Really, Are You Serious?

The teacher in me

2009-11-09T19:58:00.004-05:00

On a day when I am frustrated with my students for their...

lack of caring,

happiness with mediocrity,

mean and hateful words,

lack of motivation,

cussing,

very bad grades,

constant talking, and

rudeness...

I am choosing to take a different approach. Maybe this will help with my incredible sense of frustration.

I will write a letter to my girls teachers telling them how much I appreciate them for...

their hugs and kisses for my girls,

teaching them important things,

cleaning up after them,

calming them when they are upset,

helping them learn how to crawl and walk,

helping them learn how to sleep unswaddled,

helping them learn how to use a cup, and

their love of my children.

I challenge you to do the same.

I have never once received a note or email or call thanking me for teaching a child. Not once. So maybe today I will make a difference in my children's teacher's lives. And, maybe you can do the same, too!

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In addition to my giveaways featured at the right, I'm also sponsoring a giveaway over at Classy Chaos where you can win a custom blog design or greeting card from my design company, Krizzy Designs.

Natalie’s Theme Song

2009-11-06T09:21:00.001-05:00

Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride,

Nobody’s gonna slow me down,

Oh no, I’ve got to keep on moving.

Name Your Tune CD- Review and Giveaway

2009-11-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

Name Your Tune CDs are so fun. They are customized with your child’s name. Your child will hear their name at least 80 times over the course of 14 popular kids songs (like If You’re Isabelle and You Know it and Little Isabelle Had a Farm). Also, the CD has their name on the front and a personalized message as well.

Serious Tested: As soon as we got the CD, I didn’t tell Isabelle what it was, I just popped it in the player. She immediately started singing along to the words she already knew. Then, when a song said her name instead, her face just lit up. It was so precious and priceless. Then, she said “hey mommy, that song said "’Isabelle’!” Yep, she loved it.

Name Your Tune also has other personalized gifts including step stools, blankets, placemats and more.

Buy it: You can buy a custom CD for $20 or use the discount code: XXXXX to receive $5 off your purchase.

Win it: One lucky Really, Are You Serious? winner will receive their very own customized CD.

For your first entry: Visit Name Your Tune and tell me which of the 14 songs you think your kiddo (grandkid, niece, nephew, etc) would like best or another one of the items that they sell..

THE RULES:
*OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, November 18th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I received a copy of a Name Your Tune CD to facilitate my review. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated monetarily for this review and giveaway.

Winner, winner, winner!

2009-11-04T20:48:00.006-05:00

The winner of custom brochure/flyer giveaway is:

Here are your random numbers: 10
Timestamp: 2009-11-06 01:14:10 UTC

10. steffany s said...
would use these for our company xmas party invtes this year
jssk13@

Kikkoman Sauces Review and Giveaway

2009-11-04T09:56:00.004-05:00

We already love Kikkoman’s soy sauce, lite soy sauce and teriyaki sauce. And, of course, the Serious family loves their turkey, so when Daphne asked me if I wanted to do a Thanksgiving practice turkey, I was all “yes, please!”

Here’s the savory turkey brine recipe that I used.

Savory Turkey Brine: Recipe is for a 16-24 pound fresh turkey

Ingredients
2 gallons cold water
10 ounces Kikkoman Soy Sauce
½ cup kosher salt
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons dried sage
2 tablespoons dried celery seed
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Directions

The night before roasting, remove giblets and turkey neck; rinse turkey inside and out. In a large stockpot, or 5-gallon bucket, mix water with remaining ingredients. Stir well until all the salt is dissolved. Place turkey in the pot, cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours. Remove turkey from the brine, rinse well.

I mixed the dry ingredients together, and then the wet. I didn’t have a pot big enough, so we cleaned our cooler out really well, and put the turkey in for it’s soaking overnight. And we added lots of ice to make sure it was cold enough. (The bottle in there is full of water to displace everything to cover the turkey). And, of course, we cleaned the cooler really well after, too.

The next early afternoon, I took the turkey out and roasted it the same way I always do. I think it looked quite delicious if I do say so myself.

Serious Tested: Upon cutting into the turkey, it seemed a juicier than normal. Once we carved it and ate it, it wasn’t so easy to tell a difference in the flavor within the meat. The turkey was good, but I couldn’t really tell the difference between brining it and not (of course, I didn’t have a non-brined turkey to compare it to).

