Crunchy Green Lovin' Mom

Week 2 - Letter to .... 30-something Dating newbie

2012-01-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Dear 30-something Dating newbie,

Do you remember when you were a teenand dating involved those silly little games, someone else telling you theywanted you to date their friend because he had a crush on you? How about thefact that they wanted to break up with you because your hair was toolong/short/dark/light? Forget about it…. You’re an adult now, you are in yourmid-30’s, you might have a family or finally see a break in your career. Youmight have just come out of a 10+ year marriage and you are looking toward theidea of finding someone you want to spend time with.

So youstart off where many people start. Craigslist, Nothing against the site, whenit comes to finding an I-pod or a used fridge NOTHING beats it. When it comesto finding love, it might be a little difficult to shuffle through the spam andfilth to get a person that’s worth dating. If you want funny stories, it’s theway to go!

Regardlesswhether you get a site you pay-for, one for free or have a large group offriends that set you up on blind dates all the time, there are a few things toremember.

· You don’t NEED to date. You WANT to date. Thereis a huge difference mentally between these two words. Make sure the man knowsthis before going into it.

· If you have kids, be careful. Research the man;don’t introduce the kids too soon.

· Be honest, totally honest. Put up a recentpicture… if you don’t want to date someone of a certain race, religion, zodiacsign, etc, make note of it in your head. That way you can search using theright parameters.

· Don’t expect to find “Romeo”… expect to findYOUR Mr. Now.

· If there is no “magic”, no “spark”, don’t let itgo too far and/or end it soon. It’s not worth leading someone on or rollingyour eyes on a phone call when you can happily move on and find someone else tospend time with.

Just have fun! It’s not all about how many dates you can get,playing games or being bored with someone who’s cute but has no substance. Weare older now, we don’t want to “raise” a husband, and we want a grown man.Once you find one, you’ll hang up your dating gloves forever!!

Good luck!

Me….

~Just as a side note: I found my guy on PlentyofFish.comafter taking a year and a half off dating to “get my head on straight”. I was asingle Mom of 6 kids and now am getting married in 34 weeks! I was not paid byCraigslist or PlentyofFish.com to write this, I am just writing fromexperience~

K5 Learning - Because learning can also be taught at home

2012-01-11T18:36:00.001-07:00

I believe that school is an integral part of our kids lives. For learning, socialization and problem solving, they get it all in one single day... add 4 more and they get a week of growth right before our eyes. I've got one child in college, another one graduating in 5 months and another graduating next year. I also have 4 others still in elementary school waiting to take on the world that is provided for them.

Now, I don't believe that schools are the only teachers around, even with our kids in school we still need to do some extra work at home that isn't always required. Because not all kids are created equal and without parental interaction they can't make it in a fast moving school.

That being said I'm always looking for new ways to help my kids navigate through school and get the core essentials that will build a stable foundation later on in life. So I am turning to K5 Learning.

K5 Math is an award-winning program which builds self confidence and a deep understanding of math concepts. K5 Math covers numbers and operations, geometry, measurement (including time and money), algebraic thinking and data analysis.
K5 Math Facts uses adaptive technology to help kids develop instant recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Progress on each and every math fact is monitored until mastery is obtained.

K5 Spelling is an advanced vocabulary program which improves language skills one word at a time. We feature adaptive instruction, automatic word generation, an optimized visual interface, and a 150,000+ word database.

K5 Reading helps kids become strong readers and develop a love of reading. This award-winning program covers phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.

Mom... Phineas and Ferb are coming to Denver for a Live Show!!

2012-01-10T14:25:00.001-07:00

I don’t watch a ton of kids shows: I know... shocker that Ihave 7 kids and not many shows go on in my house that annoy the tar out of me.BUT… I am going to make a confession. I DIG Phineas & Ferb, they are funny,have great music and aren’t annoying or mindless like so many kids shows thesedays.

When I was told that Disney's Phineas & Ferb were coming to theWells Fargo Theatre in Downtown Denver, I was THRILLED! It’s a perfect time ofyear to snuggle up in the theatre, watch a great stage show and see my kidsgiggle at the antics.

Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

Want to see the same show? Want to enjoy a night out withthe kids and a ton of other people laughing and dancing to cool songs? Wellhere is your much needed information for a night the kids will never forget:

Friday, February 3 at 7:00 PM

Saturday, February 4 at 1:00PM, 4:00PM, & 7:00PM

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

If you want to sit in VIP Stage-side seats the tickets are$67. All other seats are 27$ and less.

Now, if you want to go on February 3^rd at 7pm,you can save $3 using the code: FFAPF

(Valid on Friday performance only; excludes VIP andstage-side seating. No double discount, redeem through Ticketmaster at1-800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com/PhineasDenver)

Oh... And for those of you who asked, “Hey, where’s Perry?” Ican only tell you that he’ll be there… ready to foil another one of Dr.Doofenshmirtz’s evil plans!

Come on out to the show, let me know if you’ll be there!!

Fire Bubbles and Exploding Toothpaste - Steve Spangler Rocks!

2012-01-06T10:55:00.001-07:00

Steve Spangler is like the Tim Taylor of Science. He’s always looking for ways to do it bigger, better and to keepthe interest of our littlest scientists, our kids. Not all science projects arecreated equal. Do you remember learning about cornstarch and its reaction towater? Too much and you lose it … too little and you can’t work it (Davefigured this out this weekend while making a white onion sauce). But… did youever get to play with it? To make it move and dance like a scientific marionette?Well… I can tell you that this is one fun way to learn how and why somethingreacts this way.

Now, Steve Spangler has a new bookcalled Fire Bubbles and ExplodingToothpaste with 25 new and extraordinary home experiments. What do youneed? Each task tells you what fun things you can, step by step instructions,the hows and whys of each project and the photos are amazing.

You’ll have a blast withthese experiments…

· Floating Bowling Balls

· Pop Bottle Music

· Bouncing Smoke Bubbles

· Walking on Eggshells

· Balancing Nails

· Fireproof Balloon

· Skateboard Rocket Car

My kids and I are choosingour experiments now, I’ve found out where to get dry ice in my area and thathas opened a whole new group of possibilities! Hopefully next year when mydaughter is six she’ll ask for a Science party for her birthday…. A Mom candream right?

If you want to find thebook it is The book issoftcover, 160 pages, over 200 color photographs. Published by Greenleaf BookGroup, Austin, Texas and can be purchased at Steve Spangler Science

(I was given a copy of this book for review, it didn’tTELL me my opinion… my opinion is my own)

Dear.... - Letters of the year - Week 1

2012-01-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Single Mom,

People talk about the "let down" after the holidays. December 27th is depressing because after months of planning in a whirlwind of wrapping paper and gift cards you are left with a tree and no gifts, stockings with no treats and visiting relatives that aren't set to leave until after the new year. It's a hard time for everyone... but as a single/divorced/separated mom you experience this every week.

