Nov 30, 2010

30 Days of Truth, Day 30

Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Dear Me,
You know you are your own worse critic, but let's admit it, there is plenty to love about yourself.   Take a good look at yourself in the mirror, they say the eyes are the window to the soul and yours are pretty darn beautiful.  You are a good person, with a caring heart.  You are a loyal and dependable friend.  You are a hardworking woman, who does all she can to provide for her family.  You live life in a way that you should be proud of.  Your drive to create memories rather than just get through each day will leave a legacy, even after you are gone, that you and your family should be proud of.
Be kind to yourself,
You
PS you survived these 30 days of truth! Go You!


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Toy Story Action Links

If you have a Toy Story fan in your Christmas list, I have a great holiday gift idea for you.

The new Toy Story 3 Action Links are a ton of fun. There are several different sets available and each come with at least one character figure to play with but additional characters can be purchased in 'buddy packs.'  We had a collection of the figures before I was introduced to the Action Links and the Buddy Pack would make great stocking stuffers all by themselves.

The fun part of the Action Links is that you can combine sets to create on long link that can be rearranged again and again for hours of fun.

Toy Story 3 Action Links Evil Dr. Porkchop Attacks Stunt Set is a simple set that was super easy to use and probably mine and Bryan's favorite.  With its easy set up and consistent action, it's a great one of the younger Toy Story fans. Check out this set in action just below the photo.




Toy Story 3 Action Links Jessie to the Rescue Stunt Set is a great set for the Jessie fans.  This set is fairly easy to us and was a BIG hit with the girls.




Toy Story Action Links Junkyard Escape is a fun set with the crane and conveyor belt but can be a little more frustrating for the littler kids to use, I'd suggest this one for 7 or 8 year olds and up.

Toy Story 3 Action Links Sunnyside Breakout Stunt Set took a little figuring out to start with but was actually a pretty easy to use set that was fun to watch.

But the greatest fun comes when you put them all together.  This is not the complete set obviously but it gives you an idea of what they look like when several of them are set up together.





Here are just a FEW of the buddy packs available. 

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Adopted Ed book review

Adopted EdIn honor of November being adoption month, I'd like to share with you a very cute but very honest kids book about adoption, Adopted Ed.
This book presents adoption in a cute, rhyming book in a very honest and real way.  I loved this book, which I have to admit made me cry the first time I read it so I'm glad I read it on my own the first time through.  But this book is perfect for not only kids who have actually been adopted but those who know kids who are adopted or any other child.  I love books like this that help my kids understand that not all families look like ours.  Not that ours is picture perfect AT ALL but sometimes kids have a hard time understanding that other families are different than their own.
This book openly addresses the issues like kids picking on Ed for being different and how he handles that as well as he need to find out about his birth parents.

Product Description

www.AdoptedEd.com - This simple and beautifully illustrated story is about an adopted little boy and his journey through his early years. Sensitive and likable, little Eddie is just like every other kid, eating ice cream and playing ball. At school when he is teased by bullies about being adopted, his mom coaches him through the situation, which ultimately sets the course of his life with personal empowerment. Over time, Eddie feels a strong "void" and becomes curious about his biological parents, which ultimately leads him to find out more. ADOPTED ED concludes with a section of famous people who were adopted.

