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Cat Napping: No Flash Photographs, Please

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Oh, to relax and sleep your day away...these are the first four photos of what will be a long series of cat naps. Sorry to all the dog lovers out there. We're cat people, mainly because cats are easier. Maybe one day we'll have a big old yard with a big old dog.

Labels: Cats, My Life

7 comments:

CLOSED Pepto-Bismol Prize Pack Giveaway

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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With summer and fall (finally!!) grilling season here, we all need a little Pepto-Bismol for those occasions when we over-eat or just eat badly. I don't know about you, but my love of spicy foods has given me a tummy ache on more than one occasion. Luckily for us, Pepto-Bismol carries awesome products including chewable tablets (what every mom's purse needs!), liquid Pepto, caplets and a variety of flavors.

I was very happy to get my own Pepto-Bismol prize pack since I occasionally indulge in super spicy wasabi with my sushi or jalapenos with my delicious tacos and burritos. A girl's gotta live! Now I can carry around some chewable tablets just in case.

Labels: Giveaways, Health Products

241 comments:

Hellmann's Virtual Sandwich Swap 'N Share for Charity

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Back-to-school time is here, and for most Moms that means back to car-pooling, homework monitoring and of course, packing lunches. It can be hard to come up with lunches made with real, simple ingredients that kids will eat and actually enjoy. Luckily, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® Mayonnaise are putting the fun back into lunch this September with their virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share program.

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay and actress/mom Lori Loughlin are teaming up with Hellmann's® to help re-launch Hellmann's® virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share on the Facebook® application (Facebook.com/Hellmanns). This virtual version of the beloved school lunch ritual of swapping sandwiches will benefit Share Our Strength®, the leading non-profit organization ending childhood hunger in America.

When you visit Hellmann's® Page on Facebook®, they'll have the opportunity to create a sandwich on the application and, for every sandwich built, Hellmann's® will make a donation to Share Our Strength. What's more, when you share a sandwich with a friend, an additional donation will be made as part of Hellmann's $75,000 commitment to support Share Our Strength. I signed up and shared - you should, too!
Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's prize package in exchange for sharing this information with my readers. I was not compensated for this post.

Labels: Charity, Food

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Acorn Squash Soup Recipe

Saturday, September 25, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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It must be squash season because one appeared in my weekly farmer's market basket. I finally cooked some Acorn Squash soup (recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book). It turned out light and would be the perfect starter soup to a meal. I'm actually kinda crazy about it and will be taking the leftovers to lunch. I used milk but cream would probably have been a better choice. Lily gobbled up a bunch (there may have been a cheesy bribe sprinkled on her bowl). Recipe calls for 1.5 cups of squash; I had 3 so I made a double batch.

1.5 cups cooked acron squash
1.5 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
1 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of milk or cream

Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds (we're drying ours out to plant in the spring - anyone want some?), place flat-side down in a microwave safe dish in 2 tablespoons of water and zap for 6-10 minutes until soft. Scoop out into a blender once cool. Add 3/4 cup of the chicken broth and blend until smooth. In a medium saucepan melt the butter, add flour and ginger and blend until smooth/pasty. Add milk and cook, stirring until it thickens slightly. Add your squash mixture, cook until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Labels: Recipes

5 comments:

CLOSED Steam Designs Jewelry Review & Giveaway

Saturday, September 25, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Have you heard of steampunk? I personally hadn't until I was introduced to Steam Designs. A quick google search told me steampunk "is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used-usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England-but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne." Thanks, Wikipedia.

Labels: Giveaways, Handmade, Jewelry

659 comments:

Yandy.com Sexy Halloween Costume Review

Saturday, September 25, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Have you decided on your Halloween costume? I haven't dressed up for Halloween in years since Lily used to be out like a light at 630pm, leaving us no time for trick or treating. This will be our first official Halloween to trick or treat or attend fun parties - finally - the kid's almost 3! Lily already has a snow princess costume we bought on super sale last year (yes, I'm THAT type of mom) and lucky for me she likes it. This year I am all set since I was able to review a costume from Yandy.com. I chose the fun flapper costume and added on some fishnet nylons. The costume fits well and is true to size and has fun detailing.

