The Village People at the Hilton Promenade in Branson - I want to go!

This post brought to you by Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have always wanted to head on over to Branson, Missouri and now the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing has sweetened the pot enticing me even further!

The Village People are coming to Branson, Missouri on May 13th, and the Hilton Promenade is the only place to stay, offering exclusive ticket and rooming packages. Ummm Hello?! How much fun would that be!?  The Village People will be performing at the Branson Tri-Lakes Center along with other 70's groups from the disco era, the Village People, Maxine Nightingale & Janice-Marie. After the performance, they will be staying after to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans. Now that is something I would like to show my kids!

With the sweet deal the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is offering, the Hilton Promenade Village People Concert Package that includes two 70’s Supershow tickets and one-night stay at the beautiful Hilton Promenade starting at 219.00 for two people, it will be hard to pass this up!

And who wouldn't want to stay at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel? Located on Lake Taneycomo, it is situated within the Branson Landing, a waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment district! So before the concert, we could easily do some shopping (hint, hint) and then grab a bite for dinner.

The Hilton Promenade Branson Landing is a full service hotel that also has an indoor pool, so it does not matter what the weather is like outside we can still go swimming. It is located across from the Branson Convention Center and Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, located in the heart of Historic Downtown, just minutes from the 49 live theatres, Branson golf courses, Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City, outlet malls, Titanic Museums, and many more Branson Attractions.

I would love to visit Branson, Missouri and with the deal the Hilton Promenade Branson Landing is offering, it is going to be hard to pass up. I mean, I have danced to The Village's People's "YMCA" at so many events, could you imagine what it would be like to dance to it when the group is performing?

So tell me...What is your favorite Village People's song?

New Karate Instructor - Kind of Reminds Me of The Karate Kid

I don't know. Reece has had the same karate instructor for the past 6 years and then one night - he was gone. Off to do his own thing. No one can blame him, but I considered him kind of like family - We save him every week for 6 years! Plus, in the last session Betsy decided to start karate! YEA!

We went back last week and met the new instructor. Completely different style of teaching than our original teacher. The original one, Jarrod, was calm, cool collected. Did things by the book. Each week there were lessons on Kata, sword techniques, new kicks, and sometimes even karate ball. It was great! He really taught self control and beautiful karate moves.

The new teacher, I don't even know his name yet, is more of a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter with a little UFC mixed in. As a mom, well, that is kind of scary. He taught the kids a "hold" in which if you catch your opponent in it, there is no getting out and you can do whatever you want to your opponent. Including putting him to "sleep" ....and more.

Does this mean I am going to have the good and bad kids from the Karate Kid? I can just imagine Betsy getting mad at Reece and her taking him out with these moves.

*Betsy in all her toughness - LOL

Don't get me wrong. He is not teaching them anything "bad" and is teaching them self control and self defense, but these moves are insane! Will Reece learn the Karate Kid move now?

*Reece and the Karate Kid move - HAHA

I know that as soon as they walked out I said, "You had better not try those moves on each other!" We shall see....I guess being a mom makes me a little more nervous!

Thanks to Jenny, the designer at ShoppeCharlotte, for creating these great pics for me!

Moon Dough Keeps My Kids Happy!

Well, it was a nice sunny day today in Charlotte, NC...that is until the storm rolled around. Then my kids had to come inside. What to do? What to do? Well, Betsy ran to the cupboard and pulled out The Moon Dough Magic Zoo and she and Reece played with it while I made dinner.

The Moon Dough Magic Zoo includes:

• 1 Magic Molding Zoo
• 2 Winder Walkers
• 3 Animal Molds
• 1 Fence Mold
• 3 Colors of Moon Dough

This is the first activity set of Moon Dough my kids have ever used, and quite frankly, I like it! No mess, it is easy to clean up, plus, with the ability to mold animals and fences, it can keep them entertained for a long time. Betsy said she didn't like the smell. Reece and I did not notice any smell. And besides, whatever she thought she was smelling (maybe it was my dinner!) it did not stop her from playing with it!

The Moon Dough Magic Retail Zoo has a suggested retail of 19.99.

You can also get the Magic Dough Refills that are Stackable and re-closable for clean and easy storage. Single and double refill packs available with eight color possibilities ranging in price from 2.99 - 4.99.

Moon Dough is a molding compound unlike that is is soft and marshmallow-like, cleans up easily, and never dries out so you can use it again and again. I know it was a great hit in my house - especially on those rainy stormy days when you still want your kids to be creative!

You can find Moon Dough at your local retail outlets or find them online at www.MoonDough.com.

Find Moon Dough on Twitter and Facebook.

Powermat Wireless Charging Review & Giveaway

Home Office Make Over Event

Day 3

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to be able to keep all your personal electronic devices charged without seeing wires out of every outlet? With Powermat Wireless Charging Mats and Receivers that is exactly what you are able to do! Charge all of your devices wirelessly! If you are looking to streamline the look of your office, reduce the clutter, then check out what the Powermat can do for you.

The concept is simple really.

First, you have a Powermat Mat. There are many different styles available, but I received the Power 2x Mat with PowerCube. Plug in the Powermat Mat.

