Soft Lips Giveaway

Winter can be harsh on your lips. Have you ever experienced the burning because of dry, chapped lips? Hurts huh? Don't le the cold air damage your lips. Prepare your pucker for the mistletoe with the new limited editions flavors of Softlips lip conditioners - new Sugar & Spice and Sugar Plum Berry as well as Winter Mint and Sugar Cookie.

Perfect as a stocking stuffer or gift to yourself, the seasonal flavors help protect lips from the sun with SPF20 and have the same great moisturizing properties as Softlips' other popular flavors. Each winter flavor comes paired with a complimentary Softlips favorite lip balm.

I think my favorite is the Sugar Plum Berry. It goes on smooth and my lips feel tons better since putting it on. I'd say it's relief for the wind burned lips. Use it often to prevent chapped and windburned lips. My daughter has already picked her favorite , which is Sugar Cookie and She may just get it in her stocking!

Starting in October and through out the holiday/winter season, the limited addition flavors Sugar & Spice and Sugar Plum Berry will be available in Target and Winter Mint and Sugar Cookie will be available at Walgreen's. So stock up now!

I am giving away a set of the new Softlips limited edition winter flavors! Want to try them out? To enter just leave me a comment and for two extra entries become a fan of Softlips on facebook! Leave me a seperate comment saying that you did. This giveaway is for US residents only and will end December 31.

Anti-Monkey Butt

When I was told about Anti Monkey Butt powder , It kind of struck me as funny. It sounded like something you would give as a gag gift at someone's 40th Birthday. But (no pun intended) seriously, this stuff works.

Anti Monkey Butt Powder is specially formulated to absorb excess sweat and reduce frictional skin irritation. It is Ideal for butt busting activities such as truck driving, motorcycling, bicycling, horse back riding, and extreme sports. May also be applied inside footwear, under sports pads, and other areas prone to chafing. The folks at Anti Monkey Butt have also thought of us ladies as well as the baby butts.


One of my friends could have use this stuff when she was pregnant with her fourth child. It was 100 degrees and we had been walking for a mile or so at the beach. When her thighs started burning from walking. They hurt so bad she had to make a pit stop at the local pharmacy for some powder which only helped a little bit.

I used this stuff recently and there is a definite cooling sensation. I used it on my legs because I read that it would help the after shave rash that some of us women tend to get. Prevented my legs from getting those nasty itch bumps! I'm hooked. I think I'm going to get some for my boy's. They are allergic to certain foods(we haven't figured out everything they are allergic to yet) and when they accidentally ingest something that they shouldn't their butts get burned. . .bad. I bet this will cool the burn and help them get a better nights sleep while it's healing.

This would make a great stocking stuffer for the bike rider, Horse enthusiasts, hiker, etc on your list. Stock up!

You can buy Anti-Monkey Butt Powder either directly from their website, or (if you're in serious discomfort and need it now!) by visiting your local outlet of these stores:

• Rite-Aid Pharmacies (First Aid Section)

• Walmart (Foot Care Section)
• Ace Hardware Stores
• True Value Hardware
• Tractor Supply Stores
• Do- it Best Hardware Stores

If you live in Canada you can find Anti-Monkey Butt in these stores:

• Shoppers Drug Mart
• Pharma Prix
• Zellers

Become a fan of Anti Monkey Butt on Facebook and get up to date information!

MyClyns Giveaway

We’re all on high alert on preventing ourselves and our family from getting the flu this season and the thought of being in tight quarters makes most cringe. That’s why I’m so excited to tell you about MyClyns, a new alcohol-free, germ protection spray that you can immediately use on your face when exposed to harmful pathogens. The non-toxic, non-burning spray contains a fast-acting solution that has shown to reduce more than 60 potentially dangerous germs, including MRSA, staph and E-coli*.

Why It’s Unique: MyClyns is the only germ defense for use in the eyes, nose and mouth – offering protection where you need it most – common entry points for most germs. It is a compact, non-aerosol pump spray shaped like a pen and easy to slip into a pocket, baby bag, purse or carry-on (meets airline restrictions) for everyday use and when traveling. MyClyns is safe to spray directly onto the face and even onto open cuts and abrasions. It’s safe for people of all ages, even those who wear contact lenses. While many other germ sanitizers are good for prevention, MyClyns is designed to be used after the unexpected incident occurs –so if a person sitting in front of you or next to you coughs or sneezes, simply take out your MyClyns and spray 2-3 mists on your face and you’re good to go. Each vial has approximately 60 mists and can be thrown out when it’s empty.

