Fruity Party Punch Recipe

This is a recipe that was included in our Creativity for Kids party pack.It is a simple but good choice for a party drink.

64 oz bottle fruit punch
64 oz bottle unsweetened pineapple juice
1- 2 liter bottle ginger ale
1/2 gallon orange sherbet

In a punch bowl,mix together fruit punch,pineapple juice and ginger ale.
Add the scoops of sherbet.
Wait for sherbet to begin melting,stir and serve.

My kids love this type of drink.You can use raspberry or lime sherbet too and some people replace the ginger ale with Sprite or 7Up

* I was not compensated in any way for this post.

My Book Reviews-Follow the River by James Alexander Thom

There is nothing better than a good story to help me relax and unwind.I usually like reading fiction because it lets me get away from reality a little,but when I saw the opportunity to review Follow the River,I thought it might be a nice change.

The story is based on the real tale of a pioneer woman who is kidnapped during an Indian raid on her small settlement.Mary Ingles is taken,along with her two sons,her brothers wife Betty,and a neighbor.They are forced to travel over harsh lands where,during the trip,she gives birth to her daughter.One of the chiefs takes a liking to her for her bravery,so she isn't treated as badly as the others,which begins to put a strain on her relationship with Betty.Mary is too busy caring for her children and trying to remember the route they are taking in case she can find a way to get back.The trip lasts for weeks and she keeps track of days by tying knots in her string belt.

They finally arrive at a large trading settlement,where she makes a deal with two traders to sew shirts out of some cloth they have.She is paid for her work in blankets to keep her and her family warm in the coming winter.While she is there,she is offered a chance to go and live with the chief.She would be protected and have food and shelter for her and her sons.Missing her husband and wanting to go back to him,she declines.The chief tells her he is taking her boys to be his sons and he leaves with them shortly after.

One day she finds a way to escape with an old German woman she calls Gretyl.They take their blankets and small hatchet and run off while they are supposed to be looking for nuts and berries.Leaving her baby behind and fearing capture at every turn,they begin to make their way back down the trail that brought Mary there all those weeks ago.Doing her best to remember the twists,turns,ridges and hills,Mary leads them back toward home.

During the journey the two woman face unspeakable horrors.They are forced to walk miles without shoes,eat bugs,plants and whatever they can find to sustain them for another day.The woman travel through intense cold,wade across streams and rivers and much more to survive the horrid trip back to the people Mary left behind.Eventually,madness takes over the old woman and Mary is forced to go her own way in order to survive.

I won't tell you how this book ends or any more of what happens to Mary and the others during their capture.I will say this book surprised me.I couldn't believe some of what was endured by the captives.It really made me think about how I would react and what I would have done in that situation.I also have a new respect for non-fiction writing and plan to read more in the future.

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine. This book was given to me by my grandmother.I elected to share and I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Tiny Prints Adds Flair for Back to School $50 GC Giveaway

With the flurry of activity surrounding the new school year,sometimes we don't always think of some things we may need.I am sure you thought of notebooks and pencils,crayons and glue,but there are other things you should have on hand for the year.Tiny Prints

Teacher Stationary is something that can be used several times during the school year.A thank you note for the prizes teachers give in class or a quick message to let them know how much your child enjoys them as a teacher is always nice.This is something a teacher will remember and it is a nice way to teach your child about caring too.

If you have an older student going off to college or are going yourself,some great wall art can add a touch of personality to the drab dorm rooms or apartments.You can customize your own canvas and easel art,make mounted prints and more for the perfect look.Give one to a friend,roommate or family member for the perfect gift.There are so many ways to use these.

I love the Lunch Box Notes so I can write a  reminder or message to my kids and leave it in a place I know they will find it.These come in  a variety of sizes and styles and you can add your own photos too.Perfect for those days when your child has a test or exciting event,or even when there is a change in schedule they need to remember.

