Great Blog Giveaways #10

Here's another round of great blog giveaways to enter.

Keep a newborn cuddled close to you with a Keiki Kuddlerz Ring Sling. They easily adjust to fit any body shape or size. Enter to win a sling of your choice at MomStart. Ends 8/12.

Bake Me A Wish! cakes are baked in a New York City bakery and delivered packed in an elegant gift box. A Double Fudge Crunch or Cookies and Cream singular sensations cake can be won at Kiddies Corner Deals. Ends 8/9.
The PishPosh Carryall is a purse, diaper, and stroller organizer for all your baby essentials. It has outer and inner pockets to hold all your essentials. Enter to win a PishPosh carryall at The Shopping Mama. Ends 8/7.
All Childrens Furniture is a one-stop shop for everything you need to decorate your child's room and more. Enter to win a Little Tikes Tot Sports Basketball Set at Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports. Ends 8/22.

Have A Cup On Hand

Solo has unveiled a new line of cups designed for a more comfortable and reliable hold. The name of the cup says it all. It is a square single-use cup. To celebrate the new squared party cup, Solo Cup Company has launched an online photo contest with a grand prize of $5,000 for the best photo featuring a Solo Squared cup. In addition to the grand prize, two $1000 runner-up prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest. By entering, you'll also have the chance to win daily and weekly prizes of gift certificates and Solo products. Enter your favorite photos at www.SoloCups4ever.com. You have until August 14th to enter and the winners will be announced on August 21st, 2009.

Back 2 School Bash at 3 Boys & a Dog

If you've taken notice of my sidebar on the right, there are a lot of back to school reviews/giveaways coming up. With six kids in school, I can't wait for all these back to school bashes to start. I look forward to entering giveaways and finding out about products that will help my children during the school year.
One blog hosting a back to school bash is 3 Boys & a Dog. The party starts September 1st and lasts till September 30th. During the bash, you will get a chance to win a product every single day. From the looks of it, there are a lot of great giveaways lined up and products to learn about.

Great Blog Giveaways #9

Hapari Swimwear makes modest swimwear and tankinis that are stylish and comfortable for all body types. One lucky person will win a Hapari swimsuit of choice at Piece of Me. Ends 8/6.
Large Format Posters is committed to providing high-quality printing at affordable prices. Enter to win a high-gloss or semi-gloss 18x24" digitally printed poster at Therapeutic Reviews & Giveaways. Ends 8/12.
Kajeet is a pay-as-you-go cell phone service that puts kids first. Kajeet is designed with tools to help families customize and manage every aspect of their service. Enter to win an LG160 phone from kajeet and $5 of starter air time at Tree, Root, and Twig. Ends 8/12.

Chex Mix Turtle Bars are a snack made up of chocolate, caramel, pretzels, peanuts, wheat and corn. Three people will each win two boxes of Turtle Chex Mix at Free Sample Freak. Ends 8/14.

Charm Factory offers unique charm bracelets, hundreds of sterling silver charms, and more. Enter to win a sterling silver charm bracelet with your choice of 8 charms at She Scribes. Ends 8/6.

I am no Betty Crocker. I always leave the cooking up to my husband. In turn, I clean the house. However, I'm pretty sure I'd take up cooking (or at least try) if I won this Rachel Ray cookware set. This 10-piece cookware set is durable and has a nonstick interior. Enter to win at Nanny Goats in Panties. Ends 8/2.

Summer is flying by and school will be starting soon. My Four Monkeys, along with other blogs, is hosting a Back to School Bash. There will be lots of product reviews and giveaways. Once the back to school bash starts, there will be a linky posted at My Four Monkeys so you can easily join in all the fun with all the participating blogs.

PlumbPretty Earrings Winner

I have randomly drawn the winner for the Rainy Day Dangle Earrings from my PlumbPretty giveaway. The winner is #40, shopannies.

shopannies said...
I love the leaf me alond dangling earrings

Congrats to shopannies. Winner has been notified and has 48 hrs. to respond or another winner will be randomly drawn. Thanks to all who entered and many thanks to PlumbPretty for sponsoring the giveaway. PlumbPretty has revamped her blog. It looks quite nice. Go give it a look, please.

