Happy Birthday Pumpkin!

Five years ago this morning I gave birth to my Pumpkin . . . my Halloween baby that has been full of a few tricks, but mostly treats.  :o)  With beautiful brown eyes and a smile that reaches all the way to her soul, I thank God every day for giving this precious gift to me.   Happy Birthday Pumpkin!

Nobody Reads My Blog . . .

Too funny!

I was browsing slickdeals today (like most mornings) and came across their daily giveaway. I had to laugh when I clicked on the link and saw that Tanga was selling these shirts.

I just love amusing shirts . . . even if they are only to amuse me. :o)

They have several others that crack me up too.  You should check out the second chance deals if you want a little chuckle on this Tuesday morning (and your sense of humor is similar to mine).

*Disclaimer - I did not receive any compensation for this post.  While the linked image came from Tanga, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  I have never purchased shirts from Tanga, I just like to browse them.

Equip Them Well. Protect Your Kids from MRSA

I'm sure most of you have heard of MRSA. If you're like me though, you were only aware of Healthcare-Associated (HA-MRSA). This is the type that occurs in hospitals and nursing homes. According to the site StopMRSAnow.org, there is a second type known as Community-Associated (CA-MRSA). This type of MRSA is spread in schools, gyms, homes, and locker rooms.

(from the site) Skin infections like MRSA, which spread through skin to skin contact as well as contact with equipment and shared items, are the cause of 56 percent of all outbreaks of infectious diseases in competitive sports in the U.S. But, by following a few simple steps, you can help prevent the spread of MRSA.

The Stop MRSA Now Coalition, in partnership with The Clorox Company and SwapMeSports.com, has teamed up with Grant Hill to launch Equip them Well, a program to help teach families and sports teams about practical MRSA prevention steps, such as washing hands and disinfecting equipment with a bleach solution.

I was really surprised when I heard about this and just had to share it with my readers.  With so much shared sports equipment, especially for younger kids, this is something that I am happy to be more aware of.  Perhaps it is worth the extra cost to make sure my kids have their own equipment.  Also, I'll be sure to clean and donate my used equipment once the girls outgrow it so that other kids can have their own as well.  For more information, be sure to check out the StopMRSANow site and watch the short video below.
 



*Disclaimer - Information for this post came from One2One and StopMRSANow.  As a One2One member, I am eligible for prizes by sharing this information.

Hello My Name is Hope

I recently received an email from MomSelect, inviting me to participate in a program designed to spread the word about the "Hello My Name is Hope" campaign.

The "Hello My Name is Hope" campaign, presented by Quill.com, is designed to boost breast cancer awareness. In order to accomplish this, Quill.com is inviting all Facebook users to post and personalize virtual "Hello My Name is Hope" stickers on their profiles to honor both survivors and victims of the disease. The familiar "Hello My Name Is" stickers take on new meaning with personalized messages of hope and support shared across the Facebook community. For every sticker shared, Quill.com will donate $2 - up to $20,000 - to City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center dedicated to research, treatment and education.

With my crazy busy week, I almost ran out of time to post this since it ends on October 31. If you get a chance, head over to http://www.facebook.com/quill today and create your sticker.

*Disclaimer - By posting this information I am eligible to win a prize from MomSelect.  Information for this post came from MomSelect.

Wordless Wednesday - A Pumpkin Waiting to be Carved

Carmex Review & Giveaway

Just this morning, Pumpkin was complaining that the back of her knee hurt.  This is a frequent complaint of hers, as she has very dry skin.  Since I was just thinking about writing my review of the new Carmex Healing Lotions and Creams, they were sitting nearby.  (I don't use new products directly on her skin until she's been exposed to them through contact with me first.  She has fairly sensitive skin and has exhibited some allergic reactions in the past.  Since I've been using these products for about two weeks now, I figured she would be fine to use it as well.)  I grabbed the Carmex Healing Cream, put a dollop on her leg and rubbed it in.  

Pumpkin - "Mmmmm!"
Me - "Does that feel good?"
Pumpkin - "It smells good!"

My thoughts exactly!   I can't tell you how much I love the smell of these new Carmex products.  They smell very similar to the original jar (so if you don't like the original smell, you might not like this).  It is a warm smell that reminds me of the beach for some reason.  It is part coconut, part cookie, part something I can't quite put my finger (or nose) on.   The smell is good - strong but not overwhelming.  However, when I get in the shower the next day, I can smell it all over again.   Mmmmmmm!

