Closer to Lucy

The Magic Tap - The kid friendly drink dispenser #g!veaway @TheMagicTap

2012-01-27T14:46:00.000-06:00

Ms. Ma’am is a stubborn little goose. She wants what shewants when she wants it and has no patience for the rest of us.

Lol…that would be all fine and good if it weren’t for herdependencies on us. Because of her physical disabilities she has to rely onother people to step and then fetch. We don’t mind and are happy to do so butthere are those days that we don’t quite hop fast enough. She’s working onbuilding skills that allow her a little more independence so I look for toolsthat will help her get there.

One of her biggest challenges is getting a drink. We don’tbuy a lot of canned sodas or juices because 1) they are way too expensive and2) they are not very good for you.

We tend to go with the larger sized gallons of things likemilk, lemonade, and my vice…sweet tea.

These items are not very user friendly if you are a smallframed girl with poor upper body strength trying to maneuver around the worldin a wheelchair. ….little girl tries but makes a mess at it. To be honest allmy kids do.

So when I saw the Magic Tap I was immediately drawn to thepossibilities of kid friendly pouring. The Magic Tap is a drink dispenser thattakes away the need to lift and pour; in fact we don’t even take our jugs outof the refrigerator door.

It’s genius really. Icould gush on and on….look how simple:

Now not only do the boys not spill their drinks all over theplace but little Miss can get her own drinks, for the first time in ....well, ever!
It’s one of those things thatonce you start using it you wonder just how you made it this far in life. I love it soooo much that I have even created a new tag labeled "products that I love" and Magic Tap gets the first tag :)

Buy it

Win it!

The Magic Tap peeps have generously agreed to give one luckyLucy their own life changing Magic Tap.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to The Magic Tap for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway. Pin It
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Shop, $ave, Earn and Give all in one place! @couponchief

2012-01-26T15:34:00.000-06:00

You’ll be surprised to learn that as much as I love girlthings, shopping isn’t one of them…..as in physically getting into my car andgoing to a packed mall or department store only to find that they didn’t havewhat I needed or that the sale price was just a ploy in efforts to get me tooverlook the fact that the item was just WAY overpriced to begin with.

I much prefer the armchair kind of shopping…..cyber mallsrule.

No parking, no people, no mess.

My only hesitation when it comes to on-line shopping is fearof paying more than I need to and the ugly “S” word…..shipping.

I’m pretty particular and have a good idea of what I’mlooking for so after I’ve found it at my favorite online stores and do a bit of comparisonshopping for the best price then I headto Coupon Chief to see if Ican get an even better price. The Chief has over 100,000 codes for couponswhich equates to the largest source of online coupons and store discounts onthe web.

This morning for instance -- As everyone knows (because I’vecarried on about it forEVER) I’vemade it my mission to adopt one of the special needs kids at my daughter’sschool for prom this year. Well I’m all but done with it (can’t wait to tellyou more) except for a few accessories and a shrug. In clicking through CouponChief I found a code for 60% off and free shipping! I may possibly be moreexcited than my prom queen recipient.

I also really heart the “does this coupon work?” feature; itright up there with my favorite feature (outside of saving money). This featureallows you to check it's pulse (see if works) and even tell Coupon Chief peeps that “hey, this code doesn’t work!” Afterusing a code found on their site you get a little box that asks if the codeworked or not….for the most part it does but on those rare occasions you get totell somebody about it.

Nothing will make me close a merchant’s browser quicker thangetting through the checkout process and finding that my code doesn’t work. Allthat wasted time shopping and completing checkout info….grrr, it irritates me so much! At least this way I get a small amountof satisfaction in telling someone that the code didn’t work ;o)

Plus CouponChief offers a “Pays-2-Share” feature. In this program you upload coupons to youraccount and then every time your BFF uses a coupon you’ve shared, CouponChiefwill pay you 2% of the sale. You can track your progress through your accountto see how many of your coupons have been used. It’s easy and since yourfriends are saving and you are earning, everybody wins!

Pretty cool to get paid to share deals with your friends,isn’t it?

Better yet, CouponChief is a free service! You can if you want to but you don’t evenhave to sign up for it if you don’t want to. But if you do choose to set up anaccount you get email alerts for many of your favorite stores as well as takepart in the “Pays 2 Share.”

Among all of Coupon Chiefbenefits is a generous attribute that I find to be downright gallant …… Coupons-4-Causes, allowsyou to earn money for your favorite charity every time you shop online. Justuse our coupons for your online shopping, and they donate up to 20% of thepurchase to your favorite charity, school, or church.

A place to shop, save, share with my friend, earn off myfriends, and give back all in one cyber spot is nothing short of Sweet!

To keep up with Coupon Chief find them on Facebook and Twitter or to learn more visittheir website.

Please read my disclosure
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Valentine's Day just got a little sweeter with Tiny Prints Cards @TinyPrints

2012-01-25T15:24:00.003-06:00

So I’ve mushed all over the place just how much I love love.Guess you won’t be blown over when I tell you that Valentine ’s Day is my in thetop ranks of my favorite holidays (second to Easter and Christmas of course).

I am in absolute love with the sentiments and expressions oflove. I also happen to be a big fan of the whole gross rituals of flowers,candy and cards. My husband happens to be a super star at Valentine’s. When we weredating I’m not exaggerating when I say that there was an endless flow ofdelivery men at work that day…flowers, candy, teddy bears, more candy andseveral cards. Man…..he was good. Itwork, cause I’d have married him that day is he’d of asked.

He doesn’t quiet go all out but his message that he loves meis still received.

With my adoration for all things love it will come as no bigshock that Ms. Ma’am hearts it too. Maybe not to the same caliber but sheenjoys baking goodies, trading candy hearts and exchanging cards with herfriends. She made me buy chocolate apples for her teachers, seconds after takingthe Christmas tree down --- not that she’s excited or anything.

This year when asked about cards she immediately remembered ourfamily Christmas card. I wasn’t sure if it was even possible but the peepsat Tiny Prints of course were one step ahead of me.

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationeryfrom Valentines Day cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Offering exclusive designs fromthe nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful previewengine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs havebeen lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. WithTiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion isa cinch!

They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorablepersonalized photo-gifts like stationary, photo books and calendars.

Just like in the case of Christmas they’ve got my Valentine Cards needs handled too.

They have the sweetest cards for the kids. I think we aregoing to look at something in a black and white photo with all things pink ofcourse.

She loves this one.

But liked this one for a photo that she has her hair in anup-do

I like so many of them for boys or girls that I can’t pick.Good thing I still have a boy (for at least one more year….sniff, sniff) that enjoysthe card exchange game too.

Besides the kids being able to get what they need I alsofound some very sweet ValentinesDay Greeting Cards that I like for MUF (Mr. UnFun), he is after all my loveinspiration :0)

and that is saying a lot!

While clicking through all the love at Tiny Prints I think Ijust got my first little bit of love bug excitement!

What do you love about Valentine’s Day? Do you do the wholeexchange bit too?

If you do, you are seriously going to want to keep up withTiny Prints on the web, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Through SIMPLE steps, WE are the champions! #AbbottCFK #ChampionsforKids #CBias @cbias @champions4kids

2012-01-24T22:05:00.003-06:00

Do not wait for leaders to do it; do it alone ~ Mother Teresa

What could be more amazing than taking positive stepsforward toward social change?

Getting others to do it too!

I told you about the Championsfor Kids organization and Abbott Nutrition, the sponsor this month a fewdays ago.

This operation gives people the tools they need to takeSIMPLE steps in order to make real change. The idea is that together our smallsteps equal great big ones……seems logical to me.

Today I had the privilege of taking a few small steps of myown.

Let me back up just abit; I actually started a few days ago but finished today.

So remember~

According to Champions for Kids:

There are more than 16 million children under the age of eighteen in the United States are food insecure — who are unable to consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food necessary for a healthy life.
The developing immune systems of young children ages 0–5 make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the stability to learn, grow, and fight infections is adversely affected.
While having enough food is important, the nutritional quality of that food is equally important. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2–19 are obese, and 1 of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese.
There are about 74 million children in the United States and approximately 2.2 billion children in the world.
1 out of every 3 homeless people is under 18.

These children are more than statistics. Hunger has a face andthey are everywhere. Teachers see them in classrooms across America every day,our kids play with them, they live next door, they live in our communities, andin

When you look at it in terms that go beyond the system, sittingidly by isn’t really an option when you think of the number of children that goto bed hungry every night….children we ALL know.

“Each yearmillions of children suffer silently and in many cases, die, not because wedon’t have the resources but because of a massive failure of our imagination toengage more people in efforts to improve the lives of children in our communities.”~ Champions for kids

With those soberingwords I took the challenge, picked an organization and gave a SIMPLE offering.

First theorganization: I selected GreenhouseMinistries, which is a volunteer run program that through adulteducation classes, utility assistance, gas vouchers, and a food pantry they arehaving direct impact on the greater good in my community.

There are many attributes of Greenhouse Ministries thatattracted me but I admit that I ultimately chose them because of my personaldedication to help support woman that have left volatile domestic situations. Zoe House is ahousing program for single moms and their child(ren) that provides housing, alife and career training program, and a safe and supportive place for singlemoms to get back on their feet. Leaving a bad situation is difficult enough;you and your children shouldn't go hungry while you do it.

Putting it together:

I headed to Walmart with a grocery list that I downloaded fromthe Greenhouse Ministries webpage.

I didn’t really have a plan; grab a few things on the listand then focus on the healthy snack part of the Champions for Kids and Abbott’sinitiative.

Grabbing the food pantry items was easy. Kinda hard to messit up when it’s spelled out for you.

When I got to the snack part of the mission I sorta lostmyself….I was amazed at how quickly my basket filled up and how little I reallyspent. If I skipped lunch out with my friends a time or two I could seriouslymake this a regular thing, it’s that SIMPLE and that easy.

There were a few things that I bought that weren’t necessarilygood for you or bad, just things that I loved as a kid but of course didn’talways have access to. Pickles were one of those items – man I loved thosethings.

Drop off:

I was so deeply moved by the good that this program isgoing. It was far more than what I had original thought.

They offer a tax service, computer training, food, clothing,housing and so many more of the basic fundamental necessities that many of us(myself included) take for granted.

They even have an awesome thrift store that I fell in lovewith…shabby chic vintage finds, trendy girl bling, housewares, and antiquedishes and small furnishings……I’ll be making a drop off on the regular, just soI can shop :0)

Candle holders from Garden Patch thrift store

I wish y'all could see the sass in this thing...the picture fails it miserably.

I made a few purchases that were a win-win for us all. I gota sassy dress jacket in new condition and a candle plate for my new dining roomtable, were tonight I gathered my children and husband for dinner and said anextra prayer of thanks. Thanks for having a choice of what to serve, an optionfor tomorrow and for leading me to Greenhouse Ministries were I will continueto make contributions; regardless of how SIMPLE.

Greenhouse Ministries has certainly got a lot going on underthat one roof -- People that from the goodness of their hearts show up day afterday after day are making a difference right here in my own community; to thetune of assisting more than 30,000 people in need last year!

Nothing short of amazing!

Three bags of groceries for the food pantry and a smallpurchase from the thrift store that contributes to the resources of the entireoperation….all very SIMPLE, if we all take these small steps or ones like them,we will all be Champions for Kids and great social change.

To see the rest of my photos in my G+ photo album

Connect with Champions for Kids on their webpage, Facebook and on Twitter

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This shop has been compensated as part of a socialshopper insights study for Collective Bias, the opinions here are mine andmine alone.

Take Over Tuesday Link up ~ ALL Platforms! @tsue1136 @momsmutterings @HaveSippy @Crystalnjoe1105

2012-01-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to
Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop
Gain Friends and Followers
In All The Right Places

Your Hostesses are:
Closer to Lucy
Have Sippy Will Travel
3 Princes and a Princess 2
Just Like June (formerly The Thrifty Things)
That's What She Said

<a href="http://www.closertolucy.com/"><img src="http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/crystalpw/Image2-3.jpg"/></a>

Add your link to any or all of the Social Media Follow Groups below! Follow as many people as you would like and be certain to leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan!

Please be certain to follow your hostesses. Your presence and participation is appreciated and we will always follow you back!

We'd love for you to grab the Take Over Tuesday button to display on your site!

The more the merrier!

Google + Linky

Facebook Linky

Twitter Linky

Stumble Linky

Pinterest Linky

Please be certain to join us again next week for

Take Over Tuesday!

~ Guests welcome ~

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What's your number? Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray

2012-01-23T17:36:00.000-06:00

Ring in the New Year with a fresh and funny tale aboutdating, relationships and life as Anna Faris (Scary Movie Franchise, The HouseBunny) and Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, Captain America) come together in ahilarious quest for “the one” .

After reading a magazine article that insists if a womanhas slept with at least 20 people that they have already missed Mr. Right,marketing executive Ally Darling (Anna Faris) begins to panic, thinking thatshe will be alone forever. With the help of her hunky new neighbor (ChrisEvans), Ally starts tracking down all her ex-boyfriends, hoping to find herreal true love while she helps him escape his latest fling. Hilarioushijinks and adventure ensues as Ally goes on her wild search for the best “ex”of her life, only to find what she is looking has been right in front of herall along.

