Sunday, December 26, 2010

Happy Boxing Day Everyone!

Wow!  What a week.  As much as I love the holidays, I am always so relieved when it is all over.  Today was full of shopping fun.  (Not that I didn't do much before Christmas, but the after holiday shopping is always fun too.)  I really had a fun day spending some shopping time with my dd and dh.  We then went for a nice lunch too and then headed home to watch some football.  All in all a really enjoyable day.  What did you all do? Any great deals out there? Well now that the holidays are almost over and the new year is coming soon, I am going to dedicate more time to my blog and to keeping it updated with fun things.  I am getting ready for some great reviews, giveaways and posts.  January will be a turn around for all of my resolutions.  I look forward to you all keeping me accountable.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and a totally indulgent New Year.  I thank you for following my blog and look forward to bringing more fun and goodies to you all. 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Steak the easy way

So I was trying to decide what I wanted for dinner and then I realized that I had some steak in the fridge.  There is so much discussion about a "good steak".  Well I am definitely not an expert at steaks, but it is defiantly one of my passions.  I have a really hard time spending 23 - 40 dollars on a steak when here in texas, I got three decent sized new york strips for under 7.00 total.  Truely a Texan benefit.  They were much more expensive in Florida. 

If you watch alot of Food network, they say you sear the steak on high heat on a iron griddle pan and then finish it in the oven.  So what do you do if you don't have a iron griddle?  Well I have found a quick and easy way for steak.  I go to the store and get a bottle of teriyaki marinade, poke some holes in my steak and let it sit overnight in the sauce.  I then stick it under the broiler in my oven and cook it until it is done.  Comes out sweet and juicy.  So if you aren't a grill master, try this one out.  Now, when I find a great deal on an cast iron griddle pan, I will try the finish in the oven way and let you know.  Does anyone have any secret steak tips?

Friday, December 10, 2010

Childrens Book Review : Adopted Ed

Sometimes a good book really reminds us good lessons that we should be teaching our children.  I was blessed with a review of Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern.  As I type this review tonight, I almost have tears in my eyes.  This story is about a baby named Eddie whom is raised by adoptive parents.  He lives a happy and secure childhood and when he becomes a young boy, his parents explain that he was adopted.  
 
Given that he doesn't know any better, he is perfectly fine being adopted until he goes to school.  A bully teases him about being adopted and calls him names.  At this point as I am reading this story, tears start roll down my cheek.  My heart was totally going out to little Eddie and  he ends up going home crying.  His adoptive mother lets him know that he was a blessing from God and that he was chosen for their family.  Later as he gets older, he inquires about his birth parents. 

It really teaches a great lesson to our children and a reminder to us all.  I would recommend this book to everyone who has young children.  It teaches a good lesson of tolerance and love.  If you would like to order this book, you can find it on Amazon.com by clicking the link.


I was not compensated to write this review.  I was provided with the book itself to review.  All opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. 

Thursday, December 9, 2010

An opportunity to pay it forward

Tonight I was blessed with an opportunity that I think alot of people wouldn't necessarily jump on.  One of the young ladies in a chatroom that I pop in an out of was interested in starting a blog.  As most of you know, I only started a few months ago, and I still have alot more (technically) to do to make my blog similar to some of the more popular ones out there.  Well she wanted to know how to get going and I really did my best to share what I have learned over the past few months.  By the end of tonight she has a fully functional blog!  YAY!  I feel very fortunate that I was given an opportunity to help someone else out.  Just good kharma all around!  So if you have a moment, show a little love to a new blogger just getting her start!

http://southerngirlreviews.blogspot.com/

I hope you have a great evening and keep an eye here, I will be having some giveaways coming up soon!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Traditions?

As many of you know I am part of a blended family.  I married my husband who already had two sons and now we also have our daughter as well.  Being from a family that really wasn't big on traditions, I wanted to establish some for my family.  I have found to of my favorite holiday outings in Galveston, TX of all places.  They have a festival of lights and actually set up an ice skating rink as well.  Last year we all went skating....well using the word skating really loosely.  Then after we are done skating,  we looked at all of the holiday lights.  They have this festival at Moody Gardens during the month of December.  We also go back there for Easter as well where the hotel has a beautiful brunch and then you can go to their Easter Egg hunt.  Lots of holiday fun at Moody Gardens.  Do you all have any fun traditions?  I am always looking for something to make our lives a little "richer" and maybe create some fun memories for my kids.  (I think we are actually going to Moody Gardens this weekend.) If we do, I will update this post with pictures.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Wii Party Fun

I am excited to share with you all that I was given ten coupons worth 5.00 off  of this really cool new Nintendo game called Wii Party.  If you were looking for something to engage the whole family this is it.  There are over 80 games that range from 1-4 players.  I can't wait to play this with my family!  They will be so excited.  If you would like to me to send you a coupon so that you can purchase one of these on Amazon.com leave me a message with your email address and I will make sure you get one. 


