STAY AT HOME MOM

Mellow Yellow Monday #21

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:55:00 PST

I know every year Christmas starts earlier and earlier. But it kind of still bugs me to see it. I took this picture (with my cell phone), the week before Halloween. My son and I were in the store buying his costume. And the Halloween candy was being pushed aside for the Christmas candy, and decorations.

Oh well, it makes for a pretty picture. Yellow Carmel Popcorn and other Halloween candy, and red and green Christmas decorations.

"You Gotta See This" Video Contest

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:31:00 PST

Abbott Medical Optics Inc (AMO) is a leader in laser vision correction. AMO has recently launched a "You Gotta See This" video campaign.

This contest invites entrants to make a video showing how laser vision correction has impacted their lives. Some people have already submitted videos on topics such as original music videos, boxing and swimming, and videos showing how their daily lives have improved. Submitted videos have a chance of winning cash and prizes.

The contest is still open for more entries so if you're interested visit the site to submit one. Here are some more details on the contest, for one, the Grand Prize is $5,000! First Prize (one in each category) is an HDTV package worth $2,500. Second Prize (one in each category) is a Flip UltraHD camcorder a $199.00 value.

There are 3 different categories. They are:

1. “My contacts are getting in the way of my good time”
2. “My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision”
3. “You should see life after the iLASIK Procedure”

After you submit a video then tell your friend to vote for you. Votes are the key factor in determining the winners. So if laser vision correction has changed your life and you want a chance at some of these great prizes, then head on over to the iLASIK Video Contest to enter!

Quotable Sunday: Autumn

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:10:00 PST

There's a lot of leaves in our yard right now. Today we are spending a lot of time raking them all up. Not my favorite past time, really. But the good thing is, this year the kids actually seem to be helping more.

Here's some quotes on Autumn I came across:

1. Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower.
- Albert Camus

2. Change is a measure of time and, in the autumn, time seems speeded up. What was is not and never again will be; what is is change.
- Edwin Way Teale

3. Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.
- Stanley Horowitz

4. Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits. ~Samuel Butler

Head over to Quotable Sunday for more:

50 Custom Thank You Cards Giveaway

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 PST

Uprinting is sponsoring another great giveaway for my readers. This time it is for 50 Custom Thank You Cards with envelopes.

Uprinting has so many printing options such as Custom Greeting Cards and Envelope Printing. You can also read reviews of Uprinting on Yelp to see what others are saying about Uprinting.

Giveaway Prize Details: (50 ct.) 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom Thank You Cards with plain envelopes

Win it: One lucky reader will win 50 Thank you cards with envelopes

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me how you will use the Thank You Cards if you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (leave separate comment for each entry you do. For example if you blog about this giveaway - worth 5 entries - please leave 5 separate comments)

1. Follow my blog (publicly)
2. Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (use retweet button above if you like)
3. Daily entries: tweet giveaway
4. Add my "button" to your blog (worth 3 entries)
5. And for 5 extra entries blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post and to UPrinting.com

RULES: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Free UPS Ground Shipping. Giveaway ends November 15, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in their blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified.

DISCLAIMER: As the host of this giveaway UPrinting.com will be awarding me with 50 Thank You Cards and envelopes also.

Winner of Crayola 150-count Crayon Tower

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:13:00 PST

The winner of the Crayola Crayon tower is Nancye.

Nancye said...

I have a picture of my kids at the beach that would make a great coloring page.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

November 6, 2009 11:31 PM

Congratulations! I have emailed Nancye. Thanks to everyone who entered. Check my sidebar for more giveaways, and more will be added soon. One even possibly later today.

Aloha Friday #9

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:26:00 PST

An Island Life hosts this meme. Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

My question: Do you ever watch TV Shows online?

My answer: Yes. Someday I want a DVR, but until then I'm still relying on a VCR to tape stuff. Which I forget a lot to do. So if I miss taping something I will watch it online. Especially Ghost Whisperer. That is one of my favorite shows, but I always forget to tape it!

Click here to join in:

Chocolate Gift Baskets

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:47:00 PST

Want a great gift for someone, or even for yourself? Well Intentional Chocolate has created organic chocolate gift baskets. These baskets are filled with their most popular items, such as, Dark and Milk Chocolate Pistols, Chocolate Truffles, Dark Chocolate Goji Berries and more. The box contains examples of what they believe is the worlds best dark chocolate - Pure Hawaiian chocolate. These would really make great gifts. Perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

WW #80 "Jason & The Witch"

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:58:00 PST

Here are some pictures from Halloween. My daughter was a "Spider Witch" and my son was "Jason." They had a great time trick-or-treating, and of course got lots of candy. We also had great weather it was about 70 degrees out! Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween.

