Merry Christmas to you all!!
I hope you have an amazing holiday
Dec 28, 2010
Dec 27, 2010
BFF Aren't Just for High School
When you're in school, life revolves around your "best friend." Some people have one best friend from preschool until forever. But I was never one of those people, between changing schools, moving and just general growing and changing I had many best friends over the years. However, once I finished school I usually lacked a true BFF. I had some amazing friends, don't get me wrong. I have maintained friendships from highschool and we try to get together on a semiregular basis and usually laugh until we nearly pee ourselves. But I didn't have the, talk everyday, get together all the time kind of friend. For awhile I thought this was simply part of growing up. And honestly in these years my mom was my best friend. But as my mom grew ill and I didn't feel I could go to her with my petty issues when she was going through something so massive, there was a definite hole. But whether you believe it was God's direct hand in answering my prayers or freak coincidence, as my mo was slowly taken from me, a great new friendship was also being given to me. Mind you, I am in NO way shape or form saying one was a replacement for the other, but it was just what I needed, just when I needed it.
She will likely kill me for sharing this photo of her, but this is my best friend (and her husband). She's the kind of best friend who convinces you you CAN pull off pink highlights, bakes you cookies or cakes just because, sits and pulls her hair out while trying to order the NKOTB tickets you're dying for while you enjoy a breakfast with Santa while not hearing the cry of your phone with her paniked calls and still feels like she owes you something because you watch her dog (who is ADORABLE) when she goes home for the holidays.
If you're like me and have convinced yourself that BFFs are only for highschoolers, believe me when I say that you're never too old for a truly amazing friend!! The kind that you really can call day or night. The kind of friend who truly lives up to this idea...
If you're like me and have convinced yourself that BFFs are only for highschoolers, believe me when I say that you're never too old for a truly amazing friend!! The kind that you really can call day or night. The kind of friend who truly lives up to this idea...
Dec 26, 2010
If You're Too School for Cool
I LOVE Pink, and I LOVE her new song "Raise Your Glass." At first listen I just heard another 'party' song. But if you really listen to it or if you watch the video (which is admittedly a little strange) you realize that it's more than that. While listening to it recently one of the boys questioned the line. "if you're too school for cool." And the other explained that it meant if you're too smart too be cool, you don't fit in. Now every time I hear this song it bring tears to my eyes.
This song is really about all the ways we can feel like we don't fit in. And I've been there, I know the pain and loneliness that feeling like you don't belong brings. And sadly, too many of those feelings are being stirred up again as my children confide in me about the things that go on at school. Timmy especially has had his share of issues. I've written previously about his experience with a so called friend last year that became a daily physical problem that we didn't know about for awhile. But again this year, despite having a great friend and really being well like by all the kids that know him, he's having issues with being disrespected. Last week he informed me that kids were calling him names because of his new haircut, which is adorable by the way. And that an older kid called him a horrible string of profane names because the older boy had wandered away from the line at lunch and Timmy didn't realize he was inline so he "cut" in front of him. It makes me sad that my not only very smart, but pretty athletic and otherwise well liked child is being disrespected. Mostly this comes from being in the area where we live. First of all we are in a lower class area where far to many parents aren't teaching their kids how to be decent people. But, also, we are the minority here and as long as we stay here there will be an element of the boys not fitting in. They will clearly have to fight (hopefully not literally) for their place in the pecking order and will have to really believe in themselves.
As for me, I will continue to remind them that they are pretty freaking awesome and that this world would be incredibly boring if we were all exactly alike. So they just have to be happy with who they are and not listen to what the haters might have to say.
This song is really about all the ways we can feel like we don't fit in. And I've been there, I know the pain and loneliness that feeling like you don't belong brings. And sadly, too many of those feelings are being stirred up again as my children confide in me about the things that go on at school. Timmy especially has had his share of issues. I've written previously about his experience with a so called friend last year that became a daily physical problem that we didn't know about for awhile. But again this year, despite having a great friend and really being well like by all the kids that know him, he's having issues with being disrespected. Last week he informed me that kids were calling him names because of his new haircut, which is adorable by the way. And that an older kid called him a horrible string of profane names because the older boy had wandered away from the line at lunch and Timmy didn't realize he was inline so he "cut" in front of him. It makes me sad that my not only very smart, but pretty athletic and otherwise well liked child is being disrespected. Mostly this comes from being in the area where we live. First of all we are in a lower class area where far to many parents aren't teaching their kids how to be decent people. But, also, we are the minority here and as long as we stay here there will be an element of the boys not fitting in. They will clearly have to fight (hopefully not literally) for their place in the pecking order and will have to really believe in themselves.
