Happy New Year!

Sorry for the lack of posting - none in a week. On one hand not much to tell - on the other - things I don't really want to discuss yet on here. Plus everyone (husband & kids) are on vacation this week, so haven't had much time to get on here.

1. We had a nice Christmas. I have pictures to prove it! Lol - will post those soon.
2. Pictures I wanted to post of my daughter's Holiday Dance Recital.
3. The job I mentioned I was doing - seasonal help - looks like that is exactly what it was. No more working there for me I guess. (don't really want to discuss anything to do with it)
4. Something else big may be happening, but can't discuss that either yet.

So I will try to put it altogether soon. I also have a few reviews & giveaways to post soon.

Hope You all Have a Happy 2011!

Winner!

Happy Holidays Everyone! Cool Sweater - HUH? Hope you get something better then this. (I didn't get this - lol - found it online)

 

Also here is the winner of the YesterYear Soap Giveaway (12/23)

rubymoon  (Emailed)

Charter Mom's Panel

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you a Mom? Do you like to watch TV? Your kids like TV? Do you guys like to watch programs together? Well if you answered yes to any of those questions then I have great news for you. It is called the Charter Moms Panel.

This is a great service for Mom's who would like to have some input on their TV programming. Charter wants to know what Moms think about things such as: Programming, Service, entertainment, what kids watch and don't watch. And also what is available to you. Charter is opening the doors for Mom's to chat about it.

You can join the Charter Moms Panel, by liking their Facebook fan page. I just did, and am excited to start chatting with other Moms. My kids and I love TV, and we like to watch it together. My daughter really loves all the Disney shows. And I let her watch those, especially when there are new ones on. My son really likes the show Myth Busters. And we watch that a lot too.

With the new Charter Moms Panel, you can express your opinion about what you like and what they can do to make you happy. You will also be the first to know about new services and programs by joining! This is a win - win for everyone!

WW #133 "Gingerbread House & Train"

My daughter & I made our annual Gingerbread house. We also made a gingerbread Train too!
We had fun this year doing it, and didn't have the usual drama - like it falling apart! Like we did other years!

(c) stay at home mom

(c) Stay at home mom

Visit Wordless Wednesday , Parenting by Dummies, & 5 minutes for Mom for more participants. 

Winners!

Melissa G.  is the winner of the Ooh La La Eiffel Tower Crayons by: gaddy nipper (12/18)


iCaughtSanta.com winners are:

Cassie
Chip
kelley c

candy


*I have one more code to give away on the iCaughtSanta.com giveaway. If someone still wants it, leave a comment here with your email - and the first person to do so will get a code.

Skoy Cloth Review & Giveaway

I received a product to review & giveaway called Skoy Cloth.

Product Description:

SKOY is an eco-friendly household cleaning cloth that outlasts 15 rolls of paper towels. This new approach to cleaning boasts a cloth that is 100% biodegradable, natural, and re-usable.  The SKOY cloth has an absorption factor of 15x its own weight, which makes it far superior than any other cloth on the market. SKOY is a durable cloth that is washer and dryer safe, which means it can be used over and over again.   This European-made product is non-toxic and utilizes original artwork designs to add fun as well as function to the kitchen or bathroom. 

My Take on the Product:
I love eco-friendly products. And these Skoy cloths are right up my alley. I wet one the other day and cleaned my kitchen with it. Then I wet another one and did my bathroom. They really worked great.

And I love that one cloth is equivalent to 15 rolls of paper towels. Now that's great for the environment. And also for my wallet. Paper towels can get expensive and this can really be a money saver.

The Skoy cloth is cool because they can also be cleaned in your dishwasher and are also washer/dryer safe. You can even microwave them for germ-free use. I really like that! You can get even more use out of them!


Buy it: Visit Skoy Cloth to purchase a 4-pack for only $6.99



Win it: One lucky reader will win their own 4-pack of Skoy Cloths.



Mandatory Entry: Visit Skoy Cloth and tell me something interesting you found. 


Extra Entries:



1 entry: Follow my blog on GFC
1 entry: Follow Skoy Cloth on Twitter
1 entry (daily): Follow me on Twitter & tweet giveaway
1 entry: Like Skoy Cloth on Facebook
2 entries: Like Stay at home mom on Facebook
2 entries: Send me a Friend Request on Facebook
2 entries: Subscribe by email
1 entry per each: Enter another active giveaway on my blog

Rules: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends December 31, 2010 11:59 PM. Please leave your email address in comments if not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hrs to confirm, or a new winner will be chosen.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Winners!

Recent Winners announcement: 

winner of  Family Talk is:

amy16323 (Confirmed)

winner of Family Facts On-The-Go Organizer (12/14) is: (Confirmed)

suburban prep

WW #132 "Holiday Concert"

My daughter joined the school chorus this year. They had their Holiday Concert last week. She did great and I'm really proud of her for doing it!

