2011 Ultimate Blog Party

 

If you were to show up for a party at my house, you'd find the house clean for a change. Of course I wouldn't give you gloves because then you'd find all the dust I didn't get around to. You wouldn't be able to open the dishwasher or the stove because that's where I'd be hiding all the stuff I couldn't clean up before the party started. As for the hall closets, I wouldn't open them either.

What kind of food would we be having? Oh, well it'd be extremely fattening and to die for!

We'd have:photo courtesy of Betty Crocker

Shrimp Cocktail
Various Beverages
Those rolled pieces of ham with pickles in them
Warmed spinach dip and torn bread
Homemade white chocolate-raspberry cheesecake

So who the heck am I? I'm a Christian mom of 4 amazing kids. My oldest is Baby and she's a Sophomore in college. How did that happen so fast? My next daughter is Smoochie who will be graduating in June. Both of my girls will now be out of the home and be on the next leg of this journey we call life. Now I'm surrounded by boys. My oldest son, Buddy, is 11 and a 6th grade. My youngest is Doodle and he's a 7 yr old 2nd grader. We have 3 cats and 1 dog.

Me, the kids and my Aunt B

I've been a blogger since February '08. I only did book reviews for a year and a half and then voila, found out there was a world of product reviewers. I had to get involved in that! I have opinions and love to share them with whoever will listen. Eh, who am I kidding? I'll share them even with people who DON'T want to listen! LOL

◘ I love historical Christian fiction, but anything Christian will do me just fine.
◘ I have ADD and know I've had it since I was at least in the 4th grade.
◘ I enjoy watching The Amazing Race and would LOVE to be on the show. Got #TeamOPB (only parent blogging with Kristin) I also enjoy Dancing With the Stars.
◘ Gardening is one of my favorite things to do in the summer, especially my perennial garden.
◘ I wish I was more crafty.
◘ Cleaning is NOT my thing. I know, that isn't very acceptable as a mom, but that's how it is.
◘ I spend way too much time doing the things I shouldn't and not enough doing the things I should.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND ME?

Twitter

Facebook

Now, for the good stuff! I would love to win...well...pretty much anything! Dontcha agree? Winning is winning, who's going to complain? But if I had a choice, here's what I'd choose:

Fellowes DS-1200Cs Paper Shredder from @sheenatatum
$100.00 American Express Gift Card from @momstart
$100 gift card to Target from @wendyhagen
$100 Amazon gift card from @momtobedby8
$55 Gift Certificate to Amazon.com from @KellysLuckyYou
$50 Gift Card from either Amazon.com from @teachermomoftwo
$50 Amazon E-Gift Card from @agiveaway
$50 Amazon.com Gift Certificate from @LiveLaughLoveCj
$50 Amazon Gift Card from @andi_fisher
$25 Kohl’s Gift Certificate from @DiDoodlings
$25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate from @MamaDweeb
American Express $25 Gift Certificate from @Mommy_Gaga
($25) gift card to Target from @cuponeandolive
$25 gift card to Amazon from @SandwichINK
$25 Amazon eGift Certificate from @couponchallenge
Gift Basket from The Pampered Chef from Jennifer Cowger, Independent Consultant with The Pampered Chef
$25 Amazon Gift Certificate from Jeep Almighty
$25.00 Visa Gift Card from @trina_stewart
$30 Target Gift Card from @KBunn
$25 Target Gift Card from @thatkindofmom

Tangled BLU-RAY Giveaway UPDATE

I wanted to let everyone who's entered the Tangled BLU-RAY Giveaway already that I'm changing the date to the 4th because I want to make sure I get the name in to the company in time. They've changed how they're doing their giveaways and now I have a deadline.

So, to be clear, the NEW giveaway deadline is 4/4/11. I need to get the name in to the company by 4/6/11. This way the winner will have ample time to get back to me with their mailing address.

Thanks for your understanding!

We Were Featured at Big Teeth & Clouds

My youngest has hearing loss in his left ear. Thankfully, it hasn’t been so profound that it’s had to change our lives. When he gets ready for school now, we have one more small step to take.

I was so blessed to find Joey at Big Teeth & Clouds and have enjoyed her blog and message. Reading her experiences as a mom who has a child with hearing loss gives me encouragement.

I responded to one of her calls out to parents whow have children with hearing loss and we were featured on her Parent Profile this past Sunday! I’d love to have you check it out.