Secondly, you have a Receiver. There are multiple types of receivers for smart phones (Blackberry, HTC, iPhone, etc), one for an iPod and iPhone, one for Nintendo, and the Universal PowerCube Receiver that comes with the Power 2x Mat with PowerCube. Attach your device to the Receiver and place it on the Mat.

And away it charges!

Pretty simple right?

I received the Power 2x Mat with PowerCube, the Universal Powercube Receiver, the Dock for iPod and iPhone Receiver, and the Dual 1200 Rechargeable Backup Battery.

Power 2x Mat with PowerCube

A sleek looking Mat, perfect when updating decor in your office. It can fully charge two devices at once and is small enough to be placed anywhere. It also comes with the Universal Powercube Receiver which is awesome because it lets you charge hundreds of devices right out of the box!

The Universal Powercube Receiver comes with:

• Mini USB Tip
• Micro USB Tip
• Samsung Tip
• LG Tip
• Apple Tip
• Nintendo DSi Tip
• Nintendo DS Lite Tip
• Sony PSP Tip

So, even if you don’t have a specific Receiver Door for your smart phone or device, you can easily charge it using one of the tips available! I have an Sanyo Zio Android phone and PowerMat does not make a specific Receiver for my phone – But NO WORRIES! Because I was able to plug it in to the Universal Powercube Receiver and get it charging!

After I plugged the Powermat Mat in and attached my phone to the Universal Receiver, I placed it on the Powermat Mat. The first thing I noticed was a kind of “magnetic” pull.

That “magnetic” pull is “A magnetic attraction between every Receiver and each access point on every Mat assures that alignment is precise and the most efficient charging will occur.”

The second thing I noticed was a “space age” kind of a sound when I placed the receiver on the Mat. This sound let’s me know the connect has been made and my phone was charging! Another sound also alerts you when you remove the device from the Mat.

Great! I had my phone charging easily enough. Now how about that iPod?

Dock for iPod or iPhone

This is Universal dock for all dock-able Apple handheld devices, adjustable to fit devices from iPod nano to iPhone. Works with all Powermat Mats, but is not compatible with iPod shuffle.

I placed my iPod on the Dock and the Dock on the Mat – and away it charged!

So now I had TWO devices being charged off the same Powermat Mat!

Dual 1200 Rechargeable Backup Battery

I spent the weekend in Greenville, SC this weekend and used my phone a lot on the drive down there (no I was not driving!). I was twittering, posting pictures to Facebook, and letting my kids play games on it. Well, wouldn’t you know the power in my phone was low so I whipped out my handy dandy Dual 1200 Rechargeable Backup Battery, plugged in my phone and voila! The power was back on!

Using the Dual 1200 Rechargeable Backup Battery:

• Charge your iPod, iPhone and hundreds of other devices anytime and anywhere
• 1200 mAh battery significantly increases the life of your smartphone or other favorite device
• Can charge two devices at once with dual on-board connectors: Apple & Micro USB
• Recharges when placed on any Powermat or with the included USB cord

The Powermat family of products is definitely a sure fire way to satisfy your Home Office technology needs. It charges your devices wirelessly, charges multiple devices at once, and it has a nice, sleek look to it.

Buy It!

Check out Powermat Products at www.Powermat.com.

Win It!

The Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a Powermat 2X with Powercube and a Dual 1850 back-up battery!!!

Head on over to my other blog, Katie Talks Carolina, to enter!

CArolina Pad Review & GIveaway

Home Office Make Over Event

Day 3

During this whole "Home Office Make Over Event" one of the things I always kept in the back of my mind was that I wanted to enjoy my office because I spend so much time there. Luckily Carolina Pad has just the types of Organizational Products that provide an essential function while looking good too!

Carolina Pad sent variety of products to use to help me organize, what is starting to become my favorite room in the house, my office!

Studio C Green Filing Jacket

These Filing Jackets are great because they not only look good, they also keep what is inside protected because three sides are closed! When we went to Greenville, SC this past weekend I initially kept our itinerary in it, but then when we arrived I was able to put in the maps and books about Greenville in there as well! I was able to pull the Filing Jacket out of my bag without having to worry about all the papers falling out!

Details:

* 11" high x 8.5" wide
* 2" wide gusset on each side
* Gloss laminate coating
* 12 count

Studio C Warm Yellow File Folders

Searching through files is not something that I particularly like to do, but sometimes it has to be done. But Carolina Pad made it easier for me to open my filing cabinet because of these sleek File Folders!

This color yellow - not too mellow - not too bright - is the perfect color to lift your spirits so that when you do have to search for a file, you can add a little sunshine to your day!

Details:

* Six folders
* 11.4" w x 9.5" high
* Letter-sized
* 1/3 cut tabs

Studio C Dark Sahara 8 Pocket Organizing File

I L.O.V.E. this Organizing File. Not only is it chic, it is durable, and super useful! Because it has 8 pockets, I have assigned each pocket a day of the week and organize my "to do" list, contact papers, bills to pay, just about anything I have to do on that day goes in that folder on its assigned day! It is GREAT! I just whip it out every morning and use it throughout the day, adding things to other days of the week and removing things I have accomplished!