Allergy Alert Cards are another favorite.My kids don't have allergies,but these can save a life for those who do.Keeping these in their pockets,on file at school,with friends, or anywhere else your child goes often can make sure others know what to do as well.

I am lucky enough to be able to offer you a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate with free shipping from Tiny Prints!
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Leave new comment for each entry with email or user name if needed.

·         Visit the Back to School page (http://www.tinyprints.com/back-to-school.htm), click through to your favorite product page, and pin your favorite item on Pinterest with the hashtag #TinyPrintsBTS

·         Visit the Back to School page (http://www.tinyprints.com/back-to-school.htm), click through to your favorite product page, and use the Tweet button to send a tweet.

·         Visit the Back to School page (http://www.tinyprints.com/back-to-school.htm), click through to your favorite product page, and use the Facebook button to like a product.

·         Visit the Back to School page (http://www.tinyprints.com/back-to-school.htm), click through to your favorite product page, and use the Google+ button to recommend to your followers.

Follow Tiny Prints on their social channels.

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Follow me on Twitter,Google + or Pinterest (in sidebar) for another entry.

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs

Giveaway ends August 31st.Must be 18 and live in the United States to enter.

*Promo code excludes, calendars, photo books, Erin Condren notebooks & planners, and gift certificates)

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I will receive the same gift code as the winner,provided by the sponsor as a thank you for sharing about the Back to School items.No other compensation was received.

Back to School Supplies-Olivers Labels

I know it isn't something you want to think about,but we all have to do it anyway.Yep...in just days,if not already, our little darlings will have to get up early 5 days a week to go to school.That means that we also have to get up early,get them dressed,fed and out the door in a timely,and somewhat orderly fashion.

Of course,once we send them off with all those new items,we have to hope they return with them when the day is over.A great way to help make this a reality is by using labels to mark their items.We were sent a selection of space themed items to help my youngest son do just that thanks to Oliver's Labels.
This collections features a variety of different sizes and styles that can be used on many different items.The labels are dishwasher and laundry safe,so you don't have to worry about them coming off when you need to wash your labeled items.

The shoe labels we tried fit perfectly in any shoe and stuck to every pair we tried them in. From sandals to dress shoes,sneakers to heels,they stuck,and stayed, every time.(No my son doesn't wear heels but I tried these on mine just to check).

We also tried the Stick-eez clothing labels on his new school clothes.We labeled shirts,pants,shorts,coats and jackets and these small labels fit on the tag of each one.That is a simple and easy place to put them and t can be seen right away.He has worn several of the items and none of the labels have moved so far.I have also washed a few items and the labels stayed on then too.

The larger labels we used for books,pencil pouches and folders and they have held up and still look new.School has only been in session a short time,so I hope they continue to stick. I don't want to buy more labels and do all that again!

**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.

No other compensation was received.My opinions are my own and may not be the same as yours!

Cool Stuff from Fun Slurp

Recently I won a gift card to Fun Slurp.I didn't remember entering,but I won so I went to check out the site anyway.While I was there,I found some really cute items that I knew would be a hit in my house.

I grabbed a box of these Crime Scene Sandwich Bags for my boys to use in their school lunches.Of course they can't wait to pack for the first day of school now.I also snagged a roll of Obama toilet paper.It is usable,but I got it for my husband to keep because we are not Obama fans in this house.

Fun Slurp has a variety of unique and funny items that can be used as gag gifts,serious presents and much more.The site has many categories like bathroom pranks,funny props,weird bacon products and unique band aids.There is sure to be something fun for you to try so stop by and check them out today!




* I was not compensated in any way for this post.I am just sharing some fun!

Mabel's Labels Tween Pack Makes A Back-to-School Statement

My oldest is getting to that age where everything is drama.He has officially started puberty and thinks he is a man now.As a man,he can't be seen with baby gear for school so he wanted something a little more his style.He was thrilled when he received the Tween Pack from Mabel's Labels

Designed for those in between kids,the tween pack features designs that aren't for little kids but not quite adult either.He loves the skulls,guitars and other random labels that he can use for anything he wants.

