Outside Fun

Today was a beautiful day in East Texas!  Wow!!  The temperature was in the mid 60's and the sun was shining!!!  GORGEOUS!!  It was a wonderful indicator that spring is on it's way!  I decided to let the kids have some fun playing outside and enjoy the fabulous weather.

Jack's 1st time to SLIDE!!!  He LOVED it!!

WEEEEEeeeee!!!!  (It's hard to catch the baby and snap the picture!!  HA!)

Mallory on the slide

Playing a little golf  :-)

Throw it up and see where it goes!

Then, run grab it before Sister does!!  This was a FUN game!   I've never heard so many giggles!!

Picnic time!  "Whatcha got, Deedle Dee?"  (Jack calls Mallory "Deedle Dee" - too cute!)

Can I have some???

Mallory enjoying our time in the sun

Sweet little Jack loved his fun in the sun, too!

Thank you, God, for such a beautiful day!

Messy Eater!

Last night at dinner, Jack ate Ranch Style beans for the 1st time and LOVED them!  He usually turns away ALL beans just like his daddy, but I decided to try him with them again and this time... well, the pictures speak for themselves!!!  HA!

Don't you love it.... Fork in one hand, but shoveling it in with his other hand!!

Hi, Mama!  This is good!!!!

I think he likes it, what about you!?!?  This is one happy boy!!!

And, Mallory thought it was hilarious!  Needless to say, Jack got his bath and hair washed immediately after dinner.  Hallelujah, we have another food Jack will eat!!!!  Maybe he won't end up as picky as his daddy after all.  Next up - mashed potatoes!!  (I know!  What kid doesn't like mashed potatoes?!?!)

Happy Birthday, Swagbucks!

Today Swagbucks turns 2 years old and they are celebrating like crazy! For those of us who are already earning extra $$$ and gift cards using SwagBucks, there will be Free SwagBucks codes all day. You'll find them on their blog, facebook, their homepage, basically all over the place.

Those of you who haven’t yet signed up, today is the day!! If you sign up today, you’ll start off with 30 Free SwagBucks. How exciting!!! Remember swagbucks is a search engine powered by google. So, instead of using Google to do your internet searches, use swagbucks and earn points for every search you do!!! Those points can be redeemed for gift cards, prizes, and even CASH!!! So, why not start earning exta $$$ for something you already do?!?!?

Click this picture to sign up!

Cupcake Model

I told Mallory I wanted to take her picture in her new outfit.  We got by the door so we could have a solid background and then she began to pose!  I don't know where she gets it because I'm SURE I was NOTHING like this when I was little!!! ;-)  (Although, my daddy says I was EXACTLY like this when I was little!)  HA!

Here's my little cupcake model....

I finally asked her to pose "normal" for the last two!  HA!!  And as you can see, I did get the bow made.  But it was only 10:30pm, not midnight like I thought it would be, when I finished it. YEA!  

A Cupcake Outfit for My Little Cupcake

Today it snowed... AGAIN!  It is just incredible that my little Texas town would get snow 2 times in 1 year!  AMAZING!  It didn't stick this time, so it just basically rained down on us all day long.  This snow day was the perfect day for a SEW DAY!  I spent the majority of the day at the sewing machine. 

Jack was running around playing and heard the machine start up.  He ran so fast into my office to see what in the world was making that sound.  I told him what I was doing and asked if he wanted to watch (as if he could really understand what I was saying!)  He held up his hands, so I put him in my lap and let him watch me for a minute.

He seemed really interested and loved the noise the machine made.

I worked all day on a little cupcake top for Mallory.  She already has a white dress shirt with a peter pan collar that she'll wear under it for now.  Some brown pants will complete the outfit.

I still have to make a bow to match.  I'm sure I'll be doing that at midnight tonight so she can wear it tomorrow!  :-)  I'll have to take some pictures of my little cupcake wearing her new outfit tomorrow.

Hana Professional Flat Iron 1'' - Pink Edition REVIEW

Have you ever been really excited about something?  I mean so excited that you couldn't wait to tell someone?  I am THAT excited today!!!  Several weeks ago Misikko offered me the chance to review their Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" pink edition!  I was thrilled to have been given the opportunity with such an incredible company, but was even more excited when the package arrived today! 

Before I describe my opinion of the products I received, let me tell you a little about Misikko.  Misikko is a one-stop shop for professional flat irons and professional salon styling tools.  They offer FREE Shipping on any order of $50. From leading brands like Hana and Chi, they offer the absolute best flat irons, hair dryers and beauty tools in the industry.   Have you ever used a CHI hair straightener?  Misikko's collection of CHI flat irons are extensive and include the CHI flat iron, CHI curling iron, and CHI hair dryer.  All of these products pioneered the use of ceramic for gentle, effective hair styling.   The Hana Professional Flat Iron that I was given to review has been selected as the best flat iron and boy does it live up to it!

