Quick! Last Minute Music Giveaway!!

Target has a Christmas Album 2010 that they came out with this year. People can download the music for free by going to http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_ss_1/?node=2492229011

However, for those who still collect “vinyls” Target has a limited edition vinyl record featuring two songs from “The Christmas Gig” Album to giveaway. Songs on the vinyl include:

• “Tiny Tree Christmas” by Guster is an emotional story about Christmas in the city performed by a pop mainstay who has recently reentered the charts in a big way.

• “Perfect Gift” by Natalie Hemby is an endearing country love song. Hailing from Nashville, Natalie Hemby is hyped to be the “next big thing” in country music. This song proves it.

The first 3 People to request the Vinyl copy will get one!!

Kroger Gift Card Winner!1

The Winner is : jenspurg

As selected by random .org!

Candy Land Winner!!!

Selected by Random.org

The Crane Gang!!

Jodi send me your mailing address on FB and I will get Blogspark sending it to you!

Candy Land Giveaway!!

Candy Land has been redesigned for an even sweeter experience, with fun, new lands to explore and fantastical characters to meet

Travel down the rainbow path on a journey of discovery through enchanted lands filled with sweet surprises around every corner. Create delicious treats at the Cupcake Commons to deliver along the way, participate in a thrilling snowboard race down the Ice Cream Slopes with the Duke of Swirl, take a relaxing train ride through Gummy Hills and climb to the top of Chocolate Mountain. Be sure to make friends with Gramma Gooey, Lord Licorice, Princess Frostine and Princess Lolly of Lollypop Woods throughout your adventure, as you race to meet King Kandy at the grand entrance to the Candy Castle.

I recently had a Candy Land birthday party for my daughter! The kids had lots of fun! They are a bit older than the typical Candy Land player, but I thought it would be fun for them to play the redesigned version!! We had a Candy Land Tournament (the winner was named "The Princess of Candy Land"), a jar full of gumballs for them to guess the number of (180 gumballs fill a pint jar), and we had a large variety of toppings for ice cream sundaes - the girl who made the most creative sundae was named "The Duchase of Swirl". Of course there were balloons, streamers and LOTS of laughs.

Here are a couple videos that I took from the party:






I am so excited that Hasbro through My Blog Spark provided me with the means for such a great party!! Each child got to take home there own game and I was provided with a video camera and gift card to cover party expenses.

And they are allowing me to giveaway a Candy Land game to one of my lucky readers!!

To win:

Leave a comment here telling me of your own memories of Candy Land!

and for a 2nd entry tell me who you will be giving this game to....

Please leave a comment for both entries!

I will randomly select a winner on MY BIRTHDAY! December 16th!!

Giveaway!! $25 in FREE groceries at Kroger + 2 boxes of Chex!!

Cheers to a season filled with delicious, homemade holiday treats!
Kroger^® and Chex^® Cereal have joined forces to help you whip up recipes for your holiday entertaining that are easy on your time as well as your budget!

There are so many great tasting Chex Party Mix recipes that you can make in the microwave in only 15 minutes! Try The Original Chex® Party Mix or Chex® Ginger-Honey Crunch for sure crowd pleasers.

Looking for an easy gift idea for friends, family or co-workers? Try wrapping your favorite Chex Party Mix in a colorful tin or bag and personalize it with your own recipe card.

To make things even sweeter, Kroger Family of Stores will have Chex cereal on sale so you can impress your guests without stressing your wallet. For 3 weeks, from December 2nd – December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year!

Kroger “Chex Holiday Recipes” gift pack that includes two samples of Chex cereal and a $25 gift card valid at the Kroger Family of Stores. We will also provide an additional prize pack to give away to one of your readers.

Don’t forget to visit Kroger and Chex on Facebook to“Like” their pages and keep up with recipes, news and their latest and greatest products. While you’re there, take a minute to share photos of your Chex creations and link to your blog post!

I am pleased to be teaming up with Chex, Kroger and My Blog Spark to be able to offer the following giveaway:

We will send one lucky reader a Kroger “Chex Holiday Recipes” gift pack that includes two samples of Chex cereal and a $25 gift card valid at the Kroger Family of Stores.

Please leave a comment for each entry!

1 entry if you comment on this blog telling me where you will be eating Chex Mix this holiday season.

1 entry if you follow this blog!

1 entry if you "Like" Kroger on Facebook

1 entry if you "Like" Chex on Facebook

1 entry if you blog about this giveaway and post a link back here.

1 entry if you post a link here on your own Facebook page.


A winner will be selected randomly on My BIRTHDAY, December 16th!!

Cute Holiday Clothes for Kids from Carter's

When you think holiday clothes for kids, you probably don't think about Carter's. I know I had no clue that Carter's has great holiday clothes until just recently. Of course I know that Carter's has great quality everyday clothes for kids. I have always been a fan of Carter's!

They have a great line of holiday clothes in their Holiday Shop, for kids from newborn up to size 6x.

A cute little girl that I know is going to be wearing this adorable dress this Christmas, thanks to Carter's!!

November is Adoption Month!

How very fitting that November is National Adoption Month and in our family we end this month of Thanksgiving with the birthday of our beautiful daughter. She was born and joined our family through the wonderful blessing of adoption 8 years ago!

I am so grateful for adoption and for the blessings that I have in my two amazing kids!

A few weeks ago I was sent a book via One2OneNetworking.com. The book is called "Adopted Ed" and it was written by Darren Maddern.



It is a great book! It would be a great read for any family who has been touched by adoption. The book discusses birth, childhood, dealing with bullies who are calling the child names because he is adopted, and then the eventual desire to meet his birth family.

