May your night be full of fear and fun!

Labels: halloween

Any giveaway winners out there? That's okay there'll be another giveaway on here very soon. So get ready.

In the meantime if I miss ya let me know and I'll add ya for Thursday. If ya want to have me host a giveaway on the site for ya just drop me an email at homemom3@gmail.com

GIVEAWAYS:

Shannon over at Rocks in My Dryer is currently hosting a Fall, Y'all! Bloggy Giveaway and has over 475 other blogs joining in. That's a LOT of prizes. So don't expect me to list a bunch this week, these things get too complicated, but I will list a few.

Buddy TV is giving away a Family Guy package which consists of Family Guy Volume 1-5 collections.

Design Mom is giving away a movie projector, which would be perfect to watch all those christmas movies coming up.

Give Me My Remote is giving away a copy of Dexter SEason one

Frugal Hacks is giving away a free book

Adopt Two Boys is having a All Month non-toxic toy giveaway for November.

Island Life is giving away a $25 gift certificate

My Fashion Life is giving away a copy of Little Black Book of Style

I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts is giving away a homemade scarf.

Pinks and Blues Girls has a ton of Giveaways. Check out the link to find all of them.

Nerd Family Food is giving away a copy of Season's Best Cookbook.

Judy Regerson is having a book giveaway on her site, hurry on over to win a copy of Bad Girls Club

Don't forget to check out Kailani's Tuesday Giveaway posting for more giveaways.

Labels: book giveaway, gc giveaways, giveaways, october giveaway

Yes, I'm bored today and looking at costumes and what is out there and remembering those that I've worn. Normally I always wear something that covers my entire body, for instance I've been a witch that wore a cape, a fairy or an enchantress. Only one year did I ever dress up in something revealing, and I did learn that not everyone was pleased....(the wives on the block). What was I? A she-devil and at the time I had the legs to wear it.

The hubby is normally the grim reaper or something like it. Recently we went into one of those Halloween stores that has nothing but costumes with the whole family. I think it is meant mainly for adults, it had tons of sexy-what-I'd-label-as-bedroom-costumes on the shelves. There were things school girl outfits, revealing fairy costumes, a cop outfit, etc. Now they also had the headless outfits, chopped body parts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ever wear sexy costumes at Halloween? What were you? I saw a cute little french maid outfit at the Lingerie Diva and I'm sure I'll also see one on the street this Halloween. Course if school girl is what you are looking for, there is the foreign exchange student, prep school girl costume, the sultry student as well as many other items that won't just turn your spouses eye but everyone on the block. So if you are going to a Halloween party this year, make sure it is one you won't forget.

Labels: adult costumes, costumes, sexy costumes

There is nothing I hate more than to see a recall, especially when it is a Halloween recall. Only one day before Halloween and it is a race to find them all. Do you have any of those ugly teeth, wax or fake teeth kids like at Halloween? If yes you may have one of those recalled products.

There has also been a recall on the Dollar store Halloween Pails. So if you have one of these, you may want to take them back.

Labels: halloween, halloween pail, toy recall, ugly teeth

Akkkk, only a day away and it'll be Halloween. Are ya'll ready for it? Do you have your costumes? Last minute costume ideas can be a lot of fun or a big pain in the bottom. Here's a quick and easy list for ya'll.

Infant
pea in pod- Dress them in a green onesie and wrap a long green towel around them. You've got yourself a pea in a pod.

baby in a bag- Hmm, take a brown paper bag and walk around with your wee one poking out of it.

apple- Don't ask me, BalletGirl told me to put her brother in a red sleeper and find a green cap.

bananna- Yellow sleeper.


Child
baby- What preteen/teen girl hasn't dressed as a baby. Toss on a small dress, pull the hair into pigtails and suck on a pacifier/baby bottle/sucker.

farmer- Overalls and a straw hat. Don't forget the piece of grass hanging out the mouth.

ghost- Take a white bedsheet and cut out two eye holes and arm holes. Quick and simple.

clown- Kids love this one. Mix up their clothes so they don't match, color their hair wild colors and paint their face white with red spots on their cheeks and lipstick.


Teen
marine- Find some old cammie bottoms and top, or just toss on some green and black face paint.

bum- Take some black face paint, blot it across the face and make them look really dirty. Toussel the hair to make it look unclean or wipe oil into it and some clothes with holes in them.

monster- Anything scary, make sure to have red face paint on hand so they can make themselves look bloody.

zombie- This will take a roll or more of toilet paper and wrap em up. I think this is the cheapest outfit you can make.

No, these may not be really creative but for a last minute person these can definitely come in handy.

Labels: halloween, halloween costumes, last minute costume ideas

It's a Halloween Blog Carnival! Okay, I've always loved this time of year and before you ask YES, I'm the type that dresses up. Heck, even last year, while pregnant I dressed the wee one into a GIANT eyeball. So what would you expect from me around this special holiday? Oh, well you'd get the "Halloween Menu," everyone dressed up in a costume, maybe a pinata bashing and of course trick-or-treating.

Ever wonder what others do this time of year? Well, over at MomGadget we are all discussing it. Here are a few that love Halloween.

Take a peek at Mom! I'm Bored! blog and check out their Headless Soccer Player. This is one costume I know she'll be proud of for years to come. Man, I wish we'd thought of that one. She does ask how to make more blood. My suggestion....ketchup works wonders, or food coloring (red) with syrup. Now as you can see, you don't ALWAYS have to go out and buy a Wal-Mart costume.

Char shared a photo of her boys from Halloween from the Past, where they dressed as Bob The Builder and a Hockey Player. Aren't they cute?

Speaking of scary, Gayla over at MomGadget is planning on freaking out her neighbors with this collection of Halloween gadgets.

Need any last minute costume ideas? We decided SoccerBoy is going to try dressing himself up. Here are a few of his ideas: Johnny Appleseed, a bum, a clown, someone that just got beat up.

But for those of you that want a bit more thought: (click the links to read more ideas)
Hannah Montana- You can also try tossing on a nice shirt with a vest over it (like she wears), with boots and blue jeans. Oh and don't forget the blonde hair. Don't have it? There are plenty of blonde wigs out there right now.

Char has a list of the Top Halloween Princess Costumes for 2007. Head on over and check them out. Wonder if you can name them all.

Ever wonder what to do with all those small craft-like pumpkins? Katelyn over at Free Holiday Ideas suggests placing them as center pieces. This is a very creative idea, top in and take a look.

I did learn ya NEVER cut open the pumpkin more then just a week before Halloween. They really get disgusting. But we did have a fun time going to the pumpkin patch.

Just to let everyone know...Dunkin Donuts recently did a recall on all those glow sticks they were passing out when ya'll bought donuts in the past month. The reason? Oh the necklace can choke a kid....ya know the one you wear around your neck with the glow stick. Well if you are worried about it you can take it back in to get a free donut.

If you'd like to join I'll post updates to all things Halloween until that wonderful day. Hurry up and get those entries. All things crafts and Halloween will be up at my Holiday blog tomorrow.

Labels: blog carnival, halloween, halloween blog carnival

Zizzle sent us a few of their wonderful craft supplies for girls, while they may not call them crafts we certainly do. First we got the SPOTZ machine, along with two Spotz Kits. Now the Spotz are geared more towards Tweens, but let me tell ya the younger kids love them just as much.

Spotz Creator Machine

I was afraid of the machine when I first took it out of the box. I thought, "Oh boy, they'll never figure this out." But I quickly looked over the sheet and realized how easy it was.

Instructions:
1 Choose a picture and cut it out (it's precut for ya, just pull apart)
2 Punch it out. (push it into the machine and push down on the purple lever)
3 Slide the cut out part into the small button area and twist the lever.

The button, aka Jotz, will slide out of the machine and you've got yourself a Jotz. There are several places for you to place your button, the top lever, the side and you can even light them up to see what you like best. Below are two drawers to carry all your images and plastic pieces.

This one even comes with the translucent paper, colored plastic frames and images to make your buttons. Course you will need batteries, but that isn't much to keep your little ones happy. But ya might want to stock up on the translucent paper.

Spotz Messenger Bag (BabyGirl)


This one was claimed by BabyGirl the moment she saw it in the box. "Oh Mom, I get my own purse!" The machine was easy enough that she did all her buttons with very little help and was quickly on her way to designing her very own purse. She loved adding all the animal buttons to her purse and hiding money on the inside. There are 12 pockets on the outside which they can place their favorite buttons, which of course I've already explained which ones she choose. There's also a clip onz that has a light up one at the top. She loves that in the dark she can light it up.

Spotz Design N' Write Board (BalletGirl)
"I get to write secrets to my mom before I go to bed."- BalletGirl

When I asked her what she thought of the Spotz Board she replied, "It's super easy and super fun." Course I wanted to know how easy it was to change up the buttons and she explained she just uses her finger to remove them. But you can't switch the pictures that are already in the button.

Comes with its own dry erase pen and a storage spot for pen and eraser. Yes, there is a small clip that'll keep track of it all. The back of the board even has a small hole so you can hang it on your bedroom door/wall. My girls have been leaving little messages for me before they leave to school, so in the afternoon they get an "I love you" one from me, or a "clean your room."

The best thing is when you run out of your own accessories that come with it you can go online to the Spotz page and download and print more. As you can probably tell, we LOVED these crafts and they'll be with us for a very long time. The girls have already told me they want the Flower Frame and Doorbell next. This is one product that'll be on their Christmas Lists for the relatives this year, and something I think will continue to be on for at least another two years.

Labels: messenger bag, spotz, spotz maker, tweens, zizzle

I missed a deadline so I'll be putting up my Halloween blog carnival in just a few minutes.

Labels: halloween, Halloween Countdown

It's been a rough week for me, with my son getting jumped by two boys, school calling me and just waiting to find out if we get a job outside the military life or not. Soo, I've been a bit off in my postings and I'm sorry for that. Oh and to top it off my internet was down because of the stupid storm we had for the last day and a half, which means I'm playing catch up.

First up, the winner of my , the Hanes Giveaway is .... someone asked how I determine the winner. I don't, random.org does. :)

Qtipsie - Hanes Clothes Winner
Jo- Hanes sock puppet winner
Laura -Hanes sock puppet winner

Will the winners please contact me at homemom3@gmail.com I need your addresses. :) I do hope everyone will be happy with their prizes.

I'll be posting a few more reviews today and hopefully in a week or two I'll have some more giveaways. But since it is Friday I do hope you stop by Char's Casual keystrokes and comment on her blog and her Gilden Tree Natural Healing Body Care giveaway. Yep, which brings me to my Thursday Giveaways I couldn't post. Below are 10.

1 Poopasuffas is inspiring children everywhere. Have them send their stories to Poopasnuffas and see if they win. Win yourself a shirt and inspire your little one today.
2 Rock is Life is giving away a PINK FLOYD - PIPER AT THE GATES...2-CD
3 Reader Views has a few books to giveaway
4 Win a Dyson “Pink” Vaccuum in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
5 Kailani is having a Halloween Contest
6 Adventures of a Twenty Something Mother is having a Black Friday Contest
7 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a protect-a-bed.
8 Romance Reviewer is giving away Do Big Girls Don't Cry
9 Win a mask signed by the cast of Reaper
10 Enter to win Mugwaz Craft Product for Girls over at Opinion Mom, this is definitely your daughters will love.

Do ya'll remember the book/movie, "The Deep End of the Ocean?" I remember this one, it broke my heart reading this book, but it is one that I'll always keep nearby. Actually to be honest, it sits on my bookshelf right beside the computer, so I'm not joking.

Now being a mother to four children, I'm always interested in hearing about celebrities and their children. So, it shouldn't surprise you that I'm going to share all that in an interview with ya'll and Jackie Mitchard, the author of "The Deep End of The Ocean."

First, Jackie actually has her very own blog, (yes even celebrities/famous authors have these) a column, 5 more books that have come out and 7 children. Yes, folks she has seven little ones to care for and some how she's writing books. Jackie I'd love to know the secret.

Currently she lives in Wisconsin and says she loves the small town, especially around Halloween because the children don't have to go trick-or-treating two weeks before Halloween. Wow, I've never lived in a town that had a certain date, course I grew up military and you just did it on the day. Course where she is gets really cold at night, especially when trick-or-treating so she always layers her children's costumes with a lot of clothes underneath.

Since Halloween is fast approaching why not start off with her reply on costumes,

"Simple costumes work best. Kids love to have the chance to wear one outfit to school and another costume for a party or Halloween night. Hanes lets us mix and match – after all, it’s not a big sacrifice to transform a tee-shirt into a tux! They can have two or three different looks for a fraction of what store-bought costumes would cost for a fun and easy Halloween."

Remember that Jackie has seven children, now think about all those clothes. This is what she has to say about dressing kids affordably,

Since I have seven children, affordable quality is a must-have. Clothes from Hanes are stylish and comfortable and I love that I’m able to rely on Hanes, for my children, my husband and myself, for comfortable, well-made stylish clothes that don’t give out after numerous washings.

I must agree, I love to get all those sweats and hoodies as my kids will wear them just about all winter long. However, with my son he's really big into the white t-shirts and ya get so many for the price. Can't beat that.

Since ya'll already know she likes the internet I thought ya should know what her favorite sites are to visit,

Zappos.com, amazon, eToys, Hanes.com, MomSense, About Parenting.com and Mom’s Café on MySpace.

