Giveaway: OhmiBod

I can't remember the last time I was THIS excited about a giveaway. It was one of those drop everything and start entering moments. When I first heard about this product I laughed, but then when I thought about it it could be the most useful, fun and satisfying thing you own in that secret little drawer/box/closet (depending on how fun you are!).

As my girl J says "Listening to music has never felt so good". Tell 'em girl! While it pulsates to music it also pulsates to general sounds in the room (god where was this during those boring lectures in college, haha?) So you should all pop over to BB & B to win your very on OhMiBod. You have until 12/11 to enter. If you cannot wait another minute visit the OhMiBod website to get your own!

For the record, at one point I may have made a bet about the top 10 songs to play with your OhMiBod, based on title. I am ashamed to say I lost to much more creative boyfriend. So to get over that tragic fact, I am determined to WIN!

Saturday Six

From my girl J at BB&B!

So for Saturday Six...tell us how you get down in the bedroom. (All about your sleep style sickos! Get your mind out of the gutter!)

• How many hours per night/day do you sleep? 6-7 and usually a couple nights 9 (when I go to bed super early)
• Night owl or morning person? Night owl, but morning's aren't hateful as long as I have coffee.
• What do you wear to bed? usually a tank or tshirt
• Sleep crutches? (Sleep with a radio, fan, t.v. on? Have to have something particular in order to doze?) fan on!
• Do you remember your dreams when you wake up? almost always and they are usually pretty whacked out.
• Any strange stories about sleepwalking/talking or anything of that nature? My Grandma used to tell me when I was younger that I would sit up straight in bed or my legs would be up in the air. But maybe that was her dementia setting in.

Fawk you Friday

Hosted by my girl J at BB&B and I'm Just Sayin'. Wow oh wow what should I rant about today.

My Fawk You's for the week:

Everyone dipping out early today at work, how am I supposed to be entertained with out my work partners in crime?

Those Pioneer Woman Cinnamon rolls I made on Wednesday, and all the fat that went straight to my ass.

This pay period lasting forever, because of that I had to pay 3 weeks of childcare out of the last check versus 2, which is less shoe money for mama!

Little Diva for being sick Tuesday, she fed my giveaway addiction and now I have cut off nearly all communication after her bedtime so I can get my tweets in!

Saturday Six

I'll give it a whirl...first time for everything right??

1. You get a million dollars, what's the first thing you buy? A Master's Degree, call me crazy but even if I won a trillion dollars I want to further my education. I cannot tell you what I would go back for either Counterterrorism or Web design.
2. What do you consider to be the best things about yourself? (Your best qualities, what you like about yourself etc.) I'm going to go with my girl Jana on this one, the ability to fit in with multiple groups of people. I'm a chameleon when it comes to social situations, you can take me to a classy dinner with your work peeps and an hour later I can be drinking beers on your back porch.
3. What do you consider to be your weaknesses? Confrontation, I will let shit "go or slide" for a long time until it gets unbearable and then snap at you for the stupidest thing because of all the previous drama. There is ONLY one person I am not like this with, and whatever the issue is it comes out immediately...but that is a WHOLE other can of worms.
4. Have you ever made a scene in public? Elaborate! Hmmm, I used to be quite the party girl but I am pretty good at keeping it dramafree. But when wine is involved it's a whole other story. One time at a hotel I went off on a bunch of people in the hallway while only wearing a tank top and thong, Jerry Springer style. The next morning we all had to get on a 7 hour bus trip back home...but I think everyone was over my BS as some other kid puked in the sink, lol.
5. Any annoying quirks you possess? I get SOOO annoyed when windshield wipers are not the correct speed for the rain, it drives me up the freakin wall.
6. Are you more aggressive or passive in your personality? I would say passive but I tend to play the passive aggressive card with snarky comments all the time.

Giveaway: Miracle Body Jeans

Who doesn't want to look 10 lbs lighter on any given day? Well Miraclebody jeans to the rescue! Don't you worry these aren't your granny's jeans they are very stylish!!

Right now It's Me Melbie is doing a giveaway on her blog! There are multiple entry methods (okay that's kinda dirty, lol) and you have until Oct 27th! Which means if you win you could use the jeans to hide the holiday lbs from yummy treats!! So go check out this AWESOME GIVEAWAY and enter!

