I Want a Slanket! How About You?

It's that time of the year when you come in from the cold, and you just want to curl up on the couch and get toasty warm-oh yeah, you know what I mean.

Check out this beauty
http://www.theslanket.com/index.php?path=the_product


Notice how soft and cozy and BIG it is? And all those beautiful colors.
Want one? You know you do.
Simple Reviews is giving one away and you can enter here.
http://simple-reviews.blogspot.com/2008/11/slanket.html

Better hurry though. This giveaway ends Nov.26th!

Tis The Season For Giveaways!

Gosh, have you checked out 5 minutes For Mom lately?
They are hosting a spectacular 3 weeks of giveaways just in time for the holidays.

Check out this list of prizes!
Stepping Stone Play Mat from One Step Ahead
Charlie and Lola Dolls and Sticker Book
Lola’s Pink Milk Game
Multiple Moms Rock t-shirt
1 Gobblet On the Go game
Epson Artisan 800 Printer
$50.00 Gift Certificate toSudz N Bubbles
Two copies of the 3-Disc standard definition DVD Version of WALL•E
Mrs. Goodbee Talking Dollhouse
$100.00 Gift Card to Sears
Wonder-Full Balm from Mama Mio
All Star Buddy Plush

You better hurry though, coz the deadline for entry is Nov.28th at 12pm est!
Winners will be announced Dec.1st.

If you Have an Extra Christmas Card...

I received this in an email so I'm passing it along.

GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and
send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,
NW Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Aloha Friday #1

Aloha Friday! What a great idea.
In a little while I'll be getting ready to head out for work.
This is my long weekend on.

I'll be working the 3-11 shift and sleeping in a little tomorrow,
because I am usually too keyed up to go right to bed when I come home.
I hate to try and force sleep because all I'll do is toss and turn.

Have a great day everyone and a wonderful weekend.
My question is "What do you usually do when you just can't fall right to sleep?"

Who is Up For a Treasure Hunt?

This holiday season I am going to start a new tradition at my house.

Usually following weeks of hectic shopping and wrapping,
we all gather around the tree, and all the gifts are passed about in about 20 minutes tops.

That's it. The wait is over. Nothing left to do but clean up the wrappings and ribbons,
and hope that nothing got mixed in and tossed out.

Nothing left but that odd little let-down feeling from all that anticipation overload.

I'm trying something different this year.
Thanks to the recent Bloggy Carnival I was lucky enough to win a Cliffhouse Treasure Hunt from
4 Crazy Ladies of Etsy.comhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6313110

The Treasure Hunt is a simple idea that sounds like so much fun.
You hide the gifts in common areas around the house leaving clues.
As each one is found, there will be another clue leading to the next gift and clue.

I am going to do this for my little granddaughters, and also a few goodies tucked here and there for my grown kids as well.
I'll start with small gifts and will lead up to the Grand Finale(Treasure) I can't wait to see their faces!
Of course we will still have goodies under the tree, but I figure this is gonna get me a gold star with the grand kids(wink) A little something extra they will only have at Grandma's house!

The Cliffhouse Treasure Hunts are not only a great idea for the holidays, but you can put one together anytime your little ones are bored.
What a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Be sure and visithttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6313110
and check out their shop.
You may just find yourself starting your own brand-new tradition.

My Blog Needs a Facelift!

Since venturing into this wonderful thing I call Blogland,
I have had so much fun discovering the writings and musings of others out there.

I must confess though, to being just a little envious of some of the wonderful graphics and layouts
that adorn the pages of those I read.
I am just hopeless when it comes to that sort of thing.

I figure that my little blog is doomed to "blahness".
Forever just a little wallflower here in Bloggyland.

Unless of course I win this wonderful giveaway going on at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls.
Yep! That's right. She's hosting a giveaway for a blog makeover courtesy of Sweet Cheeky Designs.http://www.sweetcheekyblogdesigns.com/

Does your blog need some sprucin' up like mine does?
Well get on over there and throw your hat into the ring.
Here's the linky.http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/2008/11/sweet-cheeky-designs.html

Luffas! Who Knew?

OK, I just had to blog about this.

You learn something new everyday, right?

This is just the coolest looking thing I've come across in a while.

Is it a sponge? Is it a veggie? Maybe it's a giant Q-Tip.

What do you think?