Reminder that my PurpleTrail giveaway is still going on. It ends on 8/1 and has very few entries. Looks like the odds of winning are good.

ReSnackIt Review & Giveaway - 8/10

I'm a guilty party of using plastic baggies for food and storage. With an effort of going green, I am trying to now use products that do not create a lot of waste. I want my children to grow up in a friendly environment and I feel it is important to teach them the necessary steps to become more "earth-friendly".
One product I've found that does not sacrifice convenience and style while going green is the ReSnackIt. ReSnackIt products are reusable sandwich and snack bags that are washable, durable, and made of materials that keep your food fresh and are environmentally friendly. As an added bonus, they are mom invented and child endorsed...and made in the good ole' U.S.A.

I received the Burst of Lime sandwich size ReSnackIt and have been using it quite often for my supper at work. Instead of bagging up my sandwich in a plastic baggie, I have been using my ReSnackIt. It is the perfect size for sandwiches and larger snacks. When I bring my ReSnackIt home, I just shake out the crumbs and wipe it down so I can use it again. The bag is secured with velcro to seal in freshness and to keep your items from spilling out. I am impressed with the stylish design and with how well it is made.
My teenage girls made mention that the ReSnackIt would also be great to use when traveling to store cosmetics and toiletries. I have to agree with them; there's lots of great possibilities for using it besides food items.

The sandwich size ReSnackIt is sized to hold sandwiches and larger snacks. It sells for $8.99. The snack size ReSnackIt fits half a sandwich and smaller snacks. It sells for $6.99. Instead of spending your money on plastic baggies that tear easily and that you'll never use again, get a few ReSnackIt sandwich and snack bags. You'll be helping save the environment and you'll be saving money in the long run.

Win It!

ReSnackIt is offering one of my readers a sandwich sized ReSnackIt in the fabric of their choice.

Mandatory Entry:

Let me know what would be your fabric choice should you win.

Extra Entries:

Go to the ReSnackIt site and leave a comment here with one thing about the company, product, or an environmental fact that I did not mention in my review

Follow ReSnackIt on Twitter, leave your username

Follow me on Twitter, leave your username

Tweet about this giveaway, leaving a link to that tweet

Follow my blog

Subscribe to my blog by email

Put my button on your blog

Blog about this giveaway, leaving a link to the blog post (+3 extra entries)

*Please leave a separate comment for each eligible entry*

Contest is open to the US and ends on 8/10/09 at 8 pm CST

A winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to notification or another winner will be randomly drawn

Many thanks to ReSnackIt for allowing me to review a sandwich bag. The opinions expressed within this review are of my own.

Flip and Doodle Easel Desk Giveaway at Perfectly Provident

All Children's Furniture is a store specializing in children's products. From toddler beds to toys, they have tons of great products to choose from, and right now you can win one of those great products over at Perfectly Provident.com. Win a Step 2 Flip and Doodle Easel Desk with Stool! There are multiple ways to enter. Hurry - ends July 31, 2009

Blog Hop - Favorite Kid Photo

I love to capture moments through photos. It was hard to choose just one favorite kid photo because I have lots of great pictures of my kids, as well as my nieces and nephews. This photo, one of my favorites, was taken in early July at the campground. My son sat down to read his comic book. Shortly after, my great-niece took great interest in what he was doing and asked him to read to her. He was so patient with reading aloud to her and answering her many questions in regards to the book and she enjoyed the story time.

Price Slashing at PlumbPretty

I am currently running a giveaway for a pair of Rainy Day Dangle Earrings from PlumbPretty's Etsy shop. Be sure to enter the giveaway, but don't fret if you don't win. PlumbPretty has slashed the price of all her earrings to $6.

These Green With Envy Swirl Post Earrings are just one of the many pair offered at the great price of $6. In addition, PlumbPretty now ships all her jewelry pieces worldwide.

