Thoughts on Saving

In this day and age we have nothing but instant gratification. Cell phones, streaming movies, GPS systems, fast food, credit cards, etc... If you want it you can most likely get it RIGHT NOW.

Since getting married almost 3 years ago (September 15th is our anniversary!) I've learned a lot about managing money. Mostly that credit is not really worth the instant gratification. After having Jude we decided I should stay at home which made us a 1 income home with a 2 income debt. So I do a little work from home to make a little extra money and I started this blog so we can review products that will save us money from having to buy them. We do whatever we can to save a buck. Whenever we have a need I typically try to review it before we head to the store. If I can't get it to review I look for coupons or alternative ways of earning money to SAVE up to buy what we need.

I do manage to earn a little money from my blog via ads or sponsored posts. I typically let it accumulate in my paypal account until I have need for it. I bought my husband his birthday presents with some of it and now I'm saving up to buy a new battery for my laptop.  I think saving is becoming a way of the past for a lot of people. But I find it much more rewarding to put aside a little money or work a little harder for something I really need or want. It's been a few months and today I finally have all the money I need to buy a new computer batter. I'm super excited about buying a battery which I know seems a little silly but I think it's because I've worked hard and now I can see the rewards of my effort.

So pardon me if you see me trotting around with my laptop unplugged and a big goofy smile on my face. I'm just super proud to have a new battery.

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Science Fun with Wisk

You always see those commercials where they show stains magically disappearing within seconds. You think to yourself, "Wow that is so cool. I need that product." only to then notice the tiny fine print at the bottom of the screen which says "time-lapse" or "results may not be typcial". I say boo to those commercials. But I say Hooray to Wisk.

They sent a selection of bloggers all the tools needed to test on the stain fighting power of the New Wisk Stain Spectrum. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and easily it removed the stains. Just watch this video I made.

I edit it down a bit for sanity sake. Joe was my assistant and didn't really know what he was supposed to be doing so it's got a little lengthy. But I can attest that the whole experiment lasted no longer than 5 minutes and that is including set up time. 

Jude wanted to help but I think he would have tried to drink the detergent so we waited until he was asleep.

About Wisk

New Wisk laundry detergent is reinventing the way you’ll look at stains with a powerful new formula and a red-hot bottle. As the first liquid laundry detergent to market in 1956, Wisk^® has been cleaning America’s laundry for the past 50 years. Now, they’ve upgraded their formula, but not their price, to tackle stains. Wisk is bringing science to stain fighting with an upgraded formula featuring Stain Spectrum™ Technology.  Wisk’s enzymes and cleaning agents target the full range of stains on a molecular level for a powerful clean.

New Wisk® with Stain Spectrum™ Technology is engineered to target the major stain groups

New stain vocabulary:

There are hundreds of different stains but most stains fall into three major groups:

• Carbohydrates such as milk chocolate 
• Proteins such as grass 
• Oils such as peanut butter

New powerful stain fighting formula. It doesn’t matter which of these stains you encounter, new Wisk with Stain Spectrum ™Technology  is the solution to tackle them all

Wisk is available in August at major retailers nationwide, such as Walmart, Target and Kroger

Like Wisk at www.Facebook.com/Wisk

Follow @Wisk on Twitter

I received compensation for this post by Wisk through the One2OneNetwork. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Meet Me on Monday

I'm in the mood for a little something fun today so I'm doing Never Growing Old's Meet Me Monday today.

1. What is your favorite kind of potato chip?

This is tough. I love Cape Cod Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper chips.

2. Do you make your bed everyday?

I do. Somehow making my bed makes the room seem a little bit tidier even if I don't pick anything else up. Plus I like getting into a made bed at night.

3. How often do you go to the hair salon?

Not often enough. It think it's been over a year since I had a hair cut. However, I'm going tomorrow and I'm super excited.

4. What do you dip your French fries in?

Well, at Chick-fil-a I like to dip my fries in Polynesian sauce. But depending on the type of fry and establishment I will either use nothing or Malt Vinegar.

5 Do you shop with coupons?

Almost all the time. I saved over $50 yesterday at the grocery store. I'm not as dedicated as I'd like to be but every little bit helps.