About the Author

Darren Maddern is just one of the many millions of adopted people throughout the world today. Born in England, Darren was adopted when he was only 10 days old by Don and Dolly Maddern, an American military couple who were stationed at an American Air Force base just outside of Oxford. After spending three years in England, the Madderns were transferred to Tehran, Iran where they settled for the next five years and where Darren attended first and second grades. When Darren completed second grade, the Madderns were transferred again, this time to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, Darren was naturalized as an American citizen. Three years later, the Madderns moved one last time to Colorado, where Darren spent the rest of his formative years. The Madderns made the decision to tell Darren he was adopted at an early age. Like many adoptees, Darren became curious about his birth parents. Sympathetic to the feelings of his adoptive parents, when Darren turned 18, he secretly hired a private investigator to learn the address of his biological grandparents, who were still living in the Oxford area of England. He contacted them through a letter and enclosed a separate letter with the request that it be passed along to his biological mother. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call, and knew immediately who it was from the accent on the other end. This was the first contact with his birth mother. During the emotional phone call, a plan for a reunion was discussed. However, after giving it serious thought Darren just felt he wasn't emotionally ready. It would be another four years before Darren would make his fateful trip overseas. A 22 year old more emotionally mature Darren flew back to England to meet both his biological mother and grandparents. The reunion was everything he could have wished for. At 26, Darren found his biological father and went back again to England to meet him. During this visit he discovered he has two half-brothers. To this day, Darren still enjoys a close relationship with his British family. He also had an extremely close relationship with his adoptive parents, who always encouraged his journey through life. Throughout his life Maddern has been asked about being adopted. Through candidly sharing his story, he's helped many adoptees, parents of adopted children and parents considering adoption. ADOPTED ED is dedicated to both his adopted and biological parents with a special dedication to his mom, Dolly Maddern who passed away in 2000 and his pops, Don Maddern who joined her in 2009. It's also dedicated to every adopted man, woman and child to remind them that they too are indeed - SPECIAL.

Disclosure:  The
product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for
the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been
monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my
family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post
have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Nov 29, 2010

Chicago Bloggers Brunch and Chicago Toy and Game Fair

Things have been a little hectic so I haven't had the chance to share here about the Bloggers Brunch I attended at Navy Pier a couple weekends ago.  The brunch was hosted by Child's Play Communication, a great network I belong to.  And was sponsored by some great companies like Playtex, Mega, Coldstone Creamery, Backyard Safari, Restaurant.com, Belly Washers and Road Rippers by Toy State.

This was a great group of sponsors to talk with and learn from.  Most were brands I was familiar with already but Belly Washers (as well as Tummy Ticklers) was a new brand to me.  These mess proof bottles are filled with 100% juice and can be reused.  Since we are literally always on the go we regularly use sports bottles so I thought these were great.  They have big selection of characters so you're sure to find one your kids will like.  My super hero fans have Ironman, Superman and Batman.  They loved the juice and we have been using the bottles every day since we got them.  They securely close without being impossible for the kids to open.  This is a problem we've had with other bottles which led to the boys using their teeth to open them and quickly made the tops garbage.You could use the tops on other bottles but I like the shape of these bottles over standard sports/water bottles because they don't slip out of their hands as easily.  Belly Washers and Tummy Ticklers can be found at Walmart and other leading retailers nationwide, including many gas stations, which I love the idea of for those days when I forget to grab bottles for them (not that I even forget anything).


With three kids, all whom were bottle fed, Playtex and I go way back.  But of course they are always coming up with new things and improving old ones.  They showed us a new straw cup that is designed to let mom (or dad) squeeze the cup helping get the liquid up the straw.  I thought this was genius, as I've had both great straw users and one that was totally clueless as to what to do with a straw.  It usually only takes that first successful attempt with one but sometimes it just doesn't click for them, or they are patient enough to get anything.  This cup allows you to clue them in.  





In a house full of boys, we aren't really in short supply of cars.  But my boys have fallen in love of one of the cars I received as it has a dial on the back that allows them to "scratch" the music the car plays.  I'm just hoping maybe they can actually make me some money with their "mad mixin' skills" someday in return for enduring, I mean enjoying their music.


Backyard Safari in another company whom we already loved.  But I was giving one of their small lanterns and knew immediately that this would be the item I'd gift to Johnny when I got home that evening.  He was THRILLED with his new light.  I was nervous about how long ti would last to I encouraged him to put it up so he'd have it at bedtime as he wanted.  He has used it every night to read by, played with it through out the day etc and its still going strong.  So it's a hit with me and Johnny!! 

Coldstone Creamery treated us to this delicious creation.  OMG cookie dough, fudge, chocolate shavings...what more could a girl want?  And they gave me a little something to share with you all too, so keep your eyes peeled for a Coldstone giveaway...soon!!

Restaurant.com is a personal favorite of mine.  We don't have a ton of places locally on there but one of my faves is so we can go and have an amazing meal for half the price.  If you haven't checked Restaurant.com out yet, you should.  They offer gift cards for your holiday giving!

