Cher: The Film Collection - Great Collection of Movies!

What I Can Tell You: I have always been a Cher fan. I loved the Sonny and Cher show when I was a kid. I wanted to swing my hair like Cher and walked around wishing I was a "half-breed" or hung with the "gypsies, tramps and thieves" that she sang about during the lazy, hazy 70's.

Receiving this gift set was truly, a gift. Laying on the couch over the last two weeks being unable to do anything has been made bearable thanks to books and movies. How many re-runs of Friends, and Everybody Loves Raymond can one watch?

Moonstruck is by far one of my favorite movies. The paring of Nicholas Cage and Cher was shear magic. And, Mermaids, well....who didn't want a mom who served cheese doodles for dinner?

For a woman who started out on TV, showing her belly button and swinging her long, silky, straight black hair, Cher has really made a name for herself.

As the daughter of a Gay man who absolutely loves Cher, I can tell you that passing this along to Dad as much as I want to won't be happening. I had never seen Tea With Mussoloni or Chasity and loved them too.

Cher's range is truly impressive. The woman shocked the world with her costumes in the 80's but I believe as an actress she is one of the best.  I cannot wait to see her newest Burlesque with Christina Aguilerar. It will surely be excellent.

Great gift idea for any Cher fan.

New Author Alert - Brooklyn Story by Suzanne Corso

What I Can Tell You:
As a young girl, I lived in Bensonhurst Brooklyn when I was 13 1/2 years old after my mom died. It was a big move for a young girl from Millbrook, NY and I never quite fit in. Brooklyn is like a different world and I moved out the day I graduated High School.

Suzanne's Brooklyn is the real Brooklyn. It is about honor, family, tradition, silence, and rising above. Samantha is a smart, head strong girl who loves with her beloved Grandma and her ailing mom. She meets Tony through her best friend and suddenly finds herself thrust into the "Brooklyn Boy" world where females are disrespected, silenced and forced to look the other way while their, macho bad boys "peacock" around.

While Samantha is smart, her studly boyfriend quickly has her wrapped around his finger as attention and hormones dumb her down but only momentarily.

I loved and felt for Samantha. She is a good girl who is sidetracked by the beautiful Adonis who takes her shopping, out to eat, and commands respect from the Brooklites on the street.  What I loved most about this story beside the quick pace was how Suzanne, writes Brooklynese.  I was transported back to the Ave, eating at the feast, hanging on the concrete stoops with my buds, while the sounds of the radio blasts through the oppressive heat.

This is Suzanne Corso's first novel and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us.

I give this book a 5 out of 5! Great read.

Play-Doh Creations

Right before I headed to the hospital this month. Hasbro sent me a Play-Doh Creations Doh and Marker Set for the kids to check out.

My kids love Play-Doh and will sit and play for hours, creating everything and anything.  I have to say, Play-Doh has come a long way since I was a kid.

The box contained:
16 reusable coloring parts
4 wet erase marker
A playmat
5 two once cans of Play-Doh

You simply use the Play-Doh as usual only now you can create all kinds of creatures with the reusable coloring parts. Color the hard plastic pieces any color you want with the markers, put them into your Play-Doh and wah-la.....the best part, the possibilities are endless. A little water and a paper towel, rag or even your finger, washes the markers right off, so you can start all over again.

They were having a great time, creating and practicing for the holiday concert at school.

Favorite Book of December - Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros

What I Can Tell You:
I wasn't really sure this was going to work. A love story written in 140 Characters or less? It was beautiful. I think this book could have been completely hokey but it wasn't. Teresa's Abygail and Mark are truly likeable people. I loved the banter between them. It was smart and fun. I found myself smiling most of the time.

Can we really find love on Twitter? Who knows! All I can tell you is that when the twist happens I find myself praying and hoping. Teresa holds us until the very last pages with our breath held, we, run with Abigail and pray it isn't too late.

As someone who isn't a big Twitter person other than my direct posts I absolutely loved it!!!

Life Blessings for Christmas 2010

My kids got most of the things they asked for and were happy for it.

My husband has been amazing taking care of all of us while I had my surgery, my week hospital stay, my medical setback over the last few days and Christmas morning with the kids.

Sitting like a piece of furniture on the couch for the last few days unable to move or do absolutely anything for myself is SOOOOO much better than sitting in a hospital bed alone.

The unconditional love my husband has shown me is beyond "sickness and health".

My kids patience over the past few days while Daddy walks mommy to the bathroom and feeds her, cleans her and helps her has been amazing.

The love of my family, friends, and readers that I have felt over the past two weeks makes my heart sing with joy.

My grandparents who are in their 90's sending me a basket of Edible Arrangements. Although I was unable to eat any of it thanks to my surgery, my family enjoyed it and it is a blessing to be 44 and have grandparents around to send it.

The help, trust, assistance and love of an unbelievable, trust worthy, sweet, compassionate, girlfriend who has been there from the beginning and was around the day I asked in an emergency to drop my kids off so I could run to the hospital.

The friends and family members who have taken time from their busy days with their families to call me, txt me or say hello on Facebook.

My sister-in-law's confirmation that my babies will be taken care of along with their father if God forbid the worst happened.

The Christmas mircle of waking without pain that makes walking to the bathroom without my husband's 100% assistance manageable. He was there for support, in case of anything.

Hospital Update

Surgery sucked!
At least don't remember being wheeled out of Pre+OP. Was offered a cocktail by anesthesiaologist (did I spell that right). Rushed at first then nurse said "take him up on it!"

She shouted down the hall "changed her mind. Make it a sweet one"

He came back 2 mins later. Put it in my IV and I woke up in recovery! Hooray for me. More to come. Hard to type on crackberry with IVs.

Great Book Gift Ideas for Children

Goldilicious by Victoria Kahn the Author of Pinkalicious

What I Can Tell You:
We are big fans of Pinkalicious (here and here ) and Goldilicious doesn't disappoint. Goldilicious is of course Pinkalicious' unicorn. She is white, gold and beautiful.

I love the banter between Pinkalicious and Peter her brother. They both have wonderfully, wicked, fun imaginations. I also love how sweet her parents are. They always come through with love and understanding of their precocious Pinkalicious. This is a great addition to the Pinkalicious collection and can be found on my 2010 Holiday Gift Guide.