Today, this is what I received in the mail...

Now, I don't know about you, but the way something is presented and packaged says a lot about the giver of the gift.  Do you agree?  I mean, don't you enjoy receiving gifts that are wrapped exquisitely with big bows and beautiful wrapping paper?  You know you are special when a gift is presented so beautifully.  The letter included in the package said it better than I can...

"Dear Valued Customer,

We just wanted you to know that we value your patronage and hope that our service and products exceed your expectations."

Well, Misikko, my expectations were far exceeded!!!! 

Here's what I received...

I couldn't wait to go try it out!!!  It only took seconds to heat up and I was immediately impressed!  My hair is naturally curly, but I straighten it every day.  I have become very familiar with straighteners!  This straightener was wonderful!!!  I was able to quickly and effortlessly glide the straightener through my hair.  I had lots of options for the ends, too....  straighten, flip out, flip under, or curl softly.  WOW!!  I love that I can create so many different looks with only 1 tool!!!!  My hair feels extremely soft and is so shiny! 

Here's what the Misikko website has to say about the Hana Professional Flat Iron:

Dedicated to high ceramic content and top of the line components, Hana's pursuit of high tech styling without hype led to the Hana Professional Flat Iron - Advanced Fusion Molding delivers glass-smooth ceramic-tourmaline plates while acccelerated negative ion output repairs hair follicles, sealing in natural oils for a conditioned, sleek, salon shine that lasts all day.

With professional features like damp-to-dry styling, floating plates that self adjust to different textures and adjustable temperature, the Hana Professional hair straightener is engineered to deliver luxury at a down to earth price.

Hana Professional Features:

• Advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Plates for Accelerated Ion Generation and Maximum Frizz-Free, Conditioning Shine  
• Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading  
• Floating 1” Plates Auto-Adjust To Glide Over Any Hair Texture  
• Curved Plate Edges For Versatile Styling - Curl, Flip or Straighten!  
• Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types  
• Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss  
• Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip  
• Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free  
• Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop  
• Energy Efficient at 38 Watts  
• Independent On/Off Switch  
• Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case  
• Made in Korea  
• Two Year Warranty

So, what's my opinion of the Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" - Pink Edition??????

I LOVE IT!!!

Would I recommend it to you???

YES!!!  Without a doubt!!  Not only did the company far exceed my expectations with their beautiful presentation and attention to the details, the straightening iron itself was top quality and the results are fabulous!!!

You can get a Hana Professional Flat Iron just like mine from Misikko.

I want to sincerely thank John from Misikko for giving me this wonderful opportunity!!

Disclosure:  I was given the Hana Professional Flat Iron for review purposes.  I did not receive any other monetary compensation.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not at all influenced by the sponsoring company.

Want a little extra $$$???

There are lots of ways to make a little extra money on the internet and many of them claim big bucks! However, I haven't found many that hold true to that claim. There are a few that I have tried and really do work, so I'm going to share them with you.



SWAGBUCKS



This has become my all time favorite! It's so easy and very rewarding. Here's how it works...
When you search the internet, you usually google something, right? Well, instead of using google, use SWAGBUCKS. Swagbucks is actually powered by google. Swagbucks will reward you with points as you search. You can turn around and redeem those points for cash, products, or gift cards!!! You can actually earn money, prizes, or gift cards for something you already do!!! I downloaded the swagbucks toolbar for my internet homepage so it's right there and available whenever I need to do a search. It also keeps a running total of the points I've won so I know exactly how much I have.
Click below to sign up and start earning money for something you already do!!

SWAGBUCKS sign up


YouData
Advertisers will pay you to view the homepage of their website. When you sign up, you fill out a profile about yourself and give as little or as much information as you want……that you are a mom of 2 kids, for example. Whenever you want to, login to your YouData account to see if advertisers are willing to pay you to look at an ad on their website. You'll find websites of familiar companies and you will also be introduced to all kinds of new companies, too. They pay you to look at their website.  You literally click the link and you get paid.  Every Friday, YouData deposits the money in your PayPal account for your activity that week.

To sign up for a YouData account and start earning cash, click here:  YouData Sign Up

You will be asked to create a profile which will include your cell phone number.  They use this number to verify that you are a real person and also to send you a text message with an activation code.  You will also need to have a PayPal account setup.  Your earnings will be directly deposited into your paypal account.  You will set up a Me Account which will help them get the right ads to you.  They want you to view things relevant to you.  (If you don't have a baby, then you won't want to view websites with baby items.)

Once your account is set up, you can visit the site as little or as often as you like.  You will not receive reminder emails from YouData.  If you don't visit the site and login, you won't get paid!  And remember, payday is every Friday!!!  Sometimes you will have only earned small amounts and other weeks you'll have earned around $5.  Regardless, it's money you didn't have to start with and it really does add up quickly!