Once a week you have to let go of your little ones and drop them off with their other parenting unit. For me it is Tuesday nights, I pick them up from the babysitter after work at 3:30. I take them to a yogurt shop, a pet store or any variety of places to kill 30-45 minutes. Then the drive to their dad's house. A bit of small talk, exchanging of clothes, coats, shoes and information about what monies are due in the next few weeks and I'm back in my car. My youngest who is three usually cries the whole time, running to the side of the road for one last blown kiss and a tearful wave goodbye.

I pull away with a heavy heart and the car is quiet. I don't realize how much of my energy is spent as "mom" until the little ones are gone for a few days. Suddenly I'm not policing them from the front seat as they start to argue in the back. I am not constantly looking in the rear view mirror to see if they are okay. I'm just me once again, a quick glance back at the empty car seats and I sigh heavily. It's a letdown, all of the energy of getting them packed up, out of the house, into the car and then off again, zipping around to keep my mind and theirs off of the fact that they are leaving me for 2-5 days.

There is a sadness that always threatens to take over.Don't get me wrong, the "me" time is great. I can sleep without having a little girl crawl into bed with me, I can go to bed BEFORE 8:30pm if I want to or even manage to go an entire night without saying, "Stop touching that!". But there is still a quiet sadness on that drive home, at time's it's heart wrenching and brings tears to my eyes. However, there is nothing that can be done, I've got to be strong, because if not, I'm possibly losing the one thing that'll be there when they are all grown up.

Me.

What can be done to help you with this? Don't give in to the sadness, don't go home and sulk or walk around aimlessly. Order some photos from Walgreen's and pick them up on the day you drop off the kids. Have a coffee at Starbucks, just you. Enjoy wandering through Sunflower Market and looking at the new herbal face washes. Go to the library and sit with a magazine that you don't subscribe to, read it. Whatever it is... take time for YOU! It will go a long way to helping you feel revived and remembering who "you" are again.

Good luck.
Love,
Me

Tiny Prints Winner.....

2011-11-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

The winner of the Tiny Prints 50 cards giveaway is:

mummytotwoboys said...

I love the Very Merry Christmas design!

I'll be sending you an email today and hopefully will hear from you by Tuesday Morning, if not, then I'll choose another winner!

Congrats to the winner and Thanks to everyone that entered!

CheeseBurger Soup Crockpot Meal

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

I made this dish the other night and it was a huge hit! Dave turned it into a cheesy mac like thing, which I think made it even better!

2 pds ground beef (I use 1 pd beef, 1 pd ground turkey)
1 medium onion
4 cloves garlic
5-6 med potatoes (chopped)
1 cup carrots (sliced)
1/2 cup ketchup
4 tablespoons mustartd
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 14 oz cans beef broth
2 10.75 oz cans cheddar cheese soup

1.) Cook beef, onion and garlic. Drain
2.) Combine all in crockpot
3.) Cook on low heat in crockpot 10 - 11 hours

Top with shredded cheese

Optional: Pour over Elbow Noodles

Cheap and Easy Thanksgiving Wreath

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Remember last month when I made a Halloween Wreath?

It was easy, cheap and helped me learn new was to construct a wreath so it'll be a bit more sturdy.

First of all I still used a PVC foam cover, but this time I secured it with a zip tie, just inserted one end into the other and tightened.

Next I got some cute ribbon and bags of different color leaves to decorate it with.

Then I alternated the leaves in stacks of 3 (different colors) and glued them together.

Finally I glued them on, added a ribbon I had lying around and surprised Dave with it by hanging it over our bed. I LOVE this wreath, turned out perfect and gets me in the spirit of things.

It's cheap, easy, and fast! Hope you enjoyed it!

Curry Sauce with Sausage and Meatballs

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dave made an amazing dinner this past weekend so I thought in honor of the cold Colorado nights, I'd help ya'll out with something new.

1 - 15 oz can tomato and chili's
2 - 30 oz cans tomato sauce
2 - tablespoons olive oil
3 - tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 - tablespoons onion powder
4 - teaspoons curry powder
3 - teaspoons chili powder
1 - teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 - teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 onion
1 cup mushrooms (optional)

Combine all ingredients and bring to low boil.

Add in crumble sausage (1 pounds) and/or premade meatballs.

Let simmer and put on low.

You can also put this in a crockpot with meatballs for a perfect SuperBowl party dish!!

Tie the Knot Thursday 11/10

2011-11-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Wedding plans are amazing. Even for a girl who never planned out her wedding they can be magical. It's hard to start the dream, but when you do... the dream flows and comes together like you had it in the back of your mind the whole time.

I love traditional, I love chic, I love trendy but I love the feel of vintage. I adore the concept of the 50's when marriage was like a party all week long and there were tin cans tied to the backs of black sedans and dresses were full of tulle and simple heels. Marriage was an institution then, it had defined rules and the attire was just as fanciful.

Now, mix in Tradition and Eclectic and you've got my wedding! Wanna see some things I'm drooling over.
Remember to click on the photos to see the amazing designers of these items, as always, I ONLY use Etsy for all my ideas, because what better way to spread cheer and love, than helping out an artist?

The color, the sparkle, the fact that nothing will be killed in the process of having my wedding? (Other than the amount of beef that will be consumed... but I digress). I want something that will last, I want a brooch I can take off and wear, then return to my bouquet which will last forever... that being said... I'm in love with this!!

Made By: HairBows WonderWorld

Can I tell you a secret? I've always thought red butterflies on a backdrop of white would be a beautiful wedding. The contrast of the crimson against the stark white perfection of the white.... it speaks to my inner rebel. Now.. who wants to eat the butterflies? Yea... I thought so... me too....

Made By: Sugar Robot

Dave and I have chose a quiet wedding, Small, intimate and only with family. We have chose a reception that is the total opposite. HUGE party, at a barn with a DJ, goats running around and horses. Yes... I plan on going crazy for our reception, tons of people and a constant flow of .... drinks. So if you get lost on the way there... just follow the signs.

Made By: Wedding Signs with Love

I rarely do anything for grooms on my Tie the Knot Thursdays, but today, I'm going to start! Every Thursday I'll have one thing for men in my quick guide to give my darling fiancee ideas of what I think he'd love! Or... what I'd love... either way, it's fitting. :) These mean "Strength", written in Kanji on wood... for my guy, whom I think is the greatest superhero... they are perfect!

By: Finds to Treasure

Wordless Wednesday - Playing around with the camera (Mommy and Preschoolers)

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

(Make sure to check out 5 Minutes for Mom to see other Wordless Wednesday entries)

Tiny Prints - 50 Holiday Cards Giveaway

2011-11-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

How would you like to "Keep up with the Jones' " this year?

Ever get those holiday cards that look perfectly put together? Kids smiling, parents with perfect hair and a glossy card that proves it?

I can't help you with the "perfect" picture, but I can help you with the perfect card!

(I've seen these cards in real life. They are totally cute!)

Tiny Prints is on the ball for 2011. They have a ton of offers, amazing cards and without them, my holiday cards would be full of angst and forced smiles while I tried to fit everyone into a photo with keeping my own lipstick from smearing.

Now... these aren't only offers for your extended family, there is a great offer that is only available tomorrow, 11/9/11, where you can receive a FREE card to your kids from Santa! Visit the Tiny Prints Facebook page to find out how to personalize one of the following greeting cards FREE: Checking It Twice or Santa’s Scroll. Hurry! Offer ends 11/9/11 at 11:59 pm (PT).

