My Quest For Sanity

Elmers Magnificent Manicure review

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:49:00 +0000

No matter what age, every girl deserves to be pampered. When I received the Magnificent Manicure Kit by Elmers in the mail for review I was a bit hesitant because the age range is ages 8+ and Sophia is just going to be 4. The minute I started reading the product directions that hesitation was quickly put to rest and I was very excited to try it out with her! Sophia was just as excited to make her very own lotion and sea salt scrub!

What I loved the most about the kit was that in the instructions it includes a group of questions regarding the step you are taking in making your spa products, challenging the child to evaluate what they are doing on a different level. So not only is the child having a blast having their girly fun, they are learning chemistry as well! As some of you know, Sophia has sensory processing disorder and part of the discomfort for her is tactile aversion (The feel of everyday items can upset her immensely) so this was also a very therapeutic project for her as she had to feel some different textures that she wasn't used to!

If you have a little lady or tween that loves to be girly this is a great item! The Elmers Magnificent Manicure Kit just picked up Creative Child Magazine's 2009 Toy of the Year Award in the Educational Toys Category. The kit is available now at your local Toys "R" Us and Toysrus.com and retails at a low $19.99 Sophia and I definitely give this a two thumbs up and we cant wait to use it again!

*The above named product was recieved as a sample for review from Team Mom.

Exergen Temporal Scanner Review

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:14:00 +0000

I'll admit it, I am a worrying mommy. First sign of anything 'off' with Sophia and I automatically wonder "Is she getting sick?!" Being the worrying mommy that I am you can bet that I often reach for the thermometer to check for fevers. Trust me checking the temperature on a 3 year old is no easy task. Until now.

Honestly this review couldn't have come at a better time. The day before I received the Exergen temporal scanner I was diagnosed with H1N1 and 3 days after I was diagnosed my poor sweet Sophia caught it. Now, I would never wish to be as ill as we were but having this God sent product on hand made it a little easier. Like I said before, checking the temperature on a finicky 3 year old is one heck of a job but add in a nasty flu and it is just THAT much harder.

With the Exergen Temporal Scanner there are no battles of keeping the thermometer under the arm or under the tongue. With just one quick and easy swipe of the Temporal Scanner across the forehead you are given quick and accurate results. In fact, I was quite impressed with the consistent and accurate readings from it. There are several comparable products on the market today but I urge you all to go straight for this product. It is definitely a must have and is sure to make those nasty seasonal colds and flu's easier to handle.

The Exergen Temporal Scanner can be purchased at Walmart, Walgreens and Babies-r-us (for a full list of retailers please visit here) and runs about $30. Go and pick yours up today.

*The above named product was recieved as a sample for review from Parent Reviewers.

Winner of the Reli On Temple Touch thermometer.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Winner was selected using random.org and the winner is Comment #19

Thursday, October 8, 2009 4:36:00 PM CDT
barbara.montyj said... 19
daily tweet http://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/4735718789

Congratulations! Please Email me your shipping information to heatherstl90 AT Gmail DOT com.

thanks to everyone who entered!

Wordless Wednesday- Kissy Fishy

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Swine flu, pneumonia and insomnia OH MY

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Damn. That is about all Ive got to say about the past 3ish weeks of my life. FIRST I like all of a sudden get sick as all hell and go to the ER on a Wednesday only to find out I swabbed positive for H1N1 and chest Xray was positive for pneumonia. WOOT. Then Thursday little bit started feeling yucky so I took her in (sporting my sexy as hell cootie mask I was required to wear) and SHE swabs positive for H1N1. Fuck me. Soo we spend all of Thursday and Friday feeling like death with fevers no lower than 102 and feeling as if I was run over by a train. Come Saturday my breathing was so bad that I decided to drive MYSELF back to the hospital and hope that they would give me a nebulizer or SOMETHING but instead the ass cracks decided to admit me. I was there through Tuesday. Long story short, Sophia is fever free and feeling great. I am fever free and just trying to get rid of the end of this cough but other than that feeling MUCH better. Damn you to hell swine flu.

SO other than coming down with the worst case of the flu like EVER I have had quite an eventful month. The divorce as you all know is final, thank the good Lord! Although that psycho POS still thinks I am like his BFF or whatever, but...yeah not so much. Suck a fat one buddy I'm pretty much just over your BS.

That pretty much sums up the extent of this past few weeks of my life. Don't be jealous you know you wish it was all you am I right? HA.

Until next time my loves.
xoxo

For better or for worse. But really just for worse.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:31:00 +0000

Dear Mother Fucker:

Where do I even begin? On September 25,2005 I vowed to you before God and all of my family to love and to cherish you. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health. I have a strong faith in God and I was raised with the moral that divorce is not the answer. Maybe that is why I have spent the last 4 years of my life in complete and utter misery.

While our precious angel was going through extensive health problems and hospitalized on a regular basis I was unable to work. But while I was unable to work I spent countless nights sleeping in chairs in hospital rooms. Worrying myself sick about my child, OUR child. And what were you doing during those times while I was in the hospital? Or what about those times I was waking up at 3am and rushing to the emergency room deathly afraid for our daughters health? Sure you worked. You brought in a paycheck. But what the fuck exactly did you do with that paycheck? Why were we always behind on our bills. Why was I always calling ad begging bill collectors and utility companies to work with us? Because you were a drug addict. Because you constantly lies to me about the money that was made and you spent a minimum of $200 a week on marijuana. And aside from working you smoked pot and sat on your fucking ass. Sad as it is to say you never one time changed a diaper until we separated on December 27,2008. Sophia was almost 3 at that time.