There was one line that I really laughed at! Ed was dealing with the bullies and he said, "My parents chose me, yours were stuck with you." I thought that was funny.

Anyway.... I liked the book, it is something that I plan on reading and discussing with my kids. I think they will like the fact that it rhymes like a Dr. Seuss book and the illustrations are colorful and eye catching.

Here is a link to buy the book!!

Winner!!!

With the help of random.org I have selected a winner for the movie night. The winner is Utah Mommy!!! I will contact you to get your mailing address!!

There are some more GREAT giveaways on the horizon!!! Stay tuned!!

Free Movies On Us! A Great Giveaway!!!

**** CLOSED****
A winner will be announced momentarily.

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

After purchasing two participating cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theatres). To find a participating theater in your area, log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.
So I would like to offer something great to you!! With the help of General Mills, I am able to offer one lucky reader a amazing prize pack which includes 2 boxes of General Mills Cereal AND 4- $12.oo Movie Cash Vouchers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be entered for you chance to win: For 1 entry: Leave a comment telling me which cereals are you looking forward to purchasing to earn e-movie cash.

For 1 entry: Leave a comment telling me how you like to make movie nights special for your family.

For 1 entry: Leave a comment telling me what movie you are excited to see this holiday season.

For 1 entry: Follow this blog!

For 1 entry: Link to this giveaway on your own Facebook page

For 2 More Entries: Blog about this giveaway on your own blog

Please leave a comment for each entry! If you are entering because of a link you have posted somewhere please leave a link in the comment. Also, I need your email address so that I can notify the winner.

On Black Friday I will RANDOMLY select a winner!

Good Luck!!

General Mills provided me with information and giveaway items (e.g. movie cash certificates, cereal, etc.) through MyBlogSpark

Norah Jones - Featuring

I got my copy of the new Norah Jones a couple of weeks ago. I actually was lucky enough to get a preview copy! I have to say we LOVE it!!

The name of the album is "Featuring" and all of the tracks she recorded with another artist! I love the song "Baby It's Cold Outside" she sang with Willie Nelson! She also has a great song with Dolly Parton!

But it's not all country! She sings with The Foo Fighters OutKast and MORE!!!

Check it out!

Thank you One2One Network for letting be part of this album launch!

Holy CSN Batman!!!!!!

Have you ever heard of this?

Did you know?

CSN is comprised of over 200 online stores, selling everything from children's backpacks to cookware!!

I have been checking out some of their great stores! Cookware.com is by far one of my favorites! They have lots of cool gadgets and great cookware! I love that you can find items that are also sold on TV and great brands from people like Rachael Ray! They even offer free shipping on many items!

I am at a point where I need to start replacing some of the bakeware that I got when we got married. I have my eyes on some of these:

I am so excited that I found this site!!

Fiber One Winner

Sorry to the delay in posting this! My sweet grandma passed away and I am just trying to get caught up!

The randomly selected winner is:

Giant Sis

I have sent you an email!

Keep your eyes open coming up soon! We will be talking about the newly updated CandyLand game!!

Yahooooo!!! I am so excited to hear..........

Norah Jones has a new album that will be in stores on November 16th!! I am super excited for it! The title is "Featuring", it is a star-studded collection of Norah Jones’ musical collaborations from the past decade.

The 18 songs on the album include duets with such legends as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton, and with 21st Century icons from OutKast to the Foo Fighters. The tracks on …Featuring span her entire career, from one of her earliest recording sessions (a version of Roxy Music’s “More Than This” with guitarist Charlie Hunter in 2001) to her most recent performance, a song called “Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John” that she cut with Belle and Sebastian, which will also appear on their new album.

“It's so exciting and flattering and fun when I get asked to sing with somebody that I admire,” says Jones. “It takes you a little bit out of your comfort zone when you're doing something with another artist. You don't know what to expect—it's kind of like being a little kid and having a playdate.” Also included are recordings by some of Jones’s own bands and side projects (The Little Willies and El Madmo), and performances with artists that she’s toured with including M. Ward, Sasha Dobson, and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Songs on …Featuring range from classics recorded by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, and Roy Orbison to new material by such wide-ranging innovators as Ryan Adams and Q-Tip.

So yeah! I am SOOOOOOOO excited!!!

This is my personal opinion and I am entered to win a gift card through One2One Network by participating in the promotion of this album.

Fiber One Giveaway Extended!!!

Okay -- so I totally dropped the ball getting the word out on this giveaway...so I have extended it until Friday November 5th!!!

Here are the details..

Let's Stop MRSA!!!!

Another Great Giveaway!!

Ugh.... Don't you hate it when you overindulge with food??

Sure it's fun while you're doing it but later you feel like crap!

I have noticed lately whenever I eat the cereal my kids are eating that I don't feel full so I keep eating more.... UNHEALTHY!!!

I recently became EDUCATED!!

Did you know that Fiber One Cereals actually make you feel full while you are eating them? It's true! I have been eating the Fiber One Original Cereal for about a week now. One serving is just 1/2 cup, but I actually feel full when I eat it! It helps curb my appetite longer and it has 57% of the daily fiber my body needs!

I know that I haven't been eating enough fiber in the past but I am committed to eating better and being healthy. Fiber helps satisfy your hunger so it’s easier to eat less and lose weight without feeling as hungry.

* One serving of Fiber One Original cereal provides more than half (57%) of the Daily Value of fiber.

* Fiber One Original cereal is a tasty way to start your morning on the right track with 0 grams of sugar, 14 grams of fiber, 60 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving.

For more information or additional tips, please visit http://www.fiberone.com/.

Help Take the Hunger out of Dieting

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!