Lucy's View:

It’s so nice to get a chick flick for mama sometimes! Theplot was A-typical – In that youcould kind guess was going to happen but the humor was enough to make you lookthe other way --- I quickly found myself as hooked as Ally tries to see howthose "old flames" arefaring today and if there is still any spark left. It definitely had methinking about my own past relationships, how things might have been differentor what they are like today and how super glad I didn’t end up with them…whew!

It’s definitely worth a glass of wine and a girlfriend ortwo

Protect Infants Now (PIN) - Meningococcal disease

2012-01-23T17:21:00.000-06:00

I am a worrier by nature, adding children to that tendencyonly amplified my need to make sure that I was taking measures to ensure theirhealth and safety needs were being met.

There are so many times in life that we simply are unableto protect our child from the casualties of life but there are just as manymeasures that we can take in order to keep them secure, happy, and healthy.

Awareness and knowledge are among those measures, seeking out relevantinformation about childhood illness can be a crucial element in armingourselves in fighting off potentially life threatening illness in particularly,meningococcal disease also known as meningitis.

Meningococcal disease is a sudden and very aggressiveillness that can kill a previously healthy child within 24-48 hours of thefirst symptoms.

Symptoms typically start out as non-specific and mimicsymptoms of the flu. Infants younger than one year old are at adisproportionately higher risk for contracting meningococcal meningitis due totheir less sophisticated immune systems. Advanced bacterial meningitis canlead to brain damage, coma, and death. Survivors can suffer long-termcomplications, including hearing loss, mental retardation, paralysis, andseizures.

MeningitisAngels Shares these Facts About Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.

Bacterial meningitis is most commonly caused by one of three types of bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

The bacteria are spread by direct close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person.

Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics.

Prevention depends on use of vaccines, rapid diagnosis, and prompt treatment of close personal contacts

Signs and symptoms:

In persons 2 and over, common symptoms are high fever,headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting,sensitivity to light, confusion, and sleepiness. In advanced disease, bruisesdevelop under the skin and spread quickly.
In newborns and infants, the typical symptoms of fever,headache, and neck stiffness may be hard to detect. Other signs in babies mightbe inactivity, irritability, vomiting, and poor feeding.
As the disease progresses, patients of any age can haveseizures.

Because symptoms closely mimic the flu they should not be dismissed as such, similar symptoms should be monitored closely and evaluated by a doctor. Remember in cases of Meningitis rapid treatment is crucial.

There is vaccine out there that could potentially help protect our children butit’s not currently universally recommended for infants, only those deemed highrisk. The FDC is still reviewing whether they should make it part of currentvaccination guidelines.

MeningitisAngels, is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about meningitisand other vaccine-preventable diseases. They are working to fight againstmeningococcal disease and bring it to the forefront.

As part of their efforts "Protect Infants Now" (PIN),a campaign aimed at encouraging the government to recommend the currentmeningococcal meningitis vaccines be given to infants.

Timing is everything and right now, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is traveling around the country seeking public input on whether infants two years and younger should be immunized against meningitis.

Through the online PINpetition, Meningitis Angels wants to encourage the CDC to includemeningitis vaccines in the recommended vaccination schedule for infants.

I know that there arestrong feelings and controversial information floating around aboutvaccinations. I don’t judge and I wholeheartedly respect the belief systems ofother people. However I myself would never be able to live with myself if mychild contracted a disease that was preventable and then spread it onto anotherchild that dies as a result.

I’m not being melodramatic, I’m being real.

I'm not here to debate the topic, my intent is to spread theword about Infant Meningitis and raise some awareness to the signs and symptomsfor those parents who may not have been aware of the disease or itsseriousness.

I then would like to be a for parents such as myself who dovaccinate and believe in vaccination as well as giving people the informationabout ProtectInfants Now petition.

I signed the petition in hopes of bring attention andfurther support to the initiative and hope to encourage those that are likeminded to do the same.

To learn more about the petition to help get this vaccine approved check outthe "PIN"Campaign Petition.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central andMeningitis Angels. This campaign was made possible in part through supportprovided by Novartis Vaccines. A small donation to a charity of my choice wasmade in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating. All opinionsin this posting are 100% my own. Tweet Pin It

Pro Dunk Hoops, no duct tape required @produnkhoops

2012-01-22T20:48:00.002-06:00

This is what is left of the boys’ basketball goal……

Jealous?

Don't be, you too can waste a bunch of money on low-grade sporting equipment and let a tornado rip through your yard and tearit all to pieces.

Then watch as the male gene kicks in and spills out its love of ducttape all over the place.

Beautiful isn’t it?

What is it about duct tape that attracts the novice and the expert handymanalike?

When my husband (the engineer) and I first got married I even busted himtrying to attach the hood of his car with the shiny stuff....anything to save a buck huh, babe?

I know that many people will find it hard to believe but ducttape cannot fix everything!

It didn’t fix his car and well…you see the boys’ basketballgoal.

One good gush of wind and a rainstorm that could float the arc and it’s bye-bye duct tape and hello trashed out yardornament.

Peeps I get it, we all wanna save money but we get what wepay for and the duct tape? it only goes so far.

This spring the boys will be out, duct tape in hand, and at itagain .....trying to resurrect the unsalvageable.

As much fun as it isto hear their muffled mutters of distain, I gotta put them out of MY misery.

Seriously because following spring is summer break. With summerbreak comes what my kids seems to think is my undying need to entertain andanswer their every beck and call.

Ummmm……hate to burst their bubble.

And I would but because of my husband’s clear NBA capabilities (armchair coach is an NBA position, right) and my children’s obvious innate dunking abilities, hoop shop I must!

Now the shopping I have down but there is the small littlesnag...... I was born without the basketball chromosome – well any DNA that resemblesanything sports like really, so I rely on the pros to walk me through and bywalk me through I mean totally hold my hand through the entire process.

Hand holding involves a certain level of trust (and aprice match guarantee), I look for reputable pros…here is where I have landed:

Pro Dunk Hoops - Afamily-owned company that specializes in designing, manufacturing andinstalling premium outdoor basketball goals and has for more than20years. They offer manufacture-direct savings on all of theirbasketball goals including the top customer-rated adjustable, in-ground ProDunk® basketball goal.

No duct tape needed to make this baby shine

Superior Performance at Manufacturer-Direct Prices

1/2 Inch Tempered Glass Backboard. 7 ga. one-piece steelpole with powder-coat finish

Highest Customer-Rated Basketball Goal Available

100% of our customers would recommend their basketball goalto a friend

Designing, Manufacturing, and Installing Since 1984

Ryan and Keith have over 30 years combined experience, and are always standing by to answer your basketball goal questions.

And since withstanding is what we need, their “built like a tank” reputation, I’m thinking thatmaybe we have a chance though tornado season and fierce straight-line winds….withBasketballgoal buying guideline, even someone with my genetic insufficiencies as can’tgo wrong!

All jokes aside I know I know I’ve bragged before that MUF(Mr.UnFun) is a volunteer coach at the Y. He’s built a rapport with the kids onhis team and often has them over for a scrimmage….He and they are more than worthy of durable and safe equipment.

All the safety information that Pro Dunks has above and beyond a purchase mademe feel confident that thatwhen we are ready to buy they’ll help us 100% through the process.

Without the duct tape!

This post is in association of the above mentionedcompany. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use andbelieve will be a good match for my readers. The opinions and statements hereare mine and mine alone, your individual experience may differ. I amdisclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy'slegal disclosure and the FederalTrade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use ofEndorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.Tweet Pin It

Give it away Gala link up @momsmutterings @HaveSippy @tsue1136 @Crystalnjoe1105

2012-01-22T20:39:00.006-06:00

Each Sunday night the women behind Collective MediaMagic join up and feature the Giveaway Gala.

It’s a link up for everyone that includes a few of the featuredgiveaways hosted by all four Collective Media Magic sites: Closer to Lucy 3 Princes and aPrincess 2, The Thrifty Things, Have SippyWill Travel, and That’sWhat She Said

Our featured giveaways:

Just Like June:

Mohawk Home Rug of Choice (up to $149) 1/27

Wellness Mat in choice of design 1/27

Wind & Weather $50 Gift Certificate

Closer To Lucy

Diamond Candles 1/27

Elite Serum 2/9

Vaultz Storage 1/25

Have Sippy Will Travel

Aquaphor Lip Repair & Lotion 2/14

Winchill Mountain Coffee 2/11

Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks 2/6

3 Princes and A Princess 2

5 boxes of General Mills Cereal 1/30

Pictures on Gold Locket 2/9

Bosch Auto Parts 1/30

That's What She Said

ENTER JW PET ISQUEAK PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

Conair Infiniti You Wave Ultra Styler ($45.99) ends 2-13

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Let the countdown begin……..In Time Debuts on DVD and Blu-ray January 31!

2012-01-21T21:10:00.000-06:00

Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy

Star in The Pulse-Pounding Sci-Fi Thriller

Debuting on Blu-ray and DVD January 31

Leave the existing world behind and enter into a futuristicworld where the aging gene is switched off after 25 and time is money,literally, that many can’t afford in the cutting-edge thriller IN TIME,arriving on Blu-ray and DVD January 31 from Twentieth Century Fox HomeEntertainment. Featuring an all-starcast including Justin Timberlake (The Social Network), Amanda Seyfried (MammaMia!) and Cillian Murphy (Inception), the film puts an innovative spin on classwarfare and explores the corruptness that lies within.

In the future, time has become the ultimate currency andgenetic alteration has allowed people to stop aging at 25 years old. Upon reaching 25, the countdown begins and inorder to stay alive everyone must work to buy themselves more time or diewithin a year. The rich can buy theirway out of the situation, while the rest are left to negotiate forimmortality. When a struggling youngman, Will Salas (Timberlake), comes incontact with a “millionaire,” he is gifted more time than he can imagine. Falseley accused of murder, Will is afugitive on the run and becomes determined to bring down the entire system byany means possible.

Showcasing stunning visual effects and gravity defyingstunts, the IN TIME Blu-ray is loaded with bonus materials including anexclusive featurette “THE MINUTES” to discover the origins of the film’s timebased society, deleted and extended scenes, and access to the enhanced IN TIMETHE GAME APP. DVD special featuresinclude deleted and extended scenes. IN TIME will be available on Blu-ray for an average retail price of $24.99 and on DVD for $19.99

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Fox for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway. Pin It

Etta James ~ Sings among the angels: Rest in Peace

2012-01-20T10:45:00.002-06:00

Ms. Etta become an angel today...amazing and beautiful songs that are so much a part of my soul.

Rather go blind is one of the greatest songs everwritten and recorded, no one has ever duplicated it with the style and grace of Ms. Etta. It is her song and she made you feel it -- yeah, I'd rather go blind too.

At Last is my all-time favorite love song – I sang it in mydressing room on my wedding day.

Thank you Etta, much love, may you rest in peace.

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Weekend Link Up with Lucy @closertolucy and Sam @Havesippy, Google+ Edition

2012-01-20T09:22:00.003-06:00

Let's link up...Everyone is welcome, there are only two rules rules. 1) Follow your hostesses Have Sippy Will Travel and Closer to Lucy and our guest spotlight is iNeed a Playdate.
2) Family friendly blog links only.If you would like to our spotlight co-host mail Lucy at closertolucy@gmail.com please include Weekends with Lucy and Sam in the subject line.
If you're new...leave a comment in this post after linking up so we can return the follow. If you aren't new and know one of us isn't following leave a comment for that too (we wanna follow you back), and if your not new and just wanna link up...MUAH!

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A scientific break through ~ Enter to W!n @eliteserum in the #CMM #G!veaway

2012-01-19T11:22:00.004-06:00

Have I ever shared with y’all that I am sleep deprived?

No. Really, I’m seriously deprived.

Ever since my back surgery I do not love bed……I want to, Ireally do but my back hates me. I average about 4-5 hours of sleep a night, inmy youth (which was completely wasted on my younger self) Icould have handled such a short amount of time – but now? Notsomuch, y’all 40 is (gulp) about a week away…..please spare me the sympathy cards or words of encouragement about 40 being thenew 20, cause we all know that there are things that my 20 year-old self is notgiving back to my 40 year-old bod…ummm, kay?

I’m tired and it shows. ..sure I’m still cute if I were a Cacomistle.

A few friends and I are giving Elite Serum a try -- the incredible needle-free scientific breakthrough in skincare technology makes wrinkles and fine lines disappear around your eyes!

Isn't it cool looking?

Well it sounds all good to me – You already know that MUF (mr. UnFun) is anti-cosmetic interventionanything, which leaves Botox something Ilie about or just avoid so that he stays happy….sigh, honesty is a rough roadto travel but needles don’t excite me anyway so this could be alternative.

What are the benefits of Elite Serum?