How many times did I come to you in tears, begging you to go to the park with her and I. Or maybe out to dinner. Even a simple walk around the block. You never obliged. You were to God damned busy smoking your life away to worry about your family. You were to damn busy degrading me for not working. When I couldn't work BC I was our daughters sole medical guarantor and had to be there for her therapies 5 days a week. The constant doctors appointments. The MRIs. The EEGs. I was the one crying in the hospital as those doctors had to hold my precious angel down to draw blood or insert IVs. All the while you sat at home with your son of a bitch friends and got high.

And then I woke up one day and I realized I refused to live that life anymore. I refused to let you make me feel like a failure. I refused to let you put drugs before your family. And on December 27,2008 I told you to leave. And that time I meant it.

I filed for divorce. And from December to March you stopped smoking. I know you did BC I could look at you and tell there was a major change in your complete being.

On March 1,2009 I allowed you to move back in. Things were great. I whole heartedly believed that our marriage stood a chance. But on March 12th I caught you in a big lie and it was then that I realized that even though you were sober, you were still a compulsive liar and manipulator. And out the door you went.

I have spent the past 6 fucking months being badgered by you. Degraded. Called every fucking name in the book. Ive been told I don't give a fuck about my family and that I am doing nothing but ruining my daughters life by divorcing you. You have been able to send me to the deepest depths of depression and made me so mother fucking angry in these months that there is no forgiveness in me for you right now.

I have strong suspicions you are doing drugs again and that is not something my daughter deserves. You have stepped up your game as her father these past months but you have also told her, a three year old innocent child, hateful degrading things about her mommy. Her mommy who has ALWAYS been there for her. HOW DARE YOU try and make her think I am hurting her by divorcing her father. I am protecting my child from a situation that was so unhealthy for her and I to be in. To see us constantly fighting and arguing. To never have had spent any quality time with her daddy until mommy finally told him to leave.

Up until today I have let you hurt me and manipulate me and I am finally able to honestly say I am done. I want nothing to fucking do with you. I have asked you not to contact me unless it directly regards our daughter.

It is early Monday morning and I will be in court at 9am on Tuesday morning for our divorce hearing and I will finally be set free. I am no longer your door mat. I am no longer your puppet. I am my own person and I now live for me and for my daughter.

I hope you live with the guilt of the family that you tore apart for a long long time BC neither her nor I deserved the 4 years of hell that we endured.

Reli On temple touch thermometer. A review and a giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:29:00 +0000

The time has come for those nasty seasonal colds and flu bugs. I can personally attest to this as my entire household has passed around a nasty respiratory virus and stomach flu! Though I hate being sick and I hate my angel daughter being sick even moreso the chance at this review could not have come at a better time. Before I share my thoughts on the ReliOn Temple Touch Thermometer here is a little about the product from the ReliOn website :

Taking your child’s temperature is now easy and convenient with the ReliOn Temple Touch thermometer. Simply touch the thermometer to your child’s temple area and get a clinically accurate result in 6 seconds. Totally non invasive and gentle, it can be used even while your child is asleep.

The ReliOn Temple Thermometer utilizes R.A.T.E. Technology that measures the heat radiating from the body and produces a clinically accurate measurement of the core body temperature. Unlike other forehead-type thermometers, the ReliOn Temple Touch Thermometer is unaffected by local ambient conditions, resulting in more accurate readings

I was able to use this thermometer several times on myself and on my 3 year old daughter. When I received the product I was eager to try it and was annoying the heck out of everyone around me just randomly placing this device to their temples before anyone was even sick. I quickly realized how easy it was to use. All you do is place the thermometer to the childs temple and VOILA!

When my daughter came down with the flu bug being passed around this came in handy as she was running a constant fever and sleeping tons bc of not feeling well. Although the product is quick and easy I came to realize that the readings on the thermometer varied quite a bit with each use. I was getting readings that differed as much as 2 degrees when I was using it. I quickly realized that you must be VERY precise on the location you are taking the temperature and be sure you are following the directions to a T.

In the long run I think that for the price this product is a great buy and can be very helpful when used correctly. You can purchase the ReliOn temple thermometer at your local Walmart or SamsClub.

I do have one temple touch thermometer to giveaway to one lucky reader!
This contest will run through October 10th and the winner will be announced on October 11th.
TO ENTER THIS CONTEST:
*Please post all entries in a seperate comment*
1) Blog about this giveaway. Post a comment here with a link to your post.
2) Follow me on twitter, Use the icon on the right sidebar to do so ;) Post a comment leaving me your twitter username.
3) You may gain one entry daily by tweeting this message

Enter to win a Reli On temple touch thermometer from @heatherstl90 http://bit.ly/XuY00

4)Digg this post.
5)Stumble this post.

Best of luck!

GE strong as steel sweepstakes

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:12:00 +0000

Just a quick post to remind all you lovelies about the completely awesome GE sweeps happening on my blog right now! Remember that you can VOTE ONCE EVERY DAY with a simple click of the widget HERE Want a little look at just what you are entering to win? One of these five beauties!!!
GE free standing gas range

GE Free standing electrical range

GE over the range microwave oven

GE energy star side by side refrigerator

GE built in dishwasher

now how can you not pass up to the opportunity to win one of THOSE!? Now Im sure you are asking yourself, "If I win what will I do with my current appliance!?" Consider donating your used appliance to one of these national charities.

