The winner of the $25 GC to My Baby Clothes Boutique is : Number 31
The Canady Family said...
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I follow you on twitter~ polkadotteacher
Please email me your name and email you want your $25 GC sent to.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Hickory Farms Review
To me seeing the Hickory Farms kiosk go up in the mall means it's Christmas,just as much as them putting the garland and lights up . When I was little I always was so excited to see all the yummy looking stuff when I would walk by and loved it if I went to someone's house and they had one and us kids were allowed to try things out of the box.
When I got out on my own and started having to buy presents myself for people ...well Hickory Farms was always my go to place for those men on my list that a young girl has no clue what to buy them....men like food so I knew if I gave them a box from Hickory Farms they would be happy !
I recently received the Home For The Holidays Gift Box to try out and was very happy with everything it has to offer...there is something for everyone in your family !
Hickory Farms' gifts, a holiday tradition for nearly 60 years, provide a wide selection of signature sausages and savory cheeses in beautifully packaged boxes and baskets. Most of us can remember receiving Hickory Farms at some point in our lives, and the fun of carefully opening it and incorporating the delicious items into our holiday traditions. Whether that means serving the high quality foods to guests or enjoying them with your family, Hickory Farms believes that traditions matter, making these products a long-standing classic gift.
Hickory Farms makes gift-giving even easier this year, by featuring five signature gift boxes, using eco-conscious packaging, ranging from $16 to $100. Once again this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 from each Party Planner Gift Box sold* to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America.
Additionally, Hickory Farms provides free military shipping to military APO/FPO addresses on select products, allowing our troops across the globe to share in holiday traditions. Visit hickoryfarms.com to learn more about these two opportunities as well as the variety of gift boxes available.
Hickory Farms makes gift-giving even easier this year, by featuring five signature gift boxes, using eco-conscious packaging, ranging from $16 to $100. Once again this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 from each Party Planner Gift Box sold* to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America.
Additionally, Hickory Farms provides free military shipping to military APO/FPO addresses on select products, allowing our troops across the globe to share in holiday traditions. Visit hickoryfarms.com to learn more about these two opportunities as well as the variety of gift boxes available.
Speaking of boxes it came in a wonderful and sturdy box,that I plan on using to put some of my decorations in when I go to pack them away . It would also make a great box to use to put someones gift in to wrap since it's not flimsy like some of the gift boxes you can get at stores.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a signature gift box from Hickory Farms to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Monday, November 22, 2010
My Baby Clothes Boutique...
My Baby Clothes Boutique is having some great sales :
First sale -
Beat the Rush Sale!
15% OFF our entire catalog! We are offering 15% off our entire catalog from, November 22nd - November 24th 2010. All shoppers need to do to receive this discount is use the discount code below. * Promo only valid from 11/22/2010 - 11/24/2010. Cannot be combined with other offers. Shipping not included.Discount Code: BEATTHERUSH2010Second sale -
Cyber Monday –
One day only sale, 25% OFF our entire catalog! On November 29th from 12am to 12am EST shoppers can use the discount code below to get 25% OFF any order.
* Promo only valid from 11/29/2010 12am – 12 am est. Cannot be combined with other offers. Shipping not included.
Discount Code: CYBERSALE2010
First sale -
Beat the Rush Sale!
15% OFF our entire catalog! We are offering 15% off our entire catalog from, November 22nd - November 24th 2010. All shoppers need to do to receive this discount is use the discount code below. * Promo only valid from 11/22/2010 - 11/24/2010. Cannot be combined with other offers. Shipping not included.Discount Code: BEATTHERUSH2010Second sale -
Cyber Monday –
One day only sale, 25% OFF our entire catalog! On November 29th from 12am to 12am EST shoppers can use the discount code below to get 25% OFF any order.
* Promo only valid from 11/29/2010 12am – 12 am est. Cannot be combined with other offers. Shipping not included.
Discount Code: CYBERSALE2010
The Winners are...
For the Kinoko - Number 1
♥Lisa♥ @ FinalScore:Boys3Girls2 said...
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I would like to try it because I work in a daycare and need all the help I can get for my immune system.
For the SafetyTats - Number 6
Angelene said...
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I follow you on gfc
Please email me your names and mailing info as soon as possible and I'll have your prizes sent out.
♥Lisa♥ @ FinalScore:Boys3Girls2 said...
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I would like to try it because I work in a daycare and need all the help I can get for my immune system.
For the SafetyTats - Number 6
Angelene said...
