Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot

  As a mom, I get to listen to a LOT of cartoons but never really watch them. I am in and out, picking up, cleaning up, bringing laundry through etc... I am sure many of us function this way.  The Poo loves to watch My Little Pony Friendship is Magic on The Hub. I had My Little ponies when I was growing up so if I can I try to watch it with her sometimes. The memories of my childhood come rushing in and I am filled with nostalgia! Well that is about to kick into full throttle. The Hub has a new show starting June 2nd......wait for it........wait for it.......Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot! YES!!! The Care Bears are coming back....wooohoooo!!! SERIES PREMIERE: THIS SATURDAY at 8am ET /5am PT. Go check out the website for information on all of the bears and a clip of the show! They also have wallpaper for your computer that is free to download.

The Poo has some of the movies because I bought them but now she will be able to watch them on the T.V.!  Now she loves the Care Bears as most of us did growing up. I have even found her a few Care Bear stuffies to cuddle with.

  So now we will be able to cuddle in the recliner and watch Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot together and have our special time! We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the first episode before it airs and let me tell you we LOVED it! The animation is wonderfully detailed to the point you can see their fur move with them. The story line is great and teaches them about caring for others as Care Bears always has. It is more updated than the older Care Bears movies but just as entertaining. We watched it 2 times in a row and the Poo can hardly wait to get to watch it again, this time on the television. I don't want to give away what this episode is about so I won't say more than preprogram your T.V. so you don't miss it!

I have a coloring page and some poster printables free from The Hub for you and your little ones. I hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer:

This is a review. I was given a link to preview the first episode for review purposes. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the advertising company.

Wordless Wednesday

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Giveaway

As a gardener and a mom, I am always looking for better ways to help keep my family healthy and feed them the best food I can. I even try to make sweets nutritious and not tell them! I was very excited when I got the opportunity to try Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil. I was even more excited after I tried it.
Anywhere you use oil or butter, you can substitute this delicious coconut oil. The benefits of coconut oil are mainly from the nutrient value of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Tropical Traditions offers all natural, organic coconut oil. For free recipes using coconut oil go to :http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/coconut_oil_recipes.htm . My family loves this recipe and had no idea I had substituted coconut oil for butter but I was told several times these were the best pancakes ever! Preparation time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 medium sized pancakes
2 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
 2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
 pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup finely ground shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1. Combine the eggs, cream, coconut oil, sugar, and salt in a medium sized bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder,nutmeg,cinnamon and ground coconut.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix gently until completely incorporated.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter or coconut oil.
5. Spoon batter into skillet, making one or two at a time. Take care to not let pancakes run into each other. Let cook until edges start to brown, add walnuts then flip gently and let cook for another minute on other side. Serve immediately. They are so delicious and easy to make.
Tropical Traditions is going to give one of my lucky readers a chance to try their Gold Label Coconut Oil for themselves! Go enter for your chance to win!

Win 1 quart of  Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil? You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the  advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil. As always, please leave your email so I can contact the winner!

I received a free quart of coconut oil to review. I give my honest opinion and do not recommend anything I would not use.

A letter to my Mom

Dear Mom,

  I never know how to start a letter but it just seems like "Hi, how are you?" doesn't work here. I will start by telling you how wonderful the Poo is doing in school. She loves to go everyday and hates to be late! She got accepted into the gifted and talented program for next year. She is so excited because they get to do projects and crafts. She can hardly wait!
We had to replace the pool this year. The old one tore down the seam when we were moving it. I found a really good deal on it though so it didn't cost too much. I have been saving to get the Poo a swing set for her birthday this year. She loves to swing more than just about anything. Nothing new there, huh!

The other day she was telling me about the first time she remembered it snowing here and you and her played snowball fight and made Dr.Pepper slushies with the fresh snow in your favorite coffee cup.  I had to fight back tears when she told me she is starting to forget what you look like. The picture in her mind is fading but she remembers you. She still has a lot of memories of things you did together.