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Hershey's Pot of Gold

So I was trying to figure out what to give my children's teachers for a holiday gift and I came across this great promotion though one of my blogger clubs.  Did you know that Hershey's has some beautiful boxed chocolates that would make a great gift?  I typically think of other companies for boxed chocolate, but I only makes sense that Hersheys would come out with something. 


Then I got to thinking who else would this be a great gift for...

I would definitely get something like this for some of my clients to thank them for their business, hide one under the tree for my hubby, and probably a nice bar for the children too.  So if you haven't taken a look at Hershey's lately and you need some quick and easy gifts, (not to mention delicious).  Take a look at their link.

www.celebratewithhersheys.com



In addition to letting you all know about these goodies I am also entering a contest for a Hershey’s Pot of Gold prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.



Heart of Haiti - A Great Cause




Heart of Haiti is helping to rebuild Haiti through "Trade, Not Aid." In other words, Heart of Haiti is using commerce and culture to create social change.  Instead of providing one-time funding through charity, Heart of Haiti is creating opportunities for Haitian artisans to earn income with dignity by creating jobs and income for the people of Haiti.

  Through the sale of Heart of Haiti products, artisans are able to earn life-changing income for themselves, their families, and their communities. The initiative is enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees, and feed and clothe their families. The income also allows them to have access to better nutrition, improved education and healthcare.

  The Heart of Haiti collection is an array of handmade products for the home -- quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings -- created by Haitian artisans. Each item is designed by a Haitian master artisan and produced by hand in Haiti from recycled materials.


The Heart of Haiti collection has already led to employment of 350 artists in Haiti and has provided some financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country!!!!!!


Just in time for the holidays, you can buy some of these amazing works of art from Macy's.  They are all priced at prices we can afford ranging from $25 - $60 and can be puchased on this link:

http://bit.ly/heartofhaiti

  
I am writing this post to spread the word about Heart of Haiti through a Mom Bloggers Club member program and  will receive a Heart of Haiti pendant as a thank you.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” Review and Giveaway

So due to some travel, I have spent some time away from my home and haven't been able to do an entry.  Well now that we are back at home I am thrilled to share with you my next giveaway.  My Blog Spark had given me my inspiration for tonight's dinner.  There is one dinner that the whole family enjoys.   Taco night!  Well tonight was our night and again it was a hit.  The best part about Old El Paso products is they have a little something for everything.  At my house, we can never agree on what type of shells for the tacos.  Some want hard shell, others like soft tacos.  Old El Paso actually has a box of six hard shells and six soft.  It ends up perfect for my children who never agree on anything. 

Before I discovered these products from Old El Paso, I would have to purchase a box of hard shells and a box of tortillas.  For some reason I would never use the leftover shells in time and they would go bad. I was throwing away money and I hate wasting anything.  Now I don't have to.  I also used their taco seasoning for my entree this evening and everyone thought my taco meat was delicious.  

For a fun twist on Taco Night, be sure to try one of the delicious recipes below.
  • Double Layer Tacos
    • Old El Paso Favorite Recipe! Layered taco shells and tortillas create the "double" in beef- and bean-stuffed tacos.
  • Chicken Ranch Tacos
    • Need a new idea for a 30-minute dinner? Here's a twist on ta cos using precooked chicken.

My Blog Spark has provided me with an Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase my taco fixings.  So basically they bought my family dinner and they can do the same for you.  My Blog Spark and Old El Paso has provided me with a "Family Taco Night' prize pack to give away to one of my readers.  

They have also provided me with a coupon link that you can print to purchase your own taco goodies. You visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me which of the featured recipes on the General Mills site would you like to try?


Additional Entries
  • Follow me on Google Friend Connect
  • Follow me on twitter
  • Follow me on Networked Blogs
  • "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 
 "I entered the Old El Paso Family Taco Night Giveaway on Homemaker in Progress and you should too! http://tinyurl.com/2emz8a9 #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends December 14, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Been gone all week....