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I follow you on gfc
Please email me your names and mailing info as soon as possible and I'll have your prizes sent out.
Friday, November 19, 2010
My Baby Clothes Boutique Giveaway !

I have posted about My Baby Clothes Boutique before and I just love all the cute things they have! So when I was asked if I would like to do another giveaway for them I said sure,because their stuff is wonderful ! I'm taking the babies to get their pictures done soon and I didn't want to dress them in Christmas clothes for their picture.
So I got this cute little sleeper for the baby and I'll dress the others around her outfit. I wanted the pictures done in time to send out in cards,but didn't really want the whole Christmas look for the picture...however it is winter and cooler out so I also didn't want to put her in a little dress ...I wanted something warmer and I thought this outfit would be perfect the minute I seen it...it's snuggly and covers her so she won't be cold but it's also cute and girly and pink !
Now is the time people are getting pictures done and going to family gatherings and most moms always want to go buy new things for the little ones to wear . My Baby Clothes Boutique has a wonderful selection from hair bows to dresses and little boy stuff too ! So if you are on the hunt for something for your little one this is definitely a site you should be checking out !
-One lucky reader will get a $25 gift certificate to My Baby Clothes Boutique .
All you have to do is go take a look around and leave me a comment telling me one thing you would love from their shop !
-For extra entries:
1. Follow me on Google Friends
2. Follow me on twitter
3. Grab my button
4. Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave the link
5. Follow My Baby Clothes on twitter
6. Follow My Baby Clothes Boutique on Facebook
Make sure to leave your email so I have a way of contacting you if you are my winner . Giveaway will end on 11/28 at midnight !
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Ebeanstalk and You !
I have talked about this site before and I get their email updates and look through their toys all the time when looking for new things for my kids. I have 6 kids 3 are way older then the 3 little ones so now there is a whole new selection of toys then there was back then when my older ones were little. I like being able to see what new things are out there for these little ones or for when I'm buying gifts for other little ones.
I love how you can just look at their list and go right to what you need...everything is listed under age and sex and it's easy to find and use ..no search all over the site trying to find the age group and then going through 100 toys that are for a boy/ girl when you are looking for either a boy/girl...you click what you are looking for and that's all you see.
They also have a list of their top sellers for each age group,which makes it easy to find things that are popular and if you are buying things for a gift it's something most likely the little one will like and a few of their friends probably have one . The best part is their toys are geared towards being educational and fun both . That way while your little one might love the toy they are actually learning while playing with it.
So while you are busy trying to find great toy not only for your own little ones but also for others you may have to buy for this holiday season I would suggest you go take a look around their great site. While you're at it sign up for their email updates so you will be among the first to know when they come out with new things.
I love how you can just look at their list and go right to what you need...everything is listed under age and sex and it's easy to find and use ..no search all over the site trying to find the age group and then going through 100 toys that are for a boy/ girl when you are looking for either a boy/girl...you click what you are looking for and that's all you see.
They also have a list of their top sellers for each age group,which makes it easy to find things that are popular and if you are buying things for a gift it's something most likely the little one will like and a few of their friends probably have one . The best part is their toys are geared towards being educational and fun both . That way while your little one might love the toy they are actually learning while playing with it.
So while you are busy trying to find great toy not only for your own little ones but also for others you may have to buy for this holiday season I would suggest you go take a look around their great site. While you're at it sign up for their email updates so you will be among the first to know when they come out with new things.
Ebeanstalk is a toy website that wants to make sure they are selling only the best toys around! They rely on opinions of moms like me to know just what our kids are looking for head on over to ebeanstalk and tell them about your favorite baby toys or the worst kids toys. What do you think are the safest toys for 1 year olds? Good and bad, they want to know it all!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
New Winner for the Fiber One Giftpack!
The number the random picker chose last time was posted for a couple days and because there was no email left and no other way to contact them,I put the numbers in again and this time it threw out ...Number 4
The McCammons said...
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I haven't had a chance to try the cereal ut I can tell you that their bars are really good and really fillig. If those are good, i wonder if the cereal is as good and works as good. :)
So will you please email me with your name and mailing info as soon as you can and I'll have your prize sent to you .
The McCammons said...
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I haven't had a chance to try the cereal ut I can tell you that their bars are really good and really fillig. If those are good, i wonder if the cereal is as good and works as good. :)
So will you please email me with your name and mailing info as soon as you can and I'll have your prize sent to you .
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Winners are....
The winners of the Reach& Rembrandt giveaway are :
1. Number 29
Molly said...
