LIFEWAY KEFIR PROBUGS REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

I am a kefir drinker & a big fan of Lifeway kefir. Lifeway kefir is like a yummy yogurt smoothie with 30 - 35 major strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt. So it's way better for you.

I don't get nearly enough to my five year old. I contacted Lifeway about their product -"Probugs". This is whole milk kefir in 5 oz, fun, easy to hold, no spill packaging for kids. Probugs comes in three fun flavors - Goo Berry Pie, Sublime Slime Lime, & Orange Creamy Crawler.

I asked my monkey to give me his review on Probugs. His favorite flavor is all of them and he wants to buy some for his friends. Oh and I found several empty Probugs packages lying about - so it must be good, kid approved stuff. I tried one and it's Mom approved as well.

Kefir is a cultured probiotic beverage similar in taste and texture to drinkable yogurt, and made from milk fermented with kefir cultures. Originating over 2000 years ago in the Caucasus Mountains-where many people live well over 100 years-kefir has been collecting a long list of health benefits. These include potential benefits such as:

*Enhancing the immune system
*Stimulating digestion
*Easing lactose intolerance
*Lowering cholesterol
*Protecting against cancer
*Controlling the growth of harmful yeast overgrowth

The bacteria in the digestive system plays a very important role in our health and can easily be thrown out of balance by everyday lifestyle stressors. Factors that can offset this precious balance include: antibiotics (which sometimes kill both "good" and "bad" bacteria), infections (bacterial, viral and fungal), alcohol consumption, chronic diarrhea, travel, a highly processed low fiber diet and stress. Probiotics are the easiest way to help combat these factors, keeping harmful bacteria in check.

Lifeway Probugs is organic and was made with renewable energy. Not only is it good for you, it's also considerate of the world you & yours live in. It's a product you can feel good about all the way around.

Their site has a store locator & coupons so that you can purchase some near you. Or you can enter to win! One lucky reader will win a four pack of all three flavors! Thank you Lifeway for such a great & healthful GIVEAWAY !

*To enter, check out their site. Look through their products and tell me which other Lifeway product you'd like to try. Easy Peasy.

For extra entries:

1. Tell me something from the FAQ or Research&Info page that would make you want to add kefir to your diet.


2. Tell me one celebrity featured drinking kefir



3. Follow me



4. Subscribe to Wishing Penny



5. Follow me at Twitter & tweet about this giveaway - leave URL in comment

This contest will start today Friday Jan. 30th & will end Friday Feb. 6th at 12 noon EST.

Good luck!!

I LOVE BACTERIA

Yes I do. Weird you say? It may be a rather strange thing for me to declare , but I am getting over a VIRUS. Viruses are mean, ugly, awful pirates that take over your body and make your throat hurt forever, are untreatable and never leave your body! Think about viruses you know - scary.

Bacteria are cute & cuddly in comparison. They are treatable. I normally do so without even seeing a doctor. Olive Leaf Extract & Grapefruit seed extract will usually kick any sick out within a couple days. But I know that a visit to the doctor and a script of antibiotics will always be there if I need it. I don't like taking antibiotics because it will kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. There are no good viruses.

This terrible bug I have been fighting off since just after Christmas. I even went to the ER one night thinking it was strep throat. No such luck. Remember, strep is treatable.

It wiped me out. I have felt tired and sluggish- just keeping the house work up has been a major task. I am now trying to rebuild my immune system so that I can get going again.

Life is still good - even while feeling yuk. I am reminded by:

*comfy sweats

*warm socks

*hot honey and lemon tea

*hot candle baths

*sweet helpers that also give kisses

*soft blankets

*puppy dogs that curl up by my feet

I'll take bacteria any day!!

DR.BRONNER"S CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER

I HAVE A WINNER- CONGRATS!! LORI FROM BURP! HOW EXCITING!!

Random Sequence Generator
Here is your sequence:

71
115
131

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED - REMEMBER DR.BRONNER'S PRODUCTS - YOU WILL FEEL HEALTHFUL AND CLEAN :)))

We Just Got 5 Inches of Snow...

But I've got this inside :))) It's an Amaryllis that I got at Christmas time. They have beautiful, big blooms! I bought some during Christmas markdown also, so I should have flowers blooming until Spring!!!

Happy Wordless Wednesday :))

Thanks to Five Minutes For Mom - head over and add your Wordless Wednesday link !

WINNERS RENEE&JEREMY CDs

I have two winners!!

Congratulations to Leah and Brimful Curiosities!!!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: #1
65
81
71

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: #2
9
62
89

Thank you to everyone who entered :)) I have emailed both winners :))

A special thank you to Jeremy for sponsoring this great giveaway!! Remember Renee & Jeremy next time you need a special gift :))

APRIL SHOWER'S 100th Post Giveaway!!!!!

April a.k.a. April Showers is celebrating her 100th post!!! To commemorate, she is having a super duper giveaway!! It really is super duper - there are four categories and she is allowing two winners in each category - yeah, told ya! With the Creme De La Creme being one of her sexi customized blog designs!!

1.) Totally Awesomely Amazingly Wonderful Customized Blog Layout!

2.) A $40 gift basket filled with TONS of customized mark. and Bath and Body Works products!

3.) Custom Illustration! How cute would you look as a cartoon?

4.) 10 winners will get 50% off any blog TLC items of their choice!

So why am I posting about it??? Can you say Blogger template???

I see so many lovely blogs out there. I picked the name of my blog based on what I want it to eventually be & also a poetry book called Silver Pennies that my Mother used to read me poems from. I think the Wishing Penny could quite possibly spark a pretty sexi blog design. Don't you???

You can enter to win too! Head over an you'll see why my favorite word today is sexi :))))

As a treat, I will leave you with a poem from Silver Pennies - Happy Day!

The Fairies Have Never a Penny to Spend

THE fairies have never a penny to spend,
They haven't a thing put by;
But theirs is the dower of bird and of Rower,
And theirs are the earth and the sky.

And though you should live in a palace of gold
Or sleep in a dried-up ditch,
You could never be poor as the fairies are,
And never as rich.

Since ever and ever the world began
They have danced like a ribbon of flame,
They have sung their song through the centuries long,
And yet it is never the so,me.
And though you be foolish or though you be wise
With hair of silver or gold,
You could never be young as the fairies are,
And never as old.

-Rose Fyleman

DOODLE BUG DESIGNS - Blog Design Giveaway :))

I am so excited about the prospect of winning this. Judi @ Doodle Bug Designs the Blog is having a giveaway for one of her brilliant designs. And I really, really, really want to win this one.

She askes the question : Haven't you been longing for a change in your design? And I answer : Blogger designed mine. Heck yes I have been longing for a change in my Blogger template!!!!

I have been getting a lot of new readers & sponsors for product review/giveaways and I would love to have a personalized & welcoming spot attached to my name.

So stop byand look through Judi's gallery of amazing blog designs, you'll recognize her work. :)))

Valentine Giveaway @ Mom Fuse

Day 3 & some pretty cool giveaways - head over and Enter to win!!
Day 4 today there is a computer mouse shaped like a car, a chocloate body set & a champagne glass handpainted by artist "Lolita"
Day 5 Today's great items are a Sudoku Handheld game by Nikoli & Tell Me A Story 2: Animal Magic
Day 6 Jessica has a great giveaway going on today The Vision Board - By Joyce Shwarz , Scandle Candle, The Adorable “Christine” Dress from CMarchuska.com you know you want to :))))
Day 7 Is a beary good giveaway!! First is Jockey Being Family Teddy Bear and Second is Build-A-Bear $25.00 Gift Certificate
Day 8 Today Jessica is offering a copy of Dater’s Ed: The Instruction Manual For Parents,
Charity Choice Gift Cards, and a copy of Mr. & Mrs. Smith Collectors Edition w/ Valentine Faceplate!! So stop by, winner wins all three great prizes!
Day 9 Would you like a chance to win a beautiful floating pearl necklace, or a super adorable pair of booties & matching headband.
Day 11 Meeting Lizzy by SarahBeth Carter & When Harry Met Sally Collectors Edition w/ Valentine Faceplate plus each winner gets a spcial gift from Naughty and Nice Lingerie!!

Day 12 Almost to the end of 14 days - today is a wonderful $30 Watkins Gift Certificate and a copy of 27 Dresses w/ Valentine Faceplate!! Great giveaway!

BELLAZIZA'S FAVORITE THINGS - GIVEAWAY

I really don't know how they do it. The ladies at Bellaziza's always have the best products to review & giveaway. This time one lucky winner will win PlanToys Kitchen Center, Fridge, Dishwasher, Toaster, Microwave, Assorted Fruits & Veggies, Breakfast Menu, Cooking Utensils, Tableware Set, AND Food & Beverage Set all valued at a grand total of $950!!!

Head over and enter to win!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - SQUISHY FACE

This is my silly monkey - Julien, better known as Juju.

This was right after nap and for some reason he was waking up on the dining room floor. I was just going to put the camera battery on the charger and I caught this wonderful face :)))

This is my first Wordless Wednesday too! Yay!!

WHILE IT"S ON MY MIND :))))

I was planning a giveaway to celebrate this inauguration & was going to incorporate the whole CPSIA mess. The items are wonderful and they are from Etsy. One of the sponsors has confirmed but I have not received the product & the other was happy to participate but was a vendor at the inauguration and was super busy.

I do not want to post with out a for sure, but keep your eyes open for a really nice giveaway coming up soon.

I also have another confirmed from a company that I love - so as soon as I get the package in the mail, I will post. Next few days.

Make sure you've entered both of my current giveaways - :))) & :))).

Everybody have a good rest of the week & I'll keep ya posted.

AMAZING DAY!!!!

I snapped this picture of our little catch all dish , because the contents caught my eye.

In this little dish is always an interesting assortment of anything that lands there - different all the time.

The last time I noticed this dish was to get my lip balm that was in there with a safety pin, a pair of earrings, a peach pit that my son wants to plant, and a grocery receipt.

A few days ago I walked by and noticed that the only things in was an Obama button & an old Ford key. The way my mind works , I instantly saw the message in the dish.

Today watching this momentous new day, I really love the symbolism, and can think of no better time to share.

I will be posting on the inauguration after the full day of events. I am attending a party for the occasion this evening. After I absorb & digest it all, I will hopefully have some thoughts I'd like to share. I can't do that until I experience it all.

HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY :))))))

With Martin Luther King Day upon us, I am able to reflect, maybe for the first time as an adult. what this day & the man really mean.

As a child, MLK day brought yearly activities & crayola colored renditions lining elementary hallways across America. I thought of him as sort of a saint. I knew that he was a great civil rights worker and man of peace, but I didn't really know what that meant.

As a young adult, the day meant no work & remembering to go to the post office the prior Friday or Saturday.

This year, I reflect. What was it like to be him and many like him fighting for equal rights - defending a skin color. I will never know. But as I try to imagine stepping out into the dark with no protection to bring light to a entire group of people, I'm filled with fear, anger & hope.

He wasn't just fighting so that blacks could eat where they pleased, or keep their seat on the bus, he was fighting to be recognized by humanity. To have rights, to be heard.

Can you imagine? Imagine being afraid to go out after dark, being called boy, or doing a full days work only to be sent home near closing time, unpaid- there's no one you can complain to nothing you can do. That is where Dr.King came in. He said we can no longer continue doing this, he had a dream.

Can you imagine that something born unto you to cast you out of society, deemed you less than human? Maybe being blond, or having blue eyes?

There was a lynching in my town. On the courthouse lawn that still stands. It was 1930, times were different then. My great grandmother normally took a street car past the courthouse on her way home from work. That day she walked a long way out of her way to avoid the gathering crowds. As I look at the picture I've seen many times I feel sick and appalled and seeing the smiling white faces I think to myself there is a special place in hell for those who stood by and watched for entertainment.

There's been healing on that courthouse lawn. Several years ago there was a KKK rally that came to town - to that courthouse lawn. My best friend and I went to oppose, as we walked up there was a black woman who reached out to us, saying she was nervous. We grabbed her hands and walked in. There were no supporters thank goodness, only opposers. That was healing. That was also where we all gathered after Obama came to town. People of all colors gathered on the courthouse lawn to wave to his bus as it headed out of town. That was healing too.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of those bright lights that poked a hole in the dark sky of history.

So I will leave you with a quote from the man, one to remember no matter what divides us -

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Martin Luther King Day - now get out there and do something nice for somebody :)))

2009 VALENTINE"S DAY GOODIE SWAP

I found this on my daily stop at An Island Life. A Valentine's Day goodie swap. Isn't that fun!!

All you do is link up, and the person above you is who you will send a goodie for Valentine's Day! See I'm new to all of this and have just started participating, so this is really exciting to me. Getting a gift in the mail from a complete mommy stranger & sending one out - funn!

You should do it too! Just commit to an $8 - $10 goodie box! You know you want to :))))

I'm looking forward to meeting Denise from 2 Little Monkeys , she's my goodie recipient :)) I'll do ya good don't worry :)))

• What is your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day? Dinner with my sweetie, no kids for the evening, a really neat but small gift from Etsy - I usually get roses, but they don't last - encouraging him to pick something heartfelt that will last :))

• In reality, what is your Valentine’s Day really like? Roses, treats for the boys, everyone is extra nice to each other all day, wine with dinner, kids all evening :)))

• If you could have a lifetime supply of your favorite sweet indulgence, what would it be? Häagen-Dazs Sticky Toffee Pudding - yummo

• Is there any sweet treat you absolutely do not like? sweet & do not like, generally clash in my vocabulary, but I'm not too fond of those chalky conversation hearts

• If you fell into a pool of chocolate, how would you get out? I would hitch a ride with a marshmallow duck :))

Can't wait to see who links in below me too :))))))

DR.BRONNER'S MAGIC SOAP GIVEAWAY

WIN IT !!!

Besides the great complexion you'll have, you feel really good about using this product. Certified 100% organic & fair trade. Wash with a clean conscience.

• Completely Biodegradable and vegetable-based
• Made with certified fair trade & organic oils
• Multi-purpose : 18-in-1 uses
• No Synthetic foaming agents, thickeners or preservatives
• 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) cylinder bottles & paper labels
• Simple, ecological formulations based on old-world quality & expertise
• #1 selling natural brand of soaps in North America

WIN IT !!!

• 32 oz. Rose Liquid Soap
• 24 oz. Baby Shikaki Soap
• 2 bars (rose & baby mild)
• 2 2oz. Travel Bottles Liquid Soap (peppermint & citrus)
• 1 Baby Mild Body Balm
• 1 Orange Ginger Lip Balm

A $50 value & priceless skin!!!

* To enter, head over to Dr. Bronner's web site, tell me something about their products that is important to you, that I have not mentioned here.

** DON"T FORGET TO ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAY - ANY ONE WHO LIKES NATURAL WILL LOVE THE RENEE & JEREMY CD GIVEAWAY :))))

For extra entries

1. Subscribe to my blog :)
2. Follow my blog :))
3. Blog about it on yours and link back to me :)))
4. Follow me at Twitter & tweet this giveaway-Please leave direct URL in comment :))))
5. Pick one other social network site, Kirsty,Technorati,Stumble- do your thing & comment URL -counts for one entry so only pick one :)))))

Please leave a separate comment for all that you do, as each comment is your entry. Six entries available in total. Make sure I have a way to contact you in case you win.

Contest runs from Friday Jan. 16th thru Friday Jan. 30th at 12 noon EST. Winners will be contacted via e-mail same day. Good Luck to everyone!!!

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I have a history with Dr. Bronner. I found a bottle of his Peppermint liquid soap in a hippie type shop when I was probably about sixteen. I was out of town visiting a friend who had moved off to collage. Yeah, I was in a cool collage town with lots of vegan eateries, handmade hippie shops & beautiful people everywhere. I loved it!

Anyway I saw this random bottle and it instantly caught my eye because of all the writing on it. I really had no idea what I was buying, but out of the whole shop I wanted it.

I remember the first time I used it. I was lying in the bathtub reading the bottle, thinking it was the most crazy-cool thing I had ever seen. The soap was amazing. It was peppermint so it was cooling and clean just like when you brush your teeth. My skin felt clean - really clean , not like regular soap which leaves a film. That was it - I had found the only face soap I was ever interested in using. Yes I've tried others but I never stay. Dr. Bronner's is another staple.

***********************************************************************************

*I want to thank Dr. Bronner's for sponsoring this giveaway. I'd also like to send a big thanks to Ryan at Mintwood Media Collective for his correspondence on the matter - he is the one who carefully picked and sent the items I am offering today. It was a great experience :))

National Day of Service

Barack Obama is calling for a National Day of Service- on Jan. 19th, which is also Dr. MLK's federal holiday and the day before Obama's historical inauguration.

He is asking that we donate our time, energy, money, and hearts to bring the spirit of "for the people, by the people" to this nation once again.

He & Michelle will be volunteering in Washington D.C. Where will you be?

You could offer to help at your local soup kitchen. Or offer to shovel your neighbor's walk. Take a bag of groceries to the food pantry. Maybe volunteer to read to kids at the library.

It's cold & snowy here, so I'm still thinking on it. But I think I will volunteer to take every child off my Mother's hands for the day. See I have six brothers that still live at home. If I had them all with me, we could be volunteering super heroes! Plus my Mom can then be free to participate in her own service of choice & maybe catch a little alone time! Yeah ... that's what I'll do :))))

Whatever you do - I urge you to do it. I also urge that you get your kids in on it too. We have to teach the young ones now, that our country, just like life, is what you make of it. Volunteering of yourself is not only good for others, but it is good for you.

I believe in Obama's vision for this country. It will take us all :)))))

*Remember Janruary 19th - it's all you*

Renee & Jeremy ~ CD Review and Giveaway!!! 2 winners!!!

This is my first review and giveaway! When thinking about the process, I decided that my first review would be of a product that I already love, use and believe in. I have a long list of things that fit the bill, but the first thing I thought of was the wonderful music of Renee and Jeremy.

Have you heard of them?

I hadn't either. My Mom introduced me maybe a year ago, just by playing their music in her home. I liked it but it didn't stick until driving back from the lake with my sister. We had three cranky, over sunned kids in tow- all bickering with each other. "He's touching me mom!!" My sister popped in Renee&Jeremy and instant calm fell over the back seat. Which meant an instant calm up front too.

Picture this - a bright sunny summer day, green Indiana skyline, three calm summertime kids in the backseat, flip-flops all around and a sister belting out this kids music like it was her favorite radio song! I was hooked.

I got a CD of my own and it has been a staple in our home ever since.

The main thing I want to point out about this music, is because it is good music, it can be enjoyed by everyone. You know some children's music is shut off as soon as the kids are gone.

Another thing to point out, is that it works well for playtime. Flowing and happi but conducive to naturalized play. It also works well for sleeptime. Lulling and warm - off to sleep they go.

I was talking to my Mom about this aspect of their music and I figured that the music reminds me of a down comforter - Lofty to keep you cool in the summer & warm in the winter. Mom says that's how natural materials are, they work with you. That how Renee&Jeremy's music is too - it works with you. So I've determined Renee & Jeremy is "natural music".

Songs that remind me of stuff that would roll off the top of my head when singing my little ones to sleep, only professional. It's real Mommy & Daddy love songs to children.

If you didn't know it was made for children, you'd probably still like it. I'm sure you're going to love it.

Win It!!!!

The real Jeremy, as my son put it, has graciously offered two lucky readers their very own Renee&Jeremy CD!
To enter just head over to Renee & Jeremy! take a look around and tell me which song you like best & why.

For extra entries:

• Subscribe to my blog :)


• Follow my blog :))


• Blog about it on yours and link back to me :)))


• Follow me at Twitter & tweet this giveaway-Please leave direct URL in comment :))))


• Pick one other network site, Kirsty,Technorati,Stumble- do your thing comment URL -counts for one entry so only pick one :)))))

Please leave a separate comment for all that you do, as each comment is your entry. Six entries available in total. Make sure I have a way to contact you in case you win.

Contest runs from Tuesday Jan. 13th thru Tuesday Jan. 27th at 12 noon EST. Winners will be contacted via e-mail same day. Good Luck to everyone!!!

*Long run I know, but I need time to generate some traffic :)

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Thank You to eveeryone who entered :))

Sunday roast & spider friends

I used to be happy enough just to feed the family, now I want to feed them well.
I want foods to taste like Grandma's not mine. So I have been slowing down,taking extra care with the details and really putting me into our meals.
Tonight was Sunday roast. It was so good. It slow cooked all day with rosemary,onions,celery,carrots and potatoes. Some olive oil, a few squirts of lemon ,salt&pepper to dress the roast before it went in - it tasted like grandmas roast :))
For desert,I did an Tarte Tartin,which is a very European version of apple pie. It's lighter and gooey-er than the all American. I love it. Some recipes you try,you like and you rarely do. Some stay - this one will stay. My kids will have fond memories of Mom's Tarte Tartin. One day they will recommend that their wives start making it. Their wives will worry that theirs is not as good as Mom's. And it won't be until they decide that they want to slow down and do it well.

The rest of the day was uneventful. I saved a tiny spider from the raging waters of Ju's running bath water. Ju was very happy that I saved his "spider friend". The friend is now happily relocated in my vining plant - with a great view of the bird feeder.

I'm off to have a slice of desert & a scoop of ice cream. Sorry if I'm making you fat - sometimes it happens just hearing about it you know!

Zoobies giveaway @ I Never Grew Up :))))

I have seen these Zoobies around, but I didn't know they were actually a nice comfy blanket disguised as a super cute plushie. But they are - so that's like killing two birds with one stone. We don't kill birds though so that's like two presents in one!

Enter to win at http://inevergrewup.net/giveaway-24-zoobies/#comment-5812. Just pick which safari Zoobies you'd like to cuddle up with at home. My guy picked Gamba.

Deadline for entries is January 16th at 7pm :)))))) Good luck!

Giveaway Body Balance

Enter to win Hurry!!!
Body Balance® is a powerhouse of liquid nutrition made from whole foods. Aloe alone contains over 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 12 vitamins, 20 minerals and 18 amino acids. Combined with SeaNine™ - our proprietary blend of nine select varieties of nutrient-rich sea vegetables--Body Balance is absolutely loaded with unique whole food nutrition. SeaNine provide a broad spectrum of trace minerals and phytonutrients that are more frequently deficient from land-based diets. It’s pleasant tasting, and its liquid form promotes easy absorption.


This Giveaway will run from December 30, 2008 to January 6, 2009. The winner will be announced on January 7, 2009. Below are rules for entering this giveaway. Good luck.

http://autismlearningfelt.blogspot.com/2008/12/giveaway-body-balance.html

Weekend Winners: Greatest Hits

This giveaway is a totally fun mix of 9 weeks of weekend giveaways! Yes this is week 10 and included are

• The Wicked soundtrack
• a save the ta-tas car magnet & a set of two pink scraper/spatulas
• Barnes and Noble giftcard
• Office Depot gift card
• Betty Crocker warm delights
• LOST season 1 on dvd
• at least $100 worth of scrapbook supplies
• restaurant gift card
• the game Blokus

Yeah! All of that could be yours if you head over to Sunshine & Lemonade and enter to win. Fun huh?

Contest ends Friday (Jan 9th) at midnight.

http://sunshineandlemonade.blogspot.com/2009/01/weekend-winners-greatest-hits.html

9 Green Goodies to Giveaway for 2009

Enter for your chance to win 9 green goodies to ring in a greener 2009! Hosted by Green and Clean Mom lots of goodies & lots of chances to win!
Contest ends January 9, 2009

http://www.greenandcleanmom.org/9-green-goodies-to-giveaway-for-2009/#comment-5541

The Tale of Despereaux Book Review and Giveaway

"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark." - The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Brimful Curiosities is hosting a giveaway - one reader will win a hardback copy from Candlewick press. Head over and enter for your chance to win!

Contest ends on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 11:59 PM CST

http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2008/12/tale-of-despereaux-book-review-and.html

Jack and Lilly Shoes giveaway!!! @ My Organized Chaos

My Organized Chaos is hosting a giveaway for some of the cutest shoes, from Jack and Lilly. There are 2 types of shoes in their collection, soft leather and ones with a rubber cushioned sole.
Designs for both boys & girls.
Good luck picking just one -all of them are so cute.
Jack and Lilly are offering free shipping right now if you buy two pairs.
My Organized Choas is offering one reader their choice of one pair of any shoes from Jack and Lilly. So head over and enter for a chance to win!
Contest will end January 10/2009 at 10pm MST.
http://controllingchaosincanada.blogspot.com/2008/12/jack-and-lily-review-giveaway.html

Win A $1,000 Toy Makeover From PLAN TOYS!!!

Bellaziza's Favorites in hosting a huge New years Bash! A $1,000 toy makeover from Plan Toys!

Can you imagine all the wonderful green toys you could surprise your little one with?!! Plan Toys is a top of the line quality toy company with a conscience. Not only will your wee one have the best design & build, but you can feel good about their play. This is any parent's dream come true!

Take a look at all Plan Toys has to offer. I have amazing kitchen sets from their Largescale range swirling in my head!

Then head over to Bellaziza's and sign up for V.I.P status & enter to win. This totally amazing bash is open until Monday, March 30th, 2009 at midnight PST. Enter once a day & find out about extra entries. I'll be there every day - join me?

http://www.bellazizasfavorites.com/2009/01/01/vip-swag-win-a-1000-toy-makeover-from-plan-toys/

Seagate FreeAgent Xtreme 1 TB External Hard Drive Giveaway!

Wowie Zowie! This is all your storage needs, like forever!
Seagate FreeAgent Xtreme 1 TB External Hard Drive - Sleek, big-capacity desktop storage with blazingly fast data transfer With its huge capacity and the fastest file transfer speeds today, the Seagate FreeAgent XTreme storage solution helps you easily safeguard all your photos, music, videos, and documents and access them with maximum performance. Included, easy-to-use software helps keep your information safe and private with automatic data backup and encryption of your important files and folders. Environmentally smart utilities help save energy by putting your FreeAgent drive in sleep mode once it has been idle for 15 minutes. And you can take advantage of its flexibility to lie on its side or stand upright to maximize your workspace.

Head over to The Dirty Shirt and enter to win! This giveaway will run through midnight on January 31, with winner being announced the morning of February 1. Good Luck!

http://thedirtytshirt.com/?p=1903#comment-15484 Thanks to Jen & Seagate’s !

Sambucol Review & Giveaway

Perfect for the cold & flu season upon us. Momma findings is hosting a Sambucol immune system boosting giveaway! Sarann is giving away 2, yes two healthful baskets containing one of each product in the Sambucol line. Included are:-

• -Sambucol for Kids
• -Sambucol Cold & Flu Relief
• -Sambucol Original Formula
• -Sambucol Sugar Free Formula
• -Sambucol Immune Formula
• -Sambucol Immune Formula Chewable Tablets

We have tried Sambucol for Kids. It works just as well as traditional OC cold medicines with the added comfort of giving your child a natural product. It was a bit more pricey, but worth it. So this is really a great offering here.

Head over to Momma Findings & enter to win. Open January 1st-8th Midnight Central Time.

http://www.mommafindings.com/2009/01/moms-booste-your-immune-system-with.html

Mystic Wonders Inc.Giveaway

Colleen is hosting an really nice giveaway. She always reviews really nice, interesting products. In this giveaway, there are a few products I have wanted to try for a while, but never have. This is what this giveaway looks like-she has more than one.
Complete Laundry System, Prill Beads, Wonder Balm, Lip Wonder and the Ayate Cloth. All from Mystic Wonders Inc. These are environmentally-friendly,money saving products.
So head over to "Living Life One Day At a Time" and enter to win this super prize.
*Enter by 9pm (EST) on , January 3.
http://colleenstearns.blogspot.com/2008/12/mystic-wonders-inc-review-and-giveaway.html

Blessed Nest Perch - Amazing giveaway

I love the Perch- it feels like a warm cozy place. There is always a good read, maybe a tasty recipe & The Blessed Nest offers wonderful pillows for nursing mothers. Take a look at what Heather & Donna have to offer.

"That is the approach that we take with everything that we offer at Blessed Nest. When nurturing is the goal, there really is no reason to compromise. It’s logical that function should include beauty and ethical production, and as a company we are truly committed to sustainable business practices." -Heather & Donna (Blessed Nest)

Right now the perch is hosting a A Sterling Pear Signature Ornament Storage Box giveaway!
Designed exclusively by Sterling Pear, their embossed Signature Ornament Storage Box is sure to make holiday decorating and storing a breeze.
This is a really nice giveaway, but hurry contest ends 01/03 12:00 Pm.
http://www.blessednestperch.com/home-at-blessed-nest/2008/12/27/wrapping-packing-up-the-holidays-a-sterling-pear-signature-o.html?lastPage=true#comment2627860

100 things about ME

A fun introduction -

1.)My name is Jamaise
2.)I'm a girl in my early thirties
3.)I'm a brunette
4.)My nickname is "Bug"
5.)I have two boys
6.)Julien (juju)
7.)Pegen (pegs)
8.)One dog (Santos)
9.)and a cat (Brutus)
10.)My partner is Dominic
11.)I have 7 brothers
12.)one sister
13.)I'm drinking a Bucks Fizz right now
14.)I have two nieces - Haylie&Allie
15.)My Grandma lives in Texas- I love her
16.)I was conceived in Saudi Arabia
17.)I was born in Marion
18.)on Christmas Day
19.)my Mom ate her Christmas dinner before I was born
20.)I was raised here
21.)been to lots of states
22.) Canada
23.)Mexico
24.)England
25.)Paris airport
26.)I've eaten haggis
27.)and blood pudding
28.)I love to read in bed
29.)My favorite book I think is"I Know This Much Is True" Wally Lamb
30.)"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" made me cry
31.)so did the solo French Horn player in the rain playing "Silent Night" at Wal-Mart
32.)I love makeup & wear very little
33.)love bags too
34.)I prefer silver to gold
35.)I prefer classic to trendy
36.)I like a little extravagance every once in awhile
37.)The most important thing I have ever done is stay home full time with my children
38.)next is breastfeeding them both until they weaned themselves
39.)I vaccinated my oldest
40.)not my youngest
41.)he's been to the doctor three times in five years
42.)he's never taken an antibiotic
43.)I feel blessed with healthy kids
44.)I drink kefir
45.)I like water kefir best
46.)I love words
47.)I hate numbers
48.)I love PBS
49.)I campaigned for Obama
50.)I worked my butt off
51.)I believe him
52.)I love a good debate
53.)I am Catholic
54.)When I was in 3rd grade I won a Dole contest with my "fruitwich delight" sandwich
55.)When I was in first grade I broke my left arm
56.)When I was 27 I lost my appendix
57.)My youngest was born on my sister's birthday
58.)I lost my appendix on my brother Nathan's birthday
59.)I will do no more hospital stays for birthday gifts
60.)The first concert I went to was New Kids On The Block
61.)The last was Weezer
62.)I used to be able to do all three kinds of splits
63.)I can't do any of them now
64.)I can however still do a cartwheel
65.)I don't believe is one-size-fits-all for anything
66.)I like to wrap gifts
67.)If I were a fruit I'd be a kiwi
68.)I love to receive mail
69.)My favorite ice cream is Hagen Daaz Sticky Toffee Pudding
70.)I am a night owl
71.)I think Thank-You notes are important
72.)I am decently green
73.)will become greener in 09'
74.)I love the woods
75.)I love thunder storms
76.)I do not question God, but I wish poop was delivered in pellet form
77.)I found blog-world by accident
78.)I love it
79.)I am still drinking a bucks fizz - last glass I promise
80.)I love buttered toast and a banana for breakfast
81.)I think JFK is the most handsome man who has ever lived
82.)I love my plants
83.)I love the birds I feed to
84.)I want to do giveaways on my blog
85.)But, I know squat about it all
86.)I love Dwight Shrute
87.)I am very compassionate
88.)I am very loyal
89.)I hate American Idol
90.)I love Goodwill,auctions,yard sales & such
91.)My favorite food is chicken curry
92.)I need to join the Y
93.)I used to smoke - I quit 6 months ago!!!
94.)I can drive a stick shift
95.)I want to always own a convertible, although I don't at the moment
96.)I hate when someone feels bad
97.)My Momma just started a blog too
98.)I used to plat Toontown
99.)I silently say a Hail Mary when an ambulance goes by
100.) I still make a wish when I blow out a candle

Wow - off to bed :)))))

First Post - Proper

Well, Hello there. Ok I realize I am speaking to you Mom. It's ok to say "hello there" to your Mom, right?
I have beaten the bush for some time now in starting this blog. I even decided that my resolution for the new year would be one that I could undoubtedly manage conquering: starting my blog properly. Ha! I was sooo tired last nite, I couldn't even do that. Instead, I took a hot shower and went to bed. We did at least have the traditional cabbage and black-eyed peas for New Year's day. Now to watch the luck & good fortune start rolling in!
To the good stuff - This blog will be a place for ideas. Thoughts on everyday life, unexpected things that hit me, creativity, wisdom, inspiration.
I have decided on a fun way to introduce myself. Going to start that now. Be back soon.