Giveaway: Saucy Mama surprise pack

Let's face it we all can't be Betty Crocker every night of the week and whip up a homemade masterpiece. The easy way out is tv dinner's. But the more delicious easy way out is marinades and pre made sauces!

So I was thrilled when I ran across Carrie's Rambles blog via my girl Jana! Right now she has a Saucy Mama giveaway for a surprise pack. The package Carrie got to sample looked amazing and personally I have my eye on the garlic wing sauce!

You all should go check it out and enter you have until October 2nd! I personally can't wait to check out Carrie's blog and other giveaways!

Giveaway: Fantasy Jewels

For months and months I have been determined to win a Fantasy Jewels giveaway!! Problem is that there are always SO many dang entries. Which means they must have awesome products b/c everyone is after that awesomeness!

Right now my girl It's Me Melbie has a Fantasy jewels giveaway for product of choice up to $35.00. To enter go pick out what you want...way easier said than done I could look for hours and still not decide. BUT I found this ring and was just IN LOVE! I am well known for having unique funky pieces of jewelry and I MUST have this one!

So go check out her Fantasy jewels giveaway now thru Oct. 13!

A new blog & Giveaway: CSN Stores $20 GC

Hey everyone one of my friends just started doing product reviews and giveaways on her blog! Everyone welcome Chaotic Cilla to the group!! She's the proud mom of 2 boys and one girl and is going to school to finish her degree = AWESOME!! So like most of other mom's she can do it ALL. I imagine that she will have great success and offer many great products that will make all of our lives easier...well hell or at least a bit more fun! Welcome girlie!

So for her first giveaway she has a CSN stores $20 GC up for grabs. She's looking for more followers so tell everyone you know! Go check out her CSN post HERE to enter. Multiple ways to enter and daily tweet entry! CSN offers SO many great products I guarantee you can find something you love or something for someone else (Christmas is less than 4 months away). Personally I have my eye on a yoga mat. I recently became health/gym nut again and would love to take Yoga next session to calm my nerves!

Giveaway: Good Nite Lite

I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am for this giveaway and want to win it SOOOOOO bad. Since May (pretty much around the spring time change), my daughter has become an awful sleeper. She would sleep through the night no problems and then BAM she went from perfect angel to being up 3-4 times a night. I've tried everything from bribes, a sleeping chart, moving her to a twin size bed, taking away her water cup, buying new sheets and blankets and we are still in the same spot.

I saw the Good Nite Lite many months ago and thought it was pretty cool. At that time my sweet princess was sleeping just fine. The Good Nite Lite is lit as a moon when it's sleep time and a sun when it's okay to get up. I'm probably a bet naive thinking that one little nite lite will solve all of our problems but it'd sure be nice.

Luckily It's me Melbie is giving away one of these sweet nite lites! There are multiple extra entries and it ends on Sept. 28th!

Giveaway: Bad Idea tshirt

A girl can NEVER have too many tshirts, ESPECIALLY snarky ones! So I was BEYOND thrilled when my girl J at BB & B listed the giveaway for bad idea tshirts. Per any normal giveaway entry you are supposed to browse the stock and pick your favorite one! Oh gosh I fell in love with so many I didn't know where to start. Of course the political tees were some of my faves.

The one on the left ended up being my choice.

So if you love politically incorrect tees go see J HERE to enter. On 9/9 a winner will be chosen to win a RANDOM (oh boy that's fun) tee of their size choice!

Giveaway: Lisa Leonard designs

Hi, my name is Ashley and I am a jewelry addict. (everyone: hello ashley). Okay there I admit it, I am addicted to jewelry and especially one of a kind pieces.

So when I saw in my email that New Age Mama was having a Lisa Leonard giveaway I was delighted! Her pieces are just gorgeous, and I bet any woman in your life would love to have one. I absolutely fell in love with so many necklaces. The corner heart necklace is my favorite!

Be sure to visit New Age Mama to enter this giveaway. Multiple extra entries until 9/13 when you have you chance to win $50 gc to Lisa leonard!

Giveaway blitz: Patriotic Pillow pet

Okay another great giveaway brought to you by New Age Mama! I had to share this because I have a little story about Reagan and pillow pets. I tried the bribe trick with her to get her to stay in her bed at night, it worked for a bit and after 7 sleeps she got a dora umbrella. A week or so passes by and she sees a pillow pet commercial while watching Dora (good marketing pillow pet peeps) and she runs up to me VERY excited and says "Mommy if I sleep in my bed ALLLLL night you can buy me a pillow pet". Muhahahaha the kid is too smart for my own good. OBVIOUSLY this didn't happen but she would be thrilled to have a pillow pet.