While the smell of a lotion is important to me, it is definitely not the most important quality of the product.  Like Pumpkin, I also have very dry skin during the winter months. Having children has made it worse, since I now find myself washing my hands 2-3x as often as I used to.   While this product hasn't faced the ultimate winter test yet, I have to say that so far I really like it.   I use it daily on my legs, arms and abs (They say that having moisturized abs make your stomach look tighter).  I definitely feel moisturized, but without feeling greasy or slimy.  The lotion absorbs into my skin and doesn't make me feel like I need to wash my hands after applying it.  I'm definitely curious to see if it can keep my hands from cracking as the weather gets even colder and drier. 

So far, if someone were to ask me if I would recommend the new Carmex Healing Lotion and/or Cream, I would not hesitate to say "Yes!"  After two weeks, I can't think of a negative comment to share, and trust me, I've tried.  When I post a review, I always like to give both sides so that people know that I am being honest and open about my entire opinion.  The fact that Carmex specifically asked for honest feedback detailing what we liked and what we didn't like makes me like the company even more. 

Would you like to try the new Carmex Healing Lotion and Cream for yourself?

As I mentioned here, Carmex has given me the opportunity to host a giveaway for the exact same product kit that I received to facilitate this review (ARV $52.32).

Here's what you have to do to win (mandatory):

1. Tell me your current favorite Carmex Product or the product you'd most like to try (if you aren't currently a Carmex user). Be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile.

For additional entries you can also do the following. Be sure to leave a comment for each additional entry.

1. Follow Carmex on twitter (leave your twitter name)
2. Follow me on twitter (leave your twitter name)
3. Like Carmex on facebook (leave your initials)
4. Like me on facebook (leave your initials)
5. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (leave your username)
6. Tweet about this giveaway. You may do this once daily. Be sure to include @rmgm @CarmexLipBalm  #carmex and a link to this post (leave a link to your tweet)

Details:

• Only open to US residents
• Winner will be chosen using random.org
• Giveaway ends 11:59pm ET on November 8, 2010
• Include your email address in your comment if it is not available on your profile page. If an email address in not in the comment or on your profile page another winner will be chosen. I will not contact you through Twitter or Facebook.
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
• Prizes will be sent directly from the sponsor. I am not responsible for prizes that are lost or damaged during shipment. If you win a prize and do not receive it, please let me know.

Even if you don't win.  You can try the new cream or lotion for $5.99 (or less if you catch it on sale).  It is available at Walgreens stores, walgreens.com and drugstore.com.

*Disclaimer -  Other than receiving the product to facilitate my review, I did not receive any other compensation for this post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Treasure Your Chest - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I recently posted on facebook, "I like it on the floor of my closet." (Actually, I like it on the kitchen counter, but Doc doesn't, so we compromise with the floor of my closet.)

The replies came quickly, "What?!"

It didn't take long before everyone was posting where they like it. If you were wondering what "it" is, you weren't alone.

This year, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people were asked to post where they like to keep their handbag as their facebook status. (You know how Doc is about clutter, so he definitely doesn't like it on the counter.) Last year people posted the color of the bra that they were wearing. Regardless of how we get the word out and draw attention to the importance of early detection, it is important to do.

When I recently received an email from MomSelect asking if I wanted to share the following video with my readers, I didn't hesitate at all. If it brings awareness to even one more person, then I can rest easy knowing I've made a difference.

treasureyourchest on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

*Disclaimer - The video link was provided by MomSelect. Of all bloggers to embed the video on their site, one will win a year's supply of Orbit gum.

CSNStores - Faster than Expected

Thanks to a general lack of posting by my readers (are you out there?), a new cup is sitting on the coaster on my end tables.  As you may recall, I posted here, asking if you would rather see a review or giveaway for a gift card from CSNStores.  Since only two people responded that they'd like me to host a giveaway, I was greedy and ordered a couple somethings for myself.  The first thing I ordered was this adorable water cooler replica cup.  Actually, to be more accurate, it was the second thing I ordered.  At only $5.99 it was my filler item.  While I don't know if I would actually pay $5.99 for it regularly (I'm generally very frugal - aka - cheap). I do love it (even after last week's horrible performance by the Buckeyes)!  The fact that it looks like a water cooler is very endearing.  I also like that it is actually composed of two pieces.  While I haven't tried it yet, the outer part looks like it might fit nicely on a can of soda as an impromptu koozie.  I'll have to let you know how that goes after I finally get some canned beverages in the house.

The primary item in my purchase was this Aviva Youth Life Jacket.  At 28.95, it was actually cheaper than I could find it at any other reputable online store.  While both Peanut and Pumpkin have life jackets, they are getting a tad snug, so I've been on the lookout for a good deal on a new one for them for a while now.   I have to say that so far, I am impressed with the quality and color on this life jacket.  As you can see, it is very bright.  I'm a big fan of bright when it comes to life jackets for my kids.  Fashionable or not, I'll definitely be able to see them in the water and know that they are safe.  Made of Neoprene, I have confidence in its ability to keep my kids afloat.  Overall, the jacket feels lightweight, but durable.  I'm looking forward to the summer so we can try it out in the lake.