I love all of them, except I had never heard of Zappos until now. Thanks Jackie I think I'll be headed over there to check it out.

But she did have this to say about how she thinks the internet is affecting parenting,

It’s [the Internet] very important to ME. I can look up anything from a series of symptoms and find out if my child needs rest and juice or antibiotics. I can get ideas for creative projects and play. I can talk with other moms about their own experiences and issues with toddlers and teens, which is very reassuring.

I totally agree, every time one of mine gets sick I google it. Reports are also done by researching on the internet. I don't know what we'd do without it, and lets not forget my blogs.

Would you like to offer up any advice for moms/dads?

Stay calm and do more listening than talking in a crisis. Most things that you fear come to pass if you have the patience to wait out a child’s “phase” rather than rush to panic. This goes for anything from tantrums to tattoos.

I sure hope you are right, I'm so afraid of those teenage years.

Before we close I thought I'd update ya'll on what's going on in her life,

Writing and working with Hanes.com/kids to help spread the word about the brand’s new site just for moms and kids! My novel, “Still Summer” about four friends fighting to survive after a pleasure cruise turns into a nightmare was just published, as well as my second dyoung adult novel, “All We Know of Heaven.” I’ll be writing two more young adult mysteries and I HOPE they’ll become an enduring series! I continue to raise funds for MS, which affects the life of my best friend from childhood and am teaching a fiction seminary this spring in Fiji!

Jackie has a page up on Hanes/kids in the craft department so head over there to check it out. She discusses what costumes her kids have worn, have not and everything Halloween.

Labels: costumes, halloween, Hanes, Hanes Kids, Jackie Mitchard, The Deep End of The Ocean

Stay tuned, I'll be announcing the winner of the two sock puppets and Hanes Clothes Giveaway in just a few moments. (internet issues due to a storm so playing catch up)

Labels: giveaway, winner

Hanes is having a GIANT Clothing Giveaway & Sock Puppet on my site again. I will call Hanes on Monday, October 22 to find out if outside the US can participate.

RULES:

1- Head on over to www.hanes.com/kids and check out the outfits over there. Then comment below saying which outfit you think your child would like.
2- Blog about my giveaway and link to my giveaway and to www.hanes.com/kids

That's it, this should be easy and a lot of fun to one lucky winner. Errr, one lucky grand prize winner ($175 worth of clothing)and two puppet winners. This giveaway will go until October 26, noon EST. I will post the winner that night. Expect to find a lot of blog entries this week on Hanes products. I know you'll just LOVE the clothes.


Here is the list of Prizes:
GIRLS

Hanes® TAGLESS® Spot-Print Puff-Sleeve Girls' T-Shirt
Richard the Gnome – Wild Rose
Star Pop – New Merlot

Hanes® French Terry Girls' Scooter
Orange Ochre

Hanes® Stretch Cotton Jersey Cropped Girls' Leggings – PrintsDollhouse – Green Wasabi
Solid Oatmeal
Solid New Merlot

Hanes® TAGLESS® Spot-Print Zippered Girls’ Hoodie
Royalty – Grey Heather

Hanes® TAGLESS® Cotton-Rich Girl’s Sweatpants
Purple

Hanes® Just 4 Fun Girl’s Sweatshirts
Navy Butterfly
Red Rainbow

Hanes® Girls’ Cotton-Stretch Bikini Panties with ComfortSoft® Waistband
Assorted package of 3

Hanes® Classics® TAGLESS® Cotton Girl’s Cami
Assorted package of 2

Hanes® Classics® EZ Sort® Girl’s Ankle Socks
Assorted package of 6 pairs

Hanes® EZ Sort Girl’s Bobbie SocksAssorted package of 6 pairs

BOYS
Hanes® TAGLESS® Cotton-Rich Fleece Boys' Zip Hooded Jacket
Navy

Hanes® Youth Heavyweight T-Shirt
Light Steel Octopus Print
Black Scorpion Print

Hanes® TAGLESS ComfortSoft® Waistband and Knit Boys’ Boxer Briefs
Assorted (Package of 2)

Hanes® Classics® TAGLESS® Dyed Boys' Boxer Briefs with ComfortSoft® Waistband
Assorted (Package of 2)

Hanes® TAGLESS® Boys' Knit Boxers with ComfortSoft® Waistband
Assorted (package of 2)

Hanes® TAGLESS® ComfortSoft® Crewneck Boys' T-ShirtWhite (package of 3)

Hanes® Classics® TAGLESS® Boy’s A-Shirts :
White (package of 3)

Hanes® EZ Sort® Boy’s Ankle Socks
Package of 6 pairs

If the linky doesn't work don't worry.

Labels: Hanes, hanes giveaway, october giveaway

13 Baby Costume Ideas

1 Dalmation Dog (my son)
2 Brown puppy dog
3 Lions
4 Bananna (I saw this on the rack)
5 dinosaur (very cute and looks warm)
6 teddy bear (of course)
7 clown (not for mine, he's scared of them already)
8 witch
9 vampire (hey, I thought about it)
10 pea in a pod
11 super hero (they have the power to clear out a room)
12 an angel
13 a devil

What were your baby costumes?

Fairies, Eeyore, a bum, scarecrow, princess, pooh bear, lion.

Don't forget to stop by my "Hanes Giveaway" it ends tomorrow.

Labels: 13 Thursday, giveaways, hanes giveaway, Thurday Thirteen

It started again! This year SoccerBoy has been making all "A"s which is a good thing right. Yes! Except he's been dealing with a group of kids almost every day since school started. He comes home or his sister does and tells us, such and such was harrassing (making fun of, pushing, etc) SoccerBoy again. At this point there is nothing to do. I tell him, ignore them, they'll leave you alone. Or I say tell them to shut up.

A bit of history on my part and his. The hubby went over to Okinawa for basically two years (military) when our son was just turning one. I raised him and I tried teaching him right from wrong and explained fighting should never happen. Back when I was growing up this was the right thing to do. You walked away, you didn't throw the first punch, etc. However in today's society, this is not the right thing to teach your child.

Pointers that I have learned now: (Sorry, I know in my heart the below is wrong but I'm mad. Forgive me.)
- Don't teach your child not to fight, for it will be he that is beat up or jumped when it is time to go to school.
- Teach them to be the bully.
- Teach them how to fight, kick, punch, slap, kick-them-where-it-counts.
- Remember to walk home with only those that will jump into a fight. (obviously if you can't fight yourself)
- Go to the school immediately when your child starts a fight, it's the only way to win.
- Throw the first punch, it is the only way you won't get in trouble at school. Remember the one that doesn't strike back is the one that will be in trouble, cause he obviously started it.

Am I mad? No, I'm irate, my hands are shaking, my anger has mounted and I'd love to talk with these freakin' parents that teach their children that all the above it the right thing to do. Why? Because yesterday afternoon, my neighbor came over to inform me that she saw a HUGE crowd at the stables (half way between my house and the school) and my son was on the road getting beat up by two other kids. That's right, not a one-on-one fight but a two-on-one fight. No one for at least 5-10 minutes bothered to break this up, my son was indeed swinging his backpack in order to keep them off but refused to throw any punches.

His words to me, "Mom, there were parents. I knew if I swung I'd be the one to get in trouble."

Why should he feel that he can't protect himself when two others are beating him up? This is wrong, it should NOT happen. These two punks (yes I know it is wrong to call kids names but I'm pissed, I have a right at the moment.) decided to fight him. Why? Not exactly sure but ever since last year when I allowed him to have a mo-hawk these two (at the time there were three) kids have picked on him. He eventually asked me to cut the hawk but leave the tail. When I had Little A you may remember me stating he was jumped by three of them in front of the school. No one did anything about this. For it was not at the school he attends. Instead it was ignored. He begged me at that time to shave the tail. I've told him no, he loves it and he will keep it. I
told him to ignore the kids, it would stop.

Two months ago we noticed that someone at school had cut half his tail. I'm sorry but this is wrong. We had our ideas of who did it but never caught them so we couldn't take it any further.

I'm pissed parents were watching and no one broke it up. I'm pissed these two punks got away with it last year and are doing it this year. Why? Because my son told them to shut up. He knew by recess (hour after lunch) yesterday that they were going to fight him. He didn't want to tell on them. He hoped to get home before they were up there. He didn't. When my hubby found out he flew up to the stables but someone had apparently shouted police and the two on the bikes took off. I told my son not to talk about the incident at school today, not to kids, not to THE kids, not to teachers, parents or the principal. If he was called in give them my number.

My number was called. My number was called, the teacher had one of the parents come in today to tell about hte incident. Apparently her son got hurt. Hmm, does this mean that while he and another were jumping my son, his backpack actually nailed one of them? hehe, it is a little funny if you think about it. Two attacking and the one not fighting hurts the others that are with a backpack. They will call me back this afternoon to tell me what is going to happen.

Nothing better happen, unless it is those two boys getting suspended. My son did NOT fight back, I have several parents that will state this as they watched. (can't believe they watched) I'm so mad. What would you do? Don't say go in, been there done that....the school system SUCKS!

Slang:
jump (verb)- to attack. Normally when one jumps someone it is more than one person jumping in. In other words, two against one.

Labels: bullies, fighting, jumping, kid beat up, school fight

Don't forget to sign up for my Hanes Giveaway, where not only you can win a puppet but you might win $175 worth of clothes.

Happy WW!



For more Wordless Wednesday participants please visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Labels: Hanes, hanes giveaway, wordless wednesday

This week was gret for me as far as contests/giveaways go, at least over at B5Media. I won a few of those giveaways, check it out....

- Tree Hugging Family is sending me Busy Body Books Collection.

- Dating Dames is sending me Intellectual Foreplay by Eve Hogan.

- Play Library is giving me a Lara Gallagher bag.

- Psycho for Love will be mailing me BabySakes - Babys First Year Calendar

I was also lucky enough to win Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon.

All of the items I won I do plan on reviewing on the road, so this should give me a few items to write about.

Did you win anything this past week? Let me know and I'll gladly link the contest and your homepage/blog. Hey, it's a bit of linky love right?

If you have a giveaway that I may miss, let me know in the comment section. Or if you have a product and would like to host a giveaway through my site, drop me an email at homemom3@gmail.com

GIVEAWAYS:

Don't forget to enter my Huge Hanes Giveaway, comment, sign the linky and blog it.

DVD Talk is giving away 5 copies of Under The Volcano: Criterion Collection and 5 copies of Nearing Grace, hurry over to sign up.

Cynthia Leitich Smith is giving away a copy of Keeper of the Night.

Fantasy Book Critic is giving away 3 bound proofs of Last Argument with Kings by Joe Abercrombe.

Celebrity-Babies currently has a log of giveaways going on. The Pregnancy Journal, revised edition or you might be one of 5 winners that get a pair of Holiday designed Robeez shoes.

Daemons TV is still having their Nip Tuck Giveaway but not for long so hurry and sign up.

Blogg Away Debt is giving away 5 copies of Goal Digger. Don't forget to read a few of her posts too, or at least look at how much debt she's amazingly paid off.

The DVD Corner is constantly giving away different DVDs and if you are like me you LOVE movies so head over to win. DVD Corner giveaways

Laura Williams Musing is currently having a few contests of her own, so head on over and enter.
2 winners will get Never Look Back by Kathy Herman.
3 winners get Amy Grant's Mosaic
The Shepherd's Prayer: A Christmas Novel by Richard M. Barry
I Can't See, But...I Can Imagine by Patricia Bennett Wilson

A Frog in My Soup is giving out 5 copies of Danger Rangers DVD. In Mission 547: Safety Rules" videos your child will learn all about safety from the Danger Rangers.

Don't forget to wish Happy Birthday to Christine this week and stop by her blog for her Birthday Giveaway. She's giving a lot of different prizes and to think it is her birthday.

Ya'll should already know that Shannon over at Bloggy Giveawayws is always having a giveaway of some sort. This time you can win a Dinosaurium from DK Publishing. You can also enter to win Quote the Walls and make a statement in your house.

Kailani is giving away a pair of Swavorski Crystal Dangle Earrings from Elite Bead Creations.

5Minutes for Mom is giving away a Surf's Up Package with items such as a DVD, beach towel (in the form of a surf board!) and plush toys of characters from the movie. How cool is that? Course they wouldn't go a week without giving out books, enter to win The Dead Whispter On or 5 copies of Little Black book of Style.

Classy Mommy has some nice giveaways going on at her place. Right now you could win a Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! with toy or a nice pair of stride rite shoes for your little one.

TV Squad always has wonderful goodies and now you can win Angel Series part 2. They are also giving away Upright Citizens Brigade one and two.

The Opinionated Parent is giving away one copy of The Mystic Sea, read the instructions to enter. Not hard though.

Over at AAA After Hours they are giving away a Mega book pack for one lucky reader, but they aren't going to giveaway a date for Mr.Bloom. Hurry up and enter the mega book giveaway where you'll win a signed copy of When Darkness Comes as well as four other books.

Camy's Loft is having three different giveaways, one is for My Life, Unscripted, another for Crimson Eve and the third for Wasabi Wednesday Bayou Justice.

Callapidder Days is giving away one copy of Pride and Prejudice. Can you believe I've never read this book? Not to worry I'm signing up now.

Mama Speaks is giving away a cool tee but you need to sign up by midnight tonight. Oh but the biggest prize is the Pink Dyson, which I totally want.