Formulated with the highest concentration of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.
Rich seaweed extract base as used by the world's most expensive serums.
Contains scientifically advanced peptides proven to cause DNA rejuvenation.
Delivers a youthful and vibrant appearance around the eyes.
Rapidly brings oxygen and nutrients to the eye area.
Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Works directly under and around the eye area within minutes.
Ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing application.
No injection needed. It works on areas where the Botox™ solution can not.
A Cooling, hyper toning sensation indicates that the serum is working.
Scientifically designed as hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.
Can be used safely and beneficially in conjunction with other skin care products.
Ability to work alone as needed as a powerful eye serum.
Manufactured in the USA in an advanced FDA licensed pharmaceutical laboratory.

I'm totally hoping for this type of results.

The difference with Elite Serum is the combination ofpharmaceutical-grade peptides and natural moisturizers. It's been clinicallyproven to reduce wrinkle depth in only 28 days……I’ve just started so I’ll letyou know.

Buy it!

Win it!

The peeps over at Elite Serum has teamed up with thebloggers of Collective Media Magic to give one lucky shared reader a syringe oftheir own!

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Elite Serum for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway. Pin It
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#W!n the - A ring in every @diamondcandles #g!veaway!

2012-01-19T10:18:00.002-06:00

There are few things that make me happier than kicking back in aCLEAN house, sipping a glass of wine (these days it doesn’t even have to begood wine), and burning a highly fragrant candle (it has to be highly fragrant because I have boys and chances are if I’mchillaxing then they are home and well…so are their boy smells that will overtakethe clean smell that I labored to get and that would totally destroy my chill).

I did say very few things, right?

Because when I came across the Diamond Candles Company they had meat diamond…..

Woo Hoo – I can enjoymy wine all the more because that highly scent baby is burning down to reveal abit of sparkling girl-bling.

Diamond Candles is a company that sells highly fragrant premium qualitysoy candles with a fun 'ring reveal' experience. Inside every one oftheir soy candles ,there's a ring hidden inside a pouch. Once enough wax has meltedfrom the candle, you can pull the pouch out and open it to reveal a ringworth a price range anywhere from $10 to $5000.

I’ve never experienced so much fun from a candle, justwatching, enjoying and waiting and waiting and waiting….seriously this is ahigh quality looong burning candle.It smelled amazing, so fresh and so CLEAN – strong enough to mask boy smell butlight enough not to over power. It was just the right balance.

I could see the diamond pouch attached to the side of theglass jar and entertained myself by periodically checking its progress. Thekids even started hovering as it got close, the man-child apprentice even asked“do girlfriends like those kinds of things?” Duh? Have you not been payingattention?

Finally the big glob of golden foil was released (and by released I mean pried out of there) and revealed.

You know it’s not the crown jewels but it definitely hassparkle and was so much fun to get to that it will be a treasure to keep. Plusthat long burning baby is still going strong!

Come on you know you want one – just for fun :0)

Buy it

Win it!

The peeps at Diamond Candles have generously offered 30lucky entrants a candle of their own!

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Diamond Candles for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway. Pin It
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Ending Child hunger one basket at a time - #ChampionsforKids #CBias @cbias @champions4kids

2012-01-18T20:58:00.002-06:00

With the holidays behind us, many will go back to theirusual routine. The spirit of giving will be forgotten along with those in need.The winter cold will settle deep into their souls and rob their bodies of anyleftover holiday nutrients that they may have received. They will now inaddition to their hunger be at risk for a plethora of aliments as the result ofnutritional deprivation.

I don’t try to paint a picture of doom and gloom here butthis is our reality….I know because I’ve been there.

Many of my most difficult childhood memories revolve around food (orlack thereof) – my big sister trying to make me some soup out of a can oftomato sauce, hoping they’d offer seconds in the school lunch line, sharinghalf of a pot pie with my sister for dinner .…I remember going to bed with thediscomfort of grumbles and hunger pangs.

Things got better in time, there was a turning point and we were blessed to not have theworry of where our next meal was going to come.

Fast forward more years than I (willingly) admit and I’mstill painfully aware of those years of waking up hungry to an empty fridge.I’m even more aware that times haven’t changed much for so many children likeme and those numbers continue togrow.

According to Championsfor Kids:

There are more than 16 million children under the age ofeighteen in the United States are food insecure — who are unableto consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food necessary fora healthy life.
The developing immune systems of young childrenages 0–5 make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivationand as a result, the stability to learn, grow, and fight infections isadversely affected.
While having enough food is important, the nutritionalquality of that food is equally important. Approximately17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2–19 are obese, and1 of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese.
There are about 74 million children in the United Statesand approximately 2.2 billion children in the world.

We are a nation of plenty…too much, really. Yet there arechildren living in our neighborhoods, attending our schools, playing with ourchildren…..children that are hungry; children that will fill there hungrybellies with foods that stop the pangs but are not nutritionally adequate.

It’s madness to me to find that downtown our food pantry hadempty shelves but yet so many of us stuff ourselves to the point that ourstomachs hurt, we dump leftovers in the trash, and turn our nose up at foods wedon’t care for…..I am ashamed to admit that just last night I snubbed my dinnerplate because I didn’t like what we were having.

All those years ago, I committed to myself that when I wasold enough to make a difference that I would make every effort to be the changethat someone living in poverty needed, even if it was just one person. True tothat promise I’ve done what I could when I could….believe me it hasn’t alwaysbeen easy, when I was a single mother of two special need children and amountain of medical debt, I didn’t have much to give…I teetered on that edgemyself a time or two, forgoing dinner so that my kids could eat but Ipersonally have witnessed how the simplest of actions of one person can enableand encourage many.

I do many smallthings to try and give back; I donate my review items to toy banks and othercommunity organization, I give our gently used clothes to an organization thatserves a specific vulnerable population, I list our used but usable householditems to be given to someone (anyone) that needs them, and give my time atchurch. I don’t list my deeds in order to gain praise or appear to be ado-gooder. None of these things seemvery significant to me but I share them to illustrate how easy and simple it isto contribute to fighting hunger and poverty.

Part of the vision statement of theChampions for Kids initiative reads:

“Each year millions of children suffer silently and in many cases, die,not because we don’t have the resources but because of a massive failure of ourimagination to engage more people in efforts to improve the lives of childrenin our communities.”

Think about that for a minute…let it soak in.

Kids are dying not because of lack of resources but becausewe haven’t been creative in our efforts. It is very sobering to me, yet veryenlightening at the same time…what they are saying is that we can do a wholelot with just a little creativity.

The Championsfor Kids organization is a program that focuses on children’s health byproviding people in communities across America with SIMPLE ways that they canimprove the lives of children where they live and work.

Champions forKids works to mobilize MILLIONS of people to improve the lives of childrenin their communities. The solution is in the leverage of people. …people likeyou and me.

Peeps, we can be a part of change for the greater good!

I am privileged to have been included in this month’s Champion’sfor Kids project…the AbbottsNutrition Pack a Snack initiative.

It’s pretty simple…I will pick a local organization, charityor even an individual person that serves children and put together a basketthat includes healthy snack choices.

The shopping part I’ve got down…and today after muchcontemplation I finally picked a place but I have to tell you what a struggleit was; there is just so much need.

People and places Ihave considered:

Checking at Church to see if there might be a family whosechildren would benefit from my basket.
The food pantry – I downloaded their needs list
I could have asked my children’s teacher or school counselor about achild in need
The YMCA has an afterschool program at the man-childapprentice’s school; I bet they see hungry kids every day.
The special needs daycare

There are so many that would benefit!

I have selected GreenhouseMinistries, which is a small volunteer run program that through adulteducation classes, utility assistance, gas vouchers, and a food pantry they arehaving direct impact on the greater good in my community.

There are many attributes of Greenhouse Ministries thatattracted me but I admit that I ultimately chose them because of my personaldedication to help support woman that have left volatile domesticsituations. Zoe House isa housing program for single moms and their child(ren) that provides housing, alife and career training program, and a safe and supportive place for singlemoms to get back on their feet. Leaving a bad situation is difficult enough; youand your children should go hungry while you do it.

I’m pleased to report that after a lengthy discussion with agroup of my friends they will also be putting together a Abbotts Nutrition basketand making a delivery of their own!

I challenge you to do the same SIMPLE thing –

Gather your friends, family, and coworkers and providenutritious snacks for children in need.

Make an Abbotts Nutrition Snack Pack: fill it with itemslike Pediasure®, Pediasure SideKicks®, and ZonePerfect® bars and otherhealthful foods!

Give the AbbottNutrition snack packs to an organization in your community that serves children(like a school, religious organization, or nonprofit) or give it to any childin need.

If you don’t have the resources to fill a basket alone, thenget a few friends and make one together. We can all be champions for kids andothers that are hungry…..we just have to take that first step.

Connect with Champions for Kids on their webpage, Facebook and on Twitter

Please join the Abbott/Champions for Kids Twitter partyon January 19^th at 9:00 pm EST, and use the hashtag #AbbottCFK….You can find more details about the party and see the goodies up for grabs overat LookWho Found the Marbles.

See you there!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopperinsights study for Collective Bias”. All opinions aremy own. Tweet Pin It

Let the fowl play begin! The Big Year Coming to DVD & Blu-ray January 31st

2012-01-18T20:57:00.001-06:00

ComedicIcons Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson Star in the Hilarious OutdoorAdventure Coming to Blu-ray and DVD January 31

Let the fowl play begin! Twentieth Century Fox HomeEntertainment presents the story of a competitive trio who quickly turn asimple quest into the ultimate competition when THE BIG YEAR spreadsits wings on Blu-ray and DVD January 31.

Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson portray three menfrom very different walks of life, facing a mid-life crisis, a work-life crisisand a no-life crisis. In the biggest competition of their lives, they undertakean unforgettable trek through North America, engaging in hilarious and bizarreadventures and forming friendships that will last a lifetime!

Directed by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley& Me) and featuring outrageous supporting performances from Joel McHale(“Community”), Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), Angelica Huston (50/50),Dianne Wiest (“In Treatment”),Brian Dennehy (The Next Three Days),Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation”), Kevin Pollak (Red State) andAnthony Anderson (Scream 4), THE BIG YEAR Blu-ray isloaded with special features including the theatrical and extended editions ofthe film, over 40 minutes of deleted scenes and the featurette “The BigMigration.” The Blu-ray combo pack and single-disc DVD will be available for anaverage retail price of $29.99 and $19.99 respectively. Prebook is January 4,2012 and you can preorder from Amazon here.

Click on the graphic above to print out this fun New YearResolution checklist from the film and watch for my review and giveaway of thisfilm coming soon!

Don't be censored - Take a stand and #stopSOPA, it affects us all.

2012-01-18T08:52:00.002-06:00

If passed, the law would give greater powers to the U.S.government to essentially blacklist foreign websites accused of hostingcopyright-infringing content. All you have to do is be accused of infringementand poof...you're shut down. The laws are excessive and would essentially makeit impossible for sites such as Twitter, YouTube and Flickr to exist in theircurrent form. Anyone who uses the internet is affected in some way.

Because thelegislation could punish someone who links to a site that happens to also hostcopyrighted content, those doing the linking could be forced to first make surethe site is completely free of such content – an incredibly difficult task inthe case of massive sites, such as YouTube.

Those of us that Product Reviewwould be subject to these same issues, I review for sites that have copyrightedcontent and link back to them, hence my website could be yanked.....it's a veryscary bill.

Please sign this letter to congress and tell them to reevaluatetheir positions on this bill!

Themore you read, the more you realize how big this issue is! http://fightforthefuture.org/pipa/

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PromGirl.net makes prom night magical @MissPromGirl

2012-01-17T14:47:00.002-06:00

I’ve shared before that Prom is a big topic at my house. Weliterally talk about and plan for it all year long. I have also mentionedthat my daughter is special needs and in a special needs classroom…..the twotopics and my daughter’s special need classroom are completely related but I’llget to how in just a minute.

I know I’ve bragged about that the program she is in doessuch an amazing job of putting the person well before the disability…..well theyare part of an even bigger program that promotes self-advocacy and“normalization.” (remember I really dislike this word because I for one do notbelieve that any of us can dictate what exactly “normal” is…but I thought it abetter term for explanatory purposes.)

Like many her program believes that prom is a rite ofpassage in our young adult lives; one that we take for granted. Not everyonegoes to prom…sure I get that. But a child with special needs is even lesslikely to go simply because he or she is different.

I know…I’m repeating here and have already told you thatthis program also recognizes just how significant prom is and puts on a fiestafor these kids that they will never forget.

They take great pains to ensure that every child attends andhas the experience that someone without disabilities would have….limos,dresses, tuxedos, hair, makeup, boutonniere, corsage, catered foods, magicallocation…the works.

My little girl has been in this program for 3 years now; shehas been to prom twice.

Yet somehow theluster and excitement remains. She is already talking about for 2012 how shewill wear her hair, who she will dance with, what she would like to wear; allthe hopes that any girl has…she has them all.

Everything is donated and costs the kids nothing…it’s absolutelyamazing but are problematic for us, because of some of her disabilities, thedresses don’t always work. Last year I actually spent more money and time onaltering the dress than I would have if I had just bought one and wasn'texactly thrilled with the final design.

