Summer Bloggers Swap from The Mommy Files!

Well, the time has come... for a Summer Blogger Swap! I'm so excited, I've participated in all of her swaps since I started blogging! I have met some great bloggers and gotten some neat gifts too!

If you'd like to join in this swap, head over to The Mommy Files and sign up, I guarantee you'll have fun!!

My Review of Tiger 2-Quart Saucepot with Glass Cover

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

This pot is ideal for slow cooking sauces, soups, and stews while reducing the content. The Tiger cookware saucepot is made from aluminum which is a great conductor of heat and a strong metal. This 2-quart sauce pot is part of the Tiger Collection which offers a variety of stockpots, saucepots and...

Tiger 2-Quart Saucepot with Glass Cover

Perfect pot for cooking!

By Kristy from Winfield, IL on 7/24/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Non-Stick, Dishwasher Safe

Describe Yourself: Casual Cook

I purchased this Saucepot mainly because it was a good price. After recieving it I put it to the test right away, and I LOVE it! I have made Spaghetti sauce, Mac and Cheese, Soup, and Pasta in it so far, and everything came out wonderful. And, it is very easy to clean, nothing stuck, and rinsed out easily!
I would definetly recommned this pot to anyone, a casual cooker or a Proffesional cook would benefit from this Saucepot!

(legalese)

I've been gone for too long!

I just wanted to write an update, and apologize to everyone for not getting up to speed as I wanted to! The past few weeks have been just plain crazy, and every time I finally think we're back to normal, BAM!, something else happens and sets me back!
Right now my Mom is in the hospital, last Sunday she had an asthma attack and it got so bad my Dad called an ambulance for her. Turns out she has Pneumonia, and as of today she is still in the hospital. Only, it's now not due to the Pneumonia, it's because the meds they are giving her have been spiking her heart rate up very high, and now the Dr.s have decided to keep her in the Cardiac unit for a few days. After hearing that, I am just flat out scared! : ( My mom is not only my Ma, she's pretty much everything to me, my best friend, and I just want her better, and home!! I wish I could take her place in there, because she hates hospitals and I strange as it sounds, don't mind having to stay in the hospital. Having people tend to me and bring me food, well, sounds good to me! All kidding aside, if you read this and you pray, could you please say a little one for my Mom?
Soooo, as much as I'd like to just try and relax a bit this weekend, I don't see it happening! I'm hoping sometime next week I will have my latest reviews up and will be able to get a few of my new giveaways up!!

Thanks and hope you all have a great weekend!!

If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have NO luck at all!

Sometimes I think I have a permanent black cloud floating over my head! It seems like just when I think our life is finally getting back to normal, BAM, here comes a crap storm! If it wasn't for my kids, I think I'd pack up and leave, go somewhere far, far away, to never be heard from again.
I know that we make our own happiness, we create our own problems, etc., but for some reason, no matter how hard I try to do the right thing, something bad happens to me, my family, everyone around me. Mabye I'm just the family bad luck charm.
I'm so sick of hearing, "Don't worry, things will get better soon!", because they DON'T! Every time I think we've finally hit rock bottom, nope, we can still go farther down. It's tiring, I'm exhausted, and just don't know what to do anymore.
This is a mix of money problems, not being able to find a job, not feeling like myself anymore, and just feeling useless altogether.
I guess I do have to say that thru all of this, the hubby and the kids are what keep me going, even though sometimes I feel like I'm not doing anything worthwhile for them. I just wish I could wake up one day, and know it was going to be a GOOD day, for once!
Well, just another rambling post, thanks for listening, and mabye tomorrow will finally be a GOOD day for me!

My school supply shopping challenge!

Since I was a kid, I've always loved school supply shopping! My entire family thinks I'm a little goody because of it, but to me, there's nothing like a brand new box of crayons, or a fresh, blank notebook!
My kids have been in school for years now, and every year we get the letter about the School supply kits for sale. I throw it right in the trash, because this is what I look forward to, to kick off the school year!
This year, I got the kids supply lists early, and I've already gotten some great deals! Both kids will need at least 2 1 inch binders, normally they are around $3-4, but I picked up 4 of them for $.37 each! Jewel is having a Closeout on tons and tons of school stuff, office supplies, and I'm racking up the savings because of it!
So, my challenge to myself is to purchase all of the supplies, hopefully WAY under what the premade kits cost! I'll be tracking my progress here in the next weeks! Let me know if YOU find any great deals!

Happy Fathers Day!! To my Dad, to my hubby and to alll the other Dad's out there!

I wish all the Daddy's out there are wonderful Father's Day! To my Dad, even though we haven't been close, I love you and will always cherish the great memories we've had while I was growing up!
To my hubby, thank you for being such a great Daddy to our kids! They love you more than you could imagine, even when they hang with me instead of you, lol! : ) I couldn't have asked for a better man for my kids, you make them laugh and smile every day, and that's what makes ME happy! I love seeing you together, doing your silly, crazy things, and I hope you continue to do them, even as they get older!!

