Cottages

 For my mom's birthday last May, my sister's and I surprised her with a trip to Tennessee.  The four of us, and one of my aunts, paid to rent a little cottage for a long weekend.  It was the first time I have ever stayed in a house like that, and it was so much better than staying in a hotel.  We had full run of the place, using the kitchen to cook all our meals, and the kids had plenty of room to run around and play, without us parents worrying about how much noise they were making. 

One night, one of my sisters and I scared the snot out of my other two sisters and my aunt.  They were sitting on the front porch, and it was close to midnight.  My other sister and I sneaked around from the back of the house and made some scary noises.  They all jumped up screaming and ran in the house.  It was so funny.

I would love to be able to get all of my sisters to rent a holiday cottage this coming year so that we can all be together again.   Two of my sisters live pretty far away, and I usually only get to see them once a year.  I would love for us all to spend a weekend together, especially around the holidays. 

I guess that means I need to start saving my pennies.

Sheets

All summer, I had a heavy sheet covering the windows in my living room.  I finally took it down a couple of weeks ago and have been enjoying the sunshine.  I get a lot of sunlight through those windows, which heats up the house quite a bit.  This was not a good thing when it was 100 degrees outside.  Now that it is getting cooler outside, the sunlight feels good.

Next summer, I want to find some Cheap Vertical Blinds to put on the windows.  I am hoping that they might keep out more of the sun.   As much as I loved the way the sheet worked, it looked ridiculous.  Whenever I took a picture of the kids inside the house, I always made sure the sheet didn't show. 

I spent years living with sheets hanging in doorways during the summer to keep certain rooms cool when we used window air conditioners.  When we moved here, I loved that we didn't have to do that anymore because we now have central air conditioning.  Then I had to hang the sheet on the window.  I don't want to have to do that anymore, either.

I want my house to only have sheets on the beds from now on.

A New Fall Treat

Guest post written by Stephanie Harper

One of my favorite hobbies is to cook and bake all kinds of different stuff. I'm kind of known in my circle of friends for it so when everyone comes over to my house for something there are some big expectations that I always try to meet.

I'm planning a little get together just before Halloween with lots of yummy treats and I think that we're also going to watch some scary movies while everyone's here too. We're all big horror movie buffs, so a zombie movie isn't going to ruin any of our appetites, thank goodness.

I've been looking up a bunch of recipes to try out with my Clear Wireless Internet Service and I know that I have to have at least one thing that is pumpkin flavored. It just wouldn't be right otherwise.

I did find a pumpkin whoopie pie recipe that has the cream sandwiched right in the middle of it. I've made other versions of it before, but never one with pumpkin. I think it's going to be really great and I can't wait for my party!

A Heart Made Of Leaves

Brandi was raking leaves at my moms house last weekend.  She made this pile just for me.  I outlined the heart so you wouldn't miss it.  Of course, it didn't last long.  eventually, she was jumping into the pile.  I posted video here if you want to see.

Benched

The kids have been in school for two months now, and we are finally settled into a routine.  Bedtimes are established once again, and I finally got the kids into the habit of laying out their clothes the night before so that they aren't running around in the mornings looking for socks or underwear.  My only issue is that I don't have a place for them to lay out their book bags, shoes, and coats.  Right now, they are thrown on a chair in my kitchen, and I really want to find a spot specifically for these items. 

I looked around a little online, and found some pretty awesome log furniture.  There was this one bench in particular that I love, and it looks perfect for what I need.  What do you think?

  It's long enough to hold all three book bags and coats, and their shoes can be placed underneath it. They could even sit there to get their shoes on in the mornings, instead of fighting over space on the couch.  I will never understand why one kid needs to sit exactly where another kid is already sitting.  This is a constant, everyday thing in our house, and it drives me crazy.

This bench might just save my sanity.

Career Fair

This coming Tuesday, my two oldest kids are going to a career fair through the school.  It is an after school field trip, which also includes supper at a local pizza place.  I am excited for them to speak to professionals who can give them details about the ups and downs of selecting certain careers.  I am sure they will come home with all kinds of information, from which courses to take for a particular career to and real estate business cards.   I would think that if any of these kids make an impression on one of the speakers, they might be able to line up a job for the future, or at least get a business card to keep in contact.

My problem is going to be picking the kids up.  They are both due to be back to their schools at the same time, and I can't be in two places at once.  One of them is going to have to wait, and I have a feeling it's going to be Ryan.  He's already suggesting that he walk to the public library to wait on us, and I may just let him.

I Made This For The Girls Bathroom Mirror

I found a sign that had this message in the bathroom at my youngest child's school.  It was taped to the mirror, and I loved it.  So, I came home and made my own version to go on the mirror in my girl's bathroom.  In this day and age, girls worry at such a young age about body image, and I don't want my daughters to go through that.  I make sure I tell them everyday that they are beautiful and loved. 

But a little extra encouragement can't hurt. :)

Know Your Breasts!

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I changed my profile picture on Facebook pink.  As someone who has had breast issues in the past, I know how scary it can be when something is wrong with your body.  Recently, I have been reading reports that say self breast exams are no longer encouraged because they haven't been shown to make a difference.  I completely disagree with that.  I think every woman should know her breasts, that way she can tell if there is something wrong.  And make sure you get your mammograms.  As much as I feared having one done, it really wasn't that bad.  If you are really afraid, take a friend with you.  Just make sure you get it done.  We all know that the best chance at beating Breast cancer is finding it early.

Is It Worth It?

 Yesterday, Ryan found a mobile home on Craigslist for $225 a month.  That's right, per month.  According to the add, the mobile home is "free" to live in, and the monthly rent is for the lot it sits on.  After 10 years of payments, the owner will sign over the deeds to both the land and the mobile home.  They were very clear when they said that it was a fixer upper, and that they would not do any repairs.  Our curiosity peaked, we just had to go look at it.

The lot itself was really nice.  Lots of trees providing shade, and a paved driveway.  It was on a dead end street, in what seemed like a quiet neighborhood.  All the kids would be able to stay in their current schools, which was a plus.There was plenty of room for the kids to run around in the yard, and our storage building would fit without a problem. 