Here's some pics.

Her at our tree before concert:

(c) stay at home mom

At concert (she was right in the middle!)

(c) stay at home mom

Visit Wordless Wednesday , Parenting by Dummies, & 5 minutes for Mom for more participants. 

TV Stand Help?

I'm not sure what my Mom is getting me for Christmas. But at Thanksgiving, my sister dropped a hint that it is going to be a pretty big gift for my family and I.

Bigger then we usually get. So the first thing that popped into my head was a HD Flatscreen TV. My mom and sister both have one, so I'm thinking my mom may get me one. That is just pure speculation. But if she does, I think I am  going to need a bigger tv stand.

What do you think of these? I guess it all depends on what size tv it is. Here's a variety of sizes:

1.

2.

3.

iCaughtSanta.com Review & Giveaway - 5 winners!

I have a really cool review and giveaway for you guys. It's from iCaughtSanta.com 

Read on to find out more! 

Product Description

iCaughtSanta.com:

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa caught in the act in his or her very own home. iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

My take on the product:
I received a free coupon code to create a photo on iCaughtSanta.com. This is $9.99 value. It was really easy to do too. I just took a few pictures of my Christmas tree. Then uploaded one on to the website. Then I picked a Santa I liked and then picked a border to go with it.

I fooled around with it too. Like I didn't like the picture I uploaded at first so I started over with a different one. I played around with some of the different Santa poses, and could make him bigger or smaller, and even move my background around and zoom in or out on that too. There were different boarders to choose from too.

After doing that I finally got a picture I liked, then I plugged in my free coupon code and they processed my picture. I downloaded it to my computer, I saved a smaller version too, that said it would be a good size to send in emails. I could print the picture myself if I wanted, but my printer isn't really working, so I ordered a copy which was processed at Walgreens, which I'm going to pick up tomorrow (FYI - that will cost me an extra $1.59 from Walgreens)

But this picture is so cool. I'm going to save it until Christmas Day to show my kids then. Want to see now though?

Buy it: Visit iCaughtSanta.com to buy your own picture. I also have a promo code for you. Use "SAHMSUE" at check out and receive 25% off.

Win it: 5 lucky readers will receive a free coupon code to create their own iCaughtSanta.com picture.

Mandatory entry: Visit the Santa pose page and tell me what your favorite pose is.

Extra Entries:

1 entry: Follow my blog on GFC
1 entry (daily): Follow me on Twitter & tweet giveaway
2 entries: Like Stay at home mom on Facebook
2 entries: Send me a Friend Request on Facebook
2 entries: Subscribe by email
1 entry per each: Enter another active giveaway on my blog

Rules: Giveaway is open to US & Canadian Residents only. Giveaway ends December 18, 2010 11:59 PM. Please leave your email address in comments if not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hrs to confirm, or a new winner will be chosen.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Ring In The New Year in Branson!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hilton Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Believe it or not 2011 is fast approaching! I have always wanted to do something totally fun on New Years. Maybe this year we could travel to Branson. I would love to stay at either the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

I heard about some fun activities happening down there, that sound like a really fun way to ring in the New Year. Number one is a place called the Level 2 Steakhouse. It is located on the second floor of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Level 2 Steakhouse has gained a reputation for being the place for fine food. They serve dry aged steaks, fresh seafood and chops! Sounds delicious. And they are having a special New Years Eve celebration there this year. On this day guests will not be limited to a special menu, but will be able to enjoy their favorite selections. Also an exciting thing that is happening on New Years Eve, is that Executive Chef Nathan Read will even prepare a Signature entrée and dessert fitting for the occasion. Guests will also be treated to party favors and a glass of champagne to toast in the New Year.

Clear Lounge is another place that is having some New Year's activities. Clear Lounge, also located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, is hosting New Year's Around The World. Watch the world ring in the New Year on one of their large-screen HD televisions and celebrate with specialty cocktails inspired by the various time zones that will be visited. A glass of champagne will be served at midnight along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Cover charge for New Year’s Eve is $15.00 per person.

These events sound so cool, I'd love to be able to celebrate doing this! There is also a lot of other fun things to do in Branson, and a lot of deals available to travel there. I think I'm going to start checking this out more - you should too!

Pier 1 - Must Haves

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was just perusing the Pier 1  website. I found so many "Must Haves" on there. I saw lots of really cool holiday dinnerware that I would love to have. There is also some really neat pots, pans and baking wares on there. I could really use some of those for some holiday baking I want to do. And of course some terrific holiday decor!

This year I was thinking about hosting a holiday dinner party. The number 1 thing I would really like is some festive holiday dinnerware. I found some on the Pier 1 website that I really like. Check these out. Don't you think these are cute?

