Winners!!

 

CONGRATS to the winner of the Progresso Soups Giveaway and the 5 Winners of the Gorton's Seafood Coupons.  I will be emailing you shortly and you have 48 hours to claim your prize. 

Progresso Soups Winner:

Mallery said...
malleryschuplin@........com

Gorton's Seafood 5 Winners:

Kim@Chubby Cheeks Thinks said...
   Follow you via gfc!
    klove1432@........com

outofthoughts said...
 I follow via GFC - outofthoughts1 at ....... com

M's giveaway blog said...
  I left a post on gorton's fb wall
 maurine08(at)........(Dot)net

Jenn said...
 I like Gorton's on FB
    JennsRAQ at ....... dot com


Tamara B. said...
  I like Gorton's Grilled Fillet Jambalaya
    recipe.
    tamben7996(at).....(dot)com

Starting Tuesday we will be having great reviews and giveaways for our Moms Leaving the Workforce event so be sure to check back then. Also follow us on facebook and twitter to stay up to date on the giveaways.

EZ Socks Review

My son is very particular about socks. He hates to wear most of them! I get a million comments in person about why is not wearing them or oh his feet must be cold. Some people even ask him why he doesn't have them on as if he can answer. This has been going on since he was about 6 months old.

EZ Socks are for kids learning to put socks on and thankfully he thinks the pull loops are fun to mess with which actually makes him keep them on longer! He loved me pulling them on him with the little handles and I am sure as he gets bigger they will be even easier for him to put on himself. I just love that they are not as easy to take off as most of his other socks. Plus they have the bottom grippy part on the socks which is a must for my little guy.

We selected the bear socks and he kicks his little feet around when he is in his stroller and points to the cute little faces on them. Over all I really do think they are cute and very helpful for little hands to pull them on with.
They have really cute characters. It was hard to pick between the Bear, Cat, Dog or Frog ones.

For more info and for sales and coupons you can follow EZ Socks on twitter and facebook.

The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick

The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick. author- Gene Stone

Who could imagine that eating dirt, taking cold showers, or dunking your head into hydrogen peroxide could lead to better health? These are just three of the secrets shared in this fascinating book about staying healthy and avoiding illness. Twenty five people share their stories and secrets, with the secrets actually having a proven scientific underpinning. Each chapter profiles a person who claims, "I never get sick!"

Their story is told, and then their health secret is revealed. The author then explains the secret and how others can incorporate the information into their own lives. Along with some quirky secrets, there are others that are just plain common sense. We all know that having friends, maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding stress are beneficial to our health. Even these secrets and the people that claim them are a must read.

This book is extremely interesting, offbeat and informative. Discover food secrets, environmental secrets, emotional secrets and more. Depending on your needs and lifestyle you may find one secret or many beneficial to maintaining great health. Who wouldn't want to be able to boast to friends and family, "I never get sick!!"


Some information about the author from the publishers website:


"Gene Stone is a writer, journalist, and former Peace Corps volunteer. He’s written and/or ghostwritten more than 30 books, most recently the national bestseller The Engine 2 Diet, with Rip Esselstyn; his articles and columns have appeared in New York, Playboy, Esquire, Vogue, Elle, and GQ. He lives in New York City."

For more information about Gene Stone you can visit his website here.

To buy this book for yourself as a gift you can purchase it at the publishers website Workman Publishing or at Barnes & Noble.

Dance First. Think Later. Book Review and Giveaway

"Dance First. Think Later." author - Kathryn & Ross Petras

This charming little book offers 618 bits of wisdom for everyday life. With advice from Mother Teresa to Oprah to Bono, there is something to touch everyone's mind and heart. Pull this book out when you need a quick hit of courage or a quiet chuckle. It would also make a lovely gift for any occasion.
Any parent should keep this in the diaper bag or a carry on bag for those moments when you need a little distraction from the wildness of parenthood. After all laughter is the best way to brighten any day!

You can buy this book for yourself or a gift from the publishers website Workman Publishing or at Barnes & Noble.

A little information about the authors from the publishers website and a link to their other books.

"Kathryn and Ross Petras, brother and sister, are great curators of quotes whose The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said Calendar has more than 3 million copies in print. Kathryn Petras with her husband in Manhattan."



GIVEAWAY:

To win a copy of Dance First Think Later do one of the following and if you do more than one please leave a comment for each entry you do:
*Leave your email address in at least one of your comments so I can contact the winner.