Some friends of ours moved to New York and I was showing her where it was on a map so she could see how far away it is. Poo asked if maps went all the to China and I told her they did and I could show her China if she wanted. She said she wanted to see a map of Heaven so she could know where you are now.

I told her it must be a really great place because everyone that goes to make a map decides to stay there and tried not to let her see me cry.

I miss you everyday but more today. I find myself still trying to pick up the phone to call you. I am glad I was able to say all the things I wanted to before you left but at the same time I still want to tell you I love you everyday! Things are hard right now but life is good. I smile at my family everyday and and grateful for all we have. I pray every night that you can see Poo growing up and are watching over her. I pray she will remember you always with the same love she has now.I pray you found Bessie May when she left me to be with you and you both have a belly full of Hershey's kisses.

Munchie is doing well in college. She has grown up to be a really good person. My Evil Sister is doing well too. She will graduate next year and I tell her often how proud you would be of her. I think she really needs to hear it. I try to talk to them at  least once a week and sometimes Munchie comes and spends the weekend with us. Poo really enjoys when she does. They play games together and color a lot.

I guess on this Mother's Day I just really wanted to share with you that as hard as it is without you here, and as much as I miss you all the time, we are doing OK. I smile when I remember you more and cry less. I think of things we did together and I am happy more than sad. I still think of you everyday and I am sure I always will. I am grateful for the person you were and grateful you made me the person I am. You taught me not to long for what I don't have but to be grateful for what I do have and that is a wonderful blessing. You taught me to be strong enough to handle whatever comes my way but to be gentle enough to be kind to others no matter how bad I feel. You taught me that your children come first and if you always feel that way you never have to make a difficult decision to get them what they need. You just do it and go on, no matter what you do without. I am proud to be your child. I am proud you are my mom. I do not know if Heaven has Wifi but even if it doesn't I am sure you will get this. I just wanted to say thank you and I love you.

Love,

Your sometimes imperfect but steadily improving daughter.

Hallmark: Tell Me...

Recently, I had the opportunity to join Hallmark and learn more about their Tell Me campaign. I also had the fortune of finding out a lot about what goes into making that special card that is just right for your loved one. I for one am amazed at all the work they put into making a moment special for us as a consumer. Now I am lucky enough to get to share a wonderful giveaway just in time for Mother's Day!
Crazed Mind has graciously offered up a beautiful blooming rose from Hallmark for one of  you lucky readers! Here she is in her words :)

Mother's Day is right around the corner.  Are you ready?  I know I am...Not!  No not yet...but am working on getting there.  You see I need to know just how do I tell my Mom how much I really do appreciate her.  Hallmark has a new commercial....Tell Me.  It makes me wonder just how to do that.



Let me paint you a rosie pretty picture of my childhood with Mom baking cookies and patting my head.  Or let me tell the truth.  Mom was a busy working woman raising 5 kids that were loud crazy and out of control 90% of the time.  Mom taught me the home truths of life....work hard so you can pay the bills so your kids never worry about the lights being turned off.  Love someone that you have seen their ugly side as it will be the one that is snoring beside you in the middle of the night.  Hug your babies tight because there is a day they wiggle away to play with their friends instead.  And use sun block...you will wrinkle...you will age....you will not like it but you can accept it when the grandbabes run to you screaming....NONNIE!

My Mom taught me that as children we are protected and as adults we protect.  My Mom was tough.  She fought for us as much as we fought with each other.  My Mom most often fell asleep in front of the TV right after serving us dinner because her days started at 5 a.m.  And my Mom did without meals, new shoes and at times even transportation so that we could have what we needed.  I want to tell her....

Thanks for bringing me into this world.

I appreciate all you have done to raise me into a strong woman.

Your beautiful because of the lines in your face.

I love you!  I respect you!  I want to be just like you!

And this year I am just trying to figure out how to get it all written on one lil scrap of paper that will unfold out of a red rose.