That said, there is no way that I would let my kids live in the mobile home in it's current condition.  There is no A/C, several of the windows were cracked, and the carpet 9what there was of it) was beyond cleaning.  In the living room, the "carpet" consisted of several area rugs sewed together.  The kitchen was missing all the drawers, and most of the cabinet doors.  The walls were okay (no holes) but I am sure there are all kinds of bugs running around.  We only peeked in the windows.

Junior was thinking that for $225 a month (which is way less than the $650 we're paying now) we could put carpet down and fix the kitchen.  Maybe even put up an awning or two after putting in new windows.   We could probably paint the walls and fumigate, but I am hesitant.  I usually have gut feelings about things, and I don't have a good feeling about this place.

So we're going to pass, and stay where we are.  For now.

Top Droppers ~ September

This blogs top droppers for September:

Moonangelnay on Etsy ~ A contemporary handmade, fine art, photography, crafts, gifts, jewelry, fashion and Etsy focused blog, sharing weekly features, tutorials, original works and interviews of the new artists of Etsy.

 

my kids are my world ~ This is a blog about my life as a wife and mother of three kids, who are, obviously, my world.

 

 Momspective ~ Julie Maloney from Momspective is hilarious. Well, she thinks she is. She'll bring you into every facet of her sometimes dramatic life and no matter how bad things get, she is guaranteed to make you laugh. 

 

All About Computer ~ Technology Blog, Blog about linux, computer and Technology

 

Confessions Of A Fitness Diva ~  The Fitness Diva shows you how to be fit and fabulous while still indulging in some of the more "sinful" things in life. Tips on how to be decadent, but still smart enough to stay looking amazing!

 

ClupClup.com ~  Get your Healhty Lifestyle info only on ClupClup.com. You can get many information about disease, medicine, therapy, and many more.

 

Random Ramblings ~  Personal observations on a wide variety of subjects. Photographs of creatures and things that are taken on seeing the unusual as well as everyday things.

 

 Nesting Buddy ~ Nesting Buddy is a site for existing and aspiring franchisers and home-based entrepreneurs. Here you will find information and articles to inform, motivate and assist you in your endeavours.

 

Superficial Gallery ~  The Superficial Gallery has the funniest columns, the best videos, a great forum, free gum* games with great prizes and thousands of celebrity pics thrown in for good measure. *We are out of gum. Deal with it.

 

What You Always Wanted To Say But Didn't ~  The blogs key focus will be everyday encounters that annoy the hell out of you, but you never do anything about it. There’s no need to suffer in silence: together we rant our way through and learn something too.

 

Thanks to all of you!

Something For My Girls

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PlayStation(R) Move. All opinions are 100% mine.

Let's face it.  Most video games are geared towards boys.  As a mom of a son and two daughters, I see first hand how much my son loves playing his video games, and how much my girls really don't care too much about it.  I am the exception to this, though, because I LOVE video games, and play with my son every chance I get.

That said, I really want to get the new PlayStation(R)MOVE for the PS3.  (I also need the PS3, but we'll get to that) The PlayStationMove is an interactive, motion sensor package that you can add to your PS3.  Think Wii, but for PlayStation.  I was checking out the games that are available for this system, and I found one that i think even my girls will like.  It's called Start The Party, and it has 20 different mini-games that my entire family can enjoy.  It looks like one of the games allows you to draw on the television screen with the controller.  I know my daughters would love that.

The one game that I know the entire family will love is TV Superstars.  There are five different TV shows that you can star in, from DIY to cooking.  Apparently the goal is to gain popularity by winning challenges.  I love this concept!  But, the most important thing about this game, and all the others, is that it gets you moving.  No more sitting on the couch staring at the television screen.  You need to get up and get moving!

Now, all I need to do is go out and get a PS3.  I'm thinking it would make a great Christmas gift for the kids this year.  The MOVE bundle package is only $99 more, which isn't bad at all.  The hard part is going to be deciding which games to get!

Franks and burgers and pop, oh my!

Thanks to Roman May

Is there any event as uniquely American as tailgating at your favorite football stadium before the big game? I know that it just wouldn't be football Saturday if I wasn't spending the afternoon grilling up my favorite brats and chasing them with my favorite beverage of choice over and over and over again. When I go to check out the Nebraska Cornhuskers or the Iowa Hawkeyes or any other team I decide to watch that week there are always a few supplies I take with me every time.

Of course I need a cooler to keep my drinks cool, I need my iPad with my AT&T internet in order to keep track of scores from every other game and I need whatever kind of meat products I want to consume each week. On occasion I'll drag my Weber grill out if I'm afraid the people I'm going to be tailgating with that week don't have a grill of their own. Of course when I head off to the latest tailgating party I make sure I set my home security alarm ahead of time. I can't be telling all you people that I'm never home on Saturdays and leave my beloved home unprotected now, can I? Of course I trust all of you but I'm also not completely naïve. This is the 21st century after all.

$40 Frecklebox Giveaway

I am hosting a giveaway for Frecklebox on my other blog, my kids are my world.  The winner will get to chose any one item (up to $40) from Frecklebox's website.  They have some really cool things, too, like lunchboxes and posters.  All their items can be personalized, which my kids love.  You can go here to enter.  Contest end tomorrow night, so hurry!

Restaurant Openings

Guest post written by Linda Bourdain

One of my favorite things about living in NYC is that there's always some new place opening or some event going on. So there's no excuse for staying in and saying that there's nothing to go out and do. Plus, I also think that New Yorkers do that because they don't want to be reminded of how tiny their apartments are.

My dream job would be to be a food critic, but alas I'm only an accountant. But I still get the joy of tasting all kinds of new exciting things by going to a lot of restaurant openings. I have a good friend who actually is a food critic and he invites me to a lot of them.

But, I also do a lot of research online with my & 4g clear bundle about new restaurants that are opening up and then little known gems too. Because as much as I love trying something new out, it's great to find something that has lasted so long in the city because it's genuinely good.

Billy's Back!

I am so excited that Billy the Exterminator is back for another season!  There is a new episode on tonight on A&E at 10pm.  The only problem is that I watch Parenthood at that time.  Since I don't have TiVo, I don't know what to watch.  I think the new episode of Parenthood will be on demand in the morning, so I will probably watch Billy.  I can't wait to see what kind of critters he goes after tonight!

