Winner Of The PLEDGE FABRIC SWEEPER FOR PET HAIR

Congratulations to --

JanetFaye

I will be sending you an email shortly!

Winner Of The EYE BUY DIRECT GIVEAWAY!!

Yea!! Thanks to everyone who entered this contest. I wish everyone who entered could win, but only one could..... so by using Random.Org, the official winner is.......


Bunny B (who had a total of 9 entries...wow!)

Congrats Bunny!! Ill be sending you an email shortly!

Computer Computer Computer...Where Art Thou?

Ack. Just went almost a week without my beloved computer. Hehe. That was tough. Maybe I needed to go cold turkey, but it certainly was not fun! But we are back...and I have major catching up to do, so please bear with me as I try and get back to speed with contests and such.

Bad computer. Don't ever poop out on me again. Please? I was kidding about the "bad" part, btw. Really. I love you computer....more than I should. Hehe.

Emergen-C Kidz Complete Multi-Vitamin

Have you tried Emergen-C Kidz Vitamins ? I had the opportunity to try these vitamins out with my son, and am so happy I did.

Emergen-C Kidz Complete Muti-Vitamin and Multi-Mineral Supplement is different than traditional vitamins for kids. They are not the chewy/sour/gummi-type vitamins, but actually come in packets of different flavored fruit mixes. I was a bit dubious at first as to whether my son would even try this new " Vitamin" as it was totally different than what he is used to.

But not to worry, hehe, right away he chose the "Cherry Yumberry" flavored packet, and I mixed it for him. It was easy enough--just add the powder to a glass of water (4-6 oz.) and stir. I handed him the glass, and waited.

He loved it. Absolutely loved it and drank it all. And he even surprised me by choosing the Emerge-C Kidz every morning over his traditional chewable vitamins. I think the fizziness and the juicy flavor was what got him, LOL.

But what got mom, was the fact that this fun fizzy drink has 24 vitamins and nutrients, including Beta Carotene, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin E, and 500 mg of Vitamin C. And for their bones--Calcium, Vitamin D, and Phosphorous. And it even has Choline (which I have recently been reading about) that supports healthy brain function! This is important for me because my boys are on again off again eaters--some days they eat well, other days not so much. Try as I might, I know my munchkin boys are not getting the vitamins and minerals they need everyday from their what they eat,or don't eat as the case may be! So I feel better knowing they get a daily vitamin full of all the nutrients and minerals they need. And for my two year old, who must have what big brother has, I just mix a half package with 2-4 oz. of water.

I have been given an online coupon code to share with any Happy Healthy Families reader that would like to try Emergen-C Kidz with your kids! Whe ordering, just enter the coupon code, EMCSSD8 during checkout for 15% off! This offer will expire 3/15/09.

~~ Winner Of Children's Book--"On Being a Real Princess"

Congratulations to........

Here are your random numbers:

15
25
63
14
51

#15..... "Learning Mama"  Watch for an email!!

Thanks to all who entered! 

SCANALOG ~~REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

I am so excited to bring you this review (and giveaway!!) for Scanalog. What is Scanalog? Simply the coolest and and most amazing computer software I have used!

I'm not kidding--for me Scanalog is like a new toy that I keep playing around with, and one of the best organizing tools ever.

If you are anything remotely like me, you will have magazines, recipes from friends and relatives, kids' artwork and schoolwork, and who knows what else stashed away in baskets, boxes and plastic storage containers. If this doesn't sound like you at all, then I congratulate you on being so much more organized than I am.

When I was given the chance to review and use the Scanalog system, I was thrilled. And a tad nervous. I am lacking, big time, in computer software skills. To say the least. But as soon as I started using my Scanalog, I realized that it is extremely user-friendly! I did not have any problems whatsoever!!

With Scanalog, you simply install the program onto your computer (very easy!), and you can then start organizing and saving all your magazine articles, notes, paperwork, kids' artwork, miscellaneous recipes...... whatever material you have piled somewhere waiting to be used one day!

Take your document you want to save, and just scan it into your Scanalog program. There it will be, ready for whenever you need it. No more messy piles of papers and magazines!

There are 11 master categories in Scanalog that cover all kinds of areas like parenting, crafts, home decoration, gardening, and My Spirit. Plus you cam make your own subcategories within the major categories.


I seriously love my Scanalog, and I am so thrilled to say that one Lucky Happy Healthy Family Reader will be ale to WIN their own Scanalog Software System, which by the way retails for $49.95!

How To Enter This Giveaway!!

1. Leave me a comment telling me what you would use scanalog to save first. ( mandatory first entry)

For Extra Entries:

2. Follow me on Twitter, and Tweet this contest.

3. Place the Happy Healthy Families Button on your sidebar.

4. Blog about this contest and link to Scanalog and Happy Healthy Families ( 3 extra entries)

5. Follow my blog.

Contest will end March 7th.
Contest is open to all United States and Canadian Residents.


This review was made possible by The Family Review Network.

Any Mommy Products Make it Into The Oscars Swag Bags?

I am getting so geared up for the Academy Awards tomorrow night, and all the media attention centering this weekend on the star-studded event has got me wondering-- any mommy entrepreneurs out there with a product/goody in the Oscar's Swag Bags?

I cannot imagine any better publicity than having one of your treasured items in the hands of celebrities! well, except maybe Oprah.

I read today that Michelle Pratt-Lienhart, an entrepreneur and founder of "Just Be" - a line of apparel and accessories that focuses on allowing allow people to express how they feel or how they would like to feel, is going to have her T-Shirts in those Celebrity Swag Bags! How awesome is that??

So now I'm curious. Anyone else?

TLC President Says "No TV Show" For Octoplets Mom

I still am so sad about this whole octoplet baby story. I worry about those babies and their future. I almost was relieved (but also kind of angry) when I heard/read rumors that the mom, Nadya Suleman, would maybe be getting a show on TLC.

Relieved in the sense maybe those babies (and Suleman's other children), would financially be taken care of at least. And if they remained under close the public's eye, hopefully their lives would be happy and healthy in every way.

Angry because this "octo mom", who looks suspiciously like Angelina Jolie, would perhaps be using these little precious babies for her own gain. Maybe I am too cynical, but something about this woman irks the heck out of me everytime I see her on tv.

Anyway, today comes word from TLC President Eileen O'Neill that there will be no show for Suleman.

"TLC is not pursuing any program at this time with Nadya Suleman," O'Neill told Us in a statement. "We wish the family well."

And the "octo mom" has had to shut down her website where she had been been asking for donations to help with her eight babies. Seems that Suleman had been receiving death threats online.

Sigh. I feel sad. Poor babies.

Spanish Wrangler CD Review and Giveaway!

If you have read my blog much, you probably have noticed that I LOVE MUSIC , not to mention my passion for dancing around the house with my kids. So it makes me a very happy mommy when I am asked to review children's music. I tell my 4 year old, "You have Music!" when a new cd arrives, and he and his two year old counterpart start doing some moves closely resembling the Chicken Dance (before we put on the music, mind you!)

Thus, when the "Spanish Wrangler" (just the CD, not the singer himself, though mommy would have been very happy to see him at the door!) arrived at our house, the boys and I were delighted to review this latest cd!

There are songs such as "Broccoli", "Desayuno Boogie", "I Love My Dog", and "Cucaracha." I will let you in on a secret--I pretty much swooned as I listened to Will Thomas sing a beautiful version of "Eres Mi Vida" (Think--"You are my sunshine"). I lobbied for my boys to play this song a few times over, hehe.

Every song is not only adorable, they each relate to everyday scenarios in a very fun, and witty (a little girl who loves her broccoli!) way. But the best part of the cd is that all the songs have Spanish and English parts to them. So in "Desayuno Boogie" for example, my boys were learning the Spanish words for everyday food items that they eat. And they had a blast as they repeated the Spanish words they were learning. I loved listening to my kids practicing the days of the week, and learning them in Spanish as well as they listened to "They Call It Spanish Monday."

I am so impressed with this cd, that I will be giving a copy to my son's Kindergarten teacher when he starts in a few months. It is a perfect combination of fun and learning for the pre-K and Kindergarten set.

Will Thomas' style of country and blues, and his soothing voice that clearly pronounces the words, make singing along a fun thing to do, and has certainly made this cd an all-time favorite of this mommy and most definitely of her kids.

WIN A FREE CD For You and Your Kids!!

I am so happy to say that one reader of Happy Healthy Families can Win a Free "Spanish Wrangler-Spanglish Sing-Along CD!

To enter this giveaway...

Visit www. Spanish Wrangler.com. Listen to some songs, and then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know which was your favorite. (I suggest you listen to "Eres Mi Vida"!)
You and your kids are going to enjoy listening to the songs on there --I promise you!!

If you would like more chances to win--

1. Blog about the giveaway and link to the Spanish Wrangler and to HHF. (Three extra entries)
2. Follow my blog (one extra entry)
3. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet the Giveaway (one extra entry)
4. Add HHF to your blogroll, or grab and paste the HHF button (one extra entry)
5. Subscribe (or let me know if you are a subscriber already) (one extra entry)


Contest ends Feb. 23rd, 11:59 pm (EST). Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 3 days to respond or a new winner will be notified. PLEASE make sure to leave an email with your comment so I can contact you.

The Pledge Fabric Sweeper Review and Giveaway!

So I have mentioned before that we have six-- Yes, SIX, furry (very furry)4-footed members of our family. Six dogs all with long hair. We are crazy. Yes.

But moving on here...you can imagine how I jumped at the opportunity to review Pledge's Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair. That sounded like an item I would put to good use (or make my hubby put to good use, hehe) constantly!

When my pet hair sweeper arrived, I opened that package up like it was a new piece of jewelry (so I exaggerate a bit--but you get the gist of my excitement, right?) I loved the lightness of this product. It looked so cool with it's design-- even my kids came over to ask me just what it was (hmmm..kids interested ...you know where that is going to lead!)

But Mom had to have the first try with my new toy. I brushed it along the chair in the living room, and it moved so easily and lightly, I thought for sure it really didn't pick up anything. Wrong. Can we just say "Gross" came to mind and out of my kids' mouths as we all looked with disgust (amazed disgust, but still disgust!) at the dog hairs now securely contained inside the sweeper and off my chair!

I was simultaneously delighted and horrified. I think my six dogs sensed only the horror I was feeling, as they all seemed to quietly yet rapidly take their furriness and disappeared.

So then I had to share. My kids (even the two year old) all took turns sweeping the couch and chairs, and exclaiming their awe at the amounts of fur and hair the Pledge Sweeper picked up. My two year mastered the word 'Gross' (which goes nicely with his other word of choice, 'butts') while the hubbs just looked at me like I was the wife who failed housecleaning 101.

Needless to say, but I will anyway, I LOVE MY PET SWEEPER. Really love. Will not share, nor lend to anyone. Not even you. Nope. But....just because I won't share mine, Pledge has generously offered to GIVE AWAY ONE FREE FABRIC SWEEPER to a Happy Healthy Families' reader!

And here is what you need to do to Enter the contest and get a chance to WIN a Pledge Fabric Sweeper all of your own!

1. Visit the Pledge.com website. Take a gander at this cool Fabric sweeper, and come back here and leave me a comment telling me what pets you have and why you need this item.

And you are entered!

But if you'd like more chances to win, you can do all or any of the following as well (just leave me a comment for each one you do!)

2. Blog about this giveaway on your site. (THREE extra entries)
3. Follow me on Twitter (TWO extra entries)
4. Follow my blog. (ONE extra entry)
5. Tweet about this contest (TWO extra entries)
6. Grab my button and place on your site (TWO extra entries)
7. Add HHF to your blogroll (TWO extra entries)
8. Fave HHF on technorati (Two extra entries)
9. Subscribe to HHF (TWO extra entries)

Non-bloggers, please be sure to leave me an email address with your comment(s) or I will not be able to include you in the drawing!

**Winners must have a US address.**

This contest will end Feb. 23rd at 11:59 pm (EST)


"This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program by SC Johnson, who also supplied the product for review and giveaway."

Nursing Someone Else's Baby?

Would you do it?

Salma Hayek made an inspiring statement when she nursed a baby whose mother could not produce milk. Hayek was in Sierra Leone to promote a tetanus vaccine program in a country where one in five children die before the age of five. 21% of those deaths are due to tetanus. A UNICEF spokesperson, Salma is a strong advocate of breast feeding and is bringing such positive attention to the benefits of nursing babies.

I am in awe of Salma at this moment, and hope and believe that I would do the same thing in her shoes. I actually find it hard to believe that any mother would not instinctively reach out to nurse a baby, no matter if that baby was not hers, if that baby were hungry.

But to see Salma Hayek breastfeed another woman's hungry baby without seeming to give it a second thought, made me both teary-eyed and sad. That poor baby. Yes, for the moment that hunger was sated, and the baby stopped crying, but what will happen to that baby, whose mother cannot produce the milk desperately needed, in a couple more hours when the hunger returns?

Salma explains that in Sierra Leone breastfeeding is not the custom:

“It is the best thing you can do for your child, not only the bonding, that’s how you build the immune system, so in a country like Africa imagine how important it is for the mothers to do that. But there is the belief that if you are breastfeeding you cannot have a sexual life, so the husbands of these women are really encouraging them to stop and this is just a taboo.”


Arrgh. How heartbreaking for these babies and their mothers. I am haunted by this daily now-- no baby should be hungry and deprived of a mother's milk. This should not be happening, nor should the devastation of so many babies and mothers dying from tetanus. Bravo to Salma Hayek for bringing our attention to these babies and this horrible situation.

In 2008, Hayek became a spokeswoman for the Pampers "One Pack = One Vaccine" campaign to support UNICEF's efforts to eliminate tetanus. For each pack of specially marked Pampers diapers sold, parent company Proctor and Gamble donates the cost of one tetanus vaccine to UNICEF. The North American campaign has generated funding for more than 45 million vaccines since the beginning of 2008.

"What really excited me about this was the concept of mothers from around the world working together to protect children," said Hayek, who is the mother of a 16-month-old daughter named Valentina.

We can help. If you want to learn more about Salma Hayek and the Pampers/Unicef campaign to protect mothers and their newborns against maternal and newborn tetanus, go to the pampers website.

Picture: ABC News

Word World

My two little boys love to watch Word World, and I am delighted that they do. My 4 year old will be starting Kindergarten very soon--so I am especially happy that he watches this very fun and educational (shh..) show.

Word World, in case you have not watched it, is a PBS kids show best described as a place "where words come alive." There are are adorable characters such as Dog and Pig, who literally are made of words. The show gets my kids actively involved finding words, guessing words and recognizing letters. It is simply awesome and I don't mind my kids watching it as much as they like.

The second season of Word World is starting Feb. 13th with a Valentine's Special, and I am probably as excited as my boys to watch it. We recently received the "Welcome To Word World" DVD, in the mail, and as soon as my boys saw the package, they jumped and down. So of course we settled down to watch it right away!

My 4 year old chose the "Mystery of the Disappearing Pie" as his favorite (gotta love Pig!), and I agree with his choice (I always have loved a good mystey! LOL). But my sweet 2 year old just loves "Bug"--and the episode featuring a sleepless Bug in need of a good snuggle, my two year old was glued to the screen (not literally, of course!).

But best of all once again was the opportunity the Word World DVD gave both my boys to shout out letters and words, laugh, giggle and not even realize they were actually learning as they had fun!

The benefits for preschoolers that watch Word World is actually astounding, and documented! Take a look at the latest findings by the Department of Education--

"New York, NY (December 11, 2008) - A U.S. Department of Education funded study found that WordWorld, an Emmy® winning PBS KIDS series, significantly strengthens early literacy skills in preschoolers, providing the building blocks essential for learning how to read. The study is part of the Ready To Learn Initiative that examines the effectiveness of various technologies being used to enhance the literacy skills of young children. The initial findings conclude that regular exposure to WordWorld resulted in children experiencing significant increases in oral vocabulary, reading and recognition of words featured in the show. WordWorld brings words to life through a patent-pending methodology that embeds words into the objects they represent, crystallizing the connection between letters, sounds and words."

And key findings from th e study showed that:

Children doubled their oral vocabulary skills of words featured in WordWorld,

and
Children tripled their ability to read specific words featured and built in WordWorld.

This is so impressive to me, as a parent, and reassures me that there are supportive resources, such as Word World to help develop my children's reading skills and future school success.

Take a look for yourself at this incredible learning tool, and enjoy watching WordWorld with your kids!




Thanks to Family Review Network for this review opportunity.

Electrolux Virtual Cupcakes Giveaway!!

What is better than a yummy cupcake?

A cupcake that has zero calories!!!


And even better is a zero-calorie cupcake that comes with a chance to win a new Red Hot Red Washer and Dryer from Electrolux!




But the very best thing about these cupcakes are that they can help fight ovarian cancer!

So how do you get one of these cupcakes????

Easy. Go to Kelly Confidential.com!

"When you send a virtual cupcake to a friend or loved one,
Electrolux will donate a $1 to help fight ovarian cancer.

You choose the flavor, decorate it, and add a personal message. Then email it to anyone who deserves a little treat, or save it to your desktop to brighten your day.

Log on each day and send a virtual cupcake and you are automatically entered for a chance to win a new Red Hot Red Washer and Dryer from Electrolux."

Kelly Ripa ( I love watching this woman. I think I want to be that woman!) and Electrolux have teamed up to raise more than $500,000 to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

This is such an important health issue for women. Please join in the fight by sending some one you love a virtual cupcake, or two , or three. Send a cupcake to someone you don't love or even like, teehee--after all, the more virtual cupcakes being shared in the blogosphere means more money being donated to fight Ovarian Cancer!

And there is one more way you can help. You can buy a limited edition T-Shirt designed by Kelly Ripa to help support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). You can proudly wear your 'heart on your sleeve' as you help fight this deadly disease.

So head on over to Kelly Confidential. Make a cupcake. Send a cupcake. Be automatically entered in the Red Hot Red Washer and Dryer Give Away From Electrolux. And help fight Ovarian Cancer. Everyday. (Sweepstakes period: 2/10/09 through 2/28/09. For Official Rules which govern sweepstakes and how to enter without game play go to OFFICIAL RULES.)

"Not Me! Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

So I had a pretty good week, tehee, and stayed pretty much true to my 'Perfect' self. As examples of my perfection this past week, I share with you all:

I so did not tell hubby the market was out of his favorite olives so that I could instead buy a bottle of wine ( which of course, if I had, I would have shared with hubby anyway!).

I did not (!!) decide that a picture my hubby's ex-wife did decide he needed somehow and so mailed it to him was totally rude and thus "disposed" of said picture! (but do you not agree that I would have been justified, if I were to have done that, which of course I did not?!).

My Goodness...No, I would not and so did not, tell my hubby that the picture not in question did not arrive in our mail last week--and I did not get angry, jealous, petty, or evil, as I calmly told him that I would keep an eye out for that picture (Yea-right!) (Now you begin to understand about the olives and the wine.....??)

N0...I did not (me????) pretend to be asleep a few nights last week before my hubby came to bed, I mean, seriously, why would I do that????

No, I will not say just how I did not dispose of a certain picture last week. No,I will not disclose if I really would have shared that bottle of wine if I had bought it instead of hubby's requested olives. And no, sadly I cannot share the choice words that I did not share with my silly hubby last week!

How was your past week? Need to get Nothing of your chest? If not, then you really do not need to visit MckMama. And don't worry--you so won't miss out on any fun!! Not!

Bootielicious Booties From Lil Cubby!

If you are looking at these booties and saying, "AW!!!", just wait till you check out all the adorable items Lil Cubby has to offer! Lil Cubby is made up of a mother-daughter team from Shenandoah Valley.

Omg--just looking at the cute baby onesies and toddler tees was enough to make me get all baby feverish!

"All Lil Cubby items are handmade with love and shipped within 2-4 days of order date".

I am always in awe of the creative moms on Etsy (and a little bit jealous too!), I mean, seriously, look at this cute stuff!



Visit Lil Cubby if you suddenly feel the urge to submerge your senses in everything babylicious, hehe!!

My Yandy Valentines!

** A note here: The links in this post take you to a site where little eyes should not really be -- so please make sure no tiny tots are leaning over your shoulder trying to see! **

Olalala....I am a happy girl today! I got an early Valentine's Day present which I just happened to pick out all by myself!

Thanks to the coolest lingerie boutique ever...Yandy.com, and Family Review Network, I had the treat of doing a little Valentine's Day shopping just for moi! Can you see me grinning, can you?

So, let me tell you about my "Yandy" shopping spree. First,I have to say just checking out all the amazing Lingerie available on Yandy was exciting. There is a huge range of lingerie from downright risque (sorry hubbs---this was my Valentine's Day gift for me--not for you, hehe!) to super comfy PJ's and robes (now we're talking!). They have sexy teddys, slinky sheer nightgowns, and silky babydolls that were oh so tempting. And if browsing and admiring all the different styles of lingeries is not enough fun, there are also shoes to drool over! From boots to sandals to sexy high heels, I was in shoe heaven.

I had the best time ever checking out all of Yandy's goodies. The hard part for me was making a decision on what to pick. I wanted everything! LOL. But I had to make a choice, and after much deliberation, nail biting, and hair twisting, I made my choice. I had to go with the comfy and cute. After all, this was a treat for me, not the hubby, right? And I love getting comfy at night and curling up in cozy PJ's so much..... so, I picked out a snuggly pair of cute pajamas and just because "I could", I added a pair of darling beaded sandals to my order! And then I sat back and beamed for a bit.

My order was here literally in 3 days. I was oh so happy to open up that package and check out my loot. You know I tried on my PJ's even though it was only 11:00 am --loved them. They were just as comfy as I was hoping they'd be. And of course I wore my new sandals when I ran some errands that day (who cares if it was a bit chilly and rainy--I had new shoes to try out!)

Yandy's is a must to check out Ladies, especially if you are shopping for Valentine's Day Lingerie. There is something for everyone--whether you're like me and go for comfy and snuggly, or ahem, more adventuresome, shall we say?? But, shhh....I don't want my hubby to know what he missed out on!

100 Things To Do With Your Child Before Kindergarten

My four-year-old is just months away from starting the Big "K". And this mommy is having all those mixed feelings about this upcoming milestone.


Overwhelmingly, I'm sad. I'm also excited for him, nervous for us both, and leery of how my two year old will react with big brother gone part of the day.


These two munchkin boys are inseparable-- even if they are mad at each other, they still hang out together!

Anyhoo--I found an interesting list the other day as I cruised my local stops on the blogosphere. Kind of like a wake-up call for me,  as it reminds mommies with up and coming Kindergartners that the (sometimes) idyllic free time that we have with our little ones before school days take over, is fleeting and once-in-a-lifetime.


It is time to treasure and relish.


And do stuff that we may not so easily find the time for once that school bell starts ringing for our little ones.



The list has things on it that we have done already, as most moms with kids probably have done, i.e., carve a pumpkin, go to the zoo, jump on a bed, and practice counting to 100. But there are definitely things on there we haven't done, and now I am planning to, such as grow our own vegetables, paint a self-portrait, and visit a farm.



But what I really liked the most about this list is not so much what they have on there, but that it inspired me to make a list of my own. I am now making my "100 Things To Do With My Kids Before Kindergarten" list--and I am excited about it!



Anyone want to join me and make a list too?

We Have a Winner.......Tiny Prints Valentine's Giveaway!!

Congratulations to ........


"I saved the Hearts Chain as a favorite. I love Tiny Prints"
Davina


Congrats Davina--I'll be sending you an email shortly!


Thanks to all who entered--I wish everyone could win! More giveaways will be coming in the next few days, so check back !!

Sited And Blogged February Giveaway!

Have you checked out Sited and Blogged yet? If not, then head on over and check it out! We are having a great giveaway for February-- a $20.00 gift certificate to Target! How can you win?? Just be the top commenter for the month! Easy enough--so what are you waiting for?

And don't forget to read the new posts that are contributed daily from around the blogosphere--or contribute a post yourself!

Today's featured post, "Following Hannah" is by a fellow mom blogger who shares her thoughts and feelings as she deals with her daughter's illness on a daily basis. Truly a heart filled post that I hope you stop by and read, and then leave this mom some bloggy love and support! (Just click on the "to comment" link)


Want to get your blog "Sited and Blogged"? Just leave me a comment or send me an email!

Skin MD Natural Lotion

I was delighted to receive a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion with SPF 15 Sunscreen to review about a week ago. I say delighted because honestly I have such dry skin that I am always searching for lotion in my bathroom cabinets and drawers. I literally go through creams and lotions as fast as I can buy them because my skin seems to just soak them up instantly. Problem is that my skin still will be dry, itchy and feel 'tight'. And so I put on extra amounts of lotions trying to make my skin feel better--and I always have near empty bottles and tubes of lotion in my bathroom, and dry, itchy, uncomfortable skin.

So yes--delighted is exactly how I felt when my sample of Skin Care MD Natural Shielding Lotion arrived! I stopped everything I was doing and put some on. I was so excited, I started applying the lotion before I even read the directions. I realized later that you really only need a small amount of Skin Care--it really goes a long way. But at first, I slathered...yes slathered...the lotion on me. Arms, hands, legs, and of course, my face!

And it felt wonderful. I am not kidding when I say that my skin immediately felt softer and smoother. Now I know you will be smirking out there in blogosphere-land, saying "of course it felt good--you slathered so much on!" LOL. True enough. But there was a difference. The smoothness of my skin was something that I do not usually notice with other skin care lotions. And that got me excited.

I am not a spring chicken (!) by any means...and my skin is definitely ( and to my dismay, might I add), showing all the lovely signs of aging. All those silly little wrinkles that start forming around your mouth, and between the eyebrows-- are taking up permanent residence on my face. So aside from my skin feeling tight and dry, it certainly is not looking so great either.

So after about an hour, I checked in the mirror again. And I was so happy when I saw my face-- now of course I didn't look like I had lost a few years, but I definitely saw brighter smoother skin. I was so pleased that I actually put on make-up! Now I am pretty much always home with my kids and make-up is not a priority for me these days. So for me to get the urge to put on make-up means a lot--just ask my poor hubby.

So for a little more than a week now I have been using my Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion every morning and night. And I love it. My skin loves it. It is definitely different than other lotions I have tried, and after reading about it, I understand why. Skin MD is a shielding lotion which means that it forms a protective shield with the outer layer of skin which helps keep out irritants and chemicals. They also allow the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better. Regular moisturizers do add moisture onto the skin. but they do not repair the barrier so it's an endless cycle of constant moisture application onto the skin without healing and curing the dry skin. Which explains why I was always slathering on lotion but still ending up with dry skin! And I love the fact that it is a natural skin care product Skin MD Natural uses no animal products or testing, is Fragrance and colorant free , is Dermatology tested, and is Hypoallergenic and Paraben free.
I can honestly say I love and recommend Skin MD Natural. If you would like to read more about it, check out the website--there is also a store locator which can help you find a store near you where you can buy some for yourself, and you can always order online. You will love it--just remember--no need to slather, hehe!!

The "Most Wanted" Mom Ever??

Any guesses who this mom is?

Yes--we all probably got this right--it is the mom who recently gave birth to eight babies. Apparently she has hired a publicist to handle all the offers she is receiving for Interviews, TV series, and Book Deals, and the media is dubbing her the "most wanted" mom ever. Everyone wants to talk about her, talk to her, and write about her and the babies as well. At least that is what it seems right now.

This mom is definitely going to be making some money from giving birth to eight babies. And I am sure she will be needing every cent she can get. I only hope this woman is truly a good mom and has her children and new babies' best interests at heart. It is so hard to know what to think about this story. I do not want to judge, or leap to conclusions, kwim? But so many thoughts go through my head, and I admit they are not all good thoughts.

I've also been hearing that many doctors are outraged that eight embryos were implanted in this woman. The word "malpractice" is being uttered. So who knows...Now maybe this mom will be filing a malpractice lawsuit too?

But what about those babies? I am getting this icky feeling in the pit of my stomach. I pray these new little eight babies get all the love and attention from their mom they need and deserve. Such hoopla is going on everyday about this mom and her life...is this scrutiny deserving? I don't know. But it seems we will be hearing much more about this "most wanted" mom's story in the days and weeks to come--that is for sure.

Not Me! Monday

I have been missing out on the Not Me Monday fun...so I am jumping back in this Monday! This is one meme that is so fun--I am going through some serious withdrawals, ack!

So here is my list of the things I DID NOT DO this past week:

I did not get mad at my husband for some silly reason and not speak to him for a whole day. (How "high-school"ish would that be??)

I so did not drink too much Friday night with the afore mentioned husband and laugh and dance all night in our family room. Sheesh.

It was not me that chased her wayward dogs down the street like a mad woman (while dressed in pajamas) waving her arms and shrieking at those dogs who simply continued to run faster ! (My word--what a silly woman that was, btw. Such a ruckus she caused over some dogs, hrumph!)

I did not do a 'happy dance' while watching "The Bachelor" when he sent a particular woman packing. (Tsk. How immature. And me...watch The Bachelor?....NEVER! And I am so not watching it tonight, either-btw!)

I certainly did not sit in my daughter's room one day while she was at school and moon (I mean look) at all her 'teen' magazines! (where do these rumors come from??)

And of course I would never ever never sit up by myself one night after everyone was asleep and watch tv and snack on junk food all by myself! (Must have been a dream....really..)

If you do not want to have fun, then do not head on over to Mckmama's, and join in the Not Me! Monday Carnival! I am so not warning you--it is not too addicting and oh so not very fun!

Life Is Grand!!

Yay! I have been given an award this wonderful Monday morning! Harriet from This is Harriet has passed on the "Life is Grand" Award. And what a cool award this is- a requirement is to list 5 reasons why you find life to be "grand" at this moment. Ah. How did Harriet know this is just what I need this morning to kick the old derierre (sp?) into gear?

So here we go...

1. It is a beautiful Monday morning here--sunny, no rain, no wind
2. My kids are still asleep! (except my daughter who has gone to school)
3. I have a nice hot strong cup of coffee beside me
4. I will soon be bestowed with many "Good Morning" kisses and hugs from two sleepy little boys!
5. I do not have to get dressed, or put on make-up, or even brush my hair in order to get those kisses and hugs!

And I am now passing this "Life is Wonderful" award on to 5 wonderful bloggy friends...

1. Julie D at Mom Two Ways
2. Crystal at Crystal Said What?
3. Donna at Donna's World
4. Piera at Jolly Mom
5. Jem at Feelings Just Are

I love this award so much though that I want to open it up to anyone who would love to blog about why Life Is So Grand This Monday morning--so grab yourself an award and join in if you are feeling "Grand" this morning!!