You can read all about it here.

http://angiepie30.blogspot.com/2008/11/umpa-luffas.html

Barnes&Noble Gift Card Giveaway

Lisa, at "My Thoughts, Ideas and Ramblings" (love that title) is hosting a wonderful giveaway for a $50 Barnes&Noble gift card.
If you love books as much as I do, head on over and enter.
Here's the linky.
http://mythoughtsideasandramblings.com/2008/11/12/box-tops-a-50-giveaway-too/#comment-39367

12 Days of Silver Giveaway starting Dec. 1st!

Come help Silver Treats celebrate their new relaunching of their website by entering the 12 days of Silver Giveaway they have going on starting Dec. 1st.

Everyday someone is going to win a fabulous set of jewelry, plus one in every 5 entries will be an instant winner of a $10 gift certificate.
There are several ways to get extra entries and you can find out all about it here.

http://www.silvertreats.com/

Twisted Silver at Fractured Toy Blog Spot!

I love Twisted Silver. There is a pair of earrings over there that are on my wish list this year,
and if I don't get them, "Santa" is gonna hear about it.

If you love Twisted Silver, then you should know that there is a giveaway going on right now for a fabulous "Bubbles Bracelet" and get this-a $50 gift certificate for even more jewelry- shopping fun!

You better hurry though if you don't want to miss out.
It's at Fractured Toy Blog Spot.
Here's the linky.

http://fracturedtoy.blogspot.com/2008/11/twisted-silver-bubbles-bracelet.html

I Just Danced the Night Away!

Whew! I'm worn-out.
I just spent 3 and a half hours with the most amazing limber and energetic dancer.
She totally mesmerized me, and had me up and moving like I haven't moved in years.

She inspired me with her innovative twists and turns.
She had me spinning and twirling until I literally felt ready to collapse in a heap.

Such charm and grace,
Such a fireball!
And to think she is only 2 and a half years old!

So I did what any good Grandma would do.
I came home and went online and ordered her a beautiful handmade tutu.

OK, so maybe a really good Grandma would've bought the yards of frothy tulle
and sewn it herself.

But this Grandma is exhausted.
Besides, I need to conserve my energy to keep up with the Queen of the Dance!

Mommy Mandy's Holiday Gift Guide

It's not too early to be thinking about the holidays and to start scratching your head ,
wondering what to get everyone on your list.
Check out the button on my sidebar for Mommy Mandy's Holiday Gift Guide.

She has a list of products and gift ideas for everyone, and also some fun giveaways going on.
See you there!

When You Positively Have to Have Them....

OVERNIGHT!
My favorite shoe store on the web is Endless.com
The selection is well...endless!
Best of all they offer FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING!
And they send you a free return label with every pair, in case your feet aren't happy with your fabulous new kickers.

I love their site-there are several ways you can browse.
My favorite being to click the type of shoe I'm in the mood for and then start from low to high
price wise.
Or just head straight to clearance and go from there.
The graphics are great. You can see your shoes from every angle and really get up close for the details.
They even tell you right at the top of the page when you can expect your order-you can track your package right to your door.
I just love stalking the UPS guy, especially when I know what he's bringing me.

Here's the linky

http://www.endless.com/

Wowee! Another Home Depot Giveaway!

Ready to spruce up for the holidays?
Well, Home Construction Improvement is sponsoring a great giveaway right now to help you get started.
How does a $100 home Depot gift card sound?
I know my guest room could use some new paint, and I get so many wonderful ideas every time
I visit Home Depot.
Just follow this linky to enter.

http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/2008/10/win-100-home-depot-gift-card.html

Optimize Your Fuel

Although gas prices are dropping, who couldn't use a little extra to help out at the pump?
Check out the Transit Fuel Boost button in my side bar or click here for a chance at a $25 Visa cash card.
http://optimizefuel.blogspot.com/2008/10/win-25-visa-cash-card.html

Just Want to Count My Blessings.

November 1st already...This year has flown.

I am thankful today for My husband.
Honey it's been a rough year, but You've fought hard.
I'm proud of you.
We both learned more this year about bone marrow and blood, and lab values than either of us old dogs ever thought we needed to know, didn't we?

I'm thankful for my children.
No longer Boys but always my babies.

I am blessed with 3 delightful granddaughters.
Now I am young again,
Seeing the world through their eyes.

