Cleaning for a Reason Organization Helps Women Undergoing Chemotherapy

I received a foward in my email box the other day that I wanted to share.

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.

This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care.   

For more information and/or an application, visit http://www.cleaningforareason.org/.  Unfortunately, this service isn't available in all areas as the organization depends on cleaning services to partner with them; so if you or someone you know is a cleaning service, please pass this information along to them also so that more women can be helped in their time of need.

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Amazon BLACK FRIDAY Deals Start NOW!

Why wait until Friday to get the good deals?  "Black Friday deals start now, " says the online retail giant Amazon in an email a recent email to customers.

Competing with brick and mortar giants such a Walmart, this season Amazon is not only again offering free shipping but also free 30-day returns, low price guarantees, and other specials on selected items.

For example, compare Amazon's deal on a TCL 32-Inch HDTV with Walmart's 32-inch Seiki.  Not only is the Amazon special $40 cheaper but it comes with a two-year warranty (versus Walmart's one year warranty), one day free shipping (as well as free shipping on returns), and a price guarantee. PLUS Customers who find a lower price online or find that Amazon has lowered its price within 14 days after the shipping date can contact Amazon and get refunded the difference.

And For you Mom Bloggers who want to try video blogging (vlog), check out the Flip MinoHD Video Camera (Brushed Metal, 2nd Generation) for $129 - that's $100 off the regular retail price of $229!  (Not to mention the $30 savings over Walmart)

Got a music and video fan on your list?  You'll want to check out the Zune HD 16 GB MP3 player for $149 (a $50 savings). The Zune HD 16GB with 3.3-inch OLED display lets you watch 720p HD movies or listen to up to 4,000 songs.

Children love movies and Amazon has plenty to choose from to keep those little ones entertained; such as Toy Story 3 for $19.49, Disney's Up for only $12.99, and several pages worth of classic cartoons and children's movies for under $5! (I grabbed The Blind Side DVD for $3.99.  It's only $10 for Blu-Ray!)

KINDLE 2 will go on sale Friday, November 26 for only $89 - $50 off the everyday price of $139.  Remember, that's on Friday starting at 12:00 noon ET/11:00 a.m. CT/9:00 a.m. Pacific Time.  Quantities are limited!

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Win $10,000 with the Eagle Brand Signature Recipe Contest!

No celebration is complete without the crown jewel of the holiday table– the signature dessert dish.

Ingrid Hoffmann, celebrity chef and host of Cooking Channel’s Simply Delicioso, has teamed up with Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk to search for the signature dessert recipes that make your holiday table shine, for the chance to win $10,000 towards a kitchen makeover.

Whether passed down through generations or a modern favorite, home cooks can log on to www.eaglebrand.com to submit an original recipe in the Eagle Brand Signature Recipe Contest through January 10.

For those looking for inspiration, Ingrid Hoffmann is now sharing her holiday baking tips, recipes and entertaining ideas to spice up holiday dessert menu, at www.eaglebrand.com.

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Good Old Fashioned Values Make for Wicked Fresh Products!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom's of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

I just love it when I'm introduced to a company that takes pride in the old fashioned art of caring for their customers, employees, and community.  Dedication to those values are so difficult to find in this dog-eat-dog world, so when I learn about such fantastic companies, I truly enjoy telling my readers about them.

So today I'm happy to introduce you to Tom's Of Maine who has four values and beliefs by which they run their company:  responsible business, stewardship, no animal testing, and ingredient transparency.

Not only do they proclaim these values, but by doing a simple internet search you can find many people who report they abide by them.  Say it with me:  WOW!

This is someone I definitely want to do business with, so I began searching their products.  Being that I am HUGE on caring for teeth, I was immediately drawn to their toothpastes and mouthwashes.   And down to the Rite-Aid (one of the many locations where you can buy their products) to get a tube of their new Wicked Fresh!™ Toothpaste.  While it hadn't yet arrived to this store, I was able to try Fluoride-Free Antiplaque and Whitening Toothpaste.

Having used it on three occasions now, I can say that I really like this toothpaste.  It has a good flavor and my teeth feel squeaky clean.  In all fairness, however, I can't report on the whitening as it hasn't been long enough - but I'll let you know.

