Celebrating Life The Way That It Was Meant To Be!

Surgical pictures from the hysterectomy: Warning not for the weak stomach!

2011-11-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

Don't wait until it's too late!

2011-11-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Hello faithful followers! Sorry its been a while since I have posted on here. Life surely knows how to throw one a curve ball from time to time doesn't it?

I want to tell everyone of you and I want you to pass this along to as many as you can, Don't wait until it's too late, make your voice heard, force people to listen to you when you have a problem.

Here is my story:

In 2005 I went to the doctor because I was having pain in my lower left pelvic area. They ran all sorts of tests on me, from internal and external ultrasounds, to MRI's and CT scans, and even the X-ray. All of the scans came back saying that I had a 2cm cyst on my left ovary. My doctor said that it was nothing to worry about and that women live with cysts larger than that for many years of their life, so he didn't want to do anything about it. A year later I found another doctor to address my concerns (crappy insurance left me to have to do this or I would have done it right away). This doctor told me basically the same thing. Said that it was nothing to worry about and that I should even be able to pass it in a cycle. I addressed the concern about my irregular cycles and it was explained to me that I might be going through the change earlier than most women. My cycles at this point were coming once every 2 or 3 months.

After hearing from 2 doctors the same thing, I felt that I was just going to have to learn to deal with the pain. I didn't give up completely though, I had seen at least another 4 more doctors within the next 4 years after this.

In late 2010, this was the year that so much was happening for me. All of a sudden I was hit hard by a terrible cycle. The cycle lasted 4 full weeks, and I was easily going through a box of tampons every 2 days. I had enough! I went to the emergency room. Found out the cyst that I had on my left ovary had actually ruptured! I also found out that due to this I was anemic. So, that left me to have to get a blood transfusion. The doctors put me on provera in hopes that it would stop me from bleeding, and it did. I was also told that I had to take an iron pill from now on to combat the anemia. Upon further exam, they found that the cyst was no longer there. My cycles became even more irregular, sometimes coming as soon as 10 days after the last one ended to going 45 days before it would come again.

I was happy, just had finally found what love was, we were in the process of settling down with each other, talking about having kids and our future. In February 2011, the unthinkable happened! I had a miscarriage at 10 weeks! I didn't even know I was pregnant. This was devastating to both my husband (then fiancee) and I. We strived to move past it and we did.

In March of 2011, I started having pain that no one could imagine. So, immediately we went to the emergency room. Upon exam they found that I had developed another cyst. Again, it was only 2cm and they said that they couldn't do anything about it and sent me on my way. At this point it had been 6 weeks since I had a cycle. With the miscarriage only 8 weeks prior, I was scared that it could have been happening again since I had taken tests and either they came back with faint lines or there would be an error on others. So a week after that emergency room visit, I had to be rushed back again because of the pain. Still just a cyst on my left ovary only 2cm.

My hunt for a specialist began! Every specialist that I called had a waiting list a mile long! So, I gave up for a while. We continued to try to have a baby, even using fertility treatments thinking that would help us out due to the cyst could have made it to where I wasn't ovulating properly.

We moved into our new home in August. I was feeling a lot of pain, just like I was back in March. So as I was unpacking boxes and putting together the house, I had the television on. The Dr. Oz show came on. It was the episode about Ovarian Cancer: spotting the signs and getting the medical professionals to listen to you. Dr. Oz had went into an area where he helped women get tested. There was this one girl on the show though that really hit home with me. She had found out through being a part of this show that she had something to be concerned about. Dr. Oz said that there would be a worksheet on his website to help women find a way to discuss with their doctor their concerns about possibly having ovarian cancer. I went and looked at the form and answered yes to everything that was on there! It scared the crap out of me! I have a high risk of cancer anyways since my younger brother died in 2002 of Ewing's Sarcoma (rare bone cancer) and many of my aunts and cousins have had female cancers and my own grandmother died of female cancers the year I was born.

My husband and I painstackenly looked around for a doctor. Finally we had found one that could see us within the week. This was the end of September 2011. She ordered tests (internal and external ultrasound). Scheduled surgery just from the hospital report from earlier in the year. Then the tests came back showing there was nothing! I was shocked! The surgery date was set for October 12th, 2011. "If she scheduled surgery, there must have been a reason" is what I was thinking. She had went over the options with me. I could have a Mirena IUD placed in me to possibly help (she was thinking that it was just endometriosis), she could go in and explore to see what was wrong and then schedule full surgery after she knew what was wrong, or I could opt for a full hysterectomy.

Hard decisions to make! Did I want to be treated like a science experiment? NO! Have I already tried birth control for the issue? YES! Did it work? NO! Could I live with knowing I couldn't have anymore kids? I WASN'T SURE! Could I live knowing that I wasn't in anymore pain and could do the things like I used to be able to do? YES! So, it was time to weigh the options with the husband. He knew that I had tried everything. Both of us agreed that me being a science experiment wasn't in our best interests, just because of how long it would take to get better from one surgery then to have to turn around and have another, cost wise it wasn't practical. So, we weighed heavily on having the hysterectomy. Many tears were shed, but we agreed, it was the only logical option.

So, we went to visit the doctor the day before surgery and told her that we had chosen to go the route of having the hysterectomy. She went over everything with us. She said that because she knew the left ovary was the cause of the pain, she was going to remove that, my uterus, cervix and my tubes. She told us though that she wanted to leave the right ovary (only if it looked healthy when she was in there) so I could produce hormones. We were OK with this.

October 12th, 2011 came rolling along. Surgery was scheduled for 1130 am EST. I was in the operating room just shortly after 11am. I remember very little from the O.R. I remember being told by the anathesiologist that I would feel a burning sensation. I remember saying hello to the doctor and telling her I was scared, hearing her say it was normal, saying I felt the burning sensation and that was it! The next thing that I remember is being in the recovery room. I remember sitting straight up from the bed and screaming at the top of my lungs asking if my husband knew that I made it through the surgery, and then crashing back onto the bed. It was only later that night after I had been in my room for a little while and my husband had left to grab us some dinner that I was told that I was dead for 2 minutes in the recovery room and that I didn't need the paddles to bring me to life, I came back once they put oxygen on me. I had no pulse and wasn't breathing for 2 whole minutes! I was released from the hospital the following morning. I felt pretty good. Sore, but nothing like the pain that I was in previously.

The following Monday the doctor had called me and she had the news of the biopsy report. She said that I made the right call to have the full hysterectomy even though she was reluctant to do the surgery on my as I had requested. I asked her why she said I was right in my decision. She said because the biopsy report showed that in my uterus I had a tumor that was the size of a clenched female fist (about 4 inches or 10.16cm) and it didn't show up in the scans because it masked itself as the uterus. My entire uterus was one giant tumor! She said that upon further review of the biopsy, it came back with pre-cancerous cells and that if I hadn't have had the surgery when I did it would have developed into full blown uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer within 6 months to a year. She said that the results of all the blood that was taken of me after surgery (every 2 hours they were drawing blood from me), I was also no longer anemic and there were no signs of any cancer cells anywhere in my blood stream!

Tomorrow will be 30 days since my surgery, and I have never felt better in my life! Its weird being pain free, its even more weird because it has given me an outlook of going out there and doing good in the world and having others feel the happiness I feel inside.

So please, if you have pain or you know someone who has pain share this with them. Don't live with the pain, don't let doctors tell you that its all psychological and that you don't know what you are talking about. Get a second opinion, third opinion or 12th opinion if you have to! Eventually someone will listen to you! Remember, you know your body better than what the doctors do. So if it doesn't feel right, make your voice heard, do something about it, don't feel ashamed, and don't hide in the shadows!

Sorry its been so long....

2011-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a minute to say that I am sorry to all my followers that it has been so long since my last post. I have had a lot going on in my life. Now that things are straight again, I plan to be up and blogging more before you know it.

The Betty Draper Evening Gala Gown GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-01-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Betty Draper Evening Gala Gown GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Winner of the Cookie Cutters!!!

2009-12-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

I would like to congratulate commentor #5

"November 28, 2009 10:37 AM

Leslie said... email subscriber always_317537 at yahoo dot com"

on winning the lovely set of cookie cutters!

Leslie, you have 48 hours to please email me with the details of your address so that the sponsor can ship them out to you right away!

Again, thank you to all who have taken the time to participate in my blog giveaway! Stay tuned for next year as I will be excellerating the speed and the volume of giveaways on my blog!

My best wishes for you and yours to have a wonderful, safe and joyous holiday season!

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Brass Hussy GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

Peppermint Stick Holiday Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Tis the Season... Who needs Cookie Cutters? I have Cookie Cutters! Review & Giveaway

2009-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I am a sucker for the holiday's. I love pretty much everything behind the whole spirit of the year. Well, this year, I wasn't feeling so in the mood for the holidays (so much going on in my personal life it isn't even funny). Until, I received an email from Chris from Cheap Cookie Cutters. He asked if I would review a product of his, and has even graciously offered a set to one lucky poster on this blog thread!

So what did I chose? Well, I chose the Mini Christmas Cookie Cutter Set 4 Piece which came with a tree, stocking, candy cane and an angel. I was completely surprised when I opened up the package to see how nicely they were packed in place, and what great quality the cookie cutters were made from!

About the Cheap Cookie Cutters business:

Site is new – Less than 4 months old

Owned by Chris Mueller and my girlfriend Karrie Pettit

They ship worldwide

They got in the cookie cutter business because “everyone loves cookie cutters” (this is a fun business), and they are fairly small (storage) and light (shipping). We store everything ourselves, and ship everything ourselves which means several trips to the post office a week.

Their less expensive cutters (under $3) are “average quality”. Not flimsy, but obviously not thick copper either (yes, he even admits that they are average :- )

Their more expensive cutters (over $3) are “higher quality”.

Their less expensive cutter prices are “average” if not on the higher end of pricing compared to other sites out there (WHAT?, did he really just admit his pricing was high? :- ) will explain in a sec)

Their more expensive cutters are typically either very competitively priced, or next to impossible to find anywhere else on the planet.

Their goal is to have the LARGEST selection of cookie cutters available online by the end of 2010. We sell “convenience” more than anything. We take all forms of payment, our site is easy to navigate, and we are responsive to emails.

Although you can probably find a “star” or “heart” cookie cutter for less money on other sites, you will not find a “vintage Mickey Mouse”, “batman”, and “golden retriever” cookie cutter on the same site anywhere else online. Bottom line is that in the past, if you wanted all 3, you had to search for 3 different sites, pay for shipping 3 different times, and enter your credit card information 3 different times, and triple your chances of having at least one of the cutters lost. With our site, you save on shipping, you save on time (searching and entering info) when you order several cutters at once, and you save on risk that one or more would get lost or not arrive in time.

So now for the best part!

Chris has been nice enough to offer an early holiday gift to one of my loyal followers, a set of their own of the Mini Christmas Cookie Cutter Set 4 Piece

How to enter:

1) go over to cheap cookie cutters right now, and tell me one other item that you see on their website that you like the best.

(you must do #1 in order to have extra entries into the contest)

Extra's:

1) become a follower of this blog (+1 extra entry)
2) become a subscriber of this blog (+1 extra entry)
3) follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway (include a link in your reply) (+3 extra entries for initial entry, +1 for each day you tweet afterwards!)
4) blog about this giveaway on your blog or other message board (include a link in your reply (+10 extra entries)
5) have one person say that they were referred to this giveaway by you (they must leave your ID name in their comment) and both you and that person will receive +20 extra entries!

Please include your email address in all comments!
Hurry Contest ends on Sunday December 6th, 2009 @ 11:59 EST. Winner will be announced on Monday December 7th, 2009! Winner has 48 hours to respond to email message with their shipping information. If not received within that time frame, another winner will be chosen from the eligible contest entries. This is not a paid advertisement for Cheap Cookie Cutters. The only endorsement that I had received for compensation of writting this review was a review set of cookie cutters in which I hereby get to keep.

