Joshua Bell At Home with Friends cd Review

The name of this cd says it all. Curl up at home, under a warm blanket, stick this cd in your cd player, and turn it up. Relax your everyday stresses. Good Bye world. That is exactly what I have been doing. I just finished a great bubble bath, candles, and all. It felt so good to just relax as I listened to this cd. You know life gets complicated from the moment you think of waking up. The ball starts rolling with that one split decision you make every morning. And it just gets worst from there. So if you are in the mood to relax your mind and soul, grab this cd to listen to wherever you may be. Imagine a ride to work with traffic, rain, and so much to do....well when listening to this cd I tune it all out. I listen to it at work and it brings a calm to my spirit. It is a jungle out there in that work world I work in. Who knows if I am going to come out alive.

Want to know more about Joshua's new album, At Home With Friends?

It hit stores September 29, so what are you waiting for? Oh you want to know more, ok I get it.

At Home With Friends covers all of the genres, from classical to pop, bluegrass to Broadway, jazz and ethnic World Music. There are even a couple of seasonal tracks in there, just in time to celebrate the holidays.

Check out the track list:

I Loves You Porgy featuring Chris Botti, trumpet
Come Again featuring Sting, vocals
Oblivion featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Cinema Paradiso featuring Josh Groban, vocals
Para Tí featuring Tiempo Libre, various
My Funny Valentine featuring Kristin Chenoweth, vocals
Maybe So featuring Edgar Meyer Sam Bush and Mike Marshall, strings
Grieg: Sonata No. 3 featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff (Zenph re-performance)
Eleanor Rigby featuring Frankie Moreno, piano & vocals
O, Cease Thy Maiden Fair featuring Nathan Gunn, baritone
Il Postino featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Left Hand Song featuring Regina Spektor, piano & vocals
Chovendo Na Roseira featuring Dave Grusin, piano
Look Away featuring Edgar Meyer, bass and Chris Thile, mandolin
Variant Moods: Duet for Sitar & Violin featuring Anoushka Shankar, sitar
I'll Take Manhattan featuring Marvin Hamlisch, piano
Left Hand featuring Regina Spektor, vocals

Thanks to One2One Network for providing me with a copy to review.

NEWSFLASH:
And – this just in – Joshua Bell will be on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on October 2nd!!!
(Check your local listings for time/station)

Around the web...giveaways

Smart Money Babe-$10 Kroger card 10/10

Mama Latina Tips-Kraft in a Box giveaway 10/13

Seerys Mama Sisty Uglers Guveaway 10/15

Stay at Home Mom UPrinting.com greeting cards 10/14

Stay at Home Mom UPrinting.com Banner giveaway 10/29

Heck of A Bunch Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters 10/13

My First Blog Awards.....

Thanks to 'Manda Blogs About

Thanks to
If Mama Ain't Awarded

Ok, so first of all let me tell Thank you to both of the ladies who found my blog LOVELY. I am very thankful to be recognized in this community amongst my blogger friends, and followers. I started blogging last year not knowing where blogging was going to take me. One year later and I have met so many new people and am learning so much. I love sharing ideas, comments, and information that I find useful. I also just love sharing. We as mothers sometimes don't get to be heard. And here I know I am heard. Thanks for listening, coming by and just visiting every now and again. I hope to continue to provide everyone with good information, if not something to laugh about in my crazy life. With winning this award comes the resposibility of passing the torch on to fellow bloggers.



(So, here are the rules of the "One Lovely Blog" award:
Accept the award
Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.)

Drum roll please......And the "One Lovely Blog" award goes to:

Some newcomers who have taken this journey with me, who I couldn't have done it without...
1) The Loca Loba
2) On The Go Mommy
3) JoAnna Emma
4) The Plus Size Mommy
5) Super Saver Mommy
6) Lindy Lately
Around the blogger World, those I am so glad I found...
7) Super Dumb Super Villain
8) Mamas Money Savers
9) Full Nest Reviews
10) My Red Apron
11) My Four Monkeys
12) Texas Couponers Anonymous
13) It Must Be Me
14) Mama Contemporanea
15) Mama Latina Tips

Harry Connick Jr. - Your Songs cd review

Harry Connick Jr .....stop ...take a deap breath. Yes, this cute actor is a singer too. If that was not enough he is a composer as well. Let me tell you, he can saing. Not sing. HE can SaIng. This cd has some wonderful songs originally performed by different people. Harry took it to another level. The songs are great. Pop it in your cd player, like I did, and you will just melt away. I love his voice. My favorite song has to be Besame Mucho, Kiss Me Many Times. Add it to your collection. This great cd came out on September 22 but I got a copy to review.

Thanks to my membership at One to One, I was able to receive the Your Songs cd by Harry Connick Jr and experience his wonderful music.

Check out the track list (Originally performed by):

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)

Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Don't Miss Harry on TV

See his TV appearances below and tune in to hear him talk about Your Songs and perform songs from the album.