RomRev Today is giving away one copy of THE COURTESAN'S DAUGHTER by Claudia Dain, which is a historical so I'm wanting this one too.

All Sides of Life is giving away $25 GC from FromMom2me.com.

The Hip Mommy's Place loved the turn out for her age contest so she's having another giveaway and this time you can win Little Girls Levi's 517 Flare Jeans size 2T.

Goody Blog is giving away MegaBloks' Dora the Explorer Rainbow Rocks Adventure and check back every day to see what new thing you can win.

Paper Cuts is giving away Jacksonbelle Embellishments Package which consists of Figgy 6″ x 6″ paper pad…a package of Daisy D’s rub-on zig-zag tape…new burgundy Stickles…3 yards of May Arts red/burgundy reversible satin ribbon. All ya gotta do is tell her what is your favorite season to make crafts, mine is Fall.

Saveage Chickens wants you to finish the caption and you can win a t-shirt or a mug.

Be the 10th person to enter a question for Fannie's Column and win an autographed picture of her.

Don't forget to register for the Halloween Mash over at WriterSpace, they've always got a ton of books to giveaway on the holidays. Enter by the 28th though.

Lullaby Lane is giving away one $600 shopping spree to the site. They've got so much to offer.

Spilling The Beans is celebrating their 2nd blogoversary and giving 2 prizes, one is the 32-piece Clear set from Magna Tiles and the other is a KaBoost.

Retropolitan: Tales to Astonish is having a Halloween Contest you just need to write 500-1000 words you must carry on from the entry already up.

Major Spoilers is having a Halloween Costume Contest where the prize is DC’s Absolute Batman: The Long Halloween (a $75 value). BUT you have to dress up in a character. hehe, Now if it could be me dressing my kid up that'd be okay.

Pregnancy and Baby is having a Little Monsters costume contest.

I know that Mod*mom always has giveaways but I can never visit her site without it freezing my screen so head on over there and check out what fabulous things she has to offer up this week.

Oh and I've just discovered a new blog that lists giveaways so check it out as well:
Prizey

I'm also going to add their logo to my side, I hear if ya do you could win prizes too.

Labels: bloggy giveaways, book giveaways, dvd giveaways, gc giveaways, halloween contests, halloween giveaways, hanes giveaways, loctober giveaways, october contests

We've got three winners!

Mama Zen was the first person to leave a comment, so she wins a book automatically.

The second winners are:
Bebemiqui
kevnjacks

Drop me an email at homemom3@gmail.com with all your info please so I can get these out this week. I'm mailing EVERYTHING on Friday!

Labels: Amy Grant, Mosaic, winners

Amy Grant has written her very first autobiographical book, Mosaic, and while I have not read too many of these types of books I have enjoyed this one. Not only do you read about what it would've been like to be her but you get to see pictures.

For those that aren't aware, Amy Grant is a Christian singer she first came to us as a teen and is still singing today. If you aren't aware of her I'm sure you've heard of her husband, Vince Gill. For those that have always wondered what it would be like to be famous, she'll share those moments with you, it's not like everyone thinks.

For myself, the introduction drew me in. Heck, I wanted to take that wooden pencil and begin to write my own stories down. I'm not sure if you'll read this Amy but thank you, for a long time this "novelist" has put down her pen but after reading your stories I wanted to write mine. See, she doesn't just tell from beginning to end, but she grabs you and pulls you in through each memory. Some memories are more clear than others, as she tells us in the beginning of the book, she began by writing down the ones she could remember easily.


But for me it is the deeper stuff, the darker area of life no one likes to explore. These are the parts that tell a person's soul, because when you speak of those dark spots you reveal a person no one has ever seen. Amy has struggled, there's no doubt but she shows it in such a wonderful way. The book is splashed with both light and dark moments, some in poetry form, song or even journal entries (my favorite part). It's a great read and you'll feel a bit of happiness in the end as ya close the book.

The publisher has given me three copies of Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far to giveaway, the first person to comment will get one (US only please) and the other two will be randomly drawn on October 23, 2007. (you have until noon EST that day) Sign the linky and comment below telling me you want to win.

Labels: Amy Grant, autobiography, blog tour, Mosaic, Vince Gill

As many of you may remember I was down a few months ago not only about my weight (ie, just had a baby then) but about my looks as well. I wrote a post called, Mommy = Woman or Mommy=Mommy-woman? which was basically what it sounds. I was wanting to not only be a mom but look like a woman at the same time. A woman that could get some looks and feel good about the way she looked.

I recently got to try out some Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics (make up) and I must say I LOVE this stuff! They have a saying on their site, "A little goes a long way." This is definitely true with some of these colors, which is what I like. Now I've never been a dark make-up kind of gal, and since I haven't worn any in almost ten years (except for rare occasions) I wasn't sure which shades to use. They were quick at helping, so that's a definite plus. You'll get a few questions to help determine what would work best for you.

The make-up is made of minerals and if you've ever worn mineral make-up before don't let that determine how you feel towards this. Give it a chance! It's not chalky, it applies easily with the help of a brush and it leaves your skin feeling great...even when it isn't on.



This is what I got:
English Rose (lips)
Golden Plum & Sand Beige eyeshadows- Plum is definitely the night out on the town type of look for me, while the beige is for every day look. I wore beige when I took SoccerBoy on our Movie date.
Dusty Rose (cheeks)
Natural Balance (all over color)

Foundations:
Light Beige W foundation
light beige cashmere foundation
Light med. neutral w foundation - This looks just like powder.
Light neutral cashmere foundation - It looks soft and a bit more moist.

I did have to pick and choose with the foundations, however because of my skin I can use just about any of the light ones they sent. Well depending on the look I want to give off. To be honest, I've worn this several times since I got it.

The first time, I wasn't even sure that you could see it on me as it is light and I didn't put much on since it states I don't have to do that. In the car the hubby and kids noticed, at first it was the kids, "Mom you're wearing make-up, where are you going?" Yep, I impressed the little ones.

The hubby noticed a little while later while we were driving, he kind of looked at me and did a double take later to make sure. "You're wearing makeup?" It was more of a statement than a question but I could tell he was puzzled, he was probably trying to figure out when I got it. I shook my head yes and he quickly replied, "It looks nice." Now he isn't one to show that type of emotion or response, so I took the compliment. Looking at myself in the mirror I could now tell that I was wearing it and looking at myself through their eyes. I just smiled and sat back in the seat.



The foundation, doesn't leave it chalky and make you feel like your skin can't get any air. Yes, I've worn foundations that have felt like I was wearing some type of tight mask on my face. This one though, it blends right in and you almost forget about it until you look at the mirror. It even lightens the freckles on your face, which I love. I was a bit worried about how my skin would feel the next day since it blended into the skin so well, but no break-outs so I was very happy. The make-up, it comes with me where ever I go now and if I have a quick second I make sure I'm wearing something.

Sunday I took SoccerBoy to go see, The Brave One and decided that since we call it our "Movie Date" I'd dress up a bit. Okay, I put some make up on and a nice shirt. He smiled when he saw me but suddenly he looked disappointed. I thought two things, either he hated it or maybe it was embarrasment. I quickly asked him, "I take it we aren't going to the movies mom?" I couldn't figure out why he said that, "why?" He pointed at my face, "You look nice, we must be going out with dad to eat." I smiled and replied, "No SoccerBoy, we are going on our Movie Date, I wanted to look nice." Of course he had a quick resposne, "But MOM, it ISN'T that kind of date!" hehe, yep he liked it, I liked it and the hubby liked it. So why wouldn't I wear it again?

Hey, a mommy has to feel pretty and like a woman at least once a week, right? This stuff makes me feel very nice and a bit glamorous. Shhh, don't tell the hubby I said that one though.

Here's the price guide, now go over and find yourself some color to add to your face. Trust me the response will be just what you want, whether it is from family or how you feel about the way you look.

1/2 Tsp. of 1 gram of product in a Sample Baggie = $1.00
2 grams of product in a 10 gram jar = $4.00
4 grams of product in a 20 gram jar = $7.00
6.5 grams of product in a 20 gram jar = $10.00
12 grams of product in a 30 gram jar = $16.00

Labels: Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics, makeup, product reviews, woman

OMG- I just want to scream today! The two oldest have been at each other's throats all morning. Yes, I know this is common between siblings but today it is just too much. She made him get hurt, he made her cry and back and forth.

Ever have one of these mornings? I'm sure if you've got more than one child you definitely have. Talk about it here. How has your morning gone? Do you ever deal with fightings or do you ignore them? As parents we know to pick our battles and that includes our children's battles, at what point do you normally butt in?

Labels: fighting, sibling, sibling rivalry, siblings

I know ya'll like to read about what the kids are up to so here goes....

SoccerBoy- He made VIP (student of the week) this past week, so I got to go eat lunch with him. Daddy even got to come with since he was off for a week. SoccerBoy even brought his bad grade back up, apparently it was just a few spelling issues he was having as they were similar words with different spellings. He has a crush on a girl, isn't too happy about the move in the near future. However I found out that he really liked "The Invasion" he wrote it was his favorite movie on his VIP sheet. (how sweet)

BalletGirl- She seems to be struggling with some math right now, other than that she is doing great. In class she's been assigned to help a kindergartener, which makes her hope to be a teacher some day. She is constantly coming home telling me all about Little R (as I'll call him). This week she was elected VIP, so I'll be going to her lunch on Friday. She's very excited, they are serving corn dog puppies.

BabyGirl- She is just having a blast right now at school, but she still LOVES to come home. I've seen some kids scream about wanting to stay at school, she is not one of them. Currently she is learning to spell all of her name...Okay the first name and last. Remember she has two middle names.

Little A- He's being a typical 7 month old little boy, trying to crawl and cut that 6th tooth. No, it hasn't come in and he is constantly biting his pointer finger, we are now trying to break him of this. His poor finger looks raw. :( He does like to play peek-a-boo and sometimes (not all the time) he'll close his own eyes or look down and back up really fast while you are doing it. Another thing he is doing is what looks like a wave. He opens and closes his left hand when he sees someone he knows.

Myself- well I'm trying to prepare us to move, so far no luck on boxes so I'm using the ones that all my review products have come in. We are thinking about buying boxes, tried Kmart last night they said come back in the morning. We did, they forgot. :( I've been looking at homes in the area of which we are hoping to land the job, some very nice ones...I just wonder if we'd get them.

Hubby- he seems stressed, course can't say I blame him. Currently he's upstairs laying in bed or watching tv.

Sunday.....today we will finish carving pumpkins, we scooped them all out last night. I'll probably put picks of the kids up for my Wordless Wednesday so ya'll can see them. I need to review a few products today since I haven't done them yet and I really want them up. I'll still do my weekly ones though as usual. Need to take picks of the kids in their HANES Wear so ya'll can view the nice clothes you can win. Oh and I'm going to see Brave One with SoccerBoy tonight. Wish me luck, it looked good. Okay off to carve those pumpkins.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ever want to add a bit of romance to your bedroom? Try adding a wall sconce to the room. These are beautiful and with just the right accessories they can really spice up a bedroom. Imagine lights off and only having your sconce lit, a bit of red in the room and surrounded by a beautiful, old-fashioned mirror. Music is turned on low and maybe a few candles in the room to help with the mood. These are not the type ya stick a candle in so no worry on fires. Get the mood back in your bedroom today.

Labels: carving, carving pumpkins, getting out, military, pumpkins, school, stressed, VIP

Yes, that's right, according to J.K.Rowling our beloved Dumbledore, was in fact....Gay. This past week J.K.Rowling visited the USA and did a 3 city book tour. Many gathered inside Carnegie Hall. As a treat to her guests she read from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and then followed up by a Q&A.

During the Q&A she dropped the biggest bombshell on her fans, when one asked, "If Dumbledore ever found love. The answer would surprise everyone....YES, but it wasn't what we all thought.

....."my truthful answer to you... I always thought of Dumbledore as gay. If I'd known it would make you so happy, I would have announced it years ago!"

The love of Dumbledore's life was Grindelwald, a Dark Wizard he fought way back when.

I must say I'm shocked to learn this, if anything I actually thought he and Professor McGonnagal had a thing. I would never had guessed gay, I think it is a good thing she didn't let all of her fans know before the last book was out. What's your take on it all?

I think she could've kept that one a secret.

Labels: dumbledore, gay, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling

A statewide Amber Alert was issued yesterday for an 11 month old little girl, I missed most of it but I looked it up today.

A father just came home from Iraq to find out his 11 month old daughter, who he has yet to meet, is missing.

Harmony Jude Creech, 11 month old, was last seen wearing pink pajamas with feet and a crown on the sleeve. She has blonde hair and brown eyes, a birthmark on the back of her neck. If you've seen her (I'll post a pic when blogger lets me) call (910) 890-6039, or call 911 or *HP.

No one should have to go through this, especially when they've just came back from Iraq. Our thoughts are with you.

For more information

UPDATE: Harmony has been found, to much heartbreak this little Angel is no longer with the family. They found her body, which had been dead for at least 3 weeks, in her own attic.

Labels: amber alert, Harmony Jude Creech, missing child, missing infant

Hurry up this one is only 20 more minutes, call in and wina $45 GC it is through MommysGetAway. There are five going out today, and three of them are left. (I won one) This is to learn more about the Designer Gals and Gal-to-Gal Foundation that so many of you have probably read about this past month. Many bloggers have been walking for a cause, that cause is Breast Cancer.

