Tristan Trains As A Therapy Dog

I love to read, and there was a time when my girls showed signs of the same thing.  Recently, though, I can't get them to read anything unless they have to for school.  I am hoping that if I get them some really good books for Christmas, I can ignite that spark in them once again.

Brandi has recently showed a love for dogs, which is weird since up until recently, she has been terrified of them.  I thought that if I could find some inspirational books about dogs I could get her to read them.  I found this book, Tristan Trains as a Therapy Dog: A Tristan and Trudee Story, and I think it is something she will love.  It is the story of Tristan, a fluffy white bichon frise dog, who learn how to become a therapy dog.  Brandi will be able to read along as Tristan learns how to be a good therapy dog, and cheer as he takes his test. It's weird that I found this now, because my therapist is actually training her puppy to be a therapy dog, and Brandi has shown such a interest in that little puppy.

The book is geared towards kids a little younger than her, but I think she will enjoy it nonetheless.

Have You Heard About Straight Talk?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you tired of getting your cell phone bill in the mail only to find extra charges for going over your monthly minutes or for texting a little too much?  My money is precious to me, and every cent I bring into my home goes towards keeping the kids and I afloat.  I can not afford to have surprises every month, which is why I love Straight Talk.

Straight Talk offers pay as you go plans for their phones, and depending on your needs, you can really save money over contract phones.  For instance, I love their $45 unlimited talk, text, and web cards, which is what I buy every month for my phone.  I will admit to being hesitant in the beginning when I was looking for a cell phone, because I didn't know anyone who used Straight Talk personally.  But let me tell you, after the first month, I was sold on them, Hook, line and sinker.  I have never dropped a call, and there aren't many places where I can not get a signal.  I can Call a friend or send a text whenever I want, and not worry about if I am roaming or if it's after 7pm.  I hear that you can even get Android on Straight Talk.  That's pretty awesome.

I think I might need to upgrade my phone soon!

Untitled Jersey City Project

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Untitled Jersey City Project for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Watch this:

It's the second episode in a series of eight episodes titled Untitled Jersey City Project.  I watched it, and quite honestly, I don't have a clue what is going on, which I think might be the point.  The storyline is pretty simple.  A new city is being built on the Jersey Waterfront, and everyone has something to gain.  Or lose.  I guess it just depends on who you are.

I have been known to give even the worst shows the benefit of the doubt, and this one did peak my interest a bit.  I am curious about the bigger storyline, since each mini-episode is part of a larger story.  The episodes air on FX, which unfortunately is a channel I do not get.  Heck, we don't get anything but Netflix around here.  I'm hoping the episodes will air on their website so that I can watch them all. 

Take a minute (or two) and watch the episode above.  Make sure you let me know what you think.  Is it something that interests you?  Would you watch future episodes?  Why or why not?

Yeah, I know, that's a lot of questions.  But I really am curious about what others think of this show.

Dry Shampoo

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TRESemmé for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

A couple of weeks ago, I let Kasi cut my hair.  I had so many split ends, when I washed my hair the ends just completely frizzed out.  My hair is all one length, so she just needed to trim the dead ends away.  Turns out, she had to cut off several inches because my hair was so damaged.  It was own fault, really, because it's been at least a year since I've had it cut.  Washing and blow drying it every day (and some days more than once) really takes a toll on it.  Most days, I wear my hair in a pony tail, because the van I drive all day has issues with it's air conditioning, so I drive with the windows down, which causes my hair to blow all over the place.  I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to the cooler weather coming so that I can leave my hair down occasionally.

I recently, as in a few minutes ago, learned of a product called TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo.  Basically, you put it on your hair when it is dry instead of washing it, and it helps to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh by absorbing excess oils and odor.  Check out this video of Julia Allison, showing how to use  it.  (make sure you enter to win the $500 Target gift card, too!)

For best results, follow these tips while using it:

- Do shake vigorously before use and in between spray bursts for best results.

