We've Been "BOO-ed"

Last night, we were "BOO-ed" by a phantom ghost.  Our doorbell rang around 8:30pm, and there was no one there.  All that was left was a bag filled with Halloween goodies and a note saying we'd been BOO-ed.  This was troubling for Hubby because as fast as he opened the door, there was not a soul in sight.

Not a sound.

Not a car.

A friendly ghost had left us delicious treats, and it was now our job to "BOO" two neighbors.

This delighted the kids.  They were ecstatic.  Discussion began as to who BOO-ed us, and who we would "BOO."  We started planning our goodie bags.  One rule?  You have to "BOO" the next evening.

Another rule?  You can't "BOO" a family that has been BOO-ed before.  After a family has been BOO-ed they have to proudly display the ghost in their window.  And hopefully, these ghosts will be hanging in just about every window of every Halloween loving neighborhood around town by the time trick-or-treating commences.

I dare you to print out the ghost on beenbooed.com and boo two neighbors tonight.  Trust me, it makes for many laughs and questions as to who your "ghost" really is!

Last night, we were "BOO-ed" by a phantom ghost.  Our doorbell rang around 8:30pm, and there was no one there.  All that was left was a bag filled with Halloween goodies and a note saying we'd been BOO-ed.  This was troubling for Hubby because as fast as he opened the door, there was not a soul in sight.

Not a sound.

Not a car.

A friendly ghost had left us delicious treats, and it was now our job to "BOO" two neighbors.

This delighted the kids.  They were ecstatic.  Discussion began as to who BOO-ed us, and who we would "BOO."  We started planning our goodie bags.  One rule?  You have to "BOO" the next evening.

Another rule?  You can't "BOO" a family that has been BOO-ed before.  After a family has been BOO-ed they have to proudly display the ghost in their window.  And hopefully, these ghosts will be hanging in just about every window of every Halloween loving neighborhood around town by the time trick-or-treating commences.

I dare you to print out the ghost on beenbooed.com and boo two neighbors tonight.  Trust me, it makes for many laughs and questions as to who your "ghost" really is!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Halloween Spider Web Cupcakes

Tis' the season for junk food.  Last Thursday I made approximately 60 Halloween cupcakes.  Half went to the school snack sale and the other half to my son's classroom for his 6th birthday.

In my efforts to make the birthday cupcakes exciting I made spider webs.  I even added a spider ring.

Always the overachiever.

But I can say with confidence the munchkins loved them, and they looked pretty "Halloween fancy".  They also made my spider ring impulse buy at Target extremely worthwhile.

These are fabulous for Halloween parties, for the classroom or just for fun at home.

I would even recommend bringing them into the office.  You never outgrow cupcakes with plastic spider rings.


1 box cupcake mix
1 container vanilla frosting
1 container chocolate frosting
1 plastic sandwich bag
1 pack spider rings

Prepare and bake cupcakes as directed.  Let cool.

Once cool, frost cupcakes with vanilla frosting.  Fill plastic sandwich bag 1/2 full with chocolate frosting and with scissors snip off small corner. 

Using the sandwich bag, make two large circles with the chocolate frosting on each cupcake.  Make one circle inside the other.

With a knife, start at center of each cupcake and gently drag knife down to edge.  Repeat four to six times, depending on how you want your "web" to look. 

Add spider ring and admire.

**a repost**

Tis' the season for junk food.  Last Thursday I made approximately 60 Halloween cupcakes.  Half went to the school snack sale and the other half to my son's classroom for his 6th birthday.

In my efforts to make the birthday cupcakes exciting I made spider webs.  I even added a spider ring.

Always the overachiever.

But I can say with confidence the munchkins loved them, and they looked pretty "Halloween fancy".  They also made my spider ring impulse buy at Target extremely worthwhile.

These are fabulous for Halloween parties, for the classroom or just for fun at home.

I would even recommend bringing them into the office.  You never outgrow cupcakes with plastic spider rings.


1 box cupcake mix
1 container vanilla frosting
1 container chocolate frosting
1 plastic sandwich bag
1 pack spider rings

Prepare and bake cupcakes as directed.  Let cool.

Once cool, frost cupcakes with vanilla frosting.  Fill plastic sandwich bag 1/2 full with chocolate frosting and with scissors snip off small corner. 

Using the sandwich bag, make two large circles with the chocolate frosting on each cupcake.  Make one circle inside the other.

