Meet My Hubby~ Ron Allen

I met my hubby at a Luckys Grocery Store a week after I got to the Bay Area.  I sure wasn't looking for a relationship but there he was and it just seemed RIGHT!

We started talking a lot and he had me laughing everyday- something that hadn't happen in a long time. We started dating then moved in with each other and within 2 years got pregnant with our 1st child.  Now the first 2 years was rough for both of us- I didn't trust him and he wasn't used to having an official girlfriend who he lived with so we tested boundaries and even broke up for a bit but BAM baby on board brought us back together (we still lived together- so sleeping together was still happening).  At that point we made commitment to each other that we will make it work for the sake of our family.

We have had many ups and downs but came through each one holding hands and head high so we make a GREAT TEAM.  We got married 6 years ago (been together almost 14 yrs) and haven't looked back yet.  We plan to be together for the long haul.  Of course we have a our bad days but damn this man makes me laugh everyday and my heart loves that.

This past year has been rough on all of us.  I was sick and didn't really know it- just chalked it up to getting older and this is what happens.  My hubby was a trooper on days I was unable to get out of bed and on days that I just bite his head off for saying "Hi"!  With my health issues this past 5 weeks he has been my ROCK!  If I ever doubted his love I don't anymore.  He even told me one day we were talking that he made vows before God and he takes those vows serious!  I got me a keeper!!!

He is also an AIRBRUSH ARTIST~ Check out some of his work.

You can LIKE his FanPage on FaceBook~ https://www.facebook.com/mrairbrushhands

WIN~ Naughty Makeover for Nice Girls Book

Naughty is the new Nice.. That’s the mantra and message of the new “tell-all” how-to paperback, physical book from beauty maestro Dimitri James. In Naughty Makeovers for Nice Girls, James creates a new kind of finishing school–one for nice girls who always finish anywhere but first. Tired of seeing the many “nice girls” in his life constantly overlooked, James, a celebrity makeup artist, style guru and television personality, offers a lively and entertaining read full of actionable tips and tricks, showing you how to get whom and what you want. Those open the book will learn how to look classy, not trashy, trading the prim, proper uniform of “safe” clothing, makeup and hair for something sexier and more inviting, but still situation-appropriate. “You would be surprised how many women don’t know how to use clothes and makeup to market themselves in various social or professional settings,” says James. “‘Nice’ girls are invisible, and ‘trashy’ ones go over the top. ‘Naughty’ is the happy medium that pushes the envelope without crossing the line.” Thus, James challenges the traditional connotations of the word “naughty” and redefines it as a spirit that can change both image and self-perception for the better. In chapters that range from “Naughty at Work” to “Naughty First Date” to “Naughty Traveler” and “Yummy Mommy,” the author shows readers how to dress outside the box and re-vamp their beauty regimens to add sizzle to their style for all seasons and occasions. Flip open the physical book to almost any page and find a small gem of wisdom, or a stunningly clear depiction of “nice” vs. “naughty” vs. “trashy,” all sprinkled with James’ trademark wit, candor and spirit of camaraderie. Naughty Makeovers for Nice Girls is loaded with makeup and fashion advice to empower a Nice Girl to transform herself into a spicy but classy woman in every situation. So, go ahead and channel your inner naughty. Instead of fading into the background, become a star in your own life!

Please check out my REVIEW HERE ~ One PinkMama's Reader will WIN a copy of this book!

Coupons.com: Breakfast-Home--Kraft-Snacks

Breakfast

• $3.00 OFF any two (2) packages of Starbucks® coffee
• SAVE $1.00 on Any ONE (1) MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee (28-30.6 oz.) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on any TWO (2) V8® Splash® 64 oz. varieties
• SAVE $1.00 ON TWO when you buy any TWO BOXES Chex® cereals: Rice Chex® • Corn Chex® • Wheat Chex® • Honey Nut Chex® • Chocolate Chex® • Mul
• SAVE 50¢ when you buy ONE BOX Cinnamon Toast Crunch® cereal
• SAVE $1.00 ON THREE when you buy any THREE BOXES any flavor General Mills Big G cereals: Cheerios® • Cinnamon Toast Crunch® • Chex® • Lucky
• SAVE $1.00 ON TWO when you buy TWO BOXES any flavor General Mills cereals listed: Cinnamon Toast Crunch® • Cocoa Puffs® • Lucky Charms® •
• SAVE 50¢ when you buy ONE BOX Original Cheerios® cereal (the one in the yellow box)
• SAVE $0.75 On any TWO (2) Bagel-fuls® (4ct)
• SAVE $1.00 on any ONE (1) GEVALIA Coffee (12 oz.) (Walmart)

