Sweet Sounds Soon

Hey can you keep a secret?  Really!  I have something that is making me so excited.  But we can not tell Nessa over at Ramblings of a Texas Housewife.  Well, if we tell her, then we can't let her son know.  OK?
Last year for Christmas I was able to get him a really cool bracelet made from guitar strings.  You see his dad plays and of course Tristen wants to be just like his dad.  He was given a guitar already.  His dad is self taught and goes online to practice lessons.  But Tristen does not always have access to unlimited online time.  Yeah, we have to monitor all sorts of things these days.

But I have his Christmas gift for this year.  (Hey, I plan early, don't you?)  I have The Complete Idiot's Guide to Guitar Exercises.  And there is a CD inside that also has samples of the exercises.  That way he can hear what they should sound like.  It is so much easier to play something you can see and hear.  I can't wait to see Tristen work on a lesson then hear the sounds drift across the street to my house.  That is the great part of being here.  We can sit on our porches and visit.  Listen to music or cross the street and share time together.
This book was written by Hemme Luttjeboer.  He has worked with the legends like Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Vince Gill and Sarah McLachlan.  I could not imagine such a life, what joy it must be to hear such beautiful music that you know so many will sing along too.  Hemme has authored many books on playing the guitar along with instruction videos.  So he knows what he is doing.
Have you ever used one of these books?  There is a whole line of TCIG books.  What would you want to learn?  You could learn about horses, zombies, raising girls (gosh I needed that one!), cheese making, composting, even Las Vegas.  I know there are also those that are really important like College Algebra.  I would need a guide to get through that too!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Let's Get Away for a Weekend

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hampton_logo Did you know that my wedding anniversary is coming up?  Well it is.  And I am dying for some time away with my Dear Hubby.  Some time away with out any family.  Without any friends.  Without any computers.  Without any cell phones.  Without many clothes....LOL  Well some.
I do not have the funds to do this.  But I am going to try and win it.  Really!  The Hampton Hotels are having a sweepstakes for a free weekend at any Hampton Hotel.  And they are drawing winners daily.   You could enter too.  But of course don't take my weekend!  Okay?
Honestly what would you do with a free weekend getaway.  Would you take the kids?  Visit family?  Hide out and take long long long naps?   Would this be your chance to see friends who are far away?  Or have them visit you? 
Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes is the place to enter.  Pop on over and see if you have a weekend in mind.  And then lean back for a lil while.  Day dream of a quiet room, no kids, hubby rubbing your feet....wait that was so unreal......but I am dreaming.  What to do with time away.  Interested?  Me too!  Let's go try and win.
Visit my sponsor: Win a free Weekend Stay

Time to Regroup

Well it is Monday morning and things seem to be doing well.  Wait, Wait....not morning?  Dang it.   I am still running a day late and a dollar short around here.  But slowly catching up on things.  So it is Monday AFTERNOON and I am half way through my daily to do list.
Cover of "Behavior Change Log Book and We...Cover via Amazon
Also in all of my housecleaning I have come across some great information to share.  The first is how I have been working to change my bad habits (like a messy desk) and stay healthy too.  I am so ditzy sometimes and it really effects my mental health.  But thanks to Stephen L. Dodd, I am using his log book and journal to get back on track.  The Behavior Change Log Book and Wellness Journal is a great tool.  It has been wonderful in helping me learn how to change my eating habits.  Bad lessons picked up through out my life and wast to manage my food and exercise.  I have been able to use some of the methods in here to also get back on track with my housework, blog reviews and monthly bills.  Yeah, I am one of those people who tries so hard to keep it all together that I tend to lose my own head.  Now I am using an effective tool and suggest you may want to look into it if your battling the weight like I am.

I am also using D. Ivan Young's book Break Up, Don't Break Down to help me through some other changes. We had a roommate here for a year and a half.  And finally he is gone!  That is the good part.  But I am still dealing with all the mess of a break up of the friendship.  A messy breakup at that.  Now is the time to do the hard work.  The clean up, they are gone and I can get on with my life and time to make new friends and socialize.  Does not sound so hard does it.  But in this lil 2 mile by 2 mile town there is no distance from anyone or anything.  All of your business is known (most times before you even know it) and you run into everyone everywhere.  I really hate to feels such animosity toward someone but at the same time I really never wish to see this person again.  It has been a messy year and half that should never have happened.  It has me questioning my judgement in people.  And it feels like a divorce and custody fight with our combined friends.  Thankfully I can use all the information in this book to get on track and not let it bring me down. 
Sorta like the rest of the back to school moms (even if mine is in College), I am so glad to have a schedule again.  To know what I need to do and get it done.  And to finally have my home back for just my family.  So how are y'all doing with the back to school changes?

Reviewing Family and Life

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Today I am sitting here and crying copious tears. Triggered all by music from John Denver. I love his voice, music, songs and more so his heart. John sang with all of his being while freely sharing his passion for love of this ragged earth.

While listening to these songs I have been filled by my love for my family. I have been reliving so much of my family lately with the help of a simple lil key chain. Really. Sounds corney but I am one of those who can sit and look through photographs and feel like I am surrounded by those I love. I have my walls covered in family photographs. Well now I am able to carry my family all around with me. I have a pink digital photo key chain that shares all those I love with me everywhere I go now. It was so easy to connect with my computer and download all of my favorites. Princess Emma has already discovered that she can see herself and her sissy (College Girl) on there. Maybe I am just in a sentimental mood, but these are the things that help bring joy in my life.

Of course you also know I am more sentimental right now since College Girl is going to be returning to school next week. Thank goodness she is not leaving home this year, but staying with us. She will be so busy with classes and theater. Not much time for home life. But she shared with me the following about having roommates.

So here is College Girl herself.
Hi all! Yeah, I am back on mom's blog. But there is so much to do with the 'back to school' rush. And one of the things that has been on my mind was weather to go back to the dorms or to stay here. I finally decided to stay here...so I think? Pretty sure...but I have learned something I wanted to share with y'all.

If the stereotype is to be believed, a lot of teenagers fight with their parents as they grow up, striving for freedom and independence. Of course, I don't buy in to stereotypes. In fact, I'd think that a lot of arguments could be saved with books like Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult Toward Success and Self-Reliance. Author Brad Sachs, PhD. does a masterful job of mapping out the many common challenges faced by older teens and young adults ready to leave the nest. He examines every facet, from the family dynamics to the young adult's first tastes of freedom.
Using a lot of positive language and careful reinforcement, this book helps make the idea of leaving the nest not as dramatic or scary as it could be. One chapter even offers insight for those who have left and then returned, for one reason or another, examining the different possibilities of mental anguish or encouragement the young adult might be feeling following their return home. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which was very informative for young adults as well as their parents. Though I'm still home with Mom, I'm ready to try and seek more freedom and explore further in the world outside of my family. The advice offered in Emptying the Nest has given me more confidence and plenty of insight on what other families might face. Maybe the next time I hear a friend complaining about their parents, I can offer some insight and help them understand what their parents are thinking or worried about.


DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book and key chain to facilitate these reviews. No other compensation was provided.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

You Don't Have to Read This

frustrationImage by mrkvm via FlickrCan I vent?

Just vent cause I am upset and not dealing with it too well.

So after this line you don't even have to read....just know I am venting and tomorrow will figure out something else.

Now...........DANG IT! I am trying to take care of things. And it is getting harder and harder and harder in this economy. I mean who does not feel the crunch? We all do. So everyone gets a lil side job here and there trying to get that lil bit to help out. We have done like everyone else and have fallen behind and are trying to make it.

But I do not want to be used either. I finally managed to get rid of one person that has been hanging on here for a year and a half. I am happy about that. But I also lost one of my lil side jobs today. I know it is a side job. But that side job pays a bill. I fought with the city today about lack of trash service. Long story.......no resolve. Was already hot, tired and pissed off. Then told that business was being sold so I am not able to work there anymore. I understand why. I really do. I just did not need to hear this today.

Frustrated. Upset. Hot and tired. And want to cry. Just want to burst into tears. Oh Gosh!

Rock'n It Out with Phonics

Do you notice how many of the children's shows are based on music? That they can sing all the words from their favorite show? But that learning how to read is harder when we sit at the table and go over each letter one by one.

Instead if we use the fun of music and color and the ability to mimic, children learn at an incredible speed. Well that is just some of the ideas behind Rock 'N Learn's Phonics DVD's. They use music to help the kid's learn. I mean even I know that my grandbabes can sing almost any song their mom loves. Why? Because they hear it over and over again.

Well use this with the phonics lessons and they can learn to read too. I started College Girl on phonics as a lil toddler. We would sit in her room every night and as we got ready for bed do our phonics lessons. I had big alphabet lines on the walls. There we would learn the letter, sound and words that they made. Now you can do the same but with the fun of music, color and sound on the DVD lessons.

Richard and Brad Caudle (one a school psychologist and the other a musician/composer) teamed to create Rock ‘N Learn. Rock ‘N Learn has earned awards from prestigious organizations such as iParenting, Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice, Parents’ Choice, Dr. Toy and The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval – to name a few. I am now using this same set to teach Princess Emma her phonics to help her learn to read. And even though it says ages 6 and up, she is grasping it at 4 years old. She is loving the music of course, since she is an original dancing princess. But with those songs we are also learning sounds and letters too!

Rock ‘N Learn’s Phonics DVDs (volumes 1 and 2) are this weeks giveaway on my blog. On Volume 1 you will get short vowels, consonants, blends, digraphs, word families, silent e, phonemic awareness activities, read-along sentences, read-along stories, and sing-along songs. Volume 2 covers long vowels, vowel combinations, syllables, ending sounds, silent consonants, rule breakers, read-along sentences, read-along stories, and sing-along songs.

So how about your own copies of Rock ‘N Learn’s Phonics DVDs (volumes 1 and 2)? I ask for the mandatory entry that you visit Rock ‘N Learn’s Phonics and tell me what area your children would be best served at. This is your mandatory first entry. Make sure I have your email or contact information in case you win. Extra entries are always the same. Entries are with the normal comments. Another for following me anywhere....here, facebook, twitter...leave a comment for each place you follow me at. Make sure your email is with you profile or on the comment. I will have a winner within two weeks.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of these DVD's to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Three More Winners


The winner of the Yoplait Splitz Picnic Travel Pack with the insulated tote, travel blanket and Yoplait coupon from MyBlogSpark is.........

janetfaye said...

I follow you on Twitter - Janetfaye

The winner of the Dinosaur Train Under the Sea DVD is.........

Lesley said... My kids LOVE Dinosaur Train. We have DirecTV and Dinosaur comes on 3 different channels. WGBX (ch 44) at 9:00 am, WGBH (ch 2) at 9:30 am and WENH(ch 11) at 10:00 am Monday through Friday.

And the winner of My Purple Toes is.........

C's mamma said... signed. looks like a great book!


Ok I am sending out emails to all. I need those names and addresses to get your prize packages out to you! Thanks to all for playing!

Real Clean Up Help




I have told you that we are pet lovers. Really big big big pet lovers. More than you can imagine. OK, OK, if you do not tell anyone.....anyone....well we have 5 dogs and 5 cats! EEEEK!

Well, it started off small. You know a dog for College Girl when she was Teen Girl. Then another for me. Well Grandma was given one from CG when she left for school. And we inherited another (really, in the will and all). Then CG found another she just had to have......so 5 dogs. Then the cats....sorta the same. One was being cat sitted by us then we sorta kept it. And another was a stray. She had kittens and we kept two. Oh and our grandbabes gave us one as a gift. Yeah, 5 cats too!

We love them all. They sorta just hang with us. The dogs have a great shaded yard that we 'clean' every morning. Cats, well cats do pretty much what they want. It is relatively OK. But. With 10 animals we do have an occasional accident. So we clean it up. But over time we decided to take out the carpet due to the thought of what was there. You can shampoo but never really sure it goes away.

And still there is an occasional accident every now and then. We mop and disinfect. But? Are we still getting it all cleaned up? Yeah! We are now. And we are sure because we started using Bio-Pro Research Urine-Off. Bio-Pro Research’s line of new household cleaning products use a specially developed formula of enzymes and friendly bacteria that actually “eat” away the stain. Bio Pro Research likes to think of their cleaning as a “natural workforce of 1 Billion” (enzymes that is) working hard to clean up your stains, leaving clothing, home surfaces, furniture and carpeting stain-free. The products are made with nature-based, non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients. Do you know how I feel knowing that the bacteria is really gone? There is even a urine finder flash light. Really! Bio-Pro Research Urine Finders are engineered to produce that specific wavelength of UV light, so they simply work better than normal store-bought black lights and make the task of locating urine deposits easier. So I have been able to really check for stains and then treat them. Later I have gone to the same spot and not been able to find them at all. And there is not any odors, stains or toxins left either.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary bottle to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Crazed Mind's Sub Sandwich

Mezzetta


I had a great birthday this weekend. And it, of course, had tons of great food. From crab stuffed chicken in a white wine sauce to garlic butter saute shrimp to chocolate strawberry cake. But one of the major hits was of my own creation. It was Crazed Mind's Sub Sandwich. I made it with Mezzetta products and a lil tweaking of my own.

You know about Mezzetta? Those great lil jars of yummy olives, peppers and tomatoes. Well they are having their annual Make That Sandwich Contest. They will have a $25,000 prize for the most inventive sandwich made with Mezzetta products. And I am going to enter with my sandwich. You wanna join in and enter too? If so just whip up your fav sandwich and pop on over to Mezzetta and enter with me.


In the meantime, here is mine.

Crazed Mind's Sub Sandwich

1 large package of Skinless Chicken Strips
1 lb Bacon
1 loaf French Bread
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 cup Blue Cheese
1 cup white onion (diced)

First I used 1 cup of each of the following Mezzetta Products

Sweet Cherry Peppers (diced)
Imported Pitted Calamata Olives (diced)
Julienne Cut Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes
Deli-Sliced Tamed Jalapeno Peppers
Italian Castelvetrano Whole Green Olives (pitted and diced)
Deli-Sliced Roasted Sweet Bell Pepper Strips


I blended the Mezzetta Julienne Cut Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes and the Mayonnaise to make my spread.



It sure turned out pretty. My College Girl is not a mayonnaise fan but said this was real tasty.


Then I mixed up the onion , sweet cherry peppers, imported pitted calamata olives and the Italian Castelvetrano whole green olives that all been diced up to make my relish.


The mixture of colors and flavors was right on. I would add this as a topping to a salad too.


Next we laid out the chicken strip. Placed the blue cheese, deli-sliced roasted sweet bell pepper strips and the deli sliced tamed jalapeno peppers in the middle.


Next you roll the chicken into a ball. Take a piece of bacon and wrap around it one way. And a second piece of bacon and wrap it around the opposite direction. I secured it with a toothpick.


Place the bacon wrapped chicken balls on a baking sheet. I cooked it at 350 for about 25 minutes. Checking about every 10 minutes to see if they were done. Next I placed the cooked bacon wrapped chicken balls in a skillet, poured in the grease on the baking sheet and cooked them for a few more minutes. You turn the balls frequently. This was to crisp up the bacon.


This would make a wonderful appetizer for a party. Don't they look delicious?


For the sandwich we hollowed out the french bread. Sliced enough for one sandwich. Put the tomato spread on the bread. Placed two of the bacon wrapped chicken balls inside. And topped it with the olive pepper relish.


I have to say this was a wonderful sandwich. The men that were here all moaned when they bit into it. And the ladies loved the flavor and great colors too. I know that I have already been asked to add this to our super bowl party this winter.

Make sure to try this one soon. And make up your own creation to add to the Mezzetta
Make That Sandwich Contest. Hurry up as the contest ends September 6th, 2010.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary Mezzetta products to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Mom is taking the day OFF!

Hey, It's College Girl here again. You see today is my mom's birthday. YEAH MOM! And I thought I would take over for the day. She said she did not want to make any decisions at all for one whole day. So I am deciding what to put on her blog today. And since I am in charge, than it is all about me! HA HA! Actually I have some information to share for you moms with back to school kids....even those college ones.

I am currently in my fourth year of college, a proud senior chomping at the bit to get back to school. Realistically, I know this feeling of wanting to get back will only last a few days into the semester. With auditions always scheduled on the heels of the first class day, the theater department always hits the ground running. All longing and nostalgia aside, I am relieved to know there will be no more concern over others pawing through my backpack. Its not that we're overly grabby or that theft is any major problem, but accidents do happen. This year, there will be nothing of the sort. My backpack will be the only one protected by WordLock.

The WordLock system is a padlock that uses letters instead of numbers. After all, isn't it easier to remember "eggs" or "magic" than "42-27-38"? Th small red padlock I got can spell out any number of four letter word combinations and, once set, will stay locked until the combination is entered. It so much simpler and the lock is light enough that I can attach it to the zippers on my backpack, making it impossible for it to be unzipped. I'm really looking forward to this added measure of security for my belongings. With WordLock, I'll feel safer about leaving my bag in the green room during auditions instead of walking it all the way to my car.

In addition to WordLock, I was also fortunate enough (depending on your perspective) to find and review a book I honestly could've used four years ago. The College Roomate From Hell addresses all common roommate challenges found in college, starting before move-in day. The book has a very reader-friendly layout with chapters on clashing roommate personality types, parents, cultural differences between roommates, life-threatening problems (substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, etc) as well as how to try and get help for a roommate with these problems, and when it's just time to move out and find a different roommate. Author Linda Fiore includes case studies throughout the book to show realistic examples of the situations she came across in her research. She gives advice on dealing with roommate problems and reminds readers to choose their battles. Living with a roommate will never be completely perfect for anyone involved, but a book like The College Roommate From Hell will help put any college student or first time apartment dweller on the right track.

Ways to Reach Out a Helping Hand

I was telling you how I took the watermelons to the local food bank. I did that because I have to use them on a regular basis. I know most people would not tell others that they use a food bank to get food. But with the economy getting worse and worse, I am telling you many more people are having to find ways to make ends meet. And when you only have $100 or so a month to feed a family of four, it does not go very far.

Since I need help, I try and find ways to pay it back or pay it forward as much as possible. And here is one of those ways. Taste of the NFL has the Let's Kick Hunger campaign. For the last 20 years the NFL has been working to help with this countries hunger problem. Taste of the NFL has rallied the country's top chefs and the NFL's greatest to raise money in support of food banks throughout the United States. They continue to help feed the 37 million Americans who have turned to their local food banks for assistance. People just like me!

One of the many ways you can help them out is with the purchase of their cookbook. TNFL is non-profit and is best known for their annual Super Bowl event. They pair NFL players with a chef from each NFL city to serve up their signature dish. These events are held across the country with all proceeds going to food shelves nationwide. You can find where the different events are held on their site. You can also make donations directly on this site here.

I know I am quite thankful to all the people that find ways to help their local organizations. Weather it be with the local food banks, clothes closets, senior or youth centers or other community resources. I would encourage you to do all you can to help. It helps others and you would be surprised how good it feels to know you have helped make a difference.


Chilled Energy

It is a hot summer day here. We are all melting. And feeling pretty run down too! But we have a rescue team here! Yes, a great cold pick me up for the middle of the day.

Doesn't that look yummy? We had wonderful iced coffee today. And the flavor of the day was Peach Cobbler. Oh what a way to celebrate summer. I wish to say thanks to New England Coffee Company for sending me some wonderful coffee. I have Peach Cobbler and Blueberry Cobbler. That is going to be used this weekend for my birthday breakfast drink. There is also New England Eye Opener too. I know of days I really need that.


Do you drink Iced Coffee? NO! Well you would really enjoy it if you did. Or so I think at least. You can get tips and ideas here on how to brew Iced Coffee. I have to say doing it the way they told me really gave me full flavor. I know that I am going to get me a Iced Coffee Tumbler too. How? Well if you go here you can send in 3 UPC codes from New England Coffee and they will send you the Iced Coffee Tumbler free! Sweet. Hurry up as the offer is over with at the end of the month.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary coffee to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

History Repeats Itself



Dear Hubby has been doing some reading on the history of this great land. Great land, yes! Why? Well because of the men and women who have done so much to help change the way life if for us. Just think of all the hard work that use to be done. Back breaking labor for little wages and then most was returned to the "company" store at that.

Industrial Pioneers: Scranton, Pennsylvania and the Transformation of America, 1840-1920 by Patrick Brown is one of the books Dear Hubby just finished. In the 1800's, Scranton was “the electric city” and a hub of technology and innovation. It changed from a backwoods town to a industrial city. The way people thought had to keep up with the overwhelming changes around them and forged new world views. With the many transformations that the United States today is experiencing, we can revisits how our ancestors moved from chaos to a order and found meaning in a changing world.

Dear Hubby also just finished Blood on the Constitution by
R.S. Sukle. This also told us about the 1920 depression years. So much change had happened so fast yet we fell into one of the worst economic times ever. Here he learned so much more about the labor movement and how unions came about. The space in history of our economy where men and women had to come together to work in order to make enough to live on. Now the companies that rose up ever so fast before had to find how to work with their employees.

Both of these books have so much history in them. And have shared the common theme of people coming together to forge a new road. Our economy is in hard times right now. And if we do not get out of this ME generation and back to communities sharing with each other. I really feel as does Dear Hubby, that only when we work together does a community really succeed.

I do wish to thank by Tribute Books and PRbytheBook for allowing me to have both of these stories to share. These are two great firms that are putting out quality literature and also have some friendly staff to share with too. THANKS Nicole and Babs.

Watermelons

Last night we went on a Watermelon Raid!
Well, not that way....but we did empty the rest of a field for a friend.
College Girl and I picked over 75 watermelons.


We then was able to distribute some to family and friends.


And the rest.


We are taking to the local food pantry to hand out.
Yeah SUMMER!


Here is a bowl of yellow meat watermelon we are having today.