Mom of 2 Dancers Reviews

Giveaways for Dancers All Week at Dance Advantage!

2012-02-14T16:11:00.000-05:00

It's Valentine's Day and Nichelle, of DanceAdvantage.net is showing how much she loves the dancers, dance teachers, and parents that read her blog with a week of giveaways. 8 days; 8 giveaways. And, when it's all over at the end of this week, there will be more than 20 winners

Sponsors for the giveaway are diverse and so are the prizes. There's dance wear and DVDs, tools for teachers and studio owners, and gift certificates to positivedance.com. Parents of young dancers will be especially interested in Petite Feet, a developmentally appropriate DVD filled with ballet adventures. Three are being given away but hurry, that giveaway ends February 16 at Midnight.

The giveaways are already underway and will close day by day through the 23rd. The links for every giveaway are being posted here:http://danceadvantage.net/love-readers-giveaway

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Motown Winter Blast Feb 10 - 12 ~ $1 Entry or Canned Food or Book

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

This years Motown Winter Blast is happening this weekend February 10th - 12th. Entry is only a canned good or children's book per person or $1 donation. The donations will go to Matrix Human Services' "Break the Ice" on the Cycle of Poverty Initiative.

Motown Winter Blast is a unique combination of hip and fun winter events that are centered on Campus Martius Park.

FEBRUARY 10-12, 2012

Friday February 10th, 11am-11pm

Saturday February 11th, 11am-11pm

Sunday February 12th, 11am-9pm

There will be music events, taste of Detroit, Kid Zone, Free Ice Skating, Snowshoeing, Greektown Casino Ice Garden, Warm up Comfort Zones and more. This is a great time to experience Detroit at it's best!

Check out the event map for more details.

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February Photo A Day Challenge

2012-02-01T16:31:00.001-05:00

I think I'm going to try this, have been slacking on pictures. Will upload today's later on.

Join in the fun

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Wikipedia ~ Go visit them today!

2012-01-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

Wikipedia is taking part in the black out today, go visit them to learn more about SOPA & PIPA!

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Losing Weight this year, Free Kindle books to help you out!

2012-01-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

Is one of your resolutions to lose weight this year? If so, here are some free kindle books to help you achieve your goal this year. Don't have a kindle, you can download the Kindle for your computer and read for free!

Lose Weight WITHOUT Dieting (Animal Kingdom Workouts)

Slow Carb Nation

The Belly Fat Cure: The Quick and Easy Plan for Losing Weight and Getting in Shape

The Fun of Getting Thin How to Be Happy and Reduce the Waist Line

3 Day Diet - Get Visible Results in just 3 Days

Learning How To Eat (Again)

The Feel Good Factory on The Body Beautiful

No Animal Foodand Nutrition and Diet with Vegetable Recipes

The Guilt Free 3

What is the Flat Belly Diet? : How to Get a Flat Belly with Exercise and Diet

How to Lose 8 Pounds in 8 Days

Weight Loss The Easy Way, Do It For You Do It For Your Family

I haven't read all of these books, so I'm not promising they will work or are any good :) I have downloaded them all though & hoping some have some good tips!

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Free MP3 Song ~ O Holy Night by Leigh Nash

2011-12-07T11:19:00.001-05:00

Today you can get the song O Holy Night by Leigh Nash today on Amazon. Be sure to check them out daily because Amazon is offering 25 Days of free Christmas Music this month!

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Monster High Lagoona Blue Dolls

2011-12-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

Lagoona Blue is the daughter of the Gill-man from the 1954 movie Creature from the Black Lagoon, so she loves the ocean. She has long, blond hair with blue streaks, and light blue skin. She also has several fins, webbed hands and gills behind her ears. Lagoona speaks with an Australian accent. Surfing, beach volley ball, anything that keeps her close to the ocean is what Lagoona wants. Her freaky flaw is if she's away from water for long her skin dries out. Lagoona has a pet piranha called Neptuna.