-Follow this blog on GFC (Google Friends Connect) top right corner
-Follow The Coupon Queen Bee on Twitter
- Like The Coupon Queen Bee on Facebook
-Like Workman Publishing on Facebook
-Follow Workman Publishing on Twitter


*Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts March 13 , 2011 and ends on March 20, 2011 at midnight PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. I was sent free copy of the book for my review.

The First Years brand Strollers are now at Walmart

I am happy to share with everyone that The First Years brand strollers are now available at Walmart stores. We love our stroller. We take it to the mall, the park, grocery stores, and even to the river trails where we were in a bit of dirt. It held up great and is so light weight we took our little guy out and carried the stroller across the rocky parts. So easy to fold up and easy to use. We love our stroller. You can find all the great The First Years brand strollers at Walmart here.

My son when he first got his stroller. He will never wear socks!

Out of the mouth of babes...

Today my 4 year old announced that he wanted to be a grown up so that he can have a girlfriend and have hair on his face! I just realized that all of the men in our family have some sort of facial hair and he associates grown up men with having hair on their face!! LOVE IT!!

Chiquita’s “Make Your Way To Rio” Sweepstakes

As a Chiquita Mom I get to share with you my wonderful readers a peek at the upcoming movie Rio. My son loves the previews. We have been learning about birds and ducks lately. We had an interesting adventure with seagulls. I screamed, he giggled and my husband just shook his head! A bird lover or not I am sure kids will love this movie. The trailer shows beautiful colored animation. My nephew will be going to see it once it is in theaters.

Inspired by the upcoming film Rio, you and your little ones will help Blu, an endangered Macaw, get closer to his final destination in Rio de Janeiro, where he meets his female counterpart Jewel.  By interacting with the website, www.chiquita.com/rio, unlocking badges and sharing your successes with friends and family, you will get one step closer to winning the trip to Rio de Janeiro!
 
Chiquita Bananas is joining with the movie to offer a great Sweepstakes that can win you and your family a trip to Rio de Janeiro. To enter you play fun mini games to unlock badges and prizes with one family winning the vacation. They even have exclusive ring tones to unlock.

I am on my way to go play the games and unlock my badges. I hope you will join in the fin and take the opportunity to win some of the great prizes! Here is a link to some cute Rio characters  coloring pages you can download.

Good Luck and let me know if you win anything!!

Happy Sunday

This is the kind of fun he has with Daddy has when Mommy is busy blogging!

Welcome to everyone in Sunday Hops! We are happy to have new followers to share the adventures on this blog. We are 3 moms who love to share our little piece of this planet with you. 

I love Sundays! At our house we try to relax and just enjoy time together. Its raining today so we are staying indoors and watching cartoons with our little guy. This afternoon I am sorting my little guys clothing. Each time I put away his smaller clothes it reminds me of how fast he is growing. He is getting really tall and his pants make it look like he is ready for a flood lol.
Its also my awesome little brothers Bday! I can remember like it was yesterday him being in first grade and me holding his hand as I walked him to his classroom before I went to mine. Oh how time seems to fly by so fast!
He is doing great things in music right now. I know he will be a rock star in the future!

Pottery Barn Kids Book Club

Pottery Barn Kids has a book club. Held on Tuesdays from 11:00 to 11:30. They have special event days coming soon. You may want to call the location near you for the time, they may vary by location. This would be a fun and free way to entertain the kids before you shop at the mall.

March 8: Peter Rabbit
March 22: Very Hungry Caterpillar

You can check here for a location near you.

Southern California Moms: Models Needed for Petunia Pickle Bottom

WHO:  Volunteers needed for Petunia Pickle Bottom photo shoot:
If you are flexible, patient, interested in the photo shoot experience, and have a camera-friendly child who fits into the age groups we are looking for, please consider sending us a very recent picture of your little one. We are also on the lookout for fashionista Moms, so include a picture of you too!

Boys and Girls: 18 months-2 years
Moms and Dads: 23-35

WHAT: We are conducting a photo shoot featuring our fashionable diaper bag collection and would love to use some local talent. We traditionally compensate in product along with a CD containing pictures of you and your child.

WHEN: Submissions are always being accepted. The photo shoot  exact date TBD.
WHERE: Ventura, Ca.

HOW: If you would like you or  your child considered, please submit a casting call form. Please note: submit only one or two recent digital photos of you and/or your child. If you don't have access to a digital image, you can mail your image to : 305 S. Kalorama, Suite F, Ventura, CA 93001. Pictures sent by mail will not be returned.

Photo shoot date is TBD, each model will need to be available for at least 2-3 hours, bring own wardrobe based on color and styling specifications.

