While I think of my local CVS as my in-between “grab what I need” store and consider them my one stop medication store, admittedly I never think of them as a Valentine’s store. Which is kind of silly because I do recall in between filling a prescription the decor reminding me of the next seasonal reason to celebrate. Of course having a 24-hour CVS right next to my home means I stop there for everything from cosmetics to a late night snack to something I forgot for school projects. I would be the first to say that I am biased towards CVS because they are a local company, well somewhat – Rhode Island is close enough in my books, so they are my preferred pharmacy.

So when the kind folks over at CVS offered to send me some Valentine’s inspired goodies from their store, the snob in me did not expect anything fancy schmancy Of course I was the fool as when I opened the box it was filled everything from the finest Chocolates (think Lindt, Godiver etc) packaged in the most attractive heart boxes (I mean seriously attractive) to all branded perfumes. I don’t keep up with all the trends (sue me) but even I knew the names of all the perfumes. I can tell you I will be smelling good for a long time and then some. Recognize names like Lucky Brand, Curve and Juicy Couture can be easily found amongst the selection.

So this has me convinced that maybe CVS is not only the in-between store but one you can start at and most likely finish at for Valentine’s Day.

And if you are grudging all that chocolate I may be devouring, rest assured that some teacher will be savoring some. Still griping for some? Well then how about 5, yes I said F-I-V-E, of my lucky readers get a heart shaped box of Lindt chocolate? I thought you’d come around.  So go on, enter, because if you don’t there is no way to win.

Would you like to one of 5 Lindt chocolates gift box?

To win tell me why you think you should win this prize?  Winner chose by random.org. Giveaways open to  US residents only 21+ only. Winner must reply within 48 hours or new winner will be drawn. 

Please note the Rules and Regulations of contests at MommyNiri.com. Entering this contest means you have read and wish to comply with those rules.

Please DO NOT leave your email address within the comment!!! Contest closes on February  4th 2012.

Don’t forget to visit out other fabulous giveaways on MommyNiri.com

Disclosure: Prizing was provided for this contest, and for review. No other compensation was received!

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When I was young, I used to chat with my mom that the guy I married had to be this, and this and that. My mom thought they were high demands and wished me luck finding the impossible. I disagreed. I felt that I was a pretty awesome catch myself and any guy who would be with me had better be that awesome too. My logic was clear, if I can be those things to him, how is it expecting those things in return to be anything less? I promised I would not settle. Of course most girls my age had had a head start with dating. Me, I was nose plucked in books, ready to make sure I was earning enough to get out of the drudgery of being poor.

Sadly having no money is just romanticized in the movies and the real picture is anything but. Which meant that I even skipped my debutante ball as I considered it so unimportant, though I attended my sister’s one (loyalty counts right?). Anything pretty and frivolous was  not really taken seriously. Not only was I scoffed at by my cousins for being the boring one, my own sister called me a snob. A label I gladly wore if that meant I preferred to choose what and who I spent my time with or on. I had bigger fish to fry. I had not given up on romance though, as you would have guessed from the piles of Mills & Boon (save the judgement, we all have our things) I hid under my bed. An important criteria was he had to be the “knee-knocking” and “palm-sweating” type.

Fast forward losing my mom I moved to the USA from South Africa continuing my engineering career. Love was the furthest thing from my mind. After meeting my now husband, who lived in DC while I was in Boston (what’s that you say? you want the story? let’s save that for another post) we pretended (or was that just me?) that we were just friends for a while. Succumbing to our feelings and what we considered a destiny together we decided to tie the knot. While every girl may dream of her wedding day, I was filled with practicalities. We lived in different states and he still was finishing up his MBA part time (he was an engineer by day too – what can I say geeks unite) and our families were from different countries.

Deciding to host a wedding in India and fly my sisters there for the wedding seemed practical. Choosing a date that fit in between the holiday period but ensuring we were only away for 2 weeks seemed practical (what is is about people in USA taking so little vacation?). Designing a wedding card from here so I could have some touch of mine seemed logical. Turning up a few days before your wedding and meeting your future in-laws seemed practical (why would I fly twice and waste the leave or money?) Allowing my mother-in-law to choose my wedding clothes seemed practical (Indian clothing is expensive here in the USA and pickings are slim) but admittedly did not digest all too well. Add some family drama and tears and you have the perfect masala for some frustrations all around. Caught up in the “let’s do what makes everyone happy, because I don’t care about the window dressing” attitude meant I let many things go thinking I would never have planned my wedding this way but not saying a thing. Sure I made little goodie bags etc but those were little things. Then I looked at my husband while making promises to each other with a little fire as the witness and we shared a giggle about how we could still change our minds and I knew that the other stuff did not matter. I was marrying my best friend.

Fast forward more financial woes and bringing up 2 kids, with one having a disability, bonds were tested. The practical personalities in us told us to focus on our kids and also keep our dreams alive. He is not only someone who supports my blogging but is an advocate of it. I was just telling my sister on Skype that when I have intense work to do I crave a Diet Coke (we already covered the no judging thing) and he turns up with one. For some girls wine, chocolates and flowers may be their thing but for me a Diet Coke and I am your buddy. Sometimes I look at the glitz and I do get swayed and then I think of my “diet-Coke-deliverer” and realize how much happier I am.

I may not have had a fairy-tale wedding, but I do sure have a fairytale marriage!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and part of me being a “Hallmark, Life is a special occasion ambassador”. Personally loving the opportunity to share a window to my life.

On a family jaunt to DC – to speak at the Blogalicious conference we made our regular rest stop at IKEA. If you see me tweet or chat with me on Facebook you would know that I love all things IKEA. Anyway, I just wanted to share with you my lovely find: the IKEA Family card. There are several reasons I love it, except for the fact that it is free and obtained so easily (right in the store you can make one at a kiosk)

You actually get discounts on several items in the store and you can save on IKEA FAMILY products. Free coffee or tea every time you visit the restaurant (I could sit there all day if they had wifi). You can have your kids for a longer time in Småland time (the kiddie care area) —30 extra minutes (normally it is around 45 mins) but note it is capacity-dependent. There are more reasons but these were reasons enough for me to join.Go check out IKEA Family card.

Disclosure: I was not paid nor asked to promote this card, I simply love it and wanted to share!

© 2010 GNDHDDTW © 2012 GNDHDDTW

You know already how much I love watching movies with my family, which reminds me I have some discount tickets I better use before they expire,  but there are some movies we wait more anxiously than others.  The Secret World of Arriety comes from the same people who brought you amazing movies like Ponyo and Spirited Away. I was a huge fan of Spirited Away even before I had kids, the imagery is breathtaking and the stories are so thought-provoking and mind-bending that they keep you on the edge of your seat.

Stretching the imagination of both parent and kid is not an easy feet and in fact I think the person most excited about watching this movie is my hubby, and if you knew him you would know how few movies do that for him. Anyway the movie releases February 17th but there is a special advanced screening this weekend – Saturday 28th January 2012 in Boston. I will be helping Dads Do Good for their Math is Fun event  but am going to head straight there for the 3pm show.

Now if you want to go I suggest getting there super early because while tickets are free, yes free, it is on a first come first served basis. I could go on about the event but am going to just list the details so it gets into your calendar. Will I see you there?

 The free advanced Screening Of The Secret World Of Arrietty screening is presented as part of the ICA’s Third-Annual Children’s International Film Festival and will be held:

Saturday, January 28^th

3:00pm

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

100 Northern Ave., Boston

Complimentary tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis on the morning of the Festival beginning at 10:00 am.   Seating will be on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed.

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You know the story, at least you should. It is one of my most beloved tales from all the Disney characters. In fact my daughter spent a long time obsessed with Belle and I was ok with it considering Belle is probably one of the smartest and sassiest of the princesses. Plus I drew so many lessons from there for my kids: like not judging someone on their looks, reading, staying loyal to your family and several more.

I was so excited to get the invitation to a screening for a 3D version. Movies are pure fun for my family, we actually get to relax and my kids are really so well behaved at the movies. 3D movies are always extra special to my kids and I personally love seeing my kids reach out to actually try and touch the characters. First things first, we heard there would be a Tangled Ever After short before the movie. Rapunzel is another beloved in our home, especially since it has such a modern fresh touch. The short was hilarious and actually worth watching on its own, in fact it made me hungry for a new Tangled movie.

Once Beauty and The Beast started you could see the move from fresh bright colors to more traditional ones. I loved how the story remained intact but just brought some things to life with the 3D. The passion and drive seemed much more intense now that the characters had extra dimensions to it. Some movies are just meant to be watched as a family, Beauty and The Beast is one of them. Watching it in 3D is just icing on the cake.