Celebrate Spring Chicago with Miracle-Gro at HomeDepot #Sponsored

Thanks to Miracle-Gro and Home Depot my boys and I created some things to beautify our yard.  Available exclusively in Chicago Home Depot store and only THIS month, check out what you can do with Miracle-Gro Premium Plants


 Chicago’s blooms will be bigger* and better than ever this season. And with Mother’s Day around the corner one of these potted annuals or hanging baskets make the perfect gift. One that keeps on growing!


"We’ve taken all we’ve learned over the years in gardens around the globe and created thriving plants for long-lived success. From begonias to petunias, to geraniums, they’ve been cultivated with care to help you achieve beautiful results in your home or garden. And with their roots firmly planted in a custom soil blend, they have everything they need to succeed. You’ve trusted us to help you care for plants, now you can grow with us right from the start.

• 3-month money-back guarantee
• Fast blooms and vibrant colors that last all season
• Available in potted annuals and hanging baskets
• Limited time only at The Home Depot stores in Chicago

*Compared to conventionally grown plants"



Mother's Day sounded like the perfect reason to create some pretty potted plants with Miracle-Gro premium plants, so I gathered the boys and off to Home Depot we went.

After wandering the garden section for awhile we found a great selection of Miracle-Gro plants.  The hardest part was getting the boys to agree on colors! I thought that these plants looked pretty full and healthy compared to the other available brands so I'm super excited to see what they will look like as they grow.

The Miracle-Gro premium Plants happened to be outside (on the sidewalk) at our location, not sure if this the norm or not but there were plenty of available employees in the garden section to ask for help.

Once we made our selections, which included two plants for friends and three plants for ME, we headed back inside.  There we grabbed some Miracle-Gro Potting Mix and some nice pots for our new plants.

I was very pleased that even with a little hunting for the plants, and some 'discussion' on which ones we wanted we were in and out with the trunk all loaded up in less than half an hour!

These are the plants we picked to give to two close friends who I wanted to honor for Mother's Day because they have been so amazing to us helping to get the boys taken care of and to sports etc when I needed an extra pair of hands!
 

They boys were eager to jump in and get dirty repotting the plants in the Miracle-Gro potting soils.  We filled the pots with the soil and the boys loosened up the dirt the plants were already in to allow the roots to spread.

Once they were all done, Bryan had to give them the sniff test?  He says they smell great!

The boys had fun helping with this project and have been carefully watering the large pot that stayed with us since. I love how easy it was and can't wait to see the pot fill in.

Since we don't have any good locations for flowers in our yard (nothing with the right combination of location for they are safe from feet, light and soil) I am hoping we do well with our pot and maybe next spring we can add more pots to our collection so that we can add more color to our yard.

Thanks to Miracle-Gro for providing us a gift card so we could check out the Premium Plants line.  All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.

#SocialBlackout For Mom #Sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

As a blogger, I am plugged in...a LOT but this Mother's Day MetLife has asked me to take part in #SocialBlackout and help spread the word.  I'm up for the challenge, are you?

How are YOU celebrating  Mother's Day this year?  I mean chocolates and flowers are nice.  Handmade gifts are AWESOME! But NOTHING beats real, quality time with mom to let her know how much you appreciate her. And take it from someone who can't spend this Mother's Day with her mom, it's a gift for YOU too.  As a mom, I obviously think that we should be celebrated, or at least appreciated EVERY day.  But Mother's Day is the perfect time to really pause and take the time to enjoy the Mom in your life without distractions.  Make the day special by giving YOURSELF, your undivided attention.  

How you spend the time will depend on what you like to do together but for me it usually means having fun and getting outside.  Oh and NOT having to cook.  In years past, I've spent the day with my boys doing everything from just hanging out in our yard, to heading to the park and flying kites to going to Six Flags.  It doesn't matter WHAT you do, its about being together!  But being together doesn't really count if it just means your in the same general area, ignoring each other for your favorite tech device.  Despite being a serious lover of all things social media, I make it a point to regularly unplug so that my family doesn't know me only by the top of my head behind my smart phone or laptop.  I promise, Facebook and Instagram, they'll be there on Monday!  But take this one day (and if you enjoy it as much as I do, you can make it a weekly thing) and back away from the screen.  It'll be good for all of you!