On Thursday he has his first follow up appointment since getting his hearing aid back in the Fall. I had no idea we were supposed to check in regularly. No one ever told me. So much to learn still.

Before you go, I want to apologize for how often I use my son’s nickname. I won’t use it here because it’ll drive you crazy. After re-reading my post, I was tempted to start using my kids real names.

I won’t be using their names, but I will refrain from using their nicknames so much in one post!

Wordless Wednesday: Spring Sunrise & Teddy Bears

Wish I could have captured how beautiful the orange was in the sky. I’m not a great photographer. I’m really a camera clicker. =)Baby picking out teddies from Gram’s. We all went home with many remembrances from Grams house. She had hundreds of teddies. It was bittersweet.

Make sure you check out these Wordless Wednesday participants: 5 Minutes for Mom, Dear Crissy, and Giveaways and More.

Metro Dentalcare Twice A Day Challenge & MN Twins Tickets Giveaway

Brushing my boys teeth hasn’t been TOO much of a challenge. Routine is the key for us. Sometimes even then it’s not always done and rarely done correctly.

Metro Dentalcare has given us the opportunity to get this teeth brushing down a bit better. We’ve come home numerous times from the dentist with those colorful little sand timers. Sand timers that I could fill a sandbox with considering how they’re never used. Great idea, but never put into practice.

We received a fantastic tooth brushing package in the mail that included an ingenious toothbrush. You press the bottom of the toothbrush and brush away until it stops blinking. The first night was kind of amusing. My 11yo said he didn’t really like the toothbrush. I asked him why and he said because it blinks too long before he can spit! heh heh heh

I explained to him that he could spit anytime he needed to. The point was he just had to keep brushing after he spit.

Now, let’s talk about the boys routine. They are supposed to brush 2x a day; once in the morning and once before bed. I would have to say 80% of the time both are done. Sometimes they aren’t ready for the bus and run out the door without their pearly whites being cleaned. Bedtime I always remind them, but on the way down to bed they distract themselves with rough housing.

I’m not alone in this, right? Please tell me I’m not the only one whose kids start monkeying around and tooth brushing is forgotten.

I do the toothbrush test also just to make sure it’s being done. When I get ready for work I go brush my teeth and check to make sure the bristles of the boys brushes are wet. If I find them dry, I make sure I explain to the boys how vital brushing is. I’m a broken record at this point, but it’s too important to stop talking about it.

The biggest challenge for my boys is flossing. They have a hard time with it and I have to admit, I don’t make the time to help them floss. It’s really a coordination thing. It’s a tricky thing to learn  but a lot more fun especially with the new, and cool, picks that are out.

Now, with all that’s been going on in my life lately, I haven’t gotten this post up soon enough to get the word out about the challenge and the giveaway. The giveaway ends on April 1st and that’s no joke.

You can find Metro Dentalcare:

Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
YouTube

What you could win: A set of Twins four-packs to two lucky blog commenters during the challenge (and again, one adult and one child Sonicare toothbrush).

Required: Leave a comment letting me know about your teeth brushing habits for you or your kids.

Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/1/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.

I was sent a tooth brushing kit for the boys and have the opportunity to win tickets to the MN Twins.

Walt Disney’s Tangled BLU-RAY Giveaway + Bonus!

Tangled features Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a young girl hidden away from the world by her overprotective mother, Gothel. Rapunzel dreams of discovering what the world holds, when suddenly Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), a caddish drifter stumbles into her life. They strike a deal and Flynn agrees to lead her through the forest and find the hidden strength she never knew.

The boys and I have not had a lot of opportunities to go to the movies much lately, but this will be one of the movies I know my wonderful Aunt B will be adding to our collection. She knows it’s just not in the budget to go out so she always gets us DVDs of movies she knows we’ll love as a family!

Here’s your opportunity to win the BLU-RAY version of Tangled and a promotional surprise picked at random from the following list: A Pascal Beanie Baby, Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel T-Shirts, and Official Disney Paper Lanterns! Required: Tell me what one of your “talents” is.

Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/4/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.

Extra Entries:

Follow Woven by Words (1 entry)

Subscribe to Woven by Words (2 entries, comment 2x)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily) “RT #Win Tangled by #Disney on BLU-RAY and a Bonus surprise from @bigguysmama #giveaway http://bit.ly/hGinKl“

Like Woven by Words on Facebook (1 entry)

Like Tangled on Facebook (1 entry leave your FB name)

Follow my NetworkedBlogs (1 entry)

Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)

I did not receive any compensation for this giveaway.

Project 52: Week 12

Last week was a long week. Here are some photos from that week? The cousins before the funeral

The cousins after the funeral

Out on Gram’s lake burning some energy

A snow storm canceled Buddy’s 3 day 6th grade field trip and they missed a day of school

The snow plow took out my trash can. SO not cool! And there’s
my neighbor the snow plow hero again!

The Superhero Foundation and PowerCapes Discount

The Superhero Foundation is a fantastic non-profit that helps raise awareness and provides help to children that have suffered from abuse.  Probably better put by them from their website:

"Welcome to the crusade against child abuse. We are a group of believers. We believe that it is possible to break the chains of abuse with the right educational programs, the right awareness campaigns, stricter abuse laws, the right support for those that fight abuse and help rehabilitate the victims of abuse. And most of all we believe in hope and love….which is what every child victim of abuse deserves."

Their major method of raising funds and awareness is through their Superhero Run.  Please visit their website to find out more www.SuperheroRun.com, check out the calendar of runs, they are adding more runs this year so stay tuned.  Also we have created the promo code "HELPCHILDREN" that will get you 10% OFF your order and we will also make a donation to The Superhero Foundation for every time it's used.

Real Statistics

Approximately 4 children die EVERY DAY as a result of child abuse.

About CASA

CASA is the Court Appointed Special Advocates for children.  The funds The Superhero Foundation raises goes toward this organization.  To find out more please visit: http://www.pgh-casa.org/

Happy Flying!
www.powercapes.com

Youth Fun Run 4 Japan

I’m not sure if any of you are in the Santa Monica Beach area, but if you are this sounds like a fantastic event. Here are a few details, but you should head to the site if you’d like to learn more.Details:
...
Runners are asked to pay a minimum entrance fee of $10 which will go entirely to the American Red Cross's Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund. However, all donations welcome!
Runners will assemble on Santa Monica Beach @ Beach Parking Lot #1 where Ocean Avenue meets 2600 Barnard Way. Registration is at 10:00 AM. The run starts at 11:00 AM. We ask everyone to download the run registration form online, fill it out and bring it with them to the run to expedite registration! You can print the registration form by clicking here: REGISTRATION FORM

Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion Review & Giveaway

As you know, I live in Minnesota. Winter in MN is synonymous with dry skin. I go through lotion like a chocoholic goes through Hershey Kisses! My hands are constantly being slathered with lotion. Vaseline Intensive Rescue done just day during these dry days of winter.

About 6 yrs ago my oldest daughter was dealing with a severe case of dry cracking hands and a friend of mine gave her a bottle of Vaseline Intensive Care. That change everything about her discomfort. She’s slather the lotion on before bed and slip on her “lotion gloves” and head to bed. This became the go-to gift for my daughter.

Just when I thought winter was winding down, the snow picked up and the dry air loomed heavily here! Thankfully I’ve been using my Vaseline Intensive Rescue lotion throughout the day. I’m not really good at sharing, but since it’s so dry at my work and we’re doing a lot of changes, I’m constantly washing and drying my hands. I’ve decided to bring my lotion to work and leave it there. We’ve been dealing with so much dust, and the air is so dry, we’re all dealing with cracked, dry, chapped hands.

Before I moved to Minnesota, I hadn’t paid much attention to using lotion on the rest of my body, but my legs, I tell ya, have had a rough go of it this year. I’ll be at work and realize I’m rubbing my thigh because it’s so itchy and dry.I need to get in the habit of putting lotion on before I get dressed to go to work to avoid that situation. Ok here’s a funny example of why dry skin can be embarrassing. About a month ago at work I was walking a guest to a product and he was pretty chatty. He neglected to see that I was married. He introduced himself to me and shook my hand. Then as he was asking me out to dinner I started rubbing my leg, but it looked like I was wiping my hand of his handshake. So not only did I turn him down because I’m married, but I gave him the impression that his handshake was gross. Nice.

The Dry Skin Patrol is comprised of Hot In Cleveland star Wendie Malick, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, and 3 real women, bloggers Kailani, Kari, and Michelle. The women were searching the Web for a solution to their dry skin and were rescued by Vaseline. One of their stops was right here in Duluth, MN. Wish I would’ve known when they were going to be here, I would’ve snuck on the “set”. *wink*

Make sure you head to the Vaseline Facebook page so you can sign up to win a trip to one of the locations they stopped at on the Dry Skin Patrol. It ends 3/31/11. Be sure to visit the Facebook page to learn about the Rules & Regulations.

Have you found any solutions for your dry skin? If so, I’d love to hear what you do!

Here’s your chance to win a bottle of Vaseline Intensive Rescue!

Required: Tell me what you do for your dry skin.

Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/10/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.

Extra Entries:

Follow Woven by Words (1 entry)

Subscribe to Woven by Words (2 entries, comment 2x)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily) “RT #Win a bottle of Vaseline Intensive Rescue lotion. #giveaway @bigguysmama http://bit.ly/hUO2kP“

Like Woven by Words on Facebook (2 entries, 2 comments)

Like Vaseline on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow my NetworkedBlogs: left sidebar (1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways: top right (1 entry each current giveaway)

I received a bottleVaseline Intense Rescue to review. The opinions are mine and never influenced by the company.

My LOUSY Dell Computers “Support” Experience

My brother, he rocks. His commitment to my kids is that when they graduate from high school he will buy them a laptop. Wonder if that’s retroactive since I DID actually graduate. Sure it was a while ago, but still.

My oldest daughter got her Dell laptop 2 yrs ago. He doesn’t pull any punches and he makes sure no matter what that these computers are totally covered. At least that’s what I thought. I will be calling him this weekend to clarify what he actually paid for. This is my daughter’s reaction when she came home to her graduation present. Sorry for the not so hot quality.

Before my daughter went on Spring Break a couple of weeks ago she started having some different issues with her computer not running correctly. It’s gotten to the point where it just won’t turn on or if it does it’s sporadic at best.

Today she finally called Dell “support”. They told her the computer hardware was covered but not the software. That surprised me because of the amount of money my brother dropped on her computer.

While she was talking to them the first time, before they dropped her call, they told her there would probably be a one time cost involved or a cost for 2 yrs. She wasn’t sure what that amount would be. I told her to call them back and get more information.

She calls me back and tells me it’s going to be $135 to fix the problem. A one time fee. I thought that was absolutely ridiculous because at the time I was under the impression this was covered. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I made a call.

In case you weren’t aware, my oldest daughter is away at college, not sitting right next to me. I can’t look at her computer, I can’t talk to her about her computer while I’m on the phone with someone in another country.

Too bad I got an absolute JERK of a “support” tech and I use the word “support” very loosely. We started discussing the issue and I had to explain that the computer wasn’t with me. My daughter was away at college. THIS chump tells me it’s going to cost $239.99. I was like, “WHAT? I’m not paying that. I don’t have that kind of money. I’ll go to someone locally and have them fix it.”

Well, he didn’t like that so he started giving me a hard time. He said, “So you’re going to pay someone $50 who isn’t Microsoft certified. Then in 2-3 months pay them again because there’s a different problem?”

I told him, “Yes, I don’t have $239 sitting around. I can’t afford that, my daughter can’t afford that. My brother has already poured a ton of money into Dell for her computer and my other daughter’s brand NEW laptop. We’re not going to give you another dime.”

Him, “So you’d rather pay $50 now and $50 later to someone who doesn’t have the training?” On and on he went all the while I’m getting more pissed because he’s being a complete JERK.

He wouldn’t shut up about me going somewhere else to get my computer fixed so I said, “Thank you for your time,” and I hung up. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to one more thing this dude had to say.

I called back after talking to my daughter and hearing her say that she wanted to dump this stupid computer and go with something other than a Dell. Let’s just say a Mac is sounding pretty delightful right about now and with her lovely tax return coming back, she’ll have the dough to buy one.

My 2nd daughter has a gorgeous cover on the outside of her new Dell laptop.

I decided I would try one more time to get hold of someone at Dell who might be a bit more pleasant and a bit higher up the food chain. This time I got a guy who I could actually understand. The first time I had to ask the guy to keep repeating himself. I don’t have an issue with talking to people in India, although I’d prefer Americans to be employed by these big companies, but if they’re going to be talking to American’s using English on a daily basis, they should be understandable.

This 2nd guy I talked to told me he’d be able to give me $5 off my daughter’s quoted price and he’d fix the problem for good for $129. He went on to tell me how amazing he was and that there’d never be a problem again. I told him I’d have to talk to my daughter and see if she wanted to spend this kind of money. He said we could do a conference call. Well, the fact that we have no money makes a conference call pointless and I told him we didn’t have the money right now anyhow that I’d have to talk to my brother.

He offered to call my brother and I explained to him my brother is at my grandma’s funeral today. I’m sure to him I sounded like I was making it up, but as my readers know, it’s the complete and utter truth. My grandma died last Friday and she’s being buried today in New York.

The guy told me he was one of the only people authorized to give me a price like that and that there were no guarantees that out of the 3000 workers that I’d get him again. I told him I understood that, but it was a chance I’d have to take. If I actually had the money, I’d probably just go ahead and do it, but he’d still have to call my daughter because she’s the one with the computer.

Now, if my brother DIDN’T buy coverage for the software, then we obviously have an issue. That’s not really my point with this post.

My issue is the crappy customer service. Since I have 2 more boys down the road getting computers for graduation, and me currently on the lookout for a laptop, CRAPPY customer “service” will completely encourage me to go to a competitor, such as Apple. I’ve heard so much positive talk about Macs I’m very tempted to pay out the nose for them because of their reliability.

Anyone have advice on what kind of computer we should look at considering the fact that I, and my daughter are fed up with Dell? What kind of computer do you have? Would you suggest it to someone in the market for a new one?

One To Grow On Children’s Audio Series Giveaway

We are big book readers. Always have been. I introduced my kids to reading at a very early age. Some of my favorite time with my kids were listening to audio books. We’ve used them on trips and quite time at home. One To Grow On (http://www.kids-audio-stories.com/) is a series of audio CDs teaching and inspiring kids.

My Review:

When it comes to listening to an audio book, the main factor for my enjoyment is the sound of the reader. If they have little inflection or don’t sound like the different characters, I have hard time enjoying the story. Trenna does a wonderful job of making the stories come to life. I also like the background music and sound effects.

Each story takes us on an adventure and while on that adventure children, and parents, learn life skills such as courage, thinking positively, taking risks, and honesty. And those are only in the Making a Difference in the World series.

An aspect I enjoyed in this story is that Trenna takes our children sometimes to another world. I think for kids to learn how the characters in her stories deal with obstacles or right decisions will help them apply it to their own lives. The audio series allows our kids to use their imaginations and see how others handle life situations.

You can now find One To Grow On! on Facebook!

Here’s a chance to win Making a Difference in the World CD series.

Required: What is a core value you want your children to learn?

Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/7/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.

Extra Entries:

Follow Woven by Words (1 entry)

Subscribe to Woven by Words (2 entries, comment 2x)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily) “RT #Win a Children’s audio book series Making a Difference in the World #giveaway @bigguysmama http://bit.ly/e1Q5Yx“

Like Woven by Words on Facebook (2 entries, 2 comments)

Follow my NetworkedBlogs: left sidebar (1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways: top right (1 entry each current giveaway)

About One to Grow On!

One to Grow On! audio stories promote self-responsibility and make great travel and bedtime companions. They motivate and encourage high self-esteem, honesty and positive values, and provide great moral teachings. These audio stories are great as CDs or MP3 downloads for kids to play on their iPods.

The core values and ideas at the foundation of the One to Grow On! Audio Stories are love, high self-esteem, the power of the imagination, accepting what is, giving up excuses and blame, taking responsibility, and encouraging that happiness comes from within.

The One to Grow On! stories are available for purchase on the series’ Web site, http://www.kids-audio-stories.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.spokennetwork.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, and also at http://www.borders.com/. They will also be available soon at iTunes and the Barnes and Noble Bookstores.

About the Author:

Trenna Daniell’s formal education was in art and music. A life-long student of philosophy and metaphysics, she won a national reputation as a Human Potential Seminar trainer and lecturer. She has appeared on more than a hundred radio and television programs throughout the United States, including Good Morning America. Braille International of Stuart, Florida, translated many of Trenna’s stories into Braille books and cassette stories for the blind.

When not writing children’s books, Trenna uses her education at Mt. Hood College and the UCLA Design School in California to express her art. Among her credits: a series of greeting cards for Island Heritage. Her work has appeared in Aloha Airlines Magazine and Artists of Hawaii, and in the Collectors Galleries on Maui and Kauai. The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas commissioned Trenna to produce southwestern pastels for its hotel. Her work also hangs in numerous resorts around the world, including Sandals Resort on Negril Beach in Jamaica. She currently shows in galleries in both Vail and Aspen, Colorado.