To win you must tune in to blogtalkradio, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mommysgetaway/2007/10/20/mommys-getaway Hurry on over.

Labels: blogtalkradio, breast cancer, mommysgetaway

I know I've been hit for this meme before and I just can't recall who tossed it my way. But here goes....

1 I have a frog thing, any time I see a bunch of frogs (in a store) I have to buy one of them. It doesn't matter if it is a small stuffed frog, a large stuffed frog or stickers. Something comes home with me.

2 I am the mother of FOUR children, for some reason bloggers always think I only have three. I have two boys and two girls, the girls are the middle. Course to make them feel good I say I don't have any middle children, instead I have 2 firsts and 2 babies. (ie, BabyGirl and Little A)

3 As a child I always wanted to be a prosecuting attorney, this way I could put away the scum that hurt little children. I still want to do this, but it'll probably be once the children are grown.

4 There was a time that I never thought I'd have children, couldn't picture myself as a mom. Now I couldn't picture life without my children.

5 I have four siblings, three sisters and a brother.

6 I feel guilty for reading a book in a few hours. Why? Because I know how long it takes to write one and then the whole process of getting it into print.

7 I was an interviewer (online) first before I was a blogger. The first person I interviewed was Carolyn Howard-Johnson.

8 I have become a HUGE fan of Mater from CARS, in fact I have his poster right here hanging in my office beside my computer. Hey, we can't all have nude photos of men hanging in our rooms, the children may see them. :)

Okay if you want to do this feel free, but I'm not tagging anyone as I couldn't remember who tagged me.

Labels: cars, facts, mater, meme

When it comes to your kid, safety always comes first. My husband actually tells me I'm a bit over protective at times, I won't deny it....I am. Depending on the circumstances that is, so when AAA-Safety First asked me to review one of their self defense products for kids I jumped at the chance. See as a child I was taken, which makes me watch my own children that much closer. I know the fear a mom goes through when she can't see her children. I'll never forget being very pregnant with BabyGirl and BalletGirl was directly under my belly in a store but I couldn't see her. (funny haha) I panicked, now if I had this product I would've at least known she was beside me somewhere.

The device I got in the mail is called, "Child Guard Remote Monitoring." Basically you'll get a little clip that hooks on to anything. I place mine on my pant loop that way it is always there. Now BabyGirl would wear the other piece, which so happened to be a little necklace and the device is in the charm. The charm is a blue/green dog with black ears. She thought it was really cute and loved wearing it. Someone like SoccerBoy wouldn't be caught dead wearing it, ya know it isn't a "cool" thing to him. BalletGirl told me she'd wear it, but under her shirt. The one we got is the necklace, however they do have it in wristband style.

Inside the tiny charm character is a chip that uses SMT technology, which will send a signal to go off if your child walks away from you within 6-30 feet. Supposibly you can program it to do which one you want, so far if she goes up the stairs it'll go off or across the street.

I do like that if I let her go in our backyard I could feel good about it. This little device woudl definitely let me know if she left our back area at all. Another good thing is if she or anyone were to turn it off (as in the child sender part) my parent receiver would immediately start beeping.

The only thing I saw wrong with this is that I wished the noise would be a bit louder. It seems to chirp whenever she would leave the area, which is something I could almost ignore. But I know if it was louder it would catch my attention immediately.

There are many other self defense products for you to feel safe, head on over and check out the site. I like the looks of the mace hot walkers, you can barely tell what they are.

BeAGoodMom is the winner of the giveaway.....she is also due today. So far it looks like she is STILL at home. While we are all wishing her good luck and a speedy delivery, if I may guess I'll say October 21st. Just because 21 is my lucky number and I've never actually given birth on the actual due date. But hopefully this will be good news to her, I'm sure her little girl will be happy to play with a puppet as they wait for the youngest to be born.

For those that entered and didn't win, check back later for the a few more wonderful giveaways. I'm sure you won't be disappointed! Thanks again for participating!

Beagoodmom, please drop me an email at homemom3@gmail.com so I can get your address.

Labels: giveaway, hanes sock puppet giveaway, winner

First up we've got our Friday ritual, which means you must visit Char and Matthew's blogs today. Char's is Casual Keystrokes and Matthew's is Blog About Your Blog.

Don't forget to sign up for my Hanes Sock Puppet Giveaway. You have until noon EST to sign up for this one. I'll be adding two more today too. (as in giveaways, not puppets)

Watch any good movies lately? I saw Hoax and thought it was a very interesting movie, and LOVED Transformers and didn't think I would. What are your picks?

Remember if you visit my blog to drop your name in the Mr. Linky so I can visit you this weekend. Mybloglog doesn't let me know everyone that visits, so this is the only way I know to track ya'll. Or ya could just comment.

Labels: comment friday, fun friday, hanes sock puppet giveaway, movies, october giveaways

Anyone win any giveaways this week? Let me know and I'll announce it. Don't forget to stop by my Hanes Sock Puppet Giveaway. Psst, there's a few more giveaways coming up this weekend. Stick around, this should be FUN.

Remember if I missed your giveaway, drop me a comment and I'll quickly post it. Or if you'd like me to host a giveaway for you send me an email at homemom3@gmail.com


GIVEAWAYS:

One Chic Mama is giving away O Yikes! Slingback Bag

Tonka Truck and a Halloween styled Mr.Potato Head.

Mama Luxe has a bunch of giveaways at her place, head on over and check them out, but don't forget to wish her a Happy 30th! Here are the following giveaways:

Halloween Recipe Carnival Contest
Siente International Lullaby CD (US + Canada - ends Nov. 2)
SIGG Eco-Chic, 100% Safe bottles for adults and kids from MySIGG.com (US + Canada - ends Nov. 6)
Sittercity Childcare and Pet Care Finder (US - ends Nov. 8)
Rockin' Baby Ring Sling (US + Canada - ends Nov. 13)
Rocketfish Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse from Best Buy (OPEN TO ALL COUNTRIES - ends Nov. 15)

Halloween contest where you win books.

Bloggy Giveaways is giving one lucky reader a $50 GC to Kangaroodle.

Send in a scary photo to Amelis June and win a set of Halloween lights.

Camy's Loft is giving away a copy of CRIMSON EVE.

Contest Beat is having their own contest and the winner gets $50 Voucher to DreamScream.

Book Girl is giving away a copy of The Society of S by Susan Hubbard

The Wedding Bee is giving away a $100 GC.

Assorted Notions is giving away a copy of The Collection

Mom Review is giving away 2 copies of Hannah Montana's DVD, Life's What You Make It. Guess I shouldn't tell her who the HUGE H.M fan is then huh?

Movies online is giving away 3 copies of Hostel Part 2.

Splatter Films is giving away a copy of The Tripper DVD

List of 13 Giveaways:
Island Review has a list of 13 Giveaways

Labels: book giveaway, DVD giveaway, october contest, october giveaways

Vaporizers come in many different shapes and sizes, but the most important fact is how important they are to your health. I've known many people that have had to use these, including my own children a time or too. What I had never heard of before was the volcano vaporizer, which fills up this giant balloon full of the mist of the herb you put in. Imagine filling it up near a child's room late at night with lavendar, especially if this is a child that is reluctant to sleep at a normal hour. To this day I've only used the small ones but I know these take hours to even come close to filling up a room. Since it is that time of year again I'd love to hear stories about those that use vaporizers not only for health but to do a scent in the house.

These are my 13 Favorite Candies for Halloween: (Yes, I'm known to pass them out as well as eat them)

1 Hershey's
2 orange wrapped taffy
3 baby ruth
4 butterfinger
5 mounds
6 you sensing a pattern here?
7 nestle crunch
8 chocolate balls (normally wrapped in silver with a goblin on it)
9 M&Ms
10 Reeses peanutbutter cup
11 KitKat
12 Kisses
13 Snickers

So, what's your favorite?

Don't forget to stop by my "Hanes Sock Puppet" giveaway.

Labels: 13 Thursday, candy, chocolate, giveaway, halloween, Thurday Thirteen

Hanes is having a giveaway right here on Homemom3! One lucky winner will get their very own sock puppet. They are cute and your kids will get a lot of fun out of them. I'll be posting pics of the kids with their puppets this week so stay tuned. Are you signing up for the giveaway? Will the winner be you?


RULES:
To win you must blog about this giveaway with a link to it and a link to Hanes.com/Kids. It's that easy. Oh and of course you MUST leave a comment here. What new outfit do you think your child would like or which sock puppet?

BalletGirl LOVES the orange skirt and the pink shirt with the gnome on it. Purple puppet with blue hair.

BabyGirl likes the grey Spot-Print Zippered Girls' Hoodie, she even wore it to class this morning. Pink cowgirl with orange hair and a straw hat. (Pink is her signature color)

SoccerBoy loves his blue Youth Pullover Hoodie. I like it because when there's a chill in the air he's still wearing something. He got a green sock puppet that has blue yarn hair.

Drawing will be held on Friday, October 19th. You've got one week to get those entries in. Entries must be in by midnight on the 18th.

Labels: Hanes, hanes giveaway, hanes sock puppet, hanes sock puppet giveaway

Trying to figure out that perfect baby gift to get someone and don't want to get the same as someone else? I've found it! First, do you or does the one having the baby LOVE Chinese food? If so, it'll definitely be perfect.

We are a family (yes family, as in all 6 of us) that go out to eat at our local Chinese Restaurant at least once a month. No, it isn't costly...we do the buffet. Hey, if you had picky eaters like us you would too. So, when I was given the opportunity to review a box of "Fortune Tootsies," I had to do it.

I hear ya...what are "Fortune Tootsies"? Well, that's easy, they are lucky baby socks. Each sock comes with a fortune stuck on the bottom. For instance, the ones my son is wearing in the picture above read:

Do Not Underestimate Your Own Power

and the other

This is Just a Phase.

I must say, both of these socks are perfect statements. As we all know baby's have the power to get us to do just about anything. They scream, they get fed, picked up, rocked, changed, etc. They smile and melt the hearts of everyone. But the one we all know and love (haha) is the phase, the crying phase or the don't-put-me-down-or-I'll-scream phase.

While they all may outgrow them, it might be a little bit easier for a new mom to read these socks and know....her future will eventually look bright.



You may even like their lucky numbers (on the socks): 1a.m., 2:36a.m., 3:15a.m. and 5;20a.m. I know I remember these times all too well, thankfully my little man sleeps through the night. Granted there are times I wish he'd wake in the middle of the night to eat.

Fortune Tootsies comes in their own unique box....a take out box. Isn't that cute? You will receive 1 pair of red socks and 2 pairs of white, each one containing their own fortune. The socks are soft and stretchable. But don't think they forgot about mom and dad, there are two fortune cookies for them.

To order your own Lucky Socks go to Present by Design, they've got a lot more than socks to offer you too. We hope you have a wonderful future.

Labels: baby review, fortune tootsies, fortunes, Presentbydesign, product reviews

Is anyone else having trouble loading their pics on blogger?

Labels: blogger, blogspot

For more Wordless Wednesday participants please visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Labels: halloween, wordless wednesday

My son and I got into a conversation the other day, on how dinosaurs may have disappeared. His theory is a volcano must've erupted and the lava must have made them all vanish. It's a great theory and before I make a comeback I must ask, wouldn't this have made all bones extinct as well?

I totally love the way he thinks though, remember this is SoccerBoy, the one that hopes to one day be a Paleontologist or something along those lines. I say something because he's also expressing a deep what-to-know attitude towards all things Egypt, from the pyramids to the Kings. This is something I love to watch and learn right along with him. In school I hated history so I barely know it now, but thanks to my son I'm having fun learning it. Did you hear about the LARGE one they recently discovered.

Course the next thing he'll want to do is make a volcano and show me how they evaporated. Guess I better prepare huh?

Labels: dinosaur, paleontologist, volcano

is....Christine from From Dates to Diapers. Don't forget to head over to her giveaway to celebrate her birthday.

At 11:06 PM, Christine said…
My kiddos love Word World! All inked up HERE.

Congrats Christine! Drop me an email at homemom3@gmail.com with your address. I want to thank all my readers for signing up and don't forget to sign up for my Sock Puppet Giveaway. Oh and I'll be posting a new one on Friday! You'll LOVE it! It deals with HANES.

Labels: winner, word world, word world giveaway

Anyone win any giveaways this past month? Let me know and I'll announce it. Don't forget to stop by my Hanes Sock Puppet Giveaway.

I'll be posting the winner of my Word World Giveaway in just a few moments after I post this. So keep checking back as I know ya'll are waiting to hear.

Remember if I missed your giveaway, drop me a comment and I'll quickly post it. Or if you'd like me to host a giveaway for you send me an email at homemom3@gmail.com


GIVEAWAYS:

Laura Williams Musing:
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant
Never Look Back by Kathy Herman
2 Baby Snap Clip (bows) by Simply Sweet Bowtique

Mama Speaks is giving away two books, Pajama Party in a Box and Marvelous Fabulous Me, Quiz in a Box!

Teensy Green is having a Halloween Giveaway where you can win dozen Halloween-themed cupcakes with orange frosting, a dozen cookies, bag of Halloween jellybeans and party favor popcorn. All by Divvies.

Screen Rant is giving away a Chucky doll, which would be perfect for Halloween.