Lagoona Blue Basic Doll

10.5 inch plastic Lagoona doll, with brush, stand, diary and pet Neptuna.

Buy on Amazon

Lagoona Blue Dead Tired with Hydration Station

Part of the Dead Tired line, you can only get Lagoona with her hydration station bed. This bed lights up your room, stands about 18" tall, super cool!

Lagoona Blue Dawn of the Dance

Lagoona Blue Classrooms Doll 2011 ~ Mad Science

Lagoona Blue School's Out

Lagoona Blue Skull Shores

Coming in 2012

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Monster High Dolls ~ Clawdeen Wolf & Clawd Wolf

2011-12-01T11:47:00.001-05:00

Clawdeen Wolf is the 15 year old daughter of the Werewolf. She has tan skin, wolf ears and protruding fangs. She has a large family that she isn't always happy with, but loves her family anyways. Going shopping for clothes is her favorite pastime shared with her two BFF's, Draculaura and Frankie Stein. She wants run her own fashion design company some day.

Clawdeen Wolf's freaky flaw is being incredibly hairy. It's a full time job keeping up with all that plucking, shaving and waxing.
Clawdeen has a rivalry with Cleo quite possibly fueled by Cleo harshly dumping her brother, Clawd.

Clawdeen has a fuzzy little kitten called Crescent.

Clawdeen Wolf Basic Doll

10.5 inch plastic Clawdeen doll, with brush, stand, diary and cat.

Retails for $16.99 - $21.99 Part of Wave 1 so getting harder to find. You can always find on Amazon.

Clawdeen Wolf Dawn of the Dance Doll

Clawdeen is dressed to dance in bright party clothes with Neon Green hair and fishnets. Includes party invitation, iCoffin and purse. You can also purchase in the 3 pack, I believe that the purse is missing in the 3 pack though.

Clawdeen Gloom Beach Doll

Clawdeen doll in a beach outfit, with wrap around cover-up, sunglasses, frisbee and brush.

You can also find her in the Exclusive 5 pack from Target.

Available at Amazon.

Dead Tired ~ Clawdeen Wolf with Bed

From the 2011 Dead Tired line, you can only get Clawdeen Wolf with her bed. You can buy the set on Amazon or you can sometimes find just the doll loose on Ebay.

Clawdeen Wolf Basic Doll

Clawdeen doll, with brush, stand, and diary. This is a new version because parents were complaining about Clawdeen's dress in the Wave 1 version. You can buy on Amazon.

Clawd Wolf

Clawdeen's brother Clawd. The only way to get him right now is in the Forbidden Romance Set with Draculaura his girlfriend. Clawd is 17 and has a pet gargoyle bulldog named Rockseena.

Clawdeen Wolf and brother Clawd Wolf Sweet 1600

Coming in 2012

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Monster High Draculaura Dolls

2011-11-30T22:48:00.001-05:00

Draculaura
Draculaura is the daughter of Count Dracula and is actually 1599 year old but she doesn't look a day over 16. She loves shopping of course with Frankie Stein and Clawdeen Wolf. Draculaura's freaky flaw is that she can't see her own reflection in a mirror but that hasn't stopped her from putting her makeup on perfectly.
Draculaura has a cute little pet bat called Count Fabulous.

Draculaura is hemophobic, being unable to even say ‘blood’ without feeling ill. She is a vegan vampire, abstaining from any blood.

She is one of my favorites, I love her Pink Skin, her hair and that little heart on her cheek!

Draculaura Basic Doll

10.5-inch tall plastic doll, with pet bat, parasol, brush, stand and diary.

Draculaura Gloom Beach Doll

Wearing her beach outfit, sunglasses, cover up, brush and seriously high protection sun screen.

Draculaura Dead Tired Doll

Wearing her pj's, eyemask and cute slippers.

Forbidden Romance Draculaura and Clawd Wolf

One of the hottest couples at Monster High. Draculaura is wearing a super cute outfit and comes with an umbrella. This is the only way to get Clawd Wolf until 2012. You can purchase this set at Amazon.

Draculaura in the Ghoul Spirit 3 pack

Great 3 pack, one of the more expansive ones. You can find on Amazon.

Draculaura Drop Dead Gorgeous Classrooms doll ~ Killer Style

Another one of the cheaper ones, usually around $12

You can find on Amazon .

Dawn of the Dance ~ Draculaura Exclusive

The only way to get Draculaura Dawn of the Dance is buy purchasing this 3 pack. She is worth it though, super cute! Love that hat, Mad Hatter style.

You can find on Amazon.

Draculaura Sweet 1600

She is finally turning 1600 and the Monster High crew are celebrating in style! Check out this adorable Draculaura that is coming out in 2012. Early birds already have her though, you can find her on Amazon and on Ebay.

Draculaura Plush Doll

9-inch plush Draculaura doll with 4-inch plush pet bat.

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Monster High Frankie Stein Toys

2011-11-30T11:49:00.001-05:00

My daughter and all of her friends are obsessed with Monster High dolls this year. It is definitely one of the Hot Toys for Christmas 2011. If you haven't heard of Monster High yet, they are made by Mattel and were released the Summer of 2010. They were supposed to be out in 2007, but were delayed. The dolls started from a Cartoon called Monster High and there is a book series written by the author of Clique, Lisi Harrison.

Frankie Stein ~ Daughter of Frankenstein’s monster and his delightful bride, Frankie is the central character in Monster High, and proud owner of Watzit – a puppy put together from animal parts.

10.5 inch plastic Monster High Frankie Stein Doll, with brush, stand, diary and pet Watzit.

Price: $16.99 +

Monster High Exclusive Black and White Frankie Stein Doll

Black and White version of the basic doll, sold by Mattel at San Diego Comic-Con 2010, only 5,000 made.

You have to look for owners of this doll, mainly Amazon and on ebay.

Monster High Dawn of the Dance Frankie Stein Doll

Can be purchased alone or in 3 pack set from Walmart. She comes with great pink fish net stockings! The 3 pack does not include her coffin pod she is holding above, only the cloth wristlet purse.

Frankie Stein Gloom Beach Doll

10.5 inch plastic Frankie doll in a beach outfit, with wrap around cover-up, sunglasses and brush.

Averages $12 at most stores, you can also find her in an exclusive 5 pack from Target for $50.

Frankie Stein Dead Tired

10.5 inch plastic Frankie in pajamas, sleep mask and slippers

You can find these for between $10 - 12 at stores! It is so far the cheapest way to get a character.

Frankies Bed ~ Sold separately, doubles as a mirror for your bedroom. All of the girls fit on the bed, the boys do not. The bed also has a hard time staying upright when the doll is in it. A lot of times it flips over so that Frankie is sleeping upside down. Still cute though, especially if you can pick it up for $22 - 30.

With Monster High being based in school, the summer of 2011 Mattel released a few of the characters with classroom settings.

Each doll is based on a Monster High webisode and comes complete with classroom accessories, outfit, locker and stickers.

Frankie is stitiching up her pet Watzit in Home Ick. Check out her cute bangs, new style for her!

You can also purchase Frankie's Fear Squad uniform. Amazon sells it if you can't find it locally ~ Monster High School Spirit Scream Uniforms Frankie Stein Doll

Frankie Stein Plush Rag Doll

9-inch tall plush Frankie doll, with 4 inch plush Watzit puppy.

Monster High Sweet 1600 Frankie Stein Doll

Coming new for 2012, you can actually find some of this new Sweet 1600 line now. She has a great dress!