9/28 – Today Show
9/29 – The View
9/30 – Imus in the Morning
9/30 – Letterman
10/1 – Today Show
Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray

Too bad I will be at work and I don't have TiVo.

Freshdeals.com Review

Have you ever had a question about a product? Do you like to research your products before purchasing them? Have you bought something and wished someone would have told you the kinks and quircks?

I always have questions. I never know exactly what to buy. So i have to ask questions, and go to different stores. When thinking of buying something it is like having a research project, and there is always a timeline I have to complete.

Have you heard of Freshdeals.com?

At Freshdeals.com you can get answers to your questions. You can find deals to items you have been looking for. It is so easy to use. You search for an item. Once you find what you are looking for, you click on the item. As soon as you click the fresh deals come up. It is just that easy. So now you can just go Freshdeals.com research, ask, shop, and buy.

Check out Freshdeals.com and add them to your favorites. With Christmas just around the corner make your shopping easier, and cut your research time.

The attachments are my friends...

Ok, so I have to admit that since I bought my vacuum cleaner 3 years ago I had never touched the attachments. Wait..before you judge let me tell you why. I am a real clutsy person. If something bad is going to happen, it happens to me. So I sometimes go for easy things like just vaccuming, not all the other things it can do. I, of course, clean my house. I have no cleaning service. I have been sick all week, and of course before this, been meaning to get to the chores. So I got my attachments out and my handbook. I headed upstairs to my room. And I started to read my handbook and guess what, I was so amazed at what each attachment really does. People I have been on my hands and knees cleaning the trims and corners. There is an attachment for that. The corner where the vacuum doesn't get. There is an attachment for that too. I cleaned the fan, the lamp shades, and behind the dressers. I was having fun cleaning, this has never happened. So here is my lesson learned just because something looks complicated, that doesn't mean it has to be. I have been making cleaning so much harder for me when I have had the tools to make my job easier, and cut my cleaning time. So don't be afraid to use the attachments.

Around the web....great giveaways I enterered today

A Happy Hippy Mom-$20 Walmart GC Giveaway to try Febreze 10/16

Make Time for Change

What is MAKE TIME FOR CHANGE? is the question you are asking... read on.....
MAKE TIME FOR CHANGE
For more than 75 years, Save the Children has been helping children survive and thrive by focusing on early childhood education, literacy and physical activity and nutrition programs.
Save the Children created the CHANGE program (Creating Healthy, Active, and Nurturing Growing-up Environments) to promote healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty by providing nutritious snacks and regular opportunities for children to be physically active.
Guess who is helping this cause......

Now, you can help. Raise your hand today to reveal your pledge to make time for a child, and Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.
You can also match Frigidaire's contribution by donating directly to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.
Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner are teaming up to urge Moms to use the time we get when we turn the clocks back on November 1st to make CHANGE for children. Devote that extra hour to a child. Raise your hand today to reveal your pledge.
I am guilty of loosing track of time and not being able to time manage for my little one. And I only have one to worry about right now. With the hectic schedules we have once school is in session who has time. Well let's make time. I think it is great because our kids are our future. We invest in everything else, why not them. I am raising my hand today and pledging to make time for my little one.

Also are you looking for new appliances, because for every new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven sold, Frigidaire will donate $100 to Save the Children's U.S Programs as part of their $250,000 commitment to this worthy cause.

For complete details log on now to www.frigidaire.com.

Giveaways this week 09/20-09/26

Week 3: September 14-27
Win a Sienna Lights Hurricane from Partylite (Open to US)
Win a LeadConfirm At-Home Lead Test (Open to US and Canada)
Win Cranklz Straps for Crocs from Monkey Lisa (Open to US)
Win a Clorox Gift Set (Open to US)
Win a Barbie and The Three Musketeers DVD (Open to US and Canada)
Win Glow Gluten-Free Cookies (Open to US)
Win a $50 Gymboree Gift Card (Open to US and Canada)
Win Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes (Open to US)
Win a Child's Belt from MySelf Belts (Open to US)
Win a Nintendo DSi (Open to US and Canada)
Win a Fisher Price Trio Building Set (Open to US and Canada)
Win a Copy of MozyHome File Backup (Open to US and Canada
Check out Mom Central

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil GIVEAWAY

A couple of days ago I posted Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil Review, and guess what? Thanks to Tropical Traditions now you can try it too. Do you want to try it?

Here is how to win:
Mandatory-
1) Subscribe to Tropical Tradition's email Sales Newsletter here (2 entries)
Bonus Entries-
2) Follow @troptraditions on Twitter. (1 entry)
3) Follow my blog. (1 entry)
4) Follow me on twitter. (1 daily entry)
5) Check out the free Coconut Recipe website, and pick your favorite recipe here (2 entries)

Giveaway ends 10/03/09 at midnight. Please leave your contact information in your comment. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize.
Good luck.

