Here are the numbers chosen by Random.org.
Here are your random numbers:
5 14
Timestamp: 2008-09-29 03:58:23 UTC
The timestamp is a little late because we were at the park playing as the giveaway was ending. Thanks to all who participated. The winners are:
“Gritsgirl” and “april, kevin, amelia, tessa”
Thanks again everyone!!
Quaker Moms Care Program
I joined Quaker Moms Care a while ago and was surprised to receive a package from them the other day. The kids have already tried the Protein Granola Bars and Life cereal is a favorite around here. It also came with some information about hosting a Birthday Party with a Purpose. (What a neat idea!)
You can sign up here for the Quaker Moms Care program.
P.S. The cute flowers that you can barely see in the background were not from Quaker. (Ha, Ha)
Walgreens $5/$20 Coupon
This Walgreens coupon is good Friday, September 26th and Saturday, September 27th. Perfect for the overlap days!! I will try to get a post up by the end of the night with an explanation of overlap days as well as some scenarios I am working on with the coupon.
These coupons provide a great way for people to get started with the EasySaver Rebate program Walgreens offers. If you want to post any scenarios that you are going to try out, that would be great!!
Priceless Prizes
Okay, so the retail value may only be a couple bucks, but it’s like the commercial; Internet service: $33 a month, the laptop: (cost more that I would like to admit), the first giveaway on the blog: priceless.
Of course, it had to be something from Starbucks! Here’s your chance to try the newest addition to the Starbucks’ menu, the “Perfect Oatmeal.” I have two coupons for free oatmeal that expire 11/03/08. The contest will close on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 6:00pmMST(I’m going to try to use Random.org to generate random numbers to determine the winners.) On Monday morning, I will email the winners.
Here’s the plan. Leave a comment here and you get one entry. Subscribe to the blog and post a separate comment letting me know that you did and you get another entry. Post this giveaway on your blog with a link to mine and again, you guessed it! You post a separate comment letting me know and you get one more entry into the giveaway. Make sure to leave an email address with your entries!!!
Thanks for participating!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008 is Free Museum Day
Check out the Smithsonian website for information on how to print out tickets for you and a guest to go to a museum in your area for free!
Martha Stewart's Blog Contest
From Martha Stewart’s Blog:
How to create your own blog and enter my blog contest!
UPDATE: Bloggers! Please leave a comment on this post with your name and blog address, make sure to add a link on your blog to mine (you must do this to be reviewed!) and I will pick several of YOUR blogs to be featured on The Martha Blog!
Check out Martha Stewart’s blog and let me know what you think!
Wish me luck!!
How to create your own blog and enter my blog contest!
UPDATE: Bloggers! Please leave a comment on this post with your name and blog address, make sure to add a link on your blog to mine (you must do this to be reviewed!) and I will pick several of YOUR blogs to be featured on The Martha Blog!
Check out Martha Stewart’s blog and let me know what you think!
Wish me luck!!
How To Post A Comment on this Blog
**This morning while walking with my mom, I mentioned that I had written something about how to post comments on this blog and that I would be posting it just for her and ACDC. Please note, she figured it out herself and posted comments on the entry below. This is what I get for using sarcasm with my mom.**
Apparently, there are a few of you out there that can’t figure out how to leave comments. You know who you are. You keep emailing me and letting me know that you can’t figure out how to leave comments. And so, here is my solution. Here is:
Leaving a Comment on a Blog 101
1. Click on the link that has a number and then the word comment at the end of a blog entry.
2. Leave your comment by typing letters that will form words which will then create sentences in the box to the right.
3. When you are done, you can choose which “identity” you want to use to post your comments. You may want to sign up with blogger and create a profile. You can also select Name/URL and put your name. (P.S. Mom, please don’t put Mom. You have to put something like “This Real Mommy’s Mom” or “The Original Real Mommy” or you can be wild and crazy) ACDC, you have already been given a name. Just use that one.
4. Then click on Publish Your Comments.
I have been told that some of you are clicking on Comments, but nothing is coming up. In that case, I think it is your computer or the network you are on. In that case, please call the IT department at work and let them know that you are having a technical crisis and you need to have something fixed by the end of the day.
Apparently, there are a few of you out there that can’t figure out how to leave comments. You know who you are. You keep emailing me and letting me know that you can’t figure out how to leave comments. And so, here is my solution. Here is:
Leaving a Comment on a Blog 101
1. Click on the link that has a number and then the word comment at the end of a blog entry.
2. Leave your comment by typing letters that will form words which will then create sentences in the box to the right.
3. When you are done, you can choose which “identity” you want to use to post your comments. You may want to sign up with blogger and create a profile. You can also select Name/URL and put your name. (P.S. Mom, please don’t put Mom. You have to put something like “This Real Mommy’s Mom” or “The Original Real Mommy” or you can be wild and crazy) ACDC, you have already been given a name. Just use that one.
4. Then click on Publish Your Comments.
I have been told that some of you are clicking on Comments, but nothing is coming up. In that case, I think it is your computer or the network you are on. In that case, please call the IT department at work and let them know that you are having a technical crisis and you need to have something fixed by the end of the day.
Week Five: Mommy Einstein - From Mush to Matter
Yipee! I loved this chapter. I actually felt like there were some things that I was doing well with. This was especially nice considering that last week was all about exercise and working on our bodies and that is so not my forte. (By the way, I did get to walk three times last week and I have three walks scheduled – yes scheduled this week. To make it even better, I am walking at 5:30 am, so I will be up early and ready to face the day.) I have also been working on having a positive attitude about things. Can you tell?
I have a lot of journal writing to complete this week and the book provides a great sense of direction. I think the prompts given will help me think about things that are important to me and my mental well-being and how to incorporate those things into my life.
In order to aid my analysis of this chapter and where I fit in, I made a list of things I do well and those things I need to work on. I think it was helpful to have a clear picture that encouraged me and kept me accountable with a direction for improvements. So, here goes:
Things I’m Doing Well
1. The Awareness Thing. So far, so good. I leave the kids with others to take time out for myself (and time with Husband). I give the kids space to fall down, play sports, etc.
2. I recently joined a Mom’s group. (Don’t be too impressed. I attended with a friend so I would at least know one person.)
3. I get the newspaper daily and one “current events” magazine weekly.
4. I have a library card and I love checking out books for myself. I usually try to have one fiction book and one “other” book going at all times. Lately, that “other” book has been MomsTown or a parenting book. (I am a fan of ANYTHING by Dr. Kevin Leman)
Things I Need to Work On
1. I need to not feel bad when I say I am a SAHM in a social setting. I still participate and enjoy parties, etc. but I should be less worried about what people think about me being a stay at home mom. I need to be more confident.
2. I need to be more outgoing when I meet new people.
3. See number three above. I rarely read the paper (I just get the coupons out) and I don’t take the time to read all of the magazine articles. Just some here and there.
4. I need to improve my vocabulary. Check out
Word of the Day Blog. I just subscribed so that I would at least see one new word per day.
Let me know how things are going with you . .
I have a lot of journal writing to complete this week and the book provides a great sense of direction. I think the prompts given will help me think about things that are important to me and my mental well-being and how to incorporate those things into my life.
In order to aid my analysis of this chapter and where I fit in, I made a list of things I do well and those things I need to work on. I think it was helpful to have a clear picture that encouraged me and kept me accountable with a direction for improvements. So, here goes:
Things I’m Doing Well
1. The Awareness Thing. So far, so good. I leave the kids with others to take time out for myself (and time with Husband). I give the kids space to fall down, play sports, etc.
2. I recently joined a Mom’s group. (Don’t be too impressed. I attended with a friend so I would at least know one person.)
3. I get the newspaper daily and one “current events” magazine weekly.
4. I have a library card and I love checking out books for myself. I usually try to have one fiction book and one “other” book going at all times. Lately, that “other” book has been MomsTown or a parenting book. (I am a fan of ANYTHING by Dr. Kevin Leman)
Things I Need to Work On
1. I need to not feel bad when I say I am a SAHM in a social setting. I still participate and enjoy parties, etc. but I should be less worried about what people think about me being a stay at home mom. I need to be more confident.
2. I need to be more outgoing when I meet new people.
3. See number three above. I rarely read the paper (I just get the coupons out) and I don’t take the time to read all of the magazine articles. Just some here and there.
4. I need to improve my vocabulary. Check out
Word of the Day Blog. I just subscribed so that I would at least see one new word per day.
Let me know how things are going with you . .
This Real Mommy vs. Carrie Bradshaw
I just finished up writing in my Mommy journal. (I know, be so impressed. There are parts of the Momstown book that I am really dong well.) I was thinking about all of the things that I wanted to be when I grew up and what I love to do in my spare time. Obviously, writing came to the forefront.
I love to write. I promised Husband (many years ago) that we would be able to retire after I had written a few books. So far, I haven’t gotten very far, but I think there is hope. The blog is really showing me that I had a lot more to say than I realized. So, as I was sitting around thinking about these things, Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City) came to mind.
Of course she did! She makes a living writing. She writes about her personal experiences. She makes people laugh and cry with her perspective. Who wouldn’t want to be living that crazy life filled with interesting stories, crazy friends, and perfect one-liners? As I was thinking, I realized that I have that life, just a little different version.
My friends lead crazy lives. One is a high-powered accountant who works like crazy and wants to take over the corporate world. One is crazy – seriously. One is going though a major life change right now. One is balancing both a career and motherhood. One is a mother who (and I kid you not) is like Martha Stewart – only friendly and she hasn’t done jail time.
My life is exciting. My schedule is filled with all types of fun activities. Instead of fashionable parties, I have play dates. Instead of one night stands, I have date nights with Husband. (I think they are just as hot!!) Instead of brunch with the girls at and expensive restaurant, we meet at the Starbucks. Instead of Manolos, I have the cutest set of patent leather wedges that I got on sale at Macy’s for $15.00.
My one liners are great to. Here’s an example. Does Winnie the Pooh have a hiney? Yep, Son asked me that one the other day. Here’s another: Can poop fossilize? Daughter has been taking her diaper off in the crib. I guess a little bit of it fell behind the crib and missed out on the clean up. Or how about this one: Why is picking your nose bad? Again, Son was the culprit.
I am not missing out on anything. While I may have a different audience than Carrie Bradshaw, and I may lead a little different life than Carrie Bradshaw, I think I will take my life, This Real Mommy’s life, any day of the week.
I love to write. I promised Husband (many years ago) that we would be able to retire after I had written a few books. So far, I haven’t gotten very far, but I think there is hope. The blog is really showing me that I had a lot more to say than I realized. So, as I was sitting around thinking about these things, Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City) came to mind.
Of course she did! She makes a living writing. She writes about her personal experiences. She makes people laugh and cry with her perspective. Who wouldn’t want to be living that crazy life filled with interesting stories, crazy friends, and perfect one-liners? As I was thinking, I realized that I have that life, just a little different version.
My friends lead crazy lives. One is a high-powered accountant who works like crazy and wants to take over the corporate world. One is crazy – seriously. One is going though a major life change right now. One is balancing both a career and motherhood. One is a mother who (and I kid you not) is like Martha Stewart – only friendly and she hasn’t done jail time.
My life is exciting. My schedule is filled with all types of fun activities. Instead of fashionable parties, I have play dates. Instead of one night stands, I have date nights with Husband. (I think they are just as hot!!) Instead of brunch with the girls at and expensive restaurant, we meet at the Starbucks. Instead of Manolos, I have the cutest set of patent leather wedges that I got on sale at Macy’s for $15.00.
My one liners are great to. Here’s an example. Does Winnie the Pooh have a hiney? Yep, Son asked me that one the other day. Here’s another: Can poop fossilize? Daughter has been taking her diaper off in the crib. I guess a little bit of it fell behind the crib and missed out on the clean up. Or how about this one: Why is picking your nose bad? Again, Son was the culprit.
