No, we don’t celebrate Santa.

Yes, we do celebrate Christmas.

Do we care if you celebrate Santa?  Nope.

Do you care if we choose not to?  Yes.

Of course, I am generalizing when I say “you”.  I’m sure many of “you” have no problem with our decision, and maybe even practice it yourself.  I just haven’t met you yet.  I am generalizing because MOST of the reactions I get from strangers, friends, and some family members are of shock and disappointment.  Most of the time I don’t even bring it up, and just smile and nod when the sweet stranger at the store asks my youngest, “Are you ready for Santa?”

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I first discovered chicBuds when I received a set in one of my BlogHer swag bags this past July.  The first thing that obviously caught my eye were the sparkling Swarovski Crystals, which were stylish and different than your ordinary ear buds.  Another great feature I love is the built-in retractable device and clip, which make tangled cords practically non-existent.  I have also found the design of the earbuds more comfortable in my ears than those that my iPhone came with, so I can wear chicBuds for longer periods of time.  Since the cords are retractable, my chicBuds can be easily stored inside my purse without getting tied up in knots.  I enjoy traveling with these headphones, as well, for the same reason.

chicBuds come in several colors to choose from, and are affordable at $20-$48.  chicBuds also carries other techie items, such as kids earphones, iPod cases and bluetooth accessories, with styles that set them apart from the rest.

Get your own set chicBuds, or better yet, fill your loved one’s stocking this holiday by visiting  www.chicbuds.com!

Rockin’ out in style.  That’s what I’m talking about.

::GIVEAWAY::

I have a pair of White/Watermelon chicBuds w/ Swarovski Crystals to give to one  lucky winner!  A $39 value.

Description from the chicBuds website:

Treat your ears to somethin’ sweet! Adorned with Swarovski Crystals, chicBuds transforms functional earbuds into a deliciously stylish experience. But don’t be fooled! chicBuds are not only yummy looking–they’re convenient too. The built-in retractor allows the cord to expand and retract to 5 stopping points for various lengths. The clip stops cords from bouncing around and the retractable device prevents tangling when not in use. chicBuds Earphones: A sweet treat for your ears!

::HOW TO ENTER::

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment, telling us one of your favorite tunes to “rock out” to while listening to headphones!  My favorite tune?  Muse -  Map Of The Problematique

Earn extra entries below.

::EARN UP TO SEVEN EXTRA ENTRIES::

You can earn extra entries by doing the following, leaving a comment for each:

• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Follow @chicBuds on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Become a Fan of Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win a pair of White/Watermelon chicBuds w/Swarovski Crystals on @MomSpark! http://clicky.me/1Jk #giveaway #contest

Contest ends November 16, 2009 at midnight CST.  USA & Canada residents only, please.  Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – I was given a pair of Chic Buds in return for this review and giveaway.  My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.Similar Posts:

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Do you shop at Target or CVS? If you do now you can Save even more AND help the environment. A win/win situation in my opinion. Starting November 1st at any Target if you bring in and use a reusable bag you get 5 cents off your total purchase for every bag. Now when I go grocery shopping we use at least 20 bags so that would be at least $1 off. The only bag you can not use at Target are regular plastic bags, but all others will be accepted.

The CVS incentive program is a little different. It will only be available for those customers in the ExtraCare loyalty program. You also will have to buy the 99 cent “GreenTagBag”. Then every time you come in and use either a reusable bag or don’t use a bag at all you swipe your tag. After 4 swipes you will receive a coupon on the bottom of your receipt for $1 off your next trip.

It may not amount to much, but it’s also helping us lower the plastic bags in the landfill. I know I personally will start making sure to use those reusable bags.

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Corndog Muffins

Makes 18 muffins

2 (8.5 ounce) packages cornbread mix

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese

9 hot dogs, cut into chunks

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Lose Brand Loyalty

Before I started shopping this way I was very particular about the brands that I used.  The same products were in my shopping cart every week.  This is still the case to some extent…there are certain brands that I just feel are better than others…so when I DO find a good deal on them I buy, buy, buy.  I had to learn to let go of some of that loyalty in order to get better deals.  This does not necessarily mean buy plain label…it just means try new things out.