This is a special Patriotic Pillow pet giveaway. And if you know me Patriotism should be my middle name! Everytime you purchase the patriotic pillow pet $5 will be given to the scholarship fund for military children (everyone this is a great cause!!) more details can be found here. The giveaway ends on August 6th!!

Giveaway blitz: Affordable Scarves

Ever since I started my blog giveaway madness (Okay true I took a hiatus, but I'm back) I have LOVED affordable scarves! I am actually surprised I haven't broken down and bought a few, but it always slips my mind!!

So I was naturally thrilled when I ran across all the great giveaways at the New Age Mama blog. Not only is she trendy and hip she has a great summer giveaway event going on!

Here is the good stuff, you can enter to win an affordable scarf of your choice right HERE . There are so many to choose from! Lately I have been in an orange phase so I chose the orange pashmina. It's bright and cheery but will be great for fall! You have until 8/20 to enter and there are many bonus entries!! US residents only!

Giveaway: Episencial sunscreen

If you all don't know I am pretty much the sunscreen nazi, all with good reason. My mother died from melenoma when I was young, and we are all fair skinned. Melenoma is one of the most genetic forms of cancer so I have a much higher rate of getting it at some point in my life. So the best thing for all of us to do is preventative measures.

So when I saw that only 39 sunscreens out of 500 were found to be effective I was shocked. Immediately I pulled up the list to see what I should be buying.

Just so happens that my friend Melanie is doing a giveaway on her blog for Episencial sunscreen. But you have to hurry because it ends at 11:59 MST. We all know sunscreen isn't cheap, and I would certainly pay high dollar for a great product that is proven effective, but also would love to win!

I am still alive! + a fab giveaway from my girl J

Hello? Is anyone still lurking around here? I have just been one busy mamacita for the past month. Kicked it off with celebrating my quarter century crisis (i.e. 25th birthday). Wonderful girl's weekend in Cincinnati.

Took my spoiled 3 year old daughter to Yo Gabba Gabba in Cincinnati a few weekends ago. Wow she loved that, and of course wanted all that over priced junk they sell (I'm in the wrong business). We both did get tshirts, so pretty jazzed about that. I recommend the show to any of you hip parents whose kids love it.

Went on the relationship rollcoaster thanks to boyfriend taking Chantix. But happy to say that things are back to normal and still as amazing as before.

Lastly, finalized my job on friday and I am not an OFFICIAL employee at the organization. Best aspect of that is that my health insurance kicks in on Monday. 100% covered by my employer, and I'll pay 1/2 for my daughter.

So anyway yadda yadda yadda enough about me! I of course haven't had much of anytime to do anything but my girl J is having an awesome giveaway on her blog right now. Guy and Eva is one of those that I am determined to win. They just launched their spring/summer catalog and there are so many great pieces for under 30 bucks. I am on a ring fetish right now and there are tons of adorable and eccentric rings...naturally I was in heaven.

If you pop on over to Boobies, Babies & a Blog you can enter to win the Hayden Necklace! The colors are perfect for spring. And i'm gonna say right now if I win this I will be shopping for a hot pair of green or yellow pumps! (yeah you see how I get one thing and it leads to a shoe purchase....boyfriend does NOT get that ;0) )

Best of luck ladies, hurry it ends April 10!

Sunday Shout outs!!

I took an unplanned blogging hiatus for a bit. It wasn't just blogging it was giveaways too, I am struggling a bit to strike a balance between my newfound priorities. But I do have some exciting things I would love to share!

NUMBER 1

Two great gals have started their own reviews and giveaways, they snazzied up their blogs and have some AMAZING GIVEAWAYS. So you should all check them out, they really are two of the biggest sweethearts I know (well in cyberworld for now).

Boobies, Babies and a Blog Right now J has a Music Legs lingerie giveaway (ends today and I am determined to win), Yoyo lipgloss (ends tomorrow) and a Rachel Ray skillet, Huephoria wine glass and 15 mineral basics sample! Those all end later this week or next.

