Mars Needs Moms: What would my kids do without me, I wonder?

In celebration of the new movie set to be released next month, Mars Needs Moms, I pose the question: What would your kids do if you were abducted :D
While I don't know if there is another life form out there on Mars, I do know that I do not want to find out any time soon! Especially if that life form is a mom snatcher :D So be on the lookout, moms! And until then:

Here are the top 10 things my kids would miss about me if I were gone:

10. Food. My kids would have to live on venison and macaroni and cheese for the rest of their lives, I fear! I'm the main chef in our house, and while I"m not the best cook, I do offer variety.
9. Baths.My kids would be filthy. I"m a stickler for clean kids!!
My kids on the other hand could care less, so they would probably revel in the fact that they could be dirty :D

8. Breastfeeding. Okay, only my youngest still nurses, but I'm sure he'd miss it. Or maybe not. But I would!

7. Clean clothes. I think there is a phobia of the washer in my house, and I"m the only one who can conquor the fear (insert eye roll here!)
6. My hair. Weird, I know. But my boys have a hair obsession, and when they are upset, they like to hold hair, and seeing how my hubby is bald, I'm the go to person for that!

5. Pizza! I like to sneak the occasional pizza into our house, usually when my husband is working :D I"m mean like that. But my son thinks it's so cool when  the deliver man brings us dinner! So much for being healthy ;)|

4. Sleep. Well, I'm sure they would sleep. But we are a cosleeping family, and I know that I like being in the same room as my family, I think they would miss my snoring!

3. My "boo boo" cure. A moms kiss heals all wounds. Whatever will they do the next time they scrape their knee?
2. The Camera. My camera seems to be attached to my hip, and I think they would be lost without the random flash in the face, lol!

1. Mommy hugs. Everyone loves a hug from their mom. It's a one of a kind hug, one that you miss when it's gone. And I would hope they would miss my snuggles <3

What would your kids miss if you were gone? Do you worry like me that they wouldn't even notice you were gone? Alright, I think my kids would miss me...at least once they get sick of macaroni and cheese :)

Disclaimer:I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Buildasign.com Review!

A dream came true with this review opportunity! I've been to parties and events where there is a large banner in the room proclaiming "Congrats" or "Happy Anniversary" and I've been itching to have signs made for my boys for any future birthdays. Well, BuildASign.com granted my wish!
BuildASign.com is a fantastic company with even better customer service. At BuildASign.com, you can create and customize any kind of sign, magnet, banner, bumper sticker, and MORE! You can choose from their great pre-made sign selection or you can create your own that is more your style!
I was thrilled to do a review for BuildASign.com, and of course I went straight for the Birthday Banners!
I did a combination of using a pre-made sign and making my own-I took a sign that they had put together and made a few additions/deletions and these are what I came up with:

Cooper LOVES dinosaurs, and he LOVED his sign!

Perfect for my youngest! This was a sign that was already designed
like this, I just switched out some of the sharks with fish!

What do you think? Not bad for a novice designer :D BuildASign.com makes it so easy to design your product. Everything is easy to use, and there is so much to choose from when it comes to artwork and color!
You can even download your own pictures and designs to add your product.
One of my other favorite products are the custom street signs. Of course you can get the standard street signs, but wouldn't something that said "Stevens Blvd." Or "Heather's Highway" be kind of clever? I think that would be awesome for a Teen's room!
The turnaround on these products is extremely fast! I had my banners within days of ordering! And shipping of course is even faster!

I HIGHLY recommend BuildASign.com! They have great prices and easy to use tools to help you create your one of a kind design!

Disclaimer/Disclosure: I received two banners for review, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information regarding my blogging practices.

ShopBedding.com Review

I have been OBSESSED with my search for the perfect bedding! Our new master bedroom suite should be finished soon, and I have had no luck...that is, until now! I have found the mecca of bedding-ShopBedding.com!!

Their selection is amazing. They have top quality bedding at a price I can afford, and there is so much to choose from. You'll find Satin bedding, Silk, Bamboo, Cotton-you'll find it taylored, ruffled, split...you name it, they are bound to have it!
I was so excited to be able to do a review for ShopBedding.com
I chose the Tailored Sateen Striped Bed Skirt and matching Pillow Shams in Black. Our new room will be gray with black and white accents, so I knew that this set would be PERFECT!!
Shipping was very fast, and I got everything washed and put on my bed right away! The pillow shams are so soft. They are made extremely well, and I know they are going to last a long time.
See, even my 4 year old can't help but to cuddle up with these shams!