These are totally cute cards and now I have to figure out who I know that I can send these to, looks like my nieces might be getting some cute cards this year from the man in red.

Now, how would you like to win 50 cards from Tiny Prints? Yes... 50 personalized with your own photos, and whatever style you choose. Even shipping is paid for!

You know you want to, you know you want to show off your adorable family and be the envy of your in-laws this year!

___________________________________________________________________

Giveaway Rules:

ONLY entry:

Go to Tiny Prints and tell me which design you would choose for your holiday card this year.

Make sure to leave me your email address so I can contact the winner.

If you don't already follow me, please do:

Facebook

Twitter

This giveaway will go until November 18, 2011 at 9pm MST. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to contact me back. If I don't hear from them I'll draw a new name.

Shutterfly Holiday cards and gifts

2011-10-26T15:02:00.001-06:00

I loveholiday cards! Every year I hang them up in our kitchen so I can see them whileI cook and get tons of questions from my little ones asking who eachrelative/friend is.

I love themeven more when they have personalized photos on them because many times I don’tget to see my friends kids grow up. Since I live so far away from many of myfamily and friends, arethe best way to connect with people I rarely get to see.

Oh, and Ilove shopping for myself as well, Hey… a girl can dream right?

I really likethis one, simple, easy and if I could get my 7 kids to sit still I’d have agreat photo like this one.

Now, for the grandparentsthis year I was thinking about getting something like a photo personalized gifthttp://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts for them,something so they can show off their grandkids for 2011. Great way to bragright?

With 2012looming in the horizon, we could all use a calendar, not something with kittiesor random landscape photos, but something with our families on it showing thesmiling faces we sometimes forget about. I’d love to get one with all our family in it, my mom and dad, siblings,cousins, etc. I think this would go great on my desk… hint hint to my family!

If you lookat making holiday cards make sure to check out Shutterfly, they are beautifuland can get them done in plenty of time for the upcoming holidays. Less than 60days until it’s upon us!

~I received compensation for this post, all opinions aremine, as always~

Santé Nuts with Candied Walnuts

2011-10-20T13:39:00.001-06:00

I LOVE getting packages in the mail. I love them evenmore when they are full of things like food, then, when the food is differentflavored nuts I’m skipping around the kitchen eating them by the handful andgrowling at anyone who comes near them.

Okay… the skipping part might not be true…

The rest of it is… just ask my kids.

Santé Nuts came to my door in different varieties, Candied, regular andgarlic.

Yes, I said Garlic… funny story, Dave’s mom and dad cameover a few days later for his birthday so I set out some for everyone to try,while we had some coffee and just chatted. His dad saw the nuts, and said, “Oh…that one has seasoning on it”, so he popped the garlic almonds inhis mouth.

He hates garlic.

The look on his face was priceless.

Just means more for me!

These nuts are coated in this garlic yumminess that can’tbe compared. They are wonderful eaten alone or in a simple salad.

If you are looking for a good addition to a chicken walnut salad trythe candied walnuts,they were my favorite! (Shhh… don’t tell the other nuts, they get jealous).These sweet treats are perfect and taste like summer.

Goahead and order some for yourself or for the holidays, these would be greatgifts for teachers!

Santéprovided free samples of their nuts for this post. My participation isvoluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Boss and Scandalous Dirt

2011-10-20T10:42:00.000-06:00

I love itwhen actors step outside their mold and into a new role that is beyondsomething we’ve seen before. We all remember Kelsey Grammer as a comedianhowever his new role in “Boss” shows a side ofhim that is conniving, vindictive, an amoral business man who creates his ownform of justice without concern for his people, only for his company.

Series Synopsis:

Mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer) sitslike a spider at the center of Chicago’s web of power; a web built on acovenant with the people. They want to be led; they want disputes settled, jobsdispensed, and loyalties rewarded. If he achieves all this through deceptionand immorality, so be it. As long as he gets the job done, they look the otherway.

Yet despite being the most effectivemayor in recent history, a degenerative brain disorder is ripping everythingaway from him. He can’t trust his memory, his closest allies, or even himself.

Kane’s wife Meredith (Connie Nielsen)knows nothing. Theirs is a marriage of convenience. Kitty O'Neil (KathleenRobertson), Kane’s political aide, has her suspicions but stays silent. Kane’schief of staff, Ezra Stone (Martin Donovan), has no illusions about thestakes involved and doesn’t ask questions. And State Treasurer Ben Zajac(Jeff Hephner) is too concerned with his own political ambitions to noticeanything unusual.

Premiere Information: BOSSpremieres this Friday on STARZ, October 21 @ 10pm ET/PT

Online sampling: The first episode can be seen online and w/o a Starz subscription

Now, if you are looking for some real life scandal then make sure to check out Scandalous Dirt, this site was designed as an interactive and innovative platform where you can use the intuitive sorting function to check out the latest political conversation across the country and add fuel to the fire by voting, tweeting and chiming into the conversation. Depending on the topic of conversation that peaks readers' interest, they have the ability to tweet the article on the spot. There's also an interactive map where you can break down the political scandals by city.

Disclosure: This promotionalsponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for mytime and work on this campaign. Any opinions shared are my own.

My Bucket List

2011-10-19T14:55:00.002-06:00

Imagine the world that would suddenly open up if you foundout that a lifetime wasn’t going to be given to you.

When Dave and I first met I had just gotten a phone callabout an abnormal lump in my right breast. I spent a week stressing andconsidering all of my options in case it did come out as breast cancer. As Ilaid in a dark room staring up at the ceiling tiles I thought about all thethings I had left to do. I remember trying to wipe the tears from my eyes asthey did the biopsy and going to see Dave that night and hiding the fear I hadover the whole ordeal.

It’s been 3 years and I’m happy to say I’m cancer free, thelump turned out to be benign and I go every year for a mammogram, at 38 yearsold I’m luckier than some who never get that chance to write a bucket list andknow that much of it will come to fruition.

The people at Just Ask wantyou to stay around for a good long while so you can cross epic activities andlife-changing achievements off that list of yours. That’s why they’ve developeda test that could save your life—the BRACAnalysis test—by informing you aboutyour chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer.

Have a Bucket List yet?

1.)   Go to a drive in movie
2.)   Photography a homecoming at a military base forour service men and women returning
3.)   Go to Vegas
4.)   Backpack through Europe

5.)   Learn to sew
6.)   Learn sign language
7.)   Climb Longs Peak
8.)   Win a photography contest
9.)   Start my own business
10.) Go to Yellowstone

11.) Write a book
12.) Raft in the Grand Canyon
13.) Shop in Paris
14.) Drink a REAL Guinness
15.) Go to an NFL football game

(Photos from Freefoto.com)

This is my entry in the JustAsk Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

Cheap and Easy Halloween Wreath

2011-10-18T18:26:00.000-06:00

I was on Pinterest the other day and saw an easy way to make a circle wreath out of PVC pipe insulation. That was the beginning of the end for me. Then I started to make plans... "Oh... I can make Holiday wreaths, sports team wreaths, cool things to hang on the front door."