Cool Mom Picks wants to give one lucky reader a Baby I'm Yours messenger style bag, answer the question and email them back. Good luck!

The Family and Relationship side of B5Media is currently having an awesome contest. I've already won two items over there, head on over and try to win something.

5 Minutes for Mom:
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Tonka Truck
Amy Grant Mosiac

Mama loves Giveaways and wants to give some lucky read a $45 GC to Baby Candy. These are just really cute onesies. Don't forget about their cat or dogster t-shirt. Or win a Nursing bra from the LLLI Intimates.

Camy's Loft Nobody or Mosiac.

Bloggy Giveaways:
Simply Silhouettes
Hidden Treasures of Assets
Fruition Designs
Colour Me Family label set

Parent Product Reviews:
Rock N Learn: Money and Making Change
Skip Hop Dash Diaper Bag
Johnny Kapahala “Back On Board”
Hannah Montana: Life’s What You Make It
The BOB Screentime Controller

Extravagant Grace is giving away a cope of Amy Grant Mosiac

Island Review is giving away a copy of Custom Made For Kids these are very cute and personalized books your children will enjoy from Custom Made For Kids

DVD Talk:
Nearing Grace DVD

The Kids in the Hall Series

UPDATE: A FEW MORE GIVEAWAYS I MISSED:

Elizabeth over at MomReviews is giving away two copies of "Hannah Montana-Life's What You Make It" and two copies of Johnny Kapahala-Back on Board."

Labels: book giveaways, dvd giveaways, giveaways, halloween giveaway, hanes giveaway, october contest, october giveaways

Okay, technically I don't really think this is sign language but I've recently discovered that Little A does in fact tell me when he wants up. See if you were to reach our your arms towards him and do the up thing with your hands (close it in and out) he does it back. Only difference is his hands point down so it kind of looks like he's showing you he wants down or that he's trying to wave.

I decided to make sure this is what he was doing and he definitely showed me. As I came closer to his ExerSaucer he bounced back and forth excitedly and his fingers (hand) was going a mile a minute in waves. He definitely knows up.

Another thing he cut his 5th tooth last week. As many of you know he's been cutting them long before now but still. 5 teeth and he's 7 months old, a 6th tooth is about to come through too. I fear this little man will want to cut teeth (back ones) on the road. Oh joy, wouldn't that be fun?

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Have you ever used a payday loan? I'll admit it, there have been a few times we needed it. I love these little places as when you REALLY need the money it is there, yes there is a fee but you get the money that day. Now this does depend on what state you are in but they are fairly common. Imagine not having money for groceries or gas or bills and suddenly coming up with it. Due make sure you have the money for when you need to pay them back, this way you can use them again when needed.

Labels: children, sign language

BabyGirl has finally come to the realization that when we move no one but the family is going with.....

"But we can pack them?"

I look at BabyGirl trying to figure out what she's concerned with packing, "Pack what?"

Almost in tears, "You just need to pack up my friends. I think you need a bigger box."

Yep, and how do you explain that one?

Labels: friends, kid talk, kidspeak, moving

Cook up a bit of conversation at dinnertime with "Dinner Games" by Families with Purpose. For us, dinner has always been a time where we caught up with each other on our daily events. But some families actually don't know how to do this, for us it is simple we go around the room asking each person what they did that day.

For those families that aren't so social, or even those that are, we've discovered a fun card game that can be done at dinner. Actually it could be done at dinner, after dinner, after school...any time of the day.

We got two card games to review and review we did, while we may not have done them ALL yet we've done most of them. Each one comes in their own tin can which is perfect for storing the cards in. Serve the dinner and flip open the container.

Beginner Dinner Games- These are simple ones that any child between the age of 3 and up can play. For instance, one card might read, "One person hums a melody; the others try to name the tune." Or maybe a card that says you get treated like a "King or Queen" for that meal. BabyGirl's favorite is the "what's your favorite thing at bedtime." As you can see you can have a lot of fun with these cards and there are 51 in all, some have challenges while others have stories that the children will have to be quiet and listen.

Dinner Games & Activities- This one is geared for 5 year olds and up, due to certain ones. However, there have been a few that even BabyGirl can play. One that they ALL love is the, "Name the color food." Someone will start off by saying a color such as red and each person names a food that is red.

Red: Apple, tomato, cherry, meat, etc.
purple: Plum, grapes, eggplant, etc

Another fun card they like is the favorites, such as "Who is your favorite two friends?", Favorite food, Favorite t.v. show, etc. This can really get everyone clicking again, not to mention help mom and dad get caught up on all those favorites you didn't know you kid had.

As for myself, I loved learning more about my kids, but I think they liked the cards where they got to tell me what they remembered about me. Such as where was I born, have lived, who my parents were, etc. The other thing I love is that these cards are wipe proof, which basically means if food or a drink gets splashed on them you can wipe it off with no marks.

This was one of the last things they played with their Grandpa before he moved away and they had a blast with it and I think he did too. Ever since the kids try doing one every morning and then at dinnertime. I think this one will be a hit for a long time to come.

Labels: dinner games, familieswithpurpose, product reviews, review

Homemom3 is giving out a brand new, still in the packaging Word World DVD. Read below for the review and how you can enter to win.

Review:
This is a great new program that we got to preview before the release in September 3, 2007 for PBS Kids and let me tell ya this will be one kid show we tune in to EVERYDAY.

Isabella, age 3, was so excited when I popped this little video in and she was so into the show that once each one ended I had to click the next, but when there were no more shows, I figured she’d just go back to playing with her toys, instead she asked if she could watch them again.

Even now, she continues to watch Word World every single day, not just once a week....Read the rest of the review over at MomGadget

Rules:
- Sign Mr. Linky
- Comment below telling me you want to win.
- Blog about this giveaway and link to Word World

Double entries count towards disqualification, so don't do it. The giveaway ends midnight on the 15th, I'll post the winner on Oct 16th. Remember to email me to tell me you have posted it. homemom3@gmail.com

That's it, it is that simple. This will stay as a top post so please scroll down.

Labels: DVD giveaway, giveaway, homemom3, word world, word world dvd

While driving around town today we came upon a pumpkin patch, well it wasn't a true patch but one of those they have near the mall. We decided to stop and get out and to my surprise let each of the kids pick out their own pumpkins. Thankfully they all picked out the small ones, but it was funny to watch them.

Course it all brought back memories for me of when I was a child and hunting around true pumpkin patches with my parents. I remember one year my parents told my sister, brother and I to pick out our own. So, being what I thought would be cool I picked out the largest one. Only problem was I had to bring it back myself, dad said, "If you can carry it you can have it." I learned fairly quickly that I should go with one just a tad bit lighter. These patches were equipped with being driven back on a hay ride and drinking hot cider.

Do you have any pumpkin patch memories?

Each child grabbed their pumpkin, I grabbed Little A a small one and then we waited on BalletGirl. She was soooo picky it was unbelievable, finally we told her we were leaving and she had to pick one or not get one. She reluctantly grabbed the best one she had found and boy did she look. Some had green still on them, others had dirt, some had what looked like a spot of mold, others yellow, etc. She knew what she didn't want but couldn't find that "perfect" pumpkin. Once through the line, the children were told to pick out a miniature one for themselves as well. haha, this only meant more searching and she went through two HUGE boxes of pumpkins.

We got home to decorate them, only to discover we didn't remember to get carving kits. So, looks like tomorrow we'll be shopping for those. But today we sure did have fun searching.

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Speaking of searching, I've been thinking a lot about sinks lately. Maybe it was because I won something that came in a box called, "Your Kitchen Sink" or maybe because we are getting out and I've been thinking about a brand new house. Either way it made me think about what type of sink I would like in my new home. Over at Faucet Direct they've got every type of sink, including vessel sinks for you to choose from. Honestly I hate white sinks, I think they tend to look messier and cluttered. But I do like black sinks as they tend to be more artsy, which I think is the style I want. I was always fascinated with abstract art, which works great with black. If I get to choose mine, I hope it'll be a Kohler (black) K-2205.

Labels: pumpkin patch

No more packing boxes this week, every time someone would bring a stack of empty boxes to the hubby's work, someone else would throw them away. UGH! So, I still only have one box packed with MANY more to go. Any suggestions? I had hoped to use my new neighbors boxes but they cut them into pieces before taking them outside. :( Double UGH!

This weekend was packed full of fun, SoccerBoy and I enjoyed ourselves a night out in which I'll write a review for the movie later. Today, hubby came home with bbq stuff so we had a nice old barbecue outback. It's been a blast this weekend, however a bit of it was cloudy when we talked about the future, but as long as we stay off that subject, all goes well.

How was your weekend?

Labels: bbq, date night, dates, movie

Last night I went on a movie date, yep, me, the mom. Who did I go with? No, not my hubby but my 10-year-old son. We went to go see the movie, Invasion with Nicole Kidman and boy was it worth it. Granted, on our base we only paid $3 total for us to go into the movies. But I would've been worth watching it off base as well.

The Invasion was definitely one of those you were jumping at each turn. My son kept covering his eyes. Before the end of the movie, mind you this is a movie he's been wanting to see, he told me, "Mom, I am not going to sleep tonight."

He's right one of the big things in the movie was if you slept you got "invaded." On our way home we pulled into a gas station and he was so spooked, "Mom, everyone is looking forward." I laughed, Ummmm, everyone is walking forward too. The store is in front of them.

So yes this was definitely a fun one and I hope that we can go on another, "Movie Date" again.

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What is one thing you never have in your kitchen? If you are anything like me you are probably missing aprons. Am I right? Well over at Clothing4All they've got all your kitchen needs, that includes the aprons. They even have sweatshirts, t-shirts, Backpacks, duffel bags, gardening aprons, barber ones, etc. Prices all range from $3 on up.

Labels: movies, nicole kidman, the invasion

Penelope the Cow has paid us a visit, all the way from Colorado. She plans on traveling all around the states this year. Doesn't that sound like fun? Each person she is shipped to gets her for one week and then must send her to the next. If you'd like a chance with this, dear, sweet Penelope let Ang know over at Angela Giles Klocke.

Places we plan on taking Penelope:
- The Beach
- The docks where we once went fishing
- The stables
- School (both of them)
- Movies (as long as she doesn't get scared)
- The park
- Historical tree at Lejeune

Labels: Angela Giles Klocke, Penelope, Penelope the Cow, traveling cow

It's Friday again and I've got quite a bit going on, later today you'll be able to enter not one but two of my giveaways. Hey, I love October! The first one as ya'll may already know is to win the Word World DVD. But the second one is to win a Hanes Sock Puppet.

But since it is Friday we must do our weekly Friday Comments, so don't forget to visit Char over at Casual Keystrokes and don't forget to tell her how the weather is in your area. It's cold here in the morning but warm in the afternoon. Don't forget to head on over to Matthew's Blog and tell him what you think his next contest should be about. Matthew, if I get a vote I'd suggest something with Halloween theme.

Remember if you visit my blog to drop your name in the Mr. Linky so I can visit you this weekend. Mybloglog doesn't let me know everyone that visits, so this is the only way I know to track ya'll. Or ya could just comment.

Labels: comment friday, giveaway, hanes giveaway, word world, word world dvd, word world giveaway

This week I get to announce that I won Jo's Princess Costume Giveaway, so I'll have two VERY happy little girls that get to share their Princess dress. :) I can't wait to show this off.

Remember if you have a giveaway that needs listing, drop me a comment. If you would like for me to host a giveaway for you, email me at homemom3@gmail.com

Giveaways: (look for a new Giveaway on this site Friday)

Word World giveaway which ends on the 15th, so hurry up and sign up. All ya need to do is comment and blog about it. No need to sign Mr.Linky, he's out sick for some reason.

Camy's Loft is giving away Guardian of the Veil and Nobody

The Opinionated Parent has two giveaways currently going on, one is to win a Tiny Revolutionary tee and the other is for lavender soothe gift set.

Cool Mom Picks has a few giveaways going on, one is the Chicco Stroller, sign up for their newsletter to win. Thankfully I'm already signed up. The second giveaway is for Best Friends CD. Hurry, you must enter by midnight tonight.

Bloggy Giveaways: Chocolate Cake Club, which is a $25 GC to the store and it isn't just cake. I like their Fawn Tote and my daughter is screaming for the Panda tote.

Warm Biscuit, a $50 GC to the store. I LOVE their soft, fabric blocks.

5 minutes for Mom:
Two people will win Photo books
5 people will get Lori McKennaCD of her latest work.

Veronica Mars Season 3 DVD to win it all ya need to do is comment on your favorite episode.

The Zen Housewife is giving away a signed copy of Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose.

You can win the Veronica Mars Season 3 DVD Giveaway, if you know who the actress that plays Veronica is. Hurry on over to Screen Sucked and answer the question.

Apartment Therapy is partnering up with Dante Beatrix and giving away one lucky reader a baby tote or stroller tote. Just leave a comment on why you should win this fab bag.

Mega Tech News is having 8 weeks of GREAT giveaways prizes ranging from MP3 players to Sansung Monitors.

B5 Media currently has a HUGE giveaway on their site for their family section, head on over to Momgadget's to get further details.