I have a job. I have food and shelter.
I would like to start each day
Knowing this and giving thanks.

And most of all,
I want to remember to be kind.

CROCS Now = STYLE&COMFORT!!! GIVEAWAY!

Wow! Now we all know that you can't beat CROCS for all out comfort- but,
Who knew that you need not sacrifice STYLE in the process?

I was pleasantly surprised today to discover Crocs new line of footwear "You By Crocs" http://www.crocs.com/you

Courtesy of a fantastic giveaway hosted by An Island Life!
Check out her button in my sidebar and run on over there to get in on the fun.
Or click on this linky

http://www.islandlife808.com/


You may just score a pair for yourself in the process.

But hurry! This giveaway ends Nov.22,2008!

For All you Gals Who love a Little Bling

Check out the anniversary contest going on right now at Pink Lemonade.
You can win a beautiful bracelet courtesy of Finders Keepers in celebration
of Pink Lemonades Fall Fling/Blogaversary.

Click on the Pink Lemonade button on the left and go read all about it.
I know I'm in. How about you?

Just In The Saint Nick of Time!

There's a wonderful giveaway going on right now! If you like original, handmade Christmas cards
(and who wouldn't?) Check this out and you may win some just in time for Holiday giving.
Check out the button at JenuineJen.com

A Book Treat for Halloween!

Do you like to be scared? Well, how about curling up with 10 (yes TEN!) wonderfully scary books guaranteed to have you jumping at the slightest bump in the night.

Head on over to Book Room Reviews and enter this spooktacular contest they have going on where you can win 10 wonderfully spine-tingling tales.Here is the linky!
http://www.bookroomreviews.com/Book-Giveaway-Hachette-10-Book-Halloween-Spooktacular.htm

See you there!Bwaaaahaaaahaaaa!(evil laugh)

My Review of Buying Prescription glasses online!

Ok, I promised I would come back and write about my experience with purchasing my prescription glasses from an online store and here goes.

It all started after I read a fascinating blog called glassyeyes.
I had just shelled out close to $300 for a basic pair of prescription glasses without any of the bells or whistles that I would have liked, due to the prices charged by my optometrist.

As it was, it took me a couple of weeks to get them because he refused to even make them until I had put down a 50 percent deposit. And then of course I had to pay the balance before he'd give them to me.
Well, I guess that is his right- but, nothing like being blind for 2 weeks right?

Anyhow, I knew that people could get their contacts online, so I figured I'd google around and see what was out there in the way of glasses.

Boy was I in for an awakening!

After reading the blog glassyeyes, (which is penned by a gentleman named Ira) I was shocked to learn of the outrageous markups on glasses that are charged by the brick and mortar stores.

I learned that by simply asking for my prescription I could shop around and order my own glasses, thus saving myself a ton of money. I read of others experiences and decided to see (no pun intended) for myself if this was for real.
I called my optometrist up and sweetly told him I'd be dropping by for a copy of my prescription,
(I never even knew that it is a Law that they are supposed to provide me with this)
which he begrudgingly gave me, including the PD(pupil distance measurement) I stipulated that I wanted.

I read the reviews of several online stores at glassyeyes.com and finally settled on a store called (don't laugh) goggles4u.com
I found a pair of frames that I liked and compared the measurements against my current pair to ensure a decent fit.
I carefully entered my prescription info(checking it several times for accuracy) and proceeded to add a few options that my "expensive " glasses didn't have.
I actually was able to get photochromic coating added, which I just couldn't believe was possible for the price I paid.
After a 5% discount from using the link at glassyeyes my grand total came to $32.29!

Then I hit submit and waited.
12 days to be exact but I knew this ahead of time from reading others experiences.

Well I have my glasses now and I am thrilled with them. They arrived neatly packaged in a hard-shelled case with a cleaning cloth.
The prescription is perfect. I can see clearly. I walked out into the sunlight and they darkened to a marvelous dark grey and lightened up again when I came inside. They also have anti-glare coating which my expensive pair do not.
I am so pleased with them that I just ordered another pair with a snazzier frame.
This is like shoe-shopping!

So my heartfelt thanks to Ira and his wonderfully informative blog which you can read for yourself here.
http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com/

Win a Ceiling Fan from Home Depot!

