Sell'n on eBay

I read . . . ALOT. If the book is super good I can read it in 4 - 5 hours. That is when I have the chance. Because of my obsession with books, I know have a HUGE collection of them in my sewing room. I don't have anywhere to put them. So I need to get rid of them.

I  really don't want the hassle of having a yard sale (go ahead and call me Lazy) so I have been working on placing my movies and books on eBay. Some are selling some are not. That's ok. As long as my collection of books is dwindling.

So if you are a reader like me would you mind taking a look at my books? Even if your not in the buying mood. I guess I like seeing the number of views go up. Makes my day. Thanks guys you are great!!!

Safety Tats Giveaway

Have you ever turned around and your child not be there? Even for a second. If your like me panic sets in not only for you but your child as well. You constantly drill into your kids what to do if ever they lose sight of you for any reason. But there are children that are to young to understand or not verbal. I have used the Velcro bracelets but my kids can take them off.  You can use those information cards that some coats have when you buy them but what about the summer when they don't need them? Pen and marker wash a way after a few times in the laundry.

SafetyTat has the answer to this dilemma. The Original SafetyTat Child ID tattoos are much like traditional temporary tattoos and are applied with water and last from 1 to 5 days.  They have so many cute designs. One thing that really had me wanting more is the fact that they have several designs for autism (verbal and non-verbal) and also ones for food allergies. I still worry about my kids getting lost but I have a better peace of mind knowing that my phone number is tattooed on their arms . . . just in case.

The Quick Stick Write-on! applique' skin-safe peel and stick "tattoo" is comprised of a micro-thin elastomer with medical grade adhesive that is hypoallergenic and skin safe. You can write emergency information on the tattoo using the supplied tattoo marking pen, which is compact, easy to use and completely waterproof. The Quick Stick Write-on! will last for up to two weeks.

Once the SaftetyTat is applied to the skin and parents writ on a mobile phone number, it is on there until the parent decides to take it off.  This product is opaque, highly vibrant and works on all skin shades equally well. Best of all, to apply the tattoo you need not water,. Simply Peel and stick! Removal is super simple just left the edge with a fingernail and peel off like a bandage.

 The great thing about these are that they have designs that are cool for pre-teens  and teens as well. I have a daughter that will soon be 14 and she loves the pink skull and crossbones design. It does help that she loves temporary tattoos anyways. Summer is coming and vacations will be planned. I feel better knowing that I have the SafetyTats for my kids just in case.

The wonderful people at SafteyTats has generously offered to give two of you lucky readers one sample pack of their Quick Stick Write-On!, their choice of Boy, Girl, or Multi pack design.  How cool is that???

All you have to do is visit SafetyTats and tell me your favorite design. You can earn more entries by doing the following (and you know it's going to be something fun, 'cause that's how I roll):

• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway
• Take your kids on a nature walk today. If you don't have kids, take your fur friend
• Blog about this giveaway
• Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
• Color in a coloring book either with your kids or by yourself

I will choose the winners via a Random Generator on May 6th. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only. Have fun and Be Safe!!!

Drum Roll Please . . . . . .

I have been super busy with choral concerts, IEP meetings, house full of kids and construction. So forgive me for not announcing the winners of the last two giveaways sooner!

The winner of $25.00 worth of random hair accessories from Hair Coverings is  . . . .

Kariane Glinter from Boulder Colorado!!!

And the winner of the complete crib bedding set by Simple Luxury courtesy of BabyCribsPlus is . . . .

Emily Bickell  of Emily's Latest! Stop by Emily's blog and say hello!

Congratulations Ladies!!!

Are we THAT family????

I love my kids and I wouldn't trade them for the world. But there are times those thoughts needle their way into my mind. It's like a big ominous gas cloud permeating my heart and mind. And often it tends to makes it's way to the surface and my kids feel the brunt of it.  I secretly wish that ours was a normal family who kids didn't struggle with school, that listened and didn't test the rules. Am I the only one who's kids do this:

• Beg you to buy bananas just so they can peel them and then throw them in the trash?
• Constantly take apart your upright vacuum only to add extra parts to it so it can never work again?
• Insist that a potato is  deadly vegetable? So much so that screaming ensues when the said veggie is eyed on the stove or in the fridge. 
• Confiscate the host's tooth brush and promptly brush his teeth with it when you are over for dinner?
• Pour OJ, salt and Pepper, butter and yogurt all over their room after lights out?
• Mustard on the head before church?