And Mega, it's hard to say which line we love more, Mega Blocks or Rose Art!  But we are definitely fans.  And I have to say I didn't realize how many licensed characters were available in Mega blocks, including Marvel, Dora, Thomas and many more.  Mega, generously gave an amazing Thomas set that I have yet to decide whether I'm going to give to the boys just because or save it for under the tree from Santa.  If I don't decide soon they'll probably find it (its not hidden at all just in the trunk of my car) and decide for me!


In addition to the great sponsors, was a great panel discussion.  I learned a little about some things I need to work on here but mostly I felt confirmed in a lot of the things I'm doing and how I feel. 
But by far the best part of it all was meeting other bloggers, many whom I've talked to a ton on line but had never met face to face.  Some whom I had never talked to until the night before but connected with to share a cab from the train station to Navy Pier (thanks again to Cher from Mama's Money Savers).  She was a terrific first person to meet for the day!  And some who's blogs I read everyday and had no clue lived locally.  And I ended the day with a very gracious ride tot he train station from Rita from Look It's Meg Ryan's Mom.  I have to say for my first real bloggers event I was blown away by the kindness and openness of all the ladies.  There has been a lot of talk of cattiness with some events and I didn't feel that at all.  It was a great time and I thank every one of the wonderful ladies I met for making my first experience in real life interaction with bloggers a great one.
Of course, I didn't get any photos of the ladies and I, I don't know why!!  But I DID get a photo with these guys?
As part of the Chicago Toy and Game fair, there is a Star Wars breakfast (I didn't attend the breakfast these guys were wondering around afterward).  And since I didn't have my boys with me to get their photo with them, I decided I HAD to get a photo taken with them!
The Chicago Toy and Game Fair was not as crowded as I thought it would be.  But I am glad I decided to skip bringing the kids.  The older boys might have had fun as there were lots of opportunities to play games but I don't think there would have been enough for Bryan to do to make it worth it.  However, if you are a game enthusiast like my new buddy BlueViolet from A Nut in a Nutshell, you will be in heaven.  The people there are more than willing to take the time to teach you the games AND they had some fabulous specials for the show!


Disclosure: Outside of the food and gifts given by the sponsors I was not paid to attend or write about this event.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback about the products and companies.

30 Days of Truth, Day 29

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Well, this one is daunting.  Putting out there something I want to change means people will be able to look back and see if I have in fact changed.
I'm constantly struggling with my desire to lose weight and get healthy.  I want to do this partly of course, to improve the way I look but more importantly to be able to do everything I want in life.  Sadly, I have allowed myself to get to the point where my weight prevents me from doing stuff.  I'm still not sure what stops me from really getting off my butt and changing it.


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 28, 2010

30 Days of Truth, Day 28

Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Well if I GOT someone pregnant, I'd sell my story to the Inquirer and be rich! Sorry, I couldn't resist.  What would I do right now if I were to find out I was pregnant.  I'd probably freak out for a bit.  Probably panic, and cry etc.  But then I'd get over it and figure out how to make it work...pretty much just like the last three times!!!


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 27, 2010

30 Days of Truth, Day 27

Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
The best?  Just one?  That's tough!  I think the very best has to be that I have my family and they are all healthy and happy.  But I'm also so blessed to have great friends, a home, a job and so much more.
But I think many people take for granted the simple joy of having a healthy family.  I know far too many people who have lost children, or endured agonizing health issues with their children or spouses.  The illness or loss of a loved one changes life in ways people can't imagine. 


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 26, 2010

30 Days of Truth, Day 26

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
I've written about this before but not only have I thought about it, I have actually attempted to end my life.  In my late teens, I suffered from some serious depression and could not see any light at the end of the tunnel.  If you've never experienced true clinical depression, it is pretty much impossible to understand this, but depression is not logical.  It's not having a bad day or week or month.  It is something that occurs in the brain that a person simply can not choice to just 'get over.'  You can't convince someone with depression that they are good enough or loved enough to just feel better.  I can't not reiterate enough that if someone you know is showing signs of depression, you need to try to get them help.  Don't give them time or wait it out, it is NOT something that gets better on it's own.  Luckily, for me, I was not 'brave' enough to attempt a method that I felt would inflict pain, my attempt.  Not long after that I got the help I needed. 


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 25, 2010

Thankful Thursday, HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I've read this week some posts this week about struggling with the holidays after a tragedy or particularly hard year.  I know that I can not possibly imagine all the horrible circumstances some people are dealing with this holiday season and understand that we all deal with loss and grief and struggles differently.  I hope that maybe if you are feeling less than thankful this year, maybe you will take a moment and at least try to see what you have in your life to be thankful for.

Personally I have endured some difficult holidays.  There have been several where I considered it may have been my last with my mom.  Those were hard because my heart wanted to be with her every second of those holidays in case it was her last but she was too tired to want to celebrate much, if at all.  And then there was last year when Thanksgiving fell almost a month to the day of her passing.  It would certainly be easy to be consumed by the grief.  To dwell on the fact that someone I love very much is not here to celebrate the way we have for some many years.  I could crawl in bed and let the holidays pass without any notice at all.  But for me, it has been better to grab a hold of each holiday and shake every last bit of goodness I could out of it.  For the lesson I've learned from having a loved one taken from me too soon was that we are not promised a next year or another holiday.  And while I miss my mom terribly and there are many tears in the holiday season as I am reminder of her and wish she could be with me, I am still surrounded by too many loved ones to not see what I have to be thankful for.

I hope that you all have a beautiful day today. And while you're enjoying the food and the company of the holidays, take some time to consider how much you have to be thankful for too!

The things I am thankful for...in no particular order (and certainly not a complete list)
  • my personal relationship with Jesus Christ
  • the faith to know that while my mom is not with me (where I want her) she is in a much better place
  • my husband
  • Timmy
  • Johnny
  • Bryan
  • my large extended family
  • amazing friends
  • a job
  • a home
  • food
  • heat
  • warm clothes
  • (semi reliable) vehicles
  • my health
  • healthy kids
  • our freedom
  • the many men and woman who serve to protect our freedom
  • music
  • the ability to HEAR music
  • movies and tv and the luxury to be able to watch them
  • my children's giggles
  • watching my kids play a sport they love
  • this blog, my readers and the opportunities it has given my family

30 Days of Truth, Day 25

Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
I honestly, don't know why I am still alive today.  I DO believe that we are all put here for a purpose and I still clearly have work to do.  I know the things I still want to accomplish but I'm not sure which of those (or combination) are my true purpose.  I do know there was one specific incident when I was in college that I truly believe a group of us were specifically watched out for.  There is simply no other explanation for how we all ended up coming out of a very nasty accident totally ok. 
We were on a trip to another college for a conference, like 11 of us in a 15 passenger van.  Just moments before the accident several people shifted positions that I truly believe spared their lives!


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 24, 2010

GiveBack.org

Tomorrow we celebrate all the things we are thankful for, and what better way to show how truly grateful we are than to Give Back.

When you sign up for GiveBack.org you will automatically get $5 to donate to the charity of your choice.  Then you can use GiveBack shopping mall to earn a % of your purchases to donate as well.  I signed up and chose American Cancer Society as my first charity and donated my $5 to them.  It's super quick and totally easy.

Won't you sign up today?







        
Disclaimer: I participated in the GiveBack.org campaign as part of One2One Network and have earned entry into a giveaway by sharing this information.

The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation



This Thanksgiving weekend ABC Family is premiering a new holiday film:

The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation

This Sunday Night at 8/7c!


This Christmas, George and Belinda take their family along with their dog Zeus (voice of Mario Lopez) to a beautiful Rocky mountain ski resort. When they arrive they are surprised to see Belinda’s Brother Randy with his son and snooty poodle Bella (voice of Paris Hilton). George and Randy have never been able to get along and are forced to spend Christmas together under the same roof.  As the families collide Zeus tries to impress Bella while dealing with his arch enemies Ted (Dean Cain) and Stewey (Joey “Coco” Diaz) who were just released from jail.  Ted and Stewey are back into their old ways and causing trouble when they steal a diamond necklace and hide it in a gift shop. The next day when they go to retrieve their necklace they see the Bannisters mistake it as a dog collar and buy it for Bella.  As the Bannisters go on with their vacation Ted and Stewey are close behind and it’s up to Zeus to protect his family and new love interest Bella.
http://www.youtube.com/v/ROxDFX_nYf4?fs=1&hl=en_US">name="allowFullScreen" value="true">http://www.youtube.com/v/ROxDFX_nYf4?fs=1&hl=en_US"; type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385">
Sounds like a cute movie and a great way to wrap up the long weekend with the family.

