Life with the Stevens

Happy Valentine's Day from Pear Tree Greetings!

2012-02-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

Friends, Valentine's Day is upon us and it's time to feel the love, and give some love! I love this time of year now that my son is in school, I love the card exchange they do and get a kick out of all the cute letters and cards he brings home! Pear Tree Greetings gave us the chance to review some of their awesome children's Valentine's cards and this year they are better then ever! They have the cutest kids Valentine's cards!
Look at these adorable cards Cooper got to pass out to his classmates??

I tried to capture a little video of how his day went, we even saved a Valentine for the little lady who currently holds his heart, he delivered it to her dad :D

To me, Valentine's Day is fun. It can be mooshy and gooshy but it can be light and fun and full of laughs!
Pear Tree Greetings always has my back with their amazing cards and stationary, and this year they helped my son put a smile on at least one face :D

Be sure to stay up to date on their latest creations and discounts by following Pear Tree Greetings on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclaimer: I rec'd product for review, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

My Boys and Basketball!

2012-02-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

My boys love sports. Specifically, sports that require the use of a ball and cool shoes!!

My 5 year old is experimenting with new sports, we tried soccer, and I think basketball is next on the list!

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a cutie in basketball shorts and shoes, like little grown ups :D

We have a park across the street and my boys love to watch the older kids play basketball during the summer, they are enamored with the sport! They can't wait until they are old enough to be able to throw the ball into the basketball goals :D

While my husband and I aren't really knowledgeable on the sport (well I was a basketball cheerleader, does that count? :D) we will absolutely support our boys in whatever they choose to play! If they like basketball, then you better believe I will be that mom on the sidelines screaming my lungs out about things I don't understand! Really though, as long as they are having fun, I will support them in whatever they do! For now, it's nothing serious, just a little fun with a little hoop and foam ball but I can see the joy in their eyes when they get that ball through the hoop! I think that's exciting for just about anyone! Just thinking about this makes me excited for spring when it's time to break out the basketball shorts and shoes, just to see my little guys laughing and having "a ball"!

Disclaimer: This post is my opinion, link(s) were provided. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Winners galore!!

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've got a gaggle of winners to announce, so sit back and cross your fingers!!

3 Cheryl's Hug Bug winners: Wendy T, Melanie M, Jamie B

General Mills cereal winner: Bridget R

$10 Amazon Gift Card winner: Christine

Congratulations! Please check your email, all winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner is chosen.

Thank you to all who entered!!

Dinner Rut Be-gone!

2012-02-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

Dinner Rut Be-gone!

Guest post from: Denver Stephens

After weeks of uninspired dinners, I was desperate for a change. Unlike my family, I can not eat the same meal three nights in a row and find it at all satisfying. By pure chance I flipped on my DIRECT TV and saw a recipe for stuffed peppers on The Cooking Channel. My creative imagination when wild! Our family had just hosted a pig roast and I had a ton of slow smoked pork just waiting for me to create something remarkable. I sautéed onions, garlic, and mixed in with barley I soaked in homemade chicken stock for an hour. I added red pepper flakes and mixed in the pulled pork to just the right consistency. I had cored bell peppers, both red and green brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. I stuffed them to the point of overflowing and placed in the oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Just before removing from the oven I sprinkled a heavy dose of fresh parmesan on top and there it was, a dinner that was far from bland or predictable!

Disclaimer: this is a guest post.

Cheryl's Valentine Hug Bug Giveaway {3 winners!}

2012-02-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!! I think Valentine's Day is a fun holiday that everyone should particpate in! We all love someone, right? Whether it's a spouse, child, parent, friend, or whomever! I like gifts that aren't too "lovey-dovey" but still fun! I want to give my loved ones something that will make them smile or laugh!

Cheryl's has come out with a cute way to do just that with their Hug Bugs!

For just $5, you can send someone a Hug Bug cookie with yummy butter cream frosting in a cute Valentine's Box with a $5 gift card included! I know my boys would get a kick out of these cute and delicious treats!

With a wide selection of amazing goodies and gifts, Cheryl's has great customer service and great prices to help you send the right gift to that special someone!

Giveaway! Three lucky readers will win their own Hug Bug Cookie Greeting!
Yum!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: No compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

L'Occitane Review and Giveaway!

2012-02-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know what took me so long, but I'm finally on a mission to better skin care!
While I may be "young", I know my skin is starting to suffer from my lack of attention. And really, there is no wrong time to protect your skin and hair, probably best to start now than wait until it's too late!

I remember when I was younger, watching my mom put on her creams at night, and special creams and make up during the day, and even now her skin is beautiful! I've been on the search for the right skin care products for me, and one of the brands I'm anxious to try is L'Occitane! The products from L'Occitane come highly recommended, and all the reviews I have read just rave about them! Anything from anti aging cremes to body lotion to hair care and so much more!
L'Occitane always has great deals and packages, and you can also add a few samples to your shopping bag!
And if you celebrate Valentine's Day, think about letting it slip how much a L'Occitane gift card would mean to you :D
Our body will thank us for pampering them with a quality product, and I for one would love a little pampering! We've only got this one body, so we might as well treat it right and keep it as vibrant as we can!
You can order online or you can find L'Occitane in a store of boutique near you!

Giveaway: One lucky reader will win the fabulous L'Occitane Citrus Verbana Sorbet Body Cream!

Enter after the jump!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I rec'd product for review, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

My darling Bennett was one of the toddlers featured in the Dear Crissy Babble Blog Toddler Joy Feature!!

I love his cheese smile :D

Cupids Cash Giveaway {$850.00!!!}

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to be taking apart in this amazing giveaway!! Valentine's Day is about to get a whole lot sweeter for one lucky reader!! I'm part of a multi-blog giveaway that pooled together to give one of YOU $850.00!!

Pretty awesome, right?

It's just one of the many ways that we bloggers can give back to our amazing readers. Without all of you, we wouldn't have this job!

Entering is as easy as filling out a rafflecopter form, so lets get to it!

Oh, and Happy {early} Valentine's Day! Not just another Hallmark holiday this year :D
Thank you to our host, MamaNYC!

Get the form after the jump!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This is a self sponsored event, no sponsors, just bloggers pooling together for a prize. No compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
Giveaway is open to entrants worldwide.

A little help? {giveaway}

2012-01-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

Friends! This is a cry for help, with an incentive :D

A little back story-I've mentioned before that my father had a stroke last year. He lost the use of his right side, his dominant side. It's been quite a struggle for my parents, always 1 step forward and 2 steps back in his progress, but they always have a smile on their face for us so I know they are trying so hard to be positive! What I might not have mentioned before, is that years ago, my mother was hit by a drunk driver :( She lost the use of her left arm, which was her dominant arm/hand. My parents joke that together they are a perfect pair of hands! They've had so much struggle this past year, and as Valentine's Day approaches, I can't help but to feel a little sad. This will be their first Valentine's Day since dads stroke. My dad was a great gift giver when it came to my mom. Even if there was not much money, he found a way to get mom something special. Jewelry was his specialty, and he had great taste, and it was always a surprise for mom.

Here is where I need your help. I've entered my parents in a "cutest couple" contest at my local jewelry store.

I'm asking for your vote!! And in exchange, you will be entered into a giveaway!

What's in it for you?

$10 Amazon Gift Code!

To enter the giveaway:
Go to: Stambaugh Jewelers Facebook page and "like" them
Click the "vote" button, and my parents are now on page 1.
This is the picture you'll need to find and click vote! That is all!

Taken just weeks before my dads stroke, one of my fave pictures of them!

Now when you've done that-and Please, be honest! This means so much to me, and if I win, I can give my mom the necklace from my dad, it would be a huge surprise!!
Come back here, and leave a comment that you've voted!! That's it!
I'll pick a random comment at the end of the contest (via Random.org). This giveaway opportunity will end February 11th and the winner will be announced that day!

Thank you ALL so much! I'll let you know if we win, we need about 60ish votes to win right now!
<3

KitchenAid Savings!

2012-01-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

I have been after a KitchenAid Mixer for years!! I scour stores and online ads for sales, but never found one worth my while. I have to admit, I'm a bit of a tight wad, and even though it was something I really wanted, I couldn't justify spending the money on it. Well this past Christmas, we found the deal of a lifetime on a KitchenAid Mixer, and I had one under the tree with my name on it (yes I wrapped it :D)!

KitchenAid is a household name when it comes to mixers, and while they are pricey, they are well worth their weight in gold (in my opinion!) I use mine almost every day, I've incorporated more homemade cooking and healthy eating because I'm excited to cook again! And plus, it's super pretty sitting on my counter top!

There are many places that sell KitchenAid Mixers, and if you really want one but don't want to pay full price, the internet is your friend! There are some great resources out there to help you find KitchenAid mixer savings! If you can find a good coupon discount to pair up with a % off, would you find it in your heart and purse to spend the money?? I know I did! And I think my family (at least their appetites!) are glad I did too!
Here is my beauty hard at work!

There are so many uses to a KitchenAid Mixer, it's not just a whisk! You can make dough, grind meet, make noodles, any dessert in the book, soup-you name it, you can do it in one of these mixers! I was really surprised in the difference in using a stand mixer versus a hand mixer. Cooking is a lot more enjoyable, no need to borrow an extra hand in the kitchen to mix while you get other things ready!
And really, KitchenAid mixers make a great conversation piece too! My friends and I compare ours-the color, style, how much we use it, etc. We can share recipes that we've tried and know work well with the mixer.
I've gone on and on like a love sick school girl, but I really do enjoy having my mixer. It might have been a small dream, but finding a great deal on my KitchenAid mixer really was a dream come true! Be persistent, the right deal for you is out there, it's likely just a click away!

General Mills Whole Grain Prize Pack Giveaway!

2012-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

General Mills is giving us a tastier way to eat whole grains! They have a new campaign right now, The Whole Grain Nation, and all boxes of cereal with the white check on teh front will have "More whole grain than any other ingredient*" (*as compared to any other single ingredient)

According to Dr. Travis Stork, emergency room physician and host of “The Doctors,” identifying whole grain products can be challenging. Shoppers can look for nutritional cues on the front of the box, but they need to read the ingredient list to know if they are getting enough whole grain. Ingredient lists detail ingredients in order of prevalence, and if the words “whole grain” are followed by a grain like wheat or oats, it means the food contains more whole grain than any other single ingredient. Here’s how to determine if your cereals have whole grain as a first ingredient:

With all the health messages facing grocery store shoppers, it can be confusing to translate what appears on food labels into nutritional needs, and hard to determine which foods have a meaningful amount of whole grain. Dr. Stork has some additional recommendations to help you include whole grain easily into your diet. They include:

Start Early! The Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Get a jump-start on the day’s nutrition by incorporating whole grain into your morning routine. For instance, when choosing cereal make sure whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. One easy choice is cereal with the white check, which have more whole grain than any other single ingredient.
Make Simple Swaps. Choose whole grain versions of the foods you love. Great options include whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread or even whole grain crackers. Also, try different types of whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish at dinner or popcorn, which is a whole grain, for a snack.
Don’t Judge a Food by Its Cover. The front of food packages provide good nutritional cues, but don’t forget to read the ingredients and check the nutrition label and side labels for additional health information. Cereals with the white check even include the amount of whole grain per serving on packaging.

To help with choosing products with whole grain, General Mills developed “Fast Lane for Whole Grain,” an online educational game. Consumers can navigate virtual grocery store aisles and identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient, with the option to enter a sweepstakes to win one of each of the 50 cereals with the white check.

Make a commitment to add more whole grain to your diet by simply pouring a bowl of cereal with the white check including Cheerios^®, Lucky Charms^®, Cinnamon Toast Crunch^®, Honey Nut Cheerios^®and Total^®.

For more information on the importance of whole grain and a chance to enter the “Fast Lane for Whole Grain” sweepstakes, visitwww.WholeGrainNation.com.
MyBlogSpark and General Mills have provided a cool prize pack for one lucky reader!
You'll win all of the cereals below!

Check out the Rafflecopter form after the jump!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Check out Perricone MD! {Giveaway}

2012-01-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

As a woman, I feel a lot of pressure to look a certain way. But really, the only one pressuring me is myself! I feel better about myself when I look and feel my best, so I try to take care of my skin the best I can.