I am giving away a special Fiber One “Help Take the Hunger out of Dieting” prize pack that includes Fiber One Original cereal, a cereal-on-the-go container, food scale, water bottle and notepad for tracking what you eat.

1- I want to know about some of your worst over-indulgent moments!
2- What do you love to over-indulge on?
3- Share a past diet craze you have tried that left you hungry....
4- What secrets do you have to avoid missteps while dieting/managing your weight?

YOU WILL EARN ONE ENTRY INTO THE GIVEAWAY FOR EACH COMMENT YOU POST!!!

DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 5TH!!!!!

The products I have reviewed, prize pack, and information were all given to me from Fiber One through MyBlogSpark.

Just sitting here listening to.....

.....KT Tunstall.....

I hadn't heard of here until I recently heard her on TV. I think it was the Today show when I first heard her. Then I was sent a copy of her new album "Tiger Suit". I really like it! Surprisingly The Fireman also likes it! I am always downloading music that he doesn't really care for.... but this is great!

My favorite song is... (Still a) Weirdo....

Here's a link to her website....

Check it out!

Grape Salsa Recipe

The grapes are ready to pick! He's a yummy recipe. It's great with chips and also would be good on fish or chicken.

Grape Salsa
3/4 cup green seedless grapes, quartered
3/4 cup red seedless grapes, quartered
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. lime juice
2 tsp. fresh jalapenos, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. tobasco sauce

Mix, chill and serve with chips.
Taste of Lime Tostitos are great with this!!

If you are wanting to go to San Diego, here's a GREAT deal!!

Wow! My kids would love love love! To go to the San Diego Zoo. I am not sure if I have ever even been there before. After watching movies like Madagascar and my kids, especially my 5 year old are REALLY into animals. I would love to go see the giant pandas and the polar bears. Well if you know me when it is time to take a trip I will definitely be looking for a great deal. Admission to the zoo for adults is about $29 at the gate. I recently found this amazing deal that would save a lot of money!

$57 2-Day/1-Night San Diego Zoo Getaway. Only $57, Retail: $223, You Save 74%. This Resort Vacation Includes...
* 2 Days & 1 Night Luxury Resort Lodging, and I mean LUXURY!
* Luxury Resort Lodging for 2 People in a beautiful villa!
* 2 Tickets to San Diego Zoo
* Platinum Fun Discount Card for getting great deals around the city!

How great is that?

Not only do they offer great deals to San Diego, but other great resort areas too! Places like Cabo, Branson, and Palm Springs. They even have an option for creating a custom vacation package.

Special Photo Event October 16th

On Saturday October 16th I will be doing a special photo event in Farmington Utah. I will be offering photo shoots for $40 and that will include the cd with at least 15 edited photos with print release.

I have spots available beginning at 9am and going through about 7pm.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Chex Winner

Michelle is the winner. I am sending you an email right now.

A New Food Storage Option -- Sign up now!! $5.95

You have nothing to loose! Get 8 meals for $5.95 with the option to buy more and help other people around you! No auto-ship requirements right now!! Jump quick before this deal goes away!

LINK

Sundance Global has been 28 years in the making. For the last 28 years the people at Sundance Global have been improving the foods that families can depend on in good times and hard times. All of the foods at Sundance Global are designed to be “A Treat Not a Chore”. Tens of thousands of families all over America have been enjoying these amazing, delicious and convenient meals for years with no other incentive to buy other than the quality of the food.

Sundance Global’s goal is to help families all over the country earn FOOD and MONEY by planting our incredible meals and message with those you care about most. Together with Sundance Global we will be able to help millions become Food and Financially Independent. Sundance Global meals are the meals that keep on feeding. It is not about what you believe will or will not happen in the future. It is about what you value – Food, Family, Community, Time, Money and Being Prepared! Whether you agree with the reasons people are putting in food supplies or not, food always has been, is now and forever will be the greatest dependency as well as the most comforting source of safety and security for every human being on our planet.

At Sundance we believe in the old, wise, adage that says; “Either you are planting in the spring or you are begging in the fall”. Most people know that this is true in every area of life. Our mission is to help families all over the country plant with Sundance Global Foods so they will never have to worry about begging during:

• Poor economic times
• Famines
• Droughts
• Disasters
• Shift in politics
• Unforeseen hardships
• Other peoples rules

With Sundance Global you will be able to start planting the seeds of success and watch them as they grow into an incredible Harvest that will feed your family financially and physically for generations. We have all heard the phrase, “If you give a man a fish he will feed himself for a day but if you teach him to fish he will feed himself for a lifetime.” We at Sundance believe that, but with one simple addition; “If you teach that man to teach others how to fish, he can feed GENERATIONS.” Sundance Global’s mission is not only to give the fish and teach how to fish, but most importantly teach all those that believe in our mission to teach them how to teach others to fish.

We believe Sundance has the best food on the planet for good times and tough times.
Don’t get this food for its amazing taste.
Don’t get this food just because it is so easy to prepare.
Don’t get this food just because it is safe from dangerous ingredients.
Don’t get this food for the large portions.
Don’t get this food because it is the most versatile food you can buy.
Get this food because it was created to save your life!

LINK

Yummy!!! Strawberry Milanos!!

Chex Goes Glutten Free -- Giveaway!

Five wholesome Chex® cereals offer a variety of flavor – and lots of versatility – in every box. Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex, Chocolate Chex, and Cinnamon Chex have been reformulated to be gluten free and offer a great tasting, crunchy morning breakfast option.

