Wordless Wednesday - Santa 2012

A few weekends ago we decided to go see the Legendary Santa.  It was a very last minute decision, but we knew it would be the only time we would be able to go.  This whole school thing is really messing up our social calendar! ; )

So we dressed the kids up and headed to the Children's Museum to wait, and wait, and wait.  2.5 hrs to be exact, but the kids did awesome.  They did not complain once....even Troy waited patiently!

So after a wonderful 2.5 hr wait.....this is our $30 picture with Santa!

 

Am I upset?  Of course not.  I'll just put this picture next to O's first picture....

 

 

Because in our family, it's not a good picture with Santa unless someone loses a shoe!  You can't tell in B's picture, but she did indeed lose hers!

 

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

 

 

 





Wordless Wednesday - Our Christmas Cards

Here are our cards that we sent out this year....

 



 



I LOVE them!!   Troy and I took all the pictures two Sunday's ago in our neighborhood.  I ordered them from Card Store who stamped them and mailed them out for me.

I did have one little problem - the greeting at the bottom - did not print on the ones that were directly mailed.  I'm not sure why it didn't print - since it printed on the extras I sent to the house.  I sent Card Store an email at 9:30 pm, and they had responded already when I checked my email at 8 AM the next morning.  They didn't question it, they simply refunded my money 100%!  Now that is great customer service!

I understand that things happen, and I will definitely use them again in the future!  The cards themselves are wonderful quality!

Wordless Wednesday - Winner

So, this is what I won at my work Christmas party.....

Yep...an ipad - I am so excited.  This is what I was asking for for Christmas (and yes, I told Troy he could wrap it and give it to me then, but he said I could have it now!) and totally did not expect to get it, since I didn't really "need" it.

Of course, I won this on Friday, and have yet to open it, because I know once I do, I'll play with it for hours, and I have 5,8408478403574 to do first!  I'm thinking I will open it up tomorrow night or Friday, hopefully.

It's kinda funny that we won the "Grand Prize" since I've worked her for 14 year (15 in January) and have NEVER won at our Christmas party....we started keeping a tally and it took 8 years of not winning, before I won.  I was even strategic in my raffle tickets, I would make sure to enter the ones that only had a few tickets, and still, nothing!

Oh well, it was worth the 9 year wait!

Please link up below - and go enter to win a Thunderstruck Blu-Ray package - giveaway ends tonight!

Harlem Globetrotters Coming to a Town Near You

The Globetrotters play at the Richmond Coliseum, Dec. 31st, 2pm

Looking for an awesome event the whole family will enjoy? Get your tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "You Write the Rules" tour. Your family's smiles will start before you even get to the game as the Globetrotters take kid participation to a whole NEW level. Your family can vote at harlemglobetrotters.com and decide rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. With rules like double the points for every basket, and two balls in play at the same time, there's an exciting rule that every kid will enjoy. After the game, Globetrotter stars will stay on court to sign autographs and take photographs with your kids. The only thing better than finding an awesome event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it. Use the promo code "USFAMILY" when you buy tickets for your family to save $7 on each ticket purchased*. Get ready to experience the show your family will remember for a lifetime!

 

 

You can get your tickets here and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket!

 

*Discount available on select seating levels

 

 Owen picked the best time to start basketball. We had his first practice last night, and well, he does need a lot of practice, but he had fun and he made 2 baskets and he can't wait to go back.

He will be so excited to find out that the Harlem Globetrotters are coming into Richmond 12/31. Unfortunately my husband and I both have to work (it's a 2pm tip off) but Owen's Papa said he would take him. I'm sure the two of them will have a blast!

Thunderstruck Combo Pack (Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Download) Giveaway

This is coming out just in time for the debut of Owen's basketball season!  His first practice is tonight and I am seriously thinking about taking the video camera, because this could be extremely funny!!  I did play basketball one year in high school, and well, I was horrible.  I'm not afraid to admit it.  I only made the team because of my athletic ability, my speed, oh and we needed a few more players!! ; )

O loves all his family sports movies, The Mighty Ducks, The Sandlot, Rookie of the Year, and the list goes on!