If you're ready to join be this Sunday and unplug for Mom, check out the #SocialBlackout event on Facebook.  Just make sure you did it BEFORE Sunday! And if you're worried friends may send out a search party when you don't post ALL DAY, feel free to use the badge above as your profile photo so no one worries!

Best Buy Helps You Capture Memories #Sponsored

Best Buy wants to help YOU capture the photo worthy memories this spring.  From Mother's Day to Prom and Graduations, spring is filled with moments you'll want to remember.  If you're not ready for these frameable moments, head to Best Buy for help choosing what you need from their wide assortment of the latest cameras, including DSLR cameras, action camcorders, and compact cameras with long zoom, low light and wi-fi.  And with Best Buy’s low price guarantee, you’ll get the latest technology at the best price.  You can also trade in your old camera at Best Buy or get FREE shipping at BestBuy.com.  To learn more about cameras from Best Buy check them out online here.

So now you've got the camera, you've captured the memories beautifully...now what?  If you find that you've got more frame worthy photos than you have wall space, consider a digital picture frame.  Digital frames are a great way to show off your memories easily and inexpensively.   They also make fabulous Mother's Day gifts, just be sure to get mom started with some great photos in her frame to start her off.

Save an additional 25% off select Digital Photo Frames

Quantities Limited  Offer only available online at www.bestbuy.com valid 5/5/2013 through 6/22/13

I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.
 


 

My Listen To Your Mother Piece

Following is the piece  I read as part of the cast of Listen To Your Mother Chicago, on May 5, 2013.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

No One Knows by Lisa Noel

There's a knock at the door.  I open it and he greets me with a worried smile. Relief and fear come over me at the same time.  I’m so lucky. He loves me. He wants to marry me. He wants to raise this baby with me. All we have to do is tell my mom.

My mom.

The two of us have been through a lot over the years. She likes him. I know she'll be disappointed. I’m only sixteen, but I'm smart, an honor student in fact. Yes. She’ll be disappointed, but surely she’ll be supportive. Right? What's done is done. I’ll still finish school.

We’ll be ok.   

We all sit down. Me, my mom, my stepdad, my boyfriend, and I say it. I just say it. I'm pregnant.

They both ask if I’m sure.

Yes, I’m sure. We went to the health department.  I am pregnant.

Mom asks what I plan to do.

I announce we’re keeping the baby. I see no other option. 

They both shout at my boyfriend to leave the house. Saying nothing, I watch him go.  He looks back, eyes pleading to not let them do this. Tears come. I hear them tell me to go to my room. They need to talk.

I go, feeling more alone than I’ve ever felt. I cry and wait. Wait and cry. I think I’m going to be sick. It’s worry not morning sickness.  

When she's calm enough to talk, she sits down with me and tells me her story. The story of her own teen pregnancy. A story I’ve never heard.

She tells me all boys are the same. One left her young, pregnant and alone.

Surely the same will happen to me. I really need to think about my options. I have such a bright future.

She asks how I'm feeling. Have I been sick? She apologizes for her anger, tells me she wanted better for me. She thought I was smarter than this. Again, she asks what I plan to do. I tell her of our plan to stay together and raise this baby.

He loves me. He has a good job and wants to raise this baby.  

She reminds me of his age. He’s eighteen. They could have him arrested. Then what would I do? I’m a minor, and he’s eighteen. That’s statutory rape. They’ll call the police if I ever see him again. 

I can’t think through my tears. When she finally leaves, I'm exhausted. 

        In the days following, I sneak off to see him. I promise him I will not do what she's asking.

I wouldn't. I couldn't.

But the hours turn into days, and the days turn into what seem like years, and the constant comments, stories, and guilt get the better of me.

What right do I have to bring a child into this world?  I'm still in high school. What kind of mother could I possibly be?

Defeated, lonely and tired, the day comes when I relent.

I tell her to make the appointment.  She calls, but I have to talk to them. Tell them this is my choice.

Apparently I'm a good liar.