One company that is helping me feel and look my best is Perricone! They have amazing products to help reduce the signs of aging and to help our skin be as healthy as it can be! As I get older, one of the things I fear are the dreaded under eye wrinkles! Perricone has the best under eye wrinkle cream, it was even featured in Vanity Fair! There are products to help with acne, anti aging products, hydrating products, and more! Perricone even offers amazing supplements to help you be a better you! This Super Perricone supplement "provides antioxidant protection to help defer the visible signs of aging" made with Acai berry!
Perricone MD products were created by Dr. Nick Perricone, a board certified dermatologist who created this line of products to promote inner health and outer beauty by giving our skin the nutrients it needs!
Check out all Perricone has to offer, and right now all orders over $50 get free shipping!

One lucky reader is about to score big-Enter to win the Perricone product of your choice! (ARV up to $150!) Rafflecopter form is after the jump!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

My top 5 Mom inspired driving tips!

2012-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Driving is stressful enough, but add to the mix a few kids capbable of every distraction in the book and driving gets even scarier! I think about all the times I'm getting after my boys to stop picking on each other, or to leave the window along, or to not try and unbuckle themselves-and I get scared! I'm not paying attention (yes I am admitting it!) to the road when I should be and I've had to collect myself and get my priorities in check to make sure my kids and I are safe on the road.

Inspired by this recent Esurance blog post , here are a few of my top tips!

*Don't drive tired or hungry-Easier said than done, I know! Moms are always tired it seems! But I notice that when I haven't slept well or haven't eaten and get that shaky feeling, I'm not at my best and cannot concentrate as well as when I'm rested. And if I can't concentrate at home, I'm sure as not able to concentrate on the road, so unless it's an emergency, I put off my errands until after I'm more alert and ready to take on the day!

*Keep toys at home for safety reasons. I've come to know some great car seat instructors and advocates, and one of their top tips that most of us don't even think about is to avoid keeping objects in the car that can fly around in case of an accident. Toys, phones, books-they all need to be in a secure location if you want them in your car. If you were to crash, a toy could be a dangerous object when flying through the car at rapid speed. I am guilty of having things in my car that are just laying around, and I try to be more of aware of that these days!

*Have a safe and secure car seat that is not expired. This should be a no brainer, but many people dont' even realize that car seats expire! The older they get, the more wear the plastic has and it starts to break down even if we can't see it, making it less safe in the event of a crash. Do your research and find the best seat for your budget, car, and child and follow the guidelines when using it (follow weight requirements, latching system, etc) to ensure your child is as safe as he/she can be!

*Keep the cell phone OFF!! It's hard to do, but a cell phone is so distracting!! If your phone rings, pull over, or call back when you are stopped. We all know that is just common sense, but I know that ignoring your cellphone something that is hard to do but lets keep each other accountable and keep it off!

*Click it or Ticket!! Yes, I said it! We all know the laws. Lets be good examples to our kids and remember our seat belts!

Lets make our lives easier, after all, moms have enough to deal with! Driving doesn't have to be as stressful as we make it out to be. We can do a few simple things to ensure that we are focused when on the road, and above all, that we're all safe!

Disclaimer “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link tohttp://esurance.socialmoms.com/about)

Slobproof.com Paint Pen review!

2012-01-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

When we bought our house, we knew right away we'd be painting to update it and make it our own. What we didn't plan on was the first weekend we were moved in, I would have to fly out of state for my sisters wedding, so my inlaws came down and did a lightening speed paint job to help get the house ready by the time I got back (I've got the best inlaws!) Well, in that time, we've found a few spots that were missed, but two kids later we just haven't had a free minute to touch up the paint!! Well, www.Slobproof.com is helping us with that, with their brand new Paint Pen! It's an empty pen that you can fill in with any paint, and touch up nicks and spots that might have been missed! I was sent one for a review, so I did a little video blog to show how it worked in my house.

{I'm super embarrassed about how I look, I keep going back and willing my video self to brush my hair or wear more flattering clothes, lol! But I am tyring to get over my fear of vlogging plus I couldn't redo the video, so bear with me!}

So without further ado, the Slobproof paint pen! Learn more by visiting their website or finding them on Facebook!

Disclaimer: I was given a product to review, no compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

One of the fun parts about going to visit Grandma is feeding the deer!

As soon as the sun starts to rise, Cooper goes out and feeds the deer and then comes in to wait and watch!

From your Kitchen, with love!

2012-01-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Stevens kitchen-that is our home base, where we reconnect at the end of the day. We end our busy days every night with a warm meal around the table in our kitchen.

But my kitchen, where I spend a good chunk of my day, is not "mine". We've owned our home for 3 years now and have been slowly making it our own, and our kitchen is the last on the list. We've painted the walls, bought new dishes, but we're using the previous owners appliances. They work, but they are not what I want if I were to have my dream kitchen!

Starting with the stove...I'm a gas girl all the way. My mother cooked with a gas stove and taught me to cook using one, so that is what I've always preferred! Gas Range Cookers make the best meals-the food is evenly cooked, you can adjust the temp easier, and all around I think it makes the food taste better. I find myself window shopping online, making a list of my favorites, and when the time is right I know my dream kitchen will be a reality! I love the look of this Belling range cooker, I'm already dreaming of all the home cooked meals and memories it will make for my family!

I suppose in the end, all I need is my family around the table...but, a girl can dream right?? And if that dream can render something my family will look back on with a smile as they say "Remember when Mom made that cake that one time...?" then I say, dream on!

Me, a guest blogger?? Check it out!

2012-01-20T03:53:00.000-08:00

I'm a guest blogger today over at Engergizer Bunnies' Mommy Reports!! I posted one of my new favorite recipes, hope you'll check it out and show it some love!!

At a loss when it comes to gifts?

2012-01-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

I am guilty of telling my husband that I don't need or want anything for my birthday, and he takes my word and runs with it! Some men just don't get that we don't really mean that :D I love him though, I'm a hard person to buy for and considering my birthday and our wedding anniversary are in the same week, it's not easy coming up with something that hasn't already been done/bought!

So you know what I confess to him?? Flowers. I love flowers! Not only are flowers a great birthday gift, but they are perfect anniversary gifts too because you can pair them with anything! Put together a beautiful bouquet with some tasty chocolate or a favorite champagne! You can send them to a work place, leave them in a car, or send them to your home-no matter what, it's bound to be a welcome surprise! Even though I might dress like a 15 year old boy, I'm a girly girl at heart and love the romance of receiving flowers!

So spouses, gifts for her don't have to be stressful, but don't believe us when we say we want nothing!! Even if it is true, surprise us! You can't go wrong with flowers!

Disclaimer: Links were provided, but opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Saving money is just as easy as a click!

2012-01-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Stevens family has a lot of decisions to make in the near future, and the biggest one is moving to a new state!! The thought of selling our home and taking on a new mortgage is terrifying, let alone actually doing it, and we're researching the best ways to save money in our new adventure!

One way to save is refinancing your home! We did this last year and saved a bundle on our interest rate and monthly house payments! There are many great options out there, right at your fingertips! Companies like MilitaryVALoan.com make it easy to find the best ways to save your family money. The website is easy to navigate, is top rated by many companies and keeps your information safe and secure while you search to find the right option that will save your family money!

Money talk doesn't have to be scary! All you need is to find a company that is trustworthy, friendly, and has your best interest in mind! Thanks to the world wide web, everything we need is at our fingertips. Like I said, saving money really is as easy as clicking a link and taking that first step towards a better financial life!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

Boot Straps

2012-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

The Author of this post is Velma Baird

In today’s economy, it’s hard not to fall behind especially when you’re like me and get laid off from the job that you’ve depended on for years. After getting over the initial shock that I was unemployed and for the first time in my life, receiving government assistance, I knew what I had to do. You see, I grew up in a fairly close-knit family that, for the most part, didn’t depend on anyone else to provide for us. My grandfather was a farmer and my father owned the local store in town. As you can imagine, my both of the males in my life were very hard workers and instilled that work ethic in me as well. So when I received the news that I would no longer be employed, I did exactly what my father taught me. I pulled myself up by my “boot straps” and started looking at the future. One of the ways that I started moving forward was to look at our family budget and make some necessary cuts. Thankfully I foundhttp://www.wildbluedeals.com/ that provided me a much-needed cut to our budget so that we can keep moving forward.

Disclaimer: This is a guest post.

Check out this awesome blog! "Real Life Homes: Where Families Live"

2012-01-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

I'm alive!!! :D

We've had the flu that turned into a cold that turned into croup this past week, and I feel like I am finally able to come up for air!! And just in time too, as I want to share with you a brand new blog that I'm hoping you'll help me give some love to!

Real-Life Homes: Where Families Live was created by my friend Karen who came up with the idea of featuring real, un-staged pictures of homes. I think this is a pretty awesome concept for a blog. Not that I want to feature my messy house (and yes, that's me in her newest post!) but because we see blogs and magazines with pictures of homes that look miserable to live in because it's pristine and full of glass decor or pictures of rooms that you know were cleaned right before the picture was taken so not to let people in on the fact that the room is actually lived in *gasp* and as a mom of two busy and playful boys, I know those pictures aren't really an accurate view into the normal home!

I think it's a fun blog, and a neat way to see what families REALLY live like all over the country (or world!)

Thanks for letting me be a part of it Karen, I can't wait to see what is to come!
If you get a chance, "like" Real-Life Homes on Facebook!

My "baby" is 5!

2012-01-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

My firstborn son will be five years old tomorrow. So hard for me to believe!

Dear Cooper,

You changed my life. You changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Thanks to you, I love with my whole heart, no questions asked. I see beauty in things I never gave a second look before. You are a breath of fresh air. You are the funniest, most charming 5 year old I know. I am thankful for you every single day. You are my little man, but most of all, you are my heart. Thank you for choosing me to be your mom. Thanks for making me a better person, and for giving me the chance to be your mother.

Happy 5th Birthday Coopasaurus. You are a rock star, may you forever shine in every way possible.
Love, Mom.

Our first day home from the hospital

Wedding season is quickly approaching!

2012-01-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

I hear wedding bells in the distance! I like to think of the "wedding season" as spring to fall, at least most weddings I've attended have been during those times! I remember from my own wedding how stressful the planning can be, and that if I had a way of making it easier on myself, I would have taken advantage of that in a heartbeat!

There are many great resources out in the world wide web for all things wedding. Whether you're looking for cheap casual wedding invitations or have other informal wedding needs, all you need to do is a quick search and you'll find affordable but quality supplies!

Planning a wedding is stressful, so try and make life a little easier! Everything you need is at your fingertips :D

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Looking for affordable but unique art?

2012-01-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

I come from a family of artists, but unfortunately I'm the only one who did not get the artistic gene! But I love to display my families art on my walls. I think it lets people have a little inside to my style and taste. Our walls speak for us :D
There is so much fantastic and unique art out there, but it's not always easily accessible or affordable. That is where CheapOilPainting.com comes into play! You'll find massive amounts of art , you're bound to find the perfect piece for your home! There are famous hand painted replicas, florals, landscapes, abstract, and MORE! The best part is that these are easy on the pocket book!
Whether your looking for something unique or mainstream-you'll find the right piece for YOU!
After all, you are one of a kind, don't you want your home to reflect that?

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

Are you ready for a New Years Giveaway

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to be teaming up with some amazing women to bring you a super fun (and easy to enter) giveaway!

Let's ring in the New Year with a $75 Paypal Cash giveaway, shall we?

First, I'd like to thank all the awesome people who are participating in this giveaway:

Heather: Sweet Deals 4 Mom

Alison: Being Alison

Rachel: Yellow Tennessee

Nicole: One Little Mister

Katy: Katys Creations

Erin: Charming Cherubs

Megan: Three Men and a Mama

Roxana: The Jolly Blogger

Elizabeth: Elegantly Said

Sarah: Shopping In Your PJ's

Lisa: Between The Kids/I Could Use a Deal

Becca: Yellow House Candles

Show them some love and visit their blogs/stores and become a new follower as a way of staying Thank You!
Happy 2012 to all, I hope it's even better than the last!
And without further ado, the entry form!
Enter once, or do every entry for a greater chance at winning! Entering is very easy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored giveaway, all blogs mentioned contributed. My thanks to all the bloggers and business owners involved. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

So, did you survive?

