Saturday, March 13, 2010

It's not fun to be sick

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Even sick he smiles for a picture!

It all started when Dave got sick on Monday. We thought it was just a cold but as the week went on it has gotten worse and worse and worse. I tried very hard to keep him in bed and keep the house germ free. I didn't want Elijah getting it! So the days passed and I slowly felt worse and worse myself. I was careful to wash my hands every time I touched anything or Dave or Elijah so we didn't cross contaminate each other. Apparently it didn't work. Thursday Elijah started coughing. They were quiet coughs, almost like his coughs he does when he is fake coughing to copy us. But by yesterday I knew it was not the case. My poor baby was sick.

At this point all three of us are beyond ill. This is the first time I have been out of bed besides to take care of Elijah since last night and the only reason I am up is because if I lay back I get sick and Elijah finally wanted to get up. He slept most of the day until about 30 minutes ago he asked to go eat. He picked at a few green beans but I couldn't really get him to eat anything else. I think he's hungry, but we're all so congested none of us want to eat anything. Coughing, sneezing, runny noses, fever, throwing up. ugh!

My chest is so tight I feel like I am gasping for air most of the time. Elijah doesn't seem to be having too many problems breathing, thank goodness. I think it's just mostly a cough and runny nose with a fever in his case.

What really surprises me through all this is Elijah's mood. He was sitting there on the couch with me earlier coughing, wiping his nose, and looking so pitiful. I coughed and moaned due to the pain my chest. Elijah sniffed, leaned over and started kissing me! He kissed the back of both my hands about 6 times and told me he loved me. What compassion!

It instantly made my heart happy to know that even being sick himself he wanted to make me feel better. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful little guy! I just hope we get well soon! I hate having to see him sick!



Friday, March 12, 2010

Stay safe this St. Patrick's day by planning ahead

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St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and it's not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe, it's planning now for a safe and sober way home.

Are you headed out with friends this Wednesday to celebrate the holiday? No? Well, when you and your family are on the road headed to choir practice, a t-ball game, or coming home from school, you may be sharing the road with those returning from a fun St. Patrick's Day event.

It's time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

Let's remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:

· Designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.

· Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick's Day, keep in mind that in 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. And for those who don't plan on over-indulging, a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

Global Influence is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had "only a few" drinks. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even a few drinks can impair driving and that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

We need your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick's Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign.php#video

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving.
Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter (@Buzzeddriving).



This post was published as part of a Global Influence partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council. I was NOT compensated for sharing this information.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Mirra Beauty Products Review and Giveaway

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When it comes to beauty products I love trying new things. I especially love products that are not only good for my skin and hair but also good for my budget. Recently I was given the opportunity to try a brand that is just that, Kroger's new exclusive brand of beauty products, Mirra.
Mirra products, sold exclusively in the beauty care aisles of all Kroger Co. family stores, are made with natural ingredients, such as olive oil, aloe leaf juice, and cranberry, bamboo, honey and chicory root extracts. From shampoos and conditioners, hair styling products, body washes and mists, facial and skin care lotions, cleansers and cleansing cloths, eye firming and age defying creams, and cosmetic brushes, with the Mirra brand you are getting not just a great selection, but also quality products for reasonable prices.

I was sent a great selection of their products to try out and honestly loved all of them. I compared them all to what I normally use and came up with some great information to share with you about my experience with each one!

Mirra Daily Volumizing Shampoo:
Uses its sulfate-free and Chelation-promoting formula to eliminate the weighing-down of hair that occurs with chemical-heavy shampoos and hard water. Loaded with natural ingredients such as chia and elder extracts for volume, chicory root for shine and manageability, and 12 essential amino acids and natural fatty acids to nourish and moisturize hair and scalp, mirra’s Volumizing Shampoo will give your hair the size, life and energy to tackle the demands of today’s exciting lifestyles and hair styles!

I loved how my hair felt after I used this shampoo! Once it was lathered throughout my hair it actually felt like my hair was thicker and stronger. I have been using TRESemme and it's quite a difference after I shower. I will be alternating between that and this from now on!

Mirra Daily Volumizing Conditioner:
Also has a Chelation-promoting formula eliminates the weighing-down of hair that occurs with chemical-heavy shampoos and hard water. mirra’s Volumizing Conditioner can be combined with mirra’s Volumizing Shampoo or used on its own. This conditioner’s unique formulation contains chia and elder extracts for extraordinary volume, chicory root for shine and manageability, and 12 essential amino acids and natural fatty acids to return essential oils back to damaged hair.

I also loved this conditioner. My hair has been so dry, brittle and damaged ever since my hormones changed after having my son. I have tried conditioner after conditioner and alternate daily on what I use. This one is up there with my favorites, such as Paul Mitchell. After using the shampoo and my hair feeling thicker, I would use this from about 4 inches out down to the tips. I have had oily hair recently, so I don't use it on my scalp. After I work it in I let it sit about 5 minutes while I wash my body, then I use my shower comb and make sure all the tangles are out. My hair is so soft after using this it combs right through. I have noticed my hair is not falling out in my comb as much since I have been using this.

Mirra Daily Strong Sculpting Gel:
Contains Chitosan to provide the natural hold, aloe, and red tea leaf extract. Paraben-free, formaldehyde donor-free, with natural ingredients.

I don't use gel on a daily basis but I did like this one. After a shower while my hair was still wet I applied a thin amount to all of my hair and scrunched. I have naturally curly hair so gel, if light enough, helps me to define those girls. This gel was not too overly sticky or heavy and didn't leave my hair feeling rock hard like some gels do. It allowed my hair to still move naturally, while holding it's shape. I also used it one day on Elijah's hair. After his bath I used a small amount and spiked up the top of his hair. It stayed well and wasn't too hard spikes. He enjoyed running his hands through his hair with the spikes in. I think it would have held all day had he not been continually playing with it.

Mirra Renew Replenishing Body Wash:
Contains bamboo and honey extracts. Replenish skin and maintain a youthful appearance. Sweet scent conveys a sense of well-being. Glyceryl Oleate and Brazil Nut and Aloe Extracts promote deep, tong-term moisturization.

I loved this right away. I sweat A LOT so my soaps have to have a good fragrance to help me smell and feel clean. I frequently alternate with everything from Olay body wash, Neutrogenia, and even Ivory bars. This works into a really nice lather and doesn't leave residue on your skin like some soaps. The smell is nice, but not too overpowering. It left my skin feeling more hydrated, smooth, and brought out a really nice natural glow. I will definitely be adding this into my soap rotation.

Mirra Renew Exfoliating and Detoxifying Cleanser:
Refreshes and rejuvenates skin. Apricot Seeds exfoliate by gently removing dead cells. Oxygenated Derma-Beads detoxify skin and nurture cell renewal.

This made my face and neck feel nice and clean without the burn from the Clean and Clear scrub I use on my face now. The smell is nice, not as strong 'alcohol' smell as normal facial cleanser. I will continuing using this and see if I notice anything different.

Mirra Renew Deep Moisture Day Cream:
Firming action helps skin become more resilient and toned. Dermatologist tested.

I usually use Equate Brand I get from Walmart daily. I find Mirra's brand to feel more luxurious, smooth, and less greasy. I have only been using it for a month so I cannot tell if it is improving my skin yet, but I have noticed that my skin on my cheeks feels noticeably smoother and softer. I really like this cream.

Mirra Renew Wrinkle Reduction Eye Cream:
Fight wrinkles around the delicate area of the eyes. Reduces the morning puffiness. Fragrance free. Ophthalmologist & dermatologist tested.

I don't use eye cream very often but I probably should. I noticed a firmer feeling around my eyes after about the first week of use. It is not greasy and is very smooth just like the facial cream. I really liked this cream.


Overall I enjoyed Mirra products. They are great products for very affordable prices. If I had a Kroger close I would definitely add them into my rotation. I recommend you check them out!

Want to save a few dollars to try Mirra products out? For a limited time, Mirra is offering $5 off when you purchase any two of their products. Please visit this link to download the coupon.

Giveaway

Kroger has generously given my readers a chance to win a gift pack similar to mine!

To Enter: Leave a comment below with one of their products you would like to try. (please remember to include your email so I can reach you!)

Extra entries: Leave a separate comment for each.
  • Follow me on twitter (@erinjeany) and tweet about this giveaway including a link to it. (unlimited as long as your not spamming your followers. leave tweet urls)
  • Blog about this giveaway. (5 extra entries. leave post url)
  • Become a Google Connect follower. Widget at bottom. (1 extra entry.)
  • Become a fan of me on facebook. Widget at botom. (1 extra entry.)
  • Subscribe through Email or RSS. (1 extra entry.)
  • Share this giveaway on a contest site or linky. (2 extra entries per submission. Leave url)
  • Visit my examiner column and comment on any entry. (unlimited. leave post name.)
This contest will remain open until midnight EST 3/21/2010. Open to US only. One main entry per person. Winner will be chosen by random.org and then contacted through email.


Good Luck! Thanks for reading!




Disclosure: I was sent a sampling of mirra products from The Kroger Company as part of a campaign with the Global Influence Network. This review is 100% my honest opinions.

Wordless Wednesday - The Lollipop

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Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The question burning on everyone's mind...

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rubber duckieElijah has a slight obsession with ducks... It's the only other animal he holds as high as the precious moose.

It's 7:15 on Tuesday evening and Elijah is doing what he is usually doing at this time, playing in his play area. He is smiling at his Daddy (who has been pretty sick, so he hasn't gotten to play with him) so happy to see him and share his toys with him. He loves to show him stuff and so he is bringing him his one stuffed penguin. Out of the blue Elijah looks at him and asks, VERY loudly, but perfectly clear...

" Is a penguin a type of duck??? "


I think we are both were practically rolling on the floor laughing. We have no idea where he came up with that. Like I said above, he LOVES ducks so I guess he was just hoping they were related! lol To top it off, Elijah stood there with his arms out in that familiar question form, facial expression and eyes in a priceless pose, waiting for an answer!

Dave composed himself and told Elijah that penguins are not in fact a type of duck, but they are more like both types of birds. He told him he was very close though and good job. Apparently Elijah was okay with that answer because he then started laughing with me (who still hadn't gotten over his question.)

I have a feeling that was only the first of thousands of serious questions that will be asked during the next few years. It's just hard to believe my baby toddler, not quite 17 months, is asking full sentence questions!!!


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - Elijah loves hats

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Elijah has always loved playing with his daddy's hat. A few months ago he realized his granddad (who he calls DaDuck) wears a hat too, so Elijah always would have to try on his hat as well. Elijah owns a few winter hats and soft hats, but had never had his own baseball cap yet. He had an outfit that came with one but his head is apparently 'youth' hat size. His toddler hat didn't stand a chance! But luckily his 'DaDuck' came to the rescue and surprised Elijah by bringing him a hat home from work just like his. Elijah can't get enough of the hat. He wears it at least an hour every day. He will pick up the hat and put it on, then come over to me smiling and say 'DaDuck.' He is so happy with his hat! He is cutting his molars for the last 2 weeks and has been so miserable. Luckily the hat seems to make him forget about the pain momentarily if I ask him to "Go get the hat that DaDuck gave you and show me how cute you look in it." He will put it on and stand there grinning at me! :) He does look so cute in it!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Pimp my laundry room contest presented by Wisk

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Wisk and designer Emily Johnston have teamed up with TV’s Designing Spaces to offer one lucky laundry room a makeover and 15 minutes of fame in their new Pimp My Laundry Room Contest!

Just make a short video explaining why your laundry room deserves to be pimped and submit it before March 29th, 2010 to www.LaundryHE.com! You could have Wisk, Whirlpool's DreamLaundry Solutions Team, and the crew of Designing Spaces working hard to make your laundry room the envy of the neighborhood! Your complete laundry room make over includes a years worth of Wisk HE Laundry Detergent and a brand new Whirlpool High Efficiency washer and dryer set!!!

Finalists will be featured on LaundryHE.com from April 12 to April 19 ad the Grand Prize winner will be chosen by votes!

Don't want to enter a video, but still want a shot at a really cool prize? Every person that votes for a finalist in the contest will be automatically entered to win an entire years worth of Wisk HE Laundry Detergent!

To find out more details or submit your entry, please visit: http://laundryhe.com
Wisk on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/wisk
Twitter at: @LaundryHE


Good Luck!

This post was written on behalf of BSM Media for their Wisk contest with product giveaway. I was not compensated.

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