A counselor sees me before the procedure. He asks me to confirm I’m here by my own choice, and even asks my reasons.

My heart screams for me to tell the truth, but the lies eventually bring silence. I tell them everything they want to hear. What they think I should feel.

They believe me. 

Within a couple of hours I walk out of the clinic, empty.

Empty womb. Empty heart. Empty soul.

Mom puts me to bed when we get home. She even calls my boss to let him know I won’t make it to work tomorrow, and that’s the last it’s ever mentioned in our house.

Slowly it eats at me. I hate myself.

For some reason he doesn’t hate me. We continue to date for the last two years of high school behind her back. Then I go off to college. Off to do the great things I was destined to do…before. 

Somehow I make it through the first year. Then slowly it all falls apart.

My grades don't cut it and I lose my Honors Scholarship.

More pieces of me die.

I no longer have control of my body. I am constantly ill with no traceable reason.  The depression has overwhelmed me and I can no longer function. My worry is irrational and undeniable. I go home for a weekend and can't bring myself to return. I am unable to work toward the bright future I had....before.

I am consumed with thoughts of how old my child would be. What he or she would look like. Any encounter with a child pains me.

I am a mother without a child, but no one knows.

Mother’s Day comes. I grieve silently.

This was the right thing. They assured me. Why does it feel so wrong?

 I am a mother without a child, but no one knows. 

Origami Owl Online Party

Have you seen Origami Owl necklaces yet?  I'm totally addicted!  These are just a FEW in my collection.

So when I learned that the new catalog was coming out this month I HAD to host my own party.  But with crazy schedules, doing one in person is pretty impossible.  So I'm hosting an online Origami Owl Online Party now through April 25th. 

Order here!!!

 Origami Owl custom jewelry would make a great Mother's Day gift and if you order by the end of my party (April 25th) you are guaranteed delivery by Mother's Day!

 

To view tons of great other great idea visit my designer's Facebook page.  Then visit her personal site to order, just be sure to select the my name (Lisa Noel) in the "Party Information" box when you check out!!

Order here!!!

Mother's Day Breakfast

THIS was my breakfast in bed on Mother's Day.  Not exactly a hot meal and fresh squeezed orange juice on tray with flowers, but if you understand it, it couldn't be more perfect.

You see last year, my boys attempt at breakfast in bed went a little wrong.  Like waking up to a shower of sticky fruit and cereal, wrong.  (Read my pity party of a post about it here.)  So this year after everyone slept in until about 9:30, which is UNHEARD of in our house, Timmy brought me the breakfast pictured above.  And as he delivered it, while still a step or two from my bed, he informed me that he hadn't opened the yogurt or poured the cereal and he'd used the lid to his bucket of baseball, but HAD washed the lid.  I'm not sure why he didn't use a regular plate after last years paper plate failure, but what the heck, he had really thought this through.  For the little that was available in our house after I failed to grocery shop on Saturday this was the perfect Weight Watchers friendly breakfast.  And I may have gotten some crumbs in the bed but it was NOTHING compared to last year.  It put a smile on my face and prepared me for our day at Six Flags.  I'm thinking I've turned that into an annual tradition now!

How was YOUR Mother's Day?

Happy Mother's Day

Photo credit: pablogv2004 from morguefile.com

Today marks the third Mother's Day I will celebrate without my mom.  It's weird to think that's is been three years.  In some ways it seems like no time has past since the last time we had a REAL talk.  But then when I think of all the things that have happened since she's gone, I realize how much she's missed.  Or at least how much I've missed being able to share with her.  Getting her sarcastic input on the decisions we make as parents.  Seeing her immeasurable pride in her boys. Getting to see Johnny play soccer. Seeing how great Timmy has gotten at baseball.  Seeing how both of them have excelled SO much in school.  Or seeing what a little ham Bryan has turned into.  They would be great buddies, I'm sure because he is very much filled with her spirit.
I know my boys and I are still blessed to be surrounded with plenty of loving friends and family, but there will never be a replacement for the enormous hole that losing her left.  She was truly a one of a kind.  I miss her EVERY day.  I miss sharing my struggles and my accomplishments with her. As much as I know she would be SO proud of her boys, I hope that she would be equally as proud and excited about the things I have accomplished since she's passed.  I miss her EVERY day, but no day more than THIS day.  A day when I should be with her, being able to hug her and tell her face to face how much I love and appreciate her.  Letting her know that while I know I am nothing close to perfect, I am what I am today, because of her.  Because she loved me and sacrificed for me in a way you can never truly understand until you are there...until you become a mother.  Life changes when you look into the eyes of your child for the first time.  But it also changes greatly when you look into your mother's eye for the last time.