We aren’t typically skin eaters, but I did scrape the fat off a piece and give the skin a try. Wow. The skin was quite savory. It had a lot of flavor.

I think next time, I will poke holes into the flesh of the turkey and the skin so the flavor from the brine ingredients will really be able to soak into the entire bird.

Our leftovers were used for sandwiches for lunch during the week and gobbled up before I could try any of the other recipes. (Mr. Serious really loves a turkey sandwich). But, Kikkoman also has their recipes, turkey tips and a buy one get one free coupon online. There you will also find these recipes to use with your left over Thanksgiving turkey (if you have any, of course):

Quick Chinese Turkey Salad
Terrific Turkey Tetrazzini
Elegant Creamed Turkey
Spanish Turkey Ole
Turkey Fried Rice

Win it:

For your first entry: Tell me your favorite thing about Thanksgiving.

THE RULES:
*OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, November 11th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I received an assortment of sauces and a gift pack as well as a gift card with which to purchase the turkey from Kikkoman’s to facilitate my review. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated monetarily for this review and giveaway.

Open Letters from Halloween

2009-11-04T08:58:00.001-05:00

Dear Weather-

Pouring down rain on us during trick or treating is so not cool. Could you please get it together for next year? Thanks.

Kindly,

A mom who doesn't want two soaking wet babies

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Dear 40+ year old lady,

It is completely unacceptable for you to knock on our door, hold out your bag and say "trick or treat!" And, if you are going to go through that trouble...at least have a costume and a baby or a kid as a prop.

Kindly,

The lady who doesn't give out free candy to "grown a$$ women" (in Mr. Serious' words)

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Dear 17+ year old kids-

A beanie does not make you a gangster. Make a little effort with your costume, please. And, don't use your backpack for treat or treating. Backpacks are for homework and textbooks and stuff, alright?

Kindly,

Mrs. Serious, your friendly high school science teacher

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Dear Kids Who Think It's Okay to Knock Repeatedly on My Door When the Light is Off,

You are lucky I was calm when I answered the door. And, yes, I might be a little crazy. But hey, didn't your mom tell you not to knock on a door with the lights off? It's rude. And, I'll tell you again next year if you come back.

Kindly,

The lady who had to teach you something your mom should have taught you (see below).

P.S. Thanks for not coming back and egging or TPing our house.

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Dear Parents of Above Kids,

It is not okay to drive your kids around and let them knock on doors with lights off. Yes, I saw you sitting in front of the house in your car driving along side of them. That's not cool, parent. Not cool.

Kindly,

The lady who was doing your job and schooling your kids

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Dear Neighbor,

The Mask a la Scream with the fake dripping blood down the front is NOT acceptable to wear when a three year old knocks on your door. Nor is it acceptable when a one year old knocked on your door two years ago. And, your wife saying "look at the silly man" does not make it cute, either. That is NOT funny, and we won't be coming back to your house. Please get back on your rocker and learn what is appropriate and what isn't. Please stop scaring my daughters. I don't think it's funny. Not. One. Bit!

Kindly,

Your neighbor who things you are rude and crazy

This time, we got a souvenir

2009-11-02T21:12:00.004-05:00

Last time there was a trip to the doctor on the weekend, we didn’t get to take anything home with us.

This time…this time was very different.

Sunday morning I was getting the girls ready for church. I was sitting at the bottom of the stairs with Isabelle in front of me putting her hair in “two ponytails!”

Natalie crawled up past us. She has climbed up the stairs a million times, always under close supervision.

I was sitting right there.

Before I knew it, it happened.

I heard the thud, and the sound of slipping.

By the time I turned around, a saw Natalie flipping down the stairs. Head over feet and feet over head.

I’m pretty sure it was only 4 or 5 steps, but it was terrifying.

I caught her and scooped her up and she screamed.

She wailed.

She cried and wanted to be held.

I held her and rocked her. I looked her over for any signs of injury. I pushed here and there with no noticeable response.

After about 10 minutes, she calmed down. We thought she was just scared.

I should have known something was off when I tried to put on her shoes and she whimpered, but I thought she was being sensitive.

We went to church. We were volunteering with the 4-5 year olds. My gut told me to bring Natalie with us. I’m so glad we did.

She crawled over to Mr. Serious and pulled up on his leg. She immediately cried. She didn’t put any weight on her right leg.

I knew something wasn’t right.

We continued to watch her. No weight on the right leg. She just wanted to be held.

So we held her. We talked to a woman at church who is an orthopedic nurse. She checked her out. She said to take her to the pediatric orthopedic specialist on Monday.

I couldn’t wait. I remembered the Children’s hospital had an urgent care center that allowed for call ahead appointments.

We arrived at 6:45pm promptly for our appointment.

X-rays were performed and read.

“She has a buckle fracture in her leg. If it were an adult, it would have broken.”

And, then the nurse came in with supplies. Splint supplies. She was bringing in our souvenir.

My baby. My precious little 12 month old had a splint put on her leg. Her little chubby, perfect leg. I don’t know how I didn’t cry.

She did so good. She was the best baby ever. She is the best baby.

Today we went to the pediatric orthopedic specialist. He confirmed it. A distal fracture in both her tibia and fibula. Both bones.

And, we left there with a souvenir as well. One of the purple fiberglass kind.

And, the purple? Natalie totally picked it out. The technician came in with the color choices, and she immediately picked purple. Yes, she totally knows what she wants.

My little precious Natalie has a purple cast on her leg for 3-4 weeks. She is scheduled to get it removed the day before Thanksgiving.

Thankfully, she is being a very good sport. She is still giving us some smiles and loving on us. She is having a hard time moving around and it is making her very frustrated.

Isabelle is being a good big sister and trying to help out. She likes to try to console Natalie by telling her “it’s okay. You have a big purple thing on your leg.”

Thankfully, the bouncy seat was still out, so Natalie was able to have a good time.

And, to show you just how well she's taking it, here's a video I caught of the girls and I playing together.

Mr. Serious Answers-part 1

2009-11-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

Wow...you guys came up with some good ones. And, Mr. Serious sure is a good sport.

Here's part one of his answers (with no editing from me, just copy and paste)! Enjoy!

I'm just the MOM asks: I just want to know how he handles being the only "boy", you know as far as playing games and things like that. Does he pretend to be a princess when the girls want him to be?
(I made my dad a princess more times than he would have liked lol

Isabelle is not that into pretending to be a princess. I certainly don't push the princess persona, and I am actually kinda tough on Izzy. I see myself as a protector of "my girls," which includes Krystyn.

Jennifer asks:"You have to dig a hole to China. Where do you start?"

Uhhhh, I'll need to watch some old cartoons to figure out where they started digging....

Stephanie asks: What is your favorite thing about Krystyn?

My favorite thing is she loves me, even when there is just no good reason to...

What is one thing that Krystyn does that drives you crazy? (if any! lol)

She's stubborn as a mule, and likes to do things her way (don't we all). She doesn't like talking about money, but is getting much better with this.

Do you want any more kids?

Yes.

Amber asks: How do you feel about Krystyn's blog? Do you read it & how often?

I like her blog, but some of her more risque giveaways made me cringe. I really like her heart-warming posts about the girls. I probably read it once or twice a week, but I catch up on all the posts. I enjoy reading the comments as well.

Emily asks: Hm, let's see. How about where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Attending a Junior High sports event in which Isabelle is participating & Natalie is watching because we dragged her there to watch her big sis (she'll be in 6th Grade and not playing school sports yet)

20 years?

Old, wrinkly and attending Izzy's college graduation. Maybe I will have started my own business by then. I am thinking either Snow Cones or consulting....

What's your favorite book?

I recently read Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Great read and I recommend it to all Dads with daughters.

Annie asks: What are your hobbies?

Aren't those things that you do in your free time? What free time?

Where do you want to go for a vacation? and Why?

I'd like to see Washington D.C. to see some of the history and traditions of our country.

Which is your favorite moment of be a Dad?

Can I pick more than one? I would have to go with the pure joy of the birth of Izzy & Nat, with a close second being the first laughs of both girls.

mrs. hils asks: What was your favorite subject in high school(besides Krystyn)?

I think History was my fav

What is your favorite flavor of Dum-Dum lollipop?

I like the Orange-cicle flavor

What was your favorite story ever in the Weekly World News?

I can't remember, but I am ticked that they went out of business. They probably went down because of theonion.com...

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles. My mom is a huge Beatles fan.

Emily asks: Did you ever have a gut feeling Blubs or Sampson would be boys?