Member's Mark Formula

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Member's Mark. All opinions are 100% mine.
One of my sisters is pregnant with her third child.  She is due after the first of the year.  I am surprised that she is the only one, because usually in our family, babies come in threes. 

 I remember when my kids were babies, I tried so hard to breastfeed.  Unfortunately, I had several issues that prevented that from happening.  I ended up pumping my breast milk for all of them.  Of course, because they weren't nursing, I didn't end up providing them with enough milk, so I supplemented with formula.  I always bought the least expensive, and that was usually the store brands.  I don't think that a lot of people realize that the store brands are just as good as the name brands.  Every infant formula, no matter who makes it, has to adhere to the same strict FDA guidelines.

I have another sister who had a baby last year, and she buys Member's Mark formula for her son at Sam's.   They recently updated the look of the cans, but it's the same formula.  They just made the cans look nicer and easier to read. 

You can check out their Facebook page, and make sure you visit their website, too.  They have this really neat calculator that can help you figure out how much money you can save simply by switching from the name brand formulas to Member's Mark.  I tried it, and it's really an eye opener.  I can think of so many other things mom could be spending that money on, like diapers and wipes.

We all know how many of those a baby can go through!

Sliding

Yesterday the girls and I went to my nephew's birthday party at one of those inflatable places.  They had slides, an obstacle course, bounce house, bounce house with basketball, a climbing wall, and my personal favorite, air hockey.  Kasi and I played three games, and I killed here every time.  The funny thing was, most of the goals I scored were helped along by her.  She kept scoring on herself...it was pretty funny.  Brandi had a ball on all the inflatables.  I got her mid-slide in the picture.  They let the kids play for over and hour, which was nice.  Brandi tried the rock wall several times, but never got more than a couple of feet off the ground.  Even when my mom and I took turns giving her a boost, she couldn't do it.  I actually have video...I'll see if I can get it to upload.  All in all, it was a great day to be a kid yesterday!

I Want To Love Wool

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rambler's Way Farm. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am all about comfort these days.  It doesn't matter if I am hanging around the house or dining at a nice restaurant, I want what I am wearing to look nice and feel nice against my skin.  If I am uncomfortable in my clothes, I know for a fact that I will not have a good time.  That said, I knew when I heard about Rambler's Way i would have to try out their products.  The problem is, I can not decide what I want to get.

My first thought was this beautiful camisole.  I can envision myself wearing it not just under my shirts, but as alone to hang around the house or sleep in.  It is made from a thin and smooth wool that really does look soft and comfy.  It can be worn a few times before it needs to be washed, because the fabric naturally whisks away moisture, keeping it fresh.

The best part is that when you do need to wash it, it can be thrown into the washing machine.  This is important to me, because as a wife and mother of three, laundry is hard enough to keep up with without having to worry about hand washing.  I also love their underwear.  Of course, I wouldn't go days without washing them, even thought the website claims you can.  I am curious about how cool and dry they are, so these are something I would buy.

Another cool thing is that you can request a fabric sample so you can feel for yourself how soft their wool is before you place an order.  I requested one, and can't wait for it to arrive.  I want them to change my mind about wool.  I don't want to think of it as itchy and think anymore.  I want to fall in love with it, and I think I will.

Brandi's Indian Project

Brandi had to do a habitat project on any Indian tribe she wanted for a school project.  Her only criteria was that they lived in tepees, because she wanted to build some.  Of course, when it came down to it, I did more of the building and she did more of the gluing. but we got it done and I think it looks great. I know she'll get a good grade on it.

Oh and that little circle of dark stuff in the left corner is a campfire, not buffalo poop.  It didn't come out too well in the picture, so I wanted to clear that up. lol!

A New Kind of Hike

Guest post written by Joseph Finch

Aaaahhhh, Fall! My favorite season to experience the fresh mountain air and hike my cares away. Fall is the BEST time to hike; no bugs, no crowds, no heatwaves. Just strap on my boots, throw some water into the backpack, set the home security alarm we got from brookhaven Adt broadview, and head to the trail.

Wait. That was BEFORE I had two kids. I still love to hike in the Fall, but preparing and executing the hike has certainly taken a turn! Now I'm packing, diapers, bottles, snacks, extra clothes, extra diapers, extra snacks, water, juice, chocolate milk, front pack, backpack, stroller, and don't forget the dog!

I'm nearly exhausted before we get to the trail. That's not going to stop us from having some good 'ole family fun. On the trail I remind myself to take time to revel in nature, breathe the crisp air, and NOT get frustrated when my son stops every two steps to crouch low and check out some wonder; maybe a leaf, a twig, a bug.

There is nothing like the wonderment of a child in the woods to teach you to slow down. As an adult I find myself too driven to just "get there", when "there" isn't necessarily any better than where we are right now. I'm now using my hikes as pleasant reminders to enjoy life, EVERY step of the way.

I Think I Need My Eyes Checked

 I have been having way too many headaches lately.  Yesterday, my head started hurting as soon as I got out of bed, and it didn't stop until sometimes last night while I was sleeping.  Nothing I did, or took, seemed to help.  I tried ibuprofen, migraine medicine, a hot bath, and even sitting in the dark, but nothing helped.  I think it might be time to have my eyes checked, because I know eye strain can cause headaches.

It's been a few years since I have had an eye exam, so I guess I am due.  I have been thinking about trying out contacts again, but I'm not sure.  Back in high school, when I went for my first eye exam, I got contacts.  I wore them for about a day, and couldn't stand them.  I went back and got a pair of glasses. 

The thing about the contacts was that I couldn't get past the fact that I had something stuck in my eye.  Nowadays, I know they make all kind of disposable contacts, and ones that can be left in your eyes for days.  I was reading that air optix aqua contacts can be left in for up to six nights.  That seriously freaks me out a little.  I know it's an irrational thing, and I am hoping that I can get past it so that I can get rid of these glasses.

The only way to do that is to try and wear contacts again.  Wish me luck.

Do The Reuse Challenge

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

Are you wondering what the Do The Reuse Challenge is?  Lucky for you, I am going to explain it.  Simply put, for 30 days, you will give up all disposable paper cups, water bottles, and food containers.  That means no eating out or drinking bottled water.  Sounds simple, right?  It should be.

