Weekly Highlights for November 8 - 14, 2009

I have really been a slacker lately on these weekly highlights.

Things have been really busy lately. I've got some really awesome product reviews coming up - and really FABULOUS giveaways to go along!

We're also gearing up for the holidays around here. I like to get my Christmas shopping done long before it officially starts - better deals, less people. Know what I mean? :)

Ok, enough jabber....here's this week's highlights.

• November is National Adoption Month. Find out what you can do to help!
  
  
• Why not have a Family Movie Night on Thanksgiving to kick start the holidays?
  
  
• Are you nuts for Peanut Butter? Pillsbury wants to supplement your addiction!
  
  
• There is a really cool make to make your kids believe in Santa Clause. It's so easy, you'll kick yourself for not thinking of it first!
  
  
• I actually took a little time this week to participate in other Mom blogs' giveaways - keeping my fingers crossed!
  
  
• I've got Turkey day traditions, what about you? Enter TwitterMoms and Target's $50 Gift Card Giveaway!
  
  
• I knocked a friend and Congress in one post for Random Thoughts Tuesday.

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Weekly Highlights: August 23 - August 29, 2009

• Got a Labor Day vacation planned? Try Rand McNally's Border Breakers!
  
  
• I'm loving Vlogging! I shared a new video of Princess A this week!
  
  
• It's almost Fair time again in Warren County, Tennessee!
  
  
• I've busted my can, but the new blog is done! (Or should I say caught-up to present?)
  
  
• Are you a procrastinator? Update: My blog post worked - Brian has finished the fence! :)

If you're an avid book reader, I've got a great giveaway coming up at http://www.truecrimebookreviews.com/ and I'll announce details here too!

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Weekly Highlights: August 16 - August 22, 2009

This week over here at The Mom Trap has been a slow one.

Unfortunately, it wasn't because I was playing hooky or just being lame.

Nope, I've been busting my bum this past week getting my new blog - http://www.truecrimebookreviews.com/ - ready to go live. Be sure to stop by and check it out!

• I shared 13 of my penny pinching ways hoping to help others in this tough economy.
  
  
• I did my first Vlog (finally!) for Wordless Wednesday!
  
  
• Got Teens? Teens with cellphones? Here's a hilarious story for ya!
  
  
  

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Weekly Highlights: August 9 - August 15, 2009

• I'm am so anxious to watch The Good Wife on CBS this fall!
  
  
• Does your child's teacher require you to label everything? Cut your work in half with Lovable Labels!
  
  
• Check out Nancy Grace's debut fiction novel: The Eleventh Victim.
  
  
• What you need to consider about a universal healthcare system.

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Weekly Highlights: July 26 - August 1, 2009

• If you're an avid reader and blogger like me, you'll enjoy the meme Booking Through Thursday.
  
  
• Enjoy mystery fiction? Read Caitlin Rother's Naked Addiction.
  
  
• Share your gripes (or joys) on Back to School.
  
  
• You know I'm always up for a true crime read. This week I reviewed A Cold-Blooded Business by Marek Fuchs.
  
  
• Learn about 13 common idioms, their origins and their meanings.
  
  
• Looking for a tasty treat? Try Planters Big Nut Bars!
  
  
• Share your thoughts on Port Chester, New York's decision to allow Pregnancy and STD testing in their schools, from grades kindergarten through high school.
  
  
• Do you kids (or even you) enjoy fiction based on the paranormal? Marley Gibson's 2nd book in the Ghost Huntress series is now available for pre-order!
  
  
• Did you get one of those crazy Republican National Committee (RNC) surveys in the mail. I did - and I'm not happy!
  

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Weekly Highlights: July 19 - July 25, 2009

• Play the "Master Lock Secret Vault" Facebook Application for a chance to win $5,000.
  
  
• Have you seen the new Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Movie?
  
  
• Read some of the most hilarious, outrageous and unbelievable lawsuits.
  
