Have Sippy Will Travel

Weekend H0P Along- Weekends with Lucy and Sam :) @CloserToLucy

2012-02-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

Let's link up...Everyone is welcome, there are only two rules rules.
1) Follow your hostesses Have Sippy Will Travel and Closer to Lucy
2) Family friendly blog links only.If you would like to our spotlight co-host mail Lucy at closertolucy@gmail.com please include Weekends with Lucy and Sam in the subject line.
If you're new...leave a comment in this post after linking up so we can return the follow. If you aren't new and know one of us isn't following leave a comment for that too (we wanna follow you back), and if your not new and just wanna link up...MUAH!

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How to Take Great Family Photos

2012-02-10T02:43:00.000-08:00

Whether you like old-school film photography, you prefer the ease of digital cameras, or you go to a photo
studio for annual family portraits, you might be distressed by the fact that these quality representations
meant to capture and preserve a moment in time are populated by blinking eyes, vacant expressions,
rabbit ears, and even people looking the wrong direction. Despite your best efforts to keep your family in
line for the split-second it takes to compose a decent photograph, there always seems to be one goofball
fouling up the works. It's not like you need a Stepford-family moment, but is it too much to ask that one
family photo a year comes out presentable?! Apparently so. And yet, there are steps you can take to ensure
that the next photo comes out flawless. Here are just a few tips to get you on track for some truly fantastic
family pics.

1. Get close. For family photos, one of the best ways to get a really warm feeling is to squish
everyone together. Even with groups that are fairly close normally, this may be no easy feat simply
because people have personal space, so this type of forced, full-body contact might be pretty
uncomfortable. But asking everyone to hug the person next to them could create a family photo
that makes you smile every time you look at it.

2. Color code. The nice thing about getting everyone wearing matching outfits is that it brings the
focus squarely to the family. Not only does it help the body mass to blend into the background,
but if you choose classic white for the shirts it will create a visual illusion that draws the eye
towards the faces in the photograph.

3. Count down. If you want everyone to have smiles on their faces and eyes open at the same time,
the countdown is a necessary step. But there are a couple of ways to go about making it work.
Some people count down from three but snap the photo when they hit two as a way to get more
natural expressions, while others have the group close their eyes and then open them on the count
of one to avoid blinking during the actual snapshot.

4. Take action. In order to create a really great photo that has no chance of appearing posed, why
not try an action shot where the family jumps into the air at the same time or runs towards
the camera? Often, people aren't thinking about their facial expression when their minds are
otherwise occupied, so if you ask everyone to smile when they perform a specific action there's a
good chance the smiles will look genuine.

5. Use the rapid fire technique. If you can get everyone laughing and joking you may be able to fire
off a few candid shots with no one being the wiser. Often, these come out more personal and less
staged, which many families find preferable. And while you can definitely look into buying some
of the Top Reviewed DSLR Cameras for 2012, you might be better off using your old manual
camera, which can click off a dozen shots before anyone even realizes the shooting has started.

Guaranteed Shipping for Valentine's Day! AND A C0NTEST with Swiss Colony

2012-02-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

Swiss Colony has been making mouths water since 1926. Since then, their reputation has only grown and gained favor with all those looking for fun and delicious fare that they can order from the ease of their own homes, whether by phone, catalog, or website.

There is a huge assortment of great edibles to be found on The Swiss Colony's website, but lets not forget the adorable gift sets- like this Plush Bear and Truffles set for only $21.95! I have to say, this would melt any heart. I want it for myself- but I would love to give it to my son. He loves teddies, and of course, his chocolates! But if my husband wanted to send it to me...well, I surely wouldn't send it back :)

If your love has a super sweet tooth, take a look at this festive assortment of Valentine's Day Candies. It comes with six sections of premium candy, just in time for your special night out. Jelly Belly Jelly beans, sour cherry balls, juju hearts, and more- all wrapped up in a pretty tin and delivered to her door (or office!)

If you have a family get together or a party to celebrate, might I suggest the Mint Chocolate Cheesecake. Smooth chocolate on the outside, as a hardened shell over the soft and creamy mint cheesecake inside, with a chocolate crust- it is enough to make any lover of mint, chocolate, or cheesecake weak in the knees. As for me, who loves all three with a passion, I loved it. It needed some time to set in the refrigerator upon arrival, but after that, it was right as rain, and everyone in my house enjoyed it.

This unique flavored cheesecake would make an excellent addition to your Valentine's Day Menu- and if you hurry, you can still order in time to get here for the big day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finding New Friends- H0P 4 Ways!

2012-02-09T16:50:00.001-08:00

Welcome back to week 45 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from My Saving Game, Sam from Have Sippy Will Travel and Jeannette from The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug! Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful! We love you tons! Now what are you waiting for? Let's get to hopping! We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you! So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new! Let's continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you - nothing too tough though. So here we go!

1. Please follow your hostesses My Saving Game, Have Sippy Will Travel and The Advetures of J-Man and MillerBug on one of our social media platforms.Leave us a comment and we will follow you back! (This includes Google +, Facebook or Twitter, RSS.)

2. Follow our Guest Host who this weeks is Judy from Judy H-J's Thoughts.

3. You don't have to post our button but we sure would like it if you did. Not only does it help our hop grow so we can all get new followers, but each week we will choose a guest co-host and to be considered you must have our button somewhere on your site! If you post our button and want to be considered for guest co-host, please email me at jmanandmillerbug@gmail.com to express your interest.

4. You can link up blogs, facebook, twitter accounts, whatever - just be sure to specify what each link is.

5. Hop around and find blogs that you enjoy. Be sure to tell them you are following them from Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop so they can follow you back!

6. Have fun!

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Educating Your Teen About the Dangers of Drunk Driving

2012-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

There are several reasons that teens are considered a high-risk group when it comes to driving. First
and foremost, they are inexperienced, which means they may not have the knowledge and skills needed
to make appropriate and well-timed decisions on the road. Further, they often have a delusion of
invincibility that can lead them to act in ways that are far from safe or prudent. And finally, they are
generally susceptible to peer pressure to the point that they are willing to ignore their safety training and
make poor decisions while operating a vehicle in order to impress their friends. As if all of this wasn't
frightening enough for parents, many teens also begin experimenting with alcohol during their adolescent
years. So it behooves you to educate your teen driver about the dangers of getting behind the wheel after
drinking if you want to do everything in your power to ensure his safety.

But where should you start? While you can certainly assault your teen with a slew of statistics about the
number of teens involved in accidents each year, how many of those are fatal, and how many cited the
involvement of alcohol (check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, website
for fact sheets), you might be better off taking a more personal approach rather than a clinical one. Sit
your teen down to discuss the possibility of drinking and driving and tell him why you don't want him to.
If you've ever had a drinking and driving incident yourself, explain what led to your poor decision and
why you will never do it again. Talk about how friends and family would feel, how YOU would feel, if your
teen was injured or even killed due to drinking and driving. As a parent your best ammunition comes
not from your superior knowledge and experience, but from your personal connection to your child. So
approaching him on an emotional level may be the key to eliciting some thought on the subject rather
than empty promises meant to end the lecture.

If you feel that your tactics aren't working, you may have to try more extreme measures. Consider taking
the approach that your teen could not only hurt himself, but also other people in the vehicle (his friends)
as well as strangers on the road (possibly families with children). Pose the question of what would happen
if he caused an accident in which he was the only survivor. Not only would he be faced with impending
legal action (and probably jail time), but he would have to live with the guilt of his actions for the rest of
his life. And if that doesn't work, consider showing him the YouTube PSAs for drinking and driving (or
even texting while driving - those ones are far more graphic).

Although you may be hesitant to subject your teen to this sort of graphic violence, consider that the
alternative may involve major legal expenses (it is equally costly to hire a Los Angeles DUI attorney, a
criminal lawyer in New York, or an Orlando lawyer that specializes in teen drunk driving cases), jail time,
and even injury or death. When viewed in that light, any form of intervention seems tame.

Minute to Pin It- Weekly Pinterest Party! Find New Followers

2012-02-09T02:29:00.000-08:00

Pin Me, Pin You- Come H0P on Over!!!

2012-02-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

Please follow the hostesses and we will follow you back.

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Should You Stay Home With the Kids or Get a Job?

2012-02-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Most women these days labor under the assumption that they can do it all. And while there is certainly
something to be said for maintaining a fulfilling and rewarding career outside the home while also raising
a family, the truth is that any woman who splits her priorities in this manner generally ends up giving
more to one or the other, and not enough to either. The important thing to remember in life is that it is
all about compromise, so if you want to truly excel in one area, you're probably going to have to sacrifice
another. So should you get a job or stay home with the kids? Here are just a few things you'll want to
consider before you make your choice.

The first thing to address is the state of your finances, since this could be a determining factor in whether
you stay home or get a job. A second but equally important consideration is your earning potential, and
the two go hand in hand. Although you may desperately need a second income in order to make ends
meet, the truth of the matter is that childcare is pretty expensive. And if you can only count on minimum-
wage work, your entire paycheck could be going straight to daycare services, leaving you without any
extra money and your kids in the care of strangers. This is hardly ideal for any of the parties involved. Of
course, if you have family and friends willing to help you out, even a low-wage job could be worthwhile,
financially speaking. But if you're working just to pay for childcare you're probably better off staying home
and following the example of moms that engage in extreme couponing to save money when they're unable
to go out and earn it.

While finances may be your most immediate concern when it comes to the issue of working versus staying
home to raise your kids, it's not the most important issue by far. You also need to consider the emotional
ramifications of your decision to both you and your children. Even mothers that would like to continue
their careers after giving birth may change their minds when they've got a little bundle of joy in their
arms. And you must also consider that it can be detrimental to a child to be left by its primary caregiver
early in life. Although most babies will adapt as long as they are in a properly stimulating environment
with a loving and attentive caregiver, nobody is going to love your baby the way you do, especially not
when they're caring for a handful of other kids simultaneously. Another option if the mother is the major
breadwinner is for the father to stay home, but that is something you'll have to discuss with your spouse.

Of course, there is a third option that has become more widely available thanks to the internet, and that
is working from home. Aside from women whose careers fall into categories that cannot move into the
home sphere (CEOs, truck drivers, or mining contractors, for example), pretty much anyone can find a
way to work out of the house. Ideally, work-at-home moms should have jobs that allow for telecommuting
(virtual assistant, writer, graphics designer, or even marketing professional, for instance). But even
things like tutoring and hair styling can be done from home, allowing moms to avoid making the difficult
decision of whether to return to work or stay home to raise kids.

Camping and Kayaking down the St. Lawrence River in Canada

2012-02-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

During this week long trip, we saw all sorts of creatures from beluga whales to seals. One thing we DIDN'T see were lights and any other influences from modern civilization- it was a beautiful, wonderful time to be out in nature. Just a few people on their kayaks, a few packs of food, and tents. The end. Not for kids, perhaps- but "sometimes you just gotta get away", as the saying goes :)

For me, this trip was pre- kids, and with a toss away film camera, so the photos are not as vibrant as you would see while you were there- but no camera would truly do it any justice. And the silence and the natural beauty found in that area was amazing. I'd go back in a minute.

Just a brief remembrance of a trip gone by. Happy trails!

Sneezy Wheezy Day- Cute Kids Book Review and C0NTEST

2012-02-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Don't you hate it when your kids get sick? I don't mean the, " I feel sick, I can't go to school today" sick I mean, miserable, stuffy, achy, hurt-y sick. The kind where the only thing that will make them feel better is some attention and some sleep. Maybe some soup, too :)

There is a new book out called the Sneezy Wheezy Day, which takes this theme of getting sick and has fun with it. The story is about a pair of sibling cougar cubs, one a boy and one a girl. The brother cub has a cold, so the two of them venture about in the forest trying to get him relief. There are some very silly remedies that don't help even for an instant, but frustrate the poor cubs, like tickling his their nose with a goose tail. All of the animals and illustrations are beautifully drawn by the author Sharon Cramer. This book is the third book in the cougar cubs tales series. I would suggest getting this book for "sickie days", and if your kids like the characters, heck, grab the other two as well. They are titled: "Lost and Alone", and "I'm Just Like You". These two deal with themes of sibling rivalry and intolerance in a manner that is good for children.

One of you can win this book. Here is how to enter;

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ponchillow- a Suggle-ly Review

2012-02-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Do you have a blanket robe? You know the very comfy, soft fleece robe made to lounge about in. Well if you haven't given one of these a try you should. The most interesting of the plethora of them on the market right now is the Ponchillow. It is best described as the softest most blanket like poncho you have ever touched, with a small built in pillow in the back of it. On a chilly winter night the ponchillow is your most needed accessory. I wear mine on the computer chair often...OK, right now. :P

The ponchillow is made out of super soft fleece and is available in your choice of colors, blue, gray, or pink, as well as five patterns, red plaid, white plaid, tiger strips, leopard spots, and green camouflage A nice touch to these is the pocket in the front, much like a hoodie it is perfect to fit your hands in to warm them up a bit.
The ponchillow is a great idea and the product itself is great. The only drawback is, it is very easy to sit down and start to read or watch tv and fall asleep well before you intended too. I think they might have lined the hood in serotonin (just kidding, its just fleece :-P )
The ponchillow is available in all sizes, in men, women, and even dog sizes too. My son steals mine all the time. It's not nice of him- but he's cute, so I'll deal with it...


so sneaky...but cute, so I guess I have to keep him, ay?

There is a really cute special going on for Valentines Day-

Valentine’s Day special
buy 2 get 1 free
Discount applies to Cupid Red & Cupid Pink only
promo code:
LOVEU2

If you like them on their facebook page you can keep up with all their sales and promotions as well. Happy snuggling!

Wordless Wednesday! Little at Chuck E Cheese

2012-02-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

Educational Insights Review and #Contest

2012-02-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

An adorable game, new from Educational Insights this year, is Grandma's Trunk.
Grandma’s Trunk
Pack in the fun with 5 games in 1! Tons of fun is packed into this suitcase classic! With 5 ways to play, kids will practice letter names and sounds, build memory skills, create stories, and even play fun riddle games! Includes adorable cardboard trunk (which doubles as package), 26 alphabet picture cards, 26 alphabet riddle cards, and guide. Grades K+

There are so many ways you can play this game- one of the easiest being "packing up" the letters into Grandma's Trunk that go with each sound or picture. There are 5 ways to play- and more ways to improvise. :P

The game and "trunk" are both cute and durable, these should last for awhile. The various ways to play make learning (and fun!) at any age an option, and the bright colors and images draw kids right in. As for us- packing up for a trip is an added bonus- it makes Little giggle, because there is an added element for this game- packing up for his own private trip to grandmas! (Have Sippy, and grandma's trunk- will PRETEND to Travel, lol.)

Pack in the fun with 5 games in 1!

Tons of fun is packed into this suitcase classic! With 5 ways to play, kids will practice letter names and sounds, build memory skills, create stories, and even play fun riddle games! Includes adorable cardboard trunk (which doubles as package), 26 alphabet picture cards, 26 alphabet riddle cards, and guide. Grades K+

5 Ways to Play include:

1. What Comes Next? Take turns placing the letter cards in the trunk in alphabetical order.

2. Memory Time Take turns repeating the sequence of cards already in the trunk, then adding one of your own and challenging other players to remember them all, in order.

3. Grandma’s Riddles Deal the cards, then read a riddle and race to see who has the letter card that answers it!

4. Letter Sequence Memory Deal the cards and take turns putting them in the trunk in alphabetical order, repeating the items already in the trunk and challenging other players to remember them all, in alphabetical order.

5. Grandma’s Adventures Place the letter cards in the trunk and take turns pulling them out to create a cooperative story: “Once upon a time there was a grandma. She saw an iguana.”
One of you will win this adorable game! Here is how to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pro Dunks Hoops - Why Buy Anywhere Else?

2012-02-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

Do your not so little ones love basketball?
Want to turn that black top drive way into a half court after school playground?

Take a look at: Pro Dunks Hoops. They offer lots of options for any backyard style.
They of course have the classic garage roof model, the Roof King. These are great but don't really work for some people. A more effective option would be the Hercules Fixed-Height model. This one comes in two heights and two different backboard sizes to give you lots of options.

The top of the line model is the Pro Dunk Adjustable model. This unit has an adjustable height and can be brought down with a crank to a height of 5 ft, so just about everyone can play and most can even dunk. There are four options, 3 different heights and the two top tier models have full size regulation backboards.

There are quite a few important factors to remember when buying a basketball hoop, and this site covers all your bases. The quality of the build is high, and there are videos and suggestions available to get a hoop that fits to your backyard perfectly as well. I would suggest doing alot of measuring and planning before your purchase, so you get which one you want.

A phone call to their support staff would be helpful too. Their prices are good as well, because you are buying direct from the manufacturer, and shipping is free.
Available on their site are also suggested installers if you do not feel comfortable with installing it yourself.
These hoops are not only a great way to get kids fit and keep them active, but also its a nice way to keep active yourself and also blow off some steam at the end of a long day. When your only goal is to get the ball in the hoop, or even get the ball near the hoop most times (cough) its a nice way to turn off the stress of the day.

Game on!

Win $25 Gift Card

2012-02-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Last week I spend two hours chatting with my daughter's doctor on the importance of nutrition. She has not been eating properly and he wanted to discuss the situation with both of us. She's an extremely picky eater who doesn't want to eat meat, hardly any fruits, and only a few veggies. She doesn't particularly eat "junk food," she just doesn't eat. Her doctor, who knows I try to cook healthy meals for my family, asked if I would be open to implementing all our diets with supplements. He suggested proper nutrition and supplements could help alleviate the kids' ADD/ADHD symptoms. I was on board with the idea and wanted to involve our entire family. While I had a list of supplements for the kids, I found myself staring at the supplement aisle wondering which ones would be best for me.

Vitamin B12? Vitamin B6? Vitamin D? Omega 3? There's so many choices! I wasn't sure what I needed. That's when I discovered the new NutritionPossible.com website from the makers of Centrum® multivitamins. They offer trusted information from health sources, nutrition experts AND guided information through a unique self-assessment tool – for free!

The makers of Centrum® know that navigating the supplement aisle can be confusing and choosing the right foods to make sure you’re getting everything in your diet can be challenging. NutritionPossible.com was created to make nutrition information easy to access and understand. Everyone is different and our lives and needs are constantly evolving, so NutritionPossible.com provides tools and information to help you sort through the abundance of information and figure out what’s right for you. It’s a simple tool in a confusing landscape and focuses on three key areas -

Supplements: The key to nutrition is making sure you are getting the right nutrients. NutritionPossible.com has the information you need to make more informed choices about how to enhance your diet with supplements.
Food and Diet: Sorting through all the different information about what to eat and how much can be overwhelming. The goal is to help you identify the right nutrient–packed foods to include in your diet.
Exercise and Lifestyle: Taking the right supplements and eating right, while a great start, is never enough. That's why the site provides a mix of practical and creative suggestions for things everyone can do to improve their health and well-being.

The Nutrition Possible assessment was easy to create and took around 5 minutes. It started by asking my age and gender. I was asked several questions relating to my diet, and then questions regarding my activity level. I finished off the questionnaire by answering questions about my lifestyle. When I completed the assessment a customized plan was created for me advising me which supplements would be most beneficial for me, foods to add to my diet, and suggestions to include more exercise into my lifestyle.

Right now, for completing the assessment, Centrum is offering a $10 off their new Pronutrients Supplements with any Centrum Vitamin purchase. I purchased the Omega 3 supplements this weekend. I was glad to see these pills are mini sized and coated to prevent fishy burps later in the day.
This was the main reason I couldn't get my kids to take Omega 3 even though their doctor recommended it. Now they don't have an excuse not to take their vitamins!

Win It!
Centrum is offering a $25 American Express gift card to one lucky Just Like June reader.
You can find the official rules here.

I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by One2One Network. I received incentives and am eligible for prizing. While all opinions stated are my own and I use Pronutrients, I make no claims about NutritionPossible.com as a product or its effectiveness.

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To The Top- On ALL Platforms!

2012-02-06T19:19:00.001-08:00

Welcome to

Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop

Gain Friends and Followers

In All The Right Places

Your Hostesses are:

Closer to Lucy

Have Sippy Will Travel

3 Princes and a Princess 2

Just Like June (formerly The Thrifty Things)

That's What She Said

<a href="http://www.closertolucy.com/"><img src="http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/crystalpw/Image2-3.jpg"/></a>

Add your link to any or all of the Social Media Follow Groups below! Follow as many people as you would like and be certain to leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan!

Please be certain to follow your hostesses. Your presence and participation is appreciated and we will always follow you back!

We'd love for you to grab the Take Over Tuesday button to display on your site!

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Please be certain to join us again next week for

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Mickey Mouse Club House- I Heart Minnie DVD Review and G!VEAWAY

2012-02-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Uh oh! Valentine's day is coming up very quickly. Do you have all your candies and chocolates ready?
How about those little somethings for your kids?
On February 7th, join Mickey Mouse and the Clubhouse gang for a special celebration of Minnie Mouse's birthday! Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie is packed with five fun-filled episodes as well as an all new bonus feature “You’re Invited to Minnie’s Birthday Party!” Two Best Friend necklaces are also included with this DVD, a great gift to give to that special someone on Valentine's Day!

I have a suggestion for those of you with Disney fans, the new Mickey Mouse Club DVD I Heart Minnie. I heart Minnie is a collection of Minnie and Daisy themed episodes. There are a total of five episodes, one of which is a brand new unseen, as of yet, episode. This special episode is called, "Minnie and Daisy's Flower Shower", where Minnie and Daisy need to get the clouds to rain with a little help from Toodles. All five episodes are good ones. Little Man really liked "Daisy's Pet Project", in which Mickey and his crew help Daisy find a pet.

All Mickey Mouse Clubhouse follow the same basic premise, main character has a problem in which they need help. With the help of their friends and Toodles they solve their problems using teamwork, intelligence, creativity and friendship.
Although this may seem like it is geared toward girls, I would suggest this for boys or girls for Valentine's Day. A boy has to learn good gifts to give to their lady friends- and who doesn't love Minnie, after all?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bob Evans Chili Recipe

2012-02-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

Bob Evans Slow Cooker Chili was an awesome addition to our Super Bowl Sunday. Chili is one of my all time favorite foods, and you all know about my Little Man's deep love of Bob Evans, so this was a match made in Heaven!

How did we make this particular chili?

Ingredients
1 lb Bob Evans frozen spicy sausage
1 lb ground beef, leaner is better at least 80%
1 can butter beans
1 can corn
1 can black eyed peas
1 can tomato sauce
spices is up to you
prep time 30 mins
cook time 6 hrs

Step 1-
The pre-game show;
First brown the defrosted meat. It does not have to be cooked all the way, through but keep in mind the browned pieces will keep their size for the most part in the finished chili. Also the amount of browning will show through in the end too. In other words, don't burn it, and drain the fat too. :)

While browning the meat open all your cans except the tomato sauce and drain them. I like my chili a bit on the dry side rather then a soup consistency. If you want a soupy chili, keep the liquid from one can of beans.

Step 2- Game Time

Find the slow cooker, plug it in and start it up on the low setting. Put the tomato sauce in the slow cooker. Then once the cans are all drained add the contents of them to the slow cooker as well. Give it a quick mix then add the meat, give it another mix.

Step 3- The spicing
When cooking, I like to make food everyone likes, what this means is if I want spicy chili, it will be spicy from hot sauce added to the "eater's" bowl only, since not everyone likes it hot. So we go with a less spicy route. We have this great spicy sweet Louisiana spice mix that I love to use as my chili and taco seasoning, so I added a teaspoon of this and a teaspoon of garlic powder, but only to Daddy's bowl.
This step is all you. If you want spicy, go spicy, if not- go garlicky and sweet. But please add something, at least some salt and pepper! LOL

Step 4- The waiting game
Once we are comfy with all our ingredients, the top goes on and we let it sit. This is also the time to actually enjoy some time at home. Not only will you be able to have fun with the family while cooking, but also the house- which will smell awesome. Check on your flavors every hour or so if you like, make sure you are enjoying it so far. If it ends up being too spicy add a spoon of flour and a half cup water and mix thoroughly. This should help a bit.

Step 5- End game
When there is about a half hour left, we make our corn bread and rice. If your chili is still too spicy, make some rice. Instead of eating straight chili put it on top of the rice to mellow out the spice factor.

Step 6- Dinner time
Give the chili one more mix and the rice a quick mix/fluff and you are ready to serve.
Happy Super Bowl Sunday- or anytime, really! Bob Evans makes the best sausage for chili, you will love it (and I also love their ready to heat and eat mashed potatoes!)

Re-Tweet Club! Come On Over and get Re-Tweeted! @MryJhnsn @Blessed_Elements @CloserToLucy

2012-02-05T18:51:00.001-08:00

SO Many Winners!!!

2012-02-04T19:07:00.001-08:00

WOW lots of winners today- congrats to Jen, Anna, Sharon, Leanne, Karen, Lori, Beth, and Lisa! Most of you already responded- the rest of you- shake and bake! LOL YAY FOR YOU!!!!

W!N 5 Boxes of General Mills Cereals

2012-02-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the New Year often means new eating habits. We know whole grain is important to you, and the Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing products with a whole grain listed as the first ingredient. Now every cereal with the white check has more whole grain than any other single ingredient with the same great taste. You will see “whole grain” as a part of the first ingredient on the ingredient list, indicating that whole grain is the first and most prevalent ingredient.

According to Dr. Travis Stork, emergency room physician and host of “The Doctors,” identifying whole grain products can be challenging. Shoppers can look for nutritional cues on the front of the box, but they need to read the ingredient list to know if they are getting enough whole grain. Ingredient lists detail ingredients in order of prevalence, and if the words “whole grain” are followed by a grain like wheat or oats, it means the food contains more whole grain than any other single ingredient. Here’s how to determine if your cereals have whole grain as a first ingredient:

With all the health messages facing grocery store shoppers, it can be confusing to translate what appears on food labels into nutritional needs, and hard to determine which foods have a meaningful amount of whole grain. Dr. Stork has some additional recommendations to help you include whole grain easily into your diet. They include:

    Start Early! The Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Get a jump-start on the day’s nutrition by incorporating whole grain into your morning routine. For instance, when choosing cereal make sure whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. One easy choice is cereal with the white check, which have more whole grain than any other single ingredient.

    Make Simple Swaps. Choose whole grain versions of the foods you love. Great options include whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread or even whole grain crackers. Also, try different types of whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish at dinner or popcorn, which is a whole grain, for a snack.
    Don’t Judge a Food by Its Cover. The front of food packages provide good nutritional cues, but don’t forget to read the ingredients and check the nutrition label and side labels for additional health information. Cereals with the white check even include the amount of whole grain per serving on packaging.

To help with choosing products with whole grain, General Mills developed “Fast Lane for Whole Grain,” an online educational game. Consumers can navigate virtual grocery store aisles and identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient, with the option to enter a sweepstakes to win one of each of the 50 cereals with the white check.

For more information on the importance of whole grain and a chance to enter the “Fast Lane for Whole Grain” sweepstakes, visit www.WholeGrainNation.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Visit the Columbus Zoo- in the winter? You bet!

2012-02-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

What kind of zoo visit can you have in a snow storm? A surprisingly fun one, actually. Especially at a zoo which is open year round as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is.

The morning we decided to check out the zoo, we pulled into the parking lot as some small flurries started to fall from the sky. As we found our parking spot, the snow storm picked up. We bundled up and began our trek. The zoo was very quiet in terms of visitors and also animals. We did a quick walk through a few exhibits, but unfortunately most of the animals were not out and about. We saw the gray wolves which were out and very active. Also, the interactive barn was open. The sheep and goats were very happy to see others walking about. Our main objective was to see the polar bears in their new enclosure.

Their area was so big and (of course) had a polar theme to it. In the snow it was very cool to see- it made it feel authentic, LOL. The polar bears themselves were very active, rolling about and scratching themselves on a log and playing. They were so cute you wanted to go pet them- but were safe enough where that was impossible.

My suggestions for a winter visit to the Columbus Zoo, leave early and be prepared for cold weather. Ohio isn't known for its warm winters. :) This is a new way to navigate the zoo and could be fun for those who don't mind an afternoon outside in the cold.

Here are a few more pictures from our trip- feel free to check them out!
You can follow the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Facebook and Twitter as well. Have fun trip!

THE ADVENTURES OF CHUCK & FRIENDS: Friends to the Finish

2012-02-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

On February 14th release of THE ADVENTURES OF CHUCK & FRIENDS: Friends to the Finish, will be available for purchase.

My Little Man loves this show, which he usually watches on the Hub Network. Chuck is a friendly little dump truck that has all sorts of adventures with his friends, vehicles of all sorts.
Chuck tries to be a good friend, but has some learning to do- just like "real" kids. He needs to learn to treat others nicely, not be selfish, and play well with others. Chuck learns to overcome obstacles with his friends and his brother, racetruck Rally. My Little loves the DVD, and having episodes right on hand is great for mom as well- something to send over to Grandma's with him :)

What's In A Name?

2012-02-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

In the fine tradition of dog tales on Have Sippy.... Today we will tell the rousing adventure of how our newest fur-ball, Leela (full name- Turanga Leela Cooper) received her name. This story involves intrigue, mystery and most of all- Katey Segal.

The names of our animals have always been a creative process. We want something that fits the animal, but also is fun and interesting. Also- as we do animal rescue and rehab, we go through a lot of names. :)
For a little while, we had a theme of gods from other cultures. We had Chaac Mool (the Wonder Dog) named after the Mexican thunder god. We also had Cleopatra and Nefertiti- the guinea pig sisters named after the Egyptian gods on Earth. We had the Flemish Giant Rabbit, Loki, who tried to eat our bathroom wall....oy, Loki.

