Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Wordless Wednesday 3.31.10

10 comments
Elijah loves ducks! They are a close 2nd to his favorite animal, the moose. The week before last when we were all sick we couldn't get out to get milk, diapers, and things so Dave's parents brought us some of the necessities we needed. Elijah was thrilled to see his Ma-muck and Da-Duck (yes, that's what he calls them. He made it all up himself! lol) for a few minutes and was tickled when he realized they had brought him a special treat to make him feel better.

3 Duck cookies! or Duck gooks as he so fondly called them.

He ate the first one that night and you could tell he instantly was feeling better! I was just glad he was eating SOMETHING after not wanting to eat much for days. He actually even picked a little at dinner after he ate his cookie!
He ate the second one a day later for dessert and then the third was a day after that for snack time. He thought they were the best cookies ever!

Happy Wednesday!
And have a Happy Easter!



Monday, March 29, 2010

Mailbox Monday 3.29.10

6 comments
Another SLOW mail week! Maybe my mailman took a vacation??? Odd. Anyway~

This weeks freebies!



  • CBS Watch Magazine. Free subscription can be found here.
  • Parenting Early Years mag came from ValueMag.com. It's no longer being offered but you can see their other current offers here
  • Free sample of UnderJams nightwear. These will be nice when Elijah starts potty training! You can pick from boys or girls in two sizes. This sample is still available here.
Giveaway wins!
Sorry about the picture! I turned the flash off so it didn't reflect on the box and then forgot to turn up the iso. ;)
  • I won Elijah the limited edition 10th Anniversary Sponge Bob Kooky Klicker from It's Me Melbie. It's so adorable and even came with a special certificate about it. It is number 225 out of only 1000 that were made. Elijah loves Spongebob, so I know he will love it! I will be giving it to him with his Easter basket to go with his growing Spongebob collection!
  • The tin is the 2nd mailing of our 6 months of cookies I won from an Overstock.com Twitter contest two months ago. It's through Amazingclubs.com. We get 2 pounds a month, a pound of each new flavor. They are SO tasty! This month we got a soft, chewy delicious Oatmeal Raisin and a Macadamia White Chocolate Chip! This is definitely the tastiest thing I've ever gotten in the mail and highly recommend them!
Review sneak peek!
Coming up I will be featuring a story and review about Cottonelle's new softer and stronger tp as well as talking about the results of the big Roll Poll debate I posted about a few months ago!

I will also be sharing a little bit about Yoplait Greek yogurt and that awesome prize pack you see in the picture thanks to Yoplait and MyBlogSpark. I can assure you there will be a giveaway so you can "Nourish Your Inner Goddess" too!



Thanks for reading! What awesome free stuff did you get in the mail this week?

    Comment below with your Mailbox Monday post and then check out A Frugal Friend for the full Mailbox Monday linky to add your post and check out others!


    Friday, March 26, 2010

    Notable Newness - Examiner Posts

    1 comments
    I wanted to let you know I have 2 new posts up on my examiner column you might like!

    • Rainbow Brite's 25th Anniversary - Win an Adventure Pack CD (10 winners!) - Easy ways to enter! Ends 4/17/2010 - http://tinyurl.com/yb82lqm
    • Awesome Friday and Saturday Easter sale at Toys 'R' Us stores - THIS Friday and Saturday only nationwide! Check it out! - http://tinyurl.com/y97kmgg 

    Tuesday, March 23, 2010

    Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

    3 comments
    This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.
    Since 1958 Alvin and the Chipmunks has been a family hit. Now there are back with bigger hits than ever with their new movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

    Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download on March 30th, 2010 this is guaranteed to be a fun family movie to add to your collection. The Squeakquel stars Jason Lee, Zachary Levi, David Cross, and Wendie Malick, with the voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Christina Applegate, Anna Faris, and Amy Poehler.

    I grew up loving the Alvin and the Chipmunks show from the 80's. I was so excited when they introduced the Chippettes into the show and had them sing. When the Chipettes did their cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have fun", I absolutely loved it. I was so glad when the album, The Chipmunks and The Chipettes: Born to Rock, came out in 1989 and they covered even more of my favorite 80's hits.

    Naturally with my love of the Chippettes I was excited when I first viewed the trailer to see they would be joining the fun for this movie. I haven't seen the Squeakquel yet, but I loved the first movie so I am sure I will love it. We will definitely be getting it for our home DVD collection when it comes out on the 30th. As a Chipmunks fan I hope that Elijah will enjoy the new movie too. He likes them so far and even dances along! He was really excited to see all the videos, games, activities and More Munk Mayhem they have on their website http://www.foxfamilyflicks.com.

    He also loved the Munk Yourself website, http://www.munkyourself.com. You can design your chipmunk or chipette, add clothing and accessories and then add your own message to make it say anything you want!




    I can't wait until the 30th to buy the Double DVD Pack. Besides the movie, the double DVD pack includes "The Squeak Along" Bonus Disc, with more music, mayhem and all-new singalongs! It's twice the fun, but for the same price as one DVD. We love bonus features and these just look like so much fun! I can see Elijah wanting to do the singalongs for hours!

    You can get your copy of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download on March 30th, 2010 or you can buy it now on pre-order.






    Visit my sponsor: Alvin and the Chipmunks:

    Monday, March 22, 2010

    Mailbox Monday 3.22.10

    0 comments
    This week was a totally slow mail week. We didn't even really get many bills.

    Freebies:

    • Traditional Home Magazine
    • Woman's Day Magazine
    • Working Mother Magazine
    • $15 Shutterfly.com Coupon
    None of those magazines are still available for a free subscription, but they all came from ValueMag.com. To see their other current offers check out this link here.

    Upcoming Review/Giveaway Sneak Peek:



    Check out A Frugal Friend for the Mailbox Monday linky to add your post and check out others!


    Also link up at Thankfully Thrifty!

    Friday, March 19, 2010

    Win $1000 and more! Vote for us!

    3 comments
    Little Remedies is hosting a Mom Blogger Contest! I entered in hopes I can win $1,000 for Elijah, an awesome gift kit for him and a spot on their blogroll.
    The gift kit contains:

    The cool thing is that you can win $1000 and a gift kit too just by voting for me! You can vote once a day until the contest ends on April 26!

    Click the button below to vote and Thank you!

    Vote For One Big Pyle of Love

    Wednesday, March 17, 2010

    Uprinting Business Cards {and giveaway}

    28 comments
    One of the best networking tools you can have is business cards. It doesn't matter whether you are a blogger, a business owner, or even a stay at home mom, business cards are a quick and easy way to share your contact information with others.
    When picking a business card you want something that has good design, is easy to read, and contains all your information presented in the best way possible for something that is 3.5" x 2". That is a small space for sharing who you are.

    When considering your business cards think about the following:
    • Paper- Choose heavy paper or card stock. Flimsy cards will not last and be thrown away quick.
    • Ink - Printing at home on your ink jet is cheap, yes, but one drop of water, coffee or even a sweaty palm can make the ink run. A runny business card is not something that will come across as being professional. Make sure that your printer is using quality ink.
    • Image/logo- Pick a image or logo that represents your business and makes sense. A freelance writer with an image of a dog is probably not a good idea if you don't write exclusively about dogs. Just because you like an image doesn't always mean it's a good choice.
    • Title/Message - Keep it short and sweet, but include what you do. Don't add your entire list of services, that's a bit much, but make sure you at least note your title. It should be obvious what you do by looking at your card. If someone can't remember what you do, the likelihood of them contacting you just went out the window, with your card.
    • Color - Pick a color pallet that works well with your card, an image if you use one, and your message. Blacks, greys and browns do not make for an eye catching card and will probably be over looked. A card with pink and green scheme for a funeral director is not a good idea either. Chose colors that speak for your business and work well. Too much color is not a good idea either. Aside from your photo try to keep your pallet under 3 colors.
    • Font - Clear, easy to read fonts are best. Serif or Sans-serifs are fine but scripts, decorative, and curly fonts are all really hard to read.
    • Contact Information - Include all means of contact you would like, but you don't need to list 14 cell phone numbers. One main phone, a secondary phone like a cell, address, email, website, twitter, facebook, or other social networking is always a good start. If you have multiple websites and many social networking profiles you want to be able to direct a person to, consider a contact page on your main website and print that URL on your card. Don't have a website, things like Google Profiles can organize all those links for you and you could publish that URL instead.
    With so many options out there for purchasing business cards online it is hard to know where to start. I have personally been extremely happy with Uprinting for anything I need to print online.

    Uprinting offers all types of business cards, from standard, slim, to even square or speciality shapes. You can design your own from scratch, upload your own completed design or choose from their hundreds of amazing templates. You also get a free proof before you pay, which is an awesome feature since many companies charge extra for proofs.

    I will be placing an order with Uprinting for my new cards within the next few days. I am still going over the thousands of options for mine and will let you know what I choose!

    Want help with your business cards?

    One reader will be the lucky winner of 500 business cards of their very own!

    The Prize:
    500 Business Cards for One (1) Winner
    Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (slim card)
    Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
    Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

    To Enter: Leave a comment below with which type of business cards you would get and what you would use them for. (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 3/28/2010. 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 will receive 500 business cards for free for posting this giveaway. This review is 100% my honest opinions.

    Monday, March 15, 2010

    Mailbox Monday 2.15.10

    9 comments
    I share a lot of freebies with you all in my notable newness posts but I always thought I should come up with a way to show you some of the freebies I am sharing after I sign up for them and they arrive. Yesterday while blog hopping I found the perfect solution. A Frugal Friend hosts Mailbox Monday every week where she shares everything that comes free in her mailbox and encourages her readers to do the same! :)

    It is so much fun checking out what everybody else got in their mailbox too! I thought this would be a fun thing to participate in and share with you all each week! Here is this past weeks freebies! {{I also included some of my giveaway wins and a sneak peak of reviews to come here and on my examiner column!}} oh and sorry, I promise next week I will take better photos! lol The sickness made me forget how to size when editing for blog.

    Freebies~
    Popular Science Magazine
    Parents Magazine
    Lego Club Jr Magazine
    Lego Club Magazine
    Working Mother Magazine
    Purex Complete 3-in1 sample
    Prilosec OTC sample
    Aveeno Nourish+ Shampoo & Conditioner samples
    Pampers Cruisers 3 Diaper sample
    Post-It tabs Sample
    Coupon for a Free Wegman's reusable shopping bag {{*Thank You/Customer Mailer}}


    Giveaway Wins~
    1. Awesome Twilight win from My life with rats and more! {{check out her new blog header/banner/etc I did a cute little design for her!}}
    2. Mabel's Labels win from Happily Blended


    Review & Giveaway Sneak Peek~

    McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds.
    You've Been Sentenced, Twisted Fish, and the Wheel of Chore-ture.


    Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce



    Check out A Frugal Friend for the Mailbox Monday linky to add your post and check out others!


    Also link up at Thankfully Thrifty!

    Saturday, March 13, 2010

    It's not fun to be sick

    2 comments

    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

    0 comments
    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

    45 comments

    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

    3 comments





    Happy Wednesday!

    Tuesday, March 9, 2010

    The question burning on everyone's mind...

    1 comments
    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!!!


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