- Do lift sections of dry hair and spray lightly at roots

- Do spray in short bursts, holding 8-12 inches from head

- Don’t spray it like hair spray (all over and continuously)

- Do leave in for 1-2 minutes.

- Do use fingertips or a brush to distribute product evenly

- If clogging occurs, remove nozzle and rinse the nozzle under warm water, then reattach.

Let me know if you try this, and what your results were.  I really am curious as to how well it works.

Crime Show Paranoia

Contribution by Kennith Griffin

I have always loved crime shows. Well, I did until it started to become a problem. I don’t know why I got so obsessed with them, but I did. Recently, there were several that affected me differently than they have in the past. I normally would just watch the show and when it was over it was over. I did not think about it again and nothing in the show ever crossed my mind. However, lately I have been walking around the house on edge. I keep thinking someone is going to jump through a window or knock down a door. I finally had to have home security install an alarm system. I know you are probably thinking I have lost my mind. Perhaps I need to see a therapist instead of have an alarm installed. Honestly, I never would have thought a simple television show would make me so paranoid to be in my own home. I would have never thought I could go from loving crime shows to fearing them, but this seems to be the path I am currently on.

TracFone

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

These days, everyone has a cell phone, eve little kids.  My youngest daughter is nine, and most of her friends already have their own cell phones.  Personally, I think that's a little young.  I made my son wait until he was 14 before he got his own phone. 

I ended up buying him a TracFone, and it has worked out pretty well.  He's big on texting, so I was hesitant to sign a contract with someone for fear of outrageous phone bills every month.  The phone he has has So many features and the best one is that there are no contracts or surprise bills.  I pay one low price every month, and he's good to go.  They even offer an option to pay for an entire year of service.

You can check out this video to see how Real TracFone customers feel about these phones, and all that they have to offer:

Trust me when I tell you that buying one of these phones for Ryan was a wise decision.  When my girls are old enough, I will probably get them each one s well.  Kasi is 14 now, so she is ready for a phone.  Brandi still has quite a few years to go before she is ready.

Dreams

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPromise for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone has a dream.  Ask each of my kids what their dreams are, and the answers are so very different, but each is within their grasp.  Ryan wants to be a mechanic, and is taking classes this year in high school that will help him reach his goal.  Kasi wants to be a fashion designer, and I am sure she will be a great one.  Brandi wants to be an actress, and anyone who knows her will tell you she is already a very talented one.  I will do everything in my power, as their mother, to help them each achieve the goals and dreams they have.

Right now, Upromise is celebrating its 10th Anniversary by giving away $20,000 to users who share a story that tells how a parent has supported a child's dream.  I am sure many of you have stories of your own that should be submitted.  All you have to do is visit www.upromisetodream.com and share you dream.  After doing so, encourage everyone you know to go and "like" your dream.  Make sure to check out the dream wall official rules so you can be entered to win one of the cash prizes that will be awarded.  Upromise will give away $1,000 to 10 winners and a grand prize winner for $10,000 will be selected from the participants as well.

Good luck, and let me know if you enter so I can "like" your dream!

Let's Talk Cell Phones

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

These days, everyone has a cell phone.  My daughter is nine, and a bunch of her friends in the neighborhood run around with cell phones in their pockets.  In my opinion, that is a little young to have their own cell phones.  I am going to make Brandi wait until she is a teenager before she gets her own phone.  Kasi, however, has been bugging me for a while now for a phone, and at 14, I think she is old enough for one.

I plan on getting her a Straight Talk phone like mine.  I have had mine for months now, and I love it.  It has everything you need to call a friend, send texts, and even get online.  I pay $45 every month for unlimited talk, text, and web.  I go to Walmart and buy a refill card, and it so easy to load it into my phone.  The best thing is that I am not getting a phone bill every month with hidden charges and overages.  II had to pay per text, my phone bill would probably be a few hundred dollars every month.  Yes, I do text that much. 