The Salvation Army: With thrift stores located throughout North America, The Salvation Army can schedule a pickup from the thrift store nearest you. Check with your local Salvation Army office to see if they accept appliance donations in your area. Learn more at www.salvationarmyusa.org

St. Vincent de Paul: St Vincent de Paul is a national organization with thrift stores throughout the country. Contact your local chapter to arrange for a pick-up or drop-off. The number will be listed in the Social Service Organizations section of your local yellow pages. Learn more at www.svdpusa.org

American Council of the Blind: American Council of the Blind has thrift stores in a number of major metropolitan areas. You can call them at 1-800-866-3242 or visit www.acb.org

Habitat for Humanity: Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. For more information, call 1-800-HABITAT or visit www.habitat.org

Best of luck to you all and don't forget entries are accepted daily through November 15th!!! Tell your friends!

Enter HERE to win one of FIVE GE appliances!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:59:00 +0000

A few months back I posted about the super awesome GE workout campaign "Strong as Steel" If you don't remember then scroll down and check it out!

Well GE was so thrilled with the AWESOME response they got from YOU, The blog readers, that they have launched a FUN FUN FUN sweepstakes that will give YOU the reader a chance to win one of five awesome GE appliances. Yes you heard me right. But wait, that's not THE best part! You are able to return HERE and enter this contest once DAILY. Which in turn totally ups the odds for you! I will be placing a video entry widget at the top of this post which will make it easily accessible for you to come enter this freaking awesome sweepstakes EVERYDAY through 11/15/09 at 11:59:59pm ET.Entry is so super easy, just the click of a button!
I will also list the terms and conditions of this sweepstakes below, please read them carefully. Good luck to you all and remember to come back daily and enter to win! The more you enter the better chance you have of winning!

GENERAL ELECTRIC
GE® STEEL BLOG SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES #2
OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES OR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 18 YEARS OLD AS OF TIME OF ENTRY

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY
A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING

1. HOW TO ENTER: GE® Steel Blog Sweepstakes (" Sweepstakes") starts 8/24/09 at 12:00: A.M., Eastern Time ("ET") and ends 11/15/09 at 11:59:59 P.M., ET. (“Sweepstakes Period”). To enter: go to www.myquestforsanity.blogspot.com and provide the information requested on the registration page, including your name, date of birth and valid email address, and you will be automatically entered into the Sweepstakes. After your initial registration, you can return and enter the Sweepstakes once each day during the Sweepstakes Period by returning to the My Quest For Sanity and entering your information. One entry per person per calendar day regardless of email address and blogsite address used. A calendar day shall be defined as starting at 12:00 A.M., ET and ending at 11:59:59 P.M., ET of that calendar day.

2.RANDOM DRAWINGS & ODDS OF WINNING: Approximately one hundred (100) different blogsites will be participating in this Sweepstakes, although the exact number of participating blogsites is not currently known. On or about 11/19/09, Mercury Promotions & Fulfillment ("Mercury"), an independent judging agency, will select the names of the one (1) potential Grand Prize Winner (“Potential Grand Prize Winner”) in a random drawing from among all the eligible entries submitted and received from all of the participating blogsites during the Sweepstakes Period by General Electric Company (“Sponsor”), and s/he will be notified by e-mail on or about 11/20/09. Additionally, the author of the participating blogsite at which the potential Grand Prize submitted his/her entry will be deemed to be the potential “Blogsite Author Winner.” Mercury's decisions shall be final in all matters pertaining to this Sweepstakes. Odds of winning the Grand Prize Sweepstakes depend on the number of eligible entries received from all participating blogsites during the Sweepstakes Period.

3.PRIZE AND APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (“ARV”): Both the Grand Prize Winner and the Blogsite Author Winner will each receive his/her choice of one (1) of the following appliances: Either: (A) a GE® Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher. Model # GLD6760NSS, ARV $649: (B) GE® 25.0 Cu. Ft. ENERGY STAR® Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser, Model # GSH25ISX, ARV $1,499; (C) a
GE® Spacemaker® Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, Model # JVM1850SMSS, ARV $489; (D) a GE® 30” Free-Standing Electric Range. Model #JB700SN, ARV $1,099; or (E) a, GE® 30” Free-Standing Gas Range with Warming Drawer. Model # JGBP88SEMSS ARV $1,449. NOTE: Sponsor will only deliver the Prize to a winner's legal residence within the forty-eight (48) contiguous United States or the District of Columbia that is within a GE delivery area. If the potential Grand Prize Winner or potential Blogsite Author Winner resides in an area that is not within the GE delivery area, they must agree to accept delivery at the location within the GE delivery area that is closest to their respective residence and to be solely responsible for delivery from that location to winner's residence. Installation of an appliance and removal of the appliance being replaced is the sole responsibility of the respective Winner. Regardless of the Prize won, all costs and expenses not specifically included above are solely the respective Winner's responsibility, including all federal, state and local sales and use taxes, etc. Total Approximate Value of all Prizes: $978-$2,998.00. IMPORTANT: Regardless of the Prize, no Prize is redeemable for cash; nor is it transferable or substitutable except that Sponsor may, at its sole discretion, substitute a Prize or any component thereof with one of equal or greater value. If the ARV of respective Prize selected by the potential Grand Prize Winner and the potential Blogsite Author Winner exceeds Six Hundred Dollars ($600), s/he will each be required to sign and return within ten (10) days of notification or attempted notification of being a potential winner, an Affidavit of Eligibility/Compliance (including Social Security Number as required for tax reporting purposes) & Publicity/Liability Release (where permitted by law), or an alternate potential winner(s) will be selected. Additionally, s/he will each receive a Form 1099 in the amount of the actual value of the Prize, as required by law. Limit: One Prize per person or household regardless of email address or blogsite address used.

