Archive for December, 2009
Dec 22, 2009 General
The past few days have been insane. I woke up this morning feeling as if a fleet of buses ran over me. With my husband’s sprain ankle to deal with, I’ve had to pick up all household and parenting duties. He can do a few things off the couch, like change the TV channels. Other than that, he’s constantly miserable and in pain. At his doctor’s appointment today, more fractures (or chips) were found. The emergency room scan found only one, but the techs never bothered to scan his entire foot. They only scanned the ankle part, and he has at least two additional fractures below what we thought was the only one. So now he has to have an MRI done this week before any definite prognosis can be made. It does not help that it’s right around Christmas and every doctor’s office is short on staff.
He’s obviously unable to work and has no sick or paid vacation days. So now we are stuck with one income for several weeks or at least until his vacation kicks in. At least we are the type of people who manage money carefully and save up. We’ll be okay and I’m not hitting the panic button just yet. Maybe I have my finger on it but I’m not ready to scream. Life happens at the strangest moments and when you least want something terrible to occur. The timing could not be worse. I feel bad for him but I still feel like kicking him for being a dumbass. And I certainly do not need more work. I have 10 articles, 6 blog posts and a website to finish up. All in a matter of days, and I also have to research light oak furniture. So no play time or days off for me, there are bills to be paid.
Dec 20, 2009 Writing Nook
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.
I am looking out the window again and only seeing plowed mounds of snow. The East Coast is still under a weather advisory and we have been told that more snow is on the way. I will need to dig a tunnel tomorrow morning just to find my car and perhaps I’ll cry when I see it looking like a tray of frozen lasagna. Traveling has never looked better, especially around the holiday season where there is nothing but more snow coming our way. Maybe changing scenery would help, even if we end up in another snowy location. At least we would be on vacation and no snow shoveling would be required.
The Hiltons of Branson are offering good travel packages for families, including It’s a Wonderful Life package at $329/night. Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is close to shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment centers. Right now is not the weather for golf, but you and your sweetheart can always get away to a relaxing spa appointment. The kids can have a special treat of hanging out with Mrs. Claus and even the man himself – Santa Claus.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be spending time with the little ones until December 23rd. There is even a story time in the hotel lobby. A special deal, Santa’s Coming to Town Package ($189/night), is available for anyone who wishes to have milk and cookies delivered to their hotel room by Santa.
Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and the other Hilton hotel are both participating in these special holiday packages. Both hotels are family-friendly and come with every amenity a family needs, including pack-and-plays. If you are up for traveling and meeting Santa, be sure to check out Hiltons of Branson in Branson, Missouri.
Dec 20, 2009 General
Kody’s second birthday party was a small but fun affair. We kept it simple by inviting family and closest friends. A few invited guests could not attend due to snow forecast and bad weather fears. I wish we had more kids to invite, but understandably parents can’t drag kids to parties if they are feeling sick or bad weather is coming. We still had a good time and Kody was all smiles.
I started preparing for the party days ahead but ended up shopping last minute for a few items. Everyone complimented my food and that certainly made me happy. I put a lot of work into my little boy’s party. We had fresh and homemade salmon cakes, beef barbecue, macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets (for picky eaters) and potato salad. There was a table with homemade ranch dip, fresh baked cookies and cake. Even though we had a lot of food, I managed to not go overboard. I did spend hours making homemade Italian meatballs but they were just not up to par. I’m not known for cooking mediocre food so I kept them for us. Kody did eat half a cookie sheet of meatballs that were cooling off. I was so busy with everything else that I did not see him sneaking his little fingers on the counter and eating half of the tray behind my back.
I had also intended on rotating all of his new toys. I thought we could introduce new toys every few weeks, just to keep things interesting and keep the chaos down. Well that did not work out because he had to open every single present. Being the only grandchild, Kody somehow gets away with anything. This includes demanding to open up all of his toys immediately. He did have a great time and that is all that matters. Our child is loved by so many wonderful people. Even if they all came empty handed, Kody would have appreciated their love and support. I know my husband and I love the fact that our kid is growing up surrounded by amazing people that love him more than words can describe.
We are not parents of a two year old boy. He’s smart, amazing and well-behaved. His vocabulary is impressive and he’s well advanced for his age. We tackled birthday and our house is in complete shambles thanks to new toys. Now we have to survive Christmas and we’ll be set for adventures that the New Year will bring.
Dec 20, 2009 General
First flurries started late last night around 11PM. We were existing the emergency room as the first snow fall started. You heard that right though. We made a late night ER trip, because my husband felt the need to practice his basketball skills during our son’s birthday party. It was an innocent mistake that resulted in a very bad ankle sprain (small fracture) and he’ll be on the couch for several days. His next doctor’s appointment is on Monday. We’ll find out how long his recovery will be and how many days or weeks he’ll take off work. His work is too demanding, there is no way for him to be on a job site even with a working boot on.
So now the East Coast is drowning in snow and I’m making friends with the snow shovel. We had a local business clean up most of it around our house but it just keeps pouring. I’d take a picture, but I’ll honestly scream if I see another snowflake. Living in Pennsylvania today is nothing like it was 15 years ago. We are not used to snow storms like this one. Snow fall may come, but it usually melts the same day. This is unusual for our area and I’m not too happy about my new snow shoveling activity. I keep resisting the urge to hit my husband over the head with the shovel and bury him in one of the snow piles.
According to weather reports that just came in, more snow is on the way. We may spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buried neck deep in snow. So not fun…
Dec 17, 2009 Reviews
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Read my full review of Ever Bamboo’s home deodorizer products at Associated Content – Ever Bamboo Eco-Friendly Products for Family and Home. We would recommend Ever Bamboo to every family trying to switch to a healthier and greener lifestyle.
Dec 16, 2009 Reviews
The arrival of cold weather really beats up my sensitive skin. I’m always struggling with dry skin and general discomfort with it. Finding products that respond well on my sensitive skin is not always easy, but I’ve found a good solution in using organic and all-natural products. I have two new beauty products in my collection that have become my favorites. Beautiful One Cosmetics Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter are absolutely fabulous for my skin. I’ve been using Beautiful One Cosmetics’ products for several weeks now, with excellent and impressive results.
The best thing I like about Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter is that all products are homemade. I was informed that my items would be made the same day as ordered. This way I was guaranteed to receive fresh beauty products, which would be mixed to meet my skin’s needs. All products offered by Beautiful One Cosmetics are made with all-natural and organic ingredients. My Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter ingredients included shea butter, Vitamin E, essential and scented oils. There is no harsh chemicals, alcohol or any ingredients that are impossible to pronounce.
I wish I had a way to allow you to smell Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter. When I first received the items in the mail, my husband kept asking what smelled like cookies. Both body butter and scrub smell like vanilla cupcakes, cake or just delicious vanilla icing. The scent is not too overpowering but enough to make my living room smell like a candy kitchen. I loved it when my husband gave his seal of approval by saying the products smelled good enough to eat.
The quality of Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter is superb. The body scrub has an excellent sugary texture that feels great in the shower. I apply it by hand and rub in circular motion. I’ve also liked the fact that a dollup of body scrub goes a long way. The body butter is thicker and seems like it can last a very long time. I’ve used the body butter several times throughout the day, but I’ve barely put a dent in it. As you can see in the picture below, the container is still almost full. The body butter is certainly a great value and should serve me well throughout winter months.
With body scrubs and butters there is always a chance of greasiness after application. Since both products use essential and natural oils, I was not surprised that the items feel oily when first applied to the skin. To clarify, they are not excessively greasy but I do wait 5 minutes to completely dry off before putting my clothes on. It is no different than commercial body butters that I’ve used before, but it certainly does not leave my body feeling like a tub of Crisco. I prefer products such as Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter, where a few minutes is enough for oils to soak in and I can get started with my day.
The soft, silky feel continues throughout the day. The first time I used the body butter, I noticed that my skin was still soft 4 hours after application. I did make the mistake of trying to shave right after applying the body scrub, which completely ruined a new razor. So for future reference, I shave first and then apply the body scrub.
I was so impressed by Beautiful One Cosmetics’ owner and her customer service. We exchanged several e-mails about her product line and she asked me which scents I liked best. I did not have a preference, but informed her of my allergies to lavender. With commercial products, I often have no knowledge that lavender extracts or essential oils are used. I find out by sneezing and itching after application. Beautiful One Cosmetics’ owner on the other hand was so thoughtful and understanding. She told me my items would be custom made without the use of lavender. I really appreciate the care she put into my Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter.
I would recommend that Beautiful One Cosmetics’ starts using waterproof labels on their containers. I like that re-ordering information, as well as ingredients, are listed right on the back label. However, I keep both jars on the side of the tub. Water has ruined the labels and smeared the printed information, making it difficult to read any of the text.
Overall, Beautiful One Cosmetics’ Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub and Body Butter get my five star ratings. Both products are made with care and high quality. I would certainly recommend both the body scrub and body butter to all of my readers, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Right: Vanilla Whipped Body Butter Scrub. Left: Vanilla Whipped Body Butter.
Check out Beautiful One Cosmetics website for a full list of products and ingredients. You can also follow them on Twitter.
The product was provided by Beautiful One Cosmetics. I was asked to give an honest opinion about the product I received. All opinions in this review are 100% mine.
Dec 14, 2009 Writing Nook
This is a sponsored guest post written by John Phillip on behalf of Elite Telecom. Post powered by Sponzai.
Southern Eagle Insurance, a workman compensations service for businesses in Florida, has implemented an Avaya phone system in order to make services more efficient. Due to the nature of the business that Southern Eagle Insurance run, a missed call or message can have a disastrous effect on claims that are time-sensitive. Avaya has implemented an IP Office 500 phone system which has all the hall marks of an Avaya system. Features such as voicemail, auto-attendant and call routing can make life a whole lot easier for Southern Eagle Insurance.
Dec 8, 2009 Reviews
I am not a tree hugger and my vegetable planting skills are terrible. Still, I try to be environmentally conscious. Having a child certainly helped me realize that little lifestyle changes can mean big steps towards a better planet. I will be gone one day, but I hope to leave a cleaner and healthier Earth behind for my son. Living green is easy too. In Pennsylvania especially, since we enjoy counties of organic and local grown ingredients. In our home, we try to use natural and no-harsh-chemical cleaners. We may not be able to afford every piece of organic cotton clothing, but when we enjoy it if whenever get a chance to. And what helps us take little steps towards living an eco-friendly lifestyle? Organic socks! Specifically, Zkano organic cotton socks.
I was excited to receive a sample of Zkano’s ‘The Ridge’ socks, and they actually sent me two pairs in white. The first impression? Unbelievably soft, comfortable and like-wrapping-your-foot-in-velvet soft feel. I am not even a huge fan of socks, in summer or winter months. I’ve never even owned such a soft and fluffy pair of socks in my life. Needless to say, I’ve had my Zkano socks on whenever possible and I’ve even washed both pairs several times.
Besides the comfort, I like how ‘The Ridge’ hides in my shoes. It sits right under my ankle, so no white sock pokes out of my sneakers. I certainly do not wear them with black dress shoes, because that is a fashion faux pas.
The only problem I have with Zkano’s ‘The Ridge’ sock is the heel tab. It’s thicker than and looks odd on my foot. It reminds me of having gauze or bandages on my ankle. I roll my socks up in a ball, so it also reminds me of a duck’s beak when rolled up. According to Zkano.com website, the specially designed heel tab helps prevent slipping. Slipping of the sock that is, and that certainly appears to be true. These socks do not slide off my feet when I pry my shoes off.
The seams and lines are fairly faint as well. When the socks are stretched out on my feet, I can hardly notice the toe seam. I’m particularly impressed with Zkano organic cotton socks quality. I have worn both pairs many times, easily close to a dozen already, and both pairs have been washed just as many times. I don’t use any particularly fancy laundry detergent, other than High Efficiency, but Zkano socks are still bright and white. They were certainly not white when I placed them in the wash, but there is no sign of dirt or discoloration. They are still soft and comfortable. There is no fuzz, lines or any sign of deterioration. They are not as fluffy as they were out-of-the-bag, but very close. I would say the thickness is still the same, which is a good sign of quality to me.
I would like to see a change in the heel tab, particularly the thickness of it. That is just a personal preference of mine. I would certainly recommend Zkano The Ridge sock and would consider purchasing more of their products. Being eco-friendly and developed in a sweatshop-free environment is also a big reason why I would give them my future business.
My digital camera is broken, or I would have shown you my piggies wrapped in fabulous luxury!
The sample product was provided by Zkano. I was asked to give an honest opinion about the product I received. All opinions in this review are 100% mine.
Dec 5, 2009 General
I see Twitter and Facebook are filled with “It’s snowing!” posts, but I don’t want to feel left out. It’s snowing here in PA! Flurries and flakes started this morning around 8AM, while we were getting ready to take Kody to breakfast. A cool kind of breakfast, with Santa Claus! We told him several days ago that he’ll get to meet Santa Claus and he hasn’t stopped talking about him ever since.
A local group organized breakfast with Santa, where an entire first floor of a building was converted to a Santa’s Workshop. Crafts were available, we made two Gingerbread Man ornaments and one card for the fridge. We didn’t go in the theater to watch Veggie Tales, since we can’t stand that show. Kody did get a free hat from Santa and a bag of goodies. He also scarfed down pancakes, sausage and cookies. He was upset when the lady next to us took his pancake syrup. The kid just does not like to share anything, including syrup.
We stood in line for Santa and Kody kept yelling. He was trying so hard to get Santa’s attention, including waving his arms off. Then finally came his chance to sit on Santa’s lap, and boy was he excited. Santa called him Tony though… I couldn’t stop laughing but Kody was so oblivious to it anyway. I couldn’t hear what he told Santa or what he wanted for Christmas. I’ll assume he said “trucks!”
Hopefully our Christmas tree will be up and ready next Saturday. Kody’s second birthday is on Friday (OMG!! Where did the time go?) and we’ll take him to a Christmas tree farm. I expect him to keep yapping about Santa even after Christmas. I can’t believe how excited he is. This holiday season will be so special, just because he’s finally understanding what’s going on around him. Last year he was all about the wrapping paper. He could have cared less about any gifts or Santa.
Dec 5, 2009 Writing Nook
The Balsams dining experience is a great choice for families traveling over the holidays or for those who frequently travel and wish to experience dining at its best. The culinary staff prepares meals from the freshest ingredients and produce from local farmers.
The Balsams, a hotel New Hampshire is a resort that offers the table d’hote experience from world class culinary school’s students. The hotel’s culinary staff attends a rigorous curriculum, where fewer than half participants have the privilege of graduating. The Dixville Notch New Hampshire-based program is recognized as the best of its kind. Successful and dedicated students go on to help feed up to 500 guests a day at The Balsams.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available at The Balsams. Buffet luncheons are served during busy summer seasons and holidays. Men are required to wear jackets for evening dining. Dinner is served table d’ hôte style, where the guests are able to pick from entrees such as Coconut Pork over Baby Greens. The menu changes often though, so do not be surprised if you have a variety of succulent entrees to choose from. Enhance your dinner and flavors of the dish by requesting a bottle of wine. The Balsams’ wine cellar features over 4,000 bottles from 310 different labels.
This is a family-friendly resort, where great food and a lot of activities bring joy to kids and adults.