As for me, I will continue to remind them that they are pretty freaking awesome and that this world would be incredibly boring if we were all exactly alike. So they just have to be happy with who they are and not listen to what the haters might have to say.
Dec 24, 2010
Cub Scouts
In true crazy holiday style, even Cub Scouts was busy this month. At this months pack meeting we had a special guest who I'm thrilled to report Bryan was much friendly with then at our previous attempt.
And all the boys in the pack have been working hard. I KNOW because I'm now the merit counselor and had to make the trip to the scout store for all their awards. But our boys each received some recognition this month too!
Timmy received his BSA Centennial, Year of Celebration Award
Johnny and his den earned their Bobcat rank
And all the boys in the pack have been working hard. I KNOW because I'm now the merit counselor and had to make the trip to the scout store for all their awards. But our boys each received some recognition this month too!
Dec 23, 2010
Holiday Photo Tips from Samsung
Photo Tip 1 - Face Detection
If you’re taking a group photo of family or friends, be sure to turn on face detection.
A popular feature found on many compact digital cameras, face detection is a built-in feature that allows the camera to recognize faces in a scene. When the camera recognizes a face, it’s outlined by a box and the camera automatically adjusts its settings to ensure that all your subjects’ faces are properly exposed and in focus. This is a surefire way to guarantee you’ll get the best shot possible every time. All cameras are different, so do consult your manual regarding the number of faces your camera can detect as well as other interesting face detection technologies such as blink detection.
Photo Tip 2 – Staging Photos
Of course, look for opportunities to snap candid photographs, but also try to get creative by staging a photo. One example is taking a generational image, which can be quite remarkable and emotional especially with a holiday-centric background. If you’re lucky enough to have your extended family together for the day, take a photo that shows the breadth of your family, specifically a shot with the greatest of grandparents to the greatest of children! This is sure to be a memorable photo that the whole family will cherish for years to come.
Photo Tip 3 – Capturing a Warm Smile
Nothing makes for a better picture than capturing a subject’s warm smile. Photographing a subject’s smile can give others insight into that subject’s personality.
Samsung recognizes the value in capturing smiles and outfits its cameras with “Smile Shot” technology. The Smile Shot feature automatically adjusts, focuses, and triggers the camera to take a photo only when a smile is detected on the subjects’ faces. To activate Smile Shot simply turn the camera on, switch the mode dial to “auto mode,” press the “Fn” button which will bring you to a list of options you can change. Click on the “face detection” option and you’ll see a smiley face icon that will engage Smile Shot. All you have to do is point your camera at your subject and wait for a smile!
More information about Samsung’s Smile Shot feature and its complete camera models can be found at www.samsung.com.
Happy Festivus, From the Rest of Us
Break out your Festivus Pole (because tinsel IS distracting), air your grievances and begin the feats of strength.
Of course, in our house we celebrate Christmas and I will feverishly spend the next day and a half getting ready for that. I still have ALL the gifts to wrap!!
Of course, in our house we celebrate Christmas and I will feverishly spend the next day and a half getting ready for that. I still have ALL the gifts to wrap!!
I've Been Slipping
December has a way of slipping away from me for SOME reason. I can't believe how quickly it came and then flew by. But I'm trying hard not to let things go by completely unnoted simply because they happen in this hectic month. However, I managed to let my middle son's birthday go by completely unmentioned here in my little corner of the blogosphere. This of course will eventually be evidence of the fact he already believes, which is that he is unloved. My very typical middle child. He's spent the last few years since he's been dethroned as the baby feeling a little like this...
So, yes I'm horribly late. My second born son turned SEVEN on the 18th and I am wishing him, publicly a Happy Belated Birthday! For his birthday, he got to take a friend to see Harry Potter. It's hard having a birthday the week before Christmas but we try really hard not to let it go uncelebrated and we didn't. I promise, I only forgot about it here! He actually got three days of celebration with different people.