There are so many times I wish I could put my head in the sand to hide. Or lock myself in the bathroom and have a much needed cry. It's frustrating and the stress is just exhausting. I worry so much about what other people think of my parenting skills when they come in contact with my kids. That I have failed my children and somehow we have become THAT family.

Did you know that my kids have special needs? That Tiger needs to feel mush and goo in his hands to feel grounded. Little Monkey does not like the texture of yogurt , potatoes, or cheese to name a few. Did you know that Baby Girl is a sensory seeker and in order to focus she needs to have something in her hands to fidget
with?

As a family we  are learning to cope with their issues as best we can . They have undergone therapy, I read tons of books and talk to other parents in the same boat. We are proactive with the teachers and learn by trial and error what works with our kids and what doesn't . It's not a virus. This doesn't go away with medicine. It's an ongoing process. It takes time, and a lot of it. And patience which, honestly , lately has been hard to come by. 

I'm not superwoman and I don't claim to be. I don't know all there is about raising kids with special needs. I'm tired, I'm stressed, and overwhelmed. I'm doing the best I can.

Craft Project Thursday - Celebrating Earth Day

Tin Can Herb Pots

Make these charming tin can herb pots and watch them grow all summer long! This project not only recycles, it creates new life, and is a great Earth Day craft. Your child can watch her plants grow for months to come and be proud that she created the container that holds them.

What you'll need:

• Empty aluminum can
• Screwdriver and hammer
• Liquid gesso (recommended: Liquitex Basics Gesso)
• Acrylic craft paints in colors of your choice
• Acrylic sealer spray, matte finish
• Craft stick
• Thin cardboard
• Pinking shears
• Black permanent marker
• 5-10 small rocks, stones or pebbles
• 1.5 cups potting soil
• 4-inch potted herb plant
• White craft glue
• Water
• Flower stickers (optional)

How to make it:

1. Completely wash and dry aluminum can. If necessary, sand off any rough edges from opening of can.
2. Turn can upside down. Parent should use screwdriver or other pointed object to poke holes in the bottom of the can. Use a hammer to tap the end of the screwdriver to make the holes.
3. Paint outside of can with one coat of gesso. Let dry completely.
4. Paint can in the desired color, repeat coats if needed.
5. Decorate however you like. Use a thin paint brush for long lines, dip the end of the paint brush into paint for polka dots.
6. Decorate with stickers if desired.
7. In a well-ventilated area, spray the outside of the completed can with acrylic sealer spray. Let dry.
8. Place enough rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the can to form a single layer.
9. Add enough potting soil to fill the can two-thirds full.
10. Remove potted herb from its container and transplant into the can.
11. Fill edges with remaining potting soil, gently pat down so that plant is firmly in the can but not compacted so much that it’s too tight.
12. Place can on a plate (to catch any water drainage) and add some water to the newly planted herbs.
13. Paint craft stick whatever color you like. Allow to dry.
14. Cut a piece of thin cardboard into a small rectangle (about 1.5 x 3 inches) using pinking shears.
15. Paint both side of the cardboard with gesso, let dry.
16. Glue the rectangle to the top of the craft stick.
17. Use a black permanent marker to write the herb name onto the rectangle.
18. Insert your plant marker into the soil, being careful not to crush any roots along the way.
19. Place your new garden in a sunny window and remember to water them!

Tips:

• A 4-inch potted plant will be enough to make 2-3 vegetable sized cans (15 oz) or one larger tomato sauce type can (28 oz).
• This is a great project to teach kids about growing plants, especially edible ones. Take this opportunity to visit your local library and check out a book on simple container gardening or gardening with kids.
• Keep the kids involved, be sure they take care of “their” plant. Have them water their plant and show them how to check to see if the soil is too dry or just right by gently touching the soil surface with their finger.
• Eat these herbs! Your kids will light up when they get to pinch off a basil leaf to add to your spaghetti sauce. 

This project is brought to you by Amanda Formaro at Kaboose

Happy Earth Day!!!!

 Today's companies are striving to go green and be environmentally friendly. But  can you tell which ones are greenwashing? Greenwashing is the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly, such as by presenting cost cuts as reductions in use of resources. Here are some things to watch out for while your shopping green. 

 Tips to Avoid Greenwashing

• Look for meaningful claims. Be cautious of products making generic claims of "100% natural” or “environmentally friendly" with no backup.

• Avoid products that make irrelevant claims, i.e. that a product is "CFC-free" (CFCs were banned more than 20 years ago).

• Look for a seal or certification mark from a recognized, independent third-party specializing in green claims. Check with the certifier to verify the product is truly certified.

• Check out the product’s packaging. While a product may be green, is the packaging green as well and can it be disposed of in an environmentally safe way?

• Don’t be mislead by pretty pictures or use of earth-friendly colors on product labels. Just because a product label shows a forest doesn’t mean the product inside is green.

• Look at the ingredient list on the product. Avoid products where fragrances are a key ingredient.

• Read product usage instructions and avoid those that display warnings on the label, such as “caution” or “use in well-ventilated area,” which typically indicate that the product is hazardous to you and/or the environment.

• Question percentage claims, such as “this product contains 50% more recycled content.” Fifty percent more than what?

• Be cautious of hidden trade-offs. For example, many products today are more energy efficient but may still be produced from hazardous or non-recyclable materials.

There are so many cleaning products  out there that can harm not only our environment but ourselves and our families. I have slowly integrating these cleaning tips in my own home.  Not only do I save tons of money by using what I have around the house but I'm protecting my family. All three of my kids have special needs that may or may not be associated with the environment.  So reducing the amount of unnecessary chemicals near my children could reduce there symptoms and help them with their individual issues. Here are some great tips so that you can do the same.

 Eco-friendly Cleaning Tips

• A vinegar and water solution can be used to clean and freshen many surfaces around the home, including floors, walls and cupboards.

• Instead of using chemical scouring agents, consider using baking soda.Baking soda can also be used to adsorb odors around the home instead of trying to mask odors through the use of chemical sprays.

• Lemon juice can be used for many home cleaning tasks. It can help dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. When added to a vinegar/water cleaning mixture, it will also help to neutralize the vinegar smell.

• Cornstarch (as well as baking soda) can be used to help deodorize rugs and carpets. Sprinkle about 1 cup per room, then vacuum after 30 minutes.

• If purchasing store-bought cleaners, avoid using cleaners and other products such as bleach that contain added fragrances or other added ingredients.

• Look for the EPA DfE logo on commercial cleaners. It means that the product lines up on the "green" end of the health and environmental spectrum without sacrificing product performance. Each ingredient is screened for potential human health and environmental effects based on currently available health and safety data. Products bearing this label contain only those ingredients that pose the least concern among chemicals in their class. 

Happy Earth Day!!!

The tips in this post were brought to you by NSF International, a  not-for-profit organization that helps protect you by testing, certifying products and helping to write safety standards for food, water and consumer goods .

Wordless Wednesday

Hydrate Yourself with Fruit2O Essentials

I have finally found a flavored water I like. And I'm a water snob. But this stuff is truly delicious. It has virtually no after taste. Even my kids love it and they are pretty particular about what they like and don't like. I think my favorite flavors are the Strawberry Kiwi and Cranberry Raspberry.  I took a sip of it when I first got it and it's definitely better when it's cold.

Fruit20, the creators of the original fruit flavored water, now offers Fruit2O Essentials, a refreshing beverage that combines several nutrients found in two servings of fruit with crisp, clear water, with zero calories and zero sugar.

Recent USDA studies show that 80percent of Americans do not drink the recommended eight glasses of water per day and 77 percent of Americans do not eat the recommended servings of fruit a day. Fruit2O Essentials offers several nutrients (vitamins and minerals )found in two servings of fruit and 1g of fiber.