I am not missing out on anything. While I may have a different audience than Carrie Bradshaw, and I may lead a little different life than Carrie Bradshaw, I think I will take my life, This Real Mommy’s life, any day of the week.
A Table Prayer
This afternoon, we all sat down for lunch. I asked Son if he wanted to say the blessing this time. He was excited to give it a try. So, I tried to help him with some of the words. I started out, “Lord, thank you for our food.” Immediately after, I heard a perfect copy of what I had just said. The second line, “Please bless it to our bodies.” Again, he said it perfectly. Finally, “And bless the hands that prepared it.” His version, “Bless the hands that have to repair it.”
Apparently, I am not quite the gourmet chef I thought I was.
Apparently, I am not quite the gourmet chef I thought I was.
Free Photo Prints
The very first blog, I ever read was
One Money Dummy Getting Smarter. This is by far my favorite blog of all time. You really want to look back into the archives and check into some of the things she has written about. You can also read/see more of her work on the PYP blog. My favorite is A Penny Saved is About 1.5 Cents Earned.
Today, she posted about a way to get 1200 photo prints for free. For some of you with kids (especially little ones) this is a great opportunity. Check out the link and let me know how it worked out and if you acutally had 1200 prints to order!!
One Money Dummy Getting Smarter. This is by far my favorite blog of all time. You really want to look back into the archives and check into some of the things she has written about. You can also read/see more of her work on the PYP blog. My favorite is A Penny Saved is About 1.5 Cents Earned.
Today, she posted about a way to get 1200 photo prints for free. For some of you with kids (especially little ones) this is a great opportunity. Check out the link and let me know how it worked out and if you acutally had 1200 prints to order!!
Week 4: Getting a Life and A Body Attitude to Match
Did you think I had fallen off the face of the earth? I have to admit, there were a few times this week, when I thought maybe I had!
I am back and ready to catch up. So, here we go. I have to admit, I have sort of been dreading this chapter. Isn’t there another way? Can’t I just will my body into being great? Isn’t there an easy way that requires less effort? Already my attitude is not matching up with the chapter.
Okay gals – inspire me . . .
Here are my goals for the week:
1. Work out three times. One – walking, Two and Three – yoga at home with the tape. (I used to walk a lot more, but preschool has gotten in the way. I know, I know, no excuses, but I just wanted to let you know J) Also, as an added bonus, if I am feeling wild and crazy – at least one workout on the WiiFit. (Again, I know, I know, I have the coolest way to work out ever and I am not using it. I need a lecture!!!)
2. Next Sunday, schedule three workouts in my planner and make them my Hot Iron Task for those days.
3. Next Sunday, meal plan for the week. (As far as this week goes, make a plan for the rest of the week starting tomorrow.)
4. Portion control – Need I say more?
5. Journal about the topics that are listed in the Momstown book.
How is it going for everyone else?
I am back and ready to catch up. So, here we go. I have to admit, I have sort of been dreading this chapter. Isn’t there another way? Can’t I just will my body into being great? Isn’t there an easy way that requires less effort? Already my attitude is not matching up with the chapter.
Okay gals – inspire me . . .
Here are my goals for the week:
1. Work out three times. One – walking, Two and Three – yoga at home with the tape. (I used to walk a lot more, but preschool has gotten in the way. I know, I know, no excuses, but I just wanted to let you know J) Also, as an added bonus, if I am feeling wild and crazy – at least one workout on the WiiFit. (Again, I know, I know, I have the coolest way to work out ever and I am not using it. I need a lecture!!!)
2. Next Sunday, schedule three workouts in my planner and make them my Hot Iron Task for those days.
3. Next Sunday, meal plan for the week. (As far as this week goes, make a plan for the rest of the week starting tomorrow.)
4. Portion control – Need I say more?
5. Journal about the topics that are listed in the Momstown book.
How is it going for everyone else?
Kiss My Face Update
So I think the link isn't working. Obvioulsy I am not as technically savvy as I would like to believe.
Here is the link:
www.stretchingabuckblog.com and then you can find the giveaway from there. Let me know if this helps!!
Here is the link:
www.stretchingabuckblog.com and then you can find the giveaway from there. Let me know if this helps!!
