WW #144 "Farewell to a Car"

I've been a faithful friend for 13 years, but I think tomorrow I may be heading to "car heaven." Which my "parents" are a little sad about. One reason is I was the first "brand new" car either one of them ever owned.

But I am old and although I could maybe 'live' another couple of years, it would require more money to fix me then maybe I'm worth. So I guess this is farewell!

Here's a picture of me in younger days! PS don't mock me because I am a Hyundai! (lol)

taken in 1998

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Ashworth Loves Blogging!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ashworth College for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Wow! I can't believe I have been blogging since 2008! That is three years now. I really like blogging - it can be a lot of fun. 

I remember the early days when it was all new to me. I really had so many things to learn about blogging. After about a year of blogging, I also decided to use my blog to make a little extra money. Some may not agree with this, but I have found a balance to doing this.

I try to mix not only personal posts, but try to share some information I have found out through my sponsored posts. I think it is working so far. Do you? 

Also, making some money has helped out around at home. I remember a couple of Christmases ago, I was actually able to pay for all the presents with the money I had made from my blog! That was a big help! I didn't have to charge a thing!

I also remember how hard it was in the beginning to find out any information out about blogging. I basically taught myself. It would have been really helpful to take a course on it. I didn't know such a thing existed at the time. Well know I found out that Ashworth College has such a thing!

In just 6 months you could earn an accredited Professional Blogging Diploma. One thing you'll learn is turnkey instruction. You will also be provided with support and services to create, publish, manage and promote any type of blog! You can learn how to vlog, podcast or webcast at Ashworth College. All from knowledgeable instructors with years of experience in their fields. 

All these techniques could have really benefited me when I first started blogging. Hey maybe they still could! I still have much to learn! Do you? Check it out for yourself! 

Monave Lip Glaze review & giveaway

I recently received a cool product to try out and giveaway! Read on to find out more.

Product Description
Monave Lip Glaze is a silky, natural lip product that adds a bit of shine, some sheer color that is perfect for a relaxed look. It is completely free of irritants, and preservatives, abiding by the philosophy that makeup should have organic food-based ingredients. Luscious coconut oil and natural orange flavor give slip, and shine without being sticky. Pigments are 100% naturally derived minerals.


My Take On The Product
I'm not a big lipstick wearer, but I do like to wear lip gloss. So I found the Monave Lip Glaze really nice! It adds some shine without some outrageous color. If you know what I mean. And it really goes on smooth. This is also great for my daughter who I don't want to wear lipstick yet, but she sometimes likes lip gloss too. I also like the fact that it is so organic & Vegan!


Win it! - One lucky reader will win their own Monave Lip Glaze.


Mandatory Entry: Please visit the Monave website, and tell me another product you would like to try.


Extra Entries:

1. Follow my blog on Goggle Friend Connect (publicly) (1 entry)
2. Send me a Friend Request on Facebook (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (use retweet button above if you like) (1 entry)
4. Daily entries: tweet giveaway
5."Like" STAY AT HOME MOM on Facebook  and/or follow onNetworked blogs (2 entries for each)
6. "Grab my Button" and post it on your blog and/or have a text link to my blog in your blogroll (2 entries for each)
7. Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

RULES: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends April 6, 2011 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified. Winner will have 48 hrs. to confirm by email, If no confirmation in that time frame a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:
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

WW #143 "Tree Climber"

Nothing is scarier then hearing your kid scream at the top of their lungs, in pain. Well that is what happened last Saturday. I was in the shower and my daughter went outside to play. Next thing you know she is screaming like crazy.

She was climbing a tree in our yard, and fell out. I really thought she had broken her arm! Luckily she is ok and didn't do that. But this kid sure knows how to scare me! A few weeks before she fell at school and split her lip open! I think I want to wrap her in bubble wrap!

I took some pictures the week before climbing one of the trees (actually not the one she fell out of though)

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

Winner!

The winner of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Gift Pack Giveaway (3/18) is: (Confirmed)

Asha said...47

i like you on network blogs
asha marie pena 1

WW #142 "More American Girl Store Photos"

Here is some more pictures from our trip to the American Girl Store.

Before we left with one of her dolls "Rebecca" that she "took to lunch."

Daughter & her doll - visiting other dolls at the American Girl Store:

I love this one! Hubby with American Girl - Kaya - he told me to take it.