My gut for Blubs was girl. I really thought Sampson was going to be a boy.

Rum or vodka?

C. Jack Daniels

Have you ever thought about moving back to Texas?

Yes, I have thought about it.

Do you promise you remember to feed sassy every morning and night?...you know I have to ask about her!

I wish she would pay me a fee for living in this house!

What else do you not like to eat?

I don't like licorice.

Do you hate being called Papa Bear?!?!?

Only at work...

Lauren asks: How did you propose to Krystyn? Were you nervous?

Ha! If only you knew. I proposed to Krystyn in her college apartment after a nice dinner date. I called a mutual friend before the date, and asked her to set up candles and the friend bought some rose petals at the store and put them around the apt. I then got on one knee and proposed, and Krystyn said...."Really, Are You Serious?" Followed by a yes.

Blueviolet asks: How does it feel to be the lone male in the house?

I am the protector of the girls. Sometimes I daydream / envision fighting of an intruder... Isn't that weird?

Marty asks: What is your favorite food? I know I don't have great questions...

Hmmm... That is tough. Maybe a fresh beef fajita steak with fresh salsa, cilantro, cheese, peppers, and a warm flour (not corn) tortilla... I need a napkin over here. I am drooling.

Eebee Books Review and Giveaway (ends 11/11)

2009-11-01T13:17:00.004-05:00

Join eebee and his adventures in learning with two new board books that were specifically designed to be playful, hands-on and interactive. They providing babies, toddlers and their parents with a multitude of new ideas to explore both on and off the page by showing pictures of eebee's adventures.

eebee’s Make it Happen adventures: Make it Happen celebrates opposites showing actively engaged babies and the ever-curious and playful eebee, deeply immersed in playful, hand-on exploration. The activities range from On and Off with a flashlight to Wet and Dry with a bowl of sparkling water and a fluffy soft towel.

eebee’s From Here to There adventures: This thrilling book is the up, down, and all around adventure for active toddlers who are discovering stairs, slides, and anywhere and everywhere hide and seek games.

Both books are for children 6 months and older.

Serious Tested: Both girls love books. All books, so it is really a win win for us. I even caught Isabelle reading one of the books to Natalie. I love how the teach the kids opposites and other concepts that are very hard to explain to a kid.

Buy them: The books are published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. and are priced $6.95 and are available in stores nationwide, including Barnes & Noble.

Win it:eebee would love to share a book with you. One lucky Really, Are You Serious? reader will win a copy of one of the books.

For your first entry: visit eebee and tell me which of the two books you would like to have for your kiddos (or to use as a gift).

EXTRA ENTRIES- Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!
-- Subscribe to this blog/feed (orange heart).
-- Follow this blog publicly via blogger-2 entries (on the right hand side).
-- Add this blog to your text-based blog roll -3 extra entries.
-- Post about this contest on your blog, linking back to this post-3 extra entries.
-- Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet); one tweet daily; just come back and comment each time. (please include @SeriousKrystyn, @UPrinting and the link to this post in your tweet).

THE RULES:
*OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, November 11th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I received a copy of both of the books to facilitate my review. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated monetarily for this review and giveaway.

Halloween Preview

2009-10-28T20:43:00.002-05:00

Isabelle already went to Trick or Treat this past weekend.

And, now we got to go again today at church. Let’s just say Isabelle is really getting the whole candy thing this year.

The first couple places that let her chose her candy, she graciously took one piece and moved on.

Then, she decided one wasn’t enough and she reached for two.

Then, two became four (one for her, mommy, daddy and Natalie, of course).

And, then I saw her grab an entire handful of candy. Oh, boy.

I think she really gets it this year.

This year, it’s all about the candy!

In her defense, she very politely said “Trick or Treat” and “Thank You!”

Here’s a little look at Bo Peep wrangling her sheep. That little sheep is sneaky and quick!

Lots of Winners

2009-10-28T20:10:00.003-05:00

Winner of the Better Life Green Cleaners:

Here are your random numbers: 41

Timestamp: 2009-10-29 01:11:22 UTC

41. Emily said... I would like to try the what-ever cleaner.

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

Winner of the Nature Valley Nut Clusters Gift Pack:

Here are your random numbers: 8

Timestamp: 2009-10-29 01:14:10 UTC

8. Jessica said... I follow...publicly! *gasp*

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

Winners of the UPrinting Custom Postcards :

Here are your random numbers: 4 24
Timestamp: 2009-10-29 01:16:07 UTC

4. Midwest Mommy said... I would definitely use them for Christmas.

24. Heather said...I would use these for Christmas cards!

hkwright10

Congrats to all of the winners. You have been notified by email. You have 48 hours to get your information back to me.