Kiss My Face Giveaway!
Okay, I know you have all been waiting for my first giveaway. Well, this isn't it. However, over at Stretching a Buck (one of the blogs I subscribe to) a wonderful opportunity to participate in a giveaway is going on now.
Just read her post and she will let you know how what you need to do. (P.S. It doesn't involve giving up your first born or anything crazy like that. It's easy!) She also has a special code posted if you would like to shop online for some of the Kiss My Face products.
If you do check out her blog, let me know what you think. I can always find useful ideas and deals from her posts!!
Just read her post and she will let you know how what you need to do. (P.S. It doesn't involve giving up your first born or anything crazy like that. It's easy!) She also has a special code posted if you would like to shop online for some of the Kiss My Face products.
If you do check out her blog, let me know what you think. I can always find useful ideas and deals from her posts!!
The Plague
So that may be a little exaggeration. I am feeling under the weather today. The doctor's diagnosis: a severe sinus infection with a double ear infection. And so, I am going to take today off and maybe tomorrow too while I am waiting for the antibiotics to kick in. I will catch up on this week in Momstown as soon as I can.
Friday's Hot Iron Task
I will be content if I am just still standing at the end of the day! I went to a new Mom's group this morning. I had a great time and met some great people. The kids are down for a nap, but as soon as they wake up, we are off to Grandma J's house to drop them off. Then, back to my house to drop my car off, then out the door with my sister to scope out some purchases for my Aunt's tanning salon/boutique at the Gem Show. I think that is everything.
If I'm on tomorrow, I survived.
If I'm on tomorrow, I survived.
Thursday's Hot Iron Task
The kitchen needs a little TLC today. We have preschool this morning and I have to meet a friend for a free stuff pick up (I'll post about this a little later) but I still think I can fit it in.
Caught in the Act
With today’s “hot iron” task being the bathrooms, I had to share this story that happened a few months ago.
I don’t know about you, but the bathroom is the worst part of cleaning my house. It is a chore that I dread. There are only two, but one of them is primarily occupied by a 3 year old boy who is potty trained, but cannot seem to be able to hit that target all the time; especially if he waited a little too long to go.
And so, in true Real Mommy fashion I decided that I needed to make this task more fun and something that I didn’t dread. While the kids were napping, I put my headphones on, plugged in my Ipod, and set up the monitor. I wouldn’t be able to hear them, but I would be able to see the noise across the sensor bars.
If I insist on confessing, let’s make sure I don’t leave out any telling details. I always wear my scrubby clothes while doing this and this day was no different. I had on a tank top and my favorite maternity workout pants. (Yes, the ones that I threw away.) I even had on rubber cleaning gloves up to my elbows. The Potty Princess.
I was listening to the Pussycat Dolls song “Don’t Cha.” And of course, if the music is going to be really loud, I am going to be dancing and singing. I can’t help it. I am sure that you can just picture this in your head. I was actually having a pretty good time. I was singing away and somehow, cleaning the toilet just didn’t seem that bad.
The bad part: I didn’t notice that husband had come home from work for lunch. With the headphones on and the music turned up, I didn’t hear the garage door, him quietly calling me, or the sound of him cracking up behind me. I have no idea how long he was standing there and to this day, he won’t admit how much he saw. Did he see me swaying my hips as I used the scrub brush on the toilet? How about me dancing with the Clorox mop?
I have to admit, this incident has not kept me from cleaning the bathroom this way. Even today, I got out the Ipod, put on the Pussycat Dolls, and turned the volume up. But today, I locked all the doors to the house before I got started.
I don’t know about you, but the bathroom is the worst part of cleaning my house. It is a chore that I dread. There are only two, but one of them is primarily occupied by a 3 year old boy who is potty trained, but cannot seem to be able to hit that target all the time; especially if he waited a little too long to go.
And so, in true Real Mommy fashion I decided that I needed to make this task more fun and something that I didn’t dread. While the kids were napping, I put my headphones on, plugged in my Ipod, and set up the monitor. I wouldn’t be able to hear them, but I would be able to see the noise across the sensor bars.