I miss you, Mom!  We love you!

Mother’s Day Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies #MyBlogSpark

Happy Mother’s Day! As a mom, we know you are hard working, loving, caring and above all, deserving of appreciation for all that you do. To show that appreciation, Mother’s Day Pillsbury® Ready to Bake! ™ Shape® Cookies are especially themed with amazing, extraordinary moms (like you) in mind! With a little help from a special Disney friend, these colorful pre-cut cookies are our way of saying, “thanks for everything mom!”

• Quick and convenient, Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies are ready to enjoy in 8-10 minutes and can be found at your local grocer
• Celebrate Mother’s Day with everyone’s favorite Disney character, Mickey Mouse

Make this Mother’s Day special with Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies. You and your readers can visit http://bit.ly/PSCMDCoupon to download a printable coupon for $1.10 off the purchase of (1) package of Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies today!

• Pillsbury Facebook: http://on.fb.me/PSCMDFB
• Pillsbury Twitter: http://bit.ly/PSCMDTW

As a blogger, I've gotten to know many other bloggers. Many have become great friends.  But I can tell you that being friends with bloggers, especially foodie bloggers, well it can give you a bit of a complex when it comes to baking.  Seeing the gorgeous and undoubtedly delicious treats that roll out of their kitchens can make a mama feel slightly inadequate.  But I figure you all just have come to terms with our strengths and weaknesses and anything done in the kitchen is unlikely to fall on my list of strengths. So I'll take any shortcut I can and these cookies are no exception.  Prepared in seconds, ready in minutes and gone...well probably even quicker.  They are easy AND delicious.  So easy maybe you might even get lucky enough to have special someone make them for YOU this Mother's Day.....

Enter to win this Pillsbury Prize Pack:

• A VIP coupon to purchase a package of Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies
• Cookie Jar
• Cookie Spatula
• Oven Mitt 

Please note that this prize pack will NOT be received in time for Mother's Day but consider checking out the coupon link to pick up some Ready to Bake Shape Cookies and keep your fingers crossed that your lil ones might get some help baking up these delicious treats for YOU on Mother's Day.

Read more »

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My Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day is one of a few days that often leads to disappointment for me.  I learned several years ago that I set myself up for disappointment by the expectations I set up.  Yet, I continue to do it, year after year on my birthday and Mother's Day.  I grew up in a house where these days were BIG.  These days were SPECIAL.  For Mother's Day we took my mom to brunch (read over priced but delicious meal) and did our best to treat her like royalty all day.  If we didn't meet up to these expectations there were reminders a plenty that it was HER special day from my (step)dad.

However, as much as I have attempted to raise my kids the same way, that these occassions really are special, no matter how much they want to, they still require help.  But more imporantly I need help.  I need help remembering that it is really the thought!  One Mother's Day my oldest brought my a can of Pepsi and a bowl of dry cereal in bed because it was all he was allowed to do in the kitchen.  But I LOVED it.  I may have helped that it was done at a reasonable hour.