Warner Bros. is proud to announce the release of Thunderstruck on DVD and Blu-ray December 4th 2012, along with the Thunderstruck Blog App!

NBA superstar Kevin Durant plays himself in this action-packed family film about a basketball star who switches talent with a klutzy 16-year-old fan. When Brian (Taylor Gray) magically switches basketball skills with his hero, Kevin Durant, he becomes the star of his high school team... while Kevin Durant suddenly can’t make a shot to save his life! But with the playoffs approaching, Brian learns that being a true winner means working hard at your own game, and he tries to make things right in time to prevent a catastrophic end to his hero’s season.

WHY You will love the Thunderstruck Blog App:

• Free-Throw Challenge Game! Are you up for a Free-Throw Challenge? Show us your skills! Make as many baskets as you can and unlock special clips along the way!

• 7 Thunder-ific Tips for Kids! Does your kid dream of going pro? Use these awesome tips to help them sharpen up their skills! “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”- Kevin Durant.

• Get Social! Tweet with the #ThunderstruckBluRay hashtag to get you revved up for the release of this action-packed family film.

The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please, US ONLY and ends 12/12.  The winner will be contacted via email and has 24 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am working with Warner Bros. who supplied the information and prize listed in this post.

 

Wordless Wednesday - Oh Christmas Tree

Owen couldn't wait to put up the Christmas trees (yes, that is plural, we have 4, but 3 of them are smaller)...he kept asking each morning...do you think we could just start tonight?  He was finally able to convince us to start the Tuesday right before Thanksgiving.  He was so cute...we kept telling him that we had to wait until Thanksgiving and he very seriously replied " Why did they have to put Thanksgiving so close to Christmas?  It's really messing up my decorating!"

He was very into his tree decorating...he put up and decorated his own tree all by himself and was so proud!

The next morning, he woke up and decorated our main tree downstairs.  Brynnleigh pretended to help. 

At one point I noticed that he had two very similar ornaments side by side on the tree.  I moved on a bit so they wouldn't be so close and the following conversation took place:

Owen - "Mom, are you moving my oinaments?"
Me - "Yes, honey, they were a bit too close to each other"
Owen - "So, what's wrong with that?"
Me - "Well I was afraid they would get made at each other because they were kinda in the same space, I didn't want them to get jealous"
Owen - "Oh, it's okay Mama, they are best friends, they have the same mouth."

So needless to say, they are back to being beside each other!

Later that weekend I tried my hand at making Brynnleigh a tutu, or "pwincess skirt" as she calls it.  I used too much white, but she loved it, and that's all that matters.  (now I need to go find her a shirt to wear with it...somehow all of our Christmas shirts are pink!)

We have always had an artificial tree, but I would love to start getting a real one.  Come over to the FB page and discuss the pros and cons of real vs. artificial!

We hope everyone else is having fun decorating their house for the holidays!

KEEN - Kids Enjoy Exercise Now

I have a very good friend who is the Executive Director for KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now).

"KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals."

This girl is awesome.  She's even a great singer...she sang at our wedding (which everyone thought was a CD, not a live singer) and even belted out a few National Anthems here and there.

After reading her story (which I'm not sure how I missed this until now) I feel like I too should get up and go do something.  I LOVE to help others, and love to see kids get excited at their own personal accomplishments.

I can't physically help KEEN at this time, but I can help by voting in the Eagle Rare Life Honor Award and Contest.  Seven out of the top 20 stories will win a prize for their charity:

The Grand Prize

• $30,000 donated by Eagle Rare in his/her name to the charity of his/her choice.
• Eagle Rare will also host a local award reception for the Grand Prize award winner.

Runners Up

• Eagle Rare will also donate $3,000 to the other 6 finalists charities' of choice in their name.

If you know someone who leads a Rare life, click here to submit their story. For more information, please watch the video below or read our terms and conditions.

 

So please, read Maggie's story and vote HERE to help make the difference in a kids life!

Colortime Crafts and Markers

Since 1990, over 5 million children and adults have loved creating t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, bandanas, and more for parties, slumber parties, and scout meetings with our permanent fabric markers. We have provided our customers the opportunity to entertain their guests with a creative activity that becomes a permanent keepsake. Also, we are a licensed vendor of the Girl Scouts of America. Check out our wholesale program, great for your organizations.

We also offer free downloadable coloring pages and a "Birthday Club" with special incentives.

Get 15% off all orders Promo Code: 15USFG when you check out at colortime.com

Wordless Wednesday - My Little Model

We took the kids to the park a few weeks ago - it was one of those random weather days and it was awesome.

O and I were able to sneak away and take a few "model" pictures.  I have a tendancy to see a random picture and of course, just have to try.  I love that you can take a larger area with TONS (well maybe not tons, but lots) of people and strategically crop them out!

I'd love for my kids to get into modeling or acting, but neither have mentioned it and I will only do it if they choose to do so.  So until then, I'll keep them for my own models!  (FYI - more pics from this trip to come!)

Pumpkin Patch 2012

I know, I know...this was a while ago.  I've been trying to get these posts up but things have just been crazy!  When I have a spare chance to hop on the computer, I may or may not be Christmas shopping instead of blogging.

So...rewind a month, almost two....

We always take the kids to the pumpkin patch the last weekend of September first weekend of October because they offer free tickets...and at $12 a person, you can't beat free tickets!  We make sure we get the experience and pictures in, and if the pumpkins rot, we can always pick up new ones at the grocery store!  (yep, we are those people).

So the weekend before B's birthday party we met some friends up at Chesterfield Berry Farm for some good ol' fashioned fall fun!

The kids were able to ride the barrel ride, and yes, Brynnleigh, at almost 2, loved every second of it.  I think the tractor driver was concerned with her age and size, but at the end, after seeing her laughing, waving and driving, he told her to come back and ride again!  (don't worry mom....they had seatbelts!)

Of course we had to follow up the barrel rides with the corn pit...this is actually the first year O has wanted to go in it, and I won't lie, I wasn't a big fan.  It kinda smelt funky and I could only imagine what was inside under all that corn.  O of course loved it, B wouldn't move from the opening so we made her come out so other kids could get in and out.

Next we got a bit separated, the boys went to jump in the bounce house, and the girls waited to watch the piggy races followed by visiting the animals (the boys joined us for this).

There were other things there we could have done, but the lines were getting long, and the little ones were getting tired, so it was off to the hay ride to pick out some pumpkins.  Right about now, is when Brynnleigh started to melt down...and was a slow spiral downhill.  Owen picked his pumpkin out before we even got off the hayride, and it was a perfect pumpkin.  B just wanted to walk up and down the patch and had absolutely no interest in the pumpkins or the pictures.  Luckily both kids did well on the hayride, as long as B could sit next to O! 

We ended up getting 4 pumpkins, one for each of us and it cost us less than $20 for all four of us to have hours of fun at the pumpkin patch!  We will definitely be back again next year!

Wordless Wednesday - Slice & Bake Cookies

First let me start off by saying just how wonderful my husband is....I was busy running to every store in a 40 mile radius looking for kid friendly Thanksgiving themed napkins for Owen's school party.  (FYI - never found any, they got these really cool Thanksgiving green napkins....hey, they got cute turkey cups, so we got 1/2 of it right!).

Well, Brynnleigh needed slice and bake cookies for her school party, and you couldn't cheat and use the wonderful little squares that are already portioned out.  We HAD to use the tube.

So, when I got home after the crazy napkin search, my wonderful husband had already changed the kids and put them in bed, and had the cookies baking in the oven (we had dinner w/his parents, so my crazy run started at 8pm).

Then....I opened the oven....

and saw that my husband took the term "Slice and Bake" literally.  I couldn't say anything....I just was glad that he bought two tubes of cookies the other day.  So I quietly took out the other tube and begin "Slicing, slicing some more, and rolling".

He was so excited to tell me that I didn't need to do it, he already had them in the oven....I laughed and said "Honey, the cookies will be bigger than the 2 year olds, we'll keep those for ourselves."

Poor thing...he was so proud of himself (which he we may or may not have done this before, which was how I knew you had to do more than slice and bake).  He told me, "I even followed the directions and even cut them a bit thinner than they said!"

Luckily the second batch turned out better for the 2 year olds....

Thank you for being proactive and trying to help me get everything done Love!  I love you, big connected cookies and all! ; )

Let it Stroll - Baby Cargo Stoller Giveaway

Who doesn't love a chance to win a free stroller?  I may have a bit of a stroller obsession...I LOVE to look at them in the store.  Luckily I've been able to stray away from purchasing (with some help to Troy of course) but if I could justify it, we'd have 10....but instead we have 3.  You know, 3 strollers for 1 child, yep, that's normal!

I'm very excited to be part of this giveaway and wish you all the best of luck!

S.O.S. Mom is making this giveaway possible with the help of a very generous and amazing sponsor called Baby Cargo. They are offering one lucky family a baby stroller 200 series, retail valued at $149.99. Excited much? Thought so! 

Baby Cargo is a new line of modern baby gear inspired by iconic architecture, chic fashion and fresh interior design. They offer conscientious parents the most user friendly, premium line of strollers and stroller accessories to live comfortably, safely and stylishly, all at an affordable price. Every stitch, dye, button and rivet is hand-tested for baby readiness, as well as aesthetic quality. From fastener to accessory to frame, they strive to design their products so that each has a fresh, cohesive look with a timelessly durable yet soft feel.

Putting baby’s comfort first, Baby Cargo’s 200 Series Stroller is inspired by the durability and versatility of modern home furnishings. With subtly natural tone-on-tone colors, cottony-soft seat and sides, a multi-position backrest, and a water-resistant hood, the 200 brings baby home in style. This contemporary umbrella stroller's features include:

• Sleek, modern, ultra-lightweight black matte aluminum (non rusting) frame; 
• 100% Polyester;
• Soft sophisticated textiles, easy to clean; 
• Tailored designed back pocket with heavy zippers and a decorative brass Baby Cargo name plate, chic and practical for moms; 
• Super compact, easy to fold, perfect for vacations or trips to the shopping mall; 
• A multi-position padded adjustable backrest and adjustable leg rest;
• Easy to carry shoulder strap and handle, adjustable canopy, underside cargo basket included;
• Ready for anything, tailored back pocket, underside cargo basket, rain cover included.

To get a mommy's true and tested opinion, visit S.O.S. Mom's review here.

Baby Cargo will soon be launching a new product line. Considering how wonderful their current products are, this is exciting news! To view more information on Baby Cargo, their product line or where to find the Cargos, visit their website here. You can also stay in touch with them via their Facebook page or Twitter profile. Their strollers and accessories can be purchased in most major retail stores across the US and are now available in Canada through online purchasing at Sears. Baby Cargo will be hitting the Canadian market as of January 2013, so keep an eye out for that!

One very lucky person will receive their own Baby Cargo Stroller 200 series in the smoke/mirrors colour (as seen on picture above). This prize is a retail value of $149.99. Residents of Canada and the US are eligible to enter until December 3rd inclusively. To get your chance to win, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form hereafter.

A huge and heart-felt thank you to the following lovely co-hosts:
Powered by Mom
Mom Does Reviews
Mudpies and Tiaras
Baby Costcutters
From PDX with Love
Life with Two Boys
Real Momma

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Kylie Minogue - The Abbey Road Sessions - Album Review

The BOAT recently reviewed Kylie Minogue's newest album, The Abbey Road Sessions and we are big fans.  The kids LOVED dancing to the tunes and I loved that they were dancing along to a full orchestra!