Certain Dri Solid review and giveaway***CLOSED***

Do you sweat alot? Have you been somewhere and you have a ring under your underarm on your clothes? How embarrassing, how could you, can't you control yourself, what the heck were you thinking wearing that? I have had many episodes of the underarm sweating that has embarrassed me on several occassions. And no I cannot control it, or can I.
Thanks to Robin Leedy & Associates, and Certain Dri for providing me a sample to review.

I have tried many products and several claim to help but to no success. Do you know the difference between deodorant and anti-perspirant? I didn't. Not every deodorant is an anti-perspirant. Certain Dri is an anti-perspirant. It works by closing off underarm pores to inhibit the flow of perspiration. Is this safe you ask, cause I did? It is safe because the perspiration is redistributed to the other parts of the body which works for me. I applied it at night right before I went to sleep, that's went it is working to close the pores off. I have been using it every night and have been able to control my perspiration. It doesn't wash off in the mornings after I take a shower. I was a bit skeptical about this. But i stayed fresh all day.
The facts:
Certain Dri is the number one over-the-counter antiperspirant recommended by doctors for treating excessive perspiration. New to the Certain Dri line of antiperspirant products is Certain Dri Solid, equally effective and specially-formulated for those with sensitive skin. While other over-the-counter antiperspirants claim to be “clinical strength” and “waterproof” the Certain Dri formulations – 12% aluminum chloride and 25% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate - are the strongest available, providing 72-hours of protection with each application. Retail price is $5.50-$6, almost 40% less than the other clinical strength antiperspirant products. Available at all drug stores, mass market retailers, and online at www.certaindri.com.
Do you want to try Certain Dri? Here is how to win:
1) Go to www.certaindri.com and tell something you learned that was not mentioned here. (1 entry)
2) Be a follower. (1 entry)
3) Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
4) Tweet. (1 daily tweet)

Giveaway ends on September 30 at midnight. Winners will be notified by email, so please make sure you leave your contact information. Winners will be picked at Random.org. Good Luck!

Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes Review

Are you like me and are worried about this years Flu season? I worry that I will get sick and won't be able to go to work. I worry about my son getting sick and not being able to attend school. I worry about a pandemic. We as parents worry alot, it is only natural. We look for products to help us in our journey.

Thanks to SheSpeaks for sending me a canister of Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes.
Have you been at a park and a porta potty? Or driving in your car filled with kids? where there was no soap or water available. I have. With soccer, football, and baseball on our schedules, there are plenty of Wet Ones moments. As back to school has set in, and flu season just arriving Wet Ones comes to our rescue. I like the fact that they are easy to carry in your purse, backpack or car. They don't leave your hands sticky after using them. They are soft to the touch, especially when used on the face. They are thick and durable. They come in fresh scent which I like.

The facts:
Antibacterial formula kills 99.99% of germs
Hypoallergenic and enriched with skin conditioning Aloe
Perfect for quick clean ups when soap and water aren't available or practical
Available in 2 great scents - Fresh Scent and Citrus
Available in 3 convenient forms:
40 count canister
15 count travel pack
24 count individually wrapped singles

CSN stores review

Are you looking for new dining room furniture? Or are you just looking for new items to add to your dining room furniture?

When I moved into my new house 3 years I was blessed, having saved up enough to buy basic dining room furniture. I have been adding, little by little, pieces to make my home beautiful and my own. I was also blessed to have great friends who gave me lightly used items they no longer needed for me to start off in my new home with. One of the items I was given was a Cornelle dish set that I have used and used and used. I love these dishes.

Thanks to CSN Stores for given me the opportunity to review a product from their dining room furniture store. There were so many items to choose from their collection of dinnerware, table décor, or home accent collections also available.

I ended up finding this Corelle - Lifestyles Muse 16 Piece Dinnerware Set. There are so many pieces you will want to add to your cart. They have a variety of sets to choose from. No matter your family size, they have a set for you. I found a set that would go perfect in my home and for our family.


This is my dining room furniture before my makeover. Check out how beautiful my house looks.





It really makes a big difference at how my table looks. As I played around with the table and place settings I added some color to it. And here is how it looks now.





So if you are looking for new dining room furniture or just home accents to add to your home, I recommend you check out www.diningroomsdirect.com.

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil review

I have been trying to change my way of eating looking for healthier ways to cook. I want our family to be healthy. The food choices i make for my family can really make a difference. I am trying to teach my son healthy habits. I have made some bad choices and for that i have been been paying for by gaining weight that i cannot loose. I have been doing the crazy diets, and killed myself exercising. But have gained all the weight right back on, sometimes double.
So my cooking choices and food choices are going to change for a lifestyle change I am making for my family and our future.

Thanks to Tropical Traditions for sending me a sample of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin coconut oil and the book-"Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!"
What is coconut oil and what the heck does it do, are you asking? The coconut oil is organic. It is made from fresh coconuts in the Philippines. Watch this video...

