Giliena's Sweet Inspirations

Barbie a Fashion Fairytale - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:22:00 +0000

Having a house full of little girls there was no shortage of anticipation for this movie coming out. From the moment it arrived at our door there was no peace for me until I put it on for them to watch.

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale is the newest of the Barbie movies to hit the stores. In this, Barbie is an actress who travels to Paris to visit her Aunt who is a fashion designer. She soon finds out her Aunt's business has fallen victim to the competition. With the help of some new friends the "Flairies" she devies a plan to help save the day. On a side plot, there is a misunderstanding as Ken breaks up with her over the phone. He ends up on a side adventure as he travels to Paris to set things straight with Barbie. Get your sparkle on!

To say that my girls loved this movie is a serious under statement. They have watched it over and over and enjoy it so much each time. They love the Flairies and wish they had some of their own. There is no shortage of sparkle which is every little girl's dream. With Halloween coming, my girls are already talking about how they want to dress up as Barbie. I think the hip music and modern feel to things make this movie one that will appeal to the older girls as well. I asked my girls what they thought about the movie and they said they give it an A+.

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale comes out to stores across the US on September 14, 2010.

MomSelect sent me the Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale DVD to review. All of the opinions in this review are my own.

Amazing People

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:54:00 +0000

This week I had the pleasure of meeting the most amazing mom I think I have ever come across. There was just something about her. I honestly felt like I was a better person just for having met her. She was very sweet and genuine. I watched her and my daugher interact and it was amazing. She sat there and made origami animals for her. They talked and laughed. She accommodated every request with a giggle and a smile. Now lots of people interact with my girls but this time it was different. There was just something about her that was special. As we left Vic told me how much fun had and how she hoped she got to see her again. I too hope I get the opportunity to be in her presence again soon.

Let the frustrations begin

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:25:00 +0000

Today Vic had her interview for early entrance in to Kindergarten. I was so proud of her. She talks about how she really wants to go to Kindergarten. She went through this interview process like a champ. When she was done the came to me and told me she had scored really high in one part and they wanted to test her for gifted and talented. I was taken back a little by it all. I never really thought of her as gifted and talented and to be honest I still don't. I know she is smart and she is absolutely ready for Kindergarten this year. So, I made the appointment for this test. My frustration came when I was told in so many words not to get my hopes up. They told me the state had set the bar so high for early entrance it was unlikely she would score high enough to actually get accepted. I feel like all this is a waste of time. On the flip side what if by some miracle she is in the percentage that is high enough to qualify. I guess we will find out soon enough. It is all she talks about and she really wants to go.

*fingers crossed*

Rainbow Brite

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:54:00 +0000

As a girl growing up I was familiar with Rainbow Brite. When MomSelect contacted me about reviewing the new Rainbow Brite CD Pak and Rainbow Brite web site I could not resist. They sent me my CD Pak and my little girls have been having a blast ever since it arrived. There are games, puzzles, coloring pages and so much more. It was all so easy to navigate as well. My daughter is just learning about the computer and using a mouse. She has no troubles at all. For the most part she was able to get around all by herself. She has so much fun doing it and feels like a really big girl. It is perfect for when I want some time to cook dinner. Vic sits at the table with her sister next to her. They play and explore together. They sing the song over and over. They watch the videos and make color pages.

There is even a new Rainbow Brite fashion doll collection. They are available at Target and soon Toys R Us. I know my girls want the dolls and we will be getting some soon.

Disclosure of material connection http://cmp.ly/2

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:52:00 +0000

This was a really great show. The show was at the Wells Fargo Theatre in Denver. It was a great venue. We were close enough to the action to feel like we were really part of the show. It was far more interactive than any other show we have been to. All my girls really enjoyed it but my 2 year old had the best time ever. Everyone was up on their feet dancing right along with Mickey, Minnie, Tigger and Woody. The audience really got into the show. Along with the dancing there was clapping to the music and lots of cheering. The show also included Cinderella and her magical voice. My girls were in awe of the princess. We all sang "Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boo" in an effort to help her fairy godmother transform her dress into a wonderful sparkly gown for the talent show. Her dress transformed right before our eyes. Our all time favorite part though was bouncing with Tigger. He is definitely a family favorite and my girls are still bouncing days after the show.