Custom Flyer/Brochure Giveaway

2009-10-28T09:39:00.002-05:00

In addition to great postcards, greeting cards, labels and more, Uprinting also print flyers and brochures. You could use these for a fund raiser, to promote your business, print out custom Christmas letters and more. I've always been beyond pleased with the quality of products, but you can see more reviews elsewhere.

Giveaway Prize: 100 Brochures for One Lucky Winner
100 8.5 x11" Brochure / Flyers on 100lb gloss text paper ; 4 color printing on both sides
Folding Choices: Half fold; Trifold/Letterfold; Z-fold; Accordion (4 panels) Roll Fold (4 Panels)
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents

For your first entry:
Tell me what you would use your flyer for.

EXTRA ENTRIES- Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!
-- Subscribe to this blog/feed (orange heart).
-- Follow this blog publicly via blogger-2 entries (on the right hand side).
-- Add this blog to your text-based blog roll -3 extra entries.
-- Post about this contest on your blog, linking back to this post-3 extra entries.
-- Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet); one tweet daily; just come back and comment each time. (please include @SeriousKrystyn, @UPrinting and the link to this post in your tweet).

THE RULES:
*OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY with FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, November 4th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I will also receive 100 flyers free of charge by Uprinting. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated monetarily for this review and giveaway.

Where, oh where has my Isabelle gone?

2009-10-27T21:14:00.002-05:00

Oh, where oh where can she be?

PS Mr. Serious is still open to answering more questions if you have them.

Ask and get answers

2009-10-26T10:06:00.003-05:00

I learned something new this weekend about Mr. Serious.

He doesn't like cookie dough (or brownie batter for that matter). This is odd, no?

And, remember, he isn't "Mr. Serious" because he is serious... he is Mr. Serious because Mr. Really, Are You Serious? is just too dang long.

So, since I am still learning new things about him (even after 11 years), I'm starting to wonder, is there anything you want to know about him, directly from him? It could be fun, right?

So, a couple things, though. You know, rule like things. Our families read this, so please keep that in mind. And, of course, when I asked him about doing this (he really didn't say "yes") he said "I only answer what I want!" Fair enough I say.

So, ask away. I'll leave it open for a while and we'll see what we can all learn about Mr. Serious together.

The uniform

2009-10-23T04:28:00.003-05:00

I can’t believe we are already at the school uniform stage.

School uniforms today, cap and gown tomorrow?

Because, seriously, that’s how I feel.

I can barely pick up my baby, my numero uno, anymore.

She really isn’t my baby anymore.

Just look at her. She’s wearing a school uniform.

I can’t stand it. I’m so not ready for this.

Can we please go back to the infant room?

Really, I think I’m sort of okay with her growing up. She sang “Jesus Loves You” in the car on the way home and my heart melted.

But, I still love my sweet cuddles and kisses from my numero uno.

On stubbornness

2009-10-22T05:41:00.003-05:00

If there is one way that people would typically describe me, it would be blunt.

If they had to say a second thing, I think they would go with stubborn.

Unfortunately, my dear, darling little girls have been blessed with this trait as well.

And, they are even more stubborn with me than anybody else.

Take Natalie for example. At school, she will drink her milk cold and out of a cup.

Last night, I gave her a cup of milk with dinner. She threw it on the floor. I asked her what she wanted, she signed for milk. I told her milk was in the cup and offered it again. Guess what? She experimented, and sure enough there is in fact gravity in our kitchen, and down to the floor it went.

Asked again what she wanted and she signed for milk.

Fine. You win.

Take the cup to the cabinet, pull out a bottle, pour in the milk, nuke the milk in the microwave for a couple seconds.

Hand bottle to Natalie. Gulp, gulp, chug and gone.

Then she signs for more.

Stinker.

I get her more milk.

And what doe she do?

She throws.it.on.the.floor!

Thank goodness she's so cute, because she's surely going to give me a run for my money!

PS. Thanks, Midwest Mommy, now I tried out flickr and my picture looks a million times better.

Uprinting Sticker Winner

2009-10-21T20:47:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Jeccica...she's been one lucky lady lately! She won 250 custom stickers from UPrinting.

Here are your random numbers: 7
Timestamp: 2009-10-22 01:46:41 UTC

7. Jeccica Simpson said...
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/jessa1130/statuses/4895858037
jeccica
primitivelyours@hotmail.com

Uprinting Custom Postcards

2009-10-21T06:15:00.005-05:00

**CLOSED**

Uprinting has another product they would like to introduce you to. Their postcards are amazing. The color and print quality is outstanding. And, they aren't just meant for postcards, either.

Why not use a two-sided card for your Christmas card this year (and Krizzy Designs would be happy to help out with a design, too)? Or do your Christmas/ Holiday card on one side and a little letter update on the other side? You can definitely think outside of the box here (invitations, announcements, and more).

Want to win some of your very own?
Uprinting has generously offered TWO Really, Are You Serious readers:

Giveaway Prize: 100 Postcards for both winners.

Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock: Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)

For your first entry:
Tell me how you would use your postcards.

EXTRA ENTRIES- Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!
-- Subscribe to this blog/feed (orange heart).
-- Follow this blog publicly via blogger (on the right hand side).
-- Add this blog to your text-based blog roll -3 extra entries.
-- Post about this contest on your blog, linking back to this post-3 extra entries.
-- Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet); one tweet daily; just come back and comment each time. (please include @SeriousKrystyn, @UPrinting and #giveaway in your tweet).

THE RULES:
*OPEN TO US and Canada RESIDENTS ONLY with FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING for US (Canadian residents must pay shipping and taxes)
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, October 28th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid

FTC Compliant: I will also receive 100 postcards free of charge by Uprinting for hosting this giveaway. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated monetarily.

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T05:52:00.001-05:00

A little time travel through the years at the pumpkin patch. My how the Serious family has changed.

October 21, 2006

October 14, 2007

(interesting side note, Natalie wore this very same outfit Sunday to church.)

October 26, 2008

October 17, 2009

Mid-October Budget Update

2009-10-19T06:49:00.000-05:00

Since you all asked for it, I thought I'd update you all on the budget.

October is the first month of our new budget...as a recap:

-pay cash for everything (except online bills which come directly out of the account).

-only spend money that has been accounted for in the budget.

-maximize debt payoff (car and student loans).

-set up and establish our emergency fund ($1000).

Some things are much harder than others. Before, if I wanted to treat myself to something (we're not talking huge here...a pumpkin spice latte, a treat, etc), it was no big deal. Now, I only have $20 blow money this month, so I can't just do that.

Also, all of our cash is divided up into envelopes. So, each trip to the grocery store or out to eat, for example, must be accompanied by the corresponding envelope. It's tough to remember. This week was the first week Mr. Serious forgot the grocery envelope. He used the debit card and we will reconcile our envelopes.

Target trips are such a serious temptations. Like brutal and borderline unfair. For example, when my sister was here, we went to Target for her birthday present, Natalie's and Isabelle's birthday presents, laundry detergent and diaper rash cream. I walked in and saw the $1 cookie sprinkles. I touched them. I had to have them. Then I realized that I didn't have a $1 for them, and I sulked and put them back!

Once it was time to pay for everything, I had to use three separate transactions. Diaper rash cream went on the flex spending account, laundry detergent came out of the "cleaning envelope" and the gifts came out of the "birthday/gift envelope." Fortunately, the cashier was super nice and understanding (she actually thanked me for my patience!)

We've also had some other unexpected things, like two electric bills due this month. I tried to call and change the billing date and they wouldn't have it, so we had to figure that out, too.

Otherwise, I think we are on course. We might even have a little extra money left over at the end of the month. If we do, we are going to pay it towards the van. We hope to have it paid off by mid-2010 (if not earlier).

On the student loan front, we are only paying the minimum as we hope to get the rest of the debt cancelled or significantly reduced because I have been teaching at a Title One school for 5 years.

And, the second mortgage has been paid off. WOO HOO! We got the paper work earlier this week and it is now hanging on our fridge.

So, there you have it. The mid-October 2009 update.

Thoughts? Opinions? Ideas? They will be greatly appreciated!

(And, I'm still looking for more sources of free Starbucks gift cards...I love those PSLs and my $20 will only buy 4 of them!!)

Better Life Review and Giveaway

2009-10-18T11:49:00.004-05:00

**CLOSED**

As a chemist (yes, I know..really, it's true, I am a chemist), I know how harmful all of the ingredients are in traditional cleaners. I was happy to discover Better Life.

Better Life's cleaning products feature plant-based ingredients that keep the world clean and safe.

I was sent The Starter kit which comes in a natural, durable, collapsing Cleaning Caddy that conveniently carries all the supplies you need to get the job done quickly. What's really neat is that I can put it under the sink and there is no lock required.

Serious Tested:

We tested out the what-EVER cleaner: sage and citrus green all purpose cleaner and Even the Kitchen Sink: green gentle scrubber.

At first use of both of them, we immediately noticed that they didn't have that harsh chemical smell that most cleaners have. We've used the what-EVER cleaner literally everywhere. The floor, the kitchen table, our kids' booster seats, the bathroom; you name it, we've used it. We have been impressed with everything it can clean. And, we are also okay when Isabelle picks it up and decides to clean because we know it isn't going to harm her.

We also tried out the Even the Kitchen sink cleaner. We used it in the bathroom and kitchen. It says you can use it on your glass/ceramic top range. We used it there as well, and while it did clean it, it wasn't as clean as some of the more commercial stove top cleaning agents. However, it is definitely an alternative for most cleanings, but we will have to use the harsher ones every once and a while.

Win It:

I have the rest of the Starter Kit for you to win: the collapsible carrying case, the I Can See Clearly-Wow: green glass cleaner, the Simply Floored green ready-to-use floor cleaner, and the 2am miracle: nursery cleaner.

For Your First Entry: Head over to Better Life and let me know which of their products you are most excited about.

EXTRA ENTRIES- Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!
-- Subscribe to this blog/feed (orange heart).
-- Follow this blog publicly via blogger (on the right hand side).
-- Add this blog to your text-based blog roll -3 extra entries.
-- Post about this contest on your blog, linking back to this post-3 extra entries.
-- Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet); one tweet daily; just come back and comment each time. (please include @SeriousKrystyn and the link to this post in your tweet).

THE RULES:
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, October 28th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*Open to the U.S. only.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I received the Starter Kit from Better Life free of charge for my opinion; two products of which I reviewed, three of which I am sending on to the winner. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated by any other means.

The Dresses

2009-10-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

Did you happen to see the fabulous Olivia dresses the girls were sporting? My mom and my sister, Aunt Emily, worked very hard at making them. This was the product of their many trips to Hobby Lobby.

Isabelle loved hers so much, she insisted on wearing it to school this week for her birthday.

No babies were harmed in the making of this picture.

When she saw Natalie wearing hers the day before to school, she wondered why she wasn't wearing hers, too.

They were both a huge hit with tons of compliments. Thanks to my mom and Emily for making such cute dresses (I guess I didn't want you guys to think I had those mad sewing skills. Honestly, I don't even know how to use a sewing machine)!

Last of the birthday posts...promise:)

Nature Valley Nut Clusters Review and Giveaway

2009-10-16T07:23:00.002-05:00

**CLOSED**

Nature Valley is introducing a new granola snack to the market, their Granola Nut Clusters. They are a bite size blend of 100% natural ingredients including nuts, granola and honey. They come in four yummy flavors: Nut Lovers, Roasted Almond, Roasted Cashew and Honey Roasted Peanut.

Serious and Friend Tested: Thanks to the fine folks at My Blog Spark, we were sent a "Snack Pack" as pictured above. My favorites were the honey roasted peanut and the roasted almond. Isabelle was so excited to get a mommy snack that she gobbled them up. As an added bonus, they are small, so they didn't make nearly the mess a regular granola bar would make.

And, Mr. Serious, well, I heard the bag crinkling and the next thing I knew, the entire bag was gone. So, yeah, we loved them. I also brought a bag to work with me and shared with my coworkers. The guys loved them.

And, of course, Isabelle has now taken over the flashlight, binoculars and the sling backpack!

Win it: My Blog Spark and Nature Valley are generously offering one Really, Are You Serious? reader a Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters “Snack Pack” prize pack (as pictured above) that includes all four (4) varieties of the Granola Nut Clusters along with a sling backpack, stainless steel water bottle, flashlight and binoculars!

