I probably won't be awake to see New Years for the first time in a long while... but with the baby sleeping now, I am going to head to bed as soon as Liam conks out... but I have to say that I feel like I'm spending the evening in an alternate universe...
Robyn has two friends over and it's been a little strange... in a good way... the way I figure it, I'll pass the torch on to the younger generation for one year and let them celebrate on my behalf...
so at least for tonight at my house, the 12 and 13 year old girls have taken over...
and I hope to be starting 2011 well rested...
Happy New Year everyone!
Friday Fragments and a bonus entry
I had a pretty uneventful week... except for the house... and today's walk
My father-in-law likes to work around the house.. his, ours... doesn't matter - so since he was here for two months, all of the honey do tasks that normally stack up were done... so...
My in-laws headed for home and the house started protesting... we lost heat for two days, the master bathroom toilet is backing up, and strange power outages are happening... I'm hoping the house finds something else to worry about because I can't afford many more service calls.
It finally started warming up here in Charleston, so I took Liam for a walk this afternoon - and what did he find - an anthill filled with biting ants - so my poor little guy and his unsuspecting mommy got bit good... fortunately I threw him in the bathtub as soon as we got home, and apparently that was the right thing to do, because tonight the bites were much smaller and he didn't seem bothered by them.
I'm hoping that I'm not jinxing myself, but Erik has slept 5 hours or longer for the past 4 nights!! I feel like a new mommy!
Happy Anniversary to my favorite brother and sister-in-law - they're 4 years married today!
For those who are looking for a bonus entry... it's Happy New Year's Eve ... good until 11:59 PM on 12/31... once the ball drops, you're too late... and as usual - it's good for ONE entry into ONE giveaway! Don't forget your daily tweets and non-giveaway post comments that can also get you bonus entries!
Happy New Years everyone - whether you're celebrating or just keeping it low-key like me...enjoy!
I hope your 2011 is happy, healthy and prosperous!
I'm hooking up with:
My father-in-law likes to work around the house.. his, ours... doesn't matter - so since he was here for two months, all of the honey do tasks that normally stack up were done... so...
My in-laws headed for home and the house started protesting... we lost heat for two days, the master bathroom toilet is backing up, and strange power outages are happening... I'm hoping the house finds something else to worry about because I can't afford many more service calls.
It finally started warming up here in Charleston, so I took Liam for a walk this afternoon - and what did he find - an anthill filled with biting ants - so my poor little guy and his unsuspecting mommy got bit good... fortunately I threw him in the bathtub as soon as we got home, and apparently that was the right thing to do, because tonight the bites were much smaller and he didn't seem bothered by them.
I'm hoping that I'm not jinxing myself, but Erik has slept 5 hours or longer for the past 4 nights!! I feel like a new mommy!
Happy Anniversary to my favorite brother and sister-in-law - they're 4 years married today!
For those who are looking for a bonus entry... it's Happy New Year's Eve ... good until 11:59 PM on 12/31... once the ball drops, you're too late... and as usual - it's good for ONE entry into ONE giveaway! Don't forget your daily tweets and non-giveaway post comments that can also get you bonus entries!
Happy New Years everyone - whether you're celebrating or just keeping it low-key like me...enjoy!
I hope your 2011 is happy, healthy and prosperous!
I'm hooking up with:
Click the button to see who else is fragmented this week!
Five Question Friday
Wanna know a little more about me... i knew that ... so I hooked up with Five Question Friday again... just so you'd know the answers to these five questions... you can share by clicking on the button and linking up, or just leaving your answer to one of them in the comments :)
1. How long does your Christmas tree stay up?
2. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
3. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
4. How did you spend New Year's Eve when you were younger?
5. What was the best way you've ever spent New Year's Eve?
My answers:
1. How long does your Christmas tree stay up?
Til January 1st or so...
2. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
I plan to 'sleep when the baby sleeps', but we'll have three giggly twelve and thirteen year olds celebrating the ball drop on our behalf...
3. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I don't make resolutions...
4. How did you spend New Year's Eve when you were younger?
I used to babysit... and then for a few years I'd go to the First Night festival, but babysitting was way more lucrative!
5. What was the best way you've ever spent New Year's Eve?
As long as I'm with my family, they're all good!
Thirsty for Comments Thursday - Best Post of 2010
Welcome to the Final
Thirsty for Comments Thursday blog hop of 2010!
What is it?
I've spent several posts ranting about blog hoppers who 'hit and run' to collect followers and numbers - That's not why I join blog hop memes, and I know from comments left on those rants, that others feel the same way... so I've decided to do something proactive and create Thirsty for Comments Thursdays! This is a laid back hop, with a twist - people who want to link up here are looking for good comment and will leave good comment too!
This week you can link up any post from 2010 that you want more comments on and sometime this week,
I promise to come and visit everyone and give good comment -
and hopefully you'll try to visit everyone this week too!
There is no featured blogger again this week... that will resume next week.
The rules are simple -
1. Link up a post that you'd like to have more comments on - can be anything
(EXCEPT GIVEAWAYS and OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted)
2. Add the Thirsty for Comments Thursday button to the post if you like - you can grab it from my sidebar --)
3. Visit AT LEAST two other blogs and READ the posts and comment thoughtfully on the post.
4. Follow the blog if you like, but it's not required... this hop is all about giving good comment!
Extras:
I would love it if you follow Acting Balanced so that you get reminders to link up posts every week...
but you don't have to do that either.
Create a new post to help spread the word about Thirsty for Comments Thursdays to your followers who like to leave good comment, again - not required, but sharing is wonderful :)
Please leave feedback about what you think of this Meme idea. Any and all constructive feedback is welcome!
The Bonus:
One person who links up will be featured as the co-host next week!
Thanks again for being part of this hop!
Thanks again for being part of this hop!
#PurexInsider Update and #Giveaway!
As a Purex Insider, I had the opportunity to review their new
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is available in three fragrances:
Fresh Spring Waters TM,Lavender Blossom TM, and Tropical Splash TM
Fresh Spring Waters TM,Lavender Blossom TM, and Tropical Splash TM
and now I have the chance to giveaway the chance to try
Purex Complete Crystals Softener for yourself to THREE lucky AB readers!
Giveaway is open to US Residents only
Mandatory Entry must be completed before other entries count.
Each entry must be made as a SEPARATE COMMENT
Giveaway will end on January 10th, 2011 at 11:59 PM and the winner will be chosen by Random.org and announce on Acting Balanced and contacted by email
The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.
Mandatory Entry
Tell me which scent you'd like try if you win
Bonus Entries (Leave separate comment for each entry)
+ 1 Bonus entry Follow Acting Balanced/Chascouponmom on Twitter (leave twitter name)
+ 1 Bonus entry Follow Acting Balanced on Google Friend Connect
+ 1 Bonus entry Like Acting Balanced on Facebook
+ 1 Bonus entry Subscribe to Acting Balanced by email (must be completed)
+1 per day Tweet this:
" @Chascouponmom #Purexinsider wants to give away a free bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener, I want it to win it http://bit.ly/hk9klc"
+1 Bonus for entering any other giveaway (max 3 bonus entries)
+1 Bonus entry for leaving a comment on a non-giveaway post
(max 2 bonus entries per day)
The heat is on... 2nd bonus!
The heat is on and fortunately it was only a loose wire, so it only cost us the service call... which was plenty expensive, but not as bad as we feared, so I am feeling generous to my readers who enter giveaways - you can use the phrase "Warm and Toasty" as a bonus entry on any ONE GIVEAWAY as long as it's before 11:59pm tonight (12/29)
H.
H.
Baby it's cold inside... and a BONUS ENTRY
Well, we've been without heat at our house since yesterday morning... and of course, it's still unseasonably cold in Charleston... we spent a toasty night piled under blankets and are waiting somewhat impatiently for the HVAC guy to get here between 9 and 11....
The doorbell just rang!!!!
Please let it be an easy fix!!
bonus entry - tell me what your favorite hot drink is - and you can leave this ONE time on any ONE GIVEAWAY before 11:59 pm tonight (12/29)
The doorbell just rang!!!!
Please let it be an easy fix!!
bonus entry - tell me what your favorite hot drink is - and you can leave this ONE time on any ONE GIVEAWAY before 11:59 pm tonight (12/29)
Wordless Wednesday - Faves from 2010
Since this is the last WW of 2010, I thought I'd do a little digging and find a few of my favorite pics from this year... in no particular order....
Are you participating in a WW - wordless, wordful - link it up here!
Are you participating in a WW - wordless, wordful - link it up here!
Product Review - New from Purex
For those who hadn't noticed, there's a new badge in town...
a Purex Insiders Badge:
Which means that I get to tell you about a cool new fabric softener product from Purex that is unlike anything else on the market!
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is a revolution in laundry! Unlike other traditional softeners, there's no oily build up - because there's no oil!
The crystals go right into your wash load and are safe for both top load and HE washers! It comes in three scents and is easy to measure, pour and use - no more wasteful spillage!
WHY IT’S DIFFERENT > SAFE FOR ALL LAUNDRY AND BETTER FOR FABRICS
Do ALL of your laundry—worry free! Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are safe for
all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners.
Safe for all fabrics, including baby clothes, athletic wear, towels, and whites. Unlike other
softeners, Crystals WILL:
• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothes
• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body
• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water
• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners
The product won’t harm your clothes and is safe and convenient for the entire family!
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is available in three fragrances:
Fresh Spring Waters TM,Lavender Blossom TM, and Tropical Splash TM
My review:
This product really works! I have to say though, that for a household that traditionally only uses unscented products, the Fresh Spring Waters scent was overwhelming the first time I pulled my towels out of the dryer. I adjusted the recommended amount down a bit and found a lovely scent story though. I am really hoping that they'll bring this product out in an unscented version soon though, because I can only use it on the towels and Wayne's & Robyn's clothes right now - the baby is super sensitive to fabric softener, as is Liam, so I wash their clothes and mine separately, since Erik is spending so much time in my arms, even my clothes can cause a reaction for him. You can definitely see the difference in the towels though - they feel softer and look fluffier than they did when I was using unscented dryer sheets. I really like that this product is 92% free of chemicals and safe to use on childrens sleepwear and moisture wicking sportswear!
Please Purex - make this product in unscented!!!
You can find the new Purex Complete Crystals Softener at many of the places you buy laundry supplies - including Walmart, grocery stores and drug stores!
What scent would you like to try?
Which means that I get to tell you about a cool new fabric softener product from Purex that is unlike anything else on the market!
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is a revolution in laundry! Unlike other traditional softeners, there's no oily build up - because there's no oil!
The crystals go right into your wash load and are safe for both top load and HE washers! It comes in three scents and is easy to measure, pour and use - no more wasteful spillage!
WHY IT’S DIFFERENT > SAFE FOR ALL LAUNDRY AND BETTER FOR FABRICS
Do ALL of your laundry—worry free! Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are safe for
all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners.
Safe for all fabrics, including baby clothes, athletic wear, towels, and whites. Unlike other
softeners, Crystals WILL:
• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothes
• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body
• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water
• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners
The product won’t harm your clothes and is safe and convenient for the entire family!
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is available in three fragrances:
Fresh Spring Waters TM,Lavender Blossom TM, and Tropical Splash TM
My review:
This product really works! I have to say though, that for a household that traditionally only uses unscented products, the Fresh Spring Waters scent was overwhelming the first time I pulled my towels out of the dryer. I adjusted the recommended amount down a bit and found a lovely scent story though. I am really hoping that they'll bring this product out in an unscented version soon though, because I can only use it on the towels and Wayne's & Robyn's clothes right now - the baby is super sensitive to fabric softener, as is Liam, so I wash their clothes and mine separately, since Erik is spending so much time in my arms, even my clothes can cause a reaction for him. You can definitely see the difference in the towels though - they feel softer and look fluffier than they did when I was using unscented dryer sheets. I really like that this product is 92% free of chemicals and safe to use on childrens sleepwear and moisture wicking sportswear!
Please Purex - make this product in unscented!!!
You can find the new Purex Complete Crystals Softener at many of the places you buy laundry supplies - including Walmart, grocery stores and drug stores!
What scent would you like to try?
Tuesday's Bonus Entry
You can use this bonus entry on ONE giveaway - multiple uses will cause all of today's bonus entries to be null and void for you.
Today's bonus entry code is: Stumble Tumble
Why you ask?
Well, if you missed it -- there's a great hop going on today that lets you get your posts ranked with StumbleUpon and increase traffic to your site!
All you need to do is join, download the Stumble Upon toolbar and start stumbling!
Check it out here
(PS - you don't have to be part of Stumble Tumble Tuesday to use the bonus entry code)
**This code expires on December 28th at 11:59 PM EST
Today's bonus entry code is: Stumble Tumble
Why you ask?
Well, if you missed it -- there's a great hop going on today that lets you get your posts ranked with StumbleUpon and increase traffic to your site!
All you need to do is join, download the Stumble Upon toolbar and start stumbling!
Check it out here
(PS - you don't have to be part of Stumble Tumble Tuesday to use the bonus entry code)
**This code expires on December 28th at 11:59 PM EST
Product Review - So Easy Baby Food Kit
Product Description:
The So Easy Baby Food Kit takes all of the guesswork out of making baby food. This all-in-one kit shows you how to prepare fresh, natural meals for your baby in less than 30 minutes a week. We all know fresh is best. Let the So Easy Baby Food Kit be your guide to nurture your growing baby with a balanced diet and provide the right start to a lifetime of healthy eating.
The award-winning kit includes everything you need to get started, and of course it’s so easy. A complete system including a cookbook, how-to video, freezer storage trays, and nutrition tips card leave you with only one thing to add - fresh ingredients!
Parents say that when they use the So Easy system of making baby food that they feel great about what they are doing for their growing baby. Your baby will look forward to their meals too and you’ll enjoy yummy smiles from your baby right from the start.
So Easy Baby Food Kit includes:
Cookbook: covers introducing solid food, includes over 40 recipes, hundreds of serving suggestions, and is all organized by age. (Hardcover, 118 pages).
Freezer trays: designed for storing baby food in pre-portioned one ounce servings to simplify meal time and reduce waste. (2 trays and 2 lids, spill-proof, stackable, dishwasher-safe).
How-to DVD: offers step-by-step instruction - from selecting the right produce - to making baby food - to serving it.
Nutrition tips card: gives you tips on the best sources of nutrients, introducing foods by age, first aid for choking, and more. (Waterproof Finish)
The So Easy Baby Food Kit is designed for babies making the transition from breast or bottle to solid foods. (babies about 6 months old).
My review:
I absolutely love the way this book and kit is organized! It's designed to help you walk through the process of introducing a variety of foods to your child and lets you document your progress right in the book! The DVD reinforces the book and gives you step by step instructions for just about everything - making it truly simple to get organized and get making your own baby food. Even after raising Liam, there are things to consider that I hadn't thought about last time around, and as I prepare to start Erik on solid foods in a few months, it weighs on my mind that we've got so many food issues with Liam because of his Autism, that we may have made worse by our choices when he was younger (allowing him to reject foods)
One of the things I like most about this book compared to others is that it presents both sides of an argument and lets you decide for yourself... for instance it doesn't tell you to choose organic vegetables, but it does tell you both about the higher cost of purchasing organic and the effects of pesticides. The same thing with the fresh vs. frozen debate - it lays out the facts and lets you make the best decision for you and your family.
Another thing I like is that it helps you incorporate additions and modifications to the recipes like adding seasonings, mixing flavors and when to introduce certain tastes.
For more information You can find out more about the kit at www.freshbaby.com and also join Fresh Baby on Facebook and Twitter
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and sponsored by Favorite Wigs Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Estetica Wigs, Quality Wigs. 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 and giveaway Disclosure.
Stumble Tumble Tuesday Week 7
Welcome to Stumble Tumble Tuesday hosted by Simply Stacie,Still Blonde After All These Years, Shopper Gal, Acting Balanced, Luxury Reading and Kelly’s Lucky You! The goal of this hop is to use Stumble Upon to help you promote your blog posts and get more traffic.
If you are new to Stumble Upon, please check out this tutorial on how it works.
To take part is simple.
- Add a link to a blog post that you would like people to stumble to the linky below. It *must* be a link to an actual post and NOT your main site. Please do not list giveaways.
- Stumble the 5 posts above your link. This way everyone’s posts will be stumbled. If you like you can stumble them all. The great thing about Stumble Upon is that it is fast and easy to do with the Stumble Upon toolbar. PLEASE DO NOT ADD YOUR LINK IF YOU AREN’T GOING TO STUMBLE ANY POSTS. This hop will only work if we all do our share. The more you stumble, the better it is!
Important Note: If you are the first person to Stumble a post, please take a minute and fill out the Stumble Upon review page. This is a one shot deal so if you don’t fill it out, that particular post will never get the same opportunity again.
Please leave a comment if you are able to stumble everyone's posts!!!
Feel free to post about Stumble Tumble Tuesday on your blog and help us spread the word.
Post it Note Tuesday #PINT updates
Help me get to 2000 by clicking here
You don't 'like' me? Really? Oh...
If that's just been an oversight click here
Again... 2000 here I come - the link is on your right (hint, hint)
MMMmondays (Yummy recipe share)
Stumble Tumble Tuesdays with 5 other great bloggers (this one is open TODAY)
WW link up -Wordless or Wordful... I don't discriminate
Thirsty For Comments Thursdays... just what the name implies... come for the comments, stay for the blogs
More Reviews, More Giveaways, more juicy family secrets...
(okay more boring family updates with really cute kid pics)
more recipes... more....
Happy New Years everyone - and if you want to catch all the latest #PINT fun, stop by
MMMmonday - Turkey Soup and Linky
You can use more or less of the stock. It all depends on the consistency you desire. Some people prefer a thicker stew-like
consistency.
Turkey and Vegetable Noodle Soup
1 1/2 pounds leftover turkey or cooked chicken - you can also substitute ground turkey, chicken or beef and saute it with the onions and garlic
2 yellow onions (peeled and coarsely chopped)
1 to 3 garlic cloves (to taste, peeled and pressed)
3 quarts chicken or turkey stock (or vegetable stock or water)
12 ounces dry egg noodles
2 cups fresh or frozen corn
2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Saute the onions and garlic in a 5- to 6-quart heavy soup pot over medium heat until the onions are translucent. Add the turkey, stock,
egg noodles, corn, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, and then cover cook the soup for 25 to 30 minutes, until noodles are cooked. Equally divide the soup among 6 to 10 soup bowls. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the soup, and then serve immediately. Serves 6 to 10.
Don't forget to link up your favorite recipes on the linky!
consistency.
Turkey and Vegetable Noodle Soup
1 1/2 pounds leftover turkey or cooked chicken - you can also substitute ground turkey, chicken or beef and saute it with the onions and garlic
2 yellow onions (peeled and coarsely chopped)
1 to 3 garlic cloves (to taste, peeled and pressed)
3 quarts chicken or turkey stock (or vegetable stock or water)
12 ounces dry egg noodles
2 cups fresh or frozen corn
2 cups seeded and diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Saute the onions and garlic in a 5- to 6-quart heavy soup pot over medium heat until the onions are translucent. Add the turkey, stock,
egg noodles, corn, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, and then cover cook the soup for 25 to 30 minutes, until noodles are cooked. Equally divide the soup among 6 to 10 soup bowls. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the soup, and then serve immediately. Serves 6 to 10.
Don't forget to link up your favorite recipes on the linky!
Review and #giveaway - Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga’Hoole
I want to thank Warner Bros. for allowing me to review this movie and to offer TWO of my readers copies of their own through a giveaway ending January 10th, 2011!Synopsis: Based on the popular book series, Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky, the epic tale of courage and friendship centers around a young Barn Owl who learns about a legend of a mythic band of winged warriors who fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil, and dreams of one day joining these heroes.
My family's review: This was an action packed movie with fabulous animation! There was something for everyone from my twelve year old daughter to my sixty-something in-laws. The storyline, based on battles between various owls, did have some violence that would caution me away from recommending this for very young viewers like my 4 year old son, but there were good messages and I would compare it in ways to the Narnia movies in terms of level of violence. The book series is recommended for grades 4-8 and I have to concur that I would recommend the movie for kids 9 and over. The storyline was pretty typical of this genre - questing type movies - where a legendary group of owls is sought to help battle evil owls and the main protagonist, who has grown up hearing legends and stories of the guardians becomes part of the solution to the problem, there weren't a lot of surprises, but the animation kept me riveted. If you're looking for a good rainy day movie for older children, this may be a good choice for you.
Released for home viewing on December 21st, 2010 it's Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and for Download.
Or you can win one of two copies here at Acting Balanced
Giveaway is open to US Residents only
Mandatory Entry must be completed before other entries count.
Each entry must be made as a SEPARATE COMMENT
Giveaway will end on January 10th, 2011 at 11:59 PM and the winner will be chosen by Random.org and announce on Acting Balanced and contacted by email
The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.
Mandatory Entry
Tell me why you'd like to win this DVD
Bonus Entries (Leave separate comment for each entry)
+ 1 Bonus entry Follow Acting Balanced/Chascouponmom on Twitter (leave twitter name)
+ 1 Bonus entry Follow Acting Balanced on Google Friend Connect
+ 1 Bonus entry Like Acting Balanced on Facebook
+ 1 Bonus entry Subscribe to Acting Balanced by email (must be completed)
+1 Bonus for entering any other giveaway (max 3 bonus entries)
+1 Bonus entry for leaving a comment on a non-giveaway post
(max 2 bonus entries per day)
Meet Me on Monday
Every week I give you the opportunity to learn more about me as I participate in Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old...
Click on the button to check out her answers and the linky of all the other blogs that participate:
Questions:
1. What are your New Year's Eve plans?
2. How tall are you?
3. What is your favorite pudding flavor?
4. What room of the house do you blog the most in?
5. What is your best physical feature?
My Answers:
1. What are your New Year's Eve plans?
We're having a quiet New Years - and I'll probably sleep through it, if the baby is willing...
2. How tall are you?
I'm 5'6"
3. What is your favorite pudding flavor?
Banana
4. What room of the house do you blog the most in?
Usually the living room, but with a laptop...
5. What is your best physical feature?
My hair
Click on the button to check out her answers and the linky of all the other blogs that participate:
Questions:
1. What are your New Year's Eve plans?
2. How tall are you?
3. What is your favorite pudding flavor?
4. What room of the house do you blog the most in?
5. What is your best physical feature?
My Answers:
1. What are your New Year's Eve plans?
We're having a quiet New Years - and I'll probably sleep through it, if the baby is willing...
2. How tall are you?
I'm 5'6"
3. What is your favorite pudding flavor?
Banana
4. What room of the house do you blog the most in?
Usually the living room, but with a laptop...
5. What is your best physical feature?
My hair
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