This year however, my Mother's Day started at 3am with a screaming toddler.  When I went into the boys room, the only thing he said was "I can't sleep." So I scooped him up and brought him to bed with me.  Where he proceeded to flop and flail around like a dying fish, attempting to use me as his personal pillow/punching bag.  Then shortly before 6 am, my oldest began attempting to bring me breakfast.  With less than 4 hours of decent sleep, I shoo'd him away every 20-30 minutes until just after 8am.  That's when I rolled over and attempted to take a plate of what I assumed was cinnamon rolls.  That WAS, after all, what we made a special stop at the store for the day before so that he could handle breakfast without help.  But instead he had filled a plate full of raisins, graham crackers, a package of peanut butter crackers, a bowl FULL of dry Cheerios and a fruit cup.  Immediately the raisins when sliding off the plate and onto my bed and somehow into Bryan's diaper.  Apparently raisin's in the diaper don't feel very nice, or he thought they were bugs (which HATES right now) and he began to FREAK OUT while I attempted to recover the raisins.  Once he was calmed down and deloused, I attempted to sit up and check out the balance of my breakfast.  And then promptly spilled the juice from the fruit cup onto my comforter.  That was enough "relaxing" breakfast for me so I got up and started getting ready for church.  After getting everyone ready we took a minute so I could open the gifts from the boys.  Johnny made me a cute butterfly magnet and a GREAT card and Timmy made a pretty and very thoughtfully written card.  After downing a cinnomon roll we headed out to church.  Where Bryan first said he wanted to stay with me and go to service. Until we got to the other side of the church and he began pulling me by the hand and pointing and insisting he wanted to "go."  So we went BACK to the Sunday school area, signed him in and then he began melting down.  I ended up having someone literally peel him off me screaming.  As I turned around from the room, two moms with similar aged kids gave me knowing half smiles and wished me a Happy Mother's Day.  To which the tears began to floor and I hurried to the closest restroom.  Once I composed myself I head to service.  I was thankful for a nice service that did NOT focus to much at all on Mother's Day.

And I was extra glad that Bryan went to Sunday school as he proudly presented me with the bright yellow tulip pictured above.  Amazingly despite a day in a hot car, it perked right up when I put it in some water hours later!

From church we headed to the party store were we got some balloons and took them to the cemetery.  We left cards and a balloon for my mom and grandma.  We attempted to let a balloon go with the pictures the boys made for my mother in law but in disappointing fashion the construction paper outweighed the balloon and went...nowhere.  

So we packed up and headed out to find somewhere nice for lunch despite Bryan's protests for Burger King.  I drove through about 8 PACKED parking lots before finding a decent looking lot at Applebees.  It wasn't my first (or fifth) choice because we have one really close to home and it's our go to place so I wanted somewhere different but with just me and the three boys I was NOT down for an hour, or even a half hour wait.  We slid right into a table at Applebees.  Where I had a DELICIOUS steak and replaced the healthy veggies with an extra side of garlic mashed potatoes.  Luckily, Timmy was starving for some reason and ate most of the second portion for me.

As much as I really just wanted to go home and take a nap, I thought that it would be a good day to make our first visit to Six Flags.  The weather was perfect and I was convinced that few people would be there since it was Mother's Day.  But as we pulled in and were directed to a far lot, which I had never had to use all of last season, I was worried.  But as we got to the gates areound 1:30 in the afternoon, there was no line to get in.  But since we have season passes we had to first stop and get our new cards.  THAT line looked horrible, but you have to get your card the first day you visit.  So I got inline with the boys and prepared for the worst.  While standing there I realized Johnny had ketchup ALL over his face. So I sent him (with Timmy for my peace of mind) to a near by bathroom to clean up and by the time they got back we were almost inside the building.  It went quickly and there was minimal complaints from our smallest thrill seeker.  We each got our new cards with our smiley happy faces printed on them.  Well mine also includes a bit of the lady next to us as she refused to move out of frame after repeated requests from the employee but it wasn't really a glamor shot anyway.

We headed off to what, if you're familiar with Six Flags Great America, used to be the Wiggles area filled with kids rides.  We rode the cars and the planes (both a first for me as last year I let my husband do the riding) and Johnny and Bryan rode the little tea cups and the three boys rode 'the strawberries.'  On the planes and the strawberries Bryan began screaming when he got on the rides that he didn't want to go. But once they start moving he loves them and wants to go again.

From the kids area we wondered, saw a few Warner Bros characters, ate a JUMBO pretzel and then rode the big tea cups not once but twice.  As we left the ride and got back in line I hoped we'd get a minute to regroup but we got right back on.  Without a break in between I wouldn't let the boys get the cup really spinning but it was still priceless watching all three of them CRACKING UP through the whole ride!