Here is a link to the site where you fill out the form
http://www.petuniapicklebottom.com/about/casting/

Social Kiddo Card Kit Winner

CONGRATS to the winner of the Social Kiddo Card Kit. I will be emailing you shortly for your information and to select what design you want. These were really great to review and I know many moms would find the Kiddo Cards useful. 

There are still giveaways currently open so don't forget to get your entries in!

 

 WINNER:

 

 M's giveaway blog said...

I follow kiddo tags on twitter as mallen08 maurine08(at)........(dot).......

Verbal Implications: I find them funny at times

After taking a Business Communications class in college I really started to notice the verbal implications we make in our everyday conversations. When I write it is easier to see them and I try not to do it, although I am sure I do. When we say something even its positive sometimes the implication of what we say can be viewed as negative. For instance since I have had my hair styled and highlighted I have gotten a ton of comments from people I see all the time. Last night my mother in law came over to bring us some bulk boxes of diapers, thankfully she buys him diapers once a month and I soooo appreciate it, and she commented about my hair style.
She said "You look feminine now". It was a nice comment but I thought to myself, are you implying I looked manly previously to this! It made me laugh a bit to my self followed up but my husband cracking a few jokes that I won't mention here lol. Then at the grocery store we always shop at one of the clerks who I talk to all the time said " Wow you finally got a real hair style", again I was thinking are you trying to say my hair style before this was not real.
I think of course I am being defensive and should just be thankful I look better now I just find it funny at times.  Its like if someone says "She throws good for a girl" that implies that if the person was a boy they would not be good. I did not really notice these things until I took that Business class so I am sure I will be back to my verbal implications once the lessons of the class fade lol. Thankfully one clerk at the grocery store simply said, "Your hair looks good". He was a guy, so leave it to men to be simple and to the point lol.
Have you had any funny stories where this has happened to you?

Little One Books Special Sale FREE CD

As all my readers know we LOVE books in our house! They are like gold and for good reason since without books how would we have adventures and experience other cultures from our own home. Little One Books is a great site that carries books of all sorts. All the products they carry have been hand selected by the owners who are grandparents to 5 little ones. I feel better knowing the books have been reviewed by people who have the best interest of little ones in mind. Each book selection has information on why the selected the book to be on the site. Its is helpful for buying a book, since kids are so diverse it helps you to find the right book for your child. They carry books, music, videos and bundle packs.

Little One Books is having a special sale right now. When you buy 2 products of any price from their website you will get a FREE CD. The CD you will get is Good Night. This CD will help lull your little one to sleep. I know for my son music was the only thing that would put him to sleep for the first 6 months. Now he listens to soothing sounds before a nap and it really helps. I am sure he feels calmer as he drifts off to sleep.

To get the free CD with your purchase use this PROMO CODE: goodnight

*This code will not work when using a gift certificate to pay for your order.

Some of the great products I found on the site are:


Bundle Pack: I Love Trains

My Son would go wild for this pack. He loves trains!

DVD: Sesame Street 40 Years of Sunny Days

We love Sesame Street in our house!

 Book: Hug ( about a cute little monkey)

Be sure to check back starting March 15th I will be reviewing a book from Little One Books and hosting a $15 gift certificate giveaway for one of my lucky readers.

* I was not paid or compensated for this post.

Disney Store Free Shipping on Beach Towels and Swimwear

Its March which means time to think of the spring and all the fun activities that are coming! I look forward to bathing suits and beach towel time. I want the sun to stay out and no more rain!
The Disney Store is having a Free Shipping sale from now to 3/6 on beach towels and swimwear with promo code: SHIPSWIM.
My favorite towel is the Toy Story Beach Towel.

The Portable Pediatrician Book Review

In today's busy world every parent needs quick, up to date health information for their child. We all know that the internet can provide plenty of this in an instant but nothing beats a good solid book that you can turn to again and again for a reliable source of that information. The Portable Pediatrician is just that book. It is filled with almost every concern a parent could have regarding their child's health. From allergies to ear infections and sleeping problems, all subjects are covered in a clear, in-depth, and interesting manor. Along with the usual illnesses and concerns of childhood, other more serious topics are discussed as well. Diabetes, childhood obesity and cancer are included as well as symptoms and treatments.

The subject of autism which now effects 1 out of 100 children is also included. Parents can learn the signs and symptoms, as well as early detection and screenings that are now available. There is a good overview of what should be covered in the monthly check up for babies and yearly check ups for older children. The overall tone of this book could be likened to a call from your friendly pediatrician. Perhaps that's because the authors are an actual family of doctors and medical professionals. They seem to understand that a parent today wants information on preventative health care and ways to treat a child's illness at home if possible. With the cost of a doctors visit getting more and more expensive becoming your child's "home doctor" is extremely valuable.

