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Friday, August 23, 2013

Going Away Til Thursday

took this last camping trip * our view of sky * from our camp site


Hi - my 2 kids and I are going to visit my Mom, and other relatives. We are taking the train tomorrow for our 10 hr + ride. My husband will be home and working so he isn't coming.

I'll be back next week. See ya then. I will have a few reviews, etc. Have a good week.



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Blueberry Picking Post

Hi, how are you today? I am way behind on posting pictures of stuff we have been doing this summer.

I have more pictures to post of some different things. But for now here is some pictures of a blueberry picking trip my daughter and I took.

This was at least a month ago:





I also found a really good blueberry muffin recipe online.  Here's a picture of one that I made - lol.



Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Review: Skin Actives Vitamin A Cream - Twilight Awakening





I  was given a sample of Skin Actives Vitamin A Cream - Twilight Awakening -

I have been trying this product for about 2 weeks. The suggested use says apply at night. So that is what I have been doing.

Here is some product info for you:

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite, the light-absorbing molecule retinal. Vitamin A is also crucial for our skin: when oxidized to retinoic acid, it is a growth factor for epithelial cells, where it binds to two different nuclear receptors to control gene transcription. Our Vitamin A Cream is one of our best selling products and will help improve wrinkles, acne, and pores. 


Please visit the Skin Actives Website for a complete list of ingredients in this cream. There is also a sun warning with this cream:

Warning: This product increases the risk of sunburn, so care should be taken to protect treated skin from overexposure to ultraviolet light. Stay in the shade or use sunscreen. 

But I really like this cream. It goes on smoothly, and has no fragrance which I like that. It seems to be doing wonders for my pores. And that is another thing to get excited about!

If you would like more information on this visit their website and also visit them on 


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Ultimate Back to School Bash #bts2013!

Hey guys. I'm helping promote this Back to School Giveaway. Are you ready for it? My kids start September 3rd so we still have a little time. Please read on and enter this cool giveaway.

Welcome to the Ultimate Back to School Bash #bts2013!
3BoysandaDog has teamed up with A+ Interactive Math and some fabulous other brands to bring you this giveaway.

Back to School Bash 2013
Prizes:
A+button125site

  • A+ Interactive Math - 1 year FREE Online Full Curriculum - A+ Interactive Math - 1 winner (choice of: grades K - Algebra I) Value $124.99 . A+ Interactive Math is dedicated to making math enjoyable and learnable for all ages. A+ Interactive is perfect for homeschooling parents or parents that just want to give the child some extra math help. A + Interactive Math offers full curriculum books, workbooks, online education and interactive math CD's. You can purchase A+ Interactive Math or view their catalog here.

    Door Prize for all participants:


    Multiplication for Elementary & Middle School - download (value $21.99)


    Code: enter 3DOGSMATH upon checkout

  • $100 Visa Card - This fabulous gift card is being brought to you by www.learntobloghangouts.com! This is the perfect way to get a great jump start on your back to school shopping! You can use this $100 Visa gift card at any location that accepts Visa.
  • Back to School Survival Guide - This back to school guide is brought to you by The Confident Mom. In this Back to School Survival Guide you will find everything you need to help you ensure the school year runs seamlessly. This guide is an 80 page printable that will help you keep your child safe while using the internet, help with homework, making packing school lunches easier, become a savvy back to school shopper and much more! You can read more about the Back to School Survival Guide or purchase one here.
  • Office Depot Sackpack of School Supplies -Office Depot is committed to providing affordable school supplies! You will find $25 worth of school supplies in this sack pack. The Office Depot Foundation donates over 30,000 backpacks to school children each and every year!
  • BYOU Magazine Subscription
  • Go Picnic Ready to Eat Meals - Go Picnic makes packing lunches and snacks a breeze. They offer gluten-free, kosher, all-natural and a variety of other snacks that are perfect for back to school lunches and snacks. You can view the large variety of products they offer here.
  • Tummy Calm - Have a little one with an upset stomach? Tummy Calm is a safe option to helping your child feel better. Tummy Calm is made with all-natural FDA regulated ingredients. You can read more about Tummy Calm and place an order here.
  • BIC School Supplies - BIC offers a wide range of back to school items from pens, pencils, markers, highlighters and much more! BIC is your one stop shop for your back to school supplies.
  • Teach My Preschooler - Teach My is your one stop solution for giving babies, toddlers and preschoolers a jump start on education. You will find interactive learning products that promote learning in a fun manner. You can order a Teach My learning program here.
  • Wild Planet Foods - Wild Planet Foods has tuna like you have never tasted before. This tuna is the perfect ingredient for a healthy and delicious school lunch. Wild Planet offers tuna that has 6 times the Omega 3 and 1/2 the mercury other brands have. Order up your own supply of Wild Planet Foods here.
  • GHCretors - GHCretors offers all-natural, non-GMO and gluten-free popcorn in a variety of flavors! You will love that a healthy snack can taste so good. This might just be the best popcorn you have ever tasted. Get your order placed here.
  • ListPlanIt - Are you ready to get your life organized? If so then ListPlanIt is the place to visit! Any kind of list you can imagine you will find on ListPlanIt. The winner is going to receive 2 ePlanners (Student ePlanner and Home Education ePlanner, value $10) + a coupon code for a 3-month trial to ListPlanIt! This is a fantastic prize to get the school year started off. You can also sign up for ListPlanIt here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Go to The Ultimate Back to School Bash (<<----click there) post to enter for your chance to win this HUGE giveaway worth well over $350 dollars!



So now that you've read everything - I hope you entered! Good luck everyone.

Disclosure: I am receiving a link to one of my social media outlets, to help promote this giveaway. I am not responsible in anyway for the awarding of any of the prizes. 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

NEW ROWLING Jewelry Box Giveaway - 2 winners

Hi guys and gals, I have another super awesome giveaway for you. It is from the company Rowling. And it is for  One pc Jewelry Box for FREE (ZG157RED:USD 13.99)



This is an really nice jewelry box, for everyone. And this is really great for travel. I think my daughter and I are going to have to share this (simply because we both want it!)

Isn't this nice? Well if I can get at least 50 valid competitors on this giveaway before the end of this giveaway, then 2 readers will be able to win this jewelry box.

Please check out their Ebay store to see all the other products they have to offer. I was visiting it and found a couple of things I want to show you.

Such as this:


[ROWLING]Faux Leather Evening Bag Ladies Wallet Wedding Party Purse Clutch 02529

Oh and look at this I really like:

[ROWLING] 2PCS Leather Jewelry Case Lipstick/Coin Case with Metal Closure HG062


While visiting their Ebay store please add them to your favorites! Visit them on Facebook too.


Please enter using Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway requirements: If over 50 valid competitors at end of giveaway 2 winners will win the above jewelry box. If less then 50 then 2 winners will win  $10 coupons which can be used as cash on the website.

ONLY CUSTOMER FROM US/UK/AU CAN WIN THE ITEM FOR FREE SHIPPING.
CUSTOMERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES HAS TO PAID PARCIAL SHIPPING FEE WHICH SHOULD BE DISCUSSED ACCORDINGLY.

Disclosure: I will gain same items as giveaway winners do. 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Ahaishopping Giveaway - $30 in clothes - 2 winners



Hello everyone. I have a really cool giveaway for you. It is from the company AhaIshopping.com.

They have some really awesome clothes on their website. And the prices are really great! There is a $9.99 section that I want you to check out. The $9.99 section has free shipping worldwide. Look at a couple of the items I found that I really like:


Short sleeve round collar lip print


New style bottoming shirt

Leisure straight jeans 8282



All of these are only $9.99. And there are many more nice items too.

In this giveaway 2 winners will be able to pick one item from the $9.99 section and one item from the $19.80 section

Here is a nice dress I like for $19.80

Lace shirt dress


Giveaway requirements: If there are 100 valid competitors at the end of the giveaway - then 2 winners will be able to win $30.00 in clothing as stated above. In the event that there is less then 100 competitors 2 winners will receive $15 cash bonus which can be used as cash on the website.