I believe in this instance. mom knows best about cell phones.  I wouldn't change mine for anything.

Affordable Cell Phones

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I became a single mom a few months ago, and one of the first things I did was get myself a cell phone.  Up until then, I stayed at home all the time so I never had the need for one.  Now that I am working, I use mine all the time. 

The problem I had getting a phone was my credit.  They wanted so much money down as a deposit, and I just couldn't afford it.  My only option was getting a pre-paid phone, and I love it.  I pay as I go, and I didn't have to sign a contract, which means there are no surprise charges every month. 

TracFone's are a great way to go if you are looking for an inexpensive way to stay in touch.  These phones have so many features, and you can get really simple phones that just make phone calls, or you can get a smart phone.  Hearing what real TracFone customers say about their experiences can help you decide if this is the way to go.  They have many options when it comes to putting minutes on the phone, from doing it online or buying a card at the store.  You can even buy a years worth of service, which wouldn't be a bad idea if you have the money.  You can even make international calls for the same price as a regular call. 

I know that I am satisfied with my pre-paid phone, as are other real TracFone customers.  If you want a phone that won't bring you a surprise bill every month, check out TracFone.

Straight Talk

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

That phone they are talking about is awesome.  I know this because I have one. I got it right after Bob left, and I needed a way to keep in touch with the kids while I was working.  I went into Walmart not knowing exactly which cell phone company I wanted to go with, and ended up with my phone simply because I could not afford the deposits on the "regular" cell phone plans. 

You have no idea how happy I am with the way things worked out.  My phone did not come with contract.  I simply buy a phone card every month for $45 and add it to my phone.  That $45 buys me unlimited talk, text, and web.  I mean, these phones have everything you need to stay connected.  I can check Facebook whenever I want, or I can simply call a friend.  There are no overage charges, which drew me in hook, line and sinker.  I mean, with three kids who love to text and talk on the phone, I know I would be paying much more with a "regular" cell phone plan. 

I would recommend Straight Talk phones to everyone.  I wouldn't trade mine for anything.  Well, maybe for one that has a full keyboard so texting is a little easier.

Christmas Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think

Did you know that Christmas is less than five months away?  Whenever I think about that, I get really stressed out.  This is the first time that I am going to have to get the kids things on my own, and I have no idea where the money is going to come from.  My only option is to start buying things now, and hiding them from the kids.

One of the things I know I want to get for Kasi is art supplies.  She can sit for hours with a pencil and paper and create the most beautiful pictures.  She loves drawing out designs for clothes, as well as pictures of animals. Heck, she likes drawing just about anything.  I am curious to see what she would come up with if I got her some paints and canvas' for under the tree.  

I have no idea what to get for Ryan and Boo, though she likes to draw, too.  I have several of her creations hanging on my fridge right now. One of them is a tribute to me, which I absolutely love.  I know some day she will outgrow making me pictures, and that makes me especially sad seeing as how she is my youngest.

Community is My Favorite!

Thanks for the post from Stan Atkins

Community' is hands-down my favorite television sitcom. I watch it every week on my Chevy Chase, and the character is perfect for that funny actor. I've watched Chevy Chase since he was originally on 'Saturday Night Live', and he's just gotten funnier over the years.

The women on the show are also funny as well as intelligent, and they seem to be women I'd enjoy being friends with. These characters might not have much in common with each other, but they have become true friends over their time together in their Spanish class and study group. It's a really fun show to watch.

Start While They Are Young

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a mom.  Most of you know this already.  Since I started my job a few months ago, I have become friendly with the people who work at the businesses I deal with on a daily basis.  Today, I had one of the guys ask me how many kids I had after hearing me on the phone with Ryan.  He was shocked when I told him I had a 15 year old son.  He said I looked too young.  I think he was trying to get on my good side.

