CLOSED Forget The Resolutions Giveaway HOP 1/21-1/26

Forget The Resolutions Giveaway Hop

January 21 - 26, 2012

Hosted by Planet Weidknecht and
Going Crazy!!Wanna Go??

It's been three weeks since you've made all those resolutions.It's said that it takes 21 days to make a new habit, so you've probably already broken your New Year's Resolutions. I say - FORGET THE RESOLUTIONS! Let's have a giveaway hop instead!

The Forget The Resolutions Giveaway Hop runs from January 21 @ 12:01 a.m. EST to January 26 @ 11:59 p.m. EST. Each blogger is hosting their own giveaway of at least $20.00. After you enter my giveaway, be sure to visit the other blogs and enter theirs too!


PinkMama's Place is giving away a PERSONALIZED Custom Airbrush Pillowcase from Mr Airbrush Hands  (value $25.)  You pick colors, simple design, name/nickname.

Examples:

a Rafflecopter giveaway "

Fabulous bloggers hosting amazing giveaways:

Putting on My PTA Hat Tonight

It doesn't FIT!  Just kidding LOL!  I've been fighting being on the PTA (we call ours PTC-explain later) all year because I've been Secretary and Vice Chair for 2 years and this past summer I put myself in retirement. 

Which by the way didn't really work.  I thought I was home safe when in September we had ALL officers positions filled and everything was going great.  I got to sit back and be a PARENT not plan/work at/communicate what was happening at the school- I was LOVING it!  Then BOOM- Secretary left to go to another school and no one wanted to step in so I was asked very nicely by the Chair who is one of my closest friends- and for her I would do it.  Then BAM our Vice Chair had to move- GONE.  We were able to fill that position but that parent was put on the spot so not sure how she feels about it. 

I've been slacking and not really doing my job- kind of like a spoiled brat who doesn't want to do something.  So tonight I will let the parents know I'm sorry and I will do better!  I just need to suck it up and hope next year they can get some parents who can commit and stay at the school, lol! 

I get some great PTA/PTO ideas from: http://www.ptotoday.com/

Maybe I'll takes notes tonight and actually write up minutes for the first time this year!  I keep telling myself its for the KIDS!  My kids love me being so involved with their school and my son says he is proud of me. 

Day 3- Blogging Buddies- 31 Days To Build a Better Blog

Oh WOW they really want me to get out of my comfort zone.

I have a couple bloggers I wish were my buddy but the "hey let's be blogging buddies" conversation never really comes up. We comment on each others blog, google page, fb page and an email here and there but that is it. 

Guest posting always scared me because what if I'm not a good enough writer (you know that grammar/spelling mistakes everyone loves to point out lol)or what if my post is stupid. Can someone have blogging low self esteem because I think I have it! Great yet another issue I need to overcome. Now I'm always OPEN to other's people posting on here- I would love it actually so if you want to ever guest post on my blog just contact me (pamallen68@gmail.com)and let me know!

I've joined a couple Facebook Groups on giveaways, mom bloggers, and yesterday joined a blogging buddy one so I know I'm reaching out now I just need to make that leap to engage!

I do agree that having blogging buddies will help with:

• Support
• Encouragement
• Be a sounding board
• Advice- ask or give
• Tips/Tricks
• Promote your/theirs projects
• Blog growth
• Being part of a community

With all those points above who wouldn't want a BLOG BUDDY!!!

Okay better catch up on Day 4!  http://www.thesitsgirls.com/

DAWGS FOOTWEAR Giveaway~Win it Wednesday

I got my DAWGS the other day and I LOVE THEM.  As a waitress I need comfort, slip resistant, and support because I'm on my feet for 8 hours.  I like how they feel and OMG they are so light!  I'm looking forward to wearing them at work.  Also if I spill anything on them all I need to do is wipe them off.

DAWGS FOOTWEAR also has many other styles of shoes, boots, ballet flats, and slippers.  They have something for everyone in the family.  I saw a couple things I plan to get the kids soon.

Here is some info about the shoes:http://www.usadawgs.com/Women-Mary-Jane-Pro.html

Do you want to WIN A PAIR of Mary Jane Pro's (I'm telling you so worth it) then please enter below and GOOD LUCK.

I received a pair of DAWGS Mary Jane Pros for the purpose of my honest review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessing in Disguise- Life Lessons!

Yesterday I wrote a BOOHOO whiny post and today I deleted it!  Wow, I was on a emotional roller coaster and I guess I needed to vent out my issues for all of the INTERNET to read. 