2011-12-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

Sure the holiday season isn't quite over, but we dont' really do anthing for New Years, so it is in our house!

We celebrate Christmas, and this was our first time being in our own home. We usually are in our home state with our families, but this year we celebrated with them the week before as I think it was time for us to start our own traditions! It was such a wonderful weekend, lots of family fun and activities! Although, three days past Christmas and I'm still exhausted...Santa forget to bring me that nap I asked for ;)

We made our own nativity

decorated cookies

and the Christmas morning aftermath!!

I hope you all had a great weekend, no matter what or how you celebrate!!

It's time to think Titanium!

2011-12-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

My husband is an engineer who works with robots and heavy duty machines, and he never takes his wedding ring off. The unfortunate problem with that, is that his wedding band is dinged up and scratched. I love that he doesn't want to take it off, but I think it's time for a ring that can withstand the abuse!
We have been looking these black titanium rings. They are stylish, and even my husband likes the look of the rings! After looking at all the titanium jewelry options, I stumbled upon these titanium bracelets and they reminded me of something my dad used to wear and it brought back great memories!

There are so many options when it comes to wearing titanium! And ladies, it's not just for men, there are beautiful options for us too!Titanium is strong, corrosion resistant, and able to withstand a lot-which is exactly what we need jewelry to do in our house!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Holiday Craft Week Day 4: Crayon Wreath!

2011-12-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

My friend posted this link that she found on Pinterest and shared how easy it was to make so I wanted to share this link with you all as well! This is definitely on my list of teacher gifts in the future, I am in love with this idea!

Thanks to my friend "L" for the idea!

Teacher Crayon Wreath
courtesy of Moms' Party Cafe

Photo from PartySavvyMoms.com

For the how to, go HERE! Must give credit where credit is due, so I dont' want to spoil it, you should check out just how easy this is to make!!

Holiday Craft Week Day 3: Chalkboard gift tags!

2011-12-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

I'm surrounded by some super crafty people, even in the wonderful world of the internet, and one of those creative people is someone you've already met here on Life With The Stevens!

Katy at Katy's Creations always has something amazing up her sleeve, and she recently posted a very easy but very cute winter craft that I am dying to share with you all!!

Chalkboard Gift Tag

chalkboard spray

wooden cutouts (snow flake wooden cutouts from a craft store is what Katy used!)

string/twine

a drill or a hole punch of some sort

courtasy of Katy's Creations

Aren't these super cute?
For the full tutorial, check out the Katy's Creation blog for a step by step picture guide!

Thanks to Katy at Katy's Creations for today's featured craft!

Buying gift cards can be a great stress reliever!

2011-12-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

I swear every person in my family is one of those "hard to buy for" person or the one "who has everything"! Year after year, I scratch my head trying to figure out what to buy them! Thankfully I am surrounded by people who are much smarter than me :D and they suggest giving a gift card!

Gift cards are really the way to go, I think! There are so many great perks to giving gift cards!

We live in the age of online shopping, and a gift card gives someone to buy what they truly want from the comfort of their home! Picking up a gift card is the way to shop, especially during the holidays! It is such a stress reliever to be able to pick up a gift card and be done with your gift giving wish list! And as most of us will agree-a little less stress is a GOOD thing!

Something else that is great about gift cards-they don't expire! If your recipient can't get to the store for a month, it's okay!

Another great convenience of gift cards, is that they are readily available in almost every retail store and location! If you're a busy working dad or a stay at home mom on the go, and need to get a gift last minute-it's something that is easy to find and sure to put a smile on someones face!

If you are like me and have family spread out all over the country, then you definitely appreciate the convenience of a gift card. My 4 siblings all live in different states, and the cost of shipping Christmas gifts this year would have been more than the gift itself most likely! This way I can send their gift in gift card form along with our cute family Holiday card, and save big on shipping!

Some people say gift cards are impersonal, and I have to disagree. Many of us have received gifts we didn't exactly care for, probably given to us by someone who should know us the best! Or we've received a gift that doesn't fit, or we're allergic to, or even open up something and it's broken! What part of that is fun? Giving a gift card to a friend or loved one is thoughtful, and often times very much preferred! Save yourself some stress, and go the gift card route, you and your recipient will be glad you did!

Disclaimer: "I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Gift Cards Rock blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Need some home improvement ideas?

2011-12-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

Home improvement can be really really stressful, if you go in it without a plan! Thankfully there are great resources online to help guide you and great stores to shop from to help you find exactly what you need!

We're still amidst a master bedroom remodel in the Stevens house and I have to say I've turned to the internet to find many great deals on one of a kind items!

Some of the items I've been on the search for is a vintage bed and some tapestry throw pillows. One of the fun things I found that I thought would be cool for my husbands "man cave" are these recliners for tall people. My husband lives in the land of short people, I'm sure he'd appreciate something a little more comfortable for his frame! Of course, then there are the tutorials and items my husband searches for, things that I admit go over my head (I am not a very handy person!) Resources like thickness planer comparison or how to install a top of the line shower-I've got the decorating covered, and he's on top of the construction!

Save yourself some time and shop online! You'll realize how less stressed you are when you can find what you need in the comfort of your home instead of a busy and cramped store. You'll thank me later :D

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

Holiday Craft Week Day 2: BonBon Brooch

2011-12-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

One of my awesome friends Heather and her girls created this next featured craft!

It's easy and very cute, I think it would make a great gift or accessory this holiday season!

BonBon Brooch

Your choice of colors in Sticky Felt, red and white was used for this tutorial.
stick the red and white together.

cut two, 3/4 inch strips lengthwise on sheet
Hot Glue (or glue of your choice) the strips into a jelly roll
cut an appropriate sized rectangle out of the red, white
I hot glued it on to look like the bonbon would have a wrapper
Using embroidery scissors I snipped a frey in the end
I hot glued a brooch pin to the back

Start to finish took about five minutes
Easy and so cute!

Thanks Heather and co. for your great craft idea!

Holiday Craft Week!

2011-12-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

We celebrate Christmas in the Stevens household, and this is our first year being home and doing our own thing and I want to make the week before extra fun for my boys! We are doing lots of crafts, baking, reading, and Christmas movie watching this week and I would LOVE to see pictures or read tutorials of activities you do in YOUR family this Holiday Season (no matter what you celebrate!)
Send me a Facebook message, Twitter DM, or an email and let me know if you're interested in being featured with your Holiday craft or activity!

This year we introduced my 4 year old to one of the easiest yet super fun crafts-making paper snowflakes!!
We had such a blast, he wants to make new ones every day!

silly boys

Top 10 December Coupons

2011-12-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

Even though we're heading into prime shopping times, you can still save even more money using the Holiday Coupons page onCouponSherpa.com. The following list details just a few of the top coupons for December.

1. Macy's
Receive free shipping plus 20% off on orders of $99 or more with coupon code PERFECT.

2. Coldwater Creek
Use Coldwater Creek coupon code AFLC439 to save $25 and receive free shipping on orders over $100.

3. Gamestop
$15 off in-stock orders of $100 or more using coupon code MERRY.

4. Footlocker
Use the Footlocker promo code LKS1VR37 to receive free shipping on orders over $75.

5. eBags
Free shipping plus a 20% discount using the coupon code LINKSPEC20.

6. Vans
Get free shipping on any order by using coupon code OKBYME.

7. Neiman Marcus
Use code DECFS to receive free shipping on orders of any amount.

8. Finish Line
Save $20 on an order of $100 or more using the Finish Line coupon code BFCM.

9. Bath & Body Works
Spend $50 or more and receive free shipping with the promo code FREEGIFT50.

10. Crocs
Save $15 on your order of $75 or more with promo code HOLIDAY15.

###

CouponSherpa.com is one of four websites operating under the brand name The Frugals and is dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally.
This is a guest post.

Amazon toy deals you won't want to miss!!

2011-12-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

(use the tool bar above to find just what you are looking for!)

I've been doing some last minute (read: panic inducing) shopping, and I know I can always count on Amazon to get my items to me in time for Christmas!!
Some great deals I've come across:

Kre-O toys. Kre-O are one of the "it" toys this season. My son has been begging for Rachet (of Transformers fame :D) for Christmas and I haven't been able to find him anywhere!!! I just saw the Rachet Kre-O Transformers on Amazon for $7.99 (64% off right now!!)
Check out some other awesome Kre-O deals on Amazon

Angry Birds plush with sound $6.85, Angry Birds are super popular right now!!

Pocoyo Bath toys for $4.99!! That is in my cart for my 2 year old, he just loves Pocoyo!

My brother got my boys these Wild Planet spy gear glasses last year ($9.99, savings of over 50%), and they still play with them almost daily a year later! That is a toy that stands the test of time-if you're a mom, you know most toys get love for a few weeks and then off to the bottom of the toy bin they go!

Amazon always has great deals, with super great shipping (often free 2 day shipping!)
Disclosure: No compensation for this post, I just love Amazon :D

The holidays mean....UGLY SWEATERS!!

2011-12-10T04:23:00.000-08:00

The lovely ladies in my Mothers & More group decided to have an Ugly Sweater party for our December meeting. Oh my, was it a hilarious night!! Here was my creation:

I even rocked a "tree skirt", too bad you can't see all the flashing lights :D

So I got to scouring the interwebz for some other hilarious Ugly Sweaters...do YOU have an ugly sweater?

Here is a glorious one courtesy of ButtUglySweaters.com

This gem came from Ebay:

Get your glue gun and get your Ugly Sweater on!!
:D

Mommyparties sponsored by Oral-B Stages & Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health For Me!

2011-12-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Oral health is something I something I strongly encourage my children to take pride in. Growing up, I had (and still have) a fear of the dentist because I didn't take the best care of my teeth. I don't want my children to grow up with the same fear, I want them to want to take care of their teeth and mouth and to know it can be fun too!

Oral-B Stages and Crest and Oral-B Pro Health have teamed up with MommyParties to throw a party in honor of our kids oral health!

I was so excited to host my own party with some amazing goodies and fun facts to share with the Life With The Stevens party-goers!

MommyParties helped us create a movie theater experience with a Cars 2 party package, along with some awesome Oral-B and Crest products:

· product sheet handouts, movie viewing invites, coupons

· Cars II DVD

· Popcorn/Popcorn boxes

· Yucky Mouth vs. Health Mouth activity

· 26 Tips/Trivia for Healthier Teeth

· Balloons

· Gift bags

· Toothbrushes

· mouth rinse

· Flossers/Picks

· Full-size Pro-Health toothpaste

· Gummy Vitamins for host/guests

I think the party did not disappoint! Every kid had fun, there were kids ages 2-10 there, and everyone had a great time! Even better, the kids loved their Oral Heath gift bags, the toothbrushes had really cool designs, my 4 year old especially loved that!

love that Crest and Oral-B provide products that get kids excited about takingcare of their teeth. They taste good, they look neat, and they make kids want to use them on a daily basis!
The Healthy Mouth/Yucky Mouth game was fun, I was a proud mom watching my son
choose the right items to maintain a healthy mouth!

my little guy loves popcorn!

Thank you Oral-B, Crest, and Mommyparties!!

Be sure to follow @OralB and @Crest on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest and greatest in kids oral health!

Disclaimer: I was provided product to host a party, my thanks to MomSelect/MommyParties, Oral B and Crest. No other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information!

Beauty Package Giveaway ARV: almost $500!!

2011-12-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Beauty Goes Back to Basics

Trinity of Youth Introduces Lactic Acid-Based BrilliantFx Body Serum to Combat Dry, Cracked Skin

www.trinityofyouth.com – Retail price $39.99

Introducing BrilliantFx Body Serum

BrilliantFx contains a high percentage of lactic acid at an effective pH and incorporates this key ingredient in a formula that is unlike any anti-aging body product on the market today. “After noticing a void in the market for an effective anti-aging body treatment and potent moisturizer for dry, cracked or aging skin, we embarked on our mission to create this revolutionary body serum,” explains Diane Zokle, co-founder of Trinity of Youth. “By using naturally occurring medicinal agents that have been used for thousands of years, we can now offer our unique mixture that both alleviates dry, cracked skin and improves the appearance of aging skin on the body.”