It's me Melbie! Has a charm factory that ends today. Eundies, Alex and Ani. I am excited as I have one charm factory and eundies already so I can finally enter one of her fab giveaways (what can I say I am an "ethical" giveway enterer)

NUMBER 2

One of the first giveaways I won was this FABULOUS Nivea/aquaphor/Eucerin basket from Ellen at Love that Max! A big thanks to Ellen and Nivea for such a great basket of stuff. There is so much in it I don't know what to do. I will be sharing some of the aquaphor baby stuff with a friend. I feel like the basket was destined for me. As some of you may know my mom passed away from skin cancer 11 years ago. Many of these products include the recommend daily SPF 15, and are designed for skin care protection and CARE! Ladies and gents I cannot emphasize this enough for you and your children, SUNSCREEN will save your life. I know everyone has their cause and this is mine. It takes one bad sunburn when you are young to develop into melenoma later in life. Melonoma is also one of the most genetic cancers out there, so if someone in your family has had it you should be getting checked every 6 months! Okay off my high horse, go check out Ellen's blog she keeps it real with some very uplifting and funny stories!

NUMBER 3

My final shout out goes to 6pm.com . I possibly cannot tell you who exactly told me about this site, but I know it was from someone's blog. I received my first paycheck and I haven't been shopping in honestly 2 months so I needed some form of retail therapy and naturally I gravitated towards shoes. I was browsing there and at my other fave smartbargains and ended up with 3 pairs of EXCELLENT shoes from 6pm for the price of the one pair of Carlos santana shoes I wanted from smartbargains. I am sharing the love because I don't think I have ever spent 55 bucks (including the shipping) on 3 splendid pairs of shoes! I'm not talking cheapos either, Steve Madden, Nine West and Hale Bob. Extra validated by the fact I spent that much on 3 amazing products and boyfriend spent the same amount on dinner and drinks that night that lasted all of 3 hours...hot shoes last years and have far more benefits...will not go into that!

Okay happy sunday dolls!

Giveaway: Music Legs Lingerie

So I am totally thrilled to tell you about a friend's blog!! She's an awesome mom, friend woman and I'm so thoroughly excited she is starting to do her own reviews and giveaways. So you should definitely go check out Boobies, Babies & A blog and show her some love!

She just launched her first giveaway for the Music Legs Lingerie. Might be too risque for some, so if you aren't 18 or that's not your thing...well then I'll tweet extra times in your honor so I can win!! bow chicka wow wow!

No no just kidding, I want her to have great success so get your cute little butt over there and enter!

Want to Impress? Chicken Recipe

I had to own up to my Betty Crocker skills this past weekend. I love to cook but not as much as I love to bake. Either way it's a trial and error process with recipes and I hate to be disappointed. After lengthy conversation of What do you like? Oh wait more importantly what do you hate? The consensus was chicken. Okay chicken I felt like I could handle. But I honestly wanted to make something pasta...but pasta was by no means a favorite so off I went to find a recipe.

And gosh it was AMAZING, and easy and impressive. Even my father who thinks he should qualify for iron chef said it was perfect. So here ya go:

Chicken Provolone Rollups

• 4 pieces Chicken Breast, Pounded Thin
• 8 slices Provolone Cheese
• 8 Tablespoons Seasoned Bread Crumbs
• 8 teaspoons Parmesan Cheese, Grated
• 1 bottle (8 Oz. Bottle) Italian Dressing

Prep and Instructions: Mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together. Set aside. Put 2 slices of provolone cheese on each chicken breast. Roll breasts up jelly roll fashion; dip each in dressing, then in the bread crumb mixture. Place in a Pyrex dish sprayed with non-stick spray. If necessary, to keep the chicken from unrolling, place a toothpick in each chicken breast. Bake at 450 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Now I made the above as is, but if you wanted to make it low fat you could use FF italian, reduced fat parmesan cheese and either whole wheat bread crumbs or fiber one bran cereal in the food processor with italian seasoning.

I also think it would be great made with pepperjack cheese! Either way, it's easy and impressive!

*Oh and I might add after my hour of searching...I find out last night that he loves lasagna..okay well you could have told me that and it would have been easier! lol

Last Minute Giveaway: Eden Fantasies

Okay ladies, single or hitched this giveaway is JUST for you and well, it might delight your partner too! BUT you have to hurry because it ends TONIGHT AT 9PM EST.

Again it's over at Bella So Savvy (I mean she really does have fab giveaways). And it's for a $25 Gift card to Eden Fantasies and some Chocolate fantasy body powder (now does that not sound FUN?)