Today though NO whiny post but a THANKFUL post is needed! Found this quote and it made a lot of sense to me:

Stop looking at what you don't have and Start being thankful for what you do have.

OMG...how TRUE is this!  Last night between breakdowns I had so much fun with the kids.  Even daddy got involved- which barley ever happens. Without cable we actually had conversations with each other and found other ways to occupy our time.  After dinner (which we ate together) Lil Man and Dad had a dance off-  I wish I had video to show you because man that was heck of funny! 

I wasn't sad we didn't have cable I was sad because I felt I was letting my family down because I didn't have the money to pay our bills.  When I picked up the kids at school they could tell something was wrong and wanted to know if I was OK.  I was honest and told them I had a hard day and cried a lot, they both told me everything will be okay and we will get through this- I love my kids!!! 

My husband told me that yesterday morning on his way to work (3am) he had stopped at the gas station and was getting gas when a pregnant woman came up and asked for change to get something to drink.  He didn't have much but he still gave her all his change.  He told me even though we are going through some hard times there is worse off people out there and we should be grateful for what we do have.  So very true.  I've been there before- homeless and I guess that is what scares me the most- going backwards.  I want to give my kids everything but most of all I want to give them stability.  I want them to never have to worry about where their next meal might be or if they will have a roof over their head. 

As for the other things that are weighing down on my heart~ I can't feel guilty for other peoples actions.  They need to own that- not me! 

I think I needed to go through yesterday to make me appreciate TODAY!  As for NO CABLE- we will be just fine and as a family we decided to change some of our nightly routines and have more family time- also cut back on the cable! 

Tonight~ Wii night!!! 



Day 2: Set Up Alerts and Monitor Your Niche

Key Concepts for Today:
In addition to writing actual blog posts, watching, monitoring, reading, and listening to what others are saying are important activities.
Reasons to be aware of what others are talking about in your niche include getting ideas for new posts, being aware of breaking news, profile building, networking, and managing your reputation.
You can set up alerts through a variety of different sources, but the two most common include Twitter Alerts and Google Alerts.
Types of alerts to set up include words relevant to your blog’s niche or your industry, i.e. “wedding dress” if you blog about weddings. Other keywords to monitor include “vanity alerts”, which are keywords like your name, blog name, or company name.

Today’s Assignment:
Use knowledge from alerts in your niche to brainstorm a new mini-series or to develop a new weekly feature or Meme for your blog. Share your ideas here. You can also share your favorite Meme’s from other bloggers here in the forum. What do you think makes them successful. Use that information to help you with your upcoming planning for a future series or Meme.

Reference posts:
SITS: http://www.thesitsgirls.com/education/blog-tips/google-alerts/
****************************************************************

Oh I love GOOGLE ALERTS!  I have several alerts already but added a few more today like:

• mom blogs
• blog giveaways
• school pta

I added those because I wasn't thinking Google Alerts=Blog Posts, shaking my head I didn't think of that.  I have google alerts set up to ALERT me when someone mentioned Airbrush (hubby) or Social Media Manager (me).  Now this is cool and I hope it helps with the brainstorming. 

As for the assignment~ that means I need to PLAN.  I do a WIN IT WEDNESDAY when I have giveaway to do~ which I'm working on one today.  TIP TUESDAY is always a fun one to do too!  Also would like to incorporate my Pinterest finds in a weekly feature!  Okay good figured that out!  Now I need a name for my Weekly Pinterest Finds~and what day.

WIN- 6 month Blockbuster Gift Subscription

A group of bloggers have come together to bring you this awesome giveaway! One winner will be selected to win a 6-Month Subscription to Blockbuster with unlimited through the mail and unlimited in-store exchanges. Only 1 DVD out at a time.

Enter using the super easy Rafflecopter form below. For the first entry be sure to say that PINKMAMA'S PLACE referred you. Then, just "like" all our Facebook pages using the Rafflecopter form below for a total of 26 entries. You can also earn up to an additional 6 entries per day by coming back and clicking on the daily vote links and tweeting about giveaway.

This giveaway will begin on January 17th at 10:00 PM EST and run through 11:59 PM on February 1st, and is only valid for U.S. residents 18 years and older. Please note this giveaway is in no way associated with Blockbuster or Facebook.

Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Analyze a Blog in Your Niche~Day 1 (31 Day to Build a Better Blog)

I signed up to do a 31 Days to Build a Better Blog on http://www.thesitsgirls.com/ and I'm looking forward to learning more about blogging.

This week's theme is Assess Your Blog

Key Concepts for Today:
Studying successful blogs in your niche will show you what’s working well for them, as well as topics you might be able to tackle. Look close and see how they implement advertisements or promotions and what their readers are asking about. It’s important to note you don’t want to copy another blogger. Be unique, but allow them to inspire you!

Today’s Assignment:
1. Identify a successful blog in your niche.
2. Take 10-15 minutes to analyze the blog.
3. Share what you have learned here in this discussion string or on Twitter using #SITS31DBBB.

I LOVE http://www.scarymommy.com/ so I wanted to analyze her blog.  She doesn't have a lot of junk on her sidebars.  It's clean and she has other info about her blog on the bottom.  Now all her social media buttons are up on top where everyone can see and its just plain SIMPLE!  Also she has a COMMUNITY!  I haven't joined yet only because I've had some crazy history with message boards.  She also BRANDED her blog BIG TIME!  She now has a book coming out and I applause that hard work. But most important she is REAL and I love her posts because I can relate to a lot of them.

I also ENJOY http://www.aboutamom.com/ because she has a little bit of everything.  I like how she has Sponsor buttons but also all her sidebar info is nice and neat.  There is a lot going on but its organized beautifully and flows very well.  She has a "Pin" button on every post and since I'm a Pinterest addict I love that.  She has all the information I want on one page.


I have some ideas now and really need to do a blog makeover.

Legos for Girls- Friends

Lil Mama has a new hobby~ LEGOS!  Her brother loves his Legos and she wanted to start doing Legos too but it was always BOY STUFF.  She hated that but now she found GIRL LEGOS!

She saved up her chorepad points and got a TRIP TO TARGET and bought herself some Legos- Friends.  She is super excited and now wants the HOUSE for her birthday.  She wants me to find a table so she can set up her Heartlake City.  She wants to build all the sets.  She is super excited to have Legos just for her- not her brother BOY LEGOS!  

I highly recommend getting your girl the Lego Friends http://friends.lego.com/en-us/Default.aspx

Here she is with the start of her city:

Walgreens Supports the Community Without Express Scripts

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

Walgreens and Express Scripts have been in negotiations for the past year on their contract and have been unsuccessful.  So as of Jan 1, 2012 Walgreens nationwide are no longer a part of Express Scripts.  

 

This has caused pharmacy patients to find other pharmacies that are less convenient and sometimes farther away.  Walgreens offers more 24 hour and drive-thru pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country.  Patients are not saving money and now its taking more time and money to get their prescriptions.  

 

Express Scripts continues to make their money because as a middleman its profits have grown at a rate more than two times the average of peers in health care.  The relationship is unbalanced when the middleman is making more money that the providers.  Express Scripts wants patients to use their mail order pharmacy not the community pharmacy.  Patients have been going to their local pharmacies for years, there is a relationship built within the community.  I would rather go to the pharmacy that knows my family.  Express Scripts are taking away the convenience and the community out of the pharmacies.  

 

This also puts our Military Families in the middle because Tricare, the main Military health coverage, is one of Express Script's Clients. This means our Military families can no longer get their prescriptions filled at Walgreens. In many cases, Walgreens is the only pharmacy within a reasonable driving distance, are reasonably priced, or have the hours to accommodate the crazy military training schedules.  Walgreens even offered to contract separately for Tricare but Express Scripts rejected that offer.  

 

Walgreens unveiled a comprehensive national effort to make this transition as smooth as possible for patients.  Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.  An individual can join in JANUARY for only $5 or $10 for family membership.  Regular annual membership is $20 for individual and $35 for a family.  Thank you Walgreens!

 

Help support Walgreens and stay updated by liking Walgreens on Twitter and following Walgreens on Facebook

 

Read more: Walgreens and Express Script

Mom Blog Society Flash Giveaway 1/13 CLOSED

This is my 1st time participating in a FLASH GIVEAWAY and I'm super excited!  

Please enter below and see all the COOL prizes that are offered by Mom Blog Society, Pink Mama's Place and many other bloggers!  

The Daily Flash Giveaway is live from 9pm, EST (01/12) - 9pm, EST, (01/13). 


1 Winner Wins All 18 Prizes!!  Good Luck and look forward to doing this more!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FREEBIES: EBooks I Got TODAY

I don't have a Kindle (hoping someday I win one) but I do have iPad and PC that I download these books too! Don't have to have a Kindle to get these AWESOME books: FREE KINDLE READING APPS


  Get Organized! Your 12 Month Home Clutter Killer Guide : Organizing The House, Storage Solutions, Decluttering And How To Clean Your Home To Perfection

Absolutely Organize Your Family
Parenting pre-teens (52 Brilliant Ideas)
How to Sew: Basics
SMART SCHOOL TIME RECIPES: The Breakfast, Snack, and Lunchbox Cookbook for Healthy Kids and Adults

A Vacation I would Like To Take in 2012

Ask my kids and they would say:

But if it was up to me:

I would love to go to a SPA for like a week- by myself :)  I'm sure that won't be happening for years but it's worth the wait.

Disneyland seems to be our next family vacation.  I need to find deals or try to WIN a vacation.  Legoland looks fun too.

My Son and His Phone- Not Good!

Well it got taken away today and it hasn't even been a month yet.  He is 10 yrs old and we debated for awhile on getting him a phone but decided for his bday we would do it.  We don't have a house phone and he was using our cell phone for contacting classmates and family so this seemed to be logical answer.  Plus it was cheaper than having a house phone anyways.

We had rules:

• No bringing phone to school
• No texting/phone calls past 8pm
• No games or downloads w/o asking
• Nobody else use the phone

Guess what I got today...a call from his school.  He brought his phone to school but he let someone else use the phone and they sent an inappropriate text to someone.  The mom came to school and reported it- it wasn't my son who sent the text BUT doesn't matter he broke rules.  When I picked him up from school today I just held my hand out and he knew what he had to do.  Plus he had to call and apologize to the mom and his phone is gone until I think he has learned something from this- so far it's 2 weeks!  

I was disappointed that he broke the TRUST we had with him and how he broke the rules.  He is pouting in his room and as much as I want to give him back the phone to make him feel better, I'm  going to hold strong and he won't get his phone back until DADDY says so, LOL!

Barbie TownHouse- My "Fav" Retro Toy

I joined this BLOG DARE because this might help me when I have those "WTF do I write about days" which happen a lot!  Sometimes I want to write about stuff but not sure if anyone wants to really hear what is going on in my world so at that point I decided not to write anything at all. I want to be consistent this year and blog at least 5 times a week!

Today's prompt is: A favorite retro toy 

My FAVORITE TOY I got as a child was a BARBIE TOWNHOUSE! 

I loved my Barbie TownHouse and played hours and hours designing the rooms.  I also had the Barbie cool Van- I was ballin LOL!  My friends in the neighborhood would come over and play with me.  I thought I was SO COOL with my Barbie House. I think I even was mean to some girls and wouldn't let them play- oh my not cool Pam!  I would make furniture and added my own decor to every room.  When we moved one time it got ruined but it was fine since I was almost 13 and was on to BOYS.  LOL! 

When I had my lil girl I was so excited because I knew I was going to buy her a NEW VERSION the Barbie Dream House. Guess What?  Not going to happen- my lil girl is not into barbie or dolls.  I was a little sad when she told me last year NOT to buy her a Barbie house.  Oh well- not every girl loves Barbie which is OK and I have accepted the fact no more Barbie Dream Houses are in my future.  

Why Do I Crave Pepsi and Chips???

I fight this craving every month!  Most of the time I can fight the urge of the Pepsi because I remember how much weight I lost when I stopped drinking it.  But the CHIPS...oh my its usually wins.  Where is my will power?  So here I sit with  big glass of Pepsi and a plate full of chips and cheese.  Not good people!  But I lost the fight today.  My "monthly" hurts like hell, I'm bitchy, I'm in pain, and being the biggest baby ever so my lunch is making me feel better. 

This year I really need to get it together and get healthy.  I know when I go to the DR soon they will tell me I need to loose weight.  Yes, I do want that but what is it going to take for me to actually DO IT!  I want to feel better, I want to live longer, I want to look good, and yes I want to loose weight. 

I bought YOGA classes 8 months ago and haven't used one class yet!  I need to do some changes for sure.  I'm lost on what is going to work for me but I'm willing to work at it and change how I eat, exercise, and my day to day activities.  I know my kids will keep me in line but I might need some help keeping me motivated and on track- anyone want to be that job??? 

This my "monthly" whine post, LOL! 

Overwhelmed- What Can you DO!

Do you have 100 different projects, ideas, or just NEED to get things done?  I know I can at least count a couple dozen projects I want to get done TODAY.  Always something to do, right?  Well then how do I prioritize all these things I want to get done plus the day to day tasks as well!  Sometimes I feel like I'm being pulled in many different directions and I just give up then nothing gets done.  Not good!  This year I want to work on my prioritizing capabilities.

• Make lists~when I write it down I can see what I'm facing.  Then I'll make sure to write down the steps to finish each project.  Best part will be crossing off when completed.
• Set priorities-~what needs to be done now, next week, and next month.  Knowing me I'll even have a year slot, lol!
• Focus~ this is probably the hardest for me.  I love doing 10 things at one time.  When I pick a task I need give my full attention! 
• Set time limits~dedicate a certain amount of time to each task.  Set a timer up would help.
• JUST SAY NO! My biggest downfall- if a friend, family, school, kids or even hubby ask me to do something I pretty much drop what I am doing and do that.  I need to stop that.

I'm thinking at night is the best time for me to plan my next day.  I want 2012 to be a productive year not just for myself but for my family too! 

Do you have any ways you like to share on how you deal with being OVERWHELMED?

Entering Giveaways Addiction

Yes, I have yet ANOTHER addiction- entering giveaways on blogs.  I started back in October because I wanted to win some cool gifts for Christmas.  I won a couple things here and there but nothing huge but I don't mind at all.  I enjoy entering something everyday.  I can spend a lot time entering too- so I give myself a time limit.

I'm gaining far more than the prizes by entering these giveaways because I'm also connecting with these blogs on Facebook, Twitter, Goggle +, and Klout.  My network is growing plus my readership on my blog has INCREASED in the last month.  I've been in contact with some awesome bloggers and I'm looking forward to being one of these cool sites in 2012.

Now my family and friends probably don't like all the FB posts about all the giveaways I've entered but I'm sure they won't mind when I share what I win when Birthdays and Christmas comes this year.  My hubby loved the iTunes card that came in the mail the other day.  Also I won a Restaurant.com ecard so we will be going out on a date soon.

Wonder what I will win this year???? What is your favorite item you won by entering giveaways?

Waitress Rant~ Last Minute Customer

Ok I get it the sign says OPEN until 2:45 but WHY come in at 2:43?  Yesterday was a slow day at work (middle of week) and no one was in past 2pm so we were doing our closing routine and we were almost done when this guy comes in at the very last minute...2 minutes before closing time.  Of course we can't turn him away but you should have seen every one's look...like WTF REALLY we were almost ready to leave.  We have been there since 7:30am on our feet so we were all ready to go home early.

When dude comes in he looks at his phone and says PHEW I HAVE 2 MINUTES TO SPARE.  He then shouts his order and walks to the farthest table in the cafe.  We bring him water and ask if he wants anything else and he says "I already told you my order".  I had to turn away before my look hurt him.  So now we are at a standstill for 20 minutes because we completed our closing work and only needed to do the balancing of the money- which we can't do until he pays. He ate and then sat there for another 15 minutes reading and we really can't say anything.  He left a $1 tip and not even a SORRY or a THANK YOU.

This is just a RANT on my behalf- did he do anything wrong NO but still wasn't cool in my book and a sorry would have been nice- just saying!  If I was that dude I would have not even tried to come to a cafe that was close to closing.  I would have said SORRY and THANK YOU for sure.  I would have left a bigger tip.  I sure wouldn't do that again.  The next time he comes in I might just mess up his order....just kiddeng I wouldn't do that on purpose! 

I have my VERY OWN Punky Brewster!

My lil Mama has her very own style.   She has never been a girly girl, even as much as I tried to dress her in dresses she refused.  Which now is fine but back when she was a toddler I wanted to dress her from head to toe in PINK GIRLY GIRL gear and she would take it off.  She didn't play with dolls and I so wanted to play dress up in princess dresses but she would tell me no.  I guess I should have seen this coming huh! 

She now wears mix matched socks and these leg warmers she got- I need to get her more!  She also LOVES skinny jeans and when I mean LOVE that is ALL I can get her to wear.  She does throw in a lot colors and designs and pulls it off!  She also has colored hair pieces for example in above pic she has only one side with her purple braids. 

She also LOVES shoes or boots. With her Xmas money she went to the Van store and bought her own high tops: 

Everything matches her personality that is for sure!  She doesn't know who Punky Brewster is but I do and she is one of kind just like my Lil Mama!

Here is a video she made this morning~ She LOVES Justin Bieber 

Never Say Never- Sahara Rae

Lil Man- he is whole other Post!!!

My 10yr old son and GIRLS! UGH!

We went to a friends house last night and there was a girl he hasn't seen for awhile and someone told him that she likes him.  He was being shy but I noticed she was being a bit mean to him  (girls do that) so then he came whispered to me "mom (insert name) doesn't like me so now you don't have to worry about that"- oh geez thanks kid! I have to say I've been a bit discouraging him about girls- I want him to stay a boy for a bit longer.  He has had a crush on this girl for awhile now and when he found out she might like him too , he was all excited.  Thank goodness when he found out it wasn't true he just moved on and didn't get upset.