We did animals named after cookies, then cakes, the Star Wars. Themes are nice, but difficult to keep going. This time we needed to go with something that was very specific to our new addition. She is a runner and a gorgeous dog. Smart as anything which makes her an escape artist at heart. She has gotten out of our fenced in yard three times. As of now, she is micro chipped, name tagged and has a tether to keep her within a certain radius of the middle of the yard. There is very little chance of her escaping.... We hope.

Our main road block at this point in time was we had just lost a very important part of our family and thinking in any manner was quite scarce to be honest. The creative juices were not flowing in the slightest. So we based her current name off of her previous one, Peggy. This name had to go, it was just not "her"- but what name is related to Peggy? The first thing we thought of when we heard Peggy was Leela. Why- you ask? Because she is the character who Katey Segal played after playing Peggy Bundy on Married With Children- and one of our favorite shows.

Turanga Leela from Futurama. Since Leela is a 'looker' and is voiced by her, and has a "mind of her own", we decided to go with Leela as her name. Get it? Anyway that is the tale of Leela's dog tag name. OH- and Little made us add on the "Cooper" because that is the name of his favorite stuffed dog. Can this get more complicated? Wait- it can!

A few short weeks ago, her personality came out- and thus got our creative juices flowing, and came up with her nick name: J.J. Houdini. J.J. is short for Jackie Joyner-Kersee who is one of the most famous female runners in American history. Houdini is after Harry Houdini, the greatest of American magician/escape artists. Think it is odd to have a dog with so many names? Not around here....So- this is the tale (tail?) of how Leela got 6 names- 7 if you count the original Peggy.

I wrote this dog tale as a part of the “What’s in a Name?” Campaign sponsored by DogFenceDiy, the invisible fence alternative. No matter the name, DogFenceDiy cares about the safety of your pets.

Treasure Buddies- Available now on DVD and Blu Ray

2012-02-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

I am sure you all know how excited Little Man is for the newest of "The Buddies Movies". These movies revolve around a group of cute golden retrievers who go on adventures in fun family friendly ways. The most recent addition to the set is Treasure Buddies. This is the sixth film in the series. Treasure Buddies follows Rosebud, B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, and Mudbud as they go treasure hunting in Egypt for the Cat's Eye jewel. Along the way they meet up with Cammy, the adorable baby camel, and Babi, the coolest little monkey in a fez you've ever seen. There is also an archaeologist dog who goes by the name Digger.

The movie is pretty straight forward in terms of plot and is very easy to follow along with for kids. It's a pack of lovable dogs chasing a cat to get a treasure. This is perfect for any animal lovers in your house. The kids will have a great time with this movie, the adults will tolerate it in small amounts- if you are daddy. Mommy is fine with it, LOL. The story fun and the animals are everywhere. Not only can this movie be fun for animal lovers but also it can be used to jump start a curiosity in Egypt and its culture or in archeology in general.

Check out this cute clip from the movie!

Travel Photos of the Day

2012-02-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

no nails were used in the building of this church

memorial to warriors

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Want Great Hair? GK has the Tool for you- W!N YOURS HERE!

2012-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

The GK Titanium flat iron is awesome- according to my mom. The titanium plates are so smooth and glide over your hair no problems. The titanium plates are different than the average flat iron, which gives you more control and makes it easier to use in her opinion. My mom hates how frizzy and kinky her hair is, and says that this makes her hair silky and smooth and was very easy to use. GK has superior heat output, and is super convenient and not as time consuming as many other flat irons. Also- one swipe, and your hair is how you want it to look- you don't need to keep going over and over like some other irons. (Hence that whole not time consuming thing.)

The world according to my mom;
"I've never used a flat iron that was titanium before and was very pleasantly surprised. My hair was softer, smoother and the friz factor was very very low as compared to the ceramic iron I've been using. It heats up very quickly and cools just as quickly. That's a good thing. It's lightweight and easy to use. I would give it a 9 out of 10. The only thing I would change would be to make the plates a little bigger and to include directions with the product as none were enclosed with the one I have."

THE GKhair™ PROMISE
GKhair is much more than just a name. It's a brand with a promise. A promise that your hair needs will be fulfilled. GKhair invests heavily in research and development to continually advance the science of hair to deliver new and innovative products. Whatever your desires may be, GKhair is the experience your hair needs.

Here are some of the things that make the GK Titanium a great choice for you:
1. 360 degree swivel cord
2. temperature control
3. 122 – 450 F / 50 – 232 c
4. Digital LED Display
5. 1.5″ Titanium plates
6. Flash quick heat up time
7. Nano silver process contains anti bacterial properties which keep the hair clean through deodorization
8. Soft touch button technology

There is also a great hair product that GK Hair makes, called GKhair™ ThermalStyleHer.
Here is some information about it.
This heat activated styling cream creates a smooth finish while conditioning and delivering moisture to the hair. Fortified with Juvexin® and made with natural silicones, natural seed oils to leave hair silky, beautiful and protected.

The world according to my mom;

"I used this product and blew dry my hair as directed. After the blow dry, my hair was smoother and less frizzy than with the other products I usually use. I would definitely use it again.
When I used the flat iron on my hair after using the product, it did not smooth my hair the way some of the other products have. I would probably only use it again when I don't plan to flat iron my hair.
Additionally, the directions on the tube are very very small print and very hard to read. I had to go online to amazon and read how to use it there."

And one of you can win as well!

GKhair™ is generously offering a Collective Media Magic readers opportunity to win a Mini Tourmaline Flat Iron, worth $78.00!

This giveaway is open to residents of US, 18+ and will end on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 12:01am EST.

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Opening the Lines of Communication with Your Kids

2012-02-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else noticed that kids seem to be growing up a lot quicker these days? Sure, a case could
be made that a hundred years ago it was common for kids to get married early in their teenage years,
so not that much has changed, really. Of course, the life expectancy back then was about 50, so that
argument doesn’t really hold water. The point is, kids are so busy being connected to the whole
world through the internet, social media, and their many technological devices that they are no longer
connecting with their families. And they’re probably learning a lot more about the world than parents
would like, and a lot earlier in life. But you can get back to basics with your kids, and it starts with
opening the lines of communication.

There’s no denying that modern kids can be hard to talk to. For one thing, they have their own lingo.
But that’s really nothing new; you probably used slang in your childhood that threw your parents for a
loop, too (I can’t be the only one who perturbed my father by him “dude”). Even if you’re not hep to
their jive, you can try talking to your kids in regular old English. Even if they don’t seem to know how to
speak it at times, they can at least understand what you’re saying. But sometimes it can be difficult just
to get started, and getting them to open up may seem tougher than breaking into Fort Knox.

However, it behooves you to keep in mind that any wall may be breached – you just have to find the
weak spot. Often, it starts with a positive attitude. It’s easy for parents to get caught up in the demands
of daily life and start ushering their kids around like cattle, giving them directives (Get dressed! Do your
homework! Eat your veggies!) and talking AT them instead of TO them. This is going to require some
effort on your part, so you first need to recognize when you’re treating your kids like troops that are
at your command. Instead, try asking them to do things. You can always get strict if you have to, but
nobody likes to be treated like a robot. You may find that this simple trick has them warming up to you
in no time.

Another option is to ask them about themselves, and don’t give up if they seem reticent to talk at
first. One-word responses are the first line of defense in a child’s arsenal and they will use them to
stave off your attempts at conversation. But keep at it even when you’re rebuffed! The alternative
is letting days, months, or even years go by without knowing what your kids are thinking, feeling,
and experiencing when they’re away from you (or even when they’re with you). Eventually your
perseverance will win out. Just remember not to be judgmental when they finally do open up to you,
and try not to give unsolicited advice.

What is communication but a means of connecting with those around you? You can get to know your
kids through activities, by watching them interact with others, or by asking others that know them
(siblings, teachers, friends), but wouldn’t you really rather have a first-hand conversation? Even if
the lines of communication have broken down, it’s never too late to mend them and begin having the
fulfilling relationship with your kids that will last into adulthood.

Finding New Friends- H0P 4 Ways!

2012-02-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to week 44 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from My Saving Game, Sam from Have Sippy Will Travel and Jeannette from The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug! Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful! We love you tons! Now what are you waiting for? Let's get to hopping! We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you! So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new! Let's continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you - nothing too tough though. So here we go!

2. Follow our Guest Host who this weeks is Lisa from Mompreneur Mogul.

4. You can link up blogs, facebook, twitter accounts, whatever - just be sure to specify what each link is.

5. Hop around and find blogs that you enjoy. Be sure to tell them you are following them from Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop so they can follow you back!

6. Have fun!

Linky Tool:

Minute to Pin It- Weekly Pinterest Party! Find New Followers

2012-02-02T14:55:00.001-08:00

A Few of My Favorite Travel Photos....

2012-01-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

It's cold....and I want to be someplace warm....so I am sitting here wishing I were elsewhere.....le sigh!
A few of my favorite places.....Think warm thoughts! Maybe I will do this all winter long......Hmmm...

Little in Clearwater, FL

Dominican Rep

Puerto Plata

Altos de Chavon

view from the river

Taj Mahal

Monkey at Taj

Camels wandering down the road

Yum Yum Dishes- Review and G!VEAWAY

2012-01-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

It is now rounding out the end of January of a brand new 2012. How are all those resolutions holding up? Dieting still working out for you? If paired with exercise and a well balanced diet it is quite possible this could be your year!
To help with the well balanced diet portion of the new healthier you, Yum Yum Dishes have arrived. These bowls are smaller then regular bowls or snacking dishes to help control the amount of what we eat. Instead of grabbing the whole bag of chips, put a few in the Yum Yum Bowl, to help keep portions a bit healthier.

There are also new 9 inch plates which are sectioned off into proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables. This will help both the chef of the house and the diners in the house have healthier meals.