We've Got A Winner

I have randomly drawn the winner for the Swerve giveaway that ended 7/27. The winner is #21, Shooting Stars Mag. The winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered.

Don't forget to enter my PurpleTrail giveaway. The odds are good, as there are very few entries right now. Be on the lookout for upcoming reviews and giveaways. I have some great ones coming up.

Great Blog Giveaways #8

If you haven't noticed already, I like to enter blog giveaways. There's so many out there that it's impossible to enter them all, but here are a few great ones going on right now. I've previously posted about blog giveaways that are going on and will continue to do so. Maybe there are some listed that you didn't know about.

I have very few entries at this time for my PurpleTrail giveaway that ends 8/1. Dazzle me and put in your entry. Thanks.

GF Meals offers ready to cook meals that are gluten free and shipped nationwide to your door. Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to GF Meals at Jamie's Precious Peas. Ends 8/9.


Spice Up Your Life: The Flexitarian Way by Bindu Grandhi is a cookbook detailing healthy, low-fat recipes flavored with herbs and spieces. Enter to win one of 2 copies of this cookbook at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends 8/5.


The Keurig is a single-cup brewing system that allows you to enjoy hot drinks like tea, hot cocoa, and coffee with no mess and no fuss. Enter to win a Keurig Platinum Brewing System at Look What Mom Found. Ends 8/3.

Frecklebox is your home for personalized books and gifts for children. Enter to win a personalized item of choice at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends 8/2.

Bake Me A Wish gourmet cakes are baked in a New York City Bakery. Each cake includes a greeting card and is packed in an elegant gift box. There's lots of tasty gourmet cakes available. Enter to win a Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake at Barely Domestic Mama. Ends 8/10.

If you're in need of a good read, enter to win one of 5 book copies of The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews. Enter to win at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends 8/6.

1-800-Flowers provides a large selection of fresh flowers, gift baskets, gourmet foods, and more. Enter to win a $50 gift card for flowers at Short Pump Preppy. Ends 8/4.

Top 10 Reasons I am Excited to Stay Home with My Family this Coming Weekend

Mom of 2 Boys, Wife of 1 has teamed together with Cozi to give 15 bloggers that aren't going to BlogHer $100 each. This is a great reward for those bloggers who are unable to attend BlogHer for whatever reason.

Top 10 Reasons I am Excited to Stay Home with My Family this Coming Weekend:

1. I will be able to take my children to the local Kid's Fair on Saturday. A grocery store is sponsoring this fair and I think my children will have a great time. There will be face paintings, a chance to meet the police, a chance to ride the Orbitron, a meet and greet with the Fairly OddParents and many prizes to be given away.

2. I can relax. There will be no stress about what to pack or what to wear. There will be no worrying about whether or not I make a fool of myself in front of strangers.
3. We can finally take the boat out on the river for the first time this summer. We'll be getting together with friends on Sunday to enjoy a boat ride.
4. I can check out all the great features that Cozi has to offer. I first heard about it today and gave it a quick skim. Seems like a great site and I'd like to look further into it.
5. I can keep my emails in check. I do not have the luxury of a laptop and I subscribe to many newsletters. If I go more than a couple of days without checking my email, I tend to have a lot and get far behind on reading them.
6. I can save my vacation days. Since I am not traveling this weekend, I do not have to try getting off work by using vacation days or getting someone else to work for me. I can use those vacation days for a different time.
7. I can spend quality time with my family. I don't like being away from them for very long. We can enjoy each other's company.
8. I'm going to do fun stuff with friends and family without spending a huge fortune. I won't have to worry about funds or coming up with the money to do something that costs more than my monthly entertainment budget.
9. I can get a much needed haircut. I've been waiting a while to get a couple inches of locks cut off and I get to do that this afternoon. I'm ready for a new 'do.
10. I can start shopping for school supplies. There's lots of great deals going on right now. With six kids, it's important I get the supplies while they're on sale.
The 15 winners of the $100 will be selected by the number of comments they receive. Pretty please, with a cherry on top, leave a comment on this post. Many thanks in advance!

