LittleMissMatched Project Sock: Season 3

LittleMissMatched is putting a call out to anyone who loves to think outside the “sock”! That’s right it’s time to put your thinking sock on and come up with a design that will, well, knock their mis-matched SOCKS off! It’s that time of year again, LittleMissMatched is running their Project Sock contest and the person that comes up with the winning socks will get a pretty awesome prize, $1,000, 10 packs of their winning design, AND their winning design will be added to an upcoming collection that is not only sold on their online site, but LittleMissMatched stores NATIONWIDE!! How amazing would that be? Also there will be an additional five entries will be selected by LittleMissMatched VIPs to become part of the same collection, and awarded $250 and 10 packs each of their winning designs and the best part is one of these 5 finalists will be someone under the age of 12! How amazing would that be?

Want to enter? Want to enter but not all that creative with a pencil? Well it’s simple really all you have to do is visit Project Sock to download your sock template and you can either print it off and design it by hand OR download it and use your favorite computer program to create 3 MIS-MATCHED socks. They can be 3 completely different sock designs or can coordinate it doesn’t matter as long as they do NOT match. Then make sure you enter by  April 5th, 2011 at 6 EST. After the contest closes they will pick the top 24 designs that will be uploaded to an online voting gallery for everyone to vote on their favorites! Well what are you waiting for? Go download your sock now, I  can’t wait to see the winning designs!

Wooden Swing Sets Anyone?!

Growing up I remember we had this amazing wooden swing set that my dad built us. We loved it, it had swings, rings, a slide, and of course a cool club house with a hiding spot underneath. We played with that thing until it was just a ‘club house’ with a slide that could go at any moment. Unfortunately we lost it in a tragic “high wind storm” (we believe it was a small tornado due to the damages that were left after the storm but what do we know) and the backyard has never looked the same.

O has so much energy I know that he would love one of these swing sets but which one is the problem. He has really been into the Berenstien Bear’s book No Girls Allowed so we would definitely need a club house so J can make a sign for him that says this, Of course this doesn’t include Mama. and he loves to slide so he’d want a neat slide. It’s a good thing that CSN’s swing set site, Swing Sets & More offers a WIDE range of swing sets because not only does it give us bonding time while looking at all of them but it gives me the chance to find exactly the one that he would love to have. Though after looking a bit myself I believe the Gorilla Playsets (pictured) would probably be the one he falls in love with and has enough stuff to hopefully wear off some of that insane amount of energy he has.

*I was given a free free product and/or was paid for this review. Any opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Spark Energy Chicago & Pump It Up

As a Chicago area mother and wife that moved the day BEFORE the biggest blizzard we’ve seen in a while, I have to tell you how frazzled I am. As if that wasn’t enough my two biggest fears came true this week; Our electric bill came and it was insane. Also O is on a FOUR day break thanks to the wonderful President’s Day holiday. Now I’m sure you’re wondering how these two things fit together and I’m going to tell you about a new site that now lets Chicago area families CHOOSE their energy provider and after looking at our first electric bill and seeing all the taxes and “other” outrageous charges makes me extra excited to look into Spark Energy

I’m sure you’re going to ask me what Spark Energy is. Spark Energy is a multi-state provider of low cost electrical services. Spark Energy also provides long term savings to ComEd customers which is intriguing since I’m a ComEd customer. Now how this fits in with my fear of O having FOUR days off of school would be that I found out that thanks to Spark Energy Chicago, also to celebrate Spark Energy now offering energy service and savings to the Chicago area, Parent’s of children 12 and younger can save some sanity on Monday February 21st, 2011 with FREE session to one of the 7 participating Pump It Up locations in the Chicago Area. How do we do this Brandy?! It’s simple really, Today (Sat. Feb 19th, 2011) at 5:00pm CST you will find a downloadable coupon for Pump It Up that is good for Monday February 21st, 2011. Just “like” the Spark Energy Chicago’s facebook page.  Doesn’t this sound like a parent’s dream?!

So how are YOU spending YOUR President’s Day?

*I occasionally receive compensation in the form of gift cards and products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own.

TABASCO Perfect Game-Day Pair

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

Well the first round of the NFL Play-offs are underway and that means before we know it the Super Bowl will be here! How can this be? It seems like we’ve JUST started the 2010-2011 football season and here it is almost coming to an end. Of course my Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have a tough game next week against the Baltimore Ravens. While I may not be able to predict who will come out winning, I will be able to predict that we will have some amazing food thanks to the Game-Day Party Menu from TABASCO® Original Red.
I know what you’re thinking. Brandy that stuff is just TOO hot. You’re right it has a bit of a kick to it … especially if you over do it. I was never big on TABASCO because it was always used as a punishment growing up. So once I got over my fear I realized it wasn’t as bad as I remembered. One thing we love around here is adding it to our homemade chicken tenders and my husband loves to use it on his eggs. But one thing I can not wait to try it on is their Pizza Perfected. This just looks so good! I think what excites me the most about this recipe is that TABASCO Original Red is about more than the heat. It’s about how the heat brings out the flavors of what you’re making. I really think that the TABASCO is going to blend perfectly with the cheeses of the pizza to bring it to a whole new level. I can easily see this being the star of the party and something that will have to be made EVERY year for the big game.
Now another great thing I love about the TABASCO website is they offer recipes of a wide variety and everything from cocktails and make ahead food to grilling favorites and snacking items. TABASCO really has everything you need to make your party food a hit!

Heart of Haiti

We have all heard about the horrible disaster that struck Haiti and the aid that has been helping them ever since. Well Heart of Haiti works a little bit differently. Their motto is “Trade, Not Aid.” What this means is that Heart of Haiti is using commerce and the culture to help create social change. I really think this is a unique and different approach to helping rebuild after a disaster. Now if you’ve never heard of Heart of Haiti please let me tell you a little bit about it and what it does. Heart of Haiti is an incentive program where Haitian artists can earn life-changing income for not only themselves but their families and communities as well. The income not only allows them to have access to better nutrition, improved education and health care, but earn a life-changing income for not only themselves but their families and communities as well. I really think this is something unique and a great way to help build self confidence in people that have already been through a great disaster.

My favorite part of this event is that it’s not a one time funding through a charity, no this is a way for every Haitian artist to earn an income on their own. This is a way for them to create their own life changing events while doing things that they love to do …. and who doesn’t love that? I know how rewarding it feels to be able to bring home a paycheck and help relieve some of the stress of the bills from the Mr. I couldn’t imagine how it would feel to be a citizen of Haiti and having a chance to earn an income while still being able to create art. These handmade products are not limited to just paintings.This also includes homemade quilts, metalwork, ceramics that are made in Haiti from recycled materials. Also these gifts range from $25-$60 so they definitely fit into any budget and who doesn’t love that?!

*I am writing this post to spread the word about Heart of Haiti through a Mom Bloggers Club member program and that you will receive a Heart of Haiti pendant as a thank you.

Great Cyber Monday Deals!

I don’t know about you but I LOVE shopping online. I love that I can compare things instantly and even not have to worry about dealing with cranky/crazy people in stores. I got some great deals Thursday online from a few of the stores that start Black Friday early. Here are some of the Cyber Monday deals that I found in my inbox today:

First is my favorite teddy bear store, Build a Bear. I love that they are calling it CyBEAR Monday. They are offering 7 animals for $7 each. This includes the Peace Bear, as well, Topaz Teddy, Hugs & Kisses Teddy, Champ Bear, Jonas Dog, Holiday Mouse & Velvet Teddy! This is limited to 10 bears total and obviously only available online so Shop Now! I’m hoping to pick up the Jonas Dog for The husband’s niece and even some  accessories for Kidlet’s batman bear since he seen they offered Chicago Cubs clothes for his puppy that is ALL he’s talked about lol. Good thing this mama is a sucker for how cute they are! I am having trouble deciding between the Chicago Cubs outfit, Chicago Bears & New Orleans Saints outfits. They are all so cute it’s hard to decide lol.

The next store I seen in my inbox was for the Disney Store and let me tell you that they have a really great deal going on. They are running a great deal where you can save up to 65% on your favorite Disney items! How neat is that? Now for their Cyber Monday deal, they are offering savings in a couple different groups. Spend $50+ you get 10% off, spend $75+ you save 15%, spend $100+ and you get 20% off, and finally spend $125+ and you get 25% off! Plus if that wasn’t a bunch of great savings, if you enter the code CYBER when checking out ANY amount you will receive Free Shipping!

Finally one of my favorite stores, Hot Topic is up with some good sales. Yes it’s true I love this store. I love the funny t-shirts they have and even the hoodies are a favorite of mine. Their Cyber Monday deal is save 30% on Shoes, Boots, and even Fashion Apparel. Also they are offering free shipping if you spend $50 or more. I am really excited about this because there are some really cute hoodies and t-shirts that I want to pick up (I mean look a that super cute Batman Hoodie! It has EARS!)  Not only that but I am drooling over these shoes and even this Nightmare Before Christmas purse.

So anyone else doing Cyber Monday shopping? If so let me know where you’re going to be shopping at cause I’m always looking for a good deal!

Aladdin Do The Reuse Challenge

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aladdin. All opinions are 100% mine.

How many times have you heard that one person could make a bigger difference than we think? How many times have you thought that was just rediculous? Well then you must not have heard of the facts. For example did you know that in the United States, 50 billion disposable water bottles are consumed per year; 137,000 per day; 1,585 per second. That is a lot of water bottles. I just saw a commercial the other day that cuts the need for water bottles by filtering our home water into like 4 or 5 reusable water bottles. I thought that was really neat and something I hope to purchase in the next few weeks.

Also, unless we change our habits, 23 billion paper coffee cups will be thrown out in 2010. That is a LOT of paper cups. Speaching of coffee, did you know that it costs about $165 a year to make drip coffee at home versus $636 to buy drip coffee at your local café.That’s a savings of about $471, and for those that HAVE to have those coffee house coffees, a lot of them are being made to brew at home. I know Starbucks, and even Dunkin Donuts sell their coffee in the coffee isle of your favorite grocery store. Now if you’re wondering what all this recycling, reusing, and reducing is about, I’m talking about the Do The Reuse Challenge. Now I’m sure you’ve got lots of reasons why you CAN’T do this challenge “I don’t have reusable water bottles” or even “I don’t have a decent coffee mug”. Well the excuses end now. By joing the campagin you can receive discounts and free shipping on select items at Aladdin website. That should help cut out those excuses. Now if you’ve never heard of the Do The Reuse Challenge here is a little about it:

“It’s a 30-day commitment to give up disposable paper cups, water bottles, or food containers. Everyone’s welcome to participate (the more, the better!), and 9 families will be blogging about their experience on our website.”

Now I know I’m going to join this challenge as I’m tired of all the wasteful things we do (we use A LOT of water bottles in this house) and even finding more Earth friendly ways to pack lunches for J to take to work. Do you know others that would be excited to join this challenge? Well add Aladdin on Facebook and start sharing them with everyone you know today!

*I was given a free free product and/or was paid for this review. Any opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.

PlayStation®Move Excitement

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PlayStation(R) Move. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are big gamers in this family. J and Oj share a PlayStation 2 and 3  (which mama loves for the blu ray player lol!!) and we often have family game nights just playing video games. Now I will admit that since the Wii has come out we’ve been reaching for the PlayStation 2 and 3 a bit less, but after hearing the excitement about the PlayStation(R)MOVE, I believe this will all change.

I love the idea for this product and beleive it will be a BIG hit this holiday season. I know that Oj’s birthday is in Nov and he’s already asking for theis system. I think that has to do in large part because he can play his favorite game The Fight: Lights Out™ (lol gotta love looking at the games with him, he’s never played it cause it’s not even out yet but it’s his favorite game ever. Oh to be 5 again) or it could be because that is one sweet looking controller. This mama is excited about the Get Fit With Mel B game that they are offering. Looks like it should give me quite the workout. One thing that I do love about this is that they are saying you can upgrade some of the titles you already own to be compatible with the PlayStation(R)Move for free. This is great because we have quite a few PlayStation(R) 3 games. I’m not sure what games just yet because I tried to look on their site and got confused.

Now if that wasn’t cool enough to get you excited for PlaystationMove, here is something that I found on the PlayStation website that got me interesting in considering this for Oj and J:

“The motion controller’s color changing sphere and built-in vibration feedback react to your actions and movements to create engaging experiences that are not only reflected on-screen, but also delivered directly to the palm of your hand. Watch as your sphere lights up when you cast the correct spell or mix the perfect paint color. Feel the timer run out or the recoil of your smoking gun. “

Now all this is fun and this will be great for family game nights, getting the kids to play together with little to no arguing (what a mama can hope right?!) and even as I mentioned exercising on those days you just can’t/don’t want to leave the house. I know Oj loves doing my exercises with me and this would be another great thing to add to our ‘routine’.

Yet most favorite feature of the PlayStation 3 isn’t that  you can play PlayStation 1 and 2 games on them now (I do love me some Crash Bandacoot), no it’s the Blu Ray player that I’m shamefully addicted to. I love this because it doesn’t scratch the discs like a normal dvd player would (which is great for this mama and her independant 5 year old). I also love that they have amazing movie bundles when you purchase a PlayStation 3.

So no matter what you are shopping for, don’t forget to add the awesome PlayStation(R)Move to your list this (soon to be) holiday season. Are you impatient? Well you’re in luck because this comes out tomorrow September 17th! You better hurry cause this is going to be one HOT product!

*I was given a free free product and/or was paid for this review. Any opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Weight Watchers Lose-A-Palooza

How many of us don’t have a few pounds we’d love to lose? I know I do. This whole having a baby thing hasn’t been so nice to me … yes my ‘baby’ is now 5 & we’re not discussing this lol. So when I seen this campaign from Weight Watchers I was really excited. Now first if you’ve never heard of the campaign here is a little information:

Lose-A-Palooza is a one-day social media event created to encourage participation in the Lose For Good® campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.

Doesn’t this sound like a great thing? I know I have trouble sticking with a plan that works for me if I just feel like I’m getting no where and don’t have anyone supporting me in my journey. People don’t realize how much of an impact having a solid support system can make on a person no matter WHAT they are doing in their lives. I mean no one likes to feel like they are alone do they? I know I don’t. Now what else I love about this campaign is that Weight Watchers is donating to a great cause:

As part of the Lose For Good campaign, Weight Watchers will donate $1, up to a maximum of $60,000, to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger for each approved mention, acknowledgment or action related to “Lose For Good” made on September 14th through blogs, Twitter, Facebook and check-in via foursquare.

So what are you waiting for? Go like them on facebook, follow them on twitter (@WeightWatchers, @sharestrength or @acfusa), and check in from foursquare today! I know I will be. Also if you want to ‘dress up’ your facebook and twitter there are fun Lose-A-Palooza twibbon that you can add to your profile picture (available 9/14). What are you waiting for? Get liking and following today & don’t forget to share it with all your friends!

*I was given a free free product and/or was paid for this review. Any opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Almost Christmas?!

from AnswersClub on Flicker

As much as I hate to say it, Christmas is coming VERY soon …. and as the fall is a real busy time for most with back to school stuff, I’ve been considering shopping for things earlier. Of course the only problem with this is people ask for things all year and of course by Christmas time, they’ve already purchased it right? For example Jeff’s mom was saying like EVERY week how she needed a new coffee maker because her other one died. Well we finally found one we thought she’d like …. only for Jeff to have a feeling that he better see if she still needed it. Of course after calling his sister, he finds out she already bought on. So I want to start early but then I don’t want to end up with a bunch of useless stuff from impatient people lol!

Of course this doesn’t really work for kids either because well they change their minds like a billion times. So really does shopping early benefit anyone? I guess we could get the generic stuff but I just hate having to do a mad dash full of flying elbows and stepped on toes to get those ‘awesome’ gifts during the holiday season.