Ryan will be graduating high school in a few short years, and I wish I could say that I have a college fund waiting for him to use.  There was never enough money to put some aside for him, or for either of the girls.  They will have to apply for student loans and scholarships.  If you have a baby, you can enter the Parent’s Choice Infant Formula Savings Sweepstakes.  The sweepstakes, created in partnership with PBM Products, LLC, a Perrigo Company, will provide one lucky winner with a $10,000 college scholarship in the form of a College Savings 529 Plan.  It runs until 11:59pm on August 1, 2011, so there is still plenty of time to enter.

Why I Love Walgreens

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have used several different pharmacies over the years, and recently I switched to Walgreens.  I am so glad that I did.  I love their Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products.  I recently tried their triple antibiotic ointment on Brandi's ears, and it worked really well.  And it was cheaper than the name brand stuff.  My philosophy is, why pay more for something just because of it's name? 

Walgreens also has this thing called the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™.  This fund will provide free preventive health tests as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities. Some of those services will include preventive health tests through the National Urban League Health & Wellness Tour and vouchers redeemable in select stores.  I think this is an awesome thing.  As someone who is financially challenged, I have benefited from free healthcare in the past.  In fact, I had my breast reduction done through a free clinic, and it didn't cost me a thing.

Right now, there are several bloggers doing giveaways of Walgreen's gift cards.  If you enter and win one, you could use it to try out some of the Walgreens Brand Health and Wellness Products.

Formula Is Formula, No Matter Who Makes It

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of storebrandformula.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all know breastfeeding is best for babies, but sometimes, that just isn't an option.  There are many different reasons women choose to bottle feed their babies, and like me, sometimes that reason is because they are unable to breastfeed.  Left with no choice, it is nice to know that baby formulas can be just as good for babies. 

I was always under the assumption that the more expensive formulas were more nutritious for babies, and like millions of other people, I was wrong.  In fact, "Store brand infant formulas won a major victory this week when a U.S. Circuit Court upheld a $13.5 million false advertising claim against Enfamil maker Mead Johnson".  It seems they were trying to convince moms that their formula was better, when in reality, all formulas have to meet the same guidelines for nutrition, no matter who makes them.  You can find more information at storebrandformula.com. 

I don't plan on having any more babies, but someday I hope to be a grandmother.  Someday in the future.  The distant future.  The far, far distant future.  My girls are nowhere near ready to have babies of their own, but when they are, I will make sure they know they can save money and still give their babies nutritious formulas.

Teen Mom Is My Guilty Pleasure

Posted by Heriberto Fuentes

I'm shamefully addicted to the hit reality drama, "Teen Mom." I watch the show on my awesome cable from www.direc4u.com and I cannot stop watching, no matter how hard I try. "Teen Mom" airs on MTV and centers around the lives of four teenage mothers. It is a spinoff of the network's hit "16 and Pregnant." There is my favorite couple, Caitlyn and longtime boyfriend Tyler, who gave their baby, Carly, up for adoption. They struggle with their decision but they genuinely love one another. Then there is Amber; she and sometime-boyfriend Gary have a daughter, Leah. They are a violent, toxic combination and have no business even being around one another. Amber is actually facing assault charges after attacking Gary in a common fit of rage. Another character is Maci. She and her ex-boyfriend Ryan share joint custody of their son, Bentley. Ryan just kind of "checked out" after the baby was born. She is struggling with being a single parent but she is a wonderful mother with a heart of gold. Finally, Farrah is raising her daughter, Sophia on her own. The child's father was killed in a car accident and Farrah has a restraining order against her mother after a fight the two had. She tries to do the right thing and I hope she finds the right person to share her life with.

Now I Know What Not To Wear

Contribution by Odis Chan

I am a television fanatic. I love to watch television, and any time that I can find a show geared toward fashion, you can bet that my TVbyDirect is tuned in. I have recently found a great new fashion show that is fantastic and now a can't miss in my house. The show is called What Not To Wear, and it is, without a doubt, the best show that has came on in a long time.

