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Monday, February 27, 2012

What do I do with all my Pins on Pinterest?

Well I have spent many hours (ok days/months) on my favorite site Pinterest.  So NOW WHAT...I have many pins and boards full of awesome info/pics but what the heck am I going to do with them.  I guess I could actually TRY some of the ideas/how to's/recipes! What a concept , huh!

My weekly goal will be:


I also found a cool PRINTABLE for blog planning that I'm going to try out this week! Next week I will have  another one!

Evelyn Kate Designs


This weekend I did try a AMAZING CLEANING TIP from Life, Crafts and Whatever and OMG it worked. She tells us how  Dawn + Vinegar = Soap Scum KILLA II tried it but I do have to admit I didn't have BLUE Dawn Soap but it was GREEN and it worked lovely!  My hubby was impressed when I showed him.  The only thing that bothered me was the vinegar smell but it went away after couple hours or it could have been the candle I placed in the bathroom too! 

How do you USE PINTEREST????  

If you need a need a invite- email me at pamallen68@gmail.com and I will send you one :)


Saturday, February 25, 2012

Peace and Quiet- A Mom's Dream!

Or maybe it is just my dream!  Every so often my family goes out of town to visit my hubby's family- darn I have to work so I have to stay behind.  This weekend they left me and to be honest I couldn't get them out the door soon enough.  I know a bit mean but I had a migraine and I needed quiet.

Last night was awesome- I sat in pure quiet for hours (no TV, no music-NOTHING) just relaxing and trying to get rid of the headache.  It felt great.  Then at night I was able to watch all my goofy shows that no one likes and NO INTERRUPTIONS.  Usually at night the "Mom Referee" has to emerge to stop the fighting over toys, books, and the TV!  I didn't have to yell (lol) or roll my eyes or send someone to their room for hitting!  It felt good almost like a detox of some sort.

Today I got up and was able to get to work on time with little effort.  Usually I have to fight to get out the door with one kid attached to one leg and the other asking if he can play video games at 7:30 in the morning. I went to work and had a great day.  Then the best part was walking into the house that was CLEAN and I didn't have to hear " Sahara did this....." or "Ronnell called me a ......" it was pure quiet!  Did I say clean house...YES!   The vacuum lines are still showing- I love vacuum lines (I know a bit weird).

Tonight I plan to read my book I bought a couple weeks ago and watch a movie I want to watch- what more could I ask for!!!  Loving my peace and quiet for these 2 days but to be honest that is all about I could handle. I need my hugs, kisses, and loves from my family so I do miss that!  But don't get me wrong you know I'm going to enjoy every minute.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Elfishki and The Giant Cake iPad Review





My daughter and I really enjoyed this APP for iPad a lot.  The story was very colorful plus interactive.  I love that it asked questions on each page that made my daughter think!  Plus the questions asked them to count or find certain objects, letting them get involved with the story. My daughter can read but she also enjoyed when the book was narrated by a beautiful voice.  I think she has read or listened to this app everyday.  But the best part was the CAKE GAME (according to lil Mama)! My daughter spent some time making beautiful cakes and silly cakes. She made a cake for me and sent it by email when I was at work, that made my day!   She plans to make a cake for everyone this year on their birthday.  

If you are interested in getting this App CLICK HERE  your little one will LOVE IT!
Interested more of their stories, artwork and videos then VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
Follow on TWITTER
Like their Facebook Page

I recommend this APP for sure! 

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.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Review: Cook'n Recipe Organizer


Cook'n Recipe Organizer

The Easiest Way to...

  • Find the Best Recipes on the Internet
  • Capture and Save Internet Recipes
  • Enter Your Own Personal Recipes
  • Sync Recipes with iPhone, iPad, & Android
  • Print a Family Cookbook
  • Analyze Nutritional Values
  • Make Menus, Shopping Lists & More!
  • Get Free Cookbook with Purchase
If you want to get 50% off this program use this code during checkout: mb-pinkmama  ahttp://www.dvo.com/gcookn.html

My Review:


Search:  I can do a search on the Internet and find recipes I want and click CAPTURE and there it is in Favorite Recipe or my Go To Cookbooks!  You can name your own cookbooks.  Plus I can input the ingredients I have in the house and it will bring up all recipes for those ingredients- how cool!


Organize:  This is the coolest part!  If you are like me you have recipes in the kitchen, on the desk, in a file folder, saved somewhere on the computer but can you find "that" recipe when you need it?  Not me!  This program saves everything in one place.  You can organize by different cookbooks.  Right now I have Pam's Fav's and Pam's To Go cookbooks.  But I do plan to add more. I love this program!


Edit: Let's say I need to double a recipe or triple (bake sale stuff) so I pull up the recipe and add how many people this needs to serve and guess what...it does all the math for you!


Menu: Plan ahead- what is that?  Well I can do it now with hardly any thinking.  It allows you do it weekly, monthly,and 3 months.  I'm going to really enjoy this feature this week since it's shopping week.


Shopping list: This is probalbly my favorite part- it creates a shopping list for each recipe.  I can print the list or save on the computer and send right to my phone. Plus it gives you all the nutritional info too and now that I'm eating healthier this is very important.


Manually Add Recipe:  I have some recipes that go way back and are on index cards and now I can input them on this program and this helps me by keeping ALL recipes in one spot!


Print: You can print out recipes, menu plans, and cookbooks.
****************************************************************


Overall this is a WONDERFUL program that I think every household should have!  It also has tons of recipes already in the program plus they have over 100 cookbooks to buy! I have used it every day that I have cooked.  


If you want a chance to WINhttp://pinkmamasplace.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-freebies-blog-giveaway-hop-win.html  Closes 2/21.


If you would like to BUY: go to http://www.dvo.com/ and PinkMama's Place readers get 50% off with coupon code: mb-pinkmama  


IT'S WORTH IT!


Check out Cook'n Recipe out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Recipe.Organizer


If you want to learn more please watch this video:





I received this product mentioned above for free.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, February 17, 2012

CLOSED! February Freebies Blog Giveaway Hop~ Win the Cook'n Recipe Software!

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  Welcome to the February Freebies Giveaway Hop
February 18-21
Each participating blogger is hosting their own giveaway, with prizes worth at least $20. Be sure to hop through the list below and visit them all to enter to win! 

PinkMama's Place is giving away~

Go HERE  to read my full review

Omg this has been a DREAM of mine and I now have it- ALL MY RECIPES in one spot.  I'm going to write up a longer review this weekend but I'm telling you, this is something everyone needs!
LOVE IT BECAUSE:
  • I can save any recipe from the Internet
  • It will make a grocery list for me from any recipe
  • I can input how many people are eating and it will do the math for me
  • It will sync to my android (also iPhone) so I have list when I go shopping
  • Also sync to my iPad so I can have the recipe right there in the kitchen
  • Plus its already loaded with a lot of recipes
ENTER HERE

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The 10 Year Plan: My Fitness Challenge

Today I was reading "Fit Mom's For Life" book by Dustin Maher http://fitmomsforlife.com/ while outside in the sun and it just felt RIGHT!  I started a Weight Loss Challenge a couple weeks ago and the 1st week was GREAT then the 2nd week well I fell off!  I don't want to give up though!  So I got the book and read 2 chapters, my goal is to read 2 chapters a day and then blog about it.

What struck me the most is if I'm not in the right mind set then this isn't going to work.  I need to WANT this not because I want to loose weight but because I want to change my life.  Change is scary for me sometimes but I need to overcome that and look forward to what this challenge can really do for me in the long run.

Dustin writes about a 10 Year Plan- create a vision with my current negative behavior.  I took some time thinking what would my life be like in 10 years if I continue doing what I'm doing and this is what I came up with:

  • Fatter
  • Death knocking on my door
  • Always in bed
  • Grumpy with everyone
  • Unhappy
Wow- really and that is the Truth!  So then I took a deep breath and imagined what I WANT from my life in 10 years 
  • Healthier 
  • Happy
  • Wearing clothes that I love
  • Being outside more
  • In love with life
  • Traveling more
  • Owning my own business with husband
What a big difference and I won't get to where I WANT to be by doing what I'm doing now so YES I'm ready for change and I'm willing to work towards it.  

Weight Loss Challenge Struggles! Day 15

I'm going to be HONEST...I'm not sure if I was in the right Mind Frame when I started this challenge.  The book came a day before I started the challenge and yes I had looked at the eBook but did I actually READ it- NO!  I knew I needed to loose weight but was I really ready?

Yes, I changed my eating habits and have stayed within the healthy limits about 80% of the time.  I'm still not doing any goodies but I did have a soda the other day- husband brought it home for me.  Bless his heart he didn't know what to get me with my tuna on wheat sandwich.  Anyways, I been eating breakfast and sometimes drinking the water- kind of dropped off on that but I do drink water daily- that wasn't happening before.

Now the exercise- boy do I find all the excuses in the world not to this!  I don't understand either because I felt awesome after I exercised.  But life has been a bit stressful/depressing lately so I've been using that as my excuse.

I've been carrying "Fit Moms for Life" around the house with me but I haven't out right read it so my GOAL this week (starting today LOL) is to read 2 chapters a day.

Today I read 2 SUPERB Chapters that did that slap upside my head that I needed!  So my goal tomorrow is start fresh and not look back on what I haven't been doing- move forward!



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Flirty Apron Giveaway~ Guest Post

Cutest Apron Ever!


The Product

The Women's Original apron from Flirty Aprons is a feminine, yet durable apron that you will enjoy over and over again. The double-layer thickness protects from spills and messes, and the apron comes in many different patterns and colors. The Original apron has long ties so you can tie it in the back or front, and it is made to fit women of all sizes. Sassy, fun, cute and even sexy

My Review

I was so excited when my package arrived from Flirty Aprons. While I'm not much of an apron-wearer, I sure need one. I am a messy cook and could use some splatter protection and fun in the kitchen. Since the word Apron makes me feel like I'm a kitchen mom, I like to call it my fabulous kitchen accessory, or FKA for short. My Pink Chocolate FKA arrived and I put it to use the same day. My husband thought I looked cute. My son couldn't wait to have his little girlfriends over so they could try it on. (Now that he's nine, he's too cool to wear girly stuff so I couldn't get him to even try it.) I love the pockets and frilly, girly pattern. It makes cooking fun! My Pink Chocolate FKA (Fabulous Kitchen Accessory) is:
  • Sassy
  • Fun
  • Cute
  • Sexy
  • Practical
  • Well-made. I love the double layers
  • Handy (it has 2 front pockets)
  • Fits the "real woman" not just model size
The only thing I didn't care for was the tie at the neck. I would have loved to be able to just slip it over my head and go. But, I can leave it tied all the time, so it's really not an issue.

The Giveaway:

One lucky winner will get to choose a FKA ($35 value) of their own! You can pick from: Pink Chocolate, Blue Chocolate, Frosted Cupcake, Chic Pink, or Scarlet Blossom apron.
Giveaway is open to US residents only. Giveaway starts at 9pm 2/14.
Enter on the easy Rafflecopter below. Only 13 Mandatory Entries. Lots more optional entries. Please try to follow us with Linky Follows, as it is a new tool to replace GFC. Thanks and good luck!

ENTER HERE (or below)

Monday, February 13, 2012

How to Add A Pinterest Tab to Your Facebook Page

Okay so I came across a cool post today- How to add Pinterest to your Facebook Fan Page!  Woohoo-plus it's FREE!  I love PINTEREST and if my fans can enjoy my pins right from my page than a big double WOOHOO! Oh guess what I don't have to leave FB now to look at Pinterest- I just click on my Facebook page and look around from there!  Loving this!

Simple Steps:


  • Go to https://apps.facebook.com/iframehost-pin/  
  • Choose which page you want the tab to be placed on
  • Click on ADD
  • This will take you to your PAGE then click on the Welcome Tab (blue arrow by it)
  • Under "Page Source" click URL 
  • Enter your Pinterest URL or any page you want to showcase on your page
  • I changed the Tab Name to Pinterest (name it anything you want)
  • I kept everything else as it is!  I don't like changing stuff I have no clue on, LOL! 


Here is the post I got this info from plus they have pictures:
http://agbeat.com/real-estate-technology-new-media/hack-your-way-into-a-pinterest-tab-for-your-facebook-page/

BTW my pinterest page is: http://pinterest.com/pamallen68/

Hope this helps someone :) I know I'm enjoying this plus I'm going to PIN this post!


Sunday, February 12, 2012

So Sorry Whitney Houston~ You Will Be Missed




I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU Whitney! 



It's Not Right but It's Okay Whitney~ We understand this was not your fault!


I was in shock yesterday when I opened my Facebook page at 4pm on Sat Feb 11th to see yet another SUPERSTAR died.  They were sure quiet about WHY/HOW but I think we all knew why!  Hopefully, when the ME reports come back it will tell us something else besides drugs.  I'm not going to talk bad or look down on her because I think we all take a wrong road in our lives and some just get plain LOST! My heart goes out to her family and to everyone who loves this special woman!  



Friday, February 10, 2012

Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Day 10


Today I weighed myself and guess what I LOST 3 lbs (in 10 days) and I like that!  I feel so much better and turning down treats isn't bothering me anymore.  Water is still my #1 DRINK- no sodas and only 2 cups of coffee- compared to 4-5 cups.  I might not be the mommy blogger with the highest in points but I am trying and not giving up! 

I didn't exercise today because I work from 7am- 3pm and I'm on my feet pretty much that whole time running back and forth so my ole body is TIRED when I get home.  

Also I found out today it is totally hard to work at yummy breakfast cafe while on a diet.  Oh my did I want some blueberry pancakes and some bacon.  I had oatmeal for breakfast and sliced chicken-black beans-corn tortillas for lunch.  I felt very proud turning down the pastries that co-workers wanted to share with me.  I feel so good and I'm sure the exercise, change in food habits, and drinking the H20 has a lot to do with it!  
I really appreciate all the support from all the other mom's in this life changing opportunity.  

Plus I'm reading Dustin Maher "Fit Moms for Life" book and I'm learning so much.  I'll be posting a review/giveaway NEXT WEEK!  If your interested in weight loss you will need to read this book.  It has given me such a different out look on how to go about it.  I loved reading about other MOMS who did the program.  

Want to know more:

Also you can follow us on the #21MBC hashtag on twitter

Please visit  www.mommybloggerweightlosschallenge.com- if you are interested in JOINING March's Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge- email me (pamallen68@gmail.com) and I can send you info.  

Thursday, February 9, 2012

I love "The Voice" show!

This show has me in TEARS when I watch- tears of joy though!  The VOICES are just amazing and so is their stories on how they got there!  I love the fact the judges can't see what they look like until they turn around or hit the buzzer to be on their TEAM.  Then the contestants get to pick from who buzzed what team they want to be on. Such a feel good show!  Next Monday is Blind Audition #3 so I will have my DVR set (hubby doesn't like shows like that.).

So far these are my TOP PICKS:
http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/gwen-sebastian/
http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/lindsey-pavao/
http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/kim-yarbrough/

LOVED HIM and so happy he got with CeeLoo!
http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/jamar-rogers/

Also this guy was a former Mickey Mouse Club star and Christina didn't recognize him until after he was done singing and Adam picked him: http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/tony-lucca/


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge Feb 8th

Today I did the Wii Fit- 45 minutes!  Dustin's workout is AWESOME but I can't do that everyday.  I haven't been on the Wii Fit for about 2 years- lovely huh!  So it told me I gained 31 lbs and my Wii age is 59- WOW really Pam!

I forgot how much I enjoy the Wii Fit.  I first did the strength training then aerobics (love hula hoop) and finished off with yoga.  Some of the strength exercises I did very well in but aerobics I sucked!  I just need to get into that routine again.

Water is my #1 drink of choice these days.  Hubby just called and asked if I wanted McD's for lunch- Really?  I said no thank you and my Lean Cuisine pasta will do me just fine today.  I did forget breakfast today though.  Had some cleaning to do plus some computer work so went right back into my regular routine but I won't let that happen tomorrow!

I'm still at no GOODIES- which let me tell you is hard but I feel good about it.  Last night Hubby made cookies and brought them into the bedroom then asked if I wanted one.  I shook my head- no thank you and gave that WTF look.  He said he was sorry, sat right down and ate 6 cookies.

My kids are my biggest cheerleaders!

Tonight's dinner is fish, red potatoes and salad.

Read more about this challenge at : http://mommybloggerweightlosschallenge.com/   Dustin Maher is the sponsor for this wonderful workout, book, meal plan I was offered to be part of this challenge.

Also check out: http://fitmomsforlife.com/

There will be a NEW challenge in March!  Get to it!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

1st Time in over 12 Years I Couldn't PAY My Rent

Wow...now I know I'm living in some hard times.  What a big slap in the face to us plus my landlord.  Ugh... I hate disappointing people too.  In all my years RENT is paid first and everything else is 2nd but this month everyone will be paid late!  Just depressing but my hubby won't let me get down and says PRAY ( if anyone else would like to pray for us- please do).

My hubby is getting garnished for the past couple months and WOW it SUCKS.  For a family who goes from pay check to check and when they take out $600-$900 a month that is a big hit for this family.  The only good thing that is coming out of this is an old bill from before we were married is almost paid off!

I picked up my check from work today and for some strange reason I was expecting more ( I think it was more wishful thinking than anything) but hey it is what it is.  I need to pick up more days or find another job.

This is a time I wish we had credit cards to help us through hard times like this but we don't because we feel if we don't have the money we don't need it.  But guess what we need a roof over our head so maybe we might want  reevaluate the "no credit card" policy.

We will be OK in a couple weeks- thanks to TAX REFUND! It will be a our little shot in the arm we need.

Now let's hope PG&E, Cable, and Car Note people understand this domino effect that is happening in our house.  Times like this I really need appreciate what we have and what we can loose.

I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer- just expressing what the heck is going on at the Allen's and this is why I love my blog.  It helps me process what is happening and do better.


I still have my smile and I'm not going to let this get me down....I promise!


Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge Feb 7th

I had a bit of a detour but I'm back on track! I went through some health issues that caused me to be in bed for a few days so no exercising at all. However, I kept eating healthy and drinking my water. I didn't want to give up because of this minor setback.  I've stayed away from goodies and sodas! That is a big accomplishment for me so I'm patting myself on the back for that!

PROUD OF:

  • I'm eating healthy
  • Bought batteries for Wii so I can also do the Wii Fit 
  • Not giving in to temptation of goodies even when they are in my face 
  • Drinking water 
  • Writing in a journal 
  • Not giving up

NOT PROUD OF:

  • Health issue
  • Lack of energy to exercise
  • Not keeping track of my points

Usually I would just give up since I didn't exercise for a couple days HOWEVER I'm not going to let myself to do that this time so I'm going to pick myself up and CONTINUE!   I'm going to finish this challenge no matter what!  Also not beating myself up emotionally helps a lot! 

Found this on Pinterest today: 
Stay tuned to see how I do! 

Other Blogs Doing the Challenge:

I'm Feeling HUMAN Again!

Wow, I was pretty much out of commission for 3 days! This might be a TMI post because I'm going to talk about FEMALE ISSUES- that's what I call it, LOL! As I get older my female issues get worse. One month I won't even know it is coming and it will be all good then the next month I'll be a bit bitchy (more than usual)but there is one month it takes over my body and I can't function! I'll be in consistent pain and it feels like I'm in a fricken black bubble of misery! This month it took me down for 3 days. I had to work as a waitress for 2 of those days and let me tell you it was hard not to bite off every single persons head I work with- btw they are all men so man that was super duper hard to keep my cool. It was like I transferred myself to another character (Pam the Super Waitress) but as soon as work was over please let me go home so I can crawl into bed and CRY! Hubby and kids are great during these months- they have been through enough to know I'm not joking I'M IN PAIN LEAVE ME ALONE! I try my hardest not to be mean or cry too much around them though. My hubby yesterday came to me and told me whatever it takes I need to go to the DR! He is worried something is wrong and I'm sure he is right. A big part of me is soooooo scared to learn something bad is wrong so I don't want to go to the doctor but I need to be around for my family so I need to go ASAP! I'm not a young chicken anymore so this is very important and I need to suck it up and just go! Can you tell I'm trying to talk myself into it! I have never been a big fan of DR's due to an incident that happen when I was young. Being out of commission is HORRIBLE because I fall behind on EVERYTHING! The house, laundry, blogging, and the other 100 things I'm doing get pushed to the side and boy its hard to catch up. Today is my catch up day! One blog post down and many more things to do! But hey I feel better and I won't be laying in bed all day so already a good day!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Howard B Wigglebottom REVIEW/BOOK GIVEAWAY


Wow this book came in handy at our house the other night!  When we got the book my daughter was so excited and read it over and over again.  Well last night she was almost ready to hit her brother and I said "What would Howard B Wigglebottom do?"  she felt her tummy and stepped back!  That is what Howard taught her!  This is GREAT book for kids and love the LESSONS that are taught in the book.  Both my kids said they could relate with Howard.  We have read this book every night this week so I know it's a hit.  We plan to bring it to school next week because I'm sure some of my daughter's classmates would like it too.  I give this book a double thumb up!

Also on the website:http://www.wedolisten.org/index.html they have lesson plans, games, free books online, color and print your own book, also stop bullying info! I would love to have every book in the Howard B Wigglebottom series. The sportsmanship book is something my son could use.

These books normally are $15 (hardback) but are now on SALE for $6!  Now that is a DEAL!  I even shared this deal with my school community.

If you want to BUY the Books: https://www.wedolisten.org/shop/

If you want to WIN: Enter BELOW!! And GOOD LUCK- they are worth it!

My 1st Day of the 21 Day Weight Loss Challenge


Wow yesterday was a hard day to start a Weight loss Program but I did what knew I could without stressing myself out even more than I was.  School Drama~ I won't bore ya with all the gory details.  

I've been gearing up for this Mommy Blog Weight loss Challenge for a couple weeks now so I was super excited about FEB 1st! I went grocery shopping and it felt GREAT to buy healthy foods.  I didn't know what the food program was going to be but I did some research online for healthy meals and rolled with that.  I'm a picky eater ( way worse than my kids- its just sad) but I manged to pull some meals together.  I talked to my kids and they are on board!  My hubby is on board but he is SNACKER so I informed him that all his goodies (chips, cookies, cake, candy he will have to buy) and he was OK with that.  BTW he can snack day and night and never gain a pound- hate him (JUST KIDDING)! 

Also I wasn't prepared to give up coffee (quite yet) but I promised (to myself) that I will do 2 cups not 4 a day.  So yes I will get 2 minus points but I'm OK with that.  I did eat healthy and actually had breakfast (oatmeal and a banana), first time in a LONG TIME!  I drank water yesterday- big ol bottle went everywhere with me.  I didn't break when I was in a stressful meeting and DOUGHNUTS (all kinds) were right in front of me!  Usually at this meeting I would have had chocolate sprinkle and a cup of coffee but I sat there with my bottle water- big kudos to me!!!

I took the kids to the park- so I got outside but a friend was there so I ended up sitting down talking to her instead of walking around- bad!  But hey its okay I had a wonderful talk with someone I haven't seen in long time.  Bad News~ I wasn't able to work in a workout but it's OK because I'm going to work extra hard today!  

I did take BEFORE PICS- (ugh do you know how hard it is to post these!!!!) 




Did do my measurements:

Arms: 15/14
Legs: 18/18
Thigh: 27/26
Waist: 42
Chest: 43
Hips: 46

So my 1st day was somewhat of a bust but I didn't give up and continued what I could and I feel really good about that!!  I did 82 points!

On to Day 2- Today!!!!   

If you are interested in Joining please email me at pamallen68@gmail.com and send me a link to your blog (have to be a blogger) and I can send you a code to get in for free!  You can start now or NEXT MONTH March 1st!  

Check out Crystal’s Transformation it is AMAZING! 


Also you can follow us on the #21MBC hashtag on twitter

 Please visit  www.mommybloggerweightlosschallenge.com for more info!  

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of the book for review purposes only. I did not receive any other compensation and all opinions are my own.




Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Last Week's Problogger’s 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Homework

Day 4: {Intermediate} Use a Magazine to Improve Your Blog: 
I did this with only magazine I have at home~ Family Circle and I actually got a few ideas for blog post and FONT ideas.  Also let me read my magazine which I do maybe 1 or 2 months down the road.  I will be using this tip from now on when I need some blog ideas! 

Day 5: {Intermediate}: Monitor Statistics on Your Blog Need to start tracking : 
I need to keep track of: Overall Visitors, Most Popular Posts, Referral Stats, Bounce Rates, Daily/Weekly Trends, and Exit Pages. I set up a Google Spreadsheet. 
How to make at Stat Book: http://www.kludgymom.com/creating-a-statbook-tutorial-b2sb2b-week-5/  this how I set up my Goggle Spreadsheet.

Day 6: {Intermediate} Make Your Blog Mobile Friendly 

I have to work on Apple Icons and  Meta Viewpoint Tag  Go to http://marketing.grader.com/ and it will let you know what you need to work on!  LOVE IT!

Day 7: {Intermediate} Create/Update a Sneeze Page for Your Blog


This one was hard but I did a couple: http://pinkmamasplace.blogspot.com/p/about.html and http://pinkmamasplace.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html.  
Down the road I plan to do a sneeze page for:
*Market Mondays
*Tip Tuesdays
*Win It Wednesday


Day 8: Hunt for Dead Links Day 9: {Intermediate} Interlinking Blog Posts

This post helped me a lot!   I took out some old buttons, widgets, and just silly stuff that wasn't needed on the sidebar:  http://www.kludgymom.com/the-11-point-blog-inspection/


I'm working on my labels/categories and will go in and add to posts I never added the labels too.  If I do one a day I will get caught up soon.  I have a lot of categories and I need to narrow them down.

Guest Giveaway: Love with Food Giveaway/Review

Love With Food Giveaway 
and Review
by Brae Craig at
Love With Food is an amazing group of foodies, putting together adventurous tastes for all kinds of chefs, from beginners to the extremely talented! Their website is full of delicious recipes and amazing products. The coolest thing of all are the subscriptions. I received a free subscription for this review, which is a box full of samples to try. If you sign up for the monthly subscription, for a mere 14.00, you get a box, like the one shown below, filled with delicious, healthy samples! 
The absolute best part of this is, when you buy a box, they will donate a meal to No Kid Hungry!!! 
Of course, I was waiting for my sample box, and when I got it, I eagerly opened it to find all these delicious goodies waiting for me! Of course, my children gathered round, ready to sample with me. 
We'll start with my FAVORITE!  Spicy Apple Ginger Cider Chews by The Ginger People. I didn't let my kids try this...because they were too delicious. LOL. Also, it was very hot, but very flavorful. I will be buying some of these on my own! From the same company, The Ginger People, were Original Ginger Chews. I didn't care for these too much, because they were really really strong, and hot, and quite overwhelming. My husband, though, thought they were SUPER good. I'm also very curious about their affect on morning sickness. I have read that ginger can calm the stomach. I think, though, that these would be best cut into 4-5 pieces. A smaller bite might make it less overwhelming.
Sahale Snacks- Almonds with  cranberries, honey and sea salt. - EVERYONE in our family loved these. It was the perfect mix of sweet, tangy and salty.
It's also a given that my whole family thoroughly enjoyed the Plain Jane peanut Butter Granola from Nuts About Granola. It was, mostly, as one might expect, but with a delicious peanut butter flavor. My kids were very disappointed when it was all gone.
Somersault Snacks- Pacific Sea salt. As per the pamphlet I got in the box: These crunchy nuggets are made with sunflower seeds and toasted grains, making them rich in protein and vitamin E. I really REALLY wanted to like these. I like sunflower seeds a lot, and so do my kids. Plus, it had a really super cute package. Alas, it wasn't in the cards. I did not like them at all, and two of my kids actually spit them out. Even my husband didn't care for them, and he likes everything.
Mighty Leaf Tea- Chocolate Mint Truffle.  I let my husband test this, as he is the tea drinker in our house, and, as it's a Rooibos tea, and he LOVES Rooibos, I felt he was a better judge than I. He said that he really liked it, though, it was more of a mint tea than a chocolate mint tea. It didn't taste like chocolate at all, though, there was a hearty, earthy flavor to it, which he suspected to be the "chocolate" flavor. 
Stretch Island Fruit Co- I actually buy these all the time, but i've never had the Mango Sunrise flavor. It was delicious. And I didn't share.
(The Somersault Snacks we didn't like)
(the Delicious almonds and cranberries with sea salt.) 
Now it's your turn! I have been given the ability to award FIVE WINNERS with a sample box similar to mine!!!  Enter to win on the rafflecopter below!
***DISCLAIMER:  I received one or more products for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally, and believe will be good for my readers. ***
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, January 30, 2012

Getting Ready for my 21 Day Mom Blogger Weightloss Challenge

Today I'm going FOCUS on what I need to do to get ready for this challenge and not be the spoiled brat who wants to eat and eat.  I need to work on a Food Plan, Exercise Plan, and what I'm going to blog about.  


This is the challenge I'm taking: http://mommybloggerweightlosschallenge.com/ I will be posting 3 times a week about my progress plus I might do a video post too! This is going to be a life changer!


Rules:

MUST BE COMMITTED!
MUST HELP PROMOTE!
MUST EITHER WRITE A PROGRESS POST AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK TO EVERY OTHER DAY OR DO A VIDEO DIARY ONE A WEEK OR EVERY OTHER DAY!
MUST POST YOUR POST TO TWITTER AND FACEBOOK!

I will be posting a GIVEAWAY for his book "FIT MOMS FOR LIFE" by Dustin Maher on Feb 1st!  Come back to enter.  BTW the way its an AWESOME book that every mom who wants a healthier life needs to read.  Look for a REVIEW of the book with my giveaway. 


ALSO WHY DO I DO THIS:  OMG I have been eating and eating like this food won't ever be around again.  My excuse to myself  is I'm starting a diet on Feb 1st so I should eat all the CANDY, CHIPS, and SODA, I can until Feb 1st! What am I doing!  Sabotage comes to mind for sure!  Stop it Pam!!



 I/We are using Dustin Maher's Fit Mom's For Life Program. To learn more please visit Fit Mom's For Life.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

CLOSED: FLASH GIVEAWAY- 1 Winner Takes ALL~ Jan 28th-Jan 29th

Mom Blog SocietyMom Does Reviews and many other great bloggers have joined together to bring you a fabulous MBS Daily Flash Giveaway. ONE winner takes all prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Funny Friday- Favorite Pinterest Pic of the Week


Now we (bloggers) all know we have said this to ourselves when we say/do/see things that are blog worthy!  


My kids will do something these days and ask "are you going to put this on your blog?" or if they get in trouble its "mom, please don't put this on your blog!" so it sounds like my family knows- I'M GOING TO BLOG ABOUT YOU!  I try not to blog too much about my hubby- that can get a bit messy and of course I don't want him mad at me- don't bite the hand that feeds you kind of thing of going on!!! 


Well of tho work I go but of course I would rather be here BLOGGING!!  


Also FOLLOW me on Pinterest~ http://pinterest.com/pamallen68/


What is Pinterest~ Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and share their favorite recipes.




If you need a Pinterest Invite~ email me at pamallen68@gmail.com and I'll send one :)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Win It Wednesday- Link Up Giveaways

Link up your Giveaways
Enter the Giveaways

OPEN ALL WEEK!

Have Fun and GOOD LUCK!!! 

PS EMAIL WONT SHOW!  Also try to enter the giveaway above yours! Let's share the fun and lets WIN!






Tuesday, January 24, 2012

School Bullying- What Can Be Done???

Yes, I know every school has bullies and it's something every kid will have to deal with at some point in their school life. But as a parent I HATE IT! I don't want to go up to the school and have to hurt some kid- just kidding of course!!!

 My 10 yr old son is being called some HORRIBLE HURTFUL names and wants to go to another school so bad! If he tells on the bullies then of course he gets picked on for that too. He has been at this school since he was in Kindergarten and we have held on because I wanted stability for my kids (something I didn't have). The school has been going through changes the whole time we've been there and now its a whole new school environment- nothing like it was when we started. Different kids/Different parents!

 My 7 yr old daughter has this one kid in her class that disrupts the class, hurts others, and takes the teachers attention away from teaching EVERY DAY! She is tired of dealing with this everyday. She wants to LEARN and not have to battle with others to do that!

 As a parent of course I want to MARCH right in that school and DEMAND CHANGE but of course that's not going to happen just like that. So how do I do this without being that PARENT that admin and teachers hide from because they don't want to deal with you? I'm disappointed that my children have to deal with the bullies everyday.  Every morning it's a challenge to get them out the door- today I lost the fight with Lil Mama- I let her stay home.

I do know I will be asking for some ANTI-BULLYING prevention. Will it help though??? I guess it might be time to move on for my kids sake but then will be it be different at other schools?

 What are ways you deal with bullies in your kids school?  Or how does your school deal with bullies?

CLOSED End of the MONTH BLOWOUT GIVEAWAY~ 1/24- 1/31

Photobucket
 JANUARY'S END OF THE MONTH BLOWOUT!! THIS MONTH 11 BLOGGERS HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO OFFER YOU $55 IN PAYPAL CASH OR A $55 AMAZON GIFT CARD! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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