This year we have been fortunate enough that little girlwill be wearing a brand new dress instead of relying on the dress donationportion of this event.

Because of how much this program has meant to my daughterand the significant pains that are taken to achieve “normalization” we haveopted to pay it forward this year.

Many of the kids in this program have financially difficultiesand rely heavily on the used dresses…..this year we want to “adopt” a girl anda boy to outfit for this magical day.

MUF will be covering the details of out “adopted” boy and Iam working on the girl.

With me in charge…… Prom dress 2012, willsurpass her any and all of her prom expectations.

Prom Girl is on my list of picture perfect places toconsider…of course our adopted girl will have the final say but I will totally showher the amazing collection of formal dresses andflirty fun shortprom dresses too!

In comparison shopping, I found the prices atProm Girl to be more than comparable, especially for the quality and selection…..Flashy,classy, sassy, flirty, fun, sexy, shy, simple, extravagant; Prom Girl has a a plethoraof tastes and styles. I may even be able to afford a cocktail dress (or two) of my own.

Did you know that PromGirl.net’s Facebookpage runs a Free Dress Giveaway once a month.....you should head over andregister to win your dress....you know you want to.

Go on --- have a little looksee, prom will be here before you know it!

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Part A?, Part B?, Coverage?, No Coverage? What's your plan?

2012-01-17T13:52:00.000-06:00

I’ll be ...gulp....40 in less than two weeks.

This milestone comeswith a plethora of issues that I don’t even want to get into…

I’m mean, the new20, really? Can I have my booty back then?

Gravity and mid-life crisis are the least of my concernswhen I evaluate potential ramifications of getting older.

Funny though, I don’t worry as much for myself as I dolittle Ms. Ma’am.

With all of little girl’s medical needs I always worry if wewill have enough coverage for her in the future. While she is school aged ourinsurance doesn’t balk too much at our rate of claim submissions.

But like all of us she will age.

Like all of us medical coverage is more of an issue when westart the descend or have a disability.

I’ve not done a lot of research into what is available beyondthe coverage that I already have but I do know that there are extra coverage availableas we age if we need them.

I know that with little girl’s disabilities she will beeligible for Medicare pretty soon….yes it’s a Health Insurance Program for people age 65or older but it is also available for some people under age 65 with certaindisabilities….little girl is one of those people.

But again, back to my worry; is it enough?

Medicare doesn’t cover everything......does it?

One significant illness or injury and we’d go broke tryingto get care for her. Not that she isn’t worth it, but don’t we have a certainresponsibility to ensure her financial needs are provided for as well?

I think we do, not just hers but our own as well.

I’ve been researching and trying to work my way through justexactly what Medicare is and trying to understand the differences between Part Aand Part B……and what is it exactly it covers.

There is so much misinformation out there that it isoverwhelming and confusing but it is clear that if you are planning on sailinginto retirement and relying on Medicare to meet your medical care cost needs,your ship won’t even get out of the marina without some type of MedigapPlan.

Afraid this isn't a very good plan.

Seriously did y’all know that in all likelihood, dependingon your individual situation that MedicarePart A and Medicare Part B do not cover everything Parts A and B, mayonly come close to 80%....ummm, what about the rest.

I’m a planner (and a worrier) so finding a good “gap” protectionis on my list of things to do for myself, my husband and little Ms. Ma’am.

So now I will be a worrier with a plan. Have you got one?

This post is in association of the above mentioned company. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. The opinions and statements here are mine and mine alone, your individual experience may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

It's the Greatest Show on Earth Ticket G!veaway! @BrdgstoneArena @RinglingTweets

2012-01-17T09:52:00.003-06:00

Step right up! You will believe your eyes…
aerial acrobatics,human cannonballs, sword swallowing feats, what an exhilarating experience!

There is just something about the circus that keeps us all childlike…
Istill remember school fieldtrips and attending with my mom and big sister.
Ican’t find it but I still have an old Polaroid of my sister and I getting toride a circus elephant...it's one of my most prized moments of childhood.

I can smell the air….it’s full of popcorn, hay, animals, and musk.

Ahhh, Good times………..vicarious nostalgia.

If you’re like me, the idea of the circus being in towninstantly put a smile on your face.

Well Nashvillians…..go ahead and crack that grin because thecircus is in town!

Not just any circus either. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey willroll out the greatest show on earth in Music City’s Bridgestone Arena Jan.26-29.

If you don’t live in the Nashville area….don’t fret because they are coming to you soon and if you don’t have your tickets yet—What are you waiting for?
You need to seriously consider it. It's not called the "Greatest Show on Earth" for nothing, after all!
Check out event locations, dates, times, and make plans now!

For those of you in the Nashville area I hope you’re excited because it gets better -- they’ve got a $12 kids ticket for the Friday 10:30am showing, just use the code KIDS12. It’s available on all $15, $21 and $26 tickets – which is a pretty good deal.

Want a little bit more to get giddy with…how about a giveaway?

That’s right Closer to Lucy’s peeps will have a chance to win a total of 20 tickets! Thanks to the generosity of the peeps over at Ringling Bro. and Barium and Bailey, I’ve got 4 sets of 4 passes to the greatest show on earth!

I received no prior compensation for this posting, I have been offered tickets to the event but have not decided if I will be attending. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Ringling Bro and Barnum and Bailey for supplying the Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.
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On-line dating ~ Guest Post @EricaStClaire

2012-01-16T19:35:00.000-06:00

But first my two cents: I for one love the doorways that on-line venues provide us. On-line dating sites are just one more way of reaching people we might not have otherwise. I'm all for any platform that brings us one step closer to finding love....but ladies, just be careful ummm kay?

and now to the guest portion of the post~

Online Dating Safety Tips for Women

For single ladies in today’s world, online dating canprovide an effective method of looking for love when we are consumed by busyschedules, fed up with wasted time going on date after unsuccessful date, andcan’t resist the idea of sorting through thousands of eligible bachelors allfrom the comfort of our own homes in our sweats.

However, the perks of online dating mean nothing if youdon’t take the proper safety precautions to avoid falling into a dangerous situationwhere more than just heartbreak is at risk. So that you can kiss thefrogs goodbye and have a successful dating experience online, check out thefollowing tips for safely clicking your way to Prince Charming:

Limit what you share. Howcomfortable would you feel if a predator or criminal knew your full name, homeaddress, place of employment, financial details, and had access to your variouspersonal accounts? Most likely “comfortable” would be the lastdescriptive adjective you’d choose to define your feelings in such anoccurrence. Because you don’t know who could really be sitting onthe other side of the computer screen, never give out personally identifyingmaterial until you are confident that an online match is pursuing you for theright reasons.

Take it slow. Spending the time to get toknow someone is an important step in the beginning stages of dating someonenew—and with online dating, it is an even more important step not toskip. Internet dating sites offer a variety of features like email,voice chat, video chat and more that allow you to mingle with singles acrossthe web before engaging in a face-to-face meeting. Learn as much asyou can about your online guy and once the time is right to take yourrelationship offline and in-person, make the arrangements for a safe firstdate. If he is in the clear and possibly ‘the one,’ there will beplenty of time for the two of you to get close later!

Stage a safe meeting. When you’veestablished a romantic interest and connection with a man via the internet, thethrill of meeting him can take over and before you know it you’re choosing funover safety and forgetting all of these brilliant safety tips! Wellget your mind right, sister! NO man is worth you puttingsafety at the end of your priority list. Here’s how to stay incontrol on your first date with a potential Mr. Right:

· Neverrely on an online match for transportation—No matter how romantic a moonlitstroll on a deserted beach sounds, grab your own ride to meet your date in acrowded, public place.

· Alwayslet a friend or family member know where you are going, the name of your dateand when you expect to be home. Call this person when your date isover to let them know you made it back safely…and to fill them in on the guy,of course!

· Justsay no to alcohol—at least for the first few dates. As much as aglass of Merlot is known to soothe the butterflies in your stomach, it will donothing but hamper your good judgment. Also, at all times be sure tokeep an eye on whatever non-spirited drink you choose.

· Beobservant of your surroundings—and your suitor. Watch for red-flagsor inconsistencies in the behavior he demonstrates in-person from thecommunications that you’ve had with him on the internet. If at anypoint you feel uncomfortable, listen to your intuition, call it a night and getto a safe place immediately.

Be proud of your precautions. Neverlet anyone make you feel embarrassed of the precautions you take for safeonline dating. Men with the right intentions will understand andrespect your need for safety and will do whatever it takes to give it toyou…and those who don’t can hit the bricks!

Guest post author, Erica St. Claire, contributes thisarticle covering safe online dating tips for women. In addition,Erica also owns Best Catholic Dating Sites where she provides resourcesabout online dating to Catholic singles across the web.

H0p around Tuesday @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & @HaveSippy

2012-01-16T19:26:00.001-06:00

This week I'm the special co host!!

Make new friends & gain followers. Please follow host@lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & @HaveSippy & guest co host(@ClosertoLucy) this week. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can allgain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someonefollows you. Lets help each other.

TIPS:

Check your links & correct yourself if there is aproblem.

Do not add http:// in url space

Use Just Unfollow on twitter for non followers

These are my links:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Take Over Tuesday Link up ~ Google+ Edition @momsmutterings @HaveSippy @Crystalnjoe1105

2012-01-16T19:07:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Take Over Tuesday, a Facebook,Twitter, and Google+ hop.

Your Hostesses are:
Closer to Lucy
Just Like June (formerly The Thrifty Things)
Have Sippy Will Travel
3 Princes and a Princess 2
That's What She Said

Each week we will have either hop on Twitter, Facebook, G+.

<a href="http://www.closertolucy.com/"><img src="http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/crystalpw/Image2-3.jpg"/></a>

This week is Google+
**Reminder: Because of the pending GFC changes we thought we'd take a proactive approach and run Google+ for the next several Tuesdays in order to help boost everyone's G+ buzz**

Now leave your Google+ link in the linky and follow your hostesses. We will follow you back.

Follow as many people as you like and leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan. Remember, following back is appreciated!

Sharing International Delight Iced Coffee with friends @havesippy #CBias #IcedCoffee @indelight

2012-01-16T17:44:00.002-06:00

Because I’ve been brewing coffee since I was four, it shouldmake perfect sense to you that my favorite social gatherings involve girlfriendsand coffee.

The problem is that none of my friends that live nearby can get away for coffee…it was casualty of the move; I left all my java time friends in thedesert. As a result all my coffee with a friend interludes are cyber-events.

So when I was not only presented with the opportunity to tryout the new International Delight Iced Coffees but (thanks to the generous folksat International Delight) I was also asked to pick a fellow Collective Biascommunity member to gift with the three InternationalDelight Iced Coffee….so in short I got to pick a bloggy buddy to giftthe treat to as well….how totally Lucy!

I picked Sam, the blog owner of Have Sippy will Travel.

I selected Sam because not only do I enjoy her blog but Samis an amazing person. She is an educator, a humanitarian, and a HUGE advocatefor change.

I’ve gotten to know Sam on a personal level and though we’ve neveractually met I feel like I know her. She clearly is doing her part to be a partof the change that she promotes. I don't know if Sam wants me sharing all the great things that she has done in her efforts to be a part of social change but believe me when I say that she has done incredible things. If all of us did half of what Sam has done, our world we be ten times what it is now.

Last year Sam and her family experienced extreme devastation from hurricane Irene, losing literally everything. That piled on top of numerous other challenges….thataren’t really my place to share, made me wanna reach out in some small way, to tell her that she matters -- like friends do.

It's the small gestures that make the biggest impact but Sam lives far too far away for me to bring her lunch or grab her and take her tocoffee.

Or does she?

I hope she loves her box of as much as I loved my own box ofIce Coffee treats….though mine are long gone. It's a good thing that InternationalDelight Iced Coffee hit Walmart shelves January 15^th.Now wecan all stock up!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopperinsights study for CollectiveBias #CBias, all opinions are myown. A special thank you to International Coffee for this pay it forwardcampaign and Social Fabric for hostessing it Tweet

It's a Poncho and a Pillow....it's Ponchillow, Never forget your pillow @Ponchillow

2012-01-16T14:51:00.000-06:00

Ms. Ma’am is cold natured…..she gets it from me. The two ofus are in constant competition to see who can whine and complain about thewinter months the loudest.

Her joint disorder makes cold weather uncomfortable sostaying cozy is a must. When she isn’t in her wheelchair she spends a lot oftime on the floor, mostly because getting up onto the couch would take away hermobility. Down on the floor she can scoot from place to place; she actuallyseems to prefer it, except that it adds to the cold factor.

Blankets and pillows are fine for movie time and loungingbut Little Miss is fairly active during the day making blankets and pillowsnothing but a pain.

Now I’ll admit that I am one of those who make vicious funof those footed blankets….they look so silly but I have contemplated gettingone for her; though a closer look revealed that she would probably end up tangledand frustrated.

For the most part we’ve just made due with house robes andsweatshirts.

Then a friend told me about Ponchillow……a hooded fleece blanket with a pillow attached to the back and also has pocketsoutside and inside where you can put stuff that you need to bring with you. Thepillow also serves as a neck support.