4.ELIGIBILITY: The Sweepstakes is open only to persons who are legal residents of, and living within, the 48 contiguous United States and District of Columbia, 18 years or older, as of the date of entry except officers, directors, and employees (and members of their household and of their immediate families, i.e., parents, children, stepchildren, spouse, siblings and persons residing in the same household of such immediate family members) of Sponsor, its subsidiaries, affiliates, sales representatives, distributors, advertising/promotion/web design agencies including Mercury Promotions & Fulfillment, and/or their affiliates, assigns or representatives; (herein after referred to collectively as “Sponsor & Others”), the household members of blogsite authors and members of their household and of their immediate families, i.e., parents, children, stepchildren, spouse, siblings and persons residing in the same household of such immediate family members, and all other persons or entities associated with the development, administration, promotion, execution of, or supply to this Sweepstakes.

5.RELEASE: By acceptance of a Prize, Winners release the officers, directors and employees of Sponsor, Mercury, and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, dealers, distributors, suppliers, advertising and promotion agencies, and all other individuals or entities involved in the creation, administration, or fulfillment of this Sweepstakes (all of the former collectively referred to as "Sponsor & Others"), from and against any and all liability and claims or causes of action, including , but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property with respect to all aspects of this Sweepstakes, including those arising out of participation in this Sweepstakes, any Prize related activity whether sponsored by Sponsor or third parties, or the acceptance or possession or use/misuse of the Prize or any component of the Prize.

6. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY/INTERNET: Sponsor & Others are not responsible for interrupted or unavailable network server or other connections, miscommunications, failed telephone or computer transmissions or jumbled, scrambled or misdirected entries or transmissions, or for phone, electrical, network, computer hardware or software or program malfunctions, failures or difficulties or for other errors, omissions, interruptions, or deletions of any kind whether human, mechanical, typographical or electronic or for any damage to any person’s computer related to participating in the Sweepstakes. Sponsor & Others are not responsible for illegible, unintelligible, late, lost or stolen entries or incorrect or inaccurate entry information, whether caused by Internet users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes or by any technical or human errors which may occur in the processing of any entries in this Sweepstakes. Any entrant who attempts to play with multiple email addresses, under multiple identities or uses any other device or artifice to play multiple times or to interfere with the proper play of this Sweepstakes will be disqualified from participation in the Sweepstakes. Persons found tampering with, abusing any aspect of this Sweepstakes,or behaving in an unsportsmanlike manner, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and may be subject to prosecution. If in the judgment of Sponsor, the Sweepstakes is compromised by viruses, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes beyond the control of Sponsor, which corrupt the administration, security, fairness or proper play of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion to discontinue, modify, suspend or terminate the Sweepstakes and proceed in a manner it deems fair and reasonable, including the selection of winners from among eligible entries received prior to such discontinuation, modification, suspension or termination. Any personally identifiable information collected during an entrant's participation in this Sweepstakes will be collected by Sponsor or its agent and used by Sponsor and its agents solely for purposes of the proper administration and fulfillment of the Sweepstakes as described in these Official Rules or as stated in Sponsor's Privacy Policy at http://www.geappliances.com/privacy/privacy_policy.htm. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a potential winner based on an email address or a blogsite address, the winning entry will be deemed to have been made by the Authorized Account Holder of the email address or blogsite address submitted at time of entry. "Authorized Account Holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address or blogsite address by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email or blogsite addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email or blogsite address. SPONSOR & OTHERS MAKE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT AS REGARDS ANY PRIZE OR ANY COMPONENT OF THE ANY PRIZE. AS SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS OF EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, YOU WOULD HAVE TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS TO LEARN IF ANY OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

7. DISPUTES: Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. All disputes arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes will be resolved individually, and without resort to class action, exclusively by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Southern Division) of the appropriate Michigan State Court located in Macomb County, Michigan. Should there be a conflict between the laws of the State of Michigan and any other laws, the conflict will be resolved in favor of the laws of the State of Michigan. All judgments or awards shall be limited to actual incurred out-of-pocket expenses (excluding attorneys' fees) associated with participation in this Sweepstakes and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.

8. General: By participating in the Sweepstakes, all entrants and blogsite authors agree to abide by these Official Rules throughout the Sweepstakes Period and the decisions of Mercury, which are final and binding in all matters and all respects relating to this Sweepstakes. This Sweepstakes is void in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and wherever else prohibited by law. Acceptance of a Prize constitutes the winner's consent to the use of his/her name, biographical information, photograph, and/or likeness for advertising and publicity purposes as determined by Sponsor without further compensation, except where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. All entries and/or materials submitted become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Sponsor & Others are not responsible for any lost, late, undelivered, misdelivered or postage due mail.

9. WINNERS LIST: For the name of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope, postmarked by 11/29/09 to: Winners List, GE Steel Blog Sweepstakes, 35610 Mound Road, Dept. 900, Sterling Heights, MI 48310-4725.

SPONSOR: General Electric Company, 307 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222.
The GE Steel Blog Sweepstakes Official Rules may not be reprinted or republished in whole or in part without the prior written permission of General Electric Company.

Copyright 2009 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

So I still haven't saved the world. Yet.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Anyone who has followed my blog for any significant amount of time is aware of the fact that I separated from my husband in December of last year. Well before I got in to the whole schpeel let me give you a quick timeline of the last 9 months of my life mmmk?

December 27,2008-Bill(husband) and I separate.

December 31,2008-First date with Donnie(boyfriend)

January 5,2009-Tell Donnie I still love my husband and I want him back. Bill moves back in.

January 7,2009- WHOA what the fuck was I thinking, I cant be married to this man. Bill moves out. Back together with Donnie

February 28,2009- Donnie and I just aren't working out. Still love my husband, going to give it one more shot.

March 13,2009- Marriage fails once again and Bill moves back out. Back with Donnie.

March 27,2009- Move in to a cozy little home in the city with Donnie and our children.

March-August- Aside from here and there arguments things are seemingly well for Donnie and I.

And that takes us to the present, HOLY SHIT. Wait, are you still here. Take a xanax, It may help with the overwhelming urge you are getting to call the Jerry Springer show right now. ANYWAY, Donnie and I have decided to separate. we are still TOGETHER but we are living separately for right now. We both have some things that we need to work on but we need to work on those things alone, that way when we do eventually move back in together things are far less hectic.

So,yes, now I am living in my parents home that they so graciously opened to Sophia and I and I am thankful to them for that. And lucky YOU, I will be writing SO much more now that I have a WORKING computer. You're jumping for joy, like literally, right now aren't you? Right on.

Oh, and PS. My divorce is final on September 22nd. I expect bottles of Jack Daniels and xanax to arrive at my door as celebratory gifts. Mmmk Thanks.

She is back

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:24:00 +0000

OK but for real this time. Yeah yeah yeah I know, Ive said that before. I cant even begin to tell y'all how this year has been. INSANE.. But I made some MAJOR changes in my life, for the better, and through those changes I will be able to get back to my true passion, BLOGGING! But Its 2:25am here in St Louis right now SO I will be back tomorrow with a super fun update on where the fuck I have been all these months. Make sure you bring the coffee BC you will need it! Until then lovies!

"The Good Wife"- A new must see CBS drama series

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:04:00 +0000

On September 22 CBS will air a new drama called "The Good Wife" starring Julianna Margulies and Chris Noth. Margulies plays a wife and mother who must assume full responsibility for her family and re-enter the workforce after her husband's very public sex scandal and political corruption lands him in jail.

Here is the official press release for "The Good Wife"
THE GOOD WIFE is a drama starring Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies as a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband's very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and crushing public humiliation caused by her husband Peter (Chris Noth), Alicia Florrick (Margulies) starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney. As a junior associate at a prestigious Chicago law firm, she joins her longtime friend, former law school classmate and firm partner Will Gardner (Josh Charles), who is interested to see how Alicia will perform after 13 years out of the courtroom. Alicia is grateful the firm's top litigator, Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), offers to mentor her but discovers the offer has conditions and realizes she's going to need to succeed on her own merit. Alicia's main competition among the firm's 20-something new recruits is Cary (Matt Czuchry), a recent Harvard grad who is affable on the surface, but will use any means to ensure that he, not Alicia, secures the one full-time associate position that's available. Fortunately, Alicia finds an ally in Kalinda (Archie Panjabi), the firm's tough in-house investigator. Gaining confidence every day, Alicia transforms herself from embarrassed politician's scorned wife to resilient career woman, especially for the sake of providing a stable home for her children, 14-year-old Zach (Graham Phillips) and 13-year-old Grace (Makenzie Vega). For the first time in years, Alicia trades in her identity as the "good wife" and takes charge of her own destiny. Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, Robert King, Michelle King, Dee Johnson and David Zucker are the executive producers for CBS Television Studios.

This show seems as a MUST SEE for me as I am a newly single mother I have grown such a respect for women who form their lives around their family and strive to do all it takes to provide for them and keep them safe. So get your remotes and set your TV reminders and your DVRs for this one, you aren't going to want to miss it!

Here is a behind the scenes look at "The Good Wife" ENJOY!

*Remember: "The Good Wife" premieres on Thursday, September 22nd on CBS! Check your local stations for show times

Look hot this summer- All with a little help from your....Kitchen???

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:55:00 +0000

Now I know what you're thinking, "How can my KITCHEN make me look hot???" After all isn't the kitchen where all of our caloric intake and sugary sweet treats are?

GE is proud to announce their newest line of high quality, ultra affordable stainless steel appliances. And to help promote these beauts, GE has teamed up with 'The Biggest Losers' Allison Sweeney you can get that sizzling summer body using just your everyday household appliances! Below you will find GE's new amusing workout, "Strong as Steel" Sit back and enjoy this video. Take notes as I'm sure you'll be apt to give it a whirl!

Super fun right? Who would have thought that simple everyday items could get you that bikini body you've been talking about since January? So get your booty to the kitchen and turn up the heat!

Lee.com unveils its amazing new site!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:09:00 +0000

According to a recent Lee.com poll, 71% of consumers find it difficult to find a good-fitting jean, an experience complicated when the shopping takes place online. In fact, 35% say they don’t shop online at all because it’s too difficult to replicate the online experience of seeing and touching their jeans in the store.

I know that I personally LOATHE shopping. Shopping in the store is bad enough bc I have a hard time finding clothes that fit me correctly, pants particularly, but when it comese to online shopping I all but avoid it. Until now!

Lee.com has unveiled their new website! And one of the new features on the site is the most advanced 'fit finder tool' on the web! This tool helps you find the perfect fit in pants for your specific shape and taste. I was quite impressed when I tried the fit finder and the styles it showed me were styles I could definitely see myself wearing! Im no longer weary of ordering pants online! Well, from Lee.com that is! I urge you to go check it out! And while your there check out these other amazing features that the new Lee site has to offer:

-An easy-to-use product filtering system that helps customers narrow products to your best fit based on style, price and your unique body shape.

-New photography to give customers a closer look at the products they are most interested in – just like in the store!

-Single-page checkout so customers don’t have to go back and forth to process their orders.

-Ability to compare different products that meet the customer’s selection criteria.

-Consumer reviews about Lee’s products and the opportunity to upload their photos in Lee products.

REVIEW: Kiss My Face kids products

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:36:00 +0000

With National Endangered Species Day (May 15th) having just passed I felt that this would be a great review to post! Kiss my face is a great company that uses natural ingredients to create products that won’t harm the earth, or your skin! They also have a line just for kiddos which I found awesome! The kids’ collection packaging highlights various endangered species and provides facts and tidbits on each animal. Inside, parents will find products free of artificial colors, fragrances, parabens and SLS, and boasting natural ingredients such as Organic Green Tea Extract to protect against sun damage, Nettle Extract to stimulate hair growth and improve the condition of the scalp and Tea Tree Oil to kill germs

Kiss My face has recently launched a kids only site! Here, kids and parents can learn about endangered species and have fun with some great kid-friendly activities including a coloring page, videos and games! Kiss My Face launched the site to celebrate the launch of its collection for kids. With endangered species friends like Terell the Tiger and Preston the Penguin appearing on every package, kiddos are sure to have a blast getting clean with these fun products!

We received the entire line to review! Sophie was absolutely ecstatic when she saw the whale shaped soap! What I loved about all of these products is that they smelled AMAZING. The scents are Orange U Smart and Berry Smart. Both scents are fantastic. I also REALLY liked how clean the products washed off. Like the shampoo left her hair squeaky clean, same as the soap and the handsoap! The only thing I was surprised by is that the items are not tear free. Which not many bath items are, right? That was just a mommy mistake that only happened once.

Overall I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review these amazing products and Sophia and I give all of the products 2 thumbs way up!

I definitely recommend heading over to the Kiss My Face Website and checking out all of the great products they offer and have a little fun while your there!

LEE Jeans ® Colorwash Capris- A review and a giveaway -10 Winners!-GIVEAWAY POSTPONED DUE TO INVENTORY SHORTAGE

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 21 May 2009 01:54:00 +0000

I was recently approached by a representitive from LEE Jeans ® and asked to be one of twenty-five "Lee Blogger Ambassadors". My first opportunity as a Lee Blogger Ambassador was to review a pair of their new "colorwash capris".

When I received the capris in the mail I was ecstatic. Not only was the color amazing ( I received the Strawberry!) but the over all appearance and style of the capris suit my taste to a T!

My favorite characteristic of the colorwash capris was the lightweight material. I live in Missouri, where summer heat is miserable. I know that these pants will keep me cool and comfortable. I also loved the cut of them. There is a slight flare at the bottom that adds shape and flow to them. And can I just say that I have a FLAT butt. Im talking FLAT. I was pleasantly surprised when I put these on and had a little OOMPH in my backside.

Overall I was very happy with the capris that I received and I urge you all to check out the NEW LEE.COM and see what other fun styles they have to offer. From the kiddos to mom and dad, Lee is sure to have something suitable for all.

Do you want a chance to win a pair of your own??? Lee has generously offered TEN readers a pair of their own Colorwash Capris! Heres how you can win:

-First you must visit the NEW Lee.Com and take a look around at their fantastic collection. Post a comment here telling me what your favorite style is.

You can earn additional entries!

-Tweet this contest- One entry
-Blog about this contest- One entry

*Please post each additonal entry in a separate comment.

THIS CONTEST HAS BEEN PUT ON HOLD. DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THE COLORWASH CAPRIS THERE LEE HAS INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF THE PRODUCT. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVIENENCE

wooooweeeee what a year so far.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Ok, so first of all let me say that I am freaking THRILLED to be sitting here posting this! I have missed blogging with a passion and I am happy to say I finally have WI-FI in my home.

Now, for the updates (you might want to pack a lunch and take a seat bc there are about a bazillion of them!) First and foremost. Yes, my husband and I are still separated and I have one speedy divorce lawyer so in about,eh, a month (give or take a week) I shall be ~~free of that son of a bitch~~ divorced. Break out the champagne and the party hats folks, Its finally a reality! OK so anyways...

Hmm...Me, so much going on with me. Shortly after Bill and I separated I began dating Donnie. I met him through a company that I was a customer of. Aside from a few bumps in the road we are still going stronger than ever and we live together with his two children and Sophie in St Louis City. We have a gorgeous little place that we can call our own. Right now I am honestly happier than I have been in as long as I can literally remember. Oh! Ive also lost 43 lbs. WOOT! I can finally say it, I have a hot ass! Ha!

Oh my gosh, I feel like there is so much to catch up on that I cant even think straight and I know I am leaving soooo sooo much out.

Lets see... Sophie. Sophie is doing absolutely amazing! She is making strides that I never saw coming 6 months ago. Aside from severe hypotonia and a double internal tibial torsion she has completely caught up developmentally and continues to amaze me every single day.

Now obviously I couldnt come back without a plethora of pictures right?

Me,Because you know you missed my smiling face.