The great thing is that Eden fantasies has so much to offer for bedroom fun! But I won't recommend anything, I'll let you do the exploring on your own!

Happy winning dolls!

Giveaway: Shoes (they really are a girls best friend)

You are all in luck, I have the day off of work today which means I get to spend some extra time devoted to giveaways. Yup this is the part where I tell you the latest and greatest in giveaway land.

Secret no more: one of my favorite blogs is Bella so Savvy. It is very neat, doesn't take forever to load and easily navigable. Yes, I am a sucker for efficiency! What make's the blog so much better is that she always has some AWESOME giveaways! Oh and I'm not done yet, there are multiple ways to enter everyone, including the tweet everyday (my favorite!).

Now onto the good stuff, right now she has a SIXTY DOLLAR SHOEBUY GIVEAWAY! If you aren't a shoe whore like myself, well I am sure someone in your family is need of a new pair of shoes, you know how quick those children grow! But me? Well I'm selfish and if I win this I am going to buy some hot new shoes for spring/summer/in the bedroom. I don't know but you know they will be for moi! You can visit Shoebuy.com and check out their options. You can search by style, brand, size, the optio

ns are limitless!

My two faves are: The Jessica Simpson Josephine! and BCBGeneration Model-Passion Suede. (okay not springlike, but I have been dying for a pair of eggplant boots!)

Wordless Wednesday: Mother Nature's Cooler

My blog has been neglected

Oh how will I find the time!! So great news, I went back to work this week. It's amazing how things just worked out as well as they did. I wasn't all over the finding a job scene, and I think it may have fallen into place thanks again to wonderful connections. Although temporary, hopefully it leads to something full time. I am determined to prove that I can do the job and more when needed. The pay isn't exceptional but the benefits would be off the hook. Plus I could be making the same amount of money working 60 hours a week on a campaign, so the trade off is wonderful. All because it works with Reagan's schedule.

After 3 days I am exhausted, it is friday night I am laying in bed and yawning because I just need to get to sleep. I am sure after a week or two it will all fall into place, work, home, 'the relationship, giveaways, free time etc.

In the mean time I will just enjoy the moment.

Wordless Wednesday: A little late

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Reagan's 3rd Birthday

Someone is having trouble with the turning 3 thing, and it that would be me! I just cannot believe how much she has grown. She is 3 going on 15, throwing dirty looks left and right (no idea where she gets that) and pure girly attitude. As my friend Lauren, who teaches preschool, said: "I don't teach preschool, it's more like a room of 3 year olds who think they are in high school". For example here was one of our convo's last week:

Me: "Reagan, I'm busy and you will just have to hold on a minute"

Reagan: (stomps feet, crosses arms, pouts). "Ughhh, whatever Mom"

Me: (trying not to bust into hysterics) "excuse me, young lady *giggle* we do not talk like that"

Enjoy the pics from her party!

Giveaway: Eshakti

I just love this company, they have adorable fashionable clothes at reasonable prices! I am always on the prowl for Eshakti giveaways and I am sharing the love!

Misadventures in baby raising is having a tickle her pink valentine's blog party! That probably means there will be lots of giveaways! To enter the Eshakti $20 giftcard giveaway go here. Just so happens that there will be 2 winners. (so that means me and you, right? lol) There are multiple ways to enter!

Two of my favorite items are Embellished scoop neck top, I'm partial because I think I look amazing in blue! Also love the Drapey Cowl neck pullover, but I don't have shoes to go with these, darn would have to find something!

Best part is that Eshakti is for every beautiful lady out there with sizes available from 0-26w!

Unique Giveaway: The Vintage Pearl

It's a good thing I have NO money because I have found so many handmade items I just adore. And yes, I have a list of "to purchase" items once I do have money. (sorry checking account) I recently found another unique set of jewelry I am in love with!

So I'll fill you in, it's The Vintage Pearl where there are items from necklaces to bracelets to earrings. I love so many of the necklaces! A few of my favorites are Large Layers necklace (right) as well as the I love you to the

moon and back (left).

If you like what you see, and how can you not? Just go visit Scary Mommy. To enter a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to the vintage pearl! The contest will end February 8th at midnight.

Workin it out

Wow someone has been neglecting blogging duties? Well that's what happens when you get a little busier I suppose.