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Book Review ~ Fifties Chix: Travel to Tomorrow YA

2011-11-22T11:23:00.001-05:00

Young Adult Read, Fifties Chix: Travel to Tomorrow written by Angela Sage Larsen. The book is set in 1955, the story of "Travel to Tomorrow" chronicles the adventures of five high school girls who wake up one morning to find themselves 55 years into the future and the girls must work together to get back to 1955. YA readers will easily identify with the characters as they all have very different personalities. The book is the first of five titles from Larsen's family-friendly "Fifties Chix" series, with the others rolling out every three months or so.

"Travel to Tomorrow" is now available in print for $9.95 and digital for the now lower price $5.99 in FastPencil's Marketplace. It is also available at major bookstores including Amazon.

This is a fun read, especially to girls in 5th - 8th grade. It is a nice introduction into historical fiction with a fun premise. The girls are all different, thrown together into a school project they aren't too excited about. Really fun read, both my 5th and 9th grader enjoyed the book, along with myself!

Find out about all of the Fifties Chix at the website, you can also join the fan club and learn more about the series, the fifties and more!

You can also connect with the Fifties Chix on Facebook and Twitter.

Would make a great Christmas gift for your young adult reader.

Get 50% OFF shipping, get FREE FastPencil account & at checkout, enter coupon code: Premiere50off

“Angela Sage Larsen has gained national accolades with her ‘Petalwink’ line of children’s books and she continues to impress with her ‘Fifties Chix’ series to inspire and motivate a new audience of teen girls,” said Steve Wilson, FastPencil co-founder and CEO. “Angela is among nearly two dozen best-selling authors who have joined FastPencil PREMIERE in the last six months, so continue to look for more exciting news on world renowned authors and book franchises coming soon.”

Larsen is part of a growing number of best-selling authors signing with FastPencil PREMIERE for its proprietary partnerships in technology and distribution, speed to press, wider market reach, higher author royalties and greater transparency throughout the publishing process.

The series’ second book, “Keeping Secrets,” will be available in a few months and FastPencil PREMIERE will continue to roll out a new book every three months thereafter.

Visit the wiki, a resource for parents and educators, at http://fiftieschix.wikispaces.com.

About FastPencil

FastPencil is leveraging innovative digital-publishing, social media, print-on-demand and e-book distribution technologies to deliver next-generation publishing, offering authors simplicity, more control, speed to market and higher margins. FastPencil.com enables authors to create books online, collaborate, publish and distribute from one engaging, simple, cost-effective solution. Beyond publishing tools and services, FastPencil also maintains a world-class, publishing imprint, FastPencil PREMIERE, an exclusive line of general interest titles that provides top-tier and best-selling authors all the benefits of FastPencil’s services to produce and publish the best of the best in book content. For more information please visit FastPencil.com.

For regular FastPencil updates follow us at www.Twitter.com/FastPencil

Become a Fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FastPencil

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Christmas Gift Idea ~ Little Passports (ages 5 - 10)

2011-11-03T09:51:00.004-04:00

This holiday give your child the world with a Little Passports monthly subscription! Take your little one on a global adventure each month with Sam and Sofia.

Little Passports is your child's ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country's geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.

Every month, follow characters Sofia and Sam as they travel to a different country and send your child an exciting package including:

A letter from Sam and Sofia describing their in-country adventures
Fun and unique souvenirs and gifts that bring each country to life
A secret code to access our online Boarding Zone full of games & activities

First Month's Explorer Kit

In the first month, the adventure starts with an Explorer Kit that includes:

Fun travel suitcase with an introductory letter from Sofia and Sam
World wall map
Travel passport
Fun stickers
Activity sheet
Access to online games and activities with our boarding pass

The Adventure Continues

In each following month, your child will receive a package from Sam and Sofia as they travel to a new country. Each adventure package includes a letter addressed to your child from Sam and Sofia, fun souvenirs, an activity sheet, a photo from the country, a passport stamp, a map marker, a suitcase sticker, and a collectible boarding pass to access more online games and activities.

Little Passports souvenirs are fun, memorable and educational. Examples items include: traditional country toys, arts and crafts projects, puzzles, pencils/erasers, photos, stickers, and postcards.

The recommended age range for Little Passports is 5 to 10 years old.

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Monster High Spectra Vondergeist ~ Hot Toy for Christmas!

2011-11-01T23:39:00.000-04:00

My daughter has been driving me crazy for Monster High dolls for awhile now. She has tons of toys and doesn't need anymore. However when my dad mentioned a little over a month ago that he was buying her a birthday present, I told her to take advantage and get some Monster High dolls. She ended up getting, the Monster High Dead Tired Draculaura Doll and Monster High Frankie Stein Doll. She wanted the Monster High Classroom Playset And Lagoona Blue Doll, but that would have been the only doll she was allowed because she cost more.

Anyways, of course being a doll collector, now I'm totally on board with it. These dolls are so cool, which I have always thought. I was just trying to not get into yet another toy craze. I'm still killing myself over Lalaloopsy dolls, lol.

As I've been shopping around for things to sell, I've also been sneaking in Monster High and Lalaloopsy dolls for Christmas. Imagine my excitement tonight when I came across one of the super hard to find Monster High dolls, Spectra Vondergeist. I was so excited, I had to control myself not to jump up and down. Now my initial thoughts were to put her up on Amazon or Ebay, but I just can't do it. She is so hard to find and can take months to come across. I love her, I'm not even sure if I can give her up to my daughter, lol.

Spectra Vondergeist

If every girl loves gossip, this ghoul takes it to a whole new level. No secret is safe when she is around. You’ve heard the saying that walls have ears, well in Monster High, they have Spectra Vondergeist. Being born from a ghost and being one herself, she does have the ability to move right through them after all. Just like any tabloid, you shouldn’t believe her 100 percent as she does have a tendency to stretch the truth and get carried away with her imagination.

Monster High Spectra Vondergeist Doll

This Monster High Doll comes to 10.5 inches in height. Her fully articulated body is made from ABS plastic so your little one can easily bend and pose this doll however she pleases and her little head is made from PVC plastic which is much softer. She may be dead, hence her pale complexion, but her fashion is far from the grave. It may be more on the dark side, but it is definitely not drab. She is wearing a one piece black an purple corset inspired dress the compliments her purple locks made from nylon and saran fibers perfectly. The matching shoes and hand bag are the finishing touch.
The Monster High Spectra Vondergeist Doll comes with her diary, her pet ferret, Rhuen, a doll stand which is perfect for when you want to put her on display, a brush and accessories.

She's even prettier in person, I love her! Now if I come across Monster High Abbey Bominable Doll With Pet Wooly Mammoth Named Shivver I think I can part with her, but Spectra Vondergeist is going to stay put.

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Tiny Prints 5 Days of Deals Week

2011-10-23T20:24:00.002-04:00

Monday, 25% off Premium William Arthur Cards
Code: 1024DOD

Tuesday, 25% off Tri Fold CardsCode: 1025DOD

Wednesday, 30% off Flip Cards
Code: 1026DOD

Thursday, 25% off Ornament CardsCode: 1027DOD

Friday, Free Upgrade to Rounded CornersCode: No Code Needed

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Straight Talk ~ Cell Phone Coverage you can Afford!

2011-10-15T19:01:00.001-04:00

This post brought to you by Straight Talk. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you tired of paying crazy high cell phone bills? I recently learned about something called Straight Talk that I'm super excited about. You can get The power of Android with unlimited minutes, texts, picture messaging and even internet for only $45 a month. Can you believe that? Right now I'm paying $25 a month just for 2gb of data and $30 a month for texting on my phone & my daughters. That is $55 right there and doesn't even include the actual talk minutes. On top of all that, there is NO contract. How great is that? I'm stuck in a 2 year contract and to get a decent, affordable phone, I have to renew that contract with a new 2 year contract that costs me an another $18. Ridiculous to have to pay to change your phone and sign a contract.

The getting richer effect has expanded... by LittleBard95

There are also no credit checks, and Smart Talk uses trusted companies like LG, Motorola, Samsung, Nokia and Kyocera. Between my husband, daughter and myself we have had all of these brands with no complaints at all. Feel Richer with Android and Smart Talk phone plans. Thinking about the savings is exciting. Maybe I can splurge on some Starbucks hot chocolate this winter when we make the switch. My husband is not in a contract and my daughters is up the end of this month!

The Straight Talk Image... by LittleBard95

The unlimited plan is not the only option. There is also also an "All you need plan". Plus 411 is included at no extra charge. There is an International plan as well. You are also free from activation, reactivation and termination fees. You can get the power of Android with all the apps you can want and games! Wide selection of phones available including refurbished starting at only $10. Those are great for younger users!

Ubisoft Kinect Preview. Watch more top selected videos about: Black Eyed Peas, Metacafe Video Game Originals

Re-reading books, do you?

2011-10-05T12:21:00.001-04:00

This week’s question:

How often do you re-read books? What does it take to make you re-read?

This is a fun question. I don't typically re-read books. The ones I do tend to be in the Fantasy Genre or Children's books.

I have started to re-read the Terry Brooks Landover Series. I read this series in High School, so wanted to read again as an adult. I also have re-read Douglas Adams, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. I will probably pick this series up every few years to read again.

Some books I see myself reading again in the future are Harry Potter, His Dark Materials and The Phantom Tollbooth.

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Free Kindle eBook ~ The Girl in the Lighthouse (Arrington)

2011-10-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

Free eBook for a limited time, The Girl in the Lighthouse (Arrington)

This is one of 2011 must read books! So shocking and immersed in dark family secrets, author Roxane Tepfer Sanford has captured readers from around the world with her debut novel, The Girl in the Lighthouse.

From the time Lillian Arrington was born in 1862, she lived an isolated life on a remote lighthouse station with her father Garrett and her young mother Amelia. But Lillian has wishes and dreams far beyond her years.
When her father is transferred to a new station, Lillian is anxious to meet the assistant keepers and their two sons, Heath and Ayden. She had never met children her own age, had playmates, or made a friend.

Heath, the handsome teenage boy who desires to become a doctor someday, welcomes Lillian. However, his younger brother, Ayden, doesn't like her and she struggles to win him over. Before long, a secret bond between the three is forged and to Lillian's delight, they become close friends.

After so many years, Lillian's childhood is beginning to resemble that of a normal girl. No longer is she lonely and isolated from the rest of the world by over-protective parents. Instead, she experiences new adventures, attends school, and falls in love for the first time.

However, her glorious days on Jasper Island are short-lived as her beautiful young mother begins a tragic descent into insanity and passes away. Lillian is left in the care of her sinister grandmother Eugenia Arrington, who, since the end of the Civil War, continues to steadfastly hold onto the once glorious Georgia plantation known as Sutton Hall. It is there that the immoral secrets of Lillian's parents are revealed, and she is left to pick up the pieces of her scandalous past, and somehow, find her long way home.

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Fall into Reading 2011 Challenge

2011-09-24T11:24:00.000-04:00

Fall Into Reading 2011!

Get reading! The challenge goes from September 23rd, through December 21st.

Staying home is Killer by Sara Rosett
The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly
The Immortals (Taylor Jackson) (Taylor Jackson #5) by J.T. Ellison
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evonovich
Grave Witch (Alex Craft, Book 1) ~ Currently Reading
Harvest by Tess Gerritsen ~ Currently Reading

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R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI

2011-09-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI

The purpose of the R.I.P. Challenge is to enjoy books that could be classified as:

Mystery.
Suspense.
Thriller.
Dark Fantasy.
Gothic.
Horror.
Supernatural.

Books read September & October

Pale Demon (The Hollows, Book 9) by Kim Harrison

Demonglass (A Hex Hall Novel) by Rachel Hawkins

Night Work by Steve Hamilton

The Immortals (Taylor Jackson) (Taylor Jackson #5) by J.T. Ellison
Grave Witch (Alex Craft, Book 1) ~ Currently Reading

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Scrapbooking Boot Camp $2 off expires today, Ella Publishing

2011-09-19T08:51:00.001-04:00

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Missoni for Target on Ebay

2011-09-15T00:06:00.001-04:00

I've got some of the hot Missoni for Target on ebay listed. You can check it out here. Dance season started up again on Monday. This is going to be one busy and expansive year, my girls are doing more this year then ever before!

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My Girls SENSE OF STYLE

2011-07-27T20:30:00.000-04:00

Sense of Style, something that we either are born with or can try to learn. I have two daughters that were both born with a great sense of style. Both my girls as soon as they could talk would pick out their outfits for the day. My youngest is the most bold with her clothing choices, and she is the pickiest. When she was four years old, she would only wear pink and even went through a phase of only wearing pink clothing with butterflies on it. That was a fun phase, let me tell you, lol.

My youngest, the shy yet daring dresser just turned ten years old. She will be entering fifth grade this year. She loves dressing super girly, pinks and purples. She wouldn't even wear the color blue until about a year ago. Thought it was too boyish for her. She loves her clothing to be full of glitter, rhinestones, basically anything flashy. I remember a few years ago, she bought this sequined gold tank top, jean skirt and these gold shimmery leggings from JC Penney. Part of the Hannah Montana line. I was with my grandmother when she picked this outfit out. We both looked at each other and said "This is totally Cammie". We weren't sure if she'd actually wear it though. She wore this outfit so much that the gold actually wore of the leggings and are now yellow. Thankfully, she stays in each size for a few years, so she has gotten a ton of use out of this outfit. I dread the middle school years when kids are peer pressured to all look the same. I am crossing my fingers that my ten year old keeps her individual style!

My oldest daughter will be fourteen this fall, and she is entering the ninth grade. While girly, she dresses a lot plainer. She used to be dressy in elementary school, but went to tight fitting tops and skinny jeans in middle school. While she has always loved pink, she has a much wider range of colors in her closest. She loves blues and greens, went through a crazy brown phase a few years. You will typically always find her in a tight top, zip up hoodie, skinny jeans and boots. On her "messy" days she will wear a t-shirt and sweats, but always finds a way to cute it up somehow. Her big fashion statements are bows in her hair, scarves, necklace and a bunch of bracelets. She is my accessory girl.

One thing I have found out being the mother to my daughters. Clothing can be one of those things that let your child feel like themselves in. We may want to control what they wear, but if you get them some space, it can really help your child become an individual. One of the fights I did get in with my teen is the holey jeans. I just don't like them. I have compromised and let her wear them, but it depends on what we are doing. When we go out as a family or certain places, they are not to be worn. This compromise works for all of us, and it allows my teen to be herself.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
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Banter for Moms with new Social Media site Bnter

2011-06-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

My girls are older now, I have to admit I have forgotten A LOT of the funny things they have said. All of those adorable little sayings or conversations that you think at the time you will always remember. Or that you will write it down and then forget to do that. Have you done that yourself? If so, I have found a great new social media site that lets you record all of those fun little things your kids say. It is called Bnterand is pronounced Banter. Signing up is quick and easy. Bnter is a social network designed for capturing conversations. It proves a modern way to save those precious moments and share them with family members, friends, and followers. Web- and app-based, Bnter.comcan be accessed from your laptop, ipad, or smart phone. Simple to use, free and fun, Bnter.comoffers an organized means of sharing those funny moments in a more visually appealing way than simply sharing them in your Facebook or Twitter stream.
I love that I can quickly record the things I want to remember. I can also become friends with other moms and laugh with them at the cute things kids say. It is also great for sharing with facebook and twitter friends. I love the way the site is organized. So much easier then trying to type everything out in an easy to read and understand format. If you are a mom, you have to give Bnter a try!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Bnter Campaign and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Dr. Scholl's® Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts GIVEAWAY

2011-06-10T09:21:00.001-04:00

When I work, I am on my feet the entire game. I work with a non-profit that raises money for children activities, and we work events at places like baseball games, basketball, football and concerts. You can be on your feet from 5 hours and up. After I started, I tried using inserts that cost around $10 but sometimes my feet hurt worse. I finally gave up trying anything, that is until MomCentral asked me to review the Dr. Scholl's® Custom Fit® Orthotic Inserts.

First I had to go the Custom Fit center that you find near the pharmacies of many stores. They have footmapping technology that measures that identify the areas that you apply the most pressure to and your arch type. There are actually over 2,000 sensors that do all this, and the process is really quick and painless. You just stand there for a few minutes and then it tells you your foot type. Really cool!

I was told I needed CF410 which MomCentral then sent me for review. I have been using the Dr. Scholl's custom fit insert for a few weeks now and love it. I use them mainly in my work shoes, but have pulled them out a few times for my normal shoes. These inserts do not make my feet hurt like the "generic" brand ones did that were not custom fit for my foot. I am amazed by these! Plus when I work the baseball games, we stand on cold cement. There was a bonus of all that extra padding on my feet to help keep them warm :)

Right now you can print a $7.50 rebate to use on your pair of Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Inserts.

Giveaway Alert ~ Mom Central and Dr. Scholl's will give one lucky winner there own pair of custom inserts. Giveaway will end on June 17th. You will need to head out right away to tell me what insert you will need. You can find a store locator here. To enter, just visit the locator and tell me your closest location.
Extra entries ~ Share this giveaway on any social media platform, then leave a link back in the comments!
You can also get extra entries for subscribing, following, voting for me on picket fences.
Thanks & good luck!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dr. Scholl’s and received a Custom Fit Orthotics from Dr. Scholl’s to facilitate my review.

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World's Largest Swap Market ~ Join this community of swappers!

2011-06-08T15:01:00.001-04:00

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

Swap.com has created the world's largest swap marketplace with over 1 million members that have already completed more then 4 million swaps! Swap is an online marketplace that allows you to list the items you want to swap in a variety of categories. You can swap all of your no longer wanted media including books, music, movies and games. Plus you can find local swaps in your community for clothing, or organize your own.

This is the way of shopping. Think of the benefits not only to your wallet, but also to the environment. You can look for a local swapping event in many countries, and you can also host your own swap. If you aren't interested in swapping locally, you can swap media online. You simply post your want list and find someone to swap with. Joining is super easy, and you can even connect through facebook.

Not only is Swap.com a great social swapping site, but they are also helping our schools! They have a program designed to get books donated to US public schools (Swap4Schools). Any US public school educator can create their own free account, build a want list, then members are given the option to donate their items instead of swapping them. They have already had over 6,000 donated. I think this program has so much potential, especially with the budget cuts. In Michigan alone, our governor is taking away money from the K-12 programs leaving our schools with budget cuts in the millions.

Swapping is a lot of fun, you save money and the environment. If you can help a school, how cool would that be? Sometimes donating, especially books to thrift stores is in such abundance that it isn't even helping anyone. Recently our thrift stores have been practically giving books away because they have so many boxes of them. If you can get your items to someone that wants them or donate them to a school that needs them, I think that would be really great. Go ahead and give Swap.com a try. There is a lot of potential at this site, help spread the word!

A little birdie told me that Swap.com in the very near future they are launching a more extensive swap market to swap anything. Right now you can only swap your books, music, video games and movies online, that will not always be the case. Ok, stop reading and go join. The more members they get, the better the swapping community will be!