I took a look at what my family does to help the environment, and I think we do some positive things.  Brandi brings her lunch to school every day, and she uses a plastic sandwich holder and water bottle.  Her teacher even encouraged the kids in her class to reuse, too, by giving each kid a refillable water bottle on the first day of school.  Brandi fills hers with ice water every morning, and is able to enjoy it throughout the day.

Aladdin is encouraging all of us to take the challenge.  They are even offering discounts and free shipping on certain products on their website.  While there, you can follow 9 families who have already accepted the challenge and are blogging about it.  You can also check out Aladdin on Facebook.

If you need a reason to accept this challenge, maybe these statistics will help you make the right choice:

● Seven million barrels of oil are used to produce the disposable bottles Americans go through in one year. (think of all the other things that can be done with that oil)

● In the United States, 50 billion disposable water bottles are consumed per year; 137,000 per day; 1,585 per second. (those are some crazy numbers!)

● It costs about $165 a year to make drip coffee at home versus $636 to buy drip coffee at your local café. (think of all the money you can save!)

● Unless we change our habits, 23 billion paper coffee cups will be thrown out in 2010. (that's a lot of coffee cups!)

● Nine dollars will generally cover a decent lunch out. If you buy rather than pack a lunch five days a week, you shell out about $2,350 a year. (I can think of hundreds of other things I would rather spend that kind of money on!)

If those reasons aren't enough to convince you, think of your kids.  What kind of planet will we be leaving behind for them if we don't change our ways?

Stitches

I want these!!!!

I have been thinking about what I can dress up as for Ryan's upcoming party, and while browsing etsy I found these awesome stitches in Burlesquers shop.  She makes bracelets to match, too.  (she also makes the stitches in pink!)

She also has necklaces and bracelets that look like dripping blood.  How cool is that?

I'm Stressed And In Need Of A Vacation

 Right now, my head feels like it is going to explode.  I am stressed, and I can't seem to relax.  I took ibuprofen this morning, and it didn't touch my headache.  A little while ago, I took two Excedrin migraine pills, and nothing.  I hate when this happens. 

I think the only thing that is going to help is to get away from it all.  I need to forget about Facebook bullies, little kids getting violent at the bus stop in the mornings, getting reviews posted before deadlines come and go, and mostly, I need to get away from this computer.  Staring at this screen isn't helping my headache at all.

I want to go camping.  I want to swim in the lake, fish a little, and relax beside a fire.  We can look into rv rentals or simply pitch a tent; I don't care either way.  I just want to be in a place where time means nothing and there is nothing planned.  No deadlines.  No bedtimes.  No bus stops.  Just relaxation.

Is that possible?

Goose Lake Fishing

Guest post written by my buddy Irene Hodge

Going fishing is something that I have greatly enjoyed doing with either my parents, my children, or by myself. There are many great things about fishing that make it an excellent sport and hobby. A good thing about it is that it is relatively cheap and once you have a pole, things don't cost too much anymore. This is a reason why so many people absolutely love to go fishing with their friends, even if they happen to be broke.

A great place that I enjoy going fishing at is Goose Lake in the east part of town where I live. There are many geese there that are also a lot of fun to feed and watch, but fishing is what always draws my attention more then anything else. The joy of actually testing your mettle and trying to catch record sized fish is a great thing to do, and gives a person the ability to relax and contemplate their lives.

Before I leave I always set my home alarm that I got from Adt security near St. Louis MO, because I know that while I am out having fun, things can happen at home that aren't so fun. The ability to know that I can enjoy my favorite thing and not worry about endangering my home is probably the greatest feeling in the world. If your home is safe, your mind will be at ease.

Check It Out!

I have some really cool things going on over on my main blog, my kids are my world.  I have a couple of contests running.  One is for some pretty neat hair tinsel (which really works on think hair...not so much on thin).  The other is for a $40 gift from Frecklebox.  You can find links to both contests in my sidebar.  Right at the top.  Under the "follow me on Twitter" button.  Oh, and speaking of that, feel free to follow me on Twitter too.

I also wrote a post this morning about how evil FB can be for teen aged boys.  I would love some opinions and advice on that one.

I hope you'll take the time to hop on over there and check things out.

Almost Party Time!

 I am sitting here watching The Biggest Loser, thinking about what kinds of foods I am going to make for Ryan's birthday Halloween party next month.  I have some ideas, and I have my favorite recipes that I use year after year.  I really need to sit down and make a list, though, before I forget what I am thinking. 

I also have to come up with Simple HalloweenCostumes for the kids.  I don't have a lot of money to spend, and they each have specific ideas of what they want to be.  Brandi will probably be the hardest, because she wants to be Selena Gomez. I have an amazon gift card I can use if I can find that costume online.  Kasi says she wants to be a vampire again, but the costume she has used for the past three years is finally a little too small.  I am hoping that I can make her a black gown, that way all I will have to buy will be makeup and hair dye.  And fangs.  Ryan still can't decide what he wants to be.

I am thinking about dressing up myself this year.  Any suggestions about what I should be?

Kitchen Refresh

Guest post written by Ellen Myers

After I had saved up to buy my own place, I had to wait a while to try and do any remodeling inside the house until I saved up some more money because it's just my income that's going into it. But that gave me even more time to figure out exactly what I would want to do in my kitchen.

Once I thought that I had everything handled and I was ready to make the investment, I got some new sears cabinets installed. The old cabinets were a drabby wood stained color that wasn't really dark and wasn't really light, it just looked faded and worn. So once when I got the new ones in that were really really dark wood stained, it looked so much more sleek and modern!

It really set off the the wall sconces that I had installed to match in the kitchen and I think that it was that little touch that really made my kitchen feel like it was actually mine instead of the former owner's.

He's A Little Blue

Look what I found in WisperOn's etsy shop!  It's the most adorable elephant bell I have ever seen.  That's right...this little guy is a bell.  His legs are the bell's clapper.

I think I could make my entire Christmas wish list from the things I find on etsy.  It is my goal again this year to give all the adults handmade Christmas gifts, even if they are not made by me.

