>Aspirations and Plans for New Possibilities!

>The New Year is coming very fast. Can you believe it is nearly the end of December. I am sure everyone has nothing but holiday preparation on their minds.

When it comes to New Years Resolutions, there are two types of people. There are some like myself and others like my husband. I like to set goals for the new year and have resolutions. Even though some of them are not acheived, it at least makes me change my bad habits a little bit. I always like having everything planned out. My husband on the other hand hates making resolutions. His motto is "Why wait for the new year to change. If you havent changed already then your not going to." My answer, always.... "It gives you a moment to reflect on the past year and think about what changes you want to make."

Well, when it comes down to it, I make resolutions for myself, and for him too. LOL. In fact I make resolutions for the entire family.

So here are our family aspirations and plans for the new year:

1- HEALTH: I am overweight and would like to lose the weight from having a baby in June. My husband is diabetic and overweight. So this new year I plan to improve the health of my family. By improving the exercise and eating habits of myself and my husband, the kids will benefit also.

2- ACTIVITIES: I plan to search and find the perfect activity perfect for my 3 year old daughter. I want to get her involved in more activities.

3- MONEY: Save, Save, Save... I plan to be a little less lazy when it comes to coupon clipping. I plan to use a shopping list and buy necessities and healthy foods. I want to save money this year. Hopefully we catch up on bills and such.

4- BLOGGING: I love blogging, but again, I have been slacking. I plan to blog more often. I love the mom (and dad) community. I love the support and common interests that we all share. I plan to share more with you in this upcoming year!

Those are just a few of my plans for 2011. Usually as the New Year gets closer I create a much bigger list. Some may say I put too much on my plate. But if I complete even one of the items, in December of 2011 I will be one happy girl.



About OWN: The New Oprah Winfrey Network New shows. New faces. New possibilities.
OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. During the OWN launch weekend, viewers will have the chance to see a little of everything OWN has to offer. OWN programming includes original series and specials, all focused on entertaining, informing and inspiring people to live their best lives.

More info: http://www.oprah.com/own
Twitter: http://twitter.com/OprahWinfreyNet
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ownTV

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network blogging program, for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

>Five Helpful Tips for Holiday Tech Shopping

>Twttermoms and Staples has asked bloggers to post 5 Helpful tips for Holiday Tech Shopping.

The holidays are here. They lit the Rockafeller Center Tree. It is official. People are officially going crazy shopping now. Most of us do not want to be caught in a store during this season. Too crowded, little patience, and intolerable kids. For tose of you that are doing some last minute shopping here are Five helpful tops for holiday tech shopping:

1- Shop around. Usually the best buys are online. What I normally do is search on google and then click the shopping on the top left. Then I sort by price low to high. You usually come up with the place that has the lowest price. You do not want to pay more than you have to.

2- Buy the warranty. Gosh I cannot tell you how many TV's my inlaws went through. Each time it broke, it was replaced for free by the Manufacturer. It is usually worth it to be safe and buy the warranty. My husband also has replaced his radio a few times with the warranty that we purchased. We learned the hard way that is is worth it to spend the couple extra dollars and purchase a warranty. Especially if it is for a kid or teen.. or someone clumsy like my hubby.

3- Compare Brands. For example: whether HP or Lenovo or another brand. You want to buy a brand that you can trust but compare within the brands you do trust to get the best buy for your money. Do the research and compare the specs.

4- Do not get caught up. Everyone loves shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is great to do when you know what you are looking for but often times you get caught up in these "once in a lifetime deals" and spend more money than you should on things you originally had no intentions buying.

5- Check out the Reviews. Most websites have a review section. Read up on what others liked and disliked about the product before you buy it. It will give you a clue what you are in for and if it is really worth it.

I hope that these five Holiday Tech Shopping Tips are helpful to you.
HAppy Holidays!!!

About Staples: (From the Twittermoms Website)
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston.

More info: www.staples.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/staplestweets
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/staples


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

>NY Sesame Street Live Giveaway!

>Head on Over to Have Sippy Will Travel or My Adventures in Mommyland to win tickets to Sesame Street Live- Elmo's Green Thumb. They are giving away a family four pack to MSG
Sesame Street Live will be at MSG from Feb 17 to Feb 21.

>10 Holiday Survival Tips

>The holidays are here, and they can surely drive any sane person insane. I am sick nearly every holiday. My husband says it is because I take the trains and come in contact with a lot of germs. I tell him it is from the anxiety. I survive them everytime though. Here is the best 10 tips to survive the holidays:

1- Take A Vacation: This is what I keep telling my husband we need to do. I told him I want to start saving now for next year because I do not feel like dealing with family drama.

2- Screw Obligations: You have no obligation to anyone but yourself. Try and plan your holidays according to what is going to make you happy. Not what is going to please others.

3- Make Plans : Do not wait to the last minute. Make plans that way you are mentally prepared.

4- Avoid Shopping: Try and get all your shopping done before november. The longer you wait the crazier the stores will be an the less stock they will have.

*If you are still shopping, and need the perfect gift for a family member check out Tiny prints for personalized photo gifts and christmas cards.*

5- Just think of the kids: At those difficult times that you do not know if you can bear anymore, just think about the kids and the joy you are bringing to their lives.