We have one of these to share with you too.  One that will be able to tell your mom or special person just what you want them to know.  Now all you have to do is figure out just what you want to tell them too!

Wordless Wednesday

Starbucks Giftcard Giveaway

Crazed Mind jumped over to share a guest post and a giveaway! YAY!!!


I am a total coffee addict.  It is like a life line to me.  I do not need it to get going but love it for the flavor and warmth.  Also what a great way to deliver amaretto to my cup too!

But as a dedicated coffee drinker, I have to have times where I can get it on the go.  And who does it best?  Your right....Starbucks!

So today I am thrilled to offer Two $10 Starbucks e-Gift Cards for giveaway.  I am sure you can find a way to use them in no time at all.  This giveaway will run from May 1st to May 15th.  I want to thank all the blogs that are jumping in on this bandwagon to share.  Great group...I know because we all hang out together over on facebook.  A bunch of chatty patties and pauls we can be.  Sure would be fun if we could all get together at a Starbucks and share.

Here are the girls and boys of the band who brought you this giveaway!

Rants and Raves

Kathleen's Blog Spot     

Ink & Grit 

Love My 2 Dogs 

Coupons and Freebies in TX 

SoCal Coupon Mommy 

Mommy Coupon Swappers

Aunt Rene

Columbia Gorge Coupon Mommy     

The Centsible Family 

The Coupon Hubby

Shore Savings with Patti    

Cny's Extreme Couponing 

Tomboy Tools by Angel 

Plum Crazy About Coupons    

                   

Wordless Wednesday

                                                                 I want to live here!

National Princess Week

Did you know this is National Princess week? I just found out yesterday. Having a princess myself I do not know how I missed it! In an attempt to make up for the first part of the week we missed Princess Poo and I decided to do fun princess things. It just so happened she even got an invitation to a royal wedding! Don't believe me? Well, here it is for you to see for yourself.

Oh she is so excited she can hardly wait. One of her favorite shows is having a wedding and she was invited personally! Now being royalty herself she was given a wedding gift as well. She was allowed to go watch the first part of the two part wedding if she wanted to. She really did want to but decided to wait until tomorrow so she wouldn't have to wonder all night how it ended. She just didn't think she could handle the suspense. She has her best dress and tiara all ready to put on right before the wedding starts! What she did not get was the My Little Pony Magic in Friends compact! I hear they are giving away 1 to each of the first five people to comment over at Crazed Mind! Better hurry!!!  There is also a downloadable party pack that we are sharing.  We have the invitations, coloring pages, printable wedding hats and stickers.  You know that the Princess is ever so busy getting ready for the wedding.  I am not sure we will be able to get everything fit in today.  I hear there is to be a tea party this afternoon!

Since she didn't watch MLP today we decided to watch Sid the science kid. She LOVES Sid. I think he may be why she has wanted to go to school for so long and still loves to go everyday! It just so happens that we were loaned a copy of  Sid's Rock and Roll Easter. She really loved it. Sid was practicing Easter egg hunting and found a really cool rock that he got to take to school and learn all about. I think the part she liked the most was that he got to walk to school and walk home! She is so happy when we can walk to her school. It is one of her favorite things. She enjoyed learning all about rocks and gems but I won't say anymore...I wouldn't want to ruin it for you all :) We have 3 Sid dvd's and I am always on the lookout for more. She just enjoys watching and singing along so much and I enjoy that she is learning and I don't have to worry about bad language or content that is maybe a little too grown up for her.