Yesterday while I was doin my elliptical thing (by the way friday evenings at the gym are awesome, because no one is there). I realized, I've been at this for a little over a month now. I have made it to the gym at least 3x a week, but I aim for 4. From the time I started I am down 6 lbs, so needless to say I am pretty jazzed. I like having the hour to myself, to clear my head and witness all the strange things one sees at the gym (revert back to tuesday though process). Not to mention, there has only been one time Fox News has not been on one of the tvs. As if it is some sort of Y law that it must be on at all times. To be honest, one hour with Glenn beck and a few clips of Robert Gibbs bumbling like an idiot really does wonders for increasing your heart rate. I have concluded that is probably all Gibbs is good for, besides being the worst press secretary ever.

Looking back, this month has been pretty much amazing. I feel like I am in a lot better "place" in life and the journey to "know thyself" shall continue.

Wordless Wednesday: But with Words

So what is more important to you today, Itablet talk or SOTU?

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Thought Process (at the gym)

This is pretty much now it went:

Why am I here, I am so tired I don't want to do this?

(while weighing on scale) I weigh 2 lbs less than last week, the scaled lied to me yesterday, okay let's do this

Oh hello hot army guy, you do not match today

(10 mins into workout) man I am sore, and tired and why am I doing this again?

Oh yes, beach body, beach body. MILF status again, clothes fitting, long hair

Let's find that maneater song, that outta get me motivated

Gosh I love that fox news is always on here, it's like a "rule"

Hey I haven't seen any of the hot workers lately, did they stop cleaning the machines?

Wonderful I am the only one on the elliptical now, and everyone is watching my giant ass

Turn around snarly lady on the treadmill, yes my machine is making weird noises but I am not stopping 25 mins in when I have a rhythm....

AGAIN, crazy why are looking at me, turn up your ipod!

Oh tiny asian girl, wonder if she runs marathons. Why does she wear eyeliner to the gym?

Awesome crazy lady will now stare at her instead of me.

I wish I had more water, but I am not getting off this machine until I am D-O-N-E.

Great, person #7 I've seen from high school, awkward.

Hot army guy is stretching too, score!

Okay he isn't that hot, kinda looks like a bird, I like his tattoos.

(back to lockeroom) Please do not let me be the 80 year old naked woman changing right when you walk in, ever.

And do not let me wear giant mumbo granny panties either.

(leaving locker room) Hot army guy again, wonder what his last name is, inspect back pack, nothing maybe he's a poser. Actually he could be a guido, I should rethink this.

(getting DD from nursery) Dang it the ladies here are talking about cheeseburgers, I want one, no I don't, yes I do, blah!

In Honor of the Massachusetts election: An Open Letter to Democrat Politicians

I'm having a political moment here. A facebook friend posted this video a few weeks ago,

and then it mysteriously disappeared from youtube. Hmmm wonder why?

It's pretty powerful, and I wish the GOP would grab hold of ideas like this!

Handbag giveaway: Spring is almost here check out Parazul

As the season's change so does your wardrobe, down to the shoes and accessories. Start 2010 off right and enter to win this gorgeous handbag!!

Baby Dickey, milftobe's blog (and honestly that name rocks!) has this awesome giveaway for a Parazul designer handbag. The bags are inspired by destination vacations, namely the Caribbean and Alaska. For us busy mom's this is about as close as some of us will get to a vacation until those kids grow up! You can win a very neutral beige bag that will go great with any outfit, retails at $250. There are multiple ways to enter so get on over there! She also has other great giveaways for mom's and mom's to be, oh and you get extra entries for entering those as well!

Ends Jan 22nd at 11:59 CST!

Jewelry: Pure Pearls giveaway

Did you seriously think I was done with the jewelry giveaway blogs? Just. you. wait.

So adding to the list of things for you to do New Age Mama has a Pure Pearls giveaway. You should definitely check it out because there are multiple entries and the beloved "tweet everyday". You have a choice between 2 prizes too, the "Pure Hearts" coin pearl pendant OR Pure Hearts bracelet. Which one do you like better? I think I am leaning towards the pendant right now!

You have until 2/3/10 to enter, and it is for US residents only.

Jewelry: Pearl Paradise giveaway

As I frequent blogs and read tweets from the tweeps, I notice many products or brands and then I become hell bent on winning that product! Can't say that I have been successful yet, but one day it will happen. One of the current giveaways I am loving is Pearl Paradise. I honestly, have no pearls, but I can see where they would come in handy. As I enter the real world of the working people pearls would be a great accessory. Gawd, and I just love jewelry!