To go along with the Goldilicious storybook, how about this....

A Very Marley Christmas
  by John Grogan the Author of Bad Marley

What I Can Tell You: We love Marley here.  My kids find him very sweet and funny. They want a dog just like Marley. I think as a Christmas book the books are adorable. It is sweet to think of how a dog would perceive all the changes the holidays bring in most households. My kids thought it was very funny and I have seen my son read it alone a few times as my daughter looks on. 

We like big kids books. Lap books where I can read to both at the same time and it fits in "our" laps. Makes it easier for both kids to see it.  

Getting Hospital Ready With A Shaving Cream Made For Me

Thanks to Family Review Network and just in time for my trip to the hospital on Tuesday, I used Pure Silk for the first time today. 

As someone with Italian heritage, I can tell you that I usually have a 5 o'clock shadow after shaving in the morning at 2:00 p.m.  Hahaha...no seriously, I do. I used it at 10:00 a.m this morning and I am as Scrappy Coco (Movie Trivia: Who is Scrappy Coco) I am still "silky smooth".

The one I received was: Pure Silk w/Aloe Moisturizing Shave Cream for Women/Sensitive Skin

Pure Silk Sensitive Skin gives your legs something extra special like papaya and willow bark extracts. This wonderfully feminine shave cream moisturizes and nourishes your skin as you shave, leaving your skin as smooth as silk. Now in an entirely rust-proof aluminum can!

Friday Fragments - You Need A License for Everything Except Being a Parent

Surgery is scheduled for Dec 14th right around the time my kids will be on stage for a winter concert. I am so sad about this because I missed Handsome's Spring concert because I was at the hospital and I am very disappointed but hope to be around for many more. It is more important to have this done, not wait any longer and definitely be home before the week of Christmas. If I have to hear my kids say Merry Christmas mommy to me over the phone while I am at the hospital, I don't think I could bear it.

Handsome lost his 5th tooth today. He was home sick and I was glad it didn't happen at school.

Goddess' teacher called me at 2:50 to tell me that Goddess had been crying since right after lunch. She didn't eat her lunch. Was more quiet than usual and when they returned to the class she cried and cried. They asked her what was wrong and she said that she missed me. The teacher gave her tissues and she quietly cried at her desk until her teacher asked her to help her in the hall to hang things up. It breaks my heart that my baby was sad at school and I wasn't there to console her. She is my child and I feel that it is not the school's call to keep her there. I should have been called and I would have gone down there. She is 5 for God's sake. She is my daughter. To know that she was crying all day and feeling sad and alone makes me crazy. I knew when she went to school she looked upset. This was the first day that she has gone alone. Her brother usually walks in with her. She looked so lost walking in there but never said anything. Poor baby girl.

Handsome decided on Monday he didn't want to wear a coat. After much coaxing and then yelling we couldn't get him to put it on. My husband and I decided to give him a lesson and let him head to the car without. He still refused when I got in with his coat. When we got to the school I was sure he would take it to walk in especially after I told him he wouldn't be able to go to lunch. He wouldn't and said he didn't care when I said that his friends would be playing outside and he wouldn't be allowed to go. His teacher emailed me, "he is here with no coat, is that right?" I wrote back and explained. She said, "fine if you want to teach him a lesson, I'm OK with that." I called the office and found out he was there. I asked if I could come down and talk to him while he was there. They agreed. His teacher said, he seemed upset. I walked in and he was sitting in a chair with his head down. I asked, "what's going on?" He said, "I forgot my coat" (before this he had told someone else he was in trouble). I asked, "did you forget your coat or did you leave it home?" His face changed and he started to cry. I knelled down in front of him, and said, "I don't want you to get upset. It is just that Daddy and I asked you to put on your coat because we knew you would want to play and now your friends are having fun and you aren't. Please listen next time." Then I tried to change the subject because he was crying. So I asked if he ate lunch, he said, yes. Then his teacher chimed in with "next time listen to your mommy and daddy." I was thinking geez, I'm trying to change the subject. I then asked if he would like me to get his coat so that when I picked him up, he would be warm. He said yes. I gave it to his teacher and didn't see him again until I picked him up. It was impossible not to think about him and his sweet little face, sitting on the chair and feeling sad. I know he had to learn a lesson but I hate that he looked so upset. Ahhh...parenting is hard.

Overheard conversation between Goddess and Handsome:
Goddess - "See that house? I'm going to live in it when I get bigger."
Handsome - "I'm going to live in it too!"
Goddess - "No, you can't because I am going to be a superhero and you aren't"
Handsome - Yup, I'm going to be a bad guy."

I love it. She has told me more than 20 times since September that she is going to be a superhero. "Me and Ava are going to be superheros when we grow up." or "I can't wait to be a superhero."

It's so cute how sweet life is for kids. To think that you could just be a superhero. The world is your oyster when your a child. How wonderful.

When we got home today, I asked Goddess why she was upset at school today. She said, "I missed you!" Then added, "I missed my big brother. I love him." When I told him what she said, adding, can you give her a hug?" He nodded his head and hugged her. She hugged him back with her head on his chest and started to cry. The hug was brief, the moment fleeting, but for this mom it will last a lifetime.

My Life

We have very limited furniture. My living room has a couch, TV tables, night table and kids table which makes it hard to decorate for the holidays or house our extensive media collection (which sits on the wall behind my couch (a half wall that looks over our stair case which means at anytime, it can all tumble off and break on the stairs) or collectibles. 

I would love a TV stand that held the TV, had storage for my media collection and a place to hide all my son's Wii games and controllers. 

Annexed by Sharon Dogar

What I Can Tell You:
Wow! To say I loved this book almost seems wrong considering the facts. This was a horrible time and the death of Anne Frank and thousands of others will never be forgotten. With that said, I felt this was an amazing book. Author Dogar takes creative liberties with a story that has and will be read for many years to come. I loved hearing her spin on Peter and the kind of person he may of possibly been also how Anne may have been perceived by the people around her. This is a brave undertaking on the part of Sharon. To take such a beloved character and make her annoying, flirtacious, spoiled, obnoxious could have really doomed this book. The fact that it doesn't and that loads of people who have read and reviewed Annexed feel the same way is a testament to the writing of Sharon. 

Interesting read! 

If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond

What I Can Tell You: 

Awwww......This is really the sweetest book. It says everything I try to remind myself about as my kids change over the day to day. Like when I ask my daughter to stop growing because I won't be able to pick her up anymore. Or when I get teary eyed over the fact that they are growing out of their clothes so fast. Or, when they don't ask me to read to them as much any more, or need me to get their snacks and drinks.

I was thankfully very aware of how quick their babyhood would be and that is what got me through the almost 3.5 years of less than 5 hours of sleep. I knew they would never need me as much as they did then. 

What Marianne puts so lovingly into words is that while we will miss the times we had to do everything for them, we are so proud when we see them accomplish things on their own. When they make their own choices and decisions, it shows us their independence and sometimes that scares us or makes us sad. But, what we should be looking at is how much WE have taught them. How safe they feel to make these decisions or how confident they are in knowing exactly what they want. That comes from feeling protected and knowing that even if they make mistakes, Mommy and Daddy will be there to pick them up if they should fall. 

The back of the book reads:

"If I could keep you little, I'd keep you close to me. 

But then I'd miss you growing into who you're meant to be!"

When I had my 2010 Holiday Home Party last week with my girlfriends, I showed them all the book, they all loved it and everyone had a boo-boo face when they read the words above. 

Truly a beautiful book to be shared by a child and the people who love them!

Holiday Gift Idea - Computer Game from Dig-It - Roman Town

On Friday I wrote about a Holiday Party I hosted thanks to Mom Select. Thanks to Mommy Parties and Dig-it Games, I was able to show my guests a really awesome, educational, different game called Roman Town

I had the computer set up and the ladies gathered around for a quick tutorial of the game before playing alone.

We each took a turn digging and reading about the various items we dug up. You select a location, decide which item you want to use to dig and put your diggers to work. When they find something they give you a little speech bubble. Click the bubble and get to sweeping. As you sweep with your mouse the item unveils itself. Then you read a bit about what you uncovered. You can read further or get back to digging.

After you have found everything you are taken to a sorting section where you sort all your finds. After that you will reconstruct and log your items into a journal entry. So fun. 

There is even a section where you compare the items you found to today's counterparts. I had a bit of trouble with this at first. Wow. Very interesting.

My favorite part is the reconstruction puzzles and trying to figure out how to make the reports. My kids love the digging and sorting parts.

You can definitely learn a lot from playing Roman Town and found it very educational but more importantly, interactive. Which means kids will play longer.

The ladies at the party thought the game was really great and they also loved the gifts they received along with a coupon code for the game.

Growing up my husband and I wanted to be archaeologists, this is a great game for exploring and learning about a culture from so many years ago.

What I love about Mommy Parties beside the fact that I get to sit and chat with my girlfriends over cake and coffee but we also learn about items that we would have never seen before. We all agree that it would have been sad to have missed out on this interactive game.

Who knows, maybe one of our children will decide to be an archaeologists because of this game. You never know!

Mellow Yellow Monday

This weeks Mellow Yellow Monday are flowers, I am cold and need some warm light in my life today. I took these the beginning in October before Halloween. I was alone and could focus without kids by my side to rush the shot.

Betty White Starring In Annie's Point On DVD This Week

What I Can Tell You:

I was expecting loads of tears. When the email came from Vivendi Entertainment asking if I wanted to review Annie's Point my answer was obviously yes (hence this email), but I asked if it came with a box of tissues too. 

Thankfully, I didn't need the tissues. This movie was a feel good movie more than anything else. As someone who cries over everything and anything, I stand 100% behind that statement. 

Betty White plays Annie an artist who recently lost her husband. Her son Richard, took over the business and is worried about his mom's forgetfulness and wants to relocate her to a retirement home.

When Annie hears that she is in need of a heart bypass she decides to tie up some loose ends. 

1. Come through on a promise to spread her husband's ashes over Annie's Point.

2. Force her son to really see who his daughter is.

3. Go back to the house she and her husband built many years ago and get a "Lucky 19" Gold Liberty Coin the place in the wall. 

She grabs her granddaughter Ella (a singer, songwriter who is afraid to sing in public) and coerces her to drive to California. They get the gold coin, work to make money for the trip (since her son Richard shut down the finances to make them go back home), get into trouble with the law and spend time in jail, reunite with Annie's long lost brother and finally reunite with Richard who was able to hear his daughter sing when Annie called him and put the phone down for him to hear. 

Thankfully the movie doesn't get to sappy. Annie accomplishes what she set out to do with dignity and wit.

No surprises but a great message and who couldn't use a feel good movie once in a while? Who doesn't like Betty White?

When I started researching this movie, I found that many people were praying that Hallmark would put it out on DVD. Well, the people have spoken and it is available at Amazon now.

Guest Post - Sandra, Creater of Baby Bindle!

Back in November, I introduced you to Sandra, the creator of Baby Bindle. You can read that post here.

In a nutshell, Baby Bindle is a seat pack that attaches to your infant carrier. How many times have you put your keys, wallet and cellphone in the baby carrier while you run your baby into the store, post office or wherever really quickly?

Sandra came up with a pack that literally attaches to the carrier. Like this...

Recently I asked Sandra to write a guest post for Maria's Space. She sent it over today and I want to share it with you. So without further ado, I give you Sandra who has been on a whirlwind since she won a Huggies Mom Inspired Grant for the creation of Baby Bindle.

The inspiration for this blog post came from a recent interview I did with Maria Bailey from Mom Talk Radio and founder of MomTV (you can listen here). The fact that I am such a good example for my children came up. It got me to thinking…

Parents are the ones that need to inspire and be the 

Heroes…not the athletes and actors.

I am so very incredibly proud to be an inspiration for my children. “Go out there and be anything you want to be. Dream big, reach for the stars and don’t let anyone or anything stop you.” For my son who already has a solid male Hero and inspirational figure in his father, a military veteran and coach to the various activities a six year old does. To him, I have been his female Hero by setting an example of kindness and support. When asked in the past what my job was, I have always been proud to say I love being a mother, that is my “job”. It has given me an extra thrill lately to add “I am also an inventor and have my own company“.

For my daughter, I want her to see that becoming a mother does not mean your dreams are now suddenly put on hold. She can dream big, be who she wants to be and still have a family. I love being an inspiration for her future.

Our little town is blessed with an abundance of inspirational women. These women who, without realizing, everyday inspire me and those around them.

The moms who reluctantly leave their families to work outside of the home. A hard, but necessary choice they endure everyday.

Our very own Maria. A wife, mother, photographer, friend and blogger extraordinaire. Keeping up with all she does makes me feel like the roadrunner has come through the room. Beep…Beep (tee hee, thanks Sandra!)

We have the wife and mom who volunteers with Little League, Cub Scouts, the PTSA, she updates our town’s Facebook page, all while raising two children and attending all their activities as well.

The mother of two, who with a face book post rescued our town food pantry from closing. She was the change she wanted to see in the world.

My list can go on and on. This situation is not unique to our little town. Mothers all across the country and the world are everyday inspiring their children. Stand up ladies, be proud and next time someone asks what you do…proudly state “I am a mother, I inspire my children”

Shutterday - Hats

Shutterday - Photo Challenge is HATS.

The Dwight Twilley Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry? That would be Dear John. I had a lump in my throat for the last 15 minutes. Big sap I know. It doesn't take much to make me crazy. I am very passionate.

2. The fictional character most like you? Weird! I have no idea. I want to be a mix of Lorelai Gilmore, quick witted and puts her daughter first. Caroline Ingalls able to take a possum and make the girls pocketbooks for Christmas. Angela Bower, hard worker with the best 80's suits and a hot live in housekeeper. Maggie Malone Seaver, able to work at a high pressure job, have my husband stay home while I made the money and still be a caring, involved mom.

3. The greatest album, ever? This is really hard. I love Ten by Pearl Jam and Darkness on the Edge of Town by Springsteen.

4. Star Trek or Star Wars? Why? Neither. Oh OK...arm twisted. Star Wars. There were two guys fighting over one chick with weird hair.

5. Your ideal brain food? Eggs! Don't believe me? Check this out.


6. Everyone is proud of a certain accomplishment, which one for you?? Having beautiful children. Who would have thought it. I still am surprised when I look at them.

7. You want to be remembered for ...? Being a good mom.

8. Let's talk about recording artists. Who do you find the most inspirational? I am a huge Springsteen fan. I love how he writes about things that matter to him and writes from the heart. Also, Melissa Etheridge, every album tells a story of what is going on in her life. Taylor Swift, she is talented and writes her own stuff (from her heart), plays instruments and is beautiful and unaffected to boot.


9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature? Snuggies. It seems everyone has one. Well, I don't but a lot of people do.

10. Your hidden talents . . .? They are hidden for a reason.

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed? Discipline with love in your heart and don't focus on the things you have no control over.

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed? Wii. I love playing it and so does my family.


13. What is the most comfortable clothes that you wear? My big t-shirts. I love them.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be? My family.


15. Time travel: where, when and why? I want to return to the moment my son was born. I totally missed it as I was unconscious. Plus, I would also like to be there, the moment they handed me to my mother for the first time.

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac? Hang with my friends or lie with my kids and watch a movie.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or . . .? AIR, food and water, everything else is icing.


18. Environment of choice: city or country, and where on the map? I think any place my family is would be my choice. I would prefer and quiet country town, and all my friends and family would live there too, in New York.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country? Good luck.


20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now? This post!

Frito Lay Fan For Life

My family are all big crunch snack fans and we all have our favorites.

My husband loves Doritios
My son loves "corn crunchies" or Cheetos
My daughter loves Lays potato chips
and I love Hot and Spicy BBQ.

So when I had the opportunity to become a Frito Lay Fan I entered. I was fortunate enough to receive one of the best packages yet! A recyclable bag full of Frito Lay products, a chip clip, and a water bottle. Got to have your water around when eating Hot and Spicy chips.

I also received this cool I love Frito-Lay badge to post on my blog.

We opened the bags literally before I could collapse the box it was all mailed in but here is a picture provided by Frito Lay for you all to see.


We must buy at least $15.00 of Frito Lay products every week. Salt and crunch are for us.

Another reason we love Frito Lay is because they are concerned with the plant and have come up with a bag to reduce the waste that makes its way into our landfills.  While the bags are noisy, (we suggest putting them in bowls if you are snacking after the kids are down for the night) they are made from renewable, plant based materials. Currently it is only SunChips® Original flavor bags made this way, but this is the first step to a cleaner, healthier, world.


Disclaimer: I received this complimentary package from Frito Lay with no monetary compensation.

Mom Select - Holiday Showcase Home Party

I just finished cleaning up from a fun, holiday get together at my house. It was the perfect timing to take my mind off the medical drama that has become my life this year.

Thanks to Mom Select, I was able to host some of my best friends and some of the best sponsors, as I unveiled and gave away some amazing gift ideas.

Last month I was sent a box containing the following products:

o   NEW Small Frys from Build-a-Bear Workshop

o   Christmas Cakes from Little Debbie

o   Sneaky 3D Puzzles from Patch Products

o   Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory

o   Play-Doh Shape and Spin Elmo

o   Playmobil Child's First Day at School kit

o   Smart Mom Solutions

The planning for this shin dig started three weeks ago when I Facebook invited 15 friends to a Holiday Showcase Estravaganza at my house.

Over the last three weeks we lost and gained various guests, but everyone was very excited to be coming. All were asked to bring a grab bag gift so that everyone would go home with something. At that time I didn't know that various sponsors would contribute to the party. I was thrilled when boxes arrived that I could use toward the day.

Last night, I printed out questionnaires with 8 questions so I could unveil the products in a fun way. We played a game allowing everyone the chance to win the "Door Prize".

The questions went like this:

These bugs like in a hive but don't sting

The one dough you don't bake with, you play with.

This morning, I baked a Duncan Hines, Apple Caramel Decadent cake so the house would smell like Christmas, started the coffee and set up the table and waited for my girls to arrive.

They arrived and after some talking sat down for some goodies.

I passed out the questionnaires and explained the game. It was fun listening to them all discuss the questions and how little they knew. It was exciting to hear how competitive they were. I would have been the same way if I were playing.

It was so much fun to unveil the products and see who get them right. There were a lot of ohhhhh and ahhhhs as they realized they could have figured it out if they had really thought about it.

It was a tie and I picked a number between 1 and 10 to pick a winner. She was thrilled as you can tell.

The party was a huge success and my girlfriends were so happy to participate and get to check out some holiday gift ideas that they had never seen. The Sneaky 3D Puzzles from Patch Products was a hit.

The grab bag game was so much fun. All gifts were put in the center and I read off some questions.  Everyone got to choose from the pile until they were gone. They could have stolen from each other but everyone was too nice to do that.

I am thrilled to have been allowed to host this party and want to thank all the generous sponsors who provided giveaways and product to display.

More about the Renuzit and Dig-it-Games in another post. This one is long enough. Wish I could have hosted all of you reading this!

Tidbits from My InBox

There is so much going on this month! Whoossh....I can barely catch my breath.

First, medical issues this month will see me back at the hospital for a surgery. May take me a little longer to get back to everyone after the week of the 13th and I apologize if you don't hear from me right away. Trying to staying positive and focused.

Calling all Grey's Anatomy Fans - Check out this contest!

Knight And Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz

What I Can Tell You: 
All DVD's should be sold like this!
We loved that it had a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy in it all for $24.95.
Tom Cruise is great in this movie. It started out slow for me. The first 15 minutes I thought, ahh...Ok....then it got good. I loved Tom's Roy who was very witty, controlled and relaxed all while fighting the bad guy. There were plenty of chuckle moments, great but not over the top action sequences, not a lot of blood and no sexy scenes.

Cameron's June (I have to laugh when I say the name because of the way Tom's Roy says it) was a tad annoying to me with all the screaming but it was what it was.

I am on the fence with this movie. I watched it, didn't play on the computer or read which I tend to do when bored. It was entertaining but I felt that it could have been better. Not that I know what would have made it better but something was missing. Maybe it was a chemistry thing what do I know? This is why I call myself the Amateur Reviewer for the past 5 years.

Book Review Wednesday - The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1: Origins

What I Can Tell You:
I am not afraid to admit I am a huge fan of The Vampire Diaries on CW. Why? I believe it is the beautiful people that make the show. So, reading the book minus the beautiful people I thought would be a challenge. I loved reading it! It was fun reading about the little tidbits of Stefan and Damian Salvatore's past that we get from Vampire Diaries.

I enjoyed reading about Stefan's fiance and how the beautiful, mysteries Katherine came into the lives of the Salvatore brothers and turned it upside down. Stefan the good son who listened and obeyed his father so much that he almost married a woman he wasn't in love with.

While I don't believe it is the best book I have ever read, as a fan of the Vampire Diaries series. I loved reading the details of how Stefan and Damian became the sexy vamps they are.
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ABC Wednesday - T

T = Touching Teeth
Handsome was showing me a new loose tooth.

T - Toy Story Toys
Here is Goddess playing with our new Toy Story 3 Toys

T = Train
This is a Train from the Toy Story Action Links I reviewed here.

Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern - A Book Review

What I Can Tell You:

This is a great book for kids who have been adopted or parents who are looking to adopt. Ed is a sweet little boy with big, beautiful blue eyes. Who is loved, well adjusted and understands that he is adopted. However when he starts school, he gets teased by other children but his mom makes it all better by telling him that "adoption is a great act of love. It's a gift from the Heavens sent down from above." This appears to make it all better until Ed suddenly feels a void. The picture of little Ed with a whole in his belly was quite sad. Again, Ed's parents with kindness, love and sensitivity tell him the story as to how he came to be adopted.

What I love about this book is how sweet and caring it is. It acknowledges the child's emotions and feelings without being overly wordy. There are loads of sweet pictures of his parents hugging him and the love they feel for him is evident. The story is short and not too wordy. It is rhymey and an easy read for readers 6 and over.

The book then ends with a small page of important, leaders, writers, celebrities and others who were adopted.

Very sweet book about adoption for children as young as 4 years old.

Perfect Holiday Gift Idea - AnyBook Reader from Frankin Discover

Yesterday I mentioned an upcoming review for AnyBook Reader and I am thrilled to be able to tell you all about it.


AnyBook comes with a selection of blank stickers for recording your voice. There are also stickers that have sounds recorded in them if appropriate to the book (dog, firetruck, rain, crying, etc). The stickers are made to be removed and won't ruin your pages. You can even re-record on them or order more if you run out.

You touch the button on the pen to start the record mode. You hear a few beeps and it is ready for you to record. That's it! So easy!

Last week I quickly and easily recorded two books so that I could carry it everywhere with me. My first stop was the school where I was meeting with my son's teachers and therapists.

I opened the first book and put the reader to the sticker. They heard the book being read through the pen and then I opened the next book to show them how the reader will read anything I record into the sticker. They all looked at me in amazement.

I was asked, "how do you get the recording". I explained that I touch the pen to a sticker that I place on the page, the pen counts down and I record the page into the pen by reading. They actually thought it was Ruby on the Max and Ruby book so they were at first confused. When I told them it was me doing characters that is when they were all amazed.

Everyone stated the same thing; they have seen other readers out there but you have to literally buy books from the maker of the pen. That is what makes this pen so much better! You can literally read/record your children's favorite books and they can hear you read to them anytime.

It is the easiest thing and so personal. I love this idea for military families especially but I think this is great for anyone. Perhaps your children don't get to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends often. They visit you once or twice a year. They could read a book or two for the child into the pen and your child can hear them anytime they want.

Another friend had asked about the stickers and if they can put on other things. Sure, why not. This got me thinking how great this would be for a baby learning speech or perhaps someone trying to learn another language. Place the sticker on anything, record what it is and the person can actually learn speech.

Here is how easy it is:

What a great gift idea. Imagine a child on your Christmas list opens a book of books with the pen that you have already recorded the books on! This pen says "love".

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? I wish that we all spend the day together, opening gifts, playing with the kids stuff, taking pictures, being happy and listening to Holiday music. One day of bliss! I also wish for everyone to be healthy and happy.

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition? We put music on, light up the tree, set up the video camera (we have video of Christmas morning from way back) get the garbage bags and let the fun begin.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? Pay my medical bills for 2010, fix my intestine and let me be financially secure for at least a year.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? I wrap all of our Christmas movies, and Christmas books, put them in a basket and do 25 days of Christmas starting Dec 1st. The kids take turns picking a wrapped gift. We open it, and either read the book or watch the Christmas movie. It is a great tradition and allows us to experience Christmas for a whole month. I add one new thing a year, sometimes it's an ornament to hang on the tree.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? We played cards and bingo.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? Unfortunately, I can't remember my family doing anything special. We didn't make cookies, leave anything for Santa, sprinkle glitter and oats for the reindeer, put on Christmas music or record anything.


7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip? I wouldn't really want to do a Christmas away. Christmas is at home! Home is where I want to be more than any place else. With my little family of 4. It is where I am happiest and most comfortable.

Self Portrait Sunday - November 27, 2010

Self Portrait Sunday is for you to post your photos of well....you. Come on, smile for the camera. You know you want to.

Quick snap with the Pinkberry yesterday. Today I was in no mood for pictures. Medical issues arising and need to shut down for a few to regroup with my thoughts. 

BTW, the shirt was very appropriate, wish I got more of it. It reads "Make Face Time".

Feed Me Books- Pinkalicious On Ice!

What I Can Tell You:

Author, Victoria Kahn has really created a fun, colorful, creative character with Pinkalicious. We love all the Pinkalicious books.  In this book, Pinkalicious has decided to color her skates with magic marker and for a second I was worried that my daughter upon hearing this would decide this was the way to make her shoes match her clothes. I trudged along, hopeful that Victoria knew what she was doing and kept reading without interjecting. Thankfully, the markers did what markers will do when they touch water and Pinkalicious had to deal with her skates changing and the embarrassment of "everyone seeing" her sloppy skates and the ice.

Goddess was worried for Pinkalicious and was upset that she was crying about her skates. "Poor Pinkalicious". Like every Pinkalicious book, Mommy and Daddy make it all better. Which is one of the things I love about this series. Pinkalicious is allowed to be witty, smart and funny without the cost of Mommy and Daddy looking like total fools. They always save the day. They love their little girl and make everything alright which is why she is so well adjusted.

My son and daughter both love Pinkalicious and with this book being a Beginning 1 Reader most 6 and 7 year olds will be able to read it with ease.

If you are looking to get your children or any child on your Christmas list books this year; WE highly recommend any and all of the Pinkalicious books by Victoria Kahn. We must not be the only ones because, they are never available at our local library.

Hallmark Movie - You Lucky Dog - Great Feel Good Movie for Dog Lovers

What I Can Tell You:
I am a big fan of Hallmark Channel Movies. They have a lot of heart and you always end up feeling good at the end.

Lisa played by Natasha Henstridge (Species and Species II) does a wonderful job of playing a humble city girl returning home in the wake of her mother's passing. She and her brother, played by Harry Hamiln have a wonderful, honest relationship and I loved their scenes together. The respect and openness of a brother and sister watching their father deal with his wives passing were beautiful.

Dad's cattle ranch isn't doing great and brother Jim decided to bring some sheep onto the farm against his father's wishes. He is hoping that the fleece will turn a profit but without a herding dog, the sheep are a problem.

Lisa heads to the animal shelter looking for a dog and adopts a dog she names Lucky. When she brings him home, her father tells her to remove the dog from the house.  Once Jim finds out that the dog was brought to the shelter by another herding rancher he tells her the dog must have done something wrong to have been sent to the shelter. 

Lisa looks into those big brown eyes of Lucky and knows he is special. Why wouldn't he be, look at him.

Lucky has a natural knack for herding the sheep which brings Jim around.  They discuss entering Lucky into the herding competition and hope to win some money for the ranch. When a fire breaks out after a wind storm, trapping some kids and Don, a man that Lisa is interested in. Jim and Lisa bring lucky to the scene. He herds the kids and Don to safety injuring himself in the process.

Finally Dad comes around and everyone is in love with Lucky. Dad finally explains why he didn't like dogs. It was his wife's dream to train dogs. She had a dog who he forced her get rid of after it nipped Jim when he was 2 years old. They gave the dog to the herding rancher who had gotten rid of Lucky which means Lucky could have been a descendant of the very dog his wife had to give away.
 
With a burn on his paw Lucky competes but doesn't win, however, because he is a hero, the herding sponsors Pedigree offer him the job as the new face of Pedigree dog food.

Beautiful story with a happy ending that will have dog lovers rejoicing and everyone without a dog, considering one.

ABC Wednesday - S

This letter is so much fun this round.
Monday I decided that school would have to wait, I was taking the kids out for our yearly mall visit to see Santa and spend the day together. We got to the mall at 10:12 a.m. and Santa was there and waiting. Well, they know it is not the "real" Santa. He can't be in all the malls, plus if you go to see Santa and the mall and then head out that same day to another location and they have a Santa, and he is not the same, what then? So, I have always told them, the truth; the mall Santa is not the "real" one.

Well, this year Goddess would have none of it. She is not rude but she refused to talk to "Santa". Granted he was a pretty pathetic Santa, we have seen some awesome ones over the last few years. This guy was a tiny bit bigger than Handsome. Who by the way had no problem telling Santa the 28 things on his list.

Sitting with Santa - Goddess was crying and very shy. Handsome not shy enough. He needs to learn humility.

Shy - She was so nervous she started quietly crying. In 5 years she has never had a problem meeting Santa. Poor thing.

We then headed out to a local garden center that does Christmas pretty big. We loved it and we loved this Santa.

Santa Statue - This guy was about 4.5 feet tall. We loved his face.

Siblings - They are so cute together sometimes. The rest of the time, they are fighting like siblings do.

Snowman - My kids ran to this happy guy. Who wouldn't love to have this huge snowman in their Christmas decorations this year.

The Happiness Project - What Makes You Happy?

My babies playing in the beautiful autumn weather, makes me happy.

Nella Last in the 1950's

What I Can Tell You:
I didn't fly through this book. It didn't hold my attention nor did I long to read it when I wasn't BUT, I found it very thought provoking. Nella kept a diary much of her life like a lot of us and wrote about the goings on in her life. I imagine that this is what my grandmother's diary would have read like if she had taken the time to put her thoughts down. To write in detail the daily life she led.

My favorite parts of the book were in the food details and how she talks about her husband. Such an odd relationship. So fascinating in how they skirt around certain issues not taking the liberties we take today with each other. There is a cordiality about how you dealt with people Not inserting yourself or sharing too much.  

Very interesting but not a quick read for me.

Stocking Stuffer Idea #1

Goddess and I were able to review two great brushes from Conair.

I have wavy hair and tend to pick it rather than brush it and Goddess has straight hair and I have always used a comb but that has changed since receiving our package from Conair.

There is nothing like a good brush.

For Goddess' hair we are now using the Conair Gel Grips Cushion Brush. It conforms to the shape of your hand for easy gripping. Believe me when I tell you that trying to get this girl to stop long enough for me to brush her hair is hard enough. I can't be dropping the brush while doing it too. The flexible cushion base prevents hair breakage which is so important to this little one's hair too. She has straight hair, one length and every break can be spotted quite easily.

It also smooths hair very nicely and is gentle enough to use on Handsome. He has eczema on his scalp so hair brushing can hurt him.

Beside it being one of Goddess' favorite colors, it is quite comfy to hold and very pretty.

The one I am using on mine is the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Porcupine Round Brush. It comes in small, medium and large.

This brush also smooths and styles plus it has the tourmaline leaves hair shiny and silky. How you ask? Well, the brush uses finely crushed tourmaline, a gemstone that naturally releases negative ions, infused into the nylon bristles and ceramic barrel of the brush. 

Plus it is sexy red and is great for blow drying. Now that I have those bangs. I needed a round brush to help me style them. 

This brush is great for people like me with thick hair.

Ruby Tuesday - Christmas Decorations

Ruby Tuesday this week was really hard.
Today I headed out with the kids for our yearly mall visit (yup, once a year is enough for me) to see Santa. After the mall we headed to a garden/nursery/thingy that does Christmas pretty big! We loved it and will add it to our Christmas Yearly Ritual.

There was so much red on our stop that picking one photo is impossible.

Self Portrait Sunday - November 20, 2010

Self Portrait Sunday is for you to post your photos of well....you. Come on, smile for the camera. You know you want to.

City Girl Chocolates Has Made My Day And Your With a Sweet

While trolling Etsy the other day looking for Christmas gifts ideas and things to post for my lovely readers I spotted the coolest, idea I have seen in a long time. Really, not kidding. I love it.

City Girl Chocolates makes the cutest, hot chocolate melts and melties.

What I Can Tell You:

We had just returned from a very cold soccer field when I saw the box from City Girl Chocolates sitting on my steps. It was almost impossible to open the door, get the kids changed, throw their clothes in the laundry, make handsome lunch knowing what was in the box and how cold Goddess and I were.

I somehow managed to keep my eye on the prize while doing my Mommy duties. It was hard and I was dying to share with Goddess what was in the box but she would have driven me crazy so I waited until I was done.

We opened the box and wa-la. Behold the goodies.

Goddess couldn't wait and it took her a while to decide which one was the one we should try to warm up.

We are saving these little cuties for later.

Right now as Goddess sees this post she is saying, "those are are so yummy!"

Here she is while I was heating up the milk. Just a little excited no!?

It was really hard for us not to semi melt the chocolate and eat it right from the stick like a chocolate lollipop.

We loved them. Goddess thinks we should give them to everyone we know and believe me, if I could, I would. We are going to purchase some for our teachers and aids this year. Usually I make something, but I am dying to share these with someone.

The Sound Of Music on Blu Ray and DVD Combo - A MUST HAVE

I am lucky enough to have received a copy from Fox Connect. 

Growing up my family and I watched The Sound Of Music every year.  It is the true story (The film is an adaptation of a popular Broadway play which is based on the memoir "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" written by Maria von Trapp. The von Trapp family are known for escaping from the Nazis in Austria after the Anschluss (the annexation and occupation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938) of a nun Maria, (need I say more as to why this is one of my favorites) who is sent to live as a nanny with the von Trapp family which consists of a father and 7 children. Mom passed away!

Maria is considered a bit of a will-o-the-wisp (whatever that is) by the nuns as they sing in one of the songs.

How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!

This is perfect because the von Trapp family have been going through nanny's quickly. The children are trying to get their father's attention and don't appreciate the way he runs his house like a ship! The captain only speaks to them by codes from a whistle he blows and they are to march around like "little soldiers".

Mary comes in and shakes up the house, getting the children to fall in love with her all while falling head over heels in love with the captain and vice versa. 

All this love is taking place under the threat of World War II.

The movie is beautifully written and with the help of a stunning soundtrack (one of the best in my eyes) went on to make millions (made for approximately $8.2 million, and grossing $163 million).

The remastered version of the movie was such a joy to watch. It was like watching it again. The clarity is amazing. You can see every detail ever missed. You can see each blade of grass as Maria stands on the mountain singing The Hills Are Alive!

This is really a must have for any fan of musicals but especially fans of The Sound Of Music.

Friday Fragments - Life In General

So much going on, this week flew.

Two half days for the kids for parent teacher meetings.

Handsome is doing great, his teacher is concerned about his comprehension and that he seems very disconnected at times. We are worried about the same thing as my long time readers know Handsome has come a long way and was in early intervention from 23 months old for a sensory processing issue. Socially he is doing amazing although his conversation starters aren't always appropriate. He doesn't always know that he is hurting someones feelings. Recently he has been interviewing kids in the class with, "so and so, do you like so and so." He lost recess this week because his teacher had to talk to him numerous times about this. Other than that we are working on his writing skills which have always been hard for him. His finger strength isn't great and his coordination and perception is a work in progress. His coordination skills have come so far in just a few months and I believe soccer is what helped.

His gym teacher says he is doing awesome and that bigger kids tend to be all arms and legs and sometimes grow before they have a chance to get used to their new height. This come from a guy who is over 7.5 feet tall. I felt like a 5 year old talking to him.

Briefly embarrassed while talking to the gym teacher when my phone rang (eye doctor telling me my contacts were in). I didn't pick it up but it is the theme from True Blood "I want to do bad things to you."

Goddess' teacher told me that she is doing great and we discussed how different she is in school with how she is at home. In school is never talks and is very shy. *cough cough*. Not! She was shocked to hear about the little crazy baby I have at home. I guess she is not Miss Personality there.

Goddess' creative skills are always discussed. She has an amazing eye for detail and her works of art make me very happy. She has started drawing word bubbles with her work. Cartoonist perhaps?!

Hosting a gift extravaganza through Mom Select for a bunch of moms soon. I am so excited. Everyone seems excited to be coming. Grab bag gift, food and door prizes. Hope it is great! It is only 2 days after my colonoscopy which is coming up faster than I want to think about.

Another infection over the last few months in my uterus. May, Diverticulits, August, Endometritis and now something called Bacteroides Fragilis. Woot! So fun! Not!

Loads to catch up on.

Reading a great book if I ever get a chance to get back to it. It is an ebook and it always takes me longer because it doesn't travel with me.

Won a few things in the past 30 days:
Susan Boyle Christmas CD from She Scribes
Popcorn Palace Giveaway from Show Me Mama
TwinkieMommie's Wand from SOS For Teachers
Dressbarn Skye giveaway from An Island Life.
Bratz Pampered Pets DVD and 3 Bratz Dolls from ToonZone

Feed Me Books- My Mommy Hung The Moon by Jaime Lee Curtis

Thanks to Harper Collins I received a beautiful book called My Mommy Hung the Moon by Jaime Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell.

What I Can Tell You:

I loved this book so much I decided to show you.

 

The book is beautiful written and illustrated depicting the love of a mother. Mother's are very special people with humongous hearts, capable of loving everyone. Parents, not just moms are heroes in their children's lives. This book is how our children feel even if they are not saying it. We may not be good at everything but to them, the little ones in our lives, we are.

Great book to read to your children, for your child and for yourself!

Alphabe-Thursday - I

INNOCENT!
Interesting.

The kids were outside playing last weekend when Goddess decided to make herself a leaf pile so that she and her brother could jump in. Her brother, being the boy that he is, decided to run through the mini pile that she had spent time trying to gather.

Her being the girl that she is, dropped her head and shoulders and sulked for two second. Shouted his name and started gathering again.

He being the boy he is, was oblivious to it all.

What I find so interesting about this photo is it could be titled; loss, sadness, heartbreak, defeated, devastated and your heart would go out to the sad, little girl in the picture. But, really it was a single second, a moment in time in between joy and laughter. My heart breaks when I look at this picture and I was there. If the photo was color, maybe the feeling wouldn't be the same. I shot in black and white so it would literally have to be manually colored for me to give you a comparison shot. This is what makes photography so amazing, so inspiring and so gratifying.  The moment was captured to last forever and the story that goes with the photo will be forgotten. In the future if this photo is spotted on the internet, on my flickr site, in a pile of photos long after I am gone. Will anyone know that this little girl, is completely happy, joyful and full or light? Probably not!

I Am A Proud Sex Blogger

Yeah, that's right. I said it. I am a sex blogger for My Pleasures and proud of it.



The holiday are coming and why not!? Really, why not give the gift of sex. We are all adults here right? Ok, well we should be so if you are not, step away from the computer screen little kid and come back when you are 18+.

I recently received two products that I will be reviewing in the next few days. I can't wait!

If I were playing sexy Santa this year, here are my picks for the girls who have been good to be bad this year.

I am a big supporter of sexy toys and think every woman should have one! So, Stella get your groove on. Add some adult type toys to your Christmas list this year. Why should the kids have all the fun?!

I am also, a My Pleasure affiliate so please, if you are going to be purchasing some sexy toys, remember to do it with me because it's MY PLEASURE to serve you. Get it? Do it with me? My Pleasure! tee hee...hee...hee...Oh nevermind.

Freshen Up Midday! It's Easier Than You Think

Have you ever sat with a bunch of kids in a car after a soccer game? I can tell you it is not pretty. Not a problem anymore, keep some of these on hand and toss them to the players. Quickly everyone starts to feel better including my nose.

Why should it stop at the kids?

Maybe at lunch you head out to run some errands, you get back to your desk and after all that rushing around, you feel nasty, tired and less than fresh!

Perhaps during your lunch break you head out to the gym but with only an hour there is no time to freshen up.

Sat in the copy room for over an hour and you are meeting your friends after work but you feel nasty and just want to head home instead of Girls Night Out.

I could come up with scenarios until the cows come home, there are seriously so many uses:

Throw them in your camping gear, hunting gear, boat gear, there is never a reason not to be your freshest and at less than 50 cents a wipe these are worth it.

These should be in every school, work environment and I am sure pretty soon, they will be available everywhere.

What Is Wrong With Todays Tweens?

Yesterday my dear friend a CCD teacher told me about an exercise she did with her 6th grade CCD class. They had to role play. She broke the class down into groups. Some would play the jocks, some the geeks, some the fly under the radar types, and so on. Her lesson was about the face we wear and what we show to others.

She walked up to a group and one of them told her he had the "flyest sneakers" or some such jazz. She then said as her character, "Oh yeah, mine are the a limited edition of the sneakers that are coming out next year" or something to that effect. The reaction she received was a "pretend" finger gun to her head and a couple of "bang-bangs".

She looked at her students like, "What, I got shot for saying my sneakers were cooler than yours?"

Is this a normal reaction for kids?  These days? Why? In 6th grade I was playing with my Barbies and watching the Brady Bunch. Drawing a pretend gun on my CCD teacher would have never even crossed my mind.

Then last night while trolling Facebook, I noticed a young, tween friend of mine had posted a few words, something to the effect of disappointment, hate, anger, blah, blah.." As I responded with a "Huh?" I noticed that there were people (friends of his) who hit "Like". They like this? Like?!

What the hell is going on?

Is it sensory overload, life, movies, video games, school, the news? What is wrong with the youth of America!?

Why are kids so violent, depressed, angry?!

Are they just misunderstood? Has society screwed up? Have things gotten so out of control that children at 12 and 13 would pretend to shoot their Catholic School teacher??

I just need to ask WTF?!!!