Visit ShopBedding.com today, you'll find a great selection of pillows, sheets, mattress covers, skirts and MORE! And be sure to sign up for their email newsletters to stay up to date on their great deals! Right now, all orders of $75 (and more) get free shipping! Just use the code "SHIP75" at checkout!
Disclaimer/Disclosure: I received a product for review, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event!!! Win a $25 Kroger Gift Card!

We're regular Kroger shoppers in our house, and I LOVE their Cart Buster Deals!
From February 27th through March 12th, shop Kroger’s biggest-ever promotion and find the hottest prices around on more than 35 brands, across more than 60 categories from General Mills, P & G, Nestle, Pepsi and Kroger Banner Brands. During the Cart Buster Savings Event, you’ll find great savings in almost every department at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, and many others!There are going to be so many big name brands involved in the Krogers Cart Buster Savings Event!
Want to know a secret??
Okay it's not a secret, but it's awesome.During this event, visit http://bit.ly/KrogerCartBuster for the Deal of the Day!Every day from Feb 27th to March 12th, over 1000 items will be given away!
So be sure to visit every day for your chance to win!!
I know I will be checking in!
Also, you'll find coupons and savings on all things Kroger related when you visit http://bit.ly/KrogerCartBuster so you'll find many ways to save during Kroger's Cart Buster Savings Event!

Later this week, I"ll be sharing with you a video featuring my favorite Deal of the Day find!!

Win it! One lucky reader will win a $25 Kroger Gift Card!
Mandatory Entry: How do you save at the grocery store? Do you take advantage of events like Krogers Cart Buster Savings Event?

Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB)

*for 2 entries, Like Kroger on Facebook (leave 2 separate comments)
*For 2 entries, Follow Kroger on Twitter
*For 5 entries,  Blog about this giveaway, link back to your post in your comment. Your blog MUST have more than 30 Followers and must NOT be just a blog about peoples giveaways.
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For a daily entry, tweet about this giveaway "Win a $25 @KrogerCo GC from @hlstevens www.lifewiththestevens.com"
*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on March 14th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 15th, 2011 Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Kroger Gift Card Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a gift card for this review thanks to Kroger and Myblogspark, no other compensation was given. Myself and Myblogspark will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

Yoplait Kids Review and Giveaway

As a mom, I know how important it is to maintain a balanced diet for my children. For the most part, my kids are great eaters, and eat their vegetables, fruits, meats, and carbs. The one thing neither of my boys like is milk. So I look to other ways to give them the calcium their growing bones need, like giving them cheese or yogurt. Yoplait Kids yogurt is a yummy option that my kids love. It comes in 3 delicious flavors: Vanilla, Strawberry, and Strawberry Banana. The favorite of my boys is Strawberry. It's packed with calcium, Vit. D, and protein that is important for their bone growth and strength.

Yoplait Kids yogurt sells for a great price, around 2$ (depending on the store/location) and can be found just about anywhere! The kids will love the cups too, they'll see some of their favorite characters like Dora and the Disney Cars on them!

Aside from the fun characters and flavor of Yoplait Kids yogurt, you can rest easy knowing it's made wtih 25% less sugar then the leading kids yogurt, NO HFCS, no artificial colors or sweeteners either. It's just natural goodness, the way yogurt should be!

How do you incorporate Healthy snacks into your kids diet? Do you make them fun?

I know my boys are more prone to eat something that is made into a funny shape, or put on a snack platter-something different that makes eating healthy more enjoyable!

Get a printable .50 off Yoplait Kids Yogurt HERE

Win it: Win this super cute Yoplait Kids prize pack (the same one I reviewed!) with a coupon* for free Yoplait Kids yogurt!!

*This coupon offer for a free four pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee

Mandatory Entry: Tell me the challenges (or successes!) you've had with getting your kids to eat healthy!

Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB)

*for 2 entries, Like Yoplait on Facebook (leave 2 separate comments)

*For 2 entries, Yoplait on Twitter

*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments

*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens

*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter

*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments

*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on March 12th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 13th, 2011 Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Yoplait Kids Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a coupon, prize pack, info, and giveaway from Yoplait through  Myblogspark. Myself and Myblogspark will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

Spruce up your garden!

I've been dreaming about starting a garden since we moved to our house. The previous owner was a flower garden  connoisseur and I would love to keep up with their hard work!
I think the best place to start for a novice like me is to get a planter.I love the look of these garden planters!
If I can succeed in growing plants and flowers in a beautiful planter, than I think I'll have the confidence to dig and create in my yard! I think using a planter will help me trial and error my gardening plan!
Who doesn't like to look at a beautiful flower garden on a gorgeous spring day? Make your garden even more unique and special with a new outdoor planter! It's bound to spruce up any yard or home!
Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Baby Bond winner is:

Comment #25 Jakell, chosen by random.orgCongrats to the winner!
Thanks to all who entered to make this a successful giveaway!

I think I'm in LOVE!

I'm sure many of you have heard of Our Best Bites, but I have only recently discovered this blog! I think I have a new favorite blog (besides

my own, of course :D)

The recipes are amazing!!

Yesterday I made this:

taste the rainbow ;)

I made their Chicken and Dumplings recipe last week, and it was the best recipe I've found! We love Chicken and dumplings in our house, and up until now I haven't found a recipe that was worth repeating.
Just look at this! (pre dumplings :D) MMM!

If you are stuck in a recipe rut, like I was, check out Our Best Bites!!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. I just love this website and wanted to share with you!

What moms need to know RE: insurance for your family!

Choosing The Right Insurance For You And Your Family: What Moms Need To Know
By Wendy Nice Barnes, vice president, human resources, eHealthInsurance.comFebruary 18, 2011
Whether you’re covered through an employer or are buying insurance on your own, the thought of finding the right family coverage can be overwhelming. Every family has different needs and faces different situations so there is no silver bullet or “one-size-fits-all” answer. The good news: there are options. Here are a few things to consider: 
Consider state programs: Five million of the eight million uninsured children in the United States are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but have not enrolled.* If you qualify, these programs offer free or low-cost coverage. 
Mix and match: Check all your options. For example, sometimes it is less expensive for certain family members to be on a separate individualplan than on an employer-based plan. Do the math on separate policies if there are special needs. It’s easy to price individual and family plans online at sites like www.ehealthinsurance.com
Read the fine print: It’s important to know that individual health insurance plans don’t automatically cover maternity benefits. That can be great news if you’re looking to save money and don’t need that type of coverage. But if you are planning to get pregnant, or there’s a chance you could get pregnant, be sure to buy a plan that covers maternity care.
By doing a little bit of homework and researching your options, you can find the plan that works best for you and your family.
*http://challenge.gov/hhs/54
Disclosure: I received compensation for this guest post. 

Check out Become.com!

Become.com is a website that allows you to "shop your way!" What better reason to check it out than that?!
Become.com has easy to find categories that help you find just what you need, without searching endlessly through a store. They have so much offer! 
Of course, my first stop when exploring is the Baby section! You can find things like Cosco Car Seats, strollers,clothes, decor, and more! Spring is approaching fast, and if your toddler is like mine, they will love stomping in the rain puddles! Why not pick out some cute toddler rain boots, and be ready for some mud puddle jumpin' fun!
You'll find so much at Become.com, they'll keep you updated on "what's hot!" and help you find the best deals!

Disclaimer/Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

How do you de-stress?

I know de-stress isn't not a word :D But how do you let go of the daily stress in your life? As a mom, so much falls onto our plates, and if you are like me, you don't ask for help-you just do it all. Doing it all is stressful. At least for me. I'm exhausted, but I have insomnia that keeps me awake at night, I'm always thinking about what needs to be done the next day. Being home with the boys, taking them to various activities, grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, cleaning some more, doing baths and bed time...I'm tired just reading that! Sometimes I really find that I need to get out of the house by myself, even for a few minutes.  I like to get in my car, no music on the radio, just the sound of the environment around me and just drive. Whether isn't to the post office, library, store...that few minutes in the car helps me just relax and clear my head.
Usually by the time I get home, I'm excited to see my boys and happy to hear "Mom, mommy, mom, Heather, wife, hey you...can you do this?"