Tons of opportunities to win this wonderful set of cookie cutters, and just in time for the holidays!

Helping Indy Mom's For Christmas

2009-11-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Any IndyMom/MLM member who goes to Tom Wood VW on November 28th (Saturday), and test drives a car will help this cause!!The general manager will contribute $25 per test drive, up to $2500. No big pressure. He likes the idea of this, and a lot of guys and gals there are adopting families.

The address is 4610B E 96th St, Indianapolis IN. You must tell them you are an Indy Mom. All of the guys have been really supportive of this, from managemen,t to service, to sales, to administrative.

Come out and make this a special Christmas for a bunch of Indy MOMS! All the money goes to buying Christmas for a bunch of families who otherwise would not have a christmas!

To read more click here

Just have to give a shout out to myself...

2009-11-03T06:19:00.001-08:00

Twitter Backgrounds

Looking to make some extra monty for the holidays?

2009-10-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Then here is the best way to do it! (and guarunteed to work too!) Also a great way to find that bargain for the collector in the family as well!

Love garage sales? We're building the world's largest ONLINE garage sale!

* Snatch bargains for pennies on the dollar

* New items added hourly

* Collectibles and hard-to-find items

* Gadgets and gear available nowhere else

* Crazy-priced closeouts

* Sell your own unwanted stuff too for quick cash!

http://www.tripleclicks.com/10817002

GET PAID TO DRIVE YOUR CAR, wear T-shirts, and more! Earn money effortlessly while you go about your day! It’s fun, easy, and no experience is necessary!

http://www.quickinfo247.com/10817002/EE

LuShae Jewelry Review

2009-10-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked if I wouldn't mind doing a review for LuShae Jewelry, and well, I took them up on their offer! LuShae was kind enough to send a sample piece of their wonderful jewelry as compensation for this review!

I was sent the CZ Lace Promise Ring. Let me just tell you that these photos don't do the ring justice what so ever! The ring is much more stunning in person and on the hand than what it is in the pictures.

The ring itself is absolutely stunning. I am kind of a simple girl which is why I chose this ring as the compensation piece. Its not fancy yet, it makes you feel fancy just by wearing it. The simple details of the crossover of the two vines is simply remarkable. The stones are set in perfection to really harmonize and bring out the rings luster and add that touch of elegance to the ring itself.

The best thing that I love about this ring is that I can pair it with any outfit (dress it up or dress it down), it goes well with any other item of jewelry that I have, and most of all it is a perfect right hand ring!

The other thing that is really neat, is that this is also a promise ring. So this would make a perfect gift to your daughter or granddaught to have them wear to promise to abstain from having sex until they are married. It would also make a great gift from a partner who wants to make you that promise that one day the two of you would become united as a couple. This would also make a great gift to a mother for a special day such as a birthday or other holiday to say "mom, I promise that I will live up to the values that you have raised me with".

The last best thing that I can think of about this wonderful ring is that it cost a lot less than what you would find at your local jewelry stores, plus you don't have to pay shipping and handling!

There are plenty of other designs that you can find for the promise rings on LuShae's Website. Plus they also carry other jewelry such as earrings and necklaces as well.

Oh, did I mention that LuShae also does a monthly giveaway for a piece of their jewelry? So what are you waiting for.... Head on over and get your entry in today for their contest, who knows, you might just be a lucky winner for a wonderfully made piece of jewelry yourself!

LuShae Jewelry: What are you waiting for?

My New Store

2009-10-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Come join me at my new store! Offering tons of great deals for the upcoming holiday season and more!

Surviving Mesothelioma

2009-10-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

Do you or someone you know suffer from mesothelioma? Or do you know someone who is a survivor of this very powerful disease?

Well, then you might want to check out this great resource that is right there at your fingertips (or share this with those that you know that might be a sufferer or survivor).

Did you know that there are different types of mesothelioma? I didn't until I was doing a little research on the web. Pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma, both of which have doctors baffled at how much the immune system has to do with how long the patient has to survive.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma? Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in the majority of cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. Click here to learn more about asbestos

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma? Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. An increased risk of developing mesothelioma was originally found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other trades people. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

There is evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma? Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

So, now that I have your interests sparked, why don't you take a look at this website for more details for yourself so that way you and anyone you know can find the proper resources available out there for them to include testing, diagnosis, lawyers and much much more.

Television....

2009-10-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

So, what type of cable system do you use? Well, for me, I don't like cable, too much hassle and the customer service of our local cable company stinks to put it nicely! So, what is left to chose from: Converter box (which could break down in a few months), no television or sataelitte. But who do you chose if you go with satelitte? Dish Network or Direct TV?

So, what do I use? Well, I prefer the comfort of satelitte television. Well, we all know there are two leading brands that market satelitte television and well, my recommendation is to go with Direct TV!

Not only are they reliable and have the best customer service in my book, but they also offer some of the best packaging deals that I have ever seen before!

So, with today's day and age of where we can no longer use rabbit ears to watch our favorite programs on television, why spend money on a converter box that might burn out in a few months to a year when you could get a great package deal for high quality programs for a very reasonable rate! So head on over to Direct TV's website today and check out their packaging deals of some wonderful television packages today!

Students that need that little extra help with school... Free Math Help!

2009-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, as a parent, I know that the value of education is very important to stay competitive in today's world. That is why I seek out new and improved ways of trying to help my daughter the best way I know possible.

I have found that in today's society there are so many resources around but the lack of time to actually check them out. So here I will make it quite easy for you to get the help that you need.

Looking for help solving math problems click here
Looking for help with algebra click here
Looking for help with general math click here
And for those college students looking for help with their math, there is a help section for that simply by clicking here

I know that my daughter struggles with her math skills, why? Because today classes are jammed with children and teachers don't have the time to spend one on one teaching them the skills that they need to have to master the programs. That is why I am helping you today by giving you that resource that is needed for free math help! As parents we have to step in and take charge of our childs education and pick up where the teacher left off or failed to teach because of the overwhelming class size.

I hope that these resources help you as much as they have help me and my daughter!

Shopping... Where do you even start at when shopping online?

2009-10-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, the holiday season is my least favorite liked season. I simply cannot stand the hustle and the bustle of busy stores with rude people pushing and probbing just to grab the last item off of the shelves before you can even get a glimpse at what was there. Online shopping can be just as difficult, especially if you don't know where to look.

So, I have found a great resource tool for shopping, and you know what??? This is a one stop shop that offers over 30,000 retailers instead of the usual 1,000 that is listed. Why? Because they do not show you what the traditional sites will show you by only giving you the top paid sponsor sites, instead every company has the equal representation.

Which is great for me, because I truly love and appreciate the little ma and pa stores that get ran over so frequently by these mass merchandisers out there.

So if you are lookig for something for that football lover, then this would be the perfect store for you (here), or do you know a video game nut, then this is the perfect spot for you (here), there are so many other things out there that you can shop for, what are you waiting for... Head on over and check out the deals that I have found today, all from shopping from the comfort of my home!

Myrtle Beach... Thinking of a Place that has some warmth!

2009-10-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well, with the winter fast approaching and the temperatures here in Indianapolis dropping, I can't help to think of a warmer area to be in.

So, with a little bit of research on my part I have found a great resource for planning the perfect trip to Myrtle Beach. Here you can find great attractions in Myrtle Beach, accomodations, hotels and so much more.

I know that many years ago I lived in Cherry Point North Carolina, and a group of Marines and I used to make our way down to Myrtle Beach at least once a month for some well deserved rest and relaxation. The beaches were always clean and there was always something to do whether you were young, or young at heart.

So, I know that with winter fast approaching there are probably others out there like me that would like to get away from the snow and the cold, so I hope that this wonderful website can help you out in planning that perfect getaway to Myrtle Beach!

A Little Peeved Today!!!!

2009-10-15T03:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, today will be a quiet day for me on the blog. I have to get over being angry right now and I cannot do it while talking to you all on the blog!

I am really angry that over 3 months ago I won a prize on a blog, and well, after a good 20 emails asking the status of the prize, I keep getting the run around saying that they don't have the money to ship them out and to be patient. I am tired of being patient, I understand a couple of weeks, but not 3 months.

So, here is an ediquette tip for all the bloggers out there:

If you are going to host a giveaway and plan to ship the item out yourself, make sure that you have the funds to ship the item out. If you cannot afford to ship the item out 2 days after the giveaway ends, then don't host a giveaway for it until you can. If you are working with a sponsor and they are going to ship the item out to the winner, make sure that you and that sponsor both agree on the terms of how soon after the giveaway ends that the item will be shipped. And whatever you do, keep in contact with the person that won off the blog!

Sorry for ranting, I just find that its so rude to have to get excuses 3 months down the road for why a prize hasn't arrived. It doesn't look good for you or your blog!

Jewelry: Contest

2009-10-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

How many of you love jewelry as much as I do? I would say that 8 out of 10 women love jewelry and own at least one piece of jewelry.

What is better than jewelry? How about getting it for free! Yes, I said Free!

So, what is stopping you from heading on over to LuShae Jeweler's Website and getting yourself entered into a wonderful contest? Pretty much nothing right?

So, head over there today and get your entry in for this months contest!!!!!!

LuShae Jewelry Contest

It's pretty simple, and if you are a blog owner and you put up your own button supporting them, each month that you display their button on your blog, guess what??? You earn an entry into the current months drawing. But note, the button must remain up on your blog the entrire month.

(Watch my blog in the coming future for a review of their products)

**DISCLAIMER**

I have not been compensated monetarily in any way to post this on my blog. An item for the bloggers review was granted in terms of promotion of said company on bloggers website. This blogger is not responsible for any claims that are made on the companies website nor any product or company complaints in response to the purchase (if made) from reading this review.

Viral Video Of The Day...Wednesday October 14, 2009

2009-10-14T03:07:00.001-07:00

Just thought that this was funny!

Wordless Wednesday: Got Banana?

2009-10-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

With Halloween fastly approaching, I thought I would share what I thought had to have been the best and cutest costume that my daughter has ever worn! She's a banana holding her monkey dressed as a mummy (from build a bear).

Army Of Women Contest

2009-10-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Help me to win a wonderful new pink vespa! (just like the ones that you see strolling down the streets of Rome).

All you have to do is go and sign up to be a member of the Army of Women.

Here is the information that I have received on the contest:

The Army of Women wants YOU to hit the streets, PINK VESPA style. We are partnering with Vespa and Lifetime Networks this October to give away a limited edition pink Vespa LX 50 to the Army of Women member who recruits the most women in the month of October and November. The top five recruiters will be entered into a drawing to win the pink Vespa.

The limited edition pink Vespa LX 50 is the perfect blend of passion and practicality. For over 60 years, Vespa has been an international icon of Italian function and style. Audrey Hepburn showed us how fun they are to ride in Roman Holiday. Today, they are even more stylish as an alternative mode of transportation. Vespa scooters reduce pollution, traffic congestion and gas consumption…plus they get up to 100 MPG. Fun and easy to ride, automatic just twist n’ go.

This is your opportunity to get in the driver’s seat, steer us towards our one million women strong goal, and scoot away in a very cool pink Vespa. Here are the details:

The contest will be open from October 13, 2009-November 23, 2009. During this period, recruit as many women as you can to sign up and be part of the Army of Women. This is your chance to be creative! Host an event right from your own home, use your resources to host an awareness/recruitment event in your community, or simply sign women up by word of mouth. (Please note: The recruitment numbers that will count towards the contest will be tallied ONLY FROM OCT 13-NOV 23. So, even if you already recruited 25 friends back in June, unfortunately, we are unable to make that count. We appreciate and always encourage our Army of Women to spread the word, but due to contest guidelines, we must abide by the time restrictions). We will tally up the numbers from November 23- November 30 and a winner will be picked on November 30 at a live results drawing!

When you direct people to the armyofwomen.org to sign up, make sure they pick from the referral field "Vespa Contest". They then must enter your email address in the corresponding field. This is the only way for us to keep track of how many women you are recruiting.