The plates have also been used by Halle Berry to help control her weight as per a recent interview with a European magazine. She stated she's not dieting anymore, she's simply watching her portions and her favorite tool is Yum Yum Dishes.
One of you can win a Yum Yum dish and bowl as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget

2012-01-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

Every woman loves keeping their closet up to date when it comes to the latest trends in fashion and
style, but a limited budget can make updating your wardrobe seem like an exercise in futility. If you
want to enjoy the one of a kind feeling that comes with putting on your favorite dress and a fabulous
pair of pumps for a night on the town, balancing your fashion sense with financial prudence can be hard
to manage. Even with the recession dragging on, and dragging our wallets down with it, there is good
news for budget savvy women who want to stay fashionable. For modern shoppers, a combination of
discount clothing outlets, retro resale operations and the online shopping experience means that there
are plenty of ways to snag designer labels and unique ensembles while sticking to a sensible budget.

The first step to take when you want to update your wardrobe for the upcoming season is to shed all of
your outdated and unwanted clothes. If your photos all seem have the same blouse and jeans combo,
it may be time to ditch it for something fresh and new. Organize your closet and search diligently for
items that are simply ready to go, and separate these clothes by type, brand and original price. Now you
are ready to update your wardrobe affordably while doing a bit of service to the fashion community.
Vintage and retro clothing stores, such as Buffalo Exchange or others like it, specialize in buying your
unwanted clothes and reselling them to college students, the hipster crowd and women who share your
eye for style. As they say, fashion is cyclical, which means quirky trends like 60’s-style leather motorcyclejackets and 80’s-revival bleached denim are always poised for a comeback. These stores are known
for their fair pricing, and you can earn great returns on your unwanted clothing which can be used to
update your existing wardrobe. If something chic happens to catch your eye while you are exchanging
your clothes, you can also negotiate trades that leave both you and the store’s resellers very pleased
with their fashion finds.

If you are looking for something a little more modern, but simply aren’t able to afford the inflated
prices of designer labels, discount outlets like T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s are your best bet to find great
deals. These stores provide women of modest means with the opportunity to feel like a fashion diva by
offering designer brands at discounted prices. Shopping at discount outlets consistently can even lead
to better deals when you participate in the company’s rewards or club card program. Do your part and
become friends with the cashier or other women working there, because when the most desirable items
arrive you will often be the first to know. Looking great when you step out to begin the day is something
most women are willing to pay dearly for, but by following these tips you can stay fashionable while
sticking to your budget.

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Jafrum, where you can find the hottest items in biker apparel.

Cross Post from Tailor Made Momma- W!N a Kids Tee Shirt :)

2012-01-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

While I am not very musically talented myself, I have a deep appreciation for music and the great things that it can do for people.

When I heard about SlickSugar teaming up with Little Kids Rock I was super excited to join in and help spread the word.

SlickSugar sent me us a very cute "Keep the Music Alive" onesie for little Colton.

The tee shirt was super cute. At 13 months Colton is still very tiny for his age and even with a super padded cloth diaper on an 18 months was a little large for him. However it didn't seem to hang off his shoulders like some of his bigger onesies do. It's made of 100% cotton

These tees and onesies are available in size 6 months to 5T and retail on their website for $26. You can feel good about your purchase and know that while your little one is rocking a super cute shirt you are helping to support under funded music programs in public schools and helping to bring the joy of music to children who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.

SlickSugar sells a plethora of great clothing items for the littles in your life! And they are the geniuses behind the fun concept of Belly Banter! If you've never seen it before you should definitely check it out! I know I will be purchasing a set or two for our next little!

Keep up to date with all the great deals and giveaways from SlickSugar by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

Oh yeah and I LOVE that they are a local Chicago area business!!!

SlickSugar is offering one of these super cute Keep the Music Alive tees to one of my readers. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This review/giveaway has been brought to you by SlickSugar. All opinions are 100% mine and I have not been influenced by any outside sources.

The Beach Waterpark- Your Next Day-Cation

2012-01-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

OK, so it is not summer time in the slightest. But it will be here before you know it- so think warm thoughts!
If you start day dreaming of hot weather and water parks, it will come true, right? (Or, eventually, seasons will change, haha.)

Have you ever heard of The Beach Waterpark in Warren County, Ohio? The Beach Waterpark is a huge water park, and a great way to spend a hot summer's day. From the Kahuna BeachWavepool to the massive amount of water slides ranging from tame to insanely twisty. For those more interested in the cooling properties of the water and not so much the the wild or thrilling, there are "lush palm trees" to lounge under and a huge lazy river to slowly float your day away.

For the bigger kids, Splash Mountain offers tons of attractions including otter slides and a pool with waterfalls and fountains. There is also the Toucan Lagoon which is a zero depth slide with a miniature body slide.
Have Sippy Disclosure- not my favorite place for little kids- you won't find much for kids kindergarten and under. They won't even let them ride with parents down slides and things. There are 2 small areas for small kids to play. If your kids are a bit older, or are teenagers, they will have a blast! Also a great day out for mom and dad.

The Beach Waterpark is located in Mason, Ohio, 25 minutes north of Cincinnati or south of Dayton off of I-71. As a tropical themed adventure for the whole family and the largest stand alone waterpark in Ohio, The Beach is situated on 35 acres of rolling wooded terrain that provides lots of shade and lush ambiance. Real live palm trees, Real white ocean sand, Real waterfalls and crashing waves help set the scene. Live Surf Rock, Salsa and Reggae music reinforce the tropical island experience.

Plan your next family vacation at Ohio's LargestPlayground- Find your Warren County vacation packages and discounts to the Beach Waterpark and other Warren County Attractions HERE!

Take Over Tuesday- Come H0P With Us! #CMM

2012-01-31T06:18:00.000-08:00

<a href="http://www.closertolucy.com/"><img src="http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/crystalpw/Image2-3.jpg"/></a>

Add your link to any or all of the Social Media Follow Groups below! Follow as many people as you would like and be certain to leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan!

Please be certain to follow your hostesses. Your presence and participation is appreciated and we will always follow you back!

We'd love for you to grab the Take Over Tuesday button to display on your site!

The more the merrier!

Google + Linky

Facebook Linky

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Please be certain to join us again next week for

Take Over Tuesday!

~ Guests welcome ~

Extra Entires Opportunities!

2012-01-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

EXTRA ENTRIES on any giveaway currently running TO ANYONE WHO GIVES A SHOUT OUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO @closertolucy on her twitter or facebook page- make sure she knows that @HaveSippy sent you :) (Yep- I am on a mission to annoy her!!! LOL- that is what friends are for!) +2 to any contest currently running- just write it in :P

UPDATE- feel free to do this all week long. Who said a birthday had to be just one DAY, right? Haha. Whole weeks worth of extra entries- because I know some of you didn't see this on her real birthday, plus of course now we can bug Lucy all week! YAY! LOL

Prepeation and Safety Kit from the OEM! C0NTEST

2012-01-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

In case of emergency, break glass. Do you have anything in your house for in case of an emergency? Do you have food/batteries/flash light/matches/bottled water, etc? How about a crank radio, diapers, tooth brushes?
This is something we do not want to think about, the "what ifs" in life can be very scary sometimes. But as with life insurance and all those adult topics in life, they must be figured out, especially if you have a significant other and/or children.
NYC's OEM Face Book page is a great place to start. Even for those of us who don't live in New York City.

For starters there is a new game on their Face Book page which involves fast thinking and quick decisions in stressful situations. It is called the Readiness Challenge. Give it a shot and see how you do. Right now the emphasis on their site is on a meeting place. Someplace where everyone in your house will meet in case of an emergency and your home is inaccessible. Police Department, Fire Department, Museum, someplace safe and public, where there will be people with whom you can hopefully find some help and some shelter if need be. Most importantly keep a cool head and prepare for the worst but hope for the best. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SafeSync- Save Your Files! Review and C0NTEST @TrendMicro

2012-01-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

Trend Micro are best known for their PC security software. They handle everything from anti virus to Trojan, spy ware, hackers- and everything in between. Now they are also entering into the cloud backup storage market with SafeSync.

SafeSync is a way of backing up your files from a home computer onto the Internet, or cloud. Then once there the files are securely saved for later retrieval. This is most useful for backing up those personal files which you cant not be without. Maybe family photos or work documents, maybe even a backup copy of your website. All of these are very important.

After fatal computer problems, files become either unusable or are simply gone. These horrid events happen to us all, everything has potential to break, even our most expensive and coveted electronics, our computers. Proper backup techniques should always be followed. A full backup every month, while backups of more important documents should be done on an as updated basis. We backup our photos every month, as well as our personal documents. There are currently 3 options available in terms of storage depending on your needs, 20 GB, 50 GB or 100 GB. Each costs a bit more per year. I would suggest giving it a try at 20GB but once you actually start using it, you will probably want at least the 50 GB option.

SafeSync does this very well and is very easy to use. Now comes the really neat part. SafeSync is available for just about any Operating System. As of now it supports : PC, Mac, iOS and Android. This means you can get to you data no matter what the device. Lets say you left that important presentation a home. Well if you were saving it to SafeSync. That file wouldn't be home it would be accessible from your phone, tablet, work pc, even a friend' s mac. This I absolutely love. Not only can you back up your files and perform necessary computer upkeep but you can also do this while using an online storage device. I would definitely suggest giving this a try if you are looking for either a new backup device or a cloud based drive.

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H0P Around- 3 In 1- With Google Plus!

2012-01-30T16:08:00.001-08:00

Re-Tweet Club! Come On Over and get Re-Tweeted! @MryJhnsn @Blessed_Elements @CloserToLucy

2012-01-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

Movie Night: Must-See Family Classics

2012-01-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

These days it seems like movies are either full of so much action and special effects that they don’t have
time to relate a story, they contain subject matter that is largely inappropriate for younger audiences, or
they work so hard to shove morals down your throat that you leave feeling like you just swallowed a bar
of soap. What happened to all the great family movies?! Well, luckily, they’re still around, and many
have found a new life thanks to re-release on Blu-ray. So here are a few classics you’ll definitely want to
share with the kids.

1. Toy Story (1995). Can you believe it’s been almost twenty years since this feature-length
animated movie put Pixar on our radar? The tale of toys that come to life when humans aren’t
around is sure to delight kids of all ages, but even with their first offering Pixar showed that they
knew how to spin a timeless story that could reach the hearts of kids and adults alike. So enjoy
the first adventure (in a series of three) that introduced Woody, Buzz, and the whole toy box to
an adoring public.

