Saturday, July 31, 2010

Family and Friends

I had a special thing happen today. My best good friend and two of  my fantastically awesome cousins became cleaning fairies and descended upon my house.
I seriously should've taken before pictures! They worked so hard on our bedroom and on the boys room.

You see, 5 months ago I was put on bed rest and all of the house work and child care fell on the shoulders of my husband who had just started a new job and was in training at the time. He did his best but things got rough! After having Colby I went into the boys room and cleaned...CLEANED! But our bedroom still was neglected and became a catch all for out of season, no longer fitting and any other type of laundry you can imagine. And then the accident happened and well..............

So, the boys room is now clean and many things they no longer played with or refused to pick up are out of my house. My bedroom is nice! And my closet door shuts! And I can walk on carpet!!!!! I am embarassed and ashamed that it got so bad but it is what it is and now it's nice and clean!

And through the cleaning we are donating about 5 bags of clothes and shoes to charity.

And I feel great!
Thanks ladies for your help and for promising to always look at me the same way you did before.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Again with the sample reviews

So it took me longer than expected to get the next review written. So let me start with a follow-up to the Dove review.

The day after using this shampoo/conditioner I woke up with soft hair that was so...

so....

lovely!

I still don't care for the smell but I think that overall I am satisfied with its performance.


Now for the next review. I received a bottle of Sprayway Glass Cleaner and I don't know how. I don't recall requesting it and it came in Donny's name and he doesn't have a clue as to why. But regardless, it's ours and I am never giving it back!
I HIGHLY recommend clicking the link above and requesting your own can. This stuff truly is the "World's Best!"

 I doubt I will ever use anything else from this point on.

Period.


End of discussion.

I think I need to go now. I see a window that needs to be cleaned.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Samples

I love samples. I love going through a store and getting a sample of something that I enjoy. I love being on Facebook and seeing an add for a product that interests me and signing up for a sample.
Sometimes it can take a few weeks for your sample to come in. Sometimes during those few weeks I forget even requesting a sample!
That's sort of what happened. I have 2 samples of hair care products. So I am using them and sharing my results/opinions with you.


The first is Dove Intensive Therapy Daily Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.
1. There is enough in the sample for several days use.
2. I don't really care for the smell. It's a bit more masculine and it does linger on the hair throughout the day.
3. Now, it's still day one of using so I would like to use it a few more times before saying for sure that I can tell a difference in my hair but, my hair does feel pretty soft.

I plan on using this for a few more washings and see what I think. I don't think with a shampoo you will see instant results so I must give this a fair shot.

The next is going to be Nourish+Shine shampoo and conditioner by Aveeno. I can't wait to tell you how that goes :)

I will also be sharing a review of a glass cleaner that I really, seriously don't remember requesting but I am glad it came! But I will share that tomorrow.

So come back! Don't be a stranger. And don't forget to request your own samples!!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Through it all I have learned

Through all of the trials and struggles that we endure, God is with us.  


Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord will provide

Genesis 22:14 (Amplified Bible) 

14So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided.

 

Jehovah-Rophe: The Lord who heals

Jeremiah 30:17 (Amplified Bible)

17For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no one seeks after and for whom no one cares!

 Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord our peace

Isaiah 26:12 (Amplified Bible)

12Lord, You will ordain peace (God's favor and blessings, both temporal and spiritual) for us, for You have also wrought in us and for us all our works.

Hebrews 12:11 (Amplified Bible)

11For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].

 Jehovah-Shamah: The Lord is there

2 Corinthians 3:17 (Amplified Bible)

17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Some of my favorite things for Kids.

Today is day 3 for favorite things.

And today is all about kids what I think are some great kids toys, websites and more.

 

In my opinion, Starfall is one of the coolest sites around. This is a site that teachers use for helping kids learn phonics, letter recognition and early reading skills. There are even printable worksheets to help your preschooler learn to write their letters! But don't worry, your early reader will enjoy the stories and other activities as well.

Another favorite of my kids is Playhouse Disney. Kids can go here to interact with their favorite Playhouse Disney characters. Games, activities and more will keep them busy for a long time. Parents can find party themed ideas complete with check lists, decorating ideas and food suggestions. You can even sign up for an online preschool program.

Not that I want my kids to be sedentary but let's face it, kids do like to watch TV and if they are going to then I would prefer it be something that is clean and educational. I'm all about clean shows for families to be able to enjoy together.
Our whole family enjoys iCarly. It's funny and I think it really encourages kids to be creative and use their imaginations.

