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!

Report Card Time

Last week was the end of the first grading period for my boys.That means this week they brought home their report cards for the first time in 3rd and 4th grade.I really don't worry too much about their grades because I know how they are doing.They bring home graded papers each day and I go over their work with them when needed.Of course,it might just be that they know the consequences of bad grades in this house too.I do not allow failure from them in school and will not accept "average" work from them.

I have been told this is mean but I disagree.My boys are capable of achieving better then average grades,so why should they settle for less.I am proud to report that both Gage and Aiden are on honor roll this quarter and Aiden was chosen Student of the Month for November.They each have all A averages with the exception of math where they both have a B.This is good enough for me..not perfect but still great.I am trying to teach them that they need to get a great education-good is just not enough these days.

We reward the kids for going the extra mile,so they are due for a prize this week with a special one for Aidens Student of the Month Award.Usually they pick something like Silly Bands or action figures,but I guess I will find out soon enough what it will be this time.

On a side note-Aiden has brought home so many certificates this year that he almost has a whole side of the refrigerator full.Once he covers the surface he gets a big reward-that is really a lot of awards in just 9 weeks.

My Beloved Papaw-May You Rest in Peace

My grandparents at my moms 50th birthday-July 2010

I mentioned last week that my grandfather had been ill.After almost 4 weeks of brave fighting,he finally let go on Friday morning.The decision had been made on Tuesday to remove him from life support and he survived almost 3 more days.

My papaw was the most devoted and loving person I ever knew.In my entire life,I had never heard him raise his voice,he never punished us for anything, and he always had a smile for everyone.He had lived through polio,heart surgery and diabetes only to have it ended by complications from a fall.He was 81 and was getting new gutters down from the garage to put up on the house when he fell.I think he knew it was coming,he had spent the last few weeks doing things around the house ..things that my grandmother could never do alone.

Papaw spent his life in the church and had been waiting to meet his god for the past few years.I will miss him dearly and any extra strength you have to spare would be nice over the next few days,if you want to will it to me.I am going to need it.Not only was he my only grandfather,but he was the only constant man in my life from birth until now.

As we lay him to rest this week,I want to point out to you to take advantage of every opportunity you have in life.I was confidant that my grandfather would pull through this,just as he had everything else in his life.I put off seeing him because I had never known him to be weak and didn't want to see him that way.I will regret that forever.By the time I got to see him,he was sedated.He never came out of the sedation again and never knew that I had been there.Don't let this happen to you.Tell the people you love how you feel,take the time to get together more often,pick up the phone or just stop by.You never know when it will be your last chance.

My New Treasure

On the way home from the hospital the other night,I stopped by my grandparents house to drop off the items my grandmother ordered from the school fundraiser my oldest son,Gage, participated in recently.

While we were talking,she commented on my Marilyn Monroe handbag.Then she walked into her attached garage (we were in the kitchen) and got down a box and handed it to me.My grandmother is always popping up with things from Tupperware to Wilton,bead kits to scrap booking stuff but this was a good sized box,so I had no idea what it was.I open the box to find this-

Even in the middle of a catastrophe,she found a way to make me smile.I really do love Marilyn and my grandmother too!

Looking Beautiful with L'Bri Review and Giveaway

Even though I am a very busy mom,I am still a woman.I try to maintain my looks using every method possible,no matter how much time or energy it takes.

When I was given the opportunity to try products from L'Bri,I was thrilled.The descriptions of them alone was enough to make me want to try each and every product.I was told I would receive samples to try,so I was expecting a few small bottles.This was fine by me,so imagine my surprise when I opened the box to find a huge amount of items inside a fabulous butterfly bag.

"In all L'BRI Pure n' Natural products:

Aloe Barbadensis Miller, instead of water, is the first ingredient
Natural, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients are used
Advanced Alpha Hydroxy fruit acids (10%) are released in a special, slow delivery system, which is proven to reduce wrinkles and improve skin clarity.
An abundance of deep ocean seaweed and other anti-oxidants protect the skin from free radical damage
A blend of natural essential oils and synergistic herbal extracts are significant ingredients

L'BRI Pure n' Natural products
Never use (SLS) sodium laurel sulfate or propylene glycol
Never use mineral oil, lanolins, or waxes
Never use artificial colors or fragrances
Are never tested on animals
Effective for all skin types: normal, oily, dry, men, and women.
Backed by the L'BRI Pure n Natural 100% Satisfaction Guarantee."


The first item I tried was the Deep Pore Cleanser.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this.I am always a bit nervous when trying new beauty products.I applied the cleanser as instructed and rinsed well.I was able to notice a visual difference in my skin after just a couple days of using this cleanser,especially around the nose and hairline.It left my skin feeling brisk,as if I had just scrubbed it. 

Next I tried the Facial Masque.I am a fan of masques because they always show a change right after using them.I like to peel or scrub it off and see the clear pores and smooth skin after.This was easy to apply and really felt like it was doing something.I could feel the skin tighten as it dried and my face was like silk after I removed it.

They also sent me this cute Lipstick pen and Kiss clip,which my daughter was thrilled to get.

I am  thrilled to bring you a Giveaway from L'Bri too!!!

.L'BRI would like to offer the following to 3 lucky readers within the USA:

•L'BRI's Facial Masque
•Rejuvenating Facial Peel
•Pure and Natural Body Wash and
•The Ultimate Hand and Body Lotion

Each of the 3 winners will receive all the mentioned products to try for themselves.

Mandatory Entry-
Visit L'Bri and tell me what product you want to try most or something you learned.

Extra Entries-
Follow me on GFC-1 entry
Subscribe to this blog via email or feed-2 entries
Post my button on your blog or add me to your blog roll- 2 entries
Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs-click button in sidebar-1 entry

Please leave me a way to contact you if you win unless public in profile.Open to US only.Giveaway ends Nov 17th at midnight.Must be 18 to enter. All opinions expressed are those of myself,my husband and my children.I may receive samples of items to assist in a review or 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