The book is a great source filled with different uses for the coconut oil from cooking to home remedies. I like coconuts. When going home to my home country El Salvador the first thing I ask for is a fresh coconut. I really didn't think I could get fresher than it coming straight from the tree and being cut and handle right in front of you. I have tried many coconut products that loose the taste and when the taste is gone what's the point. But Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is 100% USDA organic and has all the taste it can possibly have. It is like if I got it straight off the tree myself. I used it to cook and the taste was great. It can be used to loose weight, on your hair and on your body. Since receiving it several weeks ago I have been amazed at how much of a difference it is making in my life, especially in my quest to loose weight.

The book includes:
Over 100 personal stories from people using Virgin Coconut Oil!
Over 85 previously unpublished foundational recipes for the Coconut Diet - ALL using some form of coconut: Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Cream Concentrate, or Coconut Flour.
* These foundational recipes concentrate on sauces, spreads, and vinaigrettes.
* Developed by a professional chef.
* You can easily add Virgin Coconut Oil into your diet.
* Gluten-free recipes using Coconut Flour.
Documented research showing why Virgin Coconut Oil has changed so many people’s lives.
And guess what?
Earn FREE Products! Refer a friend as a new Healthy Buyer's Club customer and you can earn free products through The Healthy Buyers Club Referral Program!

I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.

Cystex® Review and Giveaway....

Have you ever heard of the term UTI or urinary tract infection?

I have. I have been a victim. A victim I say because those come out of know where. Here are the symptoms: pain when you urine, blood in your urine, urgency to want to urinate, and pain and discomfort of lower back and abdomen. Here is my disclosure I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be one. What I can tell is my experiences? I tend to not go to the restroom as often as I should. I have gotten UTI's because of my bad habit. So because of this I have suffered. The worst UTI I remember was a couple of years ago. I woke up to use the restroom in the middle of the night. Let pause and tell you, I hate waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Again but because of my bad habits I need to. I had been very tired this week, working alot not stopping for restroom breaks, and not waking up in the middle of the night. One night I went to the restroom and I could not urinate. Not because I didn't have to go but because it hurt. I was crying from the pain. I noticed my urine had blood in it. I woke my mother from the crying. She had to come and help me out of the restroom. I could not even stand. She took me to the emergency room. My diagnosis was UTI....severely ignored UTI. I was given medicine by the doctor but I was also told to purchase medicine over the counter for the pain. Oh by the way this over the counter medicine will change the color of your urine. Great thanks, as if I didn't have enough to worry about. Just imagine that, no need for me to elaborate. Needless to say because of my busy schedule, mom never has time to take care of herself, this wasn't my last UTI just my worst one. A myth: cranberry juice helps prevent UTI. Not, it can sometimes make things worse. Drink water every day. Water is your friend and it is good for you. Take care of yourselves ladies. It's your body. Your bodies give you signs for a reason. Listen to them if not we will suffer.

Thanks to Robin Leedy & Associates and Cystex® for providing me with a sample of Cystex® to review. I currently do not have a UTI and I hope not get any soon. Fingers crossed. But here are the facts I have learned. It is so much more than I have ever known before about UTIs.

THE FACTS-

Each year, UTIs account for more than 8.3 million doctors visits. Physician and pharmacist-recommended Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication designed to help ease the pain and discomfort of UTIs. More uniquely, it is the only OTC UTI medication with an antibacterial agent that helps to contain the progression of the infection, as well.
The dual-action formula of Cystex® not only helps numb the pain and burning sensation with an analgesic, but it also contains the urinary antiseptic methenamine to help control the infection while you wait to see a physician. Cystex® will also not change the color of the urine as other OTC urinary pain products do.
Cystex® is available at drug stores nationwide at the suggested retail price of $9.25 for a package of 40 tablets and $15.95 for a 100-count package. It is also available online at www.cystex.com, www.drugstore.com and other online retailers.

Cystex® is working with Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D. for an online initiative on Cystex.com called “Cystex® Know Your Bladder Better” where women can directly connect with Dr. Kavaler, who is one of 500 female urologists in the United States specializing in female urinary tract issues and author of “A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract Problems in Women,” (Copernicus Books, 2006). Dr. Kavaler helped us produce a series of videos discussing various topics about urinary tract health including sex and UTIs, menopause and UTIs, UTI facts, squatting versus sitting on the toilet, and cranberries for UTI prevention. Check out the videos now...

Watch now

Want to try Cystex®? Here is how to win your own Cystex®:
1) Go to Cystex® watch a video. Tell me what video you watched and one thing you learned that I did not mention. (1 entry)
2) Follow me on blogger. (1 entry)
3) Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
4) Tweet this giveaway. (1 daily entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do. Remember I need a correct email address in order to contact winner. Winner will be chosen at Random.org on September 30 at midnight. Good luck.

Zhu Zhu Pets Party

Have your kids ever asked you for a pet?