Check out these links (also giveaway entries) for Ahaishopping:


Please enter using Rafflecopter form - 1st answering mandatory question. This is an international giveaway - open Worldwide.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: There will be 2 winners chosen at random after 3 weeks. Each winner will get their prizes as said above. As the blog owner hosting this giveaway, I will also  get  the same prizes as winners.

#Pond's Luminous Finish #BB+ Cream Giveaway - 2 Winners @Influenster @InfluensterVox



Hey everyone! Recently I posted a review of the Pond's BB+ cream that I received. Please check out my review HERE for all the deets on this product.

Well since I got a bunch of this product. I decided to share the wealth with you guys, and give a couple of them away.

I have 2 extra  1.5 fl. oz  (in medium shade) of the product I want to giveaway. So please go read my other post (if you want) and then enter the giveaway below!



*enter using Rafflecopter below. Open to US residents only. No PO boxes. 2 winners - each winner will receive one (1) 1.5 fl. oz bottle of product.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I am doing this giveaway on my own with no compensation or obligation from anyone. I got some free samples from Influenster.com for testing purposes only. I have some extra products I want to giveaway.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Stay on Trend with Firmoo Free Glasses in August


1. New Customers get your first pair free at Firmoo.com right now! Check out more products!
2. All free code eligible eyegwear at that page is offered in limited quantities every day. First come, first served!
3. For new customers only. One pair per person.
4. All free frames come complete with 1.50 single vision lenses, complimentary cases, cleaning cloth and other accessories. You just need to pay shipping.
5. Full refund for dissatisfaction.



(The above model photos are all derived from Firmoo+.)

New Customers, check more products for your first free pair at Firmoo.com right now! You just need to pay shipping. First come, first served!

Furthermore, Firmoo currently partner with 4sponsor, a safe, easy & efficient platform where we released cooperation opportunities there. For this reason, you can try to look for your suitable opportunity there. Begin your first try now!

About Firmoo
Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store. We have always been committed ourselves to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices which start at 8 dollars- 80%-90% lower compared to that in local store.

Friday, August 9, 2013

My #MotorOilMatters (MOM) oil change

Hey guys. Remember my post awhile back (giveaway) on Motor Oil Matters (MOM)? Well as a follow up to that post. I was able to get an oil change with the gift card I received.

Here's a picture of my "baby"



I took this on Instagram, which I am having fun with lately.

Anyway, I looked on the Motor Oil Matters website  to check if there was a MOM licenced distributor in my area. After putting in my zip code, nothing came up.

But that is ok, because I decided to study/print up a copy of the MOM checklist that I had. Remember that from my other post? Well if not here it is again:

click here for pdf version: MOM checklist


I decided to go to Walmart - because last oil change that is where my husband took it, and it is right up the street from me. I went over everything on the checklist. And I am very happy with how it turned out. And I am also proud of myself, because I was able to do it myself, and not rely on my husband to do it for me.

(c) stay at home mom


I should be set for another 6 months! Check out the MOM website for yourself for all kinds of tips and information!

Also follow them on Facebook & Twitter.


Disclosure: I had previously received a GC from Motor Oil Matters for an oil change. All opinions are my own. 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Latest Camping Trip

Last week we went camping. After going to this campground a few times before, we finally got my husband's dream site.





Fishing right at our site. Hubby caught a pretty good catfish.





Group photo. I took this with the timer on my tablet - came out a little blurry.




Friday, August 2, 2013

How to clear out your home and make money

Clutter, clutter, clutter. Most of us are surrounded by stuff we do not need, do not want and do not use. From children's toys they have long grown out of to clothes we no longer wear, it is very easy to be guilty of hoarding. Lofts are stuffed with boxes of indeterminate items, garages are so full of stuff that we cannot fit our cars in them and drawers are overflowing with bits and pieces that have no real natural home.