Visit Wordless Wednesday , 5 minutes for Mom, 7 Clown Circus, Sunnymama & Mom Dot for more participants.

Winners!

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:11:00 PST

The winner of the Old El Paso Prize pack is:

JC said... 48: http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway-stay-at-home-mom.html blogged.
4; October 20, 2009 4:03 PM

The winner of the Yoplait Prize Pack is:

Anonymous said... 13: I am an oncology nurse and care for women who are receiving inpatient treatment for breast cancer. Also, when possible I participate in breast cancer research.

arobimom(at)gmail(dot)com; October 27, 2009 11:23 PM

The winners have been emailed. Thank you to everyone who entered these giveaways. Check my sidebar for more giveaways, with some new ones coming soon.

Mellow Yellow Monday #20

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:17:00 PST

I took this picture at a place called Mill Pond. My daughter noticed this yellow tree. And that I could get a good shot of it by going under this bridge. I was hunched down underneath the bridge, but it was worth it because I like how this came out.

Dr. Dermal Acne Products

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:48:00 PST

My son just had his school picture taken last week. And there was an option to have it retouched. You know to have the acne and blemishes removed from his picture.

I debated on weather to have this done or not. He is 13 now and does have a slight acne problem. I didn't end up having that done on his pictures but it made me think that it might be time to look into some acne products for him.

I found out about a new acne range of products called Dr. Dermal. These are the best acne products,because they are naturally based products. And they have no side effects like some other acne care products. They do not cause irritation, such as dryness, irritation sensitivity, solar irritation and interaction with other drugs.

When looking for products for my son, I want something that is natural. And I like the fact that Dr. Dermal has a unique holistic skin care approach to curing acne. And that they have proven ingredients to help combat acne, while maintaining and improving the quality of skin.

Their active ingredient, ac.net, which is a patented molecule developed in France. It is composed of extracts from the Olive tree, purified plant lignin, and a unique osmotic gel that modifies the free water potential of the skin cells to interfere with the conditions required for bacteria growth.

So if you are looking for acne products for yourself or your teenager (like my son) then check out Dr. Dermal and their website for more information. They are also dermatologist endorsed!

Sunday Stealing: The Strange Question Meme, Part 1

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:29:00 PDT

1. What is the color of your toothbrush?

I think pink?

2. Name one person who made you smile today.

My daughter

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?

Sleeping

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?

Fooling around on Facebook

5. What is your favorite candy bar?

Almond Joy

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?

Never

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?

Good Night

8. What is your favorite ice cream? How to choose?

Coffee

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?

lemonade

10. Do you like your wallet?

Sorta

11. What was the last thing you ate?

Homemade Rice krispie treat

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?

No

13. The last sporting event you watched?

Watching World Series game 3 right now

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?

Lots of Butter

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to?

No one - I never text

16. Ever go camping?

Yes - at least 3 times a year

17. Do you take vitamins daily?

No. My Doctor just told me not to take anything especially with Iron in it, I have high Iron levels.

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?

No

19. Do you have a tan?

Not anymore

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?

I could dig some Chinese food right about now, haven't had any in over a year.

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?

Sometimes if it's in a can.

22. What did your last text message say?

I was going to say nothing (see quest. #15 ) but I actually received one from Verizon informing me my bill is ready or something.

23. What are you doing tomorrow?

Sleeping in - not sure what else yet

24. Favorite color?

Blue

25. Look to your left; what do you see?

The wall

Progresso Soup Review & Giveaway

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:13:00 PDT

I was excited the other day to receive a sample of Progresso Chicken Tuscany soup. I love soup and love to try new kinds. Especially this time of year when the weather is getting cooler. There is nothing like sitting down to a nice hot bowl of soup.

I ate the Progresso Chicken Tuscany soup the other day for lunch. And it was absolutely delicious. I also enjoyed it because I was able to enjoy it in this nice Progresso soup mug along with a fancy stainless steel Progresso spoon. (pictured above)

Another great thing about this soup is that it has fiber in it. There are 4 new, great tasting Progresso soups that have 28% of the recommended Daily Value of fiber per serving (7 grams) and have no added MSG or artificial flavors. The new varieties include Chicken Tuscany, Creamy Tomato Basil, Hearty Vegetable and Noodles and Homestyle Minestrone.

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win a Progresso Prize Pack (as pictured above)

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me how you try to incorporate more fiber into your diet.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (leave separate comment for each entry you do. For example if you blog about this giveaway - worth 5 entries - please leave 5 separate comments)

1. Follow my blog (publicly)
2. Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (use retweet button above if you like)
3. Daily entries: tweet giveaway
4. "Grab my Button" and post it on your blog (worth 2 entries)
5. And for 5 extra entries blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post

RULES: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends November 15, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in their blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified.

