Weekend Win It - December 1-2 {Giveaway Linky}

Welcome to Weekend Win It! This giveaway linky is a great way to spread the word about your giveaways, or find some great ones to enter! And remember...you don't need to be a blogger to enter these giveaways!

I have some great giveaways going on right now...

Giveaway: Kidtoons Ends: 12/1 Prize: Welcome to LazyTown DVD

Giveaway: EatSmart Ends: 12/4 Prize: Precision Digital Bathroom Scale

Let The Elf Magic Elfcapades Begin!

During the holidays last year, I heard a lot of talk about the elves that were apparently visiting the homes of my friends. It took me a while to figure out the point of these elves, but when I finally realized how fun it was to pretend that the elves came to life at night, it was too late for us to start the tradition here. The elves seemed like a great addition to the magic of Christmas.

We decided to start the elf tradition this year with an Elf Magic Elf. Elf Magic is the original Christmas Elf tradition and has been around for 50 years. They have several adorable elves available to come visit your children during the Christmas season.

Right before Thanksgiving I asked Rylie and Bryce if they would like to have one of Santa's magical elves come stay with us during the month of December. Of course they did! I told Rylie that she had to write a letter asking Santa to send one of his elves our way, and the next day, her letter was ready to mail. She even drew a picture of our house so that the elf would know where to go!

Cool Cuts 4 Kids Will Have Your Kids Looking Their Best This Holiday Season {Review, Coupon & Giveaway}

The holiday season is upon us, and we all want to look our best for those holiday parties and family portraits. That goes for the kids too. If your kids are in need of a haircut, take them to a place that makes haircuts fun - Cool Cuts 4 Kids.

Professionals at Cool Cuts 4 Kids are specially-trained to work with each child's temperament, special needs or sensory difficulties, with a gentle approach and kid-friendly finesse. If little ones need additional coaxing into the salon chair, Cool Cuts 4 Kids salons also feature entertainment zones that offer a wide selection of movies, video games, and more. Cool Cuts 4 Kids is dedicated to creating a safe, trusting, and fun environment for kids and parents alike!

We just had our holiday photos taken, and I actually took my kids to Cool Cuts 4 Kids right before our photo session. Both kids were in need of a trim, but Rylie had bigger plans. When she hopped up into the cool salon chair that looks like a car, she told her stylist, Karis, that she wanted all of her hair cut off! I was hesitant to agree, because her hair had just started growing out, but she really wanted it done, so I told Karis to go ahead and cut a few inches off.

Wordless Wednesday: Ready To Travel The World

...just not in her pajamas.

Let Your Wine Breathe With A Vinturi Aerator {Review & Giveaway}

I have worked in the hospitality industry most of my life, and I definitely enjoyed most of the perks that went along with that. One of those perks was getting to sample great wine on a regular basis. I couldn't possibly recommend wine that I hadn't tried, could I?

That's why part of me was a little sad when I quit work a few months ago knowing that I wouldn't get to enjoy great wine as often as I did at work. When I went to a wine tasting, the representative had everything already set up, and had all of the glasses poured. All I had to do was show up. I had resigned myself to the fact that while I would have my few glasses of wine each week after the kids went to bed, it wasn't going to be as fabulous as the wine I had at work.

I recently heard about wine aerators by Vinturi, and decided to try the Red Wine Aerator. The Vinturi Wine Aerator promises better bouquet, enhanced flavors, and a smoother finish by allowing the wine to breathe. After all, wine that has been allowed to breathe tastes better, and Vinturi's patented design speeds up the aerating process.

Share Your #MomentsofJoy with Fisher-Price {$100 AMEX Giveaway}

If you're a parent, then you know how much joy children bring to our lives. From the moment they are born, to the day they take their first step, to the time when you realize that they know their ABCs, the Moments of Joy are abundant!

It's not just the big moments that bring us joy, though. There are the little moments too - a messy meal, a child using their imagination and using a box as a toy, or your kids just looking cute. Those are the moments that you have to run and get your camera to capture, because you never want to forget them.

Fisher-Price wants you to share those moments on their new Moments of Joy site! This fun website is a place for parents to share the candid and real moments of childhood. We are all proud of our kids and love to brag about them, right? Well, this is the place to do it!