30 Days of Truth, Day 24

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)


I made a playlist for my boys.  Looking up the songs, I could even read most of the lyrics without tearing up.  All the songs on the list are either meant to describe the indescribable love I have for my boys.  How they are capable of bringing sunshine to the cloudiest day with just their smile.  I really don't think that a child can fully understand the power their giggle has to fill a mom's heart.
And there are also songs, like The Greatest and Hero that are meant to remind them that they are wonderfully made with more potential then they will probably ever realize but that it will be their chose to keep focused on the positive and do the great things they are capable of.

Bette Midler - Baby Mine

Carpenters - Close to You

James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)

James Taylor - You've Got a Friend

Creed - With Arms Wide Open

Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up

Kenny Rogers - The Greatest

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

Mariah Carey - Hero

Nat King Cole - Unforgettable

Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 23, 2010

I'm on About.com

I had some tips for reading with toddlers published on About.com today.


You can check it out here!

And don't forget my kids book blog for more info and reviews, Oh Boy Books.

30 Days of Truth, Day 23

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
I think most of my 'wishes' can still be done.  But the one thing I wish I had done that I can't still do, is to have faith in myself earlier in life.  There were a lot of things I could have done already if I'd just had more belief in myself.  I went to school for a generic business degree when I knew I had other passions but I was afraid I could never succeed in more creative fields.  I wish I'd have had the courage to do what I loved and not cared what others thought!


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Holiday Movies


Celebrate the Holidays! Great films for the whole family!
It's that time of year when I love to snuggle up with my family and watch all our favorite Christmas movies. On of our family's all time favorite Christmas movies is Home Alone.  But there are so many others, many which are being re-released this season on blu-ray.

Synopsis: The Home Alone Collection includes Blu-ray copies of Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

Home Alone: Accidentally left behind when his parents rush off on their Christmas vacation, eight year old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) embarks on a hilarious, madcap mission to defend the family home when two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) try to break in - and find themselves tangled in Kevin's bewildering battery of booby traps!

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York: Great news - Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is spending the holidays in New York City! Bad news - his parents are spending them in Florida! Separated once again from his family, Kevin manages to find food, lodging and fun using his dad's credit card. But his big-spending solo act takes a dangerous turn when the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), escape prison and also land in the Big Apple. Now, Kevin must outrun and outprank them again in this high-flying adventure with twice the ingenuity, twice the kid power and twice the laughs as the original! 





A Christmas Carol: Academy Award winner George C. Scott gives a powerful performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in this truly heartwarming telling of Charles Dickens' beloved drama. At first, miserable, greedy old Scrooge can't tolerate the revelry of Christmas, much less comprehend its meaning. But visits from his former business partner's ghost and three cautionary specters from the past, present and future force the man to soul-search. Grappling with his own losses, Scrooge recognizes the repercussions of heartlessness in this classic, timeless story that also stars Susannah York and David Warner.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York: Great news - Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is spending the holidays in New York City! Bad news - his parents are spending them in Florida! Separated once again from his family, Kevin manages to find food, lodging and fun using his dad's credit card. But his big-spending solo act takes a dangerous turn when the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), escape prison and also land in the Big Apple. Now, Kevin must outrun and outprank them again in this high-flying adventure with twice the ingenuity, twice the kid power and twice the laughs as the original!

Jingle All The Way: Family Fun Edition: In this hilarious holiday comedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a frantic father trying to buy a Turbo Man action figure for his son on Christmas Eve - unaware that it's the season's hottest-selling toy. So being a take no prisoners battle involving a stressed out mailman (Sinbad), a sleazy mall Santa (Jim Belushi) and dozens of other desperate dads!

Miracle On 34th Street (1994): In this modern update of the beloved 1947 film classic, six-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle - Santa Claus. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in. Starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott and Mara Wilson as Susan, this uplifting and joyous film will make believers out of the entire family. 