Like decades ago, this book can become your go to "Dr. Spock". Something to pull down form the shelf at 2 am when the baby is colicky or your 8 year old wakes up with mysterious stomach pains. Good advice for all parents with children of all ages.

You can buy a copy of Portable Pediatrician at Barnes & Noble and Borders.

Philosophy Free Shipping Sale 3/1 and 3/2

Philosophy is having a there 15th birthday celebration online. You can find great deals all month and get free shipping with the promo code: bdayship. The offer is only good until 3/2 so hurry to take advantage of this offer. I am sure they will have more promos during the month. Here is a link to the under $15 section on there website.

MasterCuts Hair Salon Makeover

I have always been somewhat of a tomboy. I don't wear dresses or jewelry. My usual getting ready in the morning is nothing more than chapstick and a ponytail. Well that has definitely changed!
The day started like any other day. We woke up had some coffee while we watched the local morning show. I was playing on the floor with my son and my husband commented "You look beautiful when you smile". I was a bit taken back by the comment, was he implying I do not smile enough? My reply was "I don't feel beautiful at all." We continued to watch the morning show and they were doing a surprise makeover for one of the shows producers. I commented "I would like to just look like the lady does even before the makeover!" My husband said to me "Well lets do it!" I of course tried to think of a million reasons I can't and how we cannot afford to. We have been saving for a video game from our recycling money and he told me to use it all on myself. Before I knew it we were on the way to the mall to take advantage of a sale going on at MasterCuts Hair Salon.

When I first walked in the manager Penny greeted me and was very helpful to me as I was trying to decide on what to do with myself. I have to admit I was a bit nervous trying to pick a hair cut and I always feel out of place in a beauty salon. I am a $5 just trim it a little so I can still wear a ponytail kinda girl. I was a bit embarrassed by my lack of knowledge about styles, tools, and products but Brandi who was going to be cutting my hair and the manager were super nice to me. Brandi is a new mom herself so as she did my hair we talked about babies, coupons and I told her about a few of my favorite products and rewards programs. I really do love sharing all I have learned from the blog world with other moms. I even included in her tip some coupons for free and dollars off baby products.

My Hair before the Cut and Highlights

They were teaching me by giving me tips and how to maintain my look after I left. I had "ideas" on what I did not want to do but with encouragement and knowledge the manager Penny helped me select how to get my highlights and what shape to do my eyebrows. As I watched them transform me into what my husband refers to as a movie star, he is so sweet, I was speechless. I normally have a million opinions on things but I was stunned and speechless on how I looked in the end. I always thought I did not have the ability to look like other women, I am a plain Jane is what I would say. Well not anymore!! Its odd how a makeover can make you feel a little more pep in your step and smile a little brighter.

The greatest part was that when I left the salon and walked out into the mall to find my husband and my little boy, my husband did not recognize me! It was hilarious! The look on his face was confusion at first then stunned when he realized it was me. He said he couldn't figure out that it was me but it sounded like me. We have been married almost 10 years and this is the first time I have had a colored hair style and waxed eyebrows. He starred at me the whole day and my son didn't seem to notice other than he looked at me with his lips like a fish a few times. Its his thinking face lol.

Hair After My Cut and Highlights

I LOVE my Hair!!

After I washed my hair I had to figure out how to make myself go back to what I refer to as the hot me lol so I went back to the mall to ask Brandi and what she used on my hair to make it flat and smooth. I have the worst poofy frizzy hair. Its like a wild lion mane! She showed me the products she used, thankfully they were on sale. The MasterCuts brand  is what she used on my hair. The silk drops really tamed my wild hair. I had a small budget so I opted for the conditioner and not the shampoo. But I will be getting coupons for signing up for MC perks so I will be back for my shampoo soon. Brandi even took the time to tell me how to flat iron my hair. I felt like a dork asking but I really do not know how to do my own hair to make it look good. She was so nice and didn't mind my million questions.

I am so thankful to the manager Penny and stylist Brandi for putting the heart into helping me feel better about myself. I told them I want to look like a different person when I leave and they sure did! I had a good time too. The customer service they showed me was above and beyond excellent. Anyone who lives in the greater Sacramento, CA area should definitely check out the MasterCuts in the Galleria Mall. Ask for Brandi or Penny and I am sure you will leave feeling amazing!

If you would like to find a MasterCuts in your area you can click here. They are reasonably priced and are usually having  sale or special.

MASTERCUTS: GALLERIA AT ROSEVILLE
Brandi or Penny
(916) 771-2219


** I was not paid or compensated for this post. Had an awesome experience and wanted to share it!

More Winners!