The winner will be asked to use the pink Vespa to promote the Army of Women and chronicle their personal journey to recruit women for the Army of Women through an online blog on www.armyofwomen.org as they raise awareness for the cause.

So help me today win this wonderful Vespa for my daughter who has been a victim/survivor of sexual molestation!

It's easy just go to The Army Of Women's Website click at the top "Join The Army", Select the referral as "Vespa Contest" and then enter my email address into the box that appears navybrat76@yahoo.com

It's easy to do! And I am going to have some fun out of this, if you help me by reposting this on your blog, come back here and leave me a comment and I will enter your comment into a random drawing for taking the time to repost and to spread this word!

Thanks!

Viral Video Of The Day...Wednesday, October 7, 2009

2009-10-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

Before you watch this video of the day grab a box of tissues!

Remember if you would like to help to put a stop and to be a comfort to those who have been abused, please remember donations are welcome from now until November 30th, 2009 via my support link!

http://RAINNMakers.Rainn.org/military76brat

It's A Silly Kid Photo Contest

2009-10-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

(it's hard to believe that she was that tall at 10 y/o and now she is 5 ft 2 in)

It's A Silly Kid Photo Contest Hosted By 5 Minutes For Mom!

Hurry Get Your Entries In For A Silly Kid Photo Contest Today!

(she just had to be a scarecrow for a day!)

It's A Silly Kid Photo Contest Hosted By 5 Minutes For Mom!

Hurry Get Your Entries In For A Silly Kid Photo Contest Today!

(notice my daughter picked the piggy to stick her head through!)

It's A Silly Kid Photo Contest Hosted By 5 Minutes For Mom!

Hurry Get Your Entries In For A Silly Kid Photo Contest Today!

It's A Shame That Kids Can't Stay Young Like This Forever!

My Very First Photo At The Top Is What I Am Entering Into The Contest! (I just had to share the rest so you could get a feel for the atmosphere of where she was at when it was taken! LOL)

Support Awareness for Sexual Abuse

2009-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone knows that the Cancer Society and others always raise tons of money to help their cause. What few people don't realize is that there is a not for profit organization out there that also needs monetary support to help prevent and treat victims of sexual abuse.

From October 7, 2009 - November 30, 2009 I will be hosting on my blog an opportunity for everyone to give their support to such a wonderful not for profit organization that specializes in Sexual Abuse.

So help me get the word out about supporting a cause to raise monetary support for RAINN!

Please post this on your website and then come back here and let me know that you have posted this on your website. There will be a special giveaway for this from me to everyone who comes back to let me know that they have posted this on their blog. Also if you donate please annotate that in your message on here as I will count that as a second entry. I will disclose who the winner is on December 1st, 2009 and how much money was raised at that time as well and what the wonderful winner has won!!!!

The Facts and Myths of Sexual Abuse

2009-10-06T12:25:00.001-07:00

The Facts

One in three girls is sexually abused. One in six boys is sexually abused.

Offenders are not usually strangers to children. Approximately 70-80% of abusers are known to the child.

In cases presently reported, 90-97% of abusers are men.

In more than one forth of all cases, the molesters also abuse other children.

Female victims are more likely to report the abuse.

One half of victims are molested in their own home or in the home of the offender.

Heterosexual males present a greater risk to boys and girls than homosexual males.

An incestuous relationship is rarely a one time occurance but can range from a single event to years of continuous violation.

About 75% of children who are victims of child sexual abuse do not disclose at all during their childhood.

Source:CONNSACS

Myths About Childhood Sexual Abuse

It doesn't happen that much.

It does. One out of three girls will be sexually abused by the time she is eighteen and the same is true for one out of six boys.

Abuse is most often commited by a stranger.

Most abuse is committed by someone the victim knows and trust. Studies of pedophiles show that they most often target children and work to build a relationship before beginning the abuse.

It doesn't happen in my neighborhood.

Yes it does.

Children make up stories about sexual abuse.

Statistics show that most reports of sexual abuse are true. Children rarely lie about abuse, nor do they usually have knowledge of sexuality which impairs their ability to lie about it.

Boys are rarely the victims of sexual abuse.

This is very false. One out of six boys is the victim of sexual abuse at some point in time during his childhood.

Boys who are sexually abused are gay.

No they aren't. Boys who are sexually abused are boys being victimised.

Sexual abuse always includes fondling.

Covert sexual abuse includes exposing a child to sexual material or sex acts.

If the child enjoyed it, it is not abuse.

I can't think of a worse excuse for abusing a child. Physical reactions are a sign that a body is functioning in a healthy way. Children usually feel dirty and degraded afterwards, which no one enjoys. Any sexual contact between an adult and a child is sexual abuse.

Some children seek out sexual relationships with adults.

All children seek affection from adults. If sexual attention is the only affection available to a child, she may settle for it. This in no way excuses the adult, who is responsible for maintaining a healthily affectionate relationship with a child.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

As an adult, a boyfriend asked me if I had ever been sexually abused, which opened a vault of memories of abuse at the hand of my babysitter's son. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often begin the healing process in adulthood. Often, the abuse is too fresh and recalling it is more painful than the survivor can handle. We have many other reasons for not remembering the abuse. Forgetting it and wiping it from our consciousness is one of the most effective coping mechanisms available to a wounded child. Sometimes, the perpetrator may have told us that if we told our parents they would blame us or even become ill or die if they knew what a bad child they had. At other times, the abuser was the parent, which causes immense damage to a child's beliefs about trust and the security of the world that can last through adulthood. Forgetting is sometimes the only way to handle the implications of the resulting emotions. It is entirely normal to repress memories of sexual abuse. Often, it takes until adulthood to remember and name abuse.

No matter what happened or how long ago the abuse occurred, we all deserve the validation of our feelings. Grieving for what was taken as a child is painful, but necessary. If you are the adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I hope you can feel proud of beginning the healing process now. Although healing might leave you in a hard to face place, you are confronting it, which shows terrific strength. If you are the supporter of a survivor, please realize that your loved one needs support now no matter how long ago the abuse happened.

Resources

About Incest and Abuse An informative site, with chat and forums

The Mighty Phoenix Marie's site - a terrific resource

Sexual Abuse Recovery A personal page, with excellent links

Books

Beginning to Heal Ellen Bass and Laura Davis' book for survivors beginning the healing process, also an excellent resource for secondary survivors who want to understand what their loved ones are going through

The Courage to Heal Laura Davis' book guiding survivors of child sexual abuse to healing

The Courage to Heal: An excellent workbook written specifcially for female survivors of sexual abuse, but it contains ideas that are relevant for all of us

The Wounded Heart: A book offering hope for survivors. A companion workbook can also be bought, but I've not read it.

When Your Child Has Been Molested: A parent's guide to healing and recovery

Protecting our Children

Child sexual abuse is a huge problem, but it is preventable. If you are a parent looking to prevent the victimization of your child, I encourage you to read Protecting the Gift by Gavin deBecker, which presents revolutionary ideas about protecting children from danger, including sexual abuse. Please don't be afraid to talk to your children about sexual abuse. Having a conversation with him or her is your best line of defense!

Ideas include:

Read a book with your child, like The Right Touch, a read-aloud written to help prevent sexual abuse

Explain to your child that some people have "touching problems," to make it feel more safe.

Talk to your children about "OK" and "not OK" touching. Don't use the words "good and bad" to define types of touch. Getting a shot can feel bad, while some touching related to sexual abuse can feel good. Ask your child to label the touching in several situations as "OK" or "not OK and discuss what to do about the latter.

Together make a list of adults your child could tell about "not okay" touching.

Don't make your child kiss or hug people she doesn't want to. If she feels that she cannot say to one person, she may not feel she can say no to the predator.

Source: Let's Talk About Taking Care of You, by Laurie Stauffer, Ph.D.

Help me take my blog to a whole new level....

2009-10-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

With the recent happenings in my life, finding out that my ex-husband had been sexually molesting my daughter while we were married and while he was living back with me since the divorce (because I am kind hearted and don't like to see people homeless is why I let him live here with me), and now that he is in jail facing 21 counts of felonies which add up to 320 years in prison, leaves me now with a daughter who is traumatized (hopefully not for life) and myself trying to deal with everything that has gone on. Let me just say that the guilt is eating me alive because I feel horrible for not protecting her like I should have, at the same time I have everyone telling me that I shouldn't beat myself up because how was I supposed to know unless she actually told me, which she ended up doing on September 10, 2009!

So, please I am turning this blog around to be a blog about awareness for sexual abuse. Not only for children, but for teens and adults, girls and boy. Please help me to promote this blog to all your friends and family members. Help me spread the word about not only prevention, but signs and my daughters journey and my journey along side her for emotional support.

Over the course of the weeks and days coming up, I will be sitting back and trying to blog about the journey that we are on and where we stand together to fight the evil demons that this monster has created within her because of the sexual abuse he had been doing to her for the past 5 years. Along the way, I will also be posting information that everyone should know so that you, your children, grandchildren, neighborhood children, nieces and nephews and so on should know so that way they can stand protected against this violent crime of losing their innocence.

So, I ask my fellow bloggers, followers, subscribers and readers to please support my journey in making more people aware of what is going on out there and by protecting those that cannot protect themselves!

I only wish that I could have had a resource like this out there for me and I could have done so much more to have protected my daughter from having to be a "survivor" (or what everyone wants to label "victim") of sexual abuse!!!!!

Skin Free Giveaway on a fellow bloggers Site

2009-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't love to win a $30 gift certificate to skin free? I know I would! I would love to try out their products just to see if they are really as good as the hype all across the blogosphere says they are. So, why not enter to see if you can win that $30 gift certificate on my fellow bloggers website: Emily's Latest! Its worth a minute to just enter once to see if you win!

Warning Signs of a Sexual Abuser or Sexual Abuse in Children

2009-10-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

Something has hit home closer than what I ever imagined in my life. My daughter is a victim and survivor of sexual abuse. The abuse had been happening over the course of the past 5 years with my ex husband. So now my new focus on life it to make sure that there is not another child out there that has to have this happen to them. So, from time to time I will be posting information to help parents, grandparents, care givers of children and people who know people with children information on a wide variety of topics to better inform them on different things.

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Signs That a Person Is a Sexual Abuser

Often after a child abuser has been revealed, those closest to the situation will recall feeling that something was wrong, without knowing how to address it or what to say. Abusers count on this feeling of confusion and reticence to cover their tracks. Instead of remaining silent, parents should learn to question the behavior that produces these feelings. Some questionable behaviors, according to a booklet on child sexual abuse produced by the organization STOP IT NOW!©, include when an adult or older child:

• Insists on hugging, touching, kissing, tickling, wrestling with or holding a child even when the child does not want this affection.

• Is overly interested in the sexuality of a particular child or teen (for example, talks repeatedly about the child’s developing body).

• Insists on time alone with a child with no interruptions.

• Spends most of his or her spare time with children and has little interest in spending time with someone of his or her own age.

• Regularly offers to baby-sit children for free or takes children on overnight outings alone.

• Buys children expensive gifts or gives them money for no apparent reason.

• Frequently walks in on children or teens in the bathroom.

Trust your instincts. If questioning these behaviors does not produce change, or if the answers do not seem acceptable, remove your children from contact with that person.

Signs That a Child Has Been Sexually Abused

No one sign (with the exception of pregnancy or the presence of a sexually transmitted disease) is conclusive as to whether a child has been sexually abused or not. Nightmares or mood swings can be produced by other stressful events, including divorce, death of a family member, problems at school, etc. If you observe a combination of signs in your child, such as these provided by STOP IT NOW!, Mothers Against Sexual Abuse and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, start asking questions and reaching out for help.

Does your child:

• Have nightmares, sleep too little or too much?

• Have extreme fear of the dark or “monsters?”

• Have a loss of appetite or trouble eating or swallowing?

• Have sudden mood swings: rage, anger, fear or withdrawal?