All and all not a bad princess day. I am sure we will come up with more to do before Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend warrior

I know in the life of every mommy there are those days when you just get tired. Today is one of those. Friday after school, the Poo started feeling poorly and within a few minutes was burning up and crying. We tried for a Dr. appt. but no luck, all full, so we had to tough it out through the weekend. Saturday morning I was up early so I decided to go ahead and give both dogs a bath. It was a bit harder to give Isabelle a bath than I had thought. Apparently she only likes muddy water or water in the bowl but not clean water and shampoo! I got some veggies planted in the garden and got my pocket planter hung and planted as well. Saturday was also College Girl's director's debut so we had to take a 35 mile trip on way after getting little sleep and my sister was kind enough to watch the Poo so we could go see her sissy's play. College girl did an awesome job!
By the time we got home Papi was feeling poorly as well. Another night of waking up every hour crying because she felt bad . Sunday we did all the things she wanted to do. She got a bubble bath and a mani/pedi! She has beautiful butterfly wing fingernails :) It only took 2 hours to get it done. We played Candyland and go fish. She had 2 naps and was still feeling icky. She went to bed before nine but then climbed into bed with us about 11 last night so no sleep again. Early morning trip to the vet with a sick bunny that is having to have water eye droppered every hour, a Dr. visit for the Poo, and an afternoon filled with an upset tummy all over the kitchen floor. Her fever is back and she is upset that she may not get to go to school tomorrow. In an attempt to make her feel a little better, we did a few crafts which was a lot of fun but still not as much fun as school.Then my sister called and told us her puppy had passed away. They think one of the older dogs broke her neck. They had only had her for two weeks but my sister was heartbroken. She had gotten very attached to her. The Poo cried a good bit too. She had spent Saturday afternoon playing with her while we were at the play. I am really hoping tomorrow is Tuesday and not another Monday. There is my rant for today! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend :)

Same Time Next Year

I am so proud of College Girl! She directed several scenes from Same Time Next Year for her director's class this evening. I was quite pleased with how well it turned out. The actors and sets were good, the scenes were well played and the timing was good. I am just so proud!
I enjoyed having an evening out but more so, I enjoyed spending it being able to see how well she is applying what she has been learning. With her graduation only a month away it is reassuring to see how well she is doing with the skills she has learned. I have always had a tremendous faith in her abilities and I can see now she is developing that faith in herself as well. She is learning to assert herself when it is important. I can not take credit for her raising in any way. She was raised by the time I became a part of this lovely extended family but at the same time I am just as proud as if I had something to do with it! Way to go College Girl! Papi and I are so pleased to be a part of the wonder that is you.

My first Giveaway

Hi everyone! I am so very excited! Why, you ask? Ooh ooh let me tell you! I am having my first giveaway! See, it is exciting. Today I have for you a free book from Loudcrow.com but it is for Apple Iphones and Android only. Popout! The tale of Benjamin Bunny is an interactive pop out book about Peter Rabbit and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny. It was written by Beatrix Potter. This book has over 50 pages of authentic text and illustrations with realistic page turning interactions just like the original hardcover book and interactive read to me feature or you can touch each word to have it spoken. There are many things that literally pop out when touched by little fingers and a wonderful piano soundtrack in the background. I have this on my phone and my daughter LOVES it, so I really wanted to share it with all of you.
You are entering to win a promo code to be able to download the book for free! Now, I am not affiliated with Loudcrow.com, and I paid for my version of the book. I just enjoyed the delight on the Poo's face so much that I thought this would be great for my first giveaway. The giveaway ends on 4/15/12 so good luck everyone!

Just plain mad

Well guys I have to tell you I am really quite angry. Angry to the point I considered just deleting my blog all together. Why? I did something that I normally do not do and checked my stats. It just so happened that I had put up a post over a year ago for friends that had moved away. I wanted them to see how much my little girl had grown. One of the traffic sources for that post was google.uk. The search was for little girl PORNOGRAPHY!!! Seriously?!?!?!?!
I changed the title to the post but it still linked up so I had no option but to remove it! Do you have any idea how mad I am that some sick person looking at little girls was able to pull up pictures of my daughter? So now I wonder, did they just leave when it wasn't what they were hoping for or did they paw all over my blog looking for pictures? It really makes me want to remove every picture of my family that I have on here or close it all together.
I guess I am just as disappointed as I am angry that people are out there searching for this to begin with. I just feel violated and nauseated. I had wanted to put up Easter photos today but I changed my mind after seeing that.There is my rant for today!