Donnie and I

Sophie

Donnie, Ceira and Devin

we're beautiful right? haha

So thats that. Im back and Im freaking thrilled about it. Today is my "Awww yay Im back" day. Tommorow is a new day. Lots of reviews to post and more to come! Stay tuned!!!

Here is my current situation on being a Mia blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:57:00 +0000

So. My husband and I separated and getting a divorce and in him leaving he took my computer.
I hopefully will have a laptop sometime this week and will catch up.
There are 3 more contests I have to get up and lots of winners to pull!
To all the winners of the contests please be patient with me as I get your prizes shipped out. Thanks!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Mom Agenda- A review

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:56:00 +0000

Sophia and I are busy girls. Especially now that I am working 40+ hours a week. I constantly have so much going on that I am surprised that my head is not spinning around. I rely on complete organization to keep my days chaos free.

I recently heard about the site Mom Agenda. Mom Agenda makes these amazingly convienent day planners that have special features that your everyday *normal* agenda would have.
Here are just SOME of the features that these planners have:

·Unique day-on-a-page format with space for mom and up to four children. Features monthly views too.
·13-month academic calendar runs from August 2008 through August 2009.
·Features the momEssentials address book that can be removed and reused from year to year.
· favorite websites section
·space for notes on books, movies, fashion, and music, vacation and party planning pages, and more.
·The momEssentials pamphlet comes with space not just for addresses, but also for adults' and kids' medical information, birthdays, websites and passwords, and more.

Mom Agenda was generous enough to send me one of their mini daily planners for review and I was impressed to say the least. Actually, I loved it before I even opened it. I loved that it was GIRLY!I received the daily mini in LIME it wasnt your average brown/black that some day planners come in. I really like that the cover is STAIN RESISTANT and any mom knows that spills and stains happen. Its nice to know that stains WONT happen on my new Mom Agenda planner! There are also 2 silk ribbons attached that act as page markers, its awesome to not have to flip through to find the current week or day. I loved the area to write in your childrens activities and appointments. With Sophies schedule consisting of 5 therapies in 5 days with Dr appointments added in,Its nice to have those appointments in their own category.

I definitely recommend Mom Agenda to any mom that needs some organization in her life. Mom Agenda has been featured in magazines like Parents and Family Circle and with celebrity fans like Rachel Zoe and Felicty Huffman Mom Agenda definitely gets several mom thumbs up!

You can order your Mom Agenda online here or you can go here and search for a store in your state that carries Mom Agenda.

Winner of Label Daddy

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:36:00 +0000

Winner is # 8

Lots of blog party winners!!! Blinc,Dapper Snappers,See Kai Run and Baby Emi!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:03:00 +0000

Winner of the Blinc Kiss Me Mascara: #90

Winner of the Dapper Snapper: #3

Winner of See Kai Run: #47

Winners of Baby Emi: #63 and #4

Congrats Everyone!!!

Jingle Bell Blog Party Day #19-Milestone Parenting

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:54:00 +0000

As the mother of an autistic child, A firm daily routine is a necessity for us. Sophia thrives on daily routine. With a routine, her tantrums are lessened and she sleeps much better at night!

Here is a little bit about the importance of teaching your daily routine from the milestone parenting website:

What is a routine? A routine is any activity that we do automatically on a daily basis.

When children grow up without routines, duties and limits, they grow up in an uncontrolled manner and become difficult to manage.

Our biggest responsibility as parents is to provide a structured and nurturing environment in which our children can become prepared for life as an adult. It is critical that we stimulate our children's minds, social skills, emotions and bodies. Routines play an integral part in this stimulation, ensuring that children understand and embrace their duties and receive the nurturing and care that is so important to them.

According to the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning,
Studies have documented that schedules and routines influence children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. Predictable and consistent schedules in preschool classrooms help children feel secure and comfortable. Also, schedules and routines help children understand the expectations of the environment and reduce the frequency of behavior problems, such as tantrums and acts of aggression.

Consistent routines are an effective tool that parents can use to prepare their children for life, and to accomplish the stimulation and teaching that is so important to their development.

Our It's Time To... Bedtime and Daily Routines make it easy for parents, teachers, educators and caregivers to introduce routines to their children. Read more about our Routine Kits to find out which one is right for you...

I am so excited to have had the opportunity to review the Daily Routine Kit from Milestone Parenting. I have tried several different methods of implementing a routine schedule in to the day and it has always been an eventually failed struggle. But so far, after just over 4 weeks of use, the Daily Routine Kit from Milestone parenting is still a hit in our house!

This durable and reusable chart features KC the fox, A fun companion to guide your child through his or her daily happenings. With 21 removable action cards this makes the day go by smoother. From teeth brushing to nap time, Sophie is always aware of what is coming up in her day! Another feature I really like was that the chart came with a wipe off marker and each card had picture of an analog clock and slots to write the time, helping your child learn time at the same time they are learning structure! Sophie just loves being able to take the cloth and wipe the time mark off of each clock after that portion of her day is complete. The daily routine chart has made simple things like getting dressed more fun to look forward to. Milestone Parenting also has a bedtime routine chart making your child's bedtime a breeze! For more information on the importance of a daily routine and to order your chart today, visit Milestone Parenting!

The only suggestion I have for the product is to add laminating to the chart and to the cards. I am afraid that sticking and unsticking them is going to kill the static cling. Overall I give the product 2 thumbs up!

I have one daily routine chart to giveaway. To enter, post a comment telling me what the current daily struggle is with your child(IE bath time,bedtime)

Additional entries:
·twitter this post
·stumble this post
·favorite me on technorati
·blog about this post linking back to both my blog and Milestone parenting.