I totally see her taking this along on road trips or for air travel.....I love it because she loves it, plus less mommy wear and tear :0)

It’s perfect for her, she can pull it over her head andstill scoot all over and I don’t have to run all over the place trying to keepher with a blanket and pillow everywhere. The fabric is ultra-soft and supercuddly – just like her :0)

Check out their site and have a look at the Ponchillows for Adults, Kids aswell as your pet, Pupchillows….which is kinda cute.

They have a number of designs that you can choose from. PlusLucy peeps get this special buy 2 get one free offer, just enter CLOSERTOLUCYat checkout :0)

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Ponchillow for supplying the Review item

DYI - Dining Chair Cushion Cover

2012-01-15T21:41:00.002-06:00

I'm giving my dining room a makeover of sorts..okay it's not really a makeover because I didn't have much of one beyond the trashed out hand me down table that was caked with nasty crude on it from someone else's children.

We went with ordering on-line which is fab-o and saved us a ton of money except that it requires some assembly.

Since the chairs are a soft micro-fiber I was afraid to leave the seats unprotected. I didn't want to pay the fifty-bucks a roll for the vinyl that the fabric store had so I went with a heavy gauged vinyl shower curtain.

The results were just as good as if I had shelled out the cash.

Scissors, shower curtain and staple gun are all you need

Cut your shape

Pull the vinyl tight and staple

Fasten seat cushion to the chair base

Ta-Da......

Now just 5 more to go :)

Get the Tweet out ~ Link up with @closertolucy @havesippy @MryJhnsn and @Blessed_Element

2012-01-15T19:00:00.000-06:00

Got a post that needs some help getting the Tweet out?

Link up the direct URL to the Tweet that you need Re-Tweeted and RT for at least three others in the link up. Link up as many as you like but make sure you Tweet 3 for each one :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G!veaway Gala...#give it away link up @momsmutterings @tsue1136 @HaveSippy @Crystalnjoe1105

2012-01-15T17:12:00.005-06:00

Welcome to the Giveaway Gala.

A collection of featured giveaways from 5 blogs, including a linky for you to link up your giveaways!
This linky will be hosted on 5 blogs giving you the benefit of reaching all of our combined readers. So feel free to check out giveaways and link up your giveaways.
We only ask you link directly to your giveaway, any links to your homepage will be removed.

Just Like June:

Mohawk Home Rug of Choice (up to $149) 1/27

Wind & Weather $50 Gift Certificate

Bosch Auto Parts Prize Pack RV $200 1/30

3 Princes and a Princess 2:

Honeywell ultrasonic Humidifier 1/19

Nu Skin Skin Care System (RV$410) 1/19

BoschAuto Parts Prize Pack RV $200 1/30

Closer to Lucy:

Culver'sMindful Choices Meal (5 Winners) ~ 1/27

RealSteel DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack ~ 1/24

VaultzLocking Storage Products ~ 1/25

Have Sippy Will Travel:

KidorableUmbrella ends ~ Jan 30

GoGoBabyz Travel Carseat ends ~ Jan 27

Zoobiesends ~ Jan 25

That's What She Said:

JW Pet iSqueak Dog Toy Prize Pack~2/13

SafariLTD Mythical Creatures Prize Pack ~1/22

AwardWinning Perplexus Puzzle Game ~1/22

Enter to w!n a chance at letting Culver's put burgers back on your menu! @culvers

2012-01-12T20:56:00.022-06:00

I’ve gotten pretty good at making good food choices and evenbetter at rewarding myself for sticking to them.

I admit that I misseating out, especially drive-thru. There is just something I’m drawn to aboutthe drive-thru window…it’s probably that it’s fat filled and completely offlimits when trying to be healthy. So it makes complete sense that I totallywant it.

I suppose with discipline I could probably make it throughthe drive-up without doing too much damage except that my issue is that I stinkat making good choices when eating out. Besides let’s face it…burgers aren’t exactlyon the good choices list.

Or are they?

Well if I do the Weight Watchers numbers crunch there is onefast-food dinner that comes out looking pretty good and actually puts a burgerback on my menu.

I’m talking about Culver’s and their Mindful Choices Menu.

Culver's Mindful Choices Menuincludes savory ButterBurger® and Beef Pot Roast sandwich meals for under500 calories! Individuals who are watching their weight or just conscious ofwhat they eat can still enjoy the mouthwatering food they love, while keepingan eye on calories.

My neighbor and I headed to our Culver’s for lunch to put it tothe test. I really thought that we’d get there and be able to bust the MindfulBubble. Seriously, if you wanna find somethings flaw, take my neighbor…she’sone tough cookie and has an eye for all the details like you wouldn’t believe; sheis amazing.

So according to the info “For less than 500 calories, youcan order a savory ButterBurger Original with a side salad topped withrefreshing Raspberry Vinaigrette plus a medium diet soda.”

Well I’m thrilled to report that the “info” is correct! Weboth had big juicy, mouthwatering burgers! I couldn’t believe it. After monthsof being so good and staying away from all things fast-food….here I was chompingdown without the guilt and regret that comes from your typical diet blower. It was soooo good!

The lady in the booth next to me was digging into another ofthe mindful choices options, the Beef Pot Roast Value Basket with MashedPotatoes and Gravy. It looked yummo and by the way she was smacking her fingersI’m guessing that is was fabo :0)

The MindfulChoices Menu and nutritional breakdown really increases your awareness of whatyou are ordering, which is good for me since I’ve worked so hard at gettinghealthy again. Before Culver’s I never would have imagined burgers and sodasfor lunch while dieting but now?

Diet, what diet?
Culver's wants to put burgers back on you menu by giving 5 Lucky Lucy Readers a coupon good for any Mindful Choices Meal.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Culver's for supplying the Review item
Keep reading there's more »

Real Steel on Blu-Ray/DVD January 24th! Review and Give-it-away! @realsteelmovie

2012-01-12T19:36:00.001-06:00

I’ll be honest, this didn’t look like something I wanted to see but I agreedto watch it because my husband and boys were bugging me about it………..

Synopsis: Balancinggritty action and emotional heart, “Real Steel” is an inspiring and visuallystunning film that takes audiences on an action-packed journey. Washed-up boxerCharlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) scrapes by as a small-time robot-fight promoter ashe tries to make a comeback. Against all odds he eventually succeeds—at leastin the eyes of his son Max (Dakota Goyo). “Real Steel” is spectacular familyentertainment that will have everyone cheering again and again.

My thoughts: I think this one was by far one of my favorites in a reallylong time!

It was touching without being mushy and over the top (I even shed alittle tear or two), matched my humor style, was action filled, and wasn’t aspredictable as a lot of underdog type movies are.

My favorite parts of the movie ware really character and personality type things. I love that Max (the estranged son of Charlie) doesn’t hold back how he feels…..he tells his dad how it is (the fight for me line and it's realization cut my core); he’s sassy, confident, and pretty darn cute. Charlie restores my faith in the rehabilitation of losers, though if I had to have a loser for a dad I’d choose one like him.

I also liked the extended version and deleted scenes found in the film bonus features....They were pretty great and I totally think they should have left them all in.
The boys got the biggest kick out of the bloopers. What is it about boys and their love of other people's blunders?

Buy it on DVD and Blu-Ray on January 24th
or
Win it!

The peeps of Dream Works have generously offered on Lucky Lucy a copy of this new release of their own.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Dream Works for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.
Keep reading there's more »

Be a Brave Woman ~ Take the Pledge #CBias #BraveWoman @Brave_Woman

2012-01-10T15:07:00.001-06:00

Did you know thatONE in FOUR women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime?

Think about that fora minute.

Put all the womenthat you know and love into a room and count them off.

Which of them am Italking about?

Sobering isn’t it?

One ofthem or several of them potentially will experience domestic violence in herlifetime.

A few weeks ago Ishared my story with you about my not so happily-ever-after marriage to my abuser. I didn't share that story to get all the love and attention that many of you areshowering me with…… I mean don’t stop.

I love the emailsand new connections that I’ve made as a result but what I had wanted to convey wasthat there is hope. There is hope for those living in their own situation ofdomestic violence and that we can all play a part in helping to end that hell.By reaching out and giving the support that a battered woman needs.

A woman that hasbeen beaten down physically and emotionally needs support both, during and afterher circumstance. She needs observant eyes, empathic listening, physical presence,and maybe even a hug or ten.

It was through thesupport of another that I was able to stand up and walk away. By sharing my ownstory of bravery with other women and taking the pledge with other Brave Woman I hope that I am ableraised up even just one woman in that same way so that she is able to know and feelstrengthened, I hope that by spreading the Brave Women mission that I am ableto help countless others through the power of unity….WE can raise up so manymore.

As I said before, Ialong with all Brave Woman challenge you to step forward, speak out and take the Brave Woman pledge.

Takethe pledge today and join other brave women in your area. Doit for your neighbor, your friend, your daughter, yourmother, your grandmother, your sister, yourself or any Brave women in your life.

Take ThePledge

I pledge to honor and respect brave women and children who tackle thedifficult journey of change from domestic violence to a new life. I acknowledgemy own moment-by-moment bravery, will remain aware of what is happening toothers around me, and speak up against violence in any form. I will standup for human dignity and safety for women and children.

To learn more please visit the Brave Woman web site, Watch the videos and read thestories of brave women from around the country and also be energized by thewords of encouragement and support from our Brave Woman community.

Connect with Brave Woman on Facebook and @Brave_Woman on Twitter

Join the party! On Tuesday, January 17th there will be a Twitter party from 8:00-9:00 pm EST to support all brave women, use hashtag #BraveWoman to participate.

“We must not, intrying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small dailydifferences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that weoften cannot foresee.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman

This shop hasbeen compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for CollectiveBias. All thoughts and feelings for thiscause are 100% my own. #CBias.

The Day Baby Was Born makes memories easy @TommeeTippee_NA

2012-01-09T15:20:00.001-06:00

I’m done having babies and am nowhere near ready to be agrandma but I am a sappy sucker for sentiment. So when I saw The Day Baby Was Born™ storybook Ihad to share with y’all in hopes that you are just as sappy and sentimental asme……I’m thinking Super Auntie moments should be captured as well, don’t you

think so too?

The Day Baby WasBorn™ is a free service provided by Tommee Tippee that automaticallygathers information about the day your child was born, based on yourselections, to create a storybook that you can share with family and friends.

Welcoming a child into the world is an amazing journey, and so much happens soquickly it can be hard to remember every detail. This site is a simple way tocapture and cherish your memories. Start as soon as you know you're pregnantand catch every detail of the journey.

The Day Baby WasBorn™ automatically captures information about the day your child was bornfrom news sites and data feeds you select, plus your Facebook Wall comments, tocapture everything leading up to your baby's first day.

The site does most ofthe work for busy new moms and, with just a little more input, can be furtherpersonalized with memories from pregnancy and delivery through guidedstorytelling and photos.

Stay tuned I’ve got a cool review and giveaway coming soonfrom Tommee Tippee, you parents of tots and new moms and dads are not going towant to miss this one :)

Learn more at http://www.tommeetippee.us/ and ofcourse on Facebook

#W!n it! Clean it, lock it and store it with @VaultzProducts, #G!veaway

2012-01-09T11:50:00.000-06:00

I think that I’ve hinted about it a time or ten that I’m atrain wreck…..every hidey-hole in my life has a piece of evidence proving mycase.

Yes, I live with a house full of stuff shovers.

I swear if they try and cram one more bit of unneeded junk intoanother inch of space my whole house is going to burst out into the streets.

My being blameless attitudeisn’t cutting it

Since my holiday declarationto get it together I’ve started pulling out ~~crap~~ stuff from those nooks andcrannies at a slow and steady pace.

I’m determined that if I’m gonna do it, I better do itright. This means getting it all, right down to cables, files, and guinea pigfood….yeah, did I mention that my daughter’s BFF brought her rodents forChristmas, sigh.

In my quest for help (andI need a lot of it) a friend told me about one of her favorite get ittogether on-line shops, Vaultz®.

I love their mantra: If it’s important to you, lock it up.Though in my case it should be clean it up instead of lock it up…but whatevs I’lltake it.

Vaultz® has a wide range of attractive storage products for just aboutanything you can think of. They are sturdy, with reinforced chrome-steelcorners, metal support rails, and offer security with combination or key locks.

I like the idea of being able to not only store my thingsneatly and having them road ready is nice too, the lock is just icing.

I went with an item that solved an irritant for me.

The kids can’t seem to keep up with their portable DVD player;the cords are always at opposite ends of the house. This of course ends up beingmy problem. It’s a big deal because they use the darn thing all of the time.

The apprentice drags out their portable player every weekendto tune out the blaring football, basketball or whatever other boring ball gamethat is televised (seriously, y’all myhusband would blast us with pee-wee games if they were on the air). Itseems like he’d remember where the power cord was from one weekend to the next.

I would give up on keeping track except that we travel a lotto my in-law’s and car ride entertainment is my sanity saving grace.