Zuma the Dog

Here is a Guest post and a wonderful giveaway! I hope you enjoy and win :)

Zuma The Dog Review and Giveway brought to you by Mommy and Baby Reviews and Giveaways.

When I first came across the Zuma The Dog clothing line, not only did I fall in love with the clothes but the story behind them. Sam Morgan, the owner of Zuma The Dog clothing line. Sam is also mom to Zuma's adorable little model, Caleb and the real Zuma, who is a Jack Russel and the mascot behind the clothing line.

Zuma is more than just a pet or co-worker to Sam and Caleb , Zuma is a huge part of their family. Zuma came into the Morgan's lives in March of 2007. Sam was pregnant with Caleb and knew that caring for a new puppy while being pregnant would be a challenge. Training a puppy is hard work to begin with, Sam was determined and set her mind to training their new puppy. Zuma has a bright bubbly, naughty personality that made the Morgans fall in love with him right away. Zuma was an ordinary puppy into everything and full of energy. From digging and burying things in the garden, bringing sticks, stones, balls and toys for us to throw, to chewing plants and trees. His persistence is relentless, but in his mind, he thinks he is helping.

The Morgans soon found out that Zuma was a special dog, who would provide their friends with fun stories about Zuma's funny little antics. He would take their family on a journey that would end up running their own business, Zuma The Dog Clothing Line was born.

My kids were recently sent Zuma several items from the Zuma Clothing Line. The kids love the entire line all because of Zuma's picture being on them. They love Zuma's story and think it is so cool that a dog has his own clothing line named after him. The clothes are great quality and extremely colorful. I love the bright yellow and orange colors. Kids will be kids and clothes will not stay clean. Lexie decided to wear her sweatshirt out side to play in the dirt and I was afraid that it was stained for good. Threw it in the washer and it was good as new. The Zuma clothing line has everything! T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans and sweaters!! You can see the full line of colorful clothes on their website.

Be sure to visit Zuma and print out their fun coloring sheets for your kids to color!

Win It!

One winner will receive a long sleeve Zuma shirt.

Giveaway starts 4/7 and ends 4/28 at 11:59 pm est.

Open to US and Canada residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(This contest is in no way affiliated with Facebook. I received one or more free items to write my review. I was in no way influenced by the sponsor nor did I receive any monetary compensation. I only recommend products I think are a good fit for my readers.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday

                                                                        Garden time!

Sew exciting!

I love to make things and craft but I especially love to sew. Now I am not a seamstress by any means. I can barely cut a pattern most of the time, but I enjoy the trying and the sense of accomplishment when I finish. Sometimes it is difficult for me to get things done since I have never really been taught to sew. You will understand why I was soooo very excited to find this video. Suzanne McNeill of Design Originals 123 has shown me a very easy way to make a quilt. It is easy to follow, quick to finish and the design possibilities are endless! Whether you are an accomplished seamstress or a beginner, these techniques are easy to learn and create a beautiful finished product!



I would recommend her products whole heartedly and have really enjoyed making gifts for family and friends using her techniques.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

                                                               Always time to dance :)

Wordless Wednesday

Tutu much love

As  many of you know, my little Poo is a princess. She loves to dress up an wear ballgowns, tiaras and even tutus! We saw some beautiful tutus that she really wanted but they were asking $40.00 dollars! I nearly fainted so I told her we would go home and make one. I am semi crafty and figured it out pretty quick but I wanted to share with all of you. Here is a wonderful video uploaded by Tulle Talk that is done by Mya's closet and Canada Tulle. It does a good job and explains everything! I sure hope you enjoy it and maybe get motivated to make one for the little princess in your life!
It took my girl and I about 45 minutes to make hers. I let her be very hands on since it was something she could do. It turned out so well we made another! She and I had a wonderful afternoon together making them and now she has princess tutus for every occasion or or no occasion, just because she can :)

.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

                                                            jellyfish!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday