email now.

Our Christmas Shopping is Almost Complete..ALMOST

I am so thrilled.My holiday shopping is almost done and I have not wanted to kill anyone yet! I managed to find almost every item on my list,but if someone knows where to get a starter drum set for a 7 year old at a REALLY good price,please let me know! You can even email it to me.My son asked for one and it is the only outstanding kids gift I need to find..HELP! I say a good price because I found my oldest son the guitar he wanted on sale from $130 to $60..I jumped on that one and it arrived today,now I just need the drums!

The Winner of the progresso giveaway is 3 Giggly monsters

The winner has been drawn for my Progresso giveaway -
3 Giggly Monsters

I will be emailing you soon.Winners have 48 hours to reply to my emails before I draw a new winner.Thanks to everyone for entering and I hope you come back soon!

Holiday Giveaway Blog Hop Winners

I have drawn the winners from the Holiday Giveaway Blog Hop.Sorry for the delay,I just returned from my work Christmas party and thought I had better get this done now.

The winners are-

CSN Stores-April

Little One Books-Icefairy

Jasmere-Beth

The winners have been emailed and I am awaiting replies.If I do not hear back within 48 hours,I will draw new winners.Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to enter the 2 new giveaways I have posted!

Old El Paso Presents Family Taco Night Review and Giveaway

I love tacos as much as the next person,well..ok maybe more than the average person.In my house we have tacos a few times a month,it would probably be more if I could get hubby to live on that and pizza.When I was offered the chance to enjoy one of my favorite foods and get some cute taco themed accessories as well..you can bet I jumped on it!

Thanks to Old El Paso and My BlogSpark, I received a great taco night kit which included

an Old El Paso "Family Taco Night" prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase our taco fixings.

Old El Paso is working to promote a fun family fiesta for taco night.A nice way to include some fun is by playing  El Tacodor-  the world’s only Family Taco Night Game.You can go to the site to download instructions, a score card, and a challenge sheet, and start playing with your family too! Grab your taco ingredients and your favorite set of cards and get busy cooking up some fun with the family. You can go here to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!


Wait-there is more.1 winner will get to enjoy the same prize pack that I received! Thanks to My Blog Spark and Old El Paso you can create your own Family Fun Taco Night!

Mandatory Entry-
Tell me what your family enjoys on their tacos?

Extra Entries-
Follow me on GFC-1 entry
Subscribe via email or feed- 1 entry per method
Follow me on twitter-1 entry
Friend me on facebook-1 entry
Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs (button in sidebar)-1 entry
Giveaway ends on december 17th and is open to US only.Must be 18 to enter. All opinions expressed are those of myself,my husband and my children.I received the prize pack to assist in a review  and  giveaway but no other forms of compensation.I am not responsible for shipping winners items or for any experiences that are different then my own. Have A Great Day

My Super Cute Holiday Cards from The Gallery Collection and Giveaway

I love to have personalized or custom items.I think adding your own touches lends a certain flair to items that might otherwise be plain or boring.I was thrilled when I was given the chance to create my own custom greeting cards from The Gallery Collection .                 .

 After browsing the site,I decided to get the baby polar bear cards.I had our message added to the bottom of the card and even had a matching address printed on the back flap of each envelope.This way they are return addressed and stylish in one.

I was really pleased with the choices available and could even pick a few more styles that I would love to have.They have Patriotic Cards

You can  jazz it up by choosing their photo cards

You can even get matching silver and gold gel pins to write your messages with.The ordering process is simple and browsing is a breeze.The delivery was fast and the cards arrived in perfect condition! I love that the envelopes were lined in silver inside.I thought it really caught your eye when you opened it.

One of my readers will get the chance to try their products for themselves.The lucky winner will get to chose one of these great gift bag ensembles.This will be a short giveaway to allow you to receive your prize before the holidays.I will draw a winner once the giveaway closes on December 13th at midnight.

Mandatory Entry-

Go to The Gallery Collection and tell me which card design is your favorite or which gift bags you would choose if you won.

Extra Entries-

Follow this blog on GFC-1 entry

Subscribe via email or feed-1 entry per method

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs (button in sidebar)-1 entry

Follow me on twitter-1 entry

Friend me on facebook-1 entry

Giveaway open to US only.Must be 18 to enter. All opinions expressed are those of myself,my husband and my children.I received the cards to assist in my review.No other forms of compensation were received.I am not responsible for shipping winners items or for any experiences that are different then my own. Have A Great Day

Thanks to everyone!

I want to say thank you to all my readers,followers and friends.I love writing this blog and hope you all enjoy it as well.I will be bringing you a new giveaway soon..well more then 1 actually,so stay in touch! I had to work double shifts today and tomorrow,so I will be drawing winners for my Holiday Giveaway soon!

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop

I am thrilled to be part of this fabulous giveaway event.Each of the participating blogs will be hosting giveaways for cash and gift certificates only.Over the next 4 days,you will have the multiple chances to win some really fabulous prizes and join in the fun! Be sure to stop by each of the blogs,enter to win,and spread some blogger love!

I have 3 prizes to give away.There will be 3 winners-1 for each prize.So in no particular order,meet the sponsors-

The first prize I am offering is from Jasmere. Every day there is a featured item at up to 70% off retail.You get an email and if interested,you go check it out,if not,you do nothing.Simple! Jasmere will be offering a $25 gift credit to 1 winner!

My second prize is from Little One Books. This is a fabulous site that offers books,music and video specifically for the little ones.From Berenstain Bears to Wow Wow Wubzy,Curoous George to Sesame Street, they have it. I found tins of items from this site that I would love to get for my daughter,neice and nephew.For this giveaway, 1 winner will get a $25 gift certificate to spend on anything from the site.

The last prize is being offered by one of my favorite shopping places, CSN Stores With over 200 shops to chose from I am sure my winner will enjoy their $55 gift certificate! You can find anything from baby outfits to toys,home decor to small appliances and much much more!


Mandatory Entry-

You must be a follower and tell me in order which prizes you like.I will draw the first winner and they will get whatever prize they listed first.The second drawn winner will get their listed choice of the remaining 2 prizes and the last winner will get whichever one is left.No matter which prize they end up with, all 3 winners will have a nice addition to their Christmas funding!

Extra Entries-
Go to CSN Stores or Little One Books and tell me an item you like-1 entry per site
Subscribe to this blog-1 entry per method (feed and email)

Follow me on twitter-1 entry-leave twitter name in comment

Friend me on facebook-1 entry
Vote for me on Picket fence Blogs (button in sidebar)-1 entry


Dont forget to stop by all the other blogs and enter to win! Giveaway open to US only and ends at midnight December 5th..Must be 18 to enter. No compensation was received for this giveaway.

Sons of Anarchy-Season Finale

Are you watching this? I am a huge fan of SOA and I have anxiously awaited each season,watched it through and been a little sad to see it end.This has been a great season and I expect it to finish with a bang!

Over the past 3 years,I have become enchanted with Jax Teller and the rest of the crew.I know it is only a show,but I still get anxious when something is about to happen,sad when something bad takes place and thrilled to see Jax get baby Abel back this season.Now I am watching the finale and waiting to see what happens next!

Ok..like I said,I know this is just a show,but damn what a way to end the season! Now I have to wait 9 months for the next one..sniff sniff.

CSN Stores Knows Christmas-Just for Baby Gift Guide

I promised you a series of posts with my suggestions for gifts this holiday season.This is the first of the series.

I always enjoy shopping for babies.I think it is fun to try out the cute little toys and fawn over the adorable clothes too.This year I will get to shop for my 6 month old niece  and two  that are 16 months.I have already chosen one of the items I am giving this year,the too cute 2 piece outfit/dress set by Jo Jo designs.This was my first find of the year and it cane from none other than CSN Stores!

I have searched the huge selection offered by CSN Stores, and chosen my favorites in a variety of categories.I hope this gives you an idea of what you are looking for and now you know where to find it too!

Like I said before,I love baby clothes and CSN aims to please.Any of these would be a great gift for that special little girl in your life.

The 2 piece Birthday Cupcake Outfit comes in sizes 3-24 months.

and so does this 2 piece Zebra Heart Outfit

Looking for a hat to keep babies head warm this winter? CSN has you covered with these adorable styles for baby 0-6 months.

I love these hooded towels.This is a gift you can give to any baby and it will be used and appreciated.After all,look how many times a baby needs a bath! The adorable puppy,flower and monkey styles are a great fit for both girls and boys too.