Driving home I was thinking he was over this girl now since she didn't want anything to do with him and so no more girlfriend talk or I like a girl talk for the night, right well I was wrong he dropped a bigger bomb on me.

He comes over and sits with me and says  "What if I marry my best friend after college? Let's say we go to elementary, middle, high, and college together and we just fall in love would that be ok?"  I had to think about this and then I realized I knew who he was talking about and I told him "Baby, lets just worry about being  10 and loving Lego's not girls right now- you will have so much time for all that in the future"  He looks at me and gives me a huge hug and says "You are right, Lego's are so much easier than Girls" and runs off to his room.  If he only knew what he was in for he would play with Lego's FOREVER!

Let the games begin!

FREEBIE- Organize for a Fresh Start EBOOK!

Thank you to: http://www.momondealz.com/  for letting me know about this freebie.

Organize for a Fresh Start: Embrace Your Next Chapter in Life It's normally $14.95 but FREE today (don't know how long it will be free)  Woohoo! I downloaded the book to my iPad but you can send it to you phone, pc, or kindle. I love FREE BOOKS!

Let's see if this gets me in the mood to ORGANIZE!  When kids get back into school I need to continue with my 21 Days of Clutter Free!

Bye Bye 2011!

I have to say I'm happy to leave 2011 behind.  It was NOT our best year and I hope we don't carry it over to 2012.  Last night we talked about some things we want to do in 2012 so I'm going to write them down here and on Jan 2013 come back and see if we did all or at least some of our goals.

My hubby
*leave his job that makes him depressed  (he needs to do this)
*start doing his airbrush full-time
*stop smoking cigarettes when he gets stressed

Myself:
* do something other than waitressing- my body can't take too much more!
* get organized at home
* need to be healthier
* hair cut SHORT

We have more but I won't bore you with all that!  We reflected more on what we wanted too improve and change in our life.  My hubby's wants me to be healthier and I totally agree.  I'm tired of being sick, tired all the time, and depressed- someone needs to go to the DR!  Dr's always give you bad news and you always need this test and that test- more money out of pocket that stresses me out even more- vicious cycle I say! But I will do it!

Kids are good- phew!  They are on the right track :)  They wanted their goal to be go to DISNEYLAND- I had to laugh at that one.  Someday kids SOMEDAY! GEESH!

One thing I want to BUY this year is a BIKE!  I would like a PINK bike but hey I won't be so picky :)

Also on the WISHLIST:
I need to see my family for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
We need to celebrate our birthdays with a PARTY!
We need to go out for New Years 2013!

My 2012 Resolution: STOP PROCRASTINATION

Of course every year I hear "What is YOUR New Year Resolution?"  and every year it is the SAME!

• Get Organized
• Loose Weight
• Clutter Free My House
• Eat Healthier

Am I asking too much or doing too little?  I little a both.  I'm a PROCRASTINATOR and as much as I try to ignore that fact it still happens.  So I guess what I need to work on this year is my PROCRASTINATION because than everything else can fall in place.  Baby Steps...right?

Planning stuff out seems to help me a lot!  Plus reminders on my phone and iPad has been helpful.  I need to PLAN out my days and then I can stick to a schedule.  

I want to be a REHABILITATED PROCRASTINATOR in 2012- my goal for the year. 

Found a cool article in my email box to day that might just help: Seven Easy Ways to Get Organized for the New Year Read more: Seven Easy Ways to Get Organized for the New Year - Good Housekeeping

I have a notebook, planner and digital organization apps on my iPad and I WILL USE THEM in 2012.

What are your favorite ORGANIZATION TIPS or how to STOP PROCRASTINATION?

A site that has given me some cool tips has a monthly calendar full of tips! http://www.clutterdietblog.com/

January: http://www.clutterdiet.com/handouts/ClutterDiet-31Tips31Days2012.pdf

Oh yeah I signed up for a Time Management Email Course: http://www.effective-time-management-strategies.com/time-management-course.html

Being a procrastinator effects every part of my life so I need to make this change!

Holiday Stress- Happy it's OVER!

I'm saying HOLIDAY because these days you don't know who celebrates what so best to keep it simple- just my opinion!  Anyways, whatever holiday you celebrate are you happy it is OVER?  I know I AM!

Holiday's stress me out!  I have 3 b'days to deal with in the same month and its so overwhelming.  Yes, I say "oh I'll start early next year" but to be honest I don't.  That's my fault I know.  Doing the day to day stuff plus adding into getting ready for something several months down the road is not in my mind-frame!  Maybe one year this might work but that means I need to stop being a "procrastinator" and good luck with that one.

I feel like I let everyone down when I don't send holiday cards out, bake cookies, or buy gifts for everyone in the family.  That's a lot of stress to put on someone who doesn't plan ahead at all. I could say my New Years resolution could be "I'm going to be more organized" but I say that every year, lol.  So then when I don't do those things I get all depressed and get in that "I SUCK" mode that hovers over me for the whole month!

I try my hardest to make it the best Xmas for the kids and I do get that done!  We are not the religious family on the block so yes its about the presents- sorry.  I have one kid who doesn't believe in Santa and one who LOVES Santa so I adjust to that.  This year I let Lil Man set out the half eaten cookies and the empty milk cup.  He wanted to bring up "Santa's" presents but I said "I still want him to enjoy the excitement of surprise in the morning" so off to bed he went.

Cooking Christmas dinner is also a chore I wasn't looking forward  (I'm not of fan of cooking, remember) to  but I didn't stress over it and it was a wonderful dinner that the four of us enjoyed.  Still enjoying Ham sandwiches!

Biggest STRESS what not being with FAMILY!  I hate living so far away from my family (only in December though) but we Skyped and that was fun watching my grandma (90 something) figure out why I was talking out of a laptop.

Now CLEANING up after the holiday is just a lost cause until all kids go back to school!

So I guess now I have to think about my 2012 plans/resolutions- so stay tuned for that. :)

Maybe I should do this next year:
 http://www.household-management-101.com/reducing-holiday-stress.html

Freebies~ Ebooks from Amazon.com

I haven't read them yet but I will soon! I wanted to share this FREEBIES before they goes away. If they are good I'll let you know.

FREEBIE: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times

This free e-book works on all e-readers -- Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, iPod Touch, iPhone, and others, and all generations of them. Don't worry, if you don't have an e-reader you can still enjoy this free book on your computer.  

To download from Amazon: http://amzn.to/shsW6O 

To download from Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/tYS2cB

To download from Apple iTunes: http://bit.ly/tYiaoD

To download from Kobo Books: http://bit.ly/uMSyrX

Thank you~ Shelton Interactive and Chicken Soup for the Soul

iCaughtSanta.com 1/2 off CODE! GREAT GIFT IDEA

Wouldn't it be so cool to put a picture of Santa in the kids stocking this year with him somewhere in your house!  Kids will go crazy seeing that Santa was in their house!  I showed the pic I made to my daughter and she LOVED it and is so excited to see if Santa takes a picture this year too!

I ran a contest earlier this week and 5 codes were given away!  However, if you are still interested in getting your picture you can enter this code: SANTA50 and get your entire order for 1/2 price! Even SHARE the code with family and friends!  iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

Remember to go to  iCaughtSanta.com  and enter SANTA50 and get your entire order 1/2 off!

Have a blessed holiday!

I LOVE My Chore Pad App!!!

I won this app from http://www.random-dealz.com/ a couple weeks ago and let me tell you it's the best prize I have won in a long time!!  It was easy to set up and you can customize it so it fits your household! I was having a hard time getting my kids to do chores around the house- just little stuff like put away their clothes.  They are 10 and 7 1/2 so they are old enough to do somethings around the house.  Now they fight on who is going to do what!  So I had to assign morning tasks for one and night time tasks for the other.  I don't push it either- if they want the points they do the chore if they don't want the points then they don't have to! 

When I first set it up I was thinking the newness would wear off in a week or so but they are still going strong.  They are both going towards the goal of the DATE WITH MOM, which is the highest reward :)!  I also put homework and reading as chores (even though I didn't have to fight them to these) I wanted them to get points for these tasks as well.  During the winter break homework/reading was assigned but this time they are actually doing it without the "ohh's and aww's not now mom"

The best thing is my house is CLEAN and I got help!  Every morning they check the list and through out the day do their chores.  They don't get points if I already did the chore though.  The only thing they haven't been doing is the dishes chore...darn because that is my least favorite chore.  But hey I'm just super excited their rooms are clean :)

I also put on a behavior chore- be nice to sibling worth 3 points.  With the winter break they are fighting like cat and dogs!  So lets see if this works, just put it on there today. 

If you want to more info check out http://www.nannek.com/chorepad.html

Christmas Guilt Go Away!

This has been a HARD year on everyone and you can really feel it around the holidays.  I do understand that Christmas is not about the most or best presents but as a parent I feel bad I'm not able to get my kids what they want. 

I took some time off work this year that caused us some financial struggles and of course we are feeling it big time now.  So in my head I feel like I messed up our family Christmas.  I wish now I wouldn't have left my job because just maybe we wouldn't be in this hole we are in.  I hated telling my family (husband, mom, dad, older son, teachers, and friends) that Christmas will be late this year.  Now these people totally understand and are okay with this but it still hurts to tell them that.  Yes, I do understand Christmas is not about presents.  I still feel bad!

Last month I did do some shopping so I do have a couple presents to give them but this will be the smallest Christmas they ever had.  As a mom I feel the Christmas guilt!  I know my mom felt it too when we were growing up and I learned so much from her so I know I will be able to make this a special holiday no matter what!  We all go through the highs and lows and this year is a LOW and hopefully we will turn it around next year!

We have food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, and lots of LOVE so we will be just fine! 

I will make this a wonderful holiday for the kids though- no matter what!

Who is Nicole Scherzinger??

For the life of me I had NO IDEA who Nicole Scherzinger was until I did a search. Man, I feel bad now that I didn't know who she was!

She is a judge on the X-factor and all season I was wondering who the heck she was and I finally looked her up! She was a PussyCat Doll Lead Singer!

Well this was just a mindless post that doesn't have much content but it answered a question I was wondering and so there! ;) 

Twitter Blast~ Win A $100 Amazan.com Gift Card

Want to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card? Who wouldn't!!! I know I DO!

Hosted by Madame Deals and Jen from Kobiso, Makobi Scribe, Sason and Pobi are the sponsors!

Twitter Blast is open until January 1st so every day come back and follow a handful of people a day. Remember the more you follow, the more chances you have to win.

How to enter: Log in with your name and email or Facebook through the Rafflecopter.


*If the rafflecopter form doesn’t load usually reload page and it will show up!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win It Wednesday 12/14- iCaughtSanta.com Review & Giveaway

Oh I can't wait to PRINT this out and show my kids!  Lil Man doesn't believe anymore, some grown adult (won't name names) told him Santa isn't real last year and he has been teasing his sister like crazy.  I've explained to him that I would like him to stop and just let his sister BELIEVE until she doesn't anymore- he agreed.  So when I print this out they are both going to LOVE IT!  This is our tree from last year and with the help from http://www.icaughtsanta.com/ I was able to place Santa in the picture with 3 easy steps! 

What a cute gift idea!  This was super easy and I love it!!!

If you want to surprise your family with a picture with Santa in your living room by the tree, or going down the chimney or even eating the cookies then ENTER my giveaway. You can pick from 20 different Santa poses. You will be able to change his size, brightness and color. You can also add a border if you choose- like I did!

ENTER BELOW FOR A CHANCE FOR A FREE CODE ! 

ALSO:

Bonus #1: 25% off with this code: SAVE25 Feel free to share as you wish.

Bonus #2: They will send me 5 additional codes to giveaway if you have more that 30 unique entrants in this giveaway. SO PLEASE SHARE with family and friends!!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

My Birthday...TODAY!

Yesterday I was quite grumpy about today....something about getting an year older is not a happy moment I guess. Anyways, woke up today and the LOVE I felt from my kids was so special it took all those feelings away!

The kids this morning sang me the Birthday Song 3 different ways and guess what didn't argue, fight or talk back- why can't that happen EVERY DAY!! 

I had the best cup of coffee and I was able to drink the whole cup without any interruptions.  What a difference that makes!  I got on Facebook and WOW the FB LOVE was amazing!  On holidays FB really allows you to reach out to people and let them know how you feel without buying the card and sending it :).  Got to LOVE FB!

Got a gift from one of my BFF's a beautiful shirt and scarf- of course in my FAV color PINK!  She ROCKS big time.  She came and picked up the kids for school so I even got a hug too!

I do have to work today (normally I don't work on Tues) but I will make the most of it plus it's only for a couple hours and I get a wonderful lunch out of it- so it's all good. 

My family says I will be chilling for the rest of the day so I will take that as I don't have to lift a finger today- as a mom/wife- best gift ever!  And I don't care what my house looks like until tomorrow morning :)!!!

Here are the HOMEMADE CARDS the kids made for me:  (I rather have them make me a card then buy one) Also in my son's card he is pointing his finger not holding a gun (I had to ask because I was going to freak out...lol)- he said he wanted me to know he was pointing at Lil Mama!  Than he looked at me and rolled his eyes when I said it looked like a gun.

Today I turn 40 something and so far its a wonderful day.  Tonight the kids are making me French Bread Pizza- one of my FAV dinners! 

Thursday it is Lil Man's B'day!