Labels: book giveaways, dvd giveaways, homemom3, october giveaways

All Things Halloween

1 What state grows more Pumpkins? Check out the comments for the answer.

2 Candy corns, are one of my favorite Halloween candy. Can you guess my second?

3 What magician died on Halloween?

4 How many of you will go to a haunted house this year?

5 How many of you have been to a haunted house ever?

6 In Boston sex offenders are suppose to place a sign that reads "NO CANDY" in their window. I wonder how many really do.

7 What's Halloween without a pumpkin? Well, I think this pumpkin would be a bit too big even for my family. Check it out this Oregon man grew a 1,524 lbs pumpkin. How did he do that?

8 Halloween has just been released and I want to see it. Have you seen it?

9 Little A made his first appearance on Halloween last year as a giant eyeball.Take a peek at the picture. It was a blast.

10 Did you know that there really are Vampire bats? No, they don't form in to vampires and back into bats.

11 Any time I've ever tried making pumpkin seeds I've burned them. Shhh!

12 Halloween is my most favorite holiday!

13 It is said if you spy a spider on Halloween it is a passed loved one saying hello.

Don't forget to stop by my "Word World DVD" giveaway.

Labels: halloween, halloween facts, halloween trivia, Thursday Thirteen

Garry over at GarryConn.com has come up with a "The Top Ten Google Keyword Blunders," while mine might not be as funny as his here they are.

"giving away a copy of" - Yep, many of my giveaways have that phrase in it.

what is a mom- Umm, if you have to ask that you've got a problem. I think everyone knows what a mom is.

"take it to the mattress"-My husband is Italian, think I don't hear this phrase often? lol. What is with that phrase though?

"lead list toy recalls perler beads"- Okay I know I posted about recalls but I don't think perler beads was part of it. Will look into it and get back with ya'll.

"boyfriends : boyfriends "- ?? What about them?

"free stuff" for reviewers" - Yes, reviewers tend to get free stuff, it is better than having to pay us. Hey, I'm not complaining and neither are other reviewers.

"janine latus" missing dead blog- Not even sure what this is.

"my closest relative"- Hmm, besides my hubby and kids? I'd have to say my dad, we talk on the phone just about every day.

a time in your life when you learned something-essay- You mean I've actually learned something in my life. Please, please tell me what it is.

are sagitiarius single more than others- Not sure, I'm one and I've been married for 11 years, so I'm probably not the person to ask that.

pregnancy okay to tell parents before doctor appointment- Honey if you are young (under 18) I'd suggest telling your parents you think you might be.

because, there's no hurry, more like a fucking nursery of a beautiful trial, just remember, always move fast- I'm totally lost at this phrase, I'm not even going to try to decifer it.

drink fuze okay while pregnant?- My suggestion is to call their 800 number or email them. They respond fairly quickly. Ask your doctor if you are really worried.

how to become a woman again- I'm so hoping you are a woman writing this, because I know a mom feels like this after a while. Ya know the whole, baby throw up on your shirt, or cheerio in your hair, tossed into a quick pony tail thing. However, if you were once a woman, that became a man and now wants to be a woman again you've come to the wrong place. sorry.

haha now wondered if you were going to draw a frog- Why did you think I'd draw a frog?

my gameboy sp is missing and my little 2 year old brother lost it and my mom is blaming me and she is in a really bad mood and i need help what do i do?-Sorry your mom is blaming you, sometimes others get blamed, especially when you are dealing with younger siblings. I'm guessing I'm too late with this question, my suggestion is for you to try your best at convincing her. Good luck!

mom son foreplay- That's just disgusting, I have no CLUE why that came up. Ikk. Go get help. OH and this wasn't the only thing like that, I just choose not to mention the rest ewwwwww.

over 30 moms massachusetts- Hmm, darling I hate to inform you of this but there are OVER 30 moms in Massachusetts and there are also moms over 30 living there as well.

i'm a person not a product- Woo hoo, I think we all feel like this some days, especially us moms. For us it is more, I'm a person not just a maid. Am I right?

If you want to do this just leave me a link and I'll read it. I love these things.

Labels: google, meme

Beat the Count is the other product that Winning Moves, Inc sent us to review. I must say I really liked this one and so did the kids. In fact, while I was writing my post yesterday on Rubik's Jr. SoccerBoy and I were playing a round.



Okay here's the deal: You've got what look like two decks (or more, 112 cards total) of cards. Shuffle them up and deal them all out. You should have no cards left, kind of like the game of war. The first player puts their top card out there (without looking) and says one, second player says two, etc. Now if they say their number and it is their number say uh huh pick it up. They have to pick up the entire deck, if you don't catch it they can call it after the player after them misses it. The winner of the game is the one without any cards. There are some cards that say, "Knock Out" and "Go For It."

Go For It, means you simply continue playing cards and saying numbers until you don't want to press your luck. Keep in mind if you say the number and it is the number you must pick up the entire deck.

Knock Out, if you lay the knock out card you get to choose who to give the pile too.

The kids play this one after school, once their homework is done. The game is recommended for 8 years or older but my 4 year old has been playing it right along with everyone else. (No she may not understand but she is having fun) This also makes a great educational game, today I took out all the cards except for the 1, 2, 3 and the word cards and we played. I'm trying to get her to recognize these numbers first. It's working too, and we've discovered a game her and I like to play together without her knowing she's learning. Just keep in mind you must Beat The Count, as in never get the same number that you say. Try getting this game to help your kids with their numbers, or maybe a quick road trip.

Labels: Beat the Count, card game, number game, product reviews, winning-moves inc

What have I done this week? Someone asked me exactly when do you prepare yourself to get out?

My answer: I don't think there is a time to prepare myself on getting out of the military. I think it just happens. Now I think you actually meant boxing items up. There are many styles of packing in the military, one is you wait until the packers come and do it. However, this time around we are moving ourselves and I'm already getting started. SLOWLY!

Just this morning I packed up all my small "breakables" that I have one a few shelves and in a glass cabinent under the tv. I taped that box completely closed today, it was kind of strange as I am not sure when I'll open it back up or where I'll be. This is the first box that I've sealed shut, I think as I seal more it'll hit harder. I've never been outside the military and must say I'll miss this life.

Don't think I'm just packing through either, I've doen 3 loads of laundry. Even explained to the kids that when we get out, I WON'T be doing so many loads per day. Hmmm, maybe getting out won't be such a bad thing. ;)

Currently waiting on more boxes someone is suppose to bring to the hubby today. Then I'll begin packing books. Did ya honestly think I'd leave those behind? Hubby did. haha, NOT HAPPENING.

Note to Reader: If you begin packing weeks early make sure they are items you won't miss before you leave. Pack the old stuff or the keepsakes first and continue like that. Make sure to label boxes though as you NEVER want to try finding stuff when you are moving in.

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When it comes to moving one shouild never forget to have their
luggage marked. What do I mean by this? Well make sure everyone has a different marking or a different suitcase so when it comes time to change it'll be easy to do. Imagine having to dig through every bag of clothes just to find your underwear. I've been on enough road trips and move to know you definitely want to make it easy. At Luggage Source you can choose leather bags, bags with wheels or carry on bags, from Dakota to Kenneth Cole brands. They've got ya covered.

Labels: luggage, moving, packing

MomViews has extended her giveaway, so hurry on over and win a Deluxe Emergency Kit! The kit is from Asioo.com which believes in being prepared not scared.

Labels: emergency kit, giveaway, momviews

That's right, "Word World!" It's BabyGirl's favorite cartoon now and you can win the DVD if you sign up here. Don't worry about Mr.Linky, apparently he is out sick. Leave a comment and blog about it, linking back to that post and mention Word World. :)

Happy WW!



For more Wordless Wednesday participants please visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Labels: october giveaways, word world, word world giveaway, wordless wednesday

It's Tuesday, which means you are coming to look for the giveaways. Sorry they are late but ya'll already know about my computer issues this month. I'm really beginning to hate Charter.

I'm happy to announce that Jo won the Doodlebops Giveaway that I had posted on this site a while back. I will go through and find the link tomorrow as hubby is wanting on now.

If you have a giveaway let me know and I'll post it here. Want me to host a giveaway for ya let me know. homemom3@gmail.com (by the way, I'm going to have some more giveaways very soon. Don't forget to sign up for my Word World Giveaway, ends on the 15th. :)

Giveaways:

Laura Williams Musings, is not just listing giveaways but having them as well. Enter to win your little one a Tessy Tab Reading Club subscription .

Mommy's Getaway Blog is back and having giveaways once again. Enter to win her homemade soap giveaway.

Mums the Wurd is giving away two copies of Go-to Guides for GUYS - ABCs for Expectant DADS.

Don't forget to sign up for Jo's Princess Costume Giveaway over at LifewithHeathens. It's sponsored by Little Adventures so don't forget to check out their site.

5MinutesforMom is having two book giveaways, one is for Dangerous Admissions and the other is Queen of Castle. But that's not all, they've also got a Virtual baby shower going on where they are giving out a ton of gifts and there is the KuKunest Children's Bedding giveaway going on that you don't want to miss. Don't forget to take a peek at other designs at KuKunest.

Crunchy Domestic Goddess is giving away one copy of “Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon” from Barefoot Books.

Blonde Reviews is having another giveaway and this tiem it is to win some bedding from Island Baby Boutiquette. They've got some really cute bedding and other items.

The Opinionated Parent is giving away one Little Caper's Tshirt, which BabyGirl LOVED when we reviewed it.

I just love it when the TVSquad has their giveaways, they have so many at once. :) First up, they've got 5 copies of Jericho or Charmed Season 8. Oh but don't forget to enter to win Nip Tuck and Sarah Silverman Program.

The Movie Blog wants to giveaway a copy of Black Sheep DVD

The Zombie Channel is giving away 5 copies of Flight of the Living Dead: Outreak On A Plane, which is perfect for Halloween!

Camy's Loft is giving away one copy of Guardian of Veil.

Hip Mommy's Place is having her very first giveaway and it is a good one. Enter her "Guess My Age Contest" and win a Little People Time-to-Learn Pre-Schol Toy.

My Zoe Bug is having a GREAT Fall giveaway the winner will be the 100th commenter. But you don't know who that'll be, so it could be the 1st person or the 23rd one that comments. Hurry over. What's you favorite thing you've ever got on your birthday?

Parent Product Reviews:
15 winners will recieve Care Bears Movie the Oopsy Does It DVD and a CareBear toy. Or you could always try to win the Power Rangers DVD for your boys.

Remember Scrabble the board game? Well this momma is having a giveaway where you can win Scrabble earrings. Take a peek first, these are really cute.

Rocks in My Dryer:
Loop De Lou
Rocketfish keyboard
Jesse Tree

Labels: book giveaways, dvd giveaways, giveaways, october contest, october giveaways

Oh, I've had a fun month with the kids due to all these products coming to the house. But let's talk about being a genius, I have never been and probably never will be a genious. Remember those large square cubes you played with as a child? Ya know the ones that you had to get all the same color on one side. Yes, that one. No, you weren't suppose to take the little stickers off to do it. I know it's hard but that's not what you do. Well, the key was to have each side have one solid color and if you could do this you were a genius. Guess what?

Winning Moves Inc, sent us the Rubik's Cube Jr and the card game Beat the Count in the mail. Let's start off by stating, no one tore the little stickers off the cube and .... I'm still not a genius. However, I do have two children that are. Yep, I'm still a plain old mommy. But BalletGirl (7) was the first one to get all the colors to line up. Yep, my little 7 year old is a genius. That bad part....she did it in a matter of an hour. Go figure right.

Well, I knew once she did it everyone would want to try and we all did too. But not all of us could get them to line up right. She even tried telling me the secret but I still can't do it. :( I'm so sad, well not really. Oh one thing I should state is this cute only has the cute only has one side that isn't the same color as everything else. It is pink, however there is one other side that has a picture of a monkey, so you must get all the other sides to be pink, one side green and then get the monkey face.

The hubby did it by the end of the night, he wasn't about to not be a genius...plus he's good with numbers. Don't ask me, it has something to do with numbers. He tried explaining but still no one color sides for me. SoccerBoy was able to put it together the following day. So that leaves me and BabyGirl and I'm pretty sure she'll be figuring it out before me. lol. This is definitely a FUN cube and it fits in your pocket. Course now BalletGirl wants to have that Ultimate Rubik's cube that has some button on it. (not entirely sure what it is called)

The Rubik's Jr. is definitely a game to get any young child, or old for that matter. Going to a birthday party for someone "Over the Hill" get him this, he'll laugh out loud. Oh and you can get it for under $5, which would make a perfect stocking stuffer or Halloween gift.

Labels: games, rubik's cube, rubik's jr, rubix's cube, winning moves inc

Okay, it's official...I made it without drinking any soda for ONE whole month! Some of you have continued to applaud me as my weeks went on and others have asked me questions on what I drink. Sooooo, here goes.

Drinks:
water (ikk, but I like it ICE cold) I like Nestle Water the best (PureLife)
Fuze: I love the refresh ones, not keen on the slenderize. My favorite flavors are strawberry guava and the pina colada one (bananna, coconut, etc)
Sobe: Lizard Lava, Lizard Fuel
Vitamin Water: (Glacea) raspberry apple, dragonfruit. The backs of these are really funny if you like to read labels.

As you can see I've definitely found a great way to AVOID soda, however I will admit it isn't always cheap. But in the long run I think they'll be worth it. I've noticed the hubby doesn't bring any home now either and even started drinking the orange vitamin waters, my son likes the lemonade ones.