Looking For A Crossover Or Minivan

I spent the day going through different features on AutoTrader.com. I’ve been playing with the idea of using our tax refund towards a down payment on a newer vehicle. Seeing how happy @ladyozma is with her Dodge Journey I thought I’d do some research.

Suffice it to say, I can’t afford a Dodge Journey. Not even the base model.

Let’s back this train up for a second and talk about what I’m driving right now.

I have an ‘01 Chrysler Town & Country Limited minivan. When we got it 10 yrs ago I was in heaven. Honestly, I still love it. This baby is loaded, even compared to today’s comparative models, this baby rocks! BUT, it has over 198,000 miles and is having different issues. Oh, and the rust, can’t forget the Minnesota rust that happens to nearly every vehicle here.

So, back to the reason for this post.

I’m not so keen on having a minivan anymore. Smooch has her own vehicle and will be going to college in the Fall. It’s just me and the boys. Of course, I have to look to the future, too. I’ll be a grandma in the next 10 yrs, at least that’s my guess. I want to be able to tote my grandbabies around. So, maybe a minivan would be a good choice.

True, I will probably need a newer vehicle before 10 yrs, but still…Not only that, but we travel to Chicago and VA to visit family. That means there’s the potential to have 5 of us and a dog together in one vehicle. Trust me, we want comfort.

Of course, there’s the CUV, but the issue with that is, it’s basically a minivan but without the large space inside. Have you compared the sizes of a CUV and minivan? They’re pretty much the same in bulk. Oh, and in fuel mileage. May as well just go with the minivan at that rate.

My Chrysler is an AWD and I absolutely adore that feature, especially here in the MN winters. So, I would love to have that with my new vehicle. The downside to an AWD is the gas sucking power of it!

I also want that extra seating for 7 people. I know, I want it all but at a low cost. I’m crazy and I understand that. A girl can dream right? I figure if I can find something a year to three years old with miles under 40K miles, it might be affordable. And when I say “affordable” I mean something I still can’t afford.

What else do I love in my current vehicle that I’d like in a new one:

• Good sound system w/ CD changer
• dimming Rearview mirror
• Dual Climate Zones
• Power Lift Gate
• Passenger Lights in front and back (not just dome)
• Electric Seat Controls at least for the driver
• Good Storage
• Built-in Cup Holders
• Power Side Doors if I go with a minivan
• Luggage Rack

Right now I’m leaning towards the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Terrain. And when I say “leaning” I mean, I looked through photos online and they look like they’d fit what I’m looking for. I’m about aesthetics.

What are you driving? Any suggestions for me? Would you go for a minivan or crossover?

The photos are from Autotrader.com who had nothing to do with this post and have no clue I’m talking about them.

Purex With Zout Review & Giveaway: 2 Winners

Laundry I have to admit is an endless chore for me. Well, I’m guessing it is for everyone. Makes me entirely insane and I’m constantly trying to find ways to make the process easier or more enjoyable.

As you may know, I’m a Purex Insider and I’m the lucky girl who gets to try out their laundry detergent. I’ve been using the Purex Crystal Softeners consistently and have loved the outcome. I’ve even been using it when I do the boys laundry. For a while I was saving it for only my laundry. I know, I’m just that kind of mom.

The next time I get laundry detergent I’m going to try the Purex Free & Clear. Simply for the fact that all I want to smell is my Crystals when I’m done with the laundry.

What I like about Purex Complete with Zout is that you can use it in a regular washing machine or in a HE washer! I hope to be changing to one of those some bright, sweet smelling day!

I would have to say the laundry is coming out as clean as I expected, especially with two boys who love getting dirty. I did have a pair of my 7yo’s jeans that still had dirt smudges, but I think they sat in the laundry bag too long without me knowing they were so stained.

Purex^® Complete with Zout^® combines the proven performance of Purex detergent with the triple-enzyme stain-fighting power of Zout^® pretreater. This powerful combination works to get stains out the first time, even tough stains like grass, chocolate, and tomato sauce. Try it on your tough stains.

Two winner will each receive a coupon to purchase a bottle of Purex Complete with Zout.

Required: Tell me what detergent you use now that you’d give up for Purex Complete with Zout.

Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/6/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.

Extra Entries:

Follow Woven by Words (1 entry)

Subscribe to Woven by Words (2 entries, comment 2x)

Follow Purex on Twitter (1 entry)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily) “RT 2 Winners of Purex Complete with Zout Coupon #giveaway @bigguysmama @purex http://bit.ly/ib2Xnk“

Like Woven by Words on Facebook (2 entries, 2 comments)

Like Purex on Facebook where you’ll receive a $1 off Purex Crystals (1 entry)

Follow my NetworkedBlogs: left sidebar (1 entry)

Enter my other giveaways: top right (1 entry each current giveaway)

I’d like to thank Purex for the opportunity to be an Insider. The opinions expressed are my own and never influenced by the company. I received a bottle for review.

Hip Hip Hurray Giveaway Linky

Sorry I didn’t have a linky here last week. It was a terrible, no good, very bad week.

Here’s are a few of my current giveaways if you’re so inclined to enter:

3 Maybelline SuperStay Lipcolors Ends 3/28

Yogi Bear DVD Ends 3/28

$25 Grocery Gift Card from Barber Foods Ends 4/2

To add your giveaway linky you must link to your giveaway not to your homepage! It will be deleted if it doesn’t. Spam will go as well. If you believe I’ve deleted your linky by accident, please let me know. Also no affiliate links either.

Wordless Wednesday: I’m Ready For Summer!

Ok, I tried busting out of the winter duldrums by grabbing my bathing suit and having a crazy moment. Who cares about the snow and cold? Not me. =)

Hi All. I will be gone for the next 4 days. I have a funeral on Tuesday and then Wed-Fri I will be going on a 6th grade field trip to Northern MN. Sounds exciting aside from the fact there’s a BLIZZARD warning! Ugh! Two years ago they lost power due to an ice storm. We’re talking bare bones wilderness up there so I’m no so thrilled!

I hope you’ll link up but I doubt I’ll be able to visit everyone. I also work this coming weekend, so I’ll really be gone until Sunday night! Hope everyone else stays warm and thinks of me while I’m freezing my toosh off.

"Cars 2" -- State Farm "Agents on a Mission" Tour

PRESENTED BY STATE FARM®, “AGENTS ON A MISSION” MULTI-CITY TOUR
KICKS OFF AT THE MALL OF AMERICA ON MARCH 22

Star Racecar Lightning McQueen, Lovable Tow Truck Mater and
Master British Spy Finn McMissile Race Across North America to Celebrate
Disney•Pixar’s Big-Screen Adventure “Cars 2”

BURBANK, Calif. (March 18, 2011) – Presented by State Farm, the “Agents on a Mission” tour hits the road with Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” this spring when four-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen and best friend Mater join master British spy Finn McMissile on a 30-city tour that kicks off at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., on March 22. The star cars race off the big screen and into a host of cities—life-size remote-controlled models will light up and rev for fans in Detroit, Toronto, Phoenix, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Washington, DC, and Miami, among others. The tour heats up at the film’s Los Angeles red-carpet premiere on June 18, just in time for the “Cars 2” theatrical opening on June 24.

“The ‘Agents on a Mission’ tour lets fans get face to face with ‘Cars’ favorites Lightning
McQueen and Mater, plus the very cool, very savvy spy Finn McMissile, a new character on ‘Cars 2’ roster,” says MT Carney, president of marketing for The Walt Disney Studios. “This movie is filled with fun, action, heart and a lot of laughs—we want to get everyone geared up for ‘Cars 2.’”

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. But the road to the championship is filled with surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine). Directed by John Lasseter and produced by Denise Ream, the fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

State Farm brings Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” adventure directly to fans with the “Agents on a Mission” tour, showcasing cars modeled after their big-screen likenesses. The cars will be outfitted in Goodyear tires and transported from coast to coast (and back again) by Mack Trucks, Inc. Visitors can check out the cars and take part in a variety of “Cars 2”-themed activities, including a video kiosk, e-photo opportunities, games and giveaways. They can also enter the “Agents on a Mission” sweepstakes, which features 18,000 prizes, including a new car.

“State Farm is thrilled to present the ‘Cars 2’ ‘Agents on a Mission’ tour,” says Pam El, marketing vice president, State Farm. “Like our force of 18,000 agents across the U.S. and Canada, whose mission is to help people realize their dreams every day, families can become secret agents by participating in fun ‘Cars 2’-themed missions at the tour and online.”
The tour will run through June, hitting the U.S. red-carpet premiere in Los Angeles, and wrapping up in San Francisco and Sonoma.