My son begged and begged for a dog for years. So i tried to change his mind by getting him a fish. Well he mistakenly thought salt was food for the fish and the fish died. So again he remembered he wanted a dog. I told him once we got our own house we would get one. And we did. We have a dog named Chevy Rolet. Yes like the cars. Well it was fun at first but as time went on my son soon forgot about his dog. And now mom and dad have to take care of this big dog. Don't get me wrong I love our dog. But i didn't ask for a dog, or the extra responsibility.
Now my son has it in his head that he wants a hamster. Thanks to BSM/Media and MomSelect for providing my son Zhu Zhu pets and a complete habitrail for us to have a Zhu Zhu party. Let me tell you I didn't want to get my son a hamster because who was going to end up cleaning the hamster's house, and feed the hamster? You know the answer. And when he doesn't feel like having a pet hamster anymore who was going to take care of it? You know the answer. Zhu Zhu hamsters are perfect pets your kids will love. They can play with them for hours. They don't have to feed them or clean their houses. And when the playing is done, turn them off. It is that simple. I found that the Zhu Zhu pets were such a hit with all the kids from 3 years old to the adults. The Zhu Zhu hamsters are also cute. Little ones won't be scared of them.
Like I said your kids can get hooked on this Zhu Zhu hamsters. We put the playhouse together in our living room but ended up moving it to the gameroom so the kids would have more room to play with it. My son put the playhouse together. The kids walked in and were ready to get the party started. All the kids had seen the Zhu Zhu hamsters on tv and they had wanted one. The party was great. No-one wanted to go home. We had a Zhu Zhu --per time!!!

Check out how much fun our kiddos had at our Zhu Zhu Party!

Happy Grandparent's Day!!

Have you ever heard of Grandparent's Day? Have you ever celebrated this special day?

Grandparent's Day is a day to celebrate our grandparents. It is their holiday like Father's Day and Mother's Day.

I told myself when I started a family that I would make sure my kids spent plenty of time with their grandparents. When I had my son, my mom was going through a hard time. But she said my son brought happiness to her. I stayed with my mother for a long time trying to get on my feet. She too was a single mother. We helped each other. Through all those years my son and mother grew a relationship like no other. They are so close. I remember my son would wake up at 4 am and sit with my mom at the table having breakfast. She would have coffee and he would have chocolate milk. This summer my mom had to stay at home from work due to having surgery and my son stayed with her. He helped her through this hard time. He loves his grandma so much, he even stayed with her instead of going to summer camp. It was his choice. I had already signed him up and had everything taken care of, he backed out and decided his grandma needed him more. Their bond is so strong.

Live life to the fullest without regrets. Enjoy every moment as if it was your last moment. Live life, don't let life pass you by. Do today what you want to do and don't leave it for tomorrow. Take care of your loved ones. Show them you care. Hug your Grandparents today. Take them out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Give them a call. Drop by for a visit. Let them know they are special today and everyday.

So Happy Grandparent's Day to all of the Grandparents out there. A special shout out to my son's Grandparents:

Abuela Sara

Abuelo Mino

Abuelo Carlos

Grandpa & Grandma West

My Abuela

Great giveaways..this week Sept 13-19

ahappyhippy mom-Your Baby Can Read Giveaway! 9/28

Mission Mommy-win the Pillsbury Ready to Bake Back to School giveaway 9/24

Cooked from the heart-YOPLAIT WHIPS! “SUMMER COOL DOWN” GIVEAWAY 9/14

Luvs “Take A Stand” campaign!

Here is the question....Was there a time when you drew the line and took a stand?

This year due to the economy I stopped purchasing items without having a coupon, price matching the items, and/or the items being on sale. I refuse to over paying for things. I kept hearing about people saving so much money, and even getting free items. And I was probably standing in line with one of those ladies paying full price. I always thought i was being smart with my money. Being a single parent makes you be smart or you will run out of money quick. I always thought to myself cutting coupons is a chore, price matching how embarrasing, and would i have to argue with salespeople. When it comes down to it, a dollar saved is a dollar in my pocket. Now i have more dollars in my pocket, and i get more for my money. I take it all back. I love coupon clipping, it's my new hobby. Saving money is a challenge I like to conquer. It's like a game. I try to see if I can beat the last savings. Price matching, how crazy is that. I love sales, and clearances. Power to the clipping world!



When my son was born I compared prices and ended up buying Luvs because they were cheaper. They turned out to be great. My son never had leak problems. 10 years later and they are still my diaper choice.


Luvs is committed to empowering moms everywhere to stand up for what really matters to them – from saying no to high prices to trusting your gut when it comes to parenting.


Leading the charge for the Luvs "Take a Stand" campaign is Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tony-Award-winning actress, Dancing With the Stars contestant, and host of Oxygen Network's Dance Your Ass Off. Marissa absolutely believes in the idea of empowering moms to stand for things that are important to them, and you can watch a series of videos on Luvs.com where she talks about all sorts of things that she stands for—from charitable giving, to just trusting your gut when it comes to parenting. Marissa's very adorable baby avatar is the "celebrity" site host!