This Is Going To Be A Great Week!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of TiVo. All opinions are 100% mine.
I love when all my favorite shows start back up for the season.  Tonight, a few of my favorites returned, like House and How I Met Your Mother.  Tomorrow night, The Biggest Loser is back, and Kasi and I love watching that show.  I am hoping that maybe this year I will be motivated to lose some weight along with the contestants.

Some nights are hard, though, because there are several different shows that I want to watch, and they all come on at the same time.  I am kind of embarrassed to admit that we do not own a DVR.  I would love to have one, though, especially the new TiVo Premiere and the new TiVo Slide remote.  I mean, not only do I love Fall TV, I also love watching movies.   One of the coolest features of the new TiVo is that if I am watching a movie and I like the actor, I can use it to search for other movies that that actor has been in, and then watch them instantly via YouTube, Amazon VOD, Blockbuster, Netflix or my cable lineup.

Right now, you can enter to win a TiVo slide in the "30 Slides In 30 Days Sweepstakes".  All you have to do is either visit their Facebook Fan Page and "like" them, or follow them on Twitter.  Sounds easy enough, right?  

I am going to Enter to Win.  Are you?

We Got Some Pumpkins!

Yesterday, we were driving down the road and we passed a farm stand that was selling pumpkins.  Of course we had to stop, and I convinced Junior that we all needed pumpkins.  Well, the kids and I each got one.  Junior tends to be a party pooper when it comes to thing like this.

The only question now is whether or not to carve them.  I want them to last until Halloween, and I know that if we carve them, they won't.  I think I may just have the kids use markers to decorate them.  We'll see.

Reasons Why Ryan Will Not Be Driving Any Time Soon

 Ryan's birthday is in about six weeks.  He will be turning 15.  He thinks he will be able to start learning how to drive. 

He is mistaken.

Junior and I talked about it, and he agrees with me that Ryan just isn't ready to be behind the wheel of a car.  It's not just the high cost of insurance or the thought of having to deal with The March Group Complaints that is holding us back.  We both agreed that Ryan isn't mature enough yet to be a responsible driver.  As much as his medicine helps him control his ADHD, he still has problems with impulse control, and I don't think that is a good thing for a driver.  I also want him to take a drivers education class.  And a defensive drivers class.  And any other type of class they offer to young drivers.  He also has to prove to me that he can keep his grades up, and judging by the progress reports he brought home today, he is a long way from that.

Just because the law says he is old enough to drive doesn't mean I will let him. 

I Need About Five More Hours In Every Day

 It's that time of year again.  There are only three months left until Christmas, and my creative juices are begging to flow.  I have so many ideas floating around in my head, but not enough time to do anything with them.  I don't know how it happened, but here lately, I have very little time for myself.  I was sure that once the kids started back to school, I would have all this free time to work on my crafts.  Instead, I have been spending a lot of time out of the house, hanging out with a friend of mine.

I am now hoping that in the next month or so I can get working on some projects.  A few years ago, I made name signs for all my nieces and nephews for Christmas.  Since then, whenever a baby is born, I make a sign.  Well, I am now three nieces behind.  I bought the wood, drew out the names, and am trying to find the time to get them carved out.

Maybe this weekend...

Favorite Wedding Themed TV Show

This guest post from Doris Dillon

There are many wedding themed television shows on the air today. One of my favorites is Bridezilla, which I watch on the satellite television I got through http://www.direc4u.com/direct-tv-deals.html whenever I can gain control of the remote. While many wonder why there is such a show, I believe the show was created to help grooms understand the craziness that overtakes their loving bride as the wedding approaches.

For myself, I like to watch the show and see all of the issues that the bride-to-be is faced with. For myself, I had a very small wedding on a very small budget, therefore never experienced many of the issues that these brides face. From dresses to bridesmaids to menu and invitations, these brides really throw some outrageous temper tantrums and out right fits when things do not go their way.

Another reason I believe this show was created was also to make brides aware that things are not always perfect both before hand and after the ceremony. I don't recall one single episode in which everything went according to planned for anyone at all, nor do I remember an episode where the wedding did not happen, although that threat was always there and just about always stated by the bride.

Many brides suffer from this 'illness' that seems to afflict these brides in Bridezilla. Even the brides using a wedding planner end up having many issues that seem to stress them so badly that everything turns upside down. In most cases, anything that can go wrong will.

My Girls Are Making Bracelets

I can't wait to see what the finished products look like!

Junior's Aching Back

 Junior has been doing a lot of work over at my mom's house lately, He has ripped out her kitchen cabinets and the walls in her dining room.  It has been a long process, and along the way he has developed some aches and pains.  A friend suggested we order tramadol online without prescription to help relieve some of his back pain. They said this muscle relaxer should help him feel better.  Junior is like me, though, and would rather take as little medicine as possible.  I have a feeling he might change his mind next weekend, though, because that is when the new cabinets and counter tops are going to be installed.

By him.

I Love This Bracelet

That's right...it's elephants!  I found this in an etsy store ~ Lyla Accessories.  It's her Suede elephant bracelet in earthy tones.   I'm not a big fan of the tassel, but the rest is adorable.  Those little elephants would look great on my wrist. Unfortunately, at $27 (including shipping) it's a little too expensive for my budget right now.  But, I can still drool over it!

Athlete's Foot

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of goviral. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't know about you, but when I think of athlete's foot, I think about men.  I know that's crazy, but it never occurred to me that women can get it, too.  It makes sense, though.

What is athlete's foot?  According to dictionary.com, it is defined a:

A contagious fungal skin infection caused by a species of Trichophyton or Epidermophyton that usually affects the feet, especially the skin between the toes, and is characterized by itching, blisters, cracking, and scaling.

I know that in some gym's, it is recommended that you wear shower shoes, and never walk barefoot in the showers or locker room.  If you do end up with athlete's foot, you can use Lamisil's athlete's foot treatment so that you don't have to hide your feet.  I know that during the summer, I live in flip flops and sandals.  I am not sure I would continue to wear them if I was suffering from Athlete's Foot.  I would probably want to hide my feet.  I think most people would.

Instead of suffering from embarrassment as well as itchy feet, try Lamisil's athlete's foot treatment the next time you find yourself with athlete's foot.  Hopefully, it'll have you back in your sandals in no time.

Brandi's Art

Last Tuesday, Junior and I went to therapy.  We are starting to go to a new building, and Brandi is excited because the new waiting room is bigger and better.  There are lots of new things for her to do.  She especially loved the white board.  Of course, the picture she drew was all about me!

Do You Want To Become A Teacher?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.
 I know a few women who are teachers, and they all say the same thing about their jobs; that it is a rewarding career.  Teachers are responsible for teaching our children, and thankfully, most teachers take this responsibility very seriously.  Our children are our future.  That's not just a line from a song.  It's true.

I also have friends who are just now starting to go back to school.  At our age, the kids are getting older, and we are finding ourselves with time on our hands, and what better way to spend that time than going to school.  If you are like us, and are thinking about becoming a teacher, you should check out The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC.

This program allows you to study at home, which is perfect for us stay at home mom's.  They have an accelerated program that can be completed in as little as three months, and you can do field work close to home.  With scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs, going to school can be very affordable, too. You can find program information by clicking the link, and you can read about the program from participating students on the MAT@USC Student Blog.

It's never too late to reach your dream of graduating college.  

It's Like Putting A Puzzle Together

I think I might have mentioned that Junior is re-doing my mom's kitchen.  This week, he worked on the boxing she wants to go around the light over the sink.  Did you follow that?  Junior spent two days working on the pieces, and getting them put together.  My roto-zip came in really handy for the scalloped edges. The finished product looks great!  I'll get a shot as soon as he gets it hung in the kitchen.

Discovery Channel Rocks

Post contributed by Leonard Phelps

I have come to a conclusion that Discovery Channel is the most interesting channel there is . The reason why I like the Discovery channel so much and why it's my favorite educational channel is because of the unique reality and educational information that can be learned from it. Not only is the Discovery channel educational it's entertaining. They have a real good way of educating us but at the same time keeping curious into what or how did they do it or how will this or that conclude.

There are many educational yet entertaining shows on the Discovery channel that I enjoy to watch on my satellite tv in Pennsylvania. Some including Myth Busters, Cash Cab, and the Deadliest Catch. The Deadliest Catch consist of fishing crews fishing on some fearless and treacherous seas and withstanding the elements of the weather. The reason why this show is educational is because it shows viewers that fishing which was a popular occupation in the past is not a very easy thing to do.

I think that educational television is needed in a society where we have video games and other home entertainments to keep our kids and our self from learning valuable information. The information you might receive might not be helpful in your life but at lease it's also entertaining!

Top Droppers ~ August

Thanks to the following blogs who dropped the most here in August

Moonangelnay on Etsy ~ A contemporary handmade, fine art, photography, crafts, gifts, jewelry, fashion and Etsy focused blog, sharing weekly features, tutorials, original works and interviews of the new artists of Etsy.

my kids are my world ~  This is a blog about my life as a wife and mother of three kids, who are, obviously, my world.

Sandypetals ~  Blog about Gardening, Jewelrymaking and Life in general.

Crazy Mom With 4 Boys ~ I'm a mom of 4 boys. I have been married to the love of my life for over 20 years. We enjoy sports, cooking, gardening, crafts, painting, music, watching movies and I love to shop.

World Dream Cars ~  The latest update on world dream cars from various model.

feeding my family of five ~  I write about the things I cook for, and with, my family.

Da Dude's BBQ Thought ~  Da Dude's BBQ Thought & other things. The thoughts and rantings of a Barbecue God Wanna be!

Lovely Purses ~  this blog is all about creativity, my love of fabrics, bag design and construction, useful sewing advice, trends and current projects

Resume of Career Catastrophes ~  Forty plus hours a week, plus commute time... we live to work/work to live.

PetsBlogs ~  Loads of pet-related information, stories, news, a pet directory, and reviews of the best pets blogs.

Who Comes Up With These Names?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.
I would really love to know who sat down one day and decided to call this diaper rash cream Butt Paste.  I love the name!  In fact, when my sister was doing her baby registry, she added this stuff just because she liked the name.  Little did she know that she would love the product, too, and continue to use it for both of her children.

I am talking about Boudreaux's Butt Paste. This stuff was "specifically formulated by a pharmacist with direction from a respected pediatrician to provide effective diaper rash care", so it works really well.  If you have ever had a child with severe, or even mild, diaper rash, you know how important it is to use a product that is going to make their little bottoms feel better.  There is nothing worse than using a cream that is hard to get off, because that just means you have to wipe harder, which ends up making the diaper rash worse.  With Butt Paste, you don't have to worry about that, because it wipes off very easily.  This stuff has been talked about on Oprah and The Tonight Show, and it was even featured on TLC's While You Were Out.

If I ever (bite your tongue here) have another child, I would use this product.  If you want to sample it before you buy it, click the link above and fill out the simple request form.  I think once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Win Some Great Stuff!

Small Town Mommy is having a giveaway, and it's a good one.  One lucky winner will win a bunch of General Mills stuff and a $25 gift card to Target.  You can enter here.  The giveaway ends tonight, so get a move on.  Good luck!

Mother Goose Blanket

I have been cleaning like crazy the past couple of days.  With the kids in school, I have been getting a lot done.  While doing laundry, I found this blanket.  I cross stitched it for Brandi while I was pregnant with her.  Brandi now uses it for her baby dolls, but i am going to steal it back and put it up for when she has babies.  Even though it has her name on it, I think she will love using it for her own kids.

Healthy Snacks For Brandi

We are starting our second week of school, and the kids are adjusting well.  I know it will take a couple of weeks to get back into our routine completely, so I have tried to have a lot of patience.  Having things ready the night before helps the mornings run smoothly, so I try and have book bags packed, lunches made, and clothes laid out before the kids go to bed.  There is nothing more frustrating than finding out ten minutes before the bus comes that one of the kids doesn't have any clean socks.

My youngest is in third grade now, and I was hoping that I wouldn't have to worry about sending a snack with her for during the day.  The first couple of days, the teacher said no snacks, but eventually she changed her mind.  I don't like sending snacks like chips and cookies though.  I prefer Brandi take fruit or a granola bar.  The only downside to this is that healthy snacks can get expensive.  I have though about buying healthy snacks online, but I am not sure what she will eat.  I found a coupon for Glennys , where I can get 15% off all natural 100 calorie brownies.  I am not sure I would send them with Brandi to school, but I am pretty sure I would like them. 

I mean, they're chocolate, right?

I Can Do This! I Think. Maybe.

I have a habit of scouring etsy and saving the pictures of the things I like.  I know the artists and designers are hoping to sell their creations, but sometimes I come across something that I think I might be able to make on my own.  This little elephant Christmas ornament is one of those things.  The only thing I am questioning is how the clay sticks to the glass.  Glue?  If so, what kind?

Oh, for $10, I might just buy this guy. I mean, it is adorable.

Get Organized, Or Sleep?

 The kids are back in school.  Yesterday was their first day, and I will admit to doing a little happy dance once they were on the bus.  The I took my lazy butt back to bed.  It was so nice to sleep in a quiet house, with no arguing and fighting.

I want to get this house organized in the next few weeks.  When the kids are home during the summer, I find it's a losing battle to keep the house clean.  Now that I am home alone during the day, I can crank up my music and get things done.  The first thing on my list is cleaning the girls room.  They have so much stuff in there.  It's not trash, but it's also not stuff they play with every day.  There are totes of clothes that Kasi has outgrown that I am saving for Brandi.  There are boxes of collectibles, like Barbies and Precious Moments, that we have no room to display.  Even though we have a storage building (that is filled with Junior's tool and stuff) in the yard, I am still thinking about renting a self storage building.  I would use Self Storage Milton Keynes, but they are a little far from where I live.  I need something close, and cheap.

Maybe then, I can get all the totes and boxes out of their room, and finally get it organized.  Or at least that is what I am hoping.  I may just spend the next two weeks enjoying the quiet by sleeping in and watching movies.  We'll see.

Want To Win These Soaps?

Me too! 

They are made by Buttons Bubbles and they are her Jivin'Java kitchen soap.  They get that yucky onion/garlic smell off your hands. 

Mom. Undecided is hosting this giveaway, and you can enter here.

Good Luck!

Finding The Right Cell Phone Plan

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.
The other day, I did a post about Junior and I getting new cell phones.  Right now, we have "pay as you go" phones, and while they do the basics, I want something that is a little fancier.  I want to be able to get online to update my Facebook status. (Priorities, right? lol)  I was checking out Boost Mobile, and was actually a little surprised to learn they they have phones plans that do not require a contract, and that is really what we need.  They offer different monthly plans, ranging from $50-$60 dollars, depending on what options you want.  I also love their Re-Boost program, where they offer a couple of different ways to pay your bill.  You can use your debit or credit card to pay online or on your phone, or you could pay in person.   They also offer the option of setting up automatic payments.

A very good friend of mine was telling me how much she loves her Blackberry, so I was interested in finding out more about BoostMobile's Blackberry plan.  I can get a plan for $60 a month that offers unlimited nationwide talk, text, web and email.  For me, that's a pretty good deal.  It would allow me to check my email during the day when I'm not home, and also feed into my Facebook addiction. 

Oh, and it would also make it easier for the school to contact me if something happens to the kids.  I guess that is what is really important.

Mosaic Giveaway

How cool is this picture? 

It is made from a bunch of tiny pictures, and I love it!  I want to win one of my own, and you can too.  Just head over to Mom. Undecided and enter here.

She has a bunch of giveaways going on right now in celebration of her birthday, so make sure and check them all out.

Is It The Right Time To Go Back To School?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.
Have you ever thought of going back to school?  It's something that I have been thinking about for a while now, and I think now is the right time.  I figure I can take the basics at a local college, and then apply online to a school where I can get a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  That's right, I think I might want to become a teacher.

"The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC offers current educators and aspiring teachers the prestige of earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an elite research university with the convenience and flexibility of studying online."

How cool is that?  I know it will be hard work, but it will also be rewarding.  The school offers a tuition reimbursement program, which I will definitely be looking into, even though I hope to qualify for some grants or scholarships.  They also have an accelerated program, which can be completed in as little as 12 months.  I know there is so much program information I still need to look through, but I am a little excited about it. Studying from home is ideal, too, because I can do the mom thing at the same time.

I just hope that I don't let my fear of public speaking and my extreme shyness get in my way.  One step at a time, I guess, and maybe one day I will be a member of the USC Trojan family.

Deleted. All Gone. Now I Regret It A Little Bit.

A little over two years ago I had my breast reduction.  The weeks (and months) leading up to it, I chronicled on a blog.  Then stuff happened, and I deleted the entire thing. 

I wish I hadn't done that.  I was feeling so many different things at that time, and it would be nice to have a look back, especially since a friend is now facing the same surgery, and therefor the same fears.

If only I could go back...

Am I Being Copied?

Do you know exactly what your readers are looking for, and taking from, your blog?  We all write posts with the hope that someone, somewhere, will benefit from it.  We share our experiences, hoping that we can reach people who are going through the same things, whether it be good or bad things.   The hard part is not knowing if you are reaching people.  Sure, you know you have visitors to your blog, but wouldn't you like to know what they are copying and taking with them?  You can use Blog Copy to find out.  This site monitors your blog, and lets you know which posts people are connecting with, by the showing you which parts of your posts are being copied and pasted. 

This information can be used to discover which key words work for you, allowing you to give your readers more of what they love.  I assume it will also help with search engines.  I'm no expert blogger, but I am curious to see what people are taking from my sites. 

Aren't you?

I've Never Played Slots Online. Have You?

I have never been to Vegas or Atlantic City.  There is even a place to gamble in North Carolina that my brothers-in-law like to go to when they visit that I have never been to.  Heck, I've never even played slots online.   I think the main reason is because Junior and I don't have money that we can safely lose, and that's the only way I would ever gamble.  I have heard too many stories of people betting away their lives savings.

If we ever do get some extra money, though, I would love to drive to Vegas.  Knowing me, though, I would probably spend all my time taking in the shows.

I Think I'm Destined To Win!

Yesterday, I wrote a post about my obsession with magnets.  Today, I found this giveaway on Mom. Undecided.  She is giving away magnets!

These were made by Intentional Glass, and you can find here etsy shop here.  She has so many beautiful things in her shop, too. 

If you want to enter this giveaway, check it out here.  Good luck!

Magnets

I love magnets.  Seriously, it's like an addiction.  Check out my fridge:

That's only the front.  The sides are also covered.  I have magnets from most of the states I have visited, lots of elephant magnets, and even more "bag clip" magnets. My favorite ones, though, are the ones that my kids have made me over the years. The old elementary school they used to go to did a fundraiser where they made magnets out of the kids artwork.  I always bought those. 

I was thinking that this year, something like that would make great gifts for the kids grandparents.  I did a search for sites where you can make refrigerator magnets, and luckily I found a site that will work for what I want.  My biggest obstacle now is going to be getting Ryan to draw something that doesn't involve AC/DC or skulls.  At 15, that seems to be his obsession right now.  I'm just glad my girls still like to draw hearts and rainbows. 

Work From Home

I have been looking for a job, and I am kind of hoping to find one I can do from home, other than blogging.  I read about this company named 2PONS Magazine that pays you to sell advertising space in their magazine, and it sounds simple enough.  You can Apply Here Start Tomorrow.  My only worry is that I am not sure how well I would handle rejection.

Top Droppers ~ July

The following blogs dropped on this the blog the most last month:

Moonangelnay on Etsy ~ A contemporary handmade, fine art, photography, crafts, gifts, jewelry, fashion and Etsy focused blog, sharing weekly features, tutorials, original works and interviews of the new artists of Etsy.

Forex trading blog  ~ Forex blog covering market events, and tips for learning to trade forex.

 Vietnam travel ~ Vietnam travel

Entrecard dropper ~  Entrecard dropper, Entrecard tips

my kids are my world ~  This is a blog about my life as a wife and mother of three kids, who are, obviously, my world.

 Sandypetals ~ Blog about Gardening, Jewelrymaking and Life in general.

 Ask Ms Recipe ~ A food blog like no other where I will answer your recipe questions and include your website with the answers.

 Online Tips ~ Get the tips on Insurance, Mortgage, Loan, and others.

 World Dream Cars ~ The latest update on world dream cars from various model.

feeding my family of five ~  I write about the things I cook for, and with, my family.

Thanks everyone!

Play Around in Memphis

This is a sponsored guest post written by Memphis Travel on behalf of Memphis CVB. Post powered by Sponzai.

More than just the home of the blues and barbeque, Memphis gives you plenty of ways to play around, with fun things to do no matter who you are or what you like. Of course, if you’re into Elvis, rock-and-roll and mouth-watering ribs, you’ve got to check out Graceland, Sun Studios, and the Rendezvous. But Memphis has much more to offer than this holy trinity of southern culture, with enough to see, do and eat to make it the perfect location for your next long weekend getaway. 

    The families out there (or the wild at heart) should be sure to check out the Memphis Zoo, one of only four U.S. zoos with giant pandas. Recently ranked the #1 zoo in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com, the Memphis Zoo lets you get up close and personal with the animal kingdom. And with the recent addition the Northwest Passage, home to Polar bears in a see-through underwater exhibit, and the zoo’s newest section, Teton Trek, kids and adults alike are certain to have a blast.

    Don’t let your midtown experience stop at the zoo; the Cooper-Young and Overton Square neighborhoods are just down the street. Ask a local Memphian where to find a tasty bite to eat, great local music and ice cold beer, and they will probably direct you here. Speaking of beer … the environmentally conscious visitor can enjoy a locally brewed beer by Ghost River Brewing or walk through the natural landscape and educational facilities at the Lichterman Nature Center.

    Memphis has museums for just about everything. From the Civil Rights Museum, Cotton Museum and Fire Museum in downtown to the Brooks Museum, Children’s Museum of Memphis and the Pink Palace Museum further east, the number of places to have fun while you learn are as bountiful as the barbeque restaurants. Families, friends, sports fans, history buffs, self-proclaimed food critics – Memphis has everything you need to keep everyone happy.

     So when you visit Memphis, stay a few extra days. Even the locals don’t run out of things to do. And to make it easy, memphistravel.com is launching a new travel guide to help you plan your next vacation. Simply choose from a list of interests and you’ll be given a sample itinerary with lots of great ideas. You can also register for a chance to win one of twelve trip packages that include tours, gift certificates to Memphis’ favorite restaurants, hotel stays and more. Go to itinerary.memphistravel.com to get started.

Seriously, I Love This Website

A couple of weeks ago, I made meatloaf.  I have been using the same canned meatloaf mix for a while now, but the past two times I have made it, it has been horrible.  This last time, the texture was so bad, I had to throw every bit of it away.  I can only assume they changed the ingredients in the canned mix, because I did nothing else different. 

Since I will no longer use this mix, I need to find a new recipe.  I was thinking of trying to make a meatloaf from scratch, so I went in search of an easy recipe to follow.  I ended up finding a BBQ meatloaf recipe on FoodConnect.com that I can not wait to try.  It sounds delicious, and I'm not just saying that because I have a slight addiction to BBQ sauce.

This is the first time I have been on FoodConnect, and I am seriously loving this site.  Not only do they have a ton of recipes to look through, they also have a section called FoodConnect Events, where you can find out if there are any food related events going on in your area.   It was through this site that I found out the is a Watermelon Festival in North Carolina this weekend that my kids would love going to.  I am going to have to ask Junior if it is close enough for a road trip.

You can also find restaurants in your area, and read reviews written by people who have eaten there.  You can also write about your own experience for other people to read.

I think this might be my new favorite website.  In fact, I think I am going print out that meatloaf recipe and add this site to my favorites.  I have to make it easy to find, because I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time there.

School Supplies

Last week, I started buying school supplies for my kids.  I am almost done buying just their class supplies (no clothes or shoes yet) and have already spent a small fortune.  Can someone please tell me why a binder costs $2.50?  And why do Ryan and Kasi have to have a separate one for each class?  And each one needs dividers, which cost another $1, and then the filler paper that is $.75 a pack...it's ridiculous. 

I also have to buy Ryan a scientific calculator, which is going to cost me $15 at registration, because they have to have a specific one.  He also needs specific colored gym shorts and tshirts.  I don't know how people who are on a stricter budget than us afford all this.  Hell, I don't know how we are going to afford all this.