A Christmas Carol: Academy Award winner George C. Scott gives a powerful performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in this truly heartwarming telling of Charles Dickens' beloved drama. At first, miserable, greedy old Scrooge can't tolerate the revelry of Christmas, much less 









Disclaimer: I have shared this release information as part of my relationship with Click Communications but have received no direct compensation for this post.

Nov 22, 2010

KT Tunstall Concert Review

This past Sunday, my husband and I attended the KT Tunstall concert at the Park West in Chicago and we were both thoroughly impressed. I am a fan of KT's music and was psyched from the start, but my husband wasn't so sure. But he was more than won over. The Park West was a MUCH more intimate venue than I've ever been to before. So we had amazing seats and COULD have been right up front if I'd been willing to stand for the whole show. KT's banter during the show also fit the intimate setting, giving the feeling of a local band connection, engaging the crowd but with BIG TIME talent. KT is a true artist. Her voice is beautiful, and the reason I love her music. But she is an all around talented musician and is backed by an amazing band as well.

I can say with much confidence that if you enjoy KT Tunstall's music at all, you will love her in concert. Below is a video from our concert, I didn't take this video but found it on youtube. The sound quality is a video issue, the sound was perfect, even for my sound snob husband!!

And before you go, don't forget to enter to win KT Tunstall's new album, Tiger Suit on my blog here. Get an extra entry by using the name of the song she performed in the video in a separate comment.

Concert dates still remain:
Nov 23 Phoenix Theatre Toronto, ON
Nov 25 Club Soda Montreal, QU
Nov 26 The Trocadero Philadelphia, PA
Nov 27 9:30 Club Washington, DC
Nov 29 House of Blues Boston, MA
Dec 1 Terminal 5 New York, NY

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to this concert courtesy of One2One Network to facilitate my review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

A Better World Is Coming

With the Holiday Season just around the corner, we are all thinking about ways to give back and improve upon the world around us.  This week, ToonUps, the uplifting animated software company, will be releasing a special Giving Thanks Facebook App.  This heartfelt app is free of charge and allows you to share positive feelings with others, just in time for Thanksgiving! Two main features of the app are the Gratitude Grotto and Positive Post.  Both are outlets to share the things you are grateful for, and to tell others you appreciate them as well.
This free, limited edition app will give you a glimpse into ToonUps’ larger Facebook game launch of A Better World next month.  A Better World is a fun and exciting game where players can do good deeds and get rewarded - allowing you to focus on the positives in your life, and even bringing in elements of real-world altruism.  Just by using the Gratitude Grotto and Positive Post, you will earn Do-Good Gold that can be used in the full game. Not only will you find it lifts your own spirits, it is a fun activity to share with your children.  Through A Better World, teach them the importance of giving back to their community and to appreciate the good in their own lives - all in the form of a game! 

 To see a little more about the game, you can visit http://www.facebook.com/abetterworld.

I checked out both parts of this app and I do really think its a great little app for this Thanksgiving season.  This weekend, my middle son asked if we could take time this Thanksgiving to take turns sharing the things we're thankful for and while I'm not sure we'll be doing it around the table on Thursday, simply because we'll be with A LOT of family, I want to make a point to do it.  I love that my kids know that they have a lot to be thankful and that they want to be sure they are expressing that. But I also know that sometimes, we don't always feel like we have so much to be thankful for.  If you find yourself approaching this holiday season, not feelign as Thankful as you should, consider checking out the Gratitude Grotto part of this app, where you can watch the tings that other are grateful flow down the stream.  I consider myself a fairly grateful person, but watching the words that others shared was inspirational.  From being reminded that I need to be thankful EVERY day for the men and women in our military (not just 4th of July, Veteran's Day etc) to a thought someone shared about being thankful for a certain singers music.  When I saw this, at first I thought, Is that really appropriate? But honestly, if we could be grateful for all the many small things like this in our lives, how much more positive would we be.  So I think it's great to be thankful for the music or movies or hobbies that we love.  If we are able to enjoy these types of things, we are certainly blessed and far better off than many in the world.