The coupon will go live at Luvs.com on September 15th 12am EST and will be fulfilled using standard mail. As you know these coupons will go fast, so mark your calendars. Don’t forget to share the coupon on Twitter by clicking here! Sharing is caring.



About Luvs
Luvs Diapers deliver ultra leak protection and a money back guarantee for less than the pricey brands, and offer premium features such as Bear Hug Stretch™—premium stretch to help stop leaks—a blue leakguard core, and reinforced leg cuffs that help prevent bunching and sagging. Luvs Diapers are available in sizes newborn to 6 at mass, discount, and grocery stores where baby-care products are sold.

Kenmore "Crazy Cleaning Confessions" contest

Where do I start? My cleaning confessions are not that crazy I don't think. You tell me.
Dishwashing....First, I must admit I have a dishwasher but I rarely use it. I only really use it on holidays when I am tired and it is so many dishes to hand wash. I have everyone put the dirty dishes on the right side of the sink. I normally wash my dishes after we have eaten but there are those days where I have been lazy and they just pile up all week until Saturday. By this time they are all crusted up and need to soak, so while I am cleaning the reast of the house i let them soak. Then I come back and hand wash them. Ok, so what do I use my dishwasher for you are asking? To dry my dishes of course. They stay in the dishwasher racks until i put them away the next time i do dishes or we just grab from there what we need.
Washing and Drying...Now let me tell you that i hate this part of chores. I have a two story house so the dirty clothes and hampers are all upstairs. The washer and dryer are downstairs. Here is what I do. I get the clothes and since I dont have a laundry chute, i drop it from the second story down to the floor. Home made chute for me, only on my lazy days. Then once all the clothes is all over my living room floor, i separate it into piles, whites, colors, etc. My son helps by separating his clothes into the piles. Now to washing, i wash and then dry, and wash and then dry. Every load that comes out I immediately fold or hang up. I have my son grab his clothes and put it away as we go along. But this gets tiring so by the time the last load is done, i am pooped. SO the last load stays in the dryer until I need something from that load, or until it is time to wash next time. I have forgotten loads in the washer and oh man they stink so they have to be rewashed. I hate when that happens. My fiancee helps out sometimes by washing his clothes but his confession is he will not fold, hang, or put up any of his clothes. He will do every load and leave it for me as a great surprise. One time we had so much clothes we put it in the guess bedroom on top of the bed, and we would just grab and iron. I never want that to happen again.
Well these were my cleaning confessions. Do you have any crazy cleaning confessions that you want to share? Leave a comment...

I told you all about the Kenmore "Crazy Cleaning Confessions" contest about a week ago.

I have checked out the videos and this is the video I picked...
Cleaning Kid 101
From: dmgorby

I love for my son to help me. He started helping out when he was a toddler with little things. He loves to help.

Again the voting begins today so go and vote. Remember, 50 cents for every video viewed (up to $25,000) is being donated by Kenmore to the Roots & Shoots program.

VOTE NOW

Lands' End FeelGood Campaign

What is the Lands' End FeelGood Campaign all about? This initiative is a terrific way to shop and feel good about giving to homeless individuals and families across the country. For every Lands' End FeelGood sweater purchased, the company will donate signature FeelGood yarn to One Heart Foundation's Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity. Lands' End expects to donate thousands of pounds of yarn to the charity where volunteers plan to knit up to 25,000 hats and other items to warm the homeless and displaced.

A knitting "how to" video featuring Vickie Howell, best-selling craft author and host of TV's Knitty Gritty can be found on the Lands' End YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/LandsEndvideo

Upcoming FeelGood Twitter Party

Join Lands' End and Vickie Howell, host of TV's Knitty Gritty, for a Twitter Party to celebrate the kick-off the FeelGood Campaign! The party will feature more than 20 fun giveaways ranging from the FeelGood sweater and Vickie Howell's books to Lands' End gift cards and FeelGood yarn.

Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST
Location: #landsend

Child Passenger Safety Week

When I was in high school a good friend of mine lost her little brother in a car accident. He flew out of the side window in his mom's truck. The mom only had the infant baby in a car seat. She thought he was big enough and did not need one. He died instantly when he hit the pavement. His mom was not going fast. She was in a school zone and had just dropped my friend off at school. She saw the whole thing. I went to my first funeral and it was not something I like to remember. He was so small and the only boy. For that reason, I make sure to buckle up my loved ones, especially the little ones.

Did you know that the NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Child Passenger Safety Week is this week? Or that Seat Check Saturday is this Saturday?

National Seat Check Saturday: September 12, 2009
National Child Passenger Safety Week: September 12-18, 2009

- 3 out of 4 carseats are not installed as they should be, putting children at risk.

- This Saturday is "Seat Check Saturday," and NHTSA is asking all parents using a child safety seat to have their installation checked at one of the centers available across the country.