What do you do to "de-stress"?

PSGive.org Review and Giveaway

PSGive.org is an amazing website that allows you to have fun and participate in awesome events, all in the name of charity! They recently won Mashable.com's award for "Most Promising New Company"PSGive.org an auction website that introduces non profit orginzations and charities to a bigger and broader audiance. The items they offer their followers are things like iPods, iPads, gift baskets, Macbook Air...items that the average person like me cannot afford- but I can afford .50 cents or a $1 to buy a token to win one of these items or to win them at a super low price that you will never have the opportunity anywhere else to get!
Some of the charities and organization that PSGive.org is raising money and awareness for are:
Detroit Institute for Children
Boys and Girls Club Weber-Davis
Keep America Beautiful
and so much more!!

Take advantage of their sign up bonus of 3 tokens, plus if you like PSGive.org on Facebook, they'll give you a code for an additional 5 tokens! Check out PSGive.org, find out how to participate NOW!
Tomorrow starts a new iPad auction!!
I'm having so much fun with this website, I'm gunning for the iPad today!!

Buy it: sign up for PSGive.org and take advantage of the free token offers, and get started on your winning streak!

Win it! One lucky reader will win a code for $25 worth of tokens!! SCORE!!

Mandatory Entry: Check out PSGive.org and tell me something you've learned or like about them!

Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) if your email is not in your profile, please leave your email in one of your comments.

*For 2 entries, Like PSGive.org on Facebook
*For 2 entries, Follow PSGive.org on Twitter

*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments

*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens

*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For a daily entry, tweet about this giveaway "Check out the @psgive #giveaway at Life With The Stevens @hlstevens" leave the link to your tweet in your comment

*For 2 entries, Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect, located on the right hand side of my blog *Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote! Vote once per day for a daily extra entry.

Entrants worldwide are eligible. Contest Ends on March 9th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 10th, 2011. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the PSGive.org giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a product for review, no other compensation was given.For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy

German to English Translation

I took a few years of German language while in high school and college, and I actually got a blog offer that required the post be written in German!! So if you can't read it, don't worry, it's nothing bad! It's about a German translation company. If you can read it, how did I do?

http://www.translia.com/de ist eine Übersetzungsburo für die Suche nach deutschen Englische Übersetzung! Es ist praktisch, wenn Sie auf Reisen benötigen. Ich denke, es wäre sogar ein großartiges Werkzeug, wenn Sie Geschäfte mit jemandem, der Deutsch oder Englisch sprechen und Sie nicht!
Es gibt drei Pakete, die Sie heraus überprüfen können: Gold, Silber und Bronze. Jedes Paket bietet verschiedene Übersetzungen zu besten Suite Ihre Bedürfnisse. Bitte besuchen Sie http://www.translia.com/de für alle Ihre Übersetzungen.


Disclaimer: I received compensation for this post. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.
Disclaimer: Ich erhielt Entschädigung für diesen Beitrag. Bitte beachten Sie meine Offenlegung Politik für mehr Informationen über mein Blog Praktiken.

Getting a little exercise while shoveling snow

Guest post written by Kevin Dancy
I guess that shoveling snow is never easy work, even when you only have a couple of inches of it because it just bonds to pavements of driveways and sidewalks and takes a little bit of effort. But I thought that when it snowed so much last week that I should go ahead and get all that shoveling out of the way.
After I checked the weather online with my ISP Rhode Island and saw that there was going to be even more snow dumped on top of what was already at my house, I knew that I needed to clear what was already there from my sidewalks and driveways.
Then once I started my snow shoveling exercise I realized that it was going to be more work that I had originally thought because it had kind of iced over some too. But after I did all of that I felt like I had done so much upper body work that I felt like I went to the gym although the roads were too bad to actually drive there.

Disclosure: I was offered compensation for this guest post. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Skin MD Natural review and giveaway!