Details:

* 9.75" w x 11.25 h
* Front and back covers have square edges and fold to create pockets on inside covers
* Spiral bound
* 8 interior pockets

Studio C Dark Sahara 13 Pocket Coupon Expandable File

If you use coupons, this is a pretty handy, dandy little file. It is expandable which is great, it has 13 pockets, and snaps shut! I am currently using this Coupon Expandable File on a daily basis to hold any receipt I get. At the end of the week, I then file away the receipts so that I am able to start with a clean Coupon Expandable File!

Details:

* 4" h x 7" w
* Poly exterior with nylon piping
* 13 pockets
* 12 tabs
* 12 multi-colored paper month tabs
* 12 multi-colored paper alphabet tabs
* Snap metal closure

Studio C Green Felt Mini Note Totes

Great for storing receipts, pictures, gift cards, coupons, or just about anything I keep one of these in both of my trucks! It seems to be made out of a durable plastic so the contents inside will stay safe from spills! Over the weekend I opened my mail in my truck (not my brightest move) and in that mail I received a couple of items I did not just want to toss or throw in my purse so I used the Mini Tote to place the items.

Details:

* 3 pack
* 5" h x 7.5" w
* Plastic snap closure

Buy It!

Carolina Pad has two websites www.CarolinaPad.com and www.CarolinaPadStore.com in which they sell their products as well as selling them in many stores nationwide. Luckily for me their headquarters are in Charlotte NC!!

Win It!

The Giveaway

One Lucky Reader will win the same Organizational Products that I received!

Studio C Filing Jacket

Studio C Warm Yellow File Folders

Studio C Green Felt Mini Note Totes

Studio C Dark Sahara 13 Pocket Coupon Expandable File

Studio C Dark Sahara 8 Pocket Organizing File

To Enter, head on over to Katie Talks Carolina!

Avery Products Review & Giveaway

My “filing system” (if you can call it that) looks as if it was put together by my three dogs. I have file folders laying flat, papers just shoved in random notebooks, nothing is labeled properly. I am shocked that I could ever find anything. That was until Avery Products came to my rescue! Avery is more than just “mailing labels”. Avery Products offer labels for just about any project you can think of, as well as Design & Print Business Cards, Postcards, Notecards, Binders, Pens, Tags, Scrapbooking supplies, and more!

But let’s get back to the business of an Office Makeover! I had to do some serious cleanup before I could even start my organization! I know that when my papers and office are cluttered, I feel completely unmotivated to do anything. So, I whipped out the Avery Products I received and began organizing!

Mailing Labels

I decided to tackle something easy first! My daughter Betsy is a fanatic about what is in her drawers, so instead of organizing my office, I decided to use the Avery White Removable Multipurpose Labels (6464) to create labels for her drawers!

• The first thing you will realize when using Avery Labels is that they offer Free Templates and Software in order to properly format their labels!
• You just visit www.Avery.com where you can easily find the template needed for each of their labels!
• Once you find the template you need (the template required is printed right on the label packaging), either select from a predefined graphic, color, or blank and start typing!
• When you are through, hit the “print” button, and voila! Your Avery Labels are printed!

Next, I tried the Avery White Mailing Labels 1″ x 25/8 (18160). I thought these would be a perfect fit to label my file folders! Following the same instructions as above, I easily printed my file folder labels!

Tab Dividers

Have you seen these yet? This is the first time I have seen these and I LOVE them! I tried the Avery Index Maker Clear Label Dividers (11436) Easy Apply Label Strip, 5-Tab, 5 Sets, White.

What is so cool about them:

• Easy-to-read tabs with clear labels that virtually disappear when applied
• Durable tabs resist tearing and stand up to frequent use
• Save time by labeling all tabs at once using the patented Easy Apply label strip
• Quickly create labels for multiple sets by using free Auto-Fill template

They were much easier to apply than I thought they would be, but just in case, they give you a “test” sheet to practice on!

Note Tabs

What can’t you use Avery Note Tabs for? They have such a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes – It’s not what can you do with them, it is what can’t you do with Avery Note Tabs!

Organize Documents

Mark Reference Pages

Label Food

Label All those Computer Cables

Write Notes on them

Easily Remove them

And so much more!

Using Avery Labels and Note Tabs sure did help me organize my office! Now instead of papers all over the place they are neatly organized!

Buy It!

You can purchase Avery Products at major retailers as well as online at www.Avery.com

Do You want to Win it?

The Giveaway

On my other blog, Katie Talks Carolina, one lucky reader will win the a variety of Avery Products which includes everything in the picture!

Check Out the Giveaway!

JAWS Cleaning Products Review & Giveaway

I spend a minimum of 8 hours in my Home Office a day. Since I spend so much time there it is easy for me to ignore the "cleaning" aspect of it because I just want to get out of there when my day is done if you know what I mean! But alas! It must be done! It also feels so much better when you are actually working in a clean environment. I know, at least in my case, I am a lot more productive when my "work" area is clean so I put JAWS (Just Add Water System) to the test!

