Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Introducing Squinkies Zinkies

I know I have mentioned Squinkies on my blog before because my children adore them.  Well, when Squinkies shrinkie, they become Zinkies!  Blip Toys has done it again.  Squinkies Zinkies are the super new, teeny tiny, squishy squashy addition to the line of mini collectibles, at about half the size of the original Squinkies.

Zinkies will launch with six unique sets, three of which are pictured below.

 Zinkies Train Set
 Birdhouse Fun
 Snug as a Bug Sunflower

Like Squinkies, Zinkies come in their own plastic toy bubble that pops open to reveal a "surprize inside."  Super cute Display & Play toys will give your Zinkies lots to do, with sets like "Snug as a Bug Sunflower" and Tiny Tea Party Teacups".  Each of these sets also includes a squeezer and a magnifying glass so you can handle your Zinkies with love and care.  Every pack comes with twelve exclusive Zinkies, four of which are hidden in colored bubbles to make collecting even more fun!  We were blessed to receive the Small Aboard! Train, Tweetings! Birdhouse, and the Snug and a Bug Sunflower play sets.

 Zinkies Fun!

 B loading up the sunflower.

 A and the birdhouse.

 C had fun loading up the train.

 Finished :)

Everyone is cozy.

What do my kids think?  As with the Squinkies, they love them!  I wondered if the smaller size might be a problem but I assure you it was not.  My kids had so much fun playing with their Zinkies and they loved the squeezers that came with the sets.  C especially liked the magnifying glass.  Even D had a great time playing with our new Zinkies and she is only 2!

Squinkies Zinkies will be arriving throughout the month at retailers nationwide, including Target and Wal-Mart, be on the lookout!

Thank you Blip Toys for this opportunity!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

PrintRunner Giveaway

***Giveaway Now Closed***
Congratulations Malia!


Have you heard of PrintRunner?  PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.  PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later their company has become one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California.  Their commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable prices made their company grow.

PrintRunner is your convenient online printing resource.  Be sure to check out their print stickers.

Now, onto the giveaway!  You can win your very own set of custom stickers.

Details of the sticker prize pack are as follows

            Sticker Shape:      Standard Stickers
            Flat Width:            2"
            Flat Height:           3.5"
            Quantity:               250
            Paper:                   Premium Sticker Stock
            Colors:                  Full Color ( 4 Color Process)
                                         Black and White
            Proof:                    NONE
            Ready to Ship In:   3 Business Days

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries
, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)
2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)
3.  Follow PrintRunner on facebook here (2 entries)
4.  Follow PrintRunner on twitter here (2 extra entries)
5.  Follow me on Pinterest (5 extra entries)
6.  Enter any of my other giveaways (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on March 8th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.

Disclosure:  Thank you PrintRunner for providing this giveaway.  I will receive a set of stickers for hosting this!

Miami Vineyard Live CD Review & Giveaway

*** Giveaway Now Closed ***
Congratulations to Malia!

I have another great Vineyard CD to tell you about, Miami Vineyard Live.

My family loves this CD.  You cannot help but move to the music and you will find yourself singing along.  I am surprised at how much my kids are enjoying this CD, it seems to be a favorite right now.  Every morning (and afternoon) A goes to the stereo and turns on this CD.  We love its unique style.  My favorite song is number 3 on the CD, Lord Reign in Me.  This is a song that I became familiar with in my college small group.  This version is so unique in the instrumentals and the mixture of two languages - wow, it is awesome!  Want to listen to your own CD?  You can purchase it here or enter the giveaway below to win one.

But first, listen to what the publishers have to say about Miami Vineyard LIVE:  What happens when a group of 20+ musicians and 10+ songwriters steeped deep in their own musical traditions of Black Gospel, Latin, Caribbean, and Anglo come together to create a new tradition and sound? What happens when the fusion of Black, Anglo, Latino, Caribbean, and Cuban voices unite together to worship in one voice? Among the 2000 people that attend the Miami Vineyard Community Church, there are over a hundred singers, instrumentalists and songwriters that make up its eclectic worship ministry. For one night, these musicians joined together in worship and invited the church to document the sound that is uniquely MIAMI VINEYARD LIVE.  This distinctive bi-lingual liturgy is filled with many flavors, from Latino claves to gospel two-step to funk and soul to delay-laden rock guitars of modern worship, yet they all work together seamlessly to create a new sound and voice that is authentic and refreshing. From anthems of praise and proclamation to songs of intimacy and adoration, there is a common thread running deep throughout this recording and that is true worship of the Living God as an expression of His Kingdom breaking in on the streets and beaches of Miami, FL.

Now, onto the giveaway!  You can win your very own copy of Miami Vineyard Live!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries
, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)
2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)
3.  Like Miami Vineyard Live on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (5 extra entries)
5.  Comment on any one of my posts and let me know (2 extra entries)
6.  Check out the video here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)
7.  Enter any of my other giveaways (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on March 10th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, February 24, 2012

Last Night's Sky

Yesterday, the weather all day was absolutely gorgeous!  The kids and I just had to get out in the afternoon and enjoy it.  We walked and biked all over our neighborhood!  And then, last night we went outside to get some fresh air and chat with our neighbors and what did my eyes behold - a gorgeous sunset.  Enjoy the photos I quickly took.

 View 1

 View 2
 View 3
Breathtaking isn't it?

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Pinterest


Have you joined Pinterest yet?  I did a few weeks ago and I love it.  What a great way to get ideas and to share yours.  So, what is Pinterest exactly?

In their own words, "Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.  Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

It is through invitation only.  If you need an invite, let me know and I will be happy to send you one.  You can follow me on Pinterest here.  I will be happy to follow you back and check out your boards.  Happy Pinning :)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

My First Cake Balls

Our neighbors birthday was yesterday.  They turned 12, and there are three of them - triplets!  Can you imagine?  Oh, the fun we would have...

To celebrate we made them cake balls, which was my 1st attempt.  They didn't look super fabulous but I am told that they were quite yummy!

Candy coating for the outside

 Crumbled up cake mixed with frosting and then balled

 Finished cake balls!

And a picture of E just for fun.  Look at her sitting up!

Three Hearts Review & Giveaway

*** Giveaway Now Closed ***
Congratulations to Jeni Monroe!

 
Have you heard of Three Hearts?

About Three Hearts:  A passionate team of people work to save the lives of three Mongolian children with life-threatening heart defects.  Graduating college senior, Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham, takes on an internship at Samaritan’s Purse working with the Children’s Heart Project. This project is dedicated to saving the lives of children by providing medical procedures that are not available in many countries. Cissie is charged with supervising the arrival and surgeries of three Mongolian children suffering from fatal congenital heart defects.  But the task is not easy and filled with unexpected challenges.  Cissie balances responsibilities as a newly married wife to a professional football player and her tasks with the internship.  Meanwhile the Children’s Heart team turns to a Texas family who travels to Mongolia for the adventure of a lifetime to help bring the children to San Antonio for their surgeries.  In Texas, two host families make sacrifices to care for these children and their mothers, while a team of doctors and nurses volunteer their time only to stare directly into the face of life and death. How far would you go to save a life?  It’s a fight for survival, a fight of faith, and a fight for a new life for these three hearts.

I was blessed to be able to watch this movie with my 
husband. This real life documentary is very eye opening and truly moving.  In this movie three hearts are changed biologically but so many more are transformed spiritually.  I really enjoyed learning about one of the many ways that Samaritan's Purse serves around the world, specifically with the Children's Heart Project.   And I love that they serve in His Name and also offer the life changing message of salvation with their practical services.

Would you like to watch Three Hearts for yourself?  You can buy it here or enter below to win one.

Now, onto the giveaway!  You can win your very own DVD of Three Hearts!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries
, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)
2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)
3.  Watch the Youtube trailer here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest here (2 extra entries)
5.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extra entries)
6.  Enter any of my other giveaways (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on March 2nd at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Three Musketeers

 This morning I have been experimenting with hairstyles.  

What do you think?
D finally has enough hair :)

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Guardian Duke Review & Giveaway

*** Giveaway Now Closed***
Congratulations to Kathy M!


About the Book:  The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.  Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.  When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

I really enjoyed this book.  I love that it is a clean, Christian romance.  I am a sucker for these kinds of stories.  Carie does a great job weaving the characters into your heart.  You really start to care about them and their journey.  Of course, this is the first of a series (The Forgotten Castles #1) so it doesn't completely wrap up at the end.  It ends a bit abruptly; however,  I cannot wait to read the next book to find out how the journey continues.  Would you like to read this book?

Now, onto the giveaway!  You can win your very own copy of The Guardian Duke!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries
, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)
2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)
3.  Like The Forgotten Castle Series on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Blog about my giveaway and let me know (5 extra entries)
5.  Comment on any one of my posts and let me know (2 extra entries)
6.  Check out the Live Action Book Trailer here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)
7.  Enter any of my other giveaways (2 extra entries)

Giveaway will end on February 29thth at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

D's Potty Party


Saturday D had her first potty party!  Why do I say first?  Well, this party was to help her get excited about using her potty (woohoo) and we will throw her another party when she is completely trained.  D was selected through House Party to have a Pull-Ups party at our house with all of her potty going friends.


We had a great turn-out with 10 parents and 13 kids (6 different families) rocking to the Potty Dance.  It was so great to not only have the potty goers themselves but parents and older siblings as cheerleaders!

Table of goodies

Love the orange, inflatable guitars

Every family received a Potty Training Success DVD, and inflatable guitar (a favorite among the kids), Valuable Coupons, A Potty Dance Mat (to aid in learning the Potty Dance), Door Hangers, A Potty Progress Report complete with Stickers (Thanks House Party, Pull Ups and Wal-Mart for providing all the goodies)

Most of the party goers: potty goers and cheerleaders included

 
Friends were practicing good hand washing skills in our play kitchen

What is a party without treats?  B made yummy cupcakes to share.

 
K practicing her steps and dancing

 D coloring with friends

 We had so many artists, it was great

More coloring fun

 
 Even baby J had fun coloring (he is not so much a baby anymore now)

 Potty Dance Mat

 D watching the Potty Dance and rocking out with her guitar

 Even E made an appearance at the party (she didn't sleep through this one!)

 S proved to be a fabulous dance

 Mommy and M smiling for the camera

 Fun with decorations
 D with a good friend of mine, so happy

Our very own rendition of the Potty Dance, enjoy!

Progresso Souper You Contest

If you haven't heard Progresso is currently running a Souper You Contest that gives you the chance to win a makeover!  By telling Progresso why you deserve a makeover and what you love about their soup, you could have the chance to win a makeover in Hollywood this Spring.  If you are interested click here, deadline is February 22nd.  And be sure to click here to download your Progresso Soup coupon.  And for fun, check out the video below of the winners last year.




This information was provided to me by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Purex Winners Announced

The Purex UltraPacks giveaway is now closed.  Congratulations to Kathy M, Geraldine S, and Ashley!  You should receive an email from me today :)
Stay tuned for another Purex giveaway shortly.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

 My little E heart

Happy Valentine's Day!  My amazing husband made us all breakfast this morning and it was so yummy!

 My place at the table this morning.  

My omelet was super yummy!  I haven't eaten the chocolate cookie yet (I am trying to stick to my no/low sugar even today).  And what was in the box?  My first pair of TOMS, woohoo!

 David made heart shaped jelly toast for the kiddos.

 Some surprises for them.

 A close up of the cookie...

 So, D ate her lollipop and cookie first.  Oh well, it is Valentine's.

 Now, onto the toast.
Hope your Valentine's is going as well as ours :)