One of my favorite things to buy are too cute baby shoes. I am so in love with these Beibi Iris shoes by Wee Squeaks.My daughter has Wee Squeaks boots and she loves them.

I wish these Comfy Feet Michigan Slippers came in my size! These would be the perfect gift for those new BLUE parents.GO MICHIGAN!!

Of course,what is Christmas without toys? CSN has a huge selection of toys for babies of all ages!

The Tiny Love Soothing Serenade Mobile would be great for the newest addition to your family.

I reviewed the Chico Baby Activity Walker this summer.I got this for my nephew and it was a big hit! Not only does this help them learn to walk,but the shape sorter and ball drop provide education and interaction too.Even the toddlers played with this one.

The Fisher Price Fun With Friends Musical Table is a great pick for a fun and educational toy .Feel good about your gift by giving the gifts of learning and laughter together.

These are only my tops choices.I could probably list a top 100 and still not be done.If you are buying for an infant this year,I suggest checking out these items first.While you are there,don't forget to browse the rest of their over 200 stores.

* I am writing this series to assist in Holiday shopping as a preferred blogger for CSN.At the end of the series,I will receive a gift code to cover the cost of a new review item.The suggestions,opinions and experiences are my own and not influenced in any way.

Getting Ready to Eat

It is 2:05pm.I have been up most of the night cooking,running to Wal-mart and getting ready for company.I am finally finished and the little ones are sitting down to eat.I had to take a minute and relax before I attempt to decide what I want from the huge buffet of food we had.More later!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.I hope all is well in your worlds,and each of you have a wonderful holiday!

CSN Stores Does Christmas-Upcoming Reviews

I am going to be bringing you a new set of reviews over the next few weeks.These will feature some of my favorite choices from CSN  Stores. Each post will feature a specific group,such as girls,teens,home,casual etc, and items I suggest for members on your shopping list.I will be covering everything from a new barstool set to kitchen towels,baby beds to teen accessories.Be sure to check each post to see my newest finds and maybe check off something on your list too!

My New Winners

I just drew winners for my open giveaways.The winner of the Brilliant Lenses cleaner was submitted via email.I am glad they entered this one,nowone else did!

jcogar 


The winners for the LBri giveaway-drawn as normal via random.org are

#11 brandielam
#22 trixx
#18 tylerpants

I will be emailing winners soon.If you see this first and are a winner,feel free to email me with your mailing information.

Thanks to everyone for entering and check back,I have more giveaways to post.

Eat Smart With Progresso Review and Giveaway

More than 100 million adults suffer from high cholesterol according to the American Heart Association in 2008.With all the food choices out there,you would think it would be a cinch to find something we like an is good for us  as well.I,however,am a picky eater and find it difficult to find things that come in varieties and flavors that I like.

When I was contacted to review the new soups from Progresso, I was concerned that they would not have a flavor for me.I was surprised to discover they actually came in nice assortment of choices including Italian Style Wedding, Minestrone, Garden Vegetable, Beef and Vegetable, and Chicken Gumbo and the new Tomato Parmesean!

I was sent a cute review packet which included an exercise ball, a blue Progresso soup bowl and 2 cans of Reduced Sodium Soup to try.My favorite flavor is the Tomato Parmesean.I love tomato soup and am a huge fan of cheese so I was excited to try this one.There is a slight taste difference from the missing salt,but that is really a good thing and after eating it a bit,you don't notice  it as much.I think the trade off for the benefit is well worth it. 

I

Preparation is easy,simply pop the top and heat,and I like the cute Heart Healthy labels too! There is 1 gram of heart healthy fiber in every bowl!


Thanks to My Blog Spark, one of you will get to experience this yourself.1 winner will win a Progresso Cardio Prize Pace of their own just like mine! You will get the exercise ball and hand pump,storage bag,soup bowl and 2 cans of Reduced Sodium Soup!