Since I'm in this kick to get somewhat healthy, (hey baby steps now) I found a program called, America On The Move. This site is really neat, last month they had a contest where they gave away some really awesome prizes. I didn't know about it until the very end, otherwise I would've told ya'll. Basically they want to help America get healthy and they know that to make anything a habit you must take those baby steps.

I decided to sign up. My first step was walking and instead of taking so many calories out of my diet I would (since I already was) cut the soda out. Every day I walk to and from the kids' school. I go to school and back home, it takes about 30 minutes each way. Course then I must go back to pick up BabyGirl and bring her back home. You can choose a virtual hike to go on and as you walk you get to go through certain areas, I believe I chose Alaska since I've never been there. Once you've logged in there are a lot of areas to discover, communities, sharing stories, healthy eating, etc.

Will any of you be cutting soda from your diet? I'd love to cheer you on, I know how hard it can be. Or if you just want to get a healthier lifestyle, I'm here for you and will probably even try doing it right along with ya. Just let me know.

Labels: america on the move, fuze, healthy, no soda, SOBE, vitamin water, water

Is something up with technorati? While my authority is over 300 it has still dropped. But my authority isn't the only thing that has suddenly (in two days) dropped. My ranking was under 10K and it is now over 13,000. What's up with that? Remember back in July I posted I had reached the 9000 mark. Anyone else notice a change? Let's discuss it.

Labels: authority, blogs, ranking, stats, technorati

Title: The Reincarnationist
Author: M.J. Rose
Publisher: Mira
Pages: 464 pages

M.J. Rose has written another great novel, "The Reincarnationist" actually it isn't great...it's superb. Have you ever wondered if you lived in a past life? I know I've seen flashing before and have always been told I was just daydreaming. But I know the feeling of seeing your past life, I get glimpses of myself in a long dress living on a farm. Yes, I do believe in it, which is what pulled me in even more with the book.

This book is a thriller as well as a historical with a bit of a love story written in to balance it all. It's something that once you start you won't be able to put it down as you'll want to know what happens next. Just because of the name I think I would've grabbed this book off the library shelf, not to mention it has M.J. Rose as the author and I know she writes some great erotic thrillers. But this one was different, it was historical (which I love) and had the whole suspense, mystery, thriller and love story tied into it. I was thrown at first when reading the first two chapters but I caught on quickly and couldn't put it down after that. I HAD to know what Josh/Julius was going to do. Which memories were memories and which ones were just dreams? Could this really happen? The details of the places and items are breathtaking, even without the pictures you feel like you are right there.

The Reincarnationist will bring you back and forth between modern day Rome to Ancient Rome. To read more about M.J. Rose you can visit her at her blog.

Read what other bloggers thought of "The Reincarnationist" at Mother-Talk.

Labels: book tour, M.J.Rose, Mother-Talk, The Reincarnationist

I went to bed a bit too early, which means I woke much too early this morning. I woke at around 10 p.m. last night and am wide awake. Soooo, I've decided to put together a list of things to do at early morning hours when no one else is awake.

1 Okay, heck with the obvious....clean house, wash laundry, fold, put up, etc. (I've done 3 loads)
2 Catch up on your blog reading
3 blog
4 Go back through and click on at least three people's ads
5 check to see who visited you at mybloglog, Cre8buzz, blogcatalog, etc
6 Check out your technorati page and see if anyone has linked you
7 blog again
8 Find a meme and do it
9 read a book, that sometimes help me sleep
10 turn off the computer and FORCE yourself to lay in bed.

Okay going to try that last one now. TaTa

Labels: blog, blogging, sleeping schedule

The following is a paid review through ReviewME. While I may not play much online gambling, I do have a loved one that constantly wants to try his luck. Thankfully with fake money as I call it, just chips. However, sometimes it is hard for him to find any decent casino rooms and even asks me if I've heard of any. Before the big ban he use to play for the real deal and I know it was always hard for him to trust several places, but now there is a site to help with all that. It's an Online Casino Guide to popular online casinos that really pay you if you win.

Over at Online Casino Bluebook lists several online casinos and reviews to go with them. So, if you are looking for a place to play check out this site and see what he thinks of them. Currently there is a top 10 list of the best ones out there. Beware though, these are NOT for fake money, this is the real deal and you will be expected to pay up.

But it couldn't hurt just to take a gander right? What do you expect from the site?

For one, the reviews are thorough, letting you know what the payout is and if there really is one. Here is a sample:

InterCasino Review
Payout for all games: 98.50%
Methods of making deposits: Visa, Master Card, Check, Fire Pay, Neteller, 900pay ECP, Telebuy, Citadel and Bank Wire Transfer.
We rate it a 10 out of 10

This was just bits and pieces of the review, so as you can see it is everything you need to know about the site before you head over. If you don't want to pay a lot just to enter there are cheaper ones on his list such as $6 deposit or a $10. Not only is there a section for online casinos but they also have bingo and a sportsbook for you or if you were wondering about the odds are in poker you could check out the Poker Section.

Labels: online casino, online gambling, online poker, poker, sportsbook

5 Minutes for Mom is still having their cyber shower and other giveaways. Currently you can enter to win a Casio Pink EX-Z75 digital camera in honor of Breast Cancer Month.

Head on over and wish From Dates to Diapers a Happy Birthday and don't forget to sign up for her giveaway. She's got a list of things to giveaway. All you need to do is sign her Linky (hopefully works better than mine did) and place her button on your site. (like I did) Don't forget to tell her what you'd like to win. I'd love the BlaBla Kids Handknitted Doll "Mini Bubbles."

The Blonde Mom Blog is giving away a copy of Disney Princess Enchanted Tales DVD.

Over at Mama Loves Giveaways they want to give you a reminder to get a breast appointment, the winner of this drawing gets a neat little BabyDish Pink Ribbon Diaper Bag. There are even neat little gizmos for mom and baby in the bag. This is something I'd lvoe to sport around town.

Over at Mom's Radio Network you can enter to win Hearty Healthy Cookies. Doesn't it sound good? The Pumpkin Hearty Cookie with Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips sounds delicious.

It's also Saturday, which means you can enter to win in the "Scribbit's Saturday Contest." Don't worry you have until Monday to sign up to win an organizer bag.

Jonathan just gave 5 winners get Pore Effect and next week will giveaway some designer clothes. Don't forget to swing by. (Yes I know I normally post on Tues & Thur but I didn't want to miss this one)

The Activist Mommy wants to help you go green, enter to win It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living..

Fantasy Book Critic has a LOT of book giveaways on the site:
Michael Chabon’s “Gentlemen of the Road
Chelsea Cain’s “HeartSick”
Joe Hill’s short story collection “20th Century Ghosts”
Clive Barker’s new novel “Mister B. Gone”

Labels: august giveaways, book giveaways, october giveaways

Elections are just around the corner. Are you ready? Do you know who you will be voting for? Honestly, I hadn't been paying much attention this year...well I do over at Angela's blog but that's the only way. I do know that Hilary is running this year and had heard something about Oprah, but I'm guessing that was just talk.

Anyways, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, the reason I'm writing is to tell you about a new site called, "Military Blog Widgets ." This is a rather neat site as many of us bloggers are beginning to LOVE widgets. Right now you can get a Countdown Widget (for those that have a loved one deployed), a yellow ribbon with your loved ones name on it, or a candidate tracker, which I have if you scroll down the left side of the blog.

I even took the candidate quiz on who I would like best and ended up with someone named Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R). Guess I'll have to go read up on him now.

For every blog that adds the widget to their own, Military Blog Widgets will donate $20 to the Fisher House. Ya'll know I'm all for helping out the wounded so mine is up. Will you please add one? Remember, the yellow ribbon, countdown or a president tracker all help in the cause.

Have a GREAT day!

I totally stole this from Keeping My Fingers Crossed.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Misty Uplander

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
Marble Fudge Oreo


3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
E-Fer


4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Red Monkey

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Anne Dayton


6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),
FEREL


7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Black Fuze


8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
George Jerry


9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy),
Dark Vanilla Hershey


10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Lou Blyble


11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Bouchear Boston


12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Autumn Tulip


13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Cherry Pantie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Cheerio Ash


15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Blogging Storm Tour


I'm going to tag:
Jo
Char
Gayla
Colleen

Labels: meme

I was lucky enough to review two really cute Prissy Poofs outfits for Halloween, but I'll only talk about one here as I'm reviewing the other for MomGadget. Let's just say it is adorable! I wasn't really sure how they'd look at first because it was a tutu and while they are always cute for ballet and such I wasn't very sure about having one for a Halloween costume. Once we got it I knew we would love it, not only was it adorable but they fit the girls perfectly, with a little room to grow for the youngest.



We got the LuckyPonyPoof, which as many of you know is one of BabyGirl's favorite animals (other is the elephant). This outfit included the tutu and the head band that has a mane attached to it. Before anyone freaks out, the mane is made of yarn, not real hair. Attached to the tutu is a little pony tail, which of course BabyGirl loves to make it flop back and forth. Now to find/make her some hooves. She LOVES the outfit, which is really all that matters right?

Sizing:
You've got your Teeny (which is perfect for newborn up to 6 months old), xs, s, m & large. Your large is for a 7/8, so we picked the M for the 5/6 and she'll be able to wear it next year as well. You do not get the tops though, that is extra, or if you have one at home that is perfect. For the shots I took, we did not have a shirt yet, but we will for Halloween.

So far, BabyGirl has pranced around like a pony and showed everyone on our street. Yes, I've had to tell them I knew it wasn't Halloween but you tell that smiling face that. As for ordering, not only do they have a site online PrissyPoofs but they have an address as well as their phone number to order from. The site is easy to navigate around and everything is just so cute.

I know ya'll like to hear my kids' reviews.

"I want to be this Poof for Halloween. I get to be a horse and run and jump and do this."

(she shook her hair like a horse would shake their mane.)

PrissyPoofs not only makes Halloween costumes (BumbleBee, AlohaPoof, LadyBug, Witch, etc) but they also have seasonal poofs such as Santa Poof, Reindeer Poof, etc. Or if you don't want a Holiday one there is the FairyPoof, BridalPoof, PetalPoof, etc. There is something for every imagination a little girl can come up with. Hurry and place your order today in time for Halloween.

Labels: halloween, halloween costumes, LuckyPonyPoof, PrissyPoofs, tutu

I recently got to review the new TVGuide Magazine and site, anyways long story short....I have 5 $1 off coupons for those that would like to subscribe to the new magazines.

This is not the regular ones I am use to reading, I remember when they were small. Now they are big like a regular magazine. They have everything in it like a celebrity magazine would have in it, only with your TV Guide for the week to accompany it.

- TV Guide for the week
- Interview with a celebrity (Patrick Dempsey)
- Scoop on all the new shows
- reviews of the shows
- What DVDs are coming out
- Watercooler Talk - what happened this week on your shows
- Hot lists (days you want to watch)

Okay the first ones to email me or leave me a comment here, I'll mail these off to you. There are 5 so I'll mail 5 different people. Sorry ya can't double em. :) Leave me a working email please.

Labels: TV Guide

What does "Go Slow" mean to you? To mean it is a time to stop and enjoy everything. I've stated this before but I'll bring it up now, how many times do you have to hurry somewhere? Rush? Not have time to spend endless hours with your kids because of a previous engagement like sports, a party, shopping, etc? Today so many people do this and they forget that TIME may not stand still but it can go slower, only problem is they actually have to put their foot down. Agreeable?

At Mad Gringo not only do they believe in this phrase but they also incorporate it into their lively hoods. Look at the Mad Gringo product line, which shirt to you represents that very thing? Which would you wear or your kids?

Some of these shirts are too wild for me and actually I get a different sense when looking at them, however my son likes the Da Kine t-shirts. Even told me those mean stop, stop and look at me, take a break, hit the waves mom. For me though those hawaiian shirts have always meant surfing and as we all know, surfers LOVE to enjoy themselves.

Course I had to laugh when I scrolled to the bottom of the site there is a Mad Gringo that is saying, "He's pissed about the traffic. The ties you have to wear......." Oh you have to read the rest. Do you ever get that overwhelming feeling to yank off those boots/shoes and jump in a lake or run into the waves at the beach? I know I do, just about every week....only thing stopping me is the drive there. Course maybe I should turn the phone off for the day. I don't know, but I do know there are times where I wish I could stop the world from spinning and enjoy it all slowly for 24 hours. Wouldn't that be grand?

Stop by and check out their shirts, or at least the Mad Gringo and what he's saying.

This was sponsored through PayPerPost.

The phone rang today and I asked BabyGirl to bring it to me since she was beside it. She searched as fast as she could inside my purse, little did she know I meant bring the purse. I quickly explained to hand me the purse, not the phone. She brought it and it stopped ringing.

"Oh, I'm sorry mommy." She looked defeated.

I smiled, "Not a problem, if it was important they'll leave a message or call back."

She got a weird look and explained, "But it was your dead grandpa mom!"

I didn't really catch the "dead" part, "Your papa will call back."

She shook her head, "No Mommy, it was your DEAD grandpa."

Concerned with the mention, "Why would you say that? He won't be calling."

She had the look like, Mom your stupid, I know and replied, "Yes, mommy, your dead grandpa wanted to know if we were still alive."

Ummmm, I didn't have any response to that one. But it sure was a weird conversation. Imagine the dead calling to see if we were all alive and kicking.