DISCLAIMER: Progresso provided me with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark.

Giveaway Winners

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:43:00 PDT

Here are the winners for 3 different giveaways.

100 Postcard winner is:

Katerina @ GirlWithARing said... 40: Blogged at http://www.girlwitharing.com/2009/10/more-giveaways.html

girlwitharing at gmail.com

Entry 1

24 X 36 Vinyl Banner winner is:

slehan said... 52: 3 blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2009/10/raging-grannies-need-banner.html; October 17, 2009 2:37 PM

250 Custom Stickers/Labels winner is:

Pricilla said... 7: I would make labels for my soap
thank you
kaiminani@gmail.com; October 17, 2009 9:22 PM

Congratulations to all the winners. I have emailed everyone with details on how to claim their prizes.

Check my sidebar for more giveaways & a few new ones will be coming soon.

Aloha Friday #8

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:35:00 PDT

My question: Have you or your kids been to a Haunted House? Do you or your kids like Haunted Houses?

My answer: I used to like Haunted Houses when I was younger. My kids not so much. About 5 years ago, my sister talked me into taking them to one. My daughter didn't even make it past the entrance, and my son only made it about half way through it. That was our last attempt at a Haunted House.

Head on over to Aloha Friday to join too:

Watch LiveTV4me

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:42:00 PDT

I just received a letter the other day that said the cost of my cable TV is going up again. Sometimes I get really frustrated with how much cable TV costs.

Well, I just found out about a website called livetv4me.com. On this website you can watch over 1,000 TV Channels right on your computer. For a one time fee of $39.95, you can watch TV programming from all over the world. This is a great price! That price is less then what I pay for one month of cable TV.

With LiveTV4me you can eliminate your monthly cable bills. All it takes is an easy download, which only takes about 3 minutes. And then you can watch live sports, movies, news, music videos and thousands of other programs from the US and around the world.

Their software technology will plug you directly into hundreds of live digital television channels all over the world. All you need is an Internet connection, and you can enjoy over 1000 live television channels from all over the world.

And don't worry access is 100% legal, no matter how many channels you want to watch or for how long. Also there are no hidden fees, you will pay a one time fee of $39.95.

If this sounds good to you and you want more information, check out LiveTV4me's website for yourself!

WW #79 "Pumpkins"

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 PDT

Sunday the kids carved some pumpkins. Sorry no pictures of them at a pumpkin patch, we got them at the supermarket - because they are a lot cheaper there - lol.

Here's my son working on his.

Daughter working on hers.

Daughter & finished pumpkin

My son's finished pumpkin

Accor Hotels Super Sale!

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:30:00 PDT

There is a super savings going on right now at Accor Hotels. It is The Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific.

Right now there are over 1 million hotels at amazing rates across Asia Pacific. Which the countries included in this are: Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, HK, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Bali. This sounds so awesome, I would love to travel to any one of those locations!

But hurry and book now! Because the campaign is actually only for 3 days. It starts today, October 27, 2009 and ends October 29, 2009. Over one million room nights will be on sale. And another great thing about this sale is that rates will be starting at as low as $30 (US) per night.

So if you are looking to make travel plans for the holidays this is the perfect sale for you. Because you can book your stay now, and the stay period for this is December 2009 until April 2010. So hurry to take advantage of these great savings.

Another great thing about this sale is it also coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region. So if you are considering traveling in the near future check out this sale, because it will allow you to enjoy some of the world's most exciting cities at bargain rates.

Ruby Tuesday #9

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:13:00 PDT

It was such a beautiful day on Sunday, I just had to get out and enjoy it. My daughter wanted to go to the park. So I took her to one of our favorite places, because they have a park, and also you can take a walk in the woods on some trials.

Here she is (along with Kit, her American Girl Doll) on the Ruby dome park equipment:

100 Flyers/Brochures Giveaway

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:24:00 PDT

UPrinting.com is sponsoring another giveaway for one of my readers. This giveaway is for 100 Flyers/Brochures. Check out UPrinting.com's Flyer Printing and Brochure Printing.

These would be great for supporting a cause, promoting your business or printing menus.

Giveaway Prize Details: 100 Brochures for One Lucky Winner
100 8.5 x11" Brochure / Flyers on 100lb gloss text paper ; 4 color printing on both sides
Folding Choices: Half fold; Trifold/Letterfold; Z-fold; Accordion (4 panels) Roll Fold (4 Panels)

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win 100 Flyers/Brochures.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me how you will use your 100 Flyers/Brochures if you win.

1. Follow my blog (publicly)
2. Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (use retweet button above if you like)
3. Daily entries: tweet giveaway
4. Add my "Button" to your blogroll (worth 3 entries)
5. And for 5 extra entries blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post and to UPrinting.com

RULES: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Free UPS Ground Shipping to US Residents. Giveaway ends November 9, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in their blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified.

DISCLAIMER: As the host of this giveaway UPrinting.com will be awarding me with 100 Flyers/Brochures.

Camera Critters #18

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:52:00 PDT

My daughter took this shot at the fair she went to a couple of weeks ago on a field trip. She was very excited to watch the horse show. She loves horses and has always wanted to go horseback riding.

Well today she actually gets to try it. Her Girl Scout troop is going horseback riding today! I hope she likes it. Of course she won't look as professional as this girl was on the horse.

Charter On Demand

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:33:00 PDT

My kids love to watch the usual shows kids like. Like Sponge Bob, Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny With A Chance, to name a few. Sometimes the shows they like aren't always on though. That's why it would be so nice to have Charter On Demand.

If you have Charter digital, then you have On Demand. You may not even realize that, or that it is free to access. You have right at your fingertips over 6,000 movies and shows to watch anytime you want. That is the great thing about On Demand. If you want to watch say Wizards of Waverly Place, you can just search for that and watch all the episodes you want of it. My kids would love to have this!

Sometimes going anywhere to rent a movie can be a pain. Usually when ever I try to rent one, most of the time they are out of the particular one I want. It can be so frustrating. Also waiting for one in the mail takes to long. If you want to watch a movie with Charter On Demand it is much easier. Access is just a click away.

They also have hundreds of shows on HD now too!

You can learn more at charter.net/ondemand. You can also get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page. Check it out for your On Demand needs.

Friday Photo Flashback #6

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:47:00 PDT

I was thinking the other day what my kids have been over the years for Halloween. Then I came across pictures from Halloween 2004.

My daughter was a Witch and my son was Harry Potter. This was one of the best costumes my son had. When we went trick-or-treating he got more complements on his costume then ever. Everyone was saying how much he looked like Harry Potter.

Crayola Crayon Tower - "Lights, Camera, Color" Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:31:00 PDT

I received a Crayola 150-count Crayon Tower the other day. I along with my kids were so excited to receive this.

The Crayon Tower is so cool and 150 colors all at your finger tips is awesome. The Crayola Crayon Tower can fold down to compact or you can pull it up to make a 3 tier tower. It also comes with a crayon sharpener.

Another really neat thing about the Crayola Crayon Tower is that it comes with a "Lights, Camera, Color" code. The 150-count Crayon Tower comes with a code that is good for 6 months of free unlimited prints on Crayola.com "Lights, Camera, Color."

This is a really cool application on Crayola.com. What it is, is after you enter your code, you can upload any photo you have, and it will turn your photo into a coloring page. And then you can print it out to color. My daughter was really excited about trying this out. She loves dolls and has some pictures of them, so we tried it out with some of those. Here's an example of that:

Here's our picture:

And here's what it looks like as a coloring page:

My daughter has really been enjoying this. We have printed at least 10 pictures, and she has had fun coloring them in with all her new crayons!

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win a Crayola 150-count Crayon Tower, which will come with a code for 6 months of free unlimited prints on Crayola.com "Lights, Camera, Color."

MANDATORY ENTRY: Tell me about a photo you would like to make into a coloring page.

EXTRA ENTRIES: (leave separate comment for each entry you do. For example if you blog about this giveaway - worth 5 entries - please leave 5 separate comments)

1. Follow my blog (publicly)
2. Follow me on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (use retweet button above if you like)
3. Daily entries: tweet giveaway
4. Become a fan of Crayola on Facebook
5. "Grab my Button" and post it on your blog (worth 2 entries)
6. And for 5 extra entries blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post

RULES: Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends November 6, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Must have valid email in their blog profile or leave email in comments otherwise you will be disqualified.

DISCLAIMER: Crayola provided me with the free product, information and Crayon Tower to giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

WW #78 "School Picture 2009"

secook2@gmail.com (Sue) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:33:00 PDT

My daughter's school picture arrived the other day. Here is her 4th grade school picture. Excuse the graininess of this. I scanned it, it looks a lot clearer in person.

I am really happy with how this came out!

Visit Wordless Wednesday , 5 minutes for Mom, 7 Clown Circus, Mostly Wordless Wednesday at Ordinary and Awesome, Sunnymama & Mom Dot for more participants.