Unfortunately I haven't really been able to post, thank you for following and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  More to come this week so stay tuned....

Monday, November 22, 2010

Mr. Potato Head - Woody's Tater Round-up

Now that it is the holiday season, I know I have been on the hunt for all kinds of goodies to put under my tree for our children.  Well Hasbro had given me the opportunity to review their Toy Story 3 Tater Round Up Mr. Potatoe Head.

When he arrived, my daughter was so excited she started shaking!  She gets so excited she could barely stand it.  I couldn't help but laugh as she is trying to get into the box to take him out.  There was quite a bit of tape on the box and finally she looks up and says "need help!"  so I opened the box for her.



We had the original Mr. Potato head but this one comes up dressed in western wear and Sammie instantly knew it was from Toy Story 3.  She had fun putting his vest on and off.  He also has a cute cowboy had and a hook on holster.  We have been working on body parts words, so she proudly could point out the arms, nose, feet, eyes and mouth.  Mr. Potato head is great for learning body parts and since it is a part of Toy Story 3, the kids will recognize it instantly.

If you would like to get your own Mr Potato Head Toy Story 3, Woody's Tater Round Up, they are available   online at Amazon or  I have also seen them at Walmart.

They shouldn't be too difficult to find, but I love online shopping rather than hunting.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Carmex Moisture Plus Tint Lip Balms Review & Giveaway

I was given opportunity to review another exciting product and I just have to share it with you.  I was contacted by the makers of Carmex to try out their new product.  They sent me a set of Carmex Moisture Plus Sheer Pink and Sheer Peach Tint Lip Balms.


I had to admit that I was unaware that Carmex made anything other than what my mom uses in those little yellow pots so I was really excited to receive such a fun new product.  At first glance, I was rather surprised at how classy the packaging looked.  I really liked the shiny silver tube. So I opened both packages and looked at the pink one first.  I was a bit concerned that it was too pinky for me.  Once I put it on I realized that actually it was quite sheer and did give just a 'hint' of color.  Same goes for the peach.  Not too much, just a hint.


I also noticed not only how instantly my lips felt moisturized, but how long it lasted.  I didn't have to reapply for a few hours and that was probably just out of habit.  I found that this product was really effective overall.  The best part is that Carmex also sent me an additional set to giveaway to one of my followers!

Now if you want to purchase this product, you can only buy it at Walgreens Stores or here at Walgreens.com

Now if you would like to win  one of these sets, here is how you to it!

Mandatory Entry:


Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries

  • Follow me on twitter  
  • Follow me on Networked Blogs
  • "Like"  Homemaker in Progress on Facebook
  • "Like" Carmex Lip Balm on Facebook
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Tweet about this giveaway and post the permalink in your post.  Feel free to use the twitter link below this post.

Disclosure Statement

Carmex did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with the product to review. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents, age 18+.

Early Thanksgiving

So my two step children will be with their mom in Florida for Thanksgiving so I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday.  It was pretty close to the real thing.  Only difference there were no parades and better football games than watching the Detroit Lions every year.  I made preparations for a huge spread only to wake up with a stuffed up nose, a severe headache and very little energy.  I got up early and started my feast by making my pumpkin pie and cookies for desert.  By the time those were over, my energy was almost drained.  I have to give props to my DH.  He actually got the turkey ready and put it in the oven and helped make my mashed potatoes!  Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have such an amazing husband.  He even went grocery shopping and picked up the odds and ends that I missed.  We ended up having an lovely dinner, have PLENTY of turkey left over and enjoyed the day as a family.  Since the children will be away...we may be going away for an "unconventional" Thanksgiving.  I will keep you all updated when I know more!!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

TGIF!

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Looks like I am going share a fun night out with the hubby, however tomorrow will be working with Mom's Like Me Houston at the Woodlands Children's Festival for a day of fun and crafts.  We plan on having a really great time and hopefully will have time to enjoy the festival while we are there!  If you all are local and have children, I highly recommend checking it out.  Should be lots of fun.  Hope you all have a great weekend!  Don't forget, I have a great giveaway going on right here.  Check it out and enter!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What a Crock!

Today has been a struggle to get going.  My allergies are tearing me up but I was dying to share with you a great find today.  Last month I had posted about an apple crisp that I had tried in my crock pot.  It was delicious and you can find the recipe in one of the earlier posts in October.  Later on that week Samantha dropped my crock pot on the tile and broke it.  I was heartbroken...well maybe a little dramatic...but I love my crock pots.

