$200 Gift Card #Giveaway Educational Toys Planet "Preseason" Toy Shopping

*This is NOT my giveaway, I am just hosting it here. I am NOT responsible for choosing and contacting the winner, shipping the prize, etc.




Get your Holiday shopping started early with Educational Toys Planet $200 Gift Card. Beat both store and online crowds in 2013 by engaging in "preseason" toy shopping! As always, we have you covered with thousands of hand-picked gifts for kids  from hundreds of manufacturers.  Feel free to enter below and/or host on your blog for free and earn additional entries! Good luck and happy preseason shopping!

One lucky winner will receive $200 eGift Code from Educational Toys Planet!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Need Help Finding A Halloween Costume?

With a week and a half left until Halloween, we are cutting it close in our search for the perfect costumes for the kids. Thankfully, we found my son a costume last night. But for our daughter we have not had much luck. Maybe I am picky? But I just have not seen anything I like so far. I am afraid we won't find anything for her. 

And who is coming to my rescue?



Now I am not afraid anymore! They have tons of options and variety. I can find the perfect costume for Alba. And if you too are cutting it close, just click that link and find the perfect costume for yourself, your child, or whomever you are looking for! Happy Halloween!




Rebecca


*This post contains an affiliate link. I am not compensated for this post. 

Winner

As someone who spends a significant amount of time entering giveaways, it is always nice to get that winning email in your inbox. It really is satisfying. Knowing that your time and effort was not a complete waste. I would say for every 50 I enter, I win 1. Maybe? I don't really know. But I can tell you that since August 2009, I have won over 400 giveaways....more even. I used to be really good at keeping track using google notebook. But google closed that and so I began using a physical notebook. But somehow that has been misplaced. 

What do I win? Tons! Books, books, and more books. A play kitchen (that was stolen when we moved so we are getting the kids a new one). Two digital cameras. Cloth diapers. Toys. Winter boots for myself. Gift cards. Clothes for the kids. A play mat for the twin grandsons. A car seat for my daughter. A step 2 cozy coupe. DVDs. A black and decker drill. Wine glasses. A high chair (which I am waiting on). Most recently.....an iPad mini! That was exciting to say the least! I gifted it to my fiancée. He has never had anything like it of his own and I already have my own iPad mini. It was an early Christmas gift! I recently won a Haba toy for my daughter that I have hidden to save for Christmas. A Umi Shoes gift card which will allow me to order a pair of shoes for one of the kids to save for Christmas. A gift card to Toys R Us which will be great for Christmas shopping. And a few other things. 

Do you enter giveaways? Do you follow along with blogs that are interesting to read and also host giveaways on products they have reviewed? That's all it takes! Find some blogs that interest you. Start reading. Start entering for items and services that interest you. 

The basics:
* You need an email address. One that you check daily. And really, you need to check daily, because winners usually have somewhere between 24-72 hours to reply to a winning email. And if you miss the specific deadline to respond...well, you have most likely missed out and another winner will be chosen. And that stinks when you take the time to enter! It happened to me once when I was giving birth to my daughter. I missed the deadline and lost out on several cloth diapers and a few other related items because I was to busy pushing! 
*You also need to make sure that you are following the rules of each giveaway. Some are only open to the Us, some are just for Canada. Some are both the US and Canada, and some are worldwide. The majority of them state who can enter. 
*You need to make sure you do the mandatory entry....95% of the time there is one. Sometimes there are two mandatory entries. It just depends on the giveaway and the host. And you need to make sure you are really doing what you say you are. So if you say you follow the blogger on Twitter, make sure you are. If you say you did, and that comment or entry is chosen as the winner you will be disqualified if you are not really following. And believe me....they check! I have been lucky in a few instances that I forgot to verify email subscriptions and a few bloggers let me know. But that is NOT typical. 
*If there extra entries, do them if you can! It gives you more chances to win. 
*And basically one last thing...there is never any reason to be rude through comments. If you don't agree with someone on their views that is okay. There are ways to excess yourself without being rude. You don't have to enter a giveaway. They are optional. 

Do you need help entering a giveaway? Or just have a question? Let me know here or email me privately at bekki1820cb at gmail dot com I would be glad to help you and answer any questions you may have. 

Good luck! 

Rebecca

Domestic goddess....I think not.

cfc4a39c1f35db1f59c0098755de8e734d862198c74b002ddb

I am far from the domestic goddess I wish I could proclaim to be.

I hate cleaning. Once in awhile, I get a fire under my tush and I clean all day. But for the most part, I get away with do the minimum amount of cleaning. I am trying more though. Ultimately, I am the person that gets more done in the hour before someone shows up at my house than I do in a month! Just a note though: I adore cleaning and organizing for others. I thrive on it.

Our weekend plans include rearranging the living room to make room for a hutch cabinet for books. We also want to make room so that the kids have more room to play. I also want to go through our belongings and do a big overhaul. We have so much stuff. And not enough space. The living room closet could easily loose half if not all of what is in it and I would be fine with that. Our bedroom closet is the same. We have our Christmas decor stored in there and I really want to move it all to our shed outback. Still easily accessible, but no longer taking up valuable space. And Lawson's room....it needs a deep cleaning. He has a very spacious closet. I just need to put some serious thought and creativity into organizing it.

The kitchen is...well, it is a disaster area. It's not very big. But that doesn't stop us from loading the table down with clutter. Lawson's school work, bills, junk mail, crayons, hats, snacks, etc. The end of our counter is loaded with the same stuff as the table, with some tools, restaurant napkins, and random trinkets thrown in for good measure. I think I can get a handle on it. Maybe?? I guess it would actually require taking everything off the counter and table and wiping them both down. Then I need to go through each and every item and trash the majority of it. And I need to use the end of the counter as a bill station. I have a three drawer container I can use to corral Lawson's paperwork we are keeping, bills, and pens and pencils. Then putting everything else away where it belongs.

There is another part of being domesticity. Cooking and baking. I love it. But I am not always the best at it. I have recipe books. I have a Pinterest account. For some reason I have epic triumphs one day and then epic fails the next....on the same recipe! I need more practice I guess.

I am pretty proud of my most recent triumphs though. Homemade applesauce and apple jam. I picked a bunch of apples at my step-daughters house and also got some apples given to me. I knew I wanted to make applesauce. I had done it before with apples from a day apple picking at a local orchard. I used my crockpot for that. Easy and simple. I used about 15 apples. Just a few tablespoons of sugar. And plenty of cinnamon. And about 1/2 cup of water. A couple of hours later it was done. I left my apple sauce chunky. I like it that way. I actually prefer my applesauce plain, but the kids enjoy it with cinnamon. And honestly, I don't like adding it in later. It's one extra step. Talk about lazy!

I had only tried my hand at canning once before and I was so nervous and not sure what I was doing. I made pickled green tomatoes. I never actually ate any. I was too afraid I would get sick. Those tomatoes are still sitting in my moms cupboard. Lol.

I found this excellent recipe for Apple Pie Jam.  I decided to give it a try. I bought some jars and pectin. I also decided to buy myself a water bath canning pot with rack. I knew it would make my job a lot easier. I also grabbed a canning funnel for pouring the jam into the hot jars. I made the jam according to the directions, jarred and processed it. It was o much easier than I imagined. And the flavor of the jam....out of this world! It is exactly like eating a slice of apple pie on thanksgiving! Minus the crust. My son enjoyed it right of the spoon as well as on toast. We made 7 half pint jars. I made another batch yesterday. These are to give to family and friends. I am excited for them to try it out. 

I picked up a bag of pears today to try my hand at pear jam. My aunt makes the most wonderful tasting pear jam. I would so love to be able to replicate it as closely as I can. It makes me miss the pear tree we used to have at our old house. I also grabbed some mini cucumbers to try making some quick refrigerator pickles. I am excited for that because I love pickles and so does my family. I hope they turn out. I think overall, pickling is the part of food preservation I am scared of the most. Well, that and making my own homemade sauce to can. I need to work up the nerve to try it one of these days. I have found that with support (from family and friends) and inspiration from this excellent blog, I am stepping out of my comfort zone. 

Wish me luck in my adventures of being "more domestic". 


Rebecca 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Another year gone

Another year has gone flying by since my last post. It frustrates me to no end. I desperately want to use this blog as an outlet. And then it never happens. Life gets in the way. I spend more time keeping everything bottled up rather than using the one thing that allow me to get it all out there. I also wanted to use my blog as a review and giveaway blog as well. I did a few reviews and giveaways in the past. And now is the time to get back into it if I can. If companies and pr reps are willing.

So my request for today is simple: accountability. Can someone (or several people) PLEASE keep me accountable? Call me, text me, FB message me, comment here on the blog. Make sure that I am writing at least once a day. I will never accomplish this without someone to tell me point blank, Rebecca, you need to do this. I would be appreciative, not annoyed. I promise!

So three cheers to getting back into the swing of things!

Rebecca

Wow...it has been such a long time since I have last posted. Well, a quick update is in order I suppose. In the months that I have not update: we moved twice, had no internet, gained a grandson, and a bunch of other not so much fun stuff happened. Crazy...I know.

Soo...I finally have internet again and will hopefully be able to continue posting on a regular basis. It's hard when you have a crazy 4 year old and also have a baby on the way, due in December. But I am sure every mom blogger knows this reality....yet they all seem to make it work somehow! I really want to get back to doing reviews and possibly giveaways. But I am definitely going to have to take it slowly.

Anyway, it feels good to be back. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and really make something of this blog.


Rebecca

The Fabulous Friday 5

Well, another Friday has come and I want to post a few giveaways that I found around the blogosphere. Here goes. 


@ So Easy Being Green : Buddy Fruits  Ends 5/20  {my kiddo loves these things!!}


@ Mom Start: $50 Barnes and Noble gift card   Ends 5/19  {I LOVE B&N...}


@ Meandering Matt: Freschetta Simply Inspired   Ends 5/21
{winner gets a free coupon for pizza and a cutting board and cheese knives!!} 


@ Baby Loving Mama: KitchenAid 4 Slot One Touch Toaster  Ends 5/27  {Gorgeous!!}


@ Cloth Diaper Blog: Feed Your Stash Friday: Thirsties Sampler Pack   Ends 5/18  { I love Thirsties!!}


There you are. 5 FABULOUS giveaways to enter. Hope you have fun entering the ones you like. Enjoy!!


Rebecca

Baby News

Well, Baby #2 is not going to be due in November. We have a new due date: December 11th. Still, I am happy with that. The baby should still be here for Christmas. Yay! 

Like I said, my periods are wonky and I have never been one to be consistent with them. I had a period in February. I missed my March period not because I was pregnant though...just because my body decided that I was gonna miss that one. I normally have a period on the 10th through the 15th {well, normally means when I do have them} and I took a test on the 17th of March and it came out negative. Took another one and that too was negative. Missed again in April.  I started having tenderness in my breasts and felt like stuff was happening in my uterus...which is not something I had ever experienced before. So when I missed April's period I took a test and sure enough it was positive. So that means that my body just loved me and didn't want to provide me with a March period and then let me get pregnant after that period would have ended. LMAO.  Somehow I was really surprised that I was pregnant, yet I just knew that I was at the same time. After a blood test to confirm, it started to really sink in. 

It didn't really sink in though until yesterday. I had an OB appointment to measure the fetus to get a more accurate due date. The little bugger was only about 1 inch long or so, which is consistent with a March conception {9 weeks 4 days...well, 9 weeks 5 days now}...not consistent with their original projected date of November 18th {conception in February and would have been 13 weeks today}. 

Either way, I was so excited to see that little fetus. It made my heart happy. I got to share the moment with my fiancée and our 3 year old. He didn't want to go in with us, but once he was in there he was so excited to see that little fetus on the big screen. We were actually able to hear a heartbeat which was unexpected. 171. Fast! I have heard all the old wives tales...which say with a heartbeat that fast it could be a girl. But I don't really know what to think at this point. 

I don't really believe in all those old wives tales but they are certainly fun to entertain even for just a short while. 

This is the Chinese Lunar Calendar Gender Prediction: I am 25, and I concevied in March {just after I turned 25 too!!}, so by this I am having another little boy. When I had Lawson, I was 20 at the time of conception and I conceived in September...and it was correct. I had us a little boy.  This is the Western Gregorian Calendar Gender Prediction: Woman's Birth Year  194019411942 194319441945 194619471948 194919501951 195219531954 195519561957 195819591960 196119621963 196419651966 196719681969 197019711972 197319741975 197619771978 197919801981 198219831984 198519861987 198719881989199019911992    1986 Month  123 456 789 101112  3 Day  123 456 789 101112 131415 161718 192021 222324 252627 282930 31  2  Time Zone  CHINAESTCST MSTPSTYST HST01 234 567 8910 1112-1 -2-3-4 -5-6-7 -8-9-10 -11-12  EST        Conception Year  194519461947 194819491950 195119521953 195419551956 195719581959 196019611962 196319641965 196619671968 196919701971 197219731974 197519761977 197819791980 198119821983 198419851986 198719881989 199019911992 199319941995 199619971998 199920002001 200220032004 20052006200720082009201020112012201320142015   2011 Month  123 456 789 101112  3 Day  123 456 789 101112 131415 161718 192021 222324 252627 282930 31  13  Time Zone  CHINAESTCST MSTPSTYST HST 012 345 678 91011 12-1-2 -3-4-5 -6-7-8 -9-10-11 -12  EST     It's a girl!  (Chinese Age 26 at Lunar month 2)   This one says a girl is what I am in store for. I don't know the exact day  of conception, so I just went back 9 weeks and 4 days. And I went with  the 13th...but my period would not have been over at that point. I redid it  a few more times and all the March dates I put in came up with girl...so who  knows!! What do you think?? Boy or Girl?? I would be happy with either. As long as it  is healthy and happy.  Rebecca

Fill in the Blank Friday!

This week I am participating in Lauren's Fill in the Blank Friday. Head over there to participate too. Here goes.

1.   What I love most about my home is       the sunlight it lets it. I love spring and summer light from the sun. Gorgeous. The way it reflects off the wall. The shadows it casts on certain areas. Love it.

2.  I'm excited because,    I just discovered a Montessori Summer Camp program. I really want to send my little guy to it in July. They offer it for 4 weeks and you can sign up for 2, 3, or 4 weeks. I am thinking 2 weeks would be good for Lawson. Just gotta come up with $360 now!!

3.  My preferred method for blowing  off steam when I'm frustrated is    to eat. But I try to yell and scream into my pillow or talk to myself when no ones else is around. Usually, I can talk myself through something, so that I am not yelling at the next person I see {usually that would be my 3.5 year old or my fiancée}.

4.  Currently I am craving  fruit, yogurt, chicken wings, chicken wing pizza, antipasto salad...you name it, I want it! I am pregnant so...that could be the cause for these cravings!! 

5.  The thing I love most about my mom is   that she is unique. She speaks her mind when you ask, but not when you don't. She tries to tell the truth in all situations unless someone has asked her not to divulge something. She loves my sister and I very  much and would pretty much do anything to make sure we are okay, healthy, and happy. She loves he grandson so much too. 

6.  If I was going to write a book about my life, the title would be     Everything In Between. All the little things that go on in my life. My sons life. 

7.  If I were to eat one thing for the rest of eternity it would be     hmm...crostini's. French bread slices with butter, pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.So yummy fresh out of the over. And truthfully, I think I like them even better when they are cold from being in the fridge overnight. Delicious. 

Rebecca

The Fabulous Friday 5

Summer is creeping up on us folks. It's not here yet...but soon. I found some great giveaways already today that are summer-perfect. Head over to each blog for your chance to enter. You might just win!

@ Two Of A Kind: Hayneedle Airhead Viper 2 Person Ski Water Tube 

{review AND giveaway!} Ends 5/30

@ From PX WITH LOVE:  Magic Cabin Spinning Seesaw 

{Review AND $50 gift card giveaway!} Ends 5/21

@ Born 2 Impress: UMI Shoes {review AND giveaway!} Ends 5/13

@ A Mom's Balancing Act: Celebrating Mom's ATG Stores 

{Review AND $100 Gift Card Giveaway!} Ends 5/13

@ {Natural}Mommie: Coola Suncare: Organic Sunscreen and Sunblock

{Review AND Giveaway} Ends 5/14

Rebecca

Happy News!

Happy news for my fiancée and I!  I am pregnant! Yaaaaayyyyy!! We are really excited. Lawson is 3.5 years old and he is so excited to be getting another brother or sister. He has 3 siblings that are much older then him {from my fiancées previous marriage} whom he adores. But since none of them are living with us {at this given time} it would be awesome for him to have a sibling at home with him everyday to play with.

We would be happy with a boy or a girl. Either way, it doesn't matter to use. As long as the baby is healthy and I have an easy pregnancy. I had a very easy and uneventful pregnancy with Lawson 4 years ago...so I don't expect too much to be different. The only thing that might be different is my blood pressure was pretty high the other day and it looks like I might need meds for that...not cool when you are only 25. And I am overweight (not just a few pounds either}...and while the doctor has not said this to me yet, I already know that weight gain during this pregnancy is NOT an option. I actually need to gradually shed some pounds as the pregnancy progresses. So it looks like I will be doing lots of walking this summer.

So far it looks like we are due November 18th. But, I am wonky with my periods, so it actually could be December as well. I have an ultrasound next week on the 12th which will include a crown to rump measurement and it will give us a much better idea of the due date in conjunction with my last period. I am hoping for November, but December would be great too. Either way, the baby should be here in time for Christmas. Awesome!!

Anyway, that's my exciting news for the day! Have a good one.

The Fabulous Friday 5

Here are some great giveaways for the kiddos you may have in your life:

@Mom Spotted: Jeep Cherokee Sport Stroller  Ends 5/1

@Mommy Living the Life of Riley!: Boon Bug Pod Bath Toy Scoop  Ends 5/1

@ Thanks, Mail Carrier: Guidecraft Hideaway Country Kitchen  Ends 5/20 


@ Two of a Kind Working on a Full House: Hearth Song $50 Gift Card  Ends 5/23 


@ My Four Monkeys: Play-Doh Flip 'n Serve Breakfast Kit  Ends 5/11


Get to entering! I am. 


Rebecca

The Fabulous Friday 5

In my eyes, getting ready for Spring and Summer weather is always a ton of fun! I get to choose some new toys  for my little guy to play with. I get to bring out the water toys. He gets to ride on his kid size 4-wheeler and his tricycle. My son loves to be outdoors during the warm months and having stuff out there to keep him entertained is key. Unfortunately some of the bigger things {play houses, play sets, 4-wheelers, etc} are kind of expensive and not always in everyones budget. Including my own. It's always fun to win a giveaway...and it's even more fun {and budget~friendly} to win a big~ticket item that will provide your child(ren) with hours of endless fun and excitement. 

Luckily for me {and you!}I found some great giveaways today that are geared for the warm months. Summer would so much fun with some of these awesome products. I hope to win something fun for my little guy...and I want you to enter too...your child will thank me {and you of course!} if you win!

@ Mom Spotted: Step2 Gather and Grille Playhouse

http://momspotted.com/2011/04/step2-gather-grille-playhouse-review-giveaway-399-99.html

Ends May 17th

@ Trying to Stay Calm!: $50 HearthSong Gift Card

http://www.trying2staycalm.com/2011/04/hearthsong-review-and-giveaway.html

Ends May 10th

@ The Shopping Mama: Step 2 Sand & Water Fun Farm

http://theshoppingmama.com/2011/04/step2-fun-farm-sand-water-table-review-giveaway/

Ends April 25th 

@ A Nation of Moms: $50 Gift Card to Heirloom Wooden Toys

http://anationofmoms.com/2011/04/heirloom-wooden-toys-50-gc-giveaway.html

Ends April 27th

@ Gustosa Giveaways: $45 CSN Stores Gift Code

http://gustosa-giveaways.blogspot.com/2011/03/childhood-play-sets-and-45-csn-stores.html

Ends  April 24th

***Note: some pictures shown are examples of what you could get if you win a gift card and/or what you will get if you won. Pictures are from the websites of each respective giveaway sponsor {Step2, HearthSong, Heirloom Wooden Toys, and CSN Stores}. ***

Rebecca

Cameras

I am really interested in getting into photography a bit more...other than my point and shoot digital camera. I would love to have a stunning DSLR...Nikon or Canon...I am not picky at this point.  But for now, a few fun older 35 mm would be great to have.

I really like these ones at Urban Outfitters:

   

Holga 35mm Camera: $48 

 

Lomography Diana+ Aviator Camera: $65

   

Lego Camera: $68

Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera: $130

I seriously heart these. Someone needs to buy them for me. 

Rebecca 

Disclosure: Not a paid post. I just really like these cameras...and Urban Outfitters. :)

Summer Review and Giveaway Event: @ 3 Kids and Us and Our Ordinary Life!

I am so excited for the Sizzlin' Summer Giveaways event that is coming in June over at 3 Kids and Us and Our Ordinary Life! Cat and Kristin have awesome blogs that I follow and you should too. They are teaming up to provide "some of the best products to beat the heat and have a little fun". 


Here is just a taste of some of the upcoming sponsors:  

You should definitely head over to Cats blog, 3 Kids and Us and grab the event button to place on your blog for extra giveaway entries and to help support the event!! Every little bit helps! I can't wait!

Rebecca

The Fabulous Friday 5 {a day late}

I found some really amazing and very generous giveaways today. I am so excited to enter them!


Here is todays The Fabulous Friday 5:




@ What's That Smell:  Big Ol Bouncer Bounce House from Blast zone!
http://accidentalmommies.com/bounce-house-giveaway/
Ends May 9th at Noon CST


     ***Ohh.....my 3 year old would have a ball if I won this! We all would!***


@ Two Of A Kind Working On A Full House:  Magellan Vehicle Navigation GPS
http://www.twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.com/2011/04/magellan-roadmate-9055-vehicle.html
Ends May 9th at 11:59 pm EST


@ Mom Spotted: SodaStream Soda Maker
http://momspotted.com/2011/04/sodastream-homemade-soda-that-tastes-great-review-giveaway.html
Ends May 1st at 11:59 PM    


     ***Note: I already own a SodaStream Soda Maker {that I won in another giveaway several months ago}...but I am entering to win this for my sister! I just wanted to let people know in case they see this and know that I already won one and wonder why I want another. Granted, I would love another....but I think that my sister would love to have one even more!***


@ SoleilSelene: Tassimo T20 Brewer
http://www.soleilselene.com/2011/04/tassimo-t20-brewer-review-giveaway/
Ends April 23rd at 8:59 pm PST


@ Leslie Loves Veggies: Sanuk Flip Flops, Surf Sandals, and Beach Sandals
http://leslielovesveggies.net/2011/04/sanuk-flip-flops-beach-sandals-surf-sandals-giveaway/
Ends April 27th 


     ***I have a pair...and they are so light and comfortable. Probably the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. I NEED more!***
    


Good luck...


Rebecca

I Heart These Sandals

I love sandals. I crave them during summer time. I miss them during the winter.

These are simple. They remind me of something a grandma would wear...but they are still so appealing. 

You can buy them here. $148. 

Rebecca 

Little Boy

Here is my awesome little guy @ age 2 :

And now @ age 3:

Wow...the difference a year and a half makes {he is almost 4 now and he had just turned 2 in the first photo}

Rebecca

Fabulous Friday 5

Here are my favorite top 5 giveaways I found today!

****Mama B {Hayneedle / Guidecraft Spindle Toy Chest Giveaway} 

http://mamabblog.com/2011/04/hayneedle-review-giveaway.html 

 {ends 4/15}

****Feisty Frugal & Fabulous {Go Diego Go! Diego Saves the World! DVD} {3 winners!}

http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.com/2011/04/go-diego-go-diego-saves-the-world/ 

{ends 4/19}

  

****Mommy to a lil lady[bug] {The Vintage Pearl $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway}

http://m0mmy-x3.blogspot.com/2011/04/vintage-pearl-review-giveaway.html  

{ends 4/15}

****Luxury Living Frugal Style {Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Car Seat}

http://www.midgetmomma.com/2011/04/safety-1st-complete-air-convertable-carseat-review-and-giveaway/.html  

{ends 4/22}

****{Natural} Mommie  { Kranky Krab Personalized Prints/Artwork $50 gift certificate}

http://naturalmommie.com/2011/03/kranky-krab-personalized-childrens-printsartwork-50-handmade-giveaway/  

{ends 4/25}

Get to entering!!! 

Rebecca