In the Home

• $1 off 12-pk. or larger double roll Angel Soft® bath tissue (Redeem Only at Target)
• SAVE $1.00 off any ONE (1) 50oz Purex® Linen & Lilies® detergent (Redeemable at CVS/pharmacy)
• $3.00 Off on any select Halloween Fox Blu-ray™ titles: Donnie Darko, S. Darko, Dylan Dog, Possession, and Mirrors 2
• $0.75 OFF When you Buy (2) Two Renuzit® Tempting Indulgences® Adjustable Air Freshener
• $6.00 OFF YesVideo will subtract $6 off every video transfer service for the full order (Available at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, & Rite Aid)
• $1 off 14-oz. Spot Shot® carpet stain remover (Redeem Only at Target)
• Save 50¢ on any 1 Palmolive® Fresh Infusions™ only (16 oz) (Redeemable at Walmart)
• SAVE 75¢ on any Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel
• SAVE 75¢ on any 2 Windex® Multi-Surface products
• SAVE $2.00 on twelve (12) single cans OR one (1) 12 ct Variety Pack of Mighty Dog® Dog Food

Meals at Home (Kraft)

• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) KRAFT Natural Shredded Cheese (8 oz. or larger) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) KRAFT STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix (6 oz or larger) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any ONE (1) OSCAR MAYER Pork Bacon (12 oz. or larger) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) KRAFT Natural Cheese Chunks (8 oz.) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any ONE (1) KRAFT Mayo or MIRACLE WHIP Squeeze Dressing (22 oz. or larger) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any ONE (1) VELVEETA® 32 oz. or larger (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinners (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) KRAFT Dressings (16 oz.) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Cups or VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinner Cups (4 Packs) (Walmart)
• SAVE $2.00 when you buy ONE (1) VELVEETA 32 oz. or larger AND TWO (2) cans RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (Walmart)

Snacks & Desserts

• SAVE $1.00 ON ANY BOULDER CANYON SNACKS
• SAVE 50¢ ON TWO when you buy TWO PACKAGES of Pillsbury® Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) KRAFT COOL WHIP Whipped Toppings (8 oz. or larger) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any ONE (1) PLANTERS Mixed Nuts or Cashews Halves & Pieces (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) refrigerated JELL-O Pudding or Gelatin Snacks (4pk) (Walmart)
• SAVE 50¢ on any TWO (2) KRAFT JET-PUFFED Marshmallows (Walmart)
• SAVE 50¢ on any ONE (1) BAKER'S Chocolate (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) CAPRI SUN Products or KOOL-AID Jammers (10 pack) (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) MiO Liquid Water Enhancers (Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on Any TWO (2) LUNCHABLES Lunch Combinations (6 oz. or larger) (Walmart)

Jumpstart.com Madagascar Review and GIVEAWAY!

Does your family LOVE Madagascar?  If so then you will love the new games on Jumpstart.com.  All of the zoo animals and characters from the film plus the Penguins which get their own underground headquarters are included.  The new European train ride is a great way for children to explore a little geography and culture as well. Additionally, the Central Park Zoo features fun facts and puzzles about the zoo animals and their natural habitats.

From Website~

• Explore the Central Park Zoo with your Madagascar friends Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria.

• Zooster Slide Puzzles: Visit Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria in the new Central Park Zoo and see if you have what it takes to slide each of their puzzle pieces into the correct positions. Once you have it all figured out, you’ll find a perfect portrait of your favorite Zooster.

• Talk to the Zoosters: Not surprisingly, the Zoosters have lots to say.

• Sneak on over to the Penguin Headquarters under the Central Park Zoo

• The Madagascar™ penguins need reinforcements in their latest operation, Tourist Transform! Using Kowalski’s latest invention, the Transmorpher Translator, and your stellar classifying skills, you’ll be turning unsuspecting Jumpees into the perfect stand in zoo animals. With enough practice and time spent in the European Habitat, the Zoo personnel won’t even know the difference.

• Travel over to Venice via the train from the Central Park Zoo

• Hide n’ Seek with Mort: With the recent addition of Madagascar to JumpStart®, Mort has taken advantage of his spacious new home. Our energetic lemur has set up shop in the middle of Venice, looking for his next challenger in a round of Hide n’ Seek. See if you can find our small lemur in the big land of Venice.

• Italian Art: Italy is well known for its amazing food, stunning landmarks and the famous Italian art. JumpStart has brought some history to the streets of Venice. Located around the world, are famous works of art created by some of the most influential artists in history. Clicking on these masterpieces gives you’re a brief description surrounding the piece. Dive in and become a more sophisticated Jumpee!

• Photo Bomb: In JumpStart®, the tourists of Italy have been capturing memories of their adventures to cherish forever. What they don’t know is who is photo bombing these pictures! That’s right, you get to sneak into these tourists’ pictures and choose a silly pose to make these pictures ones the tourists will never forget.

• Penguin Fireworks: Private loves to watch those bright lights and got Kowalski to help him out on a project. Kowalski has created an invention to set off fireworks in Venice, but not without a challenge. You must grab all of the missing pieces before the time runs out and if you succeed, KABOOM, the show starts. After the show ends, you are even given a sparkler to show all the other Jumpees you are the reason they got to view this spectacular fireworks show!

• Zoovenier Prize Wheel: Trying to chase down a much needed Transmorpher Zoovenier can be time consuming; now there is a second option! The prize cannon will allow you to shoot out and have the opportunity of winning some awesome Zooveniers. It’s fast, easy, and exhilarating!

• Surf n’ Slide with the Zoosters

• Choose a ride and help the young Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman slide past each challenging learning game. Upon completing each surf run through the 4 Madagascar™ themed levels, your little learners are awarded stickers to add to their growing sticker book. With easy controls and unlimited game plan

Both my kids really enjoyed playing different games.  Lil Mama loves dressing up in the and visiting the zoo then taking the train.  Lil Man loves playing all the games on boardwalk,  As a mom I love that Jumpstart offers educational games as well as just plain FUN games.  I've printed Madagascar worksheets for Lil Mama and she loves them.  Lil Man is going on 11 and thinks this is too baby for him but I've caught him playing a couple times so even 10 3/4 yr old kids can enjoy the world of Jumpstart and Madagascar.  They both liked the Transmorpher game. PinkMama's Place gives Jumpstart.com 2 thumbs up!

Jumpstart.com offers so much for kids and parents.  You can have pets, make friends, play games, worksheets, puzzles, and much more.  We also play Mathblaster.com which the kids love practicing their math on there instead of printed worksheets.  If you want to know what games are educational there is a light bulb next to them. 

We like having a memebership because there is so much offered~ 

Monthly Membership~ $8.99
Annual Membership~ $74.99
Lifetime Membership~ $149.99

Jumpstart.com is a awesome website for kids and GUESS WHAT...One PinkMama's Reader will win a 3 month subscription to Jumpstart.com 



Also explore JumpStart Blog at http://blog.jumpstart.com for information about the latest additions to the game. Also have a JumpStart gamer guide available at http://www.jumpstart.com/CustomerCare/game-guide.aspx 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 I was provided with a JumpStart membership at no cost by JumpStart in order to test the products’ abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.”

Fall Gardening and How To's From Miracle-Gro and Gardenieries

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Having a garden in our back yard we are always thinking "what should we plant now?"  and trying to keep up with the different season and of course the weather!  

I found some awesome videos that helped my husband with what to plant for the winter season and HOW TO's!  As new gardeners we really are in a fog on what to do and how to do it.  Gardenieres website has all kinds of useful videos on tree planting, tomato growing tips, greenhouse ideas, sustainable vegetable gardening and much more!  I enjoy watching videos because once I "see" them doing it then I can repeat what they are doing.  Gardening books or articles are hard for me to understand- I need SEE! 

Watching Teena Spindler the West Coast Gardeniere gave me some ideas on what to plant in the cooler season~ potatoes, onions, strawberries, leeks and green beans.  We also will be planting greens and lettuce as well.  Being able to go in your backyard and pick vegetables/fruit for your meals is so exciting and enjoyable! So in order to have the cooler season garden we  want we also need to get some Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Flowers and Vegetables.  This helps build strong roots!  Also going to get the Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed to help feed the plants through leaves and roots.

Check out Miracle-Gro Facebook page to see more ideas, talk to other gardeners, plus share your story!  

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home- Join Me!

Some people in my life feel I'm a bit obsessed with my house so I want to be able to run my house without giving that impression.  I feel better (mind) when my house is clean and in order.  But with 2 crazy kids and a messy hubby it doesn't always feel in order.  They haven't figured out a HAPPY MOM means HAPPY HOME, yet.  Lately, I haven't felt well enough to do housework everyday and so I need to get back on track.  A clean organized house is something I want and DESERVE.  Who wants to join me in this adventure- if so HERE is the INFO.  

If you join, leave a comment and let's help each other out! 

November Theme is FAMILY!

November brings a lot of us to think about what we are THANKFUL and WOW I'm very thankful for my 

FAMILY!  Every last one of them!!!

I wouldn't be the person who I am today without them.  My mom, my dad, grandma/grandpa, aunts/uncles, and cousins all shaped the person I am today.  My hubby and kids make me a better person.  I strive to be my best for all of them (including myself).  Oh boy, I could have turned down the wrong road more times than I did.  I'm not perfect and have made many BAD CHOICES in life but I learn from them and move forward.  

I'm going to work on letting go of some anger issues I have from childhood that I've been hanging on to for awhile now but hopefully I can work through them and forgive.  I'm also going to work on letting go of guilt feelings I have for my bad choices I've made in the past.  Beating myself up doesn't do anyone any good.  I want to be that mom that my kids and look up to and be proud of when they grow up.  

I have a beautiful family and we struggle everyday but we love each other very much.  I know my hubby has my back and I have his.  The kids they have both of our backs!  

The younger 2 kids are having a hard time at their new school for many reasons but they are so strong and take on the challenge  as it's all good!  They are also so different that is it crazy but they make me smile everyday.  Both of them are so protective over me right now- they are both so concerned for my health.  

My oldest son (22 yrs old) recently moved in with us for a bit until he could afford his own housing but he wasn't able to save up like we warned him about.  He had to take a train back up to WASH yesterday and it broke my heart having to say goodbye.  It was so nice having him here and wish it could have worked out but he needs to get priorities straight and then it will all be good. He is such a hard worker and will do good I just know it!  

My hubby goes to work at 3:30 am everyday then comes home to do more work- airbrushing.  Some weeks (like this one) not so much work but most weeks he is out there 4-5 more hours a day doing his thing.  We appreciate him very much.  He has a motto that he sticks to and lets us know all the time~ YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO FIRST THEN YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! 

So this month my blog posts will be a lot of about my family!  

Chris Mann: "Roads" Album REVIEW

Remember Chris Mann from the VOICE- 3rd Runner Up. I love the show so I do know who he is, and was very happy when I was offered to review his album.  

On the VOICE following one of his many dynamic live performances on the show, Christina Aguilera told him, “I feel the heavens open up when you sing.” America agreed, and when the series ended, Chris had not one, but two songs on the iTunes Top 10 Pop Singles Chart.  What a difference a year makes. Now Mann is signed to Faircraft/Universal Republic, a new label formed by renowned producer/music executive Ron Fair. 

Influenced by Pavarotti, Robbie Williams and vintage Sinatra, Chris’blend of classically-trained tenor and contemporary pop vocals is a sound that’s rare in music today. Said Cee Lo, “He is by far one of the most incomparable vocalists I have ever heard.”

You really hear all the different music genres he sings~ classical, country, and pop. I was surprised  I enjoyed the the album that much because I'm a R&B kind of girl but I liked it a lot!  My kids like it too- they were in the car when I put the CD in.  I really enjoyed the SMOOTHNESS!  This is a CD I will listen when I just need some CALM around me.  What a beautiful singer and I'm sure he will be doing BIG THINGS.  He is needed in the music industry!  My favorite and the one I connected with the most was ROADS.  I give this CD a big 2 thumbs up! 

If you want to get this CD you can NOW!!!  Or buy as a gift. 

• ChrisMannMusic.com - http://bit.ly/CMannMusic
• Roads on iTunes - http://bit.ly/SgkwJb
• Roads on Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/XQpJc

 This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own.

Planning Blog Posts-How do you? (Day 1)

I made the commitment to myself I will blog EVERYDAY in November! Today I need to PLAN out the month and see what my plan is.  As of right now I have no PLAN.

I'm one of those people who put PRO in Procrastination:

Problogger ROCKS:This POST helped a lot~!  If you are a blogger his book is awesome and go to his website and check out more info: http://www.problogger.net/

Things to post about~

• Theme for the month
• Contests/giveaways planned
• What Reviews I have to do
• My Kids
• My Hubby
• Me
• My Surgery
• My Job
• Social Media
• Lists
• Pinterest finds
• How to's
• Recipes
• Holidays

Okay so now know now what to write about over the month- it's brainstorm time!  I think I will plan it on paper first then transfer to GOOGLE CALENDAR so I can get reminders!!!  BTW LOVE LOVE Google Calendar.

I know there is a lot more to think about but I know myself if I think too much than I will find something else to do....LOL!  Blogging is so much fun and I love it- even though I might bitch about it!

Look forward to a fun filled month full of posts!  

REVIEW- Effervescent Denture Cleaner for Household Items

Who knew (I didn't) that you can use DENTURE TABLETS to clean household items.  Plus it's so easy!  Drop in, let Fizz , let sit...DONE!

I cleaned my coffee maker and it was DIRTY!  I put in about 3-4 tabs and let sit for a couple hours and when I dumped the water...ewwww gross!  The inside of the coffee pot was so clean and SILVER not brown.  Of course I ran water through the coffee maker a couple times before making my first cup of coffee.   I have to tell you that cup of coffee was the BEST I had in months!

I also had some dishes that needed a little TLC and so I filled the sink up and put in 8 tabs then let the dishes soak.  BAM they came clean- all that dried up food that I didn't get washing by hand- GONE!!!

With 3 boys in the house the toilet seems to get a RING all the time and so instead of scrubbing like I normally do- I put in 4 tabs and let sit for a couple hours (do this after kids go to school)  BTW I love the mint smell!  No more ring!  This has become a weekly thing for me now.

Here are some more ways Effervescent Denture Cleaners (you can get at national pharmacies, discount stores, and supermarkets)

• Coffeemakers – fill the reservoir with water, add a few tabs, soak for a while or overnight and rinse well. Don't run through heated cycle. Rinse well and run a clear water cycle.
• Cruets / Decanters   – break tabs into small pieces to fit inside hard-to-clean small-necked glass or ceramics. Let soak for a couple hours or overnight. Shake occasionally and rinse well.
• Kids Bath toys – 3-10 tabs in a pail of hot water with toys. Soak for 30-60 mins and rinse well!
• Enamel / Glass / Stainless cookware – soak in water with 3-10 tablets to remove burnt-on spots and crusty stuff. Scrub lightly if necessary.
• Porcelain sinks – Add 4-10 tablets to standing hot water in sink and soak 30-60 mins (or overnight) to remove tough stains. Scub lightly if necessary. Leaves sparkling.
• Little stuff – ideal for make-up brushes (swish & soak just the bristles) mani-pedi tools, toothbrush holders hair clips, hair brushes & combs, pen/pencil holders, cosmetic trays etc..
• Clogged Drains-Drop 3 tablets and 1 cup of vinegar down a clogged drain. Wait a few minutes and then run hot water thru.
• Whiten Fingernails-drop 2 denture tablets in water. When the bubble stop soak your fingers for 10 minutes. Remove and dry with towel

PinkMama gives this product a 2 Thumbs Up!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.