Here is the solution:

Secure and protect yourportable DVD player while you travel….it’s very top secret CIA looking.

Chrome steel cornersand metal trim protect your expensive DVD player

Mesh compartment in thelid

Equipped with a keylock to keep your DVD player and DVDs safe

Black

Exterior dimensions:

3.75 H x 12.00 W x 9 D

For the first time in….well, ever all the cords and paraphernaliahave stayed in one place beyond the time it was in use!

I know it seems a simple feat but y’all have no idea theends that we go through to keep it together around here. I think that there mayactually be hope for us yet (and by us, Iof course mean me). We (me again)may actually be able to free up a corner or two.

Buy it

Win it!

The If it’s important to you, lock it up peeps over atVaultz have generously offered one Lucky Lucy a storage item valued up to$29.95!

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Valutz for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.
Keep reading there's more »

G!veaway Gala...#give it away link up @momsmutterings @HaveSippy @Crystalnjoe1105

2012-01-08T20:06:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Giveaway Gala. A collection of featured giveaways from 4 blogs, including a linky for you to link up your giveaways! This linky will be hosted on 4 blogs giving you the benefit of reaching all of our combined readers. So feel free to check out giveaways and link up your giveaways. We only ask you link directly to your giveaway, any links to your homepage will be removed.

Have Sippy Will Travel:

KidorableUmbrella ends Jan 30

GoGo Babyz Travel Carseat ends Jan 27

Zoobies ends Jan 25

3 Princes and a Princess 2:

Honeywell ultrasonic Humidifier 1/19

$325 dollars worth of Gift Cards to sneakpeeq multiple winners 01/13

The Superior Nut Company $25 GC 1/23

Closer To Lucy:

Blessed Elements Sculptured Necklace ~ 1/21

Just Like June:

Weaver Chicken Nuggets 1/13

Oransi Fridge Air Purifier 1/20

A Turtles Take: Sammy's Adventures 1/20

Get the Tweet out ~ Link up with @closertolucy @havesippy @MryJhnsn and @Blessed_Element

2012-01-08T19:07:00.001-06:00

Got a post that needs some help getting the Tweet out?

Link up the direct URL to the Tweet that you need Re-Tweeted and RT for at least three others in the link up. Link up as many as you like but make sure you Tweet 3 for each one :)

Home, School or Office Microsoft Office Professional 2010 has you covered @Office

2012-01-07T21:10:00.000-06:00

I’ve whined and complained long and loud enough that I’mpretty sure there isn’t a blog reader in cyber space that doesn’t know that Iam an almost-midlife return to schooler. Not by choice though. Returning toschool was never my plan……the great state of Tennessee forced me to do it.Seriously, the state of Tennessee doesn’t recognize any of my credentialsearned out of their state walls.

When making the cross-country relocation I never fathomedthat all my years of work and pile of qualifications would be worth less thanthe paper they were printed on.

With skills that are very specific I had only one choice ifI wanted to continue to support individuals with disabilities in any capacitybeyond direct care…go back to school.

Fast forward 6 years and 2 degrees later, I’m still inschool and just about ready to finish up a Master’s degree with my eye on thedoctrine program.

In a million years I never would have thought that I of allpeople would even be so hard fast about going all the way, yet here I am……facing Dr. Lucy.

There aren’t but a very small handful of peeps in my familythat pursued higher education, let alone that have gone beyond the basics.Needless to say I’m pretty proud of my near perfect GPA; all none of whichwould have been possible had it not been for the software resources availableto me…..I of course am referring to Microsoft Office for Students.

Had it not been for the tutorials and templates of MicrosoftOffice my novice behind would not have made it past the first course of prerequisites.

Now as I near the finish line of the student journey I’mlooking at the future as a professional…and as a Microsoft Office Professionaluser.

As a work-at-home mom, a blogger and fulltime student, I’malways on my computer. Staying organized is imperative to my success. I’m aplanner and list maker…. Microsoft keeps me prepared and on track….lol, eventhrough the holidays :0)

MS Office Home & Business 2010 Highlights:

Word 2010 — Transform your ideas into professional looking documents.
Excel 2010 — Achieve valuable insights with powerful analysis tools.
PowerPoint 2010 — Turn your ideas into impactful presentations.
OneNote 2010 — Collect your information in one easy-to-find place.
Outlook 2010 — Stay connect to your world with the most up to date email with calendar tools.
Publisher 2010 — Create professional quality publications and marketing materials. {{With Professional version ONLY}}
Access 2010 — Track and report important information with easy-to-use database tools. {{With Professional version ONLY}}
Technical support is included for 90 days with Home & Business.

Some of the same tips and tricks that Microsoft has given meas a student I will carry into the doctrine program and into the workplace;there is literally a solution for just about every home, blog, school, oroffice need.

You can download the free OneNote 2010 student planner. With the OneNote student planner you can capture and organizing class research, notes, and ideas!
Via co-authoring in the Word Web App, you can collaborate simultaneously with classmates, to review a term paper or share notes….this is great for on-line learning and group activities!
Embed your presentation (PowerPoint 2010) or science experiment data (Excel 2010) into a blog post with just a few easy steps.
Quickly crop photos in Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010. You can also edit audio and format videos within PowerPoint 2010 — no special media editing software needed.
New charting and graphing tools make it easy to add graphics that illustrate your point, or search thousands of free templates at Office.com to create dazzling posters and flyers.
Include people outside of the classroom of boardroom by delivering your next group presentation via the Broadcast Slide Show feature in PowerPoint 2010.
On a tight budget or don’t have a budget? Excel 2010 can help you manage your expenses. You can even discourage impulse shopping by checking your budget on-the-go with Excel Mobile 2010.

As a college student, student, blogger, professional -Microsoft Office gives you all the tools you need to be successful at home, inthe classroom, or at the office.

So if you’ve got a full plate (and you know you do) you better get Microsoft!

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Microsoft Office for supplying the Review item .

Weekend Links Up with Lucy @closertolucy and Sam @Havesippy, Google+ Edition

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

Let's link up...Everyone is welcome, there are only two rules rules. 1) Follow your hostesses Have Sippy Will Travel and Closer to Lucy and our guest spotlight Nifty Mom
2) Family friendly blog links only.
If you would like to our spotlight co-host mail Lucy at closertolucy@gmail.com please include Weekends with Lucy and Sam in the subject line.
If you're new...leave a comment in this post after linking up so we can return the follow. If you aren't new and know one of us isn't following leave a comment for that too (we wanna follow you back), and if your not new and just wanna link up...MUAH!

Enter & #W!n Blessed Elements - Brilliant Color and truly unique jewelry #g!veaway

2012-01-05T08:54:00.000-06:00

Some of my most vivid memories of my birth mother are of hercreativity. She wrote stories and poetry; she even received several awards forher poems.

She was an amazing sketch artist and drew most anythingfreehand--animals, people, scenic bits of nature, even her doodles were aboveand beyond anything most of us could produce when we were giving it our all.

I didn’t inherit her gifts, though my son seems to befalling in her footsteps….if you dig around my post archives long enough, you’llcome across some of his work.

Of her many talents she also made jewelry. I don’t mean achain or pin held together with a paperclip or a bead on a clasp. I mean blownglass, braided leather, hand painted creations that belonged in a gallerydisplay and sold to the highest bidder.

They were magnificent.

I had forgotten of beautiful they were and how much I admired them...until I “met” Graceand her Blessed Elements.

If you recall our friend Sam from HaveSippy Will Travel did a guest giveaway for us a few months ago…as Sam toldus then Grace has a fun, funky,store front that is unique intertwinedwith components of Grace herself; green, natural living, inspiration, andcreativity….just like my mom.

The Blessed Elementsstorefront has a wide selection of options- from sculpted clay, to macramé, Chokers , Fused Glass JewelrySets,BohemianPins and more-the unique jewelry all createdby Grace.

Grace sent me this hand crafted piece; the pendent is fusedglass fired in a glass kiln. Clear glass was used as the base with a stunning blueand black glass fused into it. It issecured by a metal hoop which is wrapped in cotton thread and dangles from adark cord using macramé knots. Theearrings are made with the same black cord and glass beads suspended fromsilver hooks.

I wish my camera skills did the piece justice…the blue issimply brilliant. I love how versatile it is, I can dress it down or way up. Itliterally goes with anything, jeans and a tee or heels and hair…anything!

It’s truly a work of art, as are all of Grace’s pieces.

Grace must make her jewels for the love of the craft because she certainly isn't making any money after supplies....you'll be delighted in the very affordable prices.

Buy it!

Win it!

The prize is a bright handmade macramé necklace - The fun face pendantis sculpted from clay & turquoise glazed (no lead) and kiln fired andaccented with a turquoise feather.

The variegated cotton necklace is macramé using variousknots and accented with dangle glass beads and is 20" in diameter/length Retail value of $25.00 and appx.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Grace for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.

Keep reading there's more »

Introducing International Delight Iced Coffee...it's delightful #CBias #IcedCoffee

2012-01-01T17:23:00.001-06:00

If you have learned anything about me over the last year orso it is that I am a coffee snob with a big capital S!

I was practically born with a pot of coffee brewing…it’sgenetic really, I can’t help it.

Seriously, in my family if you didn’t know howto put a pot of coffee on for grandma by the time you were four years old,people started questioning your intellect or at least which side of the familyyou got it from.

As an adolescent I was limited to the one brand of coffeethat we were allowed to buy and the one specific creamer. I stayed with thatuntil I had my first mug of gourmet coffee; since then it’s been nothing but richcream, exotic flavors, and iced coffee treats.

Lil Ms. Ma'am also hearts coffee...just not competitively.

Well that is until I married MUF (Mr. UnFun) who I shouldcall Mr. No you can’t have that unless it’s a gift, on sale, or you have acoupon…..EVER! But since that’s entirely too long we’ll stay with MUF :)

Oh and did I mention that MUF has never had a cup of coffee,nor does he make it? I know, grandmother would have had serious doubts about ischaracter ;0)

With a love of all things coffee and a husband that keepsone eye on our bank account and the other on his wallet I’ve had to redirect mysnobbish vices; which at first was pretty difficult to do.

Then a few years ago I was gifted a basket full ofInternational Delight along with several recipes for iced coffee drinks andvarious cakes and cookies. They all had one key ingredient - InternationalDelight Coffee Creamer.

Rich, creamy, delicious, and affordable, even without acoupon or a sale. Needless to say I’ve been back to my snob-tastic ways eversince.

The almost a man-child (who by the way made his first pot ofcoffee by the time he was four) shares my love of coffee. We often try to outdoone and other creating new coffee treats; our favorite is to make frozen icecream coffees or iced coffee drinks. Which is fun but so much work, especially sincehe is so much more creative than me….let’s keep that our little secret though;0)

Over the holidays I was absolutely ecstatic at the opportunityto taste test the new International Delight Iced Coffee in the flavors Mocha,Vanilla and Original.

Because of our little competition I didn’t tell theman-child about the stash right away. First I tricked him and his coffee snobbishfriends by telling them I had bought a big iced coffee from our favorite coffeehouse and split it up for them to share. I thought for sure they would be on tome but they happily slurped down their drinks and seemed none the wiser.

I asked them if they thought their drinks seemed different.They said no that they were delicious…Gottcha!

Seriously people it’s that good! Coffeehouse quality for afraction of the price and no drive thru wait!

The man-child would not be him if he didn’t try it in theblender with some ice. He poured the mocha variety over about a cup and a halfof ice and blended until smooth….the results?

His friends think it bump worthy :0)

I like them all but my favorite is vanilla because …well, it’svanilla. Whichever you prefer it really doesn’t matter because each one isblended with rich, sweet cream and premium coffee that even MUF could pour.

If you love coffee as much as I do or just want a treat keepyour eyes peeled because these yummy treats will be available in the dairy caseof your favorite Walmart store on January 15^th.

Keep up with @CBias and #IcedCoffee on Twitter or with InternationalCoffee on Facebook to find out more.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopperinsights study for Collective Bias.All opinions herein are 100% mine. #CBias.

Being a Brave Woman #CBias #BraveWoman

2011-12-30T18:56:00.002-06:00

As many of you know I am an almost mid-life return toschooler, I chose my specific school because of their belief and efforts inmaking social change.

I have taken what I have learned and tried to apply it to myown life and community…donating my review items to local charities, taking foodto the canned food pantry, giving to the women’s shelter, giving my time to local operationsof social change and hostessing parties for our neighborhood kids as a means ofgifting them with things I know they need.

It’s all well and good but I have been playing itsafe….staying away from an area that touches us all in some direct or in directway because that would mean acknowledging and sharing my story.

I am talking about domestic violence.

Though the characters and specifics differ, my story is liketoo many others. I married young, believing the fairy tale of happily everafter. I saw the warning signs early on but brushed them away confusing hiscomments of jealousy as affirmation of his commitment to me.

Gradually I was cut off from my friends and family, wasbelittled, shamed and battered….and those were just the good days.

Yes me. The strong willed, independent take on the worldgirl that was gonna go places in life; the that will never be me girl, in deeplong before recognizing what I had gotten myself into. I lived every day infear of saying or doing the wrong thing.

I truly believed that when we had children it would getbetter. How wrong I was, it was in fact worse. Add to the story that mychildren were both born with disabilities….another failure that I would takeblame for.

The physical assaults were the easy part…the name callingand accusations left scars that are still healing.

For 10 years I lied to my friends, my family and myself. Iexplained away my physical injuries, I explained away his hurtful words, I heldfast to the hope that one day that he would magically realize his wrong. Ithought if only I could please him, that somehow I deserved this hell I was in.

I knew I was in deep when my son (then four) stood betweenme and his father with his eyes full of tears and his little hands balled intoa fist and shaking when he dared his daddy to lay a hand on me. I knew in thatmoment that I had to leave but was so isolated by then that I had no idea howto even begin.

Then it happened, an outsider was alert enough to recognizethe indicators of the happenings in my home. I fall right in-line with thosewomen that make excuses, deny, and held fast in the belief that it could beworse. Had this person not been assertive in how she handled me, I have no ideawhen I might have broken free or if I would have.

I put on a pretty good front and it took her a while to seepast the persona I displayed. She later revealed to me that she was obliviousfor well over a year. Then something I said or did in front of my husband (Idon’t recall what) alerted her that there may be an issue. It was during an“excuse making” visit (where I was trying to explain away a boot inflictedbruise where my husband had thrown me to the ground stomped his work boot downonto the base of my scull were the neck connects) that she very delicatelycalled me to the carpet... I felt heard, validated, and accepted. I never feltshame or judged. I had never told anyone before or had I ever tried to breakaway

She very well may have saved my life, thankfully I willnever know.

While our (my children and I) individual situation wasimproved by leaving a volatile situation, the separating and then dissolutionof a 10 year marriage added a new set of stressors. Not only did I find myselfa bit less sure and second guessing my everyday choices but I was keenly awareof how my choices and behavior affected two other vulnerable lives; yet I myself feltjust as vulnerable. The penalty to women walking away from domestic violencefeels greater and greater as she negates her and her children through therecovery process.

It is very easy for someone on the outside to say “whystay? Just leave,” unless you have beenintimately involved in a violent relationship the cycle of domestic violence isdifficult to comprehend.

I was so caught up inthe biblical stance of “until death do us part” it kept me from leaving.Believe me when I tell you that convincing a woman that has been beaten downnot only physically but emotionally to go against the one belief system thatshe maybe clinging to can prove to be quite the challenge; showing her thatdeath do us part doesn’t mean your spouse gets to kill you may be easier saidthan done.

The bottom line is that many victims of partner violencestay in abusive relationships without ever reporting acts of violence againstthem for a laundry list of reasons; among them shame, fear, social status,self-concept, promises of reform, early relational exposures, and many other verypersonal reasons…..don’t judge, just help.

I no longer see myself as a victim but a survivor that hasworth. I can’t define specifically what a Brave Woman is or if I am even inthat realm. Every Brave Women is faced with her different circumstances butwhen she finally decides to leave her life of domestic violence she requiresthe same brave choices and the same bold actions.

Brave Woman is an organization working to change personaland public perception of women facing domestic violence situations from avictim mentality to one of courage and strength. Brave Woman wants every womanand child to have the supportive resources they need to live without fear.

Social change for a great good can only occur through gettinginvolved and taking action; that makes us all Brave Women.

I along with all Brave Woman challenge you to step forward,speak out and takethe Brave Woman pledge. Take thepledge today and joinother brave women in your area. Do it for your neighbor, your friend, your daughter, your mother, your sister, yourself or any Brave women in your life.

Everyone who joins the Brave Woman communityreceives a free download of Jana Stanfield’s song, What Would I Do Today If IWere Brave and other sources of reflection and encouragement.

Keep up with the Brave Women initiative via the Website on Facebook, Twitter and the Brave Women Blog

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopperinsights study for Collective Bias.All thoughts are my own.

Weekend Hop with Lucy @closertolucy and Sam @Havesippy

2011-12-30T15:16:00.004-06:00

Toddler against gender stereotyping ~ Riley on Marketing

2011-12-26T23:10:00.001-06:00

I'm actually working on a paper about societal impact on girls and their self-image, Ms. Riley is wise beyond her years and my new muse.

You go Ms. Riley :)

Rocker Rags ~ Affordable classic rock 'n roll and fashion/apparel @RockerRags

2011-12-22T23:51:00.000-06:00

The man-child was the hardest giftee on my list this year…andevery year before this.

He’s at that awkward adolescent age where he is the personon the planet with any style or fashion….no comment from me, biting my tongue.He can dress himself and as long as his parts are covered and he isn’toffending anyone I will just grit down and smile.

I did happen upon a nice little site that I can’t go wrongwith.

Rocker Rags a clothing site that is built around a passionfor both Rock 'N Roll and fashion/apparel, with the BEST selection of popularRock and music inspired t-shirts and apparel either online, in a regular"brick and mortar" store, or, well, really just about anywhere…..allhis favorite musicians and equipment apparel.

This cap is tight knit and displays his favorite guitar manufacture,Fender Guitar Logo on either side and is reversible. One side is light greywith a dark grey Fender logo while the other side is charcoal gray with a lightgray Fender logo……if this doesn’t make him finally wear a hat in the snow thenI don’t know what will.

He’s always bugging me about getting him “cool” clothes,well at least now I can afford them…just look at some of the classic rockerwear

JunkFood

FenderGuitar

PinkFloyd

AC/DC

RoarClothing

WattoDistinctive Metal Wear

PanAm Brands

ElvisPresley

Ramones

Beavis andButt-Head

I can’t decide if Ilike the vintage styles of the cotton Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Blondieor that each page tells a story and shows some classic clips of some of thegreats.

Shopping (with free shipping) and classic entertainment allin one stop. Next time he NEEDS clothes, I'll be ready :0)

Keep up with RockerRags on Facebook for a 15% discount

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Rocker Rags for supplying the Review item .

HANAair is the Best of Misikko @HANA_salon @misikko

2011-12-22T16:53:00.000-06:00

Searching for the very Best Hair Dryeron the market? Then I’m about to send you to the right place :0)

HANA Salon presents the powerful HANAair hair dryer. Thisdryer has been Salon tested and Salon recommended since its inception. Inspiredby Italian design, the combination of HANAair's strongest AC motor along withits tourmaline lined ceramic heater will dry your hair up to 60% fastermaintaining natural shine while promoting healthy luxurious hair.

The thing about a HANAis that it literally will cut your drying time in half, including the partsunderneath which were still slightly damp with other dryers. My hair lookshealthier too, not dry and frizzy cause it’s not wiped around and fried like withother dryers. Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology natural ions promotehealthier hair which means no burnage; plus Silver Nanotechnology means antibacterialProtection.

When I opened up the box of my new lovely I couldn’t helpthinking how futuristic looking it was….sorta Jetson-esc. It took a while forme to get comfortable with it…it has way more power than my previous dryer but driesjust as quickly and evenly and stilllets me control the heat.

One of my favorite features about this Blow Dryer is the biglong cord! I love that I can move around without worrying without gettingtripped up or coming unplugged. I keep telling y’all it’s the little thingsthat make me happy.

The HANAair gives you incredible softness & shine! Plusthe Black tourmaline is a healing crystal that blocks radiation!

Check out Hana Salon Air Hair Dryer Features:

Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces staticelectricity

Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ionspromote healthier hair

Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection

Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish addsdurability and is easy to clean

Long life motor with low noise

Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling

Fiberglass concentrator

Italian Design

I’m excited to get a look at their flat irons as well;ceramic flat irons produce gentle, far infrared ionic heat that won't destroyyour hair and can help repair damaged follicles.

Now is the best time to buy since they are so deeplydiscounted.

A word of cautionthough… once you’ve tried these Hair tools no other brand will suffice.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Misikko for supplying the Review item .

Keep it Neat Oh! LEGO® Star Wars™ ZipBin® Battle Bridge @neat_oh

2011-12-21T22:23:00.001-06:00

So here is a Neat-Oh! multi-functionalgift idea for the kiddos on your gift list.
Neat-Oh!, has an awesome collectionof boxes that turn into a play mat, and then turn into a storage bag. It’s a cleverway of getting the kids involved in the organization part of their play.

I find these very useful when storing allyour children's favorite toys, without taking up so much room in their playareas. They have all kinds of neat boxes like, Zoo, Aquarium, Dinosaurs, SmallTowns, Mini Mansions, Road and Rail, These would make super great presents forany child, and great storage's too! Best part they are all name brand likeLego's, Barbies, Hot Wheels, and Star Wars.

My plan is to go into the New Year in a more organized state than I am now...it's a lot of work especially with the kid's stuff. Our Neat Oh! LEGO® Star Wars™ ZipBin®Battle Bridge has been a welcome addition to the man-child apprentice’sStar Wars LEGO® collection. The ZipBins unzip and zip back up at the corners.When the bin is zipped up it creates a cute storage box, available in MANYthemes. When you unzip the bin, a playmat is revealed. When your child is doneplaying they can simply zip the bin up for a fast cleanup.

So finally all those Lego pieces and parts have a place and the apprentice is motivated to keep it there.

Whether your little one is fighting theSeparatist Droid Army or simply packing his defeated enemies away for anotherday, the ZipBin LEGO Star Wars Battle Bridge Carry Case Playmat is the perfectstorage/play solution. The suspended battle bridge can be used to gain theadvantage over the enemy. When the battle is over, all sides fit inside thistool-box shaped case for storage.

ZipBin LEGO Star Wars Battle Bridge CarryCase Playmat:

Colorful, durable, wipe-clean surface
Sturdy, heavy-duty zippers
Bin Dimensions: 12.8" x 8.3" x 7"
Mat Dimensions: 28" x 26"
LEGO blocks not included

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Neat Oh! for supplying the Review item

Spend less time in the kitchen with Tastefully Simple; convenient and delicious @TSIncentives

2011-12-20T16:14:00.023-06:00

Image courtesy of Tastefully Simple^®, Inc. Used with permission

It’s cold and nasty outside…yeah, yeah, I know I’ve been goingon about it since the winter nasty started settling in.

There are few things that I take solace in during the wintermonths…heavy sweaters, skinny jeans, fuzzy lined boots, hot coca, electricblankets, and comfort foods; specifically chunky soups and baked breads. I loveto make both from scratch but seldom have the time required.

This year I was introduced to Tastefully Simple; with an entireline of convenient, easy-to-prepare foods designed to help people spend lesstime in the kitchen and more time enjoying the rest of their lives…it’s a brandright up my kitchen cheaters ally.

Their signaturebread mix is so simple to make - no kneading, no rising time, nothing toadd but beer or any carbonated beverage bake and serve….how is that for easybreezy?

Bread is a staple around my house, especially around theholidays. Usually I make homemade and gift it to the neighbors but this year Ijust couldn’t squeeze everyone in. Instead I just invited everyone over for a Christmasgathering, the signature bread mix fooled everyone :0)

I also mixed up some of Tastefully Simple Bountiful BeerCheese Soup. I made it and kept it warm in my crock pot for my guests. The soupis smooth, rich and creamy with a little nip of onion and sweet bell pepper.

And making it was easier than the bread. Just add milk and beer. I served mine with side items of onions, crumbledbacon and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Again everyone raved. It wasn’t until everyone began tellingme how I had outdone myself that I realized that they had mistaken the dishesas homemade…Oops, my bad.

I didn’t mean to takecredit but you know my mantra; hide the wrappers and claim the fame.

I’m thinking that these were such a hit for Christmas that Imay try a few new items on the NewYear’s menu. Sangria slushes, Chipotle,chips, salsa, and buffalo pizza…I can’t think of a better way to ring in theNew Year.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Tastefully Simple for supplying the Review item. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.

Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter, AQ-4000P G!veaway @Aquasana

2011-12-20T15:07:00.000-06:00

As I’ve shared in the past, I was born on the Oregon Coastand grew up in a town about 30 minutes outside of Portland, an hour from themountains; skiing or hiking…you take your pick. It was a short drive to theocean and not far from a plethora of lakes, rivers, and other country sidescenic bodies of water adventures.

As a kid I ran for hours on end stopping only for food andwater…yes, water!

I loved it straight from the tap, hose, or even the bathroomsink. It was cold, naturally sweet, and free flowing; no one ever said no to akid asking for a drink of water.

Now fast forward a few light years when I relocated to NewMexico. Roasting green chilies, sunshine in your face, and an abundant supplyof water…yucky, nasty, I swear I won’t even brush my teeth with it water.

My days of pure sweet straight from the sink water wereover.

I did what any water loving girl would do; I bought it.

Unbeknownst to me I started filling the landfills with gobsand gobs of empty water bottles; I just didn’t think about it. Each day inAmerica over 60 million plastic bottles are produced, filled, transported anddisposed of in U.S. landfills from bottled water use.

Okay so fast forward to the part where I start comprehendingplastics, recycling, and energy conservation. Envision me and my twentythousand bags of bottles every week at the recycling center. It wasn’t so baduntil the man child and his apprentice discovered their love of water as well.