In the meantime, I'm going to order the Wicked Fresh!™ Toothpaste and Mouthwash from their website.  Check back for the results!

Last but not least, let me invite you to enter Tom's of Maine giveaway of a $500 Target gift card and MANY other prizes.  Just visit the That's Wicked Fresh contest page for details on how to enter.  GOOD LUCK!

 

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How To Create Bouncy Curls with a Hair Straightener

Not only was I blessed with a daughter after having three boys, but I was blessed with a daughter who has so much hair that I'm pretty sure some people thought I had a baby wig on her.

And fortunately she enjoys letting Mom play with it. Ponytails, braids, dog ears, curling, straightening - we've done it all!

One day I was talking with my cousin, a beautician, and she gave me a VERY helpful tip on hair styling.

You know those big bouncy curls you see celebrities wearing - like the adorable Taylor Swift (right photo)?

Did you know you can create those with a flat iron straightener?  I didn't!

And it's actually very simple, here's how:

1. Heat up the straightener.  (Need one?  Check ghd for comparison pricing on some great models)
2. If you prefer smaller, tighter curls, gather a small strand in fingers; for larger, looser curls, gather bigger strands.
3. Press strand between plates and run down length of strand, leaving about an inch at end.
4. Wrap end piece around iron.  Close plates (clamp) and roll upwards to roots.
5. Hold for approximately 30 seconds.
6. While opening plates, pull iron gently downwards allowing hair to slide from grip.
7. Repeat with each strand.

Didn't turn out perfect on the first try?  No problem, just allow hair to cool down for a few seconds and try again.  (And here's another handy tip for those with hair that hates to hold curl:  before starting, run a small amount of style gel through hair.)

It's so simple!  And although I can't explain it, the curls are much more durable and prettier than curls created with a curling iron.

We've had a lot of fun using this easy trick.  It's great for adding a little body to straight hair or, as is the case with my daughter's hair, giving "umph" to naturally wavy hair.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

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Baby Needs Butt Paste

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

Having four children, I've tried plenty of diaper rash medications.


Honestly, it's more than I care to think about.

Some of the BEST stuff I've tried though has the funniest name:  Boudreaux's (pronounced boo-drow) Butt Paste.

I'd seen it in the store, just never tried it.   but when I started seeing it featured on shows such as Oprah, the Today Show, and TLC's While You Were Out, I decided to give it a try.

Then Boudreaux's Butt Paste became a regular in my diaper bag.  Not only does it have a scent that I like, but it goes on easily, no hassle wipe off skin, and is available with a flip top which is so much more handy when you're working with only one hand.  (Know what I mean, Mom?)

And I won't lie, I like the giggles the name gets!

Here's another hint (err, confession): it's great for Mom and Dad too.  You know, in those little places that get chaffed during the winter or after exercising.

Don't just take my word for it though, visit Boudreaux's Butt Paste website at www.buttpaste.com for information on how you can receive a free sample to see why I declare it a diaper bag staple!

 

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Colic Calm Homeopathic Medicine is THE Relief for a Colicky Baby

Being a new mother is hard enough, but when your baby is colicky it feels impossible.

It doesn't have to be, however. 

Not available when my oldest two children were born, gripe water for colic is something that I made note was available when my youngest two were born.

Safe and 100% natural, Colic Calm is free of alcohol, sugar, simethicone, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), herbal oils and extracts, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, and animal products - all products that can be harmful (and painful) to a young baby's developing system.   And it also means there will be NO side effects!

Suffering from colic doesn't have to be miserable for baby and parents as it was two decades ago thanks to an the appropriately named "gripe water."

To see the wonderful advantages of Colic Calm, watch an Amazing Colic Video at the Colic Calm website.

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Ready For Your Thanksgiving Road Trip?

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

I am so very fortunate that my family lives close by, which keeps us from having to do very little traveling during the holiday season.

Yet many of my friends are not as blessed and will log numerous hours of road time before sitting down to tasty feast or rip into those much anticipated gifts.

And although they may be going to the comforts of a home a familiar town and friendly faces, it doesn't mean that route along the way has remained unchanged.

Thanks to the convenience of NAVTEQ, an in-dash GPS navigation system, they won't have to second guess which routes will make for the most pleasurable trip.

NAVTEQ will help travelers avoid closed roads as well as heavily congested and slow moving interstates and highways, pointing them in the most efficient, desirable direction to reach their destination.  And NAVTEQ will also help locate gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and other similar places with the touch of a button.

Sound like an awesome way to road trip?  It does to me too!  Just be sure to do a map update before departure for the best results and you'll be on your way!

Happy Holidays!

 

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Winter Skin? Try Carmex Healing Lotion and Cream

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

Winter always brings excessively dry skin for me, so I'm always on the lookout for products to relieve it.

I noticed that the brand I've used for years for dry, chapped lips also offers lotion and cream.

At only $5.99, I decided it was worth a try. 

And oh!  it felt so good!  Just as their lip products have proven to me in the past, Carmex definitely keeps skin moisturized.

You know, I've bought more than my fair share of pricey products that make big promises of winning the fight against dry winter skin, but it's the Carmex in the cute, cheery packages at the affordable price that wins hands down! (Or should I say "hands up" since they're not scaly hands anymore?!)

Soothing, healing and protecting for over 70 years, the fine products of Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream can be purchased at Walgreens, walgreens.com, or drugstore.com.

You'll also to like Carmex on Facebook too (www.facebook.com/carmexlipbalm) so that you are entered to win their daily Trio of Tubes!

Family owned and operated in Franklin, Wisconsin, give Carmex a try - it'll be the best thing you do all winter!

 

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OMG-WTH Do You Know What Your Kids Are Saying Online?

FREE eBOOK translates common chat and IM abbreviations, helps parents identify dangerous online cyber bullying situations.
If you have no idea what your kids are saying in text messages, IMs or emails, you are not alone. To help parents identify potentially dangerous internet risks, TrueCare, a provider of a comprehensive Internet monitoring service for parents, to announced the availability of a new eBook titled “IDK (I don’t know) What My Kids Are Saying Online”

This free ebook, available for download from the TrueCare.net website, includes some of the most commonly used online abbreviations used by kids when they instant message, email or chat online using social networking websites. But be warned, some of the abbreviations are not for children. The ebook includes a number of abbreviations that may be warning signs that your kids are chatting with strangers or engaging in dangerous online behavior.

“Parents have a responsibility to know what their children are doing and saying online,” said David Barker, spokesperson for TrueCare.net. “At TrueCare, our primary concern is keeping children safe from the dangers of online social networking. We’ve released I Don’t Know What My Kids Are Saying Online because we want to give parents easy access to this ever-changing language, so they can decode what their kids are saying to their friends.”

Some of most popular codes kids use when texting and chatting might surprise you. Did you know that MOS means “Mom over Shoulder?” Here are a few other abbreviations you might not know:
• CD9 means “Parents are Around”

• ASL means “Age, Sex and Location?”

• DOC means “Drug of Choice”

• MIRL means “Meet in Real Life”

Learn about these abbreviations and many more by downloading the FREE eBOOK at: www.truecare.net/idk

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vitaminID.com Supports Floating Doctors on Honduran Expedition

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

vitaminID.com will be following the Honduras experience with video, pictures and words via www.vitaminID.com and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/vitaminID. We are excited to sponsor Dr. Benjamin LaBrot and the crew of the Southern Wind on their four-month Honduran expedition providing preventative medicine and vitamins where they are needed most.

Floating Doctors is the first global medical team to utilize a green energy platform, the Southern Wind, a 76-foot expedition sailboat. Delivering medical relief to thousands of people in remote coastal areas, Floating Doctors will leave long lasting health benefits and a minimal carbon footprint in her wake.

vitaminID.com supports Floating Doctors' approach of employing cutting-edge technology, traditional medicine and altruism to promote better health, and the improvement of health care delivery worldwide.

 

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Show Your Helping Hand and Help Feed America! (and Win a Hamburger Helper Prize Pack too!)

My family loves Hamburger Helper meals - not only are they quick and easy but they're also tasty.

So when My Blog Spark asked me if I was interested in promoting Hamburger Helper's Feeding America campaign, I jumped right on it!

Especially when they tossed in GRAMMY^® Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor TIM McGRAW, who is partnering with Hamburger Helper 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.

Support the campaign by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at http://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.