Well I went into CVS today because my hubby needed some superglue.  When I was walking around, I found my exact crock pot sitting on a pile of random dog items.  I picked it up and wanted to go and check the scanner to see how much it was.  Well the bottom was torn off so I brought it to the front.  It actually rung up at 4.89!  I couldn't believe my luck.  It is the perfect size at an amazing price.  If you don't have a medium sized crock pot, this is my favorite!  It is actually a good price on Amazon too!
I hope you all have a wonderful evening!  More giveaways to come soon.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Big G Cereal Movie Cash Review and Giveaway

To tack on to my great mail day today, I wanted to get started on getting another giveaway on my site.  Today I received a "Family Flick Night" gift pack, courtesy of General Mills through Blog Spark.  I am so excited about this promotion that I just need to share it with you!  

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of Big G cereals including Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Trix® (14.8 oz) and Reese’s Puffs® cereal (18 oz.).

After purchasing two participating cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theatres). To find a participating theater in your area, log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.

So you must be wondering what exactly is in the "Family Flick Night" gift pack?  Well you are going to want to know because General Mills and Blog Spark gave me an extra gift pack to giveaway to one of my fellow followers.  So here is what I was sent:


The  “Family Flick Night” gift pack will include two boxes of the participating Big G cereals and four Movie Cash certificates.  Doesn't that sound awesome? Here is how you enter:


**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****


Mandatory Entry:


Tell me which cereals are you looking forward to purchasing to earn e-movie cash?



Additional Entries
  • Follow me on Google Friend Connect
  • Follow me on twitter
  • Follow me on Networked Blogs
  • "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Tweet about this giveaway using the tweet below.   (Max 3 entries per day at least one hour apart.) 
 "I entered the General Mills Giveaway on Homemaker in Progress and you should too! http://tiny.cc/imx31 #Myblogspark"

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

26 Powered by RANDOM.ORG
 
Congrats to Amy!  She was the 26th Comment!  She won the prize pack!


Disclosure Statement
General Mills did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with information and the products to give away through My BlogSpark. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

Happy Day!!!

     So this morning I was struggling coming up with a topic to write about when a bunch of material ended up on my front door!  Literally!  I am so excited to have received some of the products that I can offer for you to you all for giveaways.  I was discussing my blog today with a friend and realized that the best part of reviewing products is the ability "pay it forward" so to speak.  I have only done two giveaways so far and they have both been successful.  The biggest one that I had so far I did primarily for my readers.  I offered up a 75.00 Gift Card to Sears without them essentially giving me anything for my work.  I loved the fact that I could help someone out with their holiday spending this year.

     I realized that I love winning freebies and love coming home to boxes on my porch. By hosting giveaways, I not only get some goodies myself (usually), but I get to give something fun to someone who reads my blog.  It is totally a win-win.  So today I am stoked because I should be having some fun product reviews and giveaways rolling out soon. I went from struggling for material, to having a whole lot to work on!  So I say happy day to everyone!  Hope all of you sweepers out there are winning, and if you aren't a sweeper yet, stay on my blog and win some fun stuff!

Friday, November 5, 2010

One month anniversary

Today marks my one month anniversary of my blog and I am thrilled with the path that this has taken.  It has given me a focus for my days which is really exciting.  I have been getting some really great reviews set up and am thrilled to let you know that along with those reviews, I will have giveaways to go along with it.  I can't wait until I hit my one year anniversary and realize that blogging has become a permanent part of my lift.  The next month and a half is going to be filled with travel and shopping and searching for the best deals.  I will let you all know what I come up with.  Thank you to all of my wonderful followers and sponsors.  I hope you all have a wonderful evening.  Soon I will be leaving to meet my hubby for dinner!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

A quiet house...

So I have exactly 16 minutes until my son comes home from school.  My daughter finally fell asleep after going to the park today and well the only sound i hear is the gentle hum of the fan in my laptop.  No TV, music, dog barking, cat meowing...nothing.  I almost feel like I should be sitting crosslegged in my living room meditating.  I funny about quiet, but did you ever notice how LOUD it gets?  Very strange when you can "hear" the quite.  So i am going to take the next 5 minutes and just listen to the quiet....