Labels: Reviews

1 comments:

My Silly Genius?

Thursday, September 23, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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After dinner, Lily and I like to engage in art projects while we wait for Adam to come home. We glue, we cut, we stick. This evening we used the letter stickers. We were low, not many letters left. Since we were out of Y's, my clever, inventive 3 year old made her own Y our of a V and an I. I marveled at her genius. Here comes the next Einstein. I mean, check out the color coordination, too!

I'm certain my child is the next hot thing. Then, while shutting off my camera I look up to see this. Genius at work? Umm...sure...or just a kiddo being silly. I'll take (and love!) either one. Or both. Who says she can't be a silly genius?? At least she didn't stick it in her nostril and make it look like a booger. Oh wait, she did, only I had already put the camera away at that point since we were both giggling like crazy.

Labels: My Life

12 comments:

CLOSED Jill Lauren Handmade Knits Review & Giveaway

Thursday, September 23, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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I'm very happy to introduce you all to Jill Lauren Handmade Knits. Jill's Etsy shop carries a wide array of unique, handmade knit items. You can find Dropstitch Cowls, Twist Cowls, Super Chunky Cowls with Tree Buttons, Scarves, Neckwarmers, Hats, Headbands, Mittens and Handwarmers. Jill Lauren learned to knit 10 years ago when she was in the Peace Corps in Russia from a little old lady who lived next door to her. Jill designs new things items and everything in her shop is an original design.

Labels: Clothing, Giveaways, Handmade

594 comments:

Ice Cream Does a Lily Good

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Labels: My Life

8 comments:

CLOSED PediaCare Review & Giveaway

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Confused about cold/flu medicines for children? Introducing an expanded line of safe and effective medicines from the trusted brand for children, PediaCare® – with and without acetaminophen (for children and infants) that addresses most sick-child situations: cough, cold, allergy, flu, congestion, fever and pain. Product offerings, in kid-pleasing flavors, match the formulations of other recalled brands and are arriving in stores just in time for the cold/flu season. In particular, PediaCare Infant and Children’s fever and pain reducers are a great solution for moms wanting a branded acetaminophen alternative.

Labels: Giveaways, Health Products

102 comments:

5 Minutes a Day: Entrance Coat Closet

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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We have a coat closet near the front door - it is tall and skinny. I love to host parties and playdates so we do use this occasionally for coats but you wouldn't know if once you opened it up. Yikes! I have been hoarding items here I need to donate, but in addition to those items I found a Halloween costume, 3 old coats from when I still lived in Chicago (um, NINE years ago!), three blankets, two old laptop bags (one from when I worked at Andersen - the now non-existent ENRON audit firm - 10 years ago), a frog potty, and a big bag of plastic eggs. All items one would expect to find in a coat closet, right?

This weekend I made a nice pile of the donations and will be rid of most of this clutter soon.

Labels: 5 Minutes a Day

5 comments:

Ragú Old World Style Sauce = 2 Servings of Veggies in Every Half Cup!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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If you're having trouble finding time to prepare nutritious meals for your family while adjusting to new back to school schedules, relax, you're not alone. According to a recent "Feed our Kids Well" survey conducted by Ragú®, half of moms say that during the back-to-school season they have less time to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals for their kids. Fear not, Mom; Help is on the way!

To help make sure your kids get the veggies they need (and the meals they love) Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce now has 2 servings of veggies in every half cup! Available soon in major retailers nationwide, the healthy, great tasting Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional pasta sauce that is already a kitchen staple has a new, naturally thicker recipe.