The other part of the app, Positive Post, allows you to send notes to your facebook friends.  What a better way to express our gratitude than to actually tell the people we're thankful for, just how we feel. When you do this, a message will be generated on their wall that you have sent them a message but I don't see that the message you share is visible publicly (but consider that anything done on facebook MAY be seen by others).

The full version of A Better World launches in December and looks to be similar to games I've previously played on FB, where you decorate a house and visit friends etc but with a positive twist.  I'll definitely be checking it out when it launches. 




Disclosure: I checked out this new app as part of a campaign from Global Influence to spread the word about it.  In return for trying it out and reviewing it, I will receive a gift card and game credits for the full version game.  However, all opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback and are not influenced by anyone.

Big G Cereal Movie Cash Giveaway CLOSED

Dim the lights and butter the popcorn because this fall a night out at the movies can be as easy as enjoying the General Mills Big G cereals that you already know and love!

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of Big G cereals including Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Trix® (14.8 oz) and Reese’s Puffs® cereal (18 oz.).

After purchasing two participating cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the unique code found inside each box of cereal and print your free Movie Cash certificate (good for one admission of up to a $12 value at participating theatres). To find a participating theater in your area, log onto http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/
We'll be using our movie tickets to see the new Harry Potter movie!  I don't think you can go wrong with cereals we already love AND a bonus that isn't a cheap plastic toy you'll probably end up stepping on!!!!   

 Enter to Win!
“Family Flick Night” gift pack which will include two boxes of the participating Big G cereals and four Movie Cash certificates.
Giveaway Rules
Required Entry: Leave a comment sharing how you like to make movie nights special for your family?

Additional entries: (Extra entries are only valid after completing the required entry. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)
~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry
~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries
~Follow my blog on networked blogs - 1 entry
~'Like' my blog on FaceBook  - 1 entry
~Follow me on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)
~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily, include @lisanoel03 and a link to this post - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet
~Post my button on your blog (make sure it's my NEW button) - 2 entries
~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)
~Enter any of my other current giveaways (listed at the top of my page) - 1 entry per giveaway

PLEASE NOTE: I will do my best to mediate any problems in delivery of giveaway prizes with the sponsor, and I do my best only to represent companies I trust, however I am not personally responsible for any prizes which are not received for delivery or any other reasons.



**Winner**
41. Kathy Rambousek said...
Twitter follower LKARambo


Contest ended 12/6/10!
US Residents Only!

Please be sure that I have a way to contact you either with a email available on your blogger account or leave your email in your comment. If I can not contact you via email, or you do not respond with in approx. 48 hours to my email, I have to pick a new winner. And I really hate doing that!


Disclosure:  The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

30 Days of Truth, Day 22

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

For me, wishing that I hadn't done something is really hard because I believe that all the decisions I made have led me to where I am today.  And despite the many things I would like to change about where I am, I could never wish away the family I have. I do wish I'd have finished college before starting my family because it's hard to instill the value of college when neither my husband or I have a degree.  But maybe one, or both of us can go back and finish before the boys get to that point. 


**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 21, 2010

30 Days of Truth, Day 21

Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do? 
 I honestly cant' remember the last time I fought with any of my close friends so it's really hard to imagine this scenario for me.  But despite that, I don't think there is any question what I'd do IF I were to fight with a friend and they ended up getting in a car accident.  I'd forget all about the fight and rush to be there for them in what ever way they needed.  While I AM very good at harboring resentment and holding grudges, I don't have any question that unless the fight was something so god awful that our friendship was really and truly over, it wouldn't matter how upset I may have been, I would let it go to be there for them.  I think that's what friendship is all about!!

**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 20, 2010

30 Days of Truth: Day 20

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
I'm not sure there is really a question here? But as someone who has dealt with alcohol and drug addiction in more than one person in my life, I suppose I still have a fairly passive opinion of them.  Both drugs and alcohol can be evil, deadly things for some people.  But I personally will still drink once in a while.  I mean, Jesus MADE wine for crying out loud, it can't be all bad.  Assuming, of course, you don't have an addiction issue and that you don't drink and drive!!  And while there are MANY drugs that are clearly nothing but evil.  I do believe that there are some benefits to some drugs.  I personally don't see the harm in medicinal marijuana.  And I'm honestly not sure I'm convinced of the recent campaign that pot is the gateway to all harder drugs.  I personally know many people who've smoked pot and never done any other drugs. 
For me though, my biggest fear when it comes to drugs and alcohol are me kids.  Addiction runs in their blood!  But they have not been kept in the dark about addiction.  They know what can happen if you are addict.  I hope and PRAY that I will not have to walk the road of addiction with any of my children.

**If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, please reach out for help.  I know the insanity that is life when you are dealing with an addict and would be happy to talk to you (though I'm clearly not a professional) if you are there right now and need someone to talk to.

**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Nov 19, 2010

30 Days of Truth: Day 19

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

I HATE politics.  And sadly politics is often what turns people off to religion too. I seriously doubt there would be very many people at all that would have issues with religion if it weren't for the politics.  We've recently left a church we called home for many year because the politics became to overwhelming.  There are still MANY people there we love and it is painful for us to not be there.  But Much like the politics of our state, it seems only to be worsening.  Much like the Daley machine, it began to feel as if it were truly only about who you knew, not what you knew.  
We hope to quickly find a new HOME church where we feel we truly belong because our faith IS very important to us.  But we had to leave where we were because it simply felt that it had become way too much of what people dislike about "organized religion."

**In case you missed my post here, I am taking part in a challenge called 30 Days of Truth. Each day in November I will write about a given topic of truth as it relates to me.

Show Your Helping Hand Giveaway CLOSED

According to Feeding America, approximately 5.7 million different people receive emergency food assistance from the organization in any given week.



To raise awareness about the national issue of hunger, Hamburger Helper® is partnering with GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor Tim McGraw to help Feeding America deliver millions of meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign. McGraw will lend his voice to the campaign through a Public Service Announcement which will be distributed nationwide. Click here to view the PSA.

Support the campaign by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at www.showyourhelpinghand.com or by logging on to make a donation. Hamburger Helper has already donated more than half a million dollars and will contribute up to an additional $100,000 to Feeding America through this program. Don’t think one code will make a difference? The 17 cents Hamburger Helper donates per code is enough for Feeding America to deliver one meal to a local food bank. 
 I am a huge Tim McGraw fan.  He is the reason I fell in love with country music many years ago (ok maybe I have to give a little bit of credit to the friend who forced me to listen to his music too).  I think he has the most amazing, sexy voice and this album is no exception!  But I think I'd listen to him sing the phone book!!!  Can I get an Amen?  Sorry, getting a little off track.  But although I obviously (sadly) don't personally know Tim McGraw, I think that he seems like such a genuinely nice person.  The fact that he is lending his name and beautiful voice to this campaign only makes me love him more!



Enter to Win!
A prize pack that includes a box of Hamburger Helper skillet meals, a Hamburger Helper foam “Helping Hand” and a copy of Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” CD. In addition, Hamburger Helper will make a $10 donation to the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign on your behalf.


Giveaway Rules


Required Entry:
    • Leave a comment sharing how you will encourage others to submit codes and join the Hamburger Helper/Feeding America fight against hunger



Additional entries: (Extra entries are only valid after completing the required entry. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)
~Follow me publicly on google friend connect - 1 entry
~Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries
~Follow my blog on networked blogs - 1 entry
~'Like' my blog on FaceBook  - 1 entry
~Follow me on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)
~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily, include @lisanoel03 and a link to this post - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet
~Post my button on your blog (make sure it's my NEW button) - 2 entries
~Blog about the giveaway - 3 entries (leave link and 3 comments)
~Enter any of my other current giveaways (listed at the top of my page) - 1 entry per giveaway

PLEASE NOTE: I will do my best to mediate any problems in delivery of giveaway prizes with the sponsor, and I do my best only to represent companies I trust, however I am not personally responsible for any prizes which are not received for delivery or any other reasons.


**Winner**
4. Nicole-Lynn said...
I already subscribe via email!


Contest ended 12/3/10!


US Residents Only!



Please be sure that I have a way to contact you either with a email available on your blogger account or leave your email in your comment. If I can not contact you via email, or you do not respond with in approx. 48 hours to my email, I have to pick a new winner. And I really hate doing that!


Disclosure:  The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.