"Recorded at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios with Kylie's band and a full orchestra.  This new album features sixteen tracks, all beautifully reworked, spanning Kylie's incredible 25 year career."

So, out of all 16 tracks, I cannot pick a favorite, I really love the whole album.  Troy, loves the orchestra in the whole album.  It's just a nice clean album that you can enjoy.  There are slow songs, reflections songs, and upbeat songs. 

Kylie also released a new track, " Flower" in this album.  You can preview the music video below:

I can't pick a favorite song, but I can tell you the songs I will probably play first when listening to this album, "On a Night Like This", "The Locomotion", "Can't get you Out of My Head", and "Love at First Sight".  Then I'd go back through and listen to the whole album! ; )

Here's a little album sampler for you:

You can purchase this album through iTunes, Amazon (Deluxe), or Amazon (Standard)

And one final thing, facts that I learned about Kylie that I did not know...

"Kylie is a breast cancer survivor and donates her time to American Cancer Society, as well as amFAR for AIDS research."

"Kylie’s latest single “Flower” is a song she wrote several years ago following her battle with breast cancer, to the child she wishes she might one day still have."



Disclosure: I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Chris Mann Roads CD Review

I was offered the opportunity to review Chris Mann's new CD "Roads".  I instantly jumped at this opportunity, I LOVE music, as well as my husband and kids.  Some of you may look at the album cover pictured above and are trying to figure out where you have seen Chris Mann before.  Well, he was a contestant on The VOICE and was on Team Christina.

This CD was released 10/30/12 and you can purchase it through iTunes and/or Amazon.

I enjoyed this album.  My favorite song is actually the first one, and the album title "Roads".  As soon as it started, I knew it was one I would like, and I was right!  He also has a few cover songs on his album, "Always on My Mind", "Need you Now", "Ave Maria", and " The Blower's Daughter".  There are also two songs that he co-wrote, "Cuore" (based on Bach's "Air on a G String") and "Falling". 

His songs were a bit too slow for the kids, only because they want to run around and dance (at 5 and 2 years old, they are some tough critics).  I myself enjoyed the entire CD and would love to listen over and over again.  A lot of the songs are very relaxing!  Troy did not really give me any feedback, he was probably looking up a sports score! ; )

Take a listen for yourself, you can go HERE to hear Chris Mann's version of "The Blower's Daughter" featuring Christina Aguilera.

You can find out more information from Chris' website found HERE! 

"...releasing his major label debut, Roads, a bold reimagining of the classical-pop genre. The aptly-titled album represents the culmination of a long and challenging journey for this gifted and dedicated young artist, who’d been pushing forward against what had appeared to be overwhelming odds."

I hope you all enjoy his music as much as I did!


Disclosure: " I was provided with a copy of this album through One2One Network for my review and this post enters me into a prize drawing.  All opinions stated above are my own."

Friends: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Box Set Giveaway

So, if I told you my marriage could be destroyed by one single TV show, would you believe me?  Well it could (but it won't), my husband, Troy is beyond obsessed with the show Friends.  He will watch it 24/7 if I would let him.  He can play "Name that Episode" and will have it named within seconds, either based on a haircut, or a single line.  He even still laughs at the jokes, even when he can recite them word for word...it's actually kinda cute!

I'm pretty sure this show was the beginning of his love for Jennifer Aniston.  He made sure to tell me before we got married, that I could be his wife, but his girlfriend would always be Jennifer Aniston.  And my reaction to that?  Well shoot, I'm still very honored to be either his first, or second choice to her, I have no problem with that at all! ; )

So, now on to the good stuff...the giveaway!

One BOAT reader will receive a Limited Edition Friends prize pack with two oversized cappuccino mugs and a picture frame just like the one on Monica’s door exclusive to this giveaway!  (FYI - watch out, Troy may show up on your doorstep to watch it with you!)

The Friends: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Box Set will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures on November 13th 2012; along with the 30 Days of Friends: Trivia Challenge Blog App and Video Player! 

Who's ready to test their trivia? (hmm, maybe we should have a readers vs Troy competitions?). You can come back every day to earn a different Friends Character Badge, unlock hidden badges, and even earn awesome Friends content along the way.  Or find out which friend you are like the most?  Me, I was mostly Joey, with Rachel as a close second. (The story of my life right?  I can't get away from Rachel/Jennifer Aniston!)

Then there's the Mash-up Clip Countdown! Relive all your favorite Friends moments in these fun clips. Each week a new clip will be unlocked. Let your readers know so they come back week after week to check them out!

So, enter via Rafflecopter below and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:  This giveaway is sponsored by Warner Bros. 

Disney*Pixar Brave DVD Review & Giveaway

The BOAT was very lucky to receive the opportunity to review the #1 Animated Film of the Year, BRAVE!  This will be available to purchase in stores and online Tuesday 11/13/12.

I have a little obsession with Disney movies, I actually attempted to collect all of the Disney movies while in college (yep, that's right folks, I was collecting VHS).  So needless to say, I was a bit excited to be offered this opportunity.  With Brynnleigh just turning 2, taking the kids to the movie theater is not even a thought!

We decided to have a pizza and movie night, the kids couldn't wait!

Here's a little info on the movie taken directly from the Press Release....

Disney•Pixar proudly announces the Blu-ray™ hi-def, Digital and On-Demand debut of “Brave,” the year’s #1 animated movie and Pixar Animation Studio’s 13th consecutive hit, on November 13, 2012.  A breathtaking adventure that has entertained audiences of all ages, the stunning Blu-ray release of “Brave” includes hours of all ­‐ new bonus material, extraordinary behind the scenes features, extended and deleted scenes, a mysterious and exciting, new short film, ‘The Legend of Mor’du,” and much more.

An original and thrilling journey set in the ancient and magical Highlands of Scotland, “Brave” follows the heroic journey of the headstrong, young adventurer Merida. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida confronts tradition and defies an age-old custom that inadvertently unleashes chaos, and forces her to discover the true meaning of bravery. The 5-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition (1 Blu-ray 3D + 2 Blu-ray Discs + 1 DVD + 1 Digital Copy) has something for everyone – from the home entertainment enthusiast who demands the highest quality, state-of-the-art technology offerings, to the family who enjoys the interactive and engaging bonus features that only Blu-ray can provide – making this unique and beautiful film a “must add” to any home media collection.

We enjoyed this movie.  Owen, Troy and I did not move during the entire movie.  Brynnleigh did move around a bit, but her eyes never left the screen!  There are two "bear" scenes which scared O a bit, but they did not affect B at all.  O does tend to get scared easily so I don't think this would be an issue with other kids.  It really is a cute movie, with funny parts for the older kids and adults, and an awesome life lesson to learn at the end.  This is also a great movie for girls who are not too into the whole "princess" thing.

Oh, and one other plus about this movie....I LOVED the music!!

Now for the really good stuff,  one BOAT reader will win their very own copy, and not just any copy, an Ultimate Collector's Edition: 5-Disc Combo Pack(US ONLY)!  This edition includes a Blu-Ray 3D disc, 2 Blu-Ray Discs with bonus material,  DVD version, and a digital copy.  Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received a copy of this movie to review - all opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Mirror Kisses

Every evening after we dry Brynnleigh's hair she has to give herself kisses in the mirror.  She's been doing this for almost a year now but I had never thought of trying to capture it on camera.  Well, Sunday night I did, and I absolutely adore this photo.  I'd love to enter it into a contest, but it as taken with my iPhone and I'm not sure how great the quality is.  Anyone have any photo contest suggestions?

It's in the Bag Blog Hop Giveaway Event

It's time for another blog hop giveaway event!!  This one is themed "Its in the Bag" and well, is everything you would find in a bag/purse.  This event I am actually sponsoring my own giveaway through my Mary Kay business!!  The Rafflecopter is below, as well as the links to the other blogs participating and the Grand Prize!  Good Luck!!