After 5 hours, I could hardly walk another step and we still had a decent hike back to the car.  We took a quick break and then headed out.  I really thought Bryan might lose it as he started to get tired and impatient about getting to the car but he did great.  We grabbed dinner on the way home and were all ready to collapse by bedtime.

Us with Foghorn Leghorn

 Part of me is convinced it was a horrible Mother's Day as it wasn't the relaxing day I always think it should be.  But the boys and I had a great day.  It's all about expectations and perspective.  So while I am not one to sugar coat things or try to deceive myself or others of just smiley happy pictures of our "perfect" day, this year, I'm going to cherish these great photos and remember the good time we DID have this Mother's Day.

Bugs Bunny

the boys with Daffy Duck and Sylvester

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I miss you!

If roses grow in heaven, Lord, pick a bunch for me

Place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from me

Tell her that I love and miss her, and when she turns to smile

place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while

Because remembering her is easy

I do it everyday

There's an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Happy Mother's Day in Heaven


Hope you all have a terrific Mother's Day, if you will be with your Mom today, please give her an extra hug for all those who can't be with their moms this year! 


Did you see my Mother's Day Song Challenge? Check it out it might make you cry, but it should also make you smile.

WINNIE THE POOH: Mother's Day Card!

In honor of WINNIE THE POOH returning to theatres this summer (July 15th), Walt Disney Animation Studios has this adorable Mother’s Day Card to share with you!

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail.  “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh.  Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. Inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, “Winnie the Pooh” hits theatres on July 15th!

Mother's Day Music {Linky}

I found this great little inspiration on Facebook for a Mother's Day song challenge.  Since I LOVE music and Mother's Day is a little tough for me to write about I thought I'd give it a shot.  It is proposed as a song a day type challenge but since I found it late, I'm going to do them all at once.  

If you feel inspired to join me and post on your blog please feel free to link up so other's can check it out.  If you don't have a blog, you can post in the comments of mine!

Mother's Day Song Challenge 

1. Your Mother's favorite song

2. A song that reminds you of your Mother

3. A song that your mother and you both loved together

4. A song that both you and your mother hated together

5. A song your mother often sang to you (or dedicated)

6. A song YOU sang or dedicated to your mother.

7. A song your mother loved to sing herself

8. Your favorite MOTHER'S DAY song for the Mother's day holiday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mother's Day Song Challenge

1. Your Mother's favorite song
 I have to admit, I have no clue what my mom's more recent favorite songs were.  She was fairly into music when I was young but really didn't seem to pay much attention to it at all once I was a teen and beyond.  But here's one that was a favorite of her's for a long time.
I will always remember her listening to this on her walkman while mowing the grass and bobbing along.

Let's Hear It For the Boy: Denise Williams

2. A song that reminds you of your Mother

There are many, including the one above but this one reminds me of her because it was a movie and song that we both loved.  I also think it's fitting for her in many ways!!

Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler:

3. A song that your mother and you both loved together

We both loved both of the songs above.  And I'm sure many many more. But of course I'm drawing a blank on anything more current. I do remember having some country and Christian songs we both enjoyed more recently but nothing I can think of...So I'm going with an artist we both loved for a long time.

How Will I Know, Whitney Houston

4. A song that both you and your mother hated together

It makes me crazy that I can't think of a single song.  I'll probably hear one tomorrow of course, but I can't think of any!  I know there are some, probably not a ton because we had pretty varied styles and there was a lot she hated that I liked and vice versa, but there is something.  And it makes me sad that I can't think of even one.

5. A song your mother often sang to you (or dedicated)

My mom didn't sing very much.  She didn't think she had a good voice.  But she DID sing this to me when I was little.  And I sing it to my kids all the time now!

You Are My Sunshine, Anne Murray

6. A song YOU sang or dedicated to your mother.

I can't think of a single song I ever sang to my mom or dedicated to her.
But while I suppose this song also fits in the 'reminds me' of her category.  I think of her every time I hear this song because in her last weeks we sang this song one morning in church and it was the first time I REALLY broke down.  It was if I could hear her singing it to me that morning, convincing me she'd be ok.  So now every time it's done in church, I feel like I'm singing it for her, and am filled with her amazing stength.