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I follow you on twitter at mollydo2 Molly Bussler
2. Number 16
Tina said...
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Because i never win anything..lol
3. Number 33
paulasue said...
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I'd like to win because I have a lot of fillings and I drink a lot of coffee and tea, and they are discolored. I appreciate the chance to win, thanks.
4. Number 23
Ashley said...
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I would like to win because I've been wanting/needing to whiten my teeth for a long time, and this would be perfect!
5. Number 19
Multi-tasking Mommy said...
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I would love to win because I have yellowish teeth--so much so that my daughter told me that when she grows up she wants to be a dentist so that she can help me with my teeth! I take care of my teeth, I truly do. I like my coffee :)
The winner of the Nature Made Prenatal Giftpack is : Number 13
AmyLynn said...
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Following your blog via gfc.
The winner of the Fiber One Giftpack is : Number 16
Ryan said...
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16
I haven't tried anything crazy but setting a time to not eat past keeps me hungry if we don't have a big dinner. So hard to say bye to night time snacks.
Email me as soon as you can with your name and mailing info so I can get your prizes sent out to you ! Tell me what prize you won in it too, that way I won't have to go back looking to figure out who you are...thanks !
**If I don't hear from you by the midnight on 11/16 I will pick another number , if you don't have a blog link and don't leave your email I have no way of contacting you !**
1. Number 29
Molly said...
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29
I follow you on twitter at mollydo2 Molly Bussler
2. Number 16
Tina said...
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16
Because i never win anything..lol
3. Number 33
paulasue said...
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33
I'd like to win because I have a lot of fillings and I drink a lot of coffee and tea, and they are discolored. I appreciate the chance to win, thanks.
4. Number 23
Ashley said...
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I would like to win because I've been wanting/needing to whiten my teeth for a long time, and this would be perfect!
5. Number 19
Multi-tasking Mommy said...
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19
I would love to win because I have yellowish teeth--so much so that my daughter told me that when she grows up she wants to be a dentist so that she can help me with my teeth! I take care of my teeth, I truly do. I like my coffee :)
The winner of the Nature Made Prenatal Giftpack is : Number 13
AmyLynn said...
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13
Following your blog via gfc.
The winner of the Fiber One Giftpack is : Number 16
Ryan said...
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16
I haven't tried anything crazy but setting a time to not eat past keeps me hungry if we don't have a big dinner. So hard to say bye to night time snacks.
Email me as soon as you can with your name and mailing info so I can get your prizes sent out to you ! Tell me what prize you won in it too, that way I won't have to go back looking to figure out who you are...thanks !
**If I don't hear from you by the midnight on 11/16 I will pick another number , if you don't have a blog link and don't leave your email I have no way of contacting you !**
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Kinoko AHCC Giveaway
It’s that time of year…the dreaded cold/flu season. While you make sure the kids eat well, take their vitamins and get plenty of sleep so their little immune systems are strong for the cold/flu season, what are you doing to ready your own body? Well, Kinoko AHCC, a natural immune booster derived from Japanese medicinal mushrooms, is a great addition to your cold/flu season arsenal.During last year’s flu season, Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) became Japan’s #1 selling immune supplement and the news about this unique compound is finally reaching our shores. And, there’s a new clinical study out of Michigan State University showing that AHCC enhances the effectiveness of the seasonal flu shot. How? Patients taking AHCC showed increased production of “T-cells” and natural killer (NK) cells -- those are the two types of white blood cells that help destroy virus-infected cells and fight off infections.
Kinoko AHCC also has a 20-year history of safety. It’s the world’s most researched natural immune supplement, supported by more than 50 human studies and 25 studies published in NIH-recognized peer-reviewed journals.
Kinoko Helps to eliminate countless types of irritants, germs, pollutants, free radicals and other health compromising substances.
The Number 1 Selling Immune Support Dietary Supplement from Japan. Physicians in Japan have recommended AHCC to help maintain normal immune function and response since 1987, and AHCC has been shown to be effective for many in numerous clinical studies.
Kinoko AHCC - The Perfect Partner For A Healthy Immune System.Why do some people seem perpetually healthy, while others are prone to illness? Why are more and more people diagnosed with serious maladies? The answer to these health questions lies in part with your immune system.
AHCC is the perfect partner for a healthy immune system. Every day we are exposed to countless types of irritants, germs a pollutants and free radicals and other health compromising substances. Thankfully, our immune system efficiently and immediately repels the greater majority of these irritants. Unfortunately, the constant onslaught can tax and weaken the immune response, which affects our overall health and well being.
More on AHCC:Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC), mycelia extracts of cultured basidiomycetes, was examined in animal models to relieve side effects, such as anemia, alopecia and liver injury induced by anticancer drugs. This is a Japanese mushroom extract, AHCC, and medical research shows it can reduce nausea, vomiting, pain, appetite suppression, liver damage, hair loss and immune suppression.
In terms of side effects, several animal studies have laid the ground work for research in humans. A study published in the Proceedings of the American Association For Cancer Research in March of 1999 showed that AHCC was able to relieve the side effects of several standard chemotherapy drugs. Mice treated with fluorouracil (5-FU), cyclophos-phamide (CY) or both daily showed decreases in weight, blood count and bone marrow that were "significantly restored" by co-administration with AHCC. Mice treated with Mercapto-purine (6-MP), and methotrexate (MTX) showed decreased body weight, serum albumin, and liver functions, which were significantly improved when AHCC was administered together with the chemotherapic agents. "Severe" (50% to 100%) hair loss or alopecia caused by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) was reduced to "slight" when AHCC was taken simultaneously.
AHCC is widely used in Japan, in over 600 hospitals, for the treatment of certain chronic diseases because of the supporting research specific to these conditions.
The bottle pictured above typiaclly sells for $45 -$60 depending on where you buy it. However one lucky reader can get one for free,all you have to do is leave me a comment on why you would like to try it.
For extra entries:
1. Follow me with google friends
2. Follow me on twitter
3. Grab my button
4. Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave the link back to it
Leave your email so I have a way of contacting you if you are my winner. Contest will close 11/21 at midnight.
I found a contest online that you might want to check out as well : Just click the link and it will take you to the sign up form.
One entry will be randomly selected to win a $1,000 Vitamin Shoppe gift card and a supply of Quality of Life Labs’ clinically-proven immune compound Kinoko AHCC. AHCC, Japan’s top-selling immune supplement, is a safe, natural immune regulator that has been clinically shown to help activate a weakened immune system and help the body fend off viral, bacterial and fungal infections…which is perfect timing for the cold and flu season!
** I was given a bottle to try and did not receive any other compensation for this post.**
SafetyTat Giveaway

I did a post for these back in February and think they are a great product to have,if you have kids !
They have expanded their popular line of peel-and-stick safety tattoos. Made with award-winning proprietary Tateck® stretchable breathable tattoo material, Quick Stick Write-On! is now available with new Princess designs, new Sports designs, new Zoo designs, and a whole lot of Variety!
If you have small children I think these are wonderful,whether you are going shopping and the malls are crowded this time of year or if they happen to be going to some function with lots of people or even to be standing in a crowd watching the Santa Parade...it's a good idea to stick one of these on your child and then if you happen to get separated for any reason at least they have this on them for someone to be able to call you right away...some kids remember their phone number no problem when you ask them...but have them alone or lost in a crowd and they are scared and may not want to tell a stranger anything.
Now here's your chance to try them for free :
One lucky reader will get one 6-pack of the Quick Stick Write-On Boy/Girl Variety pack !
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me who you would like to use them with.
For extra entries:
1. Follow me on google friends
2. Follow me on twitter
3. Grab my button
4. Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave me the link to where you did it
If you would like to order some you can get 10% off an order of $15 or more with this code :
IHateWhine2
Please leave an email so I have a way of contacting you if you are my winner. Leave one comment for each thing that you do. Contest will end 11/21 at midnight !
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Teens and Money !
My oldest plans on going to college next year and for the past year has been working at her first job. As long as she is doing well in school and doesn't fall behind we think it's a good idea for our kids to have jobs once they are old enough. It give teens a chance to actually earn their own money and discover it doesn't grow on trees, as many of them seem to think !
With her pays she puts half in the bank to save for college things she will need and she can spend the rest on things she wants. This way she learns you don't just get to blow all of it and you need to spend some on things that aren't all about having fun . If she wants something and she doesn't have enough ,she learns she will have to wait and she can buy it next pay...if she doesn't spend all her money before that.
All parents want their teens to learn to maintain a budget, separate "wants" from "needs," and understand basic financial literacy, but opening that dialogue often proves difficult.
