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Send me Free e-Cards!

July 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

So, my 35th birthday was just last week and I am not handling it as well as I thought I would.  Thirty didn’t bother me in the least, but 35 is almost 40!  I feel like at 40, I should be wise and have lots of life experience to share with my kids, but I just don’t feel prepared to be an “adult.”  Yes, I know that you are officially an adult once you hit 18 (or is it 21?), but I guess I am having a hard time making that jump!

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Want to cheer me up?  I found a great website that lets you not only send free e-cards to your friends and family, but also provides printable cards!  I love printing out cards for my kids to color for their Grandparents.  They really love them more than store bought cards and they are MUCH cheaper! 

So head over to Got Free eCards and check out the amazing selection of adorable free birthday Ecards, photo cards, and even funny knock-knock ecards!

Have trouble remembering important birthdays or events?  Check out the free birthday reminder service provided as well!  Never forget a birthday again….by the way, mine is July 16th.

I am participating in “Jump Start Your Blog Contest”  sponsored by got-free-ecards and momdot.
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Mommy Hook: Review and Giveaway

July 19, 2009 By 112 Comments

hypothesis The Mommy Hook from Boon will make shopping with my two girls infinitely easier by allowing me to keep my hands free and all my packages organized.

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One Mommy Hook, a stroller, and a day of shopping for BlogHer!   About Distribution’s Mommy Hook :

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“The Mommy Hook is the perfect stroller hanger. Built to last, lightweight and versatile, The Mommy Hook® fits virtually all stroller handles. The Mommy Hook® is made from durable, heavy-duty aluminum—it won’t break like cheap plastic hangers. Its rubber guide keeps it from slipping or sliding. Use The Mommy Hook® on your stroller. Use it on your shopping cart. Just snap it on and you’re ready to roll! The Mommy Hook® easily holds diaper bags, shopping bags, camera bags, groceries, purses, clothes, toys, sports gear, and much more! It’s even handy for taking bags from your car to your home.”

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This weekend, I hit the mall for a marathon shopping experience in order to prepare for my upcoming BlogHer trip.  I knew I would have a lot of bags, but I had to tend to both girls as well.  So, we stocked up a diaper bag, packed up the stroller, grabbed my Mommy Hook and headed out the door.  As the bags began to pile up, I was so happy to have the Mommy Hook!  It easily fit on my stroller handle and I was able to organize my purchases ensuring that no bags would be lost.  It was great to have my bag attached to my stroller as well in an easily accessible place.  After a long day, we headed to the car to unload and make our way home.  Unpacking the stroller was incredibly easy because I just had to detach the Mommy Hook from the stroller and throw the bundled packages in the trunk.  No more searching ever nook and cranny of the stroller before you fold it up!
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I found the Mommy Hook by Keen Distribution to be durable, versatile, and convenient.  I put it to the test on a marathon day of shopping and I was so happy to have the help that the Mommy Hook provided!  I will definitely be taking it on future shopping trips!  Keen Distribution also carries other great products such as the Time Out Pad and Pop Pals (perfect for Summer!).

references Keen Distribution has generously offered one Not-So-Blog reader a Mommy Hook of their very own!

How to enter:

1. Visit Keen Distribution and let me know another product you would love to own!

Additional entries:

1. Sign up for Keen’s free email updates.

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.

3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

6. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on August 2nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Tupperware’s Chain of Confidence: Giveaway (ARV $150)

July 18, 2009 By 51 Comments

I know you guys are probably tired of hearing about my Katrina experience, but when I was approached to help promote Tupperware’s Chain of Confidence Challenge, the kindness and generosity of the people following the days after the Storm immediately came to mind.  It is not easy to forget or gloss over the random acts of kindness of which I was a recipient.  I am forever indebted to so many women who banded together to help me and my family through the most trying of times.  And now, it’s my turn to give back…..

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Tupperware is launching the Chain of Confidence Challenge which invites you to nominate a woman who has inspired you through an act of kindness. Tupperware is no stranger to promoting the empowerment of women. Recently, the company re-established the SMART Girls program at the Boys & Girls Club of America. With a donation of over $1.5 million dollars, Tupperware is dedicated to promoting confidence and healthy lifestyles for young girls, and ensures the next generation of women is given the same chance at confidence.
The Chain of Confidence Challenge which ends August 14th, will honor three inspirational grand prize winners by giving them each $5,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. tupperwarelogo960x540To nominate a friend, relative of member of the Tupperware community, visit the Chain of Confidence website and write an essay (1500 characters or less) on how a friend or relative has inspired you through an act of kindness. If your nominee wins, you BOTH will receive a $1000 gift card to Tupperware!