Disney•Pixar’s “Cars,” originally released on June 9, 2006, grossed nearly $462 million worldwide. It was nominated for two Oscars® and one Golden Globe® Award, winning the first ever Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.

Presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters, Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” hits the track on June 24, 2011. The film marks DisneyŸPixar’s 12th feature-length animated film and will be released as Pixar Animation Studios celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. The Studio, founded in 1986, has earned 29 Academy Awards® and seven Golden Globes®. To date, its 11 feature films have grossed more than $6.5 billion at the worldwide box office.

For more information about the movie, the tour and a list of cities, check out Disney.com/cars. Like “Cars 2” on Facebook: facebook.com/pixarcars, and follow “Cars 2” on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar. To enter the “Agents on a Mission” sweepstakes, go to Disney.com/agents. For more information about State Farm and the “Agents on a Mission” promotion, like State Farm on Facebook: facebook.com/statefarm or follow State Farm on Twitter: twitter.com/statefarm.

ABOUT STATE FARM®

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 66,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.

ABOUT GOODYEAR

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

ABOUT MACK TRUCKS, INC.

Dedicated to quality, reliability, and total customer satisfaction, Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided its customers with innovative transportation solutions for more than a century. Today, Mack is one of North America’s largest producers of heavy-duty trucks and MACK® trucks are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries. Mack trucks and diesel engines sold in North America are assembled in the United States. Mack manufacturing locations are certified to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality and ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems. Mack is also a proud sponsor of Share the Road, an American Trucking Associations' public information campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of our nation’s roadways. Mack Trucks, Inc. is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and is one of the world's leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (9-16 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs more than 90,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2010 amounted to $36.7 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange and are traded OTC in the U.S.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE CARS FROM THE STATE FARM “AGENTS ON A MISSION” TOUR

SIZE MATTERS – The replica cars are the largest production radio-controlled replica cars ever built.

·   At 1000 foot pounds of torque – the electric motors provide enough power to theoretically climb a telephone pole!
·  Finn weighs in around 1,760 lbs.
·   Lightning McQueen weighs in around 2,250 lbs.
·  Mater weighs in at just over 2,700 lbs.

ART IN MOTION -- Because of the unique scale of these vehicles, all the exterior pieces had to be fabricated from scratch. No actual “off- the-shelf” car parts could be used. The sculpting process for each vehicle’s body took 6-10 days, totaling 1000-1600 man hours. After the cars were carved in foam, a fiberglass mold was created, and from that the final bodies were produced.

·  The chassis for the cars are Model-T replica frames.
·  Mater is hand-painted, using a proprietary system that creates real rust on his cab and bed.
·  Because the cars had to reflect the designs of the film’s characters, the control systems (switches, lights etc.) had to be built into the various parts of the car. These have been hidden from view.

FILL ‘ER UP -- The cars are all electric powered. Each runs on four automotive-style batteries at 48 volts and can run for 30 minutes at full speed.

NO SPEEDING ZONE -- The cars can travel up to 10 miles per hour.

REV IT UP -- The engine sounds and exhaust sounds are recreated through a 200-watt sound system under the hood.

·  The cars are controlled by a high-tech radio-control system normally used for high-end RC hobby cars.

TRICKY TIRES – Lightning McQueen’s tires are one of a kind due to their unique size and were fabricated by Goodyear specifically for the “Agents on a Mission” tour.

·  Lightning McQueen is so low to the ground that he needs specially designed ramps to get over even the smallest bumps.

YOU’VE GOT THE LOOK -- There are three sets of eyes that are held to the windshield by magnets. The fiberglass windshield is imbedded with iron filings which attracts the magnetic eyes.

I have not been compensated in any way for this post

Project 52: Week 11

Yep, I’m a bit late. This past week didn’t go nearly as expected. Same with this weekend. Here’s a quick photo update of how life was in a nutshell last week:

Trying out some new tooth brushes the boys got.

Buddy grabbed the camera to take photos of his Star Wars Lego accessories.

 

Watching the boys at the carnival at Baby’s college.

Doodle was too small 4 the outfit, but he gave it a go. Unfortunately, he fell so hard he hit his head and got a bloody nose.