Healthy, delicious and now with a naturally thicker taste the whole family will love, Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce is a perfect component to pulling together quick and tasty meals during this busy time. And Ragú® wants you to be among the first to try out their great new recipe! To be one of the first to taste Ragú® with 2 servings of veggies in every half-cup visit them on Facebook for more details.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Ragú® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Labels: Food

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Every Cat Needs a Blankie

Saturday, September 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Oh kitty cats, come here, kitty kitty kitty...which one will be the ~~victim~~ chosen one? Kicia (tiny brown cat) runs like the wind the slightest disturbance (rustling paper bag = Kicia's biggest fear) so she was out of that kitchen in no time flat at Lily's approach. Marlow (big fat white/orange cat) is not so skiddish.

Marlow the cat is the ~~laziest~~ oldest and most likely target for Lily's ministrations and baby blankies.

Sleep tight, Marlow cat. Don't let the bed bugs bite! And enjoy the big kiss Lily planted on your furry old head!

Labels: Cats, My Life

12 comments:

Breakfast in a Cup Recipe

Saturday, September 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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I found this recipe on a food blog I really enjoy - From Blah to Ta-Daa - so all the credit goes to them! Check out these cool cooking women if you're looking to try some new recipes. Lily and I made it this morning and it was quick and easy. I should have topped it with some yummy salsa before taking this picture. Enjoy!

2 teaspoons butter

1 Tablespoon milk

2 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

2 Tablespoon shredded cheese

Salsa (optional)

Place the butter in a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug and microwave on high for about 30 seconds until melted. Add the milk, eggs, salt and pepper, and mix well with a fork. Microwave on high for around 60 second until it just begins to set, then stir and microwave for about 30 seconds until almost completely set but still moist (your microwave time may differ). Remove eggs from microwave and sprinkle with cheese and salsa.

Labels: Recipes

2 comments:

CLOSED Omnibalm Skin Cream Review & Giveaway

Saturday, September 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Omnibalm® is unique and superior to other skin care products due to its high concentration of high quality tea tree oil in a non-greasy cream that soothes skin on contact. Omnibalm was developed nearly 20 years ago by a pharmacist at a leading medical research hospital searching for relief from his severe sunburn. His research led him to natural tea tree oil. Impressed with the oil’s healing properties, he formulated tea tree oil into a non-greasy cream to extend the beneficial effects of the oil.

Because Omnibalm contains 13% of the highest quality tea tree oil available, it offer the benefits sought by tea tree oil users in a formulation that absorbs easily and penetrates deeply. Omnibalm’s proprietary formula combines the natural benefits of tea tree oil with moisturizers to soothe skin on contact.

For almost 20 years, Omnibalm has been shared with family and friends of Omnibalm’s developer who have discovered the product’s remarkable effectiveness and versatility. These individuals and other customers have used Omnibalm successfully on a wide variety of skin conditions including dry skin (xeroderma), cracking, itching, daily foot care, sun damaged skin, chafing, roughness, and similar skin conditions. They enthusiastically report that “OMNIBALM WORKS!” after other products have failed.

MY THOUGHTS
My favorite feature of Omnibalm is its non-greasy formula. It absorbs quickly and does not leave an oily film on your skin. The Daily Foot Therapy lotion keeps you feet smooth. It works really well to soften and repair dry skin. The Skin Relief Cream is great for moisturizing dry skin. During the winter I find that my hands get super dry from over-washing and I am constantly reapplying lotion on my hands. This lotion protects and stays with me longer than others I have tried. The scent of tea tree oil is slightly minty and refreshing.

WIN IT
Two US or Canadian readers will win Omnibalm products. Lucky you!

MANDATORY ENTRY
1) Simply tell me why you would like to win Omnibalm or something you learned on their website.

This giveaway is now closed.

This review and giveaway was made possible by Omnibalm. Thank you to Omnibalm for providing the product for review and giveaway! I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I paid for this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Please refer to my Disclosure.

Labels: Beauty Products, Giveaways

240 comments:

Yu-Be Skincare: Free Moisturizer for Your Picture with Yu-Be

Saturday, September 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Back in March, I had the opportunity to review Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Care products and thoroughly enjoyed them. My Foaming Skin Polish is nearly empty - it has become a staple in the shower! Do you use Yu-Be? Is so - read on!