I have acne prone and dry skin, and I've discovered that chemical laden products only make it worse. I mean, who wants a product on their skin that the ingredient label takes up the whole bottle? I much prefer products that are natural and eco friendly, my skin prefers it too!
Skin MD Natural is an amazing find! It's a natural shielding lotion that helps protect and prevent dry skin! You can use it on your whole body, face included! This product is eco friendly and made in the USA! Skin MD comes in their regular moisturizing lotion formula and they now have the same great product with the added bonus of 15 SPF! Skin MD Natural Lotion is safe to use daily, and as often as needed!
I was excited to try this product. This winter has been killer on my sensitive skin, as well as my two boys. We've all got itchy, dry patches and haven't had much luck with relief. Skin MD Natural is so soothing! It's unscented and it just glides on my skin! There is no greasy residue that makes you rubbing your hands on your jeans just to get rid of the slimy feeling. I put the lotion on right after a shower and 6 hours later my hands are still not dried out! That is huge for me, I am an avid hand washer (a bit obsessive with it!) and my hands feel sooo good today!
Knowing it's made with all natural ingredients, I'm not afraid to apply Skin MD Natural lotion my children's skin. No fear of chemical burn, and trust me we know that feeling of applying lotion and having that burning sensation that makes my 4 year old cry :( He happily said to me "Mommy no burning!!" so yes, I've got a new favorite in Skin MD!

Buy it! You can buy a bottle of Skin MD Natural and Skin MD Natural plus SPF 15 online or find it a store near you! 

Win it! One lucky reader will win their own full size bottle of Skin MD Natural lotion!

Mandatory Entry: Check out the Skin MD Natural website and tell me something you learned about this amazing product! please leave your email address in this comment if it is not in your profile!

Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) if your email is not in your profile, please leave your email in one of your comments.

*For 2 entries, Like Skin MD Natural on Facebook
*For 2 entries, Follow Skin MD Natural on Twitter

*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments

*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens

*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For a daily entry, tweet about this giveaway "Check out the @skinmdnatural #giveaway at Life With The Stevens @hlstevens" leave the link to your tweet in your comment

*For 2 entries, Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect, located on the right hand side of my blog *Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote! Vote once per day for a daily extra entry.

Entrants from the US and Canada are eligible. Contest Ends on March 8th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 9th, 2011. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Skin MD giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a product for review, no other compensation was given.For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy

Need a hand, dad?

I've mentioned before that we're working on remodeling our home, and this past weekend my husband was re-wiring the house and putting new lights in the bedrooms. Well, Bennett decided that he was going to help his dad work...isn't he helpful?? :D

excuse the mess please :D

I'm an Auntie!!

I'm an Auntie once again!! Today, my brother and his wife welcomed the first girl born in a long long time to our family, Miss Ainsley!! I love her and I haven't even met her yet :D
She's healthy, she and mom are doing fabulous!
This does not bode well for my own aching uterus, I'm itching for a newbie of my own, but hubby is done done done! Maybe that will change :D
Congrats Nick and Bobbie and big brother Nelson, I love you all!

Self Magazine asks: What does the influence being a woman/mother has on your body?

Have you thought about what being a woman or even a mother can do to your body? Did you know that 57% of women who struggle with weight say they were pressured to diet by family members growing up and 73% of women who consider themselves overweight say their mother will make comments if they’ve gained or lost pounds? That's hard to read, that makes me sad. 
Self Magazine has a feature in the February issue titled Your Mom and your Weight. Self Magazine posed the question "Did your mother influence the way you feel about your body?" and the poll answers weren't always positive.
This is a great article, I think. It's okay to feel confidant in the body you have. I encourage all woman, mothers or not, to read this article. It's a great read, and it's really eye opening.
It took me a long time to accept my new body, but I'm so proud of what my body has done-created and nurtured my children. That's something that not everyone can do, and I have the battle scars to prove that I did it and survived!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

Costume Squad Giveaway!

Costume Squad is the latest addition to the Crazy Dog T-shirts family. It's everything you love about Crazy Dog Tshirts and Nachomamatees with a little something extra! Not only do they have all the tshirts you love, but the added pleasure of costumes added to the mix!
They have Movie themed costumes, Sexy Costumes, dog costumes and so much more!I cannot stop looking (and giggling) at the Lt Dangle costume in the Mens Costume category, I love it!

I think every mom is a Wonder Woman, now you can dress like it too!

One top of their super cool and funny selection of costumes, they have all your favorite Tshirts too. You really can't beat the price of these shirts and costumes, they are unique and you can only find them at Costume Squad!
Buy it! There is so much to browse through, you'll need to take a day off of work to check out all of the costumes and shirts available at Costume Squad, so tell your boss I said it was okay and get shopping :D

 Win it! One lucky reader will win a Tshirt of their choice (16.99 and under) from Costume Squad!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me which shirt you'd pick if you won!
Remember to leave your email in at least one of your comments!
Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB)

*for 2 entries, Like Crazy Dog Tshirts on Facebook (leave 2 separate comments)
*For 2 entries, Follow Crazy Dog Tshirts on Twitter
* for 2 entries, sign up for the Crazy Dog Tshirts email list (leave 2 separate comments)
*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For a daily entry, tweet about this giveaway, be sure to add @hlstevens and @CrazyDogTshirts in your status!
*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on March 4th at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 5th, 2011 Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Costume Squad Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a shirt from Crazy Dog Tshirts for review purposes only, no other compensation was given.Crazy Dog Tshirts will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

Nachomamatees Giveaway!!

In case you didn't know, Crazy Dog Tshirts (see my review here) has a sister site-Nachomamatees. Now you can find the hilariously fashionable shirts you love in another easy to navigate online store. The selection is huge, the prices rock, and the shirts will last as long as you want them to ;) But be warned, these are not your mamas tees (okay okay, that was lame :D But it's true!)
Check out their Best Sellers category for starters. True Blood Fan? Check out their Bon Temps Football Tshirt

Or the ever popular Chuck Norris shirts

Nachomamatees and Crazy Dog Tshirts also have a daily special of $6.99 shirts!!
Be sure to enter your email in their weekly Tshirt giveaways too!

Buy it! There is so much to choose from at Nachomamatees, be sure to browse all of their categories and buy that perfect shirt (or shirts, because you can't have just one!)

Win it! One lucky reader will win a Nachomamatees shirt of their choice! (adult tees $16.99 or under!)

Mandatory Entry: Tell me which shirt you'd pick if you won!
Remember to leave your email in at least one of your comments!
Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB)

*for 2 entries, Like Crazy Dog Tshirts on Facebook (leave 2 separate comments)
*For 2 entries, Follow Crazy Dog Tshirts on Twitter
* for 2 entries, sign up for the Crazy Dog Tshirts email list (leave 2 separate comments)
*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments
*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens
*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter
*For a daily entry, tweet about this giveaway, be sure to add @hlstevens and @CrazyDogTshirts in your status!
*For 2 entries,Follow my blog through google, located on the right hand side of my blog-leave 2 separate comments
*Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote!

Entrants from the USA are eligible. Contest Ends on March 3rd at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 4th, 2011 Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Nachomamatees Giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a shirt from Crazy Dog Tshirts for review purposes only, no other compensation was given.Crazy Dog Tshirts will be responsible for prize distribution. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.

Crazy Dog T-shirts Review!

I'm so excited to be working with Crazy Dog T-shirts again! Crazy Dog T-shirts is my go to place for witty and comfortable t-shirts. I've been a t-shirts and jeans girl for as long as I can remember, and while it's a casual wardrobe, I like it to be as fun as possible!
I was able to pick any t-shirt to review, and I chose the womans Dunder Mifflin shirt (appropriately in The Office category of shirts at CDT). I've been a fan of the American version of The Office since it started in 2005 and I've been eyeing this shirt for months!
Shipping was extremely fast, and of course I had to try the shirt on right away-I'm always worried about sizing on items I buy online, it seems every brand is different. But Crazy Dog T-shirts are pretty on target for my size! The shirt is super soft cotton, and it washes and wears great with no shrinkage that I've noticed. 

Yes, I'm a dork.

One of my favorite categories of shirts from Crazy Dog T-shirts is the 80s Tshirts. I mean, I'm a product of the 80s, how could I not love everything they have to offer?
There is so much to choose from, I can guarantee you will find something-who am I kidding, I bet you'll find a dozen shirts you want for your own! Of course I think these shirts will make an awesome addition to your wardrobe, but they also make great gifts!

Buy it! Check out Crazy Dog T-shirts and become that much more awesome :D Sign up for their weekly drawings while you are there, and hopefully you'll be one of the lucky weekly winners!

Be sure to check  out Crazy Dog Tshirts on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date and for any spontaneous giveaways they are known for doing :D
Disclosure: I received one shirt for review purposes only, no other compensation was given. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

: Celebrating Love with 1800Flowers.com

Valentine's Day is a day meant to be filled with love and passion! Get your fill of both with Celebrating Love, a Collection of love stories that remind us to cherish our loved ones and to relish every moment of love.
As part of the continued celebration of love that should take place every day, including Valentine's Day, 1800Flowers.com is looking for your stories-they are compiling stories for a new book as a part of the Celebration series: Celebrating Friendship!Share your story of an inspiring friendship, or a memorable moment with a special friend in 250 words of less and be entered to have the chance of having your story featured in Celebrating Friendship!
To say thank you for sharing your story, 1800Flowers.com will give you a %15 discount on your next order!
Are you in the doghouse because you forgot about Valentine's Day? Well don't worry, 1800Flowers.com has you covered!! Their amazing selection is certain to be your get out of jail free card!

Buy it: Get your copy of Celebrating Love, buy it online or in a book store like Barnes and Noble!

Win it! Win your own copy of Celebrating Love!

Mandatory Entry: Share with me your most memorable moment of Love!

Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) if your email is not in your profile, please leave your email in one of your comments.

*For 2 entries, Like 1800Flowers.com on Facebook
*For 2 entries, Follow 1800Flowers.com on Twitter

*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments

*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens

*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter

*For 2 entries, Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect, located on the right hand side of my blog *Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote! Vote once per day for a daily extra entry.

Entrants from the US and Canada are eligible. Contest Ends on March 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 3rd, 2011. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Celebrating Love book giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a product for review, no other compensation was given.For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy

Resurrecting Anthony, Book Review and Giveaway

This is my first book review, so I hope I can do this amazing story justice without giving too much away!

Resurrecting Anthony: A true Story of Courage and Destination by Linda and Tony Cole is a heart wrenching read. This book is told by the Cole's of their son,  Anthony Jr, who at just 11 years old, this otherwise healthy boy suffered a heart attack. He had to be defibrillated several times on the way to the hospital,each time taking several minutes to restart his heart, causing a loss of oxygen to his brain. This story shares what their life was like, as well as Anthony's life has been like from that day until today where he is now in his mid twenties. He needs round the clock care, but there is so much love and compassion in this family and it really shines through in this book. Anthony may not be the same person he was, but he still has such a light about him that you can feel through the words of this book. As a mother, I can't imagine going through a situation such as this, but the Cole's are such an inspiring family. They didn't give up, as they say there was no option to quit. I'm sure this story has inspired many who have gone through a similar situation, and they wrote this book in hopes of encouraging others in dire straights and to make those of us parents who have been fortunate to avoid such pain more aware of the struggles of others.

It's truly an awe inspiring story that you will feel to your core.

It's worth reading, especially if you are a parent, you will not be able to put this book down.

Buy it: Get your copy of this newly released book at Amazon for a great price!

Win it! One lucky reader will win their own copy of this life changing story!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me about something or someone that has inspired you recently.

Extra Entries:To qualify for extra entries, you must first complete the Mandatory entry. Please put each entry in a separate comment. (and for example, if you are already a FB fan, just leave a comment stating :i'm a fan on FB) if your email is not in your profile, please leave your email in one of your comments.

*For 3 entries, Add my button to your blog, located near the top left side and leave a link to your blog in your comment-leave 3 separate comments

*Become a FB fan of Life with the Stevens

*Follow Life with the Stevens on Twitter

*For 2 entries, Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect, located on the right hand side of my blog *Vote for my blog by clicking the "We're on the Fence" button on the right side of the blog, above the counter. Each click of that button gets me a vote! Vote once per day for a daily extra entry.

Entrants from the US and Canada are eligible. Contest Ends on March 1st at 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced March 2nd, 2011. Winners will be notified by email with “You Have Won the Resurrecting Anthony Book giveaway” in the subject line. Winners will then have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received a product for review, no other compensation was given.. For more information on this blog and my posting practices, please refer to my disclosure policy.