Great Blog Giveaways #7

Here's just a few blog giveaways going on right now. Get in it to win it!

Gurkee's rope sandals are super comfortable, and you are able to wash and dry them. Enter to win a pair of choice at Barefoot Mommies. Six people will win a pair of these awesome sandals. Ends 8/6.

The Brown Bow Gift Co. offers unique gifts for all occasions. Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to Brown Bow Gift Co at The Nurse Mommy. Ends 8/2.

BedroomFurniture.com has a superb collection of bedroom furnishings. Enter to win a Ling Shoji Lamp in either walnut or silver finish at The Nurse Mommy. Ends 8/2.

Tune in to TNT on Tuesday nights. Saving Grace and HawthoRNE are two must-see shows. Enter to win an autographed poster of Jada Pinkett Smith and a Saving Grace: Season 2 DVD set at I like it Frantic. Ends 8/4.

Bake Me A Wish offers decadent, gourmet cakes. Enter to win a Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake at My Charmed Life. Ends 8/5.

Simply-Bags is a specialty online retailer with a vast selection of bags and totes. Enter to win a bag of your choice up to $40 at Baby Loving Mama. Ends 8/3.

Book Bouquet combines books with gift items and gourmet foods to create gift baskets for all occasions. Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Book Bouquet to use toward any gift. Enter to win at Playground for Parents. Ends 7/31.

The Digital Room is an online printing company that provides high quality printing at affordable prices. Enter to win a custom poster made from one of your treasured photos. Enter at Annies Home. Ends 8/3.

PurpleTrail Review & Giveaway 8/1

One of my first posts on my blog was At What Age Do You Stop Celebrating Birthdays? I posted about it because I come from a rather large family that celebrates birthdays, no matter what the age. Be it 2 or 52, a birthday party will be held for you. I rather enjoy getting together for the celebrations. Not only does my family/friends get together often for birthdays, we also enjoy celebrating all holidays, bridal showers, baby showers, etc. You name it, we celebrate it! With that being said, I have found all my party planning needs at PurpleTrail.

PurpleTrail has a large number of invitation designs and party ideas. It is the only service that gives you free invitations, ecards, and announcements with no ads. PurpleTrail makes sending invitations, reminders, and RSVP responses easy and efficient. Not only is it a great site for designing invitations, it also gives a wide array of party ideas. I have an upcoming birthday party for two of my children and I've found great party ideas that I will be using to celebrate. I've found it easy to create invites and there are a vast amount of designs to choose from. I will definitely be using PurpleTrail for future parties and events.

PurpleTrail's party planning blog has an extensive list of ideas for celebrating holidays and special occasions. It's quite amazing the number of features that PurpleTrail has. They've thought of everything! The FAQ page covers pretty much any questions that you may have about this great service. It is free to sign up for PurpleTrail and use their services. PurpleTrail offers three other expanded services at a fee.

Win It!

PurpleTrail has offered to give one of my readers a Basic Plan membership which is worth $14.95/yr.

Mandatory Entry:

Check out PurpleTrail's blog and leave a direct link here with one of your favorite party ideas that are posted on the blog.

Extra Entries:

Comment here with one of the questions that are listed in the FAQ section.

Follow PurpleTrail on Twitter

Follow my blog

Subscribe to my blog through email

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25

Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link with the tweet

Add my button to your blog

Blog about this giveaway and leave a link with the post

**Please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest is open to the US

Contest ends 8/1/09 at 8 pm CST

Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs to respond to notification before new winner is drawn

Many thanks to PurpleTrail! The opinions/views expressed in this post are of my own.