JAWS (Just Add Water System) is a refillable, reusable, way to clean. Just fill the reusable spray bottle with water, pop in a super-concentrated cleaning cartridge and you’ve got eco-friendly cleaning power wherever you need it. It’s an innovative, easy-to-use, and effective system that reduces plastic in landfills, conserves resources and saves you cash. In fact, when you finish your Just Add Water starter kit and buy cartridge refills, you can make 2 full bottles of cleaner for less than $2.00 each.

JAWS comes in four cleaners:

Bathroom Cleaner/Deodorizer

Lime? Soap scum? Mineral deposits?

Say farewell to slime.

I did not use this in my office - But I did use it in my bathrooms and it did a great job!

Disinfectant, Cleaner, Degreaser

Bacteria, viruses,
fungus, germs?
Give these unwelcome
guests the boot.

With two sick kids in the house, I used this on all the doorknobs, light switches, and any other non pourous surface I could find in my office because it claims to kill 99.9% of germs!

Multi Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser

Grease? Grime?

This is the stuff that cuts right through the ‘ick’.

This stuff rocks! I have 3 desks in my office and the one my kids use can get awfully gross. I don't know what they do, but it can get awfully grimy! Plus, Betsy is addicted to pens and so there are always random pen marks all over her desk! I used this on both my desks and the dirt, grime, and pen marks came out very easily!

Before JAWS

After JAWS

Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner

I used this on the inside of my office window as well as on my monitors in my office. No, I did not spray this directly on the monitor, I sprayed it on a cloth first and then wiped down the monitors. It did a great job and did not leave any streaks or film which is what I was a little concerned about on my monitor. What I like most about it, is that now I do not need to buy separate cleaner for my monitors!

More about JAWS Cleaning Products:

• With one reusable bottle, a compact cartridge refill, and your own water, the Just Add Water System costs you 30-50% less than the ready-to-use stuff.


• Each Just Add Water cartridge contains super-concentrated cleaning power, which, when released in water, creates a high performance clean. JAWS cleaners work as hard as the other guys, if not harder. They’re as powerful on dirt as they are gentle on the planet.


• JAWS cleaners use 70% less packaging material, leave 59% less packaging waste, require 59% less energy to transport, reduce water pollutants by 85%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 60%.


• Each JAWS reusable bottle comes with two cartridges, which fit right into a convenient on-bottle storage holder. Everything’s in one uncluttered spot.


• The Just Add Water System comes with everything you need. One full refillable bottle, a reusable trigger sprayer and two super-concentrated cleaning cartridges.


• No harsh chemicals.


• JAWS cleaners comply with the EPA’s Safer Detergent Stewardship Initiative. http://bit.ly/48yrFy


• Through the Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI), EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) Program recognizes environmental leaders who voluntarily commit to the use of safer surfactants. Safer surfactants are surfactants that break down quickly to non-polluting compounds and help protect aquatic life in both fresh and salt water.


• They are non-toxic and readily biodegradable. (60% of cleaner biodegrades within 28 days.)


• JAWS is developing a natural line for a major retailer, which will be available later this year.

Buy It!

You can purchase JAWS - Just Add Water System at local retailers or buy it online

Win It!

One of my readers will win their very own Home Cleaning Kit on my other blog, Katie Talks Carolina!

Head on over to Katie Talks Carolina to enter to win a Jaws Home Cleaning Kit that includes:

4 Reusable Spray Bottles
2 cartridges each of:

• Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner


• Bathroom Cleaner/Deodorizer


• Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser


• Disinfectant Degreaser

Little Debbie Snacks - A Million Smiles PLUS Coupons!

Little Debbie is on a mission to get a million smiles –

by sharing our newest snack cakes with as many people as possible!

Little Debbie Snacks have always been in my house. They are economical and my kids love them! But, they just way over the top with their new Cloud Cakes!

What’s Little Debbie cooked up now?

A delicious new treat that’s taken golden sponge cake to the next level.

Light and fresh NEW Little Debbie Cloud Cakes are filled with smooth vanilla crème. And they’re not just delicious - Little Debbie Cloud Cakes are priced right for today’s economy. MSRP is $3.09 for a box of ten, so Cloud Cakes are typically a better value than the competition.

Food for thought:

• There were 200 different recipe variations in the test kitchens before coming up with the new Little Debbie Cloud Cakes
• In taste tests, most consumers prefer these new light, delicious, crème-filled golden sponge cakes

“During our blind taste tests, consumers described Little Debbie Cloud Cakes as delicious, soft, light, moist and fresh-tasting,” said Little Debbie Product Manager Chip Stenberg. “Most said our Cloud Cakes are better than the competition. So we added one more ingredient just to be sure — value.”

When can you get a taste of these treats?

Look for Little Debbie Cloud Cakes on the shelves of your favorite stores now.

Watch for updates at littledebbie.com and facebook.com/littledebbie. You can also get exclusive coupons and discounts, and share your favorite Little Debbie memories, traditions, recipes and more with half a million other Little Debbie lovers!

While you’re there, share your smile!

America’s favorite snack cake company is on a mission – the Little Debbie Million Smile Mission – to find a million smiles to make up this Little Debbie photo mosaic portrait.

It’s so easy to share your smile!

• Simply upload a smiling photo of yourself from your desktop to littledebbie.com or facebook.com/littledebbie.
• Once your picture is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The link will give you the opportunity to find your image among thousands of other photos, highlighted within the Little Debbie logo. You can also share your smile with friends and family, and view the other images added to the Little Debbie photo mosaic portrait.

I did this! I can't wait to see what it looks like when it gets approved!!!

Help us reach our goal of sharing a million smiles with America - and while you’re there, enter for a chance to win an 16-foot Airstream trailer and other great prizes!

My Team Must Think I am a Flake

Friday Night soccer with my team has pretty much been one of my favorite things to do for as long as I remember. I have made some good friends on that team and we can play a mean game of soccer! I have always prided myself on being there every game, hardly ever missing. Rain, heat, snow can't keep me away!

But this season has been different. We started 4 weeks ago and since that time I have only been once! And that was the first game! First I was sick, then my kids karate night changed, then I was sick again and this week I will be out of town!!! OH! They must think I am a flake!

But I am not! I shall return with bells on my feet!

Play Hard, Smell Great! Tide and Target Gift Certificate Giveaway CLOSED

We are a sports loving family. I play soccer on a Womens League every Friday night and my kids are always involved with one sport or another all through the year and keeping our clothes clean and fresh is definitely important!

Keeping athletic apparel clean, fresh and looking good can be a challenge. That’s because sport stains and odors can be particularly difficult to remove from clothing – particularly the newer, breathable fabrics that can help keep you cool and dry but can also produce difficult stains.

Procter & Gamble and Target are partnering to offer products that can help you keep your clothes clean and fresh!

• Tide® Plus Febreze Freshness Sport™ is designed to help remove tough stains and odors from clothes that take the hardest hits. It helps leave your entire load clean and fresh, which can eliminate the need to purchase specialty products or wash your active wear separately. What a convenience, right? And, what’s more, it’s renewing freshness technology releases freshness as you move -- giving you added confidence on the court, in the field or at the gym.
• Febreze® SPORT Extreme Odor Eliminator™ with Sweat X Technology helps eliminate lingering sports odors. It is specifically formulated to eliminate sweat odors on shoes, apparel and gear.
• C9 by Champion™, an active wear line available exclusively at Target stores and Target.com.

I was given a $10.00 GC, Tide Samples, and Tide Coupons to check these products out and I can tell you I really did like the Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sports Detergent. I mean, who can go wring when Tide and Febreze are partnered!

Plus, from February 6 - March 16 Target guests can find in-store coupons on specially marked Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sports, Febreze Extreme Sport Odor Eliminator, and C9 by Champion, Target's exclusive active wear line.

Want to try it for yourself? Then visit Target or enter my giveaway!

Giveaway

TWO winners will receive a 10.00 Target Giftcard, Tide Samples, and some coupons ($4.50 in total savings) for Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport, Febreze SPORT Extreme Odor Eliminator and C9 active wear (redeemable at Target stores nationwide)!

Entries

1. To enter, tell me why you like Tide or Febreze!

(Make sure your email address is in the comment or is easily accessible via your blog profile or blog itself. I need to be able to contact you!)

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the "extra" entries. Comments like "enter me" will not be eligible!

Extra Entries

For each extra entry please post an additional comment(s)!

Get extra entries for doing any of the following of the following:

Follow Me (on Google Friend Connect) (2 Entries)

Sign up for my Email Feed (2 Entries)

Follow Me on Twitter (2 Entries)

"Like" Tide on Facebook (2 Entries)

"Like" Febreze on Facebook (2 Entries)

"Like" A Shopper's Quest on Facebook (2 Entries)
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Follow my New Blog - Katie Talks Carolina (2 Entries)

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"Like" Katie Talks Carolina on Facebook (2 Entries)

You have until Friday February 25th 11:59pm EST to enter.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I'll pick another.

Disclosure: Procter & Gamble provided the coupons, samples and gift card for me, as well any coupons, samples or gift cards provided as part this contest.

You're It - Successful Single Mothering after Divorce - Book Review

I recently had the opportunity to read "You're it - Successful Single Mothering after Divorce" written by Jeanne L. Ward.

About the book:

You've just become a single mother. There are tons of thoughts running through your head including self-pity, reluctance, and maybe even unresolved feelings about your ex-husband. Allow yourself a few days of pity and large amounts of chocolate and then pick up this book and learn to again embrace the wonderful possibilities life has to offer. You're It! Successful Single Mothering after Divorce will teach you to take a hard look at yourself, create a plan and move forward to be the best woman and mother you can be. Accomplishing these things is a process and does not occur overnight; however, with time you will learn to approach your life with a deep commitment to yourself, your children and your life as a family. This is a comprehensive guide for all divorced mothers. In fact, it's a MUST READ for every divorced mother. I only wish this enlightening book had been published when I was a divorced mother many years ago. This educational and entertaining book answers every question a newly divorced mother might have about "next steps and reality." The author is an authority on this subject and writes this how-to book from personal experience and knowledge. -- Delores Kesler, Chairman of the Board PSS World Medical Jeanne L. Ward has served as a teacher, counselor and adjunct professor at a local university. She has also served as a government official, economic development consultant and child advocate. Jeanne and her husband, Charlie, reside in Jacksonville, Florida."