• Fear a certain person or place? (A child may not want to be left alone with a babysitter, friend, relative or other child or adult.)

• Complain frequently of stomach illness with no identifiable reason?

• Engage in sexual activities with toys or other children, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children to behave sexually?

• Display new words for private body parts?

• Refuse to talk about a “secret” he has with an older child or adult?

• Talk about a new older friend?

• Suddenly have money?

• Cut, burn or harm himself or herself as an adolescent?

Other signs include excessive masturbation, excessive crying, wearing many layers of clothing, vaginal discharge or bleeding.

Call the STOP IT NOW! Helpline at 1-888-PREVENT for more information, or contact your child’s pediatrician for a recommendation of a therapist who deals with sexual abuse issues.

New Rules For Bloggers Starts on December 1st, 2009

2009-10-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

****THIS IS A MUST REPOST TO GET THE WORD OUT TO EVERY BLOGGER OUT THERE****

FTC: Bloggers must disclose freebies or payments; testimonials to reflect typical results
DEBORAH YAO, EMILY FREDRIX AP Business Writers
10:39 PM EDT, October 5, 2009

The Federal Trade Commission on Monday took steps to make product information and online reviews more accurate for consumers, regulating blogging for the first time and mandating that testimonials reflect typical results.

The FTC will require that writers on the Web clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products. The commission also said advertisers featuring testimonials that claim dramatic results cannot hide behind disclaimers that the results aren't typical.

The FTC said its commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the final guidelines, which had been expected. The guides are not binding law, but rather interpretations of law that hope to help advertisers comply with regulations. Violating the rules, which take effect Dec. 1, could result in various sanctions including a lawsuit.

Testimonials have to spell out what consumers should expect to experience with their products. Previously, companies had just included disclaimers when results were out of the ordinary — such as a large weight loss — noting that the experience was not typical for all customers.

Testimonial advertisements can be effective for consumers since they show others talking about their experiences, giving hope to the consumer that they'll have that experience too. But they are misleading to consumers if they don't disclose what they should truly expect to experience, the commission said.

For bloggers, the FTC stopped short of specifying how they must disclose conflicts of interest. Rich Cleland, assistant director of the FTC's advertising practices division, said the disclosure must be "clear and conspicuous," no matter what form it will take.

Bloggers have long praised or panned products and services online. But what some consumers might not know is that many companies pay reviewers for their write-ups or give them free products such as toys or computers or trips to Disneyland. In contrast, at traditional journalism outlets, products borrowed for reviews generally have to be returned.

Before the FTC gave notice last November it was going to regulate such endorsements, blogs varied in the level of disclosures about these potential conflicts of interest.

The FTC's proposal made many bloggers anxious. They said the scrutiny would make them nervous about posting even innocent comments.

To placate such fears, Cleland noted that the FTC's enforcement priorities make it more likely an advertiser would be targeted for disclosure or testimonial violations than a blogger. The exception would be a blogger who runs a "substantial" operation that violates FTC rules and already received a warning, he said.

Existing FTC rules already banned deceptive and unfair business practices. The final guidelines aim to clarify the law for the vast world of blogging. Not since 1980 had the commission revised its guidelines on endorsements and testimonials.

Jack Gillis, a spokesman for the Consumer Federation of America, thinks the FTC doesn't go far enough to protect consumers from unethical bloggers.

"Consumers are increasingly dependent on the Internet for purchase information," he said. "There's tremendous opportunity to steer consumers to the wrong direction."

The consumer advocacy group said lack of disclosure is a big problem in blogs. To mainly crack down on companies that give out freebies or pay bloggers won't always solve the problem. By going after bloggers as well, "you put far more pressure on them to behave properly," Gillis said.

Cleland said a blogger who receives a freebie without the advertiser knowing would not violate FTC guidelines. For example, someone who gets a free bag of dog food as part of a promotion from a pet shop wouldn't violate FTC guidelines if he writes about the product on his blog.

Blogger Linsey Krolik said she's always disclosed any freebies she's received on products she writes about, but has stepped up her efforts since last fall. She said she adds a notice at the end of a post, "very clear in italics or bold or something — this is the deal. It's not kind of buried."

As for testimonials, the new guidelines amount to changing the rules in the middle of the game, said Daniel Fabricant, interim executive director and CEO of the Natural Products Association, a trade group for nutritional supplements and natural products manufacturers and retailers.

He said the new rules probably won't change ads for his members, but it will leave them wondering what the FTC considers "typical" results. He said the FTC needs to define what those are.

"I don't think they've done that," he said. "The results you see in clinics are going to be in some degree different from what you see in the consumer."

LINK TO FULL STORY HERE

Viral Video Of The Day...Tuesday October 6th, 2009

2009-10-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a video that makes Beyonce look like the bomb diggity!

Nana's Box: Little Jags Giveaway

2009-10-05T02:55:00.000-07:00

Well, if you like giveaways as much as I do, then I have a giveaway for you to check out. Not only is Nana's Box one of my favorite blogs that bring awareness and support to serious diseases, they are also my favorite blog that hosts giveaways that have items that can be worn or used in some way that show off support of looking for a cure.

Nana's Box has a wonderful giveaway going on right now for an extremely beautiful jewelry set. I know I just could not pass it up its that beautiful! So what are you waiting for??? Contest ends soon, so head on over today!

Viral Video Of the Day... Monday October 5, 2009

2009-10-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

Here you go... Monday's Viral Video Of The Day! Make sure you share this one with your peeps!

Earn Money Without the Gimmicks or Scams Today!

2009-10-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well, unemployment is far from fun! Its made even worse when you are constantly being scammed from work at home opportunities that want your money but do nothing for you what so ever.

So, with doing some research, I have found a great way for all my fellow bloggers to make some legitimate money at home just by clicking on ads! How great is that? I waited a month to tell you all about it just to see if it was something that would be worth wild. Let me just begin to tell you this is worth wild!

I received my 1st check in the mail on Saturday and I nearly wanted to collapse because I have never made $1,000 just to sit back and click on ads for 30 seconds! Its that simple! No hidden fees, no start up costs, no strings attached what so ever!

I know you are curious now to see how you can make this extra money, heck in today's economic times who wouldn't want a few extra bucks?

So here you go, just visit clix sense today to get started! Also, make sure that if you have your own blog that you use your referral code in your blog as well to bring traffic and awareness to them!

The second website that I have made just over $500 in one months time is work at home data entry. Its completely free to sign up and they give you seven assignments right off the bat. So if you are interested in becoming part of this great opportunity, feel free to click on the home data entry website by clicking here to start earning away!

Viral Video Of The Day...Sunday October 4th, 2009

2009-10-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new daily posting... Viral Video of the Day. I will be posting one video that I find funny, stupid, interesting, sad, happy, and so on each day. So here is Sunday's Viral Video for you..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXmaRKEdZ_U

Hurry get your entries in....

2009-09-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Only a few more days left until my blogging friend Park Avenue Princess has her drawing for a $50 GC to Lizzy Bleu! So if you want to get in on the fun, head over there today! Contests ends on October 2nd, which is this FRIDAY!!!!

Need extra money in hard economic times???

2009-09-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I know that I surely could use a few extra bucks in these economic times, especially since I just lost the job that I got two weeks ago. I knew it had to have been too good to last. So now here I am sitting here at 11:15 pm EST pushing out resumes to companies that are hiring and hoping that someone will pick me up for their payroll here very soon!

But in the meantime to make some money to help put food on the table I found this very good, legit survey company that pays out weekly just for taking surveys for them. So far I have made $10 and I just signed up for this 10 minutes ago. Its really simple and easy to do and from what I can tell, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to do them either and did I mention these surveys take less than 1 minute to complete? They do!

So if you are like me and what to make some extra money, hop on over and get signed up today for this very legit survey company today!

(click on the picture to take you to the website)

Please forgive me....

2009-09-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Loyal and dedicated followers and subscribers, I hope that you all will forgive me for not posting on my blog for a while now. I have had some very detrimental things happen in my life and the life of my daughter.

I will share more of the details at a later date, right now there is a huge investigation going on and the perpetrator is currently sitting in jail awaiting sentencing. (that should give you a slight clue)

Sorry I haven't been posting much...

2009-09-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have not been posting much as my life has been filled with so many twists and turns it isn't funny!!!!

I started a new job which is wonderful, I have a boss that is great and I am no longer in a hostile working environment scared to death for my life or my career!

I threw out the ex husband who was living with me because I felt sorry for him. Boy did that feel so awesome!

My daughter is doing awesome in school, its such a shock to me because she has never done this well in school before.

So all in all, life is pretty good for me right now.

How is life treating everyone else???

Exciting News........

2009-08-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

So I have went from this the past 6 weeks of being let down while looking for another job so that I didn't have to return to the one that caused me to have a nervous breakdown (picture below)

To now I can throw out everything from the other job that I had including bad memories and stress (picture below)...... Why?

.....Because I have found a new job! Better pay, better benefits, better working environment and a better quality of life for my daughter and I!!!

WOO HOO!!!!!!

I am now a Executive Marketing Project Manager!!!!

Fun and Great Giveaway for Parents and Families

2009-08-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I thought that I would share a great giveaway that a fellow blogger had emailed me directly about. This is a great package for anyone with kids or who may just love to entertain or for those occasional office parties where you might want to spice things up for the employees.

They are offering a great, full-karaoke system or a $100 gift certificate to the site for free! The contest is tailored specifically for kids and families and provides a fun activity to do with everyone. I think these days everyone can use a good excuse for some great family time. You can see all the contest information here.

So head on over and get your entry in today!

What Do You Do When You Don't Receive A Prize???

2009-08-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello and Good Day Everyone!

I pose a great question of the day to everyone out there in blogger world.

What do you do when you don't receive a prize that you win off of a blog? How long do you wait to receive a prize from the blog giveaway owner? How do you handle the disappointment of not receiving the prize? How long should it take for a typical prize to get to your door/mailbox from the time you responded back to the host with all of your relevant information???

Thanks for your time in helping me a little bit with some poundering questions!

Wordless Wednesday: Back to School Edition

2009-08-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Its so hard to believe that this was my daughter a year ago for her first day back to school. This year she wouldn't let me take a picture of her to compare. But, she is as tall as the top of the fridge now!

Bloggers New Best Friend for Advertising

2009-08-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

As a fairly new blogger, I have found that business cards help to really set you off on the right foot by cheap advertising of your blog. Business cards are an awesome way to give out to those new people that you might meet at the store or local shopping center that are looking for new and interesting products, review and yes even giveaways.

What I didn't know though was that business cards can be mighty expensive if you go to your local office supply store and have them made up, so I chose not to do that advertising route until here recently when I discovered this bloggers newest best business friend!

I know you are probably saying "what in the world is she talking about?" Well, I will get down to the nitty gritty now.

Vista Print is a great resource that so many people should really look into for any business marketing needs. Not only do they offer business cards for very reasonably price (heck, mine were free, just had to pay the shipping and handling fee that was under $5.00), but they offer a wide variety of products from shirts to magnetic car signs to pens, notebooks, post it notes and so much more. Plus, if you sign up to get their newsletters/emails, you can even get tons of free products to customize and all you have to pay is the shipping and handling.

So who wouldn't love to get some free/low cost excellent quality business/blogging promotional items that they could give to friends, family or heck that person you have been talking to waiting in the check out lane at your favorite shopping place?

Head on over to Vista Print today and check out the many wonderful items that they have to offer. I promise you this much, you will not be disappointed!

Before I forget to mention this to everyone, all of the above items I have purchase to help me promote my blog. Let me just state for the record that all of the products are completely awesome in quality, style and durability. I get compliments all the time on my hat and my tote bag asking where I got them made at, and let me tell you this, the questions come to me from big named corporations looking for great items to give to their staff! I know that all my fellow bloggers out there will not be disappointed in the items that they can get from Vista Print.

Also, feel free to share this information on your very own blog!