I've Received An Award

I have received a "One Lovely Blog Award". Many thanks to Momma Michie for awarding it to me. I'd like to think that my blog is worthy of reading. This award shows that at least one person likes it! haha

The rules to receiving the "One Lovely Blog Award" are the following:

1. Post the award on your blog along with recognition to the person who gave it to you with a link to their blog.

2. Award 15 other well deserving blogs that you have discovered.

3. Don't forget to contact the winners you chose for the award!

Here are my 15 "One Lovely Blog Award" winners!:

1. PlumbPretty

2. a happy hippy mom

3. My Four Monkeys

4. This Side of Eternity

5. Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports

6. Leslie Loves Veggies

7. The Frugalicious Mommy

8. Evergreen Moms

9. AutismLearningFelt

10. Kiddies Korner Deals

11. I like it Frantic

12. Robyn's Online World

13. STL Mommy

14. The Write Gal

15. The Clan McLeod

There's numerous other lovely blogs out there. These are a few of them. Check them out and you'll clearly see why I think they're so lovely. Thanks again to Momma Michie for the award.

Great Blog Giveaways #6

Take a gander at winning with these blog giveaways!


If you're in the market for a stroller, one option is the Sit n Stand Elite Stroller from One Step Ahead. It does not take up much room when folded and it steers easily. Enter to win one at The Mom Buzz. Ends 8/21.

Exederm has a line of products for those with eczema, dermatitis, and sensitive skin special care needs. Enter to win the entire line of baby products from Exederm at Jolly Mom. Ends 7/30.

Sew Cute Creations is an Etsy shop that specializes in personalized items for babies and children. Enter to win a $20 GC to Sew Cute Creations at Baby Loving Mama. Ends 8/4.

Barbar has an elite collection of superior, durable, and eco-friendly hair tools. Enter to win a Barbar Italy 3800 Ionic Charger Blow Dryer at Piece of Me. Ends 8/1.

CoverYourHair.com has a great selection of hair accessories. Win item of your choice at Brea's Mommy. Ends 7/31.

1st Class Wedding Invitations offers invitations, napkins, and favors for those getting married. Enter to win a $50 GC to 1st Class Wedding Invitations at All Because Two People Fell In Love. Ends 8/5.

Great Blog Giveaways #5

Here's some great blog giveaways going on. Check them out and enter for yourself. You never know, you may win!

I have found the perfect shirts to match my style. Poison Apple Shirts have great graphics and all the designs are hand drawn. If you'd like to win a shirt for yourself, take a chance at Flying Giggles & Lollipops. Ends 7/29.

If you like to take pictures as much as I do, the HP Photosmart A636 Compact Photo Printer would be great to have. It features a 4.8-in touchscreen and offers users the ability to print personalized, lab-quality photos at home or on-the-go. Enter to win one at Mommy Mandy. Ends 8/6.

Enter to win a personalized canvas tote bag from Snuggle Time Embroidery. Enter at Mom's Focus on Cyber World. Ends 7/30.

Times are tough. Read about how people have overcome challenges and faced adversity with the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People: 101 Stories about Overcoming the Economic Crisis and Other Challenges. Two winners will receive this book at I Like It Frantic. Ends 7/31.

Bella Viva Orchards offers a wide variety of gourmet dried fruits. If you would like to win a variety pack of dried fruits, enter to win at Jamie's Precious Peas. Ends 7/31.

Enter to win one of five copies of the book, The Lace Makers of Glenmara, by Heather Barbiera. Enter at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends 7/28.

Ecostore USA offers a nice selection of all natural products. Enter to win a $25 GC to Ecostore USA at 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires. Ends 7/30.

The Step2 Sand & Water Transportation Station is a great outdoor toy for toddlers. Enter to win one at The Shopping Mama. Ends 7/29.

These aren't your ordinary fortune cookies. Fancy Fortune Cookies offers flavored fortune cookies as well as giant fortune cookies. Enter to win a $50 GC to Fancy Fortune Cookies at annies home. Ends 8/7/09.

With Story Tots books, your kid is the main character in the story. Enter to win a Story Tots customized book at Go Graham Go. Ends 7/29.

Alchemilla creates organic skin care products from herbal ingredients grown on their own farm. One person can win Exfoliating Face Wash Cream, Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, and Rehydrating Day Care Cream. Enter to win at 1stopmom Giveaways and Reviews. Ends 7/26.