Kids Will Love Stompin' Around In Stompeez {Review & Giveaway}

At our house most of our shows we record on DVR, so we don't see too many commercials. This means we sometimes miss out on some great information and great products. Luckily I do get to see a few while I am at the gym on the treadmill and catch up on some stuff we miss while at home.

Lately I keep seeing a commercial for Stompeez - these really cute slippers for kids that the eyelids move up and down as kids walk. This commercial always makes me smile because I remember when I was a kid and would start to see some commercial around Christmas time of something that I just "had to have" and I know that there are probably a lot of kids that are telling their parents they want Stompeez for Christmas.

~*~Winners!!!~*~ My1story, Cottonelle

Congratulations to last week's winners!

My1story Book or Plush

Thanksgiving Weekend With Family And Friends

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Ours was like every other weekend - crazy busy - but it included a lot of fun with family and friends. We had such a great time, and I hated to see it end.

My best friend Melissa invited us over to her house for Thanksgiving dinner. Since her husband is like the best cook ever, and since I have never cooked a turkey (and don't really ever care to), I gladly accepted her offer. On Wednesday night, Brian prepared our contributions to the feast - corn casserole and baked macaroni and cheese - and we headed over to the west coast of Florida on Thursday morning.

Our first task when we arrived at Melissa's house was to attempt a family photo. Well, you know how that goes when you have two little ones, right? We did manage to get a couple of decent ones, though...

My Final Thoughts On The Maytag Bravos XL Washer & Dryer #MaytagMoms

It has been over 4 months since Maytag delivered dependability to my home in the form of the Bravos XL Washer & Dryer, and what a great test drive this has been! I still remember the day when I came home from work and saw these beauties sitting in my laundry room...

Since that day, the laundry has still been piling up, but washing and drying the clothes hasn't been such a CHORE any longer. These innovative appliances have proven to clean my clothes efficiently and effectively, which has definitely saved me time, water, and electricity.

JunoPrints Gallery Quality Custom Canvas {Review & Giveaway}

How many of you have pictures on memory cards with the best of intentions for printing them out? I know I am guilty of it, as are several of my friends. Since having Mia I have even more digital pictures that I want to print out and hang. When I was given the chance to review a 16"x24" canvas print from JunoPrints, I jumped at it. What a perfect way to make me look through pictures and actually get a great print out of it too!

I was a little concerned about having the canvas shipped since I have received some pretty gnarly boxes before. I was very pleased when I received my package in perfect condition!

Weekend Win It - November 24-25 {Giveaway Linky}

Welcome to Weekend Win It! This giveaway linky is a great way to spread the word about your giveaways, or find some great ones to enter! And remember...you don't need to be a blogger to enter these giveaways!

Giveaway: Cleava Ends: 11/26 Prize: Cleava Snap to Bra Camisole

Giveaway: Warner Bros. Ends: 11/27 Prize: FRIENDS Prize Pack

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours! I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends...and eating a ton of food!

I have so much to be thankful for right now. I really do. Throughout the month of November I have been posting on Facebook one thing that I am thankful for each day. Here are some of the highlights:

SUPERPRETZEL Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels {Review & Giveaway}

Have you ever gone to the mall and been drawn to one of those pretzel stands? You know what I mean...you're walking around shopping and all of the sudden you smell it - the scent of delicious soft pretzels just out of the oven - and you can't help but go stand in the long line to buy one. It happens to us often, especially when we have the kids with us.

When we stop at those pretzel stands, Rylie and Bryce always ask for the cinnamon pretzels. By the time they're done eating them they are covered with cinnamon sugar, but their bellies are full and they're happy, so that's all that matters. If only I could satisfy their snack cravings that well at home...

Well thanks to SUPERPRETZEL's new Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels, we can have those sweet, soft pretzels any day we want, without ever leaving the house!

Wordless Wednesday: Rylie's Cirque du Soleil Audition

You Can Attend SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration Too! {Giveaway} #SWOChristmas

Did you read about all of the fun we had at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration? Well thanks to our friends at SeaWorld Orlando, one of my lucky readers and their family will get to experience the celebration too...for free!

That's right! I'm giving away a family four pack of tickets to SeaWorld Orlando, just in time to catch the waves of holiday spirit splashing over the park! You will receive four single-day admission passes* to SeaWorld Orlando to check out the holiday festivities during the month of December.