  
• What's your thoughts on illegal immigrants being given free health care?
  
  
• If you were a child of the 80's (or just wish you were), check out the Rock of Ages Original Broadway Cast Recording!
  
  
• I won Tupperware! You can too, find out how!
  
  
• What's the best life lessons you've ever learned?
  
  
• Recipes: Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker
  
  
• Enter for a chance to win a Pillsbury Prize Pack!
  

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Weekly Highlights: July 12 - July 18, 2009

• What's your thoughts on Universal Health Care in the U.S.?
  
  
• Buy, sell, and trade gift cards at Plastic Jungle.
  
  
• You can win $1,000 in Tupperware products with the Chain of Confidence essay contest.
  
  
• Don't miss your chance to win a 16 x 20 rolled canvas from Online Poster Printing!
  
  
• I'm hooked on Chicken Salad Sandwiches lately, so I shared the recipe.
  
  
• What projects did you tackle this week? I opted to clean out my minivan - finally!
  
  
• If you're not following Zappos.com's CEO Tony Hsieh on Twitter, you should be. He's hilarious!
  
  
• What's your thoughts on illegal immigration. Share yours because I sure didn't hesitate to share mine.
  
  
• Learn how state government is looking to make affiliate marketing a thing of the past.
  
  
• Need an easy form for your website or blog? Create an embedable form with Google Docs.
  

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Weekly Highlights: July 5 - July 11, 2009

This week has flown by so fast! And no rest before heading into another hectic week!

We are almost finished with our patio - thank goodness! I'm not sure ow much longer I can stand it.

Admist all the chaos of construction and the insanity of having four children (five when I count Brian), I actually managed to have a pretty productive week on posting.

Here's some of what I managed to churn out:

• Does your kid always have a "rat's nest" in his/her hair? Mine does! Find out how I fix it!
  
  
• I couldn't live without a laptop! You can win one with the CookiesKids.com giveaway!
  
  
• Do you enjoy Redbook magazine? Check out their super affordable 2-for-1 deal!
  
  
• Tired of reading the same old children's books? You're kids will love How Noah Knew What To Do.
  
  
• Love making hairbows? Watch this video tutorial on How To Make A Korker Bow.
  
  
• Want a chance to win a Wii Fit? Find out how!
  
  
• Author Chelsea Cain is introducing the 3rd in her Gretchen Lowell/Archie Sheridan mystery fiction series: Evil At Heart.
  
  
• What's your favorite sitcoms? I've listed my favorite 13 - how much do we have a in common?
  
  
• Lost your home to foreclosure and looking for affordable housing? Learn how you can apply for HUD Housing and Other Housing Loan Resources.
  
  
• Need a new dinner recipe? Try Picante Pork Chops!
  
  
• I'm still laughing at Stefanie Wilder-Taylor's new book: It's Not Me, It's You.
  

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Weekly Highlights: June 28 - July 4, 2009

I hope this week's highlights finds that everyone had a safe and happy holiday!

We all had a great time grilling out, riding four-wheelers, and then topping the night off with a fireworks show.

Before the holiday celebrations, though, we had a very busy week here.

You'll see what I'm talking about in this week's highlights:

• Brian got busy on preparing our yard for a new patio; even if it meant working into the night.
  
  
• If you're kids have "bobble head syndrome" when sleeping in the car, then you'll find the Head Snuggler a wonderful addition to your must-haves.
  
  
• Grab some unique ideas for your next 4th of July celebration!
  
  
• A couple of great books for your recommended summer reading were reviewed; including Between Wyomings and The Bike Path Killer.
  
  
• Have you got kids? Then you've got stains and you need Tide Stain Release In-Wash Booster - it's the most awesome stain remover I've found yet!
  

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Weekly Highlights: June 21 - 27, 2009

This has been an insanely sad week.

While documentaries had pretty well prepared us for the death of Farrah Fawcett, I think most found just how saddened they were by the passing of Charlie's Angel.

As the morning shows rehashed the events surrounding her death and the days leading up to, then came the shocking news of Michael Jackson dying from sudden cardiac arrest.

Farrah was quickly forgotten (sadly enough) as the world mourned a man that most had despised for the last several years.

Wow! Too much, too fast - I'm glad we're starting a new week.

Although, I'm sure this week will continue on with the MJ coverage as the autopsy is expected to be completed by mid-week and, from television reports, it appears that MJ's family will continue to haul away his possessions.

Wonder how that will work out with creditors of MJ's when the estate has to be settled. Any bets on how long it's tied up in the Courts? I'm guessing a minimum of 5 years.

Now that that is out of the way -

I'll be starting off my week with a family reunion. For some reason, they opt to have it at the hottest time of the year, in the smallest building they can find, on a lot that seems to never get mowed.

It's going to be so much fun! *rolling my eyes*

Preparing for the reunion cut even more into my blogging time, but here's what I managed to accomplish this last week:

• For Writer's Workshop, I opted to interview Princess A about Favorites, Life, and The Recession.
  
  
• A couple of cool photos was added this week for A Thousand Words Thursday and I ♥ Faces.
  
  
• We were able to EASILY break Big Brother's thumbsucking habit with Mavala Stop.
  
  
• Looking for a good summer read? Try Mail Order Murder, a true crime.
  
  
• On Friday, there was a fun discussion about Stupid Commercials going on.
  
  
• And I can't leave you without one of my summer rant seasons; this week's topic: Jon and Kate Gosselin.
  

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Weekly Highlights for the Week of June 14 - 20, 2009

Summer just keeps getting better and better....and hotter and hotter!

This week was a little quieter at my house. Biggest Brother got a new job, which took up more of his time; and Bigger Brother was away visiting Dad for a week in East Tennessee.

So that just left me, Big Brother and Princess A together for most of the weekdays. And, believe me, we made the most of it!

I think the heat made me cranky because I ranted more this week, as you can see in this week's addition of highlights:

• Participating in MomDot's Write 4 U Challenge offered by up Shellie, I ranted about growing up.
  
  
• Fake Blogger April's Mom is now apologizing for her faux blog.
  
  
• My biggest (and ugliest) rant came on board for Random Thoughts Tuesday on Nut Jub Moms, Cigarettes, and Interolerance.
  
  
• I kicked procastionations butt by finaling getting my true crime books listed on eBay...with the help of Tackle It Tuesday.
  
  
• Some must-reads were reviewed this week, including: Jungle Jack Hanna's The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals In The World and The Momnificent Life
  
  
• And, last but not least, I snagged a new award this week from Anissa at Our Chaotic Life - I've been dubbed An Extraordinary and Awesome Blogger!
  

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Weekly Highlights: June 7 - June 13, 2009

I've become one of them.

You know, the people who "Photoshop it."

And now I get why Photoshop is the bomb. (Is that phrase outdated?)

In between playing with the Photoshop, swimming with the kiddos, and just managing a home in general, I actually did get a few blog posts in.

Here's my accomplishments for this past week:

• Do you like music from independent artists? If so, check out Diane Birch's debut album Bible Belt.
  
  
• I finished reading and reviewed Fear The Worst by Linwood Barclay.
  
  
• I had to show off the orange and white impatiens that Big Brother planted as his contribution to home improvement.
  
  
• I spent Aloha Friday asking readers to be Ann Landers for a day and offer advice on how to manage a 19 year old that doesn't want to grow up.
  
  
• The rest of the ribbon has been cut, rolled and ready to be listed on eBay as I mentioned in Tackle It Tuesday.

It's obvious this was a more-play-than-work week.

And I'm still extremely ticked off about the operation aborted message used with Blogger's Follower (Google Friend Connect) widget. I'm starting to think it's Google's conspiracy to force everyone over to Firefox - anyone with me on this?

Well, if summer doesn't keep holding me back, I'll see everyone with some new stuff this week!

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Weekly Highlights: May 31 - June 6, 2009

By the time you're reading this, I'll be poolside! After what seemed to be a long winter, the pool is finally ready for action - and I'm sure my four children will give it plenty between now and Labor Day!

With summer here and the kids out of school, blogging has taken a bit more of effort. Between the children and trying to finish out the closure of my ribbon business, I had to play hooky on Friday!

But here is a wrap-up of what I was able to complete this week:

• Looking for some poolside reading this summer? Try Still Life by Joy Fielding or Dark Places by Gillian Flynn.
  
  
• At 4 months old, Princess A has decided to become the family rooster with a 4 a.m. wake-up time. Any suggestions on how to retrain her to sleep all night?
  
  
• Check out some of the funny signature lines I've seen around the web.
  
  
• Did you grab the Fast Food Freebies from Sonic and Arby's this week?
  
  
• The winner of the $5 Amazon gift card was announced. Congratulations Purplepassion126!
  
  
• I ranted on Octomom, Bailouts, and Teens with Random Thoughts Tuesday.
  
  
• If you're looking for one of the best movies on DVD for the summer, watch Taken.
  
  
• The Honey Mustard and BaconBaked Chicken recipe was added. Yummy!
  

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Weekly Highlights: May 24 - May 30, 2009

School is offically out for the summer. While I'm sure I won't be able to blog as much, I only see a slight slow down. So be sure to continue dropping by everyday....I need your adult conversation! :)

Now, on to highlight this past week at The Mom Trap.

• Bumbo? What's a Bumbo? Gotta have a Bumbo!
  
  
• Three giveaways are still running: $5 Amazon Gift Card [5/31], Book: It Sucked And Then I Cried by Heather Armstrong [6/5], and Personalized Child's Bath Towel [6/13]
  
  
• I highly recommend the Paul Blart Mall Cop movie for families in a DVD Review.
  
  
• Three (3) more resources were added to the Free Digital Scrapbooking Resources page.
  
  
• A couple of tasty recipes were added including Slow Cooker Pot Roast and Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.
  
  
• Another plea was made to Blogger to correct it's "Follower" issues.
  
  
• Find out What Your Favorite Color Says About You!
  
  
• Learn simple ways to save money even during an economic downturn (or anytime!)
  
  
• Several Presidential quotes on freedom was posted in honor of Memorial Day.
  
  
• Did you watch the season premiere of Jon and Kate Plus 8? What's your thoughts on this too real reality show?
  

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Weekly Highlights: May 10 - May 16, 2009

The most important thing I can say about this week is:
Thank goodness it's over!

My oldest son has his Key Club banquet this week - which he begged me not to attend (it's not cool when your 17...lol) - so I should have some pictures to show off this week.

And thank goodness this is the last week of school. I'm looking forward to getting a little extra sleep during the summer...if Princess A will cooperate! lol

Okay, enough rambling from me - on this to this week's highlights:

• I'm have become a digital scrapbook addict; so I've added a free scrapbooking resources post containing all the places that I've found free kits, embellishments, frames, quick pages, etc. and would personally recommend.
  
  
• Not yet planned your summer vacation? Consider The Great Smoky Mountains - see my list of fun, affordable things for the whole family to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
  
  
• I finished reading Heather Armstrong's book It Sucked And Then I Cried. If you're looking for hilarious, insane view of a parenting an an infant while struggling from postpartum depression, you'll love this book - you can read my review and register for our chance to win a free copy of the book in my giveaway!
  
  
• Some very yummy recipes were added this week including: Slow Cooker Sweet 'n Sour Chicken and Super Simple Stove Top Beef Stew.
  
  
• Expecting a new addition to your family? Find out how to win a $3000 Dream Baby Registry from Amazon.
  
  
• I am thrilled that I discovered PersonalizationMall.com! Check out my review of their products and service plus register for your chance to win a personalized children's bath towel.
  

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Weekly Highlights for May 3 - 9, 2009

I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to the Moms out there! I'm hoping that you day was full of a much R & R because we all deserve it!

It's been another busy week here at The Mom Trap with the addition of several new recipes, memes, contests and more.

This week promises to be an even better week with some really awesome reviews and giveaways!

Last week included:

• Several new recipes were added including Country Steak with Gravy, Super Simple Cake Mix Cookies, and Marinated Chicken Tenders.
  
  
• The 100 yards of grosgrain ribbon giveaway continues until Friday, May 15, 2009.
  
  
• A history of Mother's Day, along with interesting trivia, was posted - and it includes a $5 Amazon gift card giveaway!
  
  
• I couldn't contain myself any longer and fire off an opinion post about the issues between Octomom and Gloria Allred.
  
  
• Creating An Awesome Blog: Resources for the New Blogger was updated to include a link to create glitter text for your blog.
  
  
• I announced the opening of Mamapedia - like wikipedia just about mothering!
  
  
• A tutorial post was made on How To Determine Retail and Wholesale Pricing for Your Handmade Craft Product.
  
  
• A book review on Caitlin Rother's Body Parts was added
  

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Weekly Highlights for April 26 - May 2, 2009

It's been another busy week here. I'm continuing the Darren Rowse's (of Problogger) 31 Days to Building a Better Blog course - at day 28, we're almost complete!

Now that preschool has wrapped up their year, that will give me some extra free time. Or maybe not since Big Brother will be at home - 4 year old's need a lot of attention! lol

Now moving on....

This week at The Mom Trap included:

• A detailed article on How To Successfully Sell Your Product at Craft Fairs was published
  
  
• New addition of several recipes, including: Barbecue Beef Sandwiches, Simple Salisbury Steak, and Coconut Shrimp
  
  
• Points program Reward TV was exposed for their scam operation
  
  
• I found 13 Great Giveaways for Girls
  
  
• Reviews of rides and attractions at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was added
  
  
• A fun, weekly meme motivated me to reclaim my kitchen table so that we can all eat (comfortably) as a family
  
  
• I learned that I'm 55% addicted to blogging
  
  
• A tutorial on how to create a budget you can live with was created
  
  
• Links to tutorials on how to add a search to your blog and how to create a poll inside your blogger posts was added to Creating an Awesome Blog: Resources for the New Blogger

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Weekly Highlights for April 19-25, 2009

Wow, it's been a busy week here at The Mom Trap. I've been taking the ProBlogger's 31 Days to Building a Better Blog course; which means I've been implementing a lot of the suggestions here.

Here's a glance at what's been going on during the week of April 19-25, 2009:

• Two new, delicious recipes were added: Citrus Balsamic Salmon and Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings.
  
  
• What Should Be Included In Your Parenting Plan was added to help divorcing (or divorced) parents reach an agreement that most benefits their children.
  
  
• A little humor was evident in The Dense Salesman and The Peeping Process Server.
  
  
• For travel: Embassy Suites, Lake Buena Vista, Florida was reviewed.
  
  
• In Entertainment: the DVD Fireproof came highly recommended.
  
  
• CSR Technologie, an eBay seller, was recommended as the best place to find refurbished, very affordable laptops.
  
  
• 16 Summer Job Ideas for Teens was added.
  
  
• I found 20 Great Giveaways for Moms.
  
  
• Readers were asked if Birth Order Personality Traits applied to them.
  
  
• A Link to Blog Know How's "Adjusting Blogger Title Tags for Better SEO" was added to Creating An Awesome Blog: Resources for the New Blogger.
  
  
• The winner of the Trumpette Pixies giveaway was announced. Congratulations to YZgirl4.

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