After I figure out everything I need for my dinner party. I also better get cracking on my Christmas shopping. I still have a lot to do. I know my mother would love everything on the Pier 1 website. She loves to decorate her house. Not just at Christmas time, but all year long too. I saw a lot of perfect holiday gifts  on the site. Not just for my Mom, but a lot of others I know would love these too.

There are also some great bargains. Which is a great time of year for them. Here are some things I think my family and friends would like:

Silver Lanterns:

Twisted Red Goblets:

 

And some Ceramic Snowmen:

 

Another great thing is that in the months of November and December, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy and/or making a cash donation at the register at Pier 1. Also please go and Like Pier 1 Imports on Facebook. And for every new fan they will donate $1 to Toys for Tots. 

YesterYear Soap Company Review & Giveaway

I recently received a product called YesterYear Soap to review & giveaway.

Product Description

At the YesterYear Soap Company, we are preserving the timeless craft of artisan soap making. With our hand crafted soap you’ll enjoy it’s moisturizing, cleansing and soothing benefits- all natural soap without added chemicals, preservatives or synthetic fragrances.
Our purely herbal soap is scented with essential oils only and colored with organic herbs and plant extracts only.
The average person uses between 10 and 45 pounds of soap, toiletries and cosmetics each year. Since you absorb 60 per cent of any substance applied to your skin, it's important you watch what you're putting on your body. Start by replacing one or more of your toiletries with natural, petroleum-free products that don't contain sulphates, parabens or triclosan.
YesterYear Soaps are handmade in small batches with only the freshest ingredients. No synthetic fragrances or dyes. Our soap is extremely gentle, yet cleansing. It is created to be environmentally friendly and great for your skin.

My Take on the Product:
I got two soaps from YesterYear Soap to sample. The first one is in the scent "Watercress & Aloe." I have used it two times so far and I really like it. The soap is in a big square and should really last along time. The scent is really nice.


My daughter even took a shower last night with it, and she has somewhat sensitive skin. She really liked it and likes the smell too. I even noticed after she got out of the shower, I could still smell the very nice aroma of the Watercress & Aloe in the bathroom.

Later I am going to try the other soap I received which is in the Cinnamon Latte scent. Stay tuned.....

I took my shower a little while ago. I used the Cinnamon Latte soap, and it was great. It smells really nice, and even seems to have an exfoliating effect with the cinnamon bumps on it. I love anything organic and homemade and this soap is great. I mean for example ingredients in Cinnamon Latte: olive oil, coconut oil, soybean oil!

Buy it: Visit YesterYear Soap to buy a variety of soaps. Starting at just $4.99 for individual bars.


Win it: One lucky reader will win some YesterYear Soap of their own to try.

Mandatory Entry: Please visit YesterYear Soap and have a look around and tell me something interesting you found.

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each)

1 entry: Follow my blog on GFC
1 entry (daily): Follow me on Twitter & tweet giveaway
2 entries: Like Stay at home mom on Facebook
2 entries: Send me a Friend Request on Facebook
2 entries: Subscribe by email
1 entry per each: Enter another active giveaway on my blog

Rules: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends December 23, 2010 11:59 PM. Please leave your email address in comments if not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hrs to confirm, or a new winner will be chosen.





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Friday Photo Flashback

My mom has all the old photos of my sisters and I down her house. I really want to scan some for myself. Which I've got to do next time I visit her.

But I managed to dig up one I found at the bottom of my closet! The quality is kinda bad, I tried playing around with it on Picnik. This is the result:

(c) Stay at home mom

 This is (from left to right) Me, my sister Debbie, my sister Sheryl. In front of the Christmas Tree, Christmas day. I'm guesstimating at maybe 1973. My mom used to make some of our clothes and once in awhile we would have to wear matching dresses!

NMEDA - A Great Non-Profit

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Being a caregiver can be very hard on a family. My family has had to go through that in the past. My grandmother had to have care when she got older. And my Dad suffered from ALS before he died and had to be in a wheelchair.

Now I'm getting worried about my Mother-in-law and my Mother. My MIL just had a stay at a nursing home and now that she is home needs a lot of care and has trouble getting in and out of the car. Last time I was visiting her we took her out, and she could barely get in and out of the car. And I recently learned my Mother has to have a hip operation next month, so it may prove difficult for her to get around too much for awhile also.

I found out about a great non-profit association that may be able to help though. It is called NMEDA. They do not sell anything, but instead educate consumers on buying products from a NMEDA qualified dealer. They are the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people.

NMEDA can help the elderly or disabled get back on the road to independence. They can give you a personalized "in person" evaluation and you can be sure you are getting the right driving solution. NMEDA dealers (members) are the ones who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people.