New products like the PASS Card from American Express can act as a powerful tool to help parents begin talking about money with their teens. PASS from American Express is a prepaid, reloadable card parents can give to teens. An alternative to debit, credit, or cash, the PASS Card eliminates the need to carry around lots of bills without overspending. Parents have full control via an online account – with the ability to load money, view transaction history, and set up alerts. With no risk of excessive fraudulent charges if lost or stolen, PASS serves as a safe way to provide our teens with money and teach them about responsible spending habits without detriment to credit lines or our wallets. And if lost or stolen, the funds can be replaced.
The PASS CARD:
PASS is a prepaid reloadable Card parents give to teens or young adults.
Parents load PASS with funds through an American Express Charge or Credit Card or through a bank, such as a checking or savings account.
PASS is a better and safer form of currency than cash, credit, or debit.
Teens don’t have to carry large amounts of cash, and if lost or stolen, funds can be replaced.
Unlike credit, this is a prepaid card so there’s no risk of overspending.
An adult, 18 years or older, must register and load PASS online at www.americanexpress.com/pass, after verifying the user is 13 years or older.
PASS can be used virtually anywhere that accepts American Express.
Online Account Management:
Online management tools provide control and full transparency into how the Card is being used. Parents can view real-time transaction history and monitor spending, receive email alerts about low funds or notifications when a transaction has occurred, disable/enable ATM access, inquire about Card balance 24 hours a day/7 days a week, schedule reload of funds automatically, and load funds for teen’s immediate access, with loading up to $2,500.
Teens and young adults can manage their account online, view real-time transaction history, and set up text alerts to receive balance and transaction information.
Benefits and Fees:
PASS has a monthly membership fee of $3.95 per month, waived through October 1, 2011.
There are no fees for image upload, activation, reload, balance inquiries, alerts or Card replacement.
The funds on the Card never expire.
Parents can disable/enable ATM cash withdrawals. A fee of $1.50 applies for each withdrawal.
The monthly membership fee entitles Cardmembers to valuable protections and benefits including:
Roadside Assistance which provides dispatch services including towing, battery recharge, gas delivery, locksmith service and changing a flat tire.
Purchase Protection against accidental damage or theft of eligible items for 90 days up to $1,000.
To help teens learn about budgeting and saving, PASS has partnered with Junior Achievement, the world’s largest financial literacy organization.
How you choose to teach your child about money,is up to you but this is one way that companies are now trying to help parents with that task.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of American Express and received a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
With her pays she puts half in the bank to save for college things she will need and she can spend the rest on things she wants. This way she learns you don't just get to blow all of it and you need to spend some on things that aren't all about having fun . If she wants something and she doesn't have enough ,she learns she will have to wait and she can buy it next pay...if she doesn't spend all her money before that.
All parents want their teens to learn to maintain a budget, separate "wants" from "needs," and understand basic financial literacy, but opening that dialogue often proves difficult.
New products like the PASS Card from American Express can act as a powerful tool to help parents begin talking about money with their teens. PASS from American Express is a prepaid, reloadable card parents can give to teens. An alternative to debit, credit, or cash, the PASS Card eliminates the need to carry around lots of bills without overspending. Parents have full control via an online account – with the ability to load money, view transaction history, and set up alerts. With no risk of excessive fraudulent charges if lost or stolen, PASS serves as a safe way to provide our teens with money and teach them about responsible spending habits without detriment to credit lines or our wallets. And if lost or stolen, the funds can be replaced.
The PASS CARD:
PASS is a prepaid reloadable Card parents give to teens or young adults.
Parents load PASS with funds through an American Express Charge or Credit Card or through a bank, such as a checking or savings account.
PASS is a better and safer form of currency than cash, credit, or debit.
Teens don’t have to carry large amounts of cash, and if lost or stolen, funds can be replaced.
Unlike credit, this is a prepaid card so there’s no risk of overspending.
An adult, 18 years or older, must register and load PASS online at www.americanexpress.com/pass, after verifying the user is 13 years or older.
PASS can be used virtually anywhere that accepts American Express.
Online Account Management:
Online management tools provide control and full transparency into how the Card is being used. Parents can view real-time transaction history and monitor spending, receive email alerts about low funds or notifications when a transaction has occurred, disable/enable ATM access, inquire about Card balance 24 hours a day/7 days a week, schedule reload of funds automatically, and load funds for teen’s immediate access, with loading up to $2,500.
Teens and young adults can manage their account online, view real-time transaction history, and set up text alerts to receive balance and transaction information.
Benefits and Fees:
PASS has a monthly membership fee of $3.95 per month, waived through October 1, 2011.
There are no fees for image upload, activation, reload, balance inquiries, alerts or Card replacement.
The funds on the Card never expire.
Parents can disable/enable ATM cash withdrawals. A fee of $1.50 applies for each withdrawal.
The monthly membership fee entitles Cardmembers to valuable protections and benefits including:
Roadside Assistance which provides dispatch services including towing, battery recharge, gas delivery, locksmith service and changing a flat tire.
Purchase Protection against accidental damage or theft of eligible items for 90 days up to $1,000.
To help teens learn about budgeting and saving, PASS has partnered with Junior Achievement, the world’s largest financial literacy organization.
How you choose to teach your child about money,is up to you but this is one way that companies are now trying to help parents with that task.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of American Express and received a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Monday, November 8, 2010
“You Should Really…” Best and Worst Advice by Moms, for Moms
There is something about parenting that inspires advice-giving. As a Mom, I have always gotten abundant opinions when I’ve asked for them and frequently received unsolicited advice when I least wanted it. From things like all newborns must have a baby hat, don't ever let your baby sleep with you, to even things like you should never give a pacifier to your baby. I’ve thought that someday I should gather all of the well-intentioned thoughts into a collective Mom-isms book, but really, what Mom would enjoy that many people telling her what to do?
In the meantime, I thought it worthwhile to share a little of the Best and Worst Mom Advice I’ve been given:
Best Advice: When my child was six-months old and an experienced mother helped me know the difference between a cough that could be treated at home with a vaporizer and a wheeze that necessitated an immediate trip to the pediatrician, I was exceedingly grateful. Likewise, when I was agonizing over two different pre-schools with competing merits, a good friend counseled me to “relax and go with my gut.” Her tone communicated confidence in my decision-making abilities and her words inspired me to trust myself. Her non-advice was invaluable.
Last month, I spent part of a vacation with a mom and her 20-something year old daughter. I watched the closeness and ease of their relationship and was inspired to ask the mom what advice she could give me for raising girls. In an instant, she replied, “Always believe your kids.” My skeptical side kicked in, and I asked, “What if they are lying to you?” Her wise answer was that if kids are not being truthful, and you believe them anyway, the guilt they feel over their deception will be their most powerful consequence. On the other hand, if your children are being truthful and realize that their parents don’t believe what they have to say, it’s a soul-crushing experience. I thought about that and pondered how many scenarios that really holds true for. Trust is the earliest and most fundamental bond between parents and children and her words for fostering honest communication are some of the best parenting advice I have ever received.
Worst Advice: Now, on to the fun stuff. When I was the overwhelmed and exhausted mom of a newborn who always cried and never slept, I felt bombarded by people telling me to “sleep when the baby sleeps.” I have never been so close to violence in my entire life as when I heard those words. “My baby doesn’t sleep!” I wanted to shout. “That’s the problem! Plus, when am I going to wash the baby vomit out of my hair, or rinse out her bottles, or even brush my teeth?” Bad advice is often about bad timing. My advice to you: choose your words carefully when talking to moms of newborns!
Along those same lines, my ongoing least favorite line of advice is when I hear people telling moms that they “have to take time for themselves.” As with the sleep advice, the intention is good, but for moms who are overwhelmed by the demands of life and the needs of others, telling her that she needs “time” is shouting the obvious! If the advisors could actually give moms three more hours in a day (then again, most moms would settle for an extra ten minutes) then the advice would be worthwhile. Short of that, the words tread dangerously close to rubbing salt in an open wound.
Have you been the victim of well-intended bad advice? What are some of the wisest words fellow moms have shared with you? Do you have any pearls that you like to share with your mom friends?
Signe Whitson has been counseling and working with families for over 10 years. In addition to blogging for Psychology Today, she is the creator of Passive Aggressive Diaries, a blog designed to take a light-hearted look at the hilariously conniving ways in which people encounter and exude passive aggressive behavior in their everyday lives. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Life Space Crisis Intervention Institute, she has developed and delivered numerous training curricula around the country in areas related to child and adolescent mental health. Her partnership with My Baby Clothes Boutique has been created to share her advice to the parenting community. For the most unique baby clothes, beautiful baby headbands, warm winter hats and so much more check them out - great prices too!
In the meantime, I thought it worthwhile to share a little of the Best and Worst Mom Advice I’ve been given:
Best Advice: When my child was six-months old and an experienced mother helped me know the difference between a cough that could be treated at home with a vaporizer and a wheeze that necessitated an immediate trip to the pediatrician, I was exceedingly grateful. Likewise, when I was agonizing over two different pre-schools with competing merits, a good friend counseled me to “relax and go with my gut.” Her tone communicated confidence in my decision-making abilities and her words inspired me to trust myself. Her non-advice was invaluable.
Last month, I spent part of a vacation with a mom and her 20-something year old daughter. I watched the closeness and ease of their relationship and was inspired to ask the mom what advice she could give me for raising girls. In an instant, she replied, “Always believe your kids.” My skeptical side kicked in, and I asked, “What if they are lying to you?” Her wise answer was that if kids are not being truthful, and you believe them anyway, the guilt they feel over their deception will be their most powerful consequence. On the other hand, if your children are being truthful and realize that their parents don’t believe what they have to say, it’s a soul-crushing experience. I thought about that and pondered how many scenarios that really holds true for. Trust is the earliest and most fundamental bond between parents and children and her words for fostering honest communication are some of the best parenting advice I have ever received.
Worst Advice: Now, on to the fun stuff. When I was the overwhelmed and exhausted mom of a newborn who always cried and never slept, I felt bombarded by people telling me to “sleep when the baby sleeps.” I have never been so close to violence in my entire life as when I heard those words. “My baby doesn’t sleep!” I wanted to shout. “That’s the problem! Plus, when am I going to wash the baby vomit out of my hair, or rinse out her bottles, or even brush my teeth?” Bad advice is often about bad timing. My advice to you: choose your words carefully when talking to moms of newborns!
Along those same lines, my ongoing least favorite line of advice is when I hear people telling moms that they “have to take time for themselves.” As with the sleep advice, the intention is good, but for moms who are overwhelmed by the demands of life and the needs of others, telling her that she needs “time” is shouting the obvious! If the advisors could actually give moms three more hours in a day (then again, most moms would settle for an extra ten minutes) then the advice would be worthwhile. Short of that, the words tread dangerously close to rubbing salt in an open wound.
Have you been the victim of well-intended bad advice? What are some of the wisest words fellow moms have shared with you? Do you have any pearls that you like to share with your mom friends?
Signe Whitson has been counseling and working with families for over 10 years. In addition to blogging for Psychology Today, she is the creator of Passive Aggressive Diaries, a blog designed to take a light-hearted look at the hilariously conniving ways in which people encounter and exude passive aggressive behavior in their everyday lives. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Life Space Crisis Intervention Institute, she has developed and delivered numerous training curricula around the country in areas related to child and adolescent mental health. Her partnership with My Baby Clothes Boutique has been created to share her advice to the parenting community. For the most unique baby clothes, beautiful baby headbands, warm winter hats and so much more check them out - great prices too!
Just In Time .....
for your Holiday parties !I think this dress is so cute from eShakti and it also comes in a green and black. If I was going to be going to a couple parties this year I would be getting this dress ! If you are looking for that cute little dress to wear this year check out eShakti and here is a code you can use from now until the end of November to get 15% off your order ! JeEZ30
Friday, November 5, 2010
Infantino Helps Me .....
with feeding the kids when they are with other people . I know what the kids really like and what they will eat a little of but not much. Other people don't and I have seen time and time again where someone else will try to over feed a kid something. Just because they eat a few bites of something doesn't mean they want to eat a big bowlful of it...just like adults !So the last time they went for a visit I made up their meals/snacks and sent them in the set of stackable containers from Infantino that I talked about here.
In a couple more months my littlest one is going to start eating foods so I know I'll be using the Fresh Food Mill and the Mash and Serve Bowl a whole lot more ! This summer with a 3 year old a 2 year old and a 1 year old...I'm going to be using the Fill and Freeze Puree Pops daily and will be buying a couple more sets of them..so I have enough to last me to have some waiting in the freezer while I'm making new ones.
If you have to buy someone a gift and are not quite sure what they need anything from the Annabel Karmel Collection would make a great gift !
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Help Take the Hunger out of Dieting with Fiber One (Giveaway)
As most of you know I just had a baby a couple months ago and as many of you know when you are pregnant things don't always work the way they should. So when I'm pregnant I make sure to eat Fiber One for breakfast every morning...I always mix it in with my cereal instead of just eating a bowl of it alone, but I know lots of people that do and love it on it's own .
My aunt recently lost alot of weight and I know for a fact she ate a bowl of this every morning, so if it helped in her weight loss,I'm going to be trying it to help with mine ! Since I had already been eating it anyways it wasn't that hard to just keep on doing it.
Fiber helps satisfy your hunger so it´s easier to eat less and lose weight without feeling as hungry.