I watch What Not To Wear on my satellite television each week. The show takes fashion-challenged people and puts them to the ultimate test of finding self-esteem and confidence, in part to what they have on. The show is awesome. Some of the people come on the show wearing some pretty radical things, and they have no clue. I love the transformations of these people at the end of the show. It is so amazing!

Lisa Butcher and Mica Paris host the show. They have such an incredible sense of style, they are perfect to host the show. The pair keep the show fun and exciting, and always make me laugh! If you haven't seen it, you are missing out! You will love it, too!

Feels Like SpringTo Me

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The weather today was beautiful.  Here in South Carolina, we made it well into the 70's.  The girls and I spent the day at the park with my best friend, and my son spent the day fishing with one of his friends.  Weather like this makes me really look forward to swimming in mom's pool.

Since we will be living with her come summertime, I want to make a contribution to her yard.  I thought about maybe getting a piece of furniture for around the pool, but she pretty much has everything she needs right now.  I was on the Pier 1 website, and I found these really pretty garden stools. 

I love the bright colors, and I think they would look great on the grass in the pool area.  I also think they would make a great plant table for inside, too.  I might have to get one for me when I finally get a place for me and the kids.  I can see my huge peace lily sitting nicely on op of the stool.

While I was on their website, I signed up for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter.  You should, too, because you will find out about an in-store special going on the weekend of March 18-20.  You should also try and meet up at one of their upcoming Pier 1 Tweetups that will be held in Dallas on March 22nd, Atlanta on April 5th and NYC on April 20th.  I wish they were having one closer to me, because I would definitely try to make an appearance.

Art Supplies For My Girls

I took the kids to therapy on Monday, and it ended up that only Brandi and I had time with Elizabeth.  I was having a hard week, and a had a lot to talk about, so by the time I was done, there wasn't enough time left to talk to each of the kids.  I felt that Brandi benefits the most from therapy, so she spoke to her after me.  Next week, Ryan and Kasi will get their turn.

Elizabeth told me she was going to ask Brandi to do some art therapy by drawing a picture of her family, and then describing each person in three words.  It was quite funny to see how she drew each of us, and of course, I was the prettiest.  Elizabeth suggested that I encourage Brandi to start keeping a journal where she can write or draw whenever she is feeling particularly down.

I mentioned this to Brandi, and while she loves the idea, she wants to take it to the next level.  She wants me to look into easels and art supplies so that she can have her own little art studio.  I was a little surprised when Kasi didn't pipe up and agree with her, since she has always loved to draw.  I believe that someday, Kasi will be a famous fashion designer.  She sketches out some pretty nice outfits and dresses.  She would definitely benefit if I got some art studio furniture and made her a little corner where she could pursue her dreams.  I could put her right beside my desk and we could spend time together as I worked and she drew.

I think we need some girl bonding time.

Who Knew?

I learned something today.  Some of you might find that shocking, as I pretend to know everything most of the time.  Just kidding.  I don't know everything.  Yet.

Today, I learned that the pants that people wear while riding a horse are called jodhpurs.  I am not even sure how to pronounce it, but they are cute.  I had no idea that you needed all kinds of things to ride a horse.  I just assumed that all you needed was a good pair of jeans and strong leg muscles.  The only time I have been on a horse was when I was little and a park we used to go to offered rides.  I have never been on a horse as an adult.

I have heard that riding can be good therapy.  They say that grooming a horse can be relaxing as well.  I am sure you all know that I am trying to find ways to relax and release some of the tension in my life.  It seems like no matter what I try, I can not seem to get rid of this huge weight that I am carrying around on my shoulders.  The good news is that I have a job interview this Friday, and I think once I am working again, I will feel better.  Part of my stress comes from knowing that my husband is giving me way more money than he can afford to, making sure the kids and I are taken care of.  I want to be able to take some of that burden off of him, and provide for my family as well. 

Now I just need to find someone who has a horse who would be willing to let me ride it.  Thankfully, living in South Carolina, that shouldn't be too much of a problem.  I see horses everywhere.