Yu-Be is hosting a promotion and inviting users to submit pictures of yourself with one of your Yu-Be products. What's in it for you other than a spotlight on their page? In exchange for your picture you will receive a free Moisturizing Skin Cream (a 1.25oz tube, which is a $15 value). You can email your picture or post it directly on the Yu-Be Facebook page. If you post on their page, email your mailing information to info@yu-be.com to obtain your free moisturizer.
I received a product sample in exchange for sharing this promotion with my readers. My opinions about the (great!) products are my own and I was not compensated for this post. Refer to my Disclosure.

Labels: Beauty Products

0 comments:

Guest Post: Early Childhood Education – Acquiring Sign Language

Saturday, September 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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One of the keys to surviving in a tilted economic system in which opportunities to achieve a decent standard of living will be limited is versatility – and the ability to communicate articulately in a variety of ways with the widest possible audience. This includes bilingual ability as well as the ability to communicate in non-verbal ways for the benefit of the disabled – primarily the deaf.

At the same time, a growing shortage of qualified interpreters fluent in American Sign Language has led to more career opportunities – and if current trends continue, it's likely that skilled ASL interpreters will have little problem securing lucrative employment in a society where such a commodity is destined to be in short supply.

Labels: Education, Guest Post, Kids Activities

2 comments:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Balls Recipe

Thursday, September 16, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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I tested out this recipe the other weekend and the results were delicious. However, the recipe needed some major tweaking - for example the inside peanut butter mixture was way too liquid to "roll into a ball" as the original recipe instructed. Below is the modified version. These are great for a party. The recipe resulted in about 40 cake balls. Here's a picture of Lily's batch - pink sprinkles were a MUST.

1 box Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

1 cup Peanut Butter

1 can Fudge Frosting

2 ounces Cream Cheese

2 package Chocolate Chips

2 package Peanut Butter Chips

2-4 Tablespoons Canola Oil or butter

Prepare cake according to package directions for a 9×13 inch pan. Cool completely (may take 2-3 hours - or pop in the fridge). Crumble cooled cake into a large bowl, making a pile of fine crumbs. Mix in frosting. Set aside in refrigerator. I did use a full canister of frosting but I think you could get away with half or 3/4 of the container to make the outside mixture a little less moist or save on calories (hahaha).

Combine peanut butter and cream cheese and stir until uniform in color. I popped this in the freezer to thicken it up. Once the mixture is a bit thicker (maybe 15 minutes), form peanut butter mixture into small (1/2 inch) balls, place on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and form 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cake mixture around each peanut butter ball. I suggest rolling them between your hands if you'd like a nice, uniform shape. Place cake balls in freezer and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

Melt chocolate chips in one bowl and peanut butter chips in another. Stir 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil or butter into each. Coat cake balls in either chocolate or peanut butter chips, let set on waxed paper. Any remaining melted chocolate or peanut butter chips can be drizzled over the cake balls. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

If you're dieting for weight loss, but desperate to try these treats, don't lose hope! With the help of Sensa, you can have your cake balls, and eat them, too!

Labels: Recipes

14 comments:

CLOSED The Rattles Rock Kids CD Review & Giveaway

Thursday, September 16, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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“Friends that play together, stay together!” That’s The Rattles’ motto! The Rattles - Gus, Kitty, Hal and Sal - have been friends forever, and are now part of the best indie band around! With their manager, Benny, who drives the tour van (Sweet Pea) along with hundreds of roadies - all named Elvis, The Rattles are currently working on their debut album! Playing music that feels so good you just can’t sit still, with a message of sharing and friendship, it’s easy to see why The Rattles have so many adoring fans. After listening to the band’s new songs just once, kids and grown-ups will find themselves singing along and wanting to watch the videos over and over again!