I Will Rise, Chris Tomlin

7. A song your mother loved to sing herself

Oh my gosh, I struggled with this.  As I said, my mom wasn't a big singer.  But she had this record (and now I have it) and she would always sign along and then clearly it would get stuck in her head and she would sing it all day long.
I haven't thought about this song in forever but it cracks me up now because I totally do the same thing to my kids when a song gets stuck in my head I will sing it (or usually just one or two lines really) over and over until I've made them all crazy.

Elvira, Oak Ridge Boys

8. Your favorite MOTHER'S DAY song for the Mother's day holiday.

I've never even considered that there was such a thing as a Mother's Day Song.  So I did some searching.  And instead of picking just one, I am sharing a variety of Mom related songs, which something from a variety of genres.















I hope you'll join in and link up:

Skincare for Moms

With Mother's Day right around the corner, I know many of us are thinking about what we should get Mom.  And while I don't know that I'd recommend buying a skincare product for Mother's Day because it might just be taken the wrong way, a gift card to somewhere where mom could purchase one of these great items might be a hit.

For the non-stop busy mom: First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 Restore Cream - $36, available at Sephora, Sephora.com and firstaidbeauty.com
FAB 5-in-1 Restore Cream is a rich, multi-action moisturizer formulated to help prevent and combat the signs of aging while moisturizing, brightening, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, correcting skin tone, and combating free radicals. This do-it-all cream provides skin with the TLC it needs to stay radiant, youthful and perfectly hydrated.  Free of parabens, harsh chemicals and colorants, and safe for even the most sensitive skin.

  

My thoughts:

I loved this product.  It's so creamy and leaves my skin feeling sooo smooth without feeling oily.  My 3 year old has some skin issues on his legs that leave him dry and itchy and I even used this on him with great results!  You can use this at night OR in the morning which I've found you can't always do with a good thick moisturizer.

For the mom that wants to preserve her youth: Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% - $103, available at doctor’s offices nationwide or online at lovelyskin.com

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% formulation uses stabilized ascorbic acid, the only form of Vitamin C that can be effectively absorbed by the skin. With a concentration of 20% ascorbic acid, this specific formulation offers the deepest level of penetration available. L-ascorbic acid neutralizes free radicals that would otherwise damage your skin, helps stimulate collagen synthesis, provides sun protection, and remains in the skin for up to 72 hours. Professional-C Serums are absorbed into your skin quickly, so you benefit almost instantly after application. Obagi Professional-C Serums offer maximum antioxidant protection you won’t find in other Vitamin C products.

My thoughts:

For me application of this product was a little tricky as it comes in a dropper and is a sort of oily liquid consistency.  But other than it being a little messy I did get great results. Some of the warnings (about burning w/over use or sensitive skin) made me a little nervous but I used it daily without any burning or irritation.   It left my skin feeling healthy and I think it improved the fine laugh lines I have starting.

For the busy mom who needs a little pick-me-up: Freeman Vita-K Professional Dark Circles- $15, available at mass merchandise stores nationwide or online a www.freemanbeauty.com

Professional Vita-K Solution Dark Circles is a clinically proven professional skin treatment that minimizes the appearance of dark circles. The professional formula with unique ProVita-K Complex significantly improves the appearance of tone and elasticity, and dramatically reduces the appearance of dark circles using light diffusing properties.

My thoughts:

Of the three this was my FAVORITE, mostly because it was something different than I've ever tried.  It's just been in the last year or two that I've been bothered by dark circles under my eyes. It was if they just popped out of nowhere one day and although I am usually running on slightly less than 8 hours a day of sleep, they don't improve even if I'm allowed a very full nights sleep.  And for some reason despite my MANY other skin issues, this in the one that makes me the most crazy.  So I was excited to try this product.  I have used it daily for two weeks and see a great improvement.  The circles aren't GONE but they are much lighter and when I actually wear makeup you can't see them anymore, which was not the case before.  If you are bothered by dark circles, I'd highly recommend this product, especially for such a great price.  I will be continuing to use this one for sure!!

Disclosure: I was supplied with all three of these complimentary products for review purposes.  However, all opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.