Chex cereal also makes it easy to create flavorful gluten-free recipes the whole family can enjoy – from snack mixes to mealtime favorites. You can check out the Chex website – www.Chex.com/GlutenFree for great gluten-free recipes including Chex Muddy Buddies® and Favorite Chicken Nuggets. Try them out and tell us know what you think on the Chex Facebook Page!

As a reminder, please be sure to check the label when buying any gluten-free cereal to make sure it does not have any ingredients that contain gluten.

For more information and recipes, visit www.Chex.com/GlutenFree or LiveGlutenFreely.com.

Now for the giveaway! I will be giving away a Chex gluten-free cereal prize pack that includes a VIP coupon for a free box of Chex cereal, a microwavable bowl, a Chex gluten-free recipe card and measuring spoons and cups.

To win:

1 Entry -- Leave a comment here telling me what your favorite cereal is.
1 Entry -- Follow this blog
1 Entry -- Become a Fan of Chex on Facebook
3 Entries -- Blog about this giveaway on your own blog linking back to here.

Please leave a comment for each entry!!

A winner will be drawn randomly on September 2nd!!


Disclosure:
Chex cereal provided me the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark.

Giveaway Scout

I found a great website that lists giveaways! I love giveaways you know!

Check it out!

Giveaway Scout

For Sale -- Children's Play TeePee's -- They make great gifts!

I am in the process of making some tee-pees that are for sale.

This is a picture of basically what the finished project looks like.

They are great for indoor or outdoor play! They are big enough for a couple of kids to play in and lay down in. Wouldn't it be fun to have a camp out in your family room in one of these?

Pricing:

$55 --

Local folks whom I can arrange pick-up/delivery with will get the tee-pee with the wooden supports.

If you are not local and need you tee-pee shipped it will not include the wooden supports, however I will tell ya what you need to do.... shipping will be included in the $55 price.

Here are the current fabric choices that I have available (I only have one each).



If you are interested please let me know and we can make payment and delivery arrangements.

It's A Book!!

Watch this video. I love it!



I recently came upon this video clip of a book called, "It's A Book." I am intrigued!! In the digital age I am afraid that our children are forgetting about nice bound books. It is so easy to put in a DVD or play a computer game.... and now with all of the ebook contraptions and websites we are sadly moving away from the classic books! Paper, ink and the smell of books!!! So in this humorous clip we are reminded that books don't need to be plugged in, they don't make funny noises telling us when we are wrong, what they do is open our imaginations!!

As an avid reader I hope that I can instill the joy of reading to my kids. So I went online (hahaha) and bought this book! It's sure to be a classic.

Check it out at Macmillan kids

I've got Magic Beans.......

Ready or not back to school season is upon us! One of my favorite places to shop for Back to school items is Magic Beans!

The Alphabet Flash Cards are the perfect way to get your special student ready for the classroom! I also really like the Teach Me Time talking alarm clock. The clock features a teaching mode that allows kids to practice telling time; the clock will display a random time for kids to guess, and then they can press one of the round buttons on the clock's toes to hear the clock speak the correct answer. If you have a pre-schooler or kindergartener who is just learning how to tell time, this is the perfect way to encourage their learning and independence while also helping make sure they get out of bed in the morning on time!

Winner

Thank you all for entering the Nature Valley Giveaway!

The winner selected randomly is: snowluvnferret

I am sending you an email right now!!

I will have another giveaway posted soon!!

Tea Collection -- Global Fund for Children

Ready or not back to school season is upon us! One of my favorite places to shop for kids’ back to school clothes is Tea Collection! Their children’s collection includes adorable jackets, sweaters, pants, knit tops, and scarves that are not only modern and wearable, but also are inspired by cultures around the world!

For girls, I particularly like the school dresses that are all under $30! The beautiful Folk Flower Banded Dress is 100% cotton, machine washable and the print is inspired by Hungarian painted furniture. For boys, the Old Land Button-up Shirt is definitely a staple item for the back to school season. This stylish striped shirt is 100% cotton, machine washable and inspired by the rugged workwear commonly worn in the Hungarian countryside. I also love the kid’s book Going to School in India . Captivating photographs and an engaging story tell the tales of real children going to school across this vibrant and exciting country. This book is a great way to get your special students excited about the upcoming school year. Best of all, proceeds from the book sales benefit the Global Fund for Children!

We Won! We Won!

About a month ago I entered a giveaway on Solutions Sleuth for a My American Girl doll. The requirements were to write about a deserving girl that you thought represented American Girl.

I nominated my sweet little Micayla. She is such a sweetie, always looking out for others. She helps me so much and loves me inspite of my faults.

When I found out we won I was literally in tears! Never in a million years did I think I would ever be able to give her an American Girl doll! And now thanks to Solutions Sleuth and the wonderful people at American Girl I can!

Now -- no body tell Micayla! It's a surprise!

Thank you! Trying to catch up....

I just wanted to thank everyone who has been entering my giveaways! I hope to continue to be able to offer some good stuff!

We are busily trying to get ready for school to start. We got the backpacks today!! Lots of fun.

I have been a little under the weather this week, so I haven't had much of a chance to go visit all of the followers of this blog.... I am slowly working on it.

Have a great weekend!

Over - Nature Valley National Parks Project -- HOT GIVEAWAY!

Since the dedication of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872, America’s parks have been visited by hundreds of millions of people who marveled at their beauty, found peace in their wildness and shared their experience with others.

However, these national treasures need care and support to help them flourish. Years of underfunding and environmental problems such as pollution and climate change are threatening our National Park system. To help preserve our national parks and ensure their existence for generations to come, join Nature Valley® and Patricia Shultz, internationally best-selling author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and travel industry leader, to help support the National Parks Project. This year, the National Parks Project will focus on restorative work at Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Biscayne National Parks.