If this show comes to a town near you I highly recommend taking your kids to see it. You will not regret it.

Back to work

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:11:00 +0000

I have toyed with the idea of going back to work for quite some time now. Prior to my children I worked in the video game industry. I loved my job but left to be a stay at home mom to my girls. I absolutely love being home with my girls and leaving them all day is going to be very difficult. I always knew I would go back to work at some point. The current economy is forcing those plans to come sooner than expected. My girls are older now and I have found an awesome lady to watch them. She is already a part of our family and my girls even call her Grandma. I know it will all work out for the best.

I came across a great opportunity to get back into the video game industry. There is a local game studio that was hiring. The job is going to be a challenge and I am so looking forward to it. I am nervous and excited all wrapped up into one package. I know I will be an asset. I know I will do my best and give more than 100%.

Wish me luck!

The Kindergarten Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around the fact that my little girl is going to turn 5 this year. Where does the time go? It really does go to show you that time flies. We all know that our kids grow up in the blink of an eye. She misses the deadline for kindergarten this year by just a couple of months. I have been toying with the idea of whether to try and get her in this year or just wait it out until next year. We have really been watching her and feel she is ready to start this year.

I did some research with my local schools and found there is a program that helps determine if a child is ready for early entrance into kindergarten. I filled out all the paperwork and we go later in the month for a screening test. The one thing that bothers me about this process is the labeling put on it is "Gifted and Talented". Do I think she is gifted and talented? No. Do I think she is as ready as the other kids that are a couple of months older than her? Yes. If I didnt think she was ready I would not even bother with it. But, I do think she is ready so I have to at least give it a shot. I will, of course, accept any decision that is made. I am excited to see how it will all turn out.

Wordless Wednesday - Nuff said

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and your favorite Disney friends for a hilarious talent search in the all-new Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set out on a zany road trip where audiences join in and help find the coolest acts around. Along the way, hit a high note with Cinderella; get your bounce on with Tigger; and shout out your loudest "yee-haw" at a hoedown with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney/Pixar's Toy Story! Grab your family for a fun-filled getaway at this live, show-stopping adventure jam-packed with unexpected twists, turns and hijinks -right in your hometown!

Playing Wells Fargo Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on February 5 & 6, 2010! Get your tickets today at Ticketmaster!

My family received tickets and we are really looking forward to the show. We have had lots of fun and some great family experiences in the past shows we have gone to. I have the opportunity to offer my readers a chance to save $3.00 per ticket with a special code.* Follow the Ticketmaster link above and enter the code KIDS to receive your special discount on your ticket purchase. It is so simple. Your next step is to just sit back and enjoy the show!

*excludes Front Row and VIP seats

Life is a highway

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:01:00 +0000

I love this video. She is so sweet and so funny.

Wordless Wednesday - My Sweet Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:01:00 +0000

Hellmanns Real Holiday Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:09:00 +0000

The Hellmanns Real Holiday Giveaway winner is MOMFOREVERANDEVER!

Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who participated by commenting, blogging, following me, and even tweeting about this giveaway. I hope you all truly found their site useful. I know I liked it and will be putting it to good use for the holidays. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season. Please keep checking back here for some more great giveaways!

My Little Brute

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Yes, she sure is cute beyond belief but she is a handful and a half. Don't be fooled by the picture. Look away and do not make eye contact. She is rough, tumble, sugar and spice all roll up into one big package. She makes me laugh and pull my hair out all the time. One thing I noticed lately is that she really needs a lesson in how to play nice with other kids. She is not so much for sharing her toys. She pulls them away and makes the little kid "that's mine" grunt. Now, I know she gets it from her older sister who is always trying to steal the toy she is currently playing with. What I do not know is how I am going to begin to change the behavior. I want her to play nice and not be the mean bully kid. I know it will come with time and we will just need to work harder at it. The doctor said since she is the second child she will act out more and boy was he right. All we need to do is try to harness her inner hugger and all will be right with the world.