If I insist on confessing, let’s make sure I don’t leave out any telling details. I always wear my scrubby clothes while doing this and this day was no different. I had on a tank top and my favorite maternity workout pants. (Yes, the ones that I threw away.) I even had on rubber cleaning gloves up to my elbows. The Potty Princess.
I was listening to the Pussycat Dolls song “Don’t Cha.” And of course, if the music is going to be really loud, I am going to be dancing and singing. I can’t help it. I am sure that you can just picture this in your head. I was actually having a pretty good time. I was singing away and somehow, cleaning the toilet just didn’t seem that bad.
The bad part: I didn’t notice that husband had come home from work for lunch. With the headphones on and the music turned up, I didn’t hear the garage door, him quietly calling me, or the sound of him cracking up behind me. I have no idea how long he was standing there and to this day, he won’t admit how much he saw. Did he see me swaying my hips as I used the scrub brush on the toilet? How about me dancing with the Clorox mop?
I have to admit, this incident has not kept me from cleaning the bathroom this way. Even today, I got out the Ipod, put on the Pussycat Dolls, and turned the volume up. But today, I locked all the doors to the house before I got started.
Wednesday's Hot Iron Task
Today, I want to try to have two "hot iron" tasks. I am trying to make up the laundry deal.
And so, today I am going to clean the bathrooms. (The worst job in the entire world - haha) This is extra fun considering that Son has been trying to play race cars as he pees. He makes the sounds and everything and apparently the inside of the toilet is the race track. You can just imagine how much actually ends up in the potty and how much ends up outside of the track.
Also, I want to put together a package for Pops. Pops is my grandfather who lives way on the other side of the country. Tons of artwork is coming home from preschool and I am sure that he would love to have some for his fridge. I would like to get a card in there too.
I'll let you know how it goes. Anyone else doing something super exciting for their hot iron task?
And so, today I am going to clean the bathrooms. (The worst job in the entire world - haha) This is extra fun considering that Son has been trying to play race cars as he pees. He makes the sounds and everything and apparently the inside of the toilet is the race track. You can just imagine how much actually ends up in the potty and how much ends up outside of the track.
Also, I want to put together a package for Pops. Pops is my grandfather who lives way on the other side of the country. Tons of artwork is coming home from preschool and I am sure that he would love to have some for his fridge. I would like to get a card in there too.
I'll let you know how it goes. Anyone else doing something super exciting for their hot iron task?
Tuesday's Hot Iron Task
Would you believe that I haven't finished the laundry yet? I have an excuse - - but it is a lame one. I went shopping with all my coupons for some killer deals. I know, I know, I still should have done the one thing I set out to do. I am way too easily distracted.
Okay, I am doing all of this on the blog to hold myself accountable, and so, you may now lecture me on seting something as a priority and remind me how important it is to complete tasks. . . .
And so, today I am going to try to finish up the laundry and the ironing. And, if it kills me, I am going to go through the night before routine!
Okay, I am doing all of this on the blog to hold myself accountable, and so, you may now lecture me on seting something as a priority and remind me how important it is to complete tasks. . . .
And so, today I am going to try to finish up the laundry and the ironing. And, if it kills me, I am going to go through the night before routine!
Home Office: Before and After Photos
Here is the before photo: (I know, what a mess!)
And, the after photo:
I still have a lot of stuff on my desk, but at least now, everything has a place.
And now, back to the laundry!!
And, the after photo:
I still have a lot of stuff on my desk, but at least now, everything has a place.
And now, back to the laundry!!
Monday's Hot Iron Task
Ironically enough, it is the laundry. Here's the tough part - I want it washed, dried, ironed, and put away.
By the way, I took pictures of my messy home office. I'm going to try to post them later today along with the after picture. That's right, I cleaned it already. Nothing like knowing it may be on the internet to motivate me to clean it.
By the way, I took pictures of my messy home office. I'm going to try to post them later today along with the after picture. That's right, I cleaned it already. Nothing like knowing it may be on the internet to motivate me to clean it.
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