To get involved, simply purchase a box of specially marked Nature Valley Bars and mail in your wrappers to the address below:

National Parks Project
PO Box 450328
El Paso, TX 88545-0328

Nature Valley will not only recycle the wrappers, but will also contribute $0.10 to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for every wrapper received (up to $600,000 in total). To learn more about the National Parks Project and how you can make a difference, check out PreservetheParks.com today. And don’t forget to visit Nature Valley on Facebook or Nature Valley on Twitter to “Like” or “Follow” the brand. Facebook fans can enter to win a trip, as well as share photos and videos of their summer vacations. All of these sites will also feature updates on the restoration projects, as well as videos and pictures from “National Parks Project” volunteers.

There are many other ways you can enjoy the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of our national parks this summer while supporting the cause. The easiest thing you can do to support the national parks is to experience them for yourself and share them with your family – remembering as always to “take only pictures and leave your footprints.” So grab your backpack, your boots and some granola bars and go soak in the scenery.

I am pleased be able to offer the following prize pack to 1 lucky reader!

The prize pack will include a mini backpack; a military grade compass; a solar-powered, key chain flash light; a reusable water bottle and a copy of Patricia Shultz’s 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List, and a Box of Nature Valley Granola Bars.

There are several ways to get entries in this giveaway, please leave a comment for each entry:

1 entry -- Leave a comment here telling me a National Park you want to visit

1 entry -- Follow this Blog
1 entry -- Like Nature Valley on Facebook

5 entries!!! Register at this website (must confirm email)

A winner will be selected on August 10th!!

Nature Valley Bars, prize pack, information and giveaway were all provided by Nature Valley through MyBlogSpark.

Stay Tuned

Tomorrow morning I will be announcing my next giveaway! This is a great prize package!

I am so grateful that I have recently been given some great things to giveaway!

Had a blast at the Bret Michaels concert

Last night I had the opprotunity to go with my sister to the Bret Michaels concert in Wendover, NV. It was so much fun. Bret put on a great show. I have loved his music for a long time! Poison is one of my all time favorite bands and of Bret is the lead singer.

We left at about 3pm to head out on the concert bus. The bus ride out was fun, we played bingo and talked to a few of the other riders. There was a crazy guy on the bus that I am guessing must be a ticket scalper, because he knew all about every concert!! He was probably about 65 and was talking all about Lady Gaga. Then there was the old lady sitting behind us. She kept asking us questions about the bus and then invited us to go party with them.... interesting.... but no thanks..... We talked to some girls from Salt Lake one of which had a COOL holster style purse thing -- not for a gun, but just to carry things.... gotta find me one!

The bus ride cost $15 but then we coupons for free buffet and a some free cocktails coupons (which we gave away) and a coupon to exchange for $5 cash! Did I mention that the buffet was normally $25 and we ate about 3 plates of crab legs each, plus shrimp, salmon and halibut.... yummy yummy!! I think we ate so much fish we almost turned into one!

The concert was fun! Bret sang a great mix of old Poison songs and newer songs too! The drummer was amazing! Bret said that each night his shows are broadcast on the internet for our Troops!! That's pretty dang cool!

After the concert we had almost 2 hours before the return bus ride so being in Wendover, we played a little video blackjack. Lots of fun!

The bus ride home was interesting. We saw a beautiful lightening show over the desert. There were several drunk people on the bus. There was a guy sitting behind us that was funny as heck. He wanted us to sing to him, but instead we got him to sing. He finally shut up after my sister removed his hand from a part of her body -- YIKES! She didn't tell me until after he got off the bus - I totally would have turned around and decked him!

I got home at about 2:45 this morning!

It was fun! I look forward to heading out there for more concerts in the future!

We have a winner of the Blockbuster Movie Night

Thank you all for entering!

The lucky winner is #38 - Robyn!!

Robyn I am sending you an email right now!

I am listing A FABULOUS Giveaway on Monday so be sure you check back!!

Tea Collection -- Think Back to School Shopping

Tea Collection has recently launched a new website and has taken their popular products typically found in specialty and department stores directly to consumers. Their clothing is inspired by cultures around the world and it's much more stylish and is always changing. Tea Collection designs clothes for babies up to eight years old. A great option for summer or back-to-school shopping.

Magic Beans Baby Gear

I'm so excited to share with you a fantastic new store I just found--Magic Beans. They offer an amazing selection of baby gear, strollers, toys, and furniture including all of the latest and greatest baby products and the best brands. The store was created by parents, Sheri and Eli Gurock who handpick all of the products that they feature at Magic Beans. The Gurocks say that everything they do at Magic Beans revolves around making life easier for parents and they have put together a very unique selection of the best gear out there with fun commentary and helpful tips.



Go check it out!

OVER --- Movie Night --- Giveaway

Make it a double feature!

I am pleased to be able to offer a Blockbuster Movie Night!

It includes:

2 New Release Movie Rentals
1 Popcorn Tub
2 20 oz Cola Cola Beverages

There's a couple ways to earn entries into this giveaway:

Be a follower of this blog = 1 entry

Leave a comment here for another entry telling me what movies you think you will get = 1 entry

Become a fan of Sherri Jamieson Photography on Facebook - Link = 1 Entry

Become a fan of doTERRA Utah on Facebook - Link = 1 Entry

Blog about this giveaway on your own blog - be sure to link it here! = 2 Entries!!!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!!

The winner will be chosen on July 31st (my momma's birthday!) and then I will mail your single use coupon to you!

I am a winner!!!!