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NC Blogger: A Million Boxes #iheartnc

Today's NC Blogger is Amy from A Million Boxes

Tell readers more about yourself: 

About me? It’s always so hard to capture yourself in words! I am a forty-something mom of 2, 13 and 10. My husband is my best friend and there is no one I would rather spend time with. My favorite place in the world is Walt Disney World and we go as often as we can. We live next door to my parents which is a little “Everybody Loves Raymond” but it works. Actually I think my parents like my husband more than me now. I volunteer in my kids’ schools and in the community. I think the world could be a better place if we worried more about what we were putting into the world vs. what we are getting out of it. And I believe you should always choose love. 

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?  

I think my first post on the new blog “Why a new blog?” and most recently my post from the Kodak Bus Tour I went on at Blogher. 

Where in NC are you located? 

Wilmington, NC the southeast coast of NC

How long have you lived in NC? 

I was born and raised here, moved to Atlanta for a while and lived in Mount Pleasant, SC for 5 years then moved back here.

Do you blog about NC or local events/places? 

I want to do more of this because I LOVE our state, but the two that come to mind are Why I Love North Carolina and Feeding Hungry Children.

What is your favorite local place to eat? 

Indochine It’s a wonderful Thai Vietnamese restaurant and it’s unexpected. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside it’s wonderful!

Who is your favorite local attraction? 

The beach!!

What is your favorite local shop or retailer? 

A friend of mine owns a shop near the beach and it’s called The Fisherman’s Wife. It’s a high end gift type shop. They do stationery and have an extensive bridal registry. It’s just lovely and everyone is very friendly. 

What is your favorite NC vacation spot? 

The Asheville, NC area. When we go away, we are looking to get away from the beach so we head for the mountains. 

What advice would you give someone visiting your town? 

There is more to see than you would expect. You could spend all of your time on the beach, but we also have a beautiful historic downtown area to explore.

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Sweet Summer Memories #MilanoMoments

Summer is coming to and end. As much as I enjoy the coming of fall there is something so sweet about summer. As I look back and thing about all the wonderful moment our family shared this summer I am reminded of our fabulous trip to Charleston, South Carolina. It was kind of a last minute trip where we tagged along with some friends on their vacation for a few days and visited with our family in Mt. Pleasant but it was a truly memorable trip. We spent a few fun days on the beach as a family and learned that Jude has no fear of the ocean and craves the excitement of the crashing waves. On one such day as Joe and Jude were playing in the sand I stopped to soak in that moment. How sweet it was to see my husband and son playing together on a gorgeous summer day beside the ocean. It was perfection.

Pepperidge Farm launched a new Milano Facebook Page to encourage consumers to share their favorite “Milano Moments” in an online movement to unite Milano fans worldwide. Milano is asking consumers to help celebrate the premiere of their newest delectable treat, the Strawberry Milano® cookie. What is your Milano moment from this summer?

Coupon: Download this $1 off coupon 

I received no product or compensation in exchange for this post but was entered to win a gift card from One2One Network. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

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Dryel Stain Pen and 3-in-1 Spray Review

I really do hate taking my clothes to the dry cleaner. I generally wait as long as possible and take a huge pile which usually ends up costing a fortune. I'd heard about Dryel and the possibility to clean your dry clean only clothes at home safely but was skeptical.

I tried Dryel On the Go which is small and convenient enough to store in your purse, suitcase or diaper bag. As a mom to a toddler I inevitably end up with food or other gunk on my clothes, not all of which are machine washable. So I like that I can use the dryel stick to quickly remove spots. It doesn't have an odor and is super easy to use. just a little squirt, scrub and out comes the spot.

About Dryel On The Go

Dryel On The Go™  helps remove fresh stains, and it’s EVEN safe on dry clean

only clothes, delicates and hand-washables such as wools, silks, rayons,

linens, cottons and other special care fabrics.

I also tried the Dryel 3-in-1 Touch Spray which helps release wrinkles, remove static and freshen up clothes. In addition to despising dry cleaning I don't like to iron so I'm willing to try any product that helps me reduce my ironing time. I sprayed a little on a wrinkly shirt, threw it in the dryer for a few seconds and it looked pretty good, not as perfect as a freshly ironed shirt but wearable.

About Dryel 3 in 1 Touch Spray

Dryel 3-IN-1 Touch Up Spray™ is specially formulated to safely care for your everyday and dry clean clothes. Use to extend the time between cleanings! 

• Spray a light mist evenly on fabric.
• Use more spray in heavily wrinkled, smelly or clingy areas.
• Use hands to press and smooth away wrinkles.
• Air dry or dry in the dryer.

Connect: Follow Dryel on Twitter and Fan Dryel on Facebook.

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Farm Rich Review

I'm a sucker for fried mozzerella but we don't go out to eat often and I've never tried to fry anything at home. But when I learned about Farm Rich's Cheese Sticks I was in love. To be honest I was a little skeptical at first, how good could frozen cheese sticks be? Well as it turns out they are pretty great. Baking them in the oven makes them nice and crispy.

We recently served Farm Rich Cheese Sticks at a get together with friends and everyone loved them. They were a big hit with kids and adults alike. I liked how easy they were to make, but bake for 10 minutes in the oven and you have a tasty snack or appetizer. In addition to being tasty, easy and quick to make they are made with 100% mozzarella and they have 0% trans fats which makes me feel better about feeding them to my family.

About Farm Rich

Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves.

Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they're made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. Our snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great tasting food within minutes.

Farm Rich® is a Rich's Consumer Brand, which brings to market some of the food industry's leading retail brands including SeaPak® Shrimp Co., Casa Di Bertacchi® and more.

From early morning breakfasts to midnight snacks, They're proud to say Farm Rich® products have become synonymous with high quality and great taste.

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Eden Fantasy's Review - *Adult Content

* May not be suitable for all audiences

In all honesty I probably have enough lingerie that I could wear a different outfit everyday of about two months. I don't wear lingerie that often but Joe really likes it and like and buy it for me. So of course when Eden Fantasy's asked me to do another review I had to get some new lingerie to add to my collection. I choose the Coquette Peek-a-boo bikini top and thong set because I knew Joe would like it. I was right.

There is something guys like about that peeking out nipple and crotchless panties. I really like that it's a simple design without too much frill and lace. It is a one size fits most outfit and I'm often a little weary of one size products because they don't usually fit my size top. But I really like how this top fits even my large breasts. The entire outfit fit me rather well and I think would still fit a person of a smaller build. Joe really liked the tie closures on the cup openings and crotch... it's like opening a present.  My only complaint is that during our first use one of the rhinestones fell out of the circle on the waistband. Otherwise we both really liked this outfit and will I wear it more frequent than not.

About the Peek-a-boo bikini top and thong

Set the mood wearing this sultry set by Coquette. The sexy peek-a-boo bikini top features bow details on each cup opening, a rhinestone circle in the center and a back clasp closure. The matching crotchless thong shows just enough to tease. It is adorned with a rhinestone circle and has an elastic waist band for a better fit. To complete your look add a pair of stockings

About Eden Fantasys

Eden Fantasys is top online retailers for adult toys and gifts. They offer a varitey of products which include sexy lingerie, sex toys, vibrators and  massage oils and lotions. Eden Fantasys offers $5.95 flat rate standard shipping, discrete billing and shipping and free returns or exchanges.

Buy: Purchase online at EdenFantasy.com

$17.99Peek-a-boo bikini top and thong Bra and panty set by Coquette Material: Mesh Buy from EdenFantasys

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David Garrett Rock Symphonies Review

David Garrett's Rock Symphonies is a unique blend of classical and rock music. If you are familiar with popular rock songs from artists like Led Zepplin, Aerosmith and Nirvana but also like symphony music David Garrett is right up your alley.

I appreciate both classic rock and classical music but I'm still not sure how I feel about them combined. It is fun to listen to the album and see how he composed an entire symphony piece from a rock song. I think it comes down to the fact that I not as big of a fan of classic rock as I would like to think. But I certainly think a lot of people will enjoy this album and there is no denying that David Garrett is talented.

Just watch this video and decide for yourself.

About Rock Symphonies

Rock Symphonies, the latest release from best-selling classical artist David Garrett, breathes new life into the classic music genre.  A unique blend of classic violin music and contemporary rock songs, Rock Symphonies is a moving celebration of Garrett’s two loves: classical music and the rock-and-roll songs of his generation.

A child prodigy born in Germany, Garrett has been amazing fans around the world since he was a young boy.  By age 12, Garrett was playing on stage with the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Russian National Orchestra. His self-titled debut album, David Garrett, debuted in the states at #1 on the Classical Crossover Chart and held the position for 31 solid weeks in 2009.

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Mom Bloggers Needed to Test Products ASAP

Mom Blog Testers Still Needed - Help Spread the Word

We Need 1000 Mom Bloggers to test and review a health product on their blog. US Only
Sign up to test this health product.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Moms Network.

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My Purple Toes Book Review

Every night before bed we snuggle in the bed and read several books to Jude. He picks out his favorites and we recite the same story over and over and over. It's become so consistent that we don't even have to look at the pages and sometimes he'll just recite the lines to us. So it's always a welcome treat when we get a new book, especially a board book. 

We just received a new board book, My Purple Toes by Blair Hahn. I always pre-read books before I read them to Jude and I absolutely fell in love with this story. I like that is' based on a real experience about a wonderful father getting a pedicure with his daughter. It's fun and silly.  It's also helping Jude learn the color purple, which is always a fun word to hear a toddler say.

About My Purple Toes

My Purple Toes is a creative children's board book written for children between the ages of one and five that tells a story about a father's experience navigating life with purple painted toenails. From mom to the kids to their dog, everyone reacts differently to dad's purple toes showing their surprise, embarrassment, and even laughter.

Throughout the book, children can look for dad's toes in various environments and also find a friendly frog with purple toes that hides on each page. In addition to entertaining, "My Purple Toes" teaches a simple, yet relevant lesson about the importance of acceptance, enjoying life and being different.

Give-Back: "My Purple Toes" donates a significant portion of its proceeds to benefit children in the United States and around the world through nonprofit, Soles4Souls, which collects and distributes shoes at no cost to people in need.

Connect: Follow My Purple Toes on Twitter and Like on Facebook. 

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

 

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Veggie Tales: Sweet Pea Beauty

A few months ago I introduced Jude to Veggie Tales with the release of Pistachio. At the beginning of the Pistachio DVD there is preview for Sweet Pea Beauty, which Jude found absolutely amazing. So when I was given the opportunity to review the newest release from Big Idea Pictures, VeggieTales: Sweet Pea Beauty - A Girl After God's Own Heart, I knew Jude would just love it.

Despite what you may think Sweet Pea Beauty isn't just a story for girls. I think boys and girls alike can benefit from the lessons and principals of being valuable in the eyes of God, and not finding your beauty or worth in physical appearance or materials. I also really like the Snoodlerella musical which also carries the same theme. Jude of course loves all the music and Silly Song. I also really like the Nicole Nordeman song, "Beautiful for Me" during the credits, I used to listen to Nicole Nordeman in college and she has a great voice and is a great song writer.

About Sweet Pea Beauty

Once upon a time, there lived a royally sour blueberry, a fair rhubarb maiden and a dastardly deceptive mirror! Sweetpea Beauty knows that what’s on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blueberry can’t see past her own reflection!  So, when a decree is handed down that only the most beautiful can rule the land, the Queen gets nervous and things turn ugly!  Banished to the dark forest, Sweetpea’s fate seems bleak until a charming prince, a band of merry minstrels and seven snow peas come to the rescue!  Will Sweetpea and her friends be able to warn the Queen in time to save her from the clutches of the tricky mirror – or will the crumbling kingdom and the Queen’s own heart be lost forever? Find out in this fairy "Veggie" tale about the real meaning of true beauty.

Buy It: VeggieTales®: Sweetpea Beauty – A Girl After God’s Own Heart, available on DVD at Christian retail July 31, 2010 and everywhere August 3, 2010.

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

 

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ISO: A Restaurant that is ACTUALLY Kid-Friendly

I've had this post brewing in my mind for months now. I should probably be writing about the toddler sleep issues we're experiencing in our home right now but I'm gonna wait on that one. It's a sensitive subject for all.

Back to the point, I'd once like to visit a restaurant that is truly kid-friendly. I think most dining establishments fail big time when it comes to catering to families. It can be quite an ordeal to take your child out to eat, especially if you're the only adult or have more than one child with you. Here are few of areas I really think restaurant owners need to take into consideration.

1. Highchairs - Let's start with the obvious. If you plan on having children dine in your restaurant you'll want to have a few highchairs. And while I think it might be a requirement in most places there appears to be no code for safety or cleanliness. Most of the highchairs we use are filthy and broken. I doubt anyone ever cleans the highchairs, there is just a constant film of ick all over them. And what good does a broken safety strap do me? Or worst of all the safety strap designed for an anorexic baby doll, folks my son has thighs and a big ole cloth diaper but. Let's start by keeping kids safe and healthy.

2. Changing Tables - The next point I need to address is the lack of adequate changing tables. I mean if you have a kid's menu and highchairs it should just be a given to have a changing table. It'd be nice to have one with a working safety strap and maybe a nice table nearby where I can put my supplies. If I'm changing a diaper away from home it's probably not going to be super quick and clean. Additionally, why do men get out of changing diapers when we dine out? Father's change diapers too. Put a changing table in the men's room for goodness sake.

3. Menu - Kid's menu options generally suck. I mean no wonder our country is full of fat picky eater children. If all you offer is fried chicken fingers and pasta that's all they are going to eat. I'd like to see a kid's menu that offers small portions of regular menu items. I mean when I pay $5 for a turkey sandwich I want more than a slice of turkey slapped between two pieces of white bread. I generally find that it works out better if I just order off the adult menu and split it. Jude loves tomatoes on his turkey sandwich and he'll eat chicken curry and spinach and artichoke pizza. Choices people.

4. Service - Now this is a tricky topic because sometimes you just get a bum server but it should be a general rule that customers with children should be treated with the same respect as everyone else. But what I'd really love to see is a place where kids and families are treated special. A great example is Chick-fil-a, I don't know if this is across the board or just my local stores but they have superb customer service for families. They understand I can't carry my child, purse, push the high chair and carry my tray of food to the table. I think they do a good job caring for families. I'm not asking all restaurants to bend over backwards but a little extra care goes a long way.

5. Tables - This could fall into the highchair category but I thought it could use it's own point. It drives me nuts when they put the high chair off to the corner of the table, as if my son would just like to watch the rest of us eat. He needs a place to eat too. He's a person and despite the fact that he's small he somehow manages to take up a lot of space. 

6. Silverware, Napkins and Cups - This post is getting rather lengthy so I'll combine these three. Basically, kid's use (or should) use silverware when they eat, so maybe give them some. And they most certainly use napkins, lots of them. And I know it seems like a good idea to substitute to regular glass with a Styrofoam cup but it's not. Take two tiny thumbs, insert in styrofoam cup and mom has a lap full of water. *Also if you're bringing bread or an appetizer with small plates to my table bring one for my son... he'd like to use one.

Maybe I should start a kid-friendly dining room consulting business? But really most of this should be common sense.

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Executive Gift Shoppe Review

When I started The B Keeps Us Honest I thought it would be simple, write a few posts, do a few reviews, la de da.... little did I know that running a giveaway blog takes a LOT of work. From writing post, maintaining relationships with clients, PR reps and readers it is essentially it's a full time job. A few months ago I attended a local blogging event and everyone was passing out their business cards. I didn't know bloggers had business cards. So now I've got my business cards and even got this great Stainless Steel Finger Dispensing Business Card Holder from Executive Gift Shoppe. Now, I'm a professional blogger.

Aside from never thinking I would need business cards as a blogger I most certainly never thought I would need a business card holder. But I really do love having it. It looks professional and is super easy to use,  I just slide out a card each time I need one. It has a nice Stainless Steel finish and helps keep my busy life just a little bit more organized. 

About Executive Gift Shoppe

Executive Gift Shoppe started as a small personalized gift store in Nanuet, NY in 1999 catering to the wedding & corporate gift industry. They sell high quality, executive gifts from briefcases to business accessories, to money clips, to zippos.

Connect: Follow Executive Gift Shoppe on Twitter and Facebook

I received the featured product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Emmy Night Party #PaperMateParty

August 29th is Emmy Night and the Double Duty Divas will be talking style and swag during a Paper Mate Twitter Party! With over 25 prize packs including makeup bags and totebags filled with notepads and Paper Mate pens, #PaperMateParty will be the place to be Emmy night on NBC.  RSVP for a chance to win special prizes; while not necessary, there are special prizes reserved for RSVPs only.  

Paper Mate is "Sharing the Love" on their Facebook page where you can win $15,000 of PaperMate products for your school or donate pens to Kids in Need Foundation, so be sure to "like" them on Facebook whether or not you're able to join us for a Red Carpet Twitter Party.  And feel free to pass this message along...all are welcome!

 

When: Sunday, August 29th, 7-9 p.m. EST
Where: Twitter hashtag #PaperMateParty
Hostesses: @DoubleDutyDivas, @coolbabykid and @BridgetteLA
Required to Win: In order to be eligible for Twitter Party Red Carpet swag, be sure to "like" Paper Mate on Facebook.
RSVP:  While not required, we'll be giving away special RSVP only prizes.

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Meet the Divas on Twitter - $20 Amazon GC Giveaway

I'm a member of Double Duty Divas, a great group of women bloggers that "Do It All". The Divas are a hard working group of women that help promote companies and each other. As a member of the Double Duty Divas you participate in Professional Blog Campaigns, Advertising Campaigns, Multi-Blog Holiday Gift Guide, and Blog Relations!

We'd love for you to connect with the Divas on Twitter so DDD is offering this special cross-promotional giveaway.

Win: One (1) lucky reader from ALL participating blog entries will win a $20 Amazon GC.  

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry: 


Mandatory Entry 
Follow the Double Duty Diva Tweepml List. Leave a comment with your twitter name AND one of Divas you are now following.

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that they can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 9.2 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email. One will winner be selected out of ALL entries on ALL participating blogs. 

No product or compensation was provided to me in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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NC Blogger: Jael Custom Designs

Today's NC Blogger is Jen from Jael Custom Designs.

Tell readers more about yourself:

I’m married to my High School sweetheart, we have four children ages 14, 12, 10, and 2, I’m a FT working mom, Blogger, Twitterholic, Facebook junkie and I have my own Graphic Design & PR Firm! I’ve just recently become the Marketing Coordinator at my job Thanks to blogging and social networking! I’ll share that post with you.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog?  

Can Blogging and Social Networking change your life?  

What a Good Feeling 

One Year Already

Where in NC are you located? 

Raleigh- Durham Area

How long have you lived in NC? 

Ten Years I’m a Transplant from New York! Always in a New York sate of mind! 

Do you blog about NC or local events/places

I do blog about current events and community happenings. 

Zpizza Summer Tour comes to Cary, NC 

RDU Tennis 

Hebrew National Better Than-A-Picnic Picnic Raleigh, NC Recap 

What is your favorite local place to eat? 

Currently Satisfaction in Brightleaf Square – Durham, NC. Their Chicken Caesar Salad is the BEST!!!

Who is your favorite local attraction? 

We have tons of Arts & Entertainment. I tend to go to many concerts. I love the Koka Booth Ampitheater in Cary, NC. It’s beautiful out there!

What is your favorite local shop or retailer? 

Right now in this heat it’s definitely Rita’s Italian Ice Custard. They have The BEST crushed ice and the flavors are AWESOME! It keeps me COOL! 

What is your favorite NC vacation spot? 

I’m still trying to get to the beach. I’ve never been to a NC beach but, I’ve heard GREAT things. Can you believe it?

What advice would you give someone visiting your town? 

Plan what you’d like to do and schedule it, there are tons of scenes to take in! When my mom comes to visit we NEVER fit everything that we’ve listed. I’ve been trying to get her to DUKE & UNC campuses for over a year. I’ve wanted her to walk Franklin Street w/ me in Chapel Hill. Next visit!

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Blogger of the Week: Little Yayas

Today's featured blogger is Cindi from Little Yayas

How old is your blog or long have you been blogging? 

I have had my blog since February and have been blogging since last November.

What made you choose the name of your blog? 

I originally was going to have my blog link to my website www.yayablankets.com, so I named it Little Yayas after my blankets. I kind of went another direction after starting my blog and having so much fun.

Why do you blog and what do you love about blogging? 

I blog as a fun hobby. It is a great escape from my daily routine. I like chatting with my blog buddy, learning new things, writing (still trying to get my writing groove back), and I like the adult interaction. I haven’t worked in 5 years and I like feeling like I am doing something. The fact it is fun is a bonus.

What are a few of your favorite posts on your blog? 

I don’t have favorite posts, but I have to admit I do love all the reviews I have been able to do.

Are you married? If so, how long? 

Yes I married my best friend that I met in first grade.

Do you have children? If so, how many? 

I have 3 kids ages 1.5, 5, and 13

What is your favorite movie? 

Avatar right now. :)

Who is your favorite actor? 

HMMM not sure I have one favorite.

What is your favorite band or musician? 

I like One eskimO since I went to their concert. My favorite songs are Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.

What is your favorite food? 

Teriyaki chicken or pasta

What is your favorite candy? 

Snickers

What else should readers know about you? 

When I am not blogging, cleaning, playing with my kids, running errands, taking kids to their activities or school, I am making baby blankets at www.yayablankets.com. I feel so blessed to have a healthy family and I absolutely love life.

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Win a Free Weekend Stay - Hampton Hotel

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

I know summer is almost over but that doesn't mean you have to hang up your vacation hat. Now thanks to the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes you can win a free weekend stay. The Grand Prize is an ENTIRE hotel for the whole weekend. You can invite everyone you know and have a party. Or if you could win one of the 100 First prizes you can win a weekend stay for you and 3 of your friends.

If I were to win the grand prize I would most certainly invite all of my family and and friends for a massive fun party... somewhere awesome. Joe thinks it would be fun to just have the hotel to ourselves but I think it might be a little creepy. But even if I just won a first place prize I would take my best girls friends on a weekend trip. (destination TBD but probably somewhere near the beach... maybe Charleston) Most of my friends are moms like me and could most certainly use a kid free vacation. There is something so refreshing about a girls only weekend trip, no sippy cups, diapers or play groups.

It's super easy to enter just go to the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes page and fill out the form!

What are you waiting for? You could win and then maybe you could bring me with you. :)

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Yo Gabba Gabba! Cool Tricks Contest

CONTEST: YO GABBA GABBA! announces the launch of the Cool Tricks contest which provides an opportunity for fans across North America to show-off their unique talents. Gabba fans are invited to upload a :30-:60 second video demonstrating their Cool Trick.  

PRIZE: Win the opportunity to receive a VIP Family 4 Pack and have your winning video played during intermission at the KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! show closest to your hometown. All participants are also automatically entered into a sweepstakes where one lucky fan will receive a five night trip for four to the Caribbean or Mexico.

In addition, each winner will also receive $100 worth of organic baby food, toddler, and lunchbox snacks and two “Party In My Lunchbox” Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! concert t-shirts from Revolution Foods and Plum Organics. Grand prize includes roundtrip air, Junior Suite accommodations, and all meals to a choice of Palladium Hotels & Resorts.

HOW TO ENTER: To enter the contest, participants must upload their video to Facebook. Winners are determined by public vote in each tour market. So be sure to get all your friends and family to vote for you!

Cool Tricks begins on Wednesday, August 18 at 10AM EST and winners will be notified and announced prior to the show date in each local market. The entry period for the grand prize sweepstakes will end on Sunday, Dec 12. See official rules at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.

ABOUT YO GABBA GABBA LIVE: KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! making stops in 60 cities at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters across North America starting on August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12. Featuring music, singing, dancing and animation, KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

Visit Yo Gabba Gabba Live for more information on complete tour, ticket, and VIP package information.

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Zhu-niverse Tour - Cary, NC

Yesterday Jude and I braved the hot and humid North Carolina day to attend the Zhu-niverse tour stop at the Toys R' US in Cary, NC. I've heard a lot about Zhu Zhu pets and Kung Zhu but never really knew what they were. Jude is a little too young to know about these type of things, but through all my blog friends I was aware that these are hot toys for elementary school age kids.

I was excited to check out these toys and see what all the buzz was about. Jude immediately went to the demonstration table for Kung Zhu and knew exactly how to play with them. He spent a good 20 minutes around the table checking out all the different Zhus. There were a lot of fun interactive things for kids to do while visiting the Zhu-niverse tour.  You can take a quiz to determine which Zhu you are, and even become a Zhu Pet yourself. Then there is the Giant Hamster trail where you collect coins like in the Zhu Zhu Pets video game. Then you can go through the Kung Zhu training grounds. (Jude loved the gong at the end.) And finally the gaming tent and Zhu tables where you can try out the toys and games.

We had a great time running around dancing to the music, trying out toys and playing with other kids. Now that Jude and I have seen how fun Zhu Zhu pets are I'm sure Jude will want one now. I also met some other local blog moms who were attending the event which was a lot of fun.

Learn more about the Zhu-niverse tour and see if they are stopping in your city.

I received product or compensation to attend and cover this event. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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