Labels: Giveaways

125 comments:

CLOSED UPrinting Die Cut Designer Business Card Giveaway

Thursday, September 16, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Photobucket

UPrinting offers designer cards, blogger cards and so much more. From marketing materials to personal cards, business cards have developed from the plain boring to a more modern and rounded corners, square cards and slim cards. UPrinting has offered you the chance to win die cut business cards prints.

UPrinting also provides a variety of other wonderful products including brochures, calendars, canvas prints, catalogs, labels and much more.

WIN IT
UPrinting is sponsoring a giveaway of 250 die cut designer business cards to one US reader (ARV ~$75). Lucky you!

MANDATORY ENTRY
1) Tell me why you would like to win these business cards or what style you would pick if you won.

This giveaway is now closed.

Disclosure: I will receive 250 business cards from UPrinting. I was not compensated to write a positive review.

Labels: Giveaways, Paper Products

92 comments:

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care Review

Thursday, September 16, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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By combining nature’s greatest ingredients, forward-edge technology and cultural awareness, Number 4 High Performance Hair Care makes your hair be as it should be - the ultimate expression of health and beauty that defines new stylistic territories. Number 4 uses the highest quality essential oils and extracts to repair damage, keep hair youthful and supple, and color new. Number 4 gently cleanses with no harsh sulfates and cleverly styles with no stripping alcohols. These products exclude all ingredients potentially toxic to humans, rare vintage couture, and the environment; 100% Vegan, Sulfate, Gluten, Bad Taste and Paraben Free formulas are never ever tested on animals.

Labels: Beauty Products, Reviews

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My Little Ballerina

Monday, September 13, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Dance class or Play Ball class?

"Mommy, I want to take the dance class so I can learn some new moves."

Labels: My Life

6 comments:

CLOSED EBOOST Daily Vitamin Supplement Giveaway

Monday, September 13, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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WHY EBOOST: EBOOST is a daily health booster made from natural ingredients. Its proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals activates the 4 vital elements of performance: ENERGY, IMMUNITY, RECOVERY, and FOCUS.

EBOOST is the next step in nutritional supplement evolution. For anybody who is concerned about wellness, EBOOST is a natural way to stay at peak performance. EBOOST is specially formulated for those who wish to operate at full capacity despite busy lifestyles and demanding schedules. This includes businesspeople, jet set travelers, students, moms, fitness buffs, investment bankers, professional athletes, party animals, supermodels, graphic designers, railroad tycoons, and many many others.

Labels: Giveaways

133 comments:

Kitchen Tip: Rubber Bands Make Easy Jar Openers

Saturday, September 11, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Do you have a pile of rubber bands in your junk drawer? You know - the ones that come wrapped around your mail or a bunch of broccoli? I save mine and use them as extra grippers around jar lids. When my strong, jar-opening husband is MIA, I'm never at a loss when I need to open a jar of pasta sauce or salsa. This is a super cheap (free!) way to open those tough jars. Simply wrap the rubber band around your lid and you have an extra grip on your jar that will help you twist it open in no time.

Labels: Kitchen Tips

6 comments:

CLOSED Wind Warrior Book Blog Tour & Giveaway

Saturday, September 11, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing

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Cynthia Roberts, author of her debut historical romance, Wind Warrior has something pretty darn dynamic for all of Busy Working Mama's visitors, friends and subscribers: one of the largest blog tour promotional giveaways ever attempted.

Breaking into the world of romance fiction is a challenge unto itself but more so, when you’re a newly published author. Busy Working Mama is excited to participate in this venture with Cynthia and help introduce Wind Warrior to the world of romance readers. The bonus: every one has the chance to compete for not one, but five pretty extraordinary prizes which will include:

1. Romantic Two-lid willow picnic basket with deluxe service for two ~ $125.00 value
2. Succulent Godiva Chocolate Tier ~ $75.00 value
3. Exquisite Pearl & Crystal Necklace ~ $50.00 value
4. Amazon Gift Certificate ~ $25 value
5. Amazon Gift Certificate ~ $25 value

To view the gifts & read further descriptions visit her website at http://www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com/.

Labels: Books, Giveaways

68 comments: