ACCORDING TO ME

Second Job

2011-12-06T06:21:00.001-08:00

Thanks for the article from Jermaine Haynes

Recently I got a second job that requires me to work late at night. I have to work approximately four nights a week. When this happens I miss seeing all my favorite TV shows. My husband is at home on those nights and gets to watch everything he wants to without having to decide with me what to watch. Thank goodness we have direct TV so I can DVR all my favorite shows. I could not stand it if I had to miss what was happening on Grey’s with Meredith and Derrick trying to adopt their baby. Then I just stay on pins and needles waiting to find out who is going to “get it” on Revenge. I am pretty sure that is my new favorite show. They come up with a new twist each week that sucks me in even more. I am guessing that this is my escape from reality. I can watch all my shows that I recorded on the weekend and stay caught up. My husband thinks I am quite the psycho when it comes to watching my shows, but I don’t think I am any worse than he is about his football games. At least I watch a variety.

Reading about zombies

2011-10-07T09:34:00.001-07:00

Guest post written by Rachel Stone

When it comes to reading about zombies, I don't just do it for enjoyment. It's like I even read it with a scientific eye because by now I know so many things about zombies that whenever I read something about them that sounds like it doesn't make sense, I'm a little bit skeptical about it. But that has never happened when I've been reading a Max Brooks book. I read the Zombie Survival Guide when it first came out and loved it. So of course I was really excited back when the book World War Z came out.
Now I'm really excited about the movie that they're coming out with for the World War Z book and I like to check what's going on with the filming with my wireless internet New York. I've been reading all kinds of blog posts about how people think that they're going to ruin the source material. But I'm sure that it will end up working out really well in the end. But I guess I'll have to be the judge of that later.

What a Load Off

2011-06-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the guest post by Jo Levy

Buying my first house was a huge decision both personally and financially, but I'm sure glad I did it. I feel more adult now than I ever have before and I am even paying all of my own bills for the first time in my life! I'm really proud of myself for getting here at such a young age and I can't even describe how much fun it is to decorate a house you own yourself. At first, I had a little bit of trouble balancing the mortgage and the utilities from month-to-month. It didn't take long before I researched better energy rates at shopelectricityratestexas.com and talked to my cable company about combining my cable and Internet. Now that all my bills are a little more manageable, living in this big house feels like the right decision. I can't wait until the last of my furniture is delivered next week and I can invite all my friends over for a huge summer housewarming party! Maybe I'll even make it a stock the bar party!

Get Real Results With Advertising Professionals

2011-06-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

While I am a big fan of word of mouth advertising, I also know that advertising campaigns via commercials, print ads and social media can be a true friend of any product. Where I can tell 10 people about a product I really enjoy in a few days, a good advertising campaign can reach thousand of potential buyers in a matter of minutes. That's the beauty of what advertising can do for your brand.

The hard part is finding an advertising agency that truly wants to see your brand succeed. There are all kinds of companies out there that claim they can promote your product and help you see results, but not all of them hit the mark.

That Advertising Agency strives to pair clients with creative and talented professionals to help them realize the results they're hoping for. A company can come up with a fantastic product, but if no one ever hears about it, the product disappears.

In all honesty, some of my favorite products are things I tried because a commercial or a print ad enticed me to do so. Be it dancing peanuts, a big muscled man or a favorite cartoon character, something in the advertising caught my eye and got me to purchase the product for the first time. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite cleaning products owes my allegiance to the fact that bubbles zooming around the bathtub while cleaning it made me laugh as a kid. yes I had to buy the product to see that it worked well, but it was the commercial with the grumpy ole bubble that made me WANT to try the product. That's successful advertising!

Do you have a brand that you just know people like me will love? Have you come up with something the rest of us can't live without? Give That Advertising Agency a try and see what they can do for you and your brand. You can even request their portfolio to see past work. Ask for information today and get your product out there for the rest of us to try. You'll be glad you did!

Nessa

Seducity-Paper Dolls With a Sexy Flair

2011-06-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Do you ever long to escape reality for just a little while? Would you like to be able to play games, chat with friends, meet other like minded individuals and do it all from the comfort of your home? If so, join Seducity for more fun than you can shake a stick at.

Seducity is an adult virtual world where anything goes. You can be Gothic, You can be a fairy. You can be fashionable. You can be yourself, or exactly the opposite, no matter what that may be. One of the best things about this virtual world is how accepting it is. Gay, Straight, Goth, "normal", they all exist together in a fun and friendly atmosphere. All members are over 18 so you don't have to worry about feeling as if you need to babysit other people's children as in other virtual worlds or have to worry that you could be chatting up someone that's under age.

There are many ways in which you can customize your avatar. Here are just a few different looks.

Not only can you decorate yourself, you can also decorate your own apartments or "turf".

You can start with something like this:

And end with this:

One great feature of Seducity is the games. Members and staff host games throughout the day like Yahtzee, Slingo, Bingo and many others. There are prizes for winners and door prizes as well just for coming to play. Not only are the games fun and easy to play but they are also a great way to meet other members and have fun.

One of the most interesting features of Seducity is the adult nature available in this particular virtual world. Seducity offers a sexual exploration not offered in other places online. There are many ways in which to do this including not only avatar sex, but also the opportunity to learn about alternate lifestyles without actually having to participate in real life or worry about any embarrassment. Seducity's sexual side is a bonus for those who wish to explore it, however this isn't a free for all orgy or anything even close. Members are never asked to participate in anything sexual, though there are often game prizes and events with sexual connotations attached. All members choose the level in which they wish to participate and others respect it. Sex is an option, not the rule.

Overall, Seducity is a fun virtual world that is easy to understand and have fun in. Members and Staff are more than willing to show newbies around and help them out as well as give them tokens (in world currency) to get them started. There are married couples, some who actually met in Seducity and got married both in world and in real life, dating couples and singles. Like this guy. He's not the only one though.

Would you like to try it out first? Seducity offers a free 2 week trial with full functionality to test it out. Joining has never been easier and you'll love the many ways available to customize your experience. Don't be shy...........join now. New friends await!

Nessa

Easter Egg Decorating

2011-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Looking for new ways to decorate your Easter Eggs? I am! I'm tired of the same ole same ole. A big mess with a twenty cups of dye and few ideas on how to make the eggs look different than the year before.

So this year I'm starting early and looking up new stuff. Here are some of the ideas I found. Who knew there were so many awesome ideas out there? For instructions on how to create the eggs shown. simply click the picture and it will take you to the page. Enjoy and be sure to enter my Comfort Cross Giveaway.

Bedazzled Eggs

Word Eggs

Disco Eggs

Aluminum Foil Eggs

Melted Crayon Eggs

Rubber Band Eggs

Tie Dye Easter Eggs

Nessa

Friday 5, A Clean version

2011-04-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

1. What’s in need of a good cleaning?

Everything! It's that time of year. Time to get rid of clutter and deep clean

2. What’s your idea of good, clean fun?

Pretty much anything I do with my kids. Even if we're just sitting around the living room picking on each other.

3. How clean is your driving record?

As far as the cops/insurance know about, it's Pretty clean. Only one accident since I got my license at 18. How many times have I caught myself doing more than 10-15 miles over the speed limit? Lets uhhhhhhh not get into that lol.

4. When did you last make a clean escape?

When I realized that my ex bf, was not only lying to me, but was still very much married, and cheating on me too. Busy lil guy i tell ya! 8 years wasted of my life but I have a super awesome man now!

5. What are your feelings about dirty language?

I genuinely try not to use it, especially certain words, but sometimes it helps to make a point. Like saying "oh heckydarn" just doesn't have the same impact as "Oh sh*t" does.

Wanna play too? Join Friday Five and see what others have to say.

Nessa

Girls Talk- Last Song Syndrome

2011-03-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

Oh boy,i'm not about to play the one that REALLY pops into my head because it can be kind of offensive and it's loud. For those who like loud music, It's "Crying Like A B*tch" by Godsmack.

The one I will share is the one my boyfriend got me listening to. It's kinda of catchy and fun so no one will be shocked by it lol.

Got a great song you want to share? Join Girls Talk too

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing special to see here. Just a tree against a beautiful blue Spring sky. God gave us such beauty. We should appreciate it more.

Nessa

Friday 5.........Being Unreasonable

2011-03-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

This should be a pretty easy Meme lol. I've like NEVERRRR been accused of being unreasonable before. And if you believe that.........well lets talk about this oceanfront property I own lol.

Found this cute Meme today and it's so nice outside I've decided to just sit outside and blog. It's just too nice to sit in the house being all cooped up.

So, anyway, this is my first time doing this meme, but it looks nice and the people participating look friendly so if you like meme's too feel free to join in the fun.

1.What’s something you have an unreasonable fear of?

Lol, oh this is easy......Mice and snakes. I swear to God and anyone else listening that I would literally leave my children to be attacked if I saw one. I know this because I have! Saw it, almost climbed my boys heads trying to get away. Luckily they were old enough to dispose of it and not little toddlers or anything lol. They got me back later by convincing me that they had to perform some sort of ceremony to bury it or the mate would come looking for it.

2.What’s something you have an unreasonable fondness for?

Chocolate, you can check the size of my butt to know i speak the truth!

3.What’s something you have an unreasonable disliking for?
Banana's! I won't even let the kids eat them in the house or anywhere near me. They gross me out so bad!

4.Who’s most likely to bring out the unreasonable in you?

it depends, sometimes it's an ex. In general it's anyone who messes with my kids. All reason leaves me and I become something resembling a rabid Mother Grizzly.

5.Who’s the least unreasonable person you know?

My Grandma. I swear if she HAS to say something negative about someone else, she will go out of her way to try and say several NICE things about them too and then she probably prays all night for forgiveness. I love her soooooo much though. She's how people really should be. Kind!

Nessa

It's One of THOSE Days

2011-03-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

You know when you just have way too much to do and not enough time in the day to do half of it? Yeah, I figured you would. On the upside, i'm sitting outside in the beautiful weather we are having here in Texas blogging. We're supposed to have highs in the low 80's all week and relatively cool nights. Within a month or so it'll be in the 90's, feel like a 100 and the electricity bills will skyrocket. So, it's best to enjoy Texas weather while it can actually be enjoyed.

I have a job interview next week that I'm sort of excited about. A lot will depend on how much they pay. With gas prices so high right now, it ought to be good. Especially since for this job I would have to buy medical scrubs to work in. In a way i don't see why since it is just a receptionist position. Why the need for something as specific as nursing uniform scrubs are needed to answer the phones is a mystery to me, but that's what the ad says and the recruiter confirmed it. Oh well, if the pay is good enough, i'll buy a set for every day of the month! A job is a job, but a good paying job is awesome! Plus, the heat will be coming soon, working in an office where someone else is paying the electric bill would be great as well.

I guess we'll see what happens. In the meantime, between my other jobs, playing fetch with Harley and trying to maintain my sanity I'll probably look and see how much it would cost to buy scrubs online. Some really cute ones!

Nessa

Red Fridays

2011-03-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking, I am not much for following the crowd. I like to do my own thing and be supportive of what others do when reasonable. When it comes to our soldiers though, well, then that notion goes right out the window. I will do anything I can to help support our men and women in uniform. I send $20 a month to buy cups of coffee for our soldiers and I send packages every 3 months with all kinds of goodies in them to a marine camp in Iraq in memory of my son's best friend that died there. I send cards during holidays too. I don't tell this to brag, it's just something i truly believe we should ALL do. I know not everyone can though, sometimes I have to wait longer than normal if finances are tighter than normal myself.

Here's something that we can ALL do though to support our troops. It's practically free! In fact, it IS free unless you literally have nothing red to wear.

I copied this from a facebook Event page that sort of explains the reasoning behind this newest support method. I'm not positive it's a true story, but I know that our men and women do so much for us that it's probably not far from true. if you would like to join the event on facebook you can do so by visiting http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=176090525770505&index=1

Will You give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'
Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As t...hey began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.

Nessa

Harley VS ZhuZhu

2011-03-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

My new puppy just cracks me up. He's always up to something. Usually something he isn't supposed to be doing. The last few days he has been particularly ornery. Not sure why, maybe it's just because he decided he could and therefore did. he's just like that sometimes.

Anyway, for some reason, Mr. Badazz himself is terrified of the ZhuZhu hamster. Go figure huh?

Nessa

Mellow Yellow Monday

2011-03-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Monday's are so blah! I really really hate them! Especially the Monday after the Spring time change. BLECH. it should be a holiday. Like "we've screwed up your sleep" day or "Exhaustion day".

Anyway, sometimes the best way to wake up and/or cheer up is to add a little color to your day. What color is more cheerful than yellow? Sooooooo, in order to start coloring my Mondays I decided to start participating in Mellow Yellow Monday. it;s easy to play and there's lots of great bloggers to meet from what I've seen so far. Feel free to play along and color your day too!

These are some tire planters my boyfriend and I made. He cut and wrestled the tires. I watched and then painted lol. They're so pretty ! They're also for sale if you're local and want to buy some ;)

Nessa

A New Direction..Again

2011-03-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

So here we are, almost a year later and I have finally come back to this blog. I really don't know why i keep abandoning it. Maybe the colors I had here before depressed me. Maybe I just didn't have enough to say to cover 2 blogs. I don't know for sure, but I'm back to work on it again.

To get started, I came across a really cute meme, that involves girls and music. I'm a girl, I love music. It looks like a fit! So here we go, My first installment of Girls Talk.

It appears that this week is all about songs we love. These are usually the songs that make me cry.

I guess this would be my favorite song of that type.

Are you a girl and love music too? I'm sure no one will mind you joining in too. They look like a friendly bunch :)

Nessa

DIY kids storage cubbies

2011-03-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Guest Post Written By Rhoda Parsons

Having two little girls means that they basically take over your house. I have so much stuff by myself that I should have known and suspected that this would be the case. Between the two of them they have so many little dress up clothes and hair accessories that they could probably start their own little girl boutique with just their stuff!

So I knew that I needed to do something about it actually and went online with our CLEAR INTERNET to come up with some simple but cute storage solutions for all their stuff.

I found an idea for how to make a DIY kids cubby and got my husband to look at the directions. He's supposed to get started on the cubby systems this weekend but we'll see if it actually happens. I've already found store bought versions of the same thing just in case he figures out that he can't make it on his own. But I haven't told him that, of course.

Playon RULES!

2010-04-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I decide to let DirectTv have the boot. They're just too expensive in this economy and it seemed like I was always paying more than my contract price for something or another. It wasn't that hard to let it go til I got a converter box for my tv and realized that the digital signal here SUCKS!

Soooooo, I started watching lots of stuff on Netflix through my Xbox 360. That went pretty well for awhile til I had watched everything I wanted to watch and nothing new and interesting seemed to be forthcoming.

That's when through an unfortunate set of circumstances i discovered Playon and my television life was transformed! By downloading Playon to my computer and then networking my Xbox and my computer via a router I can now watch almost anything I want on my televsion. Hulu works well with Playon automatically and there are scripts and plugins you can also use to get even more out of it. it's simple to use and the tech support is top notch.

I can now watch almost anything via Project Free Tv, Hulu, South Park Studios, etc. It took me less than 10 minutes to set it all up and it's just amazing. The Only downside is that Playon is not free, but they do give you 14 days free with full capabilities and tech support to try it out and after that I believe it was $39.99 for life when I paid for it. That's A LOT less than the $100-150 I was paying per MONTH for Directtv. So it's not only awesome but it saves me a great deal of money too.

Give it a try and see what you think. I highly recommend using scripts to watch Tv shows through Project Free Tv instead of Hulu because it seems the connection quality is compromised with Hulu but it's still watchable with no problem. It just seems to buffer more often than the other does.

Nessa
PLEASE NOTE: I was not paid in any way to promote this product or the mentioned websites, I'm simply passing along the information in case others may find it useful. Sometimes good companies deserve free publicity and this is one of those times.

I Am So Psyched!

2010-04-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, In my 20's. I was tiny, even after 3 kids, but I never had energy. Because of this, I took diet pills. Not to lose weight but because they gave me the energy to get through the day and keep up with the kids. Then I had Tyler and found out that my love of the energy I had gotten had caused a valve in my heart to stop working properly. Ephedra was a beautiful, awful thing for people who took it.

Even after I had Tyler, I continued to take the diet pills. I knew it wasn't safe but Tyler was such a sick baby that it was all I could do to get up everyday much less function. The diet pills made that possible. Then the dreaded news everyone knew was coming happened. Ephedra was outlawed. It was necessary but that doesn't mean I was happy to see it go.

Ever since, I've been looking for something safer and yet still as effective. Plus.....lets face it, I gained weight working at home. Too much! That's just as bad on my heart as the diet pills were.

The other day I was talking to someone I very much trust after I saw her post on facebook about losing 60 plus pounds. Her husband also lost 40 pounds. She told me they took a supplement called "Purple Tiger". I went to the website, did some reading, asked some questions and decided to give it a try for myself and my 19 year old daughter. We have been taking it for 4 days now and we're amazed at how good we feel. We've had no jitters or shaking and the appetite suppressant is an automatic thing. For some reason, as a bonus, when we do eat, we choose better options. That could be just because we're serious about losing the weight and not the pill but I'll take it either way. Between meals, we're not hungry at all. I love that because I love to snack!

It does contain caffeine that is derived from dark cocoa and green tea which are great antioxidants and it has other helpful benefits.

We are both working out as well. We're not just relying on a pill. The pill does however help us with the energy to finish the workout and the rest of the day. It has also improved our general outlook. That's the part I like the most. I just feel better!

Want to give it a try? Visit my website and get yourself a bottle. They start at $39.99 per bottle and if you'd like to be a distributor you can sign up for just $49.99 which includes a bottle of Purple Tiger and sample packs as well. If you sign up under me please let me know and I will be glad to help you or answer any questions you may have to help get you going. There are only under 300 distributors around the US so this is a great time to get involved if you'd like to try your hand at a new and upcoming business.

Nessa
PLEASE NOTE: the opinion expressed is my own and I have received no compensation from the company to post this product endorsement. It is based on my personal experience with the product and others may have different results as with anything. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine or taking supplements as they can interact with prescription medications you may be taking. I am not responsible in any way for any effects you may or may not see while using the product, but I do believe you will love it as much as I do.

Nessa

New Years Resolutions?

2010-01-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

I didn't make any this year myself. I didn't last year either. Why? Because they never last. I try but old habits die hard. I LIKE chocolate. I know I won't really give it up to lose weight. I mean I make a really good try at it and then that time of month hits and Look out world, someone better get me some chocolate! It could get dangerous! So for the sake of my community, I eat chocolate. Nice of me to think of others so selflessly isn't it?

Anyway, no resolutions this year. I did however make a decision. I've decided that come hell or high water, we ARE going to eat healthier. Not that we really eat badly now but we need to be eating more fish and veggies than we currently do. I don't even know why we haven't been eating them since the whole family likes both. i think it's just been a bit of laziness on my part when it comes to buying groceries. I've been getting what's easy and good for us and not considering a few extra minutes to cook more veggies or broil some fish would be even better.

Sooooooo, meals around here will be a'changin'. While I was looking around at allrecipes.com for recipes to make new stuff to fit into this new change I noticed there's a new segment there titled "New You". it's full of fantastic, low calorie recipes to help those of you who made a resolution to eat healthier, lose weight, etc. Check it out and see what you think. I've decided to start with this recipe tomorrow.

Garlic S a lmon

Ingredients

* 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet
* salt and pepper to taste
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 sprig fresh dill, chopped
* 5 slices lemon
* 5 sprigs fresh dill weed
* 2 green onions, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Spray two large pieces of aluminum foil with cooking spray.
2. Place salmon fillet on top of one piece of foil. Sprinkle salmon with salt, pepper, garlic and chopped dill. Arrange lemon slices on top of fillet and place a sprig of dill on top of each lemon slice. Sprinkle fillet with chopped scallions.
3. Cover salmon with second piece of foil and pinch together foil to tightly seal. Place on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.

Nessa

Did You Know?

2009-12-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

I had always thought that much like everything else women had penetrated pretty much every male dominated sport in the Olympics. Granted, I'm not a huge Olympics watcher so the fact that I didn't know this particular tidbit of info isn't all that surprising, but the tidbit is.

Did you know that Ski-Jumping is not open to women in the Olympics? There's a petition available that is taking signatures of those who would like to see this become an addition to the Olympics and it seems to be gaining ground. From what I can see there really is no particular reason that women aren't allowed at this point. It's more that there hasn't seemed to have been that much interest in having it added until recent years. With the press it's getting I can't imagine the Olympic Committee won't get to discussing this with other participating countries regarding adding the sport.

Personally I think if we have even a couple countries that want to participate then it should be added. You know there'll be plenty more countries joining pretty quickly in the hopes of adding a Gold Medal to their bragging rights. Plus, it's just a good idea. If the guys can have their own figure skating competitions, the girls should definitely be able to ski jump. I'm just sayin....

Maybe I should take Ash on one of those ski holidays and see if she's any good at it. I know if she was there wouldn't be 10 countries that could keep that girl out.

Nessa

International Holiday Recipe #4-England-Carol Singing Cake

2009-12-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Carol Singing Cake, or as it is also called, Pepper Cake, apparently has it's origins going back to English Carolers. The Carolers would sing lovely songs and the persons at the homes would be so grateful that they would bring out slices of cake and mulled cider to say thank you as well as keep them warm. There could be other origins of course and other uses as well but this seems to be the most predominant one I can find.

Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs plain four
8oz butter
8oz dark, soft brown sugar
1 oz ground cloves
1 ½ lbs black treacle or Ribbon Cane Syrup
4 eggs, well beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
Milk as required.

Pre-heat the oven to 325'f

1. Cut the butter into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the butter/flour mixture resembles bread crumbs
2. Stir in the sugar and the cloves.
3. Add the treacle or ribbon cane syrup and the well beaten eggs.
4. Add the baking soda which has been mixed in a small amount of milk to dissolve it.
5. Put the cake mixture into a well greased cake pan and bake for 60-90 minutes.

Serve cold.

If Only...

2009-12-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before on my other blog about how i'd like to redo my bathroom. not because there's anything wrong with mine. It's a very nice bathroom, but I'd still like it to be a bit different.

Ya know, something like this:

Or even this?

It's not like i'm being picky or anything.

The main reason I'd like to redo my bathroom is because the shower doesn't have any water pressure which has made it a relatively useless part of the bathroom. I've replaced the shower head and such but it still didn't fix the issue. So I've finally given up. Soooo, I've considered maybe having that shower removed and reversing where the toilet and the shower are so that I can have a bigger shower. Shower enclosures aren't that difficult to have installed and they don't seem to cost a great deal either. The hardest part would be rearranging pipes but since the 2 areas are literally only separated by about a foot of wall space, that wouldn't be hard to do. I don't think anyway.

I'm fairly certain my boyfriend would give me that "okaaaaaaaaaay" look if I suggested it to him. So would my sons. Oh well, I can dream right?

Nessa

International Holiday Recipe #3-Denmark-Rice Pudding w/Almonds

2009-12-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I think a good rice pudding is wonderful comfort food. My Mom and Grandma used to make it sometimes when I was very young.

Here's the Danish Version served at Christmas. As an extra special treat, a whole almond is dropped into the pudding and whoever gets it in their bowl gets a prize. What a way to start the Holidays right?

Danish Rice Pudding with Almonds

Ingredients

2 cups milk
1/3 cup Arborio rice
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/4 cup sherry
1/2 (.25 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
1 (12 ounce) package frozen raspberries - thawed and drained

Directions

In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil, and then add rice. Reduce heat to simmer, and continue cooking for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a small saucepan, mix the sherry and gelatin; stir over low heat until the gelatin is dissolved. Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved, and then stir in vanilla. Stir into the rice with the chopped almonds. Refrigerate.
Pour cream into a bowl, and whip until light and fluffy soft peaks appear. Fold into chilled rice pudding. Serve in small bowls, topped with frozen raspberries.

For Serving/Dietary Information click the link. Allrecipes.com has lots of extra information along with ratings and reviews

Nessa

International Holiday Recipe #2- Spain-Turron Jijona

2009-12-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

From what I have gathered through research Turron Jijona is a candy served at Christmas in Spain, however it seems it actually has an Arabic origination. It could be so widespread because it's actually a very simple recipe. I couldn't find anything that pointed to a "why" this is a tradition in some Spanish homes at Christmas so if anyone knows please feel free to share the info. I can tell you it's not a quick and easy recipe that you can enjoy immediately though, It has to set for 3 days.

Turron Jijona (Spanish-Style Nougat Candy)

Ingredients

1 cup orange blossom honey
1 cup finely ground almonds
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1 egg whites, beaten stiff

Directions

Pour the honey into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat to 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Stir the almonds into the warm honey and remove from heat. Mix the egg yolks, cinnamon, and lemon zest into the almonds. Fold the egg whites into the mixture.
Line a dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and smooth to a 1/2-inch layer. Place a sheet of parchment paper atop the mixture and then place a cutting board over the paper; place a few items on top of the cutting board to give it some weight.
Allow the turron to dry for 3 days. Cut into 1-inch squares to serve.

Custom Christmas Cards

2009-12-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

As usual, I've waited til the last minute to get Christmas Cards. I'm not sure why I do this. Every year I plan to get them early, get them addressed and ready to drop in the mail before Thanksgiving. I know that after Thanksgiving I'm going to be way too busy to get to all the quick notes and addressing so I PLAN to start early. Somehow It just never happens. As a matter of fact, I still have a box of Christmas cards that I bought roughly 5 years ago that I have never even opened. Luckily I paid a whole dollar for them.

Anyway, this year I've decided to be smarter. I am going to have all my cards custom printed with a message for everyone and I bought labels to print out the addresses. It might seem a little impersonal but truly, when people get these from me it's entirely possible they'll just pass out from shock. If I actually hand wrote them, i might accidentally kill my friends. No point in going too far right?

Sooooo I checked a few printing companies including the big chains to see what these magical cards would cost me and decided most definitely to order them online. For a couple reasons really too. First, the online company will cost me far less even with shipping and I have more choices. Secondly, I work from home. If I take the time to drive to the closest of the big chains, it's going to be at least a 30 minute drive one way. Counting time spent in store, driving and gas, I'll have to give up approximately 3 hours of work which alone will cost me roughly $60 and that doesn't even including the cost of the cards. I won't lose any quality and I'll gain a good chunk of money. It's really only a logical decision to go ahead and order them online in the comfort of my pajama's as i sip hot chocolate and stay warm. Decision made!

Nessa

International Holiday Recipe #1- Mexican Hot Chocolate

2009-11-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

Through Christmas I've decided to post a recipe a day, but with a twist. I'm going to explore recipes from other countries and cultures. When possible, if applicable, I will also include the origins of the item or explain why they are served at Christmas. perhaps this will be a good way to uh, hold my interest over here lol. We'll see. At any rate, maybe it will be a learning experience for anyone who stops by. If anyone has recipes they'd like to have considered or if you have suggestions for a recipe to be posted, please feel free to comment and I'll get in touch with you and give you a link back :)

Today's recipe is an easy one. I'm starting with this one because I actually tried it today and it's actually quite good! I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com, my favorite place for recipes, ANY time.

Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup boiling water

Directions:

In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder. Pour in the milk. Add the boiling water and stir.

I know it sounds nuts to add chili powder but try it. It's a great taste and adds just a little kick.
I'm guessing this is served by more than just the Spanish culture and more often than at Christmas but like I said. I tried it today and had to share it.

See? I even took a pic of it.

In retrospect, perhaps my Alamo Holiday mug isn't the best way to showcase this lol, or maybe it's perfect. Depends on how you look at it I suppose. Regardless, it really is a wonderful recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Nessa

Oh This Itches!

2009-11-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I learned something in a most painful way. I have been having an issue once again with my shoulder. Apparently there's some nerve damage of some sort there and it's causing me no small amount of pain. I figured it was not a problem really. I know that Tramadol works for this pain in my shoulder and I know where to buy tramadol. So,it seemed like an easy enough solution to call my doctor and get the matter taken care of.

What I didn't count on was that my doctor would issue my prescription for an Extended Release version of Tramadol in 200mg. Lets just say I'm learning the hard way about the side effects of tramadol. there's apparently something else in this particular version that is not in the one I took before and it seems i'm very allergic to that extra component. I'm itching like mad and soaking in oatmeal baths to alleviate the problem.

The bad thing really is that I've taken Tramadol before and it's my choice of painkillers because it just works and doesn't make me feel funny. I don't get sleepy or anything when I take it, I just don't hurt at all. It never occurred to me that I should worry about there being different kinds or anything. I took it for almost a year and never had any kind of reaction to it. you can bet i'll pay close attention from now on if i need it again though. Next time I buy tramadol I'll be checking the label to be sure that it's the one i'm used to and not this newer one. I normally only worry about checking the prices at the various locations I use to fill my prescriptions. At this point I'd almost rather pay more than go through this again. Ouch ouch ouch!

Nessa

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain Review

2009-07-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

You know sometimes when you see a product come out on the market and you get all excited because it seems like a great idea? Then you try it and you find that while it's still a great idea, it's not exactly the most workable one. That defines Covergirl's Outlast Lipstain to a tee.

It's a great idea that it stays on a lot longer than other lipsticks.
Its fantastic that it's so lightweight on your lips
It's superb that you can apply it so precisely
The colors to choose from are outstanding

With all that going for it, you've got to wonder what's wrong with it right? I'll tell you. Good luck being able to use it. I got the opportunity to try it through Bzz Agent and I was really excited about it. I hate reapplying lipstick all the time. So this seemed like a wonderful solution and it is.......IF you can get the color to come out.

I followed all the instructions. I did what the instructions said to do. To get the color takes me almost 5 minutes and frankly that's just ridiculous. I can use a lip pencil, lipstick and gloss in less time than that.

Soooooooo, if you have time to mess with it, don't miss out on it. It really is a great product once you can use it. It's just getting there that's the problem.

Nessa

Wednesday Recipe

2009-07-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Most everyone who knows me knows I make fantastic salsa. Only a few actually know how I make it. It's not really a big secret. If anything what's in it is fairly normal, it's the cooking time I think that makes all the difference.

To make it I use:

4 Big cans of Stewed Tomatoes.
1 big Jalapeno Pepper (look for stretch marks to find a good hot one, smooth for a mild one)
2 decent sized onions, any kind is fine but Vidalia's seem to taste best
1 bunch of Cilantro, use to taste. I use about 1/4 of the bunch
1 can of water, maybe more if it seems too thick
2 cloves of Garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste

I don't chop anything. I put everything except the water in my food processor. When it's sufficiently chopped, I pour it into a big pot and let it simmer for about 4 hours. I add the water as needed so that it's not too thick but not too thin either.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can do it to taste and it's easy. No tomatoes to peel. However you could also get some fresh tomatoes, blanch them and use those just the same.

Another good thing about this is my kids LOVE salsa and chips. The major brands are roughly $3 per bottle and there's not much there. This recipe makes roughly 10 of those large bottles and costs me right at $7 at the most to make. It can be frozen too!

Nessa

I know, I know, It's been forever

2009-07-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get back over here and do more. I promise to do at least 2 posts a week. That should keep me out of trouble. Maybe. Okay it probably won't but i'll still promise to keep updating.

Soooooooo, lets discuss upcoming features.

I plan to start sharing recipes that I find. That should be fun. They'll all be quick, easy and usually child friendly.

I plan to start doing more reviews. There are tons of products I've used recently that I'm soooooooo impressed with and want to share.

I plan to start trying to announce more contests hosted by bloggy friends and I'll post for those I don't know as well if requested.

If you have something you'd like to have reviewed, let me know, I'll be glad to take care of it.

Basically I'm just going to play it by ear and see what happens. Anyone who knows me knows anything can happen lol.

Nessa

Boca Java Coffee

2009-02-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago I needed a software title to fix my computer. In order to get it, I needed to pay $24. I didn't want to do this so I opted out and as I did I got this pop up that asked me to complete an offer and said i could get the software title I wanted for free if I did. So I checked to see what was offered. I LOVE coffee and I drink alot of it. So when I saw that one of the offers was for Boca Java coffee and it said that I could get 4 gourmet coffee's for 12.95 and get the software as well, I decided this wasn't too bad a deal. Sort of a 2 for 1 thing. Plus, it was coffee, Total Bonus there!

Soooooooo, I placed the order and it arrived about 5-7 days later. Let me tell you, it smells divine! There are no words to explain the sheer bliss in smelling these coffee's. Which would be great if these were air fresheners, they'd be fantastic. I literally woke up one morning because the coffee smelled sooooooooooo good. It was really disappointing though to taste it and think "who threw in the old sock?" when i tasted it.

Ya see, I have this funny thing, an odd little quirk that causes me to want to actually DRINK coffee. Well except for the chocolate covered Espresso beans, but you get the point. Out of the 4 bags I received, only one tastes at all like something i'd be interested in buying again. With all of them, I had to use way too much of it to get any real body from it at all. I was surprised. I am not a fan of really strong coffee, so when i tell you that i had to use more than half a filter of coffee for a 10 cup pot, to me, that's a whole lot of coffee! I figure out of each bag, for it to be close to having some real taste, i'll get 2 and a half pots from each bag. That's not what I'd call a good value at all! I don't care if it's gourmet or not.

Now, that said, they have several other flavors that might be better. I chose mostly regular types without all the vanilla and other such flavorings. The one flavored coffee I chose "Tropical Kiss" smelled great and wasn't too bad, just had a twang to it that i just didn't like and not enough coffee flavor. It is a lighter blend though so that could be part of the reason.

The others I chose, Boca Sunrise, Panamanian Rainforest and Ocean Drive are all Light-Medium Roasts. Ocean Drive is okay, I'd probably buy it again, but at this point I'd rather have good ole Maxwell House.

According to a Yahoo article I read last week, Eight O'clock coffee, Columbian blend won high marks over Starbucks and other gourmet coffee's so maybe i'll try it next. it's in the grocery store and i don't have to wait to have it shipped, but it only comes in whole bean at the stores i've looked in so far. Sooooo, I guess i need to find me a coffee grinder now.

Anyway, i'm not going to say that Boca Java's coffee's are awful, maybe i'd be happier with a darker roast that i haven't tried yet. Perhaps at some point i'll do that, but considering how disappointed I am with the ones I did try, it will likely be awhile before I try again.

Nessa

Goodies For Kitty

2009-02-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

I have 2 great things to tell you about for Cats. If you're owned by one, listen up.

As much as I adore my Texakitty. He has a flaw. He's a scratcher. We've fought and fought about this and there's just no getting past it. When we moved to the new house i was even more determined to win this battle of wills. Til 3 days ago I was losing.

There's this area covered by carpeting around my tub. For whatever reason Tex and Poppa both like to scratch it then get under the tub via this little access panel. Nothing I have done has made a difference. This is hopefully the worst of the damage.

When I was trying to find a pair of Shoes for Ashley for her military ball, I happened to be near a Petco store. I decided to check and see if they had anything that might help.

I got something called "No Scratch" and let me tell you, I'm so impressed!

All I had to do was spray this on the places they like to scratch and it was supposed to get them to stop. It DID! They don't go near it and i haven't had to sweep up any pieces of carpet for 2 days now! I still almost have a full bottle and it's already done it's job. I think i bought it for a total of $6.79. Soooooooo if you have a scratching kitty, try this out and see if it helps. This is a ton less costly, painful and dangerous than declawing your cat.

The next thing is "Cat Grass". Both my cats are strictly indoor kitties but the vet told me that cats like grass and need it to aid in their digestion. So i bought this cute little bowl that contained dirt and some seeds and decided to try to grow some grass for the two monsters. Not only did it grow, but it grew within a week!There were sprouts almost immediately and within 10 days they were able to start enjoying the grass. They munch on it every day and really seem to love it. As a matter of fact, while I was writing these reviews I caught Poppa having himself a nibble already this morning.

The cat grass was 5.99 at Home Depot but Petco sells a similar product for around $4 and as well as the cats like it, I'm going to say it's well worth the time to try it out.

Nessa

10 Minute Solution-Latin Mix Review

2009-01-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

In my efforts to look for a fun way to lose weight and get in better shape, I decided to try one of the 10 Minute Solution fitness Dvd's. I chose the Fat Blasting Latin Dance Mix. With routine's like Salsa Slim Down and Tango Toning Twist I thought it'd be alot of fun and since the routine's are 10 minutes each that it would be easily incorporated into my day.

I was actually right on both counts. It IS fun and it IS easily incorporated but you almost realy have to know some latin dance steps to follow along with any success at all. The instructor is high energy and she's not annoying like some of the instructors on these things can be but she doesn't really explain steps very well. So when you try to follow along it's awkward and makes a person feel about as coordinated as a cow.

Another downside is that there's really no warm up period to wake the muscles up before you get started in these fast paced dance moves. So people who are out of shape and just starting out may find this a little hard to start off with.

I won't say it's a bad program though. I can see where it would be fun and after the steps are learned you can take the steps to the club with you too if you like to go out dancing.

I'm thinking that I will set it aside for now and get something with a little more of a beginners touch and then go back to it for maintenance once i get where i want to be. For the price and what it offers it's a nice product. It's just not exactly beginner friendly.

Nessa

Ready For A New You?

2009-01-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

I made Zero resolutions this year but I know many of you made a vow to lose weight and Discovery Health wants to help! Join their National Body Challenge and get free help PLUS a free 30 day trial membership at Bally Total Fitness. There are really some fantastic tools included and it's definitely worth a look. I'm joining today myself. See ya there!

Nessa

My New Favorite Thriller/Suspense Author

2009-01-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

I have a really hard time falling to sleep at night. So, I read til I do. It lets me quit thinking about things and relaxes me. I normally read Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, John Grisham and Tami Hoag, but lately i'm looking for more books by Greg Iles.

The first book I read by him was "Third Degree" and it was awesome! So many twists and turns and not a thing predictable about it. I finished it in 2 days and did nothing else but read that book in that time. Shameful I know, but it was a really good book! I'm now reading "Dead Sleep" and I like it just as much but i'm not reading it as fast. Only because I have to work a bit more and haven't had time to devote to it as completely as i did the previous book.

If you like Thrillers/Suspense novels, try him out. I've definitely added him to my "Must Read" list.

Nessa

Just Something Cute

2009-01-02T06:44:00.001-08:00

I was looking for a way to create a cute signature for my blogs this morning and found out that Dollzmania has a signature maker. It's really neat and easy to use too! Just drag and drop what you like and then save it. Oh and it's FREE in most cases. Gotta love free.

I also think this site is great to play in to make dolls. It's sort of like playing paper dolls but you choose the bodies, the heads, the clothes, even accessories like pets and such. You can save them and post them in forums and blogs but mostly it's just sort of a cute way to kill time.

I will say that parents should be careful. There are a few dolls that have the option to add breasts that would be covered by clothes. Not all of the dolls have this option and you should check to see which ones you feel it's okay for your child to design with. Personally i don't think it's that big a deal really but some might so those people have been warned. Other than that it's a safe site, turn off or hide the chat option and let your little one have some fun.

Nessa

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T07:47:00.000-08:00

Start the new year off with these sites I found courtesy of Bzz Agent

This first one i think is just sort of dumb but I can see the potential for evil things to be done by using it. Hence the reason i'm including it. Give yourself or someone else a whole new smile. Visit Venus Smile Makeover

Want to teach your kids about marketing and let them make a few extra dollars? let them build their own store filled with items from many merchants. There's a 2 month free trial you can take advantage of as well to see if you or the munchkins like it. it seems to be pretty safe as far as protecting the kids goes. Visit BIZKIDZ.COM Be sure to read the faq section too for more info.

This I really like! Want to see what kind of change you can help make happen? Want to see just what you can do?
Visit We Are What We Do I love this place.

Need a smile? Visit Cute Overload and you won't be disappointed. Lots of cute furbaby stuff and tons of smiles included free of charge.

Want free music for your facebook page. Visit Mobile Music Scene powered by AT&T and get some! Great selection and easy to use.

That's all for today, Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Nessa

Pardon The Mess

2008-12-31T06:14:00.000-08:00

After a good while, it's time to get this baby back up to speed. To those of you who kept dropping, ty, I'll be sure to find a way to thank you.

Stay tuned for much to come in this New Year.

Nessa

Contests!

2008-10-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

When I stopped by to read at Melinda's yesterday I found out about a contest at Confetti By: Kateedyd.

What you can win: $25 Amazon Gift Card. Winner will be chosen Nov. 2nd on her anniversary so be sure and stop by to tell her congrats and enter to win.

And another one:

I found out about this one at from Beth & Cory's Mom.

What you can win: COFFEE!!! $15 Starbucks gift card. Yeah baybeeeeeee! Visit Just a Mom's Take On Things to see how to enter. Ends October 31 so hurry!

Nessa

Addict Alert

2008-10-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

Head over to "Confessions Of A Diet Coke Addict" and enter her weekly contest. You need to be a Diet Coke or Coke Zero Addict otherwise there's no point in getting involved lol. it looks like great fun and a nice way to meet other "addicts". if you're not an addict, go say hi anyway.

Nessa

Heads Up

2008-10-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

A Little Birdie told me that PennyRaine is going to have some fun stuff going on October 27th-31 and there are giveaways and a sale involved. Better check it out, I know I will.

Nessa

Hurry Hurry Win From FeeFiFoto

2008-10-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Karen over at A Blog Of Goodies is doing 2 giveaways featuring prizes from FeeFiFoto, one of my favorite blogs. You can win a snowflake ornament like this:

Or win a cute totebag like this:

It's easy to enter so hurry over and find out how. Both contests end 10/31/08

Nessa

Join The SisterHood

2008-10-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Pink Sisterhood that is. It's easy and brings awareness to a very important cause. I found out about it from SpicyBugz World and she tagged anyone who reads the post. I read it, so i'm passing it on.

Want to pass it on too? Here's how........

1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Add your link to the list of participants below.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Pink Sisterhood

1- Fara 2- Massy 3- N.O.Y 4- Mariuca 5- A Great Pleasure 6- LadyJava 7- Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 8-Spicybugz 9-According To Me

I also tag everyone!!! Please feel free to add it to your blog, then let me know and i'll add your link as well in the list.

Nessa

Another Clan McLeod Giveaway

2008-09-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Head over to The Clan McLeod and enter to win the Pillsbury Savoring The Moment Giftbag. Comes with lots of great stuff and it's soooooooo easy to enter!

Nessa

Have You Ever Wanted To Be A Secret Santa?

2008-09-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Me too!!!! Here's our chance! Join the Secret Santa Soiree over at Decisionally Challenged. It's easy to enter to participate and looks like it's going to be great fun!

Nessa

Win A Handbag

2008-09-27T08:28:00.001-07:00

Lisa over at Telecommuting Journal found a fantastic place. Handbag Planet.com is giving away a purse....errrrrrr ummmmmmm handbag every 24 hours til their site officially launches on October 15th. There are many ways to get extra entries, blogging about the giveaway being one of them. See the links below for how to enter and for rules and privacy policy. Then enter to win!! Be sure to thank Lisa as well for telling us about this. Awesome find for sure!

Enter To Win
Official Rules
Privacy Policy

Nessa

Coupon Organizer Giveaway

2008-09-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

For those of you who love coupons as much as I do, I thought I'd share this cute lil giveaway over at $ Moms Helping Mom Save Money $. You can win this great coupon holder. Is this not adorable???

I could spend alot more with this lol, or maybe even a lot less considering i'd want to flash it to everyone i see.

The contest ends Sepember 28th so get in there and enter fast fast!

Nessa

Win A Yogat Mat

2008-09-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hip Mama's Place is giving away an Earth Lovers Yoga Mat. Totally cute if you ask me. better get over there and enter though, the contest ends September 12th.

Nessa

Win These!! Ends 9/10/2008

2008-09-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Aren't these adorable? You can win them. Just hop over to Winniels Shop, take a look around and then go to The Clan Mcleod and tell Gina which piece really caught your fancy. Hurry before the contest ends.

Nessa

Geek Momma Survey

2008-09-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Geek Mom Mashup is conducting a survey
about women and video games. There's only 14 multiple choice questions so it's quick and easy. People who take the survey could win a prize in the Posh Mama/EforAll prize drawing. Take The Survey and get entered to win.

Nessa

Woohoo

2008-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show you all what I got in the mail today. I had announced a contest over at Prim & Proper and I won!!! Well, Ashley won really lol, because they came in the mail today and she took off with them. I couldn't wait to show off how lovely they are though, so I snagged the pic from Prim & proper so I could show you how pretty they are.

Head over and take a look at the Etsy shop too. There's a necklace and earring set I dare not let Ashley see lol. Gorgeous!

Nessa

Pink Lemonade Boutique Contest

2008-09-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Seriously here......I am NOT into purses, but I've found some that are gorgeous and that I would actually like to have. So if they capture MY interest, I know many many more will fall in love with these and, their marvelous creator is giving a beatiful one away.

Head over to Pink Lemonade Bags and enter to win. Hurry hurry, you won't be sorry, but you may drool like my daughter does swhen she see's these.

Nessa

Don't Forget

2008-09-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Please call In tonight for Stand Up 2 Cancer. Every little bit counts.

Nessa

Fun With Pets

2008-09-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

I love to play with my doggies. Diesel and I play Ball, Sarge wants to play tug o'war with everything and Max and Sarge both equally seems to love squeakies. The problem is all 3 are big boys and they're toys don't tend to last long. Finding Unique Dog Toys at an affordable price can be tough.

So when i found a great site for Unique Pet Supplies and came across this adorable little guy.

I knew I just had to have him. Is he not adorable? Sarge is in love i tell ya!!! It is durable for tugging and pulling and there's a squeaky in there too. Total doggy heaven. Plus it's a good sized toy so it's no little bitty thing. Sargie has been having a great time with it. He chews it, he slings it around, he steps on it so it will squeak, then he barks at it. It's a long process that keeps him busy and out of trouble. He's a chewer and we have a hard time getting him to stop, but when he has his toys he's a good boy and that makes this toy worth it's weight in gold. I can't tell you how much Sarge has destroyed, but i promise you, nothing is sacred from those teeth when he gets going.

Minnie isn't into the toys that the boys like. I'm pretty sure she thinks she's not a dog anyway. So we have a harder time finding Unique Small Animal Toys that will suit her picky tastes. She generally like soft babies and nothing at all squeaky. If it makes sounds she gets mad. So she got some goodies too. They all did. Soooooo, They're happy, Momma's happy, it's all good

Nessa

Fun Online

2008-09-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a gambler myself but I know that there are a great deal of people who really have fun with it. I joke all the time about how i'm going to win the lottery someday but I never buy lottery tickets. So i'm not sure how I'll accomplish that but hey, you never know right?

Anyway, I usually play casino type games at a popular game site that supposedly awards cash prizes to it's players who get jackpot spins. Well, I can tell you i've played there for 6 years and i know ONE person who has actually won anything and that's it. So, i'm fairly sure they aren't telling the truth about those prize winners they're always announcing.

I thought about that and started looking to see if there were any fun Online casinos that let you play for free or without having to put alot of cash up to play. I was really surprised that there are some like that. Now that doesn't mean that I think I can just go play at Online casinos and automatically win each time, but i do think that i have a better chance than if I play at the other game site. Plus it's a change of pace and new scenery. Besides all that, sometimes you just gotta take a chance and have some responsible fun.

The only downside I can see to playing online is that unlike Casinos there are no free drinks, but then again, you can play anytime and not have to leave your house. I call that convenient!

Check em out, see what ya think, but of course please play responsibly.

Nessa

Win Avon Professional Skincare Products

2008-08-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Enter over at Behind The Pink Tissue Paper to win Avon's new line of professional Skincare products. Very easy to enter, so hurry over and get your name in the hat.

Nessa

Need Baby Items? Have Some? Swap Em!

2008-08-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a friend in my Freecycle Group to review a site called Swap Baby Goods.
I figured it would be just another of those sites where people are constantly begging for items they can't afford. I don't mean that in an unkind way. In my freecycle group I often have to delete posts where people are just asking for impossibly long lists of things.

It's like " I'm having a baby, now i need people to supply me with everything for it". I'm sure that's not how they mean it and in my eyes, if you can save money trying to raise a munchkin, go for it! But when they post that they specifically need a Jenny lind crib in a certain price range and only designer maternity clothes will do, i have to say enough is enough. So I was just a little leery about doing this review.

I have to say i'm pleasantly surprised though. There is a Wanted Items List, but i can't really say I saw anything I would object to. All things seemed to be within reason and the site does seem to regulate that anyway. There's a Freebies for Moms link too.

I also found that registering is free, so is listing your items. You can swap or sell. It's your choice but the items must be baby/toddler goods or mommy to be things. Coupons are given away as well.

There's also a monthly $25 gift certificate to the top swapper each month. This is done to encourage swapping items which in turn helps parents go green and help the planet.

All in all, i think this is absolutely a fantastic site for parents and the earth as well. Some of the listings i checked out were well worth looking into for sure and could save a new parent a great deal of money.

I wish I'd known about this place when i bought the crib for my stepson's baby. I spent quite a bit on that little bed and just found another one on this site for a much better price.

Give it a look and see what you think.

On the Mom-O-Meter i give it a solid 8 out of 10. The concept, the price and the "green" message are certainly fantastic. i did have some trouble getting it to connect to all pages in a timely manner and i did find a few teeny issues but nothing that would keep me from using the site if my kids were still small.

Nessa

Show Your Support

2008-08-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Create your own avatar like me and lots of others to show your support in finding a breast cancer cure. I got this from Pink Clover and thought it was really neat.

Nessa

Green Mommy Guide Contest

2008-08-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

This weeks Green Mommy Guide contest is for an all natural SPF 30 Sunscreen and 100% organic Cotton Learning Tee from Ruby Pinwheels. get over to GMG and see how to enter before it's too late.

Nessa

Win A Starbucks Gift Card

2008-08-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Laura over at Confessions of A Diet Coke Addict is hosting her first giveaway. Entering is very easy and you can win a $10 gift card. Wooo Hoooooo what a Grande contest.

Nessa

Free LD Phone Calls, No Gimmicks!

2008-08-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Heffer P told me about a fantastic goodie available online. You can make free calls and even free long distance calls to anywhere in North America. How cool is that? There are no gimmicks either. You do have to sign up but it's completely free and very quick. There's nothing to download at all. You can even save your favorite numbers in the dialer on the page, so that you only have to load them once. There's even a speed dial. The best part, other than it being free is that the calls are crystal clear.

The only downside i have found so far is it only works with Internet Explorer 7 but for what it does and the money that can be saved, upgrading to 7 is well worth the few minutes it takes.

The only equipment needed is a computer with speakers and a microphone. I have a nifty lil headset that I just plug into the headset and mic jacks on the front of my laptop and voila.....i can make calls for free!!! I love this!

Soooooooooo, give Earthcaller a try, see if you like it. In this economy we all need to save money where ever we can and this is one great way to do it.

On the Mom-o-meter i give it a full blown 10 for the ease of use, the cost and the features it has. If you try it let me know what you think.

Nessa

Check this out!!

2008-08-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to make your favorite restaurant food at home? A friend of mine was helping me look for a Hashbrown Casserole recipe like Cracker Barrel makes it and she found this awesome site, Robbie's Recipes. The hashbrown recipe i wanted is there and so are quite a few others.

She's also got home remedies, home remedies for pets and other household tips, even napkin folding! Neat stuff for sure.

Nessa

No Pudge Brownies?

2008-08-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

I Love Brownies. Absolutely love them. Unfortunately they're very fattening. So, I'm always looking for ways to cut the fat and calories they contain in order to enjoy my favorite treat. At the grocery store the other day I found an easy way to do exactly that.

No Pudge! Brownie Mix is one fantastic way to have my treat and eat it too lol. Instead of oil you add yogurt to the mix, stir well and bake. No oil, no eggs, nothing else, just yogurt. The kids were really hesitant to try them and to tell the truth so was I. If you think about it, it doesn't even SOUND like it could be good.

In the interest of my brownie addiction though I tried it out to see what it's like. The first one I tried, was the Original flavor. Nothing fancy just fudge brownies. I made them like the package said and i wasn't too impressed at all. They weren't bad, just not that good. It's possible that I just expected something like I normally make and wasn't comparing apples to apples. I had purchased 3 flavors though so last night I decided to try the Mint Flavor.

I'm hooked now. The package suggests you can add an egg if you like more cakle-like brownies. I really don't but the previous batch just seemed too dry. So I added an egg and the yougurt, as well as some creme de menthe liqueur and they turned out better than any other brownies ever. The egg does bring up the caloric amount but not that much per serving. I cheated a good bit with this batch too and i chopped up andes mints and topped the brownies with those when I got them out of the oven. Tye mints melted on top to make a glaze and it's just almost to die for. I keep thinking it'd be even better on ice cream or frozen yogurt but haven't tried it yet.

I have a cappucino flavored mix in the cabinet and I almost can't wait to try those now. It's definitely worth adding the egg in, plus it makes the batter slighly easier to mix. So I do recommend taking that step. You could also add egg beaters or something like that i'm sure to reduce the caloric value.

They also have instructions on the box telling you how to make one serving at a time in case you are worried you'll eat the whole box at once lol. I thought that was cute.

They come in Original, Mint, Cappucino and Raspberry flavors and it's relatively nicely priced everywhere I've found them.

So if you're like me and want to save some calories and enjoy a healthier treat, give them a try. You just might like them as well.

Nessa

**This is NOT a paid post, nor was I requested to review this product. I purchased the product and I am sharing my opinions on it for my own purposes.**

Contest at Lucky Girl Trading Co.

2008-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lucky Girl is giving away the cutest lil pendant. I love her blog and she has some really cute stuff too in her etsy store. She's also needing some help in the MTMD page Rank Olympics so this is a great way to enter and help a fellow blogger all at once.

Nessa

Prim & Proper Contest

2008-08-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

A blog I've recently discovered, Prim and Proper is having their very first giveaway. Up for grabs is a very cute pair of dangly earrings. Entering is easy and the contest ends 8-22-08 so you better hurry over and after you enter give them a read. I'm finding that it's fast becoming one of my faves.

Nessa

NEW Green Mommy Guide Contest

2008-08-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

This week Green Mommy Guide is giving away Peeled Snacks Peeled Snacks are a healthy nutritious snack food that contain no added sugar or fat. Green Mommy Guide is giving away a 6 pack of these delicious snacks. Just head over there to see how to enter. It's easy and free, plus you might just find yourself some fantastic ideas for ways to live greener.

Nessa

Review and New Contest, check this out!

2008-08-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to look over Usborne Books and I have to tell you, this Momma is impressed. My kids are too old for the books offered but my nieces and nephews would be delighted to have them.

Most books are listed at under $10 and they have a huge Selection to choose from. There are puzzle and activity books,story books, foreign language teaching aides and much much more. Homeschooling Moms like myself, will love the many types available as well as the prices. I found books for as little as 1.99 that I know would be fantastic for Christmas gifts this year.

A few of the things I found the most exciting about this site is not just the price and selection of the books but the incentives to keep going back as well. There is a chance each month to win a free book. Parents, schools, anyone really, can create a wish list and publish it so that the books you really want for your kids can be bought by family and friends with the convenience of online purchasing. You can host your own e-show and earn free books when your friends and family order. Best of all, the books are GUARANTEED! If anything happens to them, no matter how long you've had the book, if they are in anyway damaged Usborne will replace the book at half the price. I wish I'd had an offer like that for all the books I purchased for my kids over the years. Lord knows I have certainly spent a great deal of money on more titles than I can count between the 4 kids. How many of them do you think they still have?

Now, because I believe books are a fantastic investment in children, whether they're learning to read or are well on their way to mastering it, I'm hosting a new contest. I'm hosting an e-show. There is no purchase necessary to win, All you need to do to enter is take a few steps and voila, you're entered. I've made it very easy.

Winners will receive any purchase under $10. So you can order ONE book or several. As long as the books are under $10 total. The shipping costs will be paid by yours truly so you needn't worry how shipping will fit in there.

Now the goal here is to have people buy up to $85 worth of books. As I said though, you do not have to purchase anything to enter, BUT if we sell over $85 worth of books a second winner will be chosen for the free books earned via the E-show. The contest runs through 9-1-08 so there is plenty time to meet the $85 goal.

So here's how to enter:
A. Visit my E-SHOW then come back here and in a comment to THIS post, list what you learned about Usborne Books OR you can list what book(s) you'd like to receive if you win. That's one entry.

B. For another entry you can blog about the contest linking back to me and back to the Usborn Eshow. Be sure your readers know to come here to comment.

C. If you decide to buy books, you get an entry for each book you order.

D. Go Here and vote for my video for one entry, you can do this daily, but you'll have to comment each time. You can also get an extra entry by clicking Sign up on that same page, join Brickfish then leave me a comment and a rating. Just be sure to let me know who you are so i can keep track of your entries.

Winners will be drawn September 2nd. Please be sure I have a way to contact you in order to get your details for your prize. Winners will have 5 days to claim their prizes.

There ya go, several easy ways to enter, a great prize or maybe 2. Have fun, Good Luck and please give Usborne books a good look over. I honestly believe you will love what you see. on the Mom-O-Meter, this gets a big 10 for variety, price and ease of ordering.

Nessa

Win Your daughter B2S Outfit

2008-08-18T12:46:00.001-07:00

Parenting In Pink is offering one lucky lil girl a Back To School Outfit, courtesy of Mom On A Go Go. You can enter daily and it's extremely easy to do so. It's a $30 Value and ends September 1st, 2008.

Nessa

Cookbook Contest

2008-08-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Brain Foggles is giving away a Deceptively Delicious Cookbook. I've tried the few recipes I can find online for free and want the book really bad. The few recipes I have tried are absolutely wonderful and kids love them!

The date on this is wrong but the link is good :)

Contest ends August 22nd so hurry hurry.

Pillows Of Lavender Giveaway

2008-08-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Moms In A Blog Is giving away a lavender pillow and matching eye pillow. A $25 value! They're gorgeous and come gift packaged.

Get over there and enter fast! Contest Ends 8-22-08

Nessa

Update on the Trish Berg Site

2008-08-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

The lady herself commented on my post about her and said *I* rock lol. I can only hope someday to achieve what she has or just to even have so many fantastic resources and tips for Moms. So the compliment has me on cloud 20, I passed 9 way up.

Anyway, enough about me, I wanted to share what she said because there's useful info in that as well! You'll like this I think, I know I do.

Nessa,

WOW! Thanks for the sweet words of encouragement!!! I kind of needed that this week.

I am so glad you found my site, liked it, and that you took the time to share information about my website with other moms out there.

My whole goal is to help moms simplify motherhood, and get back to enjoying the journey.

I also give away free books every week, so be sure to pop in to my 3 blogs for more details.

And, Nessa, you ROCK!!!

Hugs- Trish

So there you are, get over there and enter to win. I'm going right now!

Nessa

Great Find For Moms

2008-08-16T19:43:00.001-07:00

While surfing tonight I found a fantastic site for moms. It's called Simplifying Motherhood and let me tell you, the author of this site, Trish Berg, has got to be a genius.

From Free downloads only mother's will truly appreciate to daily tips, Trish has really got it together. Things I had never thought could be made easier, really are. Of Course, for ME this comes too late since mine are all older but for others this might just be your answer to many prayers.

Trish has goodies and advice for just about everyone and tips i've never seen anywhere else. her site makes me wish I had small children again lol. I'm sure i'll get over it soon enough though. Check her out though, if you don't already know who she is, you'll be happy to have "met" her.

Nessa

Max Factor Contest

2008-08-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

Get A Grip Mom is sponsoring a Max Factor contest thru August 30th. Up for grabs is a really nice prize so head over and check it out. It's easy to enter and you'll be surprised what you learn lol. For instance I found out that the makeup technique I use is called " Eyes made 2 B Naughty". As i said over there..........this explains ALOT lol.

Good Luck to all who enter.

Nessa

New Feature

2008-08-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

As you can see on the middle sidebar, I've added a top commenters box. Top commenters EACH month for that month will win one of the items I've reviewed that month at my discretion. 2nd place commenters will win 2000 Entrecredits or a free month of advertising on this blog. Winners will only be allowed to win that place once every 3 month to let others have a chance to win as well. Additionally, winners may not necessarily be who is listed on the widget since the tally will only count for that month. A Leaderboard will be posted every Monday to help keep track.

I am accepting sponsors. If you'd like for me to review a product or service and give it away to the top commenter, please contact me at Vanessa at absolutelymoms dot com for details. All Sponsors will receive a month of free advertising.

Nessa

Check These Out

2008-08-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

I hopped around in the Frogpond again today and thought i'd let you all know about some of the newest Featured Frogs at Bzz Agent.

ChaCha is a great way to search. You can call them or text message a question about anything within reason, and get an answer from a real live human. Awesome huh? I call it A search Engine with a brain and no tacky results unless you ask for them. They also hire people to work from home last i heard so check them out.

Ever wanted to call someone and leave them a message but you know they can't answer? Maybe they're at school or a meeting or sleeping even. Slydial lets you call and leave a message without the phone ever ringing for the person you are calling. Kinda cool really and it's free.......love love love free stuff.

Advance America is sponsoring a $50,000 contest. To enter, you tell them about someone who is always there for you. If you win, you receive $25K and so does the person who's always there for you. Typically you'll never see me recommend you go anywhere near a cash advance company but for this purpose it's okay. Just don't apply for anything else.

Last but not least, is Smilebooks. Smilebooks turns your photographs into beautiful real books. Best of all, not only are they fantastic but their prices for the service are fantastic. Even their shipping is very much affordable. Smilebooks would make a great present for Christmas, Mothers day, Graduations, you name it. The possibilities are endless. Plus, you create the book, with downloaded free software. The software is packed with features and very easy to use. Download it and see for yourself.

Nessa

Mountains Of The Moon Giveaway

2008-08-15T07:51:00.001-07:00

I tried to post about this last night before bed but things locked up and I gave up. Yesterday, Now Entering Momville let me know she was hosting a giveaway on her site for Mountains of The Moon. Mountains of the Moon has some awesome Eco Friendly items and I can't wait to go broke buying everything I can find in their clothes line. I'd tell you about the items they carry but believe me, it's a disservice to you if I don't encourage you to go look for yourself. It's THAT great. So be sure to check them out and enter to win. It's easy and fun.

Whether I win or not, These Will Be mine soon lol.

Nessa

Alli........Hot or Not?

2008-08-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

On my other blog, Nessa's Place I talk alot about diet pills. Mostly because it pays the bills. Hmmmm, sounding Dr. Seussy huh? Anyway, I've stated a few times that i don't take diet pills anymore because i simply don't feel that they work first of all, and secondly they can be seriously dangerous. I know firsthand. As i mentioned over there, I have a Mitral Valve Prolapse caused by taking such things as Super Power3, Metabolife, Mini Thins, you name it. This was back when Ephedra or Ephedrine was in those products so any of these things still available, if any, are probably not AS dangerous as they'd once been. Regardless I can't turn back the clock and in my defense, the packages all swore they were a SAFE way to help me stay energized and lose any extra weight. back then there wasn't any to lose lol. This is Me on those:

Yep, I was itty bitty and this is only 7 years ago. Now, i weigh a bit more but not necessarily because I don't take diet pills. It's because back then I worked in a law office and I was constantly on the move. Now I work from home and that's added a few pounds to the uhhhhhh ......everything. I'm closing in on 40 now too so that doesn't help matters.

So when I saw Alli In Wallyworld, I thought, Oh yeah whatever, it's just another diet pill. What I was surprised to find out is that it really isn't. It doesn't promise to curb your cravings. It doesn't promise a miracle either. It just says, it ASSISTS you in reaching your goal by working along with your sensible diet and exercise plan. Get that? You have to make a serious decision to change your life FIRST.

In my personal opinion, if you make a serious step towards weight loss you don't need a $50 bottle of pills to assist you with anything. I did try it though for 2 months and I can't honestly say it did anything for me that I couldn't have lived without.

The basic mechanics of the pill are when you eat fatty foods, it helps you rid your body of them faster. I'll leave you to figure out how that occurs. If you aren't eating fatty foods, it really serves no purpose and you're going to lose weight anyway. I just don't see the benefit.

Now i WILL say that if you are someone who has a hard time really cutting back and you need some help to get started, Alli might be just what you need. There's a trap there though. You can't decide that since you're on it you can gorge on pizza, ice cream and hamburgers since Alli helps you digest those things quickly. Sure it does, but let me tell you, before it's all over with, you'll be one miserable puppy. I suppose you could consider it a lesson learned afterwards, but the question is, will you LEARN the lesson? Probably not.

For me, it was a waste of $50. For someone who needs the help, it may be $50 well spent. It has nothing in it to make you jittery, in fact unless you eat fatty foods you'll notice no effect at all.

So if you're looking for that miracle in a pill, sorry, Alli isn't it. It can be just that, a friend in your weight loss goals but don't expect to wake up in a week 50 pounds lighter. It doesn't happen.

Get up, exercise, chase your kid around the house, get out in the sunshine, eat right or at least better and get your energy by feeling good about yourself no matter your size is and smile often. You'll be happier and around $50 richer.

On the Mom-O-Meter, Alli scores about a 6. Mostly because it's maker is honest about what it does and because it does do what it says, but minus 4 points because it's too expensive for the average consumer and because you can achieve the same results without it.

Nessa

Redbook Daily Prizes

2008-08-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

I read this every month and just now found out about this. Head over to Redbook to enter to win daily prizes. There's some great stuff too!!!

Nessa

Like Magazines? How about Free Ones?

2008-08-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

I actually like very few since they really aren't cost effective if you think about it. But when they're free....well......that's a whole other issue now isn't it? I typically read them for new recipes, and to stay up with other mommy's on current happenings.

Coupon Cravings has offered info on how to get some great mags like Pink, Lego and Old House Journal and my fave, Family Circle for no moolah at all. Check it out and get yours!!

Don't forget to keep checking on Adperk to earn a free year magazine subscription in just 15-20 minutes too. Totally free, no catch!!

Nessa

Green Mommy Guide Contest

2008-08-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

I Just love Green Mommy Guide. It's just recently that I wanted to do anything to do more to help the Earth and my family's daily life. In some cases it takes baby steps. There's so many habits to break and so much to learn. Green Mommy Guide as well as a few others are really helpful in my quest to be a greener mommy.

I also love contests, and this weeks Green Mommy Guide Giveaway is Fierce!!! Fierce Hugs that is. She's giving away a Fierce Hugs Tote Bag. I don't know about you but I love Totes. They're great for my crafts and such. Especially when i'm crocheting. I just toss my yarn into one and I can crochet anywhere I want.

Entering to win is easy too. Visit Green Mommy Guide to see how. (Look in the upper left corner) Contest ends 8-17.

GMG is also launching a new blog directory. Click here to see how to get your blog listed.

Nessa

Win a TuTu

2008-08-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Check out this contest at Momdot.com and win a really cute tutu from Tootsies Tutu's. All you have to do is write a poem about TuTu's in the comments section. Winner will be chosen 8-15 so hurry and get over there. The TuTu's are really cute!!

Nessa

Freebie Friday

2008-08-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys but i love freebies. I have this drawer full of them lol. I don't order anything I wouldn't use, that's abusing the system, BUT I do order them to have on hand in case of emergencies. Ya know, ya run out of shampoo or hand soap, and don't have time for a trip to the store....freebies are great for that. I also put them together and make a basket of things for people in the hospital and such. I've always got lotion, shampoo, and soap samples so they come in handy or that or even when the kids go to Church camp Having these things on hand saves me a ton rather than trying to outfit 3 people with all the necessities. Plus, it's fun to get little surprises in the mail everyday and almost all freebies come with great coupons too. Double bonus. Soooooooo Freebies i found for today are:

Degree Antipersperant For Men
Dogster Pet pal Pack: You get Febreze samples. Sort of a pain to enter because you ahve to sign up for dogster, quickly create a page for your pooch then you enter. Hint: after entering your dogs page, click on this link again to get to the part where you order the freebie. It's the fastest way.
Pedia Pop: Electrolyte saple for munchkins and this one actually tastes really good so they'll drink it. Also read here for some important information on dyes.
Nature Made Vitamins: free 14 day sample of your fave Vitamin. Choose from Calcium, Multi-Complete, Multi For Her, Super B Complex, C and D.
Sundance Organic Teas: This tea is REALLY good and for Free?? It's even better!
Stationary Kit: From Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, Really nice native American Set. They do solicit for donations to help their school but you aren't under any obligation. They actually send out alot of goodies all through the year and i generally send them $10 since it's a very worthy cause.

So there you are, get your freebies while they last and watch the mail for them. Once you have ordered a few you'll see that almost every day you have a goodie in the mail to help make all those bills seem alot better. Blech.

Nessa

Win your very own pet rock

2008-08-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

I saw the cutest little contest yesterday. Now i know that you are all aware that good pet rocks are hard to come by. You have to have just the right one or it's not the magical experience it should be. That said, i think i found the perfect pet rock for anyone. To see how great it is and enter to win, go visit Miss Hanna Fanna and suggest a name for this cute lil guy for a chance to win one like him.

Nessa

Welcome Home Pack Freebie

2008-08-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Right@Home, formerly Clean Home Journal has a really nice site with not only some fantastic ideas for the home and family as well, but for the first 10,000 responders they have a free gift as well.

The first 10,000* registrants only will receive a free 10-count pack of medium Ziploc® Brand Zip 'n Steam™ Microwave Steam Cooking Bags and one Glade® Air Infusions® in Clean Linen™ fragrance as well as $3.80 in coupons to enjoy.

Gift packs will be mailed by October 15, 2008.

If you haven't already, get over there and get yours. be sure to look the whole site over too, i found some really nice information there and some tips I can't wait to try.

Nessa

Scrubbin Bubbles? It's true

2008-08-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Bzz Agent gave me the opportunity to try the new Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber. I have a very old Claw foot tub that i just Looooooove. The only problem is you have to be careful about what you use on it. It scratches easily. I've tried several different cleaning products as well as baking soda and it just doesn't get it as clean as i want it to. Plus with most things I try it have to scrub and with my shoulder the way it is now, that's a bit of a problem. So when Bzz Agent gave me this new offer i jumped right at it.

Lets put it this way.........throw away the handle part and just use the pads. Wear gloves of course though. It cleans the tub beautifully but that pad kept coming off and it just about drove me nuts til i just used the pad by itself. I didn't have to scrub hard and the tub has never looked cleaner but that handle was a pain in the butt. So do yourself a favor and spare yourself the problem.

Now, as far as being enviromentally safe and such....the box it comes in is made from recyclable paperboard but as for the product, i'm not so sure. It's definitely not an aerosol so that's good but if any of the profduct itself is biodegradable the company isn't saying.

On the Mom-Meter I give it a 7. Superior cleaning power but that handle and the fact that it doesn't appear to be enviromentally friendly other than the packaging loses it some points.

If you'd like to try it, get a $2.75 coupon here.

Nessa

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Top Droppers For July

2008-08-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Thank You to all my top droppers.

My Absent Mind
WORLDWIDE TRAVEL BLOG
STAY AT HOME MOM
High Quality Pictures
ROCKFUSE
Chica & Pumuckl - 2 Egyptian Cats in Germany
Toltec Insights with Dr. Susan Gregg
Angels on Your Shoulder
Lobo Links
Not Your Average SuperGoddess

Nessa

Back To School

2008-08-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

I was notified earlier today that Learning Magazine has a nifty little Freebies section on it's site. I was told that it had school supplies and such and thought it was too good to be true. And .......it was. BUT, they do offer some interesting things that may interest parents who Homeschool and parents who help their child learn at home as well as in school. You do need to look at the descriptions of the free items carefully. In some cases it's a catalog, or magazine, but there are some neat freebies in there as well.

One of the best things about this site is you simply go through the categories, check off what interests you, then when you are done you just click "i'm finished" and you only have to enter your shipping information once.

On the Mom-Meter I give it about a 5 out of 10. It's worth checking out but don't expect to find any fantastic freebies, just a few neat ones.

Nessa

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 NIV

Help Me win please

2008-07-29T08:09:00.001-07:00

Watch the Video, Click Vote and help me out please, it only takes 2 clicks!!!. I'm #5 right now!!

Nessa

FutureResume.com Presents: Dream Job For A Day

Sponsored by futureresume.com

Hard Work & Love Squandered?

2008-07-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

Extreme Makeover House Faces Foreclosure

I read about this today and I'm just really hacked off. How in God's Green earth do you get a free house and then lose the damn thing to foreclosure??? These people were given a free home, it was built to help them get out of the awful living condistions they lived in and what did they do? They mortgaged it for $450,000!!! Can you say Ungrateful any clearer???

I realize the family may have had financial problems but that house was paid for and there was money left for house maintenance as well as the kids college fund. I just don't get it. What was done for them was a labor of love. Do you knw how many people send tapes into Extreme Home Makeover and get rejected every year? Not because they aren't worthy but because there are only so many they can do!! Makes you wonder who these people were chosen over and how they've fared.

maybe i need to find some more compassion in my heart for these people. Maybe there's more to the story that isn't being reported. Regardless, it's very sad and I hope that other future winners see how wrong this is and don't follow in their footsteps.

Nessa

Tuesday Verse 07-29-08

2008-07-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 8:12 NIV

Nessa

Strange News

2008-07-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't recommend this lol, but when i read it, I just had to share it. It takes " hair of the dog" to a whooooooole new level.

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - An 11-year-old boy is enjoying a flash of fame in Brazil after biting a pitbull that attacked him as he played in his uncle's back yard, local media reported on Thursday.

Gabriel Almeida, who lives on the outskirts of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, broke a canine tooth when he bit into the dog's neck to fend off an attack. Since then, he has been pampered in the studios of several TV stations, where he has been recounting his ordeal.

"I grabbed him by the neck and bit," he told O Globo newspaper. "It's no big deal. It's better to lose a tooth than to lose your life."

He was freed when bystanders pulled the dog off him and needed four stitches in his arm.

Thank goodness the munchkin is okay.......but you have to wonder if the dog learned his lesson!!!!

Nessa

Source

Monday Verse 07-28-08

2008-07-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests.

Luke 14:10

Nessa

Thursday Verse 07-24-08

2008-07-24T05:58:00.001-07:00

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 2:26 NIV

Nessa

Poll

2008-07-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

This Poll is for all members who joined Moms At Home in effort to raise Money for Serena. Jenny over at Up The Hill is raising money for the American Society for Deaf Children. She's trying to raise $500. I'd like to donate the money we raised to her cause.

I feel this would be a great thing but I want input as well. The poll will be closed at Midnight tomorrow night and majority rules.

Nessa

Web Polls

Dead Zone

2008-07-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Reading the paper this morning, i learned something interesting and perhaps scary as well. With all the flooding the Mississippi River has seen this year, it is creating a "dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico. They call it a dead zone because the water is devoid or very low in oxygen causing sea life to be unable to live there and even die. This apparently isn't the first time it's happened but they're saying it will be worse and last longer than ever before this year.

Apparently Fresh water and salt water have an oil and water type relationship and they don't mix well. This leads to a hypoxic condition which keeps oxygen from filtering down to the ocean floor.

In 2002, 7900 square miles were affected, this year it could reach 8800 square miles. It's not likely that even a hurricane or a tropical storm would have any affect. How scary is that? The bad thing is guess what? It's believed the main reason for this is pollution from fertilizers. So it's potentially our fault that it's happening. Flooding would be bad enough apparently but the pollutants make it worse.

Anyway, if you want to read more about the issue go here

To me, this is just another reason for us all to try and make better choices in life and to try and go as green as we can.

Nessa

Wednesday Verse 07-23-08

2008-07-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

3 John 1:11 NIV

Nessa

Eat This, Don't Eat That

2008-07-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

I came across the game this morning, while I was supposed to be working. Calls were slow, what can i say? Anyway, this is a really great site. It's Mens Health but the information fits us all. This particular game shows you 2 foods. YOu choose which one is best for you. There's only 11 questions but you'll be surprised at what is bad for you and what isn't as bad as you might think. I scored 9 out of 11 so i'm happy. Try it and see what you get.

Play Now

Nessa

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Tuesday Verse 07-22-08

2008-07-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Yes he surely does :) Have a great day

Nessa

Portugal Closes The Case

2008-07-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

After first hearing about the case regarding Maddie, the little girl who disappeared when her parents left her alone as they ate dinner, I've been praying that she'd be found unharmed. It doesn't appear that will ever happen though. It's a truly unfortunate situation and one that could have been avoided by responsible parents.

I've always had a bit of an attitude towards these 2 people because even though I feel for them as parents, I can't imagine what the hell they were thinking leaving those kids alone while they were more than 50 yards away from the room the children were sleeping in. Then I saw this today.

"They are a wronged couple. For the past nine to 10 months, they have had this agony as well as the pain of losing their daughter,"

The ONLY person who's actually been wronged is Maddie. These people chose to put their children to bed in a hotel and LEAVE THEM ALONE!!! It doesn't matter if they were 50 yards or 500 yards away. They left those children alone in a strange place while they went to have fun with their friends. It was irresponsible, it was neglectful, it turned into a tragedy and they brought it on themselves. They are not wronged parents, they're BAD parents.

I'm not saying they deserved to lose Maddie the way they did, but they deserve to have all the kids removed from their care if those are the sort of choices they are inclined to make. Yes we all make mistakes, we're human and things happen. I get that, but the ONLY innocent person here is Maddie. Her parents may not have hurt her, but they damn sure allowed her disappearance to happen, intentionally or not.

Nessa

Source

Monday Verse 07-21-08

2008-07-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 NIV

Note from Nessa: I find that somewhat comforting.