tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67556345981901157732024-03-13T05:24:28.980-07:00My Very Educated Mother ReviewsErin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-50346157365378319922013-07-31T13:11:00.001-07:002013-07-31T13:39:40.068-07:00The Unofficial Portion of My Time in Chicago<div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">This year there was so much chattering about private, outboard, etc. etc. parties that I decided it'd probably be best for me to share my photos from those events here! I'm going in <strong>reverse</strong> chronological order starting with Saturday night! </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><font size="4"><strong>#DeliveryManChicago</strong></font></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4lcIIMRjRxM/Ufkmb1IIXZI/AAAAAAAAIMw/zkRg0ua7yyM/s1600/IMG_20130727_203656.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4lcIIMRjRxM/Ufkmb1IIXZI/AAAAAAAAIMw/zkRg0ua7yyM/s640/IMG_20130727_203656.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">This was the Disney after party following the pre-screening of Delivery Man, the upcoming film featuring Vince Vaughn. It was such a good movie, you can definitely expect to hear more about it closer to the release date in October! Earlier in the day Saturday I attended the Sweets and Treats party, unfortunately I didn't get any pictures while I was there.</div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">#EcoFab50</font></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZgxJVRvog5k/Ufkmn3lJ93I/AAAAAAAAIM4/DIaFCpY9YMM/s1600/IMG_20130726_202401.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZgxJVRvog5k/Ufkmn3lJ93I/AAAAAAAAIM4/DIaFCpY9YMM/s640/IMG_20130726_202401.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">I ended Friday night at the #EcoFab50 party, hosted by <a href="http://www.firsttimemommn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First Time Mom </a>and <a href="http://www.clothdiapergeek.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloth Diaper Geek</a>! There were only four sponsors in attendance (along with a henna artist) but the swag bag was teeming with such great eco-friendly baby products. I really hope I'm able to share more about these great companies with you in the future! </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kSOGPqJ7Epk/Ufl1r2_KRkI/AAAAAAAAIP4/YSGx_8h2nm0/s1600-h/EcoFab%25252050%252520pic%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="EcoFab 50 pic" style="display: inline" alt="EcoFab 50 pic" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f-qGr2qMF-4/Ufl1tWwXsaI/AAAAAAAAIQA/sHT1U7t4Bts/EcoFab%25252050%252520pic_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">@CouponCabin</font></strong> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gx6M47TtYtA/UfkmvzuNvxI/AAAAAAAAINA/3n0OI4y0Euk/s1600/20130726_190821.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gx6M47TtYtA/UfkmvzuNvxI/AAAAAAAAINA/3n0OI4y0Euk/s640/20130726_190821.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3_j7_YMSmAs/UfknE2Z4umI/AAAAAAAAINI/aV0ThaIhr54/s1600/20130726_190815.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3_j7_YMSmAs/UfknE2Z4umI/AAAAAAAAINI/aV0ThaIhr54/s640/20130726_190815.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both">These are just a couple of the awesome shots I got from the 92nd floor of the John Hancock Observatory during the CouponCabin Happy Hour. Now don't get me wrong, the pizza was cold and hard and there wasn't anything fancy going on during the party, but these views made it worth the trip up the two very scary elevators. Thankfully Anne Hogan was with me...p.s. she was one of the lucky $12,000 winners the night before at the #AwesomeChi party. When we left we also received these personally autographed cookbooks! </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k7H0ZgIgwxA/Ufl1va1BeFI/AAAAAAAAIQI/L2ojTc4ACXw/s1600-h/CouponCabin%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="CouponCabin" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="CouponCabin" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zl3yeujsoyY/Ufl1wycuopI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/uxBW0nxSkC4/CouponCabin_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q7h7_D2TExU/Ufl1y0767TI/AAAAAAAAIQY/Ad4kyFiISG4/s1600-h/CouponCabin2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="CouponCabin2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="CouponCabin2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--YZOg7Zxq_g/Ufl1zxJ7y9I/AAAAAAAAIQg/ZMIhBP5PMQw/CouponCabin2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">@LifetimeLounge</font></strong></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; clear: left; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AKUG4vVPink/UfknjFERmzI/AAAAAAAAINY/LSbdD6LDTGw/s1600/IMG_20130726_165212.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br></a><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; float: right; margin-left: 1em; clear: right" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lhn9XqY8wFc/UfknVLhHT6I/AAAAAAAAINQ/TJmgiQ4Fh9c/s1600/IMG_20130726_065122.jpg" imageanchor="1"><br></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AKUG4vVPink/UfknjFERmzI/AAAAAAAAINY/LSbdD6LDTGw/s1600/IMG_20130726_165212.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AKUG4vVPink/UfknjFERmzI/AAAAAAAAINY/LSbdD6LDTGw/s640/IMG_20130726_165212.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">Attending the Lifetime Primp ‘n Pamper Lounge was a last minute decision that I'm glad I made! I got another massage, had my fortune read ("You're going to be creating a lot in January" tell me something I don't already know!), and my nails painted.</div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">#YogawithYasso</font></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lhn9XqY8wFc/UfknVLhHT6I/AAAAAAAAINQ/TJmgiQ4Fh9c/s1600/IMG_20130726_065122.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lhn9XqY8wFc/UfknVLhHT6I/AAAAAAAAINQ/TJmgiQ4Fh9c/s640/IMG_20130726_065122.jpg"></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TXnvTG5u4-I/Ufknzkr9MJI/AAAAAAAAINg/E3J7gSBz_II/s1600/IMG_20130725_190458.jpg" imageanchor="1"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">Friday morning started at Millinium Park for a little Yoga with <a href="http://www.teamyasso.com/welcome/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yasso</a>. I've never gone to a yoga class let alone one that was outside. It was misting that morning and the mats were wet so I ended up doing my downward dogs in the grass. If you're a yoga kinda gal, I highly recommend taking it outside! </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2rt8YSx8_E/UfltIT8q_3I/AAAAAAAAIPo/JxUxo-ufbXI/s1600/954670_623042911054128_1842816641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j2rt8YSx8_E/UfltIT8q_3I/AAAAAAAAIPo/JxUxo-ufbXI/s320/954670_623042911054128_1842816641_n.jpg" width="320" height="227"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">As we left we received gift bags, the yoga mat we'd be using, a Yasso bar and a juice. Mine was Cayenne Lemon Agave...yes, it tasted as unappetizing as it sounds. Thankfully I can't remember the brand. </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">#SweetSuite13</font></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XmjG1pQYDYg/Ufla6P3ccYI/AAAAAAAAIO8/-3lvavISTPU/s1600/IMG_20130725_210232.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XmjG1pQYDYg/Ufla6P3ccYI/AAAAAAAAIO8/-3lvavISTPU/s640/IMG_20130725_210232.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">Thursday night was wrapped up at the Sweet Suite hosted by <a href="http://www.thebigtoybook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Big Toy Book</a>. I'm ashamed to say I only took pictures of this <a href="http://www.lego.com/en-us/chima/?domainredir=chima.lego.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legends of Chima Lego </a>toy but rest assured, I also was attacked by a flying fairy, met Marty a finalist from last year's Food Network Star competition, and made so many awesome connections I cannot wait to share it all with you! It's going to be good! Swag is being shipped but I did pick up some little goodies from Fashion Angel and a couple of other brands.</div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ET8qokGU7gY/Ufl13PPKeyI/AAAAAAAAIQo/IpGBFMWiNbU/s1600-h/Sweetsuite%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sweetsuite" style="display: inline" alt="Sweetsuite" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2LzsgPhcXyI/Ufl148wz6oI/AAAAAAAAIQw/Bt7bWVdeXqI/Sweetsuite_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">#AwesomeCHI</font></strong><br></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TXnvTG5u4-I/Ufknzkr9MJI/AAAAAAAAINg/E3J7gSBz_II/s1600/IMG_20130725_190458.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TXnvTG5u4-I/Ufknzkr9MJI/AAAAAAAAINg/E3J7gSBz_II/s640/IMG_20130725_190458.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">The Awesome Party, sponsored by <a href="http://www.yappem.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yappem</a>, was held in a nice location, The Crystal Gardens at the Navy Pier. I enjoyed the food, cotton candy, and candy bar. I met Amanda from <a href="https://twitter.com/Saving4Five" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saving for Five</a> there and she was a friendly face at many of the other events throughout the weekend! Here she is getting a lashes and lip gloss during the event. </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m7XMFmiciSI/UflbETgN8_I/AAAAAAAAIPI/vxiJKTr13W8/s1600/IMG_20130725_200749.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m7XMFmiciSI/UflbETgN8_I/AAAAAAAAIPI/vxiJKTr13W8/s640/IMG_20130725_200749.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">#Socialluxe</font></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">Is it horrible that the only thing I got a picture of during the <a href="http://www.socialluxelounge.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Socialluxe Lounge</a> was a plate of macaroons, my henna tattoo, and most of the swag? I did have a good time and got my first massage of the weekend. </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KRUVigt9T5A/UfkoAKCA6iI/AAAAAAAAINo/-5Y49Y1tpT0/s1600/IMG_20130725_172739.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KRUVigt9T5A/UfkoAKCA6iI/AAAAAAAAINo/-5Y49Y1tpT0/s640/IMG_20130725_172739.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">Here’s a pic of the swag…minus a bottle of liquor and a PS3 game.