Happy Father's Day, hope it's a wonderful one!!!

Eden Fantasys Symphony Sonata Review- Adults only!

When I was contacted by Eden Fantasys about their product review program, I was very excited! I love their site, and am always looking to find ways to spice things up in the bedroom! After I turned 30, my drive has been crazy! Up and down, sometimes I think I confuse Hubby more than ever, lol!

I chose the Symphony Sonata to review, and upon opening it, my first thought was truly, "This is really cute", lol! There is a dolphin shape for extra stimulation, and of course hubby found it funny, but you know what? It really works!!

Eden Fantasys has a TON of Vibrators and other toys to choose from, I'd bet there is something for everyone! From lotions and potions, to toys and games, I can't wait to find my next product to check out!


Disclaimer- This product was sent to my from Eden Fantasys free of charge in return for a review. All opinions are my own.

Falling apart...

I've always been one to keep my feelings to myself, I don't have many close friends, and I never want to burden my family with my problems any more than I already have. So, when I have a crappy day, week, or month, I tend to hold it all in. Then, I finally explode.
I did tonight. I feel like no matter what I do in life, it's just not good enough, it's not the right thing to do, and I can't make anyone happy. For awhile, I've been thinking about how I am so far away from the person I used to be. I used to be this happy go lucky girl, I didn't let anything bother me, and I could make even the meanest person crack a smile. But lately, I feel like I'm only that mean person, and I DON'T feel like smiling. If it wasn't for my kids, I'd consider renaming myself Scrooge, or The Grinch. Year round, not just for the Holidays!
I don't know where I lost myself, so much crap has happened in my life that I just never recovered from, even though I thought I would. I guess holding everything in took it's toll on me, and now I'm paying the consequences for that.
So, as much as I'd love for this blog to have a fun, positive vibe, the next few weeks it may be a venting spot for me, so I apologize in advance!!!

Wow, that was scary!

I woke up Sunday and decided to go on my blog, and was greeted with a message after signing in that my blog had been disabled! I immediatly sent a message trying to figure out what was going on, but heard nothing! So I kept messaging Blogger, and finally tonight, it was back! I still don't know what happened, but that was scary! I know my blog isn't one of the big ones, but after almost losing it, I realized how much I enjoy having it : )

What gifts do YOU give your kids teachers? And teachers, what do you like?

So it's that time of year again, a time I love, but also dread! I love buying gifts for my kids teachers because they are wonderful teachers and have all helped my kids so much! But, I dread wandering around the stores trying to find that perfect gift, something that they won't have 20 of already, like mugs, candles, bath and body stuff, you know!
Last year, I found really cute bookmarks at Hallmark, they were metal and had little apples hanging on the ends. I paired it up with a giftcard to Barnes and Noble and I think they enjoyed it! This year, the kids have their regular teachers, and then they each have 2-3 teachers for their areas that needed attention, so we're talking at least 8 gifts, which I know is going to get pricey! Unless, of course, you wonderful readers have some great ideas for inexpensive gifts?! I'd love all and any suggestions, and I've got about a week to get anything done that will need to be handmade. I thank you all in advance, this weekend is going to be a crazy one!

CSN Stores.com Review... Coming Soon!!

I have been given a great opportunity to do a review for CSN Stores.com, and I'm so excited! There are over 200 online stores to shop from, where you can find anything from a Sofa to a Space Heater! My biggest worry choosing just 1 item I want to review, lol!
So, whatever it be that you're looking for,  whether it be Shoes, Housewares, or something for Dad for Fathers Day, I'd say check out CSN Stores before heading anywhere else, you're bound to find what you need, AND at a great price!

And remember to check out my CSN Store review, coming soon!

Playtex Bra Makeover!

Do you ajdust your bra straps all the time? Seem to be pushing and pulling all the time, trying to "fix" your bra? I know I am, and I'm probably not the only one! Seven out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can result in an ill fit for the rest of their outfit, back and shoulder pain, as well as bruising and digging.

Well, my fellow readers, Playtex is here to save the day!

We know that busy moms don't always have time to update their bras or even check to make sure they are wearing the correct size. That's why we wanted to let you know about this contest from Playtex! Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

So let all the women you know about the Playtex Bra Makeover! I can already imagine how nice the day would feel NOT having to be fixing my bra all the time!





Disclosure- By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

And the winners are...

The winner of the Simply GoGurt! Giftpack is...... Clallen!!! Congrats I will be sending you an email shortly!

And the winner of the Hot Locks Doll is...... Renee!! Congrats, I will be sending you an email shortly!

Thanks to all who entered!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

First off, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommys out there, I hope you have a wonderful day! My plans include going to Grandma's house for Dumplings and Saurkraut, one of my FAVORITE dinners!!! And during the day, hopefully it will be nice so the kids and I can go take a walk around Cosley Zoo, so rain, please STAY away!!!