I won a Scentsy Warmer and 3 bars over at Trying to Stay Calm!! If you haven't checked this site you are missing out!!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Okay so really no chicken dinner. But after a random number selection by my hot sweet fireman...... The winner is #3 --- Chantel. Chantel's family will soon be using the Little Looster!

Get paid to do surveys!!!

Matt and I do surveys frequently. We make a little money and apply it to our bills. This is one of out favorite sites.

The Little Looster Giveaway...

If you are anywhere near the potty training stage at your house I have something that you have to see!! It's called the Little Looster - Booster for the Loo!

It's a stool that wraps around the base of the toilet. It makes it so little legs don't just have to dangle.... and makes it so little boys are tall enough to reach if they are learning standing up.



We have had one of these things in our house for a couple of weeks and I know that my little man likes it. He was already potty trained but I think this helps him a lot with being able to reach - and not have to hold on to the back of the toilet.Comfort

• Provides total comfort & leg support for years of use.

  No more painful pins-n-needles feeling when little legs are not supported.

• Confidence

  Promotes complete certainty.

  No scary feeling of “falling in.” Kids legs do all the work.

• Cleanliness

  Allows children to have their hands free at all times.

  No need to grip the back of the toilet seat or the inner, germ covered rim.

Do you want one? I will be giving one of these away! Here's what you need to do:

1 entry -- leave me a comment
2 more entries -- blog about it - and link back to here
3 more entries -- Facebook a link back to here

It's that simple! The winner will be randomly selected on June 30th!!!

Butternut Squash Muffins

I had 3 butternut squashes in my fridge that I needed to use. I love squash. The Fireman doesn't -- and the kids will eat it sometimes. I cooked 1 for dinner tonight and the other two I cooked an pureed to be used in a couple of recipes.

Tonight I made these really good muffins. I found the recipe at allrecipes.com. They are not too sweet and very moist. They would be good served as a side dish for dinner or for breakfast. I imagine they would also be quite good with chocolate chips in them. I actually didn't want to take the time to peel the squash so I just cut it in half and baked it.

Ingredients

1/2 pound peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash (I used one whole squash)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin pan.
2.In a medium saucepan with enough water to cover, boil squash 20 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat, drain, and puree in a food processor.

3.In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, white sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice.

4.In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together milk, egg and butter. Stir in squash. Fold the squash mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.

5.Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling cups about 1/2 full. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from muffin pan and cool on a wire rack.

Lime Cookies -- a Spring Time Treat

I have found myself with SEVERAL limes in my fridge. I wanted to find something new and simple to make. I found this recipe at allrecipe.com. I decided to try it because I had all of the ingredients on hand. These are YUMMY!!!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons lime juice
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup white sugar

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine the 2 teaspoons of lime juice with the milk, let stand for 5 minutes.

2.In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the lime zest and milk mixture. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda, blend into the creamed mixture. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the ungreased cookie sheets.

3.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are light brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4.To make the glaze, stir together the remaining lime juice and sugar. Brush onto cooled cookies.

A Few Changes......

If you liked my frugal living posts please follow me at the Pinching Your Pennies Blog. I write several posts a month over there.

I will continue to post photo shoots on my photography blog.

To follow what's great at doTERRA -- become a fan of my facebook page. The link is on the upper right hand side of this blog.

Enjoy what is yet to come!

This blog will only be used to offer giveaways and a place for me to post recipes.

If you are not my friend on Facebook and you would like to be -- just send me an email!

Happy Birthmom's Day!!!

Just want to wish all you amazing Birth Mom's a wonderful day!!!

Using Essential Oils and now I am thinking about an air purifier...

Springtime is here-the grass is growing, trees are getting greener, and flowers are blossoming, which also means that allergy season is in full bloom! I have suffered from allergy symptoms for years and am always looking for a new allergy medication or product to make it all a bit better. I have finally found some AMAZING solutions!I am having great sucess with my doTERRA oils and the other thing that I am very interested in are air purifiers. Air purifiers reduce airborne allergens (the stuff that makes me sneeze and itch!) by 99% I found some great ones on Kaz.com and as an added bonus I also found a free shipping offer: Receive free shipping on any Kaz order by using the code APR10SHIPZERO at checkout during the month of April. Enjoy the springtime!

A new adventure.....

I know I know..... We seem to have lots of adventures....

Almost a year ago I became aware of essential oils. There are some people at the gym that I go to that frequently add oils to the rocks in the sauna or pass them around in the steam room. I was so impressed with how eucalyptus clears your sinuses. I also have done a lot of reading about using oils as natural cleaners and disinfectants.

I have decided to run another home business (alongside my photography). I am so excited to be a consultant for doTERRA. It is a Utah based essential oils company.
I am so excited to share what I am learning with other people. I love that it is a no pressure business.

We have seen some amazing things happen while using these fabulous oils in our home. I have some great homemade cleaning agents that I can let my kids use and not worry about what they are inhaling. I have helped my daughter QUICKLY overcome a tummy ache, found amazing allergy relief, healed a rash my son had had for a couple of weeks - almost overnight, found headache relief, and calmed down our puppy.

If you are interested in hearing more, purchasing products, becoming a preferred customer (and receiving huge discounts) or starting your own business please let me know!!

You can also visit My doTERRA store or My doTETTA blog!!

My doTerra - The Gift of the Earth: Slim & Sassy

My doTerra - The Gift of the Earth: Slim & Sassy

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these cookies today and they are SOOOOO good. I found the recipe on AllRecipes, but I changed it up a bit. I only used Semi-sweet chocolate chips and no nuts.


Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups jumbo semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time then stir in the vanilla. Blend in the sifted ingredients to form a soft dough. Stir in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kroger Gift Card Winner!!