</div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nganIDbSV6o/Ufl17WdyqxI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/ajRhKI92q8w/s1600-h/Socialluxe%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Socialluxe" style="display: inline" alt="Socialluxe" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X8UuwMLmaZo/Ufl19CfElOI/AAAAAAAAIRA/QunhZLeVYrM/Socialluxe_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><strong><font size="4">#TBLBabyShower</font></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">The first unofficial party I headed out to was <a href="http://thebabyladies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Baby Ladies</a> "Save Babies Blogger Baby Shower"; it was held on the skyline terrace of the Inn of Chicago. What I loved about this event was that it wasn't just about the products it was also about raising awareness to<a href="http://savebabies.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> help save babies</a>. But don't get me wrong the products were cool too. I mean, it's been a while since I had a stroller and my goodness have they changed! I watched the <a href="http://www.contoursbaby.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contours </a>stroller presentation in awe of how easy it was to operate and use. </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y1k8fgZEmms/UfkoPsb2koI/AAAAAAAAINw/dMb9G9rgBeY/s1600/IMG_20130725_153126.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y1k8fgZEmms/UfkoPsb2koI/AAAAAAAAINw/dMb9G9rgBeY/s640/IMG_20130725_153126.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mrH71f4DUXM/Ufl2AcSNS4I/AAAAAAAAIRI/kRp3w54U9gY/s1600-h/TBLBabyShower%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="TBLBabyShower" style="display: inline" alt="TBLBabyShower" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uBM_a8ewjEw/Ufl2BzZtACI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/sRKIZ7aBa5Q/TBLBabyShower_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">Wednesday night, just a few hours after arriving in Chicago I got the chance to head out on the water and watch fireworks aboard a <a href="http://www.seadogcruises.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SeaDog Cruise</a>. I'm truly not a firework's person and planned on attending just for my roommate (who ended up being banned from anything unofficial and therefore unable to join me) but wow. It was awesome! We got a quick tour and learned about the buildings that make up the Chicago Skyline. Plus, I won a <a href="http://thebeatrixgirls.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beatrix Girls</a> doll for Esther! Double score! </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zg-gro9gshQ/UfkocYj0L0I/AAAAAAAAIN4/CwlpP7MaPls/s1600/IMG_20130724_205112.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zg-gro9gshQ/UfkocYj0L0I/AAAAAAAAIN4/CwlpP7MaPls/s640/IMG_20130724_205112.jpg"> </a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both">I can honestly say had it not been for the many friendly faces, sponsors, hosts, etc. of all these 'unofficial' parties my time in Chicago would have been one giant suckfest! (I'm really not kidding either.) I'm so grateful to have been invited to take part in such amazing events. Here's to next year!</div> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-60940648117203492592013-04-18T13:39:00.001-07:002013-04-18T13:39:18.310-07:00Personalized Scrap Paper Artwork<img alt="Personalized Scrap Paper Artwork via My Very Educated Mother" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h321/mvemother/PersonalizedArtworkProject75_zps5975ab9a.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Personalized Scrap Paper Artwork via My Very Educated Mother" /><br />
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Guess what? We’re adding on to our house (<em>you’ll be hearing more about this later</em>) which means the two little ones will be getting their own rooms. How exciting right? I know the first time I had a room to myself I couldn’t wait to start decorating the walls! Not much has changed, the ground hasn’t even been broken and I’m already daydreaming décor ideas. When the package of <a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1931a-187b3-293a4-3qfwurg7qcm" target="_blank" title="kids crafts">Apple Barrel paint</a>and <a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/19319-187b3-293a4-3qfwuh25qtd" target="_blank" title="kids crafts">Mod Podge Washout</a> showed up at our door I couldn’t wait to get busy on the first project on my list – Personalized Scrap Paper Artwork! <br />
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The Apple Barrel Paints matched up perfectly to some scrap scrapbook paper I had wanted to clean out of my supply closet and the Mod Podge Washout is made with kids in mind. As its name implies it washes out easier but that’s not what grabbed my kid’s attention, after watching me use the Gloss and Matte formulas on so many projects they were happy to see a formula (and bottle) made for them. P.S. I’m not allowed to use it unless they say it’s okay. Seriously, they have control issues…I blame it on their father. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eRWXEh8VExw/UWI4auruo-I/AAAAAAAAHpE/BLiUK265d0U/s1600-h/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Personalized Artwork Project via My Very Educated Mother" height="495" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fuUEZwU2eYY/UWI4dae-gNI/AAAAAAAAHpM/8j1YCMOQR54/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="Personalized Artwork Project via My Very Educated Mother" width="500" /></a></span></strong><br />
<strong>Supplies</strong> <br />
<ul>
<li>Apple Barrel Paints </li>
<li>Mod Podge Washout </li>
<li>Scrap pieces of scrapbook paper </li>
<li>canvases </li>
<li>stencils </li>
<li>Spouncer sponge stencil brushes </li>
</ul>
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<strong>Directions</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>Because these pieces are made by, and for, the kids I let them pick out their favorite pieces of scrapbook paper, then we started ripping it up. Warning: Don’t walk away for a minute to grab your camera or you’ll end up with pieces too small to use! When you let kids rip something up, they’ll really rip it up.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4KdKJeFjLs4/UWI4gBAuyvI/AAAAAAAAHpU/MRd46p3P8ZM/s1600-h/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project1%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Personalized Artwork - Ripping Up the Paper" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-taBHAFkPddU/UWI4irrZrBI/AAAAAAAAHpc/3B6Oqpp1DRU/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project1_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="My Very Educated Mother - Personalized Artwork@mvemother Personalized Artwork - Ripping Up the Paper" width="450" /></a><br />
This is my favorite part, lay the pieces of paper onto your canvas in a pattern that pleases you. Remind you little ones to overlap as little as possible. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-onvVqvSduSA/UWI4ltCB29I/AAAAAAAAHpk/8t5ifE3fdYQ/s1600-h/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project2%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="My Very Educated Mother - Personalized Artwork - Laying out Design" height="330" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QyiCgQuh0tU/UWI4ocOeqhI/AAAAAAAAHps/nD3WUxKCbqw/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project2_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="My Very Educated Mother - Personalized Artwork - Laying out Design" width="450" /></a><br />
Once you get a layout everyone can live with start Mod Podging your pieces down. If you haven’t noticed we recycled some older canvases. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cPab1oONihM/UWI59EhsrhI/AAAAAAAAHp0/gOIV3OZl2ts/s1600-h/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project3%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="www.myveryeducatedmother.com Personalized Artwork-Mod Podging our pieces" height="338" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XQxvsj781dg/UWI5_8YLT1I/AAAAAAAAHp8/nWaKRQUZuyQ/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project3_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="www.myveryeducatedmother.com Personalized Artwork-Mod Podging our pieces" width="450" /></a><br />
Once the canvas was covered we let everything dry and then Mommy stepped it. I went ahead and trimmed the paper off the sides and put on the final coats of Mod Podge. Now the pictures were ready for stenciling.<br />
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We’ve used stencils before so the kids knew the importance of holding them as still as possible. As you can see in the picture below, I held down a corner for my daughter and ended up with green fingers! No worries, like the Podge the paint washed off both the kids and I easily with soap and water. <br />
This ended up being such a fun project I foresee many more like it in my future!<br />
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I want to note, my daughter used heavier two-sided paper so she had virtually NO bubbling. My son on the other hand not only used thinner paper but also got a bit ahead of himself, while I helped his sister. I completely understand his impatience, it’s hard for me to wait for someone to tell me what to do sometimes too. <br />
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<b>This post was written as part of a campaign with The Blueprint Social. All opinions are my own.</b><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9lXYY530gnI/UWI6IKEMf8I/AAAAAAAAHqU/pFiGa2XvZOQ/s1600-h/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project7%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Personalized Artwork Project7" height="446" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NEAMJmbwBGg/UWI6KstAVLI/AAAAAAAAHqc/SaeEkDXvawM/Personalized%252520Artwork%252520Project7_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="Personalized Artwork Project7" width="450" /></a><br />
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Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-53303062620540454162012-10-27T20:56:00.001-07:002012-10-27T20:56:43.410-07:00Are You Good & Ready?<p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JPS4GuIHxFs/UIys8FxChGI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/fbmQvmKXiwA/s1600-h/securedownload%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="securedownload" border="0" alt="securedownload" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FKminGHIDW4/UIys87RsW8I/AAAAAAAAF1Y/mdQYEWIAIYI/securedownload_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="191"></a> <p><b></b> <p><b>WHAT IS GOOD & READY?</b> <p><i>Good & Ready Seeks to Help Millions of Americans Prepare for Disasters</i> <p><i></i> <p>Regardless of where you live, knowing what to do before, during and after a disaster is a vitally important part of being prepared and can make all the difference when second count. <a href="http://www.pointsoflight.org/">Points of Light</a> has launched <a href="http://www.goodnready.pointsoflight.org/">Good & Ready</a> ,a collaborative preparedness engagement initiative to engage people to prepare themselves, their families and their communities. <p>Good & Ready is a year-round online and on-the-ground emergency preparedness initiative led by Points of Light working with core partners <a href="http://www.ready.gov/">Ready.gov</a>, <a href="http://www.redcross.org/">American Red Cross</a> and the <a href="http://www.flash.org/">Federal Alliance for Safe Homes</a> (FLASH). <p>Research shows only one in 10 Americans is prepared to protect themselves, their families or homes in a natural disaster. Good & Ready is designed to help more people become prepared, allowing first responders to focus on the most critical situations. Visitors to the Good & Ready website are encouraged to take a quiz to find out how knowledgeable they are about national disasters, find preparedness projects and trainings in their community, find resources to learn how to create a household emergency plan and kit, find way to help their community prepare through volunteer opportunities, and share their story about preparedness. <p><b>Taking any of these actions will enter the user in a sweepstakes to win a $50 Target gift card or an emergency preparedness kit. Those who return to the Good & Ready website and submit a story and photo or video about how they fulfilled their pledge, will be eligible to win the grand prize of a $500 Target gift card.</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>National support for Good & Ready is provided by Target and the Allstate Foundation.</b> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.goodnready.pointsoflight.org/">Good & Ready</a> to find out how prepared you are, learn how to create an emergency plan, register to get trained or pledge to help others in times of disaster. <p><b>About Points of Light</b> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AB2_mc-d35c/UIys9ZSLGCI/AAAAAAAAF1g/Jq27CX2ll8o/s1600-h/securedownload%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 14px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="securedownload (1)" border="0" alt="securedownload (1)" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BlIy077mIAA/UIys-JXaAdI/AAAAAAAAF1o/Rdu81D9oquI/securedownload%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="146" height="99"></a>Points of Light is the leading volunteer organization with more than 20 years of history and a bipartisan presidential legacy. Our mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. We connect people to their power to make a meaningful difference by providing access to tools, resources and opportunities to help volunteers use their time, talent, voice and money to meet the critical needs of our communities. We are organized into three divisions: Programs, Civic Incubator and Action Networks, which include HandsOn Network, the largest network of 250 local volunteer centers across the country and around the world; generationOn, the youth service movement that ignites the power of kids to make their mark on the world; AmeriCorps Alums, the national service alumni network that activates the next generation of service leaders; and Points of Light Corporate Institute, which enables companies to engage their employees and customers in service. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.pointsoflight.org/">www.pointsoflight.org</a>. Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-5380701009655816272012-09-24T06:23:00.001-07:002012-10-02T06:46:03.728-07:00Puffy Paint Glow Map<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9XGyfh-Dmag/UF_SMoLKgiI/AAAAAAAAFcw/DRsM3WSQ20Q/s1600-h/01524.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map #iLoveToCreate" border="0" height="440" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hO7fUENwLqg/UF_SO7asYUI/AAAAAAAAFc4/45E8Tm4RNzg/015_thumb28.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map" width="554" /></a>
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Recently I was lucky enough to receive a package of Puffy Paint Glow from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/bit.ly/iLoveToCreate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iLoveToCreate</a>. Just moments after I opened the box a number of Halloween inspired crafts came to mind. Colorful Day of the Dead Skulls and Ghostly Glow Window Clings; no other holiday lends itself to Glow paint better. But when I read that the paint could be used on paper, I went in a completely different direction…and you will need a map for it! Bwa, ha, ha!<br />
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No matter the locale charted out, maps add a certain charm to any room of the home. On the walls of a children’s bedroom they incite dreams of exploration while familiarizing little minds with the world around them. By adding a bit of Glow paint this otherwise standard decoration becomes an interactive piece of art. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IyO4AsTr9P8/UF_SRA9zE2I/AAAAAAAAFdA/IOQiJ6lYa3Y/s1600-h/03728.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow 12 pack #iLoveToCreate" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cWDSukuO_M8/UF_ST03s5AI/AAAAAAAAFdI/1WA-BO0UIxY/037_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow 12 pack" width="457" /></a><strong><br /></strong><br />
<b>Supplies</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Puffy Paint Glow 12 Pack </li>
<li>a paper map</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qB5ZBOq7XLI/UF_SW_KlZRI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/lkzExpqitIc/s1600-h/00613.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 2" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NBUnzl9lxQY/UF_SYnqm_YI/AAAAAAAAFdY/qptkuk37RzU/006_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 2" width="457" /></a><br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>These may be the simplest directions in the history of directions but sometimes the easiest projects can get complicated if you don’t take things into consideration before you get started.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
1. Smooth out your map. Use an iron if necessary to get rid of any creases or folds.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eiGGxy4mMfg/UF_Sa_j_zKI/AAAAAAAAFdg/ORXCO1EQ74A/s1600-h/0134.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 3" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5-nPB9uwRpE/UF_SdaeRKeI/AAAAAAAAFdo/xJFxBnfK0AY/013_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 3" width="457" /></a><br />
2. If your map takes up your entire dining room table, like mine did, plan on eating in the living room. Seriously, after everything is painted the last thing you’ll want to do is ruin all your hard work by trying to move it.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_FggRlrxGSA/UF_SfmRer-I/AAAAAAAAFdw/sVjUvvKVGjo/s1600-h/0108.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 4" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yrlxVIE23QM/UF_ShesTqmI/AAAAAAAAFd4/rOpRaY1yLzc/010_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 4" width="457" /></a><br />
3. If you’re left-handed start in the northeast corner of your map, if you’re right-handed the northwest. Continue to work diagonally across the paper to prevent any accidental smearing.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h-CphD3m7oQ/UF_SlFZPAlI/AAAAAAAAFeA/4n-RUTJUOVU/s1600-h/01610.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 5" border="0" height="457" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8y9h0m2QyQ0/UF_SnLbrDjI/AAAAAAAAFeI/paco_QbVSNw/016_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 5" width="344" /></a><br />
4. Coordinate your colors with the map, whether teal or grey, the Puffy Paint Glow 12 pack has all that you’ll need and remember they will intensify as they dry.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UYudXJHx1W4/UF_SqU4YVrI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/aN_E9jPxNcs/s1600-h/01517.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 6" border="0" height="457" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lHyfv9rznOs/UF_SsnO-KvI/AAAAAAAAFeY/IztGhNHH6FQ/015_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 6" width="344" /></a><br />
5. Here’s a fun geography question for you to contemplate while the paint dries. Can you find the chef in the middle of America?*<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4rr3w9l2ZtQ/UF_SyA0KitI/AAAAAAAAFeg/2BxECymb_cQ/s1600-h/0163.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 7 #iLoveToCreate" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EkW-4CIpLY8/UF_S02AVmoI/AAAAAAAAFeo/T1cR4GRrKcA/016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Puffy Paint Glow Map 7" width="457" /></a><br />
6. If you don’t plan on framing your map, add a strip of packing tape across the top to strengthen the paper.<br />
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7. Prepare for ohhs and ahhs when you turn the lights out. <em>Um, if you tend to get motion sickness don’t stare at the ONLY glowing picture I could get, it’s a blur, make that a <strong>brightly glowing</strong> blur.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r1TzQH_kp_w/UF_S3voZukI/AAAAAAAAFew/FwxWDvu7fAE/s1600-h/055%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="@mvemother Glowing Puffy Paint Map" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-snNqtfe4tug/UF_S5Mt1brI/AAAAAAAAFe4/1ocHOk1tjYU/055_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="@mvemother Glowing Puffy Paint Map" width="457" /></a><br />
I’m super excited with the results and the kids love it! I’ve got more ideas for this product so stay tuned…those Day of the Dead Skulls are going to be happening and soon. <em><a href="http://cmp.ly/3/FdAzcC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find my post disclosure here.</a></em><br />
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For more crafting ideas with this and other great products be sure to visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/bit.ly/iLoveToCreate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iLoveToCreate</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovetocreate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ilovetocreate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/ilovetocreate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. </div>
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<em>*The chef is in profile. Minnesota-chef’s hat, Iowa-face/nose, Missouri-belly, Arkansas-legs, Louisiana-boot.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sharing at: <a href="http://skiptomylou.org/">Skip to my Lou</a></span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://www.madincrafts.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mad in Crafts</span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tip Junkie </span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Shabby Creek Cottage </span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Romantic Home </span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://www.504main.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">504 Main </span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tatertots & jello</span></a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/">Be different Act Normal</a></span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Serenity Now</span></a><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-84480362663470572452012-09-14T20:38:00.001-07:002012-09-14T20:38:49.130-07:00Mother & Daughter Bonding Over FabKids.com<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rq7vLJ2ZcgI/UFP4IOfbuGI/AAAAAAAAFZI/cAQQabydxME/s1600-h/024%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="024" border="0" alt="024" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jr2uZC2RGxI/UFP4JbW3XNI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/EcNZFfyoLC0/024_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="376"></a></p> <p>Last Monday, with coffee in hand, I was reading through my Facebook feed when I came along a post featuring an adorable outfit that cost $25 from <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">FabKids.com</a>. Essie was sitting next to me so I went ahead and followed the link, thinking we could sit and do a little online window shopping while we had our breakfast. Half an hour later, our order was confirmed and two days later we were opening that cute pink box and trying on our first <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">FabKids</a> outfit!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R4JiNqE3VBI/UFP4J-BGdHI/AAAAAAAAFZY/8_-_UZ3a2EU/s1600-h/fabkids_logo-d5a76fd115cbea5d5d08b890b955803e%25255B6%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="fabkids_logo-d5a76fd115cbea5d5d08b890b955803e" border="0" alt="fabkids_logo-d5a76fd115cbea5d5d08b890b955803e" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0F7BVYK9_0E/UFP4LRmzNfI/AAAAAAAAFZg/Ahy89LnXwXY/fabkids_logo-d5a76fd115cbea5d5d08b890b955803e_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="181" height="54"></a>What is <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">FabKids.com</a>?</strong> It’s definitely not your average little girl’s clothing site that’s for sure. </p> <p>There are two things I HATE to see in children’s clothing, commercialization and sexualizing. It sends such a horrible message to our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, etc., and it’s so hard to find clothes that don’t fall into one or the other category. The ones you do find tend to be outdated or expensive and boring.</p> <p>With the guidance of head designer, Denise Kalinowski, <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">FabKids</a> offers un-offensive fashions at reasonable prices, that are just as comfortable as they are stylish! As their site says, “We believe girls should be empowered to express their individuality through their own personal style – in a way that builds confidence and lets them shine.” Creative Partner, and mom, Christina Applegate adds, “… the FabKids brand encapsulates everything I believe in for my daughter and want as a mom.”</p> <p>When you first visit the <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">FabKids</a> site you’ll be asked to take a quiz to create your own style profile. It was fun and enlightening to listen to my daughter as she explained each choice she made.</p> <p>Next you’ll shop your outfit picks. This was the hard part, both Essie and I loved nearly every outfit. As the site explains, each month you’ll have the option of selected an outfit (all of which include 3 pieces) for $39.95, or you can skip it. There’s never an obligation to buy, along with free shipping and returns. </p> <p>Finally, you’ll get your new outfit and well, there’s something about a cute box and clothes wrapped in silver tissue paper that’ll bring out the girl in anyone. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GMzNCoJWJ4E/UFP4MWTwDgI/AAAAAAAAFZo/UuanF5rMuuE/s1600-h/017%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RbUxDFKS2l0/UFP4O7fY3tI/AAAAAAAAFZw/Pq0G0e0MIuE/017_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a></p> <p>I’m sure you have plenty of other questions, I know my first one was what about the boys, fyi – they’re working on it for 2013. so I encourage you to visit the <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">FabKids</a> site yourself. I promise you, I’m not the kind of person to get excited enough to write about any children’s fashions I haven’t made myself. That said, the message behind FabKids is one I believe in and want to share with you!</p> <p><em><strong>P.S. If you follow any of the <a href="https://www.fabkids.com/join/9gpikt39wbhxmmdd" target="_blank">links</a> on this post you’ll get your first outfit for $25 AND you’ll also get a super cute, long-sleeve star t-shirt. Happy Shopping!</strong></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AxmwjQ3HzoA/UFP4Q3rVkuI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/mPjuJDPglMM/s1600-h/021%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="021" border="0" alt="021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-otcA0P9IlC4/UFP4R16htMI/AAAAAAAAFaA/OQl-FxA49mY/021_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="344"></a></p> <p><em>I was not compensated for this review, the opinions expressed are my own and they are honest. </em></p> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-39759118459550183652012-08-21T03:33:00.000-07:002012-08-21T03:33:00.460-07:00How To Get Organized via AboutOne.com<p> <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/?utm_source=August&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Erin%2BSipes" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://blog.aboutone.com/newsroom/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AboutOneLogo.png"></a> I don’t take well to change, dislike technology based organizational tools, and in general I’m a skeptic. I just don’t like wasting my time trying out programs I’ll never remember to use or putting together gargantuan binders with so much paper it makes me cringe. That said I’m also absent-minded and the only thing that keeps me in line are GOOD organizational tools and now that we’re starting a new homeschooling year I’ve been on the hunt. <p>Enter <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/?utm_source=August&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Erin%2BSipes" target="_blank">About One</a>. <p> <iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sTlDTVlZNLA" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Like the video shows, About One is a <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/?utm_source=August&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Erin%2BSipes" target="_blank">family organizer</a> that handles everything from tax records to mementos. It’s also a tool that slowly but surely making me eat my words and actually, ahem, like streamlining my records via cloud technology. <em>Seriously, did I just say that?</em></p> <p>So imagine me, Ms. Resistant to Change, as I first started adding entries to my About One account muttering, “This is stupid, I’m not even doing it right.” I typed in a title, attached a file, and then hit save (when needed I’d add a description). Yup, it was that easy and after an hour I had scanned, uploaded, and archived ALL of last years art projects (for BOTH of the little ones) and my entire important stuff binder. </p> <p>And that’s how they hooked me. It didn’t take a lot of time, it wasn’t overly complicated, and <strong>I can actually see myself doing this on a weekly basis to keep the papers in check.</strong> The clutter purging neurotic inside me is giddy with the possibilities…and there are a lot of them. Not only is everything in one place, we can access it at anytime via the <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/product-tour/mobile-apps/">Mobile App</a> (which would have come in handy during our many emergency room visits when asked about medications and conditions), and with <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/is-it-safe/">bank-level security</a> I can feel okay having so much of me and my life in one place.</p> <p>As far as <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/?utm_source=August&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Erin%2BSipes" target="_blank">online organizers</a> there is only one thing About One is lacking, the calendar. Because it’s still in the beta stage you get to read about how tremendously awesome it will be but you can’t use it yet. During BlogHer I had the chance to talk with one of the About One girls in person and before the question even left my mouth she started shaking her head. Yes, they know we’re anxious for the calendar and Yes, it will be available soon. </p> <p>I could go on and on about the really cool aspects of About One but I’ll be honest I spent some time watching videos that do a much better job than I could. Here’s my favorite.</p><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YJEk-jYEH8I" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>And here’s one from founder Joanne Lang explaining how and why she created About One. <em>Every parent’s worst nightmare.</em></p><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U-_0xB9owbM" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>So, in a nutshell <a href="http://www.aboutone.com/?utm_source=August&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Erin%2BSipes">About One</a> is an organizing tool that’s actually made me want to digitize my entire filing cabinet…and that’s saying a lot. </p> <p><i><font size="2">I was compensated by AboutOne to review their online organizer. All opinions and text are my own.</font></i> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-78062893470457917552012-08-13T03:04:00.000-07:002012-08-13T03:04:00.778-07:00Tips To Get Your Kids On-Board With Household Cleaning From Dr. Jana<p><em>During the chaos that is <a href="http://www.blogher.com/" target="_blank">BlogHer</a> I had the great pleasure of taking a moment to sit down in the <a href="http://www.lysol.com/" target="_blank">Lysol</a> Recharge Station and talk with award winning author <a href="http://drlaurajana.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Laura Jana</a> about kids and cleaning.</em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RBc_DOSYKm8/UCh-QPk5k7I/AAAAAAAAE_E/r5H_CkLR1qY/s1600-h/030%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lysol's Power & Free Interview with Dr. Jana BlogHer 12" border="0" alt="www.myveryeducatedmother.com Dr. Jana Interview" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xJFAOsRp5Sw/UCh-ReoI62I/AAAAAAAAE_M/qZVKM3pEh5c/030_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="379"></a>As a board certified pediatrician and American Academy of Pediatrics Fellow, Dr. Laura Jana knows the many reasons why children need to be included in our household cleaning routines. It’s her experience as a mother of three and owner of an educational childcare center that’s taught her how to turn these dreaded tasks into rewarding family time.</p> <p><strong>Teaching the importance of cleanliness and hygiene go without saying, but my first question for Dr. Jana was if there were long term benefits to having chores?</strong> Turns out there are and you might be amazed at just how big those benefits are. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that the best predictor of a child’s success is the age at which he or she begins helping with household chores. It went on to show that children involved in regular cleaning routines had a sense of responsibility, competence, self-reliance and self-worth that stays with them throughout their lives.</p> <p><strong>I’m busy, you’re busy, we’re all busy, sometimes it just seems easier and quicker to do the work myself rather than try to explain how to do it or worse, have to re-do work. </strong>That’s were Dr. Jana recommended setting aside a special time each week dedicated to cleaning. You can’t expect any lessons to be learned or good habits created while you’re doing a quick sweep of the house before company comes over. Designate cleaning time as family time so that it is a time to be enjoyed together and not dreaded. </p> <p>Little ones WANT to help and a great way to get them involved is to <strong>turn cleaning into a game, </strong>explained Dr. Jana. Form an assembly line, set a timer, or implement a game of “hide and seek,” just be sure that your kids know the rules and their limits when it comes to handling cleaning supplies. Assign ambitious jobs like vacuuming, scrubbing and disinfecting for older kids while the younger ones handle simpler one-step tasks like dusting or picking up toys. In our house my two little ones are the designated ‘runners,’ running everyone’s toys, books, shoes and miscellaneous items to their respective bedrooms.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>So many of my friends pay their kids to clean their rooms and I have a problem with that, I want my children to understand that cleanliness is not something they’ll get paid for as an adult and as a member of the family they have a responsibility to help out. Dr. Jana agreed that <strong>it’s important to establish that the real reward is a clean, safe house but having visuals and chore charts are still a great way to keep kids on task</strong>. She recommended modest rewards that could be a family movie night, a reasonable allowance, or in our case, a night of “hide and seek in the dark.” </p> <p>When you start getting your kids involved with cleaning at one point or another they’re going to want to wield that spray bottle, just like the grown-ups. It is imperative to teach the importance of handing products with care, using them as directed, and keeping them away from our eyes and mouths. Finding family-friendly cleaning agents has gotten a little easier with Lysol’s new Power & Free line of products that use the disinfecting power of hydrogen peroxide. As Dr. Jana explained, it’s what we use in our offices and hospitals to clean because it works and it’s safe. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m9A3IRE1un4/UCh-Syg0pxI/AAAAAAAAE_U/o0PNNVU3Rk4/s1600-h/LYS_Power%252526Free_ProductLineUp%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LYS_Power&Free_ProductLineUp" border="0" alt="LYS_Power&Free_ProductLineUp" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bQPMBzMvpfI/UCh-T_ASjII/AAAAAAAAE_c/ESnclQggi10/LYS_Power%252526Free_ProductLineUp_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="375"></a>For information to help educate your kids about germs visit the Kids Zone at <a href="http://www.lysol.com/" target="_blank">Lysol.com</a> and the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/" target="_blank">CDC’s Ounce of Prevention</a> site. More cleaning tips and activities can also be found at <a href="http://www.lysol.com/" target="_blank">Lysol.com</a> where you can learn more about Lysol’s Power & Free products.</p> <p><em>*University of Minnesota. Involving Children in Household Tasks: Is It Worth The Effort? </em><a href="http://www.cehd.umn.edu/research/highlights/Rossmann"><em>http://www.cehd.umn.edu/research/highlights/Rossmann</em></a><em>. Accessed July 19, 2012.</em></p> <p><em>I did not receive any compensation for this review, other than free products, and the opinions expressed are my own. I don’t know if I can even call this a review ‘cause I didn’t share my before and after photos. Okay, you talked me into it…here they are! This is soap scum covered ledge in my shower before a spray of Lysol’s Power & Free.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibFGhN8qyEI/UCh-VKnKo5I/AAAAAAAAE_k/0p960Nsyeqs/s1600-h/033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="033" border="0" alt="033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZymDXqWtMU4/UCh-Vw9DV5I/AAAAAAAAE_s/lReK2X9dGcc/033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>And this is it afterwards. I apologize for the lighting, my bathroom wasn’t made for close-ups. I let the product sit for a few minutes before I literally just wiping it all away with a regular rag…no scouring pads required.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lc4vScOS89A/UCh-XGDWBXI/AAAAAAAAE_0/NUZ4Zn0JyNQ/s1600-h/036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="036" border="0" alt="036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4hHbCEnOSRY/UCh-YAPuhbI/AAAAAAAAE_8/1VdbvXHcWqs/036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-16114849328208710812012-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:002012-08-14T08:44:20.711-07:00BlogHer '12 Swag Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W04oE4htLFg/UCU6th3v-vI/AAAAAAAAE2w/BSmRUbVUeXo/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W04oE4htLFg/UCU6th3v-vI/AAAAAAAAE2w/BSmRUbVUeXo/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm going to keep this short 'cause I've got <a href="http://www.myveryeducatedmother.com/2012/08/blogher-12-recap-what-ill-do.html">entire post</a> about what I learned at BlogHer this year over on my other site. This is all about the swag that I am NOT keeping! Cookbooks, grocery totes, lip balm, facial creams, Wall Pops, notepads, shoelaces, press-on nails, t-shirts and whatever else I could fit into this large USPS flat rate box can be yours! Enter below via Rafflecopter!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b746d91/" id="rc-b746d91" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCLv4QxOlDQ/UCU7DSr96JI/AAAAAAAAE3A/ARxs3dcOgOQ/s1600/018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCLv4QxOlDQ/UCU7DSr96JI/AAAAAAAAE3A/ARxs3dcOgOQ/s200/018.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGKD8_lZVlc/UCU7MSrPQ8I/AAAAAAAAE3g/ZlOQd1hIlMY/s1600/022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGKD8_lZVlc/UCU7MSrPQ8I/AAAAAAAAE3g/ZlOQd1hIlMY/s200/022.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCLv4QxOlDQ/UCU7DSr96JI/AAAAAAAAE3A/ARxs3dcOgOQ/s1600/018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCrrIG_zVc/UCU7Fv2nLFI/AAAAAAAAE3I/Qngt9diX9DA/s1600/019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCrrIG_zVc/UCU7Fv2nLFI/AAAAAAAAE3I/Qngt9diX9DA/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvhthN6n7ro/UCU7H2epCuI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/4nc9XJuDGj8/s1600/020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvhthN6n7ro/UCU7H2epCuI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/4nc9XJuDGj8/s200/020.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCrrIG_zVc/UCU7Fv2nLFI/AAAAAAAAE3I/Qngt9diX9DA/s1600/019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-87954730572059013542012-07-27T18:29:00.001-07:002012-07-27T18:29:37.514-07:00$20 for $40 Towards Eco-Friendly Products from The Honest Company<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-21WrocKT3jI/UBM-M5-8G7I/AAAAAAAAEq4/u5o7byJT5rg/s1600-h/original%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="original" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UfbaDBrEbGA/UBM-NxshquI/AAAAAAAAErA/URGKMknMutw/original_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="original" width="504" /></a><br />
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Yes, you heard me right <a href="http://www.plumdistrict.com/deals/the-honest-company-20-for-40-toward-eco-friendly-diapers-baby-care-and-home-clean-TQCDPF" target="_blank">$40 worth of trustworthy eco-friendly products for the whole house for $20</a>!<br />
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We can’t control everything our children come into contact with but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t provide them with safe natural and non-toxic products when we can. That’s why I’m excited to be able to share with you this great deal RUNNING RIGHT NOW!!!! between <a href="http://www.plumdistrict.com/deals/the-honest-company-20-for-40-toward-eco-friendly-diapers-baby-care-and-home-clean-TQCDPF" target="_blank">The Plum District</a> and <a href="http://www.honest.com/" target="_blank">The Honest Company</a>.<br />
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For <a href="http://www.plumdistrict.com/deals/the-honest-company-20-for-40-toward-eco-friendly-diapers-baby-care-and-home-clean-TQCDPF" target="_blank">$20 you can nab $40</a> worth of products from a company that embrace the honest belief that they can make the world a better place for families everywhere, by offering affordable and effective diapers, household cleaning and personal care items. <br />
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Don’t have kids in diapers? Neither do I, but that’s the beauty of this deal because <a href="http://www.honest.com/" target="_blank">The Honest Company</a> also offers these great products:<br />
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<li>Family Essential Bundles (monthly shipments of personal care and household cleaning products) </li>
<li>Healing Balm </li>
<li>Sunscreen </li>
<li>Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash </li>
<li>Face and Body Lotion </li>
<li>Bubble Bath </li>
<li>Body Oil </li>
<li>Soap </li>
<li>Hand Sanitizer </li>
<li>Organic Bug Spray </li>
<li>Laundry Detergent </li>
<li>Multi-Surface Cleaner </li>
<li>Auto Dishwasher Gel, Pods, and Rinse Aid </li>
<li>Dish Soap</li>
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In addition they’re <a href="http://www.bcorporation.net/thehonestcompany">active member of the B Corp community</a> and a portion of every dollar The Honest Company earns goes to our charitable partner <a href="http://www.baby2baby.org/">Baby2Baby.org</a>. This worthy non-profit supplies local families in need with essential baby gear and clothing for children up to age 12. Join them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHonestCompany">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/Honest">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/HonestCompany/">Pinterest</a>, and their <a href="http://blog.honest.com/">Blog</a> for fun educational and community-building opportunities.<br />
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<strong></strong><a href="http://www.honest.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="clip_image002" border="0" height="203" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZIOox6fG2HE/UBM-OT5Gi4I/AAAAAAAAErI/Qzlu4HGKdNs/clip_image002%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image002" width="504" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></em></b><br />
<b><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Who is The Honest Company? </span></em></b> <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Honest Company was started by a mom and a dad who, like many modern parents, were increasingly worried about products made with questionable chemical ingredients. But the alternatives they found were often expensive, inaccessible, bland, or ineffective. </span></em> <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">In response to this clear need for something better, they created The Honest Company to ensure that parents (or anyone for that matter!) could easily find natural and non-toxic eco-friendly products that are beautiful, effective, and affordable. From customized product bundles to diapers and wipes to cleaning and personal care products, you can find everything you need at </span></em><a href="http://www.honest.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Honest.com</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and have it delivered directly to your front door.</span></em> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Visit </span><a href="http://www.plumdistrict.com/deals/the-honest-company-20-for-40-toward-eco-friendly-diapers-baby-care-and-home-clean-TQCDPF" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Plum District</span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> to learn more about how you can take advantage of this great deal!</span></div>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-20195655175786695862011-01-29T20:14:00.000-08:002012-07-22T20:29:18.794-07:00Embracing Your Second Calling...I'm still listening to my first.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/TUTmnF3OKXI/AAAAAAAABhM/k5SibKuShx0/s1600/_240_360_Book_192_cover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567828598599854450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/TUTmnF3OKXI/AAAAAAAABhM/k5SibKuShx0/s400/_240_360_Book_192_cover.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Embracing Your Second Calling, Finding Passion and Purpose For the Rest of Your Life, A Women’s Guide by Dale Hanson Bourke may be touted as a book for women entering the second half of their lives but really it’s message applies to any woman at a crossroads in her life. Sometimes it doesn’t take years for us to realize we need to find a new focus and a new direction for our lives. This book serves as a workbook or study guide to women who find themselves in such a place. Through many comparisons to Naomi and Ruth, Bourke has presented an inspiring book that challenged me not to retreat into old patterns but to embrace the potential in ourselves. That said, I don’t think this book was really for me…maybe my mom. I’ve never had a hard time with finding passion (maybe I’m just a tad to selfish.) but I know MANY women who would find much truth in this book. I also think that just because the advice inside the pages didn’t apply to me it wasn’t well written to an extent that I could appreciate. I enjoyed the narrative the author spoke in as well as the exercises and reflections. If you’re a woman who has never really found your place and purpose this book may be just what you need.<br /><em>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”<br /></em></div>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-30001976147856302692010-06-17T20:13:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.797-07:00Hasbro HouseParty!<p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:4b41c6d4-7186-48f7-9958-878716ffb644" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-9c4e0e44012f16cd.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=9C4E0E44012F16CD!105&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Hasbro Houseparty" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/TBrkZBhfTVI/AAAAAAAABHM/1m4jCJZXtgw/InlineRepresentationc11cf440-3c9c-4b77-a5e4-af06f3fe0b8b.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:340px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-9c4e0e44012f16cd.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=9C4E0E44012F16CD!105&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> </p> <p>Tonight was my Hasbro Houseparty!  Unfortunately as a week night we couldn’t get as many people out for it…but we had a super great time!  I think we need to make a habit of it.  </p> <p>The star of the night was the new Trivia Pursuit game where you get to bet whether or not your opponents will be able to answer their questions right or wrong!  With six players we ran out of money fast,  ‘cause we all know each other well enough to know what we can and cannot answer :)  </p> <p>Taboo was fun but much harder than Catchphrase, which Nate deemed a perfect drinking game!  All in all we had a good time and good snacks I almost forgot to mention all the awesome wheat thins and triscuits!  Oh, and the special dark CHOCOLATE bites!  MMMMMM!</p> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-91092480036259958242010-05-19T09:53:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.904-07:00Read and Share: The Jesus Series, Life and Miracles<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/S_QYA43EEOI/AAAAAAAABDQ/G7Qy_ry7pYU/s1600/_225_350_Book_204_cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 313px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/S_QYA43EEOI/AAAAAAAABDQ/G7Qy_ry7pYU/s400/_225_350_Book_204_cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473025850704400610" /></a><br />The Read and Share Bible: The Jesus Series, Life and Miracles DVD is a children’s product that presents the life of Christ through a four volume DVD set. The Life and Miracles DVD is a half an hour depiction of Christ’s life in particular the miracles performed along Lake Galilee. What is so great about this series is that in conjunction with the Bibles from Read and Share a familiarity begins to grow inside kids and with it a clearer understanding of Jesus and his message. I just love this series of DVDs and Bibles as do my children. I would highly recommend it as an accompanying tool to help reinforce the messages found in the life of Christ.<br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-53794858199794572502010-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.827-07:00Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life edited by Bryan Curtis<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/S-oGCY15zDI/AAAAAAAABCw/6nPmKK71a04/s1600/_240_360_Book_190_cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 360px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/S-oGCY15zDI/AAAAAAAABCw/6nPmKK71a04/s400/_240_360_Book_190_cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470191335492930610" /></a><br /><br />Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life is a collection of quotes and words of wisdom from a wide range of historical and modern-day leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. Sometimes the day to day drudgery of going to the office can overshadow the satisfaction and happiness we’d otherwise find in a job well done. Other times we find ourselves in a place that disconnects us from ourselves and what we want to contribute to the world. These quick snippets serve as reminders filled with encouragement, insight, and simple classic wisdom that really held my attention and made me reevaluate where I choose to spend the majority of my day and the attitude I’ll bring there. While I was disappointed that the quotes were not separated out categorically I would still recommend this book to others. In particular I think it would make a great office gift. <br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their <a href="http://BookSneeze.com">BookSneeze.com</a> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</a>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-80909394948450005802010-05-04T11:11:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.897-07:00The Gospel According to Lost<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/S-BkJl7HE2I/AAAAAAAABBY/1pHz4lV5wcs/s1600/_240_360_Book_117_cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 360px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/S-BkJl7HE2I/AAAAAAAABBY/1pHz4lV5wcs/s400/_240_360_Book_117_cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467480063589421922" /></a><br /><br /><em>The Gospel according to Lost </em>is one of those books centered on a phenomenon that almost makes you embarrassed to be reading it. But this isn’t a Spice Girl’s biography, this is the real deal. This is a commentary on a television program that reminds us all to think, feel, explore and most importantly love. Author Chris Seay hit one way out of the park with his remarkable observations and comparisons between the characters and dynamics of a show with the love of God.<br /><br /><em>The Gospel</em> is a well written book that breaks down each character on the hit series <em>Lost </em>and points out the uncanny similarities between what they are going through and the struggle to accept God’s love. As Seay writes, “One of the most beautiful parts of Lost is the attention paid to the shaping of personalities and development of individual modi operandi.” Take for example Sawyer, the resident bad boy through and through, he’s convinced himself that he cannot change but as with God anything is possible if we believe. “The miracle is that his love extended to us in our angry, hateful, and shirtless state-not offered as a carrot on a stick for the person we each might become. Looking at Sawyer’s sly grin, I think he’s gotten a glimpse of this truth.”<br /><br />One of the most enduring chapters to me dealt with the character Eko Patron Saint of Warlord Priests. I’m not going to go through the Eko’s history, if you’re considering purchasing this book you’re a Lost fan and already know it. I will point out that like many Lost characters Eko’s life-changing moment came when he was a child and forced to kill a man to save the life of his little brother. Seay writes, “Children are a sacred trust, a blessing from God to be nurtured with love,…The world is filled with stories of not only neglect but also the abuse and exploitation of those we regard as the leaders, the innovators, the mothers, the fathers-the caretakers-of tomorrow.” Pure Wisdom.<br /><br />In discussing the crazed Benjamin Linus the Patron Saint of Dutiful Tyrants Seay writes, “But Ben is relying on karma (you reap what you sow)-if he’s been ruthlessly faithful to Jacob, Jacob should reward him faithfully.” However, as Seay goes on to write, life in Lost is like life in the real world and karma just doesn’t pan out. This was probably the one part that I disagreed with; I do believe that you get what you give. But let me point out, just because you give in this life doesn’t mean you’ll get in this life, your reward may be on the other side.<br /><br />Regardless of everything this is a book a read within a day…yep it was that good. Just like <em>Lost </em>it made me think, it made me feel in touch with myself, my world and my God.Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-34892730904550132252009-12-19T13:00:00.000-08:002012-07-22T20:29:18.800-07:00Today’s Mail: House Party!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sy0-y5K68qI/AAAAAAAAAzo/j46C0J_kb-U/s1600-h/006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sy0-zQaVulI/AAAAAAAAAzs/48z2_bCck2M/006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sy0-0NhrOGI/AAAAAAAAAzw/tSOgjH4cPaA/s1600-h/007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sy0-0tmMcII/AAAAAAAAAz0/LWcQKum4m7U/007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="229" /></a> </p> <p>I was so excited to be a host for the upcoming Fun, Fit and Guilt-Free House Party!  Today I got the package in the mail and I couldn’t wait to show it off!   I think this one is going to be a lot of fun.  I plan on sending out invites next week!</p> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-43243305932530921992009-12-12T21:54:00.000-08:002012-07-22T20:29:18.810-07:00Notes on Democracy by H.L. Menken<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SySCiXIs0uI/AAAAAAAAAzg/rsIwiN3kCa0/s1600-h/4404736.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 98px; height: 147px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SySCiXIs0uI/AAAAAAAAAzg/rsIwiN3kCa0/s400/4404736.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414596178843849442" /></a><br />Who is <strong>H.L. Mencken</strong> and why am I just now reading him!? This book is genius! I started highlighting passages I liked but then realized nearly every page was marked in florescent pink. <br /><br />I'm not going to say this book is for everyone but it is definitely for those of us out there that watch the news and listen to certain groups or leaders thinking, "Seriously are there people out there buying this?" Then we come into contact with those who are in fact subscribing whole-heartily to an idiotic brainless existence. Left dumbfounded we trudge along wondering if there are any 'real' people left in the world.<br /><br />The world was a completely different place in 1926 when Mencken originally wrote this but it doesn't' take long to realize despite our innovations and advancements nearly 100 years later we've made no real progress in terms of democracy. Mencken's insights serve as a reminder to that fact and while the organizations may have changed and the leaders all have new names they are in essence the same. <br /><br />"Public policies are determined and laws are made by small minorities playing upon the fears and imbecilities of the mob-sometimes minorities of intelligent and honest men, but usually minorities of rogues." Hmmmm, rogues you say? Remind you of anyone? <br /><br />If you are of a thinking mind I highly recommend this book but be warned it reads like a philosophy book so if you think you can just pick it up and read a few chapters you're wrong. It will have you thinking and a buzz with every paragraph so make sure you have a good sounding board to bounce ideas off of after reading.<br /><br /><em>(I received this book as part of a giveaway on Goodreads.com I was not in anyway encouraged to give a review that didn't reflect my genuine feelings towards the book.)</em>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-45238862245766371422009-12-04T11:58:00.000-08:002012-07-22T20:29:18.817-07:00Has it really been a month?<p>Wow, with changes at work I spent most of November in the office and fell behind on my savings hunting.  However I continue to keep up with my coupons.  On average I’ve been saving $35 when I go grocery shopping but this time I did sooo good I gotta brag!  $54 saved by using coupons.  This is the most I’ve ever saved and I’m so excited.  Much to the cashier’s chagrin the lady in line behind me asked how I find all these good coupons and I told her about <a href="http://coupons.com">coupons.com</a> and <a href="http://afrugalfriend.blogspot.com">Frugal Friend</a>.  </p> <p>I’d try to give a rundown of my exact savings but well my to do list is still too long.  I don’t know how those other <a href="http://www.stlmommy.com">ladies</a> do it, but I’m so grateful <a href="http://freesamplefreak.com">they</a> do!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sxlp063yUHI/AAAAAAAAAyo/CZECCaT7YXA/s1600-h/010%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sxlp1Sc_J8I/AAAAAAAAAys/jrTW4r3LvhM/010_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Everything is the picture had a minimum of a $1 off, which made the panko .16 a box and nothing went over a $1…except for the chocolates.   </p> <p>Butterball Turkey broth .41 a can, no coupons, just great deal!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sxlp2XInKPI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Sx_pD4RgYto/s1600-h/011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sxlp2iunTrI/AAAAAAAAAy8/HlIXdt1ShCs/011_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>Money Maker! $1.00 off Kotex product that were only .84 each, that’s .32  (–paid for the panko) </p> <p>Free Alouette Brie wheel $5.99 savings!</p> <p>Free Alouette crumbles feta cheese $1.79 savings!</p> <p>$3.00 total on Pantene shampoo and conditions!</p> <p>$3.00 total on Glad candles!</p> <p>9.00 on Kashi GoLean Crunch cereals ( unfortunately the commissary bumped these up from $2 a box to $3.23 but I still got them all for $3.96 if my math is right.)</p> <p>Commissaries are great about coupons and they actually had some that make the Nestle hot chocolate .41 a box!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sxlp3jk-D4I/AAAAAAAAAyg/TSf5b5eZZtE/s1600-h/014%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="014" border="0" alt="014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Sxlp4Nl_KiI/AAAAAAAAAyk/E6bOqxGKhwM/014_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Sierra Mist ended up being .98 for 2 with a B1G1 free coupon!</p> <p>Now that' I’m back to my usually schedule I’ll hopefully find time to hunt out some deals of my own to share!</p> Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-60559813852143685902009-11-01T16:51:00.000-08:002012-07-22T20:29:18.877-07:00Mailbox Monday<a border="0" href="http://www.afrugalfriend.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/thatblogplace/frugalfriendbutton2-1.png"/></a><br /><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Su4s_M6UZ_I/AAAAAAAAAt0/1-YyymPgm9E/s1600-h/001%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/Su4tAOiWBKI/AAAAAAAAAt8/_Rkxi77Ihhc/001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>It’s been slow at our house this week but what we did get were awesome samples!</p><p><a href="http://www.shespeaks.com/memberoffers">Au Gratin Potatoes</a></p><p><a href="http://www.fiberone.com/">Fiber One</a></p><p><a href="http://www.shespeaks.com/memberoffers">Sensodyne</a></p>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-51539173442460768902009-10-26T12:03:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.820-07:00Mailbox Monday<a href="http://www.afrugalfriend.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/thatblogplace/frugalfriendbutton2-1.png" /></a><br /><p></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SuXyhLTG3RI/AAAAAAAAAs0/80tZYeWDi7k/s1600-h/007%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SuXyh7Z5WNI/AAAAAAAAAs4/LYqlKTZS3rs/007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>This Monday was all about the coupons. I finally got my <a href="http://www.poptarts.com/">Pop Tarts</a> “Sprinkling” package along with an <a href="http://www.alouettecheese.com/">Alouette</a> mailing, through <a href="http://www.shespeaks.com/">SheSpeaks</a> with a coupon for a free crumbled cheese and more coupons to pass around, and the <a href="http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples.aspx">Fructis</a> shampoo and conditioner samples.</p><p>For some reason I also got a Bed, Bath and Beyond mailing. The nearest store is over an hour away but hey it did have a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $15 or more, so they next time I go I’m prepared and Christmas is right around the corner!</p>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-78297841852814579802009-10-22T20:09:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.892-07:00Feeling Tall!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SuEezzCL_kI/AAAAAAAAAsc/bMyQKSJAdhI/s1600-h/_225_350_Book_99_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395627703788109378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SuEezzCL_kI/AAAAAAAAAsc/bMyQKSJAdhI/s400/_225_350_Book_99_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After reading Max Lucado’s <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fearless/Max-Lucado/e/9780849921391/?itm=2">Fearless</a> I was jumping at the chance to review his newest children’s book, <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Tallest-of-Smalls/Max-Lucado/e/9781400315147/?itm=1&usri=tallest+of+the+small">The Tallest of the smalls</a>. On the first page Lucado asks parents, “What do you do when your child feels small and insignificant? What do you say to smooth hurt feelings? What does your child need from you?” The answer to those questions is on the pages of this book.<br /><br />In Stiltsville there are those that are low and those that aren’t. Every day at the exact same time the lows are reminded of their position when ‘they’ come out and parade around on their stilts. In a show of superiority they choose one person from the lowly crowd to “…move up the ladder.” Of course we all know that when you try to be something you’re not or hold yourself to someone else’s standards and judgments you are bound to fall. And when you fall in Stiltsville ‘they’ will be there to laugh and take away their good judgments. But their judgments don’t matter, or God loves us and wants us to keep our feet on the ground.<br /><br />The book is beautifully illustrated by Maria Monescillo. I liked the simple, non-descript faces on the characters, the rich colors and seemingly textured clothing. Still the images didn’t overpower the text and instead created a nice balance.<br /><br />I highly recommend this book. While reading it to my little ones they felt sorry for the main character Ollie before he got his stilts and they felt even worse when he fell back to the ground. By relating to Ollie I think it helped them to understand that Jesus is there for us and doesn’t want us to make ourselves into someone else’s image. We were made in his image and he loves us!</div>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-13983072009672966172009-10-18T20:30:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.791-07:00Mailbox Monday<a href="http://www.afrugalfriend.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/thatblogplace/frugalfriendbutton2-1.png" /></a><br /><p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StxwJcT7VaI/AAAAAAAAAsU/CqkRE154jAY/s1600-h/0062.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StxwJ-Ss15I/AAAAAAAAAsY/mygMIsSOv5o/006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>So this time is was a stack of magazines! I wanted to point out to anyone looking for a free <strong><em>body and soul</em></strong> subscription that I actually used <a href="http://www.mycokerewards.com/">my coke rewards</a> to get that. There is also a free sample from <a href="http://philosophygiveslove.com/">philosoph</a><a href="http://philosophygiveslove.com/">y</a> and a nice package of stuff from <a href="http://www.beinggirl.ca/en_CA/pages/articledetail.php?ContentId=ART396">Beingirl</a>. </p><p>On a different note the <a href="http://www.houseparty.com/">houseparties</a> went well this weekend. I think everyone had a good time and enjoyed the <a href="http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=greenworks&utm_campaign=SEM-Brand">Green Works</a> samples. We didn’t have a chance to ‘play’ with <a href="http://windows7news.com/">Windows 7</a> so I think I’m going to have another smaller get together to go through it. </p><p>In regards to tips about being selected for houseparty I can only say be honest. My first party was a <a href="http://www.splenda.com/">Splenda</a> party and the second was the <a href="http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=greenworks&utm_campaign=SEM-Brand">Green Works</a> and I was honest in the survey process that I didn’t know that much about either products and what I did know wasn’t positive. (Being <a href="http://www.splenda.com/">Splenda</a> always tasted bad to me and Green Works was a Clorox company jumping on the green bandwagon.) That being said, I have NO IDEA why or how I got to be a Windows 7 host other than my self proclaimed lack of computer knowledge. Maybe they select people who ‘know’ about a product but don’t have extensive knowledge of it. Which would explain why my admission to being an avid crafter DIDN’T get me selected as a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Martha</a> party host, bummer!</p>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-53043253143890215592009-10-15T20:28:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.824-07:00A Stupid MomentI wanted to thank everyone for the mailbox monday comments...okay now the stupid moment. When I set up this blog I didn't realize I needed to change the setting so that I KNEW when people had commented. So talking to my sister she mentions all the comments about Windows 7 and I think she's crazy or looking at someone else's page. OOPS :)Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-67338135989958508892009-10-13T21:42:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.881-07:00What Difference Do It Make?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StVXxGmqfVI/AAAAAAAAAq4/FbhCLWLh9so/s1600-h/_200_350_Book_85_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392312629944024402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StVXxGmqfVI/AAAAAAAAAq4/FbhCLWLh9so/s400/_200_350_Book_85_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>What Difference Do It Make?</em> By Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent is one of those books filled with so much information and inspirations you won’t want to loan it out but rather buy copies for your friends and family.</div><br /><div><br />It’s hard to read both Ron and Denver’s writings and not feel instantly moved by the honestly and brevity of their words. I didn’t have the pleasure of reading their first book, <em>Same Kind of Different as Me</em>, but I can assure you it is on my to-read list. I never felt like I came in halfway through a story both authors do a great job of keeping the reader up to speed and referencing the previous book. Their stories are real and never feel staged which too often happens in books aimed at “Hope and Healing.” I mean these aren’t a bunch of sappy stories that will make you reach for the soup if you catch my drift. These are the kind of spoken memories that make you say, “Oh, no he did not just say that out loud did he?”</div><br /><div><br />Semantics aside I cannot describe to you the hope and warmth emanating from both these soulful outpourings. Besides Ron and Denver you are also treated to insights from others touched by their stories. Carolyn’s story, in particular, spoke to the gardener in me. I couldn’t agree more with the Garden School’s Philosophy, “…schools should be like parks, not prisons; the best way to learn about good food is to grow it and children have to know nature to love it.”<br /></div><br /><div>While I received this book free of charge I was not encouraged to provide a review other than my own. That being said, I whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a bright spot on a cloudy day.</div>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-81942119915449972462009-10-11T21:40:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.901-07:00Mailbox Monday October 12th<p align="center"><a href="http://www.afrugalfriend.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/thatblogplace/frugalfriendbutton2-1.png" /></a></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569898502495266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0QcXuHCI/AAAAAAAAAo4/6A13USo9xGk/s400/10-12.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Rcc0ErI/AAAAAAAAApQ/rLW50xKjttY/s1600-h/Resize+Wizard-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569915703726770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Rcc0ErI/AAAAAAAAApQ/rLW50xKjttY/s400/Resize+Wizard-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Q5I85EI/AAAAAAAAApI/1n9aM64p5bU/s1600-h/Resize+Wizard-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569906225177666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Q5I85EI/AAAAAAAAApI/1n9aM64p5bU/s400/Resize+Wizard-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Qu5lDfI/AAAAAAAAApA/bkXQqSS4MGg/s1600-h/Resize+Wizard-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569903476346354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Qu5lDfI/AAAAAAAAApA/bkXQqSS4MGg/s400/Resize+Wizard-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569920401612402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/StK0Rt84HnI/AAAAAAAAApY/WLXboBzg9ew/s400/Resize+Wizard-3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div>I was gone for a week for a work conference but what a nice surprise it was to find all this waiting for me! Really the magazines are for the hubby and while the <a href="http://www.vocalpoint.com/SecretClinicalStrength/index.html">Secret</a>, <a href="http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples-And-Tools.aspx">Lever 2000,</a> <a href="http://www.mysavings.com/free-samples/Nature-Valley/10816/">Nature Valley samples</a> and <a href="http://www.vocalpoint.com/breakfast/index.html">coupons</a> are wonderful they pale in comparison to what else was waiting for me! Windows 7!!!!! </div><div> </div><div>The Windows 7 party will be my third through <a href="http://www.houseparty.com/">Houseparty</a> and all I have to say is, "If you aren't on this site go there now!" As you can see from the pictures with this most recent party I received an awesome poster with streamers, balloons and napkins for the party, a puzzle, playing cards and super great reusable bags! Oh yeah I also got two versions of Windows 7 ( a 32 bit and 64 bit). I'm combining this party with another houseparty and my son's birthday party for a ton of fun all in one fell swoop! Saturday will be a very busy day at our house!</div></div></div></div>Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755634598190115773.post-68050454246611994692009-09-28T11:42:00.000-07:002012-07-22T20:29:18.884-07:00Mailbox Monday<div align="center"><a href="http://www.afrugalfriend.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww160/thatblogplace/frugalfriendbutton2-1.png" /></a></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386590852874972450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YGiP31pQQE8/SsED11_7LSI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/TWWz51iFBFY/s400/mailboxmonday.jpg" border="0" /></div><br />Yeah, free stuff! I also got a Bear Naked granola bar but I had that for lunch :) I think I'm going to stash the <a href="http://www.theeosphere.com/">EOS</a> lip gloss...it'll make a great stocking stuffer!Erin Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15795284867130143619noreply@blogger.com3