 

More Valentine's Day Event Winners! Thank you everyone who has entered and participated in the "Love Your Family" Valentines Event. It was so fun to host and was nice to meet new moms in the blogger world.

A big thanks to my sponsors for providing great prizes. I look forward to our March event, "Moms Leaving the Workforce" we have awesome sponsors lined up and so much information to share with you. 

The Winners for the UPrinting.com and Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves are:

UPrinting.com Brochure Giveaway:

SAHMwife said...

    Follow you on FB #2
    samwhit28at.........com

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves Giveaway:

Trisha A said...

    Follow you on GFC

    trisha71478 at......com



I have emailed the winners and Congrats!!! There are still two giveaways currently going on. Don't forget to enter those as well!!

Winner of the Medela Breast Milk Labeling and Storage Kit

Congrats to the Winner of the Medela Breast Milk Labeling and Storage Kit. Thanks to everyone who entered. We still have great giveaways currently going on with low entry so be sure to enter them!

The Winner is:

Mrs.Smitty said...
    Like Medela on Facebook #1
    Rebecca Smith
    rasmith0506 at ............

I have emailed you and you have 48 hours to respond! Thanks for entering my giveaways.

Amy Adele FREE Shipping Sale plus 50% off Sale

You can save up to 50% off 300+ Amy Adele items!

Plus, we're having a Free Shipping Sale on orders over $20. Use promotion code: FreeFeb.

Right now all address labels and waterproof labels are on sale.

Plus, many of their adorable stationery and invitation designs are also 50% OFF!

Baby Einstein Baby Lullaby Discovery Kit Review

 

Before my son was even born I knew I wanted him to watch Baby Einstein. I read a lot about them and moms seemed to love them. The music and colorful images seem to be very entertaining. I previewed a few of them while I was pregnant and was so excited for when he could watch them. He loves the World Music and Old MacDonald DVDs and claps when he sees the trademark caterpillar and tune before the movie starts.

When our Discovery Kit arrived I was excited to see it was Baby Lullaby. My son LOVES music. The great thing about the Discovery Kits are they include a DVD, a CD and a book. I couldn't ask for more in the way of entertainment for him. He had me look at the pictures with him before I pushed start on the DVD. He saw a cat picture and shouted "CAT" this is his new favorite word. Then we watched the DVD while he held onto his book. He swayed and smiled while he watched. He really did enjoy himself. I like letting him watch it knowing he is seeing visually stimulating colors and pictures. He stared and watched until he seen CATS! He looked back at me then at the TV and yelled CAT! He pointed and made sure I noticed that he seen CATS! It was only a small part of the DVD but he was jazzed about it. When the kittens were shown up close and yawning he squealed! When the DVD was over he yelled and gestured to me to put it back on, it was so cute. 

 The second time he watched he sat on the floor with his book in one hand and his favorite stuffed giraffe. He started to get sleepy from the soothing lullaby and he curled up on his pillow pet and fell asleep. He looked so peaceful and the soft sounds of the music were soothing to me as well. While he took a nap I left the DVD playing with the music in the background while I used my computer. When he woke up we listened to the CD while we played with his drum. It was nice to have the CD playing while he pretended to be apart of the music. I know I will be using the CD for nap time to help him fall asleep or in the car when he wants to hear music.

 We have always been fans of Baby Einstein but now with the new Discovery Kits are more of a reason to buy the brand. They would make a great baby shower or birthday present for a little one. 

You can find the new Baby Einstein Discovery Kits in stores February 22, 2011 at Target, Borders, Amazon and the Baby Einstein website. You can pre-order the Baby Lullaby, Neptune's Ocean and World of Rhythm Discovery Kits on Amazon.

The Discovery Kit trailer is available to watch on YouTube.

To find out more about Baby Einstein Discovery Kits you can follow them on twitter and facebook. Often time sales and discounts are posted there.

**I received this free Discovery Kit through a LBi/Baby Einstein program. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and no other monetary compensation took place.

Presidents Day Brain Quest Quiz

Since Monday is Presidents Day I know most school children will be home and with the weather across the USA most of us will be inside. To celebrate the holiday Brain Quest has made a Presidents Brain Quest Special Edition Its a  fun trivia game you can play online with your kids. It was really fun to see what answers I got right. They even have a section for challenging a parent or friend. We are big on trivia around here so we love to see who gets the most answers correctly!
You can also have your kids send a Presidents Day e-card to their friends and family. I am sure those two activities will keep your kids busy for a while while teaching them at the same time!



** I was not compensated for this post. I have worked with Workman Publishing in the past and wanted to share this fun activity.