Back now and feeling refreshed.  Weird really but true.  If you have five minutes in your busy day, take it to just do nothing!  You would be shocked at how well you feel after-wards.  Have a great day everyone!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Preferences

So last night I just learned that my two year old has preferences on what pajamas she wears.  We were at Kohls yesturday and bought a two pack of pajamas.  They both had Elmo on them because she just hearts Elmo.  So while making dinner, Samantha needs to have her diaper changed.  I figured I would change her diaper and put on a pair of her new pajamas.  So I grab the blue pair that had a big Elmo on the front.  A few minutets later, Samantha comes up to me with the pink pair of Elmo pajamas in one hand and the pj's she was wearing half unzipped.  I couldn't believe it but she was insisting on wearing the pink ones.  I went ahead changed her thinking that my daughter is no longer a baby.  She is starting to make her own decisions and really showing her personality.  I can't believe she has gotten so big so quick. 

Monday, November 1, 2010

Halloween 2010

We really did have a very nice Halloween this year complete with plenty of candy, pumpkins and costumes.  We got up early and Kevin drove a whole 26 miles down the road to go and get us Dunkin Donuts and coffee for me.  The kids eventually got up and everyone carved a pumpkin.   Unfortunately one of the big ones had begun to get soft, but luckily we had a little pumpkin for sammie to "make".  I did try to convince her to use the Mr. Potatoe Head pieces to decorate her pumpkin, but she wasn't having it.  So I gutted it and all three kids made their own. 





Later the boys went over to their mom's house for a hayride and Daddy, Sammie and I headed out into the neighborhood.  For some reason, Sammie wasn't having it.  We went around the block and opted to just hand out candy from the drive way and keep a cooler close by.  This was definitely Sammie's domain.  She loved the kids coming up for candy and had fun "trick or treating" from our own candy bin.  In fact, here is a shot of Sammie giving Mommy a kiss, but then also snaking some candy at the same time.  My little sneaky butterfly! 



I hope you and your families all had a wonderful Halloween, and well...here comes the holiday season!!!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Lets Help Pepperidge Farms For a Good Cause

This is a blog post campaign promoting Pepperidge Farm's donation incentive supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure during the month of October. 
When someone posts a personal Milano Moment on Milano's Facebook Page in October, Pepperidge Farm will donate $.50 per Moment up to $50,000. 


http://on.fb.me/milanomoment




Lets all submit a moment tonight to get some donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Away this week...

So I do apologize, but really haven't been able to post since I left to visit my mom this week.  I will be back at the end of the week but will try to get a post in.  Keep entering those giveaways.  Have a few more lined up...coming soon!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

PartyLite Pink Scents of Illumination Review & Giveaway

When I was given an opportunity to review such a beautiful product which represents such an amazing cause, I was ecstatic.   When I took the product out of the box I immediately was greeted with the delicious scent of PartyLite's Strawberry Rhubarb tealights.  The martini glass has a pink gel in it that beautifully lights up when the candle is lit.  Given that one of my relatives had breast cancer, I really love that they are donating a portion of their proceeds to Breast Cancer Research.

The set came with a dozen pink Strawberry Rhubarb tealights and a dozen unscented tealights.  Since the scented gel keeps its scent for about three months, I recommend saving the scented tealights for use once the gel no longer is scented.  The tealight stayed lit for what felt like almost the entire evening and I love that the wax is held in a clear plastic holder allowing the light to pass through all parts of the tealight rather than just the top.  This is a beautiful set, and anyone who was touched by Breast Cancer should truely enjoy it.

“A world with less breast cancer is a world with more birthdays.”  The American Cancer Society

This product is only available during the month of October, so if you happen to know someone who was touched by the disease, you can still order it for them.  This and any PartyLite product can be ordered though your PartyLite consultant.





PartyLite Pink Scents of Illumination glass holds a tealight and will add grace and charm to any celebration.  Beautifully boxed with a pink ribbon and card for a personal message, this is a lovely gift for that special woman who has been touched by this disease.  The fragrance lasts a minimum of three months.  Celebrate more birthdays with PartyLite candles!  ($32.95)






Would you like to win one of these amazing sets? PartyLite is providing the same set that I was given to review to one of my followers.

**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****

Mandatory Entry:


Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.



Additional Entries
  • Follow me on twitter  
  • Follow me on Networked Blogs
  • "Like" Homemaker in Progress
  • Follow PartyLite on Twitter
  • "Like" PartyLite on Facebook
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Tweet about this giveaway.   (Max 3 entries per day atleast one hour apart.) Feel free to use the twitter button below to tweet about this giveaway.
Disclosure Statement
PartyLite did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it other than providing me with the product to review. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and that winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends November 1, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.


PartyLite is also holding its own sweepstakes as well where you can win some amazing prizes.  

in October and November only 
Lite Up Your Holidays Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes
From PartyLite!

Click here to enter and if you do not already have a consultant's code,  use  DN4FJC



Congrats to Bea Watson who was the 13th post and won this giveway.  Lucky girl!!!

True Random Number Generator  13

A Perfect Day

There are very few days that one can call a perfect day, but today was one of them.  A friend and I decided to take our daughters to the Houston Zoo and then for a picnic.  We arrived at the zoo and the sun was shining, there was a light breeze and it really wasn't that busy at the zoo.   

The girls were almost angels.  As close to angles as a two year old, one year old and three month old could be.  Samantha is notorious for trying to get out of her stroller, but today, she was fine allowing me to push her around to see the different animals.  We saw lions and panthers and prairie dogs and all kinds of fun animals.  The elephants had their babies with them, the orangutan was swinging and playing.  We couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable time. 

After the zoo, we took the children on a train ride through the park and Samantha absolutely loved the train.  She kept saying train? train?  Choo-Choo?  She was just so excited to ride. 

We got off on one of the train stops where we sat at a picnic table and had lunch.  Then the children had an absolute ball on the swings and the playgrounds.  Herman Park was beautiful!  There were a variety of playgrounds all separated by age.  The kids found slides and objects to climb on that were perfectly suited for their ages.

After the children were done playing, we hopped back on the train and rode it back to where the cars were parked.  Samantha was passed out the entire way home.  I truly enjoyed the entire day with her and wouldn't change a thing.  I feel very blessed that we were able to enjoy such a perfect day.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Sammie's First Haircut

So since I am going to visit my mom on Thursday, I decided that I really needed to make sure that Sammie had her hair cut.  It has been falling in her face and just always looking messy.  So about two weeks ago, we were all at the mall and I stopped in to  JC Penney to see if they did toddler cuts.  So I walk in and asked them if they had experience doing toddler hair cuts, and her response was that it depended on the the toddler.  It really wasn't the vote of confidence that I was looking for.  It was her first one and I really wanted it to be special.

So while at a playdate some time ago, one of the mom's mentioned that there was a kids salon called "Little Lords and Ladies".  So the Renaissance geek inside of me already loved the name, so I checked them out online.  It all looked good so I booked Sammie's appointment for today at Noon.  We walk in and well i guess the picture explains it all...


She ends up getting her hair cut sitting on my lap, clenched to me.   But she was done quick and it just looks precious!



We had a girly lunch at La Madeline and then we were on our way home.  Such a tough day for my pumpkin!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Neighborhood Craft Fair

So I am up early, because my daughter doesn't realize it is SUNDAY, and since I was too tired to post last night I wanted to give an update on yesterdays events.  So I didn't really know what to expect for the Fall Festival / Craft Fair but I knew that I really wanted to have a table there and use that time to promote my dog walking business.  I can say that we weren't exactly "organized" but once we got it set up, I was rather impressed.  A friend of ours let us borrow her table last minute which was awesome and it worked out great!  We got our business cards our there and think that we made some connections for the Thanksgiving holiday.  ****Fingers Crossed****  My partner took a picture so once she gets it I will add it to the post.  But I felt that this was truly a success and i feel very fortunate.  Just goes to show that you never know until you try!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Kind of a let down, but still smiling

Today a friend and I are had made plans to get some things accomplished for the craft fair tomorrow.  I have been up to my ears making dog treats to go along with promoting our dog business.  I may not have mentioned it before, but we own a dog walking / pet sitting company and we have been live for a few months now, with a couple of clients.  So we wanted to make some dog collars that we could sell along side of  marketing the pet sitting business for the holidays.  Well we had some collars and needless to say it was a bit of a bust.  We have just come to grips with the fact that the things we are trying just look well...not good enough.  It was a really humbling moment given that my mom is super crafty.  I guess I just haven't found my nitch yet on what exactly I can make and make well.  So I still have two bowls full of dog treat dough that I need to roll out, cut and bake.  Hopefully they will be a hit and people will like them.  My dogs love them...since they have peanut butter in them.  There was one moment today though that I just had to smile.  Right at the point where we both just felt defeated and bummed, Samantha comes up to me, puts her hand on my shoulder and gives me what her version of a kiss was.  It was the sweetest thing at just the best time I could ask for it.  It just made me smile and decide that there has to be something that I am creative at that I can make, I just haven't discovered it yet.  So my search and journey continues.  I really loved making that wreath.  Is there a market out there for those? 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Hershey wants to know we celebrate Halloween with Hershey's Chocolate

I was so excited when I saw this chance to respond to Hershey's questions.  My family LOVES Hershey's chocolate, but I am more partial to Twizzlers myself. 
 
We definitely will be handing out Hershey's chocolates to the trick-or-treaters this year, so if you want so good chocolate, visit our house kids!  I also plan on taking Samantha trick-or-treating this year and we are going to carve a pumpkin together!  Samantha is dressing up as a butterfly and she will be so charming.  I cannot wait to post the pictures when we are going. 

If you would like to find out more about there goodies that Hershey's has this year.  Take a look at :

http://www.celebratewithhersheys.com/Halloween


This post was made to enter a contest for a Hershey’s Halloween prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

Sears Hometown Stores Guest Blogger Entry & Giveaway

I was given an opportunity with Sears Hometown Stores to be a guest blogger on their website discussing what I thought was most important appliance in my house.  So exciting!  Take a look at my entry which I had posted below:

     When I encountered this opportunity to discuss with Sears which hometown store appliance was the most important in my household, I was thrilled to share my thoughts on the subject.  I had never realized how important my appliances were until majority of them we taken away from me. On September 13, 2008, Houston was hit by Hurricane Ike and we had lost all power for almost two weeks. Soon, the food in my refrigerator was spoiling and all of the frozen products in my freezer were melting. I then realized that one of my appliances did work. I still had my gas range. This turned out to be the biggest blessing one could imagine.
     I had given birth to my daughter on August 8, 2008 and, when the hurricane hit, she was almost five weeks old. Thankfully with the aid of my gas range, I was able to sterilize bottles, cook spaghetti and rice for my family, and really continue to feed my children and husband a variety of foods, which others had been struggling cooking on camping stoves and barbecue grills. The power was out, but I still had access to my gas line. My children were able to have many of the foods that they were used to despite living in conditions without power and some damage. I was also confident that my newborn daughter at the time had clean and safe bottles to drink out of.  I wouldn’t have been able to do any of these things without the aid of my range and for that I am very thankful.
     Now it doesn’t take a natural disaster for me to love my appliances especially my range. I love that I can provide a good hot meal for my family and then follow it up with a delicious baked dessert. I was just blessed that at that particular time I was able to provide for my family when many were unable to do so during a very hard time. For that reason, my range is my most important appliance in my home.


Now for the fun stuff!  Sears Hometown Stores has offered a $75.00 gift card to be given to a follower of my blog! 

**** Please post a separate comment for each entry, otherwise they will only be counted as one.****

Mandatory Entry:

Publicly follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Extra Entries

  • Follow me on twitter  
  • Follow me on Networked Blogs
  • "Like Homemaker in Progress
  • Follow SearsHTS on twitter
  • "Like" SearsHometownStores on Facebook
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Blog about this giveaway and post the link on your blog  (attach the link in your comment post)
  • Tweet about this giveaway.  You can copy and paste the link below.  (Max 3 entries one hour apart per day)  
"Check out Homemaker in Progress and enter to win a 75.00 Sears gift card.  http://tiny.cc/i5z8j   Ends 10/28"


Disclosure Statement
Sears did not compensate me to write this blog or to say particular things in it. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely mine and any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified by Sears.

One winner  will be randomly selected from all valid entries using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected.  Contest ends October 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.









Looks Like Our Winner is Comment #36!

36 Powered by RANDOM.ORG
 
 

Shannon said...
tweet http://twitter.com/sethandshannon1/status/27584389358 sethandshannon1 at yahoo dot com
 

Monday, October 11, 2010

Two girls home with the flu...

So Saturday night my husband, a friend and I went out for Japanese food.  I was the only one that ate sushi and have never had problems with it.  Well Sammie and I went home and I put her to bed and the next thing you know I am ill.  And I am ill all night.  So I am thinking that I ate a bad piece of sushi.  Well last night Sammie got sick and boy did I feel bad for her while still feeling sorry for myself.  Since she didn't eat the sushi, I only have to assume that we got struck with the flu.  So today has been recoup day and things seem to be going well.  And I know I sound a little funny about saying this, but my little pumpkin was sooooo cuddly today.  I knew she didn't feel well and I just loved being there to comfort her in her time of need.  These are the times when being a stay at home mom are the best.  I just wish that I could get my own energy back.  Hopefully by tomorrow we will both be feeling better and I will continue my journey of becoming homemaker diva.  Divahood will have to wait for now however....

