tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18052765080478069862024-02-21T01:13:18.137-08:00The Mom Standardxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.comBlogger440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-54765919027652036422013-01-03T03:52:00.000-08:002013-01-03T03:52:07.981-08:00From SAHM to Working Mom with all the painStarted a new job with little gilt of retiring my SAHM status...until now.<br />
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The first week of October the decision was official that I was going back to work full time. The third week of October I started my new career. It happened quicker than anticipated but everything happens for a reason, right?<br />
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Many stated it was going to be hard leaving B everyday with my father in law. NOPE. I thought I was going to be upset, cry, want to go home but within the first 15 minutes of being at my new office I fell back into career mode and 9 hours flew by without a hint of sadness. Guilt, yes. I felt guilty that I didn't feel bad.<br />
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Mind you, since the first week I started sickness has been running rampant in our home. (There is a major reason for this, which I will post about soon)<br />
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Yesterday I stayed home sick, both me and B have a killer of a cold. Yesterday the separation pain hit me. B woke and immediately fell into our old routine. She even requested to do lessons all day! AND SHE DID THEM! Throughout the day she stated she was glad I was on vacation (aka death's sick door). It hurt deep down in my soul. My mommy role is so much stronger than worker role.<br />
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This morning I am up and ready for work. B has a few more minutes of sleep before I wake her and start our day. The Phillip Phillips' song is faintly on repeat in my head...<br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Hold on, to me as we go</b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>As we roll down this unfamiliar road</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">And although this wave is stringing us along</b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>Just know you're not alone</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>Cause I'm going to make this place your home</b></span></span></blockquote>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HoRkntoHkIE" width="560"></iframe>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-89909668819477539972012-12-03T10:06:00.001-08:002012-12-03T10:06:30.636-08:00Eradicate Childhood Obesity by Mark Victor HansenWhy we need to eradicate obesity<br />
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Obesity has become a common problem in America today. The reason for this is that parents and kids are unaware about nutritional eating, kids get too much sugar and they are too addicted to fast food. The common misconception is that fast food joints are cheaper and quicker. But in trying to save a few minutes, you are filling your bodies, and those of your kids, with transfats which metabolize into human fat and cold drinks which only make you thirstier and slowly remove the calcium from your bodies. One third of the child population in America is pre-diabetic and adults and kids alike complain of fatigue and exhaustion very often. This is the result of bad and unhealthy eating. There are many movies which could teach people about the benefits of healthy eating and detriments of unhealthy food. Two popular ones which come to mind are Supersize Me and Food Inc.<br />
My household is one that strictly eats organic foods. My wife, Crystal, grew up eating home grown food on her farm in Idaho. She actually couldn’t believe that that’s not the way everybody eats. She’s the nutrition guru of my home and she gets us and the grandkids together to cook some of our meals. Not only do we get some great family memories and recordings, we get to eat healthy food and our grandkids learn the value of nutritional eating too.<br />
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I am often complimented on how young I look. I feel young too. After all, I give my body healthy food which helps it stay young and healthy. If you stuff your body with unhealthy food, it will become tired and leave you unable to do all that you want to. That is the reason for the fatigue rampant in people today. And it’s not that fast food is cheaper. You can get a full healthy meal for four people at a swap meet in under a dollar!<br />
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The point is that what you eat and feed your kids today will determine how much energy and capability they have tomorrow. Your kids have dreams that require hard work. Imbibe nutritional eating in their lifestyles so that they grow up healthy and are able to carry out the tasks they will need to in order to achieve their dreams.<br />
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For more information check out www.gorichkids.com<br />
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Mark Victor Hansen is an American inspirational and motivational speaker, trainer, and author. He is best known a the founder and co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series.xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-91866863535213830732012-10-05T13:59:00.002-07:002012-10-05T14:25:46.641-07:00Recipe: Cinnamon Tomato Pasta w/ Apple Balsamic Pork Loin #DominickIntl<h3>
Perfect Fall Dinner</h3>
Looking to spice dinner up a bit? Want something Autumny to serve to your family? Tweak a recipe you love with an international ingredient and experience the magic. You can find international grocery staples now at Dominick's so don't fret about finding the nearest Italian Import or Polish Deli; you can create international locally!<br />
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Pasta. We associate it immediately as Italian, but did you know that Greeks love their pasta too? What I found to be the distinguishing factor is the seasoning in the sauce. Cinnamon. Yep, cinnamon in the tomato sauce takes it south of the boot. Here is a quick and easy Greek Tomato Sauce that sends the scent of Autumn throughout your kitchen!</div>
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Cinnamon Pear Tomato Pasta</h3>
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3 tbsp Olive Oil</div>
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1 Medium Onion, chopped</div>
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1 tbsp Garlic, minced</div>
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2 tbsp Oregano, Fresh</div>
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1 Bay leaf</div>
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1 tsp Cinnamon</div>
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1/2 tsp All spice</div>
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3 tsp sugar</div>
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1 28 oz can Dell' Alpe Imported Pear Tomatoes, chopped</div>
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1 28 oz can Dell' Alpe Crushed Tomatoes</div>
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Salt & Pepper to taste</div>
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1 lb Racconto Mezza Rigatoni</div>
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In a large pot sweat the onion and garlic in olive oil, about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Stir. Bring to boil for 5 minutes then reduce to low. Let simmer for about 30 minutes. Add sugar, 1 tsp at a time and adjust to taste. I like my sauces less acidic and sweet, 3 tsp will get it there. Let simmer another 30 minutes. Stir frequently. Add salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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Cook your Racconto pasta according to directions on package. Remove bay leaf from sauce and serve over the pasta. </div>
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This is a great base for other ingredients. Add meat if you like meat sauce. Have a bounty of peppers or spinach from your garden? Add those too. </div>
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What other flavor of fall stands out beside cinnamon? APPLE! To go with the pasta I made a pork loin baked in an Apple Juice-Balsamic Vinegar Reduction. Here's the recipe:</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Apple-Balsamic Pork Loin</h3>
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2.5 lb pork loin</div>
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2 cups Garden Aseptic Apple Juice (found in the Polish food section at Dominick's)</div>
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1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar</div>
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2 tsp sugar</div>
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1/4 tsp Cloves, ground</div>
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In a saucepan bring to boil the apple juice and balsamic vinegar. Add sugar and cloves, turn heat down to medium and simmer until reduced by about 1/2. It will thicken a bit but not much. Should yield about 1/2 cup.</div>
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Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place pork loin in a baking dish. Pour reduction over the the pork loin, cover dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Pour the apple-vinegar sauce mixed with meat juices back in sauce pan. Bring to hard boil and reduce til syrupy. Pour half on pork loin, place back in oven and cook for another 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the pork is cooked through to 170 degrees.</div>
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Slice and plate pork. Drizzle remaining reduction over the slices or to the side for dipping.</div>
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Not feeling Greek or Polish? Well, Dominick's has over 1000 new international items <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">with great everyday prices including Italian, Polish, Hispanic, German, Kosher, Irish, Asian, and Middle Eastern. Next on my shopping list? German </span>Spaetzle<span style="font-family: inherit;">! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Auf Wiedersehen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">WAIT! </span></span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Want to win a $50 </span></span><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Dominick's Gift Card to try out some new international items? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">SIMPLE, just Tweet me about your favorite international ingredient. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Use this as your template: </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;"><b>@TheMomStandard My Favorite Intl ingredient/dish is _______! #DominicksIntl @Dominicks </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: nowrap;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A winner will be chosen Sunday evening!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*I was provided a Gift Card to purchase ingredients needed for my recipe creations. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All opinions are my own.*</span></span></div>
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xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-33486444910623141872012-10-04T18:48:00.000-07:002012-10-04T18:48:05.818-07:00National Vodka Day with Crystal Head & Cupcake VodkaHappy National Vodka Day! Today I am ringing in the holiday by imbibing some delicious spirits, Crystal Head Vodka and Cupcake Vodka.<br />
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Crystal Head Vodka not only comes packaged in the most awesome crystal skull bottle, but is delicious. I got all giggly when I popped open the bottle and took a smell--nothing! The first sip was strong on the tongue but immediately faded, making for a perfect vodka to drink all night long, no mixer needed. Crystal Head and Water is my new drink of choice...so long GG & K1!<br />
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Well, I can't stop at just one vodka on National Vodka Day so next up is Cupcake Vodka. Two blue bottles, one original flavor and one vanilla frosting flavor. Both are great to make cocktails with, not so much for drinking straight up. I mixed the vanilla frosting with cola, yum! It would taste great mixed with grenadine...looks like a midnight run to the all-night big box grocery is on the docket after finishing this post! Back to the vodka...the original flavor makes a great vodka gimlet.<br />
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Three drinks down with 3.5 hours left of National Vodka Day...this mamma is one happy blogger.<br />
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The holidays are around the corner, add these Vodkas to your shopping list, you won't regret it! (What you do after indulging you might regret, but don't go blaming me.)<br />
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*I received samples of the products for review. All opinions are my own. All typos are the vodkas' fault!xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-76571740765720713002012-10-02T07:28:00.002-07:002012-10-02T07:28:53.300-07:00This Mamma's going back to work<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px;">It has been the best 3 years, but...</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">The time has come</span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">To say fair's fair</span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">To pay the rent</span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">To pay our share</span><br />
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Hello corporate world! I'm back and looking forward to burning the <i>Midnight Oil </i>to close deals, increase shareholder equity, create jobs, and make money. It is official. My days as a stay at home mom are numbered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd7VWCTdsGXmgG04wq1T4KuBV1SPYiKyscP1kL9vbNeif7YMSkMrN_yWRlr29zWWN8hGtatqp41_K4pgXAEh8LSF7p82TheYYgyV_cZw2-CeYWaDJ4rFg_RD7gpoNyM5sQpXmv4y6o9o/s1600/tmsbacktowork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd7VWCTdsGXmgG04wq1T4KuBV1SPYiKyscP1kL9vbNeif7YMSkMrN_yWRlr29zWWN8hGtatqp41_K4pgXAEh8LSF7p82TheYYgyV_cZw2-CeYWaDJ4rFg_RD7gpoNyM5sQpXmv4y6o9o/s320/tmsbacktowork.jpg" width="170" /></a>How does a former career executive turned SAHM get back to work?</h3>
There is no how-to manual (yet). Learn as I go is the path I am taking. I have been hemming and hawing for almost a year about going back. What do I want to do? Do I want to go Full time? Should I jump into full career mode or job mode? How will this affect my daughter emotionally? How will I handle not being within 15 feet of her at all times?<br />
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The Logistics</h3>
Before the first resume was sent, the logistics of this life change had to be ironed out.<br />
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<i>Priority One:</i> my daughter. I am blessed to have in-laws close by. The logistic of childcare is taken care of.<br />
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<i>Priority Two:</i> the dogs. They cannot be left home alone all day for 5 days a week. For this I have a plan.<br />
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<i>Priority Three: </i>my salary. Anything more than $0 is awesome, but factoring the outside costs of a career creates a bottom line that my salary cannot go below.<br />
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<i>Priority Four: </i>location. The vicinity of my job search is fixed to a 20 mile radius from my in-laws. Fortunately, they live smack-dab center of the suburban industrial corridor, so I anticipate a shorter commute.<br />
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The Resume</h3>
THREE YEAR GAP! I have elected to leave off what I have been doing these past 3 years. My hands are in a couple at-home businesses, blogging, and homeschooling, to list just a few. It hurts that I cannot put my proudest accomplishment of being Bianca's Mom full-time on the paper that is the diary of my life success.<br />
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My at-home businesses are not listed, as of today, to avoid pre-screening purges by generalist recruiters. Listing an at-home business MAY (wrongly) throw up a red flag that I am not 100% committed to a new career. So, not only am I a mother BUT I may have an entrepreneurial desire to be my own boss (which does not bode well when searching for a boss). SEND UP THE WARNING FLARES!<br />
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The Interviews</h3>
<i>"Why have you been out of work for 3 years?"</i> This is the pre-screen interview question I want to answer straightaway. After going on many forums with women asking how to answer, it appears the best reply is <i>"I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to stay home while my child was young." </i><br />
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If I were the interviewer, my follow-up question would be <i>"Why are you wanting to get back into a career?" </i>while I have illegal interview questions pursing through my mind:<br />
"Since you have kids, will you be calling in sick all the time?"<br />
"Are you planning on having more children?"<br />
"Are you pregnant now and not showing?"<br />
"So, how will your past mommy & me playdates be of any help to us?"<br />
"Are there still soap operas on TV during the day?"<br />
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<h3>
<b>A Numbers Game</b></h3>
At the end of the day, it's all about statistical probability. I went there, yes. Sending out resumes is a numbers game. What hampers the process is the time and detail it takes for each cover letter, application, and resume being sent out. I'm talking hours for each position! Cutting out 4-6 hours a day for my career search is tight. I am not willing to take away from my current responsibilities (aka my good work ethic) so sleep looks like the department I will have to make cuts in.<br />
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<h3>
The Journey Begins</h3>
I have just started this new journey and of course I plan on documenting it all as I go. Stay tuned for the next installment...<br />
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If you have any helpful suggestions, corporate connections, or are looking to hire, leave a comment or email me!<br />
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-69371479012270286312012-09-23T07:44:00.000-07:002012-09-23T07:44:52.511-07:00CEO Series: Computers in the home classroom<h3>
Getting Kindergarten ready with Computers</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMeq7b9tZy0R3wnKzZ2TvnI3truy2ZgLyDLc4B5cqXkFQyHby3dEY4rHe1u-d_Hy2zmQoHJTQk9sfTvLXxZ96gUCYSMMm3m9N2VbDGuYuVLlub4DcOJUqUpuOfsZkZMtx4-rdD56d74o/s1600/redvelvet+114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMeq7b9tZy0R3wnKzZ2TvnI3truy2ZgLyDLc4B5cqXkFQyHby3dEY4rHe1u-d_Hy2zmQoHJTQk9sfTvLXxZ96gUCYSMMm3m9N2VbDGuYuVLlub4DcOJUqUpuOfsZkZMtx4-rdD56d74o/s320/redvelvet+114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My daughter has a laptop. It's a hand-me-down, a real old hand-me-down, but it does the job I need it to. Her Caillou Preschool CDs (insert nails screeching down chalkboard here) keep her occupied for at least an hour at a time on the days I need a teacher's assistant. <br />
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As a preschooler, learning needs to be fun and come naturally. I avoid "teaching" her how to navigate the computer and her program. This would cause my Spirited child to shut-down and forever view the computer as a tool for work and a weapon of "the man". When I say Spirited I mean stubborn, opinionated, focused, carefree, life loving, anti-establishment. Yep, I will have a tree-hugging Anonymous member as a daughter when she reaches college age. Pray.For.Me. (And her!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43j7pyt7gLiiUayvh8QyRdoZSBoc-h23mKOvbq24w14KJIgOoXtOyhZOpf1HEa-P1j0CmDoD39h6N0ngwYlYyDR4VOYBR44mMPZ6Crpuc45B5DCqOHYohBmPT1jCTglXPeMLUcpwcASI/s1600/redvelvet+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43j7pyt7gLiiUayvh8QyRdoZSBoc-h23mKOvbq24w14KJIgOoXtOyhZOpf1HEa-P1j0CmDoD39h6N0ngwYlYyDR4VOYBR44mMPZ6Crpuc45B5DCqOHYohBmPT1jCTglXPeMLUcpwcASI/s320/redvelvet+125.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43j7pyt7gLiiUayvh8QyRdoZSBoc-h23mKOvbq24w14KJIgOoXtOyhZOpf1HEa-P1j0CmDoD39h6N0ngwYlYyDR4VOYBR44mMPZ6Crpuc45B5DCqOHYohBmPT1jCTglXPeMLUcpwcASI/s1600/redvelvet+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<h3>
Fundamentals are Unplugged</h3>
Aside from the few YouTube videos I incorporate with lessons, our school days are uplugged. Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grace & Courtesy, Practical Life, and Pretend are all of the utmost importance in my homeschooling approach, so is computer work.<br />
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Computer learning I angle as a treat for my daughter. Sometimes it helps the day's lessons go by smoother and sometimes it heals a rough day. Either way, she is developing eye-hand coordination and technology navigation which will only help her as she grows into a contributing member of society.<br />
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How early a child should be exposed to computers, well, is an argument as touchy as breastfeeding.<br />
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<h3>
At what age did you start your children using the computer?</h3>
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-91192284608530878262012-09-11T07:06:00.003-07:002012-09-11T07:53:17.704-07:00Snow White & The Huntsman Movie Review Party<h3>
Girls at any age love Fairy Tales<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Snow White & The Huntsman is now available on DVD & Blue Ray Disc. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XrJaTnhhuh7rBFfF0sxiq0ZOs9TztybDH0Djtt86YeFF1gO96K6VAO5iokW2G_pzIOJxjfcg8VibJcm6sUTDZsBnrJkddnYFXLiPkkcqY-F-1_mCjxA8xB9qxQolDYO4S3kRxrCk2tM/s1600/yellowtail+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XrJaTnhhuh7rBFfF0sxiq0ZOs9TztybDH0Djtt86YeFF1gO96K6VAO5iokW2G_pzIOJxjfcg8VibJcm6sUTDZsBnrJkddnYFXLiPkkcqY-F-1_mCjxA8xB9qxQolDYO4S3kRxrCk2tM/s400/yellowtail+159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Pre-Party</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BajXWhVxwwmwUo7ioA6fJ9EY9OZtWbrDdM9Gto6l9D5h8XgpXWM10IbJYaqvlWl6px99vMxrIYcfGrM6f_NLG9vWRJNiK4jFpoEIovKw5BJACa8X1-TE5InXWt39lz6obieC1eCYSA8/s1600/yellowtail+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BajXWhVxwwmwUo7ioA6fJ9EY9OZtWbrDdM9Gto6l9D5h8XgpXWM10IbJYaqvlWl6px99vMxrIYcfGrM6f_NLG9vWRJNiK4jFpoEIovKw5BJACa8X1-TE5InXWt39lz6obieC1eCYSA8/s320/yellowtail+129.JPG" width="320" /></a>The makings of a perfect low-key get together that can be thrown together within seconds:<a href="http://www.yellowtailwine.com/" target="_blank"> Yellow Tail Wine</a> (always at least a couple bottles...we finished 3), sweet & salty snacks from <a href="http://www.thepopcornfactory.com/" target="_blank">The Popcorn Factory</a>, and the obligatory veggie tray to balance out the<i> Good:Evil</i> calorie ratio.</div>
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The Movie</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"In this spectacular action-adventure, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) is Snow White, the only woman in the land fairer than the evil queen Ravenna (Oscar winner Charlize Theron). Ravenna wants nothing more than to destroy her young rival, but she doesn't know that Snow White has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chirs Hemsworth) the queen dispatched to kill her. Together with a handsome prince (Sam Claflin) enchanted by Snow White's beauty and power, they assemble an armed force to recapture the kingdom. This breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders is, in the words of Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV, "A film that soars with creativity, stylistic genius and amazing battle scenes."</blockquote>
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<h3>
My Catty Review</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeP3p_gJslWpjorA4pVsWOgN56xK7PCIzyJmpk-Ar05GEj5Hh57IkUABSV7bmSpWHCpUPQQn3rlFGuekLwACgLB_c5xMbYdNXCXysFwoJAzlTg9v925t5SUiVsNeGlQQv-VxXpZJWujk/s1600/yellowtail+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeP3p_gJslWpjorA4pVsWOgN56xK7PCIzyJmpk-Ar05GEj5Hh57IkUABSV7bmSpWHCpUPQQn3rlFGuekLwACgLB_c5xMbYdNXCXysFwoJAzlTg9v925t5SUiVsNeGlQQv-VxXpZJWujk/s200/yellowtail+135.JPG" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com/" target="_blank">Snow White &The Huntsman</a> is visually stunning. The costumes & sets are extraordinary and the actors...well they are beautiful. Charlize Theron portrays the Evil Queen effortlessly. Kristen Stewart though was a poor choice for Snow White.<br />
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Of course anyone watching this movie will be comparing it to all Snow White movies ever released as well as the fairy tale read as children. We know Snow White as meek & gentle, with an endearing personality. K Stew's Snow has just a pretty face, void of expression, personality, or chutzpah. I caught myself wanting to fast forward K Stew heavy scenes and yearning for an exclusive twist to the story to make this movie worth watching in its entirety. <i>Mind you, I was full of wine while watching. I will sit down this week to watch the film again, sans booze, to see if my perception of it changes for the better.</i></div>
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<h3>
Judge for Yourself</h3>
All in all, the movie is one to see, if just to have more fodder for K Stew, to look at beautiful people, and to have another option for an age old story. Don't let my cattiness be your judge, see for yourself!<br />
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*I received a sample of products to facilitate my review. All actions & opinions are my own.*</div>
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xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-77444038162616774262012-09-10T15:06:00.001-07:002012-09-10T15:06:44.580-07:007 Deadliest Mistakes Made in Fairy Tales [Infographic]<b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Fatal Fables: Beware the 7 Deadliest Mistakes Made in Fairy Tales – Featuring Snow White and the Huntsman!</span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjVy0RsKCWzx8RcFYTNFRRKL5k51WZrmqNCPM-32dIEWJS9QpQzzH3BM9Z7s7BIKj_qBVLzjDZrDZz0qfi6U6N8TFzxzkzN1wj-2P5izgfWXLTIlpLVgGws4se4uT5xXoG3TAM2mHbYA/s1600/infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="790" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjVy0RsKCWzx8RcFYTNFRRKL5k51WZrmqNCPM-32dIEWJS9QpQzzH3BM9Z7s7BIKj_qBVLzjDZrDZz0qfi6U6N8TFzxzkzN1wj-2P5izgfWXLTIlpLVgGws4se4uT5xXoG3TAM2mHbYA/s640/infographic.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Gourmet Ketchup from your Garden!</h3>
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With 5 pounds of garden tomatoes, no desire to make more marinara sauce, and a daughter who puts ketchup on EVERYTHING, I thought, <i>"What the heck I'll make some ketchup, if it sucks, I'll go spend $1 and get the store stuff."</i><br />
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Well, it didn't suck!<br />
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After scouring the web I found a seemingly easy recipe and tweaked it to meet my lack of patience and "rustic" culinary prowess.<br />
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Now, don't go thinking it takes no-time to make this stuff, it doesn't. Allow yourself a good 3 hours to go back and forth stirring the pot to avoid burning. You don't have to stand over the pot for a full three hours, just every few minutes go in and stir it, then continue about your household business.<br />
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KimD's Homemade Ketchup</h3>
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5 pounds tomatoes, quartered.* </div>
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2 medium onions, chopped</div>
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3 green peppers, chopped</div>
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1 Tbsp Salt</div>
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1 Tbsp Paprika</div>
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2 Tsp Cinnamon</div>
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2 Tsp Celery Seed</div>
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1 Tsp All Spice</div>
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3/4 Cup Sugar (or more for taste)</div>
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1-1 1/2 Cup Vinegar (based on taste)**</div>
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Cook tomatoes, onions, peppers in large pot until soft. </div>
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Put in food processor and puree. Heads up, <u>know how to work your food processor</u>. I didn't and this is what happened:<br />
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Transfer the puree back to the pot and cook on rapid boil until thick, about 1 hour give or take. MAKE SURE IT IS THICK. If you question the thickness, it's not thick enough.<br />
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Add all the spices, sugar, and salt. Cook on medium to medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often...sugar likes to burn so stay close. Add the vinegar, I suggest to add 1/2-3/4 cup at first, let it simmer a few minutes, taste it and if the pucker on your face doesn't knock you over it's good. If the sweetness makes your teeth hurt, add a bit more of the vinegar. Now's the time to add more salt or other seasonings. It's all about your personal flavor preference here. Shoot, if you are all about heat, add some jalapenos or chilies now too! Keep cooking the ketchup until it thickens. Make sure there is little liquid bubbling on top.<br />
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Pour into mason jars, leaving 1/4" from rim if you are going to process in a water bath to can this for a long shelf life. I knew we'd go through it in no time, so no water bath for my batch. This makes about 1 quart + 1 pint.<br />
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<b>Enjoy!</b><br />
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*I used all the varieties we grow in the garden, including grape and cherry. Here's my laziness...I refuse to blanch, peel, core tomatoes so I did not. I cut off the stem part and then cut all the tomatoes into quarters. If you want your ketchup to be smooth and bit free, then go right ahead and peel & de-seed them.<br />
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I turned ketchup making into a homeschooling practical life lesson of knife work. ANNNND she cut her finger. Lesson learned, on both our parts.<br />
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**I used white vinegar but cider vinegar or even red wine vinegar will enhance the flavor, make it more "gourmet" tasting<br />
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-13312939931424996732012-08-30T12:40:00.000-07:002012-08-30T12:40:00.327-07:00Purging the Preschooler's Bedroom. A Pictorial.Oh Dear God! I reached my breaking point with my daughter's room. The ten pounds of crap in her five pound bag bedroom finally had me banging my head against the 100 year old plaster walls. Enough was enough.<br />
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After a day of purging, cleaning, and assembling a new wardrobe I felt wore out and satisfied. My daughter loves her "new" room now too!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Before</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkS2aGMqF8NEldKP5J_xh-rQd2IB7-OM4rI2wxo8fS4YOqStWDodr1fEvTb-PA3h9Nxsn-opW7MyiwmXQrTn-yU0-YPOMbjgkyjmRfAd-hlCw8WXsGXmoQSm8ekglgxpR7fONeqNEiFQ/s1600/redvelvet+190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkS2aGMqF8NEldKP5J_xh-rQd2IB7-OM4rI2wxo8fS4YOqStWDodr1fEvTb-PA3h9Nxsn-opW7MyiwmXQrTn-yU0-YPOMbjgkyjmRfAd-hlCw8WXsGXmoQSm8ekglgxpR7fONeqNEiFQ/s320/redvelvet+190.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BUSTED!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSqG5P2XqiDFzqzmmZcooc8vFs2zSeEJN1oC_wdb4oCaOmNycsVVJiMrq49KdCdwrz7aWnjJUuxrT3UJzAAUf8U_rT-WUaW_7vhHaAS9skAi1QU5fa-EjSEl9N8yyui9E3epyR2nYCTE/s1600/redvelvet+192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSqG5P2XqiDFzqzmmZcooc8vFs2zSeEJN1oC_wdb4oCaOmNycsVVJiMrq49KdCdwrz7aWnjJUuxrT3UJzAAUf8U_rT-WUaW_7vhHaAS9skAi1QU5fa-EjSEl9N8yyui9E3epyR2nYCTE/s320/redvelvet+192.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Either clean this or call Hoarders: Buried Alive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGkmaDfrgnvpzccoCTcdIYycCtDbZEpMTWi0DLJ-93LdeOn33F_K7pPaxjSylzo_qpxLU3LJULc4-5i2zm5ywofOh4PnFxzRdzxg-Pdym_nnN6bdigheA43n2hVzF2j33_KfkeBgPKUg/s1600/redvelvet+200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGkmaDfrgnvpzccoCTcdIYycCtDbZEpMTWi0DLJ-93LdeOn33F_K7pPaxjSylzo_qpxLU3LJULc4-5i2zm5ywofOh4PnFxzRdzxg-Pdym_nnN6bdigheA43n2hVzF2j33_KfkeBgPKUg/s320/redvelvet+200.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closet floor</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
After</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8k76krFRbXAOgaTDLjrTNLA9Ozomg8fYw9wi0KGMZptIsRFZGDGrpyms7Vx8iS0oM2HdBx7Ds8eXU-KBk1CjWhO3h8F26P4WjgFgKLNjM7Uh-JECTvXM4ArpJ_wvbUFPe8tnbuwS81vg/s1600/redvelvet+238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8k76krFRbXAOgaTDLjrTNLA9Ozomg8fYw9wi0KGMZptIsRFZGDGrpyms7Vx8iS0oM2HdBx7Ds8eXU-KBk1CjWhO3h8F26P4WjgFgKLNjM7Uh-JECTvXM4ArpJ_wvbUFPe8tnbuwS81vg/s320/redvelvet+238.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Ravioli Batman she has a floor!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKxXktIDxo6knuzFmtBl4GDU55LVio40W-OxrQ5cKHeX2Su7_j0JGfpndm2rsX4V1wet5RC5Km1ePk86tHsCCQ_EjUOY0oBFGyMjtw02vnvZ6NePDIArOluQ-UurPYvcoCIvgqErmR2E/s1600/redvelvet+239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKxXktIDxo6knuzFmtBl4GDU55LVio40W-OxrQ5cKHeX2Su7_j0JGfpndm2rsX4V1wet5RC5Km1ePk86tHsCCQ_EjUOY0oBFGyMjtw02vnvZ6NePDIArOluQ-UurPYvcoCIvgqErmR2E/s320/redvelvet+239.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pay no attention to the curtains. Baby steps.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPf4UDaGPxFVudyW3c5St_fsciHU7T_p2Gzv9t-N0xRCM2kL00qO-dPKdy52agYehcSsDHawO5eoMDa7dS5j_3e-OSw1n6izHfy87bnM5Ov716KTlzpYx1qIbPx6BuBfXQUHKW7PzwEE/s1600/redvelvet+240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPf4UDaGPxFVudyW3c5St_fsciHU7T_p2Gzv9t-N0xRCM2kL00qO-dPKdy52agYehcSsDHawO5eoMDa7dS5j_3e-OSw1n6izHfy87bnM5Ov716KTlzpYx1qIbPx6BuBfXQUHKW7PzwEE/s320/redvelvet+240.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdp_-nreDVHHkle7Pd0hBhdNlBiy_BOGbEyN5gKeJO9kS1U0t64raZx5Cbh0qgHqv1h3UTrSbGvbWxX64-vRjvr9sW2ocacG4_nmNkrFKGqIX6q4CDlz2bkdsRtLN7vfGUYUsD5i2fEQI/s1600/redvelvet+244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdp_-nreDVHHkle7Pd0hBhdNlBiy_BOGbEyN5gKeJO9kS1U0t64raZx5Cbh0qgHqv1h3UTrSbGvbWxX64-vRjvr9sW2ocacG4_nmNkrFKGqIX6q4CDlz2bkdsRtLN7vfGUYUsD5i2fEQI/s320/redvelvet+244.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closet is now her own playroom space</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lfKkTryOODrDx-39q6HWZEK2ktIfOpdhd9vA7QkQB8q5Kyjpr4NFfKeAQrCk1SYqfjAq1Idjohohka7XmjVesydiLoJFqX0OwIU4x9lqe9VAqwfYmeFTuU2h6KXlYqxA7pYv0A9pZCo/s1600/redvelvet+247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lfKkTryOODrDx-39q6HWZEK2ktIfOpdhd9vA7QkQB8q5Kyjpr4NFfKeAQrCk1SYqfjAq1Idjohohka7XmjVesydiLoJFqX0OwIU4x9lqe9VAqwfYmeFTuU2h6KXlYqxA7pYv0A9pZCo/s320/redvelvet+247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4qwBx4lPww93N1GbDHLPfQaJXk6gRSW98RX2mfDfpEXAjgePRDeAWpPhnAyLDLVqUFtHarnZhKFEE8k3fUTWU60cdiCdl9oIgGBpoxPpyRS68bMF73_TNZ4Iyul_2urp0aNPyyuyow0/s1600/redvelvet+248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4qwBx4lPww93N1GbDHLPfQaJXk6gRSW98RX2mfDfpEXAjgePRDeAWpPhnAyLDLVqUFtHarnZhKFEE8k3fUTWU60cdiCdl9oIgGBpoxPpyRS68bMF73_TNZ4Iyul_2urp0aNPyyuyow0/s320/redvelvet+248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor can be seen in the closet now!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbU3FmcQT2ggOGdZrdNZr09qPZsYDfrJdLBfwopl-UC__iXs9AQFkHrLG4YwWadQ_m0CbVDP5ldfhDotC1l1DOZrTgLXC6QHOeUGHRUaIZHIkcFz84kvDdgZcb3PgsclMpzKFZPMHQ5Q/s1600/redvelvet+242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbU3FmcQT2ggOGdZrdNZr09qPZsYDfrJdLBfwopl-UC__iXs9AQFkHrLG4YwWadQ_m0CbVDP5ldfhDotC1l1DOZrTgLXC6QHOeUGHRUaIZHIkcFz84kvDdgZcb3PgsclMpzKFZPMHQ5Q/s320/redvelvet+242.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her new wardrobe that holds ALL of her clothes and TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-78343289425700684002012-08-29T11:45:00.000-07:002012-08-29T11:45:15.004-07:00Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop Review<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hoover Twin Tank Steam Mop is built with the busy parent in mind. </span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4yUJjIYlbh4sPq8wr5FHAFNVndPQooSMC7mHgi7CE2vcMiHKuWv1UP1yu6s_zfHT2DNUzRshtvuTGcdhk3hVpsgYThPRDyN5s9H89iqqrCdzTTUShxWLCM9WPeuYF-C6wMTImQsPQgA/s1600/redvelvet+133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4yUJjIYlbh4sPq8wr5FHAFNVndPQooSMC7mHgi7CE2vcMiHKuWv1UP1yu6s_zfHT2DNUzRshtvuTGcdhk3hVpsgYThPRDyN5s9H89iqqrCdzTTUShxWLCM9WPeuYF-C6wMTImQsPQgA/s320/redvelvet+133.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It has turned cleaning my floors now into less of a chore. Every feature of the product is perfect. The micro-pads are hook & loop attached so there is no need to touch the dirt just picked up. They are quick to change and made of material that does not scratch the floor yet cleans its spotless. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The water tank is huge so less down time refilling plus the on demand steam trigger helps conserve the steam, helping it go further. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I love that this mop has a power button, so I can keep it plugged in while I focus on another aspect of my cleaning in the room (or check up on my kid in another room) and have steam as needed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe_tex7sIqmSPhSXbBaxyJRAcYkgJByj7B7ykD6tY1Fsktm0xRgwixr6TXkk1fD6gZhUKpiGC-ZXNYjCQlz74JNp-pcqH6zj3krtwfZXLmOnV4rHrYDeK4NPny6-XgZeIqFDmM6XTovM/s1600/redvelvet+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe_tex7sIqmSPhSXbBaxyJRAcYkgJByj7B7ykD6tY1Fsktm0xRgwixr6TXkk1fD6gZhUKpiGC-ZXNYjCQlz74JNp-pcqH6zj3krtwfZXLmOnV4rHrYDeK4NPny6-XgZeIqFDmM6XTovM/s320/redvelvet+143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Steam cleaning is great, but with an active preschooler and pets running around, the floors sometimes need a bit more. The second tank holds the Hoover SteamPlus Cleaning Solution for on-demand use by turning the dial to general cleaning, spot cleaning, deep cleaning or Steam Only. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBUKmfn288w5efkS2bn4e_tIjaHpG0iEddofBN6H-XIq6xOMXPtQevKrPiKhKJToTtZpNT5rR3D7vIXk9Ykh-CUWZXqRpAtWijhTPcv22uSp8MePWcP5dsplXEIk29xWfoTxi2l2Cy7o/s1600/redvelvet+153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBUKmfn288w5efkS2bn4e_tIjaHpG0iEddofBN6H-XIq6xOMXPtQevKrPiKhKJToTtZpNT5rR3D7vIXk9Ykh-CUWZXqRpAtWijhTPcv22uSp8MePWcP5dsplXEIk29xWfoTxi2l2Cy7o/s320/redvelvet+153.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite feature of this mop is it locks upright. Yes, I love that when I need to pause my mopping I just lock the mop upright wherever I am in the room. I have to lean the pocket mop against a wall and then hear it crash to the floor as I walk away. Sometimes I may stop 4 or 5 times and concern for the mop breaking to pieces causes some apprehension in my wanting to mop the floors, and my entire house is hardwood! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hoover is lightweight and compact so it takes up little space and can be quickly put into action. Overall, I love this mop and am looking forward to donating my pocket mop, never to pump or crash again! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclosure I received a sample of this product to facilitate my review, but my opinions are entirely my own.</i></span></span>
xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-30140335029804619712012-08-27T06:27:00.001-07:002012-08-27T06:27:28.251-07:00My 4yo's Recap Of #WizardWorld ComicCon #videoThe morning after Wizard World ComicCon Chicago my daughter woke up talking about it! Here is her recap. She is quite concerned if Wizard World has bathrooms. From the mouths of babes....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SswbIF1tyOE" width="420"></iframe>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-61047455541916763062012-08-23T13:58:00.004-07:002012-08-23T13:58:30.349-07:00Lessons In Parenting: Carrots trump ice cream.Today I am fighting allergies, am not enjoying the 90 degree weather, and have a to-do list a mile long. I chose to thrown in the "Mommy Manager" towel and allow my daughter free reign. Here's what went down:<br />
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<b>B: </b>I'm ready for lunch.<br />
<b>Me:</b> Do you want ice cream? (I have a serving already dished out in the freezer)<br />
<b>B: </b>No, I'll have a ham sandwich with no 'hamonnaise'. (she meant mayonnaise but I'm too tired to correct her)<br />
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<b>B:</b> I'm thirsty.<br />
<b>Me:</b> Here, have a juice box. (I didn't feel like filling the Brita Pitcher and my in-laws brought over these handy juices---yes, I'm that exhausted)<br />
<b>B: </b>No, I want water.<br />
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<b>B: </b>Can I have a snack?<br />
<b>Me:</b> Sure, do you want that ice cream now?<br />
<b>B:</b> No, I want carrots with dip. I love carrots.<br />
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I feel like crying because today was payday! All my direction and "mean mommy" quirks paid off. Without a second thought my awesome four year old made the better-for-her choices with no guidance by me!<br />
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I'm gonna sit on the couch with a glass of water and bowl of carrots and enjoy this parenting victory!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't ruin the moment for me, I know it's not going to be this easy when she is a teenager, but I have 9 years still, let me live in this moment. ;-)</span></i>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-24196489270580535702012-08-20T09:29:00.000-07:002012-08-20T09:44:47.430-07:00Shutterfly Birthday Photo Book, Finished. Finally!My daughter turned 4 in June. I've had her pictures on my computer, nothing done with them except the usual posting on Facebook for friends and family to see. Every year I order a photo book of her shots so we have something tangible. Today, instead of spending an hour on Pinterest, I spent it on Shutterfly. <i>(Thank you Klout Perks and Shutterfly!)</i><br />
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Cross one long-standing to-do off my list. Heres's the book for you to enjoy as well.
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0EZsWbRs5cNYdS&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0EZsWbRs5cNYdS&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"></embed></object><br />
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<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0EZsWbRs5cNXWg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div>
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You'll love <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">Shutterfly</a>s award-winning photo books. Try it today.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; text-align: start;">I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.</span>
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<img border="0" height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=photobook&c2=blogger" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" width="1" />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-34939319270546176802012-08-18T15:59:00.000-07:002012-08-18T15:59:37.116-07:00Etch-a-Sketch Artist at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wizard World Comic Con Chicago Family Day was last Sunday. Sadly, B & I caught a Super-hero sized bug and were down all week trying to refill our power stores. Needless to say, I'm behind on my posts. Don't fret, you'll be able to read all about it soon, in the mean time, enjoy a few photos!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pLSOXHNNg7vmgjNEplb_xaTJrgYhq9cr1XAKcH35Eso5KJvm8r95YLxofqY6NeryxLEYtigSSQYS-VrPopXQcHHNAsf87YHqhDi0JGYeMzg8mCRfMtUYlNpkgxr8ole1s6lgWuI0zrI/s1600/bravecupcakes+207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pLSOXHNNg7vmgjNEplb_xaTJrgYhq9cr1XAKcH35Eso5KJvm8r95YLxofqY6NeryxLEYtigSSQYS-VrPopXQcHHNAsf87YHqhDi0JGYeMzg8mCRfMtUYlNpkgxr8ole1s6lgWuI0zrI/s400/bravecupcakes+207.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random Etch-A-Sketch Artist hanging in the isle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSP6n4M3sos4fDFKqPoTflBZQb5nycv4QDMbvQN0YM9id8NntbqIn0e7Vp2RzH6qe6drx3KsTlq5kHDvgs1P7ZqVor7TjC4oqyxUpf9HfwRRwXH4ZMzE4ZnJVF5JvA71SZe7yJCd9ZJA/s1600/bravecupcakes+209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSP6n4M3sos4fDFKqPoTflBZQb5nycv4QDMbvQN0YM9id8NntbqIn0e7Vp2RzH6qe6drx3KsTlq5kHDvgs1P7ZqVor7TjC4oqyxUpf9HfwRRwXH4ZMzE4ZnJVF5JvA71SZe7yJCd9ZJA/s320/bravecupcakes+209.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His subject (Hey, if this a pic of you, let me know!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpIfLpQF0UvU9UA-NP4D0SpEYPWRVrz70ANPWDERWLlJ48oYxqUDOAD6AAVfZBxlGpAYDsyu-pnS46pK7DdUrk1zBJBsdcPh2fzfObFlew4E8X3UWLf_B0G9IgP8RUsQWfN8AZx7a1j8/s1600/bravecupcakes+208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpIfLpQF0UvU9UA-NP4D0SpEYPWRVrz70ANPWDERWLlJ48oYxqUDOAD6AAVfZBxlGpAYDsyu-pnS46pK7DdUrk1zBJBsdcPh2fzfObFlew4E8X3UWLf_B0G9IgP8RUsQWfN8AZx7a1j8/s320/bravecupcakes+208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His AMAZEBALLS work of Etch-A-Sketch Art! Bravo!!!!!</td></tr>
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-73197657279890440432012-08-16T15:13:00.000-07:002012-08-16T15:13:02.317-07:00Calling All Amateur Singers, Beat-Boxers and Dancers!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">**ATTENTION: Calling All Amateur Singers, Beat-Boxers and Dancers!**</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Universal Pictures’ comedy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>PITCH PERFECT</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>has just announced<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d;">a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.pitchperfectmovie.com/musicvideo" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">contest</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>where fans have a chance to star in a music video alongside the film’s cast and YouTube sensation<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/pbpproductions" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">Mike Tompkins</a><span style="color: #1f497d;">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>performing an a cappella cover of the Nicki Minaj hit “Starships.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Are you PITCH PERFECT? Enter the Official Music Video Contest</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">PITCH PERFECT</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">has teamed up with a cappella phenom Mike Tompkins to create a music video AND give a once in a lifetime opportunity for music lovers nationwide! Submit your best vocals, signature moves, beatbox and/or guitar, bass, synth and back-up sounds to accompany a cover of Nicki Minaj’s worldwide smash “Starships” and you could be featured in the music video.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Watch Mike explain how to enter!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://youtu.be/stvVSoYV9eg" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/stvVSoYV9eg</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt;">·</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Fans can submit their entries at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.pitchperfectmovie.com/musicvideo" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">www.pitchperfectmovie.com/musicvideo</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt;">·</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Winners will be included in the music video, debuting on Mike Tompkins’<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/pbpproductions" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>, which currently has more than 550,000 subscribers.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt;">·</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">The video will also be featured on Blu-ra<span style="color: #1f497d;">y</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>DVD release of Pitch Perfect!</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt;">·</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Submissions must be<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>received by August 22.</b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PITCH PERFECT – IN THEATERS OCTOBER 5</span></b></div>
xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-77507392863496668782012-08-08T14:10:00.000-07:002012-08-08T14:10:08.680-07:00'Kids Day' At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con 8/12/12<br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>It's finally that time of year! Wizard World Chicago Comic Con is HERE!!!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Sunday, August 12, Is 'Kids Day' At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con</strong></span><br /><br /><strong>Face Painting, Ghostbusters Reading, Arts & Crafts, Bubble Show, 'Kid-Friendly' Booths, Passport Program, Costume Contest Lead Special Children's Programming At Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Kids Under 10 Free With Paid Adult</strong></div>
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<strong><img align="right" height="342" src="http://images.skem1.com/client_id_6026/Kids_Costume_Contest_Phila_Credit_Tleas_Image_Keepsakes_Photography.jpg" width="513" />NEW YORK and ROSEMONT, Ill., July 12, 2012</strong> – In what has become an annual tradition, Sunday, August 12, is Kids Day at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. From face painting, a Ghostbusters reading, arts and crafts, ballon artists, a special Bubble Show, kids costume contest, Wizard World Kids Passport program and more, there are activities all day (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) for the 10-and-under set.<br /><br />Admission to Kids Day and the entire Wizard World Chicago Comic Con for kids 10 and under is free with a paid adult (two free kids per adult).<br /><br />Some of the highlights of Kids Day include:</div>
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<li>Wizard World Chicago Comic Con Passport (all day) – upon arrival, kids should go directly to the Kids Day booth to pick up a Passport, which will guide them to kid-friendly booths, activities, celebrities and artists. Kids who earn stamps at each stop will win a prize.</li>
<li>Ghostbusters Reading (11 a.m.) - Who ya gonna call? Bring the little ones to a special story time reading by the Ghostbusters. Kids can interact with the Ghostbusters as they ask trivia and answer any questions the young ones have always wanted to ask.</li>
<li>Superhero Arts and Crafts (noon) - This is not an ordinary arts & crafts session, this is specifically made for superheroes! Kids can come join the Justice Twins, Wonder Woman and Supergirl to make their very own superhero mask to wear for the Kids Costume contest.</li>
<li>Kids Costume Contest (1 p.m.) - Too cute to resist! It's like Halloween in August as kids show off their best costumes and win prizes. Hosted by our very own superhero, <strong>Jarrett “The Defuser” Crippen</strong>.</li>
<li>Face painting and balloon artists (all day) – Talented Wizard World face painters have kids as their canvas, with butterflies, kitty whiskers, flowers and more.</li>
<li>Kid-friendly celebrities (all day) – Well, we like to think every Wizard World celebrity loves kids, but a few will be stamping Passports and saying an extra hello. Check out the list on arrival.</li>
<li>Kid-friendly artists (all day) – Visit super-talented artists in Artists Alley for a Passport stamp and maybe a commissioned piece! Look for the “Kid-Friendly” sign at their respective tables.</li>
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Top celebrities such as <strong>William Shatner, Stan Lee, Scott Bakula, Tom Felton, Jon Bernthal, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino </strong>and<strong> WWE® Superstars CM Punk™ and John Cena®</strong>, notable artists<strong> Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Capullo</strong> and dozens of others will attend what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest’s No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.<br /><br />Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (<a href="http://wizd.pk/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">WIZD.PK</a>), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.<br /><br />For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit <a href="http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html</a>.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Wizard World:</span><br />Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.<br /><br />The full event schedule can be found at <a href="http://www.wizardworld.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">www.wizardworld.com</a>.<br /><br />***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****<br /><strong>August 9-12, 2012 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con</strong><br />September 29-30, 2012 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con<br />October 26-28, 2012 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con<br />November 30 - December 2, 2012 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con<br />TBD, 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con<br />May 30 - June 2, 2013 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con<br /><br /># # #</div>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-6912280848613586882012-08-01T06:33:00.000-07:002012-08-01T06:33:35.018-07:00Can you Network too much?<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Yes, you can network too much.</span></h1>
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Plain and simple. This goes against all rules of marketing, sales, public relations, Blog Conference Speakers, etc. You can Network too much. Cyber Network that is.</div>
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Network forums, communities, clubs Oh My!</h1>
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Just because there is an online community doesn’t mean it will help you and your goals. I made the mistake when I first started blogging by joining every Blogging Community out there. Add to my daily writing, maintaining my sites, and Twitter and Facebook shout-outs, I needed to show movement on all the sites I joined to gain exposure. Guess what I noticed? The same people are on every site! As time went on I got bogged down by the topics on the forums and my focus on my online presence through my sites was neglected. It hurt to play catch up. My readership and followers did not increase exponentially in accordance to my involvement in these groups. Yep, a big waste of time.</div>
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What should you do?</h1>
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Know your niche and target market.</h2>
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Look at the available forums, skim through them as a guest to see what type of activity is happening. Message longtime members and ask if their membership helped their business. Go through membership lists and quickly tally the percentage of active members. Having 20,000 members with only a few hundred active ones does not make for a good networking op. Join one or two of your niche’s networking groups online and commit to be active on them weekly.</div>
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Have a Twitter Presence!</h2>
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Twitter is a quick and effective tool to hone in on your target audience and drive activity to your site. Of course, keep it real. Tweet interesting articles you find in your niche, ask questions to your target audience, and always, always, always tweet links to your newest posts.</div>
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Do not bait and switch your followers! Your links should not be the ones that require the reader to enter their information to receive the article or “special gift”. You will get un-followed or worse, blocked. If your 140 characters peaked my interest, I want to click on a link that will bring me directly to what you tweeted about. Satiate my interest, don’t turn it bitter.</div>
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Go outside!</h2>
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Virtual networking is great for our virtual world, but human contact is still needed! Look for a group or club in your area that first and foremost interests you. If it interests you, it interests its other members, and what you have to offer has a stronger chance of interesting them as well.</div>
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MeetUp.com is a great site to find like minded groups in your area. Get away from your computer and sit face to face with your target market. Develop relationships built not around the computer but around you. There is something still to be said about a firm handshake and looking people in the eye. You’ll be surprised at how invigorated and motivated you are to get back to your computer and work once you’ve connected with people away from your office.</div>
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I Practice what I Preach</h1>
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Yes I am practicing what I preach. I have cancelled memberships in redundant networking sites for my niche. I maintain active Twitter and Facebook accounts. Meeting face to face is my newest endeavor and am enjoying it immensely!</div>
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Let someone else do your online networking</h1>
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For my clients I approach networking the same way.</div>
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If you are still on the fence about all this virtual networking, online brand platform, etc. <a href="http://kimberlydemetrio.com/?page_id=8" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">I can help you</a>. I develop your web presence in social media and maintain it until you reach a point where you can take over. My services are great for those just starting out and have more pressing issues to handle daily (like filling orders, writing chapters for your next novel, fine tuning your business plan, adding more content to your blog, etc.). If you are overwhelmed with balancing networking and working, <a href="http://kimberlydemetrio.com/pr@kimberlydemetrio.com" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">contact me</a>, I can help!</div>
</div>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-37102515663748799812012-07-26T01:00:00.000-07:002012-07-26T01:00:11.610-07:00Let's cut through the perfect parenting crapMy daughter is out of control. This "phase" is not good and I see it coming to either she or me surviving it. Commence seeking help on Mom Boards. Gag!<br />
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That's right, gag me with a freaking hot iron.<br />
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"meet eye to eye and explain to her that her behavior is not acceptable""<br /><span style="background-color: white;">ignore her"</span><span style="background-color: white;">"take away her toys"</span><span style="background-color: white;">"put her in time out for 4 minutes then ask if she understands why she was there". </span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;">Really? That's all you got for me? Well guess what? These parenting approaches may work in your world but in mine...not one f'n bit! </span><br />
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This is why I see a happy helper. To help me be a parent that I did not have as a good example. When B tells me no my life flashes and I recall a hand slapping my face, then my ass, then dragging me down the hall to my room (it was extra special when I was dragged against the stucco wall, left some great "impressions"), then throwing me on my bed and finally a finger in my face rebuking the devil out of me, sometimes shoving me on the bed and then walking away or on better days grabbing the leather belt and finishing the ass whooping all while she screamed for me to "stop contradicting me". Yep, that's the example I had. So, how does someone with only that as an example handle a typical smart ass'd 4 year old without doing the only thing she knows a parent does?<br />
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Well, the only solution I have right now is keeping her in her room until her father comes home and me going to mine to cry until there are no more tears to cry and the guilt sets in that treated my daughter like crap, the daughter I would die for, the daughter that is my life, the daughter who is just being a kid.xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-44266894778762181832012-07-25T06:17:00.000-07:002012-07-25T06:17:28.476-07:00How to Re-purpose Flavored Love Lotion<h3>
Yep, flavored love lotion and the way my mind works</h3>
It has been one of those days. My daughter and I have been butting heads ALL FREAKING DAY, it is hot as Hades, the humidity is doing wonders with my arthritis, I have been questioning my life purpose, and have lost my passion for whatever my passion is.<br />
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About Passion...Fruit</h3>
This afternoon as I Cinderella-ishly cleaned the kitchen (wondering if this is what my life is going to be forever) my darn cute dogs were under foot. They licked up every food morsel that made it's way to the floor as I sluggishly wiped the surfaces while dreaming of being saved by a fairy godmother.<br />
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As I sprayed my all purpose cleaner on the front of the stove with one dog mere inches from it, the oddest, yet most genius idea hit me. I blurted "how perfect!" as I stood to bask in my most enchanting concept to date.<br />
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Here's the idea: I bet if I spray every surface of my kitchen with edible sex lube and let the dogs have at it, my kitchen will be licked spotless! The dogs will have a delicious treat while working out and I will have automated my cleaning. Fab, right?<br />
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I told you it was that type of day </h3>
Maybe I will go get a book or a stiff drink to get me out of this funk...or maybe my kitchen will smell like "Passionate Passion Fruit" in the morning.<br />
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Tell me, isn't this a great idea?</h3>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-2983326378228299942012-07-16T12:30:00.003-07:002012-07-16T12:30:58.089-07:00MyGofer: This Mom's Shopping Heaven!<h3>
I hate going shopping with a kid in a car seat</h3>
Oh, 10 years ago those words would have never been typed by my hands. Four years ago, with a newborn baby in a carrier life was still easy-peasy. Today, with a 4 year old. Yes! Getting in and out of the car is a pain in the rear when toting a toddler/preschooler. Yes, she can buckle herself in her car seat now. Yes, she can climb into the car herself. Yes, she can walk along side me in the store. Yes, it is a pain in the rear. I won't go into further details, in fear of ruining this same revelation to new moms with babies that so far are all like "I can still do what I want, when I want, and just as easy as before baby".<br />
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A Drive-thru for Moms</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYjPDbNuaOet95HhqVUUrHkC7xhbCNlAHn5736EsaELbb7bCZ23Wbqn4xQSPKadOWAPDRr9dkOfrdVOrBKfi3R7HODO9xLvEt2QK_N4Z5KgQzE7gstRy3Md_syPxQxdFJSu_mkf9LFxE/s640/blogger-image--889860530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYjPDbNuaOet95HhqVUUrHkC7xhbCNlAHn5736EsaELbb7bCZ23Wbqn4xQSPKadOWAPDRr9dkOfrdVOrBKfi3R7HODO9xLvEt2QK_N4Z5KgQzE7gstRy3Md_syPxQxdFJSu_mkf9LFxE/s320/blogger-image--889860530.jpg" width="239" /></a>Monday I experienced my motherly dream. A one-stop store that has a drive-thru. <a href="http://www.mygofer.com/" target="_blank">MyGofer</a>. I read about the concept of the store when it was first being introduced, a Service Merchandise type model for Sears. As a marketer I just tossed this aside as a last ditch effort on Sears's part to stay treading the water. Every time I pass the only brick and mortar MyGofer in Joliet, the parking lot is empty and there are no people I see going in or out. How is Sears affording to keep this store open?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">One </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/themomstandard" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Tweet</a><span style="background-color: white;"> & A New World Opened Up</span></h3>
Last week I tweeted "Doe anyone shop at MyGofer?" BAM, less than 5 minutes later Jonathon replies offering to send me there to experience it myself. Well, heck yeah, sign me up! Without his reply I probably would continue to drive by the store wondering.<br />
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Easy to get my Stuff</h3>
According to <a href="http://mygofer.com/">MyGofer.com</a><br />
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mygofer is a new way to shop that makes it easy to get the stuff you need—where, when and how you want it. Order online. Have it delivered. Pick it up at your favorite store. Whatever is most convenient for you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ydP1-pYetLZT_tMUG9n2wJGZuZFyaTN_VxyRY20iAeQwXFviCKP4nZ2_3_2uPHSjHijXBM6u0TKT61LC0MFJYElrqJmrLp969GuNJiSH12D9aOdEvly0x3LQwVkh_7szm3PQ9JogIlQ/s640/blogger-image--1929535735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ydP1-pYetLZT_tMUG9n2wJGZuZFyaTN_VxyRY20iAeQwXFviCKP4nZ2_3_2uPHSjHijXBM6u0TKT61LC0MFJYElrqJmrLp969GuNJiSH12D9aOdEvly0x3LQwVkh_7szm3PQ9JogIlQ/s320/blogger-image--1929535735.jpg" width="239" /></a>At mygofer, your list is our command. Shop with us for your prescriptions, groceries, beauty products, clothes, shoes, electronics and a whole lot more you might not expect. So whatever is on your list, we can help you get it—with incredible speed and no hassles. That's convenience.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speed? No Hassles? Convenience? You had me at "drive-thru". Monday morning I got online to order some basic essentials: Bleach and Vinegar. See, stuff like that I really don't want to trek the kid in and out of stores for. At first the website was a bit confusing to navigate but I got the hang of it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I received an email notification that my order was ready for pick-up so away we went. <i>Side note: I chose to go inside this trip to see what MyGofer was really all about. Next trip, drive thru only baby!</i> The store is set up as a showroom with computer terminals everywhere. If you didn't place your order online, you can still shop! Go to an in-store terminal, place your order, then go to the pick-up area for the order to be brought out. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcWGSsx2iKU0Ze3WwskgXtz3B2DdAsP7NYHpBzgYrK6tiQMzpze-IiKJpMLax0IW6ALiRltYanX8_YIZxzNNbQAGyc4fPuFz1WyFWJ5TCVRZOpeCpjQR14oQR4SWVpodhRbh09H4aXK0/s640/blogger-image--1295692163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcWGSsx2iKU0Ze3WwskgXtz3B2DdAsP7NYHpBzgYrK6tiQMzpze-IiKJpMLax0IW6ALiRltYanX8_YIZxzNNbQAGyc4fPuFz1WyFWJ5TCVRZOpeCpjQR14oQR4SWVpodhRbh09H4aXK0/s320/blogger-image--1295692163.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eggs, Milk, TVs</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a sale sign outside "Eggs $.49/dozen" "Milk $1.81/gal". WHAT? While waiting for my bleach I placed an order for 20 dozen of eggs. Without a blink my friendly associate placed the order and the eggs were brought to the counter. He asked if I wanted to pull my car up so he could load it! How fun! Then I got down to brass tacks with him. Why are there so few cars in the lot? Here's a brief recap:</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The majority of traffic for the business is Drive-thru. Mostly Moms who don't want to get out of the car with kids and Folks who placed orders while at work and swing by after to pick up. The drive thru gets hopping after 5pm.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">They have been there 4 years and each year business has increased.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Yes, you can order a TV and groceries and pick them up through the drive-thru.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Twice a day the MyGofer drivers go around to their associate stores to fulfill orders.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">They are a concierge business for everyone. No need to be in W.A. Buffett's tax bracket for this personal service.</span></li>
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Experience my Dream</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvaPXADXu4HQFx0j4nSY645PkFzolJLmgVyfQmxQc3KnihJSUUg_EqHrullOjliD1EaMqcB__FpTEk-BF4WiiZgWLJYMuM1RmC7lFmuJj1Usq6Wy43fkh3eYrY1RxIG0Zo0pwhAIzR40/s640/blogger-image--844839342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvaPXADXu4HQFx0j4nSY645PkFzolJLmgVyfQmxQc3KnihJSUUg_EqHrullOjliD1EaMqcB__FpTEk-BF4WiiZgWLJYMuM1RmC7lFmuJj1Usq6Wy43fkh3eYrY1RxIG0Zo0pwhAIzR40/s320/blogger-image--844839342.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Really, I totally encourage you to <a href="http://www.mygofer.com/" target="_blank">try MyGofer.com</a>. You'll save time, money, energy, and your sanity! </div>
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*I received an e-gift from MyGofer to try the place out for myself and give it a shout-out online. All opinions are my own.</div>
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-90123382339125195972012-07-15T07:50:00.001-07:002012-07-15T07:50:35.655-07:00Going to Preschool, Now Playing Dumb.<h3>
Is this regression or just a phase?</h3>
My daughter started one day a week preschool this summer. She needed a break from me and I her. She needed to be around kids. She needed other adult authority figures in her life. She needed to learn.<br />
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After seven weeks of preschool I have a bad gut feeling. Every week I ask "What was class about today?" To which she replies "I don't know" and that's all the talk about school. She refuses to pick out her name card before class, will not write her name without asking how to spell it, and has just about all and all given up on reading. Her confidence in her knowledge seems gone.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Playing dumb does not fly with me!</span></h3>
<span style="background-color: white;">Certainly in some parenting book there is a chapter about this. Somewhere someone will tell me "leave her be, she's trying to fit in", "This is a phase", yadda, yadda, yadda.</span><br />
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I know she knows how to write her name. <span style="background-color: white;">She knows I know she knows how to write her name. She also knows how to sound out letters to form words and write all the letters. Playing "dumb" <i>(for lack of a more tactful word)</i> is not pretty. I hate it when people play dumb. Call me a Tiger Mom if you must; I like tigers-pretty ones.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">What to do?</span></h3>
Maybe I am too far up her butt. Can a parent know her child too much? I understand the capabilities of her age and know her abilities. Looks like our homeschooling year will begin earlier than planned.<br />
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Tell me...</h3>
Did you experience something like this with your preschoolers?<br />
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-67150299018509225502012-07-10T07:58:00.000-07:002012-07-10T08:18:42.835-07:00The Best of Comic-Con Sale Going on Now!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="comiccon_2012_999x137_header_n.jpg" height="52" id="Picture_x0020_0" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/0215a595875663fd67ea86cd5/images/image001.jpg_01CD5941.090C26B0.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;" width="400" /></div>
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Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced their <u>Best of Comic-Con Sale </u>– which is now live at the following location: <span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://thinkjam.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0215a595875663fd67ea86cd5&id=d12b471c97&e=969b2bc746" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.foxconnect.com/comiccon-best?limit=45</a></span></div>
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The sale runs from today through 7/16. Some examples of deals include <i>Alien Anthology</i> on Blu-ray for $37.99 and <i>X-Men: First Class </i>on Blu-ray for $17.99.</div>xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-21126412399483259532012-07-09T07:56:00.000-07:002012-07-15T06:30:42.037-07:00Love Movies? There's an App for that! {Giveaway!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://facebook.foxfilm.com/ownthemoments/fb/images/biglogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://facebook.foxfilm.com/ownthemoments/fb/images/biglogo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s new app for movie lovers </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ownthemoviemoments.com/cubes/6" target="_blank">"Own the Moments"</a> is a new <a href="http://www.ownthemoviemoments.com/cubes/6" target="_blank">app</a> available for iPhone & Android. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">The mobile app allows fans to get a daily movie moment featuring trivia and a clip or photo from one of Fox’s most notable films from the classics to today’s biggest new releases. Fans can then share, like and comment on the movie moment with their friends. </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Need to expand your conversation topics beyond you kids? This app is perfect!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h3>
I have tried my hardest not to become one of "them". The parent who only talks about her kid. It is hard to avoid because, let's face it, our kids are our lives. I'm around mine 24 hours a day. My conversation topics these days are a bit limited.<br />
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My regular "getaway" from preschooler anything is watching movies. We rent, we go to the theater, I review them. I make lists of upcoming flicks I've seen the trailers for at movies, look them up, and put their release dates on my calendar. Call me a movie lover, that is fine. Watching all these movies helps with my social life a bit. I stop boring others with kid talk by talking about the latest movies, the actors in them, helping the conversation take a whole new direction (for instance, talking about Magic Mike....). I enjoy this app!<br />
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<a href="https://apps.facebook.com/ownthemoments/" target="_blank">"Own the Moments"</a> is a perfect go-to for quick movie references, movie clips, and trivia! Need a movie rental suggestion? <a href="https://apps.facebook.com/ownthemoments/" target="_blank">Own the Moments</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<-- click to go to their Facebook page)</span> can point you to your evening's entertainment. Want to have an Actor Movie Marathon, choose from a list of actors that are in Fox movies. In the mood for a chic flick genre, hey, the app can do that for you too! Want to stop talking about your kid's potty habits? This app will help!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Win a DVD for reading this post</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NvGlkD98OAa_tpKgsmVvxhSa9fKhlOTyr5JCS8BWobz0XBeOXd_VbVGoeN3yPz5QD5_EfG5dMhXsy0Gma4KbZQU4v0aklnfqF_EFNDp2EUUqOWTXLKsq4voyXPLzFQMbsz7-ZWRgKmQ/s1600/mrfoxdvdimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NvGlkD98OAa_tpKgsmVvxhSa9fKhlOTyr5JCS8BWobz0XBeOXd_VbVGoeN3yPz5QD5_EfG5dMhXsy0Gma4KbZQU4v0aklnfqF_EFNDp2EUUqOWTXLKsq4voyXPLzFQMbsz7-ZWRgKmQ/s1600/mrfoxdvdimage.jpg" /></a></div>
Enter to Win a <span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fantastic Mr. Fox, The / Robots Double Feature DVD</b> from FOX/ThinkJam. This is the easiest entry requirement ever: Tell me your favorite movie moment in a comment <u>ON THIS POST</u>. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A winner will be chosen randomly from the participants and announced on my blog, Twitter Feed, and Facebook Page. Also, only one entry per person allowed. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">No comments left on my Facebook or Twitter will qualify either.</span>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Don't miss the Winner Announcement</span></span></h3>
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow me:</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/themomstandard" target="_blank">The Mom Standard</a></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/themomstandard" target="_blank">@TheMomStandard</a></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Contest closes July 15, 2012 at 11:59pm</b> </span></h3>
The winner will be announced the week of the 16th. The DVD will be mailed direct from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>*I am hosting this giveaway for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment/ThinkJam. I downloaded the app and gave it a try. I have not received any monies or product for this giveaway. Yep, out of the kindness of my heart and my fondness for my reps at ThinkJam am I doing this giveaway. If you are a regular reader, you know I don't like giveaways. Enter this one. It's easy and you get a free DVD. Come on, you're kids will thank you.*</i></span></span><br />
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<br />xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00811072726685497078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1805276508047806986.post-81742710801978721692012-07-05T08:10:00.004-07:002012-07-05T08:54:01.592-07:004th of July: A Day at the "Pee"ch<h2>
Warning: There is Pee in Lake Michigan</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxWJfTjGC9SML4eTblNg0Z-71cZVbxPvEWBIH-RQ4_FBH8kYptX2MMSIgfoCPBNORPVqS1dfnWJcsX2kTL_c5B8LqTg5Brj7KWco84VARWUjRfBaSUGMsNNBcmQPBWqaUB0AhLofGOaI/s1600/beachjuly42012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxWJfTjGC9SML4eTblNg0Z-71cZVbxPvEWBIH-RQ4_FBH8kYptX2MMSIgfoCPBNORPVqS1dfnWJcsX2kTL_c5B8LqTg5Brj7KWco84VARWUjRfBaSUGMsNNBcmQPBWqaUB0AhLofGOaI/s320/beachjuly42012+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach view while on our
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baño</span></span> search</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqnzJiLVq8IpiqnMd0j4EAmt-IElI2Q08uG9nAigHVoxU8DTbTP62Zh4ruwkvYQMbnn95hmh9Zob9O3Q7EbFZBRPq6xBxWviZWaiV97r1kHE_gvai1ehxVKjmcWEvqmcfRg1AsEdeXvY/s1600/beachjuly42012+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqnzJiLVq8IpiqnMd0j4EAmt-IElI2Q08uG9nAigHVoxU8DTbTP62Zh4ruwkvYQMbnn95hmh9Zob9O3Q7EbFZBRPq6xBxWviZWaiV97r1kHE_gvai1ehxVKjmcWEvqmcfRg1AsEdeXvY/s320/beachjuly42012+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting crowded</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px;">¿Dónde Está el Baño?</span><br />
Yesterday we went to Montrose Beach in Chicago. We arrived before 9am to beat the crowd. <i>No one goes to Montrose Beach unless you have dogs.</i> WRONG! We pulled in to a full parking lot, thousands of people were already milling about. Tents, tables, chairs, grills, hammocks, kids, toys, old people propped in chairs against trees. Seriously, full apartments were set up in the grass. Radios blaring and the smell of carne asade already wafting through the air. My little eavesdropper was enjoying a family's conversation and quickly pointed out that "look, they're Italian too!". She gets Spanish and Italian confused. No mention of a bano though.<br />
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As we waited for Aunt G, B and I took a walk to find the toilets. There were thousands (no exaggeration) of people all set up to spend the entire day and night here, yet, no toilets ANYWHERE.<br />
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I let B in on a well known secret: if you have to pee, you pee in the lake. Disgusting, right? Well, thank you City of Chicago for no toilets. I know darn well that these off-the-gridders will have to use the facilities and if they didn't bring along a camping toilet, or plan on digging a hole, then guess what? To the lake they will go.<br />
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Hot, Hot, Hot: SPF 40 is Useless</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizS7a_KypxqjNSFW8-3KbIXkVFYauw10n0ytShj79SKpo-oredx1UAgrG29cfTJpAFcwPhYqbgIj4LVnhxTtOsW8j1cPEkjd8WyP2pFahyphenhyphenO6qfPKoHezJ9kyjpRt94cgBoal_h6oX1Lc/s1600/beachjuly42012+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizS7a_KypxqjNSFW8-3KbIXkVFYauw10n0ytShj79SKpo-oredx1UAgrG29cfTJpAFcwPhYqbgIj4LVnhxTtOsW8j1cPEkjd8WyP2pFahyphenhyphenO6qfPKoHezJ9kyjpRt94cgBoal_h6oX1Lc/s320/beachjuly42012+053.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
We set up all our belongings: 3 blankets, a small cooler, a kid's chair and lathered on the SPF40. To the water we went. To the towel to roast in the sun I stayed for the most part. I'm not a fan of lakes. People pee in them.<br />
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This was B's first beach experience. She stayed in the lake most of the visit. When the sun began making me sick, I quickly went in to the frigid water to stop my insides from cooking. While in there hanging with my baby she proudly screamed "I peed 2 times". Queue my gag reflex.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strutting with her noodle</td></tr>
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After four fun, scorching hours we headed to the car. The sand was at least 2000 degrees. I wanted to cry it burned so bad. Warrior Dash has nothing on our 4th of July Beach Dash to Safety!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC188_P-khS4mtEQT5Fx08RnTXrJwFMwISbOLFUSpZoosumD6fOIu2aIjLogBcMeVlp8_FVpZm3wmIdninRK0DfJyfQcU_mwRvsMjk_SFBJm0N44atjKHmQ2HoRf0CkJPTEgcdeRaQN8/s640/blogger-image-1001644684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC188_P-khS4mtEQT5Fx08RnTXrJwFMwISbOLFUSpZoosumD6fOIu2aIjLogBcMeVlp8_FVpZm3wmIdninRK0DfJyfQcU_mwRvsMjk_SFBJm0N44atjKHmQ2HoRf0CkJPTEgcdeRaQN8/s200/blogger-image-1001644684.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's SPF 40 at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gMEC6rSw7TguaxoCPW_vSmHboiXRhqHR_PAMqsnaMX1sN-oI7niOccjsg11iqgBiXiM7yMCMIFDJztG7J5CsKlccUvvdcJdRaEHG38JsoYnMb4tGEaHRAXrEiEMadmxGB5X4LNFDnX4/s640/blogger-image-2005849336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gMEC6rSw7TguaxoCPW_vSmHboiXRhqHR_PAMqsnaMX1sN-oI7niOccjsg11iqgBiXiM7yMCMIFDJztG7J5CsKlccUvvdcJdRaEHG38JsoYnMb4tGEaHRAXrEiEMadmxGB5X4LNFDnX4/s200/blogger-image-2005849336.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God Made This</td></tr>
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At home I slathered on the <a href="http://www.watkinsonline.com/productdetail.cfm?Product=12317&gCatalogLocale=USA&ECredit=390284" target="_blank">Watkins After Sun Gel</a>. It was miraculous how quickly the stinging and burning stopped after I buttered myself up with it. OMG! The secret is the Lidocaine mixed with the Aloe.<br />
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Pizza, Pass the Pig, Time for Bed</h3>
When we were all sting free to the basement kitchen we headed to make some pizzas! Yum. While enjoying our creations we played Pass the Pigs and Yahtzee. We want our 15 year old Godson to leave having a well rounded cultural experience. He felt out of sorts not having a video game controller in his hand. He got over it. By 11pm we were all pooped and headed to bed.<br />
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Our Fourth of July was awesome. Looking forward to next year, with SPF 110 in hand! (Thanks Michelle from <a href="http://www.60littlepiggies.com/" target="_blank">60LittlePiggies </a>for that heads up!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXP0B-fABuvwUh6XNoJH6z06d34wELCvwZRzbh3IQ2QkrX0hY4i4ylRKsHhFZwqIR7NDPTAf1igClYmJn5M3IYs4aX_lc6E2WszmbJq99Ss_z9EvtoCgw5pLkgRIxTzxyfLCuWIBle7g/s1600/pizzajuly42012+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXP0B-fABuvwUh6XNoJH6z06d34wELCvwZRzbh3IQ2QkrX0hY4i4ylRKsHhFZwqIR7NDPTAf1igClYmJn5M3IYs4aX_lc6E2WszmbJq99Ss_z9EvtoCgw5pLkgRIxTzxyfLCuWIBle7g/s320/pizzajuly42012+075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud of her meatballs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0EGUqNbDwjrZaV9U-BW1OQHc9Mcmz0_TfO89nxbKXNe64j_CrM7t9tFqJNoQ3yR8xqJPWymRPztDkP6RMFsqPrxS3yHMY6rja5AaKaRYnHWCwILDQAyGD0aTd1afHLKhOcxxfmPiPO4/s1600/pizzajuly42012+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0EGUqNbDwjrZaV9U-BW1OQHc9Mcmz0_TfO89nxbKXNe64j_CrM7t9tFqJNoQ3yR8xqJPWymRPztDkP6RMFsqPrxS3yHMY6rja5AaKaRYnHWCwILDQAyGD0aTd1afHLKhOcxxfmPiPO4/s320/pizzajuly42012+065.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not her debut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGvSCdkZ4XIKfi2aGJwVMZOhaCI4jFcGg_39WNVPncxcpCrVVT4kkXYYqFFbNGW1Z_ODkreI0mQDVMdXaPFazYJq3p2dz7oqeC0VhZf0HoFg0mtnveh4jNmuOQvaBrrX3XRMKouex9ts/s320/pizzajuly42012+046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godson laying on some cheese</td></tr>
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To Press Our Luck or Not</h3>
Today we are scheduled to paint the house but it's another 100'er out there so we may just chill indoors and let our epidermis have a day off from extreme conditions.<br />
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