Donations Requested

Hi all,

My neighborhood block association is having a fundraiser for a snow blower. I am asking that my friends please donate at least $5.   The majority of the residents are senior citizens (women) and this would greatly improve their quality of life.

This is a very low income area and last year the elderly women were ticketed due to too much snow on the sidewalks.  We have recruited volunteers for the snow team for the actual snow removal but we really need help with the funds for the purchase. The total needed is $700.

Please consider donating now: Click here to donate

BzzAgent review: Laser Pegs Lighted Contrstuction 4 in 1 Power Kit by Laser Pegs

A few days ago, I received the Laser Pegs Lighted Construction 4 in 1 Power Kit by Laser Pegs.  This is the world's only lighted construction set and has been designated the winner of Dr. Toy's 10 best tech products as well as a top 100 toy winner.  I can definitely see why!

The Laser Pegs Lighted Construction 4 in 1 Power Kit is a 60 piece set.  It includes half 0 pegs, square  pegs, 90 degree pegs, wheel pegs, straight pegs, t-shaped pegs, two 4 in 1 power kits and two laser peg cords.  

Upon unpacking the set, it is tempting to just start constructing. STOP! It is very important to read the instructions for illumination. 

I was sent an AC adapter via BzzAgent but be mindful that the set does not include batteries nor the AC adapter.  Each power kit requires 3 AA batteries or the AC adapter to illuminate the pegs.

You can be as creative as you want.  The set comes with instructions to build a hang glider, sand rail, or star ship cruiser.  You can always go to the Laser Peg website to download instructions for more projects. I built my masterpiece with my daughter so naturally we decided to create a runway for her dolls to model in a fashion show. 

Illuminated

Ready for the Fashion Show

Stylish

It took about 5 minutes to build and we literally played with this for two hours! I highly recommend for any child or adult who is young at heart.  The Laser Pegs Lighted Construction 4 in 1 Power Kit that I received typically retails for $40 but is on sale now for only $19.99 at Amazon.  I plan to purchase multiple sets to give out as gifts, I highly suggest you do the same.

Disclaimer:

    I am a BzzAgent
    I may have received a freebie, sample(s) or coupon(s)
    I will always give my honest, hype-free opinion
    I follow the BzzAgent Code of Conduct 

Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

My thoughts and prayers are with those facing recovery. Please help in any way that you are able. Condsider donating to the American Red Cross.

Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

#Free {Multiple} Entrance Days To National Parks 2011

America's Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*

Mark your calendar for these fee-free days in 2011:

• January 15-17
  (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
  
• April 16-24
  (National Park Week)
  
• June 21
  (First day of summer)
  
• September 24
  (Public Lands Day)
  
• November 11-13
  (Veterans Day weekend)

Making the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors with their own special offers.

Here’s a tip – many of your 394 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee.  So start Planning Your Visit!

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Scrapbooking: #free ebooks, paper & embellishments

Do you like scrapbooking? If so, check out ScrapGirls, they have free ebooks, free papers and embellishments to get started.  They also send out freebies with each of their e-newsletters.ScrapGirls

*Thanks hunnnydew for the heads up!

No SANTA!? Shockingly, No

Most people think we are scrooges because we teach our daughter (3yrs old) that Santa is something fun to think about but he is just pretend, like the Easter bunny.  The first thing people say is, "oh, you have taken the fun out of Christmas!"

Nah, we don't think so. We have lot's of FUN!

While I focus our prayer time, bible reading and lessons this month on the birth of our Savior, I also incorporate other aspects of the season.

We make Christmas cards, bake, make homemade gifts, decorate, do crafts and even shop online together!

Every morning she wakes up asking what Christmas project we get to do today.  I can see the magic of Christmas season truly twinkle in her eye.  Today, I said we make a GINGERBREAD HOUSE!

Keeping well during the holiday season #earthfootwear

 

With Christmas just 20 days away the thought of maintaining wellness may be the last thing on your mind. Let me stop you there. If you have ever taken a plane ride, you know that in the event of an emergency, you must apply your own oxygen mask before helping others.

The same concept applies to keeping well during the holidays or any time during the year. If you are not well, you cannot be your best and you and your family will suffer.

Here are my tips for maintaining wellness:

Sleep well: Turn off those to-do lists bouncing around in your brain and get some sleep. How often do you notice that your child behaves differently -unruly or sluggish- when they don't get the proper amount of rest? The same thing applies to you too, Mom! Your tolerance level and memory definitely falls short when your sleep deprived.

Eat healthfully: With all of the baking and holiday parties on your agenda, make time to eat right. It may be tempting to put off your healthy regime until after the 1st of the year but it will not make you happy. Having a balanced diet will help improve your mood and overall stamina. Don't let the carbs and sugar put you in a trance.

Get moving: It's getting cold, which naturally makes us want to snuggle up and hibernate. Don't do it! Get up and get moving. If you just walk 30 mins a day, you can boost circulation, improve your mood and helps release some of that extra holiday stress.

Feed your spirit: Don't put off your devotions and prayer during the holiday rush. Not only is it the reason for the season but your faith is the most imprtant tool in your wellness toolbox. We all have people that rub us the wrong way, remember your faith and grace... Let those comments go!

Laugh often: Don't forget to laugh. While you may have spent 4 hours on a project that resulted in a less than stellar outcome. Remember, it is the journey- the process -not the result that will be remembered. Laughing in itself relieves stress and makes everyone around you feel more comfortable. A smile makes everyone feel welcome.


Happy Holidays! Be well :)

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the Bookieboo and Earth Footwear "All's Well That Ends Well" blogging program, making me eligible to win a pair of Earth Footwear boots. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Applebee's® - Veterans and Active Duty Military Eat Free - Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th

This Veterans Day, Applebee's® is honoring the men and women who serve our country—with a FREE entree. All Veterans or Active Duty Military who come into Applebee's® on November 11 can choose from our special Vets Day menu. Even if you don't qualify, RSVP and invite your family and friends who do. It's a great way to show how much you honor their service.



Applebee's® - Veterans and Active Duty Military Eat Free - Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th