Win a $50 gift certificate w/park avenue princess

2009-08-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have tried to limit my blogging about wonderful contests that I have found via other blogs, but let me just say that this contest and opportunity is too good for any of my fellow bloggers and loyal followers/subscribers to miss out on!

So head on over to Park Avenue Princess today to win a $50, yes you read that right $50, gift certificate to Lizzy Bleu's Shop. There are so many items that are so reasonably priced that Lizzy Bleu's shop has to offer that heck even if you don't win the gift certificate these items would make great conversation pieces or even great stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday season, yep that is right around the corner, or heck even for that special teacher appreciation gift which would surely brighten the teachers day. Well, enough of my yaking, head on over there today to get your entries in. This contes ends on August 31st, so that gives you 2 weeks to spread the word to your friends and family so they can get in on all the fun!

Awakening Consciousness Review and Giveaway

2009-08-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

Robin Marvel (pictured above) is a glorious writer who really believes in opening the senses not through traditional medicine but through Metaphysical Phenomena. Her latest works, Awakening Consciousness A Boys Guide and Awakening Consciousness A Girls Guide, are both wonderful books that any parent, teacher, daycare provider or just anyone who is or works around children should really take a moment to read.

These books are filled with action and is filled with hands on activities for all ages that will motivate and enhance a path of self-awareness.

A Girl’s Guide!

Awakening Consciousness is a workbook designed to encourage spiritual growth on a path of self awareness. The fun hands-on exercises in this motivating, easy to use workbook are for girls of all ages and will encourage great exploration into universal Awareness.

A Boy's Guide!

Awakening Consciousness A Boy's Guide” is designed to encourage inner strength and growth that will encourage self security. This action-packed guide is chock full of fun hands-on activities for all ages that will motivate and enhance a path of self-awareness.

Win It Today! Giveaway Details:

There will be 2 (two) lucky winners, 1 for the boys guide and 1 for the girls guide.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what copy of the book you would want (either the girls guide or the boys guide) then head over to the site for that book (use the hyperlink on the girl or boy words) and tell me one thing interesting that you found that you would want to try from either the book or a workshop.

Extra Entries:

Become a blog follower of mine (+2 entries)
Become a subscriber to my newsletter (+2 entries)
Follow me on Twitter and tweet this contest (+2 entries) remember, leave the link
Blog about this contest on your blog (+5 entries) remember, leave the link

Please leave a separate comment for each that you complete (if you complete the extra entries remember to leave that many extra comments). Please include your email address in your response.

Winners will be chosen via Random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond back to me via the email that will be sent to them or another winner will be selected via eligible comments.

Contest will close on August 30, 2009 at 11:59 EST. Good Luck Everyone!

"Dancing With Ana" Review and Giveaway

2009-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Author Bio:

Nicole Barker grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Southern Oregon State College in the town of Ashland. Nestled in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, Nicole took to writing while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with a strong emphasis on early childhood development. Shortly after graduation, she spent several months traveling around the United States and parts of Canada. Nicole now lives in South Florida with her husband, two kids, two dogs, toads, frogs, hermit crabs and fish. She is currently working on her second YA book.

Book Review:

What a great book! Here is a story that is presented about a girl that has the world at her fingertips. She is very beautiful, has great friends and hobbies and even is about ready to discover boys! Did I mention that she live only minutes away from the beach? Who wouldn't be happy to have that kind of life? I know I surely would love to live close to the beach and have everything at my fingertips. But, for little Miss Ana, that just doesn't seem to be enough. Don't want to ruin the whole book by giving out too much detail! But this is a book great for young and old to read that may have a self image distortion problem or have a lack of self confidence in themselves. As I know that I can totally relate to the story of anorexia and everything else that was displayed through this wonderful story.

From The Back Cover:

Beth is a lucky girl…

She comes from a loving family. She has three best friends. She loves to surf and lives five minutes from the beach. She also recently discovered that the boy she’s grown up with has the most amazing green eyes…Beth has every reason to smile. Every reason to be happy. Every reason to feel blessed.

Then why is she sticking her fingers down her throat?

Sixteen year old Beth Baxter’s life merely resembles the one she’s always known. Her father has left. She is falling for Jeremy Duscana and the diet she started has somehow turned into an obsession. Yet her three best friends remain the same, always there for her.
But even their love can’t save her from herself.

Dancing With Ana. A story about the journey to acceptance of one’s own reality, the incredible bond that exists between friends and a love that truly endures all things.

Giveaway:

1 lucky winner will get the chance to have thier very own copy of this book!

Mandatory Entry: Name one person that you know that could really use this book (or would be a great gift to them) and why.

Extra Entries:

Become a follower of my blog (+2 entries)
Become a subscriber of my blog (+2 entries)
Follow me on twitter and tweet this contest (+2 entries) {leave link}
Blog about this giveaway (+5 entries) {leave link}

For each entry please use a separate comment. Please also leave your email address in your comment.

Giveaway will end on August 30th 2009 at 11:59 pm EST. Giveaway winner will then be chosen via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email that is sent off. If winner fails to respond within that time, another winner will be chosen for the list of valid entries.

Lands End Back To School Twitter Event!!!

2009-08-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Join Lands’ End for the ultimate Back-to-School Twitter Party! Lands’ End hosts will be available to answer back-to-school shopping questions and the party will feature more than 20 product giveaways from co-hosts, 5minutesformom.com.

Lands’ End Back-to-School Twitter Party
Date: Thursday, August 20thTime: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CSTLocation: #landsend
Pre-Party Posts to Win a Back-to-School Wardrobe!

Want to enter for a chance to win a back-to-school wardrobe ($250 Lands’ End gift card)? Here’s how in three easy steps:

Step 1: Create a Fantasy Backpack at Packland – Simply visit Lands’ End’s Packland at www.landsend.com/packland, create a fantasy backpack and post it to your blog before August 20, 2009
(See Mine Below)

Step 2: Promote the Lands’ End Back-to-School Twitter Party – Don’t forget to promote the Back-to-School Party on your blog before August 20, 2009

Step 3: Send a Link – To be entered for a chance to win, you must send a link to your post to kira.gutknecht@landsend.com

One winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by Lands’ End on August 21, 2009!

Missing My Extended Family (a poem about work)

2009-08-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Missing My Extended Family

I miss those that I consider extended family,
those would be the Soldiers & their Families,
of the Metro North Recruiting Company.

I miss answering the phone,
“Metro North, Jennifer Speaking”,
and hearing the voice of a flustered Soldier on the other end.

I miss breaking the ice and talking about
their children and spouses,
then hearing the Soldier get cheerful instead.

I miss having the Soldiers make me laugh,
whether with their emails or cynical comedy,
that was always sure to turn my mood around.

I miss the hugs given to me by the Soldiers,
and yes, I even miss being picked on as well,
about being a Navy Squid!

I miss them all so very much,
I just hope that they understand
exactly why I am not there.

Fore they say that “sticks & stones break bones”,
well for this time around,
words actually did hurt me.
I am working on improving myself,
so that I can return,
and give you each 110%!

For if any of the Soldiers or Family members should read this,
please know that I miss you all dearly
and don’t be a stranger!
Know that you may call me at any time,
I’d love to hear from you-

As it would make my recovery time easier and quicker!

I love and miss you all so very much,
please know that I still will always care about you all no matter what!

Date: 14 August 2009 © J.A.L.

Making The World A Kinder Place

2009-08-11T05:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's thought of the day....

Have you thought of what it would take to make the world a kinder and more gentle place to live? Almost like that strive for peace throughout the world. Where everyone lays down their guns and weapons of mass killings and all unite together as one world, loving and caring about every creature that walks this planet.

So, in your opinions, what would it take for this to happen?

7 Back To School Products I think Every Kid Needs to Have!

2009-08-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

1. A notebook calendar or planner. While some tech-savvy kids may be using a personal laptop or netbook to stay organized, most will need to stick with the old-fashioned planner to keep track of assignments and events. A simple Moleskine academic notebook is a great way to get kids into the habit of maintaining a weekly diary of assignments and a working to-do list.

2. New lunch box or lunch tote. Part of the fun going back to school is getting a new lunch box! Younger kids can look forward to back to school season with a Hello Kitty, Peanuts, or Bratz lunch box, while older kids might need a stylish lunch tote or lunch pack for the season.

3. An oversized calculator. Unless your student is required to purchase a scientific calculator this school year, a fun oversized calculator is a great addition to their school supply checklist. Extra large calculators cost between $10 and $20, and some are available with cartoon character designs.

4. Vinyl folders. While the paper folders are the most cost-effective way to keep papers organized, they're also at an increased risk of tearing. Invest in vinyl or plastic folders so that you're not running to the school supplies section throughout the semester. These may cost a couple of dollars apiece, but will last for the entire year.

5. A new pencil case. Kids who are still using pencils need easy access to their stash, as well as the eraser, pencil sharpener and pencil toppers that they use on a daily basis. Keep them from rummaging through their entire book bag on a hunt for supplies by buying them a pencil case. These are available as tins or zip-up pouches, and can be stocked with all of their basic supplies for the day.

6. Disinfecting wipes. Whether you use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes or another brand in your household, your student will need their own stash of wipes for their backpack. You can buy trial-size packs if they tend to over pack their book bag, or purchase the large container for their locker or desk. These will help keep germs at bay, and are easy to dispose of after use.

7. Locker accessories. Kids with lockers can express their creativity with some colorful vinyl stickers, a decorative mirror, and removable shelves that will create extra space. A dry erase board, stacking locker shelves and a few hooks are just a few items that can help your student stay organized and productive for the year ahead.

Back to School Bash has Started

2009-08-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

The back to school bash has begun, and well, I am going to kind of tag along on this sharing my tips for how I go about saving time, money and most of all headaches that go along with getting ready for back to school.

Copied from Mission Mommy's Webblog:

Mission Mommy's Back to School Bash has officially begun! For the next two weeks, my blog will be filled with back to school advice, cool new products, and awesome giveaways! Be sure to stop by my fellow blogger's giveaways and enter to win there as well. You will gain extra entries for every one you enter here as well if you do!On August 15, we will have a Back to School twitter event throughout the day using hashtag #BacktoSchoolBash to discuss advice, tips, ideas for getting prepared for school. But, of course, anything goes! During the party, three winners will be chosen to receive the new I'm Your Bus Picture Book. At the end, there will be one grand prize winner chosen to receive this book and a $50 GYMBOREE gift card!#BacktoSchoolBash Twitter EventGrand Prize: $50 Gymboree gift card and I'm Your Bus Picture BookThree Winners: I'm Your Bus Picture BookI'm Your Bus Picture BookGet ready for a rip-roaring, rhyming ride that celebrates all things drivin' with a special spotlight on a kid's four-wheeled best buddy--his school bus! When you're a kid, your school bus can be your very best friend. Morning, noon, and nighttime, too, that golden buddy is at your service. Ready to drive you and your friends to and from school!Please be sure to visit the blogs who will be participating...

Angie @ My Four Monkeys
Tricia @ 5 Little Monkeys
Melissa @ Frugal Creativity
Lindsey @ My Household Junk
Nichol @ Kiddie's Corner Deals
Kristie @ This Side of Eternity
Erin @ Pour Some Sugar on Me
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy
Margaret @ Pickles & Lollipops
And, our newest participant One Bored Mommy

So now it is August!~

2009-08-01T09:10:00.001-07:00

So now it is August! Kids and Parents are looking forward to going back to school (more so the parents then the kids), we prepare ourselves for fall. All the while we sit back and wonder what happened to summer?

I know for me it seemed like summer just flew by very quickly this year. Here in Indianapolis, we had very low temps this year instead of having the heat and humidity of years past. I know as a parent, I look forward to the day when school starts back up, yet, I get very depressed as well. As I know that when school goes back into session it is a reality shock that gives me that wake up call that my daughter is getting older, and is one step closer to leaving the nest. Also, it is a wake up call that I am also getting older, and I hope more wise as well! (LOL)

So, now that August is upon us, what are your plans for the last celebration before school starts up? Also, what preparations or special celebrations do you do to help your children adjust to the routine of going to school? What is your most special memory from school or the first day of school? Do you have any traditions that you do for the first day of the new school year?