In addition to lactic acid, BrilliantFx Body Serum is specially formulated with the powerful herbal ingredient arnica montana commonly known as wolf’s bane or leopard’s bane, a European flowering plant containing an active secondary plant metabolite sesquiterpene lactones, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Flavanoids and essential oils theoretically act with the sesquiterpene lactones in Arnica montana to induce its therapeutic effects.

The third distinctive key ingredient in the BrilliantFx Body Serum is vitamin E. In terms of skin health and skin care, vitamin E benefits are numerous. In fact, skin care products that contain vitamin e have become an essential part of healthy skin care. Because of its antioxidant activity, vitamin e is vital in protecting skin cells from ultra violet light, pollution, drugs, and other elements that produce cell damaging free radicals. The vitamin e benefits for healthy skin care also include its ability to regulate vitamin a in the body, which itself is important for healthy skin. It helps skin look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, free radicals are believed to play an important role in skin aging and therefore the antioxidant activity is quite valuable for this skin problem.

BrilliantFx Body Serum is the first exfoliating and moisturizing body serum to introduce a skin-healing mixture of ingredients all in one bottle—lactic acid, Arnica montana, and vitamin E.

Retail Cost: $39.99

www.Minus417.com -- Retail Cost: $228.97

ANTI AGING KIT

TIME CONTROL RECOVERY A CREAM

A special intensive treatment cream fights wrinkles and signs of aging.

High concentration of retinol (vitamin A) that plays essential roles in appearance of skin, growth, development, and maintenance of healthy skin.
Collagen and essential oils with the Vitamin Mineral Complex that prevents moisture loss.
Improves firmness and elasticity of the skin and prevent signs of aging.
Effective for all skin types.

TIME CONTROL FACIAL ACTIVE SERUM

Highly concentrated serum for firming and smoothing skin.
Because the serum is solely water-based, a higher concentration of active ingredients can be combined with it than other creams.
Energizing vitamins that aid in cell rejuvenation and minerals improving the balance of moisture in the skin.
Effective for all skin types.

Saluta I Tuoi Bellissimi Capelli

For Those Without Italian 101: Say Hello To Beautiful Hair

www.PirriHairGroup.com -Retail Cost: $68.00

The Experts: Piero and Luigi Pirri

With over twenty years of experience, the Italian born Pirri brothers have mastered their craft in cuts, color and texture for women and men. Piero and Luigi combine their expertise in international hair care and styles with contemporary finesse. Infusing European flair and talent, Piero and Luigi offer their unique hair styling philosophy and natural hair care products at their salons in Greenwich, Connecticut and New York.

The Products: Pirri Elements & Elemental Tools:

The Pirri Elements line was inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean “crystal blue” Sea, pure air, rich soil and fiery volcanoes. Each product consists of Bergamot, an essential oil that comes from a fruit native Calabria, Italy, the hometown of the Pirri brothers. The oil along with other essential and natural ingredients is used to nourish the hair and lock in moisture.

§ Daily Shampoo: Mediterraneo

o Contains essential ingredients to cleanse the hair while maintaining balance and moisture in all hair types. The product normalizes the hair, scalp and PH balance while keeping the hair looking healthy and shiny. Cost: $20/12oz.

§ Daily Conditioner: Earth’s Balance

o Restores moisture and smoothes the shaft of the hair while helping to combat humidity and static electricity. The product works to coat the hair and protect it from the damaging effect of heat styling. Cost: $22/12oz

§ Smooth & Relaxing Serum: Lava Glaze

o Relaxes the hair for a straight style or reduces frizz for a great natural air-dried look. The combination of Aloe Vera along with other essential products, work to eliminate dead ends and protects hair from the damaging effect of blow drying and UV rays. Cost: $24/8oz

§ Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner: Nature’s Breeze

o Smoothes tangles and mends dry ends while protecting the hair and reducing fly-aways. The product is a must-have before heat styling. Cost: $22/8oz

FRINGE BENEFITS

Introducing EnvyDerm, Effective Eyelash Growth & Conditioning Serum for Fuller, Longer and Stronger Lashes

www.envyderm.com – Retail Cost: $99.95

Step aside, full lips and tan skin. These days, it's all about drama in the eyes. A few years ago, we might have wanted plump, bee-stung lips like Angelina Jolie, suffering through stinging lip glosses and collagen injections for it. But these days the focus has shifted to another “It” facial feature – eyelashes. Stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Penelope Cruz are batting their way down the red carpet with these feathery eye fringes.

The trend of cosmetic products with long-term benefits has grown over the years, as consumers continue to seek products that work together to enhance their appearance long after being applied. From acne fighting makeup to moisturizing lipsticks, consumers want continuous benefits that have quick results and longevity. We all know the wonders of mascara well; in fact, most of us feel naked without it. But breakage, thinning and damaging of the lashes are mascara's little known drawbacks. Fortunately,EnvyDerm, a groundbreaking new nonprescription formula eyelash growth serum is here for our eyebatting rescue.

“Through meticulous research and development, scientific advances, professional expertise and the understanding of a customer’s well-being, EnvyDerm is changing the world of beauty,” says Nadia Smith, President and Founder of EnvyDerm. “At EnvyDerm, we provide consumers with the best eyelash care products to enhance their natural beauty.”

How to Use EnvyDerm?

The EnvyDerm applicator is very similar to a liquid eyeliner applicator. One should apply the stimulating serum once a day before bedtime along the upper and lower lash lines. EnvyDerm does not disrupt the daily application of make-up or other skincare routines. Can be used on brows as well.

What is in EnvyDerm?

EnvyDerm is formulated with active natural ingredients such as bioavailable lipo-oligopeptides that stimulate keratin genes. Powerful SymPeptide technology lengthens and strengthens natural lashes. EnvyDerm uses vitamins, minerals and amino acids to moisturize and nourish lashes and brows.

When Can I Expect to See Results?

One should begin to see the lash line becoming thicker, fuller and healthier looking in as little as 2 weeks! In a clinical study, users saw a 25 percent increase in eyelash length during this period. EnvyDerm will continue to prove results over time if used on a consistent basis.

$59.95

Introducing Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman’s New Book

“Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin”

An Insider’s Guide to Healthy Skin

www.dermlasersurgery.com – Retail Cost $59.95

The marketing and sale of cleansers, moisturizers, cosmeceuticals, and cosmetics is a multibillion-dollar industry. How do you navigate through the maze of products and promises? Which combination of treatment options, potions and lotions is the real deal?

In an effort to separate fact from fiction, Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman, has co-authored the book “Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin.” This comprehensive book offers an expert’s insider view on common skin conditions and treatments that really work, in addition to offering tips on how to maximize the time with your dermatologist. According to Dr. Friedman, “The book is grounded in science and explains why conditions occur. Using before and after photos and real patient testimonials, “Beautiful Skin Revealed” shows readers the incredible results made possible through the latest treatment options.” Below, Dr. Friedman offers a sneak-peek from his book, available for purchase at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

The book contains 12 chapters including sections on: Complexion, Acne, Wrinkles, Flusing, Birthmarks, Eyes, Leg Veins, Skin Cancer, Scars and Stretch Marks, General Dermatology, Products, and finally Choosing a doctor.

Acne – Not Just an Issue for Teens

Blame it on stress, the environment, or hormones - the truth is that acne is not limited to teenagers. “It may surprise you to learn that one in five adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne. In fact, some find their acne is worse in adulthood than it was during puberty,” says Dr. Friedman. In his book, Dr. Friedman offers solutions for current acne breakouts as well as for scars caused by past acne blemishes.

Lasers. “In the past five years lasers have been found in multiple studies to reduce not only acne lesions but also improve acne scars.” When considering laser treatment, Dr. Friedman suggests reviewing all of the options available to become an informed participant in the initial consultation with your dermatologist. “A great option for patients experiencing both acne lesions and acne scarring is the 1450-nm diode laser by Candela®.”

Rosacea: Red All Over

“Notable flushing, diffuse redness, and visible facial blood vessels may point to one of the most under diagnosed, yet prevalent and frustrating skin conditions affecting adults. It is called rosacea,” Dr. Friedman explains. He notes that although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, there are several treatment options available.

“Pulsed-Dye Laser Treatments target broken blood vessels and background redness. Redness caused by rosacea responds very well to a series of laser treatments. Since rosacea is a chronic condition, periodic maintenance treatments are required after the initial series.”

Leg Veins: Reveal Simply Beautiful Legs

Summertime clothing can draw attention to the legs. Visible veins on the legs are a common concern affecting 80% of women in the United States. Spider veins can become more prominent as we age and with jobs requiring prolonged standing.

“Sclerotherapy, which is best for the treatment of spider veins and reticular veins, can be combined with the long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser. Patients who want to improve the appearance of their legs need to have the treatment about three to six months ahead of shorts and swimsuit season,” according to Dr. Friedman.

Injections for Wrinkles without the Pain

“Today’s experienced physicians can help patients achieve varying degrees of improvement,” Dr. Friedman notes. “The best doctors will insist on creating a natural look.”

Hyaluronic acid fillers mixed w/lidocaine are one of the most exciting new developments Dr. Friedman offers his patients. “Now, injections for fine lines and deeper wrinkles are given in combination with lidocaine, a numbing agent typically used at the dentist’s office. The result is less discomfort from the injection process.”

Notable Breakthroughs: Fraxel re:store DUAL Laser for Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis, or AKs, are common precancerous lesions caused by sun exposure, affecting between 11% and 26% of people in the U.S. over the age of 40. According to Dr. Friedman, “The Fraxel re:store DUAL Laser is a potential option to replace traditional treatments for AKs such as freezing through liquid nitrogen. This high tech laser allows for a larger area of the skin to be treated at each visit. Patients have also been pleased with the added benefits they notice, such as improvement of their skin texture and pigmentation.”

Dr. Friedman notes, “Good skin requires maintenance. With the help of a daily sunblock, a good moisturizer, and a topical retinoid, healthy skin has an even surface that glows. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetics can enhance the foundation achieved with a solid skincare regimen and dermatologic procedures.”

About Paul M. Friedman, M.D.

Paul M. Friedman, M.D. is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, specializing in dermatologic laser surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. He completed his residency in dermatology at the New York School of Medicine, one of the nation’s top dermatology residency programs.

Dr. Friedman is the director of the DermSurgery Laser Center in Houston, Texas and also practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York in Manhattan. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical School, Department of Dermatology, and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Friedman is on staff at Texas Children’s Hospital and Memorial-Hermann Hospital in Houston.

One lucky winner will win ALL of the above!
Click the link below to fill out the Rafflecopter Entry Form!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post, my thanks to KMR Communications for this wonderful opportunity! For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

Give a gift while helping others with World Vision {giveaway}

2011-12-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

As my children get older, I want to make sure they know that Christmas isn't just about getting new toys. While we rejoice in our celebrations, and cherish the memories made during the holidays, there really is so much more we could be doing in terms of giving back. World Vision is helping us to do just that.
World Vision is an organization that gives awareness and assistance to those fighting poverty and injustice.

World Vision wants to help you give back in the easiest way possible! With their World Vision Gift shop, you can give back by donating food, water, and supplies with a money gift OR you can purchase a beautiful gift like these beautiful Christmas ornaments or this gorgeous Thai bracelet!

I was sent this beautiful Artisan muliti colored necklace as part of this review that I will be donating to a worthy cause. It's well made and beautiful. It's a great conversation starter to, you can share the story behind it when someone asks "Where did you get that?"

You can find World Vision on Facebook and Twitter where you can stay up to date on their latest accomplishments and goals!

And while you're at it, why don't you check out this awesome giveaway, thanks to World Vision! One lucky reader will win their own Artisan Multi Colored Necklace!

Disclosure: I rec'd product for this post, no other compensation was given. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

Pear Tree Greetings Pearista Challenge-November

2011-11-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

As a Pearista, I am proud to be a brand ambassador for Pear Tree Greetings. Pear Tree has helped tens of thousands of customers celebrate life’s shareable moments with a collection of uniquely personal, high-quality greetings and stationery. Pear Tree Greetings offers a full line of photo Christmas cards, recycled Christmas cards, invitations, announcements, address labels, save-the-date cards and dozens of other high-quality paper products, so you can seize every opportunity to connect with others.

November seems to be the month of giving thanks, and I for one cannot find enough ways to say thank you to the amazing people in my life! One way Pear Tree Greetings has helped me is by the lost art of note giving. I love getting a hand written card or note in the mail, it means that person took the extra few minutes out of their day to choose a beautiful card, sit down, and write a thoughtful note.

Pear Tree Greetings has come out with these gorgeous Notelettes. They are mini note cards that will fit in your purse or pocket and they are stunning! I received Thanksgiving Notelettes with the idea I'd take the time to share with my loved ones a note. One of my amazing friends had a birthday gathering this month, and in leue of any cards or gifts, she asked that we make a donation to a local fundraiser held in honor of a sweet girl who passed away from cancer. I'm so honored to be among an amazing group of women who find way after way to give back to others. There just isn't enough ways to say thank you to them!

I have so much to be thankful for this year, and I love that Pear Tree Greetings has a fun way of sharing that with my friends and family!

You'll find so many fantastic and unique products at Pear Tree Greetings! Find them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on their latest deals!

Disclaimer: I rec'd product as part of my job as a Pearista, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information!

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T10:48:00.001-08:00

Look what we got this morning!

Winners galore!!

2011-11-29T05:13:00.000-08:00

Boy oh boy, I guess even though I was on vacation, the work never stops, right :D But I wouldn't change a thing!

I have some winners to announce, so without further adeu:
$35 Target Gift Card: Melissa H
$50 MyPublisher GC:Nina
Cheerios Prize Pack:Kelly

Thanks to all who entered!! I hope you'll stick around for some more great giveaways!
As always, the winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner is chosen!

Last Minutes Cyber Monday coupons and deals!!

2011-11-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Check out CouponSherpa's Cyber Monday page to expedite your savings!

1. Dockers
Get 30% off when you spend $100 using coupon code GOBBLE.

2. Gap Stores
Take 30% off any order at Gap, Athleta, Old Navy and Banana Republic with coupon code HUGECYBER.

3. Chico's
Receive 30% off any order.

4. Macy's
Enjoy free shipping on orders of $75 or more using Macy's promo code CYBER.

5. SnapFish
Get free shipping on orders of $25 or more using coupon code FSNOV25.

6. Footlocker
Take 15% off all orders with coupon code LKS13VN6.

7. Avon
Enjoy free shipping on all orders using promo code CYBER2011.

8. New York & Company
Get 50% off all orders plus free shipping with code 2129.

9. Kohl's
Receive 20% off any order using Kohl's coupon code CYBER20.

10. American Eagle
Get free shipping plus 25% off your order using promo code 49827101.

Disclaimer: This is a guest post: CouponSherpa.com is dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally.

Black Friday Deals and Opening Hours for Major Merchants

2011-11-23T00:22:00.000-08:00

Forget Black Friday. Major merchants are racing to see who can open earliest on Black Thursday.

Kmart has taken the lead this year, opening at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Toys R Us pulls into second place with a start time of 9 p.m., one hour earlier than 2010. Walmart takes third, opening at 10 p.m. on Turkey Day.

Doesn't anybody "Respect the Bird" anymore?

For those willing to brave crowds on a turkey-filled stomach or rise well before dawn, here is a list of opening hours for 15 major merchants, along with a special deal each is offering. Keep in mind that hours are subject to change and some states don't allow stores to open on Thanksgiving Day. For a comprehensive guide to Black Friday store openings and hours, check out CouponSherpa.com.

Ace Hardware - Midnight Friday
Enter to win a Craftsman 5-drawer Tool Center.

A.C. Moore - 5 a.m. Friday
Free $10 gift card to the first 50 customers.

Bealls - Midnight Friday
First 100 customers per store have a chance to win an iPad2, $250 gift card or $5 Bealls Bucks.

Best Buy - Midnight Friday
Best Buy will distribute entry tickets up to two hours before midnight.

Half Price Books - 7 a.m. Friday
First 100 people per store receive a tote bag and $5 gift card.

JCPenney - 4 a.m. Friday
Free collectible Disney snow globe, while supplies last.

Kmart - 6 a.m. Thanksgiving
Earn 20 bonus points for every $1 spent (twice the normal amount).

Macy's - 4 a.m. Friday
Shop online all day Thanksgiving.

Office Max - 6 a.m. Friday
Save $15 on a $100 VISA or MasterCard gift card.

Kohl's - Midnight Friday
Receive $15 Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend, through Nov. 27, with coupon from Black Friday flier.

Old Navy - 9 a.m. Thanksgiving and midnight Friday
Free Kodak Easyshare Sport waterproof digital camera bundle with $40 purchase (while supplies last).

Rite Aid - 7 a.m. Thanksgiving (at select stores) through 11:59 p.m. Friday
$10 reward when you buy a $50 Home Improvement gift card.

Sears - 4 a.m. Friday
Pick up a Real Deal Coupon Book with over $3,000 in savings that start Nov. 27 (while quantities last).

Sports Authority - 5 a.m. Friday
First 80 people in line at each Sports Authority receive Bonus Bucks valued between $10 and $500.

Target - Midnight to 11 p.m. Friday
Learn about unadvertised deals by texting "MORE TVs" to "Target."

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CouponSherpa.com is one of four websites operating under the brand name The Frugals and is dedicated to helping consumers save money and live more frugally.
Disclaimer: This is a guest post.

Need help with gift giving? Look no further than Gourmet Gift Baskets!

2011-11-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

I've many people in my family that are hard to buy for. The brother who literally has everything, the husband who says he wants nothing but you know he doesn't mean it, the grandparents that don't like talking on the phone let alone writing to get a wish list from...We all know those people, and they are all on our "To Buy For" lists this year.

One place I turn to during the holidays is GourmetGiftBaskets.com! Their Award-Winning Christmas Gift Baskets are some of my favorite baskets they offer!

There is literally a gift basket for all tastes! Some of my favorites that I know would be a big hit in my family:

The Christmas Morning BreakfastBasket
is one of my favorite
baskets! Such a great idea!

The Around The World Beer Bucket would be great
for my world traveling brother!

There is so much to choose from! Gourmet Gift Baskets makes gift giving easier this holiday season! Forget the stress of finding that perfect gift for the person who has everything, GourmetGiftBaskets.com has got your back!
And speaking of back, are you a blogger looking for a way to Give BACK? Leave me a comment with your email or blog and I'll get in touch with you with how you too can give back with Gourmet Gift Baskets!

Disclaimer: In exchange for this post, Gourmet Gift Baskets is donating two care packages to injured soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on my behalf. No compensation was given.
Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Commit A Minute: Muppet PSA {Giveaway!}

2011-11-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

Family safety is so important, and with the upcoming festivities, we need to be even more aware of our surroundings as many of us will be having guests in our homes for the holidays!

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have teamed up with The Muppets this holiday season to promote the importance of keeping your family safe. All you have to do is "Commit a Minute"

It only takes a minute to pick up some toys off the floor to avoid tripping on them or to turn that pot handle away from the edge while it's on the stove. According to the UL, there are 9.2 unintentional accidents involving children every year, and really-all it takes is a minute to fix it!

The Muppets are lending their hand in this cute but informative Commit A Minute PSA-

Kermit, Beaker and Bunsen discovered that the main cause of holiday fires involve decorations (56%) and the first item ignited because of this are Christmas trees (21%).

That’s why Dr. Dr. Honeydew Bunsen, his assistant Beaker and Kermit the Frog created a short video at the UL Labs encouraging families to “Commit A Minute” to safety. You can find the video here.

Here are some additional statistics and top safety tips you should know to ensure a safe and happy holiday season:

· Consider LEDS - A candle can reach 1,000 degrees so always stay “three feet from the heat”

· Never leave candles unattended- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of unexpected candle/oven flames

· *Water Your Tree - Trees that have dried out over several weeks burn faster than fresher, well-watered. *Here’s a video of a side-by-side tree burn.

· Ensure lights bare the UL Mark - Lights intended for indoor-only use bear green holographic UL Marks, whereas lights intended for indoor and outdoor use bear red holographic UL Marks

The Muppets opens THIS Thanksgiving, and I know that the Stevens house is excited to see it!
How about a chance to win something fun?
Enter to win a pair of Fandango Muppets movie ticket and The Muppets movie poster!
(find a Fandango theater near you! I didn't know my local theater was one!)
Find the Rafflecopter form after the jump!

Disclaimer: My thanks to MSL Chicago for the opportunity. I will receive my own prize pack for this post, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Ebates and Disney and FREE, OH MY!

2011-11-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

I like Free. I like Money!

Right now, The Disney Store is having an online only sale of their PJs and night shirts-Buy 1 Get 1 FREE! Use the code: SWEETDREAMS at checkout.

But wait, STOP!, before you do that-I HIGHLY recommend signing up for EBATES. It's free, it's easy, and it allows you to get money back for every online purchase. Right now, you can get 8% cash back from the Disney Store!

They send you a check or paypal (or you can even choose to donate your savings to a charity of your choice!) quarterly, I'll get my paypal payment this week! There are hundreds of stores if not more to shop at, all your favorites of course :D So sign up and save TODAY!! Reward yourself for all that Christmas/Holiday shopping this season!

Tips for Spreading Holiday Cheer #HasbroKREOsets

2011-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

I'm beyond excited for the impending holidays, this is my absolute favorite time of year! There is so much to do, so many people to see, and not enough time!

Hasbro wants to make gift giving a little easier on you this year by introducing Kre-O! Let me give you some insider tips on Kre-O, and how Hasbro can give you a hand with your loved ones (6 & up and for the whole family!) wish lists!

*Kre-O Transformer sets are a must have toy for those construction loving kids! It's an adventure, it's fun, and it gives your kids a feeling of accomplishment when they've finished their creation! And really, they are not just for kids! Kre-O is fun for the whole family, what better excuse for a family fun night?

*It's affordable and available at major retailers near you! There is a set for every budget, sets as low as $7.99! Hasbro has an easy to access website to help you shop, or check out where you can find it locally!

*Kre-O blocks are universal! You can use them with other block sets! I love that, this definitely promotes budget friendly spending this year, no need to buy special kits when Kre-O makes it even easier to enjoy building because you can add on with other brands!

Aside from budget friendly spending, there are many other things I like to do to spread holiday cheer!

*Spend time with friends by doing kid friendly crafts! Something new amongst my circle of friends is a monthly craft session that incorporates the holidays-this month we're making cornucopies, next month is Christmas Cards for a retirement community. It's fun for both kids and parents!

*Turn on the holiday tunes a little early-Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit better than MUSIC!! If I'm feeling bummed, or better yet, a little "bah humbug!" I plug in my iPod or radio and I can't help but to be in a good mood listening to Christmas carols!

*Take the time to give back-there are so many organizations out there that allow you to give back locally. Whether it's donating to a food pantry, adopting a family, or giving away last winters jacket...There is always someone in need, and something small can make a huge impact during the holidays!

Take the time to spread a little cheer this holiday season! Of course it's
fun to shop and save when it comes to your families gifts, but there is so much more to this special time of year than that. It's never to early (or too
late) to put a smile on someones face, including your own!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hasbro blogging program, for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points and a KRE-O gift. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of SocialMoms or Hasbro. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

MyPublisher Holiday Card Review and Giveaway!!

2011-11-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

MyPublisher is a jack of all trades publishing company! They are at the top of their game with their paper and printing, and offer one of a kind options for many projects-photo books, calenders, scrapbooking, and more!

MyPublisher also offers an amazing selection of Holiday Cards! To help launch their new line of cards, MyPublisher has offered bloggers like myself the opportunity to review their Holiday Cards! I of course am giddy, I love making our cards every year, it's a fun way to share a bit about what our family has been up to the past year!

I browsed their selection and settled on the Jungle Chic Christmas Card in Blue! I like that you can customize the colors of the card, because a lot of places might have a card that is "the one" but it's neon orange and your family is wearing green and gold and it just looks off.

It's a little blurry, but I think you get the idea! It was fun to make this card my own, and the process was really easy! It took seconds to download my picture, and thanks to children who think they needed to eat ;) I was able to utilize the "save" option and go back later to finish my card!

