Online Poster Printing 16x20 Rolled Canvas *CLOSED*

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Online Poster Printing offers rolled canvas prints for one of your favorite photos or a great new way to spice up your business advertising.

They offer both rolled canvas and gallery stretched canvas for a selection. There is a satin finish for vibrant colors, a protective coating for UV protection and stains, and they offer a three day turn around! If you would like to know more about Online Poster Printing, please check them out at Yelp.

Would you like to win one of these wonderful rolled canvases just in time for the holidays?

Buy It

You can find multiple sizes and styles at onlineposterprinting.com

Win It

Enter to win a custom 16x20 rolled canvas of your own!!

Rules

Please let me know what photo gifts you are planning on giving this holiday season to your loved ones.

Extra Entries

-Blog about this giveaway and leave a link here in your entry, for two extra entries.

-Tweet this giveaway @uprinting for one extra entry.

-Follow me for one extra entry

U.S. entries only. Free UPS ground shipping included. Ends December 6, 2009 at 11:59 PM Arizona time.

*thank you online poster printing for sponsoring this giveaway*

Giveaways For This Week

A Mom's Balancing act is giving away a Tike Tech X3 stroller by Tike Tech-Ends Dec 18

Our Ordinary Life is giving away a $100 gift card to J C Penney! Ends Dec 10th

Jolly Mom is giving away a Step 2 Fresh Market Kitchen on her blog-Ends 12/13

Jolly Mom is giving away a Whiplash Wave Scooter-ends 12/13

Freaky Friday-Peruvian Gang Kills For Fat

Warning***graphic article***

I'm not going to go into all the details since this is a family blog but, this was just too crazy not to post!

A Peruvian gang allegedly killed humans, drained their fat, and used it for cosmetics. When two of the suspects were apprehended, they were found to have bottles of liquid fat on them, which was later confirmed to be human.

For more on this story go here.

**Sources of photo and story are guardian.co.uk**

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

It's my favorite! Hope you all remember your blessings and have a wonderful day enjoying each other and eating a delicious meal!

Wordless Wednesday-My Beauty

I am sooo thankful for her! I thank God everyday for giving me this gift.

Thanksgiving Week

I want to focus on the good things going on right now because, there's always some good. Last year I did a similar post and every year I hope that I remember how blessed I am, even in times of trouble.

This year, for lack of a better word, sucked. I can dwell on all the things that did and are still happening. That's not what this is for. There are so many falling on hard times right now, and well, it can always be worse in some way. At least that's how I look at things. We have a home that shelters us, food in our bellies, love, each other, and a vehicle to drive.

When I see the pics of Africa from one of my ministers, and how they don't have the luxuries we have, how they don't have proper medical care, I remember how good I have it. When I see homeless people in my neighborhood, I remember.

I am the type that gives when I can. I don't give money to panhandlers but, I've bought my share of food and drink. I've donated many items to different causes and I've donated time. Even though you may think you have it hard, remember there's always something you can give. If you don't have money, give of yourself. There are so many people out there that would be truly grateful for your generosity. I've been reading on Twitter and a few other blogs about sending Christmas cards to our service men and women. I can't wait to be able to thank some people for what they are doing this year. Go to this address for further details. They must be received by December 7Th in order to get there in time.

You can donate blankets, personal care items, journals, food, volunteer time, etc to someone in need. It teaches your children how to give back and participate in the community as well.

Giveaways For This Week Nov 22-28

3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires is giving away a Mrs Goodbee interactive dollhouse to one lucky winner from Learning Curve. Ends 12/10

Lizzy Dear is giving away an Elliott Lucca handbag-ends Dec 15

No So blog-Experimental Mommy is giving away a Leapfrog Zippity-Ends Dec 9

Sheila Cakes is giving away a Kodak VISA gc in the amount of $110.-Ends Dec 7

3 Kids And Us is giving away another Kodak VISA gift card in amount of $110 on behalf of the Kodak Save $110 tour.

Digital Room-18x24 Poster Winner

Thanks to everyone that entered! My random winner for the contest is...

boba -I have a great summer family vacation shot that I'd like print

Congrats! You have been emailed with the details of the win.

Melanie

*thank you to digital room for providing this poster*

Gorgeous Ideas For The Twilight Lover!

Do you have a Twilight fan in your house? Get them something special for the holidays that will make them squeal with glee!

Check out these gorgeous necklaces and earrings. You can find these through my website here.