Anyone else have this same issue? Is so, how did you deal with it?

Custom Photo Italian Charm Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:55:00 +0000

I am expanding my current inventory over at Giliena's and adding custom photo jewelry items. I decided to host a giveaway over there for my newest custom photo item. So, if you are interested in a beautiful custom photo italian charm bracelet just head over to http://www.gilienas.com/blog and enter.

Disney on Ice - Worlds of Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:14:00 +0000

In my honest opinion, I think this was the best show so far. The show starts with Mickey and Minnie. Their car breaks down and they are in search of a tow truck. Who better to help with this situation than Mater. Mater comes out followed by Sally, Ramone, Flo and eventually Lightning McQueen. It was so awesome to see the actual cars driving around on the ice. My daughter is a HUGE Cars fan and when Lightning McQueen hit the ice she screamed his name so loud you would have thought some teen heart throb had just arrived. I watched her as she watched the show and there was no doubt she was soaking it all in and loving every minute.

The next part of the show consisted of the Little Mermaid and The Lion King. The skating was fantastic. The costumes were beautiful. The special effects were fantastic and left nothing to be desired. The Little Mermaid undersea adventure was nothing short of enchanting. The Lion King Circle of Life was amazing and left you on the edge of your seat. The last part of the show was Tinkerbell and the faeries of Pixie Hollow. The show was magical and everything you could hope for from Tinkerbell and her friends. My daughter and I are huge Tinkerbell fans so for me this was my favorite part. At one point she turned to me and said, "Mommy I have never seen a real faerie before". I loved every minute of it and it made for an awesome finale. I was so impressed at how the stage transformed to spring at the end of the show. All of my favorite Disney moments did come to life on the ice last night. It really left me wanting to see the show again.

If you are located in the Denver area you should take advantage of this awesome deal.

Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows or receive $4 off weekend tickets by entering the coupon code: MOM**

There is also a special Princess pre-show event available to all ticket holders. Arrive up to one hour early to tour the display of gorgeous gowns and meet a real princess!

Here is the schedule for those that may be interested:

Pepsi Center

(Purchase Tickets from http://www.tickethorse.com/)

Dec. 4th: 7:30pm

Dec. 5th: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30am Dec. 6th: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

The Denver Coliseum

(Purchase Tickets from http://www.ticketmaster.com/)

Dec. 11th: 11:00am, 7:30pm

Dec. 12th: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

Dec. 13th: 1:30pm, 5:30pm

**Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday‐Friday matinee, or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the promotion code box on ticketmaster or tickethorse respectively. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional Tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Rinkside or VIP seating. Note: Denver Coliseum Box Office opens on Nov. 23rd. Cannot be combined with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.

Hellmanns Real Holiday Helpings - Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Let's just say, I am a huge Bobby Flay fan and my family is also a fan of Hellmanns. So, when I was contacted by MomSelect to review the new Hellmanns Real Holiday Helpings site I did not hesitate one bit. I browsed the site and found lots of cool features. I entered to win free groceries for a year, printed my coupon, and signed up for their facebook page. My absolute favorite part of the site though is the recipe section. I watched Bobby's recipe videos and my mouth watered the entire time. My favorite is the Turkey Cuban sandwich. We have sandwich night at least once a week and are always looking for new recipes. We will be making this one sooner rather than later and I cannot wait to give it a try. I also cannot wait to try the twice baked potato and ham with our leftovers. There are so many great recipes you are sure to find several that make your mouth water.

So, MomSelect is giving me the opportunity to giveaway a $25 American Express gift card. This is sure to help with all the upcoming holiday shopping that needs to be done. I will be giving away one of these to one lucky winner. To enter all you have to do is head on over to Hellmanns Real Holiday Helpings and take a look around. Leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite part is and how you think this site will help during the holidays.