No updates this weekend

Samantha and I were very, very ill this weekend and I wasn't able to do a posting. Thankfully we are both recovering today and should be back in the game by tonight or tomorrow morning.  Have a great day!

Friday, October 8, 2010

No nap today...

For me or the baby!   So I just realized how tough my day is when my daughter doesn't take a nap.  I had so many things that I wanted to get done (my kitchen needs a clean for example), and I just could not do it with her awake.  It ended up being really frustrating.  We did have a fun day this morning, and were very active.  We went with some friends to a nice park in the morning, then to a play date at a children's gym and then out to lunch where Samantha ate really well.  All signs that she would take an excellent nap.  Boy was I wrong.  So I saw plenty of Elmo today, but not a whole lot to report on my journey.  It is 8:31pm and I am ready for bed!  It is time to put down the laptop and pick up the kindle. 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Feeling a bit crafty

Do you ever just feel like you need to do something artistic just to give your hands something to do and maybe calm your mind a bit?  Well I had alot of that going on today.  I happen to go over to Big Lots to see if they had anything that I might help me fix my kitchen window issue.  (I am currantly in search of a good curtain for the back window and also one of those spring tension rods.)  I though I might be able to find these at Big Lots, so I walked in and did find a rod, which was great!  I also found something that might work for the back window, but I am going to have to do a bit of sewing on it first.  Once I found what I specifically was looking for, I wondered into the Halloween decorations, which I just love.  Next to them of course are Christmas decorations, which I feel is a bit early for, but whatever.  I was looking at their fall wreaths and thought that this would be something nice to hang on the door.  I looked at the ones that they had, and while reasonably priced, they just didn't seem to have a whole lot of creativity.  So I thought that this might be a nice little addition to my journey of becoming a good homemaker.  Good homemakers have pretty holiday decor and can make it themselves right?  Well this was it.  I was going to make a pretty wreath for my front door.  I went to Michaels and found all of the fall silk flowers 50% off!  Must be a crafty calling!  So I picked out some flowers that I liked, as Samantha is beating me with a bunch of glittery fall leaves and brought them home.  I put Samantha up for her nap and got started on my project.  I turned the tv to the 90's music choice station and I was set.  I started arranging the flowers and leaves and little berry type things in different ways and got to a point where I think it came out way better than those ones at Big Lots.  Here is a picture of my creation.  What do you think?


On a side note, while loading the dishwasher, Samantha managed to shatter my smaller crockpot today.  So upsetting.   So no more apple crisp until I find a new one, but we will all live.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Yay! It came out good!

So yesterday's apple crisp was a success!  So exciting.  I was really excited to hear the DH say "Wow it is hot, but really good."  Huh?  Really good?  Wow so my first attempt was a success!  I can bake....well not exactly bake but I can put it all in a crockpot and let it cook.  And it was delicious with the icecream! Ok so since I could make it, I believe any of you can too!  Here is the recipe:

(in a 2 quart crock pot)

 Six small apples or five large ones, peeled, cored and sliced
2/3 cup of sugar (or splenda)
1 1/4 cup of water
3 TBSP Cornstarch
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1/4 tsp of all spice

OK, so put all of that in a crockpot and mix it up, turn the pot on low.


then take the following ingredients and mix them in a bowl and then put it on top of the apple mixture.

3/4 cup of quick cooking oats
1/2 cup on brown sugar
1/2 cup of flour
1/4 cup of butter (at room temp)


Let it cook in the crock pot on low for three hours and then you are set!  Super easy and perfect now that it is getting cooler outside.  Give it a shot and then come back and let me know!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Apple Crisp or Bust?

Ok, so in my first attempt, of becoming a domesticated goddess, I decided to try to make an apple crisp.  I had apples in the fridge and picked up some other ingredients.  I found a recipe for Apple Crisp in my 1400 page crock-pot cookbook.  If it slow cooks all day, it has to be good right?  While my husband is off being superdad, (yes, I do believe he has powers) and coaching my son's flag football, I am feeding my daughter yogurt while washing, peeling and slicing the apples.  Added cinnamon, all spice (what is in there anyways), and sugar and got them all in the pot.   Added  the dry ingredients for the crisp part on top, and well...we shall see.  I bought some vanilla ice cream to go with it, so I guess if it ends up being a bust, well we still have ice cream.