 The variety of designs and sizes lets him have labels for everything from his clothing and shoes to books,pens,folders and more.

Gage liked that the colors on these are bold and bright,and because they are dishwasher and microwave safe,he can even use these on his lunch and snack containers.This is perfect when you have multiple kids using several different containers for their food.He can grab his and go knowing he didn't end up with the wrong sandwich or snack in his lunch.

Of course,being a kid,he also put these on his backpack,notebooks,book covers,calculator,pencil pouch and every other surface he felt needed identifying.That is just fine with me.The labels are thick and sturdy so they last for a long time meaning I don't have to worry about them being lost in a week and having to do it all over again!

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I received sample items as a member of Global Influence in order to write a fair and honest review.No other compensation was received.***

Party Snack Recipes from the Claritin Moms Crew

As a member of the Children's Claritin Moms Crew,one of the things I love to do is share the information,samples and ideas they provide.When we had our Madagascar party  a few weeks ago,they sent a packet of recipes and party ideas and these were included.I thought I would share them with you,after all, school parties and holidays are coming soon!

Madagascar Munch Mix-
5 cups corn or rice cereal
1 1/2 cups pretzels
1 cup of chopped nuts (any type)
1/3 cup butter or margarine,melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins or dried fruit
1 cup chocolate chips or candies

Preheat oven to 325 F.Combine cereal,pretzels and nuts in a 13x9 inch pan.In a bowl,stir melted butter and salt and pour over cereal mixture tossing gently until well covered.Bake at 325 for 25 minutes stirring once or twice.Spread in a large shallow pan or on foil to cool.Once cooled,mix in remaining ingredients and serve.

Clown Cones-
Sugar Ice Cream Cones
Any flavor ice cream
Assorted candies (jelly beans,gum drops,MnMs,etc.)
Icing

Scoop out balls of ice cream and place on wax paper.Put in freezer for 20-30 minutes.Remove from freezer and place on flattened paper baking cups.Place a cone on top of each one.The cones are the hats and the ice cream is the face.Use the candy to design fun clown faces and use the icing to decorate the hats.



***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I receive sample items in order to write a fair and honest review.No other compensation was received and my opinions were not influenced by receiving sample items***

Ultimate Back-to-School Combo from Mabel's Labels

It back to school time again.Time to buy all the wonderful clothing,supplies and accessories the kids "just can't live without".To try and protect my investments,I like to label the kids belongings.I put labels on notebooks,backpacks,lunch boxes and more.If I think they might lose it,or someone might take it,I label it.

The Ultimate Back-to-School Combo from Mabel's Labels is perfect for getting all those supplies labeled just right.We received the skateboard theme that my son loved.His favorite items were these cool Teeny Tags.He attached one to his pencil pouch and the other to his lunch bag using the rings supplied and now they are not only tags,but zipper pulls too.

He also received a variety of labels in many shapes and sizes.The thin rectangular labels are Skinny-Minis and fit perfectly on pencils,pens,markers or any other item you want to label.These are nice and thin so they are perfect for accessories too.The next ones are the round shoe labels.These fit in any size shoe and do stick to the soles,even after running around in them all week.The last labels in this combo pack are the Tag Mates.These small labels fit on clothing tags to identify all those little items my kids drop everywhere.I don't know how many gloves,hats,lunchboxes and earmuffs we have lost before labeling them.Now,instead of ending up in the lost and found,they are given back to my kids,especially if it was lost on the bus or classroom where everyone knows their name.

I like that these labels are so versatile.You can use them on such a huge variety of items and know that they will stick and stay there instead of peeling off in a few days like other labels I have tried.Mabel's Labels offers a nice variety,has an easy to use site and ships within days of ordering too.If you are looking for a way to keep track of your child's belonging,or just to add a little flair,visit the site and see what you find!