With a knife, start at center of each cupcake and gently drag knife down to edge.  Repeat four to six times, depending on how you want your "web" to look. 

Add spider ring and admire.

**a repost**

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Blogging Tips

I started blogging three years ago.  I sat in my pajamas at 10pm and started a blog.  My first post was just a heartfelt "my kids are getting older, another school year is here..."

The next morning I checked my"stats" and some of my friends on Facebook actually read it.  I was hooked.

Since that groggy night on my laptop, I've learned MANY things.  I'm still learning.  I don't know everything there is to know about blogging, but I have learned some valuable information.  I've started making money, reaching more people and in general I feel at peace with my blog.

It's my happy place.

If you're new to blogging or been at it a while and still haven't found your groove, here are my blogging tips to get ya going.

1.  Write what you know.  Stay true to yourself.  Monetization is awesome, but not if you're selling out or not staying true to what you love.  Readers want to hear from you and everything you love; keep your voice in all things.

If you are looking to make a few dollars, start small.  Add Google Adsense (not my favorite but people use them) to your sidebar, or try working with sites such as Social Spark.

2. Don't freak about statistics.  They go up, they go down.  There are good days and bad days.  If you are very new to blogging, focus more on developing a good clean blog (too much "design" isn't always a good thing) and teaching yourself how to navigate your host site.

I spent HOURS trying to get a blog signature under my posts.  If you want to be successful it will take time.

3.  Use Pinterest.  This is the number one traffic driver for my site.  If you are looking for more followers, write a solid "How To" on something you're fabulous at.  Maybe it's a recipe, maybe a craft.  Maybe you know how to redecorate on a budget or how to save money at the grocery store.

Always, always have at least one good clear picture with your post.

Use sites such as picmonkey to edit your picture, resize it (watch those huge files, they slow your site. Try for 900 pixels or less) and add text.  Be clear, be simple. 

Pin this fabulous post to Pinterest and watch your stats creep up.

This takes time, and you may have to write a few informative posts every so often.  The key is good content and clear pictures.  The readers will come.

4. Write regularly.  You might go through "blah" days.  Keep with it.  Re-post an oldie but a goodie, or just post a picture.  Tell the world you're blah.  Just post.

Readers need something to read.

And when you do write, put it out there.  Tweet, post it to Facebook or Pin it.   I'm not huge on Twitter, but I use it and I'm getting more followers.  Use tools such as AddThis to get those "follow" buttons on your sidebar.

People need to be able to find you!

5.  Network.  Cruise other blogs, and visit blogs like Kludgymom to get ideas on how to better your blog or add new fonts.  KevinandAmanda is another great site.  Read other blogs and comment.  Join blog hops or twitter parties.  My first year of blogging I participated in "5 Question Friday" over at Mama M's blog.  It was a great source for meeting other bloggers and getting content on my blog.

Do you have any other great blogging tips?  Share with us!

I started blogging three years ago.  I sat in my pajamas at 10pm and started a blog.  My first post was just a heartfelt "my kids are getting older, another school year is here..."

The next morning I checked my"stats" and some of my friends on Facebook actually read it.  I was hooked.

Since that groggy night on my laptop, I've learned MANY things.  I'm still learning.  I don't know everything there is to know about blogging, but I have learned some valuable information.  I've started making money, reaching more people and in general I feel at peace with my blog.

It's my happy place.

If you're new to blogging or been at it a while and still haven't found your groove, here are my blogging tips to get ya going.

1.  Write what you know.  Stay true to yourself.  Monetization is awesome, but not if you're selling out or not staying true to what you love.  Readers want to hear from you and everything you love; keep your voice in all things.

If you are looking to make a few dollars, start small.  Add Google Adsense (not my favorite but people use them) to your sidebar, or try working with sites such as Social Spark.

2. Don't freak about statistics.  They go up, they go down.  There are good days and bad days.  If you are very new to blogging, focus more on developing a good clean blog (too much "design" isn't always a good thing) and teaching yourself how to navigate your host site.

I spent HOURS trying to get a blog signature under my posts.  If you want to be successful it will take time.

3.  Use Pinterest.  This is the number one traffic driver for my site.  If you are looking for more followers, write a solid "How To" on something you're fabulous at.  Maybe it's a recipe, maybe a craft.  Maybe you know how to redecorate on a budget or how to save money at the grocery store.

Always, always have at least one good clear picture with your post.

Use sites such as picmonkey to edit your picture, resize it (watch those huge files, they slow your site. Try for 900 pixels or less) and add text.  Be clear, be simple. 

Pin this fabulous post to Pinterest and watch your stats creep up.

This takes time, and you may have to write a few informative posts every so often.  The key is good content and clear pictures.  The readers will come.

4. Write regularly.  You might go through "blah" days.  Keep with it.  Re-post an oldie but a goodie, or just post a picture.  Tell the world you're blah.  Just post.

Readers need something to read.

And when you do write, put it out there.  Tweet, post it to Facebook or Pin it.   I'm not huge on Twitter, but I use it and I'm getting more followers.  Use tools such as AddThis to get those "follow" buttons on your sidebar.

People need to be able to find you!

5.  Network.  Cruise other blogs, and visit blogs like Kludgymom to get ideas on how to better your blog or add new fonts.  KevinandAmanda is another great site.  Read other blogs and comment.  Join blog hops or twitter parties.  My first year of blogging I participated in "5 Question Friday" over at Mama M's blog.  It was a great source for meeting other bloggers and getting content on my blog.

Do you have any other great blogging tips?  Share with us!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Magisto: My New Favorite App

Before this week, I'd never heard of Magisto.  Magisto is an online photo editing tool to make super cool movies from the videos and pictures you have on your phone, computer or ipad.

It's a hoot, and mommy-proof.  You choose the pictures and videos, select an editing style, add music and Magisto does the rest.  The first time I tried it I made two right in a row because I was so excited to see the results.

When your movie is complete, you can share it via Facebook, Twitter or email.   I made my movie, and easily embedded it right here on my blog.

So exciting.  Give Magisto a test run, it's a blast!

Magisto will be at BlogHer PRO '13 October 22-23. Visit their space at the conference to learn more. I made this video as part of a sponsored program for BlogHer and Magisto.

Before this week, I'd never heard of Magisto.  Magisto is an online photo editing tool to make super cool movies from the videos and pictures you have on your phone, computer or ipad.

It's a hoot, and mommy-proof.  You choose the pictures and videos, select an editing style, add music and Magisto does the rest.  The first time I tried it I made two right in a row because I was so excited to see the results.

When your movie is complete, you can share it via Facebook, Twitter or email.   I made my movie, and easily embedded it right here on my blog.

So exciting.  Give Magisto a test run, it's a blast!

Magisto will be at BlogHer PRO '13 October 22-23. Visit their space at the conference to learn more. I made this video as part of a sponsored program for BlogHer and Magisto.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

What I (currently) Love

It dawned on me recently that I haven't, in a LONG time, posted about anything other than being a mom.

I'm very caught up in my babies.  I can't help myself.

In an effort to connect with my personal, womanly side, I'm about to share a few things that are currently making my heart happy.  As you'll see, I'm an easy woman to please.

1.  Sparkly eye shadow.  If I'm ever going out in the evenings, I love a little of this Bare Minerals eyeshadow on my eyelids.  Add mascara, I'm good to go.

2. My new soft serve ice cream maker.  I love soft serve, and this is like craft time for an ice cream addict.  The best part?  Red sticker-ed for clearance. 

3.  Sparkling ICE drinks.  I finally found something to curb my Diet Coke addiction.  Coconut Pineapple is my reigning favorite.  Just enough carbonation, plenty of flavor. 

4.  My new American Eagle hoop earrings.  Is there any better way to dress up jeans and a "Football Mom" tee-shirt?  I think not.

Tell me, what's on your must have list?  What's making your heart sing?

It dawned on me recently that I haven't, in a LONG time, posted about anything other than being a mom.

I'm very caught up in my babies.  I can't help myself.

In an effort to connect with my personal, womanly side, I'm about to share a few things that are currently making my heart happy.  As you'll see, I'm an easy woman to please.

1.  Sparkly eye shadow.  If I'm ever going out in the evenings, I love a little of this Bare Minerals eyeshadow on my eyelids.  Add mascara, I'm good to go.

2. My new soft serve ice cream maker.  I love soft serve, and this is like craft time for an ice cream addict.  The best part?  Red sticker-ed for clearance. 

3.  Sparkling ICE drinks.  I finally found something to curb my Diet Coke addiction.  Coconut Pineapple is my reigning favorite.  Just enough carbonation, plenty of flavor. 

4.  My new American Eagle hoop earrings.  Is there any better way to dress up jeans and a "Football Mom" tee-shirt?  I think not.

Tell me, what's on your must have list?  What's making your heart sing?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Monster Headphones (plus giveaway!)

Last Christmas, I remember my oldest child mentioning expensive headphones as a possible Christmas gift.  This is when I knew we were entering "teen world."  Headphones?  Seriously?

I ignored the expensive headphone request and went on about my Christmas shopping as usual.  Hubby had a pair of clunky headphones he didn't use and our oldest son snatched them right up.  Problem solved, and money saved.

He can still be found on our couch, using his ipod, with those headphones on his head.

I don't get kids.

Recently, I was introduced to Monster N-Tune Headphones, and I knew immediately my kids would go batpoop crazy over them.  Durable, comfortable on the ears, excellent sound quality and my favorite; they are available in an assortment of colors.  While I don't understand the wear headphones in the house deal, I do appreciate the headphones in the car deal.  On just about every roadtrip I'm scouring the house and car for earbuds, ensuring each of my kids has a pair for the ride.  The kids can play what they like, or listen to what they like, and I don't have to hear it.

They're happy because they can concentrate on what they are doing and I'm happy because I can enjoy my mom radio.

It's a win-win.

The trouble with earbuds is they fall out, and they're not very comfortable.  For my kids, they don't get the job done.  They are a temporary crowd pleaser; within an hour of the car ride I have to help my kids get them back into their ears.

"Moooom...they keep falling out!"

"Mom, if I turn my head they pop out!"

Complete nightmare.

With the holidays creeping closer every day, these headphones are a fabulous gift idea.  Cool, useful, reliable and they stay on their head.  We all know how tough it is to find gifts for "tweens" and teens, and I'm glad I have a pair of these bad boys to wrap up for my son.

Monster N-Tune Headphones are available at Walmart, and they are available in green, blue, red, purple and orange.  They feature an in-line mic with controls for tablets and other devices, and they're designed for durability (can anyone say kid friendly?).

To win your very own pair of N-Tune headphones (valued at $150),  read all about the Monster headphones here and let me know in the comments of this post which color you prefer.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

• Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
• Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
• Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
• For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

BlogHer will pool entries from participating blogs and select a sweepstakes winner at random and will contact the winner with details about fulfilling the prize.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/2/13 – 11/1/13.

Last Christmas, I remember my oldest child mentioning expensive headphones as a possible Christmas gift.  This is when I knew we were entering "teen world."  Headphones?  Seriously?

I ignored the expensive headphone request and went on about my Christmas shopping as usual.  Hubby had a pair of clunky headphones he didn't use and our oldest son snatched them right up.  Problem solved, and money saved.

He can still be found on our couch, using his ipod, with those headphones on his head.

I don't get kids.

Recently, I was introduced to Monster N-Tune Headphones, and I knew immediately my kids would go batpoop crazy over them.  Durable, comfortable on the ears, excellent sound quality and my favorite; they are available in an assortment of colors.  While I don't understand the wear headphones in the house deal, I do appreciate the headphones in the car deal.  On just about every roadtrip I'm scouring the house and car for earbuds, ensuring each of my kids has a pair for the ride.  The kids can play what they like, or listen to what they like, and I don't have to hear it.

They're happy because they can concentrate on what they are doing and I'm happy because I can enjoy my mom radio.

It's a win-win.

The trouble with earbuds is they fall out, and they're not very comfortable.  For my kids, they don't get the job done.  They are a temporary crowd pleaser; within an hour of the car ride I have to help my kids get them back into their ears.

"Moooom...they keep falling out!"

"Mom, if I turn my head they pop out!"

Complete nightmare.

With the holidays creeping closer every day, these headphones are a fabulous gift idea.  Cool, useful, reliable and they stay on their head.  We all know how tough it is to find gifts for "tweens" and teens, and I'm glad I have a pair of these bad boys to wrap up for my son.

Monster N-Tune Headphones are available at Walmart, and they are available in green, blue, red, purple and orange.  They feature an in-line mic with controls for tablets and other devices, and they're designed for durability (can anyone say kid friendly?).

To win your very own pair of N-Tune headphones (valued at $150),  read all about the Monster headphones here and let me know in the comments of this post which color you prefer.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

• Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
• Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
• Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
• For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

BlogHer will pool entries from participating blogs and select a sweepstakes winner at random and will contact the winner with details about fulfilling the prize.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/2/13 – 11/1/13.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

The Bachelor

Last year, and every year before, I made awful fun of Hubby every time I caught him watching The Bachelor.  He claimed the beginning of the show was comical and entertaining, and loved watching all these gorgeous women fight over one guy.

I didn't get it.

Ever since moving in with my mom, I get it.  From the first night we were here, she has hooked myself and my middle school aged son on this show.  We watch the fights, the decisions and the drama together under blankets in the living room.

We eat ice cream and discuss who will "get the rose" in detail.  I cover my son's eyes when the love scenes heat up and utilize the many teaching moments this show presents.  We've covered staying away from drama, dating girls who are fun, making sure families are nice and never ever kissing and telling.

This show is a gem.  It's a guilty pleasure I can't believe I've been missing out on.  From Tiara's "sparkle" the Desiree's macho wacko brother, I'm completely hooked on the Bachelor.

I'm also totally rooting for Ashlee.  

Tell me Bachelor fans, who is he going to pick???

Last year, and every year before, I made awful fun of Hubby every time I caught him watching The Bachelor.  He claimed the beginning of the show was comical and entertaining, and loved watching all these gorgeous women fight over one guy.

I didn't get it.

Ever since moving in with my mom, I get it.  From the first night we were here, she has hooked myself and my middle school aged son on this show.  We watch the fights, the decisions and the drama together under blankets in the living room.

We eat ice cream and discuss who will "get the rose" in detail.  I cover my son's eyes when the love scenes heat up and utilize the many teaching moments this show presents.  We've covered staying away from drama, dating girls who are fun, making sure families are nice and never ever kissing and telling.

This show is a gem.  It's a guilty pleasure I can't believe I've been missing out on.  From Tiara's "sparkle" the Desiree's macho wacko brother, I'm completely hooked on the Bachelor.

I'm also totally rooting for Ashlee.  

Tell me Bachelor fans, who is he going to pick???

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Stocking Stuffer Must: Crest Whitestrips

Several years ago, a few of my friends were using CrestWhitestrips.  I never saw the need for any tooth whitening strips, and I certainly wasn’t about to spend money on them either.  My teeth were looking plenty white to me.

My view on this changed when my mother saw one of my childhood friends, and her husband.  While telling me how wonderful they looked, she tossed in, “They MUST be using those white strip things.  Their teeth were gorgeous!”

Don’t you love motherly hints?

Like all good children, I immediately decided to try these whitening miracle workers.  I clipped my coupon and bought a box.  Every morning, I wore my strips while I dressed and made breakfast for the kids.  I wore them again when I put my babies to bed.  I was very dedicated and excited to unveil my new smile to the world. 

I am thrilled to announce to everyone, they worked.  They truly, honestly did.  I have never been a smoker, and I drink iced coffee only through a straw.  I was never a victim of coffee or cigarette stains.  I didn’t see any need for teeth whiter than the ones I had. 

Until I used Crest Whitestrips.  

I bought that first box of Crest Whitestrips six years ago.  I have only whitened once since then, and I constantly have friends and family remark how white my teeth are.  It may seem like spending twenty or thirty dollars on a tooth whitening kit is unnecessary, but these bad boys are worth every dollar.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, I highly recommend tossing a box in your Hubby’s stocking.  Even better, leave him a coupon, or the P&G site scribbled on a pad in front of his breakfast, so he can toss a box in your stocking.  These little whitening strips are the best invention since sliced bread.  They are an affordable, easy way to freshen up your beautiful smile for 2013.

I promise you will love them.  I pinky promise.

The P&G online store offers free shipping on all orders over $25, and 15% off your first purchase.  If you need to fill a stocking, consider buying a few health and wellness items from P&G and take advantage of this great offer.

Happy whitening!

Several years ago, a few of my friends were using CrestWhitestrips.  I never saw the need for any tooth whitening strips, and I certainly wasn’t about to spend money on them either.  My teeth were looking plenty white to me.

My view on this changed when my mother saw one of my childhood friends, and her husband.  While telling me how wonderful they looked, she tossed in, “They MUST be using those white strip things.  Their teeth were gorgeous!”

Don’t you love motherly hints?

Like all good children, I immediately decided to try these whitening miracle workers.  I clipped my coupon and bought a box.  Every morning, I wore my strips while I dressed and made breakfast for the kids.  I wore them again when I put my babies to bed.  I was very dedicated and excited to unveil my new smile to the world. 

I am thrilled to announce to everyone, they worked.  They truly, honestly did.  I have never been a smoker, and I drink iced coffee only through a straw.  I was never a victim of coffee or cigarette stains.  I didn’t see any need for teeth whiter than the ones I had. 

Until I used Crest Whitestrips.  

I bought that first box of Crest Whitestrips six years ago.  I have only whitened once since then, and I constantly have friends and family remark how white my teeth are.  It may seem like spending twenty or thirty dollars on a tooth whitening kit is unnecessary, but these bad boys are worth every dollar.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, I highly recommend tossing a box in your Hubby’s stocking.  Even better, leave him a coupon, or the P&G site scribbled on a pad in front of his breakfast, so he can toss a box in your stocking.  These little whitening strips are the best invention since sliced bread.  They are an affordable, easy way to freshen up your beautiful smile for 2013.

I promise you will love them.  I pinky promise.

The P&G online store offers free shipping on all orders over $25, and 15% off your first purchase.  If you need to fill a stocking, consider buying a few health and wellness items from P&G and take advantage of this great offer.

Happy whitening!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Great Gift Idea: Babbabox

Babbabox just may be one of the most unique concepts I've seen in a long time.

 

Until a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of Babbabox.  Babbabox is a box of goodies that is delivered to your door, complete with a theme to thrill kids ages 3-6.  Each box includes two to three activities, a theme based product to engage your child in the world around them, a book and prepaid downloads.  If you have nieces, nephews or friends that are tough to shop for, consider sending a Babbabox.

With chilly winter months upon us, these activities will keep tiny hands busy and inspire their minds.

When our Babbabox arrived, I had no idea what to expect.  When I opened the package, (click to continue...)

Babbabox just may be one of the most unique concepts I've seen in a long time.

 

Until a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of Babbabox.  Babbabox is a box of goodies that is delivered to your door, complete with a theme to thrill kids ages 3-6.  Each box includes two to three activities, a theme based product to engage your child in the world around them, a book and prepaid downloads.  If you have nieces, nephews or friends that are tough to shop for, consider sending a Babbabox.

With chilly winter months upon us, these activities will keep tiny hands busy and inspire their minds.

When our Babbabox arrived, I had no idea what to expect.  When I opened the package, (click to continue...)

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Winter Gripes and Olay Body Wash

I have a gripe about the cold weather that is rapidly descending. Truthfully, since I firmly believe I was meant to live in a warm climate, I have many gripes about the cold weather that freezes me every evening.

However, in an effort to keep things simple (always my style), I'll stick with one gripe at a time.

I can't stand cracked, dry, winter skin. It's enough to make me relocate.  Since relocation isn't in the cards, I've developed a system to deal with hands that feel like sandpaper and itchy arms under my sweaters. My system involves heavy moisturizers right out of my hot showers. The moisturizer needs to be thick, creamy and leave my hands looking as if I dipped them in oil. I need to apply the moisturizer immediately after I dry my skin.

When the weather really drops into the freezing zone, I can't skip my moisturizing system. Ever.

This week, I found a body wash that not only moisturizers as I wash, but prevents dry skin in the future. It smells like warm vanilla and makes me want to shower forever.

Seriously.

While shopping with Moopa, I purchased Olay® Vanilla Winter Retreat Ultra Moisture Body Wash. Since Moopa is three now, and she is fascinated with my phone and all of its gadgets, Moopa chronicled our shopping adventure.

Here is me finding the body wash:

And here is my body wash next to my French bread:

I think I have a photographer in the making. Or a broken cell phone.

Olay® has made my life easier with a body wash that smells of delicious vanilla and helps cure dry, cracked winter skin. With continued use, skin stays soft and crack-free. I'm convinced Olay's® Winter Retreat may just be the best thing since sliced bread. Or low-fat ice cream.

Olay® has made a body wash that keeps me feeling clean, my skin smelling good and my hands softer than sandpaper. I never thought I'd see the day.

P&G is running a campaign aimed at making every consumer's life simpler, easier and less chaotic. "Have You Tried This Yet?" features top quality products for yourself, your family and your home. Visit pgtryit.com for innovative “how-to” video tutorials and information on how you can stay in the know with all P&G's products.

BlogHer is also sponsoring a $100 Visa gift card Sweepstakes (hello holiday shopping!). To be entered for a chance to win comment below and answer the question:

How would Olay's® Vanilla Winter Retreat Ultra Moisture Body Wash fit into your everyday life?

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the

following unique term in your tweet message: ""#SweepstakesEntry""; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 12/06 to 12/31.

Be sure to visit the P&G Have You Tried This Yet? brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!