This summer, Fruit2O and local chapters of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are working together to help women make small changes that create lifelong results for improved health. Nearly one third of American women are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes and the number is steadily increasing. Making small changes each day , like swapping sugary beverages high in calories for a Fruit2O Essentials, is an easy way to make healthy choices that can reduce the risk of certain health conditions,  like diabetes.

Fruit2O will be on tour this summer sharing information about their Small Changes, Lifelong Results campaign and partnership with the ADA. Beginning May 14, visit them online or stop by their booth at local events to share your small changes. For every small change you pledge to make, Fruit2O will donate $1.00 to your local ADA chapter to help fight diabetes. Visit and become a fan Facebook to find out if they are coming to a town near you!

Fruit2O would like to send one lucky winner all six flavors to try out! All you have to do is tell me one small change that you are doing to get and stay healthy.  I will pick the winner using a random number generator on April 27th. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.

You can do the following for more entries:

• Become a Fan of Fruit2O on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway
• Get moving for at least 20 minutes today
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway
• Forget the Laundry and play with your kids 

Leave a comment for each item you have done. Remember, DRINK YOUR WATER!!

The Great Debate - What's your Opinion???

There's been  pressing debate all over the country. One that affects all of us. I'm sure it has caused many an argument within families. It has made our lives better but then again when you sit down and think really hard about the issue at hand does it really affect our lively hood? Does it enable us as a whole to live richer and fuller lives? Does it bring smiles to your children, entertainment to your pets? What the heck am I talking about anyways?

Over or under? What's your opinion? Personally I like over. I really don't have an explanation other than it just flows. My husband just doesn't have an opinion. As long as we have some and it's in the bathroom he's happy. My boys, they don't care either as long as there's some to flush and watch go down the toilet. My daughter? Well, she takes after me. Over. And like me she really doesn't have an explanation.

Cottonelle has come out with the best toilet paper ever in my very humble opinion. It's stronger, softer and designed to roll over! And best of all it's thick. I really can't stand those thin, scratchy rolls that feels like your using leaves. I know not such a great visual. So what's your opinion? Over or Under?

Check out how others voted ! 

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

Get Ready for Baby Giveaway

Last week I hinted about an upcoming giveaway from Baby Cribs Plus for those of you who are expecting or know someone who is. If I was having a baby (which isn't happening) I would love to have this item that I chose to give away.

Seriously. 

It is just too cute!

Want to know what it is? 

I'd be glad to hold off for another week if you wanted. But I'm thinking that you would rather me go a head and show you already right?

Ready?

Drum Roll Please . . . . . . 

Is this not cute?

It's gender neutral just in case your still not sure what you are having or if you are just leaving that for a surprise. 

This beautiful crib set is made by Simple Luxury and includes one comforter, two valances, one skirt, one fitted crib sheet, one bumper, one diaper stacker, one toy bag, and one pillow. The sheets are 100% Egyptian cotton and Machine Washable.

We all have stories about our pregnancies and each one is different.  Tell me one thing you craved or one weird symptom you had or are having while your pregnant. Leave me a comment to enter. 

To recieve more entries:

• Go to Baby Cribs Plus website, browse around and tell me what your favorite item  is. 
• Become a fan of CSN Stores on Facebook
• Let your child help you cook a meal today
• Tweet about this giveaway
• Blog about it
• Sing If your Happy and You Know it out loud where ever you are

The winner will be chosen by a random generator and announced on April 21. This giveaway is for US and Canadian residents only. Sorry Internationals!

Have fun browsing around Baby Cribs Plus. I'm sure your going to find something you love at an awesome price!

The Ulitimate Blog Party is Back!!!

Who's up for a little partying?  Every year 5 Minutes for Mom host the Ultimate Blog Party which gives all of us bloggers a chance to meet knew bloggers and forge lasting friendship. So head on over to visit Janice and Susan and join in the fun. All you have to do is write your own party post , place the banner in your sidebar and Link up.

For those of you who don't know who I am, here's a little intro me and my crazy family. My name is Tiffanie. I am married to a wonderful man who happens to be a very talented graphic designer/web developer . We live in North Carolina with our three crazy kids.

 My oldest is 13 and we refer to her as Baby Girl. She loves music, horseback riding, reading, and is a huge fan of Justin Beiber. This young lady is always thoughtful. We find lots of encourageing notes on our mirrors, in my purse or just lying around for us to see. She has lots of challenges facing her as she copes with  being a sensory seeker and having central auditory processing disorder. But she is truly a blessing.

This is our oldest son, Little Monkey. He's five years old and is a genius if I do say so myself. He's very loving and sensitive. He loves vacuums, light bulbs, and spinning objects. He's full of questions and if you tell him to please stop asking questions he will tell you he's not. He's talking. That's his way of carrying on conversations . He also copes with autism and is a sensory avoider. It's what makes him unique and we love him for it.

This cutie is Tiger. He's 3yrs old and  ham. Big Time. If you visit here often you have been aware of his crazy antics the last few weeks. This one will some how make a mess even if there isn't any possible way to make one. He will find a way. He's smart like that. He is also a sensory seeker and has his own challenges. We love him just the same.

I often talk about my kids challenges and tips and tricks to help you do the same. I have contest on her at least twice a month sometimes more often. I love to share with my readers about new products that are fun for your kids, all natural, or just different. So keep coming back you won't regret it.  Oh and feel free to snag my button to put on your own blog.

So now that you have gotten to know my family and what I do here. Go have some more fun and meet some more people. You never know you may make a friendship for life!

Hair Coverings and a Giveaway

I don't know about you but I hate having my hair in my face and in the summer on my neck. So I'm constantly wearing headbands, hair clips, and wearing my hair up. Lately, the only people who have seen my hair down is my family!

I'm constantly looking for stylish ways to keep my hair out of my way and I think I have found a great place to get all my hair accessories! Hair Coverings has a ton of awesome and affordable products for your hair. They have everything from pre-tied bandannas, head bands, hats and so much more!

I'm constantly wearing my wide headband and mine is black and white and goes with a ton of outfits! I love the fact that everything in the shop is so affordable and there shipping is really fast.  Summer is coming soon and getting your hair up and out of your face becomes essential to staying cool.

Hair Coverings has offered to giveaway a $25.00 worth of random accessories to one lucky winner. To enter please head on over to their shop and tell me what your favorite item is.

To recieve extra entries you can do the following:

• Join their mailing list
• Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
• Follow me on Twitter
• Read to your child today
• Tweet about this
• Blog about this giveaway
• Go outside and Play!

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have done. I will pick the winner via a random generator on April 16th.

I'm going Bowling for Free with Tropicanna Juicy Rewards

If you haven't tried out Tropicana Juicy Rewards, you need to. collect all of your rewards on participating Tropicana products and redeem for massages, museum tickets, sporting goods,and tons more. All based on where you live . How cool is that?

This weekend we are going bowling with two of our children. All we have to do is rent the shoes but the game is free! How cool is that? Redeeming your Juicy rewards will save you tons of money and get you and your kids out of the house to spend time together. What more can you ask for?

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You

I saw the trailer for this new movie and had to share! Looks like something I'd want to watch with the kids. It debuts on July 9th so keep an eye out for it!

Sneak Peak : Baby Cribs Plus Giveaway!

Are you or someone you know expecting a precious angel?  I am having fun helping my sister in law shop for baby number two. Today I checked out Baby Cribs Plus that they not only have baby cribs, but rugs, mobiles, diaper bags and more!This site carries name brands such as Lambs & Ivy, Boon, Freckles, Melissa and Doug, Eddie Bauer just to name a few. And it's very affordable.

 Look at this cute rug. If I had another girl (which will not be happening) I would grab this beauty fast. Best of all it's only $30.33! Seriously, you need to stop by the site and check out the fabulous name brands and look at all the fun stuff for baby!


Check back here next week to find out what I'm giving away from this fabulous store!  Trust me you will not want to miss this giveaway.