2. E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial (1982). I’m not afraid to admit that I cry every time I see this movie
usually multiple times throughout). But that hasn’t stopped me from watching it over and over.
Although you’ve probably seen it before, there’s nothing like watching it with your kids for the
first time, seeing their amazement at the alien who can bring dead flowers back to life, cobble
together a homing beacon from toys, and levitate BMX bikes. The movie changes you just like
E.T. changed Elliott and everyone else in the film: for the better.

3. The NeverEnding Story (1984). A lot of kids will relate to the main character of this film, who
suffers from bullying and dreams of escaping to a fantasy world where magic abounds and
anything can happen. Incredibly, the special effects hold up pretty well, despite the fact that
this movie was made nearly 30 years ago. And it’s a great way to convince kids that reading can
be fun.

4. Mary Poppins (1964). Like most great kids movies, this one takes viewers into a world of
fantasy. The titular nanny arrives by way of umbrella and proceeds to take her wards on a series
of adventures, teaching them valuable lessons along the way and restoring their relationship
with their often-absent parents. Although this movie is not yet available on Blu-ray, DVDreplication duplication services have produced both 40th and 45th anniversary special editions, so
you have a couple of options for purchase.

5. The Princess Bride (1987). Best. Movie. Ever. Have you noticed that this movie seems to
have a rabidly devoted fan-base of viewers who have seen it dozens of times and quote it
ad nauseum? There’s definitely something special about this film. It has a classic love story
premise: boy meets girl, boy goes out to seek his fortune, thus losing girl, boy finds girl and
rescues her from unfortunate rebound relationship resulting from his initial departure. But this
fairy tale about finding and losing (and finding) true love is both sweet and comical, with plenty
of wacky characters that kids are sure to love just as much as adults (a rhyming giant, a lisping
kidnapper, and a six-figured man? All we need now is a holocaust cloak!). Small kids may find
some of the scenes a bit scary (like those featuring the life-sucking “machine”), but the rating is
PG so it should be safe for the majority of children.

The Adora Playtime Doll - Your Little Girls New Favorite Baby

2012-01-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

Recently featured on ABC's hit show "Modern Family", the new Adora playtime baby is bound to become your daughter's new best friend and "best baby". This will be the one that she takes everywhere, to bed, to school, to grammie's house. These timeless and creative dolls will be welcomed into any child or collectors arms, and will occupy a special place in her heart forever. With Valentines Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to shop Charisma Dolls for your sweetie!

The 12" Adora Playtime dolls are made to be well loved and come in 5 ethnically diverse skin tone and eye combinations. They have lifelike features; Silky-Smooth body and a bean-bag weighted bottom make them perfect for cuddling. The original sculpted faces have features like a real baby and the tiny hands and feet have the chubby features kids will love. All Adora dolls are lightly scented with a fresh baby powder scent. One for the most popular features is that the dolls and accessories can even be machine washed.

What little girl wouldn't love to cuddle up with this sweet little doll? Charisma also has a Doll Hospital, should anything ever need "healing"! Charisma is also a company that cares- they partner with Toys for Tots, the Susan G. Komen foundation, and Help for Haiti among other things. When you buy from Charisma, not only are you getting a quality product that your child will love, but you are supporting fabulous causes that help children and others all over the world. What can be better then that?

You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook as well!
Shop on! Give on.

Great Games for the Whole Family

2012-01-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Many families these days are opting to choose one night a month (or even a week) to turn off the telly,
put away their many mobile devices, and plan a family game night as a way to reconnect and have
some fun. And if you feel that you’re just not getting the quality time you crave with your family due
to the distractions of daily life, this could be a great way to bring everyone together to make some new
memories. But you’re going to need some games that are suitable (and appealing) for the whole family,
and luckily, there are plenty of options. Here are just a few that you may want to check out.

1. Scrabble. This one is an oldie but a goodie, especially for families that encourage their kids
to read. If you want a game that is both fun and educational, this long-lived board game can
give you both. Keep a dictionary on hand to help kids out and let them look up new words that
match their tiles. This will increase their vocabulary, improve their spelling, and if you have
them read out definitions, it could even do wonders for their comprehension skills and take
them to a higher reading level. In short, it’s great for their overall language aptitude, and you
could learn something along the way, as well.

2. Charades. Kids love to play pretend, and this game provides an excellent way for them to put
their theatrical flair to the test. Although many parents know this to be a popular party game
for adults, there’s no reason the whole family can’t spend an evening miming movies, books,
songs, quotes, people, and events. You’ll have to make some cards beforehand, so just take
care that the items listed are kid-appropriate so that they don’t get stuck trying to act out clues
that they have no frame of reference for.

3. Forbidden Island. Many parents these days are fed up with classic board games that pit one
player against another, often leading to fights and hurt feelings amongst kids. Instead, why
not provide a cooperative board game that lets them work together? There are actually many
options on the market these days for such games, and Forbidden Island is one of the best.
Players must cooperate in order to rescue artifacts from an island that is slowly sinking into the
ocean, and if one player is allowed to fail, nobody wins. So it teaches kids to work together as a
team for the success of all.

4. Rock Band. If you’re looking for a good way to connect with your kids and board games just
aren’t cutting it, you might want to consider tackling games that are more in their wheelhouse,
which is to say video games. Of course, most of them only accommodate one or two players,
but Rock Band allows for up to four players and the turns are only as long as a song, so you can
switch it up frequently so that everyone gets to play.

5. Softball. Not all games take place within the confines of your home, and if your family loves the
great outdoors, there’s no better game than America’s pastime. You can play with two people
or ten if you want, and it’s a great way to get the whole family active, having fun, and taking in
some fresh air and sunshine.

Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Tasty Bingo, the freshest online bingo network on the net.

Sound Asleep Room-Darkening Curtains

2012-01-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the lighting in your home, obviously, more windows mean more light, but also more places to drafts to come in through. Or even the dreaded stray beam of light on the first Sunday in months you are able to sleep in. This evil sliver of sunlight will creep across your face at 7:01 a mere minute after your normal wake up time. Its sole purpose is to awaken your deep slumber, doing nothing more then standing still over your eye lids. The most dastardly enemy of stray light beams and drafts? Good curtains. Good curtains make all the difference on a windy, bitter winter night or particularly bright mornings.

Check out the Open and Closed visuals.

Think of a good curtain as a blanket for your windows. Not just something pretty to ornament the windows with, but also an easy way to cut those utility bills. Be it gas/oil/wood in the winter or electricity running those all important air conditioners in the summer. Check out the Room Darkening Series by Sound Asleep. These curtains are so good at insulating the room not only in terms of temperature but also light and sound that they are the official curtain of the National Sleep Foundation. Also, their light dampening abilities are stupendous. You won't even know if it is night or day if they are closed. Another great feature is, no one can tell if you are home or not. So this can deter less then honorable guests who may wish to forcibly enter your home through a window. I am also assuming trying to navigate a room you haven' t seen before with a dog in it is not satisfactory either. (haha)

Side note! I get terrible migraines, and I LOVE these because they help keep the room really and truly dark- and I would never recommend something to a migraine sufferer that didn't truly work. These are great for that reason alone- and also because I do like to sleep past the crack of dawn if I can! LOL. But honestly- just for the fact that they can blacken a room, there is not a reason I wouldn't recommend these curtains. If you get migraines- these are a must have.

The curtains come in four sizes and ten colors. The valences also come in two different styles, Back tab and Ascot.

W!N from Fashion To Figure!

2012-01-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

As a former full figured woman, but still a very curvy one, I loved wearing clothes from Fashion to Figure- cute means fashion meets budget friendly- and for real, as you fuller figured ladies know, most plus sized clothing looks like it was made from furniture swatches. Fashion to Figure makes you look and feel good.
Fashion To Figure is offering one of you an item of $30 or less from their site- so go enter to win!

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How to Ease the Strain of Divorce on Children

2012-01-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

The dissolution of any marriage is a time of sadness and grief, but when a marriage that has produced
children comes to an end the effects can be devastating for everybody involved. What was once a rarity,
and a tragic one at that, has sadly become the norm in modern society and our children are those truly
suffering from the divorce epidemic in America. Nonetheless, many adults find divorce to be necessary
and must make accommodations for their children during this difficult time. Finding ways to ease
the strain of your impending or recent divorce on your children can seem like an impossible task, but
there are actually several things you can do as a parent to help them cope and eventually recover. One
relationship may be coming to an end, but you will have to work hard to keep your relationship with
your children intact through the ordeal of divorce.

In order to begin the healing process with your children during a divorce, you have to be willing to put
your own feelings aside and put yourself in their shoes. Empathizing with your children is imperative
during this extremely traumatic experience, so make sure that you do not so get caught up in your own
problems that your children’s pain becomes merely an afterthought. Talk to them openly about how the
divorce has affected them, and do not restrain the conversation to the realm of feelings and emotions.
Obviously, you should always be attentive to the way your child feels, but often the fracturing to a
family that occurs during a divorce has very tangible consequences for a child. From the friends they
might lose if they move in with Mom, to the car that stays with Dad while he’s away, the totality of a
divorce’s negative effects should be realized.

Depending on the age and maturity of your children, helping them to understand exactly what is
happening to their parents may require a variety of approaches. The youngsters should be shielded
from the gory details, the arguments and any other negative activities which might be swirling around
them. School kids should have the concept of marriage and divorce explained to them very carefully,
so that they fully comprehend that their parents will always be their parents. Some of the top onlinemasters in counseling programs throughout the nation advise divorcees that honesty is the best policy
when it comes to easing the strain on their children. With all of the sudden changes in their lives during
the divorce, your children are paying close attention, so the best masters in counseling programs
state that honesty and forthrightness are always preferred to subterfuge and patronization. Many
children feel pushed to the sidelines during a messy or protracted divorce, so you need to stay vigilant
and continually remind your kids that you care. Take them out for dinner and spend time talking, do
whatever it takes to communicate the message that you are still there for them and always will be.

Coupon Chief- A Great Place to Save

2012-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Looking for more of those ever elusive coupon codes? Have you searched under every nook and cranny for a coupon on a Nook? Perhaps give Coupon Chief a try. If you have not, then you really should. It is one of the easier sites to navigate and find what you are looking for.