PlumbPretty Review & Giveway 7/29

I have the pleasure of personally knowing Tina of the Etsy shop, PlumbPretty. When she is not busy working a full-time job or planning for a wedding, she is hard at work making beautiful jewelry, great smelling soap, and other handmade items.

I recently had a conversation with Tina about her Etsy Shop, PlumbPretty, and found out a little more about her craftiness.

Heck Of A Bunch: What materials do you use for your products?
PlumbPretty: I up-cycle game pieces, decoupage designs from magazines, use glass beads, and work with wire for some of my pieces. I started making the soap for my fiancee who has really sensitive dry skin.
Heck Of A Bunch: What are some things that inspire you?
PlumbPretty: Nature, friends, other artists
Heck Of A Bunch: How long have you had your shop on Etsy?
PlumbPretty: I've had my shop open for 3 months now.
Heck Of A Bunch: Is this a job for you or a hobby?
PlumbPretty: It's a hobby. Crafting is a really great stress reliever for me!
Heck Of A Bunch: How did you get into your craft?
PlumbPretty: My mom used to own a craft store and, before that, it seems like we were always going to craft shows or she was asking me to help her make something. My first craft I ever sold was dolls I made out of mops!
Heck Of A Bunch: Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners?
PlumbPretty: I'm still pretty new....but I'd say take good pictures of your product and get the word out as much as possible.



I've had the opportunity to try out some soap that PlumbPretty has made. I've tried the Handmade Coconut and Tangerine Scented Soap. The smell is great, and I like how well the soap cleans. The designs are cute as well. All of the soaps are made to order so that you get the freshest product possible.


PlumbPretty would like to offer one of my readers the pair of Rainy Day Dangle Earrings pictured above.

Mandatory Entry:

Go to PlumbPretty's shop and comment here with your favorite item other than the two listed here.

Extra Entries:

Follow PlumbPretty's blog

Follow PlumbPretty on Twitter

Buy a product at PlumbPretty's Etsy shop (5 extra entries)

Follow my blog

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25

Tweet about this giveaway and leave me a link with the tweet

Subscribe to my blog by email

Grab my button and put it on your blog

Blog about this giveaway and leave a link with the post

Please leave a separate comment for each entry

Contest open to USA and Canada

Ends 7/29 at 8 pm CST

Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is drawn

Blog Hop - 3 Things You Didn't Know About Me

1. I am fairly proficient at spelling words ....backwards. I've always been obsessed with spelling (grammar, not so much). Most words I can spell backwards with great speed. People are amazed when I blurt out the ABC's backwards in record time.

2. I married the same man twice. My first husband and I didn't use common sense to stay away from each other when we got divorced the first time. We married each other again only to have it fail once again. May work for some, but I don't recommend it.

3. My gag reflexes go into full force when I accidentally bite into a piece of fat from meat. I cannot stand meat fat and I'll tear a piece of meat up just to make sure I don't get any of the fat in my mouth.

Great Blog Giveaways #4

The Only Hearts Club dolls are real dolls for real girls. Enter to win a doll of your choice at Momma Findings. Ends 7/21.

Set your little one up with a beautiful bedding collection from Kenneth Brown. Win a Handsome Puppy, Ladybug Paisley, or Monkey Vine bedding collection at All Hail Queen Mommy. Ends 7/23.

If your kids are fans of Build A Bear, you can win a $25 Build A Bear gift card at I Like It Frantic. Ends 7/22.


If you are a fan of historical romance, you can enter to win one of 5 copies of Margaret Mallory's first book, Knight of Desire. Enter to win at Just Another New Blog. Ends 8/4.


Balloon Time has several easy-to-use, portable helium kits that make it easy to fill balloons for a party or event. Enter to win a Balloon Time kit at Piece of Me. Ends 7/21.


If you like monogrammed gifts, The Letter Tree has lots of great items. Enter to win a monogrammed tote at The Frugalicious Mommy. Ends 7/24.


If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, then enter to win one of 2 DVD copies of Echelon Conspiracy at The Mommy Files. Ends 7/27.