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I received sample items as a member of Global Influence in order to write a fair and honest review.No other compensation was received and my opinions were not influenced by receiving sample items***

Getting Ready for School Chaos and Clothing Deals

I am sure many of you are scrambling to get those last-minute school must haves.With 3 kids in school this year,it seems like the amount of things we need has doubled.I tried to get most of the clothes shopping done a couple of weeks ago,so now I just need a few things to be finished with that part.

I snagged a great black and white Adidas shirt at T.J.Maxx for my son.The original price on it was $55 and I got it new,with tags, for $10.I also grabbed a few tees and skater style shirts for my oldest.They were brands like Etnies,Nike,Angry Birds and Ghost Recon,originally $20-$35 each,I paid between $8 and $12 each for them.My husband grabbed a huge insulated lunchbag with carry strap for those long days in the truck.Now I can fit all his lunch food and ice packs inside with ease.I believe it was originally $19.99 and we paid $8 for it.All in all it was a successful visit to one of my favorite discount stores.

While we were out we looked for shoes too.My oldest had already ordered the newest Heelys (which I will be reviewing soon),but I still had to buy for the other two.My youngest son ended up getting Heelys type shoes too and my princess chose sequined Hello Kitty sneakers for her starting day.One pair of Heelys was a review item, the other two we purchased from Target and paid around $70 together for them.

At the end of the day we visited 3 stores and spent around $300.That covered 6-7 shirts each for my boys,an outfit and shoes for my daughter,shoes for my son,socks and underwear for all three kids and a few shorts each for my boys.Of course that is not all we need and my daughter picked out most of her clothing online already from Naartjie Kids.(I will be showing you some of their great deals later).

What about you? How is your school preparing coming or has school already started for you?

LoveSac Chaise Sectional Giveaway Event Sign-Up

Sponsored by LoveSac & hosted by Mom to Bed by 8

Prize: Four Cushion Chaise Sectional with Chocolate Rhinoplush Covers
{RV$3,260}

The event dates: 9/10 - 10/1

Free Event ~ Sign-Up Here - LoveSac Event
Bloggers Wanted

This is a great chance to join in a fantastic giveaway event.

See You There!

Lock Up Safely and Win with Master Locks' Master Combo Challenge

Heading back to school for another year means a lot of changes and,of course,a lot of expenses too.When you send your student off to school this year,remember to grab a few items from Master Lock to protect their precious items.It is sad,but young adults today are exposed to more threats of identity theft and other security threats more than any other age group.

To defend against this,Master Lock has launched the Master Combo Challenge. Simply take the quiz,watch the lock combo and enter the code to win.Test your safety and security knowledge while  entering to win some great prizes including a laptop,gift card and fabulous Master Lock items!

My tips for back to school safety are simple-
1. Don't give out your personal information,passwords etc.
2.When filling out information online,make sure you use a secure browser and sign out of your accounts when finished.
3.Keep your personal items,treasured mementos or valuables locked safely away with the many available items from Master Lock.

The Laptop Computer Lock has a strong self coiling cable,features a set your own combination lock and is made of durable metal to keep those prying eyes out of your business.Available for only $24.99,this simple fix could save you a lot of headache in the future.

The dialSpeed Electronic Padlock allows you to store multiple primary and guests codes.Each of the locks is also pre-programmed with a permanent master code so you never have to deal with cutting off locks for lost or forgotten combinations.This one is also $24.99 and can serve multiple purposes from a school locker to a building or shed key. 

One of my personal favorite products for keeping small items safe is the Safe Space.This portable locking box is compact enough to take with you anywhere,but locks safely to keep others out.My son uses one of these for his expensive drawing pencils and other items in his locker.Even of someone gets into the locker,they cannot gain access to his belongings..At $19.99 you can afford to get one for each member of the family to keep in the car,locker,briefcase,luggage and more!


* I was not compensated for this post,but am entering for a chance to win a Master Lock prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club*

Shutterfly Presents the Long Live Summer Photo Contest

I am always snapping pictures of this or that,but it seems like most of the summer that is all I do.Every time I upload photos to my computer it is in groups of hundreds instead of just a few.