Check out MyPublisher for your Holiday card needs this year, the options are endless so you are bound to find that perfect card to share with your loved ones!

Ready for a giveaway? Win a $50 Gift Code towards your own Holiday Cards!

Find the Rafflecopter form after the jump!

Disclaimer: I rec'd product for review, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so fashionable.
Someone help me ;)

Bring Cheer to our troops with Cheerios and MyBlogSpark! {Giveaway}

2011-11-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

Many of us think about the troops and thank them when we are among friends, but not as many (myself included I'm afraid) go right out and thank a vet or an active military member. Cheerios is giving us the chance to change that!

In stores now you'll find specially marked boxes of Cheerios featuring a "Cheer" postcard right on the box! All you have to do is purchase said box, cut out the postcard, and right a positive message to a troop! Each postcard is pre addressed to the USO, just add a stamp and put it in the mailbox! The USO will be sure to deliver each card to military families all over the country.

For each card that is sent, Cheerios is donating $1 to the USO and all money will go towards funding programs that benefit military families. Cheerios is doing this now until November 2012! They have jump started the campaign with a $150000 donation to the USO, and they hope to donate another $100000 based on the number of postcards sent out.

This is a great way to say thank you to military families, and Cheerios is making it super easy to do so! My boys and I sent our message out today! With the holidays quickly approaching, what better time to spread cheer than NOW?!?!

Win it!! MyBlogSpark is offering one lucky reader a Cheerios prize pack that includes:
1 Cheerios bowl
1 Cheerios spoon
1 Box of Cheerios
1 Cereal Dispenser

to enter, follow the jump to the rafflecopter entry form!

Disclosure: Cheerios cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark. I rec'd a product in exchange for this post, no other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.”

12 Jobs for Kids in the Kitchen

2011-11-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

Ask stay-at-home caregivers what the toughest time of the day is and you'll hear a universal response: dinnertime. This is the hardest segment of the day when moods turn to the dark side and tummies begin to growl. Not only is the food-prepping parent responsible for getting dinner on the table, but must concurrently keep the kiddies relatively calm. And hum a joyous song while doing it, a la Snow White.

Expect that, especially during cooking-heavy holidays, you will orbit the kitchen much of the day with tiny tots and testy teens trailing close behind. Embrace this obvious reality now or prepare to pull out every hair in your swiftly graying head. Get cookin' with the kids--even the youngest ones! This does not mean you hand the torch to Junior to put the finishing touches on your holiday crème brulee. Is does mean, however, that you plan ahead to integrate the whole family into mealtime preparation.

Toddler Time
Developmentally, toddlers pose the toughest challenge for a cooking parent. Carol Williams, a registered dietician at Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, tells parents that, "Touch is a sense used to help get unfamiliar foods closer to a child's mouth," which means that your picky toddler may be more willing to eat your slaved-over meal by cooking with you. Don't expect to keep a tidy workspace, she explains inan article for Baby Zone, but take advantage of her enthusiasm to help.

Sanitary Specialist: Wash hands, put on an apron and discuss how to correctly measure ingredients. Continue to remind Junior not to eat the ingredients as you prepare them.
Super Scooper: For ingredients that don't need to be measured perfectly, let him scoop the measuring cup and dump the goods into the proper place. A simple green bean casserole is tough to mess up. Avoid doing this with baked goods, which need to be precisely measured.
Can Opener: Electric, safe-edge can openers make life so much easier, plus you can help your little one learn how to safely open cans with it. Let Junior open the condensed milk and pour into the pumpkin pie puree himself.
Relish Tray Artist: Letting your little one put carrots, celery and olives onto the relish tray gives him great sorting practice. It's helpful to have a segmented tray for the task. Try out this Good Housekeeping Relish Tray recipe for some inspiration.
Utensil Utilizer: It's just more fun to stir the squash casserole with a colorful Head Chefs spoon than with a boring stainless steel one! Since it's a hefty splurge, grab a coupon code before ordering.

Elementary Kids
Older kids have more muscle control and ability in the kitchen--and are still enthusiastic to help! Not only can they learn simple cooking tips, but also reinforce key concepts they're learning in school. From adding fractions and experimenting with properties of liquids to reading and following directions, cooking is academics in action.

Meat Monitor: Help your child learn about the meat thermometer--stick it in several foods and liquids of varying temperatures. Then explain how hot it should be inside the turkey so that it's completely cooked (180° deep in the thigh). Have her check on the turkey as it cooks to watch the temperature rise.
Cookie Decorator: Elementary-aged kids have a blast icing sugar cookies (plus it takes them a long time so you can make good progress on other dishes). Bake, cut and cook the cookies ahead of time, then help your child learn how to hold the icing bag so it doesn't squirt out of the end. Pick up detailed tips on decorating with kids at Real Simple.
Mix Master: For simple foods like stuffing or mashed sweet potatoes, let your child dig in with their hands to mix the food. Help him use the rubber scraper to incorporate all the ingredients as well.
Recipe Reader: Give your child free access to gather goods--especially larger items in the pantry. Sharpen their literacy skills with new food terminology and turn ingredient gathering into a scavenger hunt.

Teens
Award-winning Chef and author of father-daughter cookbook Rick & Lanie's Excellent Kitchen Adventures, Rick Bayless advocates total transfer of control to older kids in the kitchen (within good reason, of course). Give the responsibility of preparing an entire dish to your teen and watch him step up to the plate. "Kids will do just about anything, if they're in charge, " he says. If your child isn't interested in food prep, here are some other ways to make him feel included.

Home Decor Hostess: For the kiddo who doesn't care to be in the kitchen, recruit his or her decorating and cleaning sensibilities elsewhere. Let her arrange the place settings with fancy napkin folding and put her on post-cooking clean-up duty.
Coupon Clipper: Get your older child on board with saving money! Challenge him to use that smart phone for something other than excessive texting, and have him use a mobile coupon app from sites like CouponSherpa.com to save on items in your Thanksgiving shopping list. Incentivize savings by giving him the difference on the retail cost of the food items and the amount he actually spends. The more he saves, the more he gets back in cash!
Cake Kings and Queens: For the uptight cook who just can't let go, give your teen a dessert recipe (or let him pick his own). If it bombs, it's just one of many desserts.

###

Ashley Grimaldo comes from a long line of penny pinchers and enjoys blogging on money-saving tips and advice for frugal-minded parents. She lives with her husband and three children in Bryan, Texas. Ashley has been featured among such media outlets as Redbook, The Chicago Tribune, Time.com, and CBS News-Houston.

For all media inquiries, please contact Ashley Grimaldo at ashley@kinoliinc.com.

Feel free to share "12 Jobs for Kids in the Kitchen" with your audience, giving proper attribution to the source.

Disclaimer: This is a guest post.

Thomas & Friends Mega Bloks Party!!

2011-11-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas came a little early today thanks to Mega Bloks and MommyParties!

My friends and I don't need an excuse to have a play date, but with an incentive like this, who would say no?

MommyParties gave Life With The Stevens the hook up with some AMAZING Thomas & Friends Mega Bloks goodies with the hopes that I'd have a party and we'd all have fun-man, my life is hard sometimes ;)

I received:

• Dieselworks (Host Gift)

• 5 of each set

- Thomas at the Races

- Diesel at the Dieselworks

• Thomas & Friends DVD- Day of the Diesels

• Thomas Coupons

• Raﬄe Item: Whiffs Messy Day set

So snacks were made, a house was cleaned, and the troops gathered-and the passing out of the toys commenced!!
We had kids ages newborn :D to 5, and aside from the little baby who slept through the play group (it's tough being a newbie!) every single child had fun! The moms could not open the packages fast enough! They were easy to assemble, and so much fun!!

The raffle was a fun part of the day too!
The adorable winners:

I have to mail in the info for his prize, he was confused on why he won paper :D

I was having *too* much fun I think :D

aaaannd he was done!

After the excitement of the party, I got brave and decided to piece together our lovely host gift, I'm usually not so good with directions but I think I did okay!
The kids have been playing with this set for HOURS. That never happens with toys.
I know what will be going under the tree this Christmas-
Thank you to Mega Bloks and MomSelect and MommyParties for another great day!
Be sure to sign up for the Mega Bloks Family Club to receive exclusive coupons and to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest!

Disclaimer: I rec'd product for review, this is my honest opinion. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Tiny Prints Giveaway!!

2011-11-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

So I know I just posted my review for Tiny Prints yesterday but I woke up to an email that they were so thankful of my review that they wanted to offer my readers a giveaway!!

How about the chance to win 50 Photo cards of your choice??
Yeah, you heard me :D

Tiny Prints is so excited to share their brand new line of Holiday and Christmas Photo Cards, and I'm honored to be a part of that launch! Check out what they have to offer, take a stroll around the page if you will, I think you'll like what you see!
Tiny Prints makes it easy to find the perfect card for your family and with their easy to follow customization tools, you'll have your one of a kind card ready to go in no time at all!

Before we get to the giveaway, I want to tell you about a fun promotion that is taking place TOMORROW 11/9, a ONE TIME only deal! Visit the Tiny Prints Facebook page to find out how to personalize and receive a FREE custom card from Santa to your kids (giveaway won't go live until tomorrow!)
You can pick from Santa's scroll or Checking it Twice!

So without further ado...continue reading for the Rafflecopter entry form!

Disclaimer: Tiny Prints is providing the prize, all opinions stated are my own words. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Tiny Prints Review!

2011-11-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

The holidays are coming at us fast and furious!! I love to be prepared ahead of time for all of my Christmas decorations and activities, and one of my favorite things about Christmas is the cards!!
Since having my children, sending a photo card at Christmas gives our out of state friends and family a chance to see how much our family has grown and changed over the past year-so we want to a quality card that showcases our family in the best way possible!
TinyPrints is a company that is well known and for good reason too-they have top notch quality cards and stationary that are beautiful and unique!
TinyPrints.com is easy to navigate and they make holiday card printing so simple that even I can do it :D
Tiny Prints card selection is amazing! There are so many options available, you can do cards with or without photos, and customize every aspect of your card!
I browsed and finally picked a card called Sweet Watercolor that I would love to send out to my friends and family! I think it's simple yet elegant and highlights our picture perfectly!
What do you think?

Not only do I love sending cards, but I LOVE receiving cards!! Growing up my mom always displayed the cards we got in the mail in our living room and I've carried on that tradition by hanging them in the arch of our doorway so we can enjoy them and see them every day!

Now I'm one of those people that send a photo card every year. I know some people think it's silly to send pictures and family letters with their cards, but if you are like me where you live in a different state than your family, then what better way to share the holiday spirit? There are people that only see us once a year, and that time of year is Christmas via photo card, and I want to keep my loved ones up to date all the fun things my kids this year! So my advice to those of you that haven't yet decided on your holiday cards-go for the photo card! It doesn't have to be a professional pic, but just something that when someone looks at it they will get a sense of the love that went into making the card! And a card from Tiny Prints will do just that!
While your ordering your holiday cards from Tiny Prints, don't forget to add some Address Labels to go with them! Check out their Holiday Party Invitations too while your at it, get your party started with one of their fabulous selections!

Disclaimer: This post was made in exchange for holiday cards from Tiny Prints. No other compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Real Simple: Holiday Spending Survival Guide!

2011-11-06T05:53:00.001-08:00

YOUR HOLIDAY-SPENDING SURVIVAL GUIDE

184 STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU BUY SMARTER

AND STAY ON BUDGET FROM NOW UNTIL NEW YEAR’S

New York, NY (October 14, 2011) – Real Simple’s November issue, on newsstands now, includes a special section with all the tips you need to get ahead for the holidays this year.

FEATURING COMPLETE GUIDES TO:

GETTING YOUR SHOPPING DONE IN ONE DAY

Instead of aimlessly buying gifts throughout the season (a major wallet drain), use this one-day-only game plan, chock-full of surprising strategies, to cross everything off your list now. Real Simple’s tips for Christmas shopping include: Download an upbeat playlist; Buy less expensive stuff first; Multitask at dinner; Buy toys online; and more.