One serving of Fiber One Original cereal provides more than half (57%) of the Daily Value of fiber.
Fiber One Original cereal is a tasty way to start your morning on the right track with 0 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fiber, 60 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving.
The first 15 people to click on the site will be able to sign up to receive a free box of Fiber One ,to get them started !
I'm also giving away a Fiber One prize pack to one lucky reader !

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what diet craze you have tried in the past that left you hungry !
For extra entries:
1. Follow me with google friends
2. Follow me on twitter
3. Grab my button
4. Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave me the link
Leave one comment for each that you do . Leave me an email so I have a way of contacting you if you are my winner . Contest will end 11/14/2010 at midnight .
**General Mills provided me with the products, information, and the prize pack to facilitate with my post through MyBlogSpark. **
My aunt recently lost alot of weight and I know for a fact she ate a bowl of this every morning, so if it helped in her weight loss,I'm going to be trying it to help with mine ! Since I had already been eating it anyways it wasn't that hard to just keep on doing it.
Fiber helps satisfy your hunger so it´s easier to eat less and lose weight without feeling as hungry.
One serving of Fiber One Original cereal provides more than half (57%) of the Daily Value of fiber.
Fiber One Original cereal is a tasty way to start your morning on the right track with 0 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fiber, 60 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving.
The first 15 people to click on the site will be able to sign up to receive a free box of Fiber One ,to get them started !
I'm also giving away a Fiber One prize pack to one lucky reader !

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what diet craze you have tried in the past that left you hungry !
For extra entries:
1. Follow me with google friends
2. Follow me on twitter
3. Grab my button
4. Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave me the link
Leave one comment for each that you do . Leave me an email so I have a way of contacting you if you are my winner . Contest will end 11/14/2010 at midnight .
**General Mills provided me with the products, information, and the prize pack to facilitate with my post through MyBlogSpark. **
Monday, November 1, 2010
Getting A Taste of The Holidays with Dunkin'Donuts !

I have been drinking quite a bit of coffee lately with a new baby in the house that likes to be awake alot through the night. Plus two toddlers that think 5 am is the perfect time to start the day ....me not so much ! Moving from a place where when it gets close to the holidays you can just feel it in the air as you walk through the mall or even down the street,to a place where it pretty much feels the same all year...I have to get my feel for the holidays through tastes and smells .
I love that you can get coffee in holiday flavors ! To complement their existing offering of delicious coffee flavors (including Hazelnut, Cinnamon Spice and French Vanilla), Dunkin' Donuts is introducing three seasonal coffee varieties available for a limited time only.
These special holiday flavors can be found at your local grocery store beginning early October and come in three varieties: Vanilla Nut, Pumpkin Spice, and Mocha Mint. Not only will these flavors prove wonderful additions to any seasonal get-together, they also make great hostess and holiday gifts for friends and family. Giving someone a nice mug and a great flavor of coffee is a nice little gift for anyone !
So if you're like me and enjoy a great steamy warm cup of coffee ,why not try one or all of these wonderful holiday flavors to give you that little boost of that holiday feeling . It works for me !
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Smuckers and received necessary products to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin+DHA (Giveaway)
Recently my husband and I have been talking about maybe we will have one more baby. However I am older and already spend my days with 3 babies under 3,so I don't always get the rest I need or good healthy meals . Everyone knows if you are trying to get pregnant ,or if you are already pregnant or nursing getting the right amount of vitamins is very important in making sure you and your baby are healthy.
Nature Made, a trusted maker of vitamins and supplements, offers Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin with DHA in one single softgel. This product provides the needed vitamins plus 200 mg of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, which is passed directly from the mother to the child during pregnancy and through breastfeeding. DHA is an essential nutrient and plays an important role in brain and retina development during fetal development and infancy.
Now here's your chance to try Nature Made Prenatal +DHA plus get some other great gifts!
1 Lucky reader will get a gift pack containing .....a 9-month supply of Prenatal + DHA, 2 packs of cloth diapers and a food processor!
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me if you are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant ,breastfeeding or trying to win for someone else.
For extra entries:
1. Follow me on google friends
2. Follow me on twitter
3. Grab my button
4. Blog or tweet this giveaway and leave the link to where you did it
Make sure to leave an your email so I have a way of contacting you if you are my winner . Leave one a comment for each that you do,so the counter can get you . Contest will end 11/14/2010 at midnight .
"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central on behalf of Nature Made and received their product to facilitate my review and giveaway.”
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