Well the water lugging is getting too expensive in our housefilled with water snobs.

But If you are like me who believe in doing their part forthe environment by following the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra then youprobably are like many who have begun carrying a water bottle that you canrefill…..I’m not filling it with that nasty tap water.

Well unless it’s filtered :0)

Home water filtershave gained wide spread popularity in recent years. As the most logical,convenient and economical solution for high-quality water, water filters offermany benefits over tap water and bottled water. Water Filters are also betterfor our Planet!

In with the bad and out the good.

Water filtration offers higher quality than bottled water and the convenience of tap. For 10 cents a gallon you can have great-tasting, healthy, chemical-free water for drinking, preparation of beverages and cooking... all at the touch of a button!

We need the essential fluid of water normal function of systems within our bodies but I want it to be in the healthiest and purest form available for my family, that’s why my filtration of choice is the Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter, AQ-4000P, a twin filter system that allows the passage of naturally occurring trace minerals thus ensuring the high quality of the water it produces.

This filter regularly retails for $124.99 but for a limited time is just $87.49 and the original filters included last for six months or filters water up to 500 gallons before needing to be replaced. To make sure that you don’t forget when you need to have the filters replaced, you can avail of their “Water 4 Life” auto-ship program where you will receive fresh new cartridges every six months. It is as good as the original ones and cost $48.00 and at 10 cent a gallon, it’s economical too.

Adding to the savings the Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter, AQ-4000P is super easy to install, rather that re-pipe your kitchen this counter top option works with your existing set up and attaches right to your kitchen faucet.

Plus there are 3 color options for the plastic covering ofthe system that are neutral enough to match any kitchen décor.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Aquasana for supplying the Review item and Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.
Keep reading there's more »

Holiday Guide ~ Last minute ideas: NAMCO BANDAI - Power Ranger Samurai action figures and on DS & Wii

2011-12-20T12:59:00.000-06:00

When the man-child was younger he was mad about the PowerRangers, even insisting that our sole purpose of visiting Disney was to see thePower Rangers. His cartoon time was spent literally searching through the cablechannels for anything Power Rangers.

I kinda missed making sneak runs to find his favorite flavorof action figure :0)

Then it became pretty clear that the apprentice and mynephew were following in his foot-step. It’s funny that we still play those oldPower Ranger VHS tapes….maybe one day I’ll break down and start collecting themon DVD.

I was pretty excited when I learned that Power Rangers weremaking a new generation come back in a very updated fashion. I of course meannew action figures and video games.

Since the apprentice has a DS and his cousin has a wii wewere able to peak at the lastest and greatest for both platforms.

Power Rangers Samuraifollows a new generation of five Rangers who must master the ancient SamuraiSymbols of Power, which give them control over the elements of Fire, Water,Sky, Forest and Earth. Under the guidance of their all-knowing Samuraimentor, Ji, and with the aid of their devoted animal Zords (Lion, Dragon, Ape,Turtle and Bear), they battle to save Earth from the dark forces of theNetherworld led by the evil Master Xandred.

About the Game

A new generation of Power Rangers Samurai, an Action-Adventure game of the popular PowerRangers making a return in the form of new action figures and games for theNintendo DS and the Wii. Using skills as one of several Power Rangers and variousmartial arts skills and weapons arsenal to defeat a number of enemies that have entered into ourworld from the Netherworld.

Features include: easy-to-use (Wii ) Remote specificcontrols, team-based battles as Ranger and the ability to merge with otherPower Rangers to form the giant Samurai Megazord and go into battle.

The object is to protect the World From Evil - Join the newgeneration of Power Rangers to master the mystical and ancient Samurai Symbolsof Power which give you control over the elements of Fire, Water, Sky, Forest,and Earth.

Armed For Battle - Use your Samuraizer (Wii Remote or DSstylus) to master the symbols and morph into Red, Blue, Green, Yellow or PinkRanger, then use your Fire Smasher, HydroBow, Forest Spear, Earth Slicer, orSky Fan to battle hordes of Nighlok monsters.

Teamwork - Martial arts training and fitness combined withteam-based battles teaches the importance of working together, friendship, andresponsibility to battle armies of evil and overcome tough challenges

Samurai Power Up – Unlock secret passageways, access hiddenitems, and get power to defeat the armies of evil while collecting enough Zorddiscs to activate the Samurai Megazord needed to take down the MegaMonster onceand for all

Samurai Megazord, We Are United - Engage in exciting bossbattles against Nighlok MegaMonsters by combining your animal Zords to form thegiant Samurai Megazord

NAMCO BANDAIGames and Nintendo have formed a strategic partnerships to bring the Power Rangers video games to game consoles across America. With the debut of Power Rangers Samurai they will be introducing these heroes to anentirely new generation of fans and partnerships like this one are key to thesuccess of the brand.

The action figures are of course made in the same Bandifashion, this was actually one of the I wish I could have this gifts that theapprentice donated to charity.

If you’ve been following any of my giving back stories youknow that I have had each of the kids evaluate my review items and then pickitems the wished they could have and donate them to charity. Depending on theirwillingness to part with these items I am secretly donating and then purchasingthe wished for item as a Santa gift; I have been surprised and touched by howgiving my children have been this year to those less fortunate than they are.It is truly been a year were giving is better than receiving.

For more information on the upcoming Power Rangers gamesplease visit NAMCO BANDAI Games,or on Facebook.

Holiday Guide ~ Singing & Storytelling Belle makes Christmas magical @Tollytots

2011-12-19T23:12:00.001-06:00

Ms. Ma’am has been in love with Belle from Beauty & theBeast as long as I think she has been alive and since she herself is a princessit makes perfect sense that the Singing& Storytelling Belle has been her heart’s desire since firstglance.

We originally had thought Singingand Storytelling Belle from Tolly Tots was one of six dolls in the “MyFirst Disney Princess” collection which are all totally phenomenal toddlerversions of our favorite Disney princesses. But then we learned that Belleis separate from the other My First Disney Princess dolls – there is a Toddlerand Baby collection. She is a doll all on her own and no other princesses asgrand as she!

Since Ms. Ma’am is crazy in love with Belle it seems logical to start off her new “My First Disney Princess” collection with theTolly Tots Singing and Storytelling Belle.

She wears a beautiful ribbon & tulle accented yellow taffetadress with sparkly trims and (of course) a pink gem stoned tiara. She loves to read herbook, chat with friends & interacts with Chip, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere,microphone & her storybook.

She has sensors throughout her body to help her interactwith little girl. She knows when she’s being hugged (and is cuddly soft), cantell which toy you put in her hand.

She will also sing when you put the microphone inher hand and will read her favorite fairy tale when you put the book in herhands. She also speaks 100 different phrases, can tell over 8 minutes of stories all whilemagically interacting with her friends.

This sweet baby is so enchanting that I actually hide her awayfor Christmas after I of course experienced a bit of her magic for myself…Theman-child apprentice caught me in the act and when I told him to keep it asecret because it was a Christmas he all but begged that it be his gift to her.

I had wanted to tell him it was a gift from Santa but then Iremembered that he too still loves the big guy…so I let him gift the magic :0)

Visit Tolly Tots to find a My First Disney Princess retailer near you and have a magical Christmas of your own.

I received the above mentioned product(s) for free through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency, for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Tolly Tots for supplying the Review item

G!veaway Gala...link up @momsmutterings @HaveSippy @Crystalnjoe1105

2011-12-18T19:36:00.002-06:00

Have Sippy Will Travel:

PlaymobileSecret Agent Playset ends Jan 4

WinCrayola MEGA PRIZE PACK ends Jan 2

PetcakesToys ends Jan 2, 2012

Closer To Lucy:

ExuvianceEye-Contour 01/01/12

ContinuumGames ~ 12/21

DrPerricone Skincare ($150 Value) ~ 12/24

3 Princes and a Princess 2:

DremelTrio (RV$100) 12/28

PrinceLionheart Newborn Bundle 12/30

Applebee's$25 GC (2 Winners) 12/30

Just Like June:

DownEastBasics 12/30

$25Applebees Gift Card 12/22

101Touch Games for Nintendo DS 12/23

Holiday Guide ~ FINISH is saving your dishwashing sanity one load at a time, G!veaway!

2011-12-18T17:29:00.001-06:00

Do you recall the floodshere in 2010?

The recovery was pretty rough but forthe most part we are dry and back together, minus a few uprooted trees. I’d saymy family was pretty lucky to have been as unscathed as we were.

My biggest remnants of the day isreally just a nuisance but one that I am very embarrassed by.

Apparently sometime during the floodour city water supply was overtaken by flood waters. In order to ensureconsumption safety we had to boil water until the waters receded.

When the recede was complete it waspretty clear that the water supply’s integrity had been compromised. Officialswere able to salvage our resources by adding a treatment additive to theprimary supply.

I wish that I could say that ourpipes were once again free flowing and that we lived happily ever after.

While our consumption safety wasrestored we were left with filmy water…… it has never been the same. For themost part I don’t notice, that is until I reach for a clean glass or dinnerplate.

I was starting to think we weren't friends anymore.

They continue to be covered in awhite spotted film. It’s embarrassing when we have company to dinner or overfor coffee; my dishes look like they haven’t been cleaned or that I just do areally bad job.

It seems that nothing I do will takethe film off. I initially thought that my dishwasher was failing me, thatperhaps it was no longer my friend :0(

Then while at my neighbors for coffeeI noticed that she also had the same film. She mentioned that one of our otherneighbors was having the same issue. Glad we weren’t alone in this frustration butcurious as to why this was suddenly happening we began doing our research andlearned of the water treatment that had occurred during the floods anddiscovered that this was indeed the source of our filmy problems.

Well having the root cause still didn’ttake care of the problem but we did hope that it would get better over time, it didn’t.

I’ve resorted to using paper plateswhen I know we have company coming over and have tried every tip or trick thathas been sent my way but nothing has rid us of our film covered wares.

It’s so embarrassing when unexpectedcompany would like a cup of coffee or a glass of water but short of moving Ijust haven’t known what to do.

Well that is until this little bottlefound its way to my rinse cycle.

Okay so now I admit that it didn’t miraculouslyrinse away every single spot of that nasty white film on the first try. Itactually took a few tries.

My thought on this was because thefilmy yuck had been around for so long that it had built up and made itself athome; especially on my ceramics.

I visited the FINISH web page andlearned a few tidbits about dishwashing that I really hadn’t known before; including thetrue benefit of adding FINISH®JET-DRY® Rinse Agent to my rinse cycle.

Apparently that with detergentsalone, food and chemical residues (which is my issue) can redeposit on dishwareduring the rinse cycle, causing spots and residues to remain.

By adding FINISH® JET-DRY® RinseAgent to the rinse cycle it allows for the rinsing away of leftover food anddetergent residues for sparkling, white film free dishes.

I also discovered that JET-DRYDry products are so awesome that they were featured on DesigningSpaces. I loved the tips and “do’s and don’ts”

Fifty percent of U.S. households own a dishwasher and 90percent of them pre-rinse. However, pre-rinsing dishes can waste up to almost20 gallons of water per load. In the Designing Spaces episode, they demonstratedthe power behind FINISH® and how it eliminates the need to pre-rinse.

Here are additional dishwashing tips to try at home:

Scrape, don’t rinse – Scrape your dishes because activeingredients in your detergent need food residue to work properly.
Load properly – As a general rule of thumb, cups, glassesand less soiled items should be placed on the top rack and larger and dirtieritems are best on the bottom rack.
Select the right detergent – Try FINISH® Quantum® which hasdetergent so powerful there’s no need to pre-rinse your dishes.
Avoid cloudy glasses – If cloudy film can be removed byrubbing vinegar on your glass, then you have hard water in your home and needto use a detergent, like FINISH® Quantum®, that’s been designed to soften thewater so the detergent can do its work.
Clean your dishwasher – Dirt may build up in hard to seeplaces such as the spray arm and pipes. Cleaning your dishes should be donewith a clean dishwasher, so remove this filming and dirt by using a dishwashercleaner once a month.

Okay but I had this crazy build up that was better the firstrun through but not gone, I had remembered seeing something about cleaning mydishwasher so I went back to the FINISH page and found my idea of cleaning thedishwasher was really way off but that it's important that your dishwasherworks as it should; this way, you won't have to wash things twice.

So I picked up some FINISH® Dishwasher Cleaner and did asthe instructions stated and then implemented some of these tid bits….I can’tbelieve that it actually worked!

I never thought that I would be so excited to wash my dishesbut as I work my way through every cupboard getting every last dish I amexcited to see the filmy stuff disappear.

These little tid-bids combined with my FINISH® JET-DRY® Rinse Agent havechanged how I clean my dishes. Thank goodness because if one more white filmcovered cup found its way into my cupboard I think I’d have started breakingthem just to be rid of them.

I haven’t seen my mom in eight long years…lol, good thingtoo because she runs a central sterile department in a main artery hospital inour home town and ran my childhood home the exact same way; she’d have died hadshe seen my nasty glasses before.

This past Friday my husband surprised me with an earlyChristmas present….My mom.

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