Time Away!

I will be taking the weekend off to go enjoy some time with my husband. He has been working TONS of overtime and works second shift so we rarely get to see each other. We are leaving the younger two kids with John's mom and we are going to head up to Wheaton to see Austin and the Pekin Noteables perform. We aren't getting up at the crack of dawn with Austin but we will be meeting up with him and enjoying some wonderful school performances. Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out Purex. Thank you and have a great weekend!

Chili's Chips & Queso Coupon

Right now you can get free chips & queso from Chili's. This deal is HOT! You will be signing up for their email club however in return you will get an awesome coupon. Be sure to get your coupon now and enjoy a nice treat.

Our Journey: Kit and Info Arrive!

This is the third post on this topic. I would suggest you read this and this to get a clear understanding of what I am talking about.

Your going to thinking I am lying, I know you are but...today my Living Kidney Donor kit and information arrived. This is a good step in finding Lucas a kidney.  The information is pretty much what Beth went over on the phone. A little more information on what the donor would go through, how long the hospitalization would be and how long surgery will be. I am amazed at all the great information that they provided. Does it change my mind? NOT ONE BIT!!!!
So you want to know what I am lying about right? Well I am sitting at the dining room table looking through the information and my son Dane comes in and starts talking to me. He says "Mom look at the cardinal!" Yup! One cardinal perched out on the swingset. So...yeah WE GOT THIS!

DiGiorno Pizza & Hoops House Party

Remember when I told you about House Party?I was recently selected to host a DiGiorno Pizza & Hoops House Party. I received my party pack this week and oh my goodness! It was a box full of fun!!!

It had in it:
VIP Coupons
Coupons for my guests
Pizza Cutter
Refrigerator magnet clip
Pot holder
Oven timer (basketball shaped)
Spatula
Wet Wipes
Over-the-door basketball game (my brother had one of these growing up and he drove me INSANE with it!)
Inflatable noisemaker

They also included some tips and fun activities for us to do!
I can't wait to let you know how our party goes next weekend!!! Be sure to come back to check out all the fun we had!

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

I am going to be honest here. I had never heard of Coconut Oil before I was contacted by Tropical Traditions to do a product review and giveaway. I am happy to say that I am very glad that they contacted me, I have found researching this product very educational.

Tropical Traditions has a YouTube video titled "How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil-An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions. It is wonderful, I encourage you to take a look at it.

I recently received a jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions to review. This jar has sat on my counter kind of just hanging out, I really didn't know what I should make with it so I started looking around on the internet to look for ideas on what to make with Coconut Oil. I was surprised to find so many wonderful looking recipes that were out there. I was most surprised to find that another blogger had used the oil on her skin as a moisturizer. Ok, I was sold now to decide what to make.

I decided to make no bake cookies. My husband loves no bake cookies so this was a no brainer for me. The recipe was very easy to follow and it didn't take long to make at all.
Except....the recipe called for 3 cups of coconut and not oats, my mother in law makes her no bake cookies with oatmeal. My husband loves his mom's no bake cookies. No problem...easy substitution...right?

WRONG!!!!!!!!

Listen to me when I tell you this.....please listen to me! I was WRONG!!!!

I didn't have 3 cups of coconut so I couldn't try this recipe again. I have no reason to believe that it would not have been a wonderful recipe to use. No I thought I would be Ms. Substitute As You Wish and try it my way. Did not work out.

This is what I ended up with:

Do you see it there? Yup nothing, it didn't set up because I used the oats instead of the coconut! Epic Fail!!! It went right in the garbage. I did enjoy using the Virgin Coconut Oil, it melted nicely and smelled amazing! I will be making these no bake cookies again using the Virgin Coconut Oil and COCONUT!!!!

Tropical Traditions has tons of great recipes on their website. You should check them out. Tropical Traditions has offered my readers a chance to request a complimentary copy of their Virgin Coconut Oil book. You can go here and choose referred by a friend then enter User ID: 7106118.

Tropical Traditions has offered one lucky reader their own jar of Virgin Coconut Oil! How exciting!!! This contest is open to US and Canada. It will end March 24 at 11:59PM CST. To enter you must be a GFC follower of this blog! You will need to leave me a comment stating that you follow and leave a valid email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

10 bonus enteries:
subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter.

5 bonus enteries:
visit Tropical Traditions Recipe Blog and leave me a comment letting me know which recipe you can't wait to try!

3 Bonus enteries each:
Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter
Follow Finding Blessings on Twitter
"Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook
"Like" Finding Blessings on Facebook
REMEMBER TO LEAVE A COMMENT LETTING ME KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND LEFT A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS.

Good Luck!

Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving

With St. Patrick's Day coming up in about a week I wanted to take a moment and remind you that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
Let's keep our roads safe and don't turn into a statistic just for one night of fun. I am pretty sure that you will want to be around to have some green beer next year.

On St. Patricks Day in 2009; 37 percent of drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes  had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you do plan on going out please remember to:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you leave your event
• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number or taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick's Day, keep in mind that in 2009, 1,119 occupants of other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, so pay attention to others on the road. And remember, you don't have to be "falling down drunk" to be too impaired to drive safely. Even a few drinks can impair driving...and a buzzed driving crash has the same consequences as a drunk driving crash.

NHTSA needs your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick's Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

You can follow Buzzed Driving on Facebook and Twitter for more information and to see how you can help spread the word.

I received no compensation for this post. I just believe that it needed to be posted, my beliefs and opinions are my own, yours may differ.

Ragu` Moms The Word On Dinner

I wish that I had a penny for everytime I have heard "Mom what's for dinner?" I really do, I would at the very minimum be a millionaire. I have three kids, two of which are growing boys. I even have written out a menu each week for them to easily read but still I am asked this question.

My kids are all involved in multiple activities and my husband works second shift so that leaves me to do the running around. The means that many times I need to have a fast, easy to cook dinner. I always have a jar of Ragu Old World Style Traditional pasta sauce on hand. I love that for my picky eaters they will get two full servings of veggies in every half cup of sauce.

Ragu has a Facebook page that is awesome for great recipes and wonderful conversations.  I visit their page to get tips from other busy mom's just like me. I love the variety of recipes that is on the page and the interaction that Ragu has within the community. You can share your story for a chance to be featured in a Ragu ad in People magazine on their page.

I am thinking that I might get a jar and have my kids put that penny in it everytime they ask what's for dinner. On better thought I am just going to tell them what's for dinner and then tell them to give me a kiss or a hug. Those are way better and will last a lot longer.

 I was entered for a chance to win a Ragú® prize package in exchange for this post.  No monetary exchange took place The opinions expressed are my completely my own, your opinions may differ.

Purex Blogger Contest

I am a Purex Insider and Purex has decided to have a little fun with us to see who can send the most traffic to their website to check out Purex Complete Crystals Softener.  I did a review and giveaway in January, you can check that out here.

I would be so thankful if you would go to Purex website via my special link:
Nancy's Link

Bloggers are competing for giftcards worth between $500 to $25 dollars for places 1-100.

If I won we would use the money to help fund our vacation trip!
Thank you for your help!!!

I have not received any compensation for this post. As stated above, I could win a giftcard valued at between $500 to $25 depending on how I place. Any opinions expressed are my own, yours may differ.

Pink Princess Review and Giveaway

Olivia was sent this adorable dress from Pink Princess. She was so happy to wear the dress. She turned into instant Princess. She was jumping and twirling, and smiling from ear to ear.

I have to say that this dress is high quality, it is made of taffeta and it is shiny and has a little bit of a poof to it. The product description is called a bubble taffeta.  It has a removable bow on the front waist, which Olivia's hand went to instantly. I just told her to leave it alone or it would come off and she left it alone. I didn't get a picture of the back but the back has a sash that creates a wonderful bow.   I can see Olivia wearing this dress to an Easter dinner or to a more formal get together,like a wedding- it is very versatile.

I can not say enough good things about this dress. We will definitely be getting more of Olivia's dresses from here.  The prices are very reasonable, this dress is on sale for $34.99. When we were taking it off last night she said I am going to wear this for Ms. Sarah. Ms. Sarah is her teacher and she loves showing off for her.

Pink Princess has offered one lucky reader a $15 gift certificate. This giveaway will close on March 22, 2011 at 11:59 PM, CST. I will notify the winner via email.

To enter you MUST follow my blog on GFC and leave a comment leaving me know that you do. Remember to leave your email address in the comment.

For 1 extra enter each you can follow Finding Blessings on Facebook and/or Twitter. You can also follow Pink Princess on Facebook and/or Twitter for one extra entry.
For 2 extra entries you can go to Pink Princesses website and let me know what item you would like to buy.
For 10 extra entries you can blog about it and come back and let me know about it with a link to your post.

Good Luck!!!

I received the dress shown in the photos to use for my review. I received no other compensation. The opinions expressed are 100% my own. Your opinion may differ.

5 Little Bunnies Board Book & CD Review and Giveaway

I was recently sent a copy of 5 Little Bunnies Board Book & CD. This is the cutest little book. Olivia has literally carried it around with her for days. It is great for her counting! It counts from 1 to 5, we have been counting to 1 to 5 and then going back again. She absolutely LOVES it!

It also came with a CD with 20 songs including 5 Little Bunnies. Olivia loves music and enjoyed dancing and singing with the CD.

Information about Twin Sisters Productions:

For over 23 years, Twin Sisters Productions has been dedicated to producing quality educational and inspirational music resources for children, families, and educators.  Founded by fraternal twins, Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand, and Kim Mitzo Thompson, Twin Sisters Productions has continued to expand its product line to include CDs, read and sing-along books, floor puzzles and educational workbooks, all with the purpose of learning through music.  These products have received over 160 awards for educational excellence and creativity as well as classroom and family fun, thus reflecting Twin Sisters Productions’ commitment to producing educational audio of the highest quality and value.  These awards include nine RIAA (Record Industry Association of America) certified Gold albums and one Platinum album.  With thousands of songs that teach and over 26 million albums sold, Twin Sisters Productions positions itself as the leader in children’s educational music.

This book set sells for $9.99 and is well worth the value. You can purchase this online here. Through March 31, 2011 you can use the code FIVEBUNNY to receive 30% off.

As you can see Olivia and Dane both liked the book.

 

Twinsister Media has offered to give one reader a copy of this Book & CD.

This giveaway will end on March 21, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST. To enter you must be a GFC public follower of Finding Blessings in Everyday Life. Please leave a comment letting me know that you are a follower including your email address.

For an extra entry each you can follow

Finding Blessings on Facebook and/or Twitter

Twinsister Media on Facebook and/or Twitter

 

Please remember to leave a comment letting me know what you have done and leave a valid email address so that if you are the winner I can contact you.

 

 

I received a copy of 5 Little Bunnies Board Book & CD to use for my review. I received no other compensation.The opinions expressed are 100% my own, your may differ.

TShirtPrinting.net Review

I was recently sent a t-shirt from Tshirtprinting.net with their mascot Cheeky Monkey on it.

This shirt is high quality with an adorable monkey on it. The t-shirt did not shrink up after it was washed several times. In fact it is as comfortable as the first time I wore it.

Tshirtprinting.net is from the UK however they will ship internationally. Their pricing is reasonable and their selection is huge.

About TShirtPrinting.net:
Here at TshirtPrinting.net we have over twenty years experience in the screen printing industry and take pride in offering an honest, easy to understand way of doing business. We believe that you, our customer, are searching for someone to fulfil your printing needs without stress and with your satisfaction being our main aim.
We have tried to make this site as straightforward as possible and realise that most of our existing customers welcome speaking to a real person who is eager to help and listen to your requirements so that we can use our experience to the full. Please call to see if we are the kind of people you would like to do your work for you. Our free phone line is 0800 046 7633.
To all our customers past and present we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom and continued support. Cheers.

I will definately be looking at TShirtPrinting.net the next time I need tshirts printed.

I received a free tshirt to use for my review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own no other compension was given.

Journey: Where Do We Go From Here?

please read Journey: The Beginning  for the first part of this story.

Lucas is in kidney failure. The team of doctor's that have been taking care of Lucas for the past 17 years have determined that it is now time to start the process of finding a donor.

The best donor would be a parent however that isn't always possible so at this time my cousin, Kevin and I have decided that we would like to be tested to see if one of us would be a suitable donor for Lucas.

I spoke with Beth, Lucas's transplant coordinator yesterday. She will be sending me the kit that I will need to take with me to the local hospital to get bloodwork done. After the blood work is done they will know my blood type relatively soon however it will be a few weeks before they will know about the antibodies and chromosomes. So I am thinking we will know where I stand as a possible donor before Easter.

I found it funny yesterday when Beth was going through the screening process because she asked if my husband was ok with this. I thought how incredibly rude it would be for someone to say "hey I'll donate" but then to find out that their family would be against it.

Yes my husband and my kids are fine with this decision. We discussed it. I was asked by my boss "What if one of your kids would need your kidney later?" What if they never would? I have 3 healthy, happy children. I would give them any body part of mine that they needed when they needed it. I have no reason to believe that my children would ever need my kidney. Lucas needs a kidney now. I could not live with myself holding onto a kidney that I do not need just for a what if. Seriously! My husband, children and I are completely 100% on board. Austin even asked if he could be tested. He can not be because you have to be 18 to donate. 

So here we are at the hurry up and wait stage...one of them.


I have thought about all of this alot this week. What if I am not compatable? Who next? What will we do? How much time? Typical questions really for any situation.  My heart and mind came to ease yesterday when I was talking with Beth. As I have mentioned several times before my Dad has passed away. Shortly after he passed away I noticed that we would have these three red cardinals that would hang out in our backyard. I began to think of them as a symbol of my Dad, Grandma and my Dad's Dad. All three have passed away many years between each others passing but possibly all together again.  So, yesterday as I was talking to Beth and I was walking back and forth through my kitchen and dining room I looked out my sliding door to see three red cardinals out in my backyard. Two of them remained in my yard until after the phone call ended while the other one went on to my neighbor's yard with a 4th cardinal.  So at that moment I said "We Got This!" Dad and Grandma are with us even at the very early beginning stages.

Our Journey: The Beginning

Our journey began over 17 years ago...there was a little baby boy born on August 26, 1993. He was born a little bit early and was small with a few problems but everything will be okay is what we were told when he was rushed to NICU. The moments surrounding the next few weeks blur together. At one moment we were told he would not make it and we were all allowed into the NICU. We were allowed in to say goodbye to a precious little baby boy named Lucas.  He survived that night and in the next few days had exploratory surgery to discover that he had no kidney's only tissue that was functioning as a kidney would. Through the next several years Lucas went through so much between illnesses and surgery's it seemed that he was always in the hospital. But he was here...he was alive and with us.

That tissue functioned as a kidney would for 2 1/2 years and then it was time for a transplant. Amazing to think that a little boy who was not even 20 pounds, who's squeaky little voice would call out Nana, or call a garbage truck a gunk was going to be receiving a donated kidney. This was a special kidney though one that no one else could give. Lucas's mommy, my sister Rhonda gave Lucas her kidney on May 22, 1996.

That one of a kind Mommy kidney that Lucas received was been a wonderful gift for that last 15 years. But sadly the kidney is now failing. The kidney has done a wonderful job for all of those years, getting through other surgeries and illnesses. I am thankful for that kidney and all those years that it lasted in Lucas. The years that included  him walking for the first time, his Stone Cold Steve Austin stage, the years that he planned his own wrestling company, the death of his Papa, his first football game and most of his high school years.

Lucas is now 17, a junior in high school. He helps out on the Varsity Football team, he is deciding what he would like to do with his future and planning out his senior year in high school. His senior year will be different than most senior's but that really isn't anything new with Lucas, he has rarely had a normal year. His senior year he will be receiving a new gift of life...one that will last hopefully beyond 15 years but one that will never take the place of that special one of a kind mommy kidney.

What Would My Kids Miss If I Were Abducted By Martians?

With the upcoming release of Mars Needs Moms on March 11th it poses the question: "What Would Your Kids Miss About You If You Were Abducted By Martians"? This is funny to me. I say this because I think sometimes my kids wish I were abducted. My oldest son, Austin is currently grounded for bad decisions and my middle child, Dane, he is going through the middle child stage where he believes we like the other two kids more. I think both boys would prefer that I was abducted at least for a few days.

My top ten list of What My Kids Would Miss About Me If I Were Abducted would be:

• My cooking- I have heard stories of the foods/ combinations that my husband has fed the kids and I know that my kids enjoy their Momma's cooking.
• My bedtime routine- Everynight I tell them "Goodnight I love you, Sweet Dreams." Whether I am tired or not I tell them every night.
• My supervision of their school work- My husband tells me that he honestly would not know what to do if I were not the one to do this because he just can't keep track of everything.
• My little surprises- I am frugal with my money but I still like to surprise my kids with special games or special outings.
• My nagging- they would miss this because it would be inevitable that they would forget their lunch money, their homework or would be late for school. I always have them organized for an easy morning.
• My money-I really don't think that needs much explanation but I seem to be the one that they ask for money for the movies, to run for a snack at the gas station, or for book orders at school.
• My knowledge- ok that should say how nosey I am. Austin calls me a Facebook Creeper because I am always looking around at his friends and whats going on but it does broaden our conversations.
• My nurturing-I am always talking to my kids asking them what are they going to do when they grow up, what classes should you take, teaching them how to play sports and games.
• My couponing-they would miss the treats that we are able to have because of my couponing, their Dad would stick to the list.
• JUST ME- I think that they would miss everything that encompasses me, my diva like attitude at times but then my loving, gentle, caring ways at other times.

I hope to never be abducted by Aliens however if that should happen, please let my kids know that it never would have happened if they would have just cleaned their rooms. (wink, wink)

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Falling in Love Again

I've heard it said that a successful marriage requires falling in love with your spouse multiple times.

Yesterday John and I decided that we would give the kids a "surprise". We don't often buy these little "surprise gifts" however Olivia had started asking for the Michael Jackson Experience Wii game and it happened to be an Amazon Deal of the Day this past week. With my Amazon Mom account I received free 2 day shipping and with Swagbucks Amazon Gift cards that I had sitting in my account we decided that spending $15 out of pocket for a game that all three kids would enjoy would be a good deal and a great "surprise" for the kids.

So Olivia, the one that has been asking for "Uncle Jackson Game" so she could dance, would not even hold the controller. So John starts playing the game. He is sitting on the couch playing and I tell him, "you would probably do better standing up." He says,"Crap!" He gets up and starts dancing to "Billy Jean". OhMy Goodness! Hilarious! Austin and I are laughing so extremely hard, he does the crouch grab and all. All for his little girl to start dancing and playing the "Uncle Jackson" game that she has been talking about for several weeks. In that moment....I feel in love with my husband all over again. He is a wonderful father and a terrific husband.

We all did take our turn playing the game, all having fun and laughing with and at each other. We will get better (hopefully) but it has provided us with memories that will last a lifetime and that was just in the first day of having the game.

Where in the World Have I Been?

Hello!! It's great to be back. I has been a while since I posted last, for that I am sorry. I have been dealing with sick kids, traveling kids, and school referendum business. I am sad to say that none of that is over with as my little Olivia is sick again today, she has gone to school 1 day this week. Austin is almost done with his Choral Competitions but not until around the end of March. Dane has finished basketball and he is now ready to move on to baseball. To top it all off, our schools are in a bad financial state and we are trying to pass a new tax referendum so I have started helping out with that. Due to all of those issues I have not been blogging or doing any deals. I did begin to organize my coupons, to hopefully get me headed in the right direction for getting my deals and lowering the outrageous amount of money that I have been spending at the stores. I do have a new review and giveaway to post this weekend hopefully (if Olivia will help me out) and I have been in contact with some AWESOME companies for upcoming reviews and giveaways.
I am hoping that March will be better for me so that I can get back to business.
I will also be selecting the Glee Gum winner and contacting the winner today!

How do you share happiness?

It's a crazy world we live in, people are always rushing to do this and multi-tasking trying to get everything done so that they can move on. Sometimes never even realizing that they have spent so much time trying to get things done that they haven't taken a moment to stop and enjoy a smile. Do you think about if you have helped out another person in our wonderful world have a happy day? Do you share your happiness? Or are you simply to busy to even think about it?

These questions got me thinking about what I do to share my happiness. As I was thinking about it, my mind went into categories...family, friends and extended family, strangers, and co-workers.

I think the easiest group of sharing my happiness with is my family. Obviously those that mean the most to you get a majority of your love and kindness. I love to surprise my kids with special treats, sometimes its a dinner out, maybe a toy while we are at the store but the most special to me is when I can spend extra quality time with them. I love being in the kitchen with Olivia, she drives me crazy trying to help out with the dishes but she loves playing in the water. With Austin it would be making his favorite food and Dane it would be making a special dessert. I think that I love to be in the kitchen with my kids because my Dad liked to cook or create however you'd like to look at it or depending on if you were eating what he was making and that is when I feel closest to him.  Sharing my happiness with my husband is a little tricky because we work separate shifts but I think that by sending him nice, cute text messages or leaving him a surprise cookie or something is how I would share happiness with him. 

Friends and Extended Family I think that we all share happiness together just by simply being together. Sometimes laughing and joking around other times just simply by offering a simple smile when they need to see it most. I have a friend that brightens my day when I get a "Good Morning-have a great day" post on Facebook. She definitely brightens my day. I know that when I call my Mom for nothing more than to talk that I have added a little happiness to her day, I can tell by her tone in her voice.

Offering a little happiness to a stranger could be a smile, helping them carry something or maybe even a random act of kindness like paying for their meal. I love the feeling I get when I have helped someone out even if it is just helping them get the best deal for their money.

My co-workers often hear me say "Good Job" and I sometimes surprise them with a treat. I had a special co-worker who left to raise her family but I love surprising her with her favorite lasagna....well yeah she was a friend too but it happened at work.  Sometimes co-workers just need a simple "Thank You" or "I Appreciate Your Hard Work" to put a smile on their face. Taking a minute and asking how they are doing or offering to help finish a project would add a little happiness to their day.

I don't think that I spread nearly enough happiness so I am going to work on that. What about you? How do you share happiness?


I wrote this post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hershey's blogging program  for a  gift card worth $25 and some product. For more information on how you can participate click here.

Winners!

Sorry guys I have been away. Just been plain busy!!!
Winners for Purex
#3
#10
#24

Winners for Bioron
#7

Winner for Roundabouts
#6

Winner for Brilliant Cleaning Wipes
#4


I will be contacting all the winners and you have 48 hours to respond to me with a valid mailing address so that the companys may ship out your product. Thank you all for entering.
I have some awesome products reviews and giveaways coming up so please check back often.

Current Giveaways-Low Entry

Don't forget to enter my current giveaways all are low entry at this time.
Boiron's Cold and Flu Value Pack ends tonight!
Roundabout's Cupcake Sleeves ends 2/12
Brilliant Cleaning Wipes ends 2/15
Glee Gum Kit ends 2/21

Good Luck!

Power Rangers Samurai Review



I remember Austin watching Power Rangers when he was a little boy. He never got into the action figures but I remember him and his friends playing Power Rangers and pretending to be which ever one. He always wanted to be the Red Power Ranger.

The Power Rangers are back! They have a new cast, a new look, and a new network. Power Rangers-Samurai debuted last night on Nickelodeon but they will move to their regular spot of Sundays at noon starting this weekend. The worlds most successful kids action series is in it's 19th season and has moved from Disney to Nickelodeon and just got a shiny, martial-arts influenced reboot. This season will combine comedy with action filled storylines, the new half-hour series features a new cast of Rangers and never-before-seen villians, as well as high octane, martial arts and advanced special effects.

The Power Rangers will also have an emPOWER movement that will launch along with the new series. emPOWER provides parents and kids with the tools they need to work together to grow healthy kids and support healthy communities.
emPOWER inspires participation in schools, online and in local communities to demonstrate the Power Ranger values:
*Standing for What's Right
*Teamwork and Cooperation
*Confidence
*Health and Physical Fitness
*Caring and Friendship

I watched the preview of Power Rangers Samurai and my family and I loved it. It is very entertaining for Dane, who is 9. I believe that  Power Rangers can teach children good life lessons. The action packed episodes are something I know Dane is looking forward to continue watching.

As a member of One2One Network, I am now eligible to win a gift card for expressing my opinion on the show. Opinion is 100% my own, your may differ. I received no other compensation for this post.

Clorox Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean

Clorox has always been my brand of choice for cleaning. I just love knowing that whatever I am cleaning will be clean. Be it laundry, toys or my bathroom.

We know it, you know it: women love celebrity dirt. This Valentine’s Day, a new mobile campaign from Clorox^® Regular-Bleach helps women clean up their own dirt while they enjoy their Hollywood news.

Clorox is sharing quick clean-up tips on how to keep fashionable winter whites white, keep flowers fresh longer and host a Hollywood-style party. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, a girl can use some help. Tips like…

 * Nothing says “I love you” like roses. Want to enjoy those flowers longer than a celebrity romance? Just add ¼ teaspoon of Clorox^® Regular-Bleach to each quart of cold water you put in the vase.

 * Got a stain from a heart-shaped chocolate on your favorite whites? It’ll come out in a snap once you add ¾ cup Clorox^® Regular-Bleach to the hot water and detergent in your washing machine.

To get more tips from Clorox^® Regular-Bleach and extend the Valentine’s Day romance, readers can enter the Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for 2 Hollywood, CA! To enter and view official rules, visit www.Clorox.com/GetTheDirt

I received no compensation for this post. As a member of One2One Network I will be entered into a drawing to possibly win a years subscription to a magazine for this post.

Glee Gum Review and Giveaway ends 2/21 US Only

Did you know that in the U.S. alone, the total amount of chewing gum sold in one year would make a stick 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) long? That’s long enough to reach the moon and back seven times or to circle the earth’s equator 150 times.

I recently received a "Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit" from Glee Gum. I had never really thought that it was a possibility to make gum at home. When I mentioned to some friends that the kids and I would be making our own gum, they were even shocked at the thought. Besides the kit, the wonderful people at Glee Gum, sent some Glee Gum packets and some information pieces in regards to their products.

In addition to the chewing gum kit they also have make your own gummy candy kit and make your own chocolate kit. These kits are comprehensive, you actually make your own chocolate from scratch with cocoa butter and cocoa powder and your gummy candies are made from natural gelling ingredients found within seaweed. All the ingredients are included with the kits and each kit includes a wonderful story that relates to the kit. These kits are easy to do and are wonderful to use at home or in the classroom. Be sure to check out Glee Gum on Facebook and Twitter.

Dane, my 9 year old son and I made our chewing gum. As I mentioned here we had a blizzard this week and we had been snowed in and were getting a bad case of cabin fever.  This was a perfect activity for Dane and I to do while Olivia took a nap.

To start off with we softened the gum base in the microwave. This took about 2 minutes in our microwave, we stirred it up to make sure that it was all softened then added the corn syrup.  Thats where Dane started having fun. We then poured out some of the powered sugar to started kneading the gum.

After kneading the gum it was time to add the flavoring. Our kit included two flavors-fruit and cinnamon. Dane decided he wanted to make the fruit chewing gum so I went ahead and made the cinnamon. You can experiment with more flavors by adding Kool-Aid or Jello or by adding food color to change the color.   After kneading the flavoring into the gum it was time to roll out the gum. We just added some of the powdered sugar to a cup and rolled the gum out.  It was then time to cut out some pieces of gum.

Dane was the first to try out the fruit gum and as you can see he gave it two thumbs up! Overall, the gum was great, the mess wasn't bad and the experience and time with my son was AWESOME!!! It was an awesome way to spend some time on a snow day and all in all I think Dane and I really enjoyed the "Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit" from Glee Gum.

The amazing people at Glee Gum have offered one lucky Finding Blessings in Everyday Life reader their choice of one kit (Chewing Gum, Gummies, or Chocolate). This giveaway is open to the US only. The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM on February 21, 2011.

To enter you must publicly follow Finding Blessings in Everyday Life on Google Friend Connect. You must leave a comment letting me know that you follow and include a valid email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

For extra enteries (1 each)...

Follow Glee Gum on Twitter

Follow Glee Gum on Facebook

Follow Finding Blessing on Twitter

Follow Finding Blessings in Everyday Life on Facebook.

I received one Glee Gum Make Your Own Chewing Gum kit  to use for my review. The opinions expressed are completely my own. Your opinion may differ. I received no other compensation.

Weekend Bloghopping

Friday Bloghops

A Billion Reasons Why- Book Review

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck is a Christian romance novel that will leave a smile on your face.

Katie has moved across the country to be a special education teacher. She is now engaged to Dexter who appears to be the "safe" guy to fall for. Insert Katie's ex Luc. Luc is now a famous multi-millionaire and he wants Katie to come back to New Orleans to sing for his brothers wedding. Katie mentions that she is engaged to Dexter and that she is waiting to get her Grandmother's ring before she gets married. Luc offers that he will take her there on his private jet and will donate supplies to her school if she goes back with him. Reluctantly Katie goes back with him and together they confront their past and the mistakes that they made.  Will Katie marry Dexter or will Luc win back her heart?  How will Dexter react to Katie going off with Luc?

Throughout the book I seriously think I had a smile on my face. This is definitely a good romance novel. It is a happy, feel good book.  I loved it! I can not wait to read more from this author.

I did not receive any compensation for my review. I did receive a copy of this book free of charge for my review from BookSneeze. The opinions expressed are 100% my own. Your opinion may differ.

Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes Review and Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I don't know about you but I get really nervous when it comes to cleaning my electronics. So when I received Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes to review I was so excited. I immediately opened it up and tried it out. My laptop screen and my phone screen were disgusting!

Product Description:
Brilliant screen cleaning wipes with SR-8 provides gentle, superior  cleaning to any electronic screen and removes dust, dirt, finger prints and makeup while imparting an invisible, durable barrier that protects screens 50x more form scratching. Helps protect against re-soiling to keep your screen brilliantly clean!

My Review:
I was amazed at how clean Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes got my screens.  Nice and clean and smudge-free!!!  I love them. 2 thumbs up!

Screen Wipes are available in New York at Duane Reade, Southern California at Ralphs, and Nationally available at Walgreens and Ace Hardware. 
You can also find them here and here.

One lucky reader will win one package of Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes. US only.
To enter you will need to be a Google Friends Connect follower and leave me a comment letting me know that you are following and leave a valid email address.

For extra entries you can follow Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes on Twitter .
Follow Finding Blessings on Twitter.
Follow Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes on Facebook.
Follow Finding Blessings on Facebook.
Leave me a comment letting me know what you have done.

This giveaway ends 2/15/11 at 11:59 PM. I will contact the winner via email. They will have 48 hours to claim their prize.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Blizzard Warning...I am Blog Hopping!!!!

I think that February and March got confused...isn't March supposed to come in like a lion?? Well we are under a Blizzard Warning here in Central Illinois. I have a work from home day and my kids have a snow day. Just hoping and praying for my husband. He works nights and thats when we are expected to get blasted. What weather are you expecting today? This storm is supposed to hit TONS of the US. Be safe friends.













Have a great day friends!

Blog hopping Wednesday

Today I am blog hopping and hoping to meet some new friends and gain some awesome followers.






















Enjoy. I hope everyone has a great day and remember to enter my giveaways!

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves Review and Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.com
So tonight we decided to have hamburgers for dinner. Aren't they cute?

Not really these are our desserts. Chocolate cupcake hamburgers.



Have you heard about Roundabouts? Roundabouts are awesome sleeves that you can use to turn ordinary cupcakes into anything. With over 70 different designs to choose from you can transform your cupcakes into popcorn, sushi, hamburgers or even ice cream cones. There wraps are grease resistant, earth friendly and they even wipe clean.

I was sent the hamburger wraps. I baked chocolate cupcakes using a cake mix that I bought from the store. The wraps included a helpful hint on what ratio of coloring would give the closest match to making the frosting look like a bun.  That was very helpful. They also gave the option of making peanut butter frosting to use. I chose not to do that this time however I am considering doing that for the next batch. I will definately be buying these to use for some of the get togethers that we have. They are beyond two thumbs up. I love the idea and I love how easy they are to use. The way that they turn simple cupcakes into a fun object or theme is outstanding. I believe that they are reasonably priced at $8.99 for a dozen.
You can find Roundabouts on their webpage here, Twitter, and Facebook.

Roundabouts has offered to give 1 Finding Blessings in Everyday Life reader their choice of one set of Roundabouts.
To enter you MUST be a Finding Blessings in Everyday Life GFC follower.
For 1 extra entry each you can follow Finding Blessings in Everyday Life on Facebook and Twitter and Follow Roundabouts on Twitter and Facebook.
You can tweet about the giveaway once daily using @FindingBlessing and @Roundaboutwraps.
You can also blog about the giveaway for an extra 10 entries.
Giveaway ends on 2/12/11 at 11:59 CST
With all entries you MUST leave a comment letting me know what you have done and each entry has to include a valid email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will have 48 hours after the email has been sent to claim their prize if they do not a new winner will be chosen.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Boiron's Cough, Cold & Flu-Review & Giveaway

It's that time of year again. You know that time when it seems like everyone you know is sick, just got over being sick or has a kid that is sick. If your anything like me it's also that time of year when you would rather stay at home than go anywhere because your afraid of getting whatever it is that happens to be going around.

Boiron's Cough, Cold & Flu Medicines may be the answer that we are all seeking.

Oscillococcinum-Flu-like Symptoms

• Works best when taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms such as feeling run down, headache, body aches, chills and fever
• No side effects such as drowsiness; No drug interactions
• Shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms
• Safe for everyone 2 years of age and older
• Directions: Adults and children 2 years of age and older:Dissolve entire contents of one tube in the mouth every 6 hours, up to 3 times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age: Ask a doctor before use.

Coldcalm-Cold Symptoms

• Multi-ingredient formula naturally treats cold symptoms at each stage of the cold, including sneezing, runny nose, sinus and nasal congestion, and minor sore throat
• No side effects such as drowsiness; No drug interactions
• Safe for everyone 3 years of age and older
• Directions: Adults and children 3 years of age and older: At the onset of symptoms, take 1 dose (2 tablets) every 15 minutes for 2 hours. Then, take 1 dose every hour until symptoms are relieved. Allow the tablet to dissolve in the mouth.

Chestal-Coughs

• Combines safe, natural homeopathic medicines with a natural honey base
• Relieves all types of common coughs
• Helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive
• No side effects such as drowsiness; No drug interactions
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Safe for everyone 2 years of age and older
• Directions: Adults and children 12 years of age and older:Take 2 teaspoons every 2hours. Children 2 to 12 years of age: Take 1 teaspoon every 2 hours. Children under 2 years of age: Not recommended

I honestly received this product to review the day I started coming down with a cold. I started taking Coldcalm and while I still did get a cold it didn't last as long as my husbands. We both were sick over the New Year's holiday weekend and his cold lasted about 2 weeks longer than mine did. I was definately impressed. No, I didn't share. LOL. I mean for the sake of the review I needed to see both sides, right? I have not had the opportunity to try the other two medicines but I was impressed with Coldcalm.

Boiron has offered to giveaway one Value Pack to one lucky Finding Blessings in Everyday Life reader.  To enter the giveaway you will need follow this blog through Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment letting me know that you do.
You can receive one extra entry for each- follow Finding Blessings in Everyday Life on
Facebook, Twitter or tweet about it once daily. With each entry please make sure that you leave a comment letting me know and you must leave a valid email address so that if you are the winner I can contact you. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize otherwise a new winner will be selected. Boiron will ship the winner the prize directly after I have notified them of the winner.
This giveaway ends on February 9 at 11:59 PM CST.

I received a Valuepack from Boiron to use for my review. All opinions are my own, your may differ. I received no other compensation.

Shutterfly asks "What does Valentine's Day Mean to You?"

In 2000 I was invited to a Valentine's Day party/dance that a group of friends were having. I reluctantly went. I was really not interested in the guy that invited me but I didn't have any other plans.  Boy oh Boy! I definitely was surprised. Long story short...that is where I met my husband! Yes, Seriously.  When were introduced and I said "Hi." John's response was "Hi? That's all you got?" I was like ummm yeah! Over the next couple weeks we talked and ended up...well here. Married...happily ever after!

Valentine's Day is obviously very special to me because of that. We met and ended up falling in love and getting married. We ended up with 3 wonderful children and are growing old together. We've had bumps and road blocks. There are times he makes me crazy and there are times I drive him crazy but honestly there is no one else I would rather be traveling down this road with. He completes me and as the song goes he "Had me from hello".

Valentine's Day to me isn't about how much money is spent. It's about saying I Love You! It's simple not extravagant.

Shutterfly is my answer to making Valentine's Day special. I can send cute Valentine's Day cards  of the kids to family that lives far away. They have so many cute styles and designs that the hardest part is deciding which one to use.  Shutterfly also has adorable personalized gifts and Valentine's Day gifts.  I love all the options that are available through Shutterfly.  You can design a nice gift to express your love that is truly from your heart.

What does Valentine's Day mean to you?

The opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own, your opinions may differ. I was given the opportunity to blog about what Valentine's Day means to me from Shutterfly and for my review I am eligible for 20 free cards from Shutterfly. No other compensation was received.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener- Review and Giveaway CLOSED

The wonderful people at Purex have been working hard to bring us a new fabric softener. Purex Complete Crystals Softener....This is softener reinvented. Seriously this softener is awesome. I love the smell and I am not one that generally likes that smell good stuff on my laundry.

Did you know most traditional liquid fabric softeners....

• are oil based?
• can decrease your towels' ability to absorb water?
• can make your children's sleepwear less safe?
• can reduce the effectiveness of your sportswear?

Almost of all traditional liquid fabric softeners are oil-based, which means they work by coating your fabrics in oil. Overtime this oily residue builds up, which allows dirt and other debris to stick to fabrics. This decreases the lifespan of your fabrics because it inhibits the proper cleaning of your laundry and leads to unwanted gray or yellow discoloration. Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are 92% natural, not oil-based like other liquid fabric softeners, so instead of coating fabrics with oil, they work by penetrating the fabic and infusing fibers with freshness that lasts for weeks, not days.

The oily residue left behind by traditional fabric softeners can interfere with the absorbency of fabrics, like towels Consequently, most liquid fabric softeners are not appropriate to use on towels as the oily coating inhibits the towels' ability to absorb moisture from your body or dishes. Using Purex Complete Crystals Softener instead of traditional liquid fabric softeners will ensure your towels stay fresh and absorbent.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission regulates that garments designated as sleepwear for children must meet certain flame-retardant standards. Clothing must be flame resistant and self-extinguish if they come in contact with a small flame. Clothing fibers are treated to meet these standards and the effectiveness of this treatment can be impaired when coated with oily residue left by most liquid fabric softeners. Purex Complete Crystals Softener is the first major fabric softener that is 100% safe to us on children's sleepwear as it does not impair these flame retardant qualities.

Sportswear's wicking fabrics are modern technical fabrics, often made of high-tech polyester, which draws moisture and perspiration away from the body. Oily residue left behind by traditional liquid fabric softeners can reduce the effectiveness of wicking fabrics preventing them from drawing sweat away from your body during your workout. Purex Complete Crystals Softener does not inhibit wicking fabrics, making it safe to use on all of your active and athletic wear.

I loved this product! It will seriously become a part of my laundry process. It was simple to use, no ball to pour it into, no running to the washer to pour it in. I just add it when I add my laundry detergent. Amazing and easy!

The wonderful people at Purex have offered me the opportunity to giveaway 3 coupons to my readers for a free bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener.

To enter you need to follow me on Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment letting me know that you do.

For added entries...

Follow Finding Blessings on Facebook 1 extra entry

Follow on Twitter 1 extra entry

Tweet about the giveaway and leave me a comment with the link to the post. You can do this once daily.

Blog about the giveaway for 10 extra entries!

Make sure that you leave me a comment letting me know what you have done and you must leave a valid email address so that if you are a winner I can contact you. Purex will mail out the coupons directly to each winner.

This giveaway ends on February 7th at 11:59 PM CST. I will contact the winners via email and they have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be selected.

As a Purex Insider I was given advanced knowledge of this product, I was also sent a bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener to review. The opinions expressed are completely my own, your opinion may differ. No other compensation was received.