Clean and clear

If you are moving house then it is the perfect opportunity to go through your things and get rid of some of the items which have been lingering on long past their use-by date. The old fridge in the garage which still works but you do not use because you have a new one - the child's bicycle with stabilisers when your kids are now teenagers, the lamp which you decided did not match your decor, the list is pretty endless for most people. Even if you are not moving, a good spring clean is very therapeutic and you will be amazed at how much extra space you have once your home is free from all that annoying clutter.

Where to next?

But the big question is, what to do with it? You could try a car boot sale, where smallish items like children's toys and old books often prove popular purchases. You are unlikely to get rich this way, but you might make a few pounds and pass the items on to a new home.

Or of course you could gift the items to friends and family, or offer them to a charity shop. Many people now sell unwanted items online to make money and there is a myriad of auctions and selling sites on the internet you could try posting your items on to make a bit of cash.

It is a good idea to have a price in mind for each item so you will not be disappointed. Auction sites allow you to set a minimum (reserve) price so be realistic and remember it is a second-hand item and shoppers are looking for a bargain, so will not want to pay too much. Just think, far better someone else is making use of the old fridge and you have a few extra quid in your pocket than it is languishing in your garage forever. Big items like this will probably need to be sold locally, but smaller items can be parcelled and posted – just remember to add the right amount of postage onto your asking price.

People sell all manner of items online. Remember the proverb 'one man's trash is another man's treasure', so what you think is rubbish could make someone's day.

For certain items you could try looking on specific collectors' sites to see if anyone is looking for just what you have (old books and collectible magazines, for example) and collectors are likely to pay a decent price for items, too. Then you can sit back and enjoy your clutter-free home.

Making the perfect coffee: cafetiere or machine?

Discover your perfect coffee

Coffee is big business these days. Large multinational coffee chains are taking over the high street, people can be regularly seen walking to work swinging their Styrofoam cup and there are all kinds of flavours, toppings and extras you can have. Making the perfect cup of coffee is trickier than it sounds. With so many varieties of coffee, milk versus black, whether to add sugar, what the right strength is, espresso, cappuccino, latte... it is quite impossible these days to ask someone if they'd like a coffee without having to follow up with a list of questions about how they prefer it.

While there are many delicious types of instant coffee out there, coffee aficionados would argue that the only way to make coffee is to brew it yourself. But once again you hit a minefield of questions, such as whether to invest in a coffee machine or whether you can get an equally good cup of coffee using a cafetière.

What's the difference?
A filter coffee maker heats up the water before dripping it through a filter – either paper or plastic – filled with coffee grains. The coffee collects in the jug below – this is sometimes known as a drip brew. A cafetière, meanwhile, has the coffee and hot water added together and is left a short while before the plunger is lowered to leave the coffee liquid in the jug. Is one better than the other? It's all a question of taste – some people think you need a cafetiere for great coffee while others think a more traditional machine is the only way forward.

Filter coffee will most likely have a lighter body than coffee prepared in a cafetière, meaning it will just lightly coat your tongue, whereas cafetière coffee is much fuller in body, coating the whole of your mouth and giving a stronger, more long-lasting flavour.

Cafetière coffee will give you a slightly more muddled set of flavours. It contains more compounds than filter coffee, meaning there are more flavours swirling around your cup, which can be a little confusing for your tastebuds. A filter coffee will have a clearer flavour, giving you a simpler, cleaner cup of coffee.
Something which coffee lovers dislike about using a cafetière is the amount of sediment at the bottom of the cup. This is inevitable – when you depress the plunger, small amounts of undissolved coffee can get through the holes, which then sinks to the bottom of your cup. This is not something you'll often find with filter coffee, which produces a much cleaner coffee as the holes in the filter paper are too small for the coffee to pass through.

The verdict?
There really isn't one option better than another. Some people prefer to put a teaspoon of instant coffee in a cup, fill it with hot water and drink it straight away. Others prefer to grind their own beans, source specific types of coffee and put lots of time and effort into the perfect brew. So give it a bit of trial and error to see which one works best for you.