Here is a great way to grab an awesome new ceiling fan,
or for that matter-anything you like from Home Depot, coz if you win you will receive a gift card for $175 smackaroos! All courtesy of Home Depot and the awesome home improvement website One Project Closer!

Now I have my eye on a beautiful new area rug to perk up my apartment if I am the lucky winner.
What would you do with the gift card if you win?
Head on over to One Project Closer for details.

Here's the linky. And Good Luck!

http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/giveaways/giveaway-ceiling-fan-home-depot-gift-card/

Mark Your Calendars! The Fun is on!

Listen up everyone! Know what that sound is?
It's the sound of happy people winning prizes!

Starting Monday October 27th, The annual quarterly Bloggy Carnival begins.
For those of you unfamiliar with this fantastic smorgasbord of daylong giveaways,
just click on the bloggy carnival button in my sidebar and read all about it.

It is a marathon of giveaways hosted by some of the best blogs on the web.
But you have to be in it to win it.
Hope to see you there.

My Thoughts on Breast Cancer

With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I have been meaning to sit down and write out a few of my thoughts on this subject.
Now I've managed to procrastinate nearly this whole month away without saying a word
but in retrospect, I believe it has only been my own fear and denial that has kept me from commenting.

My sister has breast cancer.
And not for the first time either.

19 years ago at the tender age of 28, she went her first round, enduring a radical mastectomy followed by chemo and all the crap that goes with that.
Of course she fought hard and emerged the Victor...or did she?

The first week of October at age 47, she has undergone her 2nd mastectomy.
A new form "they" tell her this time. More aggressive and fast growing than the first.
She has mets to her liver and spine and "they" have given her a poor prognosis.

She is being brave.
I am just too angry for words.
Not at her of course, not even at the docs
Just at this damned piece of crap disease.

I am pissed that this beautiful woman has had to spend the majority of her adult life either actively battling, or else living with the grim spectre of this monster always lurking in the shadows.
I want to beat the living hell out of something.
It's not fair.
That is all.

Speaking of Great Finds....

Check out Fabulous Fun Finds by clicking on the button in my sidebar.
She always has the most unique and well..."Fabulous" gift ideas and also great giveaways going on.
You have to hurry though if you want to get in on the fun.
Check back frequently as she is adding new giveaways all the time.

Say S'Long to Expensive Eyeglasses!

For all you wearers of prescription eyeglasses out there,
are you aware that you need not pay those high prices for your glasses from your optometrist store?
I myself did not learn this until I had shelled out several hundred dollars for a basic pair of eyeglasses.
One day while while googling online eye wear, I came across a most fascinating blog called glassyeyes.

I never even knew that just because I had my eyes examined by my optometrist, that it did not obligate me to buy my actual glasses from him.
Had I been informed, I would've just asked for my prescription and went elsewhere and shopped around, saving myself a lot of loot in the process.

So anyhow, a few days ago I took the plunge and ordered my first pair online using my prescription. I paid a total of $32.29! Incredible! I will come back and update after they arrive and I have tried them out.
In the meantime check this out for yourself.
Here's the linky.

http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com/

Click on the how it works tab and the forums reviews tab at the top of the page for some "eye-opening" reading!

GoodGoshGracious! LOOK!!!

Looky, Looky at what I found!
For all you handbag Fanatics-Hurry on over and check out this fabulous contest going on right now at Handbag Planet.

Here's the linky!
http://www.handbagplanet.com/

Can you believe it? 24 bags in 24 hours!
I'm drooling. Are You?

Inspiring Earrings by Crafitti

It is no secret to those who know me that I am wild about Etsy.
I love custom handmade things and especially the beautiful jewelry by Etsy artists.



Recently I have discovered a truely unique shop that has the most amazing earring designs I've come across in a while. They are beautiful in design and simplicity.

Just by incorporating a few choice beads and her intricate skill with bending wire, Crafitti creates earrings that are works of art. In fact I have purchased several pair. Check them out for yourself.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=101868

I know you'll love them as much as I do!

Mercy! Arm Candy!

In honor of Maternity Week at An Ordinary Life I am trying to win a gorgeous Elliott Lucca Limited Edition handbag. It's not your ordinary purse either, this bag also can function as a diaper bag! Maternity Week starts September 13th and there will be tons of great prizes. (Including another big surprise!)

Oooohhh! Don't 'cha love this bag! Get on over and check out An Ordinary Life. You could win it for your very own.