MyClyns is trusted and used by hospitals and first responders (EMS, police, firemen, etc.) – whose contact with germs is often extreme – and is now being made available to consumers to be the perfect complement to hand sanitizers as part of a complete germ-fighting routine. MyClyns, is sold at CVS stores nationwide along with other chain stores for suggested retail price ranging from $7.99- $9.99.

To help moms and family caregivers keep their families healthy, MyClyns recently launched a newly designed Web site www.mygermspray.com where you can get a lot of tips and information about staying healthy this cold & flu season. The Web site even has a section devoted to germs called the Germ University. By the time you “graduate,” you'll be armed with all the information you need to protect you and your family from harmful germs, especially during cold and flu season.

I have used this on my boys who both have colds right now. They of course think it's fun to be sprayed by the "pen". I feel better about them not passing their germs back and forth to each other.



How would you like to win MyClyns so you can try it for yourself? All you have to do is comment on this post. That's it. For two extra entries become of Fan of MyClyns on Facebook.
This giveaway is open to US residents only and I will pick the winner on December 31.



*Independent laboratory tests have shown that the solution in MyClyns demonstrates a 99.99% reduction in more than 60 potentially dangerous pathogens.

Craft Project Thursday

Gilded Potpourri Box

Delight someone's senses by filling this golden box with fragrant potpourri -- or special baked goods.

What You Need:

• Tracing paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• 5-inch-square thin cardboard box with separate lid
• Small piece of tile
• Utility knife with #11 blade
• Paper
• Ruler
• Gold spray paint
• Glitter gold paint pen
• 1-foot cloth window screen
• Thick white crafts glue
• Pearls on a string

Instructions:

1. Trace design for box lid. Trace a simple, seasonal pattern you like onto tracing paper. If necessary, use a photocopier to make the design larger or smaller to fit.

2. Transfer design to lid. Center tracing paper pattern on top of the box lid, pencil side down, and retrace over the back of the design. Remove the pattern.

3. Cut out the design. Place the lid on a piece of tile and use a utility knife to cut out the design. (The tile will allow the knife to glide.)

4. Cut diamond shapes. Cut a 2-inch-square piece of paper for the diamond pattern on the sides of the box. Center the pattern on each side, 1/2 inch up from the bottom edge, and trace around the pattern. Use utility knife and a ruler to cut out the diamonds.

5. Paint box and lid. Spray the box and lid with gold spray paint. Use glitter gold paint pen to outline the lid design with dots.

6. Cut screening. Cut a 5-inch-square piece of window screen and glue to the inside of the lid. Cut and glue a 3-inch square of screen to the inside, behind each of the diamond cutouts.

7. Add pearls. Glue a row of pearls around the outside edge of the lid and another row of pearls around the bottom edge of the side of the lid. Glue a row of pearls around the diamond shapes on all four sides of the box.

This project was brought to you by Better Homes & Gardens

The World According to a Three Year Old

Kids understand life's conundrum's in their own way don't they? Take for instance my daughter (she's going to hate me for this), when she was 4 we lived in an apartment. Around the holiday season she started becoming more and more sad as it got closer to Christmas. I asked her what was bothering her and she burst into tears saying "Santa isn't coming to our house because we don't have a chimney!!" Oh my goodness my heart just broke. Of course I set her straight and she was so happy after that.

A few weeks ago my youngest, Tiger and I were shopping at WalMart and he saw a bald man. Now I'm not talking shaved head. Think cue ball bald. Tiger took one look at him and screamed (as he pointed) OH NO!!! His hair is broken!!!! He was so upset by this , he kept telling the man to put his hair back on. We tried not to laugh and explained to him that the man did not have any hair. He still didn't get it. Some day he will. *sigh*

Another one of Tiger's view was a few days ago when we had a half moon. He was so upset and kept telling me that the moon was broken and that he couldn't find the other pieces. Dad took that one on but Tiger didn't get that concept either. Someday he will. But for now I'm enjoying his view of the world.

Does your child have a different view on things? Do share! I love to hear the stories!

Munchin Math

We as parents want our kids to succeed in school. Math has become harder and harder earlier and earlier. Have you noticed that? My daughter started learning Algebra in the 5th grade. But she got so behind because it was too difficult for her to understand and now she has a hard time in that subject. I am determined not to let that happen with my boys. The earlier they learn the concepts the better off they will be when it's time to go to school.

Help is on the way! Muchking Math was developed by mom, Wendy Miller, who was determined to bring math scores higher. And she has done just that. She appears on on Fox 31's Good Day Colorado every Monday as their resident Math Expert. Wendy now has three DVD's available for your kiddos ages 2-8 that will lay the foundation for math concepts.



My boys love the Telling Time video. I have never seen them laugh at one little bird so hard. But after watching it several times they are singing the songs and asking me what time is it. I love that my little guys are grasping this concept so early. It will help them when they start Kindergarten.

Check out the other DVD's on the Munchkin Math website. Anyone who posts on twitter using the hashtag #Munchkin Math will be entered to win one of three Munchkin Math DVD sets, which include all three Munchkin Math titles.

For example, you could tweet:

Give you child a head start in math with Munchkin Math DVDs. RT to enter to win 1 of 3 prize packs! #MunchkinMath

Or

Giveaway: Kids get a head start in math with Munchkin Math's Shapes, Telling Time, and Counting Money DVDs. RT to enter! #MunchkinMath

This giveaway ends December 16 so enter now!!!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Munchkin Math and received a sample DVD to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

The Ultimate Party Dish

Last weekend my mom had her annual Christmas Party but she needed me to bring something for the food table. I needed something easy but delicious. I had the ingredients for Ultimate Party Meatballs so that's what I did. It was so easy! Just three ingredients into my slow cooker and It was done.



The meatballs were such a hit. I shared the recipe with everyone there and my mom was flabbergasted that cranberry sauce was used. The meatballs were addicting. Sweet with a hint of spice. I brought home an empty slow cooker that night. I will be making this recipe again and maybe putting these little guys in a hoagie bun and having a meatball sandwich. YUMMY!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Heinz and Ocean Spray and received the ingredients necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Holiday Shopping Help

With all the talk about lead in some toys, recalls etc. It gets overwhelming trying to shop for the toys that are safe for our kids to play with. Help is on the way in the form of a great website. Toy Info has all the latest recalls for the last two years, the latest toy trends, tips on how to play with your child, etc. It just makes shopping for the right toy this Christmas so much easier. Visit the site before you go shopping and you may save a lot of trips to the return counter!

Another great site is Toyawards.org . This site lists the best toys of the year, as selected by toy industry experts.


The site showcases the top toys nominated for the 2010 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY), recognized as the “Oscars®” of the toy industry. Not only will you discover which toys the experts think are best, but for the first time, kids and parents can register for one (or more) of 12 prize packages, and can also vote for their favorite toys.

Wordless Wednesday

It's very difficult to keep clothes on this child but the high heels take the cake! OY!

Going Green? Start with your laundry!

My family and I have slowly integrated the "going green" thing in our house hold. We recycle, use reusable bags at the store, use rain water to feed our plants, attempt to grow our own veggies and use greener, more safe cleaning agents.

Now the laundry in our house never ends and I recycle the bottles our detergent comes in but I want to do more than that. Enter, greenworks natural laundry products. The new detergent is dermatologist tested, safe on colors and made with natural, plant-based cleaning ingredients. And clothes washed in Green Works™ natural laundry detergent won't leave a harsh chemical residue and are gentle on skin.

I tried this stuff and man my clothes smell good, I used less detergent than I used to and my clothes look cleaner. Honest, they do. My boys can get some serious staingage going on. The only thing that took me by surprise is the fragrance is strong so if you are one of those people that are sensitive to odors try the free & clear one.

Now I also tried the stain remover on my sweet, innocent ,200lb English Mastiff's dog bed. Needless to say that thing was NASTY!!! Dog slobber, mud, food that he hides in there, more dog slobber, more dirt etc. You get the idea. I sprayed the stain remover on the bed rubbed it in and let it sit for a few minutes to fully penatrate. Washed that sucker using the natural laundry detergent and VOILA!! So much better. So much so that my dog won't sleep on it because it doesn't have his doggie smell on it anymore.

I think that I will be buying this the next time I go to the store. I like that the ingredients are plant based, that it leaves no residue and is easy on the skin. It sure cleared up my itchiness when I put on just washed clothes.

If you check out greenworks website there is $3.00 coupon for you so you can see for yourself.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Clorox Green Works and received a bottle of Green Works Natural Detergent and Stain Remover to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate."

Tis' the Season to be Busy!!!

Yes I know I have been a bad blogger these past few weeks. It's shameful really. But I have been productive. . . for the most part. I have been sick since Thanksgiving with some kind of brochial virus type thing. Which put me in bed for a few days. I have to say I'm still sounding a tad sexy. My husband likes it but I'm getting kind of tired of it.