Thank you all for entering the drawing. I used random.org to choose a winner. The lucky winner is Katie!! Congrats!!!

Crazy Sunday........ Sad Monday

This past Sunday started out just the same as any other in our home. We woke up and got ready for church. Went to church, where surprisingly the little man was pretty good. After church I went to visit my grandma and also I had to go clean my mom's office (not something I like to do on Sunday, but it was the only time I could get to it). I came home and was only home for about 5 minutes and everything got crazy from there....

The kids were in the backyard playing. The dogs were back there too. We had two dogs. Jagr (pronounced YawGer) was the first "baby" in our home. We got him right at the same time that we bought our house. He was born in November 2001. Pyper joined our family about a month ago as an 8 week old puppy.

You may wonder why we got a puppy. You see Jagr has not always been tolerant of kids. And with the little man's ADHD Jagr was not understanding. So we decided to get a puppy that would grow with the little man and be a good companion for him. Pyper and little man play so cute together..... and Pyper wanted to play with Jagr... Jagr was not into that!

So what we think happened is that the dogs were "arguing" in the backyard and little man got in the middle of it. Jagr bit little man's head, right near his ear.

Little man had to go to the hospital. They didn't stitch him because of the fear of infection. They flushed his wound and put him on antibiotics and bandaging.

This unfortunately was not the first time that Jagr had bitten or shown aggression.

On Monday we had to say goodbye to our friend Jagr. It was a VERY sad day in our house. Jagr will be missed..... Rest In Peace, my buddy!

My Friend's Awesome Giveaway!

My friend Nicole inspires me to try to make something you cute! She is so talented and she is offering a GREAT Giveaway!

So..... after you enter MY Giveaway...run over to Our Cozy Nest!

These people crack me up!

My kids say and do the funniest things! They are always cracking me up.

The princess learns new phrases at school and makes me laugh when she uses them. She gives me little lectures that I can imagine she heard a version of at school.

She just wrote her first "book" at school it's so dang cute! She talks about how much she loves her dog.

2 weeks ago I took her to the University of Utah Gymnastics meet. I took her last year and she liked and has talked about it a lot since then, so we tried it again. Our seats were not great, but she was ON THE EDGE of hers! She kept saying, "that little kid is so cool." I asked her what little kids she was talking about and then figures out that she was talking about the gymnasts. I told her that they were not little kids, they were adults, she was so confused because they "look so small" from high upon the lofty arena..

Then this last weekend we took both kids to Disney on Ice. We didn't tell them where we were going until we left the restaurant that we went to on the way, but little miss princess said during dinner, "this place is so good, can we eat here when we go to Disney on Ice?" Matt and I just looked at each other possibly wondering if the other had dropped to many hints.

Then there's little man! We got a new puppy about 3 weeks ago and the little man LOVES her!! Almost too much! He tries to carry her around, the problem is she is getting big! He is a great puppy owner though. He cleans up her messes and takes her water bowl into the bathroom to fill for her, and then slaushes it through the house while getting it back to the kitchen.

Little man has taken his own sweet time with potty training, but we have pretty much made it. I say pretty much because night time is still an issue for him. You know when you have succeeded in potty training when the curious fellow comes into the bathroom when you forget to lock the door and says, "Mom you pooped. Good job! Give me Five!" I almost fell off the toilet I was laughing so hard.

Have I mentioned before how much I love these kids? I count myself lucky to be their mom!

Last night, I was tucking the princess into bed and I told her that I was tired. She said, "Mom you should stop working so hard and go to bed when the kids do...." What a sweetie!

Sweet & Spicy!!!

I recently receive a preview sample of some yummy new jerky from Jerky.com. They’re introducing: Orange Jerky and Mango Jerky, beginning today!

A while back they sent me some pineapple jerky which was a big slice of dried pineapple (that was quite good) so since I knew this time they were sending me Orange and Mango jerkys I was kind of expecting it to be fruit.

What I received were two traditional beef jerkys, but with a fruit marinade. Sweet and spicy — like it says on the package — goes together just fine. But on beef? This I was going to have to try for myself.

I really like it. It’s got a slight fruitiness to it, without covering up the flavor of the beef. And there’s some heat as you keep chewing, but not too much.

In my house we are split on spice. The fireman and the princess are not so much into spicy flavors but the little man and myself enjoy our spice!

While searching their site I also found turkey jerky..... that sounds yummy too!!

They should be available to order now!

Deep conversation....

Things have been crazy at our house lately. I am realizing more and more everyday that what I have always considered "back to normal" doesn't exist. For us crazy is normal.

A few weeks ago we were out for a family drive. It's something we try to do weekly. We usually stick a dvd in for the kids and Matt and I talk about a wide range of things.

I don't remember how we got on the subject but we started talking about how lucky we felt to have each other. It's something that you hate to bring up but I believe that any family with young kids needs to discuss what would happen if something happened to one of us.

Sometimes when we have talked about it I end up crying and mad because I don't want to think about it. Sometimes I end up laughing..... It is during these conversations that I give Matt a list of people he is not allowed to date. It might sound like a weird thing to talk about but we both agree that if something were to happen to either one of us while the kids were young we would want tot other to remarry....

Anyway, back to the story....

So this particular night we were talking and I think we both realized how crazy our lives are. My husband is crazy. I wished him luck in finding someone willing to deal with him.... lol.... He is a firefighter with a crazy work schedule and pay scale that requires him to work extra jobs, he plays hockey (and is a goalie), he plays bagpipes.... CRAZY! I love him though! He puts up with my brain, my emotions, my desire to be at home with my kids, my bargain shopping habits, and my expensive photography hobby.