This contest will end on December 31st. Winner will be announced on January 1st.

Jingle Bell Blog Party Day #18-Eyescream Shades.Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:35:00 +0000

Everyone needs a good pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses are not only a fashion statement or something worn to deflect the suns brightness but they actually protect our eyes from the suns damaging UV rays.

Just how harmful are the suns rays?
Sunlight is the primary source of UV radiation that can damage tissues of the eye. Results from dozens of studies suggest that spending long hours in the sun without eye protection increases the chances of developing eye diseases, including cataracts. The 1998 Journal of the American Medical Association reported that even low amounts of sunlight can increase the risk of developing eye disorders.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has cautioned that excess exposure to UV radiation may increase the incidence of cataracts. Cataracts are a form of eye damage that causes the loss of transparency in the lens, clouding vision. Everyone is at risk for developing cataracts. Another potential effect of UV radiation is a "burning" of the eye surface, called "snow blindness" or photokeratitis from sunlight. The effects usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life. UVB damage to the eyes is also cumulative, so it is never too late for people to start protecting their eyes.

I received a pair of children's sunglasses from Eyescream shades for review. not only are these dark tinted glasses a total fashion statement and great protection from the bright sun but they also offer total eye protection for kids.All of eyescream shades have polycarbonate lenses that block virtually 100% UVA,UVB, and UVC rays! Giving your little ones eyes total protection from the harmful sun. We received the strawberry ice and Sophie LOVES them. She totally rocks those shades!

See the attitude behind this picture? Yes, my child is paparazzi unfriendly lately LOL!

I have two pairs of these awesome shades to giveaway! On pair in Choco-raspberry and one in Strawberry Ice

Want to snag one of these pairs for your kiddo? Heres how you can win!

First post a comment telling me which pair you would choose if you won.

YOU CAN HAVE UNLIMITED ENTRIES!
·Receive one entry for every sun safety tip,fact or statistic that you post here.

Additional Entries:

-Twitter this post
-blog about this post linking back to both my blog and Eyescream Shades.
-Carry my banner
-Add me to your live blogroll
-Favorite me on technorati using the button on the right sidebar.

This contest will run through December 29th. Winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on December 30th

Jingle Bell Blog Party Day #17-Cutie and Patootie.Review and Giveaway-closed

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:32:00 +0000

I think it is essential for kiddos to unleash their inner rockstar(Yes,Everyone has an inner rockstar!) and show their wild side, That's why I'm excited about this next review! Cutie and Patootie sent us their totally awesome royal wings long sleeved Tshirt to review recently and I was really pleased with the item we received!

Made of 100% super soft cotton and featuring an adorable heat transfer design, this shirt is surely fit for a princess! I loved the unique design on the shirt. Definitely not something that you see everyday and draws a lot of positive attention. People are forever telling me how cute the shirt is when Sophie wears it. Cutie and Patootie carries a wide variety of super cute clothing for kiddos ranging from infant to children's sizes as well as many of accessories for mom to enjoy. Whether your looking for something for your little rock star or a chic new diaper bag, you can find it at Cutie and Patootie!

I have a long sleeve heartbreaker tshirt size 4T IN WHITE to giveaway to one lucky reader!

want to win this super cute shirt for your little heartbreaker? Here is how to win!

First you must visit Cutie and Patootie and tell me what your favorite item is, post a comment here with a link back to that item.

Wanna gain more entries?
·Twitter this post. One entry for EVERY tweet.
·blog about this post linking back to both my blog and to Cutie and Patootie.
·Favorite my blog on technorati using the button on the right sidebar
·Carry my banner on your blog
·Add me to your live blogroll

This contest will run through December 28th. Winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on December 29th.

Jingle Bell Blog Party Day #16-for the monster. Review and Giveaway.CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Heather) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:34:00 +0000

We recently received a super cute nap mat for review from For The Monster.
For the monster is an online boutique that specializes in Cloth Diapering needs, Nursing mother accessories and much more. When I removed it from the box,I could instantly tell that the quality of the nap mat was impeccable.

Here are some features of the nap mat:
·completely machine washable and dryable
·made from 65% polyester - 35% cotton.
·conveniently roll up and secures with Velcro™
closures for easy storage.
·attached shoulder strap for easy carrying and weighs only 3 pounds.
·24" wide x 54" long.
·shell made of a durable cotton/polyester blend with a high quality, oversized blanket.

Filled with cotton batting and having a built in pillow and attached fleece blanket this is sure to keep your kiddo cozy and comfortable during nap time! Or anytime! Sophie loves hers so much she likes to lay on it and watch her shows! My favorite feature is that the attached fleece blanket it THICK. Any nap mat Ive seen before has a dinky thin attached blanket but I was very pleased at the thickness and durability of this one. I also love the adorable Noah's Ark print. It is fun and colorful and Sophie loves to talk about the animals in the pictures!

For The Monster has graciously offered one of my readers a Noah's Ark nap mat! Want to win one for yourself? Here's how you can!

First, you must visit for the monster and browse around. Post a comment here with a link to your favorite item from the site.

Want more chances to win? Sure you do!
*Please post an additional comment for EVERY ENTRY. IE: Twitter 1. Twitter 2.(In a separate comment) etc..

·Twitter this post- 5 entries
·Favorite me on Technorati using the button on the right sidebar-10 entries
·Add me to your blogroll-5 entries
·blog about this post linking back to both my blog and For the Monster-10 entries

This contest will run through December 28th. Winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on December 29th.