Labels: conversations, dead, phone calls, the dead

Win your child a Princess Costume over at Jo's SonaCreidReview and check out the other reviews she's got up over there. The outfit is from Little Adventures and a size 5-7. :)

Hope this works Jo!

Labels: costumes, halloween costumes, Little Adventures, princess costume, SonaCreid Review

Okay, this one is going to be a bit longer than normal as I have a lot to catch ya'll up on. As ya may have realized by reading my Thursday Thirteen, we did not get the promotion and are looking at getting out of the military. :(

As far as my "Word World" giveaway goes make sure you comment since Mr.Linky isn't working and do the rest of the instructions. :) I have been going around and leaving comments on the blog entries that mention my giveaway, if I havne't yet let me know. :) (it's one way I'm tracking them)

My internet company got lines knicked or cut some how the other day so we were down for a day and a half, which means I'm playing catch up now. Sooooo, I hope ya'll will join me in reading my Thursday Giveaway list later today and my review on Prissy Poofs which will be coming up shortly. Gotta love when the internet is down.

So since it is Fun Friday I'm adding Mr. Linky, sign him so I can stop by your site this weekend. Don't forget to stop by Char's Casual Keystrokes and Matthew's Blog About Your Blog and comment on their posts.

My question to ya'll......(two of them)......What do you do when you can't get online? Second question for you entertainment buffs, what do you think of the Britney Spears situation?

Labels: fun friday, giveaways, reviews, word world

13 Thoughts when Getting Out of the Military

1 The first thought is Oh no it happened.
2 Frustration, anger, sadness, relief, heaviness, fear, curiousity
3 must tell teacher that daughter can't be in xmas play
4 must tell daughter she can't be in play
5 thoughts of what life will be like outside a life you've never lived
6 more emotions boil up and are released
7 answering phone calls as everyone knew you were suppose to hear by now
8 not knowing the answers to the questions
9 no job
10 no house
11 no clue
12 job fair
13 Setting up all last minute appointments before we get out.

That's right ladies and gentlemen, we just heard yesterday...no promotion, which apparently means we won't be staying in the military. Anyone that has ever been in this situation I'd love to talk with. Plllllleeeease!

Don't forget to stop by my "Word World DVD" giveaway or my Tuesday and Thursday (sometime after 1 pm EST) Giveaway lists.

Labels: 13 Thursday, getting out, military, Thursday Thirteen

What child doesn't like DisneyLand right? It sure has been a while as you can tell by the photo. I still can't believe that those are my two oldest, boy has time flown. Course I wouldn't change it for the world. Look at those smiles. Which character does your kid like?



For more Wordless Wednesday participants please visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With the holidays approaching, many people begin to stress out and reach for things such as drugs and/or alcohol to help them through it. If you know someone that needs help there are many drug rehabilitation centers across the states. Call around and find one that works for you, or the person that needs the help. Many times even if the person knows they need help they won't admit to it, something about not wanting to actually admit it outloud. Get the help that you deserve, or reach out and help someone yourself.

Labels: wordless wednesday

Cadaco let us review two more items in the package they sent us with the magic tricks, they were the Creata-Clings™ Fashion Doll
Blister Assortment and a T-Rex Dinosaur Battle Board Game.

T-Rex Dinosaur Battle Board Game- This is a two thumbs up game since I have one little girl that comes home from preschool and asks if she can get the "Dinosaur Game" out so she can play. Yes, even without anyone to play the game with her. See, she will take it all out, set it up and have her dinosaurs run across the board doing her own thing. Course once the siblings come home then they must all play a round with her.



The game comes with:
13 different dinosaurs
2 white dice (big dice too)
1 red dice
vinyl floor mat (this is the game board)

Basically you take your four dinosaurs and the person that makes it to home with ALL of their dinosaurs win. The only problem is T-Rex is also running around the board, if he lands on your square you go to the den. Are you lucky enough to avoid him? The only problem I saw with the game was that it is a mat and the edges start to turn up after a while. But other than that, it has become a daily game that my kids enjoy.

Here is their review of the game:

"I thought it was interesting and it was easy for my sister to learn how to play." - BalletGirl, age 7.

"It was so cool because I could play it even without my mommy helping me." - BabyGirl, age 4.

"I thought the dinosaur game was entertaining and kids of all ages can play it. Little kids will learn that it is easy once they get the hang of it." - SoccerBoy, age 10.

You can purchase a T Rex Battle Board Game at Amazon.



I'm going to post my Creata-Clings™ Fashion Doll Blister Assortment Review in this post as well since it is small. This is one of those things that little girls will love. Hey, what child doesn't like clings?

The package contains:
1 empty doll body (for you to design)
4 colored glues
1 doll mold
many fashionable outfits for her to wear



You pour in the glues and let them set for 8 hours. Yes, this did irritate the little one, however if you do it before they go to bed they have something to see in the morning. They've spent lots of time having their dolls talk to one another and hide around the house. See, they are now playing hot-cold with them. These dolls can stick to the walls, windows, fridge, etc. I was a bit worried at first as I thought (with them being glue) they'd stick and get stuck to everything, but they didn't. The Creata Cling Fashion Dolls Activity Set are a perfect craft idea for a rainy day.

"It was so beau-ti-ful and I made it MYSELF!" - BabyGirl

"I thought it was easy to make and something my mom didn't have to help with. My
sister and I got to play dolls together and they stuck on the windows." - BalletGirl

Oh, don't ya just love October? October is my favorite month and of course Halloween is my favorite holiday so thit is only right that they go hand in hand. I did win a few things in the last couple of week. But I'll only post one today.

I won the spinning wheel over at Discussing Autism.

Have you won something from a giveaway listed here? Let me know. If you have a giveaway not listed here drop me a comment or an email and I'll make sure it is known. Don't want to host one but have a product, drop me an email and I'll work out the details.

homemom3@gmail.com

Giveaways:

Just for Kids: Quantum Shift is having a contest and it is called, "Be the Change! Share the Story!" This is open to all grades around the USA to encourage them to change. There are $50,000 in prizes per age group for the school.

Those Pink and Blue Gals have another hot giveaway, actually they've got two one is a Buff Headwear giveaway where you can be one of the two winners for some really cool gear. But only if you sign up. Don't forget to stop by their Pinks and Blues Halloween Guide Giveaway and put a button on your site. It'll be worth the treat!

Green Jello is giving away a Monster Halloween Basket and all ya gotta do is tell them your favorite monster classic and why. Oh but this one ends tonight. Prize is 20 DVDs and a lot of loot.

Lundies Life is giving away a copy of Mosiac by Amy Grant. Head on over to read the review, first three people that ask get the book.

Shannon over at Bloggy Giveaways has a few mentioned on her blog:
Klean Bath and Body
Elite Bead Creations

Problogger is having his own Birthday Giveaway worth $54,000. Hurry and enter. The list is to big for me to write them all out here, however the first giveaway begins now.

Comics 2 film is giving away a copy of Josie and the Pussy Cats DVD.

B5Media (family section) is holding a giveaway for the month of October, hurry on over to enter to win. Here is a link over at Play Library for the Blogtober Fest. You can win prizes such as:
The Complete Single Mother, $20 Starbucks Card, Just Paper Roses, 2 personal & Family organizers from BusyBodybook, The Practical Romantic A Confessional Guide to Internet Dating, 6 month membership to MySuperSaving.com, FeeFiFoto bucket bag, How to Love Your Marriage, Intellectual Foreplay, Make Your Own Onesies PDF, Hewlett-Packard HP Photo Books, Your Baby Can Read Starter Kits (which is great but I'll review it later this month), assorted and beautiful gifts from BabySakes and much, much more.

Contest for Moms is having their very own My Bedbugs Contest where you can win, My Bedbugs Volume 1 DVD and a snoozy doll. Wouldn't your child LOVE that?

CBN is giving away 5 copies of Evan Almighty DVD.

Cool Mom Picks is giving away 6 pairs of Robeez. Email contests@coolmompicks.com and answer: What's your favorite style of the new shoes shown here and why?

Mom4Life is having a month long contest, actually each week she will hold a contest. Week one is a photo contest where you will submit a picture to her with the phrase, "Mom4Life" in it. Yes, I do have an idea for me, but only if my computer works. lol. Week one you can win (and this is just the first week):
Cambodian Jingle Bells Anklet by Baby Emi Jewlery
Pack of 40 Giraffe Diaper Baggies
New Native Baby Carrier
Babeebrite Hands Free Mobile Light Source
Made by Angie Fashionable Diaper Wipes
The Baby Bistro Box (0-12 months) Nutrition & Recipe Cards
Noah's Bible ABC Stacking Blocks by Alphabet Alley
Honest Baby T-Shirts
Sign Babies Sign Language Flash Cards
3 Candiddesigns (customizable) shirts and onesies
Super Soft Juicy Fruit Shopping Cart Cover by Clean Shopper
Pack of PottieStickers w/out CD
BabyLegs limited edition black and white striped hat
Baby Signing Time Songs CD (vol 1 and 2)
Sleepy-Time Doorbell Button
Bubble & Squeak Large Diapering Kit in Pink Poppy

Slacker-Moms-R-Us is having a Slacker Mom Confessions Contest all ya gotta do is confess about being a mom...funny or serious just leave a comment. Oh you can win Chit Chat and Chew Chocolate Chip Cookie Kit from Chit Chat Brands. Doesn't it sound yummy?

So a Blonde walks Into a Review is giving away a Lil’ Sugarplum hair clip.

OpinionRated is giving away Elephant Dance: A Journey to India from Barefoot books.

Head on over to Parent Product Reviews and win some stuff, currently there are three giveaways, one is for The Jungle Book DVD, one is for Tessa & Tab Reading Club and the last Peppa Pig Muddy Puddles DVD. Hurry on over.

Save yourself some sanity and stop losing those binkies, by entering to win $50 GC to Kanagroodle and buy yourself some really neat bink links. The contest is being held at De Review. At Kangaroodle they've got a lot of different types to choose from, plastic to wood or you could look around at the other items, toys, bracelets, etc.

Mariannem has a review of Betrayal up on the site, read it and comment and you could win a set of Vampire Books. It sounds like a very interesting book.

Calming cards
Yoga for Kids
Old Navy Boys Medium Knit Shirt in Army Green

Keep on the lookout for a Giveaway Post by me today. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ever try to get online but can't? Oh I've been through this at least twice a week, then I try signing on with my laptop and can't even get a wave. Over at Buy.com they are offering a Linksys router you can choose a wireless, pc cards, usb, cables, etc. Basically anything you need to get online or on your computer you can find there. Routers are great if you can't seem to hop on, as long as you have a card or a router you should be good to go. Now if I could just convince the hubby to get me one. Yep, I have a laptop but no card.

Labels: contests, dvd giveaways, gc giveaway, october contest, october giveaways

Last month I won on the Pinks&Blues blog, it was the Hanes Giveaway. Well today I got the package in the mail, apparently they added a "2" in the address so it went to the neighbor, but since it had my name they knew.

I couldn't figure out who was sending me a package, even though on the side said Hanes. Once I opened it I knew right away but boy was I shocked. This is what we got, and that doesnt' include the two books of coupons that came with it.

- 1 Large blue sweatshirt with hood (which my son is currently wearing)
- 1 pack of white t-shirts
- 1 Large grey sweatshirt with hood that says, "Royalty" on it (that BalletGirl wants to wear tomorrow)
- 3 green, pink, blue Small cropped leggings
- 1 pink long sleeve shirt (with gnome sitting on a mushroom) that DD wants to wear tomorrow
- 1 Size 7/8 orange skirt/shorts
- 3 packs girl underwear which will be in storage (size 10)
- 4 packs boxer briefs for the son (which he promptly changed into and said (shhh) I like boxers better than underwear mom.)

So, all-in-all this was a FANTASTIC package and I wanted to thank the gals over at the Pinks and Blues blog and Hanes for it. Some of our winter shopping is done and over with. Oh and I have always LOVED Hanes.

UPDATE: This was suppose to go out yesterday but didn't for some reason. Anyways, the kids did wear their outfits.

Labels: giveaway, Hanes

Okay I've got a few announcements for my readers, some of which I hope you will like and the other I hope it'll be a good thing. As ya'll know I do my giveaway listings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which I will continue to do. Woo hoo! Yes, I'm glad ya'll like those, but I do hope to hear from more of you saying that you won something.

homemom3@gmail.com if you need to let me know.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I'd like to open it up for reviews that I might do. No, this does not mean every week, but hopefully it'll become a routine thing. However, I've joined up with a few book blog tours where I may do one or two reviews on a certain day of the week, which could be a Tues or a Thursday, but you'll know the difference between the reviews and giveaway listings.

Last- I plan on holding quite a few different giveaways in the upcoming weeks, one of which will be for the dvd, "Word World," and the other for books. I hope that these go over well with all of you and hopefully they'll find some happy homes. A few times there may be a small ad at the bottom of my posts as well, I'm sure ya'll have already seen some of them.

Labels: giveaways, reviews

That's right, I think I'll make it to the month and after that it should be a habit right? It has been a great experience and I have found some new drinks, instead of all the soda. Oh and for those of you that are wondering, I have actually lost weight by cutting out the soda. Shhhh! No I hadn't planned on that, at least not yet but it works for me!

Labels: no soda, soda