Below I am including links to where you can get more information for yourself or your loved ones. Pass the information along.

LATCH landing page: http://childcarsafety.adcouncil.org

The following links are located on the landing page above:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Child-Passenger-Safety/144641660131
Child Passenger Safety: www.nhtsa.gov/cps
Twitter: http://twitter.com/childseatsafety
Inspection Station Locator: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

Recall Information from NHTSA:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/subscriptions/index.cfm

Child Seat Registration:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.gov/recalls/register/childseat


Disclosure statement for my post: Amy Lupold Bair, founder of Momfluence, is acting on behalf of NHTSA's child passenger safety efforts.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

During September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Electrolux and Kelly are holding a "Text-a-Thon for a Cause" to help raise support for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.
Throughout September, you can donate $5 to the cause by texting "KELLY" to 85944 from your mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) - or logging on to www.kelly-confidential.com.
Also, every time you log on to the Web site, you'll be entered for a chance to win an amazing contribution to your home - a luxury front load washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color inspired by the teal ribbon of ovarian cancer awareness.
Also during September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every virtual t-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. Fashion-forward Moms can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are proud to support OCRF in their mission to fund research to find a cure for ovarian cancer. Electrolux has committed to donate $500,000 to this worthy cause. As part of that commitment, Electrolux is donating $2002 to OCRF for every Turquoise Sky laundry pair purchased.



I have already texted "KELLY" to 85944, and I also sent a virtual T-shirt to friends. Now won't you join me in helping a great cause. It is so easy and simple.
Go here for more information...
www.kelly-confidential.com

Check out these giveaways September 6-12

The Dirty Shirt-Luvs “Take A Stand Campaign” Giveaway 9/23

The Dirty Shirt-Gorton’s Seafood Giveaway 9/14

The Dirty Shirt-Diaper Dude Giveaway 9/14 check out Diaper Dude.com

The Dirty Shirt-bébé bottle sling Giveaway 9/15

The Dirty Shirt-TJ Maxx /& Marshalls | Back To School | Giveaway 9/17

Connies View-Yoplait Whips Giveaway 9/14

Connies View Educating Esme Book Review And Giveaway 9/7

Tales from a Shopaholic Mommy~Le Baby Shop Giveaway 9/23

Just Jens 1st giveaway 9/14
The lucky winner will receive:
Soap & Glory Flirtigo Moisturising Body Mist
The Body Shop Body & Leg Shine (gorgeous wash off fake tan)
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter
Topshop pearl stud earrings
Nails Inc nail polish inMarylebone high st
The Body Shop mini hi-shine lipgloss (love this!!)
No7 New Extravagant Lashes in Black
Girls Aloud lashes, Cheryl.


Week 2: September 7-20
Win a Twill with Scotchguard Sofa Slip Cover (Open to US and Canada)
Win an AT&T Dual Handset Answering System (Open to US and Canada)
Win V8 V-Fusion Juice and an L.L. Bean Tote Bag (Open to US)
Win Kid Kupz (Open to US and Canada)
Win a Jishaku Game (Open to US and Canada)
Win a Customizable Shainswear Eco-Friendly Bracelet Set (Open to US and Canada)
Win a Play-Doh Coco-Nutty Monkey (Open to US)
Win an Omron Pedometer (Open to US and Canada)
Win a Children's Lunch Pack from Built (Open to US and Canada)
Win Stacy's Chips (Open to US)

Congratulations Silvia Martínez, MamaLatinaTips.com

Great news to pass along...please read!!

Cotton Incorporated today announced that Silvia Martínez is the winner of its national contest, “Mi vida. Mi estilo. Mi algodón.” In addition, Silvia has been selected as the first blogger for ViveAlgodon.com, the one-stop resource for Latino families on tips for home decorating, fashion trends, and fabric care. Cotton Incorporated launched the nationwide search in May to identify a person in the community who makes cotton a part of his or her everyday life and style. Silvia’s winning entry refers to cotton as her best ‘ally,’ always ready for any household challenge she faces.

“I was surprised and overwhelmed with happiness when I was selected as the winner of the contest “Mi vida. Mi estilo. Mi algodón.,’” said Silvia Martínez, writer of her own blog MamaLatinaTips.com. “Cotton has been part of my life since I was born, and it is my family’s favorite fabric. As winner of the contest, it gives me great joy to have the opportunity to share my personal stories and experiences through ViveAlgodon.com.”

Silvia’s entry was chosen from many of submissions from across the country. The selection process was conducted by a panel of judges including the host of the popular TV show “Decorando Contigo” on Galavision, Domenica Brazzi; fashion designer, Vanessa Barrantes; and Cotton Incorporated representative, Yamarie Negron.

As the winner, Silvia will receive $1,000 and a VIP trip for two to New York City for a behind-the-scenes look at how cotton becomes the fashions and textiles we all adore. Silvia will also be the first blogger on ViveAlgodon.com where she will share unique stories and experiences as a mom, wife and cotton lover.