I'm so proud to be able to call myself a Mom, especially to the 2 wonderful, beautiful children I have. My world is so much better because of them, just seeing their smiles every morning ( ok, well, mabye more like 20 minutes after I've waken them up!), makes me feel like if I've done nothing else right, I've done everything right with them! My son is a kind, polite, and definetly handsome little man, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him, he is so full of dreams and ideas! And my daughter, well, she is the most beautiful little girl I've ever laid my eyes on, and she is so caring and full of love for everyone around her! I couldn't have been given 2 better children, and I thank my lucky stars every day that I get the priveledge of being their Mom!

So, again, to all the Mom's out there, Happy Mother's Day, I hope it's a beautiful one for you!!!!

Simply Gogurt- Review AND Giveaway!

My kids enjoy yogurt all times of day, Breakfast, with lunch, as a snack, or as a simple dessert-frozen like a popsicle! I like giving them Gogurt, not only because I know it's good for them, but also because now with Simply GoGurt, I can feed them JUST what they need, no extra artifical colors or ingredients! Thanks to My Blog Spark, I was given the opportunity to review Simply Go-Gurt, and the kids couldn't get enough of it! I bought a pack of store brand yogurt tubes, along with Simply Go-Gurt, and the store brand wasn't opened until a few days after the GoGurt was gone. My son said he just liked the taste better, mabye because I kept telling him it WAS better for him?!

New Simply... Go-Gurt is made from simple ingredients moms look for and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. Each convenient portable yogurt tube contains a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Simply stated, Simply... Go-Gurt is a good-for-you, low fat yogurt snack that you can feel good about giving to your kids.

New Simply... Go-Gurt is available in two kid-friendly flavors, Strawberry and Mixed Berry.
Both kids LOVED the Strawberry, but they weren't as crazy about the Mixed Berry. I would love to see a Banana, or even a Vanilla flavor! I like to throw some in the freezer after I buy them, sometimes I put them in the kids lunches and they are nice and cool by then, or just for a nice cool snack at home!

My Blog Spark is giving you the chance for 30 of you to try Simply Go-Gurt yourselves! Just click on the link to recieve your free coupon! And no worries, if you don't get a free coupon, you can still recieve a $1.00 off coupon!


And, the best part.... 1 lucky reader is going to win a Simply Go-Gurt prize pack! It includes a Mini Etch A Sketch, a weekly planner, and a backseat organizer! Something for everyone! Just let me know how you "Simplfy your Life" every day! (Mandatory)

Extra Entries-

1. Become a Subscriber ( 2 entries)

2. Become a Follower ( 2 entries)

3. Grab my button ( 2 entries)

4. Follow me and Tweet giveaway ( 1 entry, per day) ( Leave link)

5. Blog about this giveaway ( 3 entries)

Giveaway will end on Sunday, May 9th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org, and will be notified via Email. Good luck!

Simply... Go-Gurt, prize pack, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Hot Locks Doll- Review AND Giveaway!!!

I have a daughter, which means we have a TON of dolls in our house. When given the opportunity to review a new doll, Hot Locks, we were very excited! My daughter just turned 7, so playing dolls is a favorite of hers. The Hot Locks doll gave her more than just a doll to play with, but a doll to style hair, practice braiding, AND play along with her Barbies! The Hot Locks doll, Lili, is about the same size as Barbie, and she comes with removable hair extensions and clips so your child can become a Hair Stylist! My daughter has been playing with hers ever since she opened it, because there is always something new to do with it! I"ve enjoyed showing her how to do braids, and other hairstyles we do on her own hair!

There are 4 Hot Locks dolls to choose from, Ami, Harlow, Lili, and Nahla. Different hair textures are great so that all kids can have a doll that they can say, "Hey,she's got hair like mine!" or, "She looks like me!"

Right now, Hot Locks are available in Phoenix and Chicagoland areas, and will be Nationwide this summer! You can purchase just the doll, who comes with 14" of extra hair, a styling comb and 2 barettes. Or, the Deluxe Hot Lock doll, which comes with many more accesories- 2 ponytails of hair, 4 barrettes, styling comb and more!
If you live in the Chicagoland area, I have found them at a few Walmarts, for around $9! Not only a great gift for your child, but a cool gift for a birthday gift!

Here is the best part! One lucky reader is going to win, Ami, a Hot Locks doll of their own! All you have to do is head over to Hot Locks, and let me know which doll you like best! (Mandatory)

Extra entries-

1. Become a subscriber ( 2 entries)

2. Become a follower ( 2 entries)

3. Grab my button ( 2 entries, leave link!)

4. Blog about this giveaway ( 3 entries, leave link!)

5. Follow me and Tweet giveaway ( 1 entry, per day!) ( Leave link)

Giveaway will end on Sunday, May 9th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org, and will be notified via Email! Good luck!

I was given a Hot Locks doll for review, no charge. All opinions are my own, and my 7 year old daughters!