Two Kiddos, Another Year Older

Two of my kiddos are another year older. My step-daughter Emma turned 7 and my son, Logan, turned 11. We held a joint birthday party for them over the weekend at our camper. We celebrated with a cookout and swimming. The kids received lots of great gifts and we had a wonderful time visiting with each other.

Logan is very much a momma's boy and looks to me for direction and affection. I do not look forward to the day when he decides that it's not cool to depend so much on his mom. He recently took on a Hot Wheels obsession, but not to play with. He wants them to collect, even if they're not worth anything. Logan never has been one to play with toys much. He likes to stack them, put them in order, and collect them. He's always been this way. When he was younger, he was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) and sensory integration disorder. A couple years of therapy have helped this and he is growing into a fine young man. Happy 11th birthday to my "ogie-bear".


Although Emma is my step-daughter, I've known her since the day she was born. She and I have a great bond and I'm thankful her biological mother has allowed me and Emma to form a special relationship. Emma is a huge Hannah Montana fan and is now into all things monkey. She is a tomboy and is not afraid to rough it.
Happy 7th birthday, sweet Emma!

Great Blog Giveaways #3

Need a coffee fix? Enter to win a $25 Starbucks gift card from The Dirty Shirt. Ends 7/26.

If you're a fan of the show Reba, you can enter to win one of three DVD copies of Reba: Season 6 at Mama Makes Money. Ends 7/21.


Win a bag of Guiltless Gourmet Tortilla Chips at Simply Being Mommy. There are 8 flavors to choose from. Ends 7/24.


I think tutus are too too cute. The Dirty Shirt is giving away a $30 e-gift certificate to Etsy shop, Sugarbeez Tutus, so you can get a beautiful tutu. Ends 7/24.



In need of a unique gift? Mom Most Traveled is giving away a personalized giant fortune cookie from Fancy Fortune Cookies. Ends 7/18.

Read the book before it comes out in movies. Win a book copy of Julie & Julia at Sweeps4Bloggers. Ends 7/20.

Want to keep the bugs at bay? Enter to win an OFF! PowerPad Lamp at Just A Mom's Take On Things. Ends 7/24.

The Swerve Review & Giveaway 7/27

The Swerve is a full body grooming tool designed to give you a clean, smooth shave and a professional sleek look. It is designed to shave hard-to-reach areas.

My husband and I both tried out The Swerve. My husband shaved his goatee with it and found it to be better than regular shavers. He was able to get in the crook of his neck to get rid of unwanted hairs. I tried The Swerve on my legs and bikini area. It worked well in both areas.

The handle of The Swerve made it easy to hold and the design made it easy to get rid of hairs in areas that we weren't able to previously reach.

The company has offered to give one of my readers The Swerve to try out themselves. The winner will receive a single Swerve tool.

Mandatory Entry:

Go to The Swerve and comment here with one fact about the product or company that I did not mention.

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment with who would be using The Swerve if you won.

Follow my blog

Subscribe to my blog by email

Follow me on Twitter, partymix25, and tweet about this giveaway. Leave a link with your tweet.

Add my button to your blog


*Leave a separate comment for each entry.*

Contest is open to the US.
Contest ends 7/27/09 at 8 pm CST.
Once winner has been notified, they will have 48 hrs. to respond to email or a new winner will be randomly selected.

Great Blog Giveaways #2

Here are some great blog giveaways going on right now. Head on over to them and take a chance at winning.

I Like It Frantic is giving away 100 personalized flavored fortune cookies from Fancy Fortune Cookies. There's lots of great flavors to choose from. Ends 7/15.

A Bookworm Mom's Diary is giving away an 8-disc DVD set of The Prehistoric Collection. Learn about the prehistoric times with this great DVD set from History.com. Ends 7/25.

A Bookworm Mom's Diary is also giving away Cities of the Underworld: The Complete Season 3, a DVD set detailing a fascinating look beneath the surface of some of the world's major cities. Ends 7/25.

Need a good night's sleep? A Giveaway Addicted Mommy is giving away a Cranberry Soothing Eye Pillow from The Happy Company. Ends 7/24.