Right now Jacqueline from Blessings Abound has a Pearl Paradise Giveaway. To be exact you can enter to win the Enter to win a 7.0-8.0 mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace!!! There are multiple ways to enter, so it is definitely worth your time. You have until January 27, to enter by 11:59 PM (alaska time folks!) Check out all of her Giveaways, because you get extra entries for entering them too!

Jewelry: Tear drop earring giveaway

Alright ladies, and gents (I doubt there are many) it is getting close to that time of year, Valentine's day. So I am starting to see some fabulous giveaways pop up related to this holiday and many of them are jewelry! I am all about entering these since I do not have a person other than my adorable daughter to celebrate this holiday with. Mama, wants win herself a little somethin pretty! But you should too, and if anything it could be a great gift for someone else!

The Networking Witches have a beautiful teardrop earring giveaway. These are great because they can be dressed up or down, they are basic and simple without being boring. One would be surprised how something so simple can make such a statement! The earrings are from the Turtle Love Co. . They have some wonderful other products.

There are multiple ways to enter and this giveaway ends on February 1st.

Last Minute Giveaway: Butterfly Pendant

Recently I have been entering some great handmade giveaway's. Most of the products are on Etsy and very pretty. Something about wearing something actually made by someone by hand makes me feel all kinds of special.

Right now you can drop by K S Jewellery Designs and enter to win a beautiful butterfly pendant. It is a perfect piece for everyday wear! 3 ways to enter

But you must Hurry the winner will be drawn 1-15-10

So this workout thing!

Isn't all that bad. Now that I am in a groove I guess I am here to stay. For example, today I was going to take a rest day, and the more I sat on the couch the more I though "just get up and go do something". I didn't go full steam ahead at the gym, but I did get in a decent workout.

The way I look at it is, that I can either wallow in what I don't want to do, have a sluggish workout and not get anywhere. Or get there and devote all my energy for the next hour to have the best workout possible. The result is I feel great afterwards, and I don't feel guilty if a sneak a potato chip later from Reagan.

Speaking of eating, I really do not want to count calories. Mainly because I don't want to have to count calories for the rest of my life. Don't get me wrong I look at the nutrition labels and have a roundabout number as to what I'm consuming but I am by no means tracking. I hope this continues to work for me. I'm living by Bethenny's "your diet is like a bank account". If I want a cookie I just know that I'm going to have to make smarter choices the rest of the day into the next day to make up for eating the cookie. It makes it all pretty easy.

And the result was that last week I lost 3 lbs. I was pretty stoked, seeing that I went to Olive Garden and McDonald's last week, and again just made smart choices. The 6 or so beers I consumed Friday night, probably not so wise. Really want to try the ne

w expresso/coffee flavored vodka...although that get could

be dangerous.

So wanted to share, this is how I am keeping track of everything. I plug in my miles and calories after my workouts and I total them up for the end of the week. I am already seeing improvement!

Wordless Wednesday: Reagan's favorite Game

Snow: Then and Now

I am constantly amazed by the experiences Reagan has as she grows up. Playing in the snow is no doubt one that I have seen a big change in as she gets older. The first time she went in the snow she was just a little over a year old. She was interested in looking at it, but when it came to sitting in it or playing in it she was down right terrified (not like the Santa Clause issue though). Unfortunately, we did not play in the snow last year. It was just too cold, and on the days it was warm enough for her to play she was sick. Yes, it was a rough winter for us all.

This past week after begging and pleading I finally took her out. Immediately she plopped down and made a snow angel and threw the snow in the air. Which, she learned from the ever so annoying Max & Ruby show, and oddly enough she can LEARN from that show. She went sledding down the dip in our backyard, helped mommy shovel and jumped in the piles of removed snow from the driveway. The difference a couple years make is just amazing. She is going to be SO ticked when we can't go out tomorrow

because it's too cold!

For some comparison here are pictures from when she was 1

And this is from this week!

Handmade giveaways: Raggedy Ann

Okay, time to let you in on a little secret about me. Ready for this one? I LOVE LOVE LOVE Raggedy Ann and Andy. I have been collecting the dolls since I was young with my Mom (who has since passed). We have one special Raggedy Ann that started it all, Annie Bananie. I handmade doll given to my mom in college from one of her friends. No coincidence my daughter loves Annie just as much as I did. It is a tradition I hope to carry on with her.