6- Love!! The holidays are about love. Surround yourself with people you love rather than negativity.

7- Budget! Create a budget of how much you want to spend for the holidays. Sometimes you tend to spend more than you should if you do not budget.

8- Make a shopping list: Write a list of what you want to buy that way you do not go overboard. Every parent wants to get their kid everything. You will not have enough space to give them everything. It will spoil them. And they won't play with nearly any of it.

9- Leave the kids with a babysitter when you go shopping. It will save you a lot of stress.

10- Ask for help. If you plan to host a dinner, ask others to bring a dish or come early to help you set up.

Tiny Prints provides stylish, modern and unique stationery from photo cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards and business cards. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side the Holidays will be a cinch! They offer adorable Thanksgiving Cards, Christmas Cards, Hanukkah Cards, and even New Years Cards. All fully customizable and personalizable.



“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a $75 Tiny Prints gift certificate! For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

>10 tips for smarter holiday shopping and gifting

>The holidays are getting closer and closer, seems as though the summer flew by. Befor you know it November will come to an end, as will December and it will be 2011. Crazy huh? Another crazy thought is holiday shopping and gifting. This time of year is crazy for shopping. It's even crazier thinking about the perfect gift.

Here are 10 tips for smarter holiday shoping and gifting:
1- Shop throughout the year. Try not to do all your shopping the last minute. My parents use to do that and it was never successful. Pick up things throughout the year as you see sales and put it away. By the time the holiday season is near you will have your shopping nearly done.
2- Shop online. Avoid store lines, crowds and crazy people by shopping online.
3- Save Receipts. There are so many sales during the hoiday season. Save the receipts that way you can repurchase an item that was already purcheased at the sale price if it goes on sale.
4- Get a Babysitter. Kids will drive you nuts shopping. Save yourself some sanity and find a babysitter for when you do your shopping.
5- Watch out for sales pitches. You may think your getting more for less. But actually your spending more money and getting less things that you intended on buying.
6- Get creative. Rather than spending money on gifts, get creative and make some homemade gifts for family. (ex. A craft, cookies, or a scarf.)
7- Buy Giftcards. They are perfect for that person you do not know what to buy .
8- Do not overshop. You do not need to buy for everyone you know and you do not need to buy your kids every toy in the toystore.
9- Create a budget. You need to create a budget and stay within your spending limit. Otherwise you will wonder what you burned all your money on.
10- Wrap as you buy. Wrap your gifts as you buy them, otherwise the night before christmas you will be p late wrapping.

I hope that these 10 tips for holiday shopping and gifting will help you this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!!!

Office Depot has some smart shopping ideas to get you going here: www.top30smartgifts.com

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Office Depot blogging program, making me eligible to get a $40 Office Depot gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

>10 Tips For Making Life Easier

>Some days a rougher than others. Sometime you feel like life keeps pushing you down. Believe me, I feel that way too sometimes, a lot of the time. It just feels as though it is us against the world. We constantly try to pull ahead to be set back again. Through it all I have learned some ways to make life a little easier.

10 Tips For Making Life Easier:
1- As Long As We Have Eachother We Have The World: That is our family motto. You can use it too. At the end of the day what matters is family and love. And as long as I have my family, no matter what life throws at us, we will get through.
2- Count your blessings: There is always someone out there that has it worst than you do. So think about the things that you are thankful for and hold them close to your heart.

3- Don't take life too serious: Sometimes you just have to take a step back and look at things and just laugh. There are times that I just get mad and angry and then I realize its really not that big of a deal.

4- Be Prepared: It's better not have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

5- Communication: Life is much easier when you learn how to effectively communicate. Communication is important in all aspects of your life. In a marriage it helps you and your partner to resolve any issues and stay on the same page.

6- Ask For Help: Don't be embrarassed to ask for help.

7- Save !: Save money. Open a savings account for your kids. It will make life easier for them when they are older.

8- Think about what you want before you buy it: A lot of things are purchased impulsively, then you think 'why did I buy that?'Before you make a purchase think about it fully. If you prevent yourself from spending some money, it will help in the long run when you need it for something you really need to buy.

9- Get rid of the Credit Cards: They are nothing but trouble abd the less you have the easier your life will be.

10- Stay Positive!: Even when life lets you dow, keep your head up and think positive. Things happen for a reason. Sometimes it takes a couple bad things to get something good to happen.

No one said life is easy, it is full of challenges. Every challenge that we overcome makes us stronger. Just live life to your fullest and you will realize things aren't as hard as they seem.


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Oral-B blogging contest, making me eligible to get full-sized Oral-B Glide products and a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

>Ten Tips for New Moms Who are Bringing a Baby Home

>As many of you may know, I have 2 dayghters, ages 3 and 5 months.
My first daughter we were a nervous wreck bringing her home.
My second daughter we were also a nervous wreck bringing her home.

From my experience, I would like to share with you
Ten Tips for New Moms Who are Bringing a Baby Home:

1- Have a carseat in your car. You can not bring your baby home without a carseat. So you should have it installed into your car sometime before giving birth. I had my carseat put in when I was about 35 weeks pregnant. I wanted to be sure incase I went early I was prepared. There are usually local sights and checkpoints in your area that will check that you have it installed properly.

2- Clean your house. Before I gave birth I made sure that the house was completely sanitized. I washed down everything that I can, that way my baby came home to a clean home.

3- Ask For Supplies. When you are in the hospital ask for extra supplies to bring home. We got lucky and the hospital that we were staying in gave us a nice bag with extra formula, diapers and a blanket.

4- Limit Company. Everyone will want to see the baby. There is time. No one is going anywhere. Limit the amount of comany you have and spread it out over time. You do not want too many people crowding the baby.

5- Wash Your Hands. Have your family and friends (any you too!) wash hands. You do not want to spead unwanted germs to the baby.

6- Ask For Help. One thing I always hated was asking friends and family for help. Having a new baby is a huge adjustment. From your hormones, it is also a gigantic emotional rollercoaster too. Ask friends and family for help with housework and the baby. Your body is healing and you definitely will need the help.

7- Do the Laundry. Wash all new and handed down baby clothes in laundry detergent that is scent free and sensitive for babies to prevent skin irritation and allergies.

8- Sleep. When your baby sleeps, you sleep. Sleep patterns will be a huge adjustment for new moms. Heck, I still feel like I cannot catch up on sleep. Get all the sleep that you can. Sleep when your baby sleeps.

9- Call The Doctor. If you feel like anything is strange, or wrong, call your doctor. No question is a dumb question. That is what they are there for.

10- Enjoy Every Moment!! They grow so fast, too fast it seems. Enjoy every single moment to the fullest that you possibly can. Before you know it, you are going to look them in the eyes and say "Gosh, where did all the time go?"


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here

>The Cutest Pirate Ever-

>

Join Sprout’s Halloween Costume Parade! Upload a video of your little ones (and even your pets!) dressed in their latest Halloween costumes and see the Sproutlet parade come to life at SproutOnline.com.

>Snapfish: 100 Free Prints

>

Halloween Special From Snapfish:

It's not a trick – just purchase two 8" x 10" size prints and we'll give you 100 4" x 6" prints FREE! Capture your favorite Halloween pirates, princesses, and giggling goblins with this incredible deal to save and share with 100 free prints. Just use coupon SCARYPRINTS by November 2nd for this fun Halloween treat.*

>How To Get Your Child To Embrace Summer Reading

>

Does yor child enjoy reading? What things to you do as a parent or caregiver to make reading for your child more fun?

From the moment that I found out that I was pregnant with my first daughter, I knew that I wanted my chikldren to enjoy reading as much as I do. Reading to your child is very important, It teaches them to use their imagination and enhances their learning.

Twittermoms and Harper Collins want to know what tips, tricks and strategies do you use to get you kids to embrace summer reading? Are you a blogger that wants to share your ideas? Or perhaps you would like to check out some other ideas that other bloggers have? Click here to go to the Twittermoms discossion page.

The Twittermoms cnversation is sponsered by I Can Read! I Can Read! is a series that debuted in 1957 with the book Little Bear. It is a series that grows with your child by steps from beginner readers to children that can read on their own. Now I Can Read has 200 titles and has sold 6 million books. Check out the I Can Read! Website for a list of books and activities.

In our home reading is encouraged and we do everything that we can think of to get our children to embrace it not just in the summer, but year round.

Here are some fun tips, tricks and strategies that we use tp get our children to embrace summer reading.

1- Begin reading to your children early on. It is never to early to start reading to your kids. The warlier that you start, the better they will be able to sit throught the stories as they get older.

2- Encourage comprehension with ffun activities. There are some books that you can find fun activitiesd online. After reading the story, check out some fun activity pages or coloring pages that they may have online. For children it is kind of like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
3- Check out your local library. We have a couple libraries close by to us which hold fun reading activities. One library has storytime. The librarian will read a story to the children and also sing a couple of songs with them. Then there is another library that has a summer reading club. They give you a folder with a sheet to fill out with books that they read. Then once you return the sheet there is a wall that has all the childrens names on it who are participating in the program. Each time they bring a sheet back they get a sticker. At the end of the summer they get a prize.

3- Go to the library anyway. Even if the library near you does not hold any summer activities, it is still fun for your child to go there and just read books. Take advantage of the air condition.

4- Check out local bookstores. Borders and Barnes and Noble also have some fun programs for children, which also include storytime. The Borders near me also gives out a small snack to the children.

5- Lead by Example. When your child sees you pick up a book, they will want to also. My daughter tries to immitate everything that I do. Reading is one of them. If I sti on the couch and open a book, so will she.

6- Designate a Reading Time. In our home, reading time is a half hour before bed. When Rose, our 2 1/2 year old goes to bed we allow her to pick out 1 books that I read to her and one book that she reads to her baby sister Maddy.

7- Bring Books Along. On long drives, rather then putting on the car DVD player, have your child entertain themselves by bringing books along. You can also bring books along for days at the beach or park.

8- Subscribe to a Children Magazine. Kids feel big and important when they get mail. We subscribe to Wild Animal Baby Magaxzine. When it comes in the mail my daughter gets very excited. She loves it, and runs straight in the house to read it.

Enjoy your summer reading!


“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an "I Can Read!" book. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

>Winners

>I am a bit behind on everything since having a baby, but I am catching up.
I have winners to announce:

For the Seventh Generation: Natural Baby Starter Kit Review and Giveaway
The winner is # 21
allthingsnew said... 21 Signed up for 7th Gen nation! #1
link: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/all_members?filter0=asthepotter
profile name: asthepotter

June 11, 2010 6:59 PM

For the CSN Stores: KidKraft Step N' Store Stool Giveaway
The winner is #97
Mary A said... 97 We would like to win the blue stool. Thanks for the giveaway.
maryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom

June 6, 2010 9:05 AM

For the UV Skinz Giveaway
The winner is # 41
Christy said... 41 signed up for the newsletter

May 26, 2010 7:45 PM

The winners have al been emailed and have 72 hours to reply.

>Samantha's First Haircut

>
We took Samantha yesterday to get her first haircut. Her cousins came over last weekend with new haircuts, so we were able to convince her to get a haircut. The place was cute. She got her haircut in a plane while watching Dora. Now she looks so much older. She will be 3 in October.

>Welcome My New Addition

>

Hey everyone,

I have been kind of behind on blogging and life.

Last Thursday, June 3, we invited our newest edition Madeline into the world. She is a doll.

It was difficult being at the hospital without Samantha, my 2 1/2 yo. We came home on Monday and there have been quite a few and I know there will be many more growing pains. We just have to get into a routine.

>1 More Week To Go !

>I am scheduled for a C-Section next Friday - June 4th.

So unless I go into labor early, I will be introducing my new daughter into this world in one week.

I am excited and scared.

>5 Must-have Fashionable Pieces to Pack for Every Weekend Trip

>When packing for a weekend trip, you really want to be sure you look good wherever your travels may take you. Here are 5 must have fashionable pieces to pack for every weekend trip:

1- Blue Jeans~ Blue Jeans can pair with a pair of sneakers and t-shirt to be casual or with a pair of heals and blouse to be dressy. You should definitely pack your favorite pair of jeans on your weekend trip.

2- Black Dress~ For nice a nice dinner or you plan to go out dancing. A black dress is great to pack just in case there is that romantic night.

3- Bathing Suit~ Many hotels have swimming pools. Then there are the beaches or lakes. So you should pack a bathing suit in case you decide to go swimming.

4- Shirts ~ T-shirt and Nice blouse, depending on where you go, you will be able to change up any outfit.

5- Shoes ~ Sneakers & Dressy shoes.

If you are going on a weekend trip, have a fun safe time.

Here are some coupons thanks to Gap and Twittermoms to get those extra Fashionable Pieces you may want to pack. Click Here for Coupons

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

>Seventh Generation: Natural Baby Starter Kit Review and Giveaway

>


If you read blog, it is no surprise that I am pregnant. I am actually scheduled for a C-Section in 18 more days (June 4). I was excited about being given the opportunity to review the Seventh Generation Natural Baby Starter Kit. Seventh Generation sent me with products to review upon my request.

The Seventh Generation Natural Baby Starter Kit included:

Diapers

Disinfecting Multi-Surface

Disinfecting Bathroom

Disinfecting Wipes - 35 ct.

Baby Wipes Tub

Baby Laundry Detergent

Natural Paper Towels
Seventh Gen Recycled Bag

I especially enjoyed receiving these products to review because I hate using chemicals in the house. It is not good for a pregnant woman, the baby in her belly, or any children in the house to breath all that crap in.

The chlorine free diapers are absorbent. I have not tried them on my baby yet (I will when she is born). But I did test out the absorbency. They are good quality diapers. Love that they are chlorine free. I am hoping it will prevent diaper rashes. With my first daughter she was very very sensitive to diapers. I do not use cloth diapers because I do not have a washer or dryer. I imagine it to be very difficult without it. I have not tried the diapers out yet because my little one has not come yet.

The chlorine free baby wipes I have used on my 2 1/2 year old (and on myself too!) I liked them a lot because they have no scent and are very mild on the skin. They were very gentle on the skin.

The paper towels, in all honesty ~ they are not as absorbent as Bounty, but they are made form 100% recycled material and has no added dyes or fragrances.

The disinfectant wipes and the bathroom cleaner, at first upon opening them I thought I would not use them. The scent is thyme and lemongrass. which smells kind of strong when you put your nose right to it. Actually not very pleasant at all. Even my husband who is very picky did not like the scent. But I still gave it a shot. But once I used it, the smell wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It did not leave a lingering smell. All the disinfectant products kill over 99.9% of household germs, including influenza and the h1n1 virus.

The disinfectant wipes are great for wiping toys, or even the kitchen table.

The bathroom cleaner was surprisingly powerful. It was wonderful for cleaning my bathroom. My husband and I both agreed that we would use these products again and again.

The disinfectant multi surface cleaner was also great for cleaning, it got the job done and we were satisfied with the outcome completely.

The baby laundry detergent, we actually used for all the clothes. We finally got the new baby's clothes washed and we also used it for my 2 1/2 year old daughter along with our clothes too. We thought the detergent worked very well. The clothes came out clean. Just the way I like them, lol..

The reusable bag was absolutely awesome! Every time we go shopping we bring along reusable bags. So you can never have too many!