My opinion:

Honestly, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am not divorced or separated, but unfortunately I know a lot of women that are and you can bet that I will be handing this book around. Not a "preachy" book by any means, but more of a "I have been there and done that - here is what has helped me". Plus, the way the book is written, you kind of get the feeling that you know Ms. Ward. That she is speaking to you.

However, I think the best thing about this book is that, in my opinion, most of the advice she offers can be used by any mother, divorced or not. For example, Chapter 10, Tick Tock, It's 6 O'clock - Childcare for all Ages, she encourages her readers to know all they can about their childs life - become a detective of sorts, as well as advising her readers to accept nothing less that a quality, licensed and warm daycare, afterschool environment for children.

This book definitely gets a thumbs up from me.

You can find the book online through the publisher or Amazon.

Valentine's Day Gift From Post-It

If you are like me, you do not spend a fortune on Valentine's Day, but at the same time you always get your significant other or kids a little something.

Check out the Post-It Heart Dispenser! I know my daughter, who loves anything Post-It, would love this for Valentine's Day!

Keep love notes that ‘stick’ handy with the fun and functional heart-shaped Post-it Pop-up Note Dispenser!

Features and Benefits:

• Take note of all of your Valentine’s Day to-do’s on Post-it Pop-up Notes from the unique, heart-shaped dispenser
• ‘Honey-do’ reminders are made easy with Post-it® Notes available at your fingertips
• Weighted dispenser makes for simple, one-hand dispensing
• Includes a 50-sheet pad of 3” X 3” Post-it® Pop-up Notes
• 3M and Post-it are trademarks of 3M Company.
• Refills easily with 3” X 3” Post-it® Pop-up Notes

Retails from 8.50.

PSSST...This item will also be featured in my Home Office Makeover Event on Katie Talks Carolina starting February 21!

Two Vultures and a Pup

This occurs in my house on a daily basis.

Want to Spice up Your Pizza? Then Add TABASCO Original Red

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

My house is never without TABASCO® Original Red because we use it on just about everything. From tacos and enchiladas to eggs and, my favorite – CHILI! TABASCO Original Red enhances the flavor of our food, as opposed to adding another flavor or masking the flavors that are already there.

It is “So Much More Than Hot”! “TABASCOOriginal Red is not about heat for heat’s sake. It’s about what heat does to the flavor of food. The simple combination of salt, red pepper, and vinegar are perfected in a 3-year aging process that produces a hot sauce with the uncanny ability to bring the most out of your food. Other hot sauces add their own specific flavor to food. TABASCO Original Red simply enhances the flavor of food.”

Want to try an awesome TABASCO Original Red Chili Recipe? Then look no further!

Mom’s TABASCO Original Red Chili Recipe

Ingredients:
1 - 1.5 lbs Ground Chuck
(1) Green Pepper (chopped)
(2) celery stalks - chopped
(2) Large cans Bush's Chili Beans
(1) small can pinto beans ( washed & drained)
(1) Large can of Crushed Tomatoes
(1) Small can Tomato Sauce
1-1.5 Tbl Chili Powder
2 Tsp Cumin
2 – 3 Dashes of TABASCO Original Red

Directions:
1. Brown and Drain Meat
2. Add spices to meat, cook on low in order for meat to absorb spices
3. Add all ingredients (including meat) into a large sauce pan and cook until warm.
AND SERVE! SO EASY!

Have you tried TABASCO Original Red on Pizza? If not, give it a whirl. You may just find that Football Season, or any Season for that matter, is not complete without Pizza and TABASCO Original Red.

Just because the Football Season is ending, that doesn’t mean you can’t check out the Game-Day Party Menu from TABASCO Original Red. I am always looking for new recipes that I can use TABASCO and this is a great resource!

And check out Pizza Perfected! You will find great ways to spice up your delivered pizza. I know I did!

Valentine's Day Gift Idea - Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set

I don't know about you, but I am a scent addict. I really am. So when special occasions come around, my husband (and everyone else that knows me) knows that perfume is always a welcomed gift.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner and with budget's tightening, it is nice to know that you can purchase nice, inexpensive gifts like the Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set without breaking the bank!

"According to the U.S. National Retail Federation, Americans spend approximately $100 each on Valentine’s gifts, meals and entertainment. This year, opt for a more affordable and unique way to show how much you love her with a Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set, featuring fragrances from Halle Berry, Faith Hill and Baby Phat."

The Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set combines a plush, cuddly stuffed bear with a romantic scent. The Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set comes in the following scents:

Halle Berry Pure Orchid: For the alluring romantic, this Floral Woodsy fragrance evokes a mysterious sexiness and intriguing sensuality that leaves a memorable impression throughout the day and night.

Halle by Halle Berry: For the effortless beauty, this modern and sensuous Woodsy Oriental fragrance evokes the confidence and beauty of women with an enticing sensorial fusion.