I am an Erepresentative for Avon mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com. Please don't hesitate to ask me about these as well as any other products.

Melanie

mbreyeravon [at] gmail

Avon Goodies From Campaign 25

You guys REALLY need to check out all the goodies for this campaign! You can tell the holiday's are upon us because there's so many things on my wish list. As of today, there's only 35 days until Christmas. Less if you celebrate Hanukkah. If you have shopping to do, you better get on it. Campaign 25 has to be submitted by November 30, so get your order in.

http://mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com/ is my page. I would love for you to come check out what's in store!

Gifts

Keep in mind there's much more, I'm just highlighting some that I love.

The Sharper Image camcorder. Comes with 2 2/5 in screen, USB extension cable, AC power charger, ear buds, pouch, and wrist strap.-$79.00 w/ $20 beauty purchase or $129 sold separately.

Gorgeous Cashtastic line. Acrylic line of slippers, sweaters, ear muffs, hats, scarves, and gloves that simulate Cashmere. Luxuriously soft and affordable!

Buy two pairs of memory sole slippers for $20 and save $9.98.

Mickey Mouse apparel! Tees, slippers, lounge pants, and PJ's.

Makeup

Did you know that Avon has their OWN line of mineral makeup? It's called smooth minerals.

Right now smooth minerals is selling a 4 piece set in "smoky eyes" or "classic eyes". The sets include 2 eye shadows, dual ended eyeshadow/eyeliner brush, and an instruction card on how to use mineral eyeshadow. Only $12.99 per kit. Free of talc, oil, and fragrance.

Lots of festive color choices for makeup and the holidays. Avon's nail experts nail polish in gold strength, Speed Dry nail enamel in Red Wine, Glazewear gloss in Cherry Liqueur, Ultra Color Rich lipsticks in Berry, Sparkling blush, Poppy love, Red, and Cherry Jubilee. All are on sale right now!!

Skin Care

Anew Ultimate-Mix or Match Buy One, Get One for $10(equal or lesser value)

Anew Reversalist-$59 for pair of night renewal cream and Renewal serum.

Anew Clinical-Professional stretch mark smoother is only $20

FREE eye gel with any Total Radiance purchase.

I am an Independent Avon Sales Representative, please let me know how I can assist you.

Melanie @ mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com or mbreyeravon [at] gmail [dot] com.

Wordless Wednesday-Four Years Ago

Happy Anniversary!

As the day winds down and I spend time alone, I try to remember even four years ago. Standing on the rocks with the splendor of autumn leaves surrounding us. Only a few witnesses to remember the day.

I think about this year and how ugly it has been. Not only from circumstances but, with each other. I think of my own parents marriage and how fragile it was from the start. I so desperately want to change that history. I think about how we as people from broken paths, attempt to change the path. How one year can be delicious, the next enraging.

I haven't changed my mind, though many often do. When times get tough, when people have to struggle. In the world of "Me's", there's very few "us". In the world of "do what makes you happy", I still see "us".

Many people fail at this adventure. Mostly because they want what they want, when they want it. They don't want to take the journey. They want comfort and adoration. They want to be entertained. I want those things at times, you want those things too.

What is a true definition of love? In my book, it's staying through thick and thin. Loving fiercely and not letting go. Sacrificing at times and fighting for what's right. Giving of yourself when you don't always feel like it. Making time for each other.

I think it's important to be reminded why we love and the commitment we make when we say "I do". Our anniversary is a time to remember the covenant, to remember why I chose you. To be thankful that we have each other.

Four years ago today, I picked you. I love you, through thick and thin.


What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?

By George Eliot

Making Tuesday Tasty-Green Bean Casserole

In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, I'm adding another super yummy recipe to the mix. Here is a yummy scratch version of green bean casserole. The ingredients are fresh and delicious. I still personally like the french onions for the texture and flavor myself. The wonderful thing about recipes is, you can make them to suit you.

Ingredients

3 pounds green beans

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 loaf crusty Italian bread

3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 pounds mixed mushrooms (such as button, cremini, shiitake), sliced

2 shallots, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a big pinch of salt and the green beans.

Cook for about 5 minutes, the beans should still be crisp, they will be cooked more in the oven. Drain them and set aside.