We sure are lucky to have each other. We are lucky to have the amazing kids we have. We are lucky to live where we do..... even if we are crazy busy!!

Love you Matt!!!

GIVEAWAY!!!! -Cart Buster Event at Kroger Stores

Saving money on groceries is top of mind these days, and with the Cart Buster Savings Event EXCLUSIVELY at Kroger and the Kroger Family of Stores, the prices are so low you can stock up on all your favorite brands without breaking the bank (though you might bust your cart!)

From now through March 14th, shop the Cart Buster Savings Event and find the hottest prices around on your favorite name-brand products in over 60 categories at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph´s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith´s, Fry´s, QFC, Baker´s, Owen´s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott´s Food & Pharmacy.

Here are just a few of the great brands participating in the event: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Yoplait, Progresso, Totino´s, Green Giant, Cascadian Farm, Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers, Pantene, Crest, Iams, Febreze, Old Spice and many more!


I have a great giveaway...... I am going to give a lucky reader a $25 Kroger Gift Card!!!

There are several ways to get entries:
1 entry for commenting here
1 entry for following THIS blog
1 entry for following my photography blog
1 entry for linking here from your Facebook page
2 entries for blogging about this giveaway and linking to it

The drawing will be held on March 25th!!!

The Kroger Family of Stores gift card, information, and giveaway were all provided by the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through MyBlogSpark. I was also given a $25 gift card for personal use.

Texas Roadhouse Ranch Dressing.....

Texas Roadhouse has the BEST ranch dressing ever!!

I found a recipe that is as close as I can get it.....

3/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 dash dried minced garlic

Mix well and refrigerate.

A new love of reading.......

I have been faithfully going to gym 5 days a week for a little over a year. I have lost some weight, my body has changed quite a bit, and I have been READING! I have found that I have more motivation to exercise if I am reading while I do it. An hour on the stair climber flies by when I am lost in my stories!

I really should have been keeping better track of the books that I have read, because I know there are more than these!!

A Different Life by Quinn Bradley

Books by Anita Stansfield:

The Captain of Her Heart
Captive Hearts
The Captain’s Angel
Hearts Crossed
Timeless Waltz
A Time to Dance
Dancing in the Light
A Dance to Remember
In Search of Heaven
A Quiet Promise
At Heaven's Door
Promise of Zion
The Sound Of Rain
A Distant Thunder
The Winds Of Hope
Shelter From The Storm
The Silence Of Snow
Emma, Woman of Faith

Books By Rachel Ann Nunes
Flying Home
A Heartbeat Away
Winter Fire
No Longer Strangers
Chasing Yesterday
By Morning Light
A bid for Love (Love to the Highest Bidder)

Books By Danielle Steele
A Good Woman
The House On Hope Street

Currently I am reading Framed for Love, by Rachel Ann Nunes

Had a blast!!!

I was lucky enough to get to go with my awesome mom to the Billy Joel / Elton John concert. I am not saying that my mom is awesome just cause she took me.... SHE IS AWESOME ANYWAY!

We had a lot of fun. We went to dinner first at Iggy's and then off to the concert. The music was great. I loved it when they collaborated on each others songs. It was so loud my ears were numb. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

We had great seats. I even saw my friend Jenny there.... she was way far away but I was talking to her and she told me where she was -- with binoculars I found her!!

Bath Tub Nightmare

A friend of mine had this link on her blog. These people live in Utah County and their story is heart-wrenching. Hold on to you kids. Love them. Pray for them. And please pray for this little boy.

I find the story very emotional on many levels. It reminds me that miracles can happen and that Heavenly Father answers our prayers.

February is Heart Month!!

February is Heart Month and February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Did you know that Congenital Heart Defects are America’s #1 birthdefect? Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD. ♥ ♥ ♥ My sweet Micayla is my hero CHD Warrior AND Survivor ♥ ♥ ♥

Busy January.....

We had a good January. It was crazy busy.

It was good for the princess to get back to school after the long holiday, which was extended due to her bout with strep throat. She loves school. We finally were able to get her IEP taken care of so she can officially get the extra help she needs at school.

The month ended with a great Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game. Not only was it good because the Hoses won, but because of the money that was raised for Shriner's Hospital and the family of Josie Fox, a sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed while working.

We also celebrated what would have been my grandpa's 96th birthday by going out to dinner with my parents, sisters, nieces and nephew. I sure miss him!

The fireman was able to get on a different crew at work. It is amazing what a difference there is in him. It's nice to be working with people that have similar values!! We are definitely looking forward to a better year!!

I started a 365 photography project and I am taking an advanced photography class. I have already learned so much.

I have an officially unofficial photography assignment working with the Kaysville Fire Department. On Wednesday I went to a training fire they had and took lots of photos! It was a BLAST!!!

Looking forward to a great month!

PYP Blogger.....

I just wanted to let my friends know that I am also blogging on the Pinching Your Pennies blog. Recently I have been blogging about meal planner, freezing produce for storage, and today about cuts of beef.

General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets.

Other cereal benefits:

* Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.

* Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet today.

* More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.

Right now if you visit here you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals.

**This information was provided to me by General Mills through Blog Spark. I was not paid money for this post. I did receive 4 free boxes of General Mills cereal.

Do you ever Google yourself?

Very interesting........ I found several pages of stuff on me. Comments that I left on blogs that I don't even remember reading.

Adoption Story

Quite a while back I posted a 15 part series on our adoption story. Here is the link in case you want to read it again or for the first time.

I am finding that a lot of my older posts are getting a lot of traffic so I just wanted to revive them again.....