To my sweet Johnny,
I know you don't always feel like it, but I love you so much! I can't believe you're 7 already. I am so proud of how much you've grown in the last couple of years. You are so smart and so funny and SO creative. I love just watching you when you're busy building and creating.
I know it's hard being stuck in the middle sometimes we love you so much and don't know what we'd do without you and your smile!!
Love,
Mom
So, yes I'm horribly late. My second born son turned SEVEN on the 18th and I am wishing him, publicly a Happy Belated Birthday! For his birthday, he got to take a friend to see Harry Potter. It's hard having a birthday the week before Christmas but we try really hard not to let it go uncelebrated and we didn't. I promise, I only forgot about it here! He actually got three days of celebration with different people.
I know you don't always feel like it, but I love you so much! I can't believe you're 7 already. I am so proud of how much you've grown in the last couple of years. You are so smart and so funny and SO creative. I love just watching you when you're busy building and creating.
I know it's hard being stuck in the middle sometimes we love you so much and don't know what we'd do without you and your smile!!
Love,
Mom
Pillow Pets review and giveaway
It's a Pillow...It's a Pet...
It's a Pillow Pet!
Come on, you know the tune! Even my two year old has been singing it ever since he got his very own puppy Pillow Pet. He FREAKED when we opened the box with the new Pillow Pet and two Pillow Pet games. I have to admit I tried the pillow out myself one morning when he joined me in bed, with his pillow and blanket, and its sooo soft. I'm thinking they should come out with an adult version (and get your mind out the gutter I just mean bigger or something.)
He also LOVES the games and bugs me to play one, or both, everyday.
Pillow Pets Dreamland™ Adventure GameCONTENTS: 1 game board, 1 spinner, 28 Pillow Pets Animal Cards,
13 Pillow Pets Character Pawns, 4 pawn stands, 1 Instructions.
AGE 3+, 2-4 Players
Price: $19.95; Recommended Age: 3+ and up • Players: 2 to 4
Set sail on an exciting journey through seven continents of the world to Pillow Pets
Dreamland™. Spin a colorful wheel to travel along a colorful pathway filled with exciting
adventures, adorable pets and even some pitfalls. On every turn, players may be lucky
enough to secure one of 28 adorable Pillow Pets Animal Cards. As players race to be the first
to enter the Pillow Pets Dreamland™ they must be careful to avoid landing on a Pillow Pet
Cage or they may lose a Pillow Pet Animal Card. The first player to collect at least 4 Pillow
Pets Animal Cards and to reach the enchanted Pillow Pets Dreamland™ WINS the game.
This game is sort of like Candyland, it's a pretty easy game if a child just knows their colors. But Bryan's favorite part is just playing with all the different characters they give you to chose from as playing pieces.
Pillow Pets Dreamland™ Matching Game
Price: $9.95; Recommended Age: 3+ & up • Players: 1 to 4
Kids can now play with adorable Pillow Pets in a whole new way! Pillow Pet fans will have hours of fun matching 30 “pets” such as the Lovable Lamb, the Cozy Cow, the Jolly Giraffe, or the Friendly Frog to their corresponding “pillows” in this fun new game. Kids will be delighted to match and collect the irresistible pet cards. The player with the most “pillow and pet” matches WINS the game.
This game is your basic, Memory but with all the Pillow Pet characters. I really like this game as we've had many different versions of Memory and its often confusing because there or more than one set that look very similar. For instance the Toy Story set has multiple Buzz sets just doing different poses, a construction set has multiple, big yellow vehicles that are very similar etc. With the Pillow Pets Matching Game there's no confusion. I hadn't tried memory with Bryan before so I picked about 10 sets and we started there and he LOVED it.
Enter to Win!!
Giveaway Rules
Required Entry: Visit www.lovemypillowpets.com and come back and leave comment sharing your favorite overall Pillow Pet product you plan to buy as a last minute gift or that your child has on their wish list.
**Winner will be added to this post when selected**
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.
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 - 3 entries
~ Comment on the PillowPets Blog - 1entry
~'Like' PillowPets on FaceBook - 1 entries
~'Like' my blog on FaceBook - 3 entries
~ Comment on the PillowPets Blog - 1entry
~'Like' PillowPets on FaceBook - 1 entries
~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.
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 will be added to this post when selected**
Contest ends 1/1/11!
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.