Faith Hill True: Faith Hill True embodies the casual sensuality of the passionate and spirited beauty.

Faith by Faith Hill: Faith by Faith Hill is a sparkling bouquet with dimension and depth.

Baby Phat DARE ME: This captivating scent is the essence of independence, created for the flirtatious, fun-loving girl.



I received the The Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set with the "Faith Hill True" scent and quite enjoy the scent. It is not overpowering, too fruity, or too sweet. It has a hint of floral and citrus combined with a woodsy scent. Definitely a fragrance I would purchase again.

The Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Sets can be found in most mass merchandisers and drug retailers for $15.99.

Credit Card Bills Getting You Down? Franklin Debt Relief Offers Debt Advice

When debt is hanging over your head, even everyday activities like walking to the mailbox or answering the phone seem daunting. Who has sent you to collections now? Which creditor is calling you? That kind of stress can make your life miserable. It is not like you don’t want to pay those credit card bills or medical bills, but you have got yourself into a tangled web of debt that you can’t seem to pull yourself out of. Does that sound familiar?

Franklin Debt Relief offers a multitude of options to help you reduce your monthly debt payments and relieve some of that everyday stress. Credit Card bills can be a nightmare sometimes. When I was in college I was getting one credit card after the other and no one seemed to care that my balance was going higher, my payments were coming later, and eventually I skipped months all together. I wish I had known about companies like Franklin Debt Relief back then. It would have saved me a lot of time and stress.

Franklin Debt Relief offers debt advice to people who are in situations they feel like they can’t get out of. After reviewing some of their free advice through their FAQ section, I feel like they offer some great advice without the “fluff”. They are even up front and honest and say that sometimes Debt Consolidation may not work for some people. Now, they are not in the business to want to turn you away and it does seem like they do want to help you.

What I found especially helpful is they also offer an option for Medical Bill Debt. If you have ever had an extended stay in the hospital or even a condition that requires a lot of medical attention, you know just how excruciating Medical Bills can be. Check out Franklin Debt Relief for more information.

It was also nice to see right on their homepage a section about Reputable Debt Consolidation firms. What defines a Debt Consolidation company as Reputable? What does the FTC say about it? What exactly does Debt Consolidation mean? You can find all of these answers and more at Franklin Debt Consolidation.

If you successfully complete their program, it is possible you can enjoy these benefits:

Settle your debts for less than you owe

Resolve your unsecured debts in 18 to 60 months

No Up Front Fees - Don't Pay Till You See Results!

Contact Franklin Debt Relief today or find them on Facebook or Twitter.

This is a sponsored post.

When Your Home is Invaded, Try Victor Pest Control!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Victor Pest. All opinions are 100% mine.

No one wants to talk about it because, frankly, when you think about it, it just is disgusting. However, in life, disgusting happens! What am I talking about? Rodent Control - You know... mice and how they can invade your home? YUCK!

Unfortunately, mice like my garage and there has been more than one incident of having to find them and trap them and get rid of them and it gives me the heebie jeebies for sure!

If you are unfortunate enough to have mice problems like us, at least be comforted in the fact that Victor®, the specialists in rodent control, carry a full line of products for mouse problems that are highly efficient, safe for kids and pets, and non-toxic. With two kids and three dogs safety is very important to me, but so is effectively getting rid of mice!

Victor® provides a highly effective combination of very economical electronic traps and powerful electronic pest control devices that can help control your mouse problem and protect your space without being toxic or inhumane.

Products Offered

Pest Chasers:

Are kinder than traps, safer than poisons, and there are no dead rodents to dispose of so it minimizes human contact with mice, rats, and other disease-bearing rodents.
 

 

• Sound emitted from devices is completely inaudible to people and non-rodent pets.
• Reduction in rodent activity should occur within 6-10 days. Estimated service life of the unit is 5-7 years or more.
• Ultrasonic sound cannot penetrate furniture, cabinets or walls. Multiple units required for multiple rooms.
• Victor® PestChasers® are the only repellents backed by third-party laboratory research and exhaustive field tests.
• Additionally, the Victor® Ultrasonic PestChaser® is one of ONLY two ultrasonic device
  Victor® was granted registration by the Canadian EPA(PMRA) due to their strict testing standards on electronic rodent repellent devices.

Victor Electronic Traps:

• Safe to use around children
• 100% efficacy
• Humane
• No see – No touch solution

Special Offer

Victor® Protect Your Space Combo Kit for $99.99 with FREE shipping!!

Right now you can get the Victor® Protect Your Space Combo Kit for 99.00 with Free Shipping!

The kit includes the following:

   (1) Victor® Sonic PestChaser® Heavy Duty Sonic

   (2) Victor® Sonic Mini PestChaser® Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent,

   (2) Victor® Electronic Mouse Trap.

Additional Information on the Promotion, visit Victor®

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rodent controlrodent control

Create A Spa Experience at Home with Arm & Hammer Baking Solda

These days it seems like we are rushing around a million miles a minute trying to get so many things done, but we rarely take time for ourselves. As much as we don't like to admit it, we do need a break. We do need to be pampered. We need to schedule "ME TIME" into our busy lives. We need to do it because it helps us recharge and continue to go a million miles a minute!