And a few in the Hawaiian Hut with her doll, and the new doll of the year named Kanani, which of course she wants.

We had fun visiting the American Girl Store and having lunch there. And of course she wants to do that again too.




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

Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products

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

You may recall me in the past talking about my teenage son. And that he has a slight acne problem. Anyone remember that? Well anyway, I am forever trying out different products. And I am kind of a fanatic about getting him to take care of it. And one way I keep telling him is to wash his face.

That is why I was really excited when I was asked to try out one of the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products  I received to sample - the Walgreens Brand Oil-Free Acne Wash!

My son has been using it for about a week. And I really can see an improvement on his face. Some things I like about the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products is the pricing. Like I said, I have tried other brands and they are a lot more expensive. I really need to save money and this will really help me out.

What about you? Have you tried any of the Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products? I'd love to hear your experiences with them!

Another great thing, I found out about is the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™. Walgreens will provide up to $3 million annually to the fund. The Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ will provide free preventative health tests. As well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities.  

Please check out the website for more information on all of this! 

Buzzed Driving & St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe – it’s planning ahead for a safe and sober way home.

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out for drinking and celebrating with friends and family.  Unfortunately, some of these people might also be driving home from their festivities and therefore, the night out has also become potentially dangerous.

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.

• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, keep in mind that in 2009, 1,119 occupants of other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, so pay attention to others on the road.  And remember, you don’t have to be “falling down drunk” to be too impaired to drive safely. Even a few drinks can impair driving…and a buzzed driving crash has the same consequences as a drunk driving crash.

NHTSA needs your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please consider followowing Buzzed Driving on Facebook  and Twitter for more information.

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Don't rely on dumb luck this St. Patrick's Day. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.


Disclaimer: I received this information from  Global Influence, NHTSA, the Ad Council and Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. I was not compensated in anyway for posting this but wanted to share this important information with you.

WW #141 "Birthday Girl"

My daughter's 11th birthday was on Feb. 28th.

Sunday  - Birthday Party at "Grammy's":

Wednesday - Birthday Lunch at American Girl Store:

DAD & BROTHER HAD TO COME TOO!

I have a few more pics of the American Girl Store - I may share later!


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

Spring At Pier 1

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

I don't know about you but I am so ready for Spring to arrive! I just found out that Spring is coming to Pier 1 . Sign up now for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter and you will get on the guest list for the Spring Party they are having. If you sign up for the newsletter you will learn the details of their special in-store offer. It is for the weekend of March 18-20. 

One awesome thing that has arrived now at Pier 1, for Spring is Outdoor Furniture! There are a lot of must haves from Pier 1 for outdoor entertaining this season. As I have mentioned in a previous post, my family and I are moving to Virginia in about 5 months. Looking around at all my furniture, I realize I might just have to dump some of it and get some new stuff. I would love some of Pier 1's outdoor furniture. And the great thing about it is  that some of the outdoor stuff can be used for inside. 

Like for example I need some new seating and this Coco Cove Outdoor Swivel Chair - would be great for either outdoor or even indoor!

 

There are really some great bargains right now at Pier 1. Go to the website & check it out! Also is the iconic Pier 1 Papasan. I've always wanted one of these too!

Also please check out upcoming Pier 1 Tweetups!

YourNameUniversity.com Review

Product Description:

YourNameUniversity.com is the country’s sole manufacturer of personalized academic apparel and novelty diplomas and certificates with over 165,900 family last names for sale every day. With over 75 printed and embroidered products, we can personalize products for everyone from infants, parents, and siblings to grandma and grandpa.

Our apparel and accessories are perfect for birthdays, baby gifts, mother’s day, father’s day, family reunions, and of course, the holidays. Customers tell us that they wear our products as much as possible and always get the question "hey! where did you get that?" What more can you ask for a great personalized gift?

My Take on The product!


When I was asked to review a YourNameUniversity.com t-shirt, I was really excited. I love personalized t-shirts so I couldn't wait to get one.


And this t-shirt is so cool - it has my last name on it - which is "Cook" and it says - Cook University! I ordered the t-shirt in Ladies Large. And it fits me great.


Of course everyone else around here wanted it. But for once I decided to keep it for myself! And I told them it's a "Ladies" t-shirt! I feel a little guilty, but maybe we can order some more sometime for them!