Want a unique bib for your little one? Win a Goldfish Patterned Giggles Bib. Enter at Me and My Boys! Ends 7/15.

Let others know that moms are the bomb! Win a The Bomb Mom tee of choice from The Bomb Mom. Enter at Ohana Mama. Ends 7/15.

Syrup goes great on pancakes and waffles. Win a bottle of Log Cabin Syrup at Free Sample Freak's blog. Ends 7/20.

Blog Hop - Favorite Photo 7/7/09

I come from a family of rabid picture takers. We don't consider ourselves professionals in any way, but we love to take photos. Even the little ones know to say cheese when the cameras come out. We love to capture memories, events, and emotions.

This photo is one of my favorites. It is of my 15 yo daughter and 14 yo step-daughter. They became sisters almost seven years ago. The whole blended family thing was rocky at first, but it's come together with just a few unraveled threads. Even though they're joined by marriage, the two girls share an unconditional bond that only sisters can have.

***This week, on TUESDAY, 7/7/09, the theme is A FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH. Post up one of your favorite photographs and a caption that tells the audience about it. Here is a sample: http://mcklinky.blogspot.com/2009/07/mcklinky-photo-blog-on-tuesday-sample.html Be sure to enter your own link to your own blog hop post as soon as the blog hop starts!***

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The $100 BLOG HOP PRIZE for this blog hop was provided by Journey To Learn ($100 Prize Sponsor).

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Great Blog Giveaways #1

Here are a few great blog giveaways that I entered and wanted to share. Check them out and enter for yourself.

I think tutus are too too cute. You can win a handmade tutu of your choice from Tutu Girlz at Mission Mommy's blog. Ends 7/17.

Win boxes of Chex Mix Bars at Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports. Ends 7/14.

Win boxes of Chex Mix Bars at Mudpies and Mary Janes. Ends 7/10.

Win a Mod Mum Baby Sling of choice at BarefootMommies. Winner gets to choose style and size of sling. Ends 7/20.

Need a great summer read? Win a book copy of "Off Season" by Anne Rivers Siddons at Sweeps4Bloggers. 5 winners. Ends 7/16.

Want to win another great summer read? Enter to win a book copy of "Francey" by Martin Dubow at Five Monkies Review. Ends 7/13.

Let everyone know that moms are the bomb. Win a The Bomb Mom shirt of choice at Blessings Abound. Ends 7/20.

Happy Birthday America

How you will be celebrating your Fourth of July weekend? For the first time in five years, I don't have to work during the 4th of July. Yay!! My family and I will be staying at our camper over the weekend at the local campground. We plan on swimming, feasting, watching fireworks, and dancing to live music.


Whatever you do, please stay safe and take the time to remember what the 4th of July is all about. Here are a few general tips on how to have a safe 4th of July:

1. If you plan on swimming, do not enter the water alone unless a lifeguard is on duty. Most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety.
2. West Nile is a threat to some, including those where I live. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt if you're going to be outdoors where mosquitos are.
3. Know what's legal and what's not. It is illegal to have most types of fireworks in Illinois. No need to get yourself in trouble.
4. Don't expect your pets to enjoy the celebration. July 5th is the year's busiest day for animal shelters because most outside pets tend to get the heck out of dodge when the big boom starts going off. It's best to let your outside pets go inside, even to a garage, during the fireworks. It will lessen the scare.
5. Fourth of July = celebration = alcohol. If you plan on drinking, please have a plan on where you will be staying. Please don't drink and drive. Not only is it dangerous and potentially deadly, it can be expensive. I doubt anyone wants to pay the highly expensive DUI fees. It's just not worth it.
6. If you make a mess, clean it up. It's not that hard to pick up your trash and put it in a nearby trash can or take it with you and throw it away at a later time. Litter all over the ground at any time, but especially after a large crowd, makes a place look downright trashy.
7. Fireworks are F -U -N but remember that they are hazardous as well. Use all safety precautions and procedures when lighting fireworks. Don't stand close to them.

Here's hoping that you and yours have an absolutely wonderful 4th of July weekend!!