Wordless Wednesday: My First Addition

2009-07-29T10:07:00.001-07:00

My male maine coone kitty knowing he rules the roost!

Book Review: Benny & Shrimp

2009-07-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well recently I was contacted by Katarina Mazetti to review her lastest and greast book out called "Benny & Shrimp". I gladly accepted the offer.

Last week after long anticipation for the book to arrive the book arrived. I was amazed! It arrived so quickly to my mailbox. The other thing that amazed me is that this book was so easy for me to throw into my purse (which I don't carry a suitcase size one, LOL). It wasn't small, yet wasn't so big and bulky that I couldn't take it with me.

About the Author:

Katarina Mazetti was nominated for the Prix Cevennes in France 2007 and has worked as a journalist, teacher, and author of books for readers of all ages. For twenty years she lived on a small farm in Northern Sweden, an experience that became the basis for "Benny & Shrimp", her first adult novel, which was adapted into an award winning film in Sweden (which won the Swedish equivalent of the Oscars).

About the Book:

This was a book of love and romance, much unlike many love and romance books that are found at your local convienence or retail stores or super markets. Instead here is a book that asks the question of "why is it so hard to get a relationship to work between two middle aged misfits?".

That is where you find Shrimp who is a widowed librarian and Benny who is an overworker farmer, both driven by the loudly ticking biological clocks and to not die alone is what brings these two together. Yet, there are plenty of differences that could drive them apart.

My review:

Without giving away too much of the book (why? because I really want you to go out and read this one, its a must read for everyone!), I have to say I give this 4 out of 5 stars on the Jennifer Scale. That is a hard one to come by, as I am a little tougher on romance novels because many seem to be so out there that its almost difficult to read because of the unfathomed love and lust scenes that take place. This book is not a romance novel like that. This book is like the love that you would find right in your neighborhood today.

So go out and look this book up! Remember its "Benny & Shrimp" By Katarina Mazetti

Jennifer Star Scale for Book Ratings:

1 Star: Not interesting
2 Star: Mediocre
3 Star: Interesting
4 Star: Very Interesting
5 Star: Breath Taking Great

Self Esteem

2009-07-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone!

Let me pose a question to all my fellow followers and my dandy readers out there.

When you think of self esteem what do you think of?

When you are thinking that your self esteem is low, what do you do to build it back up?

How would you rate your self esteem (1 being low to none and 10 being walking on cloud nine)?

Do you think that self esteem is the same thing as self confidence? Why or Why Not?

These were just a few of the questions that popped up in my head for the random Tuesday thought process. I would love to know what everyone else thinks.

Story Tots Winner Announced~

2009-07-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who participated in the story tots giveaway!

Drum Roll Please..........

The winner (selected via Random.org) is.............

Lucky # 11 MJ who said "MJ said...
I subscribed to your newsletter.mj.coward[at]gmail.com"

Congrats MJ! I have emailed you and you have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen!

Stay tuned, more contest giveaways coming soon!!!

Writing in Journals

2009-07-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry to my fellow followers and stopper by's!

I have been finding myself more lately writing in my journal than being on the computer. (plus its a lot safer to write there some of the things that I need to get off of my chest than in such a public way as on the internet).

So, how many of you all write in a good ole fashion paper journal? Where is your favorite place to buy your journal? Or are you crafty and make your own?

Share with me please, because I am just so tired of the bland and boring look of the dull ones that you find at the stores! Maybe I need to head over to etsy and see what they have going on in that department.....

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to etsy I go!!!!

Book, Movies & Music Lovers Unite!

2009-07-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, searching the internet for a book that someone posted a review on yesterday on the web for me to purchase, and I found a wonderful cool new website out there. Well, it is new to me, so for book, movie and music lovers, go over there and check it out. It is almost like an amazon.com site or even ebay without all the bidding and worrying about if you leave the computer if you will lose the item that you so very much want.

Oh, and the other cool thing is that they give away 5 $100 gift certificates to those who leave a review of anything relating to books, movies and music. So, for a lot of us bloggers who write reviews on our favorite books, movies and music, this is the place to go.

So why wait! Check out Alibris today!

Aloha Friday!

2009-07-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first Aloha Friday post. I have read quite a few in the past and they all seem very light hearted. So I feel with keeping with that spirit I will continue to keep this light hearted.

This has been a very rough week for me personally. I am going through a lot right now, and just now trying to learn methods of coping with the issues at hand. Its scary to not be in control over parts of your life and having to allow someone else, more or less a stranger, in your life to do that for you. I was never one to ever want to seek help with counseling, but now in my life, I have to do just that. Its really not as bad as what you think that it is. And just because you go to counseling doesn't mean you are a freak, screw ball or anything along those lines. Really I personally feel now, that it means strength. Why? Because it took a lot of courage to admit that you needed outside help.

Here's to hoping that this weekend will be relaxing for all, both mentally and physically!

Cheers!

Link it up Thursday: List your Giveaways!

2009-07-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am a few days late from doing the link it up Tuesday, so I am doing a link it up Thursday! I hope all of you can forgive me, I have had a lot of stressful stuff happening to me over the course of the past week!

So link those giveaways up today using the below tool!

RockPaperScissors GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-07-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

RockPaperScissors GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

What a wonderful giveaway that I just came across for all of you to see!

Robyn's Nest July Giveaway: A must enter contest!

2009-07-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Robyn's Nest is having a really great July Prize Pack for one lucky winner! I am telling you this is an awesome package for anyone who loves cosmetics and nail polish! I can't wait till the drawing ends so that way I can see if I was the lucky winner! So hurry, get your entry in soon!!!!

Tuesday's Link it UP!!!!

2009-06-30T04:21:00.001-07:00

Well, to expand the horizons of my blog, I am going to start doing a Tuesday Link It UP post. So, feel free to use the nice Mr. Linky below to link up your contest and giveaways! Please be sure to post the closing date on there so that way people can see when the contest ends!

Mama Makes Money: Frank Sinatra's Classic Sinatra II Review and Giveaway

2009-06-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

Mama Makes Money: Frank Sinatra's Classic Sinatra II Review and Giveaway

TaffyTree.com Review and Giveaway! | Eighty MPH Mom

2009-06-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

TaffyTree.com Review and Giveaway! Eighty MPH Mom

Well, if you weren't able to win this taffy treat with another blogger, here is your chance to win some more taffy today!

Reminder: Extra Entries are easy to obtain!

2009-06-29T12:42:00.001-07:00

Remember that I give everyone plenty of opportunities for extra entries! I really want to see everyone have a great chance of winning the prizes I offer to my readers! So make sure that you check them out listed in the giveaways itself!

Story Tots Review and Giveaway

2009-06-29T04:42:00.000-07:00

About the Company:

Your Name: Jessica Ziegler (Story Tot CEO, Founder, Creator)

How you chose your business name: I actually had a spreadsheet with different elements of what the biz was about (stories, tales, kids, kiddos, child, etc) Then I combined the bits into interesting names and did URL searches. I didn't want a name that I couldn't get the url for!
How long you have been in business: since Jan 09, books were in development all of 08.

Why you created this business: I had read about on demand publishing a few years ago, had the idea for highly customized storybooks, but sat on the idea for a few years until my son was older and in preschool. I wanted to expand on my interest in illustration and graphic design. I've be a web designer for 10 years now so I was able to create and launch the whole biz without outsourcing any of the work, which as most mompreneurs will tell you is the only way you can pull it off!

My Review:

Well, my daughter being the AVID monkey lover that she is, well I was able to get the Catch Those Monkey's Book for her. She loved the book! She loved how she was the main character in the book and most of all, it will be a great book to stick away into the memory box for her own children to read when that time comes.

I was impressed with the quality of the book. It was made as well if not better than some of the books that you see sitting on the store shelves. The time from production to delivery was super awesome! I never expected it to come to my doorstep as quickly as what it did, but it was there in less than 10 days! I already know what I am doing this year for Christmas, books for everyone I know!

The Giveaway:

Jessica has graciously offered one of my viewers a book of their choice customized as needed.

How to enter:

1) Head on over to her website and tell me one (more if you like) that you would pick if you won and for whom you would give it to.

Extra Entries (leave in a separate comment):

2) become a follower of mine

3) subscribe to my newsletter

4) follow me on twitter and tweet this contest

5) subscribe to Story Tots newsletter

6) become a fan of Story Tots on facebook

7) blog about this post and giveaway and leave me the link in your comments

8) make a purchase from story tots (leaving the purchase number in your comments) +10 entries

Look at that 17 possible entries per person! Please make sure that you leave your email address in your comments.

Contests closes on 7/19/09 @ midnight EST. Winner will be announced and emailed on 7/20/09 and will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. Winners will be chosen thanks to the help of Random.org.

*Sorry contest is only open to those in the United States!

Care Kards Review

2009-06-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Care Kards are great. They are a great way to give yourself or someone else that you may know in your life that little bit of a pick me up!

About the Company From Their Website:

Many working moms are overworked, underpaid and overstressed. There simply are not enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished. And trying to find a healthy balance between family life and work can be overwhelming.

Each week, Working Moms will feature a website of the week for busy working moms just like you. From money-saving advice, inspiring entrepreneurs, employment opportunities and information on children to the just plain fun or silly, the Working Moms Website of the Week will make your life just a bit easier.

Jenny Hodgson-McGee, a talented artist, busy mother and entrepreneur, is the creator of CareKards, a unique line of inspirational cards. Like many worn-out and exhausted moms, Jenny came up with the idea after many sleepless nights. Save & Close

In an online interview, Jenny said that when she can’t sleep, she often thinks about quotes and Bible verses to “calm, encourage and inspire me.” And as an artist, enhancing the beautiful quotes with visuals was the next step and just made perfect sense. “I wanted to do something that could inspire, encourage and uplift people’s lives,” Jenny said. And just like that, her business was born. Jenny named the compact cards “CareKards” because the inspirational cards show people how much they are cared for and loved.

Launched in 2009, the first series of CareKards that were released were the prayer cards, “I have heard from many people that carrying around a Bible is bulky and inconvenient. The prayer CareKards are a small and portable way to be reminded of God’s love at any point in time. Other people have been encouraged in their time of need and have been reminded to trust God in different ways.”

Although Jenny worked in New York City as a graphic designer, she did not really have any marketing experience prior to the launch of her new business. “Oftentimes, the fear of failing or doing something poorly stops people from succeeding or even attempting anything at all.”
“Starting my own online business has allowed me to have a creative outlet and be a stay at home momma.” And for all the mothers out there who are wondering if they too, should start their own business, Jenny offers this advice, “Go for it, be a rule bender or breaker. Although the process can be both painful and thrilling, trying is so much sweeter than wondering.”
As one of Jenny’s favorite authors, Julia Cameron, says, “Leap, and then the net will appear.” With many people supporting her, Jenny says, “I am so grateful for the amount of support and encouragement CareKards has had.”

And even in this struggling economy, Jenny sees the positive, “I feel like during this time of economic hardship there is a lot of uncertainty and people need encouragement. CareKards are very comfortably priced and people are purchasing them even in this tough economy. I think people are looking for economical gifts that have a profound impact.”

And the inspirational cards are not only beautifully designed and uplifting, they make great gifts too. If you know someone who is ill or just needs a little encouragement and inspiration, CareKards are unique and affordable gifts. If you are a mom-to-be or have a friend who is having a baby, you can even design your own birth announcements cards. If you are looking for a unique Mother's Day gift, why not give mom a few inspirational CareKards? And these wallet-sized cards also make great bridal shower and teacher gifts too. Handmade card pouches, made from recycled material, are available for purchase on the website. Special promotions are available every two weeks and free sample cards are available upon request. Limited Edition card sets will be coming soon.

Whether you give them as gifts, slip them in a greeting card or use them as stocking stuffers, CareKards serve as constant reminders to someone you love and care about. Visit this inspirational and talented working mom at CareKards for more information.

They also offer cards (as seen above) that you can give to care givers/grandparents or emergency services that show that a loved one might have a special need.

CareKards serve as constant reminders to someone you love and care about. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Care Kards today and order some wonderful products for your loved ones! Also, they take paypal for payment!

Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Well here is another great giveaway that I came across for all my wonderful blog followers! I know if you are like me, I have tried entering every contest out there for one of these wonderful aprons! So whenever I come across one of the wonderful giveaways for an Apron, I feel compelled to share it with everyone! (even though secretly I would hope to be the lucky winner!)

So head over to Grosgrain today and get your entry in for a wonderful apron of your choice!!!!

Great Giveaways that I have Come Across

2009-06-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

Patricia's Vampire Notes is giving away The Host by Sephanie Meyer ends: 7/21
This Mom Can Shop is giving away a pendant from Gala Glass ends: 7/11
Dev's Favorite Giveaways is giving away a violet creation ends: 7/6
BookNAround is giving away 7 days of books ends: 7/9
Mama's Money Saver is giving away Taffy to 6 winners ends: 7/10
Terra' Book Blog has 3 copies to give away of Swimsuit by james patterson ends: 7/11
Terra Book Blogs has 3 copies to give away of Any Minute by joyce meyer ends: 7/11
Fantastic Book Review is giving away Bad Girls Don't Die hurry ends: 6/27
Fantastic Book Review is giving away 8 books to 8 people ends: 7/6
Tara's View on Books is giving away Living in the Rearview Mirror ends: 7/9
A Giveaway Addicted Mommy is giving away NNichols Personalized Gifts ends: 7/9
Fabulous Fun Finds is giving away Time for Beads ends: 6/30
Readaholic is giving away "The Woman Who Named God" book ends: 7/6
Live Love Laugh with Leslie is giving away Crafty Jules end 7/15
Prissy Green is giving away Save Your World Color Shampoo and Conditioner ends 7/8
Prissy Green is giving away cmarchuska clothing and Marchuska tees ends 7/8
Tales from a Shopaholic Mommy is giving away some fabulous SIRJJ products. Ends July 7th
The Product Pasha is giving away a 24 Karat Lip Gloss from Stila cosmetics. Ends July 18th
Forever and Always is having several wonderful giveaways. Win a Babar hairdryer here. Enter to win a 2 hr whitening kit from Rembrandt here.
The Giveaway is giving away (heehee) your choice of FLEXEES Fat-Free Dressing from Maidenform!
Piece of Me is giving away a JVC Everio GZ-MG630 in your choice of color! Ends July 10th
Feisty,Frugal & Fabulous is having several great giveaways. Enter to win a tee from Southern Brand here. Enter to win a pair of shoes from KidShoos brand here.
Forever and Always if giving away Brittanies Thyme ends 7/3
J. Kaye Book Blog is giving away Hachette Audio Book Giveaway: THE GOLD STANDARD: BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS TEAM by Mike Krzyzewski ends 7/25
Fabulous Fun Finds is giving away duesprovidebit a hat ends 6/29
A Giveaway Addicted Mommy is giving away Pocket Dots ends 7/8
Lizzy's Dear Life is giving away Carolina Pads ends 7/6
Win your choice of 2 Scrabble Tile Pendants from Jesse Janes Etsy Shop here.
Happy Healthy Families is having a Pledge Multi Surface giveaway here.
Dev's Favorite Giveaways is giving away Mixology Makeup here.
Is It Naptime Yet? is giving away Sun laundry detergent here.
Frugal Rhode Island Mama is giving away an Amazon gift card here.
5 Minutes for Giveaways is giving away a grilling package here.The Mom Buzz is giving away Kim and Scott's Pretzels here

As I come across more I will be updating this post for you!

Surviving a house full of whispers book review

2009-06-24T03:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I received in the mail a wonderful book from Sharon Wallace to review. Her newest book "surviving a house full of whispers" is the second in her trilogy (the first book to the series was "a house full of whispers").

Other than for participating in the 48 hour book challenge here recently, I have not really been so in tuned to read a book from start to finish without putting it down. Well, this book was different. I was kept intrigued by her tale of surviving sexual abuse, how bad the system really is at helping to protect our children who need it the most and her survival.

About the Author:

Sharon Wallace resides in the United Kingdom with her husband, Michael of 30 years. She has 5 sons and eight grandchildren and has been blessed with the wisdom and courage to stop the dysfunctional lineage. Her grandchildren are happy, content and have a childhood all children deserve.

A house full of whispers is a true account from her own perception of what happened while growing up. She learned through her children how to love and to be loved, five very special men who will always be the most important people in her life, along with her husband and soul mate, Michael.

Sharon has been writing for over 35 years and has numerous poems in the media and on line; some of her poetry is available for viewing on her website. Sharon is compiling a book of poetry to be published in the future.

About the book:

Sharon writes about her tales of facing society in this book. The lack of help that surrounded her because many thought of her as being a liar. Sharon takes on several jobs; most of them involve being a nanny. Not all of her experiences are positive; however, she is relieved to be out of her house. Not knowing how to recover from being abused, she takes on some negative behaviors such as cutting herself and eating disorders. Sharon also learns that she can defend herself. This makes her stronger, however, the intensity of anger that she feels when she is attacked, also scares her.

This is a must read book for anyone! Especially for those that may have suffered on their own account of abuse while they were younger or even as an adult. This story will bring you to tears over the struggles that she went through, anger you against the system that wouldn't help her and most of all make you realize that if you are persistant and you want to survive and carry on that you can do just that!

Sharon, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read your book! I cannot wait until I get the chance to read and review your second edition to your first book!

You can purchase a copy of this wonderful book for yourself from the Author's website or from Amazon.com if you would like to read this tale for yourself.

A Mother's Boutique New Winner Chosen!

2009-06-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Well, 48 hours have come and gone and the previous winner did not respond to my email that was sent. So, I have thanks to Random.org chosen a new winner, and that new winner is #12 who said:

Sarah (Team Chilton) said...
I'm nursing right now and this top would be awesome. I also liked the molded Cup nursing Bra (I might have to go buy one because they are so affordable!)thanks for the giveaway and pointing out a great store!spondah(at)aol(dot)com

Congrats Sarah! I am emailing you right now and you will have until 6 am Friday Morning (6/27/09) to respond back with your details! Look for an email from navybrat76@yahoo.com!

2 Big Winners for Insanity Wear and A Mother's Boutique!

2009-06-22T02:54:00.000-07:00

The Insanity Wear Winner is: #20: who said: Jayne said...
This one: http://www.cafepress.com/insanitycafe.114771824. "I'm a Professional Daycare Provider. I play for a living."
June 8, 2009 5:16 PM

The Mother's Boutique Winner is: #40: who said: jessica said...
i follow a mothers boutique on twitter @peekababyjessica@peekababyny.com
June 18, 2009 8:41 PM

Congrats to my 2 Big Winners! I have emailed both of you and you have 48 hours to email me back with your contact details and your choices for your prize!

Thank you to everyone who participated! Keep watching for more great contests to come your way within the next few weeks!!!!!!!

Chicken Soup Books giveaway from Tara's View

2009-06-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hurry get your contest entries in today for 1 of two books of either like mother like son or like mother like daughter Chicken Soup For the Soul books by Tara's View on Books! So hop on over there today! Contest ends 6/24/09

Win a copy of Strange Angels Today (2 winners) ends 6/10

2009-06-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Win a copy of Strange Angels Today with Fantastic Book Review! She is proudly giving away 2 copies to 2 people who make a comment on her blog! Hurry though as this ends on 6/10 which is Tomorrow!

48 hour book challenge: Wow! I surprise my own self and completed it!

2009-06-08T02:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I completed the 48 hour book challenge! I actually could not put down the last book I was reading at the time and went a little bit over the challenge pulling in a total of 50 hours! I just looked at it as I only had about 6 chapters left of the book that I was reading, so I wanted to finish that up while I could so that way I didn't leave something unfinished!

So Totally here are the books that I read:

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
Life without Stress by Dr. Arthur Sokoloff
101 Ways to Rest and Reduce Stress by Candy Paull
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

Ok, call me a slow reader, I know I could have read more books, but I was really trying to stay focused and just read with the comprehension needed!

So, there you go! I started the challenge at 7 am on Friday 5 June, and ended the challenge at 9 am Sunday 7 June! For a total of 50 hours of reading! (Broken down better on Friday I did about 2 hours of social networking - blogging and twittering. Saturday I didn't do any because I don't have a home computer or internet (it broke down on me)) So that equals out to 48 hours of reading 2 hours of social time for a total of 50 HOURS!!!!

(Trust me, Sunday all I did was sleep! I had enough stories going through my head that my dreams took me all over the place!)

Thanks for the awesome time and being allowed to participate in this challenge!

48 hour book challenge: 8 hours 40 minutes

2009-06-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

8 hours 40 minutes into the competition. Whooooo! Read 2 books now. Angels and Demons and Life without Stress. Now reading The Secret. Next after that would be 101 Ways to De-Stress and Unwind.

Going to be a good weekend! (my worry is what happens if I do 72 hours of reading? more than just the 48 hours, I tend to go over and beyond...)

48 hour book challenge update.... 4 hours in! 44 more to go!

2009-06-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I am half way through the Angels and Demons book. Its awesome and really keeps my attention. So many different twists and turns. Definitely a good read.... Makes me wonder if the movie will even compare to the book. We shall see, we shall see.

How is everyone else doing? Well, done with my 5 minute break to post my update. Now back to reading.

48 hour book challenge! Started at 7 am today!

2009-06-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, here I go! Challenging myself to read for the next 48 hours! I started at 7 am today, taking a minute to share and check in with everyone! Woo Hoo! I'm reading Angels and Demons right now, and its such a great book that its hard to put it down. Next is deception point... I'm going for now! Wish me luck!

Book Dad's Is offering 5 winners 10 books ends 6/30

2009-06-04T03:23:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Book Dad's Today to get your entries into the giveaway for one of 5 prize packages containing 10 wonderful must read books! I am telling you that these are the type of books to lose yourself in while sitting on the beach or even near the pool (or if you are like me and like to read in the sauna, then in the sauna as well!).

So go, what are you waiting for? He's given plenty of options for tons of entries into his contest, so go now to Book Dad's Today!

Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge

2009-06-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here I go! I made the jump and I am going to sit back and for 48 hours read these books that I have been dying to read! How am I doing this, well a fellow blogger has me motivated to read and take part in the 48 hour challenge!

Anyone else game like I am? Well if you are, head on over and take the 48 hour challenge with me!

Vintage Earrings Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Vintage Earrings Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is so great! I know I would really want to win this!

Baby Half Off

2009-06-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Tourance Luxurious Surroundings Throw and Baby Blanket Giveaway!

Also, you need to watch them because Baby Half Off Blog and launch of our new website, Babyhalfoff.com in just a few short weeks!

What a great giveaway from this blogger! I'm telling you this much, you need to stop reading this and get your entries in over there because alas, this contest ends on 6/7/09!!!! Hurry!!!!

30 Days of Demons Giveaway For all My Book Lovers out There!!!! From a Fellow Blogger

2009-06-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

2 Big Giveaways with Mayaari!

2009-06-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

2 Big Giveaways going on now with Mayaari!

Hop on over to her site to check these out, but beware, they end on 6/4, so you have to hurry and get your entry in soon!!!!

But before you leave, make sure you are following and subscribing to my blog so you can stay on top of all these wonderful finds I come across on the internet! Remember, I have 2 contests going on right now as well one for Insanity Wear and one for A Mother's Boutique (both end on 6/20). I also have bonus entries for both contest going on until 6/5, so hurry and enter today!

Win a blog makeover, ends 6/15

2009-05-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hurry, win a blog make over today! Can't beat that with a stick!

Grosgrain: Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

Grosgrain: Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-29T02:58:00.000-07:00

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Insanity Wear Review and Giveaway!

2009-05-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wished that you had a shirt that could express what your mind really thinks for people to read outloud? Do you ever wish that you could find that one t-shirt that really showed off your personality? Well, if you have, then I have the store for you!

Insanity Wear offers many different products, from hoodies, to t-shirts, to sweatshirts, mugs and much more! Best of all this company has the cutest sayings ever! They have something for everyone, including the kids!

Now when I mention that they have something even for the kids, here is proof! What a wonderful way for your child to wear this wonderful shirt that showcases their love for you on their birthday by saying that you were their best gift!

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Do you know someone that likes to golf or maybe likes to look a little bit more business casual? Well, let me just say, they have really awesome polo's as well. Their polo's can incorporate any design or saying as well. The one to the left showcases my other love, cats! Heaven will really not be Heaven unless my cats are there with me!

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Insanity wear gave me the opportunity to review their store and even sent me a wonderful t-shirt that showcased what my wonderful daughter calls me all the time....

"A Mean Mom". I loved the shirt. It fit me beautifully! Not only that but the material was unlike any other t-shirt that I have ever worn before, much better quality than what I have ever felt before across my skin. The delivery time was also superb! When Berleen told me that she was placing the order for me and I should have it in the mail on the 2nd or 3rd of June, I never expected it to come a week earlier than what I was told!

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Insanity Wear has graciously offered one of my blog readers and followers a wonderful T-Shirt of the viewers choice of saying, size and color. How awesome is that? Very awesome if I must say so myself.

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How to enter:

Head over to Insanity Wear and tell me one item that you really like and what expression you like on it in a comment below. (mandatory)

Extra Entries:

become a follower of my blog
become a subscriber of my blog (1 comment for email and 1 comment for Rss feed)
follow me on twitter
tweet this giveaway and leave me the link
follow insanity wear's blog
send an email to 5 of your friends and cc me for 2 extra entries (leave 2 comments)
write a blog about this giveaway with a link back to this giveaway for 3 extra entries (leave 3 comments)
if you have entered into the bonus entries by June 5th, please leave your 5 extra comments here.
Make a purchase from Insanity Wear - 1 extra entry for every $10 spent (leave in separate comments, example $30 is 3 separate comments)

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*Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Please leave your email address in your comment as well so I can contact you if you win!*

Look at all those possibilities for winning!

Hurry, contest will end on June 20th, 2009 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be drawn via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or another winner will be drawn.

Simply Nee: Hello Kitty Giveaway: Ends 6/5/09

2009-05-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hurry all you hello kitty fans and get your entry in soon for this wonderful giveaway! She is giving 3 packages away to 3 lucky posters, but you have to hurry, this ends very soon!!!!

Remember, I am also going to be having 2 wonderful giveaways in the month of June, so hurry and get your bonus entries in today!

For this hello kitty giveaway, just think of one simple question then answer it on her blog: what was/is your favorite hello kitty item that you have ever owned?

Easy? Right! So what are you doing, go now to Simply NEE and get your entry in today! Don't forget about my giveaway bonus entries as well!

A cherry tastic Giveaway from a fellow blogger!!

2009-05-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

A cherry tastic Giveaway from a fellow blogger!! Not only is she giving away one superb prize but she is also giving away a second package to second place! Wow! Can't shake that with a stick! Her contest goes until June 15th, so hurry on over and get your entries in today!

Also, make sure that you follow my blog and subscribe as well! Why? Because on June 7th, I will have a very special giveaway for 2 lucky people! What? Well a $60+ value nursing top from a Mother's Boutique, and another shirt of choice from Insanity Wear valued at over $25+! So, become a follower today and a subscriber so that you can stay on top of my latest and greatest finds!!!!

Sneek Peek to upcoming giveaways!!!

2009-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ok fellow blog readers, the month of June is going to be great for my blog. I will be hosting 2 wonderful giveaways that are really going to knock the socks off of people! So help me by promoting my blog now and guess what? You will be rewarded with 5 bonus entries into each contest! Yep, I said 5!

First Giveaway: will be for a wonderful Obi Nursing Top from A Mother's Boutique in the size and color of your choice! How could you pass up this wonderful top! Not only is it stylish to wear while breastfeeding or pumping, but its something you can wear when you are going out shopping, to the movies, dress it up or down for going out to a romantic dinner or the office. So many options of what you can do with this top it is wonderful! And guess what? It retails for $62.00 and it could be yours for FREE just by entering into this wonderful upcoming giveaway!!!

Second Giveaway: A T-shirt of your choice of saying, color and size presented by Insanity Wear! Where you can wear on the exterior what you are thinking on the interior! What a great company with so many different things to offer to its customers. From funny sayings that are in the now, to what you feel on the inside and want to let everyone know without having to verbally express it to your friends/family/co-workers. (to the left is just one of their great sayings on their merchandise) The great thing is, any of the T-shirt value up to $30.00! Wow, what a steal, just by entering!

Ready, here are your bonus entries!

You have from now until June 5th, 2009 to post here with a comment with a link that you have blogged (link pointing back to this post and to my homepage please) about these 2 wonderful giveaways and that you are following me prior to June 5th! And guess what??? You just earned 5 wonderful entries into both contests!!!!

So there you go, two great upcoming giveaways sure to brighten anyone's day!!!! I look forward to seeing you all very soon! Contests will begin on 6 June 2009 and end on 20 June 2009! So there are 14 full days to get your entries in for both contests!!!1

A Mother's Boutique Review and Giveaway

2009-05-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

About the Shop:

A Mother’s Boutique is a work-at-home-mother (WAHM) business. My son was born in July 2005. After a 4-month maternity leave, I went back to work and survived for nearly 1 year working in corporate America before I decided that the long hours in the office and the out-of-town travel associated with my job were too much for me. In October 2006, I quit my corporate job to stay home with my son.

After a few months of being at home, I decided that I wanted to help other new mothers to breastfeed. Breastfeeding isn't always as easy as one might expect - and I wanted to help as many new mothers as possible to be successful in their efforts to breastfeed their babies.
When I was a new mother, I had a difficult time finding quality nursing clothing and products that would enable me to be successful at breastfeeding. I realized that this "unmet need" that I felt was also something that many other mothers also experienced. Coming from a business background, I decided this was something that I could use my corporate skills to develop a solution for. I realized that I would be able to meet my personal goals of spending more time with my son, while achieving professional goals of helping other new mothers succeed with breastfeeding. This led me to start up A Mother's Boutique.

A Mother’s Boutique is focused on helping new mothers breastfeed by providing all of the tools that new mothers need in one convenient location. From nursing tops to bathing suits to bras and breast pumps - A Mother’s Boutique carries everything that a new mother needs. I have selected the highest quality and most functional items (as well as many of my own personal favorites!) from several different designers to make sure that mothers shopping here get the best selection available. Based on my experience as a working mother, a stay-at-home mother and now a work-at-home mother, I have chosen items that will work for different kinds of mothers who are in different personal and professional parts of motherhood. I have chosen stylish business wear for the mother who is pumping at work or meeting her baby at lunch for nursing as well as comfortable casual wear for mothers who are on the go. I have also made sure to include stylish casual and dress wear for all types of occasions - for dressing up and dressing down.

Now for the Meat and Potatoes:

A Mother's Boutique has graciously given me a wonderful item to review. I absolutely loved it. Not only was it the most comfortable breastfeeding top that I have ever worn, but it was made with high craftmanship so that it was easy to nurse or to pump with ease. The ultimate best thing that I loved about this wonderful breastfeeding top was that it wasn't easily detectable that it was a breastfeeding top. So you could easily go out and wear it on a night on the town, to a romantic dinner with your significant other, or even to the office for working mothers! I love this top!

Well, guess what? Not only did I get a chance to sit here and enjoy this top so much, but A Mothers Boutique has graciously offered one of my readers their very own chance to win this same top in your choice of color or size!

So here are my rules for this giveaway:

Visit A Mother's Boutique and tell me one other item that you would like to have. (mandatory)

Bonus Entries:

Become a follower of my blog (easy to do, just click on the left hand side)

Become a subscriber of my blog (easy to do, just click on the left hand side)

Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily, please leave me the link to your tweet) with "Win a nursing top today: http://military76brat.blogspot.com/

Follow A Mother's Boutique's Blog

Follow A Mother's Boutique on Twitter

Make a purchase from A Mother's Boutique (1 entry for every $10 spent)
Make sure if you entered in for the 5 bonus entries by June 5th that you have left those comments here.
Write a blog about this giveaway with a link back to this giveaway for 3 extra entries (leave 3 separate comments)

***Please make sure that you leave your email address in your comments. Please leave a separate comment for each of the above done****

The winner will be drawn via Random.org. Giveaway will end on June 20th 2009 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be notified via Email and has 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be drawn.

Good Luck Everyone!!!

Military76Brat

Win Smart Mom Jewelry today!

2009-05-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

Win Smart Mom Jewlery Today! A must for every mother of a baby or toddler or even day care provider!

Children can get hurt by chewing on our silver, gold and platinum jewelry and most of the jewelry sold at the stores. So why not look fashionable and stylish without the worries that you are poisoning your child with harmful metals? That is why I am so glad that I ran across this contest this morning and I am able to share this with my faithful readers. Head on over to enter for your chance to win some Smart Mom Jewelry today! Just think, this wonderful set could be yours! But wait, it gets better, you get to chose what you would like for the colors! Now that is a steal! Hurry giveaway ends on June 8th, 2009 @ 11:50 p.m.!!!

Also, before you leave, make sure you become a follower and a subscriber of mine! Follow me on Twitter as well! Why? Because in the month of June I will be bringing you, not one but TWO fabulous giveaways that you won't want to miss out on! Plus, by following me, you can stay on top of all the wonderful items and giveaways that I come across on the web!!!!

Cemetary Dance Book and Loosing Mum & Pup Giveaway: Hurry ends 31 May 09

2009-05-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Cemetary Dance Book Giveaway: Hurry ends 31 May 09
Loosing Mum & Pup Giveaway: Hurry ends 31 May 09

How wonderful is this, she has 3 copies to giveaway! I am just sorry that I couldn't have found this blog a while ago so that I could have posted it with more time for people to respond with comments! Just click on either of the two hyperlinks above to go to her site today! Heck, take a minute and enter both!

I hope that you can all rush over there and get your entry into this wonderful contest!

Also, have a great Memorial Day Weekend to those of you who read this that are my Fellow Americans!

5 Copies of Hint Of Wicked Giveaway: Hurry ends 29 May 09

2009-05-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

5 Copies of Hint Of Wicked Giveaway: Hurry ends 29 May 09

I'm telling you this looks like an awesome book to read! Head on over an get your entries in for a chance to be one of 5 lucky winners of this book. But wait, want even more.... Well, go now and find out while you can because there is a bonus giveaway attached to this!!! Woo, Hoo, I'm on my way over there now!!!!

Another great giveaway: Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Pie Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Life in the times of a single mother, first blog insight to me

2009-05-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Life in the times of a single mother is far from easy. Especially more difficult when you are raising a pre-teen! The mood changes and the horomones are going crazy right now in my 11 year old. I now have a great appreciation for what I had done to my own parents and there were two of them there to raise me, here I am just myself without anyone to assist.

Over the years I had many people come in and out of my life as friends and what not. I have joined websites like cafe mom and indy moms and so many more for parenting advice, read books and even asked those around me what they do to help with the issues of raising children.

I tell you what the most difficult thing I have run into is explaining to my own child why her biological father doesn't want to be part of her life, and trying to explain that its not her fault that he doesn't want to be there.

Its going to get better eventually, well that is what I keep telling myself.

So what type of advice do my fellow followers have for me? What do you think it takes to be an awesome parent? What is your trick to raising well behaved children?