Visit ViveAlgodon.com to read about Silvia Martínez and access other great articles on cotton.

About Cotton Incorporated
Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. growers of upland cotton and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, is the research and marketing company representing upland cotton. The Program is designed and operated to improve the demand for and profitability of cotton

..............................................................................
Cotton Incorporated anunció el día de hoy que Silvia Martínez es la ganadora del concurso nacional “Mi vida. Mi estilo. Mi algodón”. Además, Silvia fue seleccionada para ser la primera blogger de ViveAlgodon.com, un recurso único y completo de consejos para las familias latinas sobre decoración del hogar, tendencias de la moda y cuidado de las telas. Cotton Incorporated lanzó la búsqueda nacional en el mes de mayo con el objetivo de identificar a una persona en la comunidad que hiciera del algodón una parte esencial de su estilo y de su vida cotidiana. En su ensayo, Silvia se refiere al algodón como su mejor "aliado", siempre listo para resolver cualquier desafío doméstico al que deba enfrentarse.

“Me sorprendió y me alegró mucho saber que había sido elegida como la ganadora del concurso “Mi vida. Mi estilo. Mi algodón.””, afirmó Silvia Martínez, autora de su propio blog MamaLatinaTips.com. “El algodón ha sido parte de mi vida desde que nací, y es la tela favorita de mi familia. Como ganadora del concurso, me complace enormemente tener la gran oportunidad de compartir mis historias y experiencias personales a través de ViveAlgodon.com”.

El ensayo de Silvia fue seleccionado entre múltiples ensayos recibidos de distintas partes del país. El proceso de selección estuvo a cargo de un panel de jueces el cual incluyó a Domenica Brazzi, la popular conductora del programa de Galavisión “Decorando Contigo”; la diseñadora de modas Vanessa Barrantes; y en representación de Cotton Incorporated, Yamarie Negrón.

Como ganadora, Silvia recibirá $1,000 y un viaje VIP para dos personas a Nueva York para ir tras bastidores y ver cómo el algodón se transforma en la moda, las telas y los tejidos que todos adoramos. Silvia también se convertirá en la primera blogger de ViveAlgodon.com donde compartirá historias y experiencias únicas como mamá, esposa y aficionada del algodón.
Visite ViveAlgodon.com para leer la historia de Silvia Martínez y ver otros interesantes artículos sobre el algodón.

Acerca de Cotton Incorporated
Cotton Incorporated fue fundado por cultivadores de algodón de altura e importadores de algodón y productos textiles de algodón de EE.UU. Esta es la empresa de investigación y mercadeo que representa al algodón de altura. El programa está diseñado y es operado con el fin de aumentar la demanda y rentabilidad del algodón.

Mabel's Labels Review

I received a free sample of the Ultimate Back-to-School Combo to review from Mabel's labels.

Do you hate your kids misplacing their sweaters, jackets, etc...? Do your kids have the same items and can't tell the difference which one is theirs? Or are you like me and you just have to label everything? I like for my son to be prepared and have his own supplies. I normally use a permanent marker to write his name on all of his things, including his sweaters and jackets. My son, like most kids, leave them laying everywhere.

This year my son is a 5th grader and he gets to go camping. I went camping when I was in 5th grade and it was so much fun. I think I am gonna be ok with the fact that he is going without me. It is scary because he is the shy boy in the corner. He won't tell you he wants to try something because he just doesn't. Mom sometimes has to try things first. But he is very excited and so am I. I think he is old enough for mom to let him a little loose, just enough, not too much.

Thanks to Mabel's labels, we are now packed and ready to go on Wednesday. Check out how cool these labels are and how they fit perfect on all of my son's items.


This is his pillow case he has to carry all his items in

These are his jeans

This label fit his shirt label just right

It came with two teeny tags that I can attach just like I did here to his backpack

We will no longer fight for who's shoes are his or his cousin's, or friend's

All his toiletries are labeled.

This is his pillow, which he leaves at grandma's all the time. So many others try to claim it, not anymore.

These labels were all perfect in size. They were easy to use. I didn't have to fight with a label maker. My son helped to label his own things. I picked a skateboard for the design on his labels. And i also picked his favorite color blue. The labels were all packaged in individual bags with instructions on the front of the bag. The ziplock bags are great to keep the rest of the labels you don't use. But if you are like me, you will go label crazy. Check out the specials they have now....

This limited-time combo pack is available until September 25, 2009.

$39.00 for a pack of 50 Tag-Mates, 40 Skinny-Minis, 16 Shoe Labels, 2 NEW Teeny Tags.
Dishwasher/microwave-safe and UV resistant. Clothing labels are laundry safe.

The name on the labels can be whatever you like to a maximum of 20 characters. Names are printed exactly as you type them.

Also from now until Sept 15 when you spend $80 at Mabel's labels, you will receive a code for $25 to Mabel's labels.

You can view the details on Mabel Moolah at www.moolah.mabel.ca.