In addition, if you take the time to nominate someone for the Chain of Confidence Challenge, come back HERE and enter to win a $150 prize pack from Tupperware! The prize includes Impression Tumblers, Ideal Bowl Sets, Rectangular Modular Mates and TupperLiving microfiber dishcloth set and the kitchen towel set.

You MUST nominate someone at the Chain of Confidence website and you MUST include the words “The Not-So-Blog” in your essay so your entry can be verified.

How to enter:

1. Nominate an inspirational woman at the Chain of Confidence website and include the words “Not-So-Blog” in your entry. Come back here and let us know you did! Winners WILL be verified!

Additional entries:

1. Follow @BridgetteLA and @catmanabat and tweet this giveaway! Unlimited entries! (You must have at least 50 Twitter followers to be eligible for unlimited entries!)

2. Subscribe to my blog.

3. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

4.  Favorite me in Technorati.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm CST on July 31st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Bake Me a Wish!: Review and Giveaway

July 16, 2009 By 536 Comments

hypothesis A cake from Bake Me a Wish will be the perfect ending to a perfect 35th birthday!  How can you go wrong with chocolate?

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One Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake from Bake Me a Wish, two daughters, one husband, Hannah Montana party accessories and the birthday girl…ME!  About Bake Me a Wish:

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“Bake Me a Wish! is the premium nationwide service for delivery of gourmet birthday cakes. Our cakes are made with only the finest, freshest ingredients by an award-winning family run New York bakery that also supplies pastries to some of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants.

Through careful cost control and air-tight delivery systems, we are also happy to be able to bring you our fine cakes at an extremely affordable price. Now, whether it’s your son in college, your trusted associate, your old friend, or your granddaughter across the country, you will always have a simple and wonderful way to remember them on that important day of the year.”

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Light the candles, turn off the lights, sing Happy Birthday and DIG IN!  What a fun review!

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Because both girls had surgery yesterday, the last thing on my mind was my own birthday.  So what an incredible surprise when a brownie cake from Bake Me a Wish appeared at my doorstep!  Short of winning the lottery, this is the best surprise for this chocoholic!  When I got home from work, I stepped into a dining room covered in Hannah Montana party decorations (guess who picked out the party theme?).  Lily was quick to tell me that a cake had arrived and she wanted to eat it!  So, after removing it from the refrigerator and letting it thaw for about 30 minutes, we dove in!  I was a little concerned that a brownie cake would be too dense, but I was completely wrong!  This was an absolutely divine chocolate cake!  Definitely not too dense and not too sweet, it was perfect with a tall glass of cold milk!  Here is the description:

“Our moist & fudgy brownie cake goes through three chocolate “passes” before it’s “done”: first it’s enrobed in rich chocolate, then it gets completely blanketed with a shower of dark chocolate shaves; last, the cake is finished with milk and dark chocolate glazes drizzled all over and the Belgian chocolate plaque of your choice; for a brownie dessert that’s over-the-top-triple-delicious!”

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I have received flowers and cookie bouquets for various occasions, but never have a received a cake!  What a fabulous idea!  Bake Me a Wish has many different cakes to choose from including Red Velvet Chocolate Cake, Caramel Apple Crumb Cake, and a Cookies and Creme Cake.  From my experience with this company, I would not hesitate to order and send a cake to a loved one to help them celebrate.  The cakes were fresh, pretty, and delicious while the customer service was impeccable.  And the best part is that the prices are very reasonable.  The brownie cake I received can be purchased for $39.95!

Bake Me a Wish allows you to do something “sweet” for our Troops overseas!  Five percent of every cake order goes to Operation: Birthday Cake.  Together with Soldiers’ Angels, Bake Me a Wish delivers cakes to soldiers overseas on their birthday.  In addition, for $75, you can have a Freedom Cake delivered to your loved one and Bake Me a Wish will send an additional cake to a soldier overseas in the name of your recipient.  The brownie cake is covered in creamy fudge frosting an sprinkled in red, white and blue.

references Want to celebrate my birthday with me?  Grab a plate and a fork and win a Bake Me a Wish Triple Chocolate Enrobed Brownie Cake right here!

How to enter:

1. Visit Bake Me a Wish and let me know another cake that you would love to eat!

Additional entries:

1. Sign up for Bake Me a Wish’s email updates.

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Bake Me a Wish.

3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

6. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on August 15th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Woobie Wear: Review

July 15, 2009 By 2 Comments

hypothesis The Woobie Wear line of hair accessories will be an item that Aubrie adores!  I predict she will want to wear her flower clip with her favorite tutu on a daily basis!

materials One Woobie Wear polka dot flower clip on a headband, crocheted hat, and an eager toddler!  About Woobie Wear:

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“Woobie Wear flowers are all handmade on clips; therefore, making them removable and interchangeable on crocheted hats, headbands, clothing, or they can be worn alone in the hair. Create several different looks with the flower clips.

Our crocheted hat pattern is one of a kind designed exclusively for Woobie Wear and come with an adjustable/removable ribbon so one size fits all!

Woobie Wear’s products are timeless ~ unique, handcrafted flowers that never go out of style and will add that
special touch any outfit.”


methods The hardest part of this review was getting Aubrie to stay still long enough to place the headband on her head!  But once she saw the flower clip attached adorned with sparkles, she was hooked.

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I love the fact that the flowers can be detached from the headband or hat and be interchanged to create a whole new look!  The crocheted hats are adjustable which is a great feature because both my daughters can wear the hat without it falling off.  The flowers are well made with quality materials.  I also love that Woobie Wear is raising money to donate flower hats to little girls with cancer.  Visit Woobie Wear to find out how to make a donation to this worthy cause.

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Woobie Wear flower clips would make excellent gifts for little girls who love to dress up an accessorize!  The versatility of the clips makes the items very cost friendly!  Right now, Woobie Wear is giving away an ivory crocheted hat with flower clip, so visit their giveaway page for details!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ,

What I’m wearing to BlogHer: Inquiring minds want to know!

July 15, 2009 By 9 Comments

Because I am the ultimate fashion guru (haha!), I figured that y’all are dying to know exactly what I am wearing to BlogHer next week (only 8 days away! eep!).

Close your eyes and imagine me strutting my stuff down the catwalk….(even I had to giggle at the image, don’t feel bad).

Thursday night I will be wearing this foxy little number to the MomDot dinner and maybe even a bathroom near you with the Bloggess (dress provided by StopStaring):

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Friday night I will be appearing in the Lobby (because I’m not invited to any parties) wearing this adorable dress provided by Shabby Apple:

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Friday and Saturday during the conference, I will be wearing tee shirts sponsored by my generous BlogHer sponsors, The Bomb Mom and Label Daddy.  I also purchased a few other items (seen below) just in case I need them.

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And much to Kim’s dismay, I will not be wearing the Velcro suit (even though it is the sole reason I actually made it to BlogHer this year).  I just don’t think airport security would go for it.  Although, maybe the Velcro suit would get Tim Gunn’s attention! Hmmmmmm……

Filed Under: Blog Conferences/Brand Events Tagged With: , ,

Wordless Wednesday

July 14, 2009 By 25 Comments

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Who wants cake? I will be 35 years old tomorrow!
Happy Birthday to Me!!

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged With:

PSA Essentials Peel and Stick Stampers from Expressionery (ARV $300!): Review and Giveaway

July 14, 2009 By 476 Comments

hypothesis The new PSA Essentials Peel and Stick stampers from Expressionery.com will revolutionize my rubber stamp collection and feed the obsession!

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One PSA Essentials Stamp Body and Alignment Tool, the PSA Cupcake Peel and Stick Interchangeable Stamp Set, notecards, a paper towel and an incredibly giddy 4 year old.  About Expressionery:

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“Since 2005 we’ve delighted in bringing fresh and sharable personalized stationery to you, and we’ve watched our product assortment grow to where it is today. Much of our custom stationery is exclusive to expressionery.com and with on-screen previews and multiple font choices, it’s easy to make it truly unique.

From our in-house designers to artwork from renowned artists, you’ll find thousands of note cards, memo pads, labels and more that you won’t see anywhere else.”

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After receiving the sample product from Expressionery, I took the time to review the instructional video provided online.  Following the guidelines, I quickly learned how to set up my new stamp, use the alignment tool, switch templates and clean my new stamper.

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I am completely in love with my new PSA Essentials Peel and Stick stamper!  I have bought countless rubber stamps for various occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and weddings in order to give my invitations or cards a little extra pizazz.  And let me tell you, a rubber stamp is not cheap these days!  Now, with the Peel and Stick system, you only have to purchase one blank stamp base and alignment tool in order to have countless stamping possibilities.  Stamp sets can then be purchased in various themes such as birthday, holiday, love, poodle, anchor or rocket sets just to name a few!

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Each stamp set comes with one outer ring (see the scalloped edge around the trees? It can detach so the trim is interchangeable!) and 9 center designs.  In my experience, I can say not only is this system cost efficient, it is FUN!  The instructional video was extremely helpful and I was stamping in no time!  The stamp base and interchangeable stamp sets live up to the quality you expect from PSA Essentials.  Lily and I decided to try out the system and show you exactly how easy it is!

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Have an upcoming birthday party?  Preparing for the holiday season?  Make your life easier by purchasing one of the new PSA Essentials Peel and Stick Stampers!  The set up was a snap, the designs are adorable and clean up was incredibly easy.  Lily enjoyed playing with the stamper, coming up with new stamp designs and creating cards for friends and family (she even made me a birthday card!).

You can also use the Peel and Stick system in order to personalize calling cards, luggage tags or stationery!  Making customized stationary would be a great gift! In addition to the PSA products, Expressionery also carries notecards, gift tags, and invitations.  Make sure you check out the website!

references Right now, Expressionery is welcoming the new PSA Essentials line by offering 40% off of all the PSA products.  Simply use the code PEELNSTICK at checkout!  It gets better….Expressionery has put together an incredible prize pack for one lucky Not-So-Blog reader!  You will receive:

* Blank stamp body and alignment tool set($45)
* All 8 sets of the Peel & Stick (TM) interchangeable stamp sets ($240)
* one regular PSA Peel & Stick (TM) stamp to be personalized with the winner’s information in the Wallace design ($45)

This prize pack is worth over $300!!

How to enter:

1. Visit Expressionery and let me know one product that caught your eye!

Additional entries:

1.  Sign up for Expressionery’s email updates.

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Expressionery.com

3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

6. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on August 4th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Water Toys from Prime Time Toys: Review and Giveaway

July 13, 2009 By 162 Comments

hypothesis The Critter Blaster from Prime Time Toys will provide loads of laughs in our new ring pool this Summer!

materials

Two Dolphin Critter Blasters from Prime Time Toys, my daughter, my husband, sweltering heat and a new ring pool.  About Prime Time Toys:

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“Since 1990, Prime Time has been producing fun, innovative toys and games that can be enjoyed both in and out of the water. Starting with the world famous Splash Bomb, we have developed a line of water activities designed to give families hours of fun together. Just because Mom is sitting by the pool reading a book doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve a good soaking! Every kid knows that! We just provide the tools to get the job done.”

methods Enter pool.  Submerge toy and pull back dolphin handle.  Surprise Dad by depressing the dolphin and squirting him in the head!  Again.  And again.

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This was on of the most FUN reviews I have done!  Our family just purchased a 3.5 foot ring pool for our backyard (the temperature has been crazy here in Southeast Louisiana and we needed a way too cool off!).  Once we had the pool, we just needed some toys!  Fortunately, I was offered a review of one of four exciting water toys from Prime Time Toys.  I chose the Critter Blaster because it was described as “perfect for little hands to grip and hold.”  My husband and Lily entered the pool with their Critter Blasters and the battle was on!  My husband got off the first shot, but Lily quickly learned to defend herself!  They had a whole hour of fun with these toys and I had to pry them out of the pool for dinner.  We loved that the water toys floated in the pool, so they were very easy to find.  The size of the Critter Blaster is perfect for preschoolers!

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Check out our experience with the Critter Blaster!

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In addition to the Critter Blaster, Prime Time Toys has come out with several new toys for 2009.  Check out the incredible Blaster Board Liquidator!  This water toy can be used as a kickboard, shield and liquidator all in one cool toy!  Or try the pint sized Hydro Blaster Pro which can shoot water up to 30 feet!

references Prime Time Toys has generously offered one lucky Not-So-Blog reader their choice of either the original Max Liquidator, the Critter Blaster, the Monster Blaster or the Blaster Board.

How to enter:

1. Visit Prime Time Toys and tell me which water toy you would select if you won!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog.

2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have at least 50 followers to be qualified for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 27th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Do Vacations HAVE to break the bank?

July 13, 2009 By 4 Comments

It’s no secret that our family budget is pretty tight these days.  We were slammed with a few unexpected expenses and coupled with the rising cost of just about everything, we had to postpone our summer vacation.  My hubby and I decided to have a “staycation” this year and play tourist in our hometown.  Fortunately, there is an abundance of things to do here with the kids, so we didn’t have to look far for fun and exciting activities.

As it turns out, even a “staycation” can be pricey!  Everything requires parking fees, tickets, refreshments and it all adds up!  Because I was determined to have at least some fun this summer, I started looking up family vacation budgeting tips.  I ran across something called a “home swap.”  Have you heard of this?  Basically, you find a family in another City that wants to visit your City and you swap homes instead of getting a hotel room.  Another great tip I found is to buy an Entertainment Book for the city you plan to visit!  We usually purchase these books from a local school group for our own city, but I never thought about buying it to receive discounts in vacation cities!

I found all of these great tips at Consolidated Credit, a one stop debt solution center. They specialize in debt consolidation and management, credit counseling and help with credit card debt as well as family vacation budgeting. I had no idea they offered so many services!

How do you budget for your vacation?

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