Dec 22, 2010
Chex Party Mix review and giveaway closed
For decades, savvy home cooks have been using crunchy Chex® cereal as the starting point for their family-favorite party mix recipes. Many Chex® Party Mix recipes can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes and call for ingredients you already have in your pantry. From holiday gatherings to impromptu get-togethers, Chex® Party Mix provides a snack idea that will impress your guests in no time.
Whether you’re looking for sweet or salty, Chex® Party Mix has something to offer every taste bud, making it the perfect go-to snack for entertaining this holiday season. Four gluten-free varieties of Chex cereal help ensure that even party guests with gluten restrictions can enjoy Chex® Party Mix recipes like the NEW Chex Lemon Buddies! Remember Multi-Bran and Wheat Chex are not gluten-free.
Visit your local Walmart to find free recipe cards for Chex Lemon Buddies as well as the new Chex Apple Pie Snack Mix and Tex Chex® Party Mix recipes! The blend of flavors in the new homemade mixes will help you create irresistible new favorites and wow your crowd!
Chex Mix has long been a favorite of mine. I have to admit, I'm entirely TOO LAZY to make traditional Chex Mix when they went and did for me already, and its sooo tasty. I always "threaten" to make my own cuz then I could make it without those pesky preztels but I never do. But when you start giving me ideas like LEMON BUDDIES??? OMG, that sounds entirely too good not to try. Of course, the hard part these days is getting any mis made before my kids devour the cereal as, get this, cereal!?!? Somedays I wonder if they weren't switched at birth because no child of mine would go so crazy over a cereal that wasn't drenched in sugar. But darnit, they DO! They LOVE Chex cereal in every variety. So I didn't get to try my Lemon Buddies recipe with the box I was sent (thanks to MyBlogSpark). But maybe YOU can get them made before the cereal disappears from your house and get let me know how amazing it was!!
Enter to win this gift pack including 1 box of Rice Chex, a measuring cup set and a Chex® Party Mix tote bag.
Giveaway Rules
Required Entry: Leave a comment sharing which your favorite Chex based recipe.
**Winner will be added to this post when selected**
Disclosure: The product(s) featured (Chex Prize Pack) in this review was provided free of cost to me by MyBlogSpark 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.
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 me on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)
~Tweet the giveaway- may be done once daily, include @lisanoel03, #myblogspark 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.
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 will be added to this post when selected**
Contest ends 12/31/10!
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 (Chex Prize Pack) in this review was provided free of cost to me by MyBlogSpark 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.
Dec 21, 2010
You ARE Creative!
As part of BlogHer's Own Your Beauty campaign, this week you can send this electronic postcard to a friend who might be in need of a little encouragement this time of year. I am chosing to send it to all of you.
I can do this because I KNOW that you are ALL creative. Whether you feel it or not, whether you OWN it or not, there is some way in which you ARE creative. I think that discovering and really internalizing that fact was huge for me. I always longed to be creative like other people. I was always searching for my outlet. Thing was it was always there, I just didn't see it in the right light. When I created something, it was always imperfect. I was always embarrassed to share it. I fell in love with both photography and writing in high school but I never did anything with it then. It always felt terrifying to share my work! What I've come to realize is that that was because it really was a piece of me. To not have my work loved, was to feel not loved.
As I've grown up, mostly since having my own kids, I've realized that so many of us experience this same thing. But I've also been surrounded recently by amazing ladies who've owned their creativity and began sharing it with others and learning the true joy of taking that leap and putting yourself out there.
Here are a few of my friends who are owning their creativity:
Katie's Capes and Crafts
Star Creek Creations
Brylee's Boutique
Em & M Bows
taryn lisa Photography
I love all these ladies a ton but they aren't superhuman, they have simply found their niche and been brave enough to share it with others. I really believe that the world would be more beautiful and happier if we could all do that. So what is your creative outlet? Have you shared it with others?
Dec 17, 2010
You're a Good Shirt, Charlie Brown
I consider myself a pretty strict parent. For the most part what I say goes! But there is some slack in that line if I make a request versus deliver a direct "command" (I don't really like that word but I hope you know what I mean). Unless we're attending a very special occasion, my kids have a lot of freedom to wear what they want. You may recall Bryan wore his Iron Man costume to various events around Halloween. But this shirt was getting pretty darn disgusting.