The BOAT is giving away a Mary Kay Mini Compact ($16.00) filled with your choice of a Creme to Powder Foundation ($14.00) or Sheer Mineral Pressed Powder ($16.00) with applicator ($2.50-$4.00).  So a $32.50-$36.00 value! (US Residents Only)

Tiny enough to tuck anywhere, this sleek compact is perfect for the woman on the go. Enjoy thousands of customizable options. The mirror makes touch-ups a breeze, and the hidden tray underneath holds tools and applicators. Plus, the patented* compact design features the easy-to-use magnetic refill system.

•Small enough to tuck into a pocket or clutch.

•Sleek design features flip-up sections plus a mirror.

•Scratch-and scuff-resistant.


I am also offering my readers a 40% discount on any orders placed and a low shipping cost of $5 for all orders under $100.00 before the discount!  (Shipping on larger orders will be applied individually).  There is no delivery fee, if you are local and I can deliver.

You can shop online HERE or email me direct.  (Please note, the website will not show the discount, this will be applied manually and I will email you to confirm before your credit card is charged).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the It's in the Bag Giveaway Hop hosted by Life With Two Boys and With Our Best! This is a "what's in your purse?" themed giveaway hop and will feature a variety of products that women find in their purse. Each of the participating blogs has an awesome prize worth at least $25 so after you enter my giveaway be sure to hop around to the rest of the blogs on the linky below.

Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Maggie Bags, we also have a fun Grand Prize for one lucky winner... A stylish Campus Tote and coordinating Key Chain (ARV $104)! Maggie Bags offers fashionable and eco-conscious handbags and accessories that are constructed from genuine automotive seat belt webbing. Ready to make a purchase? Use code: InTheBag for 25% off any Premier Collection purchase.

Enter the Grand Prize!

Link to Grand Prize (It would greatly appreciated if you could add entering the grand prize as an extra entry into your individual giveaways): http://www.withourbest.com/?p=11399 Linky Code:

LEGO KIDSFEST 2013 Tour

I am so excited that Lego has just announced the dates for their 2013 KIDSFEST Tour, and they are coming to my town just in time for Owen's 6th birthday.  We are going to surprise him and take him the Sunday before his birthday, he is going to LOVE it!  We couldn't drag him away from the small Lego Store at Downtown Disney last year, I can only imagine his reaction when we arrive at Kidsfest!

Here are the locations and dates which were just announced:

Richmond, Virginia: February 15 - 17

Louisville, Kentucky: April 5 - 7

Houston, Texas: May 17 - 19

Phoenix, Arizona: July 12 - 14

San Jose, California: August 30 - September 1

Portland, Oregon: October 11 - 13

Hartford, Connecticut: December 6 - 8

Here are the details...

Ready your building skills! The LEGO KidsFest, a nationally-traveling giant LEGO expo, is coming to a city near you! This interactive LEGO extravaganza brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in an activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.




Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:


LEGO Model Gallery: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks

LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play

Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.

Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family

LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games

Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas

LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building

LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO and official KidsFest tour merchandise

Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment

Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity

Brickscapes: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets

And much more, covering over 150,000+ square feet of space

On tour since 2009, nearly 400,000 have attended a LEGO KidsFest. Previous tour stops include Minneapolis, Boston, Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Raleigh. Tickets for many cities have sold out with 25,000 to 30,000 visitors in attendance at each venue.



Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Tickets for all 2013 tour stops are on sale at www.LEGOkidsfest.com.



Five sessions - all identical - are available for the each tour stop. For full details, visit the website at www.LEGOKidsFest.com.

If you are going, please let me know....also, this would make a great Christmas present!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Halloween

This is the final product of the kid's pumpkins....more detailed post to come... 

Brynnleigh's is on the left, and Owen's is on the right.  Owen designed and cut his out all on his own (well Troy helped him with the nose so he wouldn't cut it off, but that's it).  He wants to be an artist when he grows up....and he may just be right!

We hope you and your family are safe and are able to enjoy Halloween after the wrath of Sandy!