We love Phineas and Ferb! These two boys and their cleverly disguised super agent pet, Perry the Platypus (a.k.a. Agent P) can't let their summer go by without making the most of it. All the while their sister, Candace, tries to bust them in action with their Mom. They sing, they dance, the create larger than life inventions in the hopes of having the best summer ever!

As far as educational shows go, we have a new favorite.
Your preschooler will love Chuggington. This "traintastic" crew of chuggers all about learning how to ride the rails are entertaining and full of lessons on every day life skills. They always know how important it is to tell the truth.

Another favorite of ours is Imagination Movers. Movers Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty know what it means to brainstorm!

These 4 guys make using your imagination fun and exciting as they confront "idea emergencies" head on! Their lessons, songs and dance keep my boys laughing and moving.

Some of the best things for kids are toys. Toys get them active and keep their minds moving. I have selected just a few of the items that have been popular in our house.
Fisher-Price's Geo Trax have been popular with our boys for almost 6 years now! That's right. 6 years of fun and Ty still loves to build his track and Noah loves to put the trains together. These trains are built to last and that means perfect for rough and tumble boys. I am sure girls love them to but I have no experience with that. sigh....

What child doesn't go through a time when they are completely enthralled by dinosaurs? Imaginext toys by Fisher Price are awesome!
But there is more to Imaginext than just dinos. Go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

Video games weren't my cup of tea necessarily but now that you can get more educational games and systems that get your family moving, I am more of a fan. The Nintendo Wii and DSi have become great additions to our home. The boys can DS download and play many games together. The Wii is interactive and proves to fun for all. Whether you like to play baseball, go hunting, walk a tightrope or do yoga, the Wii will get you moving. I also love that we downloaded the original Mario and Donkeykong to play!

For the baby. It never ceases to amaze me how fast things change in the world of baby gear. Here are the additions we've made since having Colby.
This may be the best investment and #1 item you need to have if you have a baby. Gripe Water has been a miracle liquid in our home. It's all natural and almost instantly relieves the discomfort of gas and colic and hiccups in Colby.

Oh the Bumbo. This little chair is cute and Colby likes sitting in it. You have to be careful and use some common sense here. You don't want to put it on an elevated surface. I mean, let's be smart here people! But I do love it. We recently bought the tray that attaches to the front for when Colby is picking things up.



This sweet little play gym by Fisher Price changes with your baby. The Kick & Crawl Gym is bright and colorful and soft. Just look how it can grow with your little one.






Ty and Noah loved to play with these and I know Colby will too! Peek A Blocks are so much fun! There are so many different sets and items that go along with them for your child to get bored. Sensory, jungle, alphabet, circus, musical and list goes on.

Last but not least is our latest addition. Tony Hawk's line of clothing for kids. My boys just love it! Here are some of their faves!



 These clothes are great looking and well made. And the designs and colors are great!









Okay, so once again I have given you a peek at some of our favorites. It's your turn!
Tune in tomorrow for more of our favorite things.

More of my favorite things

Yesterday I decided to do a couple of "My Favorite Things" blogs. I think it's fun to share what we enjoy using with our friends and for them to do the same. So just like yesterday, read and then comment what your favorite things are.

Yesterday I focused on personal items but tonight is Kitchen gadgets.

DISCRETIONARY NOTICE: Even before I became a Pampered Chef consultant, most of these items were in my kitchen and would've been fave's anyway!


This was one of my first PC purchases and probably one of my favorites. This  handy dandy tool is so useful during apple pie baking time. It makes things so much easier! This is the Apple Peeler Corer Slicer with the stand. Oh the joy it brings me! Even the boys can help me do the apples and they have trying to see if they can get the peel to come off in one LONG strip!

And speaking of boys. The next item is fun for sandwich making without the crust. It's the Cut-N-Seal.
This special little cutting companion cuts the sandwich into a circle, removing the crust, and when you press the knob down, it seals the edges of the bread! Very fun.

Okay, to throw in a non-PC (Pampered Chef) item that I don't have a pic of but love so much, here is the KitchenAid Classic Series Mixer. Oh my word. Where would I be without my wonderful mixer? Large, yes. Heavy, maybe. Worth it, for sure!


Next on my list would have to be this wonderful oil.
 