Photo courtesy of SeaWorld

ToiletTree Professional Skin Care System {Review & Giveaway}

When I got pregnant with my second baby, my forehead broke out terribly. I was convinced I was having a boy since I felt so different than the first time, and then someone told me the old wives tale that a baby girl "steals your beauty". I certainly felt that way at times, but I didn't want to put anything with harsh chemicals on my skin in case I absorbed them. Of course, as it turned out, I WAS having a girl!

After I had the baby, my skin got a lot better, but I have still been having a few issues. I thought about going to have a facial, but I didn't have the time to do that since I had two kids at home, including a new baby. I had seen a few of those "at home" face scrubbers, but I wasn't sure what to look for or if they worked. All I knew is that they featured a rotating brush to scrub your face.

When I heard that ToiletTree Products was coming out with their version of an at home skin care system, I was really interested.  ToiletTree is a company that I knew had quality products AND great customer service.  Finally I felt confident trying a home care system.

The Candy May Be Gone, But The Trash Pack Remain

Back in August I reviewed some disgusting toys from The Trash Pack. OK, they're really not disgusting, and in fact, Rylie and Bryce think they are pretty awesome. To this day, they are still playing with the little collectible Trashies, and they love squishing them in the trash compactor and grinding them up in the trash bin.

Shortly after my review I was asked if I would like to hand out The Trash Pack toys for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, and I thought it was a great idea! After all, kids can only eat so much candy before they start feeling as gross as these guys look, so non-candy treats are always great additions to trick-or-treat sacks.

We don't pass out candy on Halloween because we don't get trick-or-treaters on our street, but I always make up treat bags for the kids' classes. I received a box full of The Trash Pack foil packs, and luckily I had just enough to give a Trashie to each child in both classes. My kids have a lot of kids in their classes!

~*~Winners!!!~*~ Energizer, Mungi Bands And More

Congratulations to last week's winners!

Energizer Family Safety Kit

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration 2012 #SWOChristmas

Are you getting into the Christmas spirit yet? I hadn't really gotten that far until we experienced SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld Orlando this past weekend. Now that we have had the chance to hear Christmas carols, visit with Santa and watch a great show, I am definitely getting into the holiday spirit!

We were invited to SeaWorld to experience the "Light Up" on the first night of SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. The kids had both been at birthday parties Saturday afternoon and Bryce decided he was too tired for any more festivities, so he stayed with Mama while Brian, Rylie and I headed out to SeaWorld for a night of Christmas cheer.

From the moment we walked into the park, it felt like Christmas already. There were carolers singing throughout the park, beautiful lights everywhere, and even snowfall! Our first stop of the evening was to dine with Santa at Santa's Fireside Feast. We were seated right next to the stage, and we all headed to the buffet while we awaited Santa's arrival.

Shop eBay For The Hottest Toys This Holiday Season

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I generally respect the turkey and wait until after Thanksgiving to do any Christmas shopping, but I have to admit that I've been cheating a little bit this year. With my crazy busy schedule these days, I tend to forget things if I don't deal with them as I think of them, so I have been purchasing toys for my kids here and there as something comes to mind.

I used to love heading out at midnight with my mom to hit all of the Black Friday sales, but we haven't done that in years. I usually don't find any deals that are awesome enough to risk my life fighting through crazy mobs to get, and plus, I just don't have the kind of energy that all-nighters require. Heck, I don't usually venture out to the mall or toy stores much at all during the holiday season.

I would much rather do all of my shopping online, especially during the holiday season. I don't have to drive around looking for a parking spot, fight crowds in the stores, and stand in long check out lines. I can just sit at my computer in my pajamas while I drink coffee, and still find amazing deals.

Weekend Win It - November 17-18 {Giveaway Linky}

Welcome to Weekend Win It! This giveaway linky is a great way to spread the word about your giveaways, or find some great ones to enter! And remember...you don't need to be a blogger to enter these giveaways!

Giveaway: My1story Ends: 11/20 Prize: My1story Book or Plush

Giveaway: Cottonelle Ends: 11/21 Prize: Cottonelle Care Routine - 2 winners!

Shake Up Your Vegetable Routine With Green Giant Seasoned Steamers {Review & Giveaway}

There are some people out there who just love vegetables. I mean, they eat them voluntarily?!?! Unfortunately, I am not one of those people, and frankly I don't understand it. However, I am attempting to lose a few pounds and eat healthier overall, so I am trying to learn to love my veggies.

One way I like to eat vegetables is to smother them with cheese, sauce or butter. But then that kind of defeats the whole "healthy eating" thing, doesn't it? Sure, I'm still getting the nutrients from the vegetables, but I'm also loading up with unnecessary fat.

Green Giant has now made it easier for me to enjoy eating my vegetables - without a drop of sauce. Their new Seasoned Steamers are one of the first sauce-free seasoned vegetables to bring unique chef-inspired seasonings and premium cut vegetable blends to your dining room table. These tasty Seasoned Steamers are bound to spice up any meal with six varieties including: Mediterranean Blend, Tuscan Seasoned Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts with Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, Honey Roasted Sweet Corn, Honey Dijon Carrots and Backyard Grilled Potatoes.

Wordless Wednesday: 2012 School Pictures

EatSmart Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom Scale {Review & Precision Digital Bathroom Scale Giveaway}

I will always have to work out and always have to watch what I eat. I have had a gym membership at a gym since I was 16 years old, and although I go through periods where I don't go as much, I have never cancelled it. Now that I don't go to work all day, I have been going to the gym 4 or 5 times a week. I am trying to eat better and lose weight before my husband and I go on a cruise in January. I weigh myself every few days (even though some say once a week) and have used a digital scale for the past several years.

The bathroom scale that I had you had to bend down and touch the number of your "user profile". The scale would then display how much weight you had gained or lost since the last time you were on the scale. I used this feature maybe one time, and then just used it as a normal scale that you would step on. I couldn't be bothered to bend down and touch my number.

Don't Let Your Hectic Lifestyle Prevent You From Giving To Those In Need #OCCGiving

As we go through the motions of the holiday season - celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends with a big feast, shopping for Christmas gifts for our loved ones, and watching our children squeal with joy on Christmas morning - I always try and take time out to help those who are less fortunate. I feel very blessed to be able to provide to my children everything they need and want, but at the same time it makes me sad to think about all of the children out there who don't even have food on the table or clean clothes to wear, let alone shiny toys, bikes and electronics. Therefore, I do what I can each holiday season to help those in need by donating food, clothing, other items and even money to organizations that help others.

One such organization is Operation Christmas Child, a non-profit organization that has inspired millions to pack Christmas shoe-box gifts for children in developing countries around the world. This year, Operation Christmas Child expects to reach a milestone with more than 100 million children receiving shoe box gifts since 1993.

~*~Winners!!!~*~ Michael Angelo's, SeatPets, PaperlessKitchen

Congratulations to last week's winners!

Michael Angelo's Frozen Meals

Happy Birthday Brian!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband and father!

There is a reason for the smiles on those cute little faces above, and that reason is you! Rylie and Bryce couldn't ask for a better Dad. You make us all smile with your fun-loving, easy-going ways, and we all appreciate everything you do for us. Your selfless devotion to your family lets us know how much we are loved.

On this day, and every day, I want you to know just how much I love you. Happy Birthday babe!

Name Your Cottonelle Care Routine {Review & Giveaway}

"Poop", "Number 2", "Business". No matter what you call it, it is one thing that we all do that no one likes to talk about. But let's face it, "it" happens. Having suffered with IBS on and off throughout my adult life, I know that all too well.

When "it" happens away from home, it can be quite embarrassing. I mean, who wants to stink up a public bathroom, or even worse, the bathroom at a friend's or family member's house? Everyone understands, but still. And if you happen to be in a public bathroom, you get the sandpaper-like toilet paper to deal with too. Not fun.

When I am away from home visiting someone's house, I love to see a bathroom that is stocked with the comforts of home, like soft, absorbent Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and Fresh Care Flushable Wipes. (And a nice air freshener or odor-eliminating spray too!) At least this way I can feel fresh when I leave the bathroom, regardless of what it smells like.

Pumpkin Cupcakes {Recipe}

A few years ago I stumbled upon an awesome recipe for Pumpkin Cupcakes, and I have been making them every year in October since. It has become a tradition, and I always liked to take them to work. I had lunch with a few of my old co-workers a couple weeks ago, so I decided to let Haley help me make them this year. I thought I would share the recipe for those who wanted to try to make these yummy (and easy!) creations. I always find cupcake wrappers that have little pumpkins all over them.

~*~Pumpkin Cupcakes~*~

Kidtoons Is Now Playing: Welcome To LazyTown {Giveaway}

Are you looking for some fun this weekend? How about a Kidtoons Matinee? Whether it is your child's first movie experience, or they are regulars at the theater, Kidtoons matinees are great fun for the whole family!

Since 2004, Kidtoons has been bringing beloved and well-known children's brands and entertainment to cineplexes nationwide. We provide a family friendly, affordable, co-viewing experience that parents can count on each month, year-round to bond and create treasured memories with their kids. Each monthly program is designed for kids 2-8 and their parents.

Now playing during the month of November:

Weekend Win It - November 10-11 {Giveaway Linky}

Welcome to Weekend Win It! This giveaway linky is a great way to spread the word about your giveaways, or find some great ones to enter! And remember...you don't need to be a blogger to enter these giveaways!

Giveaway: Energizer Ends: 11/11 Prize: Energizer Family Safety Kit (ARV $78) 2 winners!

Giveaway: Mungi Bands Ends: 11/12 Prize: Three Packs of Mungi Bands (winner's choice!)

So Much To Blog, So Little Time

It's been crazy around here lately. I mean it. Crazy. I feel like I'm out in the middle of the ocean and my legs are getting tired from treading water for so long. I hope I get rescued soon! It would be nice if I could be rescued by a big cruise ship heading out to the Caribbean where it is nice and warm.

Work has been nuts. You see, I got a "promotion". Ha. More like - someone left the company and I took over her job, in addition to my own, without taking on her salary. Sure, my workload has steadily been decreasing since my company was bought by another, so this just means a little more job security for me, but now I'm busy as hell. For the past month or so, I have been working late and barely getting home in time to see these two smiling faces...

Neighborhood Toy Store Day 2012 #shoplocal #toystoreday

When it comes to buying toys for kids who are the same age as my kids, I'm pretty much an expert. I know what those kids like. But it hasn't always been that way. Before I had kids, I had no idea what to get for birthdays and Christmas. Even now, I don't usually know what to buy for older kids.

I've gone to big box stores with no clue as to what to buy, and the only time I have gotten any help is when I happen to come across an employee who has a child the same age as the one I am buying a gift for. Usually when they ask me if I need help finding something and I tell them that I am looking for a gift for a child who is xx years old, I get the "well, girl toys are over here..." line. Thanks for nothing.

Shopping at local, independently owned toy stores has so many benefits over shopping at those big box stores. The main draw for me is that the employees are usually much more knowledgeable. They KNOW toys. They can tell you what the popular toys are for certain age groups, and will usually be able to help you find that perfect gift. In addition, independent toy stores tend to carry many of the high-quality, boutique and specialty products not typically found at big box stores.

Wordless Wednesday: The Halloween Aftermath

30 Days Of FRIENDS Trivia Challenge {Giveaway}

Were you a fan of the hit TV show Friends? I sure was am! Even when the show ended in 2004, I watched reruns for several years after that. I am sure I have seen every single episode at least 3 times.

If you were are a Friends fan, you are going to love this news - Friends: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Box Set will be available on November 13th! And to celebrate this release, we're going to have some fun right here on this blog!

First up is the Mashup Clip Countdown! Relive all your favorite Friends moments in these fun clips. Each week a new clip will be unlocked, so make sure you come back for more fun!

Cleava Snap To Bra Camisole {Review & Giveaway}

When I go clothes shopping, I find that a lot of the tops and dresses I would like to buy are too low cut for my "daily" life as a mom. Yes, those tops are fine if I am headed out at night with my friends or husband, but dropping my daughter off for school in the morning bearing too much up top isn't something I want anyone else to focus on. Because I live in Texas and it is unbelievably hot most of the year, I usually just steer myself towards something more appropriate for "all day" instead of purchasing the shirt and wearing a tank underneath it. Who wants to wear two shirts when it is 90+ degrees out all of the time? Not this girl!

I recently was sent a Cleava to review, which seems to offer a much quicker and cooler solution! This handy little invention snaps directly to your bra straps and instantly looks like you are wearing a camisole underneath! Cleava comes in a variety of colors to accent most wardrobe colors.