So last night, I mad a deal with him that I would wash it while he slept and he could have it back in the morning. He was not thrilled, even after getting a nice warm Toy Story jammie shirt on, but he relented.
This morning, upon seeing me, his first words were, "Can I see my Charlie Brown shirt, Mom?"
So once again, he's wearing the Charlie Brown shirt, day 7 to be exact. But it's clean again at least. And, can I just tell you how over the moon thrilled he was with his clean shirt this morning. He literally bounced as he told me thank you for washing it and some other stuff I was unable to understand because he was talking SO fast because he was so excited! I think I might have to head back to Walmart where I bought this treasure and see if they have any left!
Dec 16, 2010
Aspirations and Plans for New Possibilities
When asked about my aspirations for my life, I've always been very much of a realist. I struggled with daring to dream big, but was convinced that playing it safe and being 'realistic' was the better way to go. This led me to pursue, but not complete, a college major that was something that felt safe, not actually what I knew in my heart I WANTED to do. I yearned to be involved in media, whether it be TV or radio but convinced myself that the competition in such a career path made it not a sensible choice. Instead, I began a business degree. I was always good in accounting but that seemed like painful long term career choice, so I selected a marketing major. I am still a few classes away from earning my BS in Business Admin which is the major I switched to after hearing that my marketing major would likely land me a sales job and not the more creative career I was looking in advertising or the like.
Now that I've had a 'few' year to experience the real world, I've realized that I SHOULD have gone from what I really wanted because the power of your passions is not something that should be underestimated. But I've also found that sometimes we need to really know ourselves before we can truly understand what we want out of life. If I had my way these days, I'd rather be a stay at home mom. As a high school and college student I swore I could never see myself without a career. The idea of being a housewife sounded downright painful. Granted, I am not a lover of cooking OR cleaning, which is part of the package deal, for the brief time I was able to stay home I took great pride in taking care of these things. But I LOVED spending time with my kids. Yes, I continued volunteer work and spent some of that time working a home based business but my greatest joy was being with my kids when they needed me most. If I dared to dream of what my life would look like now, it would mean being able to stay home full time. At this point, it would most definitely still include blogging and if I'm lucky someday may include profitable blogging.
At a point in the not so distant past, I thought I really wanted to be a professional photographer. Photography is something I love. But I quickly learned that this was not the way to do for me. But I only learned that by getting out there and trying it. I continue to love photography and work to improve my skills whenever I can, but as a career, not for me.
So these days, as long as stay home full time isn't in the cards, I will stay at my day job to pay the bills. But I will continue getting out there with my writing. I don't have a specific plan for my writing but I am convinced that by just continuing to pursue something I love doing and using it to share things I am passionate about, I can't go wrong. I may never be the next big blogger or blogger turned author, but I have made great friends through my blog and have provided my family with some awesome opportunities we would otherwise not have had.
Fifteen plus years ago I would have been TERRIFIED to share anything I wrote with more than one or two people despite my love of writing. So my plan for my life is to continue to do the things I love without worry about what other think. To be who I am and want to be and know that the people who really matter will love me for it.About OWN: The New Oprah Winfrey Network New shows. New faces. New possibilities.
OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. During the OWN launch weekend, viewers will have the chance to see a little of everything OWN has to offer. OWN programming includes original series and specials, all focused on entertaining, informing and inspiring people to live their best lives.
Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network blogging program, for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
TempleTouch Thermometer Review and Giveaway
As a mom, I think one of the hardest things is handling sick children. And while I have been extremely blessed to never have dealt with any serious illnesses with my kids, I have dealt with my fair share of mystery fevers, rashes, rotovirus, strep and the like. Nothing is more frustrating than not knowing what is wrong with your baby.
If you've ever had a little one with a fever, you know how nerve wracking it can be trying to monitor how high it is. Sometimes fevers make them miserable and unable to sleep. They get crabby and the last thing you want to do is annoy them further by trying to take their temperature invasively. On the other hand, sometimes fevers can knock them out and leave the sleeping the day away. The last thing you want to do is wake your sicks sleepy little one.
If you've ever had a little one with a fever, you know how nerve wracking it can be trying to monitor how high it is. Sometimes fevers make them miserable and unable to sleep. They get crabby and the last thing you want to do is annoy them further by trying to take their temperature invasively. On the other hand, sometimes fevers can knock them out and leave the sleeping the day away. The last thing you want to do is wake your sicks sleepy little one.
The TempleTouch Thermometer can help you in either of this situations because it is very easy to use, even on a sleeping or crabby little one. Over my 8 years as a mom I've tried many different digital thermometers and found that while most are easy enough to use sometimes they can be confusing. But still better than a traditional thermometer, seriously I have some mental block against reading those. Rrecently, I somehow managed to changed our digital thermometer to celsius and don't have the manual and couldn't figure out how to change it back. At that point it was completely useless to me because I NEVER go the whole Celsius/Fahrenheit conversion, and that's the last thing I need to be attempting to do while taking care of a sick child.But the TempleTouch is so easy to use, a toddler could use it. In fact, in our house, one did. REPEATEDLY. Bryan was fascinated by our new thermometer and while he has no clue what it was actually doing, he spend nearly an hour taking everyone in our families temperature before I insisted we put it away before he wore out the battery in this little gem.
Win your very own TempleTouch Thermometer!
Giveaway Rules
Required Entry: Visit Templetouchthermometer.com, check out their great information and come back and leave a comment sharing who you would use the TempleTouch on.
**Winner will be added to this post when selected**
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.
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 - 3 entries
~'Like' TempleTouch on FaceBook - 3 entries
~'Like' my blog on FaceBook - 3 entries
~'Like' TempleTouch on FaceBook - 3 entries
~Follow me on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)
~Follow TempleTouch on twitter - 1 entry (leave username)
~Follow TempleTouch 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.
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 will be added to this post when selected**
Contest ends 12/23/10!
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.
Dec 15, 2010
The Best Gift You Ever Gave
SWAGG is a free mobile app (download here) that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.
For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) , up to $125,000.
Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! Download the SWAGG app and then visit the ; Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival*. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.
SWAGG and Clever Girls Collective asked me to consider the best gift I have ever given. I consider myself a pretty thoughtful gift giver and like to think I've given many great gifts over the years. I love giving great gifts because I LOVE seeing the smiles a great gift brings.
This is why I think the best gift I ever gave, wasn't all that expensive, but it brought that smile long past the holiday on which it was given. Back in 2008, I got all of my moms grand-kids together and took a photo of them. That's 9 kids. At the time they were approximately 4 months old, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 13. To my complete shock, it was not that difficult to get what, for a group that large and that young, had to be considered a perfect photo. Nine adorable little grand-kids all in white shirts and jeans, all (mostly) smiling and looking at the camera! I was like a Christmas miracle. Except it was a gorgeous spring day and this was actually a Mother's Day gift.
I got the photo printed and found the perfect frame, that I knew my mother would love. And she did. She loved the photo of what were already her most precious gifts. The photo was never actually hung up. As this was given to her during what would be her final battle with cancer, she left the photo propped up, on the back of the love seat that sat near her chair. This left the photo perfectly at her eye level to enjoy for all the many hours she spent in that chair. She regularly commented on how all those smiling faces looking back at her kept her going. Unfortunately the treatments and eventually the disease kept her from spending much of that last year and a half with her grand-kids, but it brings great joy to my heart that my gift of that photo kept them close to her in at least a small way. This is why I think the best gift I ever gave, wasn't all that expensive, but it brought that smile long past the holiday on which it was given. Back in 2008, I got all of my moms grand-kids together and took a photo of them. That's 9 kids. At the time they were approximately 4 months old, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 13. To my complete shock, it was not that difficult to get what, for a group that large and that young, had to be considered a perfect photo. Nine adorable little grand-kids all in white shirts and jeans, all (mostly) smiling and looking at the camera! I was like a Christmas miracle. Except it was a gorgeous spring day and this was actually a Mother's Day gift.
*Trip for Two to the Sundance Film Festival to include:
- 2 night/3 day stay at Yarrow Hotel in Park City Utah (Jan 21 - Jan 23, 2011)
- Ground transportation to and from hotel to airport in Park City, Utah
- Dinner for two at Tao Lounge, including 2 nightclub passes
- All access to The House of SWAGG Gifting Suite
- 2 tickets to a movie premiere on Saturday, January 22nd -- movie tbd
- $4,000 value
SWAGG has partnered with non-profit Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to SU2C up to $125,000. Awesome, right?! Visit the SU2C site for more info http://www.standup2cancer.org/
Learn more about the coolest new app that revolutionizes the whole shopping, gifting, and gift card-organizing experience and Download the SWAGG app to your iPhone or Droid. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.
Dec 14, 2010
Minted.com review
Recently I was given the chance to review Minted.com by creating my one grand photo calendar. When I checked out the site i was a little surprised by the prices of their calendars because they are a little more than your typical photo site. But when my calendar was delivered, I realized why. These calendars are a much higher quality that your typical photo site. The photos are beautiful but more importantly, to me at least, the calendar is printed on a high quality, heavy matte finish card stock. Previously I've had photo calendars that curl because of how thin the paper is. And many photo calendars are done on such a high gloss paper that you can't actually write on the calendar. And while, I have to admit that this calendar is so beautiful that I don't really WANT to write on, it's nice to know that I CAN if I chose to.
The process of creating the calendar took me a bit because I wanted the photos to correspond with the months and was trying hard to have an equal number of photos of each of the boys that would fit nicely into the layout, etc. But in the end I have a GORGEOUS calendar! Here is the design/cover I went with.
You can design each month with your choice of colors in either taupe, white or blue and with one, two, or three images per page.
One photo, blue
two photos, taupe
three photos, taupe
one photo, white
And this is just ONE of FORTY calendar designs you can chose from for a truly personalized photo calendar.
Minted.com also does holiday cards for personal or professional use, wedding invites and much more. If you are looking for high quality personalized printing, check out Minted.com today!
The process of creating the calendar took me a bit because I wanted the photos to correspond with the months and was trying hard to have an equal number of photos of each of the boys that would fit nicely into the layout, etc. But in the end I have a GORGEOUS calendar! Here is the design/cover I went with.
Pop of Color Calendar
You can design each month with your choice of colors in either taupe, white or blue and with one, two, or three images per page.
One photo, blue three photos, taupe
And this is just ONE of FORTY calendar designs you can chose from for a truly personalized photo calendar.
Minted.com also does holiday cards for personal or professional use, wedding invites and much more. If you are looking for high quality personalized printing, check out Minted.com today!
Current promos from Minted.com
- Ends Tomorrow: FREE upgrade to Overnight shipping.
- Order by Today to receive your cards by 12/20
Supergirl by Nastia at Penney's Giveaway
When Supergirl lent its iconic “S-Shield” to sponsor the 2010 Nastia Liukin Cup Series, the brand did so because the five-time Olympic medalist is emblematic of the shield itself — an expression of strength, creativity, and girl empowerment. “Never quit on a bad day,” is the mantra of this twenty-year old who has felt the thrill of victory and agony of defeat in a way few others have ever experienced. In the history of Olympic competition, Nastia holds the grand distinction of being the 2008 Olympic individual all-around gold medalist and has joined Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Miller as the only American gymnasts to win five medals in one Olympic Games.
Join Supegirl on Facebook:
Follow Supergirl on Twitter:
Official Site:
WIN IT: Enter to win a girls size L hoodie like the one above but in GREY!
Giveaway Rules
Required Entry: Visit Supergirl online and come back and leave a comment sharing which item, not listed here is your favorite.
**Winner will be added to this post when selected**
Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway!
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 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.
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 will be added to this post when selected**
Contest ends 12/21/10!
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: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway!
Dec 13, 2010
MORE Fun Christmas Sites
A second installment of some Christmas stuff online. You can see part one here.
How about a free letter from Santa. As with most "free" sites, there are some free options, and then lots more options for a fee. There are 3 free options and one is specifically for kids who are worried Santa won't find them because you've moved. Of course, you could do all this on your own for free too, but why reinvent the wheel!
A personal favorite of mine Jib jab.
Below is the video I created last year. You can check out the one I made for this yeare here.
Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!
Watch "How To Trap Santa"
Dec 10, 2010
Do You Know America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman
This holiday season, the makers of Centrum® and Molly Shannon are
in search of
“America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman”
- Centrum® invites you to nominate someone who lives life and love to the fullest during the holiday season while staying healthy (you can even nominate yourself!)
- Go to LoveFeelingHealthy.com to nominate someone by sharing her secrets to enjoying life and love to the fullest during the holidays.
- Nomination submissions must be 300 words or less about how she does it all with a smile.
- Nominations must be submitted by no later than January 3, 2011.
- A panel of judges will select five (5) finalists and the public will then cast their vote for “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman!”
Also available on LoveFeelingHealthy.com are tips from Molly Shannon so be sure to check back to learn how to get the most joy out of the holidays by living to the fullest!
While visiting the site, you can also download a $3.00 coupon for Centrum® Women’s or Centrum® Men’s to help you achieve better health during the holiday season
Disclosure: I am a member of One2One Network and this post is part of a member project where I am eligible to win prizing. I make no claims about Centrum as a product or it's effectiveness.
Individual Tickets for WORKING to Go On Sale TODAY!
STUDS TERKEL'S WORKING
AT BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE
TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
CHICAGO (December 7, 2010) – Broadway In Chicago and the producers of WORKING are pleased to announce that tickets for the upcoming production of the new musical will go on sale on Friday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. WORKING begins previews on February 15, 2011 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut).
WORKING is a vital new musical based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Chicago’s own Studs Terkel. Newly adapted by Stephen Schwartz (WICKED, PIPPIN and GODSPELL) from the original adaptation by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, WORKING is the working man’s A CHORUS LINE. A musical exploration of 26 people from all walks of life, with songs by all-star composers Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant, Tony Award™ winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Rodgers, Susan Birkenhead, Stephen Schwartz and Grammy Award™ winning James Taylor. WORKING celebrates everyday people in a genuinely funny and touching way. Portrayed by some of Chicago’s brightest stars including E. Faye Butler, Barbara Robertson and Gene Weygandt, among others, WORKING fills you with hope and inspiration and is the perfect musical for everyone who has ever worked a day in their lives.
Produced by Jed Bernstein, Dianne Fraser and Sheila Simon Geltzer, WORKING is directed by Gordon Greenberg, with Scenic Design by Beowulf Boritt.
Individual tickets for WORKING are $67.50 - $77.50. A select number of premium seats are also available. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut St.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775‐2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores), and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. For groups of 15 or more, call (312) 977‐1710.
WORKING is a part of the 2011 Broadway In Chicago Spring Season Series.
For more information, please visit us at www.BroadwayInChicago.com
Dec 9, 2010
Fun Christmas Sites
Here are some sites that my kids and I have used and loved over the last couple years.
The first is my favorite where you can create a personalized video message FROM Santa TO your child (or spouse) to remind them that Santa is watching. Check it out, it's a lot of fun.
 | ||
If you enjoy photography and photo editing, you can use this site to edit a photo (that you take) of your house to make it look like proof that Santa has been there. I've played with this site and it has tons of options to create fun photographic proof of the visit from the big guy. (There is a charge for this one though $9.95 for the first photo, $4.95 for the second and .99 for each additional photo.)
And last but certainly not least, track Santa with NORAD. This site has been around for years but it never gets old.
See Santa on your mobile phone
This Christmas eve, join NORAD to track Santa's flight from your phone. On December 24th, open Google Maps for mobile and do a search for "Santa" to see his latest location.
Or online at noradsanta.org
Do you have other favorites, please be sure to share them in the comments! And check out my second set of fun sites for Christmas here.
ExerSaucers Savvy Parenting Guide Giveaway
For their new parenting parody, ExerSaucer conducted some research on how having kids effects the 'special time' parents spend together. Some of their statistics are a little worrisome to me...
"47% of new moms say they have less sex now than before they had kids, according to a new Evenflo Savvy Parents survey. Interestingly, only 20% of dads report less sex as a result of having kids."
*Please note all these videos are meant to be humorous and in no way are representative of ExerSaucer (or my) recommendations as to how to parent. Never leave your child unattended, no matter how long it's been. Seriously, despite what your mother told you, you will NOT go blind if you have to take care of business solo!
Enter to win an adorable “Genius in Training” 12-month old tee courtesy of ExerSaucer!
Giveaway Rules
Required Entry: Leave a comment sharing which of the videos you enjoyed most.
**Winner will be added to this post when selected**
Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway!
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 - 3 entries
~'Like' Lysol on FaceBook - 3 entries
~'Like' my blog on FaceBook - 3 entries
~'Like' Lysol on FaceBook - 3 entries
~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.
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 will be added to this post when selected**
Contest ends 12/17/10!
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: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway!
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