Allowing myself to shop for new products/brands turned out to be great!  We were able to try new products…often items that I deemed “too expensive” in the past….and turned into some of our favorites.

Shop Deals, Not What You Need

The concept of “stockpiling” was the hardest for me to accept.  How on earth could I save money if I was buying more than what I needed?  The key was that I was buying things on a deep discount…toilet paper at $0.35 per 4pack instead of $2.99.  I may not have NEEDED toilet paper at exactly that moment…but we will need toilet paper again at some point.  After a very short time I was able to prepare my menus based on what I had in the house…and my shopping lists were based on the best deals and my week to week perishables.

Bigger is Not Always Better

Buying in bulk does not always save you money.  If you look for deals and use coupons on smaller items…you may find that ultimately you are paying less per ounce.  Buying 3 small containers of oatmeal at $2.09 with 3 $1/1 coupon you will spend $3.27.  Buying one big container at $5.00 with a $1/1 coupon you will be paying more money, for less product.

I keep a small plastic container on my washing machine and I fill it with sample sized laundry detergent.  Buying sample sized products like this will often net you FREE product.  All Laundry detergent is $1.02 at Target in the sample bins.  You will often find $1/1 coupons for any sized all in your weekly inserts.  Sample sized Tide works the same way.  This past weekend’s P&G insert had a $1/1 any size Tide coupon.  If you use several of these at one time…free product!  Cheaper than $1 off of one large container…you just have to decide if you can make this work for you.

Recognize the Difference Between a “Sale” and a “Deal”

Just because you have a coupon doesn’t make something a great deal.  If you use coupons because you have them…not because its a great deal or because you desire the product…you will end up spending more money at the end.  A great “deal” will combine a store sale and your coupons and will result in a greatly discounted price.  Stocking your shelves when you find a great deal will absolutely save you money.

Pay It Forward

There are often free products to be had at many stores if you apply sales and coupons correctly.  These are not always products that my family will use…but that doesn’t mean that SOMEONE won’t use them!  There are food pantries and non profit organizations in every community that are desperate for donations.  If you can “purchase” a razor for $0.30 you certainly don’t need 10 of them… but a shelter most definately could.  Use some of your skills and good fortune to pay it forward.

Shop From a List/Menu

Always take a list with you and stick to it.  Plan before you go what you are going to purchase…which sales match which coupons and what your necessities are.  Stick to the list!!  “Impulse buys” add up very quickly and can destroy even the best planning.

Set and Follow a Budget

Knowing what you have available to you to spend is crucial.  Sticking to that number is even more important.  You may find that planning a monthly number works better than week to week budgeting.  Then if you spend more one week…you know you can balance it out by spending less the next week.  Take a calculator with you to the store and add up your purchases as you go.  If you feel the need to buy things that aren’t on your list keep a separate list of what it would cost you.  When you watch the numbers add up it is much less difficult to put them back on the shelves!

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This cute little guy named Norman is not only a fun toy for your kids, it has a story behind the name…and noise too! Norman the farting elephant was inspired by an actual African elephant found in a US Zoo. Upon arriving to his new home, his change of diet caused him to have the poots.

From the zoo and sometimes beyond, Norman explores the meaning of family and friends, and the many cultures of the world.  The first Norman book will arrive close to this year’s end.

When I first picked up the package my mailman left, it started farting. I could only imagine what she thought! My daughter was terrified at first, but when I told her that he was pootin’, she couldn’t wait to show her brothers when they got home from school. Naturally, the boys think it’s hilarious.

You can purchase Norman here for $22.95. A portion of all sales are donated to the donations Smile Train and Half the Sky.

Keep with the latest on Norman by becoming a fan on Facebook.

DISCLOSURE – Kim was given a Norman PhartEphant in return for conducting this review.

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Last Thursday evening, Coupon Princess and I headed out to the Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma City to met the one and only Pioneer Woman, who was promoting and signing her first cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl.

The ideal scenario went like this: show up at the bookstore, get into a somewhat long line, wait, get our cookbooks signed, get a pic with Ree, then hang out with Ree at the Pioneer Woman tweet-up that followed.  Doesn’t seem like too much to ask, right? Except, I forgot one thing.  Ree is, like, a rock star in Oklahoma.  Okay, she’s a rock star, period.  So, yeah, she has a LOT of fans.

Our dreams were quickly crushed upon entering the bookstore and seeing THE LINE OF DOOM.  Yes, my friends, there stood an infinite line of adoring P. Dub fans that were smart enough to arrive a couple hours before go time.  Feeling confused, and a little distraught, we slowly walked to the end of the line and started weighing our options.  We had a decision to make – wait 5-6 hours in line to get our cookbooks signed, or just forget about signatures and go stare at Ree signing other fan’s books.  We choose the latter.  It may seem weird to you, but it made sense at the time.  My feet thanked me.

It actually wasn’t that bad sitting and stalking watching Ree interact with fans.  No, we didn’t get to meet her, but we sat near her and met her sister and kiddos, which was cool.  I was able to photograph my friends (who did stand in line) getting their books signed, and also met the lovely Vivian Boroff, who had coordinated the Pioneer Woman tweet-up that was to follow the book signing. Vivian told us that Ree really wanted to make the tweet-up afterward, but we could tell by the speed (or should I say, lack of speed) of the LONG LINE that there was no way that was happening.  Vivian also told us that if we left our books at the counter, Ree would sign them later, so we decided to go that route.  I stuck a post-it note for Ree on my copy of the book that appropriately read “Mom Spark”.  I also, sorta, got my photo with Ree, unbeknownst to her.

After a couple hours, 8:30 pm came around, so it was time for the Pioneer Woman tweet-up at Rococos.  We headed that way, leaving Ree behind as she signed books away like a mad woman.  The menu at the tweet-up was made up of Ree’s recipes, which included her Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing, Grilled Ribeye Steak with Onion-Blue Cheese Cream Sauce, and Pastor Ryan’s Monkey Bread.  Each dish was delicious, as expected, and we had a great time just chatting and being girls.  That doesn’t happen very often, you know.

The night was wrapping up, so we said our goodbyes to our tweet-up gal pals, and decided to drop by the bookstore one last time. To our amazement, Ree was still signing books.  It was 10:30.  Poor thing.  The next day I found out that she had stayed until 12:30 a.m., signing every book.  What a sweetheart.  Oklahoma truly loves her.

Coupon Princess picked up our books on Friday night, and sweetly dropped off my copy to me Saturday morning.  My grandmother and I flipped through the book together, stopping at recipes that we had both had before, in one form or another.

The cookbook is beautiful, just like Ree’s blog, and the recipes are all doable, which is why we love The Pioneer Woman.  I can’t wait to soak up every page, and head into the kitchen to do something a little tastier than hot dogs and mac-n-cheese. (although, some nights are just hot dog & mac-n-cheese nights)

You can purchase The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl on Amazon, or from you local bookstore. Ree is also touring the country while promoting her book, so check out her road trip schedule for a city near you.  Also, if you live under a rock and haven’t visited The Pioneer Woman before, please check it out at www.thepioneerwoman.com.

I love you Ree Drummond, and one day I WILL meet you.  Oh, and OKIES rule.  Just sayin’.

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If you like scoring GREAT deals on brand name and designer products, then you are going to love bTrendie!  bTrendie is a members-only shopping community that hosts surprise sales and deals on new and hard-to-find designer, brand name, and mom-designed items.  Membership on bTrendie is FREE for everyone, and after you sign up, you will immediately start receiving information on surprise events and sales via email.

bTrendie is hosting a special giveaway, exclusively for Mom Spark members!  All you need to do is complete your FREE registration on bTrendie, and you are automatically entered for a chance to win a Caden Lane Tote/Diaper Bag, which retails for $130!  Easy enough, right?

JOIN bTrendie HERE.

I think bTrendie is a great alternative to paying full price for nice brands.  I mean, who likes to pay full price for anything in this economy?  Visit bTrendie HERE and let me know what you think!  You can also follow them on Twitter at @bTrendie.

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I really liked how our kit included some fun accessories like an apron featuring the logo “Organically Awesome!”, rolling pin, and 4 wooden shape stampers. We played with Miss Brittany’s Organic Preschool Fun Dough for about an hour coming up with all kinds of “recipes” and making fun products. The only flaw I could see is that it is VERY sticky. It was hard switching colors because we had to wipe all of our tools off before starting again. Overall I think that it is a great green product for you and your family, just make sure to use it on a table and not the carpet!

A big thank you to Amy with Mom Spark and Mom Made That as well as Miss Brittany’s Organic Preschool Fun Dough for the opportunity to review this great product.

You can learn more about Miss Brittany’s Organic Preschool Fun Dough at www.organicfundough.com.

::GIVEAWAY::

We have one Fun Dough Set to give away to one lucky winner!

::HOW TO ENTER::

• To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment that tells us why Miss Brittany’s Organic Preschool Fun Dough would make a great addition to your family.  Earn extra entries below!

::EARN UP TO SIX EXTRA ENTRIES::

You can earn extra entries by doing the following, leaving a comment for each:

• Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway. (put link in comment)
• Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here. (mention in comment)
• Follow Mom Spark on Facebook.
• Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see sidebar)
• Tweet about this giveaway:

I just entered to win Miss Brittany’s Organic Fun Dough on @MomSpark! You can enter, too! http://tinyurl.com/yzz7hgn #giveaway #contest

Contest ends November 5, 2009 at midnight CST.  USA & Canada residents only, please.  Good luck!

DISCLOSURE – Kasandria was given a Fun Dough  Set in return for this review.

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Not by by goblins and werewolves and vampires.

No. It’s the creepy-crawly H1N1 that’s got me hiding under the sheets with a bottle of bleach.

The Swine Flu scare is on here in West Michigan where I live. Schools are closed, churches and community centers are canceling activities hoping to stop the rapid spread. Emergency rooms and doctor’s offices are clogged, mostly with parents looking to get some relief for their kids.

I’m usually a pretty skeptical person, not falling prey to the latest national panic.

I slept like  a baby on the eve of Y2K, sure that all the hype was just that, and the bulk of our electronic infrastructure was not about to implode. I scoffed at the Bird Flu a few years ago. I didn’t run out and stock up on 25 lb. bags of rice when the world was supposedly running out.

But people I know are sick with Swine Flu. Reports of dangerously high fevers, miserable children and exhausted moms have me very close to falling off the edge of reality.

I’ve considered simply locking up baby Wade and four-year-old David in the house until spring. We certainly will be avoiding sticky, germ-ridden places like the play land at our local fast food restaurant. I’ve even thought about skipping church so the boys aren’t exposed to all the snotty, sneezy, hacky kids whose parents aren’t courteous enough to keep their sick children at home and away from my healthy ones.

Then there’s Trick-or-Treating.

Is it safe to spray down the wrapped candy with Lysol before I let my kid eat it?

Where can I get a gallon of hand sanitizer to carry around the neighborhood with us so we can disinfect after each new door we knock on?

I’m thinking of making David wear this over his costume on All Hallows’ Eve.

Unless anyone knows where I can get a hazmat suit in boy’s size 6.

If you’re throwing a Hall-O-Ween party, please skip the Bobbing for Swine Flu Apples’ Tub this year. Maybe you could play a game of Vaccinate the Donkey instead.

There is no H1N1 vaccine available to the general public here yet, but my husband took David to the pediatrician on Friday for his regular seasonal flu shot. David was under strict orders not to play with any of the waiting room toys or books. I went so far as to tell him to stay away from the other kids. “Don’t even make direct eye contact,” I said. I was only kind of kidding.

Oh, I’m a mean mother.

But come on. Everybody knows the peds office is the germiest place on earth.

I keep flashing back to all those end-of-world science fiction movies like Outbreak and I Am Legend. How long until we’re under marshal law and there’s a curfew enforced?

Maybe I should just go underground with my family until this whole Swine Flu thing blows over. But we’re not prepared to go into hiding. If only I’d believed that Y2K hype back in ‘99. I’d already have a stockpile of canned goods and water.

I’m gonna go breath into a paper bag, and try to calm down now.

Wait.

No I’m not.

Who knows where that paper bag’s been.

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Here is a super yummy recipe adapted from one that my friend Kira gave to me, she calls it Tortilla Flats. Keep this one in mind when you are bringing a meal to a friend in need (new baby? new house? feeling under the weather?)

Ingredients~
1 lb ground beef (approx)
1 large can mild enchilada sauce
1 can kidney beans
1 can black beans
2 or more cups shredded cheese (I use a mixed bag)
tortillas (I use flour)
Sour Cream (on the side)
Your favorite Hot Sauce (has anyone out there heard of Taco Lita? my husband gave me a ton of little Taco Lita hot sauce packets for Christmas – I sure love him)

Directions~
Brown ground beef, add beans drained and rinsed. Place a tortilla (or two depending on the size of your casserole dish) to cover the bottom of 9×12 casserole dish. Drizzle with enchilada sauce to just cover tortilla. Layer ground beef/beans mixture on top of sauced tortilla, cover with handful of cheese and another tortilla, drizzled with sauce. Repeat. End layers with tortillas covered with lots of sauce and cheese. Bake uncovered until heated through and cheese on top is bubbly. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce.
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–>see “Response from Nestle to PHDinParenting” – Part 1 & Part 2

Annie’s (from phdinparenting.com) questions are in bold.

***

October 23, 2009

Dear Annie,

Thank you once again for your patience.  Following are the remaining responses to your original set of questions.

Sincerely,

Edie Burge

Is your 800 number just for breastfeeding support?  What is the scope of that phone line?

Our trained experts are able to discuss a wide variety of topics with both new and experienced moms that include a wide array of questions ranging from breastfeeding to infant, toddler and preschooler feeding and nutrition questions.  We help provide parents and caregivers with answers to the nutritional needs of children aged up to age 4.  Parents are able to reach us 24 hours a day 7 days a week and help is always available.

What are the qualifications of the staff?  What percentage of them are International Board Certified lactation consultants?

The contact center for Nestle Infant Nutrition has a staff of feeding experts including registered dietitians and breastfeeding educators.  All registered Nestlé Infant Nutrition call center dietitians are members of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and have an average of ten years of experience in Pediatric Nutrition.  Our Breastfeeding Educators have completed their certification requirements through UCLA  (University of California, Los Angeles UCLA Extension) and The Lactation Institute.  The program provides both comprehensive “hands-on” and theoretical training. The length of the time it takes to complete the program varies, as is the case with many educational endeavors, however certification is granted only when all requirements for certification have been met.   Our breastfeeding educators are not board certified by IBCLC.

Do you have statistics on your help line (how many calls, nature of questions asked)?

Our trained experts are able to discuss a wide variety of topics with both new and experienced moms that include a wide array of questions ranging from breastfeeding to infant, toddler and preschooler feeding and nutrition questions.  We help provide parents and caregivers with answers to the nutritional needs of children aged up to age 4.  Parents are able to reach us 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  We never close. We are the only infant nutrition company who is always there for mom and her baby 24/7/365.  Regarding the specific questions about the exact number of contacts, we treat this and any other sensitive information as confidential.

Your Nestle Instructions for Implementation of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes includes a Complaint Form in Annex 3. How many complaint forms are received annually? Do you have any statistics or reports on the nature and geographic location of the violations reported?

Formal complaints sent through the Complaint Form in Annex 3 of Nestlé Instructions are extremely rare. However, we do receive complaints through other means, such as emails, letters or calls to our consumer services. Nestlé takes allegations of non-compliance with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes very seriously and investigates each one of them. Nestlé wishes to learn of all concerns regarding our marketing practices for it is only then that we will be able to correct mistakes or better inform our partners, such as distributors of our products.

Nestlé has put in place an elaborate monitoring system to ensure compliance with the WHO Code. This includes regular corporate audits, an ombudsman system for employees to report suspicions of WHO Code violations, and external audits of Code compliance. However, we recognize that there are no perfect monitoring system in such complex arena as Code application and/or national legislations in so many countries. This is why if allegations are recorded, they should be sent to the company immediately so that an investigation can take place and corrections made if necessary.