So you can imagine the joy on my face when I saw this Raggedy and Andy giveaway! It is a 13 inch Raggedy Ann and Andy Valentine's Day lamp. For more details you can pop on over to Willowtree Treasures blog. This giveaway runs thru January 28th. Be sure to check out her shop on Etsy as well, for other finds for your home!

Wordless Wednesday

Get a head start: All I wanted for Christmas giveaway

So you didn't get what you wanted for Christmas? The fruitcake is now a door stop, you have a closet full of things to "regift", your MIL proved to you again that she'll never understand your tastes. Well I am here to direct you to Happily Blendid to solve your problems. She is going to start an after Christmas giveaway blitz and you can earn 10 extra entries for every giveaway before it even begins!! Yeah isn't that the coolest news of 2010 thus far?

Pretty simple too, just pop on over to her blog and snag her button to post on your blog for 5 entries. Then spread the news to your readers in a blog post and receive another 5 entries! 3, 2, 1 GO!! (click links or button!)

Amazing Recipe Blog

I have been browsing through her stuff and she has some amazing recipes. At first I was super excited because there were lots of desserts (you know me I love to bake!) but that was just for the holidays. But the two things I have made from her blog are delicious. So I think you all need to go check out Fake Ginger.

The first thing I made was Pumpkin Caramel Coffee Cake. I love pumpkin, I love sweets what could go wrong. There were a lot of steps but it was definitely worth it. As noted in the recipe spreading the batter the 2nd time was more challenging, but i used an icing knife and it went okay. I shared this with my bff and he said it was a keeper. I don't let family judge, because they don't like sweets.

Then this morning I made Vanilla Spice Oatmeal. I like oatmeal and I am trying to get on the eating healthy bandwagon. I don't like raisins though so I skipped those, and I was too lazy to do the walnut thing (and I can do without those calores: comparable worth) But it was very easy to make and is delicious. It just sweet enough, not overpowering. Now if I would have used the splenda brown sugar I am sure it'd be a bit better, but oh well beats eating the coffee cake for breakfast like I did yesterday.

I think you must be convinced now to check out her blog and read about her. I was excited to see she is my age and a SAHM, so i think it's totally sweet she loves to cook, don't find that often most people my age are eating ramen and sofa pizza. Be sure to check out the other food blogs she loves. I have already snagged another recipe from one of those!

So it's 2010, what will it bring?

To be honest what I am looking forward to the absolute most about 2010 is the Midterm Election. Yes *beware* the following will be a short political rant. I am by no means afraid to discuss politics (hello it's my life) but I think there is a time and a place. So if you don't want to read it then you can skip past this red section and onto my other 2010 plans. Whether, I agree with the party in power or not I love election season. It's the time I become so engulfed by the constant news cycle and every development that it's unbearable for some. By Thanksgiving I have to go back to watching crappy mtv reality shows to give my brain a break. Trust me this year will be interesting to watch unfold, hopefully there will be some movers and shakers emerging (Hello Rubio). Over the past year America has been transformed and there are numerous people not happy with the projected outcome, and they will be silent no more.

Okay well enough of that before I lose my 4 followers I have. My other big goal is to lose at least 30 lbs. I plan to achieve this through healthy eating and exercise. In order to keep on track I am pledging to run/walk/bike at least 400 miles this year. Yes, that is a lot but it is a goal that will keep me working out all year long. A great motivator is the vast wardrobe of clothes I have in my closet that no longer fit properly. I am just dying fit in them again, and it will be like getting a bunch of no clothes all over.

Aside from that I absolutely must find a job. Which means I must finish my resume this week and start looking. I am leaning towards a campaign but I am afraid to commit to that time commitment being a single parent and all. So we'll just have to see what it brings, I am sure it is out there waiting for me. Secondly, I need to decide if/when I am going to grad school and what I am doing. I am still heavily drawn towards counter terrorism, and learning Arabic. With, the latest developments of underpants bomb guy it is just another tally on the reasons I think I should do it. It is a field that needs a lot of attention and is not going away anytime soon. Whether, combatting International terrorism or domestic terrorism I think it is a field that would enjoy. Much like campaigns you have to be on the ball with new information, the adrenaline of that makes for an interesting, informative and growing career.