For Your First Entry: Leave a comment...any comment will do:)

EXTRA ENTRIES- Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!
-- Subscribe to this blog/feed (orange heart).
-- Follow this blog publicly via blogger (on the right hand side).
-- Add this blog to your text-based blog roll -3 extra entries.
-- Post about this contest on your blog, linking back to this post-3 extra entries.
-- Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet); one tweet daily; just come back and comment each time. (please include @SeriousKrystyn and the link to this post in your tweet).

THE RULES:
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, October 28th at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*Open to the U.S. only.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I received a "Snack Pack" from My Blog Spark for my opinion. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated by any other means

Once in a Blue Moon: Book Review

2009-10-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

Over the last couple years, I've really rediscovered my love of reading. And, I read books from all different categories, from vampires, to romance novels, to fact-based fiction and more.

I was recently given the opportunity to read Once in a Blue Moon, the latest novel by Eileen Goudge. Having never read one of her books before, I didn't know what to expect. Here's the idea of the book from the website.

Sisters Lindsay and Kerrie Ann have known hardship from an early age. Without guidance from their neglectful mother, their only aid came from an unlikely source, a retired exotic dancer by the name of Miss Honi Love. When the girls’ mother was sent to prison, Miss Honi tried unsuccessfully to save them from being separated and sent into foster care.

Thirty years later, Lindsay is still trying to reconnect with her sister. The owner of a bookstore in the sleepy California seaside town of Blue Moon Bay, she was lucky enough to have been adopted by a loving couple. Unbeknownst to her, Kerrie Ann has suffered a very different life. Bounced from one foster home to the next, she ran away as a teenager before becoming a drug-addicted single mother. Now, newly sober, Kerrie Ann is fighting to regain custody of the little girl who was taken from her.

Neither sister’s expectations are met when they’re finally reunited. But as the two sisters engage in the fiercest battles of their lives, they are at last drawn together despite their differences, restoring belief in the unshakable bond of family.

Of course that description got me. A little drama, a little love, a little drugs and a custody battle. It certainly sounded intriguing.

Now, without giving anything away, here's my take. The book took a little while for me to get used to it. The author is very descriptive of the setting, the surroundings, feelings, etc. That isn't what draws me into a book. I like the story and the plot. I like to know what is going on. Once I got past the first couple chapters, there seemed to be less of this imagery. However, every once and a while, there is still some in there. It's just not my thing.

But, the story kept moving enough for me to keep reading and I'm really enjoying it. There's some scandal, two very different sisters, drama, love, and passion. I'm sure you'll love it, too.

"One2One Network sent me a copy of the book to review and post my honest opinion. I am also eligible to win one of six gift cards as a thank you for doing so."

Uprinting Stickers Giveaway (ends 10/21)

2009-10-15T06:49:00.002-05:00

**CLOSED**

Uprinting has such amazing products and they are so reasonably priced. The quality is outstanding.

I'm so excited to tell you about their sticker printing. I've been on the search for a place to print some customized return address labels, and I can't believe I didn't think of them sooner. I'm really excited to design some fun ones just in time for the holidays.

I've yet to have a product from them that wasn't completely stellar. The business cards are amazing, the poster prints knock every body's socks off and the postcards are phenomenal!

Want to win some of your very own?

Uprinting has generously offered one Really, Are You Serious reader:

250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner

Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”

Paper: 70 lb Label Matte

Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4 Business Day printing

For your first entry:

Tell me how you would use your labels.

EXTRA ENTRIES- Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!
-- Subscribe to this blog/feed (orange heart).
-- Follow this blog publicly via blogger (on the right hand side).
-- Add this blog to your text-based blog roll -3 extra entries.
-- Post about this contest on your blog, linking back to this post-3 extra entries.
-- Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (leave the link to your tweet); one tweet daily; just come back and comment each time. (please include @SeriousKrystyn, @UPrinting and the link to this post in your tweet).

THE RULES:
*OPEN TO US and Canada RESIDENTS ONLY with FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING for US (Canadian residents must pay shipping and taxes)
*Make sure I have a way to reach you, by either enabling your email through blogger, or leaving your email in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*contest ends Wednesday, October 21st at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*rules for each entry must be followed to be valid

I will also receive 250 labels/stickers free of charge by Uprinting. My opinions are my honest, and thoughtful views and were not influenced by any source. I was not compensated monetarily.