For more information, please read our response to the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN)’s report “Breaking the Rules, Stretching the Rules” (2007): http://www.babymilk.nestle.com/NR/rdonlyres/14F9B348-0329-4DB7-8A68-2BB0A1450F2A/97053/2009NestleInvestigationofReportedNonCompliancewith.pdf

Moving forward, what steps do you plan to take to use social media and engagement with bloggers to get input into corporate policies and practices? Or are you looking to social media simply as a cost effective marketing tool?

We are always looking for ways to engage in meaningful dialogue with consumers and others interested in Nestlé. Certainly, engaging in social media will continue to be one of many ways we try to do that. We welcome ideas from you and your readers. We hope you’ll visit us at http://creatingsharedvalue.org to share your comments, opinions and questions.

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Product reviewers.  Giveaways.  Apparently, it is a HUGE deal.

Product reviewers seem to be looked down upon, or considered the “bottom rung” of the blogging ladder.  Why?  Maybe because it doesn’t fit inside the blogger mold?  Some would even dare to say that review and giveaway bloggers are not real writers.  But, then, what is a real writer, and can bloggers only be real writers?

I think the underlying issue is that, to some, review and giveaway bloggers are not bloggers at all, so this raises a very important question-

What is the definition of a blogger?

Definition of a “blogger” via www.dictionary.com.

And, just to clarify what a “web log (blog)” is, by definition:

So, after reading the true definition of a blog (weblog) and blogger, what are the rules, now?  Notice that in the definition of a weblog, it mentions “commentaries and recommendations complied by the user” AND “also may include journal entries“.  The definition is VERY broad.  Basically, if you use a blog platform with “chronological order” of postings and “links to comments”, you are a blogger.  There are no other rules beyond that.  YOU choose the content.

So, why the discontent for review and giveaway bloggers?  I heard at the Type A Mom Conference that levels, such as the “cupcake level”, is okay at first, but you obviously need to work your way up.  You may have seen my tweet during the conversation that said, “What if you are content at ‘cupcake level’”?  My point being that not all of us are unhappy with our “level” or “status“, yet there is an angst in the air that tells us we should be.  The negativity is discouraging, and honestly, not necessary.  Many of us are happy making little or NO money.  Heck, some of us even feel blessed to have what we do, as little as it may be to some.  Some ARE successful doing product reviews.  None of us are entitled to ANYTHING, and I am embarrassed by fellow bloggers who believe they are.  The very fact that anyone values our opinions, at all, is compensation enough.

The truth is, products are a part of our lives.  A HUGE part of it.  We are consumers, so in my opinion, it is natural to discuss products and give recommendations.  Not all product reviewers are “sell-outs” or “product whores”.  If reviews and giveaways aren’t your thing, don’t read it and don’t blog about it.  There is room for all of us, and an audience for each one of us.

I say blog, and let blog.  Support ALL bloggers.

What is your opinion of a product reviewer?

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I have been to Disney World a whopping 7 times in the past five years. Yep, I’m a Disney nut. The main question anyone asks me is: “How can you afford to go?” My answer is PLANNING! There are SO many Ways To Save on a Disney World Family Vacation even in today’s economy. You just have to do your research! One website I always check is: http://www.mousesavers.com/ Like right now you could get the buy 4, get 7 or buy 5, get 7 vacation package offer valid for stays November 1 – December 24, 2009 and January 3 – March 27, 2010. There’s usually a FREE Dining offer out there. You could also just buy the tickets through AAA or a ticket broker (make sure they are legit) then do a ROOM only code. Last, but not least a great secret is if you have been before or if you are signed up on their website then you are in the system. Call them at 407-WDW-7639 and ask if there is a PIN code attached to your name. They send them out sometimes and it’s a discount just for your family.

You can either stay onsite at a Disney World hotel or stay offsite depending on your preference. There are So many reasons to stay onsite from: Extra Magic Hours, Magical Express, Transportation from your hotel to any of the parks, and even Disney Dining Plan. The good thing about Disney is they think of every families budget which is why there are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts. For more on how Disney has thought about helping you stay within your budget check out this advice.

As with any vacation you should have some sort of plan for attacking the parks. I’m not saying plan every minute of your day because what fun is that? If you just have an idea of what park you are going to go to that day, what attractions or shows are at that park, and where you want to eat that day you have a good start. If you are wanting a sit down restaurant make sure to make an Advance Dining Reservation either online or buy calling 407-WDW-DINE because it is VERY hard to get into a restaurant by walking up or even trying for a same day reservation.

Also check out Disney World Moms Panel, All Ears, and the DIS Boards they are GREAT resources for Disney World information!

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It’s a short lived season — enjoy it while it lasts!

Here are some inspirations for fall that warm my heart & hopefully yours as well!

01. A pretty little autumn leaf platter via Prudent Baby.

02. A vegan pumpkin pie recipe via Breastfeeding Moms Unite.

03. Chocolate pumpkin spice cake soap via Naiad Soap Arts.

04. Child sized autumn harvest scarf via Crochet By Brenda.

05. Martha’s fabulous pumpkins via Martha Stewart.

06. Thanksgiving inspired baby food via Feeding Little Foodies.

07. Happy Halloween cards via Creative Thursday.

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I can’t imagine going through all of that with a child.  With my child.  Watching them go from happy, outgoing, active souls to things I don’t even care to imagine.   Take this for example:

“Our 9 year old daughter Sammie was diagnosed on November 24, 2006 with Osteosarcoma in her femur. After many tests and a lung biopsy the doctors have confirmed that it has also spread to her lungs.

Sammie’s treatment finished in September of 2007-

Jan 30. 2008- biopsy shows not sign of cancer or infection!! Thank you GOD!

Feb 11th 08 – No Evidence of Disease in lungs!!!

March 5th 08- MRI shows the S1 of the tailbone is crumbling. Another biopsy is needed to rule out a relapse..

March 13th 08- confirmed relapse in the tailbone will start chemo March 23rd..

March 20th 08- 2 tumors in her left lung to beat as well….

May 08- Tumor removed from S1- not sure they got it all.

May 08- Chemo resumes

Sept 2, 08 – thorocotomy – 1/4 of left lobe resected also found two more tumors not seen on the scan. All tumors were still alive. Three rounds of chemo left.

Oct 31st 08- Last round of IFOS/ETOP completed.. Scans Nov 18th 08

Nov 18th 2008- All scans are clear

Jan 13th 2009- tumors in both lungs and tumor in sacrum the S1- will begin radiation

March 09 – one round of chemo proved to be too much.. no more treatments”

Such is the story of little Samantha Hartsfield, who recently passed away.  When I found her story through Spirit Jumpers a few months ago…it reached out to grab me…and held on tight.   Her death has only convinced me that joining up with St. Baldricks (a nonprofit charity) was the right decision.

“St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.”

Yes. You read right. Volunteers shave their heads. I will be shaving my head on March 20, 2010…but until then I’m trying to raise as much money as possible for this cause.  When March 20th rolls around I will cut off a ponytail to send to Locks of Love and then sit anxiously awaiting to see my newly bald head.  There are so many children out there who have absolutely no choice but to lose their hair…and they keep fighting everyday for their lives. Their families go through some really tough times together. Parents see things that they would never in a million years want to see.  I know some of you have been through this…and some of you haven’t.  If you haven’t–try to imagine your child lying in a bed, unable to move and too sick to go anywhere.  Imagine your child in pain.  Wouldn’t you go to the ends of the Earth to help your baby (no matter how old your baby is)?  You would.  Willingly and selflessly…you would.

What if we could do something to help cure cancer though?  Well, we can.  We can volunteer our time and our hearts.  If you  can’t volunteer time…would you offer your heart?  I want to raise money so that parents and family members don’t have to go through that anymore.  I WANT TO FIND A CURE.

For more information as well as to donate please go see what St. Baldrick’s is all about. To ask me any questions please feel free to e-mail me. To keep up with what I’m doing until March (and to see pictures and possibly video when I do shave my head) go here.  You can see my latest post at any time by clicking “Cancer & St. Baldrick’s” on the top tabs.  I hope to hear from some of you soon.

**Author’s Note–Please understand that I am in no way saying anything negative about you if you don’t donate.  I find lately that everyone has something they are passionate about…and I’ve found a passion that tears at my heartstrings.  Yours may be something completely different…and that’s understandable. **

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