What a better way to 'recharge' than with a spa experience? And luckily for us, Arm & Hammer has made it easy for us to create an At Home Spa Experience! Did you know you could wash your hands with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and have the result be silky smooth hands? Or, adding a sprinkle of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to your shampoo can help get rid of the residue left on your hair from other products? I didn't!

Check out the other Arm & Hammer Beauty Tips Beautiful with Baking Soda! Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant

For smooth, radiant skin, give yourself a gentle facial and body scrub with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. Make a paste of 3 parts ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells. Rinse clean. Gentle enough for daily use!

Hair Care

Get rid of product buildup by sprinkling a small amount (quarter-size) of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. The ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable. Soothing Bath Soak For a relaxing ending to a long day, add 1/2 cup of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. Your skin will feel silky smooth!

Home Pedicure Foot Soak

Start your home pedicure by dissolving 3 tablespoons of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda in a basin of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub with a paste of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda.

Pearly Whites

For gleaming smiles, brush teeth with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. . Just sprinkle baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and brush*. For a refreshing mouthwash, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ glass of water. Swish the solution through your teeth and rinse.

*ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda does not contain the anti-cavity ingredient fluoride. Use it where water is fluorinated or when non-fluoride toothpaste is desired for adult use or as directed by your dentist of physician.

Hand Cleanser

Soften skin with a paste of 3 parts ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to 1 part water. Forget the harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with 3 parts ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to your liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.

Clean Brushes and Combs

For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

Natural Deodorant

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda under arms as needed to feel fresh all day. The magic of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda actually absorbs odors instead of just covering them up.

I tried all of these Beauty Tips from Arm & Hammer and although I enjoyed all of them, my two favorites were the Body Exfoliant and the Foot Soak. Both of those made me feel fresh and clean and I didn't have any chemicals on me! With this dry air in the winter, the skin on my legs is awful because it is so dry - but when I followed the instructions and used the Body Exfoliant with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, it clearly did its job by removing the dead skin! And the Foot Soak was an awesome preface to a pedicure. The Foot Soak not only relaxed me, I was able to scrub the dead skin off with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda!

And the best thing about all of this? YOU can do these spa treatments at home, for YOURSELF, all for under a dollar! Have you ever tried any of these Arm & Hammer Spa treatments at home?

Disclosure - I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Arm & Hammer and received a beauty basket to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Kids Answer the Question: What is Love?

Off I went I pounded the pavement looking for kids to answer the age old question - What is Love? Not surprisingly, I received some very strange looks from these kids. They looked at me like I was crazy.

Especially Lili.
Check it out.

Kids think of the craziest ways to explain what love is to them, but with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I know I better figure out what I plan on doing for Valentine's Day. To me, Valentine's Day is not just about your significant other. I know in my house growing up, my Dad always celebrated Valentine's Day with his daughters and wife. Each year I do my best to send the grandparents cards for Valentine's Day, but sometimes it is a holiday that just kind of creeps up on you.

Thankfully, Tiny Prints offers some great Valentine's greeting cards, Valentine's kids cards, and a host of Valentine's Days stickers and gift tags!

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Valentines Day cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Offering exclusive designs from the nation's top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars.

Check out Tiny Prints today!

Disclosure: I received a gift as compensation for this post.

Kellogg's FiberPlus Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

You know how it is. Make a New Years Resolution to eat more fiber, tell yourself every week, "I will eat more fiber!" and then, you fail to do so. Not because lack of want, but because sometimes, you are afraid you will be choking down something that tastes like cardboard..or worse!

Well, no fear because Kellogg's has added a new flavor to their arsenal of FiberPlus Bars - Caramel Coconut Fudge! Oh Yes! You heard me correctly - all three of those flavors mixed together - YUMMY! But, it is not just that it tastes good - NO! It also has 35% of your daily fiber, 7 grams of whole grains, PLUS antioxidants vitamin E & Zinc!


I will admit, my daily intake of fiber is probably really lacking and I never really paid attention to it until I realized eating fiber actually makes you feel full! It was at this time that I tried several different "fiber" bars and I can honestly say, by far the Kellogg's Fiber Plus Bars have been my favorite. As anyone that knows me can attest - I am a very picky eater. Kellogg's Fiber PlusBars come in Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Almond, Chocolatey Peanut Butter, and now Caramel Coconut Fudge!

Giveaway

Ten winners will each receive a coupon good for one FREE box of Kellogg's FiberPlus bars!

Entries

1. To enter, tell me which flavor you would try if you won!

(Make sure your email address is in the comment or is easily accessible via your blog profile or blog itself. I need to be able to contact you!)

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the "extra" entries. Comments like "enter me" will not be eligible!

Extra Entries

For each extra entry please post an additional comment(s)!

Get extra entries for doing any of the following of the following:

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You have until Wednesday February 9th 11:59pm EST to enter.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I'll pick another.

Disclosure: I received the above product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was given. Contest Rules.