Connect with YourNameUniversity.com:


Like them on Facebook: Here
Visit their website: Here 


Receive 10% off on your purchase! At checkout use code "Blog0311" Tell your friends & family about the code! Hurry discount expires 3/31/11!

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.

Learn More About Cryo-Cell

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

Do you recall my many articles in the past about www.Cryo-Cell.com? Well if you don't then I will try and give you a very brief reminder about what they do at www.Cryo-Cell.net. 

Cryo-Cell is a cord blood bank. Since 1992 they have helped thousands of people world-wide preserve their newborns umbilical cord blood. In my opinion I think this is a wonderful idea. I am so for this kind of thing. I wish I was aware of this when my children were born. 

I am no expert by any means on this subject. But I have read that umbilical cord blood has the potential to use against many diseases. And that Cryo-Cell helps to store cord blood in a noncontroversial way. If you want to learn more about any of this you should really visit their website for yourself. 

And now there is even more of an incentive to look into this. And that is because you will receive a free BellyBag! Go now to the website to check out this really cute bag. It can be yours just by requesting the information packet  & you can consult with an Advisor! Do it now! 

Pillsbury Bake-Off Gift Pack Review & Giveaway!

Product Info:

Pillsbury is looking for original recipes that taste and look delicious, are easy to prepare and that families across America will love to eat. Consumers can submit recipes in one of four recipe categories:

• The Breakfast & Brunches category includes casual brunch or weekend family breakfast ideas. For example, sweet rolls, pull-aparts, pastries, breakfast breads, egg dishes or breakfast sandwiches.
• In the Entertaining Appetizers category, entrants can submit appetizers and snacks to serve at casual gatherings with family and friends or for holiday entertaining. For example, bite size appetizers, tartlets, pinwheels, puffs, bruschetta or focaccia.
• The Dinner Made Easy™ category encourages home cooks to create easy-to-prepare main dishes that will delight your family. For example, pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, foldovers, casseroles, chilis, soups or savory pies.
• Quick and easy treats for anytime celebrations can be entered into the Sweet Treats category. For example, cookies, pies, tarts, brownies or bars.

Entries are being accepted online between now and April 18, 2011, at http://www.bakeoff.com/. One hundred lucky finalists will compete for a chance at the grand prize during the contest finals, which take place March 25-27, 2012 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel in Florida. You’ll also find contest details, including eligible products, prizes and the official rules, on the web site.

The recipes will be judged for 1) taste, 2) appearance, 3) creativity and 4) consumer appeal. All entries must meet the requirements of the recipe category and appropriately use two of the eligible products in at least the quantity specified.

Sue Compton of Delanco, N.J. was named the grand prize winner of the 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off^® Contest in 2010 for her original Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups recipe. At the 43rd Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest in 2008, Carolyn Gurtz walked away with the million-dollar grand prize for her Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies. At the 2006 competition, the 42nd Contest, Anna Ginsberg, a stay-at-home mom who you might know from her blog, Cookie Madness, earned the $1 million prize for her Baked Chicken and Spinach Stuffing. 




My take on Product:


I received an apron, pen & a really nice cookbook. I can't wait to try some of the recipes in there! Some of them look delicious! And from my skimming it they look like a lot of fairly easy ones in there too! 


Especially some of the dessert recipes - the pictures alone are making me drool!


Win it: One lucky reader will win the prize pack pictured above (apron, pen, 100 winning recipe cookbook)


Mandatory Entry: Go to  the Pillsbury bake off site and tell me your favorite recipe.


Extra Entries:

1. Follow my blog on Goggle Friend Connect (publicly) (1 entry)
2. Send me a Friend Request on Facebook (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (use retweet button above if you like) (1 entry)
4. Daily entries: tweet giveaway
5."Like" STAY AT HOME MOM on Facebook  and/or follow onNetworked blogs (2 entries for each)
6. "Grab my Button" and post it on your blog and/or have a text link to my blog in your blogroll (2 entries for each)
7. Subscribe by email (must activate) - 2 entries - leave 2 comments w/ email address

RULES: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends March 18, 2011 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified. Winner will have 48 hrs. to confirm by email, If no confirmation in that time frame a new winner will be chosen.


Disclaimer: prize packs and information were all provided to me from Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.