They also have a Quality Assurance Program, which is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.

To get started all you have to do is go to their website homepage and hit the dealers locator. Type in your zip code and see if there is a qualified dealer near you. There are many in my area! Let me know if there are in yours!

Grounds For Change - Organic Coffee Review

I recently received a product called Grounds for Change to review an organic coffee.

Product Description: (from website)

Grounds for Change is a certified organic coffee roaster specializing in 100% Fair Trade Coffee. We roast Organic Fair Trade Coffee that is grown in shaded conditions and our Coffee of the Month Club is the perfect coffee gift for any occasion. Grounds for Change has a comprehensive Wholesale Coffee program for independent coffeehouses, as well as a Coffee Fundraiser for organizations. Every single bean we roast is certified Fair Trade Organic coffee.

My Take on the Product:
I received a 3 pack sampler in the flavors: Medium, Medium Dark, and Dark.

One thing I noticed right away was the aroma of the coffee. There is what a guess is a little button on the top of the package. When you press the pack together it releases the scent of the coffee. When I first received the product, I kept smelling it. Like it was perfume! It smelled so good.

These coffees are so delicious. Let's just say my husband and I have already finished the pack of Medium Dark, are now half way through the Medium and after that will work on the Dark.

I am not a coffee expert by any means, but I know what I like. And I know if a coffee tastes bad to me or good. And I really like these coffees. They are sooooo good!


Buy it: You can buy Grounds For change by visiting their website here. Also check out the coffee gifts section, for the popular 3-pack sampler option.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Winners!

Here are some winners:

Udderly Smooth Lotion Giveaway (12/2) winner is:

michtuck  (Confirmed)


PowerCapes Giveaway (12/6)  winner is:


Viva (Emailed)

Ooh La La Eiffel Tower Crayons by: gaddy nipper Review/Giveaway

I recently received a fun product by gaddy nipper to Review & Giveaway.

Product Description :
Fun, Custom, Recycled Eiffel Tower Crayons

Ooh La La, How Fancy are these Eiffel Towers. Doesn't it just make you think of Paris in the Spring. My little one just loves coloring the day away with her Fancy Crayons.

This fancy set comes with 5 Eiffel Towers in 5 spring colors: sky blue, cotton candy pink, grassy green, orangy orange and lovely lavendar. Each crayon measures approximately 2" x 1.25".

My Take on the Product: 

 These crayons are so cute. My daughter loves them. She currently has them on display in her room and is waiting to color with them soon. 

Who wouldn't love crayons shaped like Eiffel Towers?  

Buy It: You can purchase the Ooh La La Eiffel Tower Crayons and many more shapes, such as cow boy hats, or owls by visiting gaddy nipper 

Win it: One reader will win their own set of  Ooh La La Eiffel Tower Crayons 

Mandatory Entry: Visit  gaddy nipper  and tell me what other crayons you think are cool.


Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each)

1 entry: Become a gaddy nipper Friend on Facebook
1 entry: Follow my blog on GFC
1 entry (daily): Follow me on Twitter & tweet giveaway
2 entries: Like Stay at home mom on Facebook
2 entries: Send me a Friend Request on Facebook
2 entries: Subscribe by email
1 entry per each: Enter another active giveaway on my blog


Rules: Rules: Giveaway is open to US & Canadian Residents. Giveaway ends December 18, 2010 11:59 PM. Please leave your email address in comments if not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hrs to confirm, or a new winner will be chosen.
 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Friday Photo Flashback

I love this picture of my sister and my son. Taken at our old place in front of the tree. Probably about 11 yrs ago.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've heard a lot of good things in the past about Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I've heard from many other Moms the great benefits of it. And I have seen it on a lot of fellow Mommy Bloggers blogs talking about how great it is. Boudreaux's Butt Paste has even been featured on many talk shows. It has been shown on ESPN, Tonight Show and more. I remember even seeing it on the Oprah Show one time.

I'm not sure if this was around when my kids were little, but if it was I wish I had known about it. I remember they sometimes had terrible diaper rash. The Boudreaux's Butt Paste would have been something I could have really used. It cleans off easily and comes in convenient sizes. It was formulated by a pharmacist with direction from a physician to help in diaper rash care.

It is 16% Zinc Oxide and will really help with diaper rash and will also sooth irritated skin. You can get it in flip top cap tubes and even in travel size - for those diaper bags. This is really a must have for all care givers of little ones. You can also visit their website and get a free sample of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. Check it out now!

WW #131

Here is a cute little thing my son picked up. He bought at the store where I am working now. Isn't this cute? Just add water and it grows some hair.

(c) Stay at home mom

Visit Wordless Wednesday , Parenting by Dummies, & 5 minutes for Mom for more participants.