My youngest turned three! Can you believe it? This blog is older than he is. WOW! He sure has become a curious little guy. Always wanting to try to do everything himself. Sometimes that's not always a good thing. Pictures will come soon , I promise. He's is opinionated yet very loving and is quick to have the last word then give you a big hug and a kiss. As if that will make up for the attitude. He's daytime potty trained now. YAY! What a big accomplishment. I'm so proud of him.

We are gearing up for Baby Girl's first Choral Concert. She is so excited about singing. She's taking after her momma. I'm so proud! I took her shopping to get her outfit for the concert and we had a blast! She even asked me to make her a Kanzashi Flower for her hair to wear that night.


Business is slowly getting busier ever week. And I'm thoroughly enjoying creating all these fun items for you to shop for. I think my favorite so far is the fabric flowers but the key rings are a close second. Today was spent cutting fabric , Peltex, and more fabric for more items in my shop. I trying my best in between everyone's sickness and family visiting from out of town to increase my inventory so that I can start doing craft shows in the spring.

I have got some more giveaways planned so stay tuned. I hope you keep coming back despite my business. I promise I will try to do better.

The Lucy Apron from Brassy Apple

Megan at Brassy Apple sent me the cutest pattern for an apron. I haven't made an apron since middle school and was a tad afraid. But her pattern was so easy to understand. I was amazed at how easy it really was to sew.

The pattern contains every thing you need to know in order to make this cute and stylish apron for yourself. She even added her own sewing tips which really helped!

I left mine plain and it still is such a cute apron. I got asked several times to make some for several friends. And I'll be sewing some more for Christmas gifts this year.



Check out the Brassy Apple shop for more cute patterns
just like this one!

My daughter looks so cute in this apron don't you think? Now I think she's ready to do some holiday baking with me.

Thanks so much Megan for letting me try this pattern. I loved it!

5 Health Tests You Should Get Every Year

The truth is that no one likes to go to the doctor. It is an all-to-personal reminder of how fragile we all are as human beings. Yet, there are still good reasons for going regularly. More importantly, there at least five health tests you should get every year. This article will list and briefly review a selection of five important annual tests. Decide for yourself which one matter the most to you.

1. Eye test – Most people understand the importance of getting annual eye screenings, especially those who already have eye troubles. By scheduling a regular eye examination each year you can make sure any issues may be having aren't get worse and you might also be able to diagnoses any emerging problems with your vision.

2. Pap screening – Also called a pap test or a pap smear, this is an important test for women of any age. The possibility of getting cervical cancer is real. By having a regular screening each year, you improve your chances of surviving this life threatening illness. Early detection is essential to facing cervical cancer and coming out alive. It is recommended that women undergo a pap test as early as possible, though most gynecologists would suggest either just before at 21 years old if you haven't had one yet.

3. Regular check-up –Not many people heed the warning to make and keep a yearly health check-up. Yet, these basic examinations can be a place to point out any issues or concerns and note any problems that you've bee having. Much of the testing is routine, but sometimes life-threatening conditions have been spotted in time during one of those sessions. Remember to get your regular check up; it could make a big difference.

4. High blood pressure testing – When you get older the body starts to wear down more. In some cases, the stresses and strains can play havoc with the function of vital organs, such as the heart. For many people, especially men, this could lead to high blood pressure problems. Hence, it is crucial to get your blood pressure tested at least once a year to keep tabs on it and so you can decide if some other action needs to be taken to prevent more severe issues from occurring.

5. Diabetes testing – This is a test that is being performed far more often than it was in the past. It is based on the unfortunate statistics that far more Americans are getting diabetes each year than ever before. This includes not only older people but also young ones a well. Even children are not immune to diabetes. A yearly diabetes test could help prevent the onset of diabetes.

The above tests are some of the more common ones suggested by most physicians. They are definitely health test you should get every year, if not more often in some cases. One of the better trends out there is preventative care. This is made possible when you do what you can to take care of yourself by eating right and exercising. It is also important to see your doctors regularly so you can stop problems before they materialize.

Mary E. Ward writes about how to choose among online phlebotomy technician programs.

Thankful Days Giveaway

If you like to embroider like I do your constantly looking for the perfect Christmas Idea right about now aren't you? You know you are. How about an Amazing Designs Creative Quilt Pack? Have you seen it? This pack has a ton of poinsettia designs and some awesome project ideas. Would you like to win it? SewforLess.com is giving away this popular pack along with with 8 soft metalic spool Gift Box, a Madeira Classic Metallic 8 Spool Gift Box, and Klasse Needle Quilting & Sewing Value 8 Pack!

Now that's a lot of sewing goodies! Just visit their blog and leave a comment. Giveaway ends December 4th around 10 am.