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/planning/christmas-shopping-00100000069005/

THE BEST TIMES TO SHOP ONLINE

Take the click-and-drag out of buying gifts on the Internet. Simply consult Real Simple’s handy calendar of what to purchase, when. This guide includes the four best dates for Christmas shopping online when electronics, outerwear, and other items are significantly marked down.

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/christmas-shopping-online-00100000069004/

HOLIDAY DINING ON A DIME

Don’t let sky-high food-and-drink bills crash your party. Real Simple’s smart party food ideas let you scrimp without looking like Scrooge, with tips for choosing the most affordable cheeses and making your own crostini to save on fancy flatbreads.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/recipe-upgrades/party-food-ideas-00100000068520/index.html

SECRET HOLIDAY SAVINGS

Don’t let money worries ruin your reindeer games. Real Simple shares insiders’ best-kept secrets for affordable holidays, helping you find savings on shipping gifts, sending flowers, picking a tree, and more.

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html

STICKY GIFT-GIVING SCENARIOS

Are you going to be naughty or nice? Michelle Slatalla, Real Simple’s modern etiquette expert, explains how to solve your biggest holiday gift etiquette quandaries, like the office gift swap, regifting, charitable donations, and more.

http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-magazine/life-lessons/holiday-gift-etiquette-00000000038281/index.html

Contacts: Kristen McElhone, 212-522-4305, Kristen_McElhone@timeinc.com

Better late than never, right?

2011-11-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Man, life has been moving at a rapid speed the past few weeks, and it's not going to stop any time soon!

But I wanted to share our Halloween pictures (almost a week later, but who is counting :D)

Both boys had two costumes-not on purpose, but I bought two costumes on clearance last year, and then this year I bought my oldest a costume for next year that he insisted on wearing now, and I bought my youngest something warmer since it was supposed to be chilly...

And I may or may not have dressed up too...Cooper was Mr. Incredible and Optimus Prime and

Bennett was a dragon/dinosaur (or in his words, a Bennysaurus Rex) and Superman!

We went to a Halloween party, but really, I don't need an excuse to dress up :D

CouponCabin's 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz has begun! Win a $35 Target Gift Card! #CouponCabinHop

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00








Welcome to CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz! This multi-blog event is hosted by Simply Stacie, Makobi Scribe and Sassy Mama in LA and is sponsored by CouponCabin. This is the biggest event the blogosphere has seen with over 400 giveaways each at $25 value or more plus a huge giveaway with some major prizes like a MacBook Air, iPad2 & Visa Gift Cards. You can find all the giveaways from the participating blogs by visiting the host blogs, Simply Stacie, Makobi Scribe and Sassy Mama in LA. Each host blog will feature a different set of giveaways for you to enter!

No matter what type of coupon you're looking for, you'll find it and over 100,000 others at CouponCabin.com, a leading destination for coupon codes, printable coupons, deals and more. Now with a new and improved grocery coupons section and the largest selection of coupon codes that are guaranteed to work, CouponCabin is the best place to start your search for savings. This holiday season, CouponCabin is dedicated to making holiday savings as easy as pie by bringing you the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can also download our CouponDetector and we'll let you know when the site you’re shopping has coupons and deals available.  Never pay full price again with help from CouponCabin.com! 

CouponCabin is giving away the following fabulous prizes:


Grand Prize: MacBook Air (11-inch, 128GB; ARV $1,199)

2nd Runner Up: iPad2 (16GB, with Wi-Fi +3G; ARV $629) & $200 Visa Gift Card

3rd Runner Up: iPad2 (16GB, with Wi-Fi +3G; ARV $629)

4th Runner Up: $300 Visa Gift Card

5th Runner Up: $200 Visa Gift Card

6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Runner Ups: $100 Visa Gift Card each



Please visit Simply Stacie, Makobi Scribe and Sassy Mama in LA to enter the giveaway and make sure to say LIFE WITH THE STEVENS referred you! You can enter on all three sites or just one- it’s up to you! If you enter all three giveaways that just means more chances for you to win.



Enter the other blogs' giveaways in the CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz by visiting the links below! (my giveaway is just past the list, keep reading!)





So, what can you win while you're visiting Life With The Stevens?

My giveaway prize: a $35 Target Gift Card

I am my own sponsor :D This giveaway is provided by me! I love my readers and am excited to be a part of this amazing giveaway hop.





Disclaimer: I rec'd no compensation for this post. For more info on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

Hexbug Nano Halloween Party!

2011-10-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I really love my job. And yesterday, I really, REALLY loved my job as a blogger because I had the opportunity to host a Hexbug Nano Halloween Party!!

I got an awesome assortment of products to check out:

In my package, I received:

3 Hexbug Larva
12 Limited Edition HEXBUG Nano Halloween Zombie bugs
15 Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Galileo Collection bugs
2 HEXBUG Nano Glows In The Dark Habitat Sets
1 Glows in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Elevation Habitat Set
16 Hexbug Nano Replacement Batteries
1 mini screw driver

I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to break out these awesome toys, and yesterday my local Mothers & More friends and I had a Halloween party for our children so I knew these would be a hit! And boy was I right! There were kids there ages 1 year to 11 years old and each and everyone of them LOVED the Hexbug Nanos! They were entertained for a good hour before it was time to go home. Even the parents got in on the fun! Some of my friends told me that these were on their kids Christmas wish list, I think Hexbugs are the HOT ticket item this holiday season for boys and girls of all ages!

Cooper and our cat Phinneas got in on the action!

It's been a long time since I have come across a toy that was a great fit for kids of all ages, and Hexbug has out did themselves with their amazing toys!
Not only are these toys entertaining, but they are affordable too! They are available in big name stores as well as online, so there is no shortage of availability!
I highly recommend these products for your kids (or cats ;) ) but I really think you should try them yourselves, even us moms can get in on the fun!
Disclaimer: I received these products as a part of my host duties for MommyParties.
No other compensation was given. Permission was granted to post pictures of children that are not my own. For more information on my blogging practices, please see my disclosure policy.

October 29th is World Stroke Day!

2011-10-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

Today is World Stroke Day-Earlier this year, my little world was rocked when my dad suffered at least 2 strokes (that we know of). It is so hard to watch a man who was so strong and so full of life laying in a bed struggling to move and talk. I will never forget that day of seeing him the first time after his stroke. Seven months later, he has learned to walk with assistance, has the majority of his speech back, and is working hard in therapy to get stronger. I'm so proud of not only my dad in his courage and willingness to work hard, but of my mom who is handicapped herself yet has been there helping him every step of the way.

From the World Stroke Campaign website:

"Every six seconds, regardless of age or gender, a sister, brother, wife, husband, daughter, son, partner, mother, father or friend will die from a stroke. Stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59. Stroke also attacks children, including newborns. Each year, nearly six million people die from stroke. In fact, stroke is responsible for more deaths every year than those attributed to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria put together – three diseases which have set the benchmark for successful public health advocacy, capturing the attention of the world’s media and which consequently has provoked world leaders, governments and many sectors of civil society to act.

Stroke is indiscriminate and does not respect borders. Individual countries cannot address the challenges of stroke in isolation. World Stroke Day brings together advocacy groups, patient survivor support networks, volunteer stroke societies, public health authorities, physicians, nurses and others within the allied health professions including civil society at-large, for a collaborative approach to comprehensive stroke education, advocacy, prevention, treatment and long-term care and support for stroke survivors."

I am sure that many, if not all, know someone affected by a stroke. If you're looking for a charitable donation this year, I strongly encourage the World Stroke Campaign, or others like it.
There are amazing powers at work in the people that help care for stroke survivors. I'm so thankful to everyone who has helped my dad along the way, including all of my friend and family who sent prayers, cards, good thoughts-each and everyone of you are amazing and I know we couldn't have made it through those first few months without your shoulders to lean on.

My amazing parents at a summer wedding. Love them and so proud of them!

Disclaimer: I shared this post in honor of my dad, no compensation was given.

Winners!

2011-10-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

I officially love Rafflecopter!! The giveaways have been a huge success, and picking winners is easy and fair (and random!) thanks to Rafflecopter!

Sams Club winner: Elena

Master Lock winner: Susan

Emails have been sent! Thanks to all who entered! As always, winners have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!

7 Little Cupcakes Review

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have some super awesome friends who helped me win a contest last month to win free gourmet cupcakes from an up and coming "Cupcakery" called 7 Little Cupcakes! And the awesome mama behind these tasty treats gave me the thumbs up to share my thoughts with you all, so brace your self for some supreme yumminess!

7 Little Cupcakes is an outstanding business with amazing treats. Janee, the owner and baker at 7 Little Cupcakes chose the name in honor of her 7 little children! Yes, she is a busy mom and still has time to be a rock star in the kitchen!!

From the website:

"Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. While you may find similar products elsewhere 7 Little Cupcakes offers top of the line customer service paired with low prices as we feel our delightful treats should be available (and affordable) for all!We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry."

Some of what you'll find at 7 Little Cupcakes: Gourmet Cupcakes, Cupcake bites, Cupcake in a jar, Wedding cakes, Cupcake sandwiches-you name it, she can do it!I was so excited to give these cupcakes a try. I've made cupcakes, but I've never had a "gourmet" cupcake. I drool over the cupcake shows on TV, wishing they'd deliver, and geeked out a bit when I discovered there was a business not far from me offering these beautiful and delectable treats!

After spending way too long staring at the huge list gourmet creations, I chose to try the Creamy Boston Pie Cupcake in a Jar and the Chocolatey Marshmallow Cupcake. I'm going to confess-I didn't even leave the parking lot w/o trying one of these cupcakes :D Oh my. It was like what I imagined Heaven tastes like. Chocolate and Marshmallow is my favorite combination and boy did this stand out above anything I've had before!! The Creamy Boston Pie cupcake in a jar was also outstanding. It was cake, vanilla pudding, and chocolate ganache. This was a big hit with my kids, my 4 year old just stood in awe asking "how did she get that cupcake in a jar?" :D

Aside from the fantastic cupcakes, the customer service provided was beyond excellent!! Quick to respond to emails and phone calls, Janee goes above and beyond for her customers!

You can explore 7 Little Cupcakes online and find them on Facebook too!

Now, because we are gluttons, we ate our cupcakes so fast I didn't get a picture!

But here are some pictures of some other creations offered at 7 Little Cupcakes!

drool...

Turtle Cupcakes

Wedding cake

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this review, all opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

Eversave.com giveaway!

2011-10-18T03:54:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a daily deals website that has anything from travel deals, dining, or something for a little self indulgence-than Eversave.com is your place! Eversave offers daily "saves" anywhere from 50% to 90% off!

What is a Save you ask?? A Save is a deal offered exclusively to you, their customer at a fantastic discount.

Just for signing up at Eversave, you will get a credit into your account, I have a $3 credit just waiting for me to find that super awesome deal I've been waiting for (I"ll know it when I see it :D) just from signing up to Eversave-Columbus, OH.

Wondering how this all works? When you find the save you can't live with out, just click on it and buy it! You'll get an email with a voucher that you can use online or print off and take to a local place if that is what your Save is for! Buying a save is also a great way to give a gift for someone who has everything :D

I was thinking if I come across a great spa day discount, I could buy that for a good friend as well as a gift certificate so they could get the most out of their discount. I know as a busy mom, a day of pampering sounds pretty good and I'd probably love my friend forever if she got that for me (hint hint ;) )

Win it! One luck Reader will win a $25 Credit from Eversave!
(find the Rafflecopter entry form for the giveaway by clicking "read more")

Loving a child with (the possibility of) special needs

2011-10-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

I said it. Out loud. And didn't hide my eyes away to avoid seeing peoples reaction.

My son has special needs.

We are a part of the Help Me Grow program here in Ohio and have been since my youngest was born.

He was born with an Omphalocele (which I've probably mentioned a time or two!) and with that there are a few potential syndromes/disorders, Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome, Edwards Syndrome to name a few.

We opted to not do genetic testing until he was born, and everything came back normal. But we did learn he was deaf in one ear.

With the fear that there still could be something wrong with his development, I enrolled in the HMG program and met some fantastic people!

While my son has met his developmental milestones for the most part, he is delayed in speech which may or may not be due to his hearing impairment.