Coupon Chief's site is set up in an easy to understand manner. You can search by store, product, category, or just browse around by the most popular coupons. The site also loads quickly with a minimum of ads to slow you down. No pop ups or anything along those lines either. The popular coupons browsing is an interesting option. I am sure we have all seen those deals that sound too good to be true, well- sometimes they are and sometimes, if you act quickly enough- they aren't. These popular deals help you find some of them. Think of it this way, which coupon would be more popular- a coupon for 10% off or a coupon code for $10 off $10 spent? Yeah man.

The coupon codes are user submitted for the most part. In a nice twist, there is a big incentive for users to submit coupons. Every time someone uses the code you posed, 2% of the sale goes to the user who submitted the coupon. It is a nice way to get a little extra spending money to spend using the coupons on the site. It is an oh so sweet cycle of savings, lol.

Business Cards WIth Tiny Prints- STAND OUT!

2012-01-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

As a blogger, I often end up with a pile of business cards asking the nagging question- Who is this and why do I have this card? I met 4,000 people today- this has a name and a company on it that gives me NO IDEA who they were representing at this particular junction. AHHHHH!!!!!
An easy remedy to this is a quick note that I end up writing on the cards answering this question for me. But sometimes I forget- not good!- and a good business card not only gives details on how to keep in touch with someone but also gives an idea of who you are. As a blogger, my business cards must not only inform but also give the card recipient a general idea of who I am and remind them how awesome I am. :) And I am a particular breed of mega awesome. (LOL)

Business cards should 'pop'. You don't want to be shuffled to the bottom of a pile, but rather be the bright, creative card which perfectly represents you and your business. In order to get this point across, you might want to think about illustrations, pictures, different fonts and colors. In the business card printing business, there are a lot of options and one of the best is Tiny Prints. Their business cards are high quality print and paper to give you a memorable business card that can only be held back by your own creativity (don't let it!) Give Tiny Prints a try, you won't regret it. Also make sure you get your orders in now so you have enough time to actually receive the cards before all those all important meetings and conferences. (Blissdom! BlogHer! Move it ya'll!)

Happy creating!

Helping Kids Overcome a Fear of Dentistry

2012-01-27T06:49:00.000-08:00

Most parents don’t worry about how their kids will react to a dental visit until it’s too late (and a
phobia has already formed). Or perhaps they consider the possibility, but feel that there’s no reason
to raise the issue until there is actually a problem. However, this is a rather shortsighted position
considering how many children (and even adults) seem to harbor a fear of dentistry. So it behooves you
to approach the situation proactively by finding ways to prepare your kids for impending dental visits so
that they aren’t alarmed when they arrive and the poking and prodding starts. Here are just a few steps
that every parent can take to lessen the possibility of dentophobia.

1. Find a pediatric dentist. The first step is really to find a fantastic dentist that has experience
working with kids. Children may be especially afraid of the dentist for a number of reasons that
their parents don’t understand. Think about it; they’re forced to lie in a chair while someone
in a mask and creepy specs forces their mouth open and pokes around with pointy, metal
instruments. Add in the sounds of the drill (or other upset patients), the smell of disinfectant,
and the awful taste of various cleansers and rinses and it’s no wonder kids freak out. A pediatric
dentist understands these concerns and compensates in a variety of ways so that your kids will
be as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

2. Have a consultation. Set up a consultation with any dentist you’re considering taking your
kids to for your own benefit and that of your children. You can discuss concerns about dental
phobias (and how to avoid them) and your kids have a chance to look over the office, the
instruments, and the actual dentist before ever having to get in the chair.

3. Let them watch. Many dentists will allow kids to watch a procedure so that they can get a first-
hand look at the treatments they will undergo. If you have an older child that harbors no fear of
the dentist, simply have younger kids sit in to watch a cleaning. Or see if you can do the honors
by taking your turn in the chair while your children look on and ask questions. The idea here
is to reassure them that the procedures are simple and pain-free so that they have absolutely
nothing to fear.

4. Encourage dialogue. A good dentist will always encourage kids to ask questions and voice their
fears, so make sure that any medical professional you choose has this policy. Sometimes just
talking things through with honesty and compassion is enough to assuage the irrational fears
that kids sometimes build up.

5. Consider medication. Although you may be a little hesitant to dope your child in order to help
a dental visit go smoothly, it’s not as though you’re putting them under (unless the process
they’re undergoing is wisdom tooth removal). There are several options that will help to take
the edge off for kids that are anxious, so talk to your dentist and/or pediatrician about the pros
and cons of laughing gas, sedatives, or possibly even anti-anxiety medication. In a pinch, a small
dose of Benadryl may do the trick, although you should definitely discuss any medication with
your doctor beforehand.

Cake Pop- Review and C0NTEST

2012-01-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

There is a craze making the circuits called "cake pops". These are cake in the shape of balls, about the size of donut holes. These cake balls are then dipped in frosting/chocolate/anything then covered in some sprinkles, really, lol. It sounds simple and nothing special- but they are really quite good! Easy to make means BONUS!

Another thing you learn quite quickly is, without the proper equipment they are very difficult to make.
In steps the proper equipment, the Nostalgia Electrics Cake Pop and Donut Hole Bakery. This machine is about the size of a waffle maker and works in a similar manner. Make dough, put into designated areas, close machine, let it sit for a certain amount of time then presto! Cake balls.

We gave this machine a try last night and found it to work just as promised. I will say I cheated a bit and did some research online before trying this out. The instruction booklet has recipes in it for from scratch cake mix, unfortunately we did not have baking powder, so I had to improvise a bit with boxed cake mix. I know, its not the same the recipe cake is a million times better. Little Man wanted cake balls and I wanted to try out my new gadget. After some googling and research I found a recipe which used any cake mix and would make perfect cake balls. It is as follows:

2 cups cake mix.
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg
1/2 cup water
mix these up pretty well, don't over do it, if it is lumpy you are in good shape.

Take this batter and put it into a zipper plastic baggie and close it.
Start up the cake pop maker. Let it warm up as per the directions. Then cut a bottom corner of the bag off. This give you good control over the batter going where you want it to. Fill each compartment to almost the top then close the cake pop maker. These should cook for about 4 /12 mins to 5 mins.

He didn't want a stick. What can ya do!

Each cake mix varies to keep an eye on them. You want to be able to poke them with a stick and it come clean, without burning on the outside, so start checking at around 4 mins. then every 30 seconds from there. After the first batch you will have a good idea of how long to cook them for.

Then you have nice round cake balls to do what you wish with. Little Man liked them covered with chocolate syrup and sprinkles.
This Cake pop maker works perfect. I suggest getting comfortable with a recipe and being well prepared before plugging it in. Once the balls start cooking it is only minutes before they are done.
I can't wait to try the donut hole recipe. That will be after our next trip to the supermarket and grabbing some baking powder. :)

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Making New Friends! Come H0P With Us!

2012-01-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to week 43 of Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop hosted by Shelly from My Saving Game, Sam from Have Sippy Will Travel and Jeannette from The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug! Thank you all for helping make this hop so successful! We love you tons! Now what are you waiting for? Let's get to hopping! We are finding some fabulous blogs through this hop and having a great time getting to know so many of you! So thank you for linking up again this week to those of you who are hop veterans and welcome to those who are new! Let's continue to make new bloggy friends and increase our traffic! We do have a few simple rules for you - nothing too tough though. So here we go!

1. Please follow your hostesses My Saving Game, Have Sippy Will Travel and The Advetures of J-Man and MillerBug. Leave us a comment and we will follow you back! (If you already follow us on GFC, we'd LOVE it if you would follow us on Google +, Facebook or Twitter.)

2. Follow our Guest Host who this weeks is Nikki from Peace, Love and Purses.

4. You can link up blogs, facebook, twitter accounts, whatever - just be sure to specify what each link is.

5. Hop around and find blogs that you enjoy. Be sure to tell them you are following them from Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop so they can follow you back!

6. Have fun!

Linky Code:

Valentine’s Day Activities for the Whole Family

2012-01-26T03:10:00.000-08:00

Although Valentine’s Day is traditionally geared towards couples in love, if that love lasts beyond
the dating stage you are pretty sure to find yourself in the family way at some point. And since
the sentiments of this romantic holiday helped to get you there, you’ll certainly want to continue
celebrating each year. However, having kids can change the situation somewhat. It’s not that you and
your honey shouldn’t have some time to yourselves (hey, that’s what keeps the flame alive), but the
hassles involved in making plans for this holiday could easily hold you back. You have to find a sitter
(good luck), book a restaurant (if you haven’t done it yet you’re already late), and spend a ton of dough
on a meal that would normally cost you half as much just so you can quickly be ushered out by the wait
staff to make room for the next booking. If this doesn’t sound like much fun, why not look for ways to
involve the whole family in the love-fest (and save your alone time for later)?

There are actually tons of ways that you can translate this holiday from a theme of romantic love
into one of familial bonding. One great way is to plan a special meal at home. Start ahead of time by
putting together a fancy menu of dishes, including starters, an entrée, and of course, dessert. You can
get everyone involved by allowing them to choose dishes they love, and if the kids are crafty they can
set the stage by decorating the dining room, arranging place settings, and even penning fancy menus
to place on each plate. You can get to the store for supplies early (there may not be as much rush as
Thanksgiving, but you don’t want to be out in traffic on Valentine’s Day), make dessert ahead of time,
and then have everyone pitch in to create a beautiful meal.

And there are all sorts of activities you can do, as well. If you want to go nuts and spend the whole day
having fun with the family you could plan a day at the park (with a picnic lunch), go for a hot-air balloon
ride, tour local attractions (zoos, museums, etc.), or even visit a theme park. But if you don’t want to
play hooky from work and pull the kids out of school, there are still plenty of things you can do at home.
For example, you could go all out with a romantic movie night. Rent some classics love stories with
a comedic twist to keep the kids laughing (Bringing Up Baby, Arsenic and Old Lace, or even a modern
classic like The Princess Bride), pop some corn, and get comfy. It doesn’t take much to get the love
flowing.