Want additional entries?? Just leave me a comment for each of the following:

•Subscribe to my blog
•Tweet about this giveaway (Please include @tejasangel in your tweet and leave the link in your comment)
•Blog about this giveaway (Please leave the link to your blog post in your comment)

This giveaway ends on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 10:00 pm MST. I will choose the winner using random.org. The winner will be notified via email and will have three (3) days to claim their prize. If I am unable to email you I will have to choose another winner. If your prize is not claimed within three (3) days I will have to choose another winner.

OMG! Is that my kid??

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:53:00 +0000

That kid. You know the one. The one screaming at the top of her lungs. The one in the middle of a full on fit. This is only the second time this has happened to me and I have to say all I wanted to do was curl up and hide. I could not believe it. I had no idea how to get it to stop. I was certain others were thinking I was beating her and soon I would be carted off for being the worst mother ever. All I could do was hold my ground and not give in.

It was the night before Thanksgiving and we were in the middle of a long drive to our final destination. We always stop in this particular town in order to use the restrooms. It was late this time so there was only one place still open. My daughter is deathly afraid of the automatic flush toilets since one flushed on her at Walmart while she was sitting on it. I knew this one had one but I immediately tried anything and everything to diffuse the situation in advance. My efforts had failed. The moment we got into the stall and she noticed there was no "handle" it was on. The screaming began. These were screams I was certain everyone within a 5 mile radius could hear. I tried to reason and assure her that I would hold her and nothing would happen. She was not buying it and was determined not to go. I just figured we would be camping there for a while because the only other places I knew would be open also had the automatic flushing. I knew if I left without her going we were certain to have an accident. Needless to say, after much screaming and crying I was finally able to get her to go. It was not easy and I wish I could say the problem was now solved. The insane part was how once she finally went everything changed. She went from being a crazy screaming kid to one laughing and filled with pride that she went. When we finally left the bathroom I made sure she let everyone in the store know she was okay. I was horrified and completely embarassed but there was that part of me that wanted to be redeemed. I know this is not the last incident I will have like this. I just hope with time and patience we can overcome this fear. For now we will always be in search of the "handle".

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0000

I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life. I have an awesome family and some wonderful friends. My husband and my girls bring me so much joy and laughter. I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Eat lots of great food and enjoy time spent with your family.

Wordless Wednesday - New Style

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:33:00 +0000

V with her new much shorter hair style.

Disney on Ice - Worlds of Fantasy!

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:46:00 +0000

So, it is that time again. Yay! Vic and I are planning to attend the December 4th showing of Disney on Ice. I am really looking forward to this one because she is a huge fan of the movie Cars and we both love Tinkerbell. They are also featuring The Little Mermaid and Lion King. It should make for a fun night. If you are located in the Denver area you should take advantage of this awesome deal.

Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows
or receive $4 off weekend tickets by entering the
coupon code: MOM**

There is also a special Princess pre-show event available to all ticket holders. Arrive up to one hour early to tour the display of gorgeous gowns and meet a real princess! My daughter is so excited for this. We had so much fun at the last event that she cannot wait for this one.

Here is the schedule for those that may be interested:

Pepsi Center
(Purchase Tickets from
http://www.tickethorse.com/)
Dec. 4th: 7:30pm
Dec. 5th: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30am
Dec. 6th: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

The Denver Coliseum
(Purchase Tickets from
http://www.ticketmaster.com/)
Dec. 11th: 11:00am, 7:30pm
Dec. 12th: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Dec. 13th: 1:30pm, 5:30pm

Layoffs suck!

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Today seemed just like any other day. That is until I signed on Facebook only to see multiple posts from so many of my friends being laid off from my former employer. So many good people. It was so hard to watch it all unfold. It is so hard to wrap my brain around why. I understand that layoffs are a part of how things happen. I am no stranger to it as I managed to survive many. As I watched the people today I just did not get it this time. So many quality individuals and I was left feeling stunned and sad. All I can do is hope they all hold their heads high and land on their feet in a better position than they were before. *hugs* to you all

Time for a Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:47:00 +0000

For a very long time now I have been extremely frustrated with my weight and the way I look these days. A couple of times I have attempted to do something about it by either going on a diet or pretending to start an exercise program. It is hard and to be honest I was never really willing to put in the necessary effort. I have finally gotten to the point now where I am serious about this. If you are not truly motivated to do something you will never be successful. I have given this a lot of thought over the last week. I recognize my previous downfalls and wanted to make sure I was truly ready to give this another shot. It hurts my self esteem even more when I start something like this and fail at it. It makes getting started again that much more difficult. I get on a vicious cycle and finding the motivation seems almost impossible. I was not willing to start it this time unless I dug down deep and found that motivation to keep it going longer than a few days. I think I found it and I am willing to give it a shot. Tomorrow morning seemed like a good day to start. I will fire up my new 30 EA Active challenge. I have my meal plan set. Working now on purging the house of all the junk food. Going to hit the store tomorrow to bring home some healthy food options.

Anyone interested in partnering up with me? We could compare notes and try and keep each other on track. I will have weekly updates here and we will see how it all goes. Wish me luck!

Wordless Wednesday - Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:17:00 +0000

Cancer Sucks!

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:38:00 +0000

There really is no other way to put it. It is a devastating disease that has brought much pain and misery to so many people. Yesterday we lost a neighbor to liver cancer. She tried to fight it. She fought so hard to be a survivor. I know she is in a better place and her suffering is over now. Her family and friends are now struggling to move on. My heart goes out to them as they mourn their loss. They are all in my thoughts and prayers. She was always so friendly. She always greeted you with a smile no matter what was going on with her. I saw her one day when I was out and she asked me about my little one's first birthday. I was completely stunned that she would remember that when some of my own family had forgotten. She was a strong and remarkable person that will be missed tremendously. She is an angel now watching over her family.

Fisher Price Infant Toy Review

noreply@blogger.com (Giliena) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Thanks to the great people at MomSelect I have the opportunity to review two wonderful Fisher Price infant products. The first is the Laugh & Learn™ Fun With Friends™ Musical Table. The second is the Laugh & Learn™ Smart Bounce & Spin Pony™. When these toys arrived both of my girls were so excited. Both products were super easy to put together. I sat on the floor while both of my girls watched impatiently.

The Laugh & Learn™ Fun With Friends™ Musical Table was the first one ready. As soon as I snapped it all together my girls took it from me and played TOGETHER for such a long time. They had so much fun with it. My oldest is 3 and was actually taking an interest in it as well. I thought for sure she would be too old for it but she played with her younger sister like a champ. She was extremely interested in the Spanish setting and the ABCs and Counting. She kept relating it to what she was learning in preschool. She also liked helping her sister figure stuff out. There is definitely fun and learning. There is music, colors, counting, letters, english and spanish. It comes with a little telephone and pretend laptop. My little one is 18 months and loves the telephone. She keeps pretending to talk to everyone. There are songs they could sing along to and lights and music to dazzle them. It is so much fun to watch them play and I laugh at all the funny things they come up with. Both girls were fascinated with the music and singing along with the songs.

The Laugh & Learn™ Smart Bounce & Spin Pony™ is really quite awesome. My little one hopped on and immediately started bouncing away. She started spinning the little play wheel on the handle over and over. The music played and she giggled the whole time. All of this was before I had even gotten the chance to hook it up to the TV for the games. This toy comes with a box that hooks up to your TV. It includes interactive games for your kids to play. There are multiple levels depending on the age of your child. Both of my girls had a lot of fun with this. There is counting, ABCs, shapes, colors and so much more to entertain them while helping them learn. I was able to set this up and while the kids played and learned cool stuff I got some work done around the house. My 18 month old loved all the bouncing. She kept repeating everything she heard and she was calling out all the animals she saw.

If you are interested in any of these items you have an opportunity to download and print an in-store coupon that entitles you to $20 off a $100 purchase of Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn™ and/or Go Baby Go!™ Infant Toys. To download the coupon just head over to Fisher Price Coupon and register there. It is easy and simple. This offer will be ending soon so hurry so you do not miss out!