It took me two months to finally conjure up a full idea of what I was doing.

Guess what? Two months took me right into holiday season.... was it my plan all along, NO... but it worked in my favor!

So I started with some cool cupcake liners that I fell in love with.

Then came along the cool bow making fabric.

Then the insulation foam became one with itself and the fabric was wrapped around (get two rolls) and taped together.

Simple so far right?

Then I added on this shabby chic look with the cupcake liners taped to the fabric and... LOOK..

I made a cheap, cool wreath to hang above mine and Dave's bed to bring in the season!

Simple and cheap.

Total cost: Less than 5$

Foam (3 pieces, I only used one): 1.99$

Cupcake liners (I still have tons left): 2$ a package
Fabric: 1$ on sale at Michaels

Kia Optima - New world Hybrid

2011-10-17T09:40:00.000-06:00

When my kidsare older I want them to be environmentally conscious. Not because I didn’t doa good job in recycling but because it’s affordable, and doesn’t inconvenience theirlife anymore than NOT being thoughtful towards the world their kids will oneday live in.

That beingsaid, what if their next car could be something that they would love to driveAND have all the top amenities so they don’t feel like they are missing out onvoice controlled radio and texts.

So I did someresearch, even working in the maintenance field I had no idea how hybrid carsworked, luckily Kia Motors at Kia.com made an infographic to help me out on this. Want tolearn? Check it out here.

After seeing this Idecided to learn more about hybrid vehicles and see what Kia can offer for thefuture generation of car drivers and owners.

I have been under a lotof misconceptions about hybrid cars, they don’t keep up in speed or power, theydon’t have the amenities other car’s have and they cost substantially more.After going to the Kia OptimaFacebook page to interact with the Urban Myth Busters, I learned howwrong I really was.

The Kia Optima Hybrid comes standard with eight-waypower adjustable driver's seat, dual zone automatic temperature control withrear vents, push-button start with smart key, leather-wrapped steeringwheel and shift knob, one-touch automatic up/down on front windows, chromeinterior door handles, glove box illumination, rear reading lamps, and fixedrear seats with ski pass-through.

The Optima Hybrid is the first Kia vehicle tooffer the company's proprietary UVO powered by Microsoft^® hands-free,voice-activated infotainment and communications system which is paired with theAM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system and features a rear-view camera, SIRIUS^®SatelliteRadio capabilities with three months complimentary service⁶,auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players⁷ and Bluetooth^®8 wirelesstechnology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls. Based on WindowsEmbedded Auto Software, UVO is an easy-to-use hands-free solution that allowsdrivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond toSMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and createcustom music experiences.

So… whether you are looking for a new car foryour growing family, a downgrade from your minivan because your family isgetting older or a car for your adult child, click on some videos, do yourresearch, and let me know if you test drove a Kia, I’d love to know how itrides, because it sounds like a great car!

"Thispromotional sponsored post was made possible by MomSpark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work onthis campaign. Thoughts are my own."

Holidays are coming, have you thought about your cards yet?

2011-10-14T13:04:00.001-06:00

Can you smell it coming?

Cooler nights, fires in the backyard, people baking and putting up decorations makes you realize that time is winding down for 2011 and making room for 2012.

I LOVE this time of year, I’m a fan of sweaters, the fireplace and hot cocoa when the little ones come inside with frozen fingers and cold noses.

I also tend to stress more than I need to every year. Why? Because I know that Holiday Cards are coming up, along with gifts and birthdays. I spend a few hours focusing on what holiday card to send out, what my letter will say in it and how are the photos going to look, Silly to stress over it when I always have Tiny Prints on my side right?

Have you seen their 2011 Holiday card line?

Now, with their search option I can pick anything I want. More than 3 photos? Got it…. a new flip card? Got that too…. How about those adorable circle cards?

Decisions, Decisions……

So…. Some of my tempting thoughts this year are…

Whimsical:

Adorable:

Black and White:

Well… in theory I’ll figure it out before Thanksgiving, and have them sent out that first week of December, NOW…. That should stress me more than picking a design, right?

Oh, and don’t forget, they’ll make matching address labels and even address the cards for you.

Having a holiday party? How about some cute invitations to send out in November so everyone can save the date, these would be amazing so you only have to worry about party food instead of fretting.

(I was given free cards by my lovely friends at Free Prints, if you are a blogger and want to be part of the blogger program click here, all opinions are my own)

What I've learned from my friends

2011-10-14T11:05:00.004-06:00

I’d like to think I am a good person, like, in my core Ifeel like I’m within my right to expect decent Karma. Yes, I can be judgmental,unwilling to see the “other” side and snobby. It’s true…. Hang around me enoughand you’ll see an ugly side. But I’m highly empathetic, caring and loving tothose I’m close with.

That being said, I’ve been known to judge people by the waytheir kids act. Many times I won’t say anything but I’ll mutter under my breath“Brat”, “Someone should spank you” or “Well… look at their parents, thatexplains them.” I know… it’s horrible and something I should change.

It seems the universe has helped me along my path to notjudging people’s kids. It brought me my friends. I can’t begin to explain howmuch these people have come to mean to me in the past few years. I’ve watchedthem go through heartaches, I watched them have marital problems, pumpkinproblems and their kids get diagnosed with things like autism to cancer.

(I think this was taken in 2007, these are just some of the ladies I've come to know)

What they have taught me as been the “plant” food I neededfor my personal growth. Yes… somehow I’ve made their issues all about me, it’sthat selfish side, but I need to let the world know what I’ve found outside myselfish bubble to help me grow more everyday.

Mom’s fighting for their kids doesn’t mean theMom is a pain in the rump… it means she loves her kids enough to make somethingunfair, fair.
ALL eateries need an elevator; no one’s childshould EVER have to drag themselves upstairs because there is no elevator fortheir son to get up to where we are having a toy party. This was the day Itruly fell in love with one of my close friends.
Not all illness’ can be seen; autism is silentand can’t be seen by someone walking by. When a child near you doesn’t seem tounderstand what we think is social etiquette, it’s not the parents or the kidsfault, it could be something out of everyone’s control.
Adoption is hard. I know… you’d think of allpeople, I should know this, but I never knew of another world out there thatbelieves adoption is “evil”. That taking a child away from their parent createsunbearable scars and they will fight with you and speak loudly when you tellthem you adopted your child.
NEVER write a letter you can’t take back.Calling someone out because of the cars they drive, because their kids play inthe street and to use the wordage “Retard son” is inhumane and disgusting.People like that should be hung out in the street and shot.
I’ve never known a level of patience like I seewith my friends and their kids. They almost have an energy that’s soothing toeveryone around them when things get hard, when a child is screaming becausethey don’t understand or a strange lady (Me) is in the car when they aren’tused to it. They love with a depth that I respect.
It is okay to stress, to think your life is hard,to need a girl’s night out to gossip. We all need it, embrace those moments.

I can’t thank my friends enough for showing me how to let goof some of my criticism, to open my mind when I’m being blinded by my own judgmentalways. I’ve learned so much from you all. Mucho Amor.

Tillamook Love Loaf Tour - Denver Zoo

2011-10-08T16:06:00.000-06:00

We went to the zoo a few weeks ago with the three youngest kids to take advantage of the "Tillamook Love Loaf Tour" at the Denver Zoo.

The weather was perfect for the zoo and after getting some B*I*N*G*O cards we went inside to find all the animals on our list.

We found snakes, elephants (who are moving soon to the Asian Tropic, as soon as the exhibit opens) and even a Tillamook booth full of fabulous cheese samples. Yes, I ate a lot of cheese this day and the kids loved it.

Baby Loaf was waiting for us next to the booth so the kids got the opportunity to peer inside and see what's inside the little loaf. Pretty cute huh?

We got to see who was the biggest monkey. I'm thinking Dave won.

Then fed the birds.

If you want to get the opportunity to see Baby Loaf or attend one of the many Tillamook Love Loaf tours, make sure to visit their tour schedule here and set up a reminder to go and see them, get some samples and hopefully get to see inside the Baby Loaf.

~I was compensated for this post, all opinions and photos are my own~

Twitter Party and The Organized Cook

2011-10-03T14:57:00.001-06:00

A football player, a Japanese student and a set of preschoolers all walk into the kitchen...

No, this is not a joke, it's my life.

Throw in a mini-hockey player, a 40 year old baseball player and me then suddenly you get the gist of my life. It's chaos, and the hardest thing for me to come up with these days is dinner.

How do I feed my family without compromising their "likes" and "wants" as well as my obsessive need to include veggies, meat, bread and dairy into every meal. Yea... sounds like a challenge, I think this time of year even *I* get bored of my menu choices.

Dave built the family this HUGE 10 person table last year so that we could all sit at it and eat together at least twice a week. Why go through all the trouble? Because we learn a ton while eating with our kids. We learn that my Japanese students wants to open a pastry shop, that the mini hocky player chews with his mouth open and the football player will eat EVERYTHING left on the table once we are all done.

We learn about our kids, and they learn about us, and in the winter when steaming bowls of soup are in front of them with a plate of grilled cheese sandwiches, a calm seems to come over the house for a few seconds while they are shoveling food into their mouth. It's important, even if it only lasts half an hour.

So, whether you have a family of two or a family of 10, we all can use a little help, so please join me and a few of my friends while we talk to "The Organized Cook":

•Date/Time: October 6, 2011 10-11 PM EST, 9-10 PM CST, 8-9 PM MST, 7-8 PM PST

•Hashtag: #mealplanning

•Tweet Grid: TBA

•Hosted by: @OrganizedCook, @tonispilsbury, @chaotic_barb,

•Panelists: @timeoutmom, @parkermama, @birdbanter, @mominmanagement, @crunchygreenmom

Prizes? Who asked for prizes? Well.. you are in luck, you will have the opportunity to win:

•1 winner will receive a free week’s worth of family dinner groceries with a $100 Visa GiftCard

•3 winners will receive a signed copy of Toni’s new book: The Organized Cook™ Cookbook- 12 of her most popular Weekly Meal Plans with menus, grocery shopping lists, and easy to follow instructions.

•3 winners will receive a YEAR LONG subscription to Weekly Meal Plan System from The Organized Cook™-Feed your family a balanced, tasty meal each night whileslashing your dinner grocery bill by up to 50%

But remember, to win you must do the following:

1.RSVP HERE
2.Tweet during the party time using the #mealplanning hashtag
3.Follow @OrganizedCook on Twitter

See ya'll there!

~I was compensated for this post with sanity, new dinner ideas, funny stories... oh, and a touch of monetary means. Gotta feed 7 kids right? All these opinions are mine and if you know me, I take my food VERY seriously :) ~

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Baby

2011-09-28T08:20:00.000-06:00

Yes, he's 40, isn't he adorable?

To see other Wordless Wednesday posts go to 5 Minutes for Mom

Tie the Knot Thursday - Wedding Dress Bliss

2011-09-23T15:08:00.002-06:00

Chiffon, Tulle, Lace, Satin, Cotton… whatever your chosenfabric is for your wedding dress it has a magical feeling on your skin and inyour heart when you see/try on the dress you fall in love with. I’m still onthe hunt for mine, I’ve enlisted Dave’s mother and sister (and hopefully mymother and sister if they can make it) to go wedding dress shopping in the nextfew months. So… in that spirit I’ve chosen today’s post to be all about thedress that you’ll say “I do” in.

Make sure to click on the photos to go to the lovely Etsysite these are from.

There is something beautiful about this dress, it reminds meof a dress we would try on as little girls, made simply by our own hands withimages of running through a field of wild flowers. I love the simple lines andnatural beauty

By: KTJean

As a garden wedding dress this has the magical look of beingsurrounded by fragrant flowers and vines full of honeysuckle. It’s splendid andclassic 1960’s style

By: FatRabbit

Sometimes short and sweet is the best way to describe awedding. Not the length of time you stay married, but in the length of time youwant to spend in that much material. So why not make it easier on yourself?Short dress, amazing heels (to show off your stunning legs) and a cute updo tostart the marriage of right.

By: KTJean

Okay… what am I looking for? V-neck or sweetheart neckline,Low back (to the small of my back), Tank/partial sleeves, Tea length orpossibly longer, corset type waist…. Something to show off my curves and afabulous pair of heels! Have I found it…? I’ve found pieces of the dress onother dresses, but now I need to find the real deal. If ya’ll see anything, sendit my way, until then, here is another one I love!

by: Pure Magnolia Couture

Date Night at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Corn Maze

2011-09-20T20:03:00.002-06:00

Colorado has a ton to offer for children, couples, singletons and as a group of friends, and when the nights get longer it's time for the cooler weather to roll in and give us some of our favorite things.

Full moons over the Rockies and Corn the size of Andre the Giant.

Okay... not something you think of when you see Colorado, but if you are looking for a romantic date night weaving and winding through the 8+ feet stalks of corn you want to take your sweetie to Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.

The maze is 8 acres large, this years theme is Native Roots/Modern Form and has so many things for families and couples to do.

Details:

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 9 through Oct. 30

Fridays 4 – 9 p.m.

Saturdays Noon – 9 p.m.

Sundays Noon – 6 p.m.

Admission

$10 Adults

$8 Member, Student, Seniors (65+)

$6 Child (ages 3-12)

$4 Child Member

Free for children 2 and under

Tips from a seasoned maze escapee: Download this map JUST in case you find yourself with a child yelling, "We are lost, we're gonna starve" (like my 4 year old whom I named "Eeyore" through this experience).

Get some food, take the kids on hayrides and enjoy an evening out with or without the kids, though my advice, just bring your sweetie.. there's something romantic about sitting on a hay bale and watching the moon float on by.

~Thanks to US Family Guide for the great evening~

Campus Book Rentals

2011-09-16T12:11:00.000-06:00

Myoldest daughter, Kara is a student at the UC Boulder here in Colorado. It’s anamazing school and has everything a college kid could ask for. It’s a beautifultown, has a beautiful campus with access to skiing, shopping, small town appealwith college kids everywhere.

Money is tight all over and when it came down to paying forcollege we were lucky that she could ask for financial aid to pay for a toprate education, with a top rate education come high costs for everything,including books.

As her mom I want to make sure to help her with every aspectof her life including finding ways to cut costs and Campus Book Rentals is oneeasy way to do that. How it works:

1. Search foryour textbook rentals.

2. Rent your textbooks.

3. Receive your textbooks -FREE shipping offered!

4. Return your textbooks - WeProvide the Return Envelope and Shipping is FREE!!!

Sounds easy right? You can save up to 90% on purchase price,which means the rental price is MUCH cheaper, you will get them through UPS, any bookreturned within the first 30 days after the order date will be refunded 100%.So if you need to drop a class you won’t have to pay for that book.

They also have incorporated an, at no extra charge, a 15 day grace period which allowsyou to rent

your book early or hold on to it late in the case of a later thannormal final exam.

Also, if you decide you want to keep your book forever, simply accessyour account and select the book or books you wish to buy. Then select the"Buy and Keep My Books" button. This amount is the difference betweenwhat you already paid in rental fees and the value of the book. If you decideto purchase the book, simply complete the checkout process. Your account willbe updated to show the new status. This is why renting is truly risk free.

Campus Book Rentals also donates to Operation smile with each book order to help donate enough to cover a minimum of 1,000 life changing surgeries to cleft lip surgeries on children whose families couldn't otherwise afford it.

So, with upcoming college kids, or family members that havethose fees coming up, this is the perfect way to save money for the studentsand peace of mind for you.

~I wrote this post for www.campusbookrentals.com, Allopinions are mine and I was compensated for the post.~

Tie the Knot Thursday - 9/15

2011-09-16T11:00:00.003-06:00

Once in a blue moon, that is such a true statement when itcomes to mine and Dave’s relationship and marriage. We were perfectly happyjust meeting someone to date on our nights without our children and thenleaving the “serious” stuff up to other couples. Then we met face to face, itwas one of those times that you just read about, I know... it sounds corny butit’s true. We were brought together for a reason that neither of us understood,so when we realized that Sept. 1, 2012 was going to be a full moon AND a bluemoon none the less, we chose that date by the stars and the moon to get marriedunder.

Here’s some “moon” inspired Etsy treats for Tie the KnotThursday.

Moon, silver and trees? What a perfect necklace for aColorado night wedding!

By: Luxe Adornments

What a stunning scarf for a cool Colorado night and a lovelydress. Perfect right?

By: For you Design

I love this necklace, it’s a bit darker than what I’d likefor the wedding, but as a reminder of our night, underneath the full moon, thisnecklace is stunning!

by: Captured Starlight

In the guest rooms at the house we are renting I’d like tohave these in the baskets as a “welcome to Colorado” piece. So perfect for theweekend!

By: StoryBook Soaps

Eversave "How does she do it all?" Blog Carnival and Giveaway

2011-09-14T10:14:00.002-06:00

I’ve heard it my whole life, when I wasdating/single/married it was always the same question.

~How do you do it all?

~I have one/two kids, no idea how you manage to keep itall together with seven.

I have found over the past 4 years that the one thingkeeping me sane is the “me-time” I’ve treated myself to amongst my group offriends. It’s not every month but it’s often enough that I come home feeling alittle less alone in my world as a working mom.

My friends and I change it up, sometimes it’s out for winenight, sometimes to an organized event and other’s its just sitting at a parkfor a play date to wear out the kids.

“Eversave surveyed over 700 moms and 35% said they findtime for themselves once a month and their preferred way to spend that time is pamperingthemselves with manicures, pedicures, facials and other spa treatments.”

What would you do if you were given a chance to talk witha girlfriend or two while getting treated to a Mani/Pedi?

Eversave is being so kind to give 2 save vouchers to onelucky reader. Then you, a friend and perhaps a beloved Crunchy Green Mom canall go and get a Mani/Pedi at Sit ‘N Chirp in Lakewoodinside the The J Eric salon.

Easy Peasy Entry: Leave me a comment of how you“Do it all” in the 24 hours we are given a day!

Don’t worry if you don’t win, you can always get the dealhere, and set up a Girls Day Out, if you invite me I just might show! The Deal for Denver on September 14^th is $22 for $45Spa Combo mani/pedi at Sit ‘N Chirp in Lakewood.

Open Wounds - September 11th

2011-09-12T14:10:00.000-06:00

My 3 and 4 year olddaughters were sitting on the floor with me Sunday morning while I braidedtheir hair. We were talking about the upcoming BBQ and the day at the baseballfield for Dave’s last playoff game.

I startedexplaining Sept 11, 2001 to them and couldn’t make it through the descriptionwithout breaking down into tears. Were my wounds still so tender after 10years? Could it be that all of us who were around then, who witnessed what wedid through TV and the internet would always be affected by the events thattranspired?

I think so.

I know my heart sinks every time I see a photo of thetowers on fire.

I know my heart is saddened and filled with pride when Ithink about those people who fought the hijackers and died in that Pennsylvaniafield.

Nothing will ever erase those memories and sights from myminds-eye; honestly, I don’t ever want to forget.

(Photo from Freephoto.com)

We have men and women who went and signed up the next dayto fight a fight that those people in the towers couldn’t. There are familieswho have lost the innocence that 9/11 took away from us all and a familymember fighting in this war.

We lost a piece of ourselves when the those towers fell,many of us falling to our knees as if pleading for the right words to make it “right”again.

I remember standing in church the next day full of angerand helplessness, feeling that holding hands with the people near me wasn’tdoing enough for those that were missing, possibly forever.

I still feel that anger, I still feel the grief when Ilook at my daughters and know one day they will be sitting in school reading astory about the twin towers/Flight 93 and the atrocities that existed duringthat hour and a half of hell. I want them to hear about it from my lips; I wantthem to know that these aren’t just words or a show they are watching. It wasreal to all of us who still remember where we were when it all became reality.

Bless those that fell and those that were left behind.

Loaf Love Tour comes to Denver

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Romantic spots for a date day without the kids in Denver:

Skybox Lounge

Reservoir (any of them if you are in a canoe)

Backyard

The zoo

Yep… the noisy, hot, sometimes smelly destination full ofchildren. It’s one of mine and Dave’s favorite places to go to without thekids. We can hold hands, relax and see things without yelling the words “Don’tpush your sister” or “If you stick your finger in there that Aardvark is goingto eat off your nail”

We can walk around, smile at one another when we hear otherparents mutter under their breath to their kids. It’s a quiet chaos for us...mainly because it’s not our chaos.

So, when the Tillamook “Loaf Love Tour” came up, I thought… “Self,what a fabulous way to have a date day, enjoy some fresh air AND participate ina Love Tour with a VW and cheese. “ Not many times that combination comestogether… 1) Random Scooby-doo commercials 2) When the Tillamook 1966 Standard VWMicrobuses are joined by The Loafster during the Tour that will hitDenver September 15^th – October 4^th.

(See...I wasn’t just making things up)

Now…how do you get the chance to see The Loafster and perhaps get free entry intothe Zoo?

Denver Zoo*

2300 Steele Street

Denver, CO 80205

Share the “Loaf Love” with Denver-area residents,The Loaf Love Tour will be offering free admission to the Denver Zoo onSaturday, September 17^th for the first 200 fans who sport their brightest & wildest Tillamook Cheese orange.* (Orange-clad fans arriving after the first 200 tickets willreceive $1 off admission.) Once inside, zoo-goers will have the chance to experience theLoaf Love Tour and receive cheese samples, coupons, play Loaf Love Tour bingo& more.

*Freeentry for the first 200 eligible participants only. Free entry starting at 9:00a.m. until limit reached. Participating fans may check-in at the Tillamook BabyLoaf bus located outside the main gates. To win, attendees must be wearing orange. Limit one free entry perperson, no monetary value.

WHEN: September 17^th,2011 – 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Denver Zoo

Soit’s a date right? Dave and I will be out there together holding hands anddancing deftly around children as they scramble for the peacocks. If you seeus, come up and say Hi, take a photo with us… we love chaos.

~These opinions are all mine, but really, how canyou NOT like cheese and the zoo? I am given Media passes into this event and Ipromise to attempt to eat my weight in cheese.~

Fit Fridays 9/9

2011-09-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

It has been a really busy summer here at our house. With 7kids and vacations, parties, media events and some languid days on the canoe,I’ve been really quiet.

However there is another reason behind the silence. Istarted on a new path, one that involved discipline and is requiring more fromme ever yday. How is it something as simple as weight loss could be so blastedtime/energy consuming?

Yes… I started to lose weight pretty hardcore in May andhave since dumped 30 pounds. What have I learned from this adventure?

· Clothing sizes don’t change much until you shedoff around 25-35 pounds.
· The scale is best used once a week. Yes, I do itmore often, but once a week is the only amount I record.
· I need motivation, but more so, I need tomotivate others. I joined LoseIt.com and have a ton of friends, I am on amonthly competition and am seeing people change their lives everyday.
· 5-6 meals a day works well for me. As long as Istay on that path it’s the right amount.
· That “time of the month” is brutal… seriously…

So… since this is a part of my life, it’s also a part of myblog. Welcome to Fit Fridays! Wanna join in with me, come to Loseit.com, I’m onthere and happy to throw out some encouragement.

Denver's chance to see Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Circus 2011

2011-09-08T14:00:00.000-06:00

It’s that time of year again folks. The time of year when Ipack my kids in the car with pajamas, a cup and their blankets, and we head offto the stockyard area of Denver. They are full of squeals, smiles and talkingabout what they are going to see.

Getting out of the car is a task, mainly because they wantto jump out and go running to the elephants and clowns.

No… it’s not a family reunion.

It’s Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, this year’sexciting theme is “Fully Charged”. I’m expecting loud noises, bright lights andthrilling stunts, but I expect that every year and am NEVER disappointed.

2011 Denver Coliseum Performance Schedule:

Thursday, September 29 – 7:00 PM

Friday, September 30 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 1 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM

Sunday, October 2 – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM

Wednesday, October 5 – 7:00 PM

Thursday, October 6 – 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM

Friday, October 7 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 8 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM

Sunday, October 9 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM

Animal Open House:

You can get up close with some of your favorite animalperformers at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Animal Open House! For Children of All Ages, this specialevent begins 90 minutes before show time. So come early, and see how ouramazing animal partners live and play. FREE to all ticket holders! PlayingSeptember 29– October 9 at Denver Coliseum. Get your tickets today.

Ticket Code:

Enter the code: FFAKID at:http://www.ticketmaster.com/RinglingDenver to get kids’ tickets for only $10.

(Valid on all performances; excludes VIP seating; additionalfees may apply. Limit 4 kids tickets per 1 adult ticket.) Redeem throughTicketmaster at; 1-800-745-3000 or at www.Ticketmaster.com/RinglingDenver

“I am a FeldFamily Activator, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending showsand reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised ofthe latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me withcomplimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feldpre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinionthat is 100% mine”

Tie the Knot Thursday - Sept 8, 2011

2011-09-08T08:46:00.001-06:00

It’s been a while since I did Tie the Knot Thursday! I’vebeen struggling with my own wedding trying to figure out what I wanted to do,but I realized that I can love things without implementing them into mywedding. So here it is those Etsy finds that make me swoon and hopefully yousee that say “OMG, that’s it! I’ve been looking all over for X”

This week is full of unique wedding ideas. Things that willmake your guests say “What a cute idea”, “I love that idea” or any variety ofthings that make you feel special for your special day.

We’ve all been called it at least once. “The Angel”, the onethat swooped in and stole the heart of our Daddy/boyfriend, there is nothing asprecious as a woman’s love. However, just because we are considered an “angel”doesn’t mean we are all white and fluffy floating in an Ethereal haze… many ofus are a little darker with a corset and black wings, perhaps even somestiletto heels. Step outside the norm and dress up for you….

By: Blupixie

Some cake toppers are meant to make people smile, I mean ifyou can’t start off your wedding day with a grin, imagine how the next 55 yearsare going to be. Make sure your weddingday has two cupcakes with theses cute toppers on them; it’s the best way to haveyour cake and eat it too!

By: La Santana

These table decorations would be cute at the head table fora wedding reception! I’d like to havethese so I can pull them out every year as a beautiful reminder of our specialday.

By: Plum Blossom Paper

I love different style flowers. Using something every otherperson will have takes away from the personalization for me. I like putting inblacks, bright colors and thing that draw the eye in photos to the desiredpiece. So these flowers are perfect, want to do something different withoutscaring the “traditionalist” parents/grandparents? Here’s a great way to dothat.

By: Ardesign

Wordless Wednesday - Summer 2011 - Some of the reason for my absence

2011-09-06T20:08:00.000-06:00

Make sure to check out other Wordless Wednesday posts on 5 Minutes for Mom.

Macy's Classroom Makeover Sweepstakes

2011-09-06T12:20:00.000-06:00

Schools are not immune to the social economic climate that surrounds us all. In fact, at Jacob’s school we were told that they couldn’t send home books for independent reading because of funding cuts. It’s hard for everyone and unfortunately our kids are the ones that potentially suffer.

How can we help?

Macy’s is coming to the rescue for a lucky winner’s school of choice. How does a $25,000 upgrade for your favorite Homeroom class sound?

Imagine what that could buy.

· Scholastic books for every reading level
· New computers for the students and E-readers to cut costs and room space
· New boards for ease of use through computer based programming instead of dry erase markers
· A Keurig (for bonus points to help your favorite teacher get hyped up to teach)
Whatever the school chooses to buy with this it’ll go a long way for the teachers and the students.

Who is Macy’s?

Established in 1858, Macy's is the Great American Department Store - an iconic retail brand with over 800 stores across the country and online at macys.com. Macy's offers an incredible selection and the best brands, tailored to each and every customer, while providing an experience that transcends ordinary shopping.

A big part of Macy's unique heritage includes our special events - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Fourth of July Fireworks, flower shows, fashion extravaganzas, celebrity appearances and holiday traditions that range from the arrival of Santa Claus to tree lightings and festive window displays. But beyond our signature events, Macy's delivers magical moments every day through our shopping environment, service and merchandise - a great deal of which is sold exclusively through our stores. It's all part of the excitement we've been creating for 151 years...and it's all part of the magic of Macy's!

SheSpeaks is hosting a Twitter party for this amazing opportunity:

When: September 8, 2011 @ 8PM ET
TweetGrid Dashboard: BITLY LINK
Follow: #MacysB2S

How to Enter:

Head to www.facebook.com/macys and like the page
Click the Classroom Makeover Sweeps tab
Fill out the entry form & submit
Share the contest via Facebook and Twitter

Last day to sign up is September 15, 2011.

~Huge thanks to SheSpeaks and the opportunity to promote Macy's Classroom Makeover Sweepstakes~

Wordless Wednesday - What little girls are made of - Ruffles and dirt

2011-07-05T22:33:00.000-06:00

To see other Wordless Wednesday posts, please visit 5 Minutes for Mom

Tie the Knot Thursday - Simple Bride

2011-05-27T12:37:00.000-06:00

The wedding is coming together slowly; I want Colorado forest, romantic fabrics, artistic ways to remember my friends and family. I want subtle, sweet and a Colorado reception with simple breezes and a lot of laughs. Yes… I think I’ve figured out our wedding, now I just need location, time and everything that comes with it 66 weeks in advance!

Think I can buy that through Etsy? I betcha I can….

(Remember to click on the links below the photos to find the great artists)

What an elegant, simple, beautiful dress as you leave for your honeymoon or an engagement party! I think this would be perfect…

Made by: Lirola

Birds… Love Birds….. I LOVE birds! Love birds on a wedding cake? Yes.. I’ll swoon now!

Made By: Orlydesigns

I am not a fan of gold, but something like this to wear after the wedding, as a reminder that true love can never be repressed. Ahem…. Dave... Birthday is coming up soon... Just sayin’… J

Made by: Jezebel Charms

My favors will be local Colorado treats that people can pick through to choose what they want and fill up a shopping tote. I want Colorado friends/Texas family and everyone else to experience, smell and taste Colorado at it’s finest. So when I saw this local tea.. I fell in love!

Made by: twig and leaf botanical

Free Bowling for Kids - AMF Bowling Summer fun!

2011-05-25T12:45:00.001-06:00

Summertime is awesome! Kids are home; they are eating all the food and messing up the house.

I know, I know, it sounds horrible, but it’s nice to come home to a busy house with kids that want to see me. We can do crafts, go outside and get some sun on this skin that’s pasty and sick looking.

One problem with summer that I have, it’s hot. Icky, sticky hot… I don’t do hot very well; it could be the extra pounds I have on my body, my long dark hair, or the fact that moving from Texas was facilitated by my dislike of the humid and hot weather.

So, when it get too hot outside for my liking I want to take the kids to do something indoors, though that can get pricey when you hit an indoor arcade or play area.

So… for those of you looking for something to do with your kids like I am, how about free bowling for your kids?

Yes.. I said it, Kids 16 and under bowl 2 games free (per day) ALL summer long! (Shoe rental not included, but they’re worth paying for.) AMF Bowling lanes are:

Time: open until 8:00PM, 7 days a week.
Dates: Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day) through Monday, September 5 (Labor Day).
Parents go to http://bit.ly/AMFfree to select a participating center (over 200 locations) and complete a simple registration form.
Free game coupons emailed every Sunday starting May 29 for the following week – it’s that simple!

I signed up my gang for this, and I’m planning on doing a cheap deal for those of us 17 and over:

For families of registered kids, a one-time payment of $27.95 buys 2 games per day for 4 people all summer long – it’s the AMF Summer 17 Plus Pass. (Same dates and times as above.)

So, who’s with me? Avoid the heat, get inside and spend a few hours with the family throughout the summer. It’s a ton better than sitting inside the house avoiding the bugs and watching TV.

I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Tie the Knot Thursday - Blushing Bride

2011-05-19T09:21:00.000-06:00

67 weeks away… and I’m still up in the air about my wedding plans. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got more ideas than I can formalize, I just have no idea what I want to do with them. Planning is fun though, it’s nice to look at things and dream.

(Make sure to check out the Etsy creators by clicking on their link)

I think this is a stunning piece of jewelry. It would be perfect for a spring wedding! I always feel more beautiful in pink.

Made by FairchildDesigns

When I went to my facial a few weeks back the aesthetician told me that exfoliating scrubs help the lotion penetrate your skin easier. I’ve been a nightly exfoliating freak ever since, I am sure that using a mask to remove the impurities helps even more and what could be better than a strawberry masque? I am sure that Dave would love the scent of this better than some of the other creations I come up with.

Made by Amelias

I have been tossing around butterflies for the wedding, I know there will be a dessert bar and now that I’ve seen these.. I know I want butterflies on some cupcakes, especially edible ones!!

Made by sweetdejavu

My daughters deserve to feel like princesses the day I marry my king. What little girl would not love to wear a stunning long tutu to their Mother’s wedding? Pink, long and flowing is exactly what I’d love to see them in.

Made by Bambaroo

Dessert bar, cupcakes, butterflies and THIS!! I want this for my wedding and my home

afterward! Just so you know…

Made by Claudia27

Love Words Monday

2011-05-16T10:39:00.000-06:00

(areyouonmyside/tumblr)

Pinterest Tutorial - I am in love with a new distraction

2011-05-12T12:32:00.000-06:00

Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — places where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world. (Taken from the Pinterest site)

It is like sharing Love in one place! I link my friends photos, ideas, food, crafts, wedding MUST HAVE’s… everything!

How to use Pinterest:

1) Log in, upper right hand corner.
2) See if you have any friends online (I am on there under Suzanne Bastien)
3) Then start looking at photos, ideas, and friends things!!

When you like a photo you can scroll over the image and three options will pop up. You can ~Repin, Comment or Like~. If you Repin it you can add a comment and then other people can repin, comment or Like it.

You can click on a picture as well before you Repin it, it will show you your album ex: Wedding Ideas and a comment section.

I don’t want it under Wedding Ideas so I will change it to the album I made called Food – My other Obsession. To change categories you hit the drop down menu and put it in a previously created album or scroll all the way down and create a new album.

Now, they also have a handy dandy “Pin It” tool to put on your tool bar so you can pin to your hearts content.

Just make sure you have Firefox, Safari, and Chrome and then just drag the link to your toolbar.

When you are on a website you can “Pin It” and it’ll give you a list of all the photos on the site to choose from, so you can show the world the things you love!

It’s Easy Peasy… remember, look me up when you get on there, I’ve got “albums” full of a variety of items.

The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center - Destination Wedding

2011-05-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I’ve had the pleasure of living in, knowing that I’ll be getting married here is a blessing, I want a wedding that epitomizes Colorado with a view of everything it has to offer.

The city, the mountains and the weather make it a perfect place to say your vows, enjoy the plethora of activities and get spoiled by the scenery and opportunity to enjoy your big day without having to spend much on decorations, I mean, really… with the towering mountains what more do people want to look at, other than you of course.