Now, as for CSNstores, I couldn't be any happier.  I placed my order on October 11, 2010 and selected ground shipping.  (It was free for the items I purchased.)  My initial order confirmation indicated that the order should ship by the 15th and be delivered by the 25th.   I was content with that.  However, the next day, I received shipping confirmation for both items.   They were in my grubby little hands by the 14th . . . even before I expected them to ship!  Now that is impressive (at least to me).

Here's hoping you have similar experiences when you shop at CSNstores as well.  

*Disclaimer - I received a gift card to purchase items of my choice from csnstores.com to facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Others may have different experiences.

Christmas is Coming . . .maybe Kellogg's can help.

As you probably know if you've read many of my personal posts or my info on my About tab, I am a stay-at-home mom.   I obviously don't make any money on my blog since very few of my posts are sponsored, and those that are, often result in one of you getting a prize, but not necessarily me.   The only money I have, comes from an occasional survey or focus group and prize winnings from contests and sweepstakes.  Each year around this time, I begin frantically trying to find more time to enter contests, especially those for gift cards and cash.  Doc pays for the majority of the gifts, but I like to find a way to buy something for him that doesn't involve him spending his own money.  Here's where Kellogg's comes in . . .

The Blogher Mom's Breakfast Club and Kellogg's are giving away 25 $100 Visa gift cards each week until November 1, 2010.   Twenty-five separate blogs are each hosting a giveaway each week.  All you have to do to win is comment and cross your fingers that you are randomly chosen to win a prize.  Here are the bloggers for this week:

Big Mama

BooMama

FiddleDeeDee

A Familiar Path

the Joyful Chaos

Shell in your Pocket

SusieJ

Swistle

Stop, Drop and Blog

Cookin' Canuck

My Beautiful Day

Mannland 5

The Frugal Girl

The Burgh Baby

Welcome to Quadville! 

Secret Agent Josephine

Deb, Mom of 3 Girls

Suburban Turmoil

C. Beth Blog

Busy Mom

Everyday I Write the Book

Cheaper than Therapy

Finding Bonggamom

Because I Said So

JennyOnTheSpot - found it!

The main blogher web page also indicates that Jenny on the Spot is hosting one, but I couldn't find hers.  Please let me know if you find it and I'll be happy to update this post.  Good luck!

Operation Purple - Giveaway

Having had family in the military, I know what it is like when someone you love is deployed. You experience periods of adjustment when they leave. You experience periods of adjustment when they return. It can be a difficult time for everyone involved, especially a spouse and children.

The National Military Family Association is an organization with the mission "To fight for benefits and programs that strengthen and protect uniformed services families and reflect the Nation’s respect for their Service." As part of this mission, they organize a program known as Operation Purple. Operation Purple Summer Camps are "free summer camps for military children whose parents are currently deployed. The program is the only camp program in existence that brings together kids from all military branches and provides them with tools to deal with war-related stress."  You might be wondering how these camps are free.  Corporate and individual donations make these camps possible.   You can find out how to donate on the site if you choose.   However, if you don't want to or are unable to donate, you can help by spreading the word so that others that might learn about this program as well. 

While I don't have any personal experience with this program, knowing how difficult transitions are for children, it really does seem like a great idea.   In fact, I had never heard of this program until I entered a contest that was designed to spread the word.  Now, as a way to give back a little and continue to spread the word, I am hosting a giveaway for a portion of the prize that I won. 

I am giving away the Operation Purple backpack, hat, water bottle, shirt, and wrist band shown above. 

Here's what you have to do to win:

• Spread the word about operation purple and post a link here in the comments.   You can tweet, facebook, and/or blog (for up to 3 entries).  If you tweet, please use the hashtag #operationpurple.  Also, please include the link to http://www.militaryfamily.org/  

Optional Entries:

• Follow me on twitter.  Post your user name here.
• Fan me on facebook.  Post your initials here.
• Follow my blog on GFC (sidebar).  Post your username here.
• Tweet about this giveaway and post a link here.  (Can be done once daily)

Details:

• Only open to US residents
• Winner will be chosen using random.org
• Giveaway ends 11:59pm ET on November 2, 2010
• Include your email address in your comment if it is not available on your profile page.  If an email address in not in the comment or on your profile page another winner will be chosen.  
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
• Prize will be sent directly from me.  I am not responsible for prizes that are lost or damaged during shipment.  If you win a prize and do not receive it, please let me know.

*Disclaimer - No one is sponsoring this giveaway.  I was not asked to post information nor host the giveaway.  Information for this post came from the National Military Family Association website as well as the Operation Purple website.  All opinions are my own.