Butter a baking dish large enough to hold the green beans with 1 tablespoon butter and set aside.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Tear the bread into 2-inch pieces, put them into a bowl, and add 1 tablespoon chives, 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Stir well to coat and spread onto a baking sheet. Bake just until the bread just starts to turn golden, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid, about 10 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, add the remaining thyme and chives, and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the green beans and stir well. Put the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with the croutons, and sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan. Bake until everything is hot and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.

*recipe and photo courtesy of Tyler Florence and Food network*

Kidswearhouse.net Review And Giveaway!*CLOSED*

I came across Kidswearhouse.net while shopping for my daughter who is two, almost three years old. I, like most, am on a budget and can't afford boutique clothing. I am always looking for a great deal and I landed on their home page. Surprisingly, I found some high quality, name brand clothing at really low prices.


Kidswearhouse.net is a simply built website and conveniently categorized. At first glance, you may not think it's much but, they are very friendly people to work with, and they have awesome deals! They have baby, toddler, and child sized clothing up to size 16. They have play clothes, dresses, party dresses, holiday items, and more.


They just recently added a new line called Oatmeal & Raisin. Really adorable boys and girls baby clothing. They have a set amount for shipping no matter the size of order now, so it's really affordable to do your shopping in bulk through them. If you want it rushed, they have some affordable options as well.



My daughter received a Good Lad 3 piece scooter skirt set in a 2T. She is really becoming a girly girl and wanted to try this outfit on IMMEDIATELY. She had a great time posing for me. My daughter is petite but, is longer on her top than on the bottom. She is one of those children that usually needs separates because she is two different sizes. I asked Kidswearhouse how the fit was by email and was responded to in a timely manner about sizing. I felt confident with their answer and ordered my daughter the outfit as they said it was true to size. When I received it, I was pleasantly surprised how well this particular outfit fit. The top isn't too short, it fits just about right, the stretch pants bunch a little but fit her not too tight or loose. The skirt is probably the biggest and when she is wearing the stretch pants underneath or tights, it fits her fine. She has some room to grow. I found the outfit charming and she got lots of compliments at church! It is age appropriate and well made. The material is comfortable and stretchy.






Buy It

Go to Kidswearhouse.net and check out all their super cute clothes. They are offering a Thanksgiving discount of 15% all items with a code THANKS2009.

Win It

Kidswearhouse is being VERY generous this Thanksgiving by giving one of my readers a $50 voucher to purchase something special for your little one! Maybe it could be a Christmas outfit or a gift for the holiday?!

Rules

Please search around the website and tell me one item that you love! This is mandatory and must be done in order to be entered. Please leave me a way to contact you or I will choose another winner.

Extra Entries

-Purchase something from Kidswearhouse and receive 10 entries!!(please leave 10 separate entries. First entry should have email and order number as reference)

-Follow me on blogger for one entry

-Follow me on Twitter @kaiasmommy for one entry

-Enter my Digital Room giveaway for one entry

- Enter my Oompa giveaway for 2 entries.

Please leave a separate entry for each! Open to U.S. residents. You don't have to be a blogger to enter. Please leave your email or a way to reach you or I will select another winner!

Contest ends December 1, 2009 at 11:59 PM Arizona time.

*thanks to kidswearhouse.net for providing an outfit for review*

Twilight Dress Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all that entered! My random.org winner is......

TX_Jen34 said...
Subscribed at your website.

Congrats! An email has been sent and you have 48 hours to respond or I will choose another winner. I hope you love it!

Melanie

Digital Room-18x24 Poster Giveaway!

Digital Room is an online company that prints just about anything you can think of, including poster printing.


Right now during the holidays, getting an enlarged photo of your experience would make a great conversation centerpiece, and remind you of the great times you had with family and friends.


You can print things from your digital photos, design something you want online, or let their team design it to your satisfaction! And if you need further information on this company, please check out their customer review section for more detailed opinions on the workmanship from Digital Room.

Buy It

Go check out digitalroom.com and see if they can custom print something for you today.


Win It


Digital Room is giving away one 18x24 poster to a lucky winner!


Rules


Please tell me what you think you would put on this poster. A holiday photo from the past maybe? Something from Thanksgiving?


Extra Entries


-follow my blog

-tweet about this contest and leave a link

-follow me on twitter @kaiasmommy


Please leave a separate comment for each. Open to US residents only. Shipping is free.
Contest Ends November 21, 2009 at 11:59 Pm Arizona time.



*thank you to digital room for providing a poster to me*

Winner-Uprinting Thank You Card Giveaway

My random.org winner for the Thank You card giveaway is...

Pamela S said...
My son is finalizing his Eagle Scout project and graduating HS soon. We'll need lots of thank yous for both of those occasions so I'd make them with his name and probably a photo of him. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Thanks to everyone who entered! Congrats to my winner. Your information has been sent to Uprinting.

**thank you to Uprinting for providing this prize**

Giveaways For This Week Nov 15-21

Smartknit kids is hosting their very own giveaway for the holidays. ARV $400. Smartknit kids makes seamless socks for children who have sensory disorders or kids that plain old don't like them, like my daughter. :)

A Shopaholic Mommy is giving away a Madison Browne dress and top. It's lovely! Ends Nov 30

Mommy Mandy is having some great holiday giveaways to check out.

Beau Coup Holiday Giveaway-75 gc

Macy's Gift Card-$50

Step 2 Lifestyle Deluxe Kitchen

Nurse Mommy is giving away a photo book from Multiply-ends Nov 16

The Savvy Housewife is giving away a $50 gc from All Princess, All the time. cute stuff!

Handmade Giveaways is giving away an awesome steampunk necklace by someone in the valley named Mystic Pieces.

Lizzy Dear's Life is giving away a SLEEP NUMBER P5 bed! Amazing! Ends 12/15. Go enter

Our Ordinary Life is giving away the same SLEEP NUMBER bed! Ends 12/15

Our Ordinary Life is giving away 2 gift cards to Border's worth $100 each. Ends 12/5

Robyn's Online World is giving away 2 gift cards to Border's worth $100 each. Ends 12/4

Conversations With Kaia

Here is just some randomness that my daughter has been saying. I may even need to add to this as I remember or do a weekly bit of it ha ha.

I wake up and am still half asleep. My daughter and her attitude are raring to go. She asks to color so I get her stuff so I can wake up and she can be entertained. She looks at me and says "I don't put my colors on the floor" and says "noooo" very silly. I say, "no you don't dump all your colors out". She looks right into my eyes and proceeds to dump the bag of color crayons all over the floor. After telling her "no!" and putting her in her room, I hear her grab her play phone.

"ring sound" "Hi Grandma, I in trouble. I put colors all over the floor! Something incoherent, and then OK bye bye"

How can you not laugh at that? Ha ha. I wish my mom could get calls like this too! She would've laughed her butt off.

"Mommy, I need medicine for my eyes"
"Kaia you don't need medicine and I don't have any for your eyes"
"Mommy I need medicine for my eyes, my tummy hurts!"
"No Kaia, you're not sick and you don't need medicine"

One that made me sad was her asking to talk to her Nana, which is my Mother who passed away in July. She hasn't asked to talk to her in months.

Kaia has been wanting to talk to people on the phone more now and has been talking up a storm. Granted, the people on the other end only catch about half of what she's saying but, I get a kick out of it because I know what she's trying to say and what she's been up to. Her language has gone through another recent explosion adding a lot more words and phrases. She is too precocious!

Oompa Toys Review & Giveaway! *CLOSED*

I had a chance to review Oompa toys website. I was searching for my almost three year old daughter when I came across their site. I was looking for some educational toys for my daughter and found some really cute, simple toys from Bajo.

They are made in Poland, brightly colored, help with dexterity and motor skills, and made from wood. I chose the lacing fox for my daughter and she loves it! She is already trying to zipper anything she can, tie shoes, clip things together, and this of course fits right into her learning how to tie and improving her motor skills.

Oompa toys is one of those online shops for me, that is fun to shop in! The photos are fantastic and show the real design features. They sell European as well as U.S. based toys. They also sell gear for babies and a few other items. The toys are educational, fun, high quality, and reasonably priced. The shipping was lightning fast.

I think that any of the items carried in their store would make a wonderful gift for a little one. My favorite part, so many educational toys and toys that don't NEED batteries.

Buy It

Go to Oompa.com and pick up an item for someone special

Win it

You can win a lacing fox for a special pre-schooler in your life.

Rules

Please tell me one item you love on the Oompa site and comment on this post. MUST be done in order to qualify for this giveaway

Extra Entries

-follow me for one entry

-enter my Twilight Dress Giveaway for 3 extra entries

-follow me on Twitter @kaiasmommy for one entry

-tweet this contest for one entry

Leave separate comments for each so you are eligible to win. U.S. entries only.

Contest ends 11:59 PM Arizona time on November 30, 2009

*thank you Oompa toys for providing a lacing fox for review*

Freaky Friday-Woman Passes Exam After 950 Tries

A woman in South Korea tried hundreds of times to pass her written exam for her drivers test to no avail. She finally passed getting the minimum score of 60 out of 100 points. Way to go!

Too bad for her, she still needs to pass the drivers test!

She told the Korean times newspaper that she needs her license for her vegetable business.

**source Aol.news**

Woodtoybox.com

Have you seen this website? I think it's so fantastic! It's a wooden toybox and Hope Chest, and Blanket chest maker. They have many different stains and styles. I really love that they're laser engraved so you get many choices in fonts.

If you're interested in purchasing one of these lovely gifts in time for the holidays, the owners of Wood Creations is offering my readers 15% off any toybox with the code "toybox4u" when checking out.

**this is not a paid post, nor did I receive any product for this post**

The Big Deal-Campaign 24

Ok, next month is Christmas. NEXT MONTH. Not to mention Hanukkah and many other holiday traditions. It's creeping up quickly. Do you need stocking stuffers? How about some cute decorating ideas to make things festive?

Campaign 24 has an amazing offer called the BIG DEAL! 8 lip balms, 4 hand lotions, and 4 bath paints for kids.

How much is it? Only $12. Normally this would be $19.84. Time to stock up.

http://mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com

Wordless Wednesday-My Trend Setter!

This is my two year old. This is her daily fun of getting herself dressed and raiding her closet and her drawers for something suitable to wear. Today's ensemble consists of a pair of jean shorts, an unseen but not unimportant christmas themed turtleneck, a fleecy flower hoodie, and of course a life jacket or as she calls it her "pack pack"

Care.com, An Amazing Resource

When I was a nanny and wanting to work in childcare, I didn't really have a whole lot of online resources to help me find the right postion just for me. Often I was looking in the local paper to see where help was needed.

It would have been a huge help to me if I could find one major resource to find my "perfect" position! Now thinking as someone who needs to hire a caregiver for special needs, children, seniors, pets, tutoring, and housekeeping I would be ecstatic if I could get a service to help me in my search.

Care.com offers free background checks, mom reviewed profiles, and recorded reference interviews. That is something can give any potential employer piece of mind. You can join as a FREE member and start posting your job right away and wait for caregivers to find you.

Memories

Last week I made potato soup and chicken noodle soup. It's not cold here so I can't say it's the weather that's making me feel the need for soup. I've been in my own little world lately and I know it's because of my Mom passing away and the financial burden we are under right now. I haven't really talked to many people about it besides my Sister and my husband.

My Sister is in the grieving process too so it's weird but, we actually don't wallow much in our feelings with one another. In this case, it's not misery loves company. Maybe for me it's because I feel the need to protect her. I still worry about her and how she is doing because she was there when Mom died.

Anyway, it's very strange the methodical things I'm catching myself doing. Methodical but, not necessarily me. My mom was one of those people that loved to cook. She wouldn't waste her appetite eating food that was not what she wanted. She would lovingly prepare food for others as well as herself. Usually, it was all from scratch. She loved savory food with lots of flavor. I love it too and loved her cooking. As a "modern" woman, I like to cook for my family, I like to eat out, and I like to sometimes make easy meals. I'm not always about effort. Sometimes, I'm just hungry. I want to shove something in my face to take away the hunger and don't really care if it's up to par.

Since she died, I've caught myself wanting and literally craving things that comforted me when I was growing up. Soup was one of my favorites and we had a garden when we were younger and she didn't have to work as much. I made some potato soup a few weeks ago, I used different potatoes and didn't put as much bacon in as I would like so, it was a let down. I had to do it over again so I bought russet's and one day woke up and put a pot on. Always makes me think about growing up. A few days later, I had chicken that needed to be cooked so I put a pot of chicken soup on. Again, something my mom would do. She would just throw something together with whatever ingredients she had on hand. She was one of those that would make it taste delicious with 4 or 40 ingredients.

Some days, I don't know what to do with my broken heart. I feel lost. I feel like I want to call her 50 times a day. I think about things that are going on with Kai, and want to call her. I still think I can just pick up with phone and call her. It is becoming more real to me now. Grief and her stages.

My mom was a very open person, you could talk to her about anything really. She was my best friend for many years and often not as much a Mother figure as she was a confidant. It will take a lot of time to pass before I can let that go. I have women in my life that I can talk to though. I have women in my life that are sister's and bosom buddies. If not for that, I would be devastated.

For anyone that is reading this, let yourself go through the process. Seek others that are close to you. If you are a christian, lay your burdens at his feet. Allow yourself to be imperfect and a mess at times. It's all part of the healing process. You may never get over it but, the anxiety, hurt, and anger can go away. You don't always have to put on an outward show.

Uprinting.com Thank You Card Giveaway*CLOSED*

There's always a need to have Thank You greeting cards on hand. Sometimes it's a specific reason like, a baby shower, wedding, or Birthday. There's also plenty of people in my life, including myself that love stationary! I especially love things that are personalized and scream "me". Uprinting.com even offers envelope printing to match your letterhead if you like. If you would like to check them out, you can find them on Yelp. You can find reviews, physical location, and hours of operation.

Win It

You can win one set of 50 custom thank you cards with plain envelopes!

Rules

Please tell me what you plan on doing with these cards? Do you plan on giving them as a gift, putting a custom logo on them, etc?

Extra Entries

Follow my blog for one extra entry

Tweet this contest for one extra entry(leave your link in a separate comment)

Add me on Twitter @kaiasmommy

Enter my Twilight dress giveaway for five extra entries(please leave separate comments)

Contest is open to U.S. residents only. Contest will end November 14Th, 2009 at 11:59 PM Arizona time.

**thank you Uprinting for giving me 50 custom thank you cards with envelopes**

Only $52 for 250 Custom Sized Labels or Stickers

New Etsy Shop Up!

Alesha over at The Jacobsen Family posted about her Mom's new Etsy shop, It's Bibalicious N More. She makes super cute, unique bibs, and more!

Go check it out and give her some love. :)

Melanie

Giveaways For This Week-Nov 7-14

Our Ordinary Life is hosting a giveaway for a Step 2 play kitchen. Ends Dec 1

Lizzy Dear's Life is hosting a giveaway for a Step 2 play kitchen as well. Ends Dec 1

Growing Your Baby is hosting a giveaway for a Step 2 New Traditions kitchen. Ends Nov 18

Our Ordinary Life is hosting a giveaway for a Medela Breast Pump-in-Style. ends Dec 1

Our Ordinary Life is hosting a giveaway for a Flor rug. Ends Nov 11

Mommy's Hangout is hosting a giveaway for a Hoover Cyclonic Vacuum. Ends Nov 30th.

Is It Monday Already? is hosting a giveaway for a Pulse Slither scooter. Ends November 20.

Mahayla's Mommy is giving away a balboa baby sling. Ends Nov 14

Shopaholic Mommy is giving away a Bei Bambini clothing line worth $538! wow! Ends Dec 1

The Shopping Mama is giving away a Graco Pack N Play-Ends Nov 27

Lizzy Dear is giving away a Jeep Overland jogging stroller-Ends Dec 1

Our Ordinary Life is giving away a tandem Kolcraft stroller-Ends Dec 5

Michele Baratta is giving away a strand of pearls with a twist necklace and bracelet set! gorgeous! Ends Nov 23rd

Mommy Mandy is giving away an Easywalker SKY stroller in Army green ends Dec 1st

Twilight Dress Giveaway! *CLOSED*

Hello everyone. I want to introduce myself to those of you who are new to this blog. My name is Melanie and I have recently started selling Avon and mark products via website and I am contacting people local to me as well. I just listed all the awesome prices on the most recent campaign and am hoping people take advantage of the time to stock up!

I want to start this new campaign with a BANG! I have a super cute mark(tm) Twilight Dress in Grey satin. It is adorable for this season and would look fantastic with a pair of tights, a rockin' long necklace, and some boots. Can you say holiday dress? The dress is a mini dress with 3/4 flared sleeves, and looks like a tunic. Very modern, simple, and classy.

You can't buy this right now as it's unavailable on the website. I have one dress in a L (11/13) juniors sizing. $28 value.

Win It


Mandatory entry go to my website and subscribe with your email address and basic information. U.S. Entries only please! You don't have to be a blogger to enter. Please leave a way for me to contact you or I will select someone else. Trust me, happens all the time. Don't be the one who misses out!

Extra Entries

If you buy something from me , in any dollar amount, give yourself 10 extra entries. Please do them individually so you get credit!! Note that you did and what email address you have listed.

Join my Myspace for 1 entry

Follow my blog 1 entry

Follow me on twitter @kaiasmommy 1 entry

This contest will end midnight November 15, 2009 Arizona time.

Diplomacy And The Art Of Keeping Your Mouth Shut!

I'm a newer Nie Nie reader and if you haven't heard of her and you're a blogger, well I'm shocked! I didn't follow Stephanie before her plane crash. I didn't know that her beautiful blog existed until a few months ago.

Anyway, she has come a very long way with God's help and it will take much more for her to get to a place where she is healed, at least physically. Stephanie and her husband Mr. Nielson, were both burned and hurt critically in the accident. I'm saying this because I feel the need to preface this.

She just posted on her blog an entry entitled Do You Still See Me? Not only does her journey of healing touch me but, her perspective is a testimony every time I read it. Perhaps it's because I've read many entries now, perhaps it's her charm, perhaps it's her strong belief system, or maybe because I didn't know her before in person but, I don't look at her as someone who has suffered disfiguring burns on her face and body.

Her husband still looks at her and sees her, the person, the soul that he fell in love with. Her God still sees her as the person that he loves, the soul that he put on this earth for a time. And, in turn I see her as a walking testimony to God's love instead of someone who no longer looks like she once did. She is beautiful because she is Stephanie.

I haven't intended to write just about Stephanie but, more so about the reason for her entry today.

This is a quote from Nie Nie's blog "Yesterday at the grocery store a woman turned around to me in the line and with an exhausted look she blurted out: “Oh, I feel just the way you look!!”". And my question first is how do you turn around and see someone who has physical scars and say something like that?? Knowing someone must have gone through something traumatic to get to that place, how do you say something like that? Nonchalantly even?! As if your mouth has no way to connect to your brain.

I know I've put my foot in my mouth many, many times! We all have. I just don't understand why today's society thinks it's perfectly acceptable to say whatever, whenever, and however is on their mind. Without the slightest notion that it may harm others.

Being a mother, being part of parenting forums, being a part of a blog community, and seeing it for myself on a daily basis has really opened my eyes. I'm opinionated, anyone that knows me knows that. I have bad days just like anyone else. But, I think before I say certain things and really question in my mind how it's going to affect the person I'm talking to. And when I don't, I feel terrible and try to make amends.

I guess what I'm trying to say is THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Don't tell parent's that have lost their children anything but, "I'm sorry", "I love you", "what can I do for you". Don't tell them they can make another one, et al. Don't tell someone who looks that they've been in a horrible accident what you think they look like!!

I realize that moral standards have gone by the wayside and us as Christians can be some of the greatest culprits of judge mentality and hypocrisy. Remember the golden rule, people and that our tongues are weapons.

Black Friday

Black Friday is basically the largest shopping day of the year. Usually if I am not working, I am participating in a church reunion during Black Friday and haven't had many shopping experiences this time of year.

The year my daughter was born, my husband was determined to buy a few items that we had been wanting. We needed a printer and there was a big discount on that, we wanted a point and shoot camera for our new baby's birth, and some other little items.

My husband has worked night shift since I have known him. I was shocked to see him up at six a.m., ready to start his shopping experience. He was able to find a hard drive for half price that was stashed behind some other things, a Disney movie, and a printer. He had to work hard to get these items and it took him probably 3 hours before he came back and he had only gone to two stores! I would say, he is definitely braver than I am.

This year, money is tight, gas money is tight, so we are probably going to do the bulk of our Christmas shopping with the Black Friday 2009 Online Deals out there. That will save us a ton of headache and stress.

Avon Specials For Campaign 24

I AM! http://mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com/

Here are my new favorites for the new campaign! If you don't already know, I'm selling Avon online and locally in the Chandler and Maricopa, AZ areas. Please go to my site for all your holiday shopping needs. Don't hesistate to ask if you have any questions! Stay Tuned for an upcoming holiday giveaway!!!!!

Cashtastic-There is a new line rolling out that includes a mens sweater, women's cardigan, earmuffs, gloves, and scarves all in a cashmere "feel". Very affordable, luxuriously soft and set an affordable introductory price!

There's some amazing fragrance specials as well just for that someone special. In Bloom By Reese Witherspoon has a 4-piece gift collection for only $39. Described as sensual and elegant, with notes of gardenia blossoms, lush florals, amber wood and peach tea leaves.

In addition to the Avon fragrances that are amazing, Avon also carries some yummy name brand fragrances as well. Christian Lacroix Rouge and Absynthe, and U by Ungaro. You will receive a free cosmetic or toiletry case with any $15 fragrance purchase.

Patrick Dempsey and Derek Jeter have signature fragrances with Avon too. Patrick Dempsey has a new fragrance called Unscripted.

YEAR END COLOR SALE

Avon nailwear pro gives an awesome up to 10-day wear with high-gloss shine, pro-precision, brush, no formaldehyde, toluene, or phthalates. Sale $2.99 each normally $5.

Glazewear Lip Gloss-Lowest price ever $2.49 each normally $6 each.

True Color Eyeshadow Quads-Now just $4.99 each normally $8 each

Mascara's are on sale now!

Ultra Color Rich Lipstick-$2.99 each normally $6.50

Glimmersticks's Eye Liner-$2.79 each normally $6

Magix Face Perfector-$7.99 each normally $10

SKIN CARE

Anew Ultimate-Buy One Get One $10(of equal or lesser value) value varies up to $58

Anew Reversalist-$59 for the pair

Anew Clinical-Any 2 for $38

And MUCH MUCH MORE!

Independent Sales Representative Melanie Breyer

http://mbreyer.avonrepresentative.com/

Wordless Wednesday-At Grandma's First Thanksgiving

Making Tuesday Tasty-High Heat Turkey

It's November so I'm gonna start things out right! A classic Turkey prepared and cooked on high heat. Whenever I cook poultry on high heat it turns out succulent and delicious. As long as you cover it properly in the beginning, make sure there's water at bottom of the pan and, and let it rest, you're going to have one beautiful bird! Not to mention shaving off precious time in the cooking process.

Ingredients

16-18 lbs fresh whole turkey

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh black pepper, to taste

3 cups as needed chicken broth

Directions
1. Dry a 16 to 18 lb. turkey inside and out with paper towels.

2. Oil the turkey inside and out with any kind of vegetable oil (olive, canola, etc.) using your hands.
3. Cut away any excess skin around the opening of the cavity and wedge a fork inside the cavity to open it further. Leave the fork in to keep cavity open.

4. Rub spices, herbs, or just pepper all over the bird with your oily fingers.

5. Place the turkey, breast side down on a rack in a large metal roasting pan.

6. Cover the top of the turkey, including legs and wings with greased foil.

7. Pour ¾-inch of chicken or turkey broth in the bottom of the pan. As the turkey cooks, check the liquid every 45 minutes and add more in case it evaporates.

8. Cook the turkey at 500° to 525° for 2 hours.

9. Remove foil, stuff the turkey with cooked stuffing and return it to the rack breast side up.

10. Cook the turkey 30 to 45 minutes longer until an instant-read thermometer stuck deep in the thigh reads 175°.

11. Let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes, this allows the meat to reabsorb its juices.

Suggestions to go along with this cooking process. If you salt or over salt you will be taking the juices from the bird. Find a large enough pan to fit the bird in and put it on a rack so it's not "stewing". Allow the heated air to flow around the bird and cook it properly. Don't baste the bird because it breaks down the lovely caramelization on the bird as well as uses up the pan juices that would be later used for gravy. Don't cover with cheesecloth because it prevents browning and color to the bird.

**This recipe I've used is taken courtesy of Recipezaar/kiwidutch. Photo courtesy of Recipezaar**

It's November!

Just a little entry today. I'm excited that it's November and yet, always this time of year has me amazed. I'm excited that Thanksgiving is around the corner, my wedding anniversary, and our annual church reunion is coming around. I love Thanksgiving, it's really my favorite holiday. I'm not totally sure why. I think the food is fantastic, I love family and friends, and you don't have to worry about gift giving. It's a time to truly be thankful for what you have.

This year has no doubt been a hard one. One of the worst in awhile but, I am thankful everyday for what I do have. I have a lot more than some. I have been blessed with many people in my life and that makes it even more rich.

I am also one of those moms that gets anxiety each year that goes by. Seeing just how fleeting time can be. When it's measured next to your child, it's even more poignant. You see the years by their growth instead of by seasons. My daughter is almost three years old. It's awe inspiring that she will be three. I know that sounds dramatic. She is almost three though. I have been with her the whole time being a stay at home mom, and yet it's going so fast.

Take the time to know your children as individuals, to teach them, to nurture their creativity. We all get busy. Just take time out weekly for them. In an instant they are grown.