While you are snapping those summer memories of your own,don't forget to enter the Long Live Summer Photo Contest.There is still time to win great prizes instantly and one more weekly prize too!
Win a trip for four to The Bahamas and a professional photo shoot so you’ll remember your vacation forever.  All you need to do is upload your favorite photo and caption based on the theme of the week.  Get a gift from Shutterfly just for entering! You can enter at any point during the 5-week sweepstakes period

PHOTO THEMES

•       Week 1(7/9): Americana

•       Week 2 (7/16): Great Outdoors

•       Week 3 (7/23): Water Fun

•       Week 4 (7/30): Sports & Activities

•       Week 5 (8/6): Parties & Celebrations

PRIZES

•       Instant win prizes just for submitting a photo!

•       Weekly prizes (contestants can enter one time/week)

•       Weekly featured photos: up to 5 weekly entries will be selected from the gallery and featured on the Facebook fan page and awarded a $500 gift card on Shutterfly and a copy of the new Lonely Planet travel photography book.

•       Grand prize: trip for 4 to Bahamas, 4 nights, family photo shoot

•       Shutterfly Sweepstakes - Official Rules

 facebook.com/shutterfly | facebook.com/tinyprints | facebook.com/weddingpaperdivas | facebook.com/treatcards

 @shutterfly | @tinyprints | @weddingpaprdiva | @treatcards

pinterest.com/shutterfly | pinterest.com/tinyprints | pinterest.com/weddingpaper | pinterest.com/treatcards

***This information was shared by the sponsors at Shutterfly.I received no monetary compensation for this post but will receive a sample photo book for sharing the fun.

Uglee Pens for Comfort with Giveaway

If you have never tried the Uglee Pen,I suggest doing so.I have tried them before and everyone loved them.Well,everyone except my husband who said they are too small for him to get a grip on.This time,I was sent some of the cute pink Uglee Pens to review and I love them!

These ergonomic pens were created and designed by a physician and are made to help those who experience pain and discomfort when writing.I love that anyone can use them,even if you never have pain while writing,they are much more comfortable to use than some other pens I have tried.

Uglee pens are super soft to hold and easy to write with too.I have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome,so I wondered if using these would help that in any way.I can't say if it has helped long term yet,but I noticed a change in the pain level after using these.My hands didn't cramp as much and my fingers didn't have those painful pressure spots I normally feel when writing.

Thanks to my sponsors,one of you will get a chance to try these too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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.
***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I received the sample items in order to write a fair and honest review.No other compensation was received and my opinions were not influenced by receiving sample items.Giveaway items are provided by the sponsor and they are responsible for shipping***

Stoner Couture Private Label for Hot Summer Style

The weather this summer is killing me.I hate when it is too hot to enjoy being outside,and this summer has been one hell of an example.It's so hot I don't even want to go out.Unfortunately,I have to do that from time to time.so at the very least I want to be cool and look good doing it.

Stoner Couture has some amazing styles for summer.I love the super soft feel of their clothing and the lightweight material allows the outdoor breeze to get to you,keeping you at least bearably cool.I love the Private Label Amma Tank.This bamboo/polyester blend is super cute and looks cool too.It is available in blue and grey,but I hope to see it in more colors soon!













The Private Label Ladies Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee is another great look for summer.I like the simple tie-dye look and the sleeves give a little more protection from the sun.I like the fuchsia color best and would love to see this one in black too!


If you wanna dress it up a little,I suggest the
Vintage Burnout Tri-Blend Tank Dress.They offer this one in fuchsia,grey and baby blue.I love the grey color on this dress.It could go from casual to dressy with just a few accessories.

I love the vibrant, eco-friendly blends from Stoner Couture.Not only do they offer a great look,but these fabulous products are made in the USA! Support the lifestyle with style!!



***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I was not compensated in any way for this post.