Each Friday you will receive an email from PayPal informing you that YouData has made a deposit into your account for your activity that week.  How wonderful is that?!?!?

I hope you'll sign up for YouData!  I know you'll love it as much as I do!

Both of these opportunities are really great!  I would never endorse something I hadn't already tried and believe to be of value to you.  I hope you'll give them both a try and start earning a little extra $$$!!!

February Fun

February has been filled with all sorts of stuff!  Lots and lots of fun!!!  To begin this recap, I have to share with you Mallory and Jack's new way to "play".  Mallory gets on Jack's scooter and he pushes her around the house.  I'm not sure who enjoys it more?!  Jack LOVES to push things right now and Mallory loves the ride!!! 

Every once in awhile he gets to have the scooter all to himself, but I don't think it's half the fun!  HA!  I know it's not half the work!!!!

We got the kids some little things for Valentines Day.  Here they are opening their gifts.  (Mallory had been playing dress up, so she's dressed in her "fancy" dress!!)

Muffin wanted something, too, poor thing!

She also got a new Berestain Bears book - I just love those books!!  They all have such wonderful life lessons in them and usually the beginning of each book has scripture that correlates with that book's theme.  Very good!!!!

I always tell Mallory she is "my little sunshine", so when I found this "Little Miss Sunshine" doll, I just had to get it for her.  Mallory was very excited about what she got.  She's always so genuinely thankful for things she's given.  It is so wonderful to see her sweet reaction to gifts.

Jack got a valentine gift, too!

A little dumptruck that he loves!!!  He immediately started filling it with Fruit Loops and dumping it out!  Precious!!!

One night my parents came over to play Canasta with us.  The kids ended up "helping" Nana!!!  Maybe that's why Mama and I lost so bad that night?!?!  Ya think?!?!?  HA!!

We celebrated my brother's birthday on Friday night with a trip to The Butcher Shop!  Josh had been wanting to go there, so that's what we did!  Mallory couldn't wait to dive into the chocolate birthday cake!  It was really good!  Today is Josh's actual birthday.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSH!!!  I LOVE YOU!!!  :-)

Mallory LOVES her cousins SO much!  She and Micah had a tickle contest!!

I think Micah won!!!!!  :-)

At the beginning of February, I won a giveaway from Savvy Houswife.  This weekend this is what I received in the mail!!!  Mallory was ecstatic!!!!

We just can't get enough Wow Wow Wubzy at our house!!!

That's about it for now. It's been a crazy winter for us here in Texas!  There's another SNOW in the forecast!! 

Whew! I'm back!

After a LOT of searching and testing, I've finally decided to keep my layout and colors just like they used to be.  I have learned a TON about HTML codes and how certain settings work.  I've tried out numerous layouts and templates, but have come to the conclusion through MUCH trial and error that THIS is my blog.  This is how it looks best and how it should stay.  (Thank you, Mama, for helping me come to that conclusion.)

I've added some new features and hope to add more as I discover how things work in blogland!  HA!  Also, I've been asked to do a bunch of reviews, so I'll be posting those as soon as the products start arriving.  Until then, enjoy the "old look" and take a peak at the new features!  :-)
Good night!!!

Blog $ and Review Opportunities

Some of you have asked about different ways to use your blog to get review opportunities, giveaways, and make a little extra spending money. There are two panels that I have been selected to participate in and they are taking new applicants now! You have the opportunity to join the Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel! As a part of The National Consumer Panel, this group focuses on measuring consumer attitudes and behavior. The panel is made up of people just like you, whose opinions help manufacturers and retailers make decisions on what products to develop or improve. To get more information click HERE.

The other opportunity is also from Nielsen. Nielsen family members have been influential in determining the popularity of television programs for over 50 years. This is an easy sign up and members have a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000. To apply to become a member of the Nielsen Digital Voice Research Panel click HERE.

I hope you'll take advantage of these great opportunities and apply for them!! Good luck!!!! Let me know if you're accepted!!!

Coupons and Discounts!!!!

Not too long ago I told you I was going to post savings and things I find to help moms like us save a little money or get things for FREE! Well, I found a few places you're going to LOVE!!! Many, many thanks to my blog friend Debra at A Frugal Friend for helping me with these!! If you're a bargain shopper or enjoy getting deals, check out the links over on the right sidebar! Just click to sign up for valuable coupons and offers!! I'll be updating this list often, so check back regularly!!

This deal from Omaha Steaks is too good not to mention! My closest friends and family know how much my husband likes MEAT! He is a meat-eater!!! He loves a good steak! I mean, he eats meat and nothing else... no veggies, no salad, no bread... just meat! He's drooling over this deal right now! Make sure you check it out.