This oils is so good to use with a brush to coat the inside of a baking dish that you are making a casserole in or maybe in a salad dressing you are making or even to brush on bread and then toasting the bread in the oven. Oh so good.



Food Chopper from Pampered Chef is quite possibly my favorite of all time! It chops nuts, chocolate, veggies, fruit...whatever you want. It's a great way to vent some frustration at the end of a long day.

Not that I ever have to do that.

Well....maybe sometimes.

Are you judging me?
I didn't think so.

Next is what should be called the "I can do everything you ever wanted or needed a kitchen gadget to do" but I guess that's really too long of a name. So we will just go with what PC calls it. This is the Rice Cooker Plus.
It doesn't just make rice so don't let it's deceiving name fool you. You can fully cook frozen hamburger in about 10 minutes. You can make a cake in it using a box of mix and a can of soda. You can steam veggies. Make mashed potatoes without adding water to the cut potatoes. And more. So much more! Yes, this was a worthy investment and I am glad I made it.

Do you like garlic like I like garlic? Who doesn't? It's very beneficial to your health to eat garlic. But, I hate how it makes your fingers smell. These tools are essential and work wonderfully if you need sliced garlic for a recipe or you need to peel a whole clove before using it. Check out the Galic Peeler & Slicer Set.
And how about this.
This is the Medium Scoop. They also come in large and small. Perfect for cookies.
My family has a family cookie baking day each November. All of us ladies get together and make our holiday cookies for the season on one day. It's great fun. This handy tool is ever so helpful and makes the perfect size and shaped cookies. You don't have one? GET ONE!

Okay. This is just fun. It's the Color Coated Santoku KnifeIt's handy as well but just look at it!  All green and cute. But it is VERY sharp and VERY inexpensive and  that's why I love it so.

The stone. Large Round Stone with handles  is just fabulous. I really can't say anything more to add to it's bio. You just need one.
Bottom line.

End of story.

And then there's this yummy, simply scrumptious and delicious Sweet Apple Sprinkle.
You just have to try this!  Great as a topping on oatmeal, pancakes or as a special little something in your apple pie. But it also has a super easy and super yummy recipe on the label. Trust me. You NEED to check this one out.

So there you have it. A few of my favorite things to use in the kitchen.

Well? What are you waiting for?

Go on!
It's your turn!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

These are a few of my favorite things

I have decided to share some of my favorite things with you!

 Today is going to be all about personal care items. Like this little beauty to the right. This is the Schick Quattro for Women. I love the trimmer!

And then there's this. This I tried on a whim. It's Suave for Kids. All natural and smells like lovely lavendar. It lathers so nice for a shave and smells so good. I bought it for the boys because I thought it might soothe them in their bath time but I sort of used it. I LOVE it!!!





And speaking of smelling good. Mary Kay has my favorite scents. Affection and Simply Cotton. Affection has many oriental scents at it's heart. This one just makes me think of romance.
Simply Cotton is just fresh and clean. It's one that I would wear just out and about.
Mary Kay also carries a wonderful line of skin care called the Miracle Set. I have used this for years and swear by it. Along with their oil free eye make-up remover .
It takes your eye make-up, waterproof or not, off so gently.

And I would not be fair if I didn't include something for the hair. HELLO HYDRATION!
I love everything about this. It smells fantastic & makes my hair feel wonderful. It even has a funny read on the back.

So, now, it's your turn. Comment what you think and what some of your faves are. Friends share!

Monday, July 5, 2010

turning another page.

I am still getting used to the fact that this face no longer belongs to my baby...so surreal.
He's the middle child now...poor kid.

This boy will be 5 years old tomorrow! And today, while playing at a friends house, he lost his first tooth.

No.

Seriously.

It's gone.

Somewhere in their back yard there are ants carrying a tooth back to their home.

He and Pappy drew a picture of the tooth and put that under his pillow for the toothfairy.

His PawPaw called her and talked to her about it already. She said it was cool.

Paw Paw felt the need to chip in.
Ahhhh! The smell of tooth money.

Aunt Marcia came by and handed Noah $5 too.

He told her he already had one and didn't want it.

She put it on the TV.

Grammy wanted to give him $5, too. She didn't even tell him. It's sitting by the TV with Aunt Marcia's.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

God Bless America. Land That I love!

When I think of America.....










I think just how blessed I am to be living in the greatest country on Earth.