Mandatory Entry-
Visit Progresso and tell me which of the Reduced Sodium Soups you would like to try

Extra Entries-
follow me on GFC-1 entry
subscribe to this blog via email or feed-1 entry per method
vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs ( button in sidebar)-2 entries
follow me on twitter and leave user name in comment-1 entry
friend me on facebook and leave user name in comment-1 entry

Giveaway ends December 6th and is open to US only.Must be 18 to enter. All opinions expressed are those of myself,my husband and my children.I received the mentioned items,information and giveaway prize from Progresso through My Blog Spark I am not responsible for shipping winners items or for any experiences that are different then my own. Have A Great Day

Check Off an Item On Your List and Brighten the Day of a Child in the Hospital with Swiss Colony

I was browsing the newest Swiss Colony catalog and came across the cutest deal

If you buy this set of 72 Petite Four Cakes for someone on your list,they will send the Gingerbread House to a child in a children's hospital in your region.I think this is a great idea and am ordering it for a couple people on my list.For only $29.95,you can send a 2 pound variety of Strawberry Shortcake,Royal Vanilla,Carrot Spice,Lemon Mist,Red Velvet and Chocolate Fudge Petite Four Cakes and a 1 pound decorated Gingerbread House too!

Imagine the delight on the face of that child when they get their own special delivery.Not to mention the delight of whoever gets the pleasure of eating the cakes. I just had conversations with both my mother and grandmother in the past 2 days about wanting to give something to a child we didn't know this year and not knowing how to go about it.Today I saw this,so I am taking that as a sign to order it.

Your gift recipient will get a note telling them about the Gingerbread House gift-it will be sent to the child in their name..they get a gift and the joy of giving and you get the joy of giving too.Plus whoever you send this to will get a note from the Children's Hospital thanking them for their gift.

Go check this out and spread the word..I bet someone you know will love this as much as I do!

*this is a personal post and not sponsored or compensated in any way

Catching Up

If you read my blog recently,you will know we are in mourning.I am working to get caught up on everything,and have many posts planned in the near future,including reviews and a few new giveaways too.Thanks for understanding and have a great day!

Our Halloween Custom Banners and more from Build A Sign

I showed you a photo of my Halloween banners in my party post,and promised an upcoming review of them.So here it is!

I should go back and say that I was contacted by  Melissa from Build A Sign to do a review of something from their site.I mentioned to her that I was having a party and could they,possibly, print me a banner or two and get them here in time.I wasn't sure if that would be doable or not,but was thrilled when they did just that.I was able to customize my banners using their easy and fast generator tool,save the file and place my order.The process was simple and my banners were better then expected!

These are quality vinyl banners with grommets for hanging or stringing.The colors are bright,the printing is sharp and the whole thing just looks amazing!

Not only can you get banners in a variety of sizes but  Build A Sign offers a selection of quality items from  banners and signs to bumper stickers,flags and more as well.You can chose from pre made designs or create your own for that perfect look.I can see many uses for their products from fundraisers to parties,advertising to a perfect surprise.

 They offer signs like yard signs,street signs and even vinyl lettering..for your custom special item printing needs,choose Build a Sign!

* I was sent the mentioned banner and one additional one as well to judge the quality of the items.The opinions are my own.

Fuzzoodles Fun with the Brat Pack and Their Friends

My kids are always saying the phrase,"Mommy,I want..." followed by whatever new thing they saw on television,in the store aisle,online or in a catalog.I have heard this about so many things,I couldn't begin to tell you all of them.If they can this will be followed by a grabbing of the arm and pulling me toward the source of their excitement.Some of the things they mention I dismiss for various reasons,but some of them I file away for later.

When I was contacted by HouseParty Palooza  to host a Fuzzoodles Party,I remembered the name,and readily agreed.My kids had mentioned Fuzzoodles before and I had even caught an ad or two,but I really never knew how cute they were until I saw them in person.

I opened my party kit to find lots of "bodies" for the kids Fuzoodles people

Each kit has a booklet with instructions and ideas

The kids had a blast trying out the different combinations.

This is one I started to show you the steps.It is pretty simple.Choose a set of eyes or eye.Slide the hooked end through the bent fuzzy wire body and twist.I then added a single fuzzy wire to make the arms

These are some of my favorite creations

We had colored cookies,wacky styles plates and accessories,fruity punch,costume sandwiches in shapes like poodle skirts,a shoe,purses and more to go with these wacky toys.

I was provided with a $10 Toys R Us gift card to give away to a random winner.Each parent filled out a form and I folded them and let the youngest kid draw one out.The winner received the gift card and 3 additional guests received Fuzzoodles kits to take home with them! 

Everyone had a blast and many found a new item to add to their Christmas lists.Thanks to House Party Palooza for  sending us the kits,booklets and gift card for this event!