While most couples will spend a ton of dough on flowers, dinner, and even rental cars or limos to ferry
them around for the night while their kids stay at home with a sitter, you can get a lot more out of
the night by staying in with the family. Love is not exclusive to you and your partner, so share it with
everyone in your family this Valentine’s Day. It could just be the best holiday you’ve had in years.

Preparing Your Child for College

2012-01-25T03:07:00.000-08:00

An argument could be made that preparation for college begins the day you bring your little bundle
of joy into the world. For your part, you set up a college fund to start saving for his future and you
begin to teach him the basics. Over the course of his childhood you will help him to learn academically,
but you will also instill in him a love of knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a sense of personal
responsibility; all will help him once he is out of the nest and on his own, working towards a future in
which he is independent, confident, capable, and self-sufficient. At least, that’s the goal. But if you fail
to adequately prepare your child for the rigorous demands of study at the college level, he may never
realize these dreams. So here are a few areas you’ll certainly want to look into as a way to get your child
ready for residence in the ivory tower of education.

1. AP classes. Advanced prep classes are probably just what you suspect; they are college level
courses meant to prepare your child for what he will face at a university. Often, they come with
bonuses like a higher possible GPA (5.0 as opposed to 4.0) and even college credit (so your child
can get some of his general education out of the way in high school). However, they are quite
difficult, so only advanced students should consider taking them.

2. Testing. The biggest hurdle for most kids looking to get into college is the standardized testing
they must complete. Your child will certainly have to take the SAT (Standardized Admission
Test), the results of which will determine the universities willing to consider him for entrance.
And you may also want him to take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) in order to get feedback on areas
that need work (both in preparation for the SAT and for college). In addition, the PSAT is linked
to the National Merit Scholarship, which could deliver a significant scholarship if your child ranks
highly. These tests are essential to getting your child ready for (and accepted into) college.

3. Tutoring. There’s only so much you can do to help your child study for classes, tests, and
admissions exams. Then you need to think about professional tutoring services to ensure that
he has the best chance to succeed. You can probably find professors in your area that offer
tutoring or you can look online for tutors in every subject via one service. But you should also
consider The Princeton Review, a company that hires tutors specifically to prepare high-school
kids to take standardized tests.

4. Do your homework. If you want your child to get accepted into the top colleges for business administration, medical training, or legal professions, you need to make sure that you know
which colleges are the cream of the crop and then take measures to ensure that your child
meets all of the requirements (and deadlines).

5. Consider alternatives. Not every child is slated for college, and with stiff competition for
admissions and skyrocketing tuition costs, your child simply might not make it. So consider your
alternative options. Community college can be an inexpensive means to get general education
out of the way, and top grades could allow him to write his ticket to a 4-year university to finish
up a bachelor’s degree. But you should also look into the top colleges online; those that are
accredited will offer transferable units should he choose to shoot for a higher degree later on.

@COSI - #1 Science Center in the Country- and it's closer then you think! @DiscoverOhio

2012-01-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

CoSI is the Center of Science and Industry, and it's almost within walking distance of the center of Columbus. Voted #1 Science Center in the country by Parents Magazine, CoSI is a wonderful science learning center where children of all ages (even ones over 18) can learn and interact with science in new ways.
Their exhibits are ever expanding and changing. At the time of our visit, we saw a new exhibit being built called Race, which is about diversity through the eyes of history and science. Sounds pretty interesting, and I am excited to see what they do with this topic. I wish we were able to see it, and am hoping to be able to get back to CoSI during the events duration (January 28-May 6, 2012).

The exhibits which we were most interested in were Ocean, Space and Gadgets. All of the exhibits are fun and engaging, but our favorites were these 3. Ocean has visitors walk through an 'underwater cavern', which is actually just a dimly lit cavern to an underwater exploration deck. On this deck there is a submarine you can get into, as well as a one man partially submerged submarine. Also, there is a classroom with lots of ocean critters and educational experiences to partake in. I liked how it felt like we were transported under the sea, while still being open enough for those of us who are a touch claustrophobic to feel comfortable. The kids really liked the submarines and getting to have a hands on experience with them. That was very unusual and super fun for both of them- and I did see a few older kids (and their fathers) go into it as well.

Next we explored Space. Space is all about space exploration and science. Including space shuttles, planetary rovers and even a space toilet to sit on. We had a 'gas' trying that out. There is an exhibit all about Niel Armstrong, who was born in Ohio, you can drive a radio controlled Mars Rover over martian terrain, and land a space shuttle. All right there in the safety of CoSI!

"Enter COSI’s Space exhibit through a dizzying black hole, then ride in a space capsule, test your skills as an “armchair” astronaut, or maneuver a rover through a Martian landscape. Explore the effects of gravity on different planets. Learn about life in orbit inside a mockup of the International Space Station or watch NASA TV live in the Galaxy Lounge."

Last but not least is Gadgets. Gadgets is all about invention and finding out how things work and why. From splitting laser beams to dancing robots to taking apart a dryer- it's all here. I liked the Gadgets Cafe, where kids are encouraged to take apart and then reassemble old machines and computers. The kids love when daddy tries to fix something, why not let them work it out as well? Not to mention they are not ruining mommy's computer or daddy's lawn mower- those gadgets they are working with are there for learning and manipulating. Maybe it will spark a genuine interest in your little one!

Oh- and don't forget the kids play area- Little Kid Space- created for kids from birth to kindergarten, a place all their own to play, learn, and experience in their own way for their own size! Inspiring imaginative and creative play for the youngest and smallest kids in a safe and secure environment (big kids go to the hangout room, and all family members have to have a pass so they come and go together!) A perfect place for your little learners.

CoSI is a great place to spend the day. I would suggest bringing sandwiches and spending as long as possible exploring and learning with the various exhibits. Not to mention the Extreme Screen Theater- this theatre is a big room, wrapping around a rounded projection screen which also projects 3D movies. These movies are already larger then life, but when projecting a 3D movie it is mind bendingly realistic. We saw the movie "African Safari: Safari In the Okavango".

This movie was so realistic we found ourselves trying to dodge the reeds as we roared down the river, especially Little Man. Definitely something not to be missed, and it was Little Man's favorite part of the day. Learning about animals and the scientists who work with them kept him chatting through the rest of our visit in Ohio- and back home. We are going to follow up with a visit to the library and find some books on African animals for him. What a great inspiration for learning, and a great platform to foster Little's love of animals.
What will CoSI inspire for you?

You can follow @COSI on Twitter and Facbook- this way you will miss nothing :)
Make sure you plan your next visit soon, maybe I'll see you there! Check out some more photos from our visit to CoSI HERE if you 'd like.

Happy exploring!

Have Sippy Will Travel

Weekend H0P Along- Weekends with Lucy and Sam :) @CloserToLucy

How to Take Great Family Photos

Guaranteed Shipping for Valentine's Day! AND A C0NTEST with Swiss Colony

Finding New Friends- H0P 4 Ways!

Educating Your Teen About the Dangers of Drunk Driving

Minute to Pin It- Weekly Pinterest Party! Find New Followers

Pin Me, Pin You- Come H0P on Over!!!

Please follow the hostesses and we will follow you back.

Should You Stay Home With the Kids or Get a Job?

Camping and Kayaking down the St. Lawrence River in Canada

Sneezy Wheezy Day- Cute Kids Book Review and C0NTEST

Ponchillow- a Suggle-ly Review

Valentine’s Day specialbuy 2 get 1 freeDiscount applies to Cupid Red & Cupid Pink onlypromo code:LOVEU2

If you like them on their facebook page you can keep up with all their sales and promotions as well. Happy snuggling!

Wordless Wednesday! Little at Chuck E Cheese

Educational Insights Review and #Contest

Pro Dunks Hoops - Why Buy Anywhere Else?

Win $25 Gift Card

To The Top- On ALL Platforms!

Mickey Mouse Club House- I Heart Minnie DVD Review and G!VEAWAY

Bob Evans Chili Recipe

Re-Tweet Club! Come On Over and get Re-Tweeted! @MryJhnsn @Blessed_Elements @CloserToLucy

SO Many Winners!!!

W!N 5 Boxes of General Mills Cereals

Visit the Columbus Zoo- in the winter? You bet!

THE ADVENTURES OF CHUCK & FRIENDS: Friends to the Finish

What's In A Name?

Treasure Buddies- Available now on DVD and Blu Ray

Travel Photos of the Day

Want Great Hair? GK has the Tool for you- W!N YOURS HERE!

Opening the Lines of Communication with Your Kids

Finding New Friends- H0P 4 Ways!

Minute to Pin It- Weekly Pinterest Party! Find New Followers

A Few of My Favorite Travel Photos....

Yum Yum Dishes- Review and G!VEAWAY

How to Update Your Wardrobe on a Budget

Cross Post from Tailor Made Momma- W!N a Kids Tee Shirt :)

The Beach Waterpark- Your Next Day-Cation

Take Over Tuesday- Come H0P With Us! #CMM

Extra Entires Opportunities!

Prepeation and Safety Kit from the OEM! C0NTEST

SafeSync- Save Your Files! Review and C0NTEST @TrendMicro

H0P Around- 3 In 1- With Google Plus!

Re-Tweet Club! Come On Over and get Re-Tweeted! @MryJhnsn @Blessed_Elements @CloserToLucy

Movie Night: Must-See Family Classics

The Adora Playtime Doll - Your Little Girls New Favorite Baby

Great Games for the Whole Family

Sound Asleep Room-Darkening Curtains

W!N from Fashion To Figure!

How to Ease the Strain of Divorce on Children

Coupon Chief- A Great Place to Save

Business Cards WIth Tiny Prints- STAND OUT!

Helping Kids Overcome a Fear of Dentistry

Cake Pop- Review and C0NTEST

Making New Friends! Come H0P With Us!

Valentine’s Day Activities for the Whole Family

Preparing Your Child for College

@COSI - #1 Science Center in the Country- and it's closer then you think! @DiscoverOhio

Valentine’s Day special
buy 2 get 1 free
Discount applies to Cupid Red & Cupid Pink only
promo code:
LOVEU2