Overall, after trying out all of those Seventh Generation Products, our family absolutely LOVED them. This is definitely a brand I plan to stick with. Thanks to Seventh Generation for letting me try the products and have this giveaway so that someone else can be introduced to their great products.

Enter To Win The Natural Baby Starter Kit By Seventh Generation:

*contest has ended*

The contest ends June 15, 2010. One winner will be chosen using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and given 72 hours to respond. If they fail to reply withing 72 hours, another winner will be chosen.

* I was sent a free products from Seventh Generation to review. I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post. *

>Exhausted!

>I am so extremely exhausted today...

It was a pretty busy weekend.

On Saturday we bought our daughter to the Marionette Theater in Central Park.

It was really cute. She loved it! The performance was called Three. It starred the big bad wolf trying to become the big good wold. In order to do so he had three chances to prove that he was good. We really enjoyed it. The only complaint that I had was that they asked the parents to sit toward the wall or the back. I think the parents should have all been forced to sit in the back. In the front rows there was 2 or 3 parents sitting toward the walls, but that could have been a space that a child could have sat closer. Us along with another couple sat toward the back, which my daughter 2 1/2 and their daughter 3 1/2 was perfectly fine sitting in the front on their own. Oh, then at one point my daughter had to go to the potty and there was parents sitting in the aisles. Fire hazard! and very dangerous for your child. Seriously in a dark theater with my stomach now huge ~ do you really think I can see your child crawling under my feet. (Just had to vent a little bit about it.) After that we bought the kiddos to the park and for some ice cream, of course pink.

Sunday, we did our food shopping, went to a street fair, and kmart. Then my family decided the last minute they wanted to come over cause they still did not see the room for the girls. Exhausting. My mom, who watches my daughter while I am at work came too, and once she left my daughter cried for at least an hour about how she wanted grandma. It definitely hurts my feeling. My mom is not a good person, one day I will bring myself to blog about it. But right now emotionally it is too hard. But it bothers me the bond they have because I know the woman that my mother really is. Then, it hurts my feelings cause i know she don't cry for me when I leave. Ehhh. Maybe it is just pregnancy hormones.

Then my husband and I could not agree whether to watch Lost or Celebrity Apprentice. I wanted to watch Celebrity Apprentice, and he wanted lost. So we stayed up to watch both. Yep, on a work night we stayed up until 1 Am. So now today I am totally exhausted. I am so happy Bret won celebrity apprentice!!! Lost, was very dramatic and dragged on. I am glad that their will not be another season.

So, I have 7 more days of work and 10 more days until I meet my precious baby. Still hoping that I go into labor before then. Gosh time, hurry up!!! After the baby is born you can slow down!

>Agoo Leggings 1 Cent Sale

>

Hurry, because this is an awesome deal and only good for the first 25 people.

Thanks to Agoo, right now you can get any size pair of Agoo Leggings for just 1 Cent.

You can buy as many pairs as you want. However, only the first pair is .01 Cent. You also will have to pay for shipping. Still a great deal!!!

Enter Coupon Code 1centleg9 at checkout. This code cannot be combined with other coupons and is only good for the first 25 people.

Click here to visit Agoo.com and check out the leggings.

* I did not receive any compensation for this post, all information was provided to me by Agoo.*

>Tooth Fairy DVD Winners

>The winners of the Tooth Fairy DVD are

Comment # 90

Natalie A. said...90

Tweet
http://twitter.com/natdey/status/14461540269

coolnatty12 at yahoo dot com

and

Comment # 52

Renee said...52

I think she left a dollar, but I can't remember and my mom would NOT be happy if I woke her up to ask her ;)
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com

May 14, 2010 9:37 PM

Congrats!!! The winners will be emailed shortly and have 72 hours to reply, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

>Winner of 'Mama Never Told Me'

>

Congrats comment # 9 Karen G.

Karen G said...9

I love how the book addresses things like the fact that people suddenly feel they can freely comment and critique things like your bust/cup size and its growth or lack of growth!

granthamkk at yahoo dot com

You won the 'Mama Never Told me' Giveaway.

I will email you shortly. You have 72 hours to reply, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

>Ending Tonight!

>Tooth Fairy DVD Giveaway ending tonight! Enter to win 1 of 2 copies:

http://familytiesandgrowingpains.blogspot.com/2010/05/tooth-fairy-dvd-review-and-giveaway-2.html

>CSN Stores: KidKraft Step N' Store Pink Stool Review and Giveaway

>

My 2 1/2 year old daughter has suddenly become Ms. Independent. She can do everything herself, well at least she likes to think she can. Of course as a mom I encourage her and let her believe that she could unless she is putting herself in danger.

So a few months ago we bought her a twin bed. She loves her bed but has not been able to climb in it herself. I knew she would be excited about getting a step stool. Therefore, when was given the opportunity from CSN Stores to review one of their items, I chose to review the KidKraft Step N' Store Pink Stool.

CSN Stores has over 200 stores. They have everything from tv stands & racks and stands to cookware and childrens furniture. You can check out all of their stores ~ just click here.

The KidKraft Step N' Store Pink Stool was delivered very quickly in a box which it had to be assembled. I thought I would have to assemble it myself because my husband is no Handy Manny. However, surprisingly he build all by himself AND did it correctly.

Once it was built my daughter was so excited that the first thing she did was put books into the little storage part. Then she wanted to go to bed. I am not complaining about that. She was very enthusiastic to go to bed because now she was able to get into the bed by herself. Getting this stool has given her a lot of confidence, now everything she does she says "I do it myself." she climbs into her booster seat alone and even climbs into her car seat alone. I feel that the stool has given her an independence and confidence that she did not have before.

Pro's :

- The stool is pink ~ and pink is my daughters favorite color.

- It is very strong and sturdy. I have it on a regular floor and it doesn't slide or slip once my daughter climbs onto it.

- The storage space is enough to put some books in ~ then the stool can also be used to sit down and read on.

- The part where the storage space opens up has hinges on it to protect your child from squeezing their fingers in it.

Enter to Win Your Choice of A Pink, Blue or White Step N' Store Stool.

*Contest has ended*

The contest ends June 11, 2010. One winner will be chosen using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and given 72 hours to respond. If they fail to reply withing 72 hours, another winner will be chosen.

* I was sent a free Step N' Store Stool from CSN Stores to review. I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post. *

>UV Skinz Review and Giveaway

>

In case you did not know - May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Rhonda at UV Skinz has given me an awesome opportunity to review UV Skinz and host a giveaway.

About UV Skinz:

UV Skinz is one of the original companies to design and manufacture protective sun wear. The company was founded by Rhonda Sparks, a mom of three in 2005 after losing her 32 year old husband to melenoma. During the month of May UV Skinz has a campaign called "Save a Baby's Skin." When you place an order during the month of May. UV Skinz will send you free UV Baby Skinz shorts along with a flyer asking that you pass it along to an organization or neighbor in need. UV Skinz has had this program for the last three years to raise awareness and ensure that all babies and children are given the proper protection against skin cancer.

UV Skinz carries a line of UV protective clothing which includes: Kids UV swim shirts & shorts, Adult UV Swim shirts & Shorts, UV Sun hats and other UV accessories.

After hearing Rhonda Sparks story and learning about the company I was left in total awe. She is absolutely amazing and I am sure her husband is extremely proud of her.

I received the following items to review:

Hot Pink Flowers Short Sleeve UV Shirt

Hot Pink Boy Cut Shorts

Light Pink/Dark Pink Reversible Bucket Hat

I really enjoyed being given the opportunity to review UV Skinz. Growing up I basically wore a one piece bathing suit or a bikini. It was usually my moms choice of what bathing suit was on sale. The past couple of years for the few times my daughter did wear a bathing suit I would put her in the same, either a one piece or two piece. We would glob on sunblock. However, after receiving this bathing suit for review my mind ~ and my husbands mind has changed. It is worth it to invest in a good bathing suite with UV protection for her. More protection will always be better than less.

Another thing that I like about it is a light material it covers up your child. During the summer, we like to bring her to the park to run around in the sprinkler. You don't know what crazy people are out there. You just hear so many stories. So on the beach or in public I like the idea of this bathing suit much better than the traditional one piece. I think it protects your child in more ways than just UV protection. I mean, seriously, you don't know who is looking out their window.

I loved the product and would recommend it to other parents.

Enter to Win your UV Skinz item of choice:

*Contest has ended*

The contest ends June 11, 2010. One winner will be chosen using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and given 72 hours to respond. If they fail to reply withing 72 hours, another winner will be chosen.

* I was sent a free shirt, shorts and hat to review. I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post. *

>Must Read!

>I came across this blog post today that is definitely a Must Read.

It was written by Empowering Mommy about her experience with Pampers Dry Max.

It was not a good experience at all, and now her kids are suffering because of it.

The pictures that she posted makes you just so sad for her little ones.

Check out her post here.

PS- Due to the response that she received when informing Pampers of the issue, I will not be buying any Pampers products. ... hopefully no one does.

>Playtex Bra Makeover

>Did you know that Seven out of Ten Women are wearing the wrong Bra size? Did you know I may even be one of them, or perhaps you may be one of them too. I was never officially measured.

Right now Playtex is hosting a contest where woman can apply for a bra makeover, or nominate a friend. I know I will definitely be applying! If you would like to also participate, you can just Click Here.

About the Prizes (information provided to me by Momselect):

If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two week.

Who would not want a free Bra Makeover?? The last day to apply is May 21st. So hurry and apply or get your nominations in!

By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

>Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love

>Twittermoms and Williamsburg tourism introduced a fun new blogging program which asks you to write about "Five Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love." Click Here to go to the discussion page.

I live in New York. As a child most of my vacations consisted of going with my Grandparents to the Pocono's during the summer. My mom and dad were never one for getaways. A big day trip for my family (mom, dad and brother) was going to the racetrack. Yea... So when it comes to vacations and life in general I want to show my kids everything. Right now is not a feasible time to go on a real vacation (I have a baby due in about 3 weeks) but we will still have plenty of summer vacation activities. I will be off from work the entire summer, wohoo!

So here are some Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love~ I know mine does...

1- Zoo's and Aquariums: In New York, there are plenty. There is the Bronx Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo. Then there is the New York Aquarium and Atlantis Aquarium. My favorites are the Bronx Zoo and Atlantis Aquarium. Zoo's and Aquariums are a lot of fun and very educational. During the summer months they host a lot of events for children.

2- Museums: Not only are Museums educational and fun but on the hot hot days, a place to stay cool. In New York, there are many museums. You have a huge selection. My favorite by far is the Museum of Natural History. This picure was taken at the NY Hall of Science.

3- Amusement Parks: Amusement Parks are always fun for kids. My daughter absolutely loves Adventureland located in Long Island. It is fun to just watch her go on the same ride over and over and wonder how she does not get sick of it.

4- The Beach: I enjoy cool evenings at the beach the best. I love that I don't have to worry so much about the sun. But we go during days too and have a good time. Bring some food and drinks, plenty of sunblock and umbrella's.

5- Botanical Gardens: I love the botanical Gardens. Mostly we go to the Queens of Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. It is educational, gets your kids in touch with nature and you get the most awesome pictures. I love taking pictures of my daughter with the flowers or just walking through the grass. It is amazingly peaceful (even with a 2 1/2 yo).

Have a Fun and Safe Summer from my family to yours!

Fun Family Vacation Activitiesif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('41ad4807-34ce-4f9b-ae8d-8a89aab9902a');Visit WilliamsburgGet the The TwitterMoms Travel Channel widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (include this link:http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-5-fun-family-vacation)

>Dear New Yorkers,

>I know it is Raining outside (very lightly) , but please if you do not know how to responsibly walk with an umbrella then do not use it. You can really cause serious injury to others if you are not careful.

Thanks,

Cindy

>Baby Star Quick Change Diaper Pouch Winner

>

The winner has been chosen by Random.org. Please reply to my email within 72 hours, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. CONGRATS!!!

LLL with Leslie said...24

tweet.

http://twitter.com/laughwithleslie/status/13132689659

livelovelaughwithleslieblog at gmail dot com

>Organically Grown Winner

>

The winner has been chosen by Random.org. Please reply to my email within 72 hours, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. CONGRATS!!!

Stuff Parents Need said...45

buying organic is one way to support ethical business practices (ie not polluting the earth with chemicals in order to make your product).

May 4, 2010 6:17 AM

>Ends Tongiht!

>

Ends Tonight!

Organically Grown Giveaway

Enter to win an adorable outfit from Organically Grown

Click Here To Enter

>Borders Double Dog Dare Challenge - Get a Free Book

>Borders has a summer reading program for children 12 and under going on now until August 26, 2010. It is called the Double Dog Dare challenge. All you have to do is go online and download the Double Dog Dare Form. Then your child lists the ten books that he or she reads throughout the summer. Once they read the ten books, you bring the form to borders and choose a free book.

You can choose from 10 different books.

Click Here to participate or for more information

>WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ~ GROCERY SHOPPING

>

>So close but still so far away!

>So I went to the doctor yesterday- I am not 36 weeks.

Still have 23 more days!!!

They did my first internal. He said everything seems fine.

Now I am just waiting and waiting. . .

It seems so close when I think of how I have 2 more dr. visits and there are only 3 weekends left.

Also, when I think of how much there is left to do.

But then it's like geez, 23 more days is nearly still an entire month away...

I am just very impatient

>10 Creative and Affordable Vacation Tips

>

Twittermoms and Sienna are asking bloggers to share their top 10 Creative and Affordable Vacation Tips.

1- Stay Local: Often times we take our vacation, we really do not go out of state. I live in New York so there are tons of things to do. Rather then going away and paying for a hotel and all the extras, we take day trips. Our last vacation we took we went to places such as amusement parks, zoo's, farms, and aquariums.

2- Plan to drive to your destination: We went on a vacation to the Poconos which is 2 hours from us. We had a great time and it was relatively inexpensive.

3- Find free events for kids in the area you will be staying.

4- When you choose a destination look for deals online: You can find deals online for places you plan to go. Print coupons online and sometimes buy things for cheaper.

5- AAA Card: Our AAA card has not only come in handy with a flat tire and a dead battery but for discounts at the aquarium and children's museum. You may want to look into getting an AAA card. They also have deals for Disney and other places.

6- Pack your own snacks. You will save money.

7- Find a supermarket close to your destination so that you do not have to spend money eating out every night.

8- If you do plan to fly or stay in a hotel - Compare Rates.

9- Buy Souvenirs for kids before hand. For example- if you are going to Disney, buy toys before you go and bring them with you as a souvenir for the kids. Every toy there will be jacked up in price because you are buying it at Disney.

10- Book a vacation for off season. It will be cheaper.

You can check out more blogs with some great ideas on twittermoms.com. Click Here to find other blogs with great ideas or to participate by posting your own.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Toyota Sienna and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

>Ten Tips For Being Fashionable on a Budget

>

Twittermoms and Gap Outlet asked bloggers to come up with 10 tips for being fashionable on a budget.

1- Before you go out and buy anything, take inventory of what you do have. Think of ways that you can revamp your possessions into something more modern.

2- Thrift Stores. I live in New York, and some of the thrift stores here I would bet money the outfit was not worn more than one time. Save money by shopping at thrift stores.

3- Coupons!!! Before you go shopping, see what coupons are available to print online.

4- Shop at online stores. Some things you can find lower prices on by shopping online.

5- Shop at outlets. You can often times find better deals at outlet stores.

6- End of season sales. Clothes are sometimes marked down up to 75% at the end of the season. I personally think JC Penny always has the best end of season sales.

7- Shop on craigslist. You can often find someones old treasures that accommodate what you are looking for.

8- Compare prices. Shop around for what you are looking for.

9- Don't buy out of impulse. It is okay to not buy something, then go home and think about it. The next day you may decide you really want it, or that you are glad you did not buy it.

10- Do not buy name brand. You can often find the same style you are looking for and just because it is not a name brand makes it a lot cheaper.

Do you have any tips on how to be fashionable on a budget?

Or perhaps you are looking for more tips to be fashionable on a budget?

Share your tips with Twittermoms

Click here to view other tips or to participate in sharing your tips

Click Here To get 15% off all purchases over $75 at Gap Outlet Stores

Click Here To get 15% off all purchases over $100 at Banana Republic Factory Stores

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

>Winner

>The winner of the $40 Tinyducky.com gift certificate is # 59.

Congrats!

I have emailed the winner. The winner has 72 hours to reply, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

socmama said...59

The yoga sets are adorable! And I love all of the bright colors they come in.

April 20, 2010 10:44 AM

>Happy Mothers Day!

>Hope everyone had a great mothers day!!!

>GIVEAWAY ENDING TONIGHT! (5/7)

>$40 GIFTCARD TO TINYDUCKY.COM

Click Here To Enter

Organic Clothing for Babies and Toddlers

>YAY ! I Scheduled the Date!

>I finally got to schedule the date for my C-section!!!

They scheduled me for Friday June 4th! !

Excited, but scared..

I am going to have to be in the hospital 4 days.

I do not know how I am going to sleep away from home.

I wish hospitals were more like hotels that the family can stay too.

I get so sad at the thought of being without her.

The only time our family is really away from each other is when my husband and I are working.

This is going to be extremely difficult!!!

>Cloth Diapers

>I hear so many people rave about cloth diapers.

I think they are great, but are they for me?

Do you use cloth diapers?

Here is my big question:

Would you recommend it to someone who don't have a washer machine?

>Win a $200 Gift Card for Milan Maternity

>I was provided information by Milan Maternity about an ongoing Mothers Day contest.

Milan Maternity is giving away a $200 Gift Card to someone in need of a Maternity makeover.

Here is the information that was provided to me from Milan Maternity:

"We're giving away a $200 gift card this Mothers Day to someone in need of a maternity wardrobe make-over! Whether you have a friend in need of some serious style, a husband that is sick of his clothes being stolen, (we're all guilty of wearing our husbands clothes, right?), or you have a neighbor that never has time to shop for herself...whatever the reason, send us your nominations by Saturday, May 8th at 12:00 noon, with the reason they should win, and we'll notify the winner that night with an e-gift card to give to your nominee on Mother's Day. E-mail nominations to service@milanmaternity.com
Two Rules: You cannot nominate yourself and the nominee must be pregnant."

P.S. ~ It would be nice if you would nominate me. I am pregnant and I am in desperate need of some new clothes. Thanks!

>Planning a Fancy Nancy Tea Party

>

As you can tell by the pictures above, we play dress up pretty often.

Little Girls everywhere are familiar with Fancy Nancy and love the books. They also love playing dress up and acting like a "big girl." My daughter, 2 1/2 loves to read Fancy Nancy and imitate her. She always must have sprinkles on her ice cream and putting on her pink sunglasses makes her feel fancy. Fancy Nancy is a great way to incorporate reading into fun. What better way than to host a Fancy Nancy Tea Party and read a Fancy Nancy Story. Twittermoms and Harper Collins came up with this wonderful idea to put together a Fancy Nancy Tea Party. I don't know about your kids but I know my daughter would love it!

Planning a Fancy Nancy Tea Party:

1- Pick a theme: My theme is Fancy Nancy Poetry Tea Party, Story & Dance.

2- Decorate!!! Lots of Pink! Help your child make decorations. Add Sparkles because Sparkles are Fancy.

3- Bake some cookies and add pink icing with sprinkles. Sprinkles are fancy!

4- Get dressed up!!! Have fun with costumes or dresses, costume jewelry and accessories. Get all fancied up!

5- Set the table with some fancy tea cups & plates.

6- Sit down and enjoy. Remember when you hold your teacup to point your pinky up because that is fancy.

7- During tea time, have conversation about your day with each other.

8- Storytime: Incorporate a Fancy Nancy Story.

9- Activities: Print out activities on the Fancy Nancy website - click here.

Perhaps you can even create a poem together. I know my daughter loves to rhyme! She rhymes everything now.. (Mama Pajama plays the pedoma... lol)

10- Dance: Dancing just makes everything so much fun!!! So why not put some music on and dance?

My daughter is going to be very excited to have a tea party!! I hope all of you have fun with it too!

Do you have an idea of how to throw a Fancy Nancy Tea Party.

For more information on how you can participate Click Here.

Go to Twittermoms Reading Page for more fun ideas

Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a Fancy Nancy prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Fancy Nancy Poetry Party Ideasif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('6ef7b681-b072-49de-b8c1-1c9e8aadb2f6');Fancy Nancy BooksGet the The TwitterMoms Reading Channel widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)