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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Looking for Middle Schools for my Son

Okay this is a big responsibility and WHY are there so many choices and deadlines.  When I was growing up...you went to your neighborhood school. Nothing too hard about that.  Not here and not now.



This week I have one tour at a Charter School that my son really wants to go to so of course I'll go check it out. Sounds very interesting and some where my son would really fit in.

Realm Charter School is designed to be a project-based, technology-rich learning environment that promotes critical and socially responsive perspectives. This means that students will learn to think about the world as a set of interconnected systems that can be affected through rigorous studies and action. Students will navigate and create complex information networks, virtual worlds, and immersive learning environments by utilizing emerging technologies. Moreover, through culturally relevant instruction and curricula, students will recognize and own their ability to shape our world and to better humanity.

Next week I go to another Charter School- NOCCS.  This school both kids can go to and its only a couple miles from our house.  This school is more our speed than the school we go to now.  The school we go to now we feel lost and the kids have had a hard time adjusting. But it is an awesome school!

 North Oakland Community Charter School is a public school dedicated to helping children become thoughtful, informed, and inquisitive citizens. NOCCS is a vibrant, diverse learning community driven by respect for each child’s unique intelligence and history. The school’s dynamic and challenging educational approach deepens the intellectual and social capacities of each child.

Wish me luck and I hope we get into one of these schools!!!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

UNREAL Candy Moms Meet Facebook Party on 1/14


You're invited to join the UNREAL™ candy Moms Meet Facebook party, where you'll get the chance to win UNREAL™ candy! This is your chance to chat live with representatives from UNREAL™ and learn more about their brand. It's all happening on Monday, January 14th at 3:00 P.M. EST, and here's how it works:
  • When the party starts, log into Facebook and head over to the Moms Meet page.
  • Representatives from UNREAL™ will be posting on our page to answer your questions about their brand and products.
  • Ask your questions, share your comments, and participate in the discussion during the event. Be sure to stick around until the end, when we'll announce the 5 lucky winners on our Facebook page!
For your chance to win UNREAL™ candy, send questions about UNREAL™ before the party starts using this online form. They want to hear your questions about UNREAL™ candy! The winners will be announced at the end of the Facebook party!

Ready to join the fun? RSVP to the UNREAL™ candy Moms Meet Facebook Party today. Click here for Official Rules.

Favorite Pinterest Recipe~Baked Tacos

OMG they are so yummy and addicting!  This is now are favorite go-to recipe.  So happy Pinterest is in my life or else we would be just having plain ole tacos.  

photo from http://blogchef.net/baked-tacos-recipe/

Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Black Beans, Mexican Cheese, and Stand Up Taco Shells is all you need.  


  1. Brown ground beef. Drain off any fat and add black beans, and seasoning.
  2. Spoon mixture into taco shells.
  3. Place filled shells into a 9×13 pan, standing up. Sprinkle with cheese.
  4. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes or until heated through
Absolutely Yummy!!



Review: Kikkoman Soy Sauce Brine Chicken-YUMMY



  • I was given a wonderful opportunity to BRINE a chicken with Kikkoman Soy Sauce thanks to Smiley360! I'm very late on this review due to having surgery and just not cooking for a month.  I twisted my hubby's arm to do this for me so I can get to review up.  I'm so happy I did!  I've never BRINE anything in my life and let me tell you what a life changing cooking experience- YUMMY!!!  I plan to do this for Thanksgiving this year for sure.  Now it does take some work but it's well worth it.  I apologize for the lack of pictures (hubby forgot)!   
  • RECIPE:
  • 1 gal warm water
  • 34 cup kosher salt
  • 23 cup sugar
  • 34 cup soy sauce
  • 14 cup olive oil
PLUS the WHOLE CHICKEN!

  • Directions
Pour the warm water into a container that is twice the volume of the water. Pour in the salt, sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then allow the brine to cool to room temperature.

To use, place chicken in the brine, cover, and refrigerate two hours for skinless breasts, 4 hours for bone-in pieces, and 4 hours to overnight for whole chickens. Drain and pat the chicken dry before cooking. One gallon of brine is enough for 6 pounds of whole chicken or bone-in chicken pieces, and up to 10 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
We did overnight!  After taking it out- rinse off. Sprinkle seasoned salt over it and bake at 400° for 45 minutes.  ENJOY!
This chicken was so moist and tender!  Best meal I had in a long time.  We served with red beans and rice. Thanks to Kikkoman Soy Sauce and Smiley 360 for this opportunity. 
To get recipes, products and information please visit the Kikkoman website. You wont be disappointed!
You can also follow Kikkoman on Facebook for even more recipes, photos and coupons.  Go BRINE you a bird!

Disclosure: I received a free sample of Kikkoman Soy Sauce from Smiley360 to conduct this review. I received no monetary compensation and all thoughts on this product are my own

Monday, January 7, 2013

REVIEW: CoverGirl BlastFlipStick


THE ONLY LIPSTICK YOU'LL EVER NEED

The COVERGIRL blastflipstick isn't like anything you've ever seen. It's a double-ended lipstick, which, let's be honest, is awesome by itself, but there's even more to it than that. The blastflipstick has two shades — one soft, for day wear, and the other dazzling, for night. Wear separately or combine to create a shade that's all your own. It's your personal color palette, giving you endless pucker-up possibilities.


I was able to review 3 different Blastflipsticks and fell in love! I only liked one color VIXEN because of my lip color preference (pink) and the other 2 colors were bit darker than I would normally wear. I did share with my friends and they loved it as much as I loved mine.  I love the concept- 2 lipsticks in 1!  Can't beat the price it's under $10.  As a mom that means a lot to me.  I wore the shimmer during the day and at work then at night when I go out I would put on both. 

 I love having only one lipstick for all these looks:  I love the Matte/Shimmer mix the best.  I felt great wearing and got a lot of compliments so I think it looked good.




Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/covergirl
Follow of Twitter: twitter.com/COVERGIRL
Follow on Pinterest: pinterest.com/source/covergirl.com


I was able to do this review because I'm a member of BzzAgent-
(it’s free to join). I get to try cool products, for free, and even get coupons and special offers to share with friends. Then I make my voice heard by sharing my honest opinions about the great stuff I try with others, including some of the largest companies in the world. It’s great, you should come join me!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Kids Go Back to School- WOOHOO!




I know bad mom but I'm ready for them to go back.  The last 2 weeks have been busy with the holidays and keeping them entertained.  I'm exhausted!  I want my house back and give it a good cleaning.  I'm ready to work on some projects that I couldn't really do with kids around because I get distracted, of course!  


I'll try to hide my excitement but the kids keep asking why I'm smiling- ummmm because you two are going back to school and I get some peace and quiet.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

10 Steps To Self Care


Found this on Facebook and I love it now going to use it!

1. I learned #1 a long time ago- listen to my stomach.  I stay out of trouble a lot by doing this! 
2. "Exactly" oh wow that is going to be hard since I usually stumble over my words.
3. OMG really I'm the biggest Person Pleaser I know.
4. I can handle this one, no problem.
5. I can't say "Look how fat I look in these jeans"  OK whatever!  LOL
6. My Dreams....I have many and so true never give up! Will have to work on this one.
7. I'm not sure NO is in my vocabulary except to say to my kids and hubby!  I do need to do this though.
8. Yes Yes Yes...not scared.
9. I really need to be kind to myself this year.  Give a little to myself instead of always to the kids.
10. Easier said than doing that's for sure- but will be letting go of a lot in 2013.
11. That's a given,  I hate DRAMA!!!! 


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

I am HAPPY 2012 is DONE!

Wow, what a year 2012 was!  It was exhausting and I'm really looking forward to 2013.

My 2012 Highlights:

  • My relationship with my hubby became stronger.
  • I became a home school teacher for 2 months
  • Got kids in a good school- didn't want to home school anymore LOL
  • I won a iMac :)
  • I grew my blogs numbers
  • I lost some weight
  • We received Angel Love for the holidays
  • Oldest son came down to Calif for a couple months
  • Had a great family trip with my mom and kids
My Not-So Great Highlights:
  • My kids school went down hill and then closed
  • I was sick a lot!
  • I had 3 blood transfusion
  • I had an hysterectomy
  • Lost some important friendships but gained new ones
  • Kids had to be home schooled for 2 months

It wasn't the worse year but I am happy to say GOOD-BYE!







2013 Goals for PinkMama's Place



GOALS:

  • I'm really hoping to GROW PinkMama's Place in 2013.  
  • I want to have a successful blog and create a community.
  • What I need to figure out is what direction I want to take this blog.  Do I just do reviews/giveaways?  Or go back to my family stories.  I need to make that decision. 
  • I want to work on blogging relationships with other mom bloggers.
  • I want to overcome my fear of looking stupid on my blog.  I write from my heart and how I write is how I talk.  I'm not a english major and to be honest FAR form it!  
  • I want to learn more about SEO and use it!
  • I want to have a new design!
  • I want to take blogging to a new level and actually make money.  


************************************************************************

When I look at my goals they seem workable and I think I need to change the word WANT to WILL though!


  • I will GROW PinkMama's Place in 2013.  
  • I will have a successful blog and create a community.
  • What I need to figure out is what direction I want to take this blog.  Do I just do reviews/giveaways?  Or go back to my family stories.  I will make that decision. 
  • I will work on blogging relationships with other mom bloggers.
  • I will overcome my fear of looking stupid on my blog.  I write from my heart and how I write is how I talk.  I'm not a english major and to be honest FAR form it!  
  • I will learn more about SEO and use it!
  • I will have a new design!
  • I will take my blogging to a new level and actually make money.  

Now that looks much better!  I WILL!  Now I need to think about my PERSONAL GOALS!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Fun Printable New Years Activity with Kids


What a cool project to do with the kids!  Start a family tradition this New Years.  Please visit Today's Mama to download the PRINTABLES!  We are going to do this and then read them Jan 1st 2014.  

Do you have a family tradition that you do for the year? 


Please Share

 
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