Visit http://www.showyourhelpinghand.com/ to also register to win an autographed copy of Tim McGraw's Southern Voice CD! (Which the namesake song I really love!)

GIVEAWAY!  To continue spreading the word, My Blog Spark and Hamburger Helper is generous enough to offer one lucky reader of The Mom Trap a Show Your Helping Hand prize pack (like the one I received free from My Blog Spark and you see here to the right) 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, and make a $10 donation to the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign in your name.

Here's how to enter:  Leave a comment answering this question: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY TO GIVE TO DURING THE HOLIDAYS? (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Like Feeding America on Facebook for 1 extra entry (already like it?  That counts!).
• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 2 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Friday, November 26, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Winner will be announced here and notified via email no later than Saturday, November 27, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

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It's FREE Taco Day at Jack In the Box!

On Tuesday, November 16th Jack in the Box will give away Two (2) FREE Tacos to anyone!

NO PURCHASE REQUIRED. Just walk in the store and ask for your FREE TACOS.

(Limit 2 tacos per customer; at participating locations only).

To keep up with awesome promotions like this, join Jack in the Box on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter.  You can also stay updated at the Jack in the Box website at http://www.jackinthebox.com/.

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Earn your Masters of Arts in Teaching Degree In As Little As 12 Months!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of 2tor. All opinions are 100% mine.

I know that many of my readers have talked about going back to school and earning a degree.

And some of have considered advancing your degree.

We've had plenty of discussions about, right?

Well, for those of you considering earning a degree in education, I want to tell you about the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at University of Southern California (USC).

USC offers interactive online classes with field-based training in your local area through an accelerated program you can complete in as little as 12 months!

Being ranked number 22 in the United States as a School of Education - number 9 among all private universities, USC has a a 100-year history of educating teachers.  And you'll have the opportunity to learn from distinguished USC faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education.

Whether you're an aspiring teacher or a teacher looking to further your education, then take a moment to request more program information.  (Also check out the MAT @ USC Student Blog to find out more about the program from actual students)

Offering tuition reimbursement and scholarships along with full USC student status and benefits, participation in commencement ceremonies and free lifetime Alumni Association memberships, there's no reason not to.

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American Residential Law Group Can Help Reduce Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

I know as we head into the holiday season that there's plenty of people who are still struggling with their mortgages while we weather this economic storm.

If you are facing forclosure, please visit American Residential Law Group for information on how you may be able to stop foreclosure and reduce your monthly payment.

Homeowners who can't refinance with your lender because the value of your home has fallen below the amount of the mortgage also qualify for this free service offered by The Fair Home Loan Bureau.

Relieve yourself of one more stress this holiday season by reducing your monthly debt with help from FHLB.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Residential Law Group.

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LUVS Sports a New Monkey Design - And You Can Win a Package [Giveaway]

I can't count the number of times I've mentioned here that I'm a HUGE fan of Luvs diapers.

But let me say it again: I love LUVS!

Now Luvs is getting a makeover.  While you won't have any trouble locating them on your store shelves, if you've ever used Luvs you'll definitely notice the difference - including a package upgrade with new photos and an added panel offering additional product information for parents and caregivers.

And that's not all! Read on -

Luvs also now features a new MONKEY design!

This adorable new design is perfect for both girls and boys!

These new features make me love love Luvs!

But fear, Luvs loves is not going to compromise the trust and safe material used to make these very affordable, better-than-store-brand diapers that we've grown to "luv."

The new Luvs diapers will be hitting the shelves this fall! But you can be one of the first to try out the new and improved (aesthetically pleasing) changes!

Luvs has been generous enough to offer a FREE promtional package to one lucky reader of The Mom Trap.  The promotional diapers are available in Size 4 only - so keep that in mind when entering.

Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment answering this question: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM TO BUY AS A BABY SHOWER GIFT? (Be sure to include an email address or have one available on your profile in case you win!)

Want to increase your chances of winning with extra entries? (Leave a comment for each additional entry; i.e. 2 extra entries = 2 comments)

• Become a Facebook Fan of The Mom Trap at www.facebook.com/themomtrap (1 extra entry. Current followers also receive extra entry.)
• "Like" Luvs on Facebook (1 extra entry. Already follow? That counts too!)
• Follow The Mom Trap with Google Friend Connect. (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Follow The Mom Trap on Twitter (1 extra entry. Current followers included.)
• Tweet this giveaway for 5 extra entries, including @kdcantrell in your tweet. (Include the Tweet status URL in your comment.)
• Blog about this giveaway for 5 extra entries. (Be sure to include the URL of your post in your comment)

The Fine Print: Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Central Time on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. and territories residents only. Winner will be announced here and notified via email no later than Saturday, November 20, 2010, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Thank you to Luvs for providing me with a free package of Luvs diapers for the purposes of this review. 
However, receipt of same did not influence my opinion in any manner.  All statements are my own.

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What are the Absolutely Necessities for Bringing Home Your Newborn?

I was having a discussion the other day with someone about the minimum things needed for baby. And I thought it would make an excellent blog post.

Once you're ready to head home with your new baby, there's actually very little you need. As a mother of four, I've done this many times and here are the things I could absolutely not live without upon our arrival home:   

• Diapers (whether cloth or disposable)
• Week's worth of formula (non-issue if you plan to exclusively breastfeed)
• Minimum of 5 outfits
• Baby Cribs or Bassinet
• Blankets
• Mylicon drops
• Alcohol and cotton balls (for the umbilical cord)

While it's nice to have more than this, it's not necessary and this list will get you started.

Good luck and happy parenting! :)

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Get Up to 4 Free Movies from Redbox with each box of Orville Redenbacher

Get 2 FREE 1 night DVD rentals inside Orville 3-packs of Butter, Movie Theater Butter, and Smart Pop! flavors or get 4 FREE one night DVD rentals inside Orville 6-packs of Butter and Movie Theater Butter flavors.

In addition, get $1.00 off Orville Redenbacher's© Poppycock® coupon and a coupon for up to $1.50 off soda when you buy 2 Orville Redenbacher's popcorn (3 pack or larger).

So grab the popcorn and find a Redbox near you!

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Tommee Tippee: The ONLY Sippy Cups I Would Recommend (Review)

This Saturday - November 6, 2010 - Tommee Tippee is hosting a blog tour event they're calling "Traveling with Tiny Tots."

What's Tommee Tippee, you ask? The ONLY sippy cups I would ever recommend!

I'll tell you why in just a minute.

But first let me share this: Tommee Tippee is Great Britain's number 1 baby feeding brand.  They proudly bring Moms simply intuitive products designed to make traveling {or just living} with infants and toddlers as easy and stress free as possible.

And let me tell you - Tommee Tippee lives up to their promises!  

When they say they are TRULY SPILL PROOF CUPS, they're not kidding.

Over the course of my 18+ years of parenting, I've tried more than my fair share of sippy cups.  But not until my last child and an offer from Tommee Tippee to try their product did I finally find what I (and every parent with a toddler or messy child) have been looking for.  Why?  Simple:  they're truly spill proof and kids don't have to have the power of a Hoover vacuum cleaner to get anything to drink.

Now Tommee Tippee is introducing a new addition to their collection of spill-proof cups:  the Li'l Sippee.   This revolutionary design offers a one piece valve that's integrated right into the top. 

So what exactly does this mean?  It means there is only one piece to wash and clean! 

Add that to being truly spill proof, it's a Mom's dream come true!

Visit your local Babies R Us this Saturday for traveling tips, discounts, and more.  Also check out the extensive line of Tommee Tippee available at Babies R US.

AND/OR you can visit the Tommee Tippee website.  Also be sure to stay updated about Tommee Tippee's great products and more on Facebook and Twitter.

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Single Serve Coffee at a Price that is Kind to Your Wallet

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nestle Dolce Gusto. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm not a big coffee drinker.  Every now and then I like some coffee but never enough to warrant brewing a whole pot.  So usually I just go without.

And then the single serve coffee makers hit the market, appealling to coffee drinkers and especially the sometimes consumers such as myself.

Still I didn't get one.  But after reading some reviews about the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine by Krups, I think I'm ready to take the leap.

Available in three trendy colors, this single serve coffee machine uses a 15-bar pressure pump (compared to similar machines that use only two) to get that great coffeehouse taste...without the expense!

The best part, in my opinion, is that each cup of coffee can be customized to my taste wants of the moment.  Which isn't hard to do when their eight flavors to choose from, including: Caffe Lungo, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Mocha, Caffe Americano, Iced Cappuccino, and Chococino (a rich hot chocolate that's great for the kids!). 

If you're in the market for a single serve coffee maker, you seriously want to consider the Nescafe Dolce Gusto.  But don't just take my word for it, visit www.divine.ca to see how many others agree with me!

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The Christmas Dress Dilemma: Which One Would You Choose?

I've been on a search for a while now for the perfect little outfit to have Princess A's Christmas photos taken in.  (And this is where I have admit that being the fourth child, she doesn't get nearly as many photos as the first but she gets special photos like this)

I had a look in mind, just wasn't sure what exactly I wanted.

Then while browsing the shops with coupon codes at www.savings.com, I happened up this adorable little outfit at Macy's.

I fell in love with the tiny overcoat, the short sleeve pleated dress, and matching beret-style hat.  It's cute yet still sophisticated.  Exactly what I wanted!

Cute is a big seller for me, but being marked down from $68 to $47 is even BIGGER!

But then I really love the Bonnie Baby santa dress I found at Macy's too!  It doesn't necessarily have that air of formality that my first pick does, but what else screams "Christmas!" like a red velvet dress lined with white faux fur?

Better yet - the price is only $29.40, marked down from $42.

AND -

I'll be able to use the great coupon codes at Savings.com to save even more! Since Macy's has so many of them there, I'll definitely want to pick from one of these two.

Oh boy, choices choices!  So help me out - which one do you think I should pick?  And why?

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Knead A Little (or A Lot) Help? Call Crisco!

Big Brother's school is having their Fall Festival tomorrow night, so I've got to get baking today since I promised a few pies and cakes.

And then this little gem landed in my inbox:

Every year thousands of home chefs who “knead” a little help in the kitchen call the pie baking experts at the Crisco® Pie Hotline (1-877-FOR PIE TIPS) to take the mystery out of creating perfect pies every time.

What’s your most difficult pie dilemma? From troubleshooting with live pie experts to practical storage solutions and tips for cutting prep time, the Crisco Pie Hotline is a one-stop resource to help ease the stress of holiday baking. A live pie expert can be reached Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET year round and step-by-step instructions, visual demonstrations and award-winning hints and tricks are only one click away at www.crisco.com.

For bakers, who are seeking last minute, one-on-one advice during peak moments in the holiday season, the Crisco Pie Hotline will offer extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET from November 15-24 and December 13-23.

Get ready Crisco, you'll be hearing from me plenty today! :)

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Have You Paid Attention to the Yaz Birth Control Pill Side Effects?

Have you ever paid attention to the Yaz birth control commercials? You know, the ones where the group of women are sitting around chatting about their birth control?

Okay, so now that you know which one I'm talking about, have you ever paid close attention to the side effects?

Less serious side effects include freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, or loss of scalp hair;changes in weight or appetite, swelling of your hands or feet; and vaginal itching or discharge.

If that wasn't bad enough, the website for a yaz attorney taking part in the class action lawsuits against the manufacturers of this drug provides information on the more serious side effects that include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches; and stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice.

These symtoms often lead to a diagnosis of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack along with gall bladder disease and pancreatitis.

Then you have the last, but most definitely not least: SUDDEN DEATH.

Terrifying! If you take Yaz birth control and experience any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor right away.

Unless, of course, it's the last, most final symptom and then you can't but which, frankly, is enough to keep me taking them anyway.

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Real Social Network Privacy with MyTies.com

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

Do you ever get the feeling that your privacy settings just aren't quite up to par on that social network site you use?

Your feelings are justified considering how many times we see it on the news that with just a switch of one privacy policy, those settings you had don't mean anything.

Or how about those mutual friends you share with  your ex?  Don't comment there without being exposed.

And don't even get me started on the number of sex offenders roaming those sites, checking out pictures of children.  I shudder at the thought.

So how about a place that truly keeps your stuff private?

Get this - a place like that exists!

MyTies.com is a FREE social network app for iPhone that lets you create groups. 

Want only family to see that update about our toddler?  No problem, choose only that group to message.  Only your co-workers will get that video of your boss at the Christmas party? Send it just to them!  Want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday?  Then select them all!

So simple.  So private.  Free. What more could you want from a social network?

What are you waiting for?  Download the MyTies app today and start protecting your privacy.

(Psst...use the code MYPRIVACY to get 20 additional invites so you connect with even more friends and family!)

 

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Spare Tire? You Want to Try the HCG Diet

A friend and I were having a discussion today about our weight loss efforts.  During this conversation she told me about some homeopathic treatment for helping to lose weight around the middle.

Since that is the only area where I need to lose weight (fortunately), I went in search of this weight loss method that sounded perfect for me.

I found what I was looking for:  HCG,a natural hormone/protein substance that helps burn off unneeded excess fat on your thighs, hips, belly, and upper arms and changes the way you eat. The HCG method consists of a very low calorie diet combined with six drops of HCG under the tongue, six times each day.

Simple and safe.

And it's the same treatment many people are taking by injection. Ugh! This works just as well, isn't anywhere near as expensive, and doesn't hurt.

I'm going to give the HCG Diet a try. I'll let you know how it works. (Or if you've already tried it, I'd like to hear your feedback!)

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A Busy Week Put Our Extreme Home Makeover On Hold

Normally I would updating about our extreme home makeover project.  But a very hectic past few days has kept us from getting anything done.

Well, honestly, I guess I shouldn't say "we" as it was Brian who didn't have much time to get stuff done.  As for me, when I had some spare time I was still cruising around the internet looking for the small things that I want to add or replace in this process.

Just a couple more door replacements and the trim work and we'll be ready to build the wall dividing the living room and kitchen.  And while we'll finish the living room before starting work on the kitchen, I've already taken some time to check out new cabinet knobs and drawer handles for when we get to that part.

I think I have settled on some. I found the distressed brass with a white ceramic insert. I think these would look great with my oak cabinets.

The part, however, is that the place where I found them lets you do sample orders.   I can pick 4 other knobs that I like and they'll ship them to me for a minimal fee. 

I can then try them out and make sure I like them and they'll refund half of the fee I paid for the samples - and I don't to fool with sending the samples back.  

Sure, I know I could do something similar with the home improvement stores; buy what I think I like and then return it when I don't, but they just have the same selection as this place and it's a lot less hassle.

Well, anyway, maybe next week I'll have a HUGE update on our home improvement project.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

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The Harry Potters Next Bedroom Contest (Win a Baroque Bed)

Just in time for the release Part 1 of the last of the Harry Potter films comes the Harry Potter Bedroom Contest!

Entrants of the contest submit a simple essay of what Harry Potter's bedroom would look like if it was in their neighborhood.  

One lucky winner will receive a Baroque Bed by Fashion Bed Group, which has a retail value of $769 (king size). 

Oh wow!

AND that's not all!  The entrant who invites the most friends to enter the contest will win a $100 gift certificate!

I know there are plenty Harry Potter fans out there and your sitting on go waiting for those theater midnight showings, so why not pass the time by entering this wicked (in a good way, of course) contest?

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Hint! Hint! You Can Help Toys for Tots at Pier 1 This Holiday Season!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Every year when my family gets together for our holiday entertaining, I'm repeatedly told how I'm a very difficult person to shop for.

I can't figure that out, but okay.

So this year I'm going to make it very easy on someone (whoever is lucky enough to see this first) - see this beautiful Sunflower wreath to the right?  That is what I want.

And right now, along with hundreds of other items, at Pier 1 it's been marked down significantly - making it very affordable and a there's-no-good-excuse-for-me-not-to-get-it gift.

If you happen to not be a family member of mine and have happened upon this pathetic hint of mine, don't leave just yet. I've got something GREAT to share with you too!

Christmas is the season of giving and Pier 1 is in the spirit.  During the months of November and December, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy or making a cash donation at the register of any location.

AND -

If you have a Facebook account, "Like" Pier 1 and they will make a $1 donation to Toys for Tots. 

To my family (namely my husband and my brother), I really want the sunflower wreath.  To my readers, please give to Toys for Tots by joining Pier 1 on Facebook or a donation at a Pier 1 store.

Happy Holidays to all! 

 

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