Now, while he might not be developmentally delayed, he does have struggles, and we love so much being apart of HMG and we are now at the stage where we meet weekly with other kids close in age and similar needs. We had our first "Family Meeting" today where the parents could just talk and share our stories. While I was nervous at first, it ended up being an awesome experience! It's great getting to know other families that are also raising a special needs child. Each child in our group has different needs, but we were able to bond and commiserate today and I think everyone left feeling a little relieved that they aren't alone in this stage of parenting!

I don't really talk much about Bennett's impairment because frankly I don't notice it! He behaves like he hears just fine (with the normal selective hearing children seem to develop at birth :D) and he loves to play with other kids! Some might say that he doesn't have special needs, and maybe so. But I am grateful for such programs as Help Me Grow so that we can determine whether or not he'll need continued speech therapy or the socialization play groups. I've learned so much from them, and so much about my special little guy!

He is seriously the coolest 2 year old I know, and just takes life in with the purest heart and kick ass attitude. Nothing bothers him, he is always smiling!

This post was more of a ramble, if you made it through this far, you are a rock star!

I want to end with a short story that I heard today and just fell in love with.

Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

When you are going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make all your wonderful plans: the Coliseum, Michelangelo's David, the gondolas in Venice. You may even learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland ?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy"

But there has been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you go out and buy new guide books. And you learn a whole new language. And you meet a whole group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there awhile and you catch your breath, you look around and begin to notice Holland has windmills- and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone one you know is busy coming and going from Italy...and they are all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss.

But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, and very lovely things about Holland.

Golfer

2011-10-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Golfer

Guest post written by my buddy Lavern Small

Golf is my passion and I’ve recently even recruited my wife into coming out on the course with me. She doesn’t like to hit much but she loves driving the cart and she likes to cheer me on so it makes it pretty pleasant. I bought my first set of really nice clubs this summer so I’ve been playing a lot more than normal and I recently found an Indiana internetprovider in my neighborhood so I could research the different clubs around here and their rates. The only thing about this hobby is that it can get really, really expensive if you’re not careful so I think that joining a club may be a money saver in the long run! I know I’m going to be getting something golf related for Christmas (because my kids are terrible at keeping secrets) and I’m planning on buying myself a new glove and some shoes, too, so I guess if I do it a little bit at a time it doesn’t add up too badly like I thought.

Disclaimer: This is a GUEST post. Opinions are that of the author.
For more information, please see my disclosure policy.

How to have a Miserable Halloween experience (In other words, what NOT to do!)

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

This year we are taking our youngest trick or treating for the first time. He is 2 years old, and I'm sure he could care less :D But I want to be sure that everyone has a great time, not just my toddler, and unless I want to have his first T-or-T experience be a miserable one-here is what NOT to do!

***

Forget any expectations you have of skipping from house to house with your elated, well-behaved toddler. The first Halloween experience may look drastically different than what you anticipate.

Be ready to go home early if you need to and pay close attention to your toddler's over-stimulation signals to make sure it's fun for both of you. You can make it a great, ghoulish night filled with good memories, or hideously heinous by engaging in this list of killjoys.

1. Find uber-uncomfortable costumes.

Think that hooded cow costume would be adorable on Junior? Make sure he tries it on and successfully wears it several times before Halloween. Some costumes cause serious wedgie issues while others are insufferably scratchy.

2. Let Junior have as much candy as he wants.

Why is the kid with a ghost costume such a messy eater? Because he's always a goblin! If you want to be the fun parent and let your kid engorge on ridiculous quantities of high fructose corn syrup, be my guest! And watch your toddler spin right off the planet. If that doesn't sound like fun to you, check out "Healthy Halloween Habits" from KidsHealth.org for tips on successfully curbing your child's candy consumption.

3. Visit all the creepy decoration houses.

The best way to ensure that your three-year-old wakes up with nightmares for a week is to trick 'o treat neighbors who clearly forgot Halloween is for young, innocent kids. Boycott "R" rated Halloween props by averting your eyes and skipping those houses. For the design-challenged among us, our dear friend and Halloween fiend Martha Stewart has easy-to-follow (and friendly) DIY outdoor decorations.

4. Dress everyone in black.

Parents, help your kids learn some safety. According to a study reported in Time.com by Safe Kids USA, children are twice as likely to be hit in a car accident on Halloween than on any other night. Maybe your kids rarely walk outside as it is, so take this opportunity to teach them the right way to cross the street and how to handle approaching cars. Always carry a flashlight, especially for dark costumes, and consider some reflective gear as well.

5. Fail to comb through the candy bag.

Razors and rat poison in Halloween candy? Maybe that urban myth has some morsel of truth, but the biggest threats to your child's health via Halloween candy are cavities and obesity. Pull out cheapo candy like hard mints or taffy and toss them directly out. Find free printable coupons to a craft store from sites like CouponSherpa.com, and offer to trade some of your child's candy for crafts.

6. Allow the little ones to go out alone.Never allow your kids to go out at night unaccompanied by a responsible adult or older sibling. Offer to take your neighbor's kids out for a while so your own children can trick 'o treat with a friend. Even letting your small kiddo run next door or across the street at night is a huge hazard--they need to go with someone. The Center for Disease Control has a nifty acrostic to help you have a safe Halloween.

###

For all media inquiries, please contact Ashley Grimaldo at ashley@kinoliinc.com.

Disclosure: This was a guest post, opinions are that of the author. No compensation was given. Please see my disclosure policy for more information on my blogging practices.

The Bar Method DVD workout collection Giveaway!!

2011-10-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Introducting: The Bar Method! One lucky reader will win The Bar Method DVD collection, ARV $100

Beginner’s Workout DVD

Joey Decker, dancer, choreographer and owner of the Burbank, California Bar Method studio, guides beginning students through the Bar Method’s basic body-sculpting exercises such as “standing seat-work” and “kickstand curl” in this 37 minutes long, full-body workout. Joey’s humor and precise instructions helps beginners and more advanced students to brush up on their form and get a great workout at the same time. Joey’s fellow performers are Jennifer Keyes and Joyce Miraflor, teachers at Joey’s studio, Tiffany Baldwin, a Los Angeles master teacher, and Whitney Bania, co-owner of the Newport Beach, California Bar Method studio. Price: $20

Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout

Actress, singer, dancer and master Bar Method teacher Marnie Alton delivers a no-holds-barred, super-advanced Bar Method DVD workout that will slim down and sculpt your body quickly. In this 62-minute Bar Method workout, Marnie draws from the principles of dance to target the muscles that give your body a beautiful, defined, graceful appearance. Exercises include: “water-ski thigh-work,” “arabesque,” and the Bar Method’s ultra-challenging new abdominal exercise, “the clam.” Marnie’s fellow performers are Denise Burchard, co-owner of the Portland Bar Method studio, Marin Van Vleck, upcoming owner of a Dallas-area Bar Method studio, and Michael Lowery and Katelin Chesna, both long-time Bar Method teachers in Los Angeles. This DVD will inspire you to get serious about changing your body! Price: $20

Pregnancy Workout

Master teacher Lee Potter in her third trimester with twins adds her own special wit and playfulness to the Bar Method’s pre-natal workout, a long-standing and popular class at its flagship studio in San Francisco. Lee leads you through this 45-minute long series of gentle, safe and challenging moves, including free-weight work, thigh exercises, standing seat-work, and abdominal strengthening exercises performed while propped up on pillows. Lee’s fellow performers are Hannah Blue, co-owner of the Downtown San Francisco studio and Lauren Dunning, a teacher at the Downtown San Francisco studio, both appearing in this DVD in their second trimester. As Lee puts it, this DVD “will help you feel strong during your pregnancy, will assist you in delivering your baby, and will snap you right back into shape.” Price: $20

The Bar Method Super Sculpting Workout

Bar Method founder Burr Leonard has packaged together the Bar Method's most fast-acting body-reshaping moves into one super-targeted 59-minute workout. The exercises include four sets of thigh work and the Bar Method's famous 'pretzel with the ball'. Burr also utilizes the Bar Method ball to zero in on problem areas such as the inner thighs and seat. Burr's fellow performers are Chelsea Glavinovich, co-owner of the Walnut Creek and San Ramon Bar Method studios in San Francisco's East Bay. Keryun Dukellis and Mike Najjar are both teachers at the San Francisco's flagship Marina studio, and Tera Roth is a teacher at the Downtown San Francisco studio. If you want the quickest results possible, this is the workout for you! Price: $20

The Bar Method Super Sculpting II Workout

Tighten your seat-belts! Bar Method founder Burr Leonard puts the pedal to the metal in this 58-minute workout by combining her most aerobic variations, many of them never seen except in studios, with a fast-tracked pace. Included is five sets of thigh work, one of them performed with the Bar method ball and two sets of seat exercises that simultaneously challenge both legs. During the abdominal section, Burr leads safe, beautiful-looking sequences that sets abs on fire! Presenting the workout with Burr are Sharon Demko and Keisha Ramey-Presner, both teachers at the Bar Method flagship Marina studio in San Francisco and Juan Barba, a teacher at the Bar Method studio in Burbank, California. In Keisha's words, Super Sculpting II is “intense, but with reach for someone to work up to. The choreography is really fun, and Burr inspires you to do it." Price: $20

About The Bar Method

The Bar Method is full-body exercise program created by Burr Leonard. The workout utilizes a ballet bar fitness technique and draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy. The result is a noticeable “Bar Method” sculpted body featuring:

· Firm, elongated muscles

· Reduced body fat

· High muscle definition in the chest

· Improved posture

· Long, narrow thighs

· A lifted seat and defined hamstrings

· Strong, flat abdominals

· Increased stamina and energy

· Extended youthfulness

About Burr Leonard, Founder of The Bar Method

Burr Leonard is the founder and creator of The Bar Method, a full-body exercise workout that utilizes a ballet bar technique. The method draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy. With 20 years of experience in the fitness field, she and her business partner have turned their one Bar Method studio into a franchise operation with 30+ studios and a media company selling exercise DVDs and accessories. Huffington Post, ABC News, KUSI TV, and KUSA-TV have featured Burr Leonard’s The Bar Method.

Find the Entry Form after the jump! Click "read more"

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Wordless Wednesday: Fall fun!

2011-10-12T04:32:00.001-07:00

Working out the kinks with Rafflecopter

2011-10-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

It seems the rafflecopter widgets are off, so please sit tight and check back later and they should be back to normal!! I've had really good feedback about doing giveaways this way, I'm very anxious to get the kinks worked out!

Thank you!!

How do you keep your family healthy and flu-free?

2011-10-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have a huge fear-and that fear is of the flu. I don't know why I get so worked up about it, but since becoming a parent, my anxiety goes through the roof come flu season! I just hate to see my family miserable and sick. And as a mom, when I get sick, I don't have time to stop and rest like I need-So I look for any and all ways I can keep viruses at bay and keep my family healthy for as long as I can!

Something I've done over the years is to check in with my local homeopath. I know some people think that homeopathy is for the birds, but I for one love it! My kids and I will drink EmergenC for that extra "something", I love that they make a more kid friendly version too so my kids are more willing to give it a try!

We also drink an Echinacea tea, lots of immune boosting powers in a little cup of tea!!

I also tend to get a little crazy with the cleaning, especially around the time that school starts and the germ sharing begins! We wash our hands a little more often, but always keep some lotion near by as that tends to dry our hands. My boys have learned early on that when they cough or sneeze, they turn their heads away and then wash their hands. I know it's hard for kids to remember to do that, but we all try our best!
I love to use a Lysol spray. It's great for toys, phones, door knobs and more!

I'm also obsessed with Lysol disinfecting wipes!! I love the feeling of a clean and sanitized house, but with two busy boys sometimes I need to skip that step of spraying before wiping and just go straight for the wipes that will get the job done-they are so handy! I carry them in my car too!
My kids aren't the only ones who bring in the germs though. My husband and I are vulnerable too-I give my husband a supply of antibacterial bottles to take to his work. I know that in his work environment, you can't always stop to wash your hands after you blow your nose, so these are handy to keep in pants pockets!

I always carry them in my purse too!

I know I can't keep my kids germ free, but I certainly do try-even if it is a little obsessive! I know that I